Love this song!
There's no place I'd rather be
Than here in Your love...
So set a fire down in my soul
That I can't contain, that I can't control
I want more of you God...
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
A Portrait of Jesus
I have uploaded the four part series I taught this last month titled "A Portrait of Jesus." This is a message that is burning in me and I was honored to have to opportunity to teach it. As much of what I shared is fresh revelation, it was the first time I was giving it away. Lots of processing as I went but I feel like the heart of the message is there.
If you want to hear an excerpt from week four, which I think was the best week, check out track one in the player below. Its titled, "Its About His Presence".
To listen to or download the whole series, go to this link: www.jasonclark.virb.com/a-portrait-of-jesus
If you want to hear an excerpt from week four, which I think was the best week, check out track one in the player below. Its titled, "Its About His Presence".
To listen to or download the whole series, go to this link: www.jasonclark.virb.com/a-portrait-of-jesus
Monday, November 15, 2010
Well Done
I was driving up to Raleigh to hear Bobby Conner speak. We were broke and I talked to God the whole way. “Hey, did I do the right thing leaving my job? Hey, are You still with me? Have I missed something? Why am I taking this trip, we cant afford it."
When I had been invited to the meetings, I'd asked Karen if I should go. We are a part of the Bethel network out in California and this was being hosted by a Bethel affiliated church. Karen and I felt that we were to be intentional about connecting with Bethel and Bethel people, so if there was a meeting that we could go too, well...
Karen responded to my question with amazing clarity, "Does it take more faith to stay home or go?"
To be honest, I had been pretty good – emotionally, mentally... Regardless of our circumstances, about 85% of the time I was encouraged and believed that I had heard Gods direction and we were in the center of His will. The other 15% of my time was spent trying to live in the 85%. That said, I was experiencing one of those 15% moments. We had just received our last paycheck from CHD and it barley took care of the month and that didn’t include our mortgage that was already two weeks late.
I was driving at about 70 miles per hour on two front tires that absolutely needed to be replaced. Spending the extra money for this trip on gas and food was ridiculous – tires, just stupid…
“I am being so stupid,” I thought … “God, am I being stupid? My kids will want to eat next week. God what am I doing?”
I felt God respond to my heart with “Do you have enough money for today?”
“Well, yes, I guess.” I grudgingly conceded.
After Bobby Conner’s spoke – he is the real deal by the way, he prayed for the group and it was awesome. I felt Gods presence but… and I need to be careful in how I say this because I don’t want to trade Gods presence for anything. It’s the most important, central and sustaining reality of my life – especially today as I write this.
But after the service was over, I found myself with 7 hours to kill before the next meeting. No one invited me out and everyone I spoke with seemed to have something to do. So there I was, alone and I got a little aggressive with God.
“God, it took faith to make this trip. Why am I here! I love Your presence but honestly, I didn’t need to come here to feel it. I can feel You at home. I need tires! Now I have to feed myself and buy extra gas and again – tires! What am I doing here?
God seemed unconcerned; He again responded to my heart by asking the question, “Do you have money today?”
“Yes” I said, slightly distressed and perturbed.
“Then go get tires.” He said to my heart.
I drove to a service center. After I was told two tires would cost $240 installed, I left in search of a Wal-Mart. I found one. I parked in the back parking lot, walked into the service area and bought the cheapest tires available -$140 for two tires installed. I walked back out to the van and proceeded to park it in the service lane directly in front of the garage doors. I got out of the van, handed the keys to the mechanic and then we stood there and watched as the left front tire deflated.
“Do you see this? I asked the mechanic.
“Yeah,” he said, shaking his head. You got somebody driving with you man!”
“Yes I do,” I smiled.
As I walked across the parking lot to wait at the Starbucks that offered free Wi-Fi, I asked God “What does it mean?”
“I got your back.” God replied.
I cried while I walked. There is nothing so sweet as hearing your dad say, “Son, I got you – I wont leave you stranded on the roadside. Your kids will eat.”
