Tim Harlow

What Do You Have?

I hope your Thanksiving was blessed.

(me, Denise, Lauren, Rachel, Becca, Mom, Dad, Dana (sis), Jay (bro in law)

I heard a report from England that the Campus house had 95 young people from the University of Birmingham show up for a Thanksgiving dinner. That is such a miracle. God is working. I guess they had always heard about Thanksgiving and wanted in on it – English or American. 

The concept is awesome in any culture. Time to share with family and friends and be thankful. So we look forward to the rest of the holidays and a new year in a precarious economy with terrorism in Mumbai (pray for them) and we have to wonder how we will see God in this coming year. It may be that many of us will face tough economic times in the coming year and all of us will feel differently about our “security.” It’s likely that there will be a lot more trusting in God this year and a lot less trusting in ourselves. Which can be a good thing. As I said Wednesday, whatever we can be thankful for, opens up our faith to finding more blessing from God.

In another passage I was reading, I was struck again with the partnership we have with God’s miracle. It’s another time when there are lots of people and not much food.

 “During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2 “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” 4 His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” 5 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. (Mark 8:1-5)”

Notice that God always starts with what we have. The irony is that if Jesus could multiply the loaves, that means he can make bread. If he can make loaves – he didn’t need to start with theirs. He could have made pizza if he wanted. Dominos for everyone. But he started with what they had. 

It’s the same idea as tithing. It’s the same idea as faith and miracles. It’s the same idea with belief. It’s the same idea with witnessing. God starting with what we have and multiplying it. So the question for this holidays and the coming year is NOT what God can do for you (starting to sound like JFK), ask what you have to start with. “HOW MANY LOAVES DO YOU HAVE?” 

It’s the answer to world hunger, it’s the answer to spiritual hunger, and it’s just the plain old answer.

ME. 

I am the answer. 

See you this weekend - don't miss Josh McDowell!

Tim

It's Weird Passage Wednesday

Mark 8 22 - They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” 24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” 25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

This is a crazy passage to me. Jesus did the “almost” miracle and then the miracle. Why is that? Well, in other passages he told us that his ability to heal was limited by their faith. He could do no miracles in his hometown because the people saw him as the Carpenter dude instead of the Son of God. I don’t think it’s because he didn’t have power. He obviously did a lot of miracles because he wanted to (multiplying food, raising the dead, healings, etc). 

But sometimes God wants to work with us and through us and limits himself through our faith. I can’t help but wonder if Jesus did this as a taste. “Here, let me give you a small glimpse of what your vision will be like.” And the man saw something, and it excited him, and he wanted more. Didn’t that increase his faith? I have no idea. 

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and it makes me think. If Thanksgiving could be our opportunity to see the miracles of God just a tiny bit, wouldn’t it increase our faith? And if our faith was increased, the works of God would increase. I guess I’m wondering what next Thanksgiving could be like.  A part of what I’m thankful for is determined by my faith in God to provide. 

A parallel type passage in Matthew 9 shows us this same thing as Jesus was healing some blind men, 29Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; 30and their sight was restored "According to their faith." 

This passage helps me understand the other one. But the cool thing about the first story is that Jesus took the amount of faith the man had and gave him something. He gave him a little glimpse of what his miraculous future could look like. Maybe he can do that for you tomorrow. It might not have been the best year for you. You might be facing some real financial hardships, a lot of people are. There might be some really tough “blindness’ issues in your life right now. You may feel that you don’t have enough faith to see anything at this point. But can I urge you to take some time tomorrow and really be thankful for the small little miracles? The “people who look like trees walking around.” You might not be able to see the full work of God yet, but isn't there something? Maybe then, when you see the little things that have happened, the things you can be thankful for, then you can prepare yourself for the full work of God. 

Nothing will help your faith like thanksgiving! 

Thursday may be God’s favorite holiday. 

