Are you ready for 2012?  I sure am.  This year New Year’s Day actually falls on a Sunday and we will indeed be meeting at The Crossings.  The plan is to just have one service at 11:00.  The main text that we will be looking at is Psalm 90:12 where Moses prayed; “Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  That is a challenging text in many ways.  When we take stock of our potential life span and realize we only have so many days allotted to us, we begin to rethink things more seriously. I suppose it’s kind of like when my kids were younger and a couple of older men told me to enjoy these years because they would be gone before I knew it.  I didn’t believe it then, but I can really relate to that now because my oldest will be graduating from High School in 2 and a half years.  Where did the time go?  In truth, all of us have a short amount of time on this earth.  The question is how are we going to spend that time.  To help us get further along with that road, I’ve listed three challenges below. What else would you add?

1. CLOSE 2011.  For some of us, 2011 was not our best year.  Maybe we made some big mistakes or even committed blatant sins against God and others.  Maybe we have experienced some huge heart aches.  But the thrilling thing of a new year is the promise a fresh start.  If that is your case, then a good idea may be to actually list the mistakes and pains on paper and then burn it after it’s been taken to God. Was there sin?  Then repent and ask for forgiveness. Pain?  Then give that to God, ask for healing, and then bury it and go forward.  For others, 2011 was a great year.  2011 may have been a huge blessing with many victories.  If that was your case, then celebrate them and give God the praise for it, but don’t stop there.  The condition of many folks and churches is that they are still living in the victories of yesterday while the world goes on without them.  We should celebrate our 2011 victories.  We should build on our 2011 victories.  But if we stay there and camp out on them, we will then become stagnant and cease to grow.  In short, the best way to begin 2012 is to finalize 2011.  In Philippians, Paul noted that he was “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is head, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for what God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  In business, the books will soon be closed on 2011.  Let’s do the same in our lives.

2. GROW in 2012.  We understand this with young children.  We feed them, cloth them, educate them, and then expect that they will grow.  However, this principle of growth with our spirits and our minds somehow gets lost as we grow older.  The challenge here is to grow in such a way that when 2013 rolls around we can honestly say that we are different than what we were a year ago.  For growth in 2012, I would encourage everyone to read through the Bible this year.  There are many bible reading schedules you can choose from.  My favorite one is from Good News Publishers.  With this program, you read from the Old Testament in the morning and then the New Testament in the evening.  Now you might be tempted to say that you don’t have time to do this.  But when you think about it; we all have time to do what we really want to do.  Though we may have to give up some time in front of the TV or other activities, I can 100% guarantee you that reading through the Bible in 2012 will definitely change you.  In addition to the Bible, I want to challenge everyone to pick up a book or two written by someone who has gone ahead of you in the journey.  Two books I would recommend would be Radical by David Platt and Crazy Love by Francis Chan.  Are there other books you would recommend?  If we all planted a seed in the ground this year we would expect some kind of growth by next December.  In the same way, we can plant spiritually and likewise expect growth.

3.  SERVE in 2012.  In the West and particularly in America we live in very self-absorbed societies.  Living a life of service is actually somewhat countercultural, but the very kind of life Christ followers are called to live.  One of the great things about being a Kingdom citizen is that we are all part of the game.  God does not call any of us to be bench warmers.  We are all equal in the site of God, but have different gifts and abilities.  The challenge here is to serve those around you in whatever means are possible for you.  One of the mottos we will be picking up this year at the Crossings is: “Every Person to their Post.”  Sometimes in the West we expect the preachers, pastors, ministers, or other “Professional Clergy” to do all the ‘religious’ stuff.  But that concept is very foreign to Biblical teaching.  The Bible refers to all of us as a “Priesthood” of believers.  We are all called to engage the world around us with the love of Christ.  So let me encourage you to take a step of faith this year.  Let me encourage you to tell someone the true story of Christ.  Let me encourage everyone to look around and find some way to plug in to help others around them.  Jesus Christ himself said that he “did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.”

