Posts by: Brian Dolleman

I am a husband, father, pastor, leader & reader. I love God, love people & love life.

Get Your Swagger Back

- - Uncategorized

Swagger:

To move with confidence.

How one presents him or herself.

Swagger is shown in how a person handles situations—it is also shown in the person’s walk.

Too many Christians have lost their swagger.

I’m not talking about arrogance, pride or even self-confidence.

I’m talking about faith.

Confidence in God.

Assurance.

Boldness.

Shining, not hiding.

Advancing, not retreating.

On the offense, not defense.

Playing to win, rather than not to lose.

Saying things like…

“If God is for us, who can ever stand against us?”

“Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loves us.”

“Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.”

That’s the kind of swagger I’m talking about.

Christians lose their swagger because of various things…

Some—because of challenges, difficulties and hurts.

Others—because they’ve gotten lazy and quit growing.

The reasons don’t matter. What matters is that you get your swagger back.

When the 12 spies came back, only 2 had their swagger.

Joshua and Caleb said, “Let’s go—we can do this!”

They moved with confidence.

They presented themselves as ready for the challenge.

They trusted God—and they walked with a swagger.

Here’s what God said about Caleb:

“He has a different spirit; he follows me passionately. I’ll bring him into the land and his children will inherit it.” (Numbers 14.24 MSG)

My interpretation of that verse: “He walks with a swagger because of his confidence in God.”

How about you?

Is it time to get your swagger back?

How To Make The Future A Scary Place

- - Uncategorized

Do you remember that song from the late ’80’s by Timbuk 3?

It went something like this…

I study nuclear science.

I love my classes.

I got a crazy teacher, he wears dark glasses.

Things are going great, and they’re only getting better.

I’m doing all right, getting good grades.

The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades.

When the Israelites were on the verge of something new (entering the promised land), 12 spies were sent out to explore the land and bring back a report.

God had promised them this territory (which is why it was called “the promised land”).

It was an abundant place, a land “flowing with milk and honey.”

When the spies brought back their report, only 2 of them were singing like Timbuk 3 — the future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades.

Joshua and Caleb said things like…

“Let’s go—we can do it”

“God will lead us into that land.”

“He will give it to us.”

“God is on our side, don’t be afraid.”

The other 10 spies brought back a fearful, negative report…

“We can’t.”

“It’s a land that swallows people whole.”

“Everybody we saw was huge—we even saw giants,”

“We felt like grasshoppers there.”

When you compare the statements of the spies, you will notice something:

Joshua and Caleb emphasized God and His ability.

The other 10 spies emphasized their inability and magnified the strength of the enemy.

They took God out of the equation. For them, the future was all about their abilities -vs- the obstacles.

And that, my friends, is exactly how to make the future a scary place.

Focusing on yourself + focusing on the obstacles = freaking out.

For a bright future, keep God at the center of it all.

He’s not just the God of yesterday—he’s the God of today and the God of tomorrow!

There is no reason for the future to be a scary place.

Our weaknesses aren’t the issue and the size of the challenges aren’t the issue.

The fact that God is with us and for us is the issue.

Our best days are still before us.

The best is yet to come.

Like Caleb, I’m saying: “Let’s go—we can do this.”

A Land That Swallows People Whole

- - Uncategorized

Fear exaggerates the threat to your well-being and safety.

Insecurity magnifies the possibility of failure.

Worry paralyzes.

When Moses sent 12 leaders into the Promised Land to spy it out and bring back a report, all 12 received the same instructions. All 12 went to the same places. All 12 saw the exact same things.

Only 2 (Joshua and Caleb) brought back a good report.

The other 10 fixated on the challenges and brought back a negative report.

“We scouted the land from one end to the other—it’s a land that swallows people whole.” (Numbers 13.32 MSG)

Sounds a bit dramatic, doesn’t it? “It’s a land that swallows people whole.”

I believe there is a land that swallows people whole.

It’s not a physical place, but it is a place where people live: a place of fear, insecurity and worry.

And this place of fear, insecurity and worry consumes people…

It eats them for breakfast.

It makes them freeze up.

It kills progress.

It denies potential.

It declares: “You don’t have a chance!”

It causes people to think, “I shouldn’t even bother trying.”

The words of those 10 negative spies became like a self-fulfilling prophecy.

They ran from the challenge and they died without ever receiving what God had for them.

Their story serves as a cautionary tale for us.

We don’t have to live in a land that swallows people whole—a place of fear, insecurity and worry.

We can live in a place of confident trust, courage and faith in our God—who does the impossible.

We’re going somewhere! We’re moving forward, advancing, taking new ground—entering a new territory.
?
And we have faith like Caleb, who said: “Let’s go! We can do this.”

Flip the M

- - Uncategorized

Our default position is to focus on self.

It’s all about me…

Give me.

Listen to me.

Help me.

Serve me.

Love me.

Want me.

Need me.

Thank me.

This never works, never satisfies.

We need to flip the M—and move from “me” to “we.”

When we love God and put others before self—life is blessed, satisfying, rich and rewarding.