Tim

What It's All About

I received a note from one of my friends about the wake and funeral for 17 year old, Bailey Shrader. “My heart is just exploding with emotion as a result of Bailey's passing. I know that I am not alone. What has struck me to the core is the outpouring of love that was demonstrated during these past few days. The fact that Bailey's wake and funeral were held at Parkview (what funeral home could have accommodated that many people?) and the beautiful and encouraging words spoken at her funeral - the love of Parkview was evident. Where else could we have gone for such comfort? I can't think of another place. My daughter and I felt that we were at home, where we needed to be in order to grieve this loss. I can only imagine that if we had these feelings, how comforting it was for Bailey's mom, sister, and brother to be in a place where they were so surrounded by love - a place where they feel at home."

Bette Midler sang that God is watching us from a distance. That’s really unfortunate theology. I need God to be with me RIGHT HERE. I re-realized this week why I do what I do. Being in England – with those unbelievably pure and good people who aren’t sure of truth yet. Touring Winchester Abby and seeing all of those marvelous cathedrals that are full of dead kings and seemingly void of the movement of the Holy Spirit. And losing Bailey at such a young and tragic age – has energized me in a way that is hard to measure 

Let me make this clear. I am not running a popularity contest here. If we are the 75th fastest growing church in the country because I’m a fun guy – then you all need to get out of here and never come back. I don’t think that this church is growing because I’m fun – or the band rocks – or the facility is impressive. This place is growing because the HS of God is in this place and you know it!  And we all need the Holy Spirit of God living in us every day.  He’s alive and He is working. I don’t need God at a distance. I need him HERE. 

And Bailey reminded me that I need him forever. Romans 8:11 is true, that "if the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead, will also give life to your mortal bodies through the Spirit who lives in you." Romans 8:11 

Be here this weekend – I’m fired up. 

Tim

Home Again

As I said in my previous blog, it was a fantastic weekend to see ministry in a culture that isn't American and isn't "Christian Worldview." It's a college area. These students I met were so bright and articulate (even though they talk funny), but they don't have a Christian Worldview at all. Meaning, most of them didn't grow up with a "church" background. I know most of the U.S. doesn't go to church either, but we grew up in a climate of religion. Most of us grew up in some kind of a faith background. We would say, "Well, I grew up _________, but now..."

It's always good to get out of your own culture and see what the rest of the world is like. This campus house is built on relationships and community instead of religion. It's good for me, because I know that this is the present and future reality for ministry in the States in the 21st Century. Right now, most of Parkview grew up Catholic. It's our area. But it's not the way it's going to be for long. We need to learn ministry to people who have no felt need of religion. One of my friends in England said life is like a puzzle and he wasn't sure there were any big pieces missing. Which would be true of any young person with a bright future in front of them. Why do they need Jesus? It's our job to answer that question!

One guy sang at "Open Mic" night on Monday and his song was called "Find the Right Preacher." One of the lines was "Maybe one day I'll challenge him (Jesus) to fix this world and wipe my sins, but for right now I'm on my own. Maybe one day I'll challenge him but in this messed (edited) up world, where do you begin." Those are the questions! Good questions!

This new world is angry about Religion and all her transgressions, but still so open to God. It was very refreshing to me in a weird way. I really hope that Sean and I were able to help Canvas Ministry and give them guidance and encouragement, that was the purpose of the trip. But I came away with such a renewed passion for what I believe is THE ANSWER and how I can present Jesus in this new world.

And the need for Jesus was further realized when I got word that Bailey Schrader passed away. She was one of our Parkview young people, and she and her family have been for years. She was only 17. Bailey was my friend; I will miss her hugs. My daughters were close. This hits home.

THIS is the reason. When my friend in England told me about his puzzle not missing much, I told him he'd left out the "eternal" piece. And he agreed.

This is the eternal piece. John 6:68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

This is why I do what I do. It's why I live my life. Because there is only one person who has the words of eternal life. It's so unbelievably true. I want everyone to hear those words...