“Teach us to number our days aright!”  Wow, imagine for a moment that you only had this next year to live. How would you live differently?  Just imagine how life could be different for you, those around you, and for the world as a whole if we really lived with an eternal perspective.  Are you ready to step out in faith this year?  Are you ready for 2012?  I hope so because it’s here.  So let’s take 2012 by the horns and see what we and God will do with it.

My boys love this clip and have begged me to show it at The Crossings.  Verdict is still out on that one.  But it is kind of funny and I love its point.  We live in a society today where saying “Merry Christmas” is becoming more and more “Politically Incorrect.”  But as I’ve done the past two Sundays; I want to encourage everyone to step up and say it anyway no matter where you’re at.  Could you offend someone?  Maybe.  But it also just might encourage someone.  Who knows, you might even be able to plant a seed of the real reason for the season and thus open the door to the truth that “God so loved the world that he GAVE his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  So I suppose it’s kind of like the old Nike challenge . . . “Just Say it!”

Honestly I was somewhat intrigued by all the publicity and emotion tied up with the death of Steve Jobs this past week.  I mean I know who the guy was and what he did; I just didn’t realize the size of his impact.  You’d think an American President had died or something.  But on the other hand, it appears that the long term influence of Jobs on the world through technological and cultural relevance may in fact carry more weight than any of our US Presidents in recent history.  I called one of my good friends back in Nor Cal this evening to get his skinny on the events as he works for Apple and he confirmed everything I’ve read in the Wall Street journal and other sources.  The atmosphere around where my friend works is apparently just as somber as any other Apple center or Apple store from San Francisco, to New York, to Tokyo.  Indeed, Steve Jobs was a visionary of mammoth proportions.  I like that kind of spirit. Vision is something America has been known for in the past and we certainly could use more of it now.  But there are some other things I believe we can pick up from the loss of this great technology and cultural patriarch.  I believe there are some quick lessons we can learn from Jobs for Kingdom and Church leaders today.  Here are 5 fast ones just off the top of my head.  What would you add?

1. Vision. 

The vision of Jobs has affected all of us.  He was not out just to make a buck, but to change the way life is done and he succeeded.  I can travel just about anywhere in the world today and connect with my wife and kids before bed time through tech and that’s because of the vision of Steve Jobs and guys like him.  Our God is a creative and visionary God.  The creation is testimony of God’s vision and we as His children are endowed with at least some of that entrepreneurial spirit.  Are there God given ideas pent up within you that have been forgotten or lay dormant?  Why not dig those dreams up and take another stab at them.  The book, Visioneering by Andy Stanly is a great resource on this.

2. Leadership. 

One thing that interested me about Jobs was not just his visionary creativity, but his ability to lead the corporate side of Apple as well.  Walter Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal noted that Jobs did “what a CEO should.  He hired and inspired great people; managed for the long term, not the quarter or short-term stock price; made big bets and took big risks . . .”  I would say that this is one thing that is sorely needed in many struggling churches today.  We need men and women who treat kingdom work like the eternal thing it is and not just another hobby to pass the time with on a weekends.  We need leaders who will lead.  This principle is not reserved for the Church, but for every aspect of life.  Do you see a need in your sphere of influence wherever that is?  Why not take a step out of the comfort zone today and take someone with you?

3. Focus.

Jobs noted in 2005 that “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”  This reminds me of the occasion in John 9 where Jesus taught that we must do the work God has given us while we have the time to do it.  What projects are you putting off for ‘another day’ which may or may not come?

4. Determination.

Jobs was actually pushed out of Apple in 1985.  However, 11 years later, Steve came back as Apple was crumbling and turned the company around to become the giant it is today producing some $65.2 billion annually.  Depending on how you count things, I’ve read that Lincoln experienced somewhere between 10 to 16 major upsets in his life before becoming president of the United States.  From Jobs, we can learn to fix our eyes on the finish line and never give up.  Is there a saddle you need to get back into and keep riding to the end? Note also Philippians 3:13-14

5. Mortality. 

Plain and simple; Steve Jobs just died.  Yes, this is similar to point three.  But the emphasis here is on the spiritual outcome or eternal fruit of a life.  I don’t know where Steve stood with God in his final moments on this earth, but it does raise the question of what we’re investing for.  I can’t imagine how much cash Steve died with, but none of that will do him any good in eternity.  Our mortality is a reminder to us that we must invest in the Kingdom of God now because things of this world will ultimately pass away. Now is the time; what are you investing in?