Loving God, loving people and loving life… this is how it was meant to be.

Flip the M.

Enjoy.

You’re Not Special

- - Uncategorized

Have you ever questioned the worth of “special china” sitting behind glass doors on display—yet rarely used?

You can’t find a clean cup in the house for a drink of water and you glance over at the china cabinet…

There they are—all lined up, looking good and staying put.

Off limits.

Reserved for something special and important.

Frustrating, isn’t it?

Cups for use are in high demand and in low supply while the “special china” is plentiful but not available for use.

The Apostle Paul pointed out that in a large house, there are all kinds of useful vessels—some gold, some silver, some wood and others made from clay. (2 Timothy 2.20)

What’s important to God, according to Paul, is not the appearance of the vessel but its usefulness.

God doesn’t have special china in His house, only vessels for use.

Unfortunately, many churches are full of “special china” Christians who make an appearance on special occasions, then return to the display case so they can be admired.

Remember the analogy Jesus used when describing the pharisees?

He said they clean the outside of the cup and dish…

In other words, they look good.

They shine and sparkle in the display case, but on the inside they’re full of selfish motives.

Moldy, dirty and nasty… unable to be used.

To all the “special china” in the church cupboard I say:

You’re not special—and we need your help.

You’re a vessel for use, not an ornament to be admired.

You were created by the potter to carry things.

We have a city to love and people to serve.

It’s time to get out of the display case and be used.

Carrying More Than a Stuffed Animal or Nintendo DS

- - Uncategorized

Picture a family getting ready to go on a long drive and overnight stay somewhere.

The parents carry suitcases, diaper bags, groceries, backpacks and toddlers.

They load up the car.

They make several trips into the house and back out to the car—each time, their arms full of necessary items.

What do the kids carry?

Maybe a favorite stuffed animal or Nintendo DS.

In this picture, we see a principle:

The mature carry more than their own stuff, while the immature carry only what they need or want.

When Moses was leading the Israelites from where they had been to where they were going, he felt the weight of carrying an enormous burden.

He was surrounded by family, friends, elders, leaders and staff members but he still felt alone—alone in carrying the vision, responsibility and burden to see it come to pass.

Moses complained to God about it…

“What did I do to deserve the burden of all these people? Did I give birth to them? Did I bring them into the world? Why did you tell me to carry them in my arms like a mother carries a nursing baby? I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!” (Numbers 11.11-12 & 14-15 NLT)

I can relate to Moses’ frustration and feeling alone in being a “carrier.”

The church is full of people who will only carry what they need or want.

Being a carrier of the vision can feel lonely and overwhelming at times.

Here’s how God responded to Moses:

“Gather before me seventy men who are recognized as elders and leaders… to stand there with you. I will take some of the Spirit that is upon you, and I will put the Spirit upon them also. They will bear the burden of the people along with you, so you will not have to carry it alone.” (Numbers 11.16, 17 NLT)

In essence, God put the same “carrier spirit” Moses had on a group of 70 others.

I believe God is going to do the same thing here at Fairwood Church.

I believe many will rise up to take on the “carrier spirit” – carrying the vision, responsibility and burden to see it come to pass.

How about you? Are you ready to carry more than a stuffed animal or Nintendo DS?

Are you ready to carry more than you need or want?

I’m looking for some carriers…

Manna and Maggots

- - Uncategorized

With approximately 2 million people camping out in the desert, the land could not sustain them.

There were no orchards or farmlands.

There wasn’t a Walmart Superstore nearby.

No taco trucks or hot dog stands…

So how did the Israelites eat?

God provided “manna” – bread from heaven for them.

He gave them instructions to take just enough for their families for the day—assuring them that He would provide enough manna for everyone each day.

He told the people not take more than they needed, not to store the manna.

No manna in doggie bags or tupperware containers.

Can you guess what happened next?

“Some of them didn’t listen and kept some of it until morning By then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell.” (Exodus 16.19 NLT)

I believe God’s blessings are never meant to be stored, hoarded or kept to ourselves.

When we try to keep or contain His blessings, things start to stink real quickly.

God’s supply never diminishes. He’s not in recession.

What He provides, there’s always more where than came from…

More grace. More forgiveness. More mercy. More love. More favor. More blessing.

Our job isn’t to put it all in a tupperware container for safe-keeping.

Our job is to look around and make sure everyone is getting some.

Don’t let what God blessed you with get all stinky.

Don’t let your manna attract maggots.

Instead—share, give and pass on the blessings to others.

Friends in Low Places

- - Uncategorized

In terms of making a difference, we tend to think of going to the power-players for help.

People in high places…

Politicians. Wealthy business owners. Celebrities. You know—important, recognized, respected people.

In the story of Israel crossing over from the desert-side of the Jordan river into the new territory God had for them, a key figure emerged… someone who provided them with crucial information, someone who became an important ally and friend.

Who was this someone?

It was a harlot, a prostitute—a woman named Rahab.

For Israel, this woman of low standing became the key to the city.

I think there is a valuable lesson here for us: we need friends in low places.

