Made for Courage
Vision 2020: Made For • Sermon • Submitted
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· 10 viewsIt takes courage to accept the baton of mission being given to us. It takes fierce courage and vulnerability to step into an unknown future.
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[Slide 1, 2: Series and Message Title]Introduction
[Slide 1, 2: Series and Message Title]Introduction
VMV Series
Made for Engagement: Engage the discontented with Compassion
Made for Discipleship
Made for Relationship
Made for Courage
[Slide 3] The Rubber Band Effect
[Slide 3] The Rubber Band Effect
Tension is a force applied when pulling on something.
Weight pulling down
Opposite force
The more the pull, the higher the tension
Tension only pulls on an object
Everything in the universe is under tension at some level. Might not feel it.
C
C
Tension in Life
Tension in Life
Let’s use this band as an example. Need a helper.
The band is always under tension - even when _______ is holding in in his hand in a rested state.
When a weight or force pulls on it, tension is increased.
Band has its limits - 50 lbs. @ 51, something will happen.
Up to 50 lbs, he has a few options
Hold on and stay in the tension.
Resist. Fight to stay where you are. Creates more tension, fatigue that eventually leads to either a break or letting go and walk away
Walk toward what is causing the tension
In real life, tensions come from several directions...
Difference between Tension and Stress
Difference between Tension and Stress
Tension - brought on by an opposite force.
Stress - Often our response to that tension.
God has a way of bringing tension into our lives often when we’re not ready for it or don’t want it.
Never Ready for it
[Slides 4-8]Joshua’s Tension
[Slides 4-8]Joshua’s Tension
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Looks like this is about leadership. Also about ALL of us.
[Slide 9]
[Slide 9]
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
[Slide 10]
[Slide 10]
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
[Slide 11] Jesus Creates Tension in Our Lives
[Slide 11] Jesus Creates Tension in Our Lives
Seldom Ready for It
Seldom Ready for It
Our first child: Not prepared. No training. No manual. We’ll pay for your therapy later.
My first ministry role: Armed with mentors, education, a guitar, and a lot of confidence. Then I was introduced to parents, teachers and leaders, the property committee, custodian and secretary.
You can be hand picked, groomed and still not be prepared For the Job
You can be hand picked, groomed and still not be prepared For the Job
Trained by the best.Know the JD like you know your name.Reviewed the hiring packet and gone through the onboard training.Identified the path to success/advancement.AND NOT BE PREPARED.
Fortune 100 companies will not hire Harvard Business School grads. Know a lot but not prepared. They lack something you can’t learn.
Joshua has been reliable working behind the scenes
Joshua has been reliable working behind the scenes
Had his routine, mastered it, life was predictable.
NOTHING HAS OR CAN PREPARE HIM FOR WHAT THE RESPONSIBILITY HE’S ABOUT TO STEP INTO.
Jesus Brought Tension to Everyone (with Compassion)
Jesus Brought Tension to Everyone (with Compassion)
Anyone He Encountered
Anyone He Encountered
Anyone He Encountered
wh
wh
Two took a risk with varying outcomes but both positive.
[SLIDE 11.1] Disappointed/Unmet expectations
[SLIDE 11.1] Disappointed/Unmet expectations
One decided to do nothing but return to his master what was given to him because he was afraid (of shame for failing and being criticized). Turns out he got both.
Mary and Martha
Rich Young Ruler
Anyone who Approached Him
[SLIDE 11.2]Those Who Were Broken
[SLIDE 11.2]Those Who Were Broken
Blind Beggar
Adulterous Woman
Tax Collectors and Sinners
[SLIDE 11.3] Religious People/Pharisees
[SLIDE 11.3] Religious People/Pharisees
Teaching: You’ve heard it said…but I tell you - this is the new reality.
You’ve heard it said -
He understood that new ideas need to be connected with existing frames of reference if they were to be set free, draw closer to him, move through their current state and grow.