As I thanked God for His goodness, I also chuckled while remembering one of the thoughts I had at the service center. When my tire deflated in front of me, the first thought that shot through my mind was, “I got every last moment out of that tire.” I know its a little odd, but there was a sense of satisfaction with that thought. The fact that I hadn’t wasted even an ounce of rubber. I had taken all the ground that tire could handle - even to the last foot. I used it completely. It served me to its absolute last breath…
Well done, tire…
I have heard Bill Johnson say that his entire life is being lived for a 3 second moment with God. He figures that’s about how long it takes to say “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Driving down the road this morning on new tires, I reflected again on the trip and the flat tire. I don’t know if there was any other reason to take that trip except to know that God has our back. We are learning – even today – that when you truly know and believe God has your back, you can live fully for Him.
So this morning, as I drove, I prayed, "Father, it is my sincerest heart cry that when I see You in heaven, You would have the same satisfied thought I had about my tire. 'I got everything out of Jason. I used him to the absolute last. He took every piece of ground, every mile, every foot he was destined to take. He gave all that he was, well done.' ”
"Northern Lights" link...
When I had been invited to the meetings, I'd asked Karen if I should go. We are a part of the Bethel network out in California and this was being hosted by a Bethel affiliated church. Karen and I felt that we were to be intentional about connecting with Bethel and Bethel people, so if there was a meeting that we could go too, well...
Karen responded to my question with amazing clarity, "Does it take more faith to stay home or go?"
To be honest, I had been pretty good – emotionally, mentally... Regardless of our circumstances, about 85% of the time I was encouraged and believed that I had heard Gods direction and we were in the center of His will. The other 15% of my time was spent trying to live in the 85%. That said, I was experiencing one of those 15% moments. We had just received our last paycheck from CHD and it barley took care of the month and that didn’t include our mortgage that was already two weeks late.
I was driving at about 70 miles per hour on two front tires that absolutely needed to be replaced. Spending the extra money for this trip on gas and food was ridiculous – tires, just stupid…
“I am being so stupid,” I thought … “God, am I being stupid? My kids will want to eat next week. God what am I doing?”
I felt God respond to my heart with “Do you have enough money for today?”
“Well, yes, I guess.” I grudgingly conceded.
After Bobby Conner’s spoke – he is the real deal by the way, he prayed for the group and it was awesome. I felt Gods presence but… and I need to be careful in how I say this because I don’t want to trade Gods presence for anything. It’s the most important, central and sustaining reality of my life – especially today as I write this.
But after the service was over, I found myself with 7 hours to kill before the next meeting. No one invited me out and everyone I spoke with seemed to have something to do. So there I was, alone and I got a little aggressive with God.
“God, it took faith to make this trip. Why am I here! I love Your presence but honestly, I didn’t need to come here to feel it. I can feel You at home. I need tires! Now I have to feed myself and buy extra gas and again – tires! What am I doing here?
God seemed unconcerned; He again responded to my heart by asking the question, “Do you have money today?”
“Yes” I said, slightly distressed and perturbed.
“Then go get tires.” He said to my heart.
I drove to a service center. After I was told two tires would cost $240 installed, I left in search of a Wal-Mart. I found one. I parked in the back parking lot, walked into the service area and bought the cheapest tires available -$140 for two tires installed. I walked back out to the van and proceeded to park it in the service lane directly in front of the garage doors. I got out of the van, handed the keys to the mechanic and then we stood there and watched as the left front tire deflated.
“Do you see this? I asked the mechanic.
“Yeah,” he said, shaking his head. You got somebody driving with you man!”
“Yes I do,” I smiled.
As I walked across the parking lot to wait at the Starbucks that offered free Wi-Fi, I asked God “What does it mean?”
“I got your back.” God replied.
I cried while I walked. There is nothing so sweet as hearing your dad say, “Son, I got you – I wont leave you stranded on the roadside. Your kids will eat.”
As I thanked God for His goodness, I also chuckled while remembering one of the thoughts I had at the service center. When my tire deflated in front of me, the first thought that shot through my mind was, “I got every last moment out of that tire.” I know its a little odd, but there was a sense of satisfaction with that thought. The fact that I hadn’t wasted even an ounce of rubber. I had taken all the ground that tire could handle - even to the last foot. I used it completely. It served me to its absolute last breath…
Well done, tire…
I have heard Bill Johnson say that his entire life is being lived for a 3 second moment with God. He figures that’s about how long it takes to say “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Driving down the road this morning on new tires, I reflected again on the trip and the flat tire. I don’t know if there was any other reason to take that trip except to know that God has our back. We are learning – even today – that when you truly know and believe God has your back, you can live fully for Him.
