Interview with Erik Rees from NEGU

Erik Rees is the CEO of the NEGU and the Jessie Rees Foundation www.jessie.org. Two years ago I was with Erik when he received some news that turned his life upside down. In this interview Erik shares how his faith in God helped him though this season and gave his family a new mission in life.

On Mission: Desperate Measures

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a difficult place?  Life is full of ups and downs and all of our stories have those moments when we don’t know where to turn.  In Acts 16, Paul and Silas are sharing the message of Jesus when they are grabbed, beaten, and thrown in jail for simply sharing their faith.  This certainly would have been a low point in their journey.

 

However, while in jail Paul and Silas didn’t ask why.  They didn’t complain or focus on the situation either.  They chose to worship.   In one of the most desperate moments of their lives, they reached out to God and praised him for who He is. 

Often it is in the most desperate situations that we see God the clearest.  It is in these moments when were have nowhere else to turn that He moves in ways that are unexpected. 

Join us this weekend at Crossroads Church as we continue our series entitled: “On Mission” and look at how God can move even in the most desperate times.

Life Change Units

I’m a person who likes change.  Positive change.  Matter of fact, I have dedicated my life to change.  Change in the church though consulting and coaching; change in individuals lives though ministry; and change in my own life through prayer, application of scripture, and meditation. 

However, I have learned through the years that change costs something.  At times this feels like stress or maybe excitement but nonetheless there is an emotional and at times physical cost to change. 

A number of weeks ago I was contemplating a significant change with my wife and she said to me: “I just don’t know if I have that in me at this moment.”  I too shared that feeling and over the past week came across a famous study that measured the impact of major change in our lives. 

In this study various events are given a measure or LCU (Life Change Unit).  Here are a few examples: Death of a spouse 100, Divorce 73, Being fired 47, trouble with boss 23.  In addition, many events that we consider positive also demand adjustments and require LCU’s as well:  Marriage 50, Retirement 45, Outstanding personal achievement 28, Change in residence 20.  For more information search: Life Change Units.

Here are a couple of thoughts when it comes to change:

·      Make emotional space for change.  This will take up more creative space and will be a distraction in your life!  Find things that will replenish your soul and them often!

·      Be honest with yourself when you are making changes.  Be aware of what is going on in your heart and soul. 

·      Don’t navigate change alone.  Share your heart with a friend that you trust.  Seek the perspective of someone outside the situation.

·      Be careful when you bundle change: At times one change will lead to another, and another, and another.  These seasons can take a toll on your heart.  You only have so many LCUs!  Use them wisely and manage the pace of change.

·      Pray.  God is the only constant in a world of change.  This might be exactly where God wants you!  Lean into a relationship with Him and listen.  He will be your rock.

Life is always moving.  Enjoy the ride and may the Lord be with you.

On Mission: Hear and Obey

I remember a basketball coach one day tell me that I had to listen and obey.  We were working on a particular technique and what he was teaching me did not feel natural or right.  After letting him know this, he said, “I don’t care how it feels!  I want you to simply listen and obey!”  I got the message and followed his instruction and over time this “new” technique felt more and more natural and eventually improved my game.

This weekend at Crossroads Church we are going to look at what it means to be a follower of Jesus.  There are times in life when God will ask us to do things that seem unnatural.  However, a follower of God has learned how to listen for God’s voice and follow where he leads. 

Join us Sunday as we open our new series entitled: “On Mission” and continue our journey through the book of Acts.

Video: God Loves You?

God Loves You? is a message I preached at Crossroads Church a growing church of 4 campus Pittsburgh, PA. In this message we see that God's love is often unexpected!