Deb and Teri Riley

Well the Hinton house is much happier these days with Deb home from Central America.  She got back into Houston on Tuesday from Honduras and is presently sending out a newsletter to some of our supporters.  So I wanted to include part of her report here for the Kingdomology Crew.  Thanks to everyone who lifted her up in prayer this past week. 

International Conference

The trip to Honduras and Costa Rica was amazing. When we first arrived we had a day of rest to see Tegucigalpa, tour the church building that the Riley’s are working on, and get ready for the 38 women who were spending the night with us before our long bus ride south. We ended up riding in a school bus for 22 hours, going through two border crossings, and all with only six bathroom breaks. The retreat center in Costa Rica was beautiful. It was set high on a mountain overlooking the city of San Jose. I spoke three times the first day, and another lady, Roma Backus, spoke on Saturday. The content of our talks was celebrating being a woman, understanding your wounding, and becoming restored in Christ. The women were receptive and many started on a road to healing. There were times that we had to stop during our talks and pray because of women who were weeping. I had the opportunity to meet with many women one on one and to share scripture and pray with them. They were so hungry for the Lord and His will in their lives. We ended the retreat with a spa for all of the ladies. After our 22 hour ride back to Honduras, I spent time with Jim and Teri Riley and their family. It was so good to reconnect with old friends in Honduras and Costa Rica and encourage each other in the Lord.

Thank You

The Gringo Gals

I want to thank everyone for your sacrificial help in making this trip happen. Thanks to all who gave financially. The recession is wide and deep and I appreciate your open hands. Thank you to everyone who stood with me in prayer. I could feel your intercession all along my journey. You prayed, and heaven answered. On the day I arrived in Honduras, I was mugged. But even though I lost my camera, I was unharmed and the mugger did not steal any of my cash or documents. We traveled safely on the road for 44 hours on a school bus. The women were receptive to God’s leading, and all of us who spoke or led workshops were amazed at how the women received us. I have already been asked to come again next year. We will see where God leads me. Thanks again for your support and encouragement of our ministry.

Love,

Debi.

PS From Steve, Look for a further report from Deb in coming weeks.

Deb and me in Colorado Springs for our 20th wedding anniversary this past June.

I want to take some time here to let everyone know about Deb’s trip to Honduras and Costa Rica next month. She will be speaking at a conference for Pastor’s wives. But you can read up on all that yourself. Below is a quick newsletter that she is sending out. Just think, you readers of Kingdomology get it before everyone else does. Enjoy!

Greetings

It has been two years since we passed off the leadership baton for the Rancho Cordova church plant back in California. Much has happened and many unique doors of service have opened up since then. Our major work has been with a turn around ministry in the NW Houston area which is going very well. The Christian Standard will actually be running an article on August 21st describing what God has done in this ministry. Over the past year kingdomology.com has picked up a number of readers and an expanded ministry. Through the financial backing a good friend in Amarillo, Texas, Steve published the Christ Proposal which has already touched a number of lives. Debi also launched a blog for mothers at amillionkisses.blogspot.com. The most recent open door of ministry involves an invitation that Debi received from a good friend inTegucigalpa,Honduras to speak at a Pastor’s Wives Conference inCentral America.

Pastor’s Wives Conference

Being a pastor’s wife has given Debi many challenging and rewarding experiences. We are praying that God will use those experiences to encourage these wives in their unique roles in various churches acrossCentral America. In order to execute this project, we are asking for your help in two specific ways.