The Big Lie: God brings ease to our lives. NO. HE BRINGS TENSION TO ALL REGARDLESS OF OUR CIRCUMSTANCES.
Moving the cookies
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.
Isaiah
Why? Growth doesn’t happen without it
Why? Growth doesn’t happen without it
Haab’s
Parable of the Talents
Two took a risk with varying outcomes but both positive.
One decided to do nothing but return to his master what was given to him because he was afraid (of shame for failing and being criticized). Turns out he got both.
Step away from it - I Can’t
Stay in the tension - Stubborn
Show up and step into it - requires courage
[Slide 12 ]Why? Growth doesn’t happen without it
[Slide 12 ]Why? Growth doesn’t happen without it
Haab’s
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.
Isaiah 61
Advice When Tension Comes
Advice When Tension Comes
Moses to Joshua: Lessons Learned
Moses to Joshua: Lessons Learned
Don’t hit the rock twice
Don’t leave the people unsupervised when you go off to spend time with God.
Don’t give them any gold - they’ll make crazy idols
The People to Joshua
The People to Joshua
Could have Said
Morning routine
Productivity hacks/tools
Strategy
Here’s who you need to win over
Of all the things Moses and the people could have told Joshua, they said be strong and courageous.
Three times.
Message: Doing flows from being
Message: Doing flows from being
be courageous with his life: show up and step up to the big arena or step out.
be courageous with his life: show up and step up to the big arena or step out.
Stay in it
From Moses’ perspective: The tension brought to his calm, peaceful life of being given the responsibility of God’s mission has more to do with who he is than what he can do.
Walk away
Being given the responsibility of God’s mission has more to do with who he is than what he can do.
From the people’s perspective: Joshua, we know you don’t know what you’re doing (might know the what but not the how), you’re probably scared, but we will follow you.
But listen/here’s the point of tension: we need you to step into this new arena, put yourself out there and take this risk.
[Slide 13] Responding to the Tension
[Slide 13] Responding to the Tension
o step into God’s promises, engage the discontented, and cultivate belonging means this: We might not know what we’re doing or how to do it but God is calling us to grow and move into a new arena and it has more to do with who we are becoming (because we’re not there yet) than any skills, knowledge or abilities we might have.
Can’t be brave without vulnerability.
The choice
The choice
Life is full of tension.
Two took a risk with varying outcomes but both positive.
Walk toward
One decided to do nothing but return to his master what was given to him because he was afraid (of shame for failing and being criticized). Turns out he got both.
Step away from it - I Can’t
Every time in my life I left one place for another - high school to college, single to married, married couple to having kids, having kids, one church, community I loved to another, one stage of life to another there was something in me that struggled with the tension each brought. And to be honest, there are times, people, places and things I would love to go back to and live there even if for just a day. The memories are rich and the experiences shaped me in life changing ways. Would think, “Can’t we just stay here forever,” or “I would love to go back there.”
Mark Simone: I don’t do repeats. Neither does God.
Mark Simone: I don’t do repeats. Neither does God.
Stay in the tension - Stubborn. Hold onto our end; preserve what we know and like.
Two things I would love more than anything to have on repeat are:
Show up and step into it - requires courage
[SLIDE 13.1] Stay In the Tension
[SLIDE 13.1] Stay In the Tension
Choosing Courage over comfort
Stay put; Hold on to our end as long as possible hoping it will go away
Form of denial
UMPH: Yeah, we’ve seen this before. I’ll just wait.
When the tension doesn’t go away or continues to increase, may lead to:
[SLIDE 13.2] Resist
[SLIDE 13.2] Resist
Something has to give.
Something breaks
You choose to let go and walk away.
Damage done.
[SLIDE 13.3] Courageously Step Into it
[SLIDE 13.3] Courageously Step Into it
Walk toward Jesus and the growth he’s bringing
He can handle our feelings
Tap into the courage given by the same spirit that brought the tension and step into God’s promises, engage the discontented, and cultivate belonging means this:
We have to choose how we’ll respond to the tension
The Story I’m Making up Right Now
When something hard happens, the brain is wired to protect us wants a story to understand how to protect you. Wants bad guy/good guy, safe/dangerous, against you/for you so we make up stories.
