AndrewCourtright.com

A Matter of Perspective

2011-02-18T10:19:00.000-06:00

It may come as a surprise to you, but I used to struggle with controlling my anger. You know the verse in James that says: be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry? Well, that wasn't me. In fact, when someone cut me off in traffic I would have some very choice words for them. Or when someone failed to hold the door for me as we were entering a place of business I would mumble some filth under my breath. Often times my wife would get the worst of it. Isn't it strange that those we love the most we can often hurt the deepest?

God has really been working on me in this area. Through the power of his Spirit he has been building into me a heart of flesh. A heart that sees others from His perspective. I desire to see people as God see them. This little nugget and change of perspective has had a profound impact on my life. Let me give you an example. One of the things that most infuriated me was when I was driving to work, I would be driving anywhere between 55-60 miles per hour, and someone would pass me. For some reason this used to just tick me off. Well, God reminded me of a time when my family was camping at Yankee Springs and my brother was stung multiple times after our dog dug up a bee's nest. My brother began to swell and his airway began to close so we rushed into the van and drove to Hastings. The ride to Hastings was literally a blur as my dad passed people on the left and on the right. Ok, maybe that is a little exaggeration but it seemed like it at the time. I'm sure people were not happy with my dad's erratic driving but my brother's life was in jeopardy. The people we passed didn't know the extent of our circumstances.

When people pass me, when they are rude to me, when they mess up my food order...

I have no room to judge.

I don't know their circumstances.

I don't know what diagnoses they just received from the doctor. I don't know the bad news they just received on the phone. I don't know about the spouse who just walked out on them. I don't know...

I do know that it is not my job to judge...it is my job to love.

Maybe this will help you because it has certainly helped me. Whenever someone does something to me and I feel that little ball of anger start to rise up, I take a minute and pray for that person. I pray blessings for them instead of speaking curses against them. Hopefully this will begin to help you see people from God's perspective and will help you take steps towards being a person of peace. A person after God's own heart!

Grace and Peace,
Andrew

Natasha's Story

2010-10-14T06:45:00.002-05:00

"When God removes something from our lives, it's not because he's trying to take away something good. It's because he's trying to make room for something better."

I made this comment on my facebook and twitter page a while back and was amazed at the response I received. Many people wrote to tell me that this was exactly what they felt God doing in their lives at the present moment. I had to share this inspirational story with you. Here is Natasha's story of how God has been at work in her and her family's lives. Blessings!

So in regards to this quote, I had just sent an email to someone minutes before you posted this in regards to something I was eliminating from my life. I felt very strongly that God wanted more of my attention on being a mom and learning the best way to do that and in order to, I needed to walk away from this "side job" I had been doing. I had been selling skincare and make up on the side to earn a little extra money. For awhile it was really nice but at this point in the game I really felt God saying that's enough for now, I want your focus on your main job and that is raising these kids in Godly home. And also learning how to become a Godly mom and wife. He closed that door with the extra job and I was okay with that. Now He is revealing more ways for me to better learn how to be just what He has called me to be. I am participating in a class on parenting which seems so fitting for me right now and I also just stepped up and took on a leadership position with MOPs at Thornapple Valley Church, another step in helping me to learn more about being a Godly mom and wife.

But it's not just that. There have been several things over the last couple of years that God has shown us that when He closes one door it's usually because He has something better planned for us. Tom, my husband, lost two different jobs over a year ago. He was unemployed after losing the second job for almost a year. It was such a tough tough time. There were days when I just couldn't understand why we had to go through this. We had two young kids that we could barely provide for and it was one of the hardest times I think I have gone through this far in my life. I had times of doubt, anger, and confusion, but we learned so much through all of that season in our lives. God was always there. He had a bigger plan that at the time, one that I couldn't see. Tom was able to go back to school only because he lost his job and now almost two years later he is an amazing job as a computer technician. This is a very long story, one that I could go on about forever, but long story short God used that very tough time to bring us to where we are now. Looking back, I would not change it because we learned so much and are so much better for it now. We learned how to trust God more as He came through time and time again. Things are not perfect financially for us and probably never will be. We got into some pretty major debt over the first few years of our marriage and then things got even worse with Tom out of work. Today for the first time in a very long time we are paying off debts and seeing light at the end of the tunnel and it feels so good.

I just have to say, obeying God is always the best way. I followed what I felt Him calling me to do by giving up my little extra job and now three weeks after doing so and focusing on my job as a mom, we are more comfortable now financially than we have been in a long long time! God is so good!!!
I thank God for knowing what I can't always see, and for always having a plan even when I may not know what he plan is or looks like. He is faithful and He will provide if we are faithful!!

"Radical" Christianity

2010-09-15T17:55:00.001-05:00

Will "Radical" Christianity Have Any Effect on the American Church?

by Jonathan Merritt

Over-sized mansions, super-sized French fries, and sport utility vehicles. These are the marks of contemporary America, and we’re proud of them. After all, these are the tangible products of the “American dream,” a concept that promotes ingenuity and hard work as the means to financial abundance. We are a people who believe in certain unalienable rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of opulence. Wouldn’t questioning the validity of such things be, well, un-American?

Actually, a new generation of American faithful is questioning whether such things are inconsistent with the Christian Gospel. The way of Jesus, they say, is focused on others rather than self, on generosity not wealth. While the American dream exalts personal promotion, the Christian Gospel emphasizes downward mobility. We become the greatest when we become the least.

Proponents of this paradigm highlight Jesus’ teaching that it is nearly impossible for the rich to enter God’s kingdom (Mark 10:25), and that a poor person is in a better position to receive the Gospel (Luke 6:24-25). Jesus did, after all, make clear that God and money are at odds, and we much choose which we’ll serve (Matthew 6:24). Such may be a shocking revelation for some American Christians trying to clinch both.

A prominent voice leading this charge is David Platt, a Southern Baptist minister who became “the youngest megachurch pastor in America” at age 26. His new job bred in him uneasiness in light of what he sees as the New Testament message, and inspired his New York Times bestselling book, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream.

Jesus, he says, was a “mini-church pastor” who made following him difficult. He turned people away with exhortations to eat his flesh and drink his blood (John 6:53) and hate your family (Luke 14:26). Christ was laser-focused on the poor and oppressed, and often had harsh words for the wealthy. Christians who think like Platt emphasize Jesus’ exhortation to the rich, young ruler to give up his wealth and follow him (Matthew 19:16-22). As they see it, Jesus doesn’t just upset the rich, young ruler; it upset rich Americans.

But this radical Jesus isn’t the Lord preached in many pulpits today, is it? Our Americanized Jesus seems to be okay with massive building budgets, suburban estates, and personal wealth, even in the face of global poverty, suffering, disease and hunger. The average church today spends more money on personnel and utilities than missions or benevolence. Our silence on this discrepancy indicates that we believe the Son of Man is cool with the set-up.

“When we gather in our church building to sing and lift up our hands in worship, we may not actually be worshiping the Jesus of the Bible,” Platt writes. “Instead, we may be worshiping ourselves.”

Platt’s arguments aren’t new. Ron Sider’s book Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity released decades ago and is now in its fifth edition. The new monastic movement, led by figures like Shane Claiborne and Jonathan Wilson-Hargrove, has also gained momentum in recent years. What’s significant about Platt’s perspective is that it is coming from a solidly conservative voice in the evangelical mainstream and has released in the midst of a financial crisis that’s spurring a recalibration of economic norms.

“Platt’s arguments are old, but they emerge at a postexcess moment, when attitudes toward material life are up for grabs. His book has struck a chord. His renunciation tome is selling like hotcakes. Reviews are warm,”writes David Brooks of The New York Times. “Leaders at places like the Southern Baptist Convention are calling on citizens to surrender the American dream.”

But that leaves cultural observers with a significant question: Will this “radical” Christianity have any real effect on the American Church?

It seems doubtful to me. Despite the squeeze placed on many church budgets and personal incomes by the recession, I don’t see hordes of believers selling their possessions, moving to the developing world, or throwing off aspirations of affluence. I haven’t. And I can’t name a single megachurch pastor anywhere who has sold his or her church property and given the money to the poor. The distinctly American Gospel that tolerates luxury in the face of suffering doesn’t seem to be fading at any measurable rate, despite the efforts of the Platts, Siders, and Claibornes.

David Brooks agrees: “I doubt that we’re about to see a surge of iPod shakers. Americans will not renounce the moral materialism at the core of their national identity.”

The strength of wealth’s allure is now painfully apparent, but it is also disheartening. I often wonder what judgment Christians in 50 or 500 years will lay upon us when they survey our lifestyles through the prism of the New Testament. Will they look on us with bewilderment and disdain or will they sympathize with the dream we call “American?” Only time will tell, but I for one hope that in time these revolutionary perspectives on faith will penetrate the ranks of the Christian elite as we consider together what it means to follow Jesus. Perhaps laying our homes, bank accounts, and SUVs at the feet of Christ for his glory and the sake of others is less radical and more reasonable than we realize.

Knowing God Matters

2010-09-01T20:28:00.000-05:00

Theology Matters - Dug Down Deep - Joshua Harris from waterbrook multnomah on Vimeo.

Forgiveness :: Bobbie's story

2010-07-31T09:33:00.000-05:00

     Forgiveness has been an issue with me since I was 14 years old. Mostly I have trouble forgiving myself for bad choices I made for myself, which has led to self hatred. When I was 14 God was calling me to him. I had looked at other Christians I knew and decided to tell God to take a hike. At 16 I had decided to take a look at the party side of life. One night at a party, two boys decided I was drunk enough, they decided to rape me. This mad me very angry with the whole male population. Somehow in my stupid 16 year old mind I decided to show myself how stupid men were and I continued to drink and see how many men I could sleep with. Somehow this would prove that men only thought with their penises, and not there minds. The obvious happened when I was 18. Got pregnant and yes you guessed it. I had an abortion.
     I so desperately wanted to go to college to become a PE teacher. I was able to start when I got out of high school. I felt so insecure at college, I ended up quiting. I was really struggling with the fact that I had killed my baby. I had trouble with everything else in my life. I did except Jesus as my savior at the time, because I thought if he can forgive me, I wanted to follow him. Maybe he would show me how to forgive myself.
     The man that I really wanted to marry, married someone else, so I married the first man that showed any real interest in me. He turned out to be a very abusive man. I stayed with this man for 19 years. I really thought I deserved this treatment most of the time. He couldn't have children and when I found this out, I was crushed. I thought it was my punishment. After 17 years of marriage to this man I became pregnant. The baby died just after my 1st trimester of pregnancy. Again I thought I was being punished for my past life.
     I am now married to a great guy and most of the time I live a guilt free live. But every now and again, I think about this past life of mine and I have awful bouts of heart palpitations. How can I live with myself? I am such an awful person. How do I face the men from my past. I see them regularly about town. How do I forgive myself again? I always come back to the facts. Christ died for my sin. He took it upon Himself at the cross. I don't have to worry or be anxious. I am forgiven!!!!

Forgiveness :: Charlie's story

2010-07-26T06:20:00.001-05:00

It starts over a year ago when my wife left me. She drained our accounts and left with our only vehicle. This devastated me. People that I trusted and put faith in seemed to turn on me to go to her aid. The night she left I contemplated committing suicide, until God spoke to me and said it will be okay.
   Well while I was walking to work 7 miles, I was really questioning that thought of it being okay. With the spare key to our vehicle in my hand I walked right by our vehicle parked at the house she was staying at. I contemplated starting it with the remote and leave it running, taking it for a joy ride, and many other thoughts popped up. But why? What good would that have actually done for either of us. More fuel for the fire. What I realize now, it gave me plenty of time to talk to Him and take in the beauty that He created. It was that walk where God spoke to me and said Satan is the enemy in this. It was at that time I forgave them and through him asked for forgiveness. I was left with the house although it was in foreclosure. She would come and go during the day while I was at work. I continually left her notes asking for forgiveness in my part. Telling that I forgave all involved and telling all involved that I still loved them.
   I was asked to come to church on that Sunday after she left me. It was a sermon that I will never forget. Pastor Gary taught that sometimes God will break us to mold and shape us in the direction he wants us to go. I was in tears and I was physically sitting in a chair at church that Sunday but my mind was not there. Through God I am able to repeat that sermon almost word for word.
   I was in need of some money and my ex wife sometimes got in the habit of hiding money. I had continually been seeking and talking to God. I had also been continually seeking money. I found $700.00 in a tin can in one of our drawers. A week later I was blessed with a $2,200.00 bonus at work that came unexpected. I then began the search for a vehicle and was blessed in finding what I wanted for what I wanted to pay. God continually after these big blessings gave me small ones daily. I was blessed in finding a apartment for what I could afford where I wanted to live.
   Year had gone by since the separation and then divorce. I am continuing to follow Him and He continues to pour out the blessings as promised. I began searching for a new church in the area I lived. He blessed me with many choices. I narrowed it to two, Radiant Church and Richland Bible. I asked Gary for any good churches in the area and he confirmed my choices. Now I put trust and faith in God once again. I e-mailed both churches asking for prayer in aiding in my decision making. It just so happens that Radiant was doing a sermon series called at the movies. A friend that attends there gave me another invite. So I went and have been there ever since. During this 3 week sermon series over 400 people either accepted Christ or rededicated their lives. He decided to do a baptism service the following Sunday. Well after hearing two baptism service within less than 6 months I got the hint that somebody wanted me to do it. But I thought to myself no you don't need to you were already baptized once. The next morning at work, God spoke to me and said you need to do this. So I called the church up and had them put my name on the list. I was re baptized on Cinco De-mayo. When I came up from the water it was truly a feeling of relief. In doing that act of faith I truly left all the stuff I had in me dead in the water and came up a new creation in Christ.
   Now moving on to more good works and blessings. I took a class called Grow that they offer. During this class they gave people the chance to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. All my past beliefs and teachings kinda went around this subject. I was completely under the understanding once you were saved you received the Holy Spirit. This is true. That night I was baptized in the Holy Spirit my body trembled I could feel the Holy Spirit working in me and in the room. After the class he said he felt God talking to someone, and he felt someone getting the gift of speaking in tongues, and he also felt there was several people that felt something but didn't know what it was. God spoke to me. Pastor Lee asked me after wards what God spoke to me about. God told me that I was going to be a leader of Radiant Church.
   I went home and prayed for direction in this. God told me that I would be instrumental in starting a Celebrate Recovery program at Radiant Church. He not only told me that He told me it would up and running within two years and it would be on Tuesday nights. So with that I did some more praying and searching. Starting in September I will be starting a men's group and it will be called Men In Christ or MIC. With the intention of equipping men of all ages to become leaders, and disciples for Christ. That is why our first lesson with be the 12 step recovery program based on the Celebrate Recovery program, and in two years when CR rolls out at Radiant Church we will have men equipped to be great leaders.
   If there is one thing I can tell you is that not hurt goes unused in Gods eyes. Put your faith in Him and He will strengthen you. Your story if untold dies with you. If you tell your story to others you are going to touch someones life. You may never know it, but it will. If I went through all the divorces I have had and all the rest of the stuff I have went through and done wrong can touch the life of one person and make their life better or lead them to Christ, it was worth it.