Cheers,

Tim

Across the Pond

It’s 3:36 am but don’t worry, It's not from sleep deprivation, it’s continent deprivation. I’m in England. Selly Oak to be exact, at the University of Birmingham . University of BirminghamUK

This ministry is where Rachel spent 5 months of her life last winter and it’s sponsored by one of our main mission partners who we work with in Africa (CMFI).  It’s a Campus Ministry that was just beginning last year when Rachel was here. U of B is a large multicultural college (probably even more so than a large college in the states). And it’s in Europe where only 2% of the population goes to church. To call it a mission field would be an understatement! Canvas House (we flew through London and did a couple of tourist things before catching the train up to Bham. This is in front of Westminster Abby, which is a beautiful church and graveyard to royalty and most of the important people of England. and it's also a sad reminder of the importance that God USED to have in this country) 

So Sean (Youth and Missions pastor) and Rachel and I came over at their request to encourage and coach them in their ministry. What we have found is a fantastic team of people doing great work, and God is blessing it. The “big team” consists of five very sharp young people who are the core of the ministry. Then there are some year-long interns and the college exchange students who come for a semester or a year. They have spent a year now, making relationships and loving the community and interacting with a local church. And now they are having 40plus students in a Bible study and the ministry is just blossoming. To the point that one very small local church just gave them their building, which they immediately converted into an awesome ministry center.

Rachel's band, (www.myspace.com\transatlanticmusic Transatlantic Band) is having a reunion concert tonight and the place will be packed with students who are finding out about God literally for the first time.  

One of the students said it best - ' “I figured out what’s different about you guys. All of the other Christian groups tell you the answers and we don’t want to ask the questions. You keep asking questions and we’re ready to hear the answers.” This is the book of Acts in motion, and I'm so encouraged to be here. it's rejuvenating to me and our ministry. The usual problem with "American's" doing ministry in other cultures is summed up by this picture. 

Notice the writing on the street. it's for the American's who come over here and forget that cars are coming from the wrong direction (and i've almost done it myself). it's a perfect illustration of how we need to find out about the other culture first and then figure out how to reach them, instead of doing things "our" way and asking them to come. I think Paul said it best - I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. (1 Cor 9:22) Canvas has done a great job of looking a new direction. 

Pray for them and Jason as he preaches this weekend.

 

Tim 

ONLY JESUS

First of all, the report from Bears' Chapel is that it was a lot of fun. A large part of the team was there, including Coach. I was really impressed; there had to be 40-50 guys there – just Bears' team members. It was a lot of fun, and I think it went well. The Chaplain is Ray McElroy who played Cornerback for the Colts and a year for the Bears. He’s a great guy doing a great job with the team. Of course it helps a ton that Coach Smith is a great example of a Christian man.

So – we’re doing this series on World Religions. Why? This verse jumped out at me in my devotions this morning.

53 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. 54 As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. 55 They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed. (Mark 6:53-56)

For some reason this just jumped at me. This is the reason we preach Jesus and him alone. “All who touched him were healed.”

If you were there, you could have said, “Hey, there are other prophets around, other preachers, why do we have to just touch Jesus?” You could have said, “I don’t want to touch him, can’t I just stay here and look at him?” And do you know what would have happened? NOTHING.

I know it seems “exclusive” or “intolerant” to say that Jesus is the way and the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through him. But I didn’t say it, he did. And either way – if it’s true – how can I not say it. Everyone is welcome to try his or her own approach to heaven and healing. But if I was there in Mark 6 and saw what was going on – I’d be touching Jesus. I’m not the brightest crayon in the box, but if I see how something works – I pretty much go that way. I’m not really into “figuring out another way to do it.”

Like my momma used to say, “If it ain’t broke…”

All who touched him were healed.

Nuff said.

Tim

Da Bears

I’m doing chapel for the Bears early in the morning (will be back for services). I’m really excited about it, because the Chaplain (former Bear and Colt, Ray McElroy) tells me that a lot of the team actually come. Because the coach models it for them. Coach Smith is a great Christian man and this is a priority for him, so it becomes a priority for them. 