3 dots on text and goes awayT
ext, email someone and they don’t respond right away...happens a lot with teens.
Tell someone I love you and they say, “I think you’re awesome!”
Forgetting to water Patti’s plants (Two tomato plants a pepper plant and a pregnant plant).
Spiritual Director: You don’t need a critic do you?
We have to do it differently
Live in the arena. Be brave with your life
It/we won’t look like it did or does now
You will fall, fail, know heartbreak
We might not know what we’re doing or how to do it but God is calling us to grow and move into a new arena and it has more to do with who we are becoming (because we’re not there yet) than any skills, knowledge or abilities we might have.
If you’re brave with your life, you will know failure and heartbreak
[Slide 14] Responding With Courage
[Slide 14] Responding With Courage
3 dots on text and goes awayText, email someone and they don’t respond right away...happens a lot with teens.Tell someone I love you and they say, “I think you’re awesome!”
Courage is not something we muster, create. We become courageous from the source and his promises. Every pace your foot will walk is what I have given you.
Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours. Your territory shall be from the wilderness to the Lebanon and from the River, the river Euphrates, to the western sea.
ESVEvery place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours. Your territory shall be from the wilderness to the Lebanon and from the River, the river Euphrates, to the western sea.
Talking about land but...The places where God goes with us today and the places we walk that he has given us is the emotional and spiritual ground humanity gave up in the Garden.And he’s not going away
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
ESVteaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
ESVteaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Because God goes with you, when it gets tough and the battle heats up, no one will be able to overtake you.
[Slide 15]How to Fiercely Embrace Who We Are to Step Into Our Future
[Slide 15]How to Fiercely Embrace Who We Are to Step Into Our Future
[Slide 15.1]Discernment: Rhythm of Solitude and Engagement
[Slide 15.1]Discernment: Rhythm of Solitude and Engagement
Meditate and Reflect on God’s Instruction and Do It
Listen to the Spirit
Meditate on Scripture and Listen to the Spirit
Scripture.
It is direction, instruction, authority for faith and practice. Do/Practice everything Jesus says as guided by the Spirit.
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
ESV“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
ESVLet the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
ESVLet the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
[Slide 15.2] Stay on Point and Focused on the Mission
[Slide 15.2] Stay on Point and Focused on the Mission
When the battle gets tough, easy to look left and right...way out, easy button.
Getting off Track
Getting off Track
I Can’t and Yeah But
How many raised to believe we’re to live courageously?
How many were raised to believe obstacles were dead ends?
What are our/your obstacles?
Lack of...
Life situation
Health
Living courageously begins will believing obstacles are opportunities to carve new paths as the Spirit leads because the Spirit never leaves us in one place.
[Slide 15.3] Give it All You Have (by becoming who God says you are)
[Slide 15.3] Give it All You Have (by becoming who God says you are)
The Message
Become: Keep moving/growing (don’t get paralyzed)
Show up when you can’t control the outcome
First date after divorce
Sitting with spouse with cancer making plans for your kids
Getting fired
Saying I love you first
Jump into something you’ve never done before
Be vulnerable: Work on emotional health
Take chances. Giving all we have requires trust - it is a courageous act.
When the battle gets tough, easy to look left and right...way out, easy button.
Getting off Track
Getting off Track
I Can’t and Yeah But
How many raised to believe we’re to live courageously?
How many were raised to believe obstacles were dead ends?
What are our/your obstacles?
Lack of...
Life situation
Health
Living courageously begins will believing obstacles are opportunities to carve new paths as the Spirit leads because the Spirit never leaves us in one place.