Forgiveness

2010-07-24T22:11:00.002-05:00

LWCH, here is the place to share your forgiveness stories. We need to hear from you. Your experiences give us encouragement, inspiration, and hope. By sharing your story, you show us that we are not alone in this journey.

You can either write your story in the comment section below or email it to me at andrew@lwch.org and indicate whether or not you would like your name included with your story. I can't wait to see how God uses your stories and experiences to set others free from bondage to un-forgiveness.

Blessings!

Jesus and Divorce

2010-07-18T07:40:00.001-05:00

I recently listened to a sermon by Rob Bell in which he talked about Jesus' view on divorce. This was one of the most powerful, insightful, honest, healing messages on divorce that I have ever heard. If you have been through the difficult experience of divorce or you are a child of parents who have divorced, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE take the time to listen to this message.

Here is the link to either listen online or download the message:
http://marshill.org/teaching/2010/07/11/matthew-5-jesus-and-divorce/

Blessings!

NT in 40 :: Congratulations!

2010-03-28T21:43:00.004-05:00

If you kept up with the daily readings, Congratulations! You have read through the entire New Testament. This has been an incredible journey. One that has taught me the importance of carving out time in a busy schedule in order to sit quietly and read. I have sincerely enjoyed this experience even though I wasn't able to keep up with the blogging like I had planned.

However, this journey is far from complete. We are now entering into a special part of the year. Experiencing the events of Holy Week, culminating in Resurrection Sunday. This is truly a special week as we remember and identify with Jesus. We remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. We remember the brutality of Jesus' death. A death that gives us life.

Take the time this week to meditate on the daily readings. They are rather short, so read through them several times and open your heart to what God wants to say to you.

Grace and Peace

NT in 40 :: Hebrews (Monday)

2010-03-17T09:39:00.002-05:00

Scripture :: Hebrews

Thoughts ::

Bible - New Living Translation

1v2 ...through the Son He made the universe and everything in it.

If God can create such a vast, beautiful, and mysterious world and sustain it through Jesus, why do I have anything to worry about? Why do I get so caught up in the worries of this world when the creator of the universe longs to take care of my needs?

2v14 ...Jesus also became flesh and blood by born in human form.

Jesus understands the difficulties we face in our lifetime. Jesus experienced all that we experience. He knows how to comfort us in our struggles. He desires to walk with us through our pain. He knows because he experienced it. (Compare 4v15)

7v1-28 Any thoughts on the Melchizedek section?

9v22 ...Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.

The death of Jesus is just as important as the resurrection. Without the death, there would be no resurrection. Sometimes I want to gloss over the death of Jesus and jump right to the joy of the resurrection. I have to remind myself of the cross and what Jesus did for me on the cross to realize the price that he paid to get rid of my sin. When I understand the weight of Jesus sacrifice for me, I experience a greater joy in celebrating the resurrection and a greater desire to live exclusively for him. No other false god is willing to lay down their life for others.

11v6 So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith.

Faith is huge in this journey with Christ. Faith is the evidence of our trust in God. Keeping in mind that faith is a harmonious marriage of belief and deeds. You can't separate the two. One without the other is not really faith.

I love the reminder of the stories and examples set forth by those who came before us. The reminder of their faith in God is inspiring and encouraging. God is faithful and will NEVER let us down.

NT in 40

2010-03-15T13:55:00.002-05:00

How is your reading going?

I am so thankful for the 'grace days' scheduled during the weekends. I got behind on some of the reading last week and was able to catch up this weekend.

This has been an incredible journey so far. God has been speaking and revealing so much to me while reading through his word. He has provided a bit of clarification to some of the questions that I have been wrestling with for some time.

There are only a few weeks remaining in the reading plan! Keep up the good work.

I will post some thoughts on Hebrews later this evening.

NT in 40 :: Luke 21:1-24:53 (Wednesday)

2010-03-12T09:07:00.004-06:00

Scripture :: Luke 21:1-24:53

New Living Translation

Thoughts ::

24v47 With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.'

Jesus gave the early disciples authority to tell others about the Kingdom of God. The same authority that they used to preach the Good News of Jesus is available to you and I. Jesus gives us the courage to tell our friends about him. Jesus gives us the strength to live for him when it seems crazy to do so. Jesus gives us peace to serve him in the midst of persecution.

What often happens in my life, particularly when I mess up, is that I immediately feel guilty. The guilty feeling is not necessarily a bad thing. When it becomes trouble is when I suppress that guilty feeling or try to mask it by focusing on something else. No matter what I do, that feeling still resides in me somewhere. What I have discovered is that confessing it to Jesus and allowing his work on the cross to penetrate my heart is the only way to alleviate the guilt associated with my sin. Jesus is the only one who can set me free from the bondage of sin and the feelings associate with it.

NT in 40 :: Luke 10:1-20:47 (Tuesday)

2010-03-12T08:45:00.002-06:00

Scripture :: Luke 10:1-20:47

Thoughts ::

Bible passages are from the New Living Translation

12v30-31 These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

God knows what we need. Therefore, we do not need to waste time and energy pursuing these things. We pursue the Kingdom of God with all our might and God will provide what we need.

13v17 This shamed his enemies. And all the people rejoiced at the wonderful things he did.

I want to be able to rejoice at all that God is doing. I don't want to become envious or bitter when God moves in other churches or other people's lives. I want to praise God when he blesses other churches and other people and thank Him for what he is doing. Lord, please help me not to become jealous of the success of others. Rather, help me to celebrate wherever your spirit is moving!

18v1 One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up.

In my relationship with my wife, sometimes we schedule a specific time to go out alone and talk with each other. But most of the time we routinely talk throughout the day. Prayer is similar. We can set aside and schedule time to be in conversation with God. We can also make prayer a constant conversation with God throughout the day. By the way, that means that not only do we speak but that we also take time to listen.

18v39 The crowds ahead of Jesus tried to hush the man, but he only shouted louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

I love this verse. The crowds tried to silence this man. They tried to drown out his voice but it caused him to shout all the louder. When life happens and situations tend to overpower our cries to God, may we shout even louder that God may hear us!

NT in 40 :: Luke 1:1-9:62

2010-03-08T22:20:00.002-06:00

Scripture :: Luke 1:1-9:62

Thoughts ::

Today's reading left me with many questions. I am going to toss my questions out there in hopes that you have some responses.

4v13 When the Devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came. (NLT)

What was the next opportunity? The betrayal by Judas? Or something before that?

6v45 Whatever is in your heart determines what you say. (NLT)

How do I speak to my spouse? How do I speak to my kids? Are they loving and kind words or are they critical and harsh words? The mouth speaks out of the overflow of the heart.

8v1-3 A section talking about the people following Jesus.

Herod, who was out to kill Jesus, was actually funding Jesus' ministry probably without knowing it. I just find this fascinating and slightly funny that Luke would choose to include this in account of Jesus' life.

8v37 Jesus just heals a demon possessed man and sends the demons into a heard of pigs. The pigs then drown in a lake and the text says, And all the people in that region begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone, for a great wave of fear swept over them.

Wait, didn't Jesus just do a good thing? Isn't casting demons out of people considered a good thing? Why did the people want him to leave? Why were they afraid of him?

Thoughts?

NT in 40 :: Romans (Friday's reading)

2010-03-08T06:26:00.004-06:00

Scripture :: Romans

Thoughts ::

Romans is an amazing book. We could easily spend months dissecting the book of Romans. But, keep in mind this reading plan is intended to be an overview of the New Testament. It is intended to get large chunks of the bible in you. Continue to ask God to reveal himself to you during the reading and ask him to speak to your heart through his holy scriptures.

1v18-20 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who push the truth away from themselves. For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.

Wow, this is a profound statement. First, we push the truth away from ourselves. Sometimes I will feel like God is distant. This verse says that it is I who becomes distant. I push myself away from the truth, away from God. When there is felt or perceived distance between God and myself, I need to examine my heart and life and see where I am pushing God away. Is there any sin that is causing me to feel distant from God? Second, God is big enough to reveal himself to all people in any way that he chooses. I often get hung up on this thought: how could God send millions of people who live in distant, remote areas to hell because they have not heard about him? When I think this way, I put God in a box. I limit God. God is big enough, smart enough, and powerful enough to make himself known to all creation. I personally need to stop questioning this and get on with the work that God has called me to do.

5v3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us - they help us learn to endure.

This is a constant challenge for me. I need to simply trust that God is for me and has my best interest in mind. When I pursue him and bump up against opposition or trials, I trust that he will be with me and that he is at work in the midst of the situation. I rejoice, give thanks, and praise him no matter what. This also provides an opportunity for me to ask: am I experiencing this difficult situation because of something I have done to push myself away from God?

13v1-2 Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow.

Interesting section of scripture. Thoughts?

NT in 40 :: 1 Corinthians 12:1-2 Corinthians 13:14

2010-03-04T20:21:00.002-06:00

Scripture :: 1 Corinthians 12:1-2 Corinthians 13:14

Thoughts ::

1v4 He (God) comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. (NLT)

God will be with us no matter what we face in this lifetime. God will bring us a peace that only he can when we face trials of all kinds. But here is the fascinating part. It's not just for our own well being. God comforts us so that we can comfort others. God gives to us so that we can give to others. We truly are blessed so that we can bless others. In doing so, we bless God.

2v14-15 Now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. (NLT)

Wow, this is just a really cool couple of verses. Thoughts on this verse?

8v10-15
9v6-10

These verses on giving are fascinating. Paul doesn't criticize them for not giving 10%. In fact, he doesn't even mention the 10% rule in either verse. He tells them to give according to what they have. And tells them not to give so much that they suffer from having too little. I have never quite understood pastors who make people feel guilty for not giving 10% of their income. How can you tell a single mom with kids that she doesn't measure up if she is not giving 10% of her income. I have just never understood that way of thinking. Have you had a similar experience?

NT in 40 :: Typo

2010-03-04T09:41:00.003-06:00

I noticed on the reading plan for today it said to read through 1 Corinthians 13. This is actually a typo and should read through 2 Corinthians 13. So much for a light day of reading. Sorry about that.

NT in 40 :: 1 Corinthians 12:1-16:24

2010-03-04T08:47:00.004-06:00

Scripture :: 1 Corinthians 12:1-16:24

Thoughts ::

12v12-25 One Body, Many Parts

It continues to amaze me how unique God has created each person. We all have different passions, desires, gifts, talents, and abilities. God created us with these gifts to be used in partnering with God in his redeeming work of restoring our broken world.

12v26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (NIV)

There exists a toxic way of thinking that goes something like this: my sin, is my sin and it's between me and God. The problem is, according to this verse we all make up parts of the body of Christ. My sin actually effects you and your sin effects me. Example: If I break a bone in my foot, my whole body suffers. My body is not able to function at 100%. When you or I are entangled in sin, or when we are not fulfilling the role we were created for, the body of Christ suffers.

16v13-14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

Imagine the possibilities if we would act out of love. Imagine what the world would be like if we put others before ourselves and elevated the needs of others above our own.

NT in 40 :: 1 Corinthians 1:1-11:34

2010-03-03T09:05:00.002-06:00

Scripture :: 1 Corinthians 1:1-11:34

Thoughts ::

Today's scripture passages come from the New Living Translation.

4v7 What makes you better than anyone else? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?

Everything I have is a gift from God. The very air that I breathe - gift from God. My family - gift from God. The ability to make money - gift from God. Roof over my head - gift from God. The pain I experience when I make a poor decision - gift from God. All of life, every aspect, is a gift from God. Therefore, I can be thankful in all circumstances and be joyful always because even though it may not make sense at the time it is all a gift.

7v31 Those in frequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pass away.

Stuff in itself is not bad. Possessions that God allows us to have are not evil. Paul says to go ahead and make use of these things. Enjoy them even. But don't spend energy pursuing them. Don't allow them to control your life. Don't allow your desire and your passion to be focused on consuming wealth, possessions, and stuff. When you focus your worship, attention, passion towards God, the things of the world become less desirable.

8v9 But you must be careful with this freedom of yours. Do not cause a brother or sister with a weaker conscience to stumble.

And later Paul says:

10v23 You say, "I am allowed to do anything" - but not everything is helpful. You say, "I am allowed to do anything" - but not everything is beneficial. Don't think of your own good. Think of other Christians and what is best for them.

These two verses are important to me. God has given me some freedoms in this walk with him but I have to be careful not to abuse the freedom or use my freedom to cause others to stumble in their walk. Through some difficult past experiences, God has been continually teaching me this important lesson.

NT in 40 :: Ever Had One of These Mornings?

2010-03-03T08:37:00.004-06:00

So Tuesday, during the wee hours of the morning, I heard the dreaded sound of a dog gagging. I woke up to find my dog Benni puking all over our bed. After stripping the bed and tending to the dog, I laid back down only to be awakened by the cries of a hungry newborn. I went to the kitchen to prepare a bottle for Grady and to my surprise I found an inch or so of standing water in both sides of the kitchen sink. After feeding Grady, I attempted to "fix" the kitchen sink problem. I figured something had plugged the drain so I began by taking apart the u shaped piece of pvc under the sink. As I was attempting to unscrew the pvc by the main drain, I bumped a different piece and knocked it loose. Suddenly, I had a cold shower of water spraying from the pipes. The inch or so of water in both sides of the sink was now a swimming pool on the kitchen floor.

All this to say that I was unable to complete Tuesday's reading of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. I will catch up on that portion of reading and post some thoughts at some point during this journey. Actually, Gary Newton, our Lead Pastor at Living Waters Church, and I are currently doing a teaching series on 1 Thessalonians. Listen to our series by clicking here.