Becoming A Partner

The first way is to become a partner in prayer. To do this, please send an e-mail to ozarkmountaingirl@gmail.comand put “pray for conference” in the subject line. You can also partner financially. Her total expenses are $1500. However, her airline ticket has already been donated. So this brings the total down to $700 which will cover travel documents and expenses while in country. If you choose to partner financially, please send your gift18402 Alemarble Oak St.Cypress,TX77429. If you would like to contribute with a check, please make out the check to Cypress Crossing Christian Church with Costa Rica Mission in the memo line of your check. Your partnership will be making a difference in theKingdomofGodby encouraging women who are serving on the front lines. We look forward to hearing from you.

Other Family News

On the home front, the kids are growing more than you can imagine. We almost have to look up to John and David is not far behind. This fall is finding both boys very busy. John is running cross-country and David is back in football again. Esther is old enough for the church youth group as she enters middle school this fall, and Abi has moved to the double digits with her birthday in August. Thank you for your prayers for our children and ministry.

Love,

The Hintons

I was doing some research and came across this clip.  Indeed two things I love; the World and Rich Mullins.  Enjoy and ask, “what can I do to share the love of Christ and expand the Kingdom of God the world over?”

Have you seen the final installment of the Harry Potter movie empire yet?  I haven’t.  But with it bringing in some $168.6 million on opening weekend it sure is something to talk about.  I wasn’t thinking too much about it until I logged onto Face Book this morning and noticed an interesting post by one of my friends.  He jokingly wondered how many “Christians” who loudly protested the first movie a number of years ago were now in line buying tickets to see how the whole series finished up.  “God Hates Witches” they shouted back in the day.  I remember those days and thought I’d drop a few thoughts on how followers of Christ can better respond to such a phenomena.  Here are some things to start with. 

1. Is rudely protesting a movie really that smart?  I don’t see the first Christians doing that in Acts.  While Jesus told the woman caught in adultery to leave her life of sin, the only folks he whooped up on were the religious Pharisees. Maybe spreading the love of Christ and Kingdom of God would come a lot easier if we just lived the way Christ lived instead of trying to fight his battles for him.

2. On the God “Hates” issue though, we really do need to rethink this. So many times today people look at God as the big sugar daddy up in the sky that is available at our beckon call. But the reality is that God does indeed hate sin and his wrath is heavy on those who oppose and ignore him. Note Ps. 5:5 as a starting place on that one. But that is why God sent Christ. God is Holy; but He is also perfect in love. That was the point of Christ dying on the cross; he took the punishment that we all deserve.

3. So witchcraft is indeed sin. But so is gossip and gluttony which seem to be fine with many Christians.

4. There are real people who practice real witchcraft today. Debi and I have a friend back in Nor Cal who is a “practicing witch”.  We love her as a person and friend. But we don’t excuse the practice. The real deal is not a laughing matter.

5. With our girls who have watched some of the movies and read some of the books, we have explained to them that this is all pretend but that there are real people who are into magical spells. That’s a bad deal.  But we’ve also showed them that God is more powerful than witchcraft.

6. What about “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Chronicles of Narnia“?  The point being that if we make a blanket statement that you can’t read about or watch movies with witches; you have to throw those out as well. Yes, there is a difference between the Chronicles of Narnia and Potter. CS Lewis wrote clearly with Christian allegory in mind. Likewise, one can easily see the Christian influence in Tolkien. I think the reason why some folks get upset with Potter is that it is presented in such a way as to make magic something noble and fine in modern life where as the others are clearly fictional stories in the middle ages.  But we still need to watch those all or nothing statements.

7. So witchcraft is a big deal and the first Christians in Ephesus who came from demon worship treated it that way.  They actually burnt their scrolls which monetarily equaled up to many years of wages. Reff. Acts 19:18-19.  Again, the point being that as followers of Christ we should not personally engage in the practice or even get involved with such things as tarot cards or fortune telling.