So this morning, as I drove, I prayed, "Father, it is my sincerest heart cry that when I see You in heaven, You would have the same satisfied thought I had about my tire. 'I got everything out of Jason. I used him to the absolute last. He took every piece of ground, every mile, every foot he was destined to take. He gave all that he was, well done.' ”
"Northern Lights" link...
Monday, November 1, 2010
To all those we love... to all those who love us, or like us...even a little - Senior Pastor Question & Answer
Karen and I are still praying about where we are called to give. While we have a confidence regarding how God sees us and what we are called too, we continue to investigate what this looks like practically. We have both looked at the possibility of planting a church - in several locations including where we now live - as well as candidate-ing.
We have looked at a few churches in areas that stir our hearts and that are searching for a pastor. That said, I recently filled out a questionnaire for a church. As I answered the questions, I gained more vision for what God is burning in my heart.
I have been teaching at our Church, The Branch, and have led worship when invited. I also am writing what I believe is the most important book I have written yet - maybe the most important book I will ever write. Its about our revelation of the Father and how it releases us into our identity as sons and daughters of a King - with access to all of our Father.
Well, much of that message that is burning in me, is evident in the answers I filled out in the church questionnaire. So, whether we are a fit for this church or not, I thought it would be a good blog post. I put some of the question and answers below.
Please keep praying for Karen and I as we seek and trust God in this new, exciting, and scary season. We love you guys and thank you for your continued support!
Please put in writing brief responses to the following questions and send with your application.
1. Please discuss your Christian testimony and faith journey.
I have attached my resume which includes my personal history in more depth. Briefly here, I grew up in a Christian home where Christ was the center. At age 5, I asked Jesus to be my savior my Lord and my best friend. I have been a follower of Christ since 1978.
2. Please outline your philosophy of church ministry and the role of preaching/teaching in your philosophy.
The church is the bride of Christ. We have one call and it is to establish Gods Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Every question mankind is asking is answered in a greater revelation of Father God, of His love. We (the church) through Jesus, have access to this “greater revelation”. To know our Fathers love and become love is the calling of the church. This one truth is at the center of everything I teach.
3. What do you feel has been your most significant success in your ministry?
My family.
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
My core value is Gods presence. I believe that as we encounter Him, we are transformed into his likeness. In everything I do, that is my one driving reality - we must know more of Gods presence. I believe that is a strength...
I am not a details guy. That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the details, but I am a visionary and tend to see things from 30,000 ft. I work great with, and need these details people. And I can prove it with 15 years of marriage to a very beautiful details person.
5. Please describe a situation in the past where you have handled conflict and how you approached the issue.
How about this, I’ll give you my approach, if your heart leaps; I imagine we will talk more. I am committed to leading a free people. It’s about family. It’s about honor. As a leader, I am committed to releasing men and women into their identities as sons and daughters of the King of Kings. I want to raise up the kind of sons and daughters that all creation is eagerly awaiting. This means that my number one responsibility is to help people see the Father and then see themselves from His perspective. Sometimes this is uncomfortable and there is conflict.
I don’t mind conflict, that’s what happens where there is true relationship, and true freedom. Iron can’t sharpen iron if it never touches. With that understanding, Gal 6:1 says that we should be motivated in love and a spirit of gentleness.
Just so, I also have, and nurture, relationships with those who love me and will challenge me. And that’s just it, love must be the core value in the midst of conflict. Gods primary approach for repentance (changing the way you think) is kindness – a wonderful expression of love.
6. Are you more comfortable with an Arminian or a Reformed theological framework? Discuss why.
To be honest, I had to look these terms up - it’s been a long time since I finished Bible College. I would lean toward reformed. That said, God is infinitely wiser than me – and I’m good with that.
Here’s one thing I know, the bible says to make disciples of all nations, not some. So while I may not be absolutely sure regarding the predestined question (I'll leave that to my always good Father) I have my mandate - all.
7. Describe the governance role of a church, particularly as it relates to the role of Biblical Eldership and the function of the Pastor-Teacher Elder.