NT in 40 :: James & Galatians Part 2

2010-03-01T09:29:00.004-06:00

Scripture :: James & Galatians

Thoughts ::

2v6 As for those who seemed to be important-whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance... (NIV)

How quick are we to judge people based on their appearance? We immediately form opinions on someone's character based on the clothes a person wears or the car they drive. God, help me to see people as you see them.

2v20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NIV)

When we accept Christ into our lives, the Holy Spirit begins a work in us. More and more as we serve the poor, read the bible, obey the Holy Spirit, our desires become the desires of God. The things that God desires, we begin to desire. The things that break God's heart, begin to break ours.

5v16- So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. (NIV)

This verse almost seems like an extension of 2v20. The more we act in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, the more we takes steps towards real life and away from a life that leads to death. The more we desire the things of God, the less we desire the things of the world.

5v25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (NIV)

I love that verse. Let us keep in step with the Spirit. Continue to obey the promptings, nudges, and revelations of the Spirit. Continue to make the phone call when it crosses your mind. Continue to give when directed. Continue to stop into the bar and talk to the person who has been on your mind. Keep in step with the Spirit.

6v7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (NIV)

This is one of the very basic laws of nature. You reap what you sow. If you plant an apple seed, you are going to get an apple tree. You will not get a grape vine. If I eat junk food and do not exercise, I am going to be in poor health. That is simply the way things work. If I plant seeds of generosity, I am going to become a generous person. If I plant seeds of love and compassion, I am going to become a person of love and compassion. Steven Furtick of Elevation Church in North Carolina did an amazing message on this topic. I would highly recommend watching it. You can view it here.

The book of Galatians makes my brain hurt. Paul is definitely a deep thinker and packs a lot of theological punch into his writings. We could certainly talk about the book of Galatians for quite some time but the purpose of this reading plan is to give us an overview of the NT. It is certainly not an in depth, verse by verse study. Don't get hung up on some of the difficult language that Paul uses. Keep reading and asking God to reveal to you what he wants you to hear!

NT in 40 :: James & Galatians Part 1

2010-03-01T08:21:00.003-06:00

Scripture :: James & Galatians

Thoughts ::

I hope you had a great weekend and were able to catch up on any reading that you may have missed during the week. Keep plugging away. The key is to not quit. If you have missed a few of the readings, don't give up. Jump ahead to the current reading and mark what you missed and catch up with it at a later time.

James is one of those books that is just packed with practical teachings on how to live the life that God created us for. There is so much I want to write about but I will limit it to a few verses.

1v2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds... (NIV)

This seems to be a consistent theme throughout scripture. Consider it joy, not just joy, but pure joy when you face trials, why? Because something happens in those trials for those who trust in the Lord. They develop perseverance which makes them mature and complete - lacking nothing.

1v13-18 is a fascinating section.

1v20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (NIV)

God created me to live a righteous life. A life that is fulfilling, rewarding, and honoring to God. God desires that every person would experience life in community with Him. God's intent for us is that we would live a righteous life. That just blows my mind!

1v22 Do not merely listen to the word (or in our case, read the word), and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (NIV)

It is awesome that we are reading through the NT together. The hope would be that through the reading it would lead to action. That we wouldn't simply read it, but then we would take what have read and apply it to our lives.

3v1-12 The section on taming the tongue is a constant challenge for me.

Wow, James is an amazing book. Very challenging! Yet will lead us into the righteous life that God desires for us if we take what it says and actually do it. James is quickly becoming one of my favorite books in the bible. Thoughts on Galatians coming shortly.

NT in 40 :: Mark 12:1-16:20

2010-02-26T08:57:00.002-06:00

Scripture :: Mark 12:1-16:20

Thoughts ::

14v43-15v47 The arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus

Every time I read this portion of scripture, I am completely amazed at how Jesus refuses to fight back against those who are persecuting him. He is beaten, spit on, stripped, insulted, mocked, and yet he continues to act in love. He doesn't seek revenge because he understands that one, these things must happen and two, that God will ultimately seek justice. Revenge is not an option for a Christ follower. Revenge is actually us trying to play God. When you and I seek revenge for the wrongs committed against us, we are actually telling God that he is doing his job fast enough. Revenge is actually a sign that we don't trust God.

The bible says in Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

How are you doing with the reading? Were you able to complete Mark? How can I be praying for you this weekend?

NT in 40 :: Mark 1:1-11:33

2010-02-25T09:35:00.003-06:00

Scripture :: Mark 1:1-11:33

Thoughts ::

Mark is an interesting book. The writer gets directly to the point that Jesus is the long awaited Messiah. Mark doesn't waste much time with background information. Now, some people want to question the authenticity of the bible because the gospels don't depict every scene the same. Some say there are contradictions amongst the gospels.

One explanation I often hear goes something like this: if 3 or 4 people viewed a car accident, they wouldn't describe the details exactly the same. Therefore, the writers of the gospels don't include the same details. And some even have slight variations in their retelling of the events because they each viewed them differently. While there is some truth in this analogy, I think there is a better explanation.

Each writer was writing to a specific group of people. Each writer was writing to explain to that specific group of people that Jesus was/is the Messiah. Therefore, they had to write in such a way that would connect and make sense to their intended audience. They were not necessarily trying to tell the same stories in exactly the same way. This for me makes the bible that much more amazing. That each writer would share some of the same events and do so with a strikingly similar account.

Some scholars say the book of Mark was written to be told orally during a walk or told as a story around the fire during the evening. This would explain why the book of Mark is shorter than the other gospels.

3v1-6 On the sabbath, Jesus heals a man with a shriveled hand. The text says that the pharisees were watching Jesus to see what he would do. Jesus then looks at them in anger then heals the man's hand.

Jesus' anger leads to acts of compassion. Jesus' anger brings healing and restoration. Does ours?
Jesus' gets angry at things that matter. Do we?

5v19 Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has shown mercy on you."

Jesus doesn't say to go home and try to convert them. He doesn't say go home and yell and scream at them. He says go home and share your story. Go home and tell people how much God has done for you.

NT in 40 :: some thoughts about Acts

2010-02-25T09:27:00.002-06:00

My good friend Darin Faber is reading along with us and will be contributing some thoughts here on the blog. Darin is a deep thinker and an articulate writer. I think you will really enjoy his thoughts.

Acts is my favorite book to read through! I could go on all day about acts but I'll try to sum it up. Acts sets the tone for the rest of the NT. Was it named 'Acts' because it was when God's people were finally called to act in his name and begin to work in his name and the name of His son? Acts is the beginning of the NT church and the way church ought to be. In acts 2:42 it talks about how Christ followers devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship and were filled with awe of the works of the apostles through Christ. The believers got together and sold everything they had and began giving to those in need. They came together everyday in the temple courts and broke bread in each others homes they ate together and praised God and God continued to add to their numbers. Which means they basically had their own community to grow with each other but they also opened up their community to other communities to join and embark on this incredible journey with them. The most amazing thing about the NT church is how they would split up when the group got too big. They didn't break up, they were still in constant contact and praying for and helping each other. However, they new that the church wasn't about a building and packing a building. it was about taking gifts and talents and spreading them out around the community and other cities and countries in need of God's love. What I love about the disciples is that they aren't sitting in the background as "the leaders calling the shots and organizing things", are also out in the community helping and growing the community and encouraging others. Through out the NT Paul is writing letters to churches all over encouraging them, calling them to step up if they need it-even in prison. The stories of the miracles performed through God also amaze me; the faith these guys had. in Acts 3 we get our first example when the beggar asks peter and john for money. Peter looked right at him and said "Look at us!" He had so much confidence in his faith in God that, that was all he had to say. The man looks at them and he says I don'e have money, but what I do have I will give you-stand up and walk. that was it! look at me, stand up and walk! it gives me chills every time I read that. In the first chapter when peter is talking to the people that were watching them when the spirit came down on them, he tells them that they aren't drunk. God said in the last days, he will pour out his spirit on all people and their sons and daughters. We have those same blessings! The gifts are there, we just need to embrace them and have faith enough to share these blessings with others. These gifts are given to us to give to others. Gods Grace for EVERYONE: Peter was criticized for spreading the word of God to the gentiles-they weren't too happy about it. In the Matthew readings, I thought about the lady who was a canaanite and was talking about he even dogs get the scraps that fall from the masters table. the start of the future and showing that no one is out of Gods reach. so they look at these gentiles like dogs who don't deserve what God's children do. Peter tells them of the dream he has when God brings down the sheet with four legged animals and tells him to eat and peter says "surely not, Lord. I have never put anything impure in my mouth." God says "do not call anything I have made impure" which is different from the OT when they talk about animals being impure and blemished. then God tells him to trust these men who also are not "God's Children" and the man says he saw an angel who tells him to send for peter. out of an ACT of faith, he sends for this man and is given the same blessing God gave his children. They become saved them. and it says right at the end of chapter 11 "So then, even to the gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.". referring back to that passage in matthew, do you think Jesus knew that this is how it would be and went through the conversation and challenged the woman to speak up to show that it was indeed possible for gentiles and others to receive the word of God? in chapter 13 it touches on it again in 42 paul and barnabas are leaving the synagogue and the jews and converts to judaism invite them to speak again on the next sabbath. when they show up the next week the jews are pissed cause there was a huge group of non jewish people. again kind of referring to that passage looking at them as dogs who dont deserve the children's bread. so paul says to them "We had to speak to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the gentiles". ouch... he goes on to say "for this is what the Lord has commanded us: 'I have made you a light for the gentiles (dogs), that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' ". I think thats enough for now. thats a big part of my summary of this book. there are some other stuff I could add. but that story in Matthew has been stuck in my head for days and Acts is where that story becomes a reality for the world! It's possible this is why it has been stuck in my head? I love Acts and I get something new out of it every time I read it. I hope you can use some of this and I would love to hear any thoughts, comments, questions, or challenges on these notes.

NT in 40 :: Acts 16:1-28:30

2010-02-24T05:39:00.003-06:00

Scripture :: Acts 16:1-28:30

Thoughts ::

17v22-31 Paul's speech at the Areopagus
It fascinates me that Paul steps into this meeting and confronts their idols without condemning the pagan worshippers. He doesn't need to bash their so called gods because he focuses not on the negative, but on the positive which is Jesus. Let's, as Christians, not be defined by the things we are against. Let's be defined by the things we are for. Mainly peace, love, forgiveness, compassion, etc.

21v13 Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." (NIV)
What are you willing to die for? Your career? Success? Fame? Your family? Your faith in Jesus Christ?

21v30 The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all direction. (NIV)
This is the second or third time that Paul has gone into a city and because of his presence the whole city goes into an uproar. He seems to have a knack for causing this kind of scene.

28v30-31 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)
AMEN! May our words and deeds boldly declare that Jesus is Lord. Wow, that concludes the book of Acts. What an amazing book. My mind is having a difficult time keeping up with all of the places that Paul visited. Now on to the book of Mark.

How are you doing with the reading? Are you keeping up with the daily readings?

NT in 40 :: Acts 5:1-15:41

2010-02-23T16:18:00.002-06:00

Scripture :: Acts 5:1-15:41

Thoughts ::

5v38-39 "Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." (NIV)

5v41 They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. (NIV)

Wow! When something difficult happens in my life I usually resort to one of two responses. I ask God why I am experiencing this trial or I become angry with God for allowing the bad situation to happen. This verse really puts suffering into perspective. The disciples were just severely beaten and their response is to REJOICE and PRAISE God. May we praise God when things are good and may we rejoice and praise God in the midst of our most difficult life moments. I heard a pastor once say, "you can't get to Sunday without first going through Friday." On the other side of death...is resurrection!

Acts 9 is absolutely fascinating! If God can use Saul (Paul), who at the time was persecuting the church, God can use anyone. It seems like God chooses to use the most unlikely candidates to carry out his mission.

What did God speak to you through today's reading?

NT in 40 :: Acts 1:1-4:37

2010-02-22T06:18:00.002-06:00

Scripture :: Acts 1:1-4:37

Thoughts ::
Acts is one of my favorite books in the bible. The courage of Jesus' disciples is evident in their words and deeds. The boldness of which they proclaimed the good news of Jesus is inspiring. Here are a few passages that resonate with me.

1v14 "They (disciples) all joined together constantly in prayer." (NIV)
Sometimes we talk about setting aside time for prayer. While this is certainly a good thing, I strive to communicate with God more than just during a set time. I pray while doing dishes. I pray while riding in the car...more so with certain drivers. I pray while out jogging. Prayer is communicating with and listening to God. Prayer can be done continually or constantly throughout the day.

1v22 "For one of them must become a witness with us of his resurrection." (NIV)
We are witnesses of Jesus' resurrection. Our words and deeds tell those around us how we feel about God. The way we live speaks volumes, especially to those who are not walking with the Lord. I strive to live a life of beauty, truth, and simplicity. I desire to be a person defined by my generosity, ability to forgive, peace in time of trial, and compassion. I want others to be inspired and compelled by the way I live in hopes that it may somehow sow a seed in their heart and lead to them wanting to follow Christ as well.

2v42-47 & 4v32-37
Two of my favorite passages in the entire bible.

3v8 "He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God." (NIV)
Peter and John healed a crippled man and then bible describes the scene in quotes above. May we be unashamed in our worship of God. May we walk and jump and praise God in giving Him thanks for what he has done in our lives!

3v21 "He (Jesus) must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything."
God is going to restore everything. God will redeem, repair, and renew His good creation. Death, sin, war, cancer...do not have the last word.

What did God speak to you through the first section of Acts?

NT in 40 :: Matthew 24:1-28:20

2010-02-20T06:25:00.002-06:00

Scripture :: Matthew 24:1-28:20

Thoughts ::

Hopefully you were able to complete the book of Matthew. If not, use Saturday or Sunday as a 'catch up' day. Don't make a habit of this though or you could quickly get behind. Try to keep up with the daily reading. Set aside some time first thing in the morning. Challenge yourself to get out of bed before everyone else to avoid distraction. I know it is not easy, but it is well worth it! Keep it up!

24:1-51 The destruction of the temple and signs of the end times
This is a difficult section. Jesus tells his disciples what to expect in the coming days, weeks, and months. His words are loaded with meaning and have been interpreted in many different ways. For me, it all hinges on verse 36. Jesus says that no one, not even the angels know when God will return to dwell with his people. We can easily get caught up in trying to predict based on scripture when Jesus will return. However, that shouldn't necessarily be our focus. Our focus should be living each day to the full. I want to live each day walking with and growing closer to God while enjoying the people that he has placed in my life. I have a hope that Jesus will return to redeem all things. The hope that I have propels me to live the kind of life now that God created me to live.