8. Over all, it seems like the best option is for everyone to just keep their heads on. Witchcraft is a real deal which is condemned by God. But HP is just a book and adventure movie. I’ve seen a couple of the flicks with my kids. On one side; just some fun, no big deal. On the other hand, without proper education, the HP books can lead some astray. So balance seems to be a big word here. Intelligent conversations, not shouting matches.

What would you add?

I just read a great article in the Wall Street Journal about how divorce in America has affected Generation X folks.  It was a well written piece and thought provoking.  But like most media today, it said little about God and His design.  So I posted a comment to the article online and have pasted it below.  Enjoy and feel free to chime in here or at the WSJ site itself.

I was born in 69 and having gone through more than one divorce as a kid and a number of men coming in and out of my life, I really resonated with the article.  I was there and I get it.  Thanks and good article Susan.  I know the pain that so many people my age have experienced and have likewise heavily invested in trying to have the “perfect” marriage.  But maybe a different slant in my marriage has been that of a Biblical foundation that is often foreign these days.  In other words, we have tried to base our marriage not so much even on the kids as that of God’s design for marriage.  Divorce has never even entered our minds.  The reason for that hard stand has not actually been for the kids, but because we made a commitment to God first, and each other second.  All this is not to say that we’ve done everything right.  We’ve both REALLY blown it at times.  We have been furious with each other and really hurt each other at times.  But because we’ve made God the focal point of our lives, we just celebrated 20 years of marriage this past June and are already looking forward to year 25 and so on.  All that to say; I wonder why folks don’t at least consider the whole God and marriage thing.  I’m not talking about mere words in a ceremony, but the reality of divinity and HIS plan for life.  Even looking back into the past, it appears that children may not have actually been the major focus, but rather a sense of “marriage is marriage.”  It was a divine institution and once you got in, you were in; no questions asked.  For us, since divorce is not an option, we have been forced to just grow up, make sacrifices, and work things out. Then in time, what we’ve found out is that by actually putting God and the other person first, positive change comes.  So I suppose in conclusion, it seems like the whole “God and Marriage” thing worked for generations of yesteryear so why are we so afraid as a society to look into that option again?  When you think about it, it couldn’t hurt.

William Merrill, 1867-1954

I’m excited to be back with my friends at The Crossings this Sunday. In honor of Father’s Day, I’ll be teaching from 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 which is a great and challenging text for dads. One of the illustrations of the study is a hymn written in 1911 by William P Merrill entitled, “Rise Up, O Men of God”.  Enjoy!

Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
to serve the King of kings.

Rise up, O men of God!
The kingdom tarries long.
Bring in the day of brotherhood
and end the night of wrong.

Rise up, O men of God!
The church for you doth wait,
her strength unequal to her task;
rise up, and make her great!

Lift high the cross of Christ!
Tread where his feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man,
rise up, O men of God!

I’m working on my sermon for Mother’s Day and stopped to think about the main ladies in my life.  It was one of my favorite preachers, Charles Spurgeon, who said “I cannot tell you how much I owe to the solemn word of my good mother.”  Likewise, I probably cannot recount all the good I’ve received from my own mother.  Thanks mum for constantly believing in me and God’s plan for my life. Thanks mum for all the hard lessons you taught me and thanks for all the sacrifices you made for me.  I would not be here today if it weren’t for you.  Thanks Mum.

The Debster! Summer 09 back in Nor Cal.

I also want to thank my wife for agreeing to marry me even though her folks probably had second thoughts.  Deb, you have blessed me in so many ways and encouraged me through some hard times in ministry.  I constantly stand in awe of your ability and wonder how on earth God graced me with you. You are a great mother to our kids and an AWESOME wife to me. Thanks babe!

The Hinton Girls a while back in good ol Nor Cal.

In addition to all that, I want to thank God for two young ladies who I know are going to be GREAT mothers someday.  I’m thankful for my two daughters, Esther and Abigail.  You girls rock!  I can already see how God is forming you into women of greatness and make no mistake about it young men; you have to get through me to get to them.  I love you girls.

What about you?  How are you going to thank the ladies in your life this Mother’s Day?