Our church won’t make a difference by chasing after politicians, wealthy business owners and celebrities.

We need to reach out to to those with poor reputations.

The Dream Center in Los Angeles, led by Pastor Matthew Barnett, is a shining example of this principle.

They reach out to the hurting, the poor, the pimps and prostitutes, addicts and gang bangers.

Here are some quotes from Pastor Matthew Barnett:

“If We worship the God of the second chance, we must be people of the second chance.”

“When God sees someone help a homeless person, I believe he does a touchdown dance in heaven.”

“Getting ready to take 150 men and women in our recovery program to go see TRON. These peeps are the best!”

“We don’t need more spiritual leaders—we need more spiritual janitors, picking up broken pieces and telling people they can dream again.”

“The moment you help someone in need, you just snuggled up to Jesus a little closer.”

Follow Pastor Matthew on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/matthewbarnett

Read about the Dream Center: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_Center

The Middle-Class in Spirit Problem

- - Uncategorized

Generally, we think of middle-class as a safe (or even desirable) place to be.

However, this isn’t always true. Spiritually, it’s more desirable to be poor, bankrupt, at the end of your rope.

Remember what Jesus said?

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 5.3 (NKJV)

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” (NLT)

“They are blessed who realize their spiritual poverty, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” (NCV)

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” (MSG)

God’s blessing comes to those who acknowledge their spiritual bankruptcy.

When we see how deep our debt is before God and have no ability to redeem ourselves… that’s when grace flows.

Salvation is God’s extravagant gift to us. It’s free, but it cost Him so much.

Poor in spirit? That’s the place to be. You’re blessed.

What if you aren’t poor in spirit?

This would mean you don’t see yourself as so bad, sinful, morally bankrupt and lost that only grace can save you.

You would be “middle-class in spirit.”

You would believe that you’ve earned your standing with God and blessings from him.

You would believe that your success and wealth are due to your own hard work, talents and abilities.

Quoting Timothy Keller from his book Generous Justice:

“My experience as a pastor has been that those who are middle-class in spirit tend to be indifferent to the poor, but people who come to grasp the gospel of grace and become spiritually poor find their hearts gravitating toward the materially poor.

To the degree that the gospel shapes your self-image, you will identify with those in need.

You will see their tattered clothes and think: ‘All my righteousness is a filthy rag, but in Christ we can be clothed in his robes of righteousness.’

When you come upon those who are economically poor, you cannot say to them, ‘Pull yourself up by your bootstraps!’ because you certainly did not do that spiritually. Jesus intervened for you.

And you cannot say, ‘I won’t help you because you got yourself into this mess,’ since God came to earth, moved into your spiritually poor neighborhood and helped you even though your spiritual problems were your own fault.

In other words, when Christians who understand the gospel see a poor person, they realize they are looking into a mirror. Their hearts must go out to him or her without an ounce of superiority or indifference.”

As individuals, and as a church, we must avoid the middle-class in spirit problem.

How?

By being poor in spirit—aware of our own pitiful shortcomings, failure and spiritual bankruptcy.

We are recipients of His grace.

Let’s pass that grace on….

We have a city to love—the hungry to feed, the hurting to comfort, the lonely to include, the overlooked to welcome and orphans to provide for.

A City of Refuge

- - Uncategorized

Our church is to be a city of refuge—a haven for those who are looking for a safe place and a second chance.

We will not be an exclusive club for spiritual fat cats.

We will not be a religious retirement home.

We must be a place of grace.

We must be a place that doesn’t care…

“We don’t care where you’ve been, what you’ve done, what your zip code is or what your reputation is. You are welcome here. You belong, you are loved and you are accepted here.”

We must be a pocket of blessing, hope, healing, restoration, life and joy within our city.

As Israel was preparing to cross over into the land God had prepared for them, God gave their leaders instructions for several cities of refuge in the new territory…

“When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, designate cities of refuge to which people can flee…” (Numbers 35.9-10 NLT)

Later, the cities of refuge are described in Joshua chapter 20 – Kedesh, Schechem, Kiriath-arba, Bezer, Ramoth and Golan. These Hebrew names are significant—they reflect God’s purpose for establishing these cities of refuge.

Kedesh means: sanctuary or refuge.

Shechem means: shoulder or back.

Kiriath-arba means: to associate or fellowship.

Bezer means: gold.

Ramoth means: lifted up, a high place.

Golan means: refuge.

In other words, these cities were places where exiles could come and find new strength and value as God redefined them, restoring their hope and dignity.

In these cities, God welcomed those who needed a second chance… He put them back on their feet, put a new twinkle in their eye, lifted the heavy burden off their back—allowing them to hold their head up high and without shame.

This is the picture of what our church must be: a city of refuge—a place of second chances.

Psalm 113.7, 8 in the Message Bible says, “He picks up the poor from out of the dirt, rescues those who’ve been thrown out with the trash… seats them among the honored guests, a place of honor among the brightest and best.”

I’m thankful for a God who sees beyond my dirt—giving me value and worth.

And I want to be part of helping others experience the same.