26:58 "But Peter followed him at a distance." (NIV)
Jesus was on his way to his own trial and eventual death and his disciples deserted him. The scriptures say that Peter followed from a distance. I don't want to follow Jesus from a distance. I want to walk intimately with Jesus through all of life, whether good, bad, painful, joyful, during trials and severe suffering. I pray continually that God will give me the strength I need to follow him no matter the situation.

What has God been revealing to you?

NT in 40 :: Matthew 13:1-23:39

2010-02-18T10:40:00.000-06:00

Scripture :: Matthew 13:1-23:39

Thoughts ::

NT in 40 :: Matthew 1:1-12:50

2010-02-18T07:51:00.002-06:00

Scripture :: Matthew 1:1-12:50

Thoughts ::

I will be using both the NIV and The Message translations during our journey. I will indicate which I am referencing when quoting passages.

3v8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance (NIV)
The word repent in our culture certainly carries with it many negative connotations. But its original meaning talks about turning around, doing a 180 degree turn, or having a change of mind. Therefore, to repent in scripture means to turn your life around. Specifically, walking away from sin (the old self) and toward God. I used to participate in these activities that were not life giving. But I submitted my life to God which now compels me to be more loving, caring, generous, worry free, and forgiving. The evidence of a changed life is the fruit that is produced. We often think that life change is evident by the things someone believes. While that is partly true, the scriptures teach over and over again that life change is evident by our deeds, actions, the fruit we produce. Faith is a combination of belief and action. The two can not be separated. If it is all action and no belief in Jesus, it's not faith. Likewise, if it is all belief and no action, it's not faith.

9v36 When he (Jesus) looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. (Message)
When left to our own strength and understanding we mess things up. And mess them up bad. Just watch the local news and you will know exactly what I am talking about. We are people who desperately need a shepherd. I am so thankful for Jesus. For not only forgiving our sins but for showing us how to live as God intended and created us to live.

What from the reading made an impression on you?

The NT in 40

2010-02-17T12:44:00.004-06:00

Join me in reading through the New Testament during the 40 day season of Lent. Each day I will post some thoughts on that day's reading. I would also enjoy hearing from you. Post your thoughts in the comments section below and share how God is working in your heart during this journey.

Here is the reading schedule. To save on your computer, simply 'right click' and 'save as.'

Be joyful always

2010-01-13T03:33:00.003-06:00

Three weeks ago, my wife gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Through this experience God has been revealing himself to me in new ways and teaching me many important lessons through my boy. One night, after we had brought Grady home from the hospital, I was holding him while sitting on the couch in the living room. I am not sure what his issue was but he would not stop fussing. So I changed his diaper...fed him...burped him...wrapped him tightly in his blanket...put his pacifier in his mouth...rocked him gently in my arms...but nothing seemed to be making him happy. I didn't understand it. I took care of all of his needs and yet he was still fussing. At that moment, God spoke to my heart and said, "Andrew, that is exactly how you act much of the time. I take care of all of your needs, yet you continue to whine, fuss, and cry." Wow, that was convicting for me and quickly put many 'wants' into a new perspective.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Great article

2009-12-16T14:32:00.003-06:00

Yahoo put this article on the front page of it's website today. I am extremely impressed that Yahoo would do such a thing.

'Advent Conspiracy' Group Gains Steam

If it's December, then there must be frost in the air, gingerbread in the oven, and ... right on time, Bill O'Reilly and the other defenders of Christmas bemoaning the prevalence of "Happy Holidays" - rather than "Merry Christmas" - greetings.

There's a war on Christmas, O'Reilly recently reminded viewers, driven by those who "loathe the baby Jesus." This season, a holiday-dÉcor company is marketing the CHRIST-mas Tree, a bushy artificial tree with a giant cross where the trunk should be. And the Colorado-based Focus on the Family is continuing its Stand for Christmas campaign to highlight the offenses of Christmas-denying retailers. The campaign was launched, according to its website, because "citizens across the nation were growing dissatisfied with the tendency of corporations to omit references to Christmas from holiday promotions." (See TIME's photoessay "Have a Very Ridiculous Christmas.")

But to a growing group of Christians, this focus on the commercial aspect of Christmas is itself the greatest threat to one of Christianity's holiest days. "It's the shopping, the going into debt, the worrying that if I don't spend enough money, someone will think I don't love them," says Portland pastor Rick McKinley. "Christians get all bent out of shape over the fact that someone didn't say 'Merry Christmas' when I walked into the store. But why are we expecting the store to tell our story? That's just ridiculous."

McKinley is one of the leaders of an effort to do away with the frenzied activity and extravagant gift-giving of a commercial Christmas. Through a savvy viral video and marketing effort, the so-called Advent Conspiracy movement has exploded. Hundreds of churches on four continents and in at least 17 countries have signed up to participate. The Advent Conspiracy video has been viewed more than a million times on YouTube and the movement boasts nearly 45,000 fans on Facebook. Baseball superstar Albert Pujols is a supporter - he spoke at a church event in St. Louis to endorse the effort. (See TIME's video "Bethlehem's Complicated Christmas.")

In the past four years, Advent Conspiracy churches have donated millions of dollars to dig wells in developing countries through Living Water International and other organizations. McKinley likes to point out that a fraction of the money Americans spend at retailers in the month of December could supply the entire world with clean water. If more Christians changed how they thought about giving at Christmas, he argues, the holiday could be transformative in a religious and practical sense.

The idea for their own war on Christmas came to McKinley four years ago, when he was sitting around with some of his pastor friends and they realized they were all dreading Christmas. "None of us like Christmas," he says, adding, "That's sort of bad if you're a pastor." Instead of helping their congregations focus on the season of Advent and prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, the pastors found themselves competing with a secular consumerism that made December the hardest time to make their message heard.

So McKinley and his friends decided to try a radical experiment. They urged congregants to spend less on presents for friends and family, and to consider donating some of the money they saved as a result. At first, church members weren't quite sure how to react. "Some people were terrified," remembers McKinley. "They said, 'My gosh, you're ruining Christmas. What do we tell our kids?'" The pastors had to reassure people that they weren't advocating a Grinchy no-gifts kind of Christmas, but rather one in which people spent a little less and thought a little more, expressing their love through something more meaningful than a gift card. Once church members adjusted to this new conception of Christmas, they found that they loved it. Many, in fact, seemed relieved to be given permission to slow down and buy less. (Read "A Brief History of 'The War on Christmas'")

In many ways, the Advent Conspiracy movement has appropriated some of the traditional arguments of the conservative Christians who see themselves as defenders of Christmas. A popular rallying cry of the foot soldiers in the war on Christmas is, "Jesus is the reason for the season." Often, however, it seems that being able to score a half-price Nintendo DSi and a "Merry Christmas" from the checkout clerk is the real prize. The Religious Right has spent decades casting secular culture as the enemy. And yet instead of critiquing the values of the consumer marketplace, many conservative Christians have embraced it as the battleground they seek to reclaim.

A movement like the Advent Conspiracy is countercultural on two fronts - not just fighting the secular idea that Christmas is a month-long shopping and decorating ritual, but the powerful conservative notion that the holiday requires acknowledgement from the nation's retailers to be truly meaningful. It's not easy, says one youth pastor whose church is part of the Advent Conspiracy. "When you start jacking with people's idea of what Christmas is and you start to go against this $450 billion machine of materialism and consumerism, it really messes with people," he explains. "It takes a lot of patience to say there's a different way - Christmas doesn't have to be like this."

The Next Chapter

2009-12-16T07:20:00.003-06:00

Welcome to the next chapter. For two years now, I have felt God stirring in my life, preparing me for something new. I had no idea what was next or what to expect, except that I began to experience a Holy restlessness that I was unable to ignore. This seems to be how God works, doesn't it? He doesn't necessarily tell us what is going to happen. He expects us to be faithful in our current situation all the while preparing us for what is next.

Fast forward a year and a half. I began having conversations with a pastor friend. Our conversations centered on what the Church "could" be. We quickly discovered that our visions were similar, in fact, eerily similar. However, God wasn't finished working in me and during the next 3-4 months, God cleaned me out. God washed away a large area of pride in my life along with some other sin.

See, I knew that God was leading me towards starting a church, but I wanted to do it my way. I didn't want to be mentored. I didn't want to be a church plant. But I quickly learned, it's not about ME! When I signed up to follow Jesus, I signed up to follow Him and be obedient to His will.

The next few months were complete evidence of God's provision. First, Callie informed me that she was pregnant with our first child. What an incredible moment! I was completely wrecked, in a good way. Then, this pastor friend (Gary Newton from Living Waters Church) asked, again, if I would be interested in teaming up with him and his church to plant a new church. In order to make this work I had to find a part time job. I applied to several places, not knowing if they were hiring and within a couple days I landed a job at Wedgwood Christian Services. Now, that is only part of the story and this next part cracks me up. Not only did I get a job at Wedgwood, I got a job in the program that my dad started 20+ years ago. Callie also received a promotion to assistant manager at her place of employment.

I knew that I (speaking for both callie and I) was moving in the right direction and being faithful to where God was leading. It felt as though a chapter in my life had closed and God was beginning to pen a new chapter.

Welcome to the next chapter.

Blooper from our Wedding

2009-12-07T15:27:00.000-06:00

I borrowed my brother in law's video camera and decided to watch our wedding video from a few years ago. I started cracking up at this scene and decided that I needed to post it online. This is my brother and brother in law trying to place the runner at our wedding. This is just for you, Michael and Yon, love you boys!

had to re-post this...

2009-11-30T14:46:00.000-06:00

Unique Voice

2009-11-17T11:05:00.000-06:00

There never has been and never will be anyone like you. But that isn't a testament to you. It's a testament to the God who created you absolutely unique.

All of creation is singing a worship chorus to God. And it's not just the meadow lark with its 300 notes or the nightingale finch with its 24 songs. According to the German physicist and pianist, Arnold Summerfield, a hydrogen atom emits 100 frequencies which makes it more complex musically than a grand piano which emits 88 frequencies.

For what its worth, Pythagoras said: "A stone is frozen music." Very interesting in light of what Jesus said: "If you remain silent the stones will cry out."

My point? All of creation is singing a unique song to the Creator. And you are part of that universal chorus. No one can worship God FOR you or LIKE you. God has given you a unique voiceprint. There are millions of people praying and worshiping God in every language all the time. But your voiceprint is unique. Like a parent who knows His child's unique cry or scream or laugh, God knows your voice. He hears your voice. The Heavenly Father loves your voice.

Mark Batterson
National Community Church

christ follower vs christian

2009-11-04T20:56:00.000-06:00

200th Post

2009-10-22T14:06:00.000-05:00

For my 200th post, I want to let you know that I am going to take a short time away from my blog while Callie and I make some transitions in our lives. I have actually resigned from my position at Hastings FUMC to follow a calling that God has placed in my heart. While it is extremely difficult to leave my friends and the students that I work with at Hastings FUMC, I am excited about the path that God has placed us on. I will be back soon to let you know about the new adventure.

Just a quick update on family stuff. My sister gave birth to her second child this morning. Sophia Lee Ann Bucher is the name of the new baby. We are headed to Grand Rapids to visit shortly. Also, Callie and our baby are doing well. Grady continues to grow and is very active. We can't wait for him to get here. We only have about 2 months to go and we have a lot of work to do in that short span of time! I can't wait to hold that little stinker.

I pray that you are doing well and that you continue to be obedient to God's calling in your lives. God has amazing, wait, mind blowing things in store for you if you continue to be faithful to who he has created you to be! Grace and Peace.

Protect your computer

2009-10-15T16:28:00.000-05:00

I went to a fascinating free lecture the other day hosted by Dr. Tim Royer. The lecture was on the topic of our brains and more specifically on how to 'reclaim our brain.' The lecture was absolutely incredible and I would highly recommend it to any and everyone. Here is a link to the website for more info: www.reclaimseries.com

During the lecture, Dr. Royer made an interesting comparison between our brains and the current power grid in America. He said that the power grid is out of date and doesn't work well with many of our home electronics. In fact, he met with the inventor of the surge protector and was informed that having your computer plugged directly into a wall outlet for three years can produce the same result as an intense lighting strike, a fried motherboard.

So, moral of the story, plug your computer into some sort of power conditioner otherwise you could easily end up with a fried computer!

An open letter to President Obama

2009-10-14T18:13:00.001-05:00

I am reposting a letter written from Brian McLaren to President Obama. I sincerely respect Brian's heart for people and appreciate the time and effort he put into drafting this letter.

Dear President Obama ... (an open letter on Afghanistan)

I am a loyal supporter of your presidency. I worked hard in the campaign and have never been as proud of my country as I was when we elected you.

I'm writing to ask you to find another way ahead in Afghanistan. I wrote a similarletter to President Bush when he was preparing for war in Iraq.

I believe now, as you and I both did then, that war is not the answer. Violence breeds violence, and as Dr. King said, you can murder a murderer, but you can't murder murder. As the apostle Paul said, evil must be overcome with good, which means that violence and hate must be overcome with justice and love, not more of the same.

Obviously, you know things the rest of us don't know. And you have pressures and responsibilities the rest of us don't have. But we have based our lives on the moral principles that guided leaders like Dr. King, Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela. We share a profound faith in a loving, non-violent God. We share a commitment to live in the way of Jesus the peacemaker. That's why escalation is not a change we can believe in.

I don't argue for leaving Afghanistan high and dry as we've done too often in the past. Evil can't be overcome by passivity or abdication, but only by positive good and creative action. In that spirit, I offer this humble proposal:

1. Take the 65 billion we would have spent there in the coming year and turn it into an aid and development fund. If you want to go farther, you could put a value on the cost of American lives that would be lost there (I have no idea how this inestimable cost could be calculated), and add that sum to the fund. 65 billion could build a lot of peace-oriented schools and hospitals in Afghanistan. It could serve as start-up capital for a lot of new businesses and it could pave a lot of roads. It could train a lot of police officers and it could enhance a lot of social infrastructure. It could give hope to a lot of women and girls who currently don't have much hope, and it could provide a lot of constructive outlets for men and boys who right now don't have many options besides picking up a machine gun and joining a warlord.

