Tim Harlow

You Have to Ask

Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Among those in the court of Alexander the Great was a philosopher of outstanding ability but little money. He asked Alexander for financial help and was told to draw whatever he needed from the imperial treasury. But when the man requested an amount equal to $50,000, he was refused—the treasurer needing to verify that such a large sum was authorized. When he asked Alexander, the ruler replied, “Pay the money at once. The philosopher has done me a singular honor. By the largeness of his request he shows that he has understood both my wealth and generosity.”
 
As I preach about Mountain Moving prayer this weekend - this concept keeps coming back to me.  James tells us we "have not because we ask not."

Not to say that God will always do what we ask.  He's still God.  Jesus taught us to pray "Thy will be done," and modeled it in his own prayer life, even in the garden of Gethsemane.

But the Word also says, “Let us approach throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Heb 4:16)
 
If you have a big mountain, you're going to need some help.  Why not ask?

See you this weekend,

Tim

Prayer

Thanks for the Prayers.

 The week has gone really well down in Missouri.  I did an all day seminar with one of my mentors on “Turnaround Churches” on Monday with over a hundred pastors and leaders.  It was a lot of fun for me to be with Ben (Merold) and it was fun to be with these leaders and help them dream big dreams.

Then I preached on Tuesday and led some other things, while Denise taught two classes on Worship and one on Mothering.  She is an amazing leader; it was fun to watch her do her thing and see light bulbs go off for the people in her class.

On our way back today and preaching about “Mountain Moving Prayer” this weekend. Since “Jesus” freed up an extra preaching week for me:), I thought it would be good to think about how to talk to God when there are mountains in your way.

Isaiah 45:2-3 I will go before you and will level the mountain; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.

I know that, especially with this economy, we all have concerns and many of you have mountains of health issues, financial issues, and relationship issues. Come and hear how Jesus taught us to pray when the mountain gets high.

And thank you for your prayers this week.  

On our way back.

Tim

P.S. – Consider attending this seminar led by our own Haydn Shaw.

For the first time in history, you have four generations in your workplace and five generations as customers. Today you have to understand Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials just to write an email that won’t make someone angry. These generations think differently, vote differently, buy differently, and dress differently. Not understanding these differences can create conflict.  

You are invited to attend at no charge the filming of Haydn Shaw’s popular presentation on Multiple Generations, Monday night, March 9 from 7:00-9:00 pm. at Parkview. Because Haydn is filming with a live audience, he and FranklinCovey are waiving the fee for this presentation. 

Haydn Shaw is a leading expert on Leading Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and the new Millennial generation in the work place. Heralded as a “leadership guru” by the Washington Post, Haydn presents on generations to over a hundred audiences a year. Many say it is the best speech they have ever heard because they laughed so hard they almost wet their pants and they learned a whole new appreciation for the different generations as well as new ways to work with them. Even more importantly, they learn how to relate to their families better. Here’s what one executive of a large organization sent in an email in early 2009, “Just wanted to mention that this seminar was excellent.  It exceeded our expectations.  Humorous.  Insightful.  Practical. I’ll tell you it surprised me how much of this presentation applied (not just to work) but to my parenting.  Loosened me up a little bit.  I needed that. I’ve been talking to people about it ever since." 

Because the presentation is so funny, Haydn and FranklinCovey are filming with a live audience in a causal setting so that they can pull out five two to three minute humorous clips to post on YouTube as well as footage for a full day version of their popular half day training course.  

Feel free to invite colleagues, co-workers or family, the auditorium at Parkview Christian Church has plenty of room.  To reserve your place at this event, please reply to Leading Generations no later than, Sunday March 1st.  

The session will officially end at 9:00pm. But those who want to stay for another half hour can be in the audience for the filming of sections from Haydn’s next writing project on turning around negative teams called The Big BurpTM .

JC is in the house, but JC is not.

JIM CAVIEZEL HAS THE FLU.  WE HAVE RESCHEDULED IN ONE MONTH.

Let me repeat Jim Caviezel is NOT going to be here this weekend.  He is ill.  Yes there are so many things you could say at this point...

But it's just a good reminder that he is not Jesus.  

and a reminder that Jesus is never sick.  He will never leave us or forsake us.  And he's always here in our hearts and always at Parkview (even when Bill preaches)

JIM CAVIEZEL WILL BE WITH US NOW ON MARCH 21-22

So what about this weekend?

