September 7th, 2009
Nigeria (Day Five – September 7)
Today offered a fresh reminder!
We had the privilege of attending two very different church services and spending time with the two very different pastors. Both were very well led and large, impacting churches. However, one was old and tired while the other was young and vibrant. It had nothing to do with the age of the pastors. It had everything to do with the freshness of their leadership. One was leading and preaching in the same way he had done successfully in the past. The other was leading and preaching in very different ways than he had in the past. It’s obvious which pastor was leading which church I described above.
Here’s the problem…just because the way we did something was successful in the past, doesn’t mean it will be successful in the present. And, this is a guarantee. If the world is changing and we continue leading and preaching in the same ways, we will become old and tired. This is why God wants us singing a new song, Psalm 98:1.
Of course, He doesn’t want us singing a new truth. He wants us singing new songs about the old truth. How’s this happen? By experiencing the power of His truth in new and fresh ways today. The reality is that, when we’re experiencing the reality of God and His truth in fresh ways, we will be shouting and singing in new ways. When we aren’t, the reason is simple. We haven’t been experiencing God in new and fresh ways.
Here’s the question: have you been singing any new songs lately? Have you been experiencing God’s presence and promises in fresh and new ways. If not, why not? Remember, He hasn’t gone anywhere. His promise in Jeremiah 33:3 is still true, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” So, no matter what’s going on in your life,(good or bad), if you’re not singing new songs, start claiming God’s promises and calling on Him. You’ll be amazed at how awesome it is to sing new songs about the old truth. It’s life changing.The two churches we attended today were fresh reminders of this to me.
It’s my prayer that I will be like the leader here who is leading and preaching in fresh and new ways because He is experiencing God in fresh and new ways. It’s my prayer NorthRidge Church will never be old and tired but always young and vibrant. Of course, for that to happen, each of us who calls NorthRidge home must be experiencing God in new and fresh ways. And, if you don’t attend NorthRidge, it’s my prayer that you will be the young and vibrant child of God experiencing God in the new and fresh ways that your church and the world needs you to be. Here’s to letting the light shine in and through us in order to eliminate the darkness.
For those of you praying for us in Nigeria. Today, we will be driving to Ibadan, Nigeria and then returning to Lagos tonight. While in Ibadan, we will be meeting with the Anglican Arch Bishop of Ibadan and then the General Overseer of the Gospel Faith Mission.
Categorized: Leadership |
Dave
What an awesome message!!! True to your leadership at NRC. Things are very different at NRC today then they were 10 years ago or for that matter 1 year ago. However, the truth is the same, it’s just the delivery method that has changed and will continue to change. Continued prayers.
Brianna
Brad, Thanks so much for including us on your journey! What an awesome door God has opened with this trip.
Argenia Ford
Our faith journey, much like your journey in Nigeria is often renewed by exposure to others. Only God is so awesome that he gives us chances to energize others and then allows us to be inspired and energized through the act of worship. Traveling Mercies Brad.
Debby Kingsbury
Pastor Brad,
I pray that you and your travel team are safe. Thank you for your selfless journey.
Schel
Thank you for all you do. When I get lost and feel alone, I can still hear your words from the very first NRC serivce I attended. Know that you are in my prayers.
Michelle
All the time I have been coming to NRC it has been fresh and new for me. I never know what I will be experiencing the next time I attend.
NRC is a church that is fresh and changing and growing because of it.
All the more reason for more intensive prayer without ceasing.
JoAnn
Praying for you and the team, and for Samaria as well. Can’t wait to see what God will do in Saline. It is never boring when God shows up. Now where did I hear that?
Andrea
What an awesome reminder of a powerful truth! Continuing to pray for you and the churches in Nigeria. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
Beth
Peace to you and all who are on this journey. You bring a breath of fresh air into Northridge..the reason your church is filled every weekend. My spirit is refreshed and renewed every week. Please continue to guide us on our journey to Christ
vivian
Dear Pastor Brad,
I love your blog. What a great way to stay connected to us while you are away doing more of God’s work. I will continue to pray for your safety and your return to us. God is good!