2. Other nations might contribute to this fund as well, and the fund could be extended into the future based on the number of years our military would have been engaged in Afghanistan. The fund could be administered by the US, or better (in the spirit of international cooperation), an IAEC-like agency could be created, subsidiary to the United Nations, to monitor progress in Afghanistan.

3. Then a set of benchmarks could be set, and the money could be released for development in Afghanistan as the nation reached appropriate benchmarks. This fund would be an enticement to mobilize public opinion in the direction of peace and justice, as people would know that their lives could be substantially improved if their factionalized leaders would start collaborating nonviolently for the common good.

4. With this kind of approach, the people of Afghanistan (and Pakistan) would have two clear choices. Al Queda and other extremists offer violence and unrest. But the international community would be offering support for order, rebuilding, collaboration, justice, and peace. This choice is a much clearer and better one than the choice between two groups of leaders who both depend on violence to achieve their aims.

5. Conservatives could support this kind of approach because it emphasizes personal choice and responsibility among the Afghan people. It would come alongside them in their own nation-building efforts at their own best pace, rather than trying to impose our own nation-building on them at a pace we determine. Progressives could support this approach because it changes the role of the US in the global neighborhood - from reactive bully or intentional dominator to responsible neighbor and partner for the common good.

Mr. President, you have my respect and my prayers at this important time. I believe you have the intelligence and insight to find a creative way to use a new kind of force in the world ... something far more powerful than bombs, guns, and bullets: the generative force of creativity, of justice, of collaboration, and yes, of hope. Can we find a new and better way to help Afghanistan rise out of chaos and complicity with Al Queda? You know the answer many of us will shout and chant: yes, we can.

With respect and hope,
A citizen

Did you hear about this???

2009-10-08T16:55:00.000-05:00

Has a hyperactive five-year-old taken over as the director of NASA? It sure seems like it. On Friday morning, an unmanned spacecraft launched in June will crash into the moon's surface. On purpose.

Anyone not named Michael Bay is likely to ask why. Here's the answer: NASA wants to know if the twin impacts of the Lunar Crater Observation and its Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) will reveal any ice or water under the moon's surface.

Finding out shouldn't be an issue. When the twin crafts hit the lunar surface at around 6,000 mph, NASA expects "plumes of moon dust — perhaps full of ice — (to soar) 6.2 miles high above the moon's Cabeus crater."

Anticipation among the earthbound is running high. Lookups on "nasa moon bombing" are scorching the search box. Related queries on "nasa.gov" and "NASA moon mission" are also rocketing skywards. More than a few folks are wondering how much the soon-to-be-destroyed LCROSS costs. Answer: $79 million, according to Christian Science Monitor.

Clearly, this is one of those cases where a picture is worth a thousand words. We're gonna go one better and show you a video from NASA. The animated clip shows what NASA expects to happen. The entire sequence looks a bit like one of Dr. Evil's satellites crashing into the Death Star. In other words, it's awesome. See it for yourself below.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Baseball postseason

2009-10-08T13:32:00.000-05:00

Ah, yes the baseball playoffs are upon us. Besides March Madness and the start of baseball season, this has to be one of my favorite times of the year. We have football in full swing, both college and professional, basketball is starting, and the baseball season is reaching it's peak. Since my Detroit Tigers were eliminated from post season contention, I will be cheering for the Yankees to win the World Series this year.

Speaking of the Yankees, they are playing the Minnesota Twins in the Divisional Series. Last night, Orlando Cabrera from the Twins tried to break a bat over his knee after striking out. It didn't go so well for him. Check out this photo blog for a further explanation. It is rather funny!

http://sports.yahoo.com

Do you want to get well? Part 2

2009-10-06T09:20:00.000-05:00

In John 5, Jesus asks a man if he wants to get well. The man then seems to indicate that he does. Jesus tells him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." John then goes on to describe that this action happened on the Sabbath. Let me try and unpack what is going on here.

First of all, the Sabbath was a day set aside for rest. On the Sabbath you would do no work. Now, what was considered work was up for debate. There were endless discussions of what it meant to live out the sabbath and endless discussions of what was considered work and what was not considered work. There was one particular school of thought that identified carrying your mat as a form of work on the Sabbath. Check this out, breaking the Sabbath command was punishable by stoning or in other words, death.

This just blows my mind. Jesus intentionally tells the man to pick up his mat knowing full well that it is the Sabbath. Jesus seems to be communicating on several different levels to several groups of people all at the same time.

The invalid or paralyzed man as some translations say, now has a choice and a huge choice at that. Do I remain in my current state of pain and hurt or do I obey Jesus and risk the possibility of being killed? There are some circles of christianity that say when you follow Jesus, all of your problems are taken care of. They make christianity out to be all flowery and rosey and a life of no problems. Really? It seems to me that by this guy following Jesus he just invited a whole new set of problems into his life. Sometimes following Jesus means our lives get more complicated. That is simply a reality.

And what about the religious leaders who were debating what was or was not considered work on the Sabbath? Jesus seems to step in and take a side in this discussion and does so in a rather brilliant fashion by making the man pick up his mat on the Sabbath. Jesus doesn't have to say a word to the religious leaders yet they know exactly where he stands. In fact, his healing and the man carrying his mat on the Sabbath tick off the religious leaders. The religious leaders were so furious that the man was breaking the Sabbath command that they could not appreciate the good that Jesus had just performed in their midst. Some christians will go out of their way to defend right theology and become so consumed with defending their faith that they fail to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a broken and hurting world. We can be so focused on the rules that we forget about the relationship. Our religious rules/rituals should point people to Jesus and not prevent people from coming to him.

Jesus' ministry seemed to embody the ultimate expression of love. He then tells his followers to go and do the same thing. He seems to be saying, be defined by the love you have for God and for others. Don't get so caught up on the rules and rituals that you fail to see the opportunities for good that you have all around you. I am continually amazed at the sheer brilliance of Jesus!

Do you want to get well? Part 1

2009-10-05T09:35:00.000-05:00

Jesus was walking by a pool in Jerusalem when he comes across a man who had been sick and unable to care for himself for 38 years. Jesus asks him, which to me appears to be a rather odd question, "Do you want to get well?" Of course he would want to get well. Or would he?

We are creatures that crave attention. Maybe he strangely enough enjoyed the attention or possibly the sympathy he received from others while he was lying on his mat near the pool. If that's the case, then Jesus' question makes perfect sense. Do you want to get well or are you content to remain in your current state of pain and hurt? Do you want to be healed or would you rather continue to receive sympathy from others?

I was studying this story with some friends and one of my friends brilliantly pointed out that facebook statuses are one way that we remain paralyzed. Let me explain. Jesus asks the man if he wants to get well. Jesus then tells him that he needs to pick up his mat and walk. Tomorrow I will explain the cultural significance of that statement. The man has to show Jesus that he is serious about getting well. He needs to leave behind the attention and sympathy he received while being paralyzed. It's almost as if Jesus tells him, stop seeking sympathy from others and start acting like you want to get well. Stop craving the attention from others and start pointing others to the God who healed you.

So, facebook statuses are a way that we seek attention, responses, and sympathy from others. They can bring focus upon US and not glory and honor to God. Here are a few examples:

*Sick, Tired and home Alone with the Amp on 10, i think it evens out to a good Effing Day!

*my throat hurts really bad, my nose is still running a lot and my head still hurts... and yet i still have to go to school…

*ugh! headache! tonz of homework! meeting! :-P i just wanna sleep!

*Hungry.....Bitchy....... hahaha yeah and I am like bored . I guess thats life

*what a great way to start my morning....wow. really! who does that?!?!

*home from work, head pounding......sinus pressure...need sleep...........cough cough

Maybe Jesus is asking you the question, "Do you want to get well?" If so, we need to quit making the focus US (and I say 'us' because I am guilty of this too) and start shifting the attention to GOD! Facebook statuses can either draw attention to me or they can point people to God. Do you want to get well?

We need eachother if we are on mission - now isn't the time to argue about non essential things

2009-09-30T17:36:00.000-05:00

Here is an excerpt from a great blog post by Dan Kimball. Dan is a pastor and author in California. To read the whole post click here. Thank you Dan for a great post and for being the faithful inspiring leader that you are!

I feel we are in a time period of healthy desperation. By desperation I mean that when Christians and the church get desperate about mission - then denominational barriers break down more, our non-essential theological difference don't matter as much (not core historical orthodox theology which does matter, but the non-essential ones). When we become so desperate for people who don't know Jesus, then our attitude and posture changes towards others. When we are so desperate with the reality that there are people who may be spending eternity apart from God - then as our hearts break thinking of that - then our petty differences seems so incredibly insignificant.

How we we argue about musical styles when people's eternal lives are at stake? How can be hog control in a church or create leadership bottlenecks when our selfishness or insecurity can lead to people being empowered and mission being hindered? How can we think that formats of ministry developed 500 years ago (as beautiful as they may be if you are familiar with them) should be retained at the sake of people's lives outside the church being effected as they don't connect with these approaches? How can some grandparents who are Christians care more about their preference of music and "church" being a certain way that they personally prefer and are used to - than they care about their own grandchildren and grandchildren's friends coming to know Jesus as Savior? (If what they personally like is actually repelling stylistically, not theologically, to their grandchildren?)

How can some denominations care more about doing things a certain way with systems developed in past times - than they do about future leaders who may not "fit" their systems of approval and they squelch out and lose innovative leaders? Would they rather see their denomination die while holding onto their rules and order as they go to their grave - rather than rethink what they do so that mission can occur through young leaders who know the current culture and people but may not be able to meet all myriad of very specific requirements they ask for?

How can youth leaders today not be seen as ultimate heroes for being underpaid, generally underappreciated and yet they have so much impact on the church today and the church of the future since so many decisions for Jesus and major life decisions are made during the youth years? When I am around youth leaders I want to cry because I know having been a youth pastor for 9 years what it takes to do that. They serve so much and have so many things they need to be overcoming in today's world as they serve. I think youth leaders may have the most difficult job in a church, quite honestly. They don't bear the weight of the whole church but they bear the weight of teenagers living in a very confusing world and communicating the gospel and being a listening ear to the craziness of life that teenagers are processing.

2009-09-30T09:21:00.000-05:00

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24-25

How can I spur you on today?

Practice what you Preach

2009-09-28T10:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to teach for my good friend at his church Living Waters. The teaching that I shared dealt with making choices that would open ourselves to God's healing power. One of those choices comes from Psalm 32 which says:

When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long. 4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude 5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

Last week I was not feeling well and had decided to spend Thursday afternoon on the couch resting. That is, until I saw the weather report the day before and asked my brothers if they wanted to go golfing because I had a gift card that I had to use before the end of the season. After we returned home from golfing, Callie called to see how I was feeling. She asked what I had been doing as is our normal afternoon conversation. Well, at the time I talked to her I was sitting on the couch. So I replied, "Oh, just been relaxing here on the couch." Knowing full well that I was bending the truth ever so slightly, maybe that is over exaggerating, I went ahead with the lie. To be honest with you, it ate me up ALL day long. I thought I could stuff it or bury it and forget about it but the lie kept eating away at me. Finally that evening when we were having dinner, I confessed my lie to Callie. She was so gracious and forgave me and as soon as I confessed, the guilt that had been eating away at me instantly left.

A couple thoughts on this situation...

1. Hiding our sin never makes the problem go away! Actually, it most likely will compound the problem. One lie can turn into several lies to cover up the lie. Confessing our sin to the people in our lives is a step towards the healing process.

2. I heard Perry Noble say this recently: If you don't feel guilty when you sin - you probably don't know God. Something to think about.

It continues to amaze me how my stupid actions turn into great sermon illustrations. I am certainly not perfect. Ok, I am FAR from perfect but I am learning how to practice what I preach!

A great decision

2009-09-24T09:03:00.000-05:00

This year I decided to try something different when preparing teachings for youth group. Instead of studying the scriptures by myself and then try to come up with some brilliant analogy that would knock the socks off of students, I invited a few of my friends in to this journey with me. We spend a couple hours during the week studying, talking, wrestling, and asking questions about certain passages.

This has been an incredible experience and one of the best decisions I have ever made.

The bible is beginning to come to life in ways that I would have never imagined. Each person brings a unique view which helps us explore the scriptures on a deeper level. So often when reading by myself, I tend to skim the surface and actually miss a lot of what the writer is trying to communicate. At one point, we found ourselves laughing out loud in a local coffee shop when we discovered what Jesus' actions were communicating to a group of religious leaders. Jesus is absolutely brilliant and funny!

If you are serious about trying to comprehend the bible, grab two or three friends and spend some time exploring it in community. The experience is amazing!

See You At The Pole

2009-09-18T10:33:00.001-05:00

Jesus is having a conversation with a group of people and he says this to them about prayer, "do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

See you at the pole is an event for middle and high school students to gather around their schools' flag pole and pray for their school, leaders, friends, etc. Unfortunately, SYATP seems to be more for show and less about authentic prayer. Students tend to be looking around and paying attention to who is watching them. SYATP is a great event, however, it is missing the point.

Therefore, I have asked and received permission from Hastings High School to use the lecture hall for SYATP this year. The lecture hall is a closed off area where we can essentially close the door and pray to God. I am excited about the potential of this event. It has the opportunity to be a profoundly spiritual event!

See you in the lecture hall - This Wednesday, Sept 23rd at 7:00am!!! Spread the word!

I hate when that happens...

2009-09-18T08:43:00.000-05:00

I had a couple interesting conversations over the past few days. The first conversation was with a college student who had fascinating questions around the existence of God. We exchanged messages and had a great discussion. He claims to not believe in God and so he asked some rather profound questions. It was rather enjoyable to simply share my experiences in a casual conversation. This for me was a life giving and refreshing dialogue.

The second conversation dealt with different worship styles in a church. It was mainly a discussion between a group of christians. The conversation quickly went south and turned into an argument over what worship style pleases God the most. The conversation went from discussing styles of worship to mindless judgments and personal attacks. I realized later that evening that this conversation was consuming a bunch of head space that it probably should not have been. It became very draining.

The following morning, during my devotional time, I was reading through 2 Timothy and Titus when these two verses just smacked me in the face.

2 Timothy 2:14-16

Keep reminding God's people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

Titus 3:9-10

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

After reading those verses, I had to go back and remove my comments from the discussion. It was almost like God correcting me and telling me to avoid conversations like number 2 and engage more in conversations like number 1. Maybe we could say it this way: avoid foolish controversies...about worship styles. Personally, I don't think God has a worship style preference. I think God enjoys it whenever his children worship him whether it be with drums and guitars or choirs and organs. It's all pleasant music to God's ear. So avoid those types of conversations amongst the religious folk and spend more time sharing with the searching and the skeptics.

