Praying for Wisdom

I was struck by reading the account of Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 1. Before Solomon built the great Temple and while the tabernacle still stood, Solomon gathered the leaders of the nation and together they prayed. There at Gibeon, after making an extensive sacrifice, Solomon was effectively given a "blank check" by God. He was told to ask for anything he wanted. It's what Solomon wanted that is to me most significant--he desired "Wisdom and knowledge" ("an understanding heart" in the 1 Kings account) to know how to serve God people. I have always loved Solomon's request and have echoed his prayer many times for myself, asking for God's wisdom and knowledge in shepherding His flock. I did so again this morning. I have always realized that the flock belongs to God and my task is to feed and nurture, equipping them through the knowledge of the truth (Acts 20:28). Solomon had the right focus at the beginning of his reign but as time wore on, he lost sight of it--a warning to all believers, especially to leaders that our hearts must be carefully guarded and motives constantly weighed. Shepherding God's flock is the greatest privilege in the world but it also demands the highest degree of integrity and purest of motives. "God, please grant that for your church."

Paul Clark and Phil Keaggy

Paul Clark and Phil Keaggy in 1980


Phil and Paul last night

OK, last night was a BLAST! I mean it was an epic combination of music and ministry as two of my dear friends came and shared their songs. Paul Clark and Phil Keaggy were at Calvary and delighted us. Thats the best way I can describe it. It was like a gift for our church body. The led in worship, helped with Communion and then played for the rest of the night. If you missed it, I'm really sorry because it was one of the most memorable nights ever.

Paul Clark and I have traveled the world together doing ministry from Jerusalem to Istanbul. He has been a musical troubadour, writing, singing and producing with some of the most capable musicians in the industry. We've been friends since way back! Phil Keaggy has been widely knwn as one of the planets best guitar players, yet he remains so sweet and humble, because he knws where his gift comes from!

These guys gave to our generation some of the most memorable Christian anthems like, "Abide" and "Love Broke Through" both of which were played last evening. To top it all off, the band joined them on stage for Paul's rendition of Bob Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody." So cool! And so fun!

If you were unable to join us, check out this short highlight video. Also to get the full evening and all the songs go over to calvaryabq.org and go the the archive section.

Mother's Day

I have so many fond memories of my mom. One of the greatest is her wonderful attitude and love for the simple things in life. A warm day with sunshine, working in her garden and a call from one of her boys was all she needed to beam. She was so encouraging to be around her and she loved to laugh! She also exuded a zest for life that was contagious. I miss her, but I know she's eally having a great Mother's Day with the Lord.

This Mother's Day at Calvary of Albuquerque we had Crystal Lewis, a mother of two teenagers. She shared stories, music, and her heart with those who attended.

As I continue my series on the Church, I am so glad to be part of this fellowship (Calvary of Albuquerque)- a place where people gather to worship God, study His word, and love one another. This family of believers genuinely and authentically follow Christ.

Happy Mother's Day!

A Perfect Day!

OK, so I haven't blogged for a while. With all of the busyness of normal life in the life of a pastor (people worried over the economy and the Swine Flu)and just the accelerated pace of postmodern technology between doing Facebook, the blog, Loopt, and just "regular" emails and website requests, life is CRAZY! So why am I blogging now? Perhaps out of guilt for not doing it awhile and perhaps because I have just a few quiet moments on my one day off to just say I love the space between the busyness. Today is what I would consider a perfect day. The weather is calm and warm, the outside air beckoned me to go out and poke around at yard work (a love I inherited from my mother)and I can now bicycle somewhere cool with Lenya. Ahhhh!