Corinthians 12:28 - And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
We live in a fatherless nation. The church is also experiencing fatherless-ness. I believe there is an apostolic model where the leader has one primary responsibility. To focus the churches eyes on the Father. Why, because our identity is determined by our Father.
When we know our heavenly Father, we know our identity, we know we are loved, we know we are protected, we know His provision, we know freedom - freedom to dream, risk and grow.
Every gift and ministry, prophetic, pastoral, educational, evangelistic - all of these gifts and ministries have grace and power when they are grounded in an always greater revelation of the Father. Its always about His presence first - that is what I believe is the biblical foundation for church governance and function.
9. Discuss your views of the Biblical purpose and role of the church and particularly speak to the role of morning worship service (i.e. Should the services exist for the edification of believers or focus more on evangelizing of the lost?)
The primary objective of the church and particularly the morning worship service is neither for edification of believers or for evangelizing the lost. The primary object of the church and the morning service is to glorify the Father and encounter His love. Edification and evangelism are by-products of encounters with Gods presence.
10. What is your understanding of the Global Outreach (Missions) mandate of Matthew 28 and the role of the local church in that mandate?
Jesus came for two reasons,:
First to buy back our identities. To remove the veil between us and our Father. The veil into the Holy of Holies (the representation of Gods presence) was literally torn in two.
Second, to reveal what we have access to when we know who we are as sons and daughters. Jesus came and lived 33 years on the earth to reveal what it looks like when a son can see his Father. He came to show us what we have access to now that the veil is removed - all that is God.
Jesus said he only did what he saw his Father doing. Jesus, love in human form, met every need that was presented to him. He healed the sick, lame, def, mute, and blind. He fed thousands, walked on water, calmed storms, and raised the dead. Everywhere he went, he set people free. John told us that if every story of Jesus life was written down, the world couldn’t contain the books.
This same Jesus told us that he would send His Holy Spirit and that because of the cross and resurrection, we would have the same access to His Father that he had. In fact he went even farther, he said that we could experience “a greater works than these (the works he was doing) lifestyle.”
Jesus also gave us our mission; he said pray “Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.” Then in Matthew he puts legs on the message: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
“All authority” is the key. Because the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead now lives in His believers. Jesus released that authority on His believers that we would look to heaven and release on earth what we see there. This is the calling and role of the church. It is our mandate to come into a greater revelation of the Father that we would know that everything our Father has is ours! And that we would then like Jesus supernaturally meet every need the world has. I am convinced that every question mankind has is answered in a greater revelation of our Fathers love.
We have looked at a few churches in areas that stir our hearts and that are searching for a pastor. That said, I recently filled out a questionnaire for a church. As I answered the questions, I gained more vision for what God is burning in my heart.
I have been teaching at our Church, The Branch, and have led worship when invited. I also am writing what I believe is the most important book I have written yet - maybe the most important book I will ever write. Its about our revelation of the Father and how it releases us into our identity as sons and daughters of a King - with access to all of our Father.
Well, much of that message that is burning in me, is evident in the answers I filled out in the church questionnaire. So, whether we are a fit for this church or not, I thought it would be a good blog post. I put some of the question and answers below.
Please keep praying for Karen and I as we seek and trust God in this new, exciting, and scary season. We love you guys and thank you for your continued support!
Please put in writing brief responses to the following questions and send with your application.
1. Please discuss your Christian testimony and faith journey.
I have attached my resume which includes my personal history in more depth. Briefly here, I grew up in a Christian home where Christ was the center. At age 5, I asked Jesus to be my savior my Lord and my best friend. I have been a follower of Christ since 1978.
2. Please outline your philosophy of church ministry and the role of preaching/teaching in your philosophy.
The church is the bride of Christ. We have one call and it is to establish Gods Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Every question mankind is asking is answered in a greater revelation of Father God, of His love. We (the church) through Jesus, have access to this “greater revelation”. To know our Fathers love and become love is the calling of the church. This one truth is at the center of everything I teach.
3. What do you feel has been your most significant success in your ministry?
My family.
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
My core value is Gods presence. I believe that as we encounter Him, we are transformed into his likeness. In everything I do, that is my one driving reality - we must know more of Gods presence. I believe that is a strength...