Another "smack" right in the face during my devotions. Honestly, I hate it when that happens. But I need to keep an open mind and realize that God disciplines and corrects his children when they are headed down a dangerous path. I am so thankful that God used scripture to open my eyes to this important truth.

A cause for celebration

2009-09-17T09:48:00.000-05:00

The other day I hopped on the scale and noticed that I had reached a milestone in my weight loss journey. While this should be a cause for celebration, my mind focused on the remaining journey ahead and therefore completely overshadowed the recent accomplishment.

Why do we become so consumed with the task ahead that we often fail to properly celebrate the past achievements?

What successes in your life, however small they may seem, do you need to celebrate today?

Find something to celebrate and actually go out and celebrate it. As for me, a nice piece of chocolate cake will help me properly celebrate my weight loss achievement!

Just drop the dang ball!

2009-09-15T09:34:00.000-05:00

This morning after I jumped out of the shower, Bennigan, my 4 year old yorkie, brought his ball and placed it at my feet as I was toweling off. He loves to play fetch while I am in the bathroom. I will throw the ball into our bedroom and watch him try to catch it while slipping and sliding on our hardwood floors. It cracks me up every time! Especially when the ball hits something on the floor and goes in the opposite direction because he has an extremely difficult time changing direction with it. He will often slide 3 feet before being able to shift his momentum. I know, it's rather cruel but it is so funny!

Well, after throwing the ball once for him, he will stop placing the ball at your feet. Instead, he will left the ball up to your hand. What is strange is that he won't let go. It's like he wants me to throw the ball but he is unwilling to let go of it. I have tried over and over again to explain to him that in order for me to throw the ball he has to be willing to let go. But for some reason he just doesn't get it. Honestly, sometimes I get frustrated with him and yell at him, "just drop the dang ball!"

It dawned on me that many of us live our lives this way. We want God to throw the ball for us be we are unwilling to let go of it. We want what God offers but we are unwilling to let go...of our lives, our pain, our past, our insecurities, our failures, our control, our wants, and the list goes on. Jesus says that in order to find your life, you must lose it.

I wonder if when God looks at our lives he isn't thinking, "_______ (insert name here), just drop the dang ball!"

be careful what you wish for...

2009-09-11T09:20:00.000-05:00

My good friend Stacy, who happens to be the administrative professional at the church where I work, has been asking for a new computer for quite some time. Her Dell, no comment from this mac user, is rather old and has slowed down considerably from the speed at which it previously operated. To her surprise, the trustees approved a new computer and it recently arrived. She has spent the majority of the week transferring information from the old computer to the new computer. In fact, on several different occasions, I have heard her say that the new computer has increased her stress level and has been more work than she bargained for.

The new computer came with certain unintended negative side effects.

I don't know about you but this seems to be true in many areas of my life. Every decision that I make has certain pros and certain cons. Things that we assume that we need or that we perceive will ultimately help us often bring with them unintended consequences. Many times, problems that I didn't even think of before I made the decision.

Now that I am 30 I can say, in my 20's, specifically in my early 20's, I would purchase a lottery ticket when the jackpot grew to some astronomical number. I thought that the money would bring happiness and peace but it is interesting that I never really thought about the negative side of it. I remember hearing the stories of a past lottery winner. I don't remember exact details but I know that his life was threatened along with certain members of his family, he experienced several health problems, and I think there were a few other major problems in his life. I have never purchased a lottery ticket since. Honestly, for me, the negative side effects of winning the lotto far, far outweigh the positives.

So often, we only look at the positive side of our decisions and fail to spend appropriate time examining the consequences that come along with them.

How many politicians, pastors, and leaders have been caught up in affairs? The assumed pleasure of the situation blinded them to the consequences. They were so consumed by momentary pleasure that they failed to see the long term outcome of such decisions.

I recently heard a story about a pastor's child who said to the mom, "I wish I would get sick and have to go to the hospital." And the mom responded, "Why?" The child said, "So that dad would come see me." How many husbands put in extreme amounts of hours at the office thinking that they are providing for their family, enabling them to have a bigger house and more toys, when what the family really needs is for the dad to be at home spending time with them.

Every decision has it's pros and cons. Make sure you take the time to weigh out each.

Be careful what you wish for...because you might just get it.

The Worm

2009-09-09T14:21:00.001-05:00

Last night, Callie and I were laying in bed and out of nowhere she said, "I think the baby is doing 'the worm' in my stomach."

I don't care who you are, that is flippin funny!

Thirsty!

2009-09-09T09:31:00.000-05:00

Happy 09/09/09! This morning I went for my daily jog around the neighborhood. There is absolutely no other way that I would rather start the day. Sweet, that rhymed. Anyway, when I returned home from my jog I was extremely thirsty. I opened the fridge only to find it empty, as is usually the case at our house. I only wanted a quick sip of orange juice or diet coke or whatever I could get my hands on. I had to settle for a boring glass of water. What I have discovered though is that water is truly the only drink that will quench my thirst. Every time I have another drink, whether it be soda or juice, it never really quenches my thirst. It is only a temporary satisfaction.

This is exactly how many of us live our lives. We seek to have our thirst quenched through reaching for things that may only provide a temporary satisfaction, if even that. I look around and see people that are hurting and a world that is broken and seeking fulfillment in things that won't satisfy. Things like success, wealth, sex, possessions, people, porn, revenge, relationships...

These will let you down EVERY time!

The only thing that will satisfy your deepest longings is a relationship with Jesus and you living the life that God created you to live through living the way of Jesus.

Everything else will leave you empty and longing for more.

Fancy Dance!

2009-09-04T10:06:00.000-05:00

I happen to think that my niece, Olivia, is the cutest little thing ever. Here is Olivia doing her "fancy dance" at Summerfest.

Poll

2009-09-03T08:24:00.000-05:00

If you are a christian and are either a somewhat new christian or you remember the period of time around when you became a christian, I have a few questions that I want to ask you.

When you became a christian, did you tell those around you in your church?

How did they respond?

Were they excited for you?

Did they or others in the church make you feel inadequate or like a second class citizen?

Was there pressure to live up to certain expectations?

Please feel free to respond to this poll anonymously. Please do not include specific church names in your response. Thanks!

Swine Flu

2009-09-01T15:18:00.001-05:00

There has been much talk lately about a possible swine flu outbreak, especially in our schools.

Is this something to be concerned about or is it the media blowing things out of proportion?

What do you think?

New Bathroom

2009-09-01T13:00:00.000-05:00

My good friend, Tom Goggins of Goggins Construction, helped us remodel our bathroom. Tom did an incredible job and I would certainly recommend him for all of your home improvement needs. Here are a few before and after pictures of our bathroom project.

A way of...

2009-08-31T06:18:00.000-05:00

the message of Jesus to those around him was always an invitation. he simply invited people to follow him. he invited people to live in a new way.

why, in many christian circles, has it become - follow Jesus, or else...

-be punished

-spend eternity in hell

-be forever separated from God

why has the message of Jesus become a threat?

if Jesus was so worried about people spending eternity in hell, then why wasn't it a more consistent theme in his message?

maybe christianity would be better received if it was simply an invitation to live in a new way.

a way of...

forgiveness

compassion

generosity

patience

understanding

sacrifice

peace

community

Out of tune?

2009-08-25T10:24:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I have been busy at home working on getting the house ready for the new addition to our family. In fact, my good friend who is an incredible builder, has been remodeling our bathroom. I spent last week helping him and doing some odds and ends, painting, installing a new bathroom door, trim work, some tile work, etc. I will post some pictures of the new bathroom soon.

Yesterday during my morning devotion time, I read Psalm 148. The psalmist starts by saying, "Praise the Lord." The word 'praise' actually saturates the psalms so I decided to do a study on the word praise. The hebrew word for praise carries with it the idea of singing and/or making music. Now, in the church, music is most often associated with worship. We tend to think that music and worship are one and the same. However, if we limit worship to what we do for a half hour on Sunday mornings we are seriously missing the point. Besides, what if I don't sing very well? Will God think less of me because I can't sing in harmony and stay on beat? Honestly, my singing resembles a fight between two cats. It doesn't look or sound very pretty!

What I am discovering is that my whole life is a song to God. How I actually live, the things I do and the words I speak, are actually music to God's ears. Paul wrote about this in his letter to the Romans. Paul writes, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercies, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is true worship."

The implications for this are huge. If God has wired you to be an accountant, be the best accountant you can be. When you cut corners or overcharge clients the song of your life is out of tune. It doesn't sound very good. But when you proceed in your work with integrity and honesty and work to the best of your ability, the song of your life is beautiful tune. Every area of our lives helps shape the tune that our lives sing.

Is you life a song that is pleasing to God's ears?

Squirrel and Bluejay

2009-08-13T09:47:00.000-05:00

This morning I was sitting on my patio reading my Psalm for the day when I heard a squirrel making some noise in my neighbor's yard. I turned and noticed the squirrel eating an ear of corn. What fascinated me was what was happening underneath the squirrel. A bluejay was sitting on the ground eating the crumbs that fell from the squirrel's meal. It was simply incredible to observe God's creation in action.

I hope that you are taking time to enjoy the warm summer days. Please slow down, observe, and enjoy the amazing creation all around you.

There are a couple things going on this weekend that I want to share with you. First, the church that I am a part of, Hastings FUMC, is hosting an outdoor worship gathering at Tyden park at 10:00am this Sunday. It will be a unique blend of our traditional worship and our contemporary worship styles. We will also be eating s'mores together after worship.

Second, I will be speaking at Living Waters Church this Sunday while my friends worship and enjoy s'mores at Tyden park. I am pumped to teach this weekend and really looking to sharing some insights from John 3! I will blog about my teaching sometime next week. This is going to be an incredible weekend of worshipping God. I hope that you can make it to either Tyden park or the high school lecture hall at 10:00am on Sunday to worship God with us!

Ahhh, summer!

2009-08-07T10:17:00.000-05:00

Here is how I spend my summer afternoons. I have been able to read several books this summer while laying in my hammock. It is amazing how being outside in the fresh air allows my mind to comprehend and retain the information the author is trying to communicate. This has actually been a good balance for me. Often I will read at a local coffee shop or in the church office. When I do so, there tend to be many interruptions. While they are usually good interruptions in that I get to chat with people and listen to their stories, I am not able to retain much of what I read. I often have to read books that are generally lighter in content and not as theologically deep. This summer has provided me the opportunity to read some stuff that has challenged my thinking. I can't wait to share some of what I have learned this summer.

How is your summer going?

Opposition

2009-08-06T13:10:00.001-05:00

One of my hopes for this blog is that it somehow begins a conversation. I feel like the body of Christ is at it's best when it is wrestling with tough questions and engaging in healthy dialogue. Therefore, I may say something controversial just to spark some discussion. I, in no way, intend for what I say here to be the final word. Or somehow arrogantly sound like I have it all figured out. In fact, I have so many more questions about God and life than I do answers.

With that in mind, let me pose a few questions from my reading this morning. I was reading in Acts and the Bible talks about this guy named Stephen. The Bible says that Stephen is full of God's grace and power and the he performed many great wonders and signs among the people. It appears that wonders and signs would be good things. Then something happens. Opposition arises. Now, this is where it really got my attention. The opposition comes from the members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen - Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. The opposition arose from those claiming to represent God. After reading this passage of scripture, it made me think about Jesus and particularly about those who most vehemently opposed Jesus, the religious leaders of his day. Those claiming to represent God.

Why does it appear that the biggest opposition to the church actually comes from those within the church? For example, the house church movement has drawn sharp criticism from those in the church. Why? If it is reaching people for Christ then why condemn? Those within the church often criticize the mega-churches. Why? Is it jealousy or selfishness?

For me, this opens up tons of questions. For example:

-What does this say about opposition? Is it a good thing or bad thing? Does it advance God's redemptive plan or prevent it from moving forward?

-Why does opposition come from those within the church? Is it a lack of spiritual growth on that particular church's part? Is it people being driven by their individual preferences rather than being driven by God's eternal purposes?

-How do people view the church who are receiving gifts/blessings/assistance from the church? Maybe even those who don't attend the church. Would they speak badly about the church?

-Are people trying to defend God?

Just some thoughts. Feel free to chime in...

holy crap

2009-08-04T14:24:00.000-05:00

I want to share a thought with you that God challenged me with. The other day I was listening to a new song by a church worship band titled You are Holy. The lyrics to the song go something like:

All glory and honor and praise

To the king who forever reigns
Holy, You are Holy
Worthy, You are Worthy

The band repeated the line You are Holy several times during the course of the song. It is such a simple song to learn that I noticed myself almost immediately memorize it and before I knew it I was singing along with the band. So I am walking around the house singing You are Holy and then I receive a phone call. The person on the other end of the call said something that surprised me and I responded with the phrase 'holy cow'. I tend to use one of two phrases when something surprises me, holy cow or holy crap.

Now, this just struck me as odd, in one breath I am singing and describing the creator of the universe as Holy and in the next breath I am saying that a cow is holy, or that crap is holy? What does 'holy crap' even mean? Maybe I don't want to know. How can I use a word to describe the Almighty and then turn around and use the same word on something so insignificant and just downright odd?

We, well maybe just me, tend to often do this though. We can say, and sometimes in the same sentence, that I love my wife and I love my shoes or I love my car. Really? We love our food the same as we love our spouse or kids?

I am not quite sure where I am going with this post but I wanted to share it anyway. Maybe you can add some thoughts? Shouldn't we be reserving words to describe God that are set apart from our everyday language? Words that contain reverence and speak of how mighty God is? Do we lose the impact of the word holy when we use it to describe cows or crap? What do you think?

The big Reveal!

2009-08-03T11:39:00.000-05:00

My wife, Callie, and I had an ultrasound of our baby today. It was probably the most incredible thing I have ever experienced. To see our baby, and see our baby moving in the womb no less, leaves me utterly speechless. I really can't find the words to describe it. I am so thankful that God has allowed me to witness such a miracle during my lifetime.

Well, I am extremely happy to tell you that we are having a baby BOY! He is due Dec. 23rd and I can't wait for that day to get here!