Ask a relative: Do I do vulnerability well and step back waiting for the truth. People work their pain out on others. When we don’t acknowledge the need to be vulnerable, we work our pain out on other people. I can go it alone. I’m going to try it...by myself and see how it goes. Then try it with other people. We’re hardwired for connection with others. In the absence of love, connection and belonging, there is always suffering. If so, introverts would have found a way. You can remove the uncertainty and discomfort out of vulnerability. Tech has tried to come up with an algorhythm to predict when its ok to be vulnerable with others. When its comfortable, it is no longer vulnerability.Trust comes before vulnerability. Slow stacking over time of both. Start with little things and we build over time. Your story is a privilege to hear - share it with those who have earned the right to hear it. Minus boundaries, not vulnerability.Believing vulnerability is disclosure. Live tweeting....sharing the intimate details of your pain on FB, not vulnerability. Not measured by amount of disclosure. Measured by amount of courage to show up and be seen when you can’t control the outcome.Carry out the mission, every bit of it out of who we are.
Yeah But...
Ponder and meditate on:
Scripture.
It is direction, instruction, authority for faith and practice. Do/Practice everything Jesus says.
ESV“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
ESVLet the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
[Slide 15.4] Move Forward in Attitude and Action
[Slide 15.4] Move Forward in Attitude and Action
Joy. Sometimes just do the joyful thing just because. Doesn’t have to have a return or purpose - being joyful is itself purpose.
Gratitude. It’s healing.
Compassion
gratitude and compassion - a swirl of variables around them. What research shows:
Across interviews, no matter the trauma, when you are grateful for what you have I understand you understand the magnitude of what I’ve lost.
Gratitude is healing for people.
Choose courage over comfort.
Choosing Courage over comfort
Choosing Courage over comfort
The Story I’m Making up Right Now
When something hard happens, the brain is wired to protect us wants a story to understand how to protect you. Wants bad guy/good guy, safe/dangerous, against you/for you so we make up stories.
3 dots on text and goes away
Text, email someone and they don’t respond right away...happens a lot with teens.
Gratitude is healing for people.
Tell someone I love you and they say, “I think you’re awesome!”
Spiritual Director: You don’t need a critic do you?
Be brave with your life
Be brave with your life
If you’re brave with your life, you will know
Failure
Disappointment. Becoming new sounds exciting…until it isn’t. Going on a new adventure sounds exciting (for some) until you run into a problem you can’t fix. Discouragement is ready to step in.
Heartbreak
Discouragement - Unhappiness arising from a loss of confidence in one’s own abilities, in the reliability of God or in the power of the gospel.
Faith community is a place of compassion for this.
We have a responsibility to show up in our faith community joyfully and wholeheartedly, and bring our whole hearts and selves
Brave people are never silent around hard things.
The faith community is what gives place to vulnerability and empathy. No vulnerability, no creativity. No tolerance for failure, no innovation, shallow relationships and inability to be hospitable. Give Effort and Take Chances Listen and learn, identify blind spots, build bridges. Choose courage over comfort. Brave people are never silent around hard things. We have a responsibility to show up in our faith community joyfully and wholeheartedly, and bring our whole hearts and selves. The word success (Hb sakal; cp. succeed in v. 8) is found frequently in the Wisdom literature to describe one’s mastery of the world and insight into its challenges (“prudent” in ).
Give Effort and Take Chances Listen and learn, identify blind spots, build bridges. Choose courage over comfort. Brave people are never silent around hard things. We have a responsibility to show up in our faith community joyfully and wholeheartedly, and bring our whole hearts and selves. The word success (Hb sakal; cp. succeed in v. 8) is found frequently in the Wisdom literature to describe one’s mastery of the world and insight into its challenges (“prudent” in ).
No Fear, No Discouragement
No Fear, No Discouragement
[Slide 16] That’s a Wrap
[Slide 16] That’s a Wrap
Stepping into the tension Jesus brings is hard, scary and dangerous. But not as scary as getting to the end of our lives and wondering what would have happened if I would have shown up, been seen, answered the call?