I am not a details guy. That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the details, but I am a visionary and tend to see things from 30,000 ft. I work great with, and need these details people. And I can prove it with 15 years of marriage to a very beautiful details person.
5. Please describe a situation in the past where you have handled conflict and how you approached the issue.
How about this, I’ll give you my approach, if your heart leaps; I imagine we will talk more. I am committed to leading a free people. It’s about family. It’s about honor. As a leader, I am committed to releasing men and women into their identities as sons and daughters of the King of Kings. I want to raise up the kind of sons and daughters that all creation is eagerly awaiting. This means that my number one responsibility is to help people see the Father and then see themselves from His perspective. Sometimes this is uncomfortable and there is conflict.
I don’t mind conflict, that’s what happens where there is true relationship, and true freedom. Iron can’t sharpen iron if it never touches. With that understanding, Gal 6:1 says that we should be motivated in love and a spirit of gentleness.
Just so, I also have, and nurture, relationships with those who love me and will challenge me. And that’s just it, love must be the core value in the midst of conflict. Gods primary approach for repentance (changing the way you think) is kindness – a wonderful expression of love.
6. Are you more comfortable with an Arminian or a Reformed theological framework? Discuss why.
To be honest, I had to look these terms up - it’s been a long time since I finished Bible College. I would lean toward reformed. That said, God is infinitely wiser than me – and I’m good with that.
Here’s one thing I know, the bible says to make disciples of all nations, not some. So while I may not be absolutely sure regarding the predestined question (I'll leave that to my always good Father) I have my mandate - all.
7. Describe the governance role of a church, particularly as it relates to the role of Biblical Eldership and the function of the Pastor-Teacher Elder.
Corinthians 12:28 - And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
We live in a fatherless nation. The church is also experiencing fatherless-ness. I believe there is an apostolic model where the leader has one primary responsibility. To focus the churches eyes on the Father. Why, because our identity is determined by our Father.
When we know our heavenly Father, we know our identity, we know we are loved, we know we are protected, we know His provision, we know freedom - freedom to dream, risk and grow.
Every gift and ministry, prophetic, pastoral, educational, evangelistic - all of these gifts and ministries have grace and power when they are grounded in an always greater revelation of the Father. Its always about His presence first - that is what I believe is the biblical foundation for church governance and function.
9. Discuss your views of the Biblical purpose and role of the church and particularly speak to the role of morning worship service (i.e. Should the services exist for the edification of believers or focus more on evangelizing of the lost?)
The primary objective of the church and particularly the morning worship service is neither for edification of believers or for evangelizing the lost. The primary object of the church and the morning service is to glorify the Father and encounter His love. Edification and evangelism are by-products of encounters with Gods presence.
10. What is your understanding of the Global Outreach (Missions) mandate of Matthew 28 and the role of the local church in that mandate?
Jesus came for two reasons,:
First to buy back our identities. To remove the veil between us and our Father. The veil into the Holy of Holies (the representation of Gods presence) was literally torn in two.
Second, to reveal what we have access to when we know who we are as sons and daughters. Jesus came and lived 33 years on the earth to reveal what it looks like when a son can see his Father. He came to show us what we have access to now that the veil is removed - all that is God.
Jesus said he only did what he saw his Father doing. Jesus, love in human form, met every need that was presented to him. He healed the sick, lame, def, mute, and blind. He fed thousands, walked on water, calmed storms, and raised the dead. Everywhere he went, he set people free. John told us that if every story of Jesus life was written down, the world couldn’t contain the books.
This same Jesus told us that he would send His Holy Spirit and that because of the cross and resurrection, we would have the same access to His Father that he had. In fact he went even farther, he said that we could experience “a greater works than these (the works he was doing) lifestyle.”
Jesus also gave us our mission; he said pray “Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.” Then in Matthew he puts legs on the message: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
“All authority” is the key. Because the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead now lives in His believers. Jesus released that authority on His believers that we would look to heaven and release on earth what we see there. This is the calling and role of the church. It is our mandate to come into a greater revelation of the Father that we would know that everything our Father has is ours! And that we would then like Jesus supernaturally meet every need the world has. I am convinced that every question mankind has is answered in a greater revelation of our Fathers love.
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