Ben Stein's Final Column

2009-07-29T09:05:00.000-05:00

For many years Ben Stein has written a biweekly column called 'Monday Night At Morton's.' (Morton's is a famous chain of Steakhouses known to be frequented by movie stars and famous people from around the globe.) Now, Ben is terminating the column to move on to other things in his life. Reading his final column is worth a few minutes of your time.

Ben Stein's Last Column...
How Can Someone Who Lives in Insane Luxury Be a Star in Today's World?

As I begin to write this, I 'slug' it, as we writers say, which means I put a heading on top of the document to identify it. This heading is 'eonline FINAL,' and it gives me a shiver to write it. I have been doing this column for so long that I cannot even recall when I started. I loved writing this column so much for so long I came to believe it would never end.

It worked well for a long time, but gradually, my changing as a person and the world's change have overtaken it On a small scale, Morton's, while better than ever, no longer attracts as many stars as it used to. It still brings in the rich people in droves and definitely some stars. I saw Samuel L. Jackson there a few days ago, and we had a nice visit, and right before that, I saw and had a splendid talk with Warren Beatty in an elevator, in which we agreed that Splendor in the Grass was a super movie. But Morton's is not the star galaxyit once was, though it probably will be again.

Beyond that, a bigger change has happened..? I no longer think Hollywood stars are terribly important. They are uniformly pleasant,friendly people, and they treat me better than I deserve to be treated. But a man or woman who makes a huge wage for memorizing lines and reciting them in front of a camera is no longer my idea of a shining star we should all look up to.

How can a man or woman who makes an eight-figure wage and lives in insane luxury really be a star in today's world, if by a 'star' we mean someone bright and powerful and attractive as a role model? Real stars are not riding around in the backs of limousines or in Porsches or getting trained in yoga or Pilates and eating only raw fruit while they have Vietnamese girls do their nails..

They can be interesting, nice people, but they are not heroes to me any longer.. A real star is the soldier of the 4th Infantry Division who poked his head into a hole on a farm near Tikrit , Iraq . He could have been met by a bomb or a hail of AK-47 bullets. Instead, he faced an abject Saddam Hussein and the gratitude of all of the decent people of the world.

A real star is the U.S. soldier who was sent to disarm a bomb next to a road north of Baghdad . He approached it, and the bomb went off and killed him..

A real star, the kind who haunts my memory night and day, is the U.S. soldier in Baghdad who saw a little girl playing with a piece of unexploded ordnance on a street near where he was guarding a station. He pushed her aside and threw himself on it just as it exploded. He left a family desolate in California and a little girl alive in Baghdad .

The stars who deserve media attention are not the ones who have lavish weddings on TV but the ones who patrol the streets of Mosul even after two of their buddies were murdered and their bodies battered and stripped for the sin of trying to protect Iraqis from terrorists.

We put couples with incomes of $100 million a year on the covers of our magazines. The noncoms and officers who barely scrape by on military pay but stand on guard in Afghanistan and Iraq and on ships and in submarines and near the Arctic Circle are anonymous as they live and die.

I am no longer comfortable being a part of the system that has such poor values, and I do not want to perpetuate those values by pretending that who is eating at Morton's is a big subject.

There are plenty of other stars in the American firmament... the policemen and women who go off on patrol in South Central and have no idea if they will return alive; the orderlies and paramedics who bring in people who have been in terrible accidents and prepare them for surgery; the teachers and nurses who throw their whole spirits into caring for autistic children; the kind men and women who work in hospices and in cancer wards.

Think of each and every fireman who was running up the stairs at the World Trade Center as the towers began to collapse. Now you have my idea of a real hero.

I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters This is my highest and best use as a human. I can put it another way. Years ago, I realized I could never be as great an actor as Olivier or as good a comic as Steve Martin or Martin Mull or Fred Willard--or as good an economist as Samuelson or Friedman or as good a writer as Fitzgerald. Or even remotely close to any of them.

But, I could be a devoted father to my son, husband to my wife and, above all, a good son to the parents who had done so much for me. This came to be my main task in life. I did it moderately well with my son, pretty well with my wife and well indeed with my parents (with my sister's help). I cared for and paid attention to them in their declining years. I stayed with my father as he got sick, went into extremis and then into a coma and then entered immortality with my sister and me reading him the Psalms.

This was the only point at which my life touched the lives of the soldiers in Iraq or the firefighters in New York . I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters and that it is my duty, in return for the lavish life God has devolved upon me, to help others He has placed in my path. This is my highest and best use as a human

Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will.

By Ben Stein

Put the cell phones down

2009-07-23T10:08:00.000-05:00

This morning I went through the bank drive thru and as I placed my check into the deposit box, I turned and looked at the car next to me. I noticed the woman next to me, who was doing her banking, never put her cell phone down. She continued to talk on the phone the entire time she was in the drive thru. She simply removed it from her mouth long enough to bark instructions at the bank attendant.

It drives me crazy when people talk on their phones while checking out at the grocery store or while ordering food at Subway...

Now, I am certainly not perfect at cell phone etiquette. My wife is constantly asking me to get off the phone, so I am a work in progress.

One thing I am learning about cell phones is this: when you talk on the phone, you are never fully present where you are. When I go out to dinner with Callie and my phone rings, part of me is present with her and part of me is present with whoever I am talking to on the phone. I can no longer give her my full attention. The same is true when we go through the drive thru. We are never fully present with the person in the drive thru or at the bank or at the grocery store. That person deserves our respect and they deserve for us to be fully present with them at that moment.

So please, put the cell phones down!

Church softball

2009-07-22T11:04:00.000-05:00

Last night I participated in an intense church softball game. At one point during the game, while the scored was tied 4-4, the opposing team hit a line drive down the left field line. The ball clearly landed on the left side of the foul bowl making it a foul ball, however, the umpire from the opposing team didn't see it that way. He called the ball fair which sparked an intense "discussion" between our two teams. To save you from some less than sportsmanlike actions that followed I'll skip ahead in the story.

I found myself getting mad about the call. I was angry that the umpire didn't see things the way that I saw them. At that moment God spoke to my heart and said,"Now you know how I feel when you don't take care of those who can't take care of themselves, when you don't feed the hungry, clothe the naked, speak up for those who don't have a voice, stand up for the injustices in the world..."

So often I find myself getting angry at things that don't matter. That call didn't matter. Who won or lost that softball game doesn't matter. My errant tee shot on the number 8 hole is not worth getting bent out of shape about. Unfortunately, I don't often enough get angry about the things that do matter. The things that break God's heart. The things that contain present and eternal significance.

God, give me eyes to see from your perspective. Give me ears to hear the cry of the oppressed. And give me the strength, courage, and wisdom to take action!

Great Quote

2009-07-22T10:48:00.000-05:00

"We don't read the Bible to get God to love us more...we read the Bible to learn how to love God more!" -Perry Noble

Profound thought for the day: Light Illuminates

2009-07-21T12:24:00.000-05:00

My wife and I have a small plastic bistro tables that sits on our front patio. This just so happens to be one of my favorite spots to relax, besides my hammock of course. I try to spend a few minutes at the bistro table each morning either reading my Bible or eating breakfast. One reason I enjoy this spot so much is because of the view of our front yard that it offers. During the morning, the sun rises in the East directly over my neighbor's garage. We happen to have a line of bushes next to the garage that act as a dark backdrop for the morning sun rays. On a bright sunny morning, the sun rays illuminate a world of tiny creatures floating in the air. The bugs and insects are hardly visible on dull cloudy days. They are still in the air and as active as ever during those days but because of the lack of sunshine they are hard to see. The sun simply makes visible that which is already present.

I have been holding on to this thought for a while, processing through what it might mean for my walk with Christ. Well, this morning while driving to work I happened to be listening to a well known pastor on a well known Christian radio station talking about "converting" people to Christianity. He talked about the role we all play in converting people.

All of a sudden this idea that 'light illuminates' began to make sense. As a follower of Jesus, it is not my responsibility to convert people. In fact, convert them to what? A set of beliefs? A set of religious practices? Say 'this' prayer so that you can be 'in'? Isn't that exactly what Jesus criticized the Pharisees for doing, at least in part?

My understanding is that every person is created in God's image. Therefore, my responsibility is not to convert someone. My responsibility is to help people see what is already true. Help people see that they are created in God's image and are precious, valued, important, and have significant meaning. Jesus came to point us to a reality that was already true. He came to shine light on what was there all along (love, peace, grace, forgiveness, patience, mercy, compassion) unfortunately people couldn't see it. Jesus didn't try to convert people, he simply tried to tune people in to how things really are.

The implications of this are huge. I have seen over and over again situations where people try to convert others, and to be honest, it rarely ever works. People are usually put on the defensive because they feel they are trying to be changed or converted. As if who they are is not good enough. It is so much more freeing to simply invite people to live in harmony with how we were all created to live. For so long we have bought in to the way of the world that says accumulate all you can, success is defined through wealth and power, seek revenge, and that it's all about me, among many other things. I want to open people's eyes to the reality that is already true, that the fullness of life is only experienced by living the way of Jesus. The way of Jesus is pointing people back to who God originally created them to be!

We don't need to convert people to something else...we need to show people who they already are!

10 Events We'll Never Do Again

2009-07-16T12:52:00.000-05:00

If you have ever worked in youth ministry, helped lead a youth ministry, or have attended a youth ministry you may find this slightly humorous.

What path do you choose?

2009-07-15T11:57:00.000-05:00

In any and every given situation you have two choices...the path of ascent or the path of descent.

You can choose to forgive, express love, be humble, exhibit patience...

You can choose to seek revenge, express hatred, get bent out of shape, say things that aren't life giving...

Today I choose the path of ascent

What path do you choose?

Do you believe it?

2009-07-15T10:47:00.000-05:00

Recently, I was struck by this idea, do Christians truly believe the things we say, especially during times of pain and suffering? We have become well versed in Christian cliches or throwing out scripture passages in hopes of helping friends and family in need. We often say things like: "God works for the good of those who trust in him" or "Don't give up, look up" or how about this one "Let go and let God." I know the intentions are good, but I am curious, do we really believe what we are saying?

Our praise band, which is absolutely incredible, sings a song called "Bring The Rain" by Mercy Me. Here are the lyrics to the song:

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

I am particularly intrigued by the line: Jesus, bring the rain. In this line, the rain is a metaphor for pain and suffering. And the author is asking for God to bring the rain? Bring pain and suffering? Do we truly desire for God to bring pain and suffering our way? When I sing this song on Sunday mornings, do I truly believe it?

Something that has helped me over the years is to keep in perspective the pain and suffering I have experienced. Especially this idea: There can't be a resurrection without a death. During our pain, will we continue to pursue God with all of our hearts or will we turn from God and seek relief from other sources? Obviously, no suffering is pleasant and sometimes we may not receive an explanation for it. God doesn't promise answers...

We would be better off if we stopped trying to explain why suffering happens and stopped trying to give cute little sayings to help ease the pain. Instead, we simply offer to walk with others in the midst of their pain.

Remember, Friday is coming, but you can't get to Sunday without first going through Friday.

It's true, Christianity limits your freedom

2009-07-13T09:41:00.000-05:00

There are many reasons why people don't attend church, leave the church, or don't want anything to do with God altogether. One reason that I often hear goes something like this: Christians don't have any fun. Who wants to follow a god who limits your freedom? Christianity seems to be all about following strict rules.

Well, I have recently discovered that Christianity does limit your freedom. Let me explain.

Let's think about an artist for a minute, especially an artist who spends massive amounts of time in the studio working on her paintings. She deliberately chooses to spend her time in the studio creating art instead of spending time on a variety of other options. There are a million other things that she could make the focus of her attention. But instead, she chooses to limit her freedom because she desires to become a better artist.

What about an athlete? An athlete will deliberately choose time in the gym, on the court, or in the field over several other activities that vie for their time. The reason they do so is because they want to become a better athlete. They desire to master their particular craft.

Now, you may be wondering, what does this have to do with Christianity? I believe Christians are people who are learning to master the craft of holistic living. In order to live a full and rewarding life there are certain activities and attitudes that I simply have to say 'no' to. Does this limit my freedom? Sure. But I believe it helps me lead the fullness of life that God created me for. I certainly don't believe that God tries to eliminate fun as some believe is God's intent. I believe God's intent is to bring people into the fullness of life. I deliberately choose to forgo certain activities, lifestyles, and attitudes that have been shown to be less than life giving and participate in others that lead to life. Is this limiting my freedom? Yes, and I am perfectly fine with that...well, most of the time except when it prevents me from getting an iphone.

Do you feel like God is distant?

2009-07-10T07:42:00.000-05:00

On several occasions throughout my faith journey, I have felt like God is distant. I have found myself asking, "God, where are you?" Especially during difficult life circumstances.

During a conference earlier this week, I was reminded of how near and close to us God actually is.

In the Old Testament the hebrew word for breath is the word 'ruwach'. Ruwach actually has several different meanings and therefore can also mean spirit. Breath and spirit are the same word. This is also true in the New Testament. The greek word 'pneuma' means both breath and spirit.

When God creates people, in Genesis 2, God breathes the breath of life into the man and he became a living create. Maybe it could be said this way, God breathes the spirit of life into the man.

When a baby is born, it has to take it's first breath. Maybe when we are born we are breathing in the spirit of God. When you and I die, we take our last breath. Maybe when we die we are breathing out the spirit of God. Signifying that our time in our present body is done and we await God to restore our bodies and creation to how He originally intended them to be.

The next time when you feel that God is distant, take a deep breath and remember that God is as close to us as our breathing!

My dog taught me an important lesson

2009-07-08T08:12:00.001-05:00

My two dogs never cease to amaze me. Especially the youngest, Bennigan. This morning I was eating oatmeal and after finishing my oatmeal I set the bowl on the arm of the couch. Well, Benni has this thought that whenever you have finished eating, he is entitled to clean the bowl. I honestly don't know how or when he developed this mindset as we have never actually allowed him access to our empty bowls, on purpose anyway.