What should I say? Well I asked one of our former players for ideas and formulated something based on a real passion of mine. Basically I’m going to talk about the image problem we have as Christians. That when most people think “Christian” they think Ned Flanders instead of Mike Singletary. I want to change that. I want these guys to go out and play hard and be heroes to a new generation of men who can see followers of Christ as tough competitors and real men. 

Do you know that 5 out of 6 men in America claim to be Christian and yet only 2 out of 6 actually go to church? The average church in America is 61% female. How does a theology started by a carpenter and a bunch of fishermen turn into such an estrogen fest? I love all you ladies – I’m surrounded by them every day. But men need to know that you can be a man and love Jesus without becoming Ned!

Jesus was strong and he had a strong message. One of my favorite quotes is from Phillip Yancey “How would telling people to be nice to one another get a man crucified? What government would execute Captain Kangaroo?” 

The question is - “Where did these guys go?” 

Hebrews 11:32-40 “And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them."

Tim

A New President

We have a new President.  It’s an unprecedented time in our country’s history.  In so many ways, Barack Obama represents everything that is right about this country.  A brilliant, young, African American man who has convinced his country that he has the right ideals about our future.  He brings a message of hope, and we need hope in this country today.

He is a person who calls himself a Christian.  We can only pray that this will play out as he steps into the highest office in the land.  Trust me when I say that I can’t imagine why he would even want to take on this job at this time in our history, but we must all be in prayer for our new leader.  We must pray for unity for our country.

I would urge you to pray that President Obama will lead us as President in a better way than he has voted on issues of morality as a Senator.  Pray that he will allow his heart to be open to the leadership of the God he serves.  Pray that our country will rally behind him and find common ground to follow this man whom we elected.  Pray that whichever way we voted, we will sincerely respect and honor this new leader as God would have us do.

Your verse for the day is one that Lori reminded the staff of yesterday.

Proverbs 21:1 “The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.”

God will still be God and still be the Ruler of the universe, whether this country is red or blue.  I will serve God and honor our new President, I will still use my free voice to speak up about the things I believe we need to stand for, and I will pray.

I pray you will do the same.

Tim

DMV

I spent my morning at the Department of Motor Vehicles.  It was time for my youngest, Becca, to get her license.  The whole experience reminded me of a funny story. 

A woman wrote, “After spending 3-1/2 hours enduring the long lines, surly clerks and insane regulations at the Department of Motor Vehicles, I stopped at a toy store to pick up a gift for my son.  I brought my selection - a baseball bat - to the cash register.   "Cash or charge?" the clerk asked.

"Cash," I snapped. Then apologizing for my rudeness , I explained , "I've spent the afternoon at the motor-vehicle bureau."

"Shall I gift wrap the bat?" the clerk asked sweetly. "Or are you going back there?"

What would make a man who works weekend already, take 3 hours and go through that nightmare?  I’m a dad.  It’s what we do (and I have a laptop).

I’m very proud of Becca.  She is actually the best driver out of all of them (now there are five licensed drivers in my house and on my insurance – one of many times it was good to have girls).

So now where do you think she is?  Out driving.  And she’s very happy.  Which makes me very happy.

As we’ve been talking about money, I want to make sure you know something.  God is your loving Father.  He gave you everything you have.  And he wants you to enjoy it.  Look at this scripture

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us everything for our enjoyment. 1Timothy 6:17

I don’t want you to get the idea that God wants your money or that God needs your money.  When it comes to giving, and saving, and not overspending – God just wants you to manage what he gave you.  Like I want Becca to enjoy the freedom of her new license.  I want her to be responsible and safe.  But I like being able to see the joy that this freedom gives her.

Please remember that God is the Heavenly father who richly provides everything for our enjoyment.

See you this weekend

Tim

PS.  Please get out and vote on Tuesday.  I know the lines will be long but you can make a difference.  Get out and vote like you think God wants you to vote.  There are some key differences in the candidates and some of them get pushed aside for the seemingly bigger ones – like how much my retirement fund is going to be worth next year.  And hey, that’s important, but there are other issues that should determine who runs our country.  How does God want you to vote?  Everyone has to figure that out for himself or herself.  But do it and go make your voice count.