Here is the good news.  I had a sermon prepared for a convention I am speaking for this week, that I was going to bring you next weekend.  It's all done and it's good.  It's something we all need to hear about what living the Christian life in submission to God so that He can work things out FOR US.

We know that many people will not hear about the cancellation -  so we're going to go ahead and have the 4 services we've planned (4 and 6 today).

if you've invited friends to meet Jim - you can tell them he's not here for another month.  However, if you have them coming, you can always pretend that you didn't see this and show up with them anyway because I think they will get a lot out of this message and Jesus will still be here:)

I"m just saying.

I hope you will still join us.  I really think God has a plan through all of this!  We're going to have extra people see what a "normal" week at Parkview is like.  Pray for us.

Then next week, we're going to talk about prayer and asking God's blessing when the mountain is high. If you are hurting - have you gone to God with it?

Denise and I would covet your prayers as we speak a combined 8 times this week at our alma mater

Preaching Convention

After this freak show weekend, we have to get to Joplin, Missouri and I am teaching all day Monday

Turnaround Church Seminar

I get to teach with one of my great mentors, so it will be fun.  It's just going to be a bit crazy!  Pray for us.

I really hope you'll be here - pray for hearts to be open to Jesus that were coming for Jim:)

Tim

What Do You Want?

Jesus was approached by a blind man one day. And the guy was yelling out and everyone was telling him to shut up.  But Jesus heard him…  

Luke 18:40-41 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him,   “What do you want me to do for you?”  

The man’s answer was obvious - “Lord, I want to see.”  But I still think it’s cool that Jesus asked.  

My question for you today is the same – What do you want Jesus to do for you?  It might seem obvious to you – but he’s still asking.  HAVE YOU TOLD HIM?  Have you asked?  Have you taken everything to God in prayer?  It seems so obvious, and yes, he knows what you need.  He knew the guy was blind. But he still wanted to hear it.

Luke 18:42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”

Do you believe? What do you want him to do for you?  Do you REALLY believe he can do it? Here is my OT reading today.  I pray it for all of you blog people today.  Try to believe that it can happen.  

Psalm 20

1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. 3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.   4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests.   6 Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 

What DO you want?

Tim

PS. - DON’T FORGET – COME ON SATURDAY NIGHT AT 4 OR 6 – PLEASE!!!  SUNDAY IS GOING TO BE A FREAK SHOW!!!

Neutrally Buoyant

Some great words from Solomon…

¹⁸ Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot.  ¹⁹ Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God.  ²⁰ He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart. Ecc 5

Of course, as we talked about last week, Jesus told us that to whom much is given, much will be required.  Which means that we need to take care of the poor and those who need us.  There is a balance there.

Denise and I celebrated our 25th anniversary in Florida by becoming certified scuba divers.  We actually renewed our vows at the bottom of the ocean.  With hand signals, :-)

One of the most important things to learn about scuba diving is finding “neutral buoyancy.”  That is the place where your weights in your weight belt and the air in your control device – as well as the air in your lungs – causes you to be completely neutral in the water.  It’s not as easy as it might sound.  When you are neutral – then you can swim over coral reefs and around things with ease.

I’ve been thinking of the spiritual implications.  I think it works here.  Balance.

Then I read this from Ecc. 7,

Do not be overrighterous, neither be overwise—why destroy yourself? ¹⁷ Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool—why die before your time? ¹⁸ It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other.    

The man who fears God will avoid all extremes.

It was a balance that can easily go either way.  It’s obviously not hard to be over wicked or a fool.  But it’s also easy to start thinking your all that and wise and righteous.

It was the problem of the Pharisees…

¹⁰ On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues,  ¹¹ and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all.  ¹² When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.”  ¹³ Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.¹⁴ Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath. ¹⁵ The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water?  ¹⁶ Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” Luke 13:10-16

Pharisees – not neutrally buoyant.

How about you?

There has to be some way that we can live “in this world, but not of it.”

Which brings me back to Micah 6:8

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Happy Valentines Day,

Tim

Thank You, Denise, for 25 Amazing Years!

Today is the day, 25 years ago, that Denise Vernon said, “I Do.”

She had no idea what she was getting herself into.  Neither of us did.  When I think back on the time we’ve spent together, it’s sometimes amazing we made it this far.  I know you blog readers think that the Harlow house has some kind of supernatural force field around it and we live in a perpetual Disney movie.  But it’s just not true.  Actually in some ways it’s the opposite of true.  We are on Satan’s post office wall!

I do think that God has blessed us in so many special and amazing ways, and has protected us through the hard times.  But we are only here by the grace of God.  Our marriage, like yours, has had it’s rough spots.

That’s why I get so excited thinking about this anniversary.  Silver.  Hi Ho, Silver!  I mean, it’s really a big deal to me.  There were times I wasn’t sure it was possible.  Not only that, but we’re so happy together we can’t wait for the next 25 years.

Getting older sucks, no doubt, but I think the best is yet to come. 

So thank you Denise, for sticking it out.  Thank you for putting up with me and being patient with me and helping me grow as a man, and a father, and a pastor.  You literally are the wind beneath my wings and I couldn’t think of a better person to spend 25 years with!  I’m really excited about the next 25!

I love you,

Tim

Justice and Mercy

This has not been a happy week. Sometimes it's just easier to keep your head in the sand and worry about the stuff that affects you.  Like the economy, or your job situation, or your family deal.  And I'm not making light of those things.  God wants to help all of us with our problems.  He's not just concerned with the horrific ones.  God is our father and provides everything for our enjoyment (I Tim 6:17).

But the next verse tells us that we should also be willing to share.  I know it's talking about money, but it's more than that.  

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14-17

It's been very difficult to look more deeply into the injustice issues that go on in the rest of the world.  To realize how much I've been blessed and how little I'm doing about it.

I am challenging you, to go on our website and do the same.  We have video's from International Justice Mission and Rapha House, which are two organizations who are helping rescue slaves from injustice.

 

Did you know there are 27 million slaves still in the world today?  Many of them child sex slaves. I know you don't want to know it.  I didn't either.  If you have the guts, go on our Parkview Media Center and click on "Injustice Tolerating."  

 

And if you really want the real story - please go to Christ in Youth BAHT video (A warning, the Christ in Youth "BAHT" video is hard to watch.  It's not graphic or R rated at all.  It's just hard.)

Or go see Slumdog Millionaire (it's rated R and it's not easy to watch, but it's important to understand).

Edmund Burke made the famous statement,  “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

But I guess God told us first.

Psalm 82:3-4 says, Give fair judgment to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.

Tim

PS.  Here is the MP3 of Rachel's song "Cain."

PLAY CAIN (Right click on the link to save the song.)

And here are the lyrics

CAIN

I shudder ‘cause I don’t feel pain

And bullets fly, and I am Cain

Cry, Cain; cry…

I touch the dust that formed my bones

And decades fly, and I’m alone

Cry, Cain; cry

Cry for the brother you killed

For the grave that anger filled

The land can’t rest until

You cry—but the Lord is able

Breathing life into the grave

Breathing life into a man

Breathing love into our hate

I’m your keeper, you are mine

We’ll get it right the seventh time

But cry—

I’m silent while you’re suffering

Living on like I don’t see a thing

Cry, please cry

Cry, for the murder was your own

No pulse grips hearts of stone

We die when we’re alone

So cry, Cain, but the Lord is able

Breathing life into the grave

Breathing life into a man

Breathing love into our hate

Cry for the brother you killed

For the grave that anger filled

The land can’t rest until

You cry—but the Lord is able

Breathing life into the grave

Breathing life into a man

Breathing love into our hate

I shudder ‘cause I don’t feel pain

And decades fly and I am Cain

Synergy

I just wanted to update you on our Synergy Gathering. This last picture is of the concert of prayer at the end of the day. 

         

We had 52 churches represented and over a hundred pastors and church staff come over on Monday.

Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.”  It was really awesome.  

Dave Stone did a great job talking about how to model personal evangelism and how to stay in ministry for the long haul without flaming out. It’s always great to have him here.  He’s a great friend to me and to us.

Southeast (Dave’s church) was always a place that encouraged me and our leaders when we went for leadership conferences.  There are a few churches like Willow and Southeast that were key for Parkview to be able to do what we do today.  We needed that model.  I’m glad that we can be that to others.  I was glad to hear the comments.  I am glad to know that there are pastors who come over here on Saturday night, just to be filled up to go back to their places of ministry.  One of the best comments was that they felt like Parkview was serving them, and that was our goal.

And we learned from each other.  It was great to see other ministers find, or rekindle, friendships with others who were going through the same stuff.

I think Jesus would have been proud.  He prayed that we would be one and we were.  I hope we can make it last.  We will definitely do this again.

Praying for Unity,

Tim

P.S.  This week is on Justice.  It’s a hard one, please pray for us.