As soon as he noticed the empty bowl, he began to deploy several different tactics to get a taste of the remnants of my dish. The first move was bold. He jumped onto my lap and did a nose dive for the bowl. I caught him, just as his tongue was headed for my bowl, and set him back on the floor. After wondering around the living room for a few minutes, he settled onto the arm of the couch next to me, overlooking my cereal bowl. He proceeded to stare at me, eye to eye for a short period of time. I don't know if he was trying to intimidate me but it wasn't working. He quickly jumped down only to then resort to desperate measures. When Benni becomes desperate, he will take his paw and gently scratch at your face. It is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. I think he might be part cat. So, he jumped back on the couch and onto my lap and sat there for a few second, while giving me the sad puppy dog eyes he lifted his paw and attempted to scratch at my face. I laughed and then picked him up and again placed him on the floor. Instead of waiting to see his next pathetic attempt to convince me that he needed what was in my bowl, I decided to place my dish in the dishwasher and save him the pain of more rejection.

What fascinates me about my dogs is that they are so driven by their desires that they don't see the potential outcome of their actions. Benni has no idea that eating 'people food' is simply not healthy for him and, depending on the food, could possibly kill him. He only knows that it looks and smells appetizing and wants a taste.

This morning, God reminded me that I often live my life the same way. I often live chasing after my desires without realizing the potential outcome of my actions. One of my biggest temptations is technology. I can't tell you how bad I want an iphone. On several occasions I have been tempted to 'just do it' and purchase an iphone. Thank God, up to this point, I have been able to step back and see the big picture. It is important that we ask ourselves honest questions about the outcomes of our actions. Can I afford to spend over $70.00 a month on a cell phone bill? What about the extra costs, music and apps? What will this do to the time I spend with my wife? Will I pay more attention to the phone than her? How will this effect my friendships? Will it cause others to be jealous? Where is the phone made? Does it negatively impact the environment? Will it really help me to be happy?

What would it look like to apply this way of thinking to every area of our lives? What if we examined the outcome before we said that, or before we purchased those clothes, or before we went to that movie, or before we began a casual friendship with that person of the opposite sex, or before we had one to many of those to drink...

The way of Jesus is a holistic way of living. It's not just about belief. It's about letting God impact every area of our life. It's about centering my life around that which will bring more shalom (peace) to earth. It's about diving into and embracing my desires and not allowing my desires to dictate my actions. It's about being fully present and fully human. Living a life of anything less is living a life short of how you were created to live.

What thoughts/images/ideas come to mind when you hear the word 'sermon'?

2009-07-06T11:02:00.001-05:00

This week I am attending a conference hosted by Rob Bell called "Prophets, Poets, and Preachers" which deals with the need to reclaim the art of the sermon. Last night, Rob asked an interesting question. He said, "when you think of the word sermon, what thoughts come to mind? What if you were to ask your friends who don't attend church? What would their reaction be?"

So let me ask, when you hear/see the word sermon, what thoughts, images, ideas come to mind?

I will be completely honest. When I hear the word sermon, I think of a young preacher just out of seminary or an older established pastor yelling from the pulpit instructions on how to get to heaven. Rarely does the sermon have implications for how I live on a day to day basis. For me, it has always been something to endure. For some reason those are the images that immediately pop into my mind.

Your turn!

Are you on the path that will get you to where you want to be?

2009-07-01T09:20:00.000-05:00

Your direction determines your destination. Not your hopes, dreams, intent, prayers. -Andy Stanley

You can plan to go to Lake Michigan. You can put your swim towels in the car, pack a lunch, get the beach ball ready to go, but if you hop on I-96 heading East, you will never end up at Lake Michigan. It is a simple, yet profound reality.

The same is true with our lives. You can not experience financial freedom by going further in debt and spending beyond your means. You can not grow closer to God without spending time in community with other Christians or by refusing to serve and forgive others. You can not have an intimate relationship with your spouse by looking at pornography or lusting over other women.

This is simply reality. It's the way the world works. Yet, so many of us think that this principle doesn't apply to us. We think we are somehow different. That somehow we are special and that our intent will lead us to where we want to be.

I'll be honest, for much of my life I have been this type of person. I always thought that my intent/dreams would land me where I wanted to be. In high school, and even before, I dreamed of playing pro baseball. I had always been good at baseball and excelled through high school. The problem was, I never worked very hard at it. Baseball was always something that came easy to me. My lack of hard work eventually caught up with me and I only ended up playing junior college baseball. Intent/dreams/talent can only take you so far.

Is the path you are currently on taking you to where you want to be?

My dad and I are actually going to speak about this idea at TVC @ Caledonia this Sunday. We have some great stories to share about our own experiences on the 'path'. If you are in the Caledonia area come to Emmons Lake Elementary School located at 8950 Kraft, next to the High School at 10:00am!

What would it look like?

2009-06-29T16:35:00.000-05:00

What would it look like for you to do life with a group of friends?

What would it look like to get together on a consistent basis and center your life around these gatherings and not let these get-togethers be dictated by life's busyness?

What would it look like to pool your resources with each other and make sure that everyone had their needs met? What would it look like to exchange an oil change for a leaky faucet fix? Or food for a drywall patch?

What would it look like to share your abundance with friends in need...and do so without expecting anything in return? Or sharing your resources with those around you who don't have enough? What if you came together to support a single mom and her three kids?

What would it look like to gather around a meal and read the Bible together and share stories of how God is moving in your midst?

Maybe it would look like the Church described in the New Testament...

God, where did we go wrong? How did we allow the church to become what it is today?

Consumerism and Church Buildings

2009-06-26T15:24:00.000-05:00

Agree?

Disagree?

It happened again...

2009-06-23T20:25:00.000-05:00

Last night I watched Jon and Kate plus 8. I was deeply saddened by the announcement of their separation. Honestly, my heart aches for their kids. I pray that their time away from the show will bring healing.

However, there seems to be a disturbing trend in reality television world. Many couples who agree to star in a reality tv show end up getting a divorce. Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson. Terry "Hulk" Hogan and his wife. Travis Barker (Blink 182 drummer) and his wife. Dave Navarro and Carmen Electra.

I am curious what you think. Are these consequences of the fame and fortune that come with the show? Is there a private side of marriage that must be kept away from the cameras? Or were these marriages already destined for divorce?

Fads

2009-06-22T07:43:00.000-05:00

So, this post is strictly for fun. This past weekend I attended the Big Ticket Festival with my youth group. One of the artists who performed talked about the 80's. It made me think back to my middle and high school days and specifically the trends/fads that existed at that particular time. I'm curious, what trends/fads from your past do you hope never return?

Here are mine:

The tight rolled jeans.

Guys wearing a long sleeve shirt tied around their waist.

Callie said:

The side pony tail.

Breaking the "rules"

2009-06-17T08:17:00.000-05:00

One of the many things I love about Jesus is his ability to break the so-called rules of his day. On several occasions, the pharisees and religious leaders are asking Jesus why his disciples picked grain on the sabbath or why we doesn't wash before a meal. Each time, Jesus uses their questions to speak to them about the condition of their own lives. These interactions are absolutely fascinating to me.

So I began thinking through, what are the religious rituals of our day? I know there are several upon several that I could choose but this one in particular immediately popped into my head. Why do we remove our hats to pray before and after our church league softball games. Now, I could go on a rant about a 'church softball league' but I'll save that for another day...after I'm done playing.

I decided to "break the rules" during our prayer time to see if I would elicit a response from anyone. The first opportunity came and went without anyone saying a word. I even prayed at the end of the game with my hat on thinking this would get a reaction. The second opportunity happened just last night. I again wanted to see if anyone would notice that I kept my hat on during the prayer. Sure enough, the person leading the prayer from the other team immediately gestured for me to remove my hat. When I asked why, someone from the team spoke up and said, "because that's what we do here." To which I responded, "sometimes we worship the ritual and not Jesus."

Sometimes we (christians) get so focused on the ritual that we miss the point of what that particular tradition was meant to do. It was meant to bring us closer God. We get consumed with practicing the tradition causing our focus to be less on God. Our rituals can actually get in the way of worshipping God especially when that ritual excludes others. As Jesus taught us, it's not about the rules, it's about the relationship. It's almost as if removing my hat is somehow going to make my prayer more...holy?

Now, I am sure there are some who would argue that the Bible says for men to pray with their head uncovered. True, but that same verse in 1 Corinthians goes on to say that women should pray with their head covered and if they don't cover their head they should have their hair shaved off. This is the danger of snatching part of a verse out of the Bible and making it say what we want it to say.

However, I learned a very important point from my mother one day. She told me to be careful that through my breaking of the "rules" I don't cause someone else to stumble. So, I guess now that I made my point, I will continue to take my hat off during the ceremonial hat removal prayer time before and after our softball games...even though I don't want to!

In what ways do you see Christians/Churches elevate the rules over Jesus?

What are some rituals you see that make churches exclusive?

In what ways can we protect ourselves from worshipping the rituals while at the same time not eliminating them? Is that even possible?

Q & A with Frank Viola

2009-06-09T08:33:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I reviewed a fantastic book called From Eternity To Here by Frank Viola. I recently had the opportunity to ask Frank a few questions about the book. Here are his responses.

1. What sparked you to write this book?

The message of the eternal purpose of God changed my life. It gave me a vision to live by, a purpose to walk in, and a growing passion for the Lord Jesus Christ. So I wanted others to have that same experience. In addition, I feel that the eternal purpose is a message that’s not often preached or written about today, so I believe it’s a book that the Lord wanted written and distributed.

2. The "three remarkable stories" that you trace throughout the book, when did you first become aware of this concept?

In April 1992. It was then that I realized that the Bible has two bookends that mirror one another. Genesis 1-2 and Revelation 21-22. The rest of the Biblical story is the unfolding drama of the themes mentioned in those four chapters.

3. How did writing this book change your view of life, the church, and God?

The writing of it didn’t change my views. It was the message that provoked the book that did. Every human being has five questions pulsating deep within their hearts. Who am I? How did I get here? Where did I come from? What is my purpose? How can I fulfill that purpose? God’s eternal purpose answers all of those questions.

4. What ultimately do you want people to walk away with after reading the book?

I want them to see their Lord like they never have before, to be captivated by Him, to fall in love with Him (which is the natural by-product of seeing the eternal purpose in Christ), and to adjust their lives to His ultimate passion … all so that God will get His dream. Our gospel today is largely focused on the meeting of human needs. But what about the burning intent of God that is for His own pleasure? That’s what the eternal purpose gives us – a God-centered focus instead of a human- or me-centered focus. The earth is in desperate need of such today, I feel.

OTHER BLOGS PARTICIPATING IN THE “FROM ETERNITY TO HERE” BLOG CIRCUIT

Today (June 9^th), the following blogs are discussing Frank Viola’s new bestselling book “From Eternity to Here” (David C. Cook, 2009). The book just hit the May CBA Bestseller List. Some are posting Q & A with Frank; others are posting full reviews of the book. To read more reviews and order a copy at a 33% discount, go to Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Eternity-Here-Rediscovering-Ageless-Purpose/dp/1434768708/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233609867&sr=1-4

For more resources, such as downloadable audios, the free Discussion Guide, the Facebook Group page, etc. go to the official website: http://www.FromEternitytoHere.org

Enjoy the reviews and the Q and A:

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Out of Ur - http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2009/05/viola.html

Shapevine – www.Shapevine.com (June newsletter)

Brian Eberly - http://www.brianeberly.com

DashHouse.com - http://www.DashHouse.com/

Greg Boyd - http://www.gregboyd.org/blog/

Vision Advance - http://vision2advance.blogspot.com/

David Flowers - http://ddflowers.wordpress.com

Kingdom Grace - http://kingdomgrace.wordpress.com

Captain's Blog - http://www.captainestes.blogspot.com/

Christine Sine - http://godspace.wordpress.com

Darin Hufford - The Free Believers Network - www.freebelievers.com

Zoecarnate - http://zoecarnate.wordpress.com

Church Planting Novice - www.churchplantingnovice.wordpress.com

Staying Focused - http://kimmartinezstayingfocused.wordpress.com/

Take Your Vitamin Z - www.takeyourvitaminz.blogspot.com

Jeff Goins - http://jeffgoins.myadventures.org

Bunny Trails - http://bunny-trails.blogspot.com

Matt Cleaver - http://mattcleaver.com

Jason T. Berggren - http://blog.jasonberggren.com/

Simple Church - http://www.simplechurchjournal.com/

Emerging from Montana - http://wordofmouthministries.blogspot.com/

Parable Life - http://www.theparablelife.blogspot.com

Oikos Australia - http://www.oikos.org.au/blog/

West Coast Witness - www.WestCoastWitness.com

Keith Giles - http://www.Keith.Giles.com

Consuming Worship — http://www.consumingworship.org

Tasha Via - www.tashavia.blogspot.com

Andrew Courtright - www.andrewcourtright.blogspot.com

ShowMeTheMooneys! – http://www.showmethemooneys.com/

Leaving Salem, Blog of Ronnie McBrayer - http://leavingsalem.wordpress.com/

Jason Coker - pastoralia.missionaltribe.org

From Knowledge to Wisdom - http://isthistheway.typepad.com/

Home Brewed Christianity - http://www.homebrewedchristianity.com

Dispossessed - http://kblog.kevinjbowman.com

Dandelion Seeds - http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Dandelionseeds

David Brodsky's Blog- "Flip the tape Deck" - http://flipthetapedeck.blogspot.com/

Chaordic Journey - http://jeffrhodes.wordpress.com

Renee Martin - http://www.reneemartinmusic.com/profiles/blog/list

Bob Kuhn - http://organicchurchnola.wordpress.com/

Living with Freaks: www.livingwithfreaks.com

Real Worship - http://therealworshipleader.com

Fervent Worship - http://ferventworship.blogspot.com

Julie Ferwerda Blog - www.JulieFerwerda.com / www.OneMillionArrows.com

What's With Christina?! - http://w2christina.blogspot.com

Irreligious Canuck - http://www.irreligiouscanuck.com

This day on the journey - http://guychmieleski.blogspot.com

Live and Move: Thoughts on Authentic Christianity - http://liveandmove.blogspot.com/

Spiritual Journey With God - http://www.elvineve.blogspot.com/

Dries Conje - http://www.echurch.co.za / http://www.thejesusfeed.com / http://www.bookdisciple.com.

Journey with Others - http://journeywithothers.blogspot.com

On Now to the Third Level - www.080808onnowto.blogspot.com

Christine Moers - www.welcometomybrain.net

Breaking Point - http://marybethstockdale.wordpress.com

Hand to the Plough - http://www.handtotheplough.com.au

Jon Reid - http://jonreid.blogs.com/oneanother/welcome-pilgrim.html

Weblight - www.blog.worldwidewebservices.se

D. L. Webster - http://gzmproductions.com/dlwebster

Searching for the Whole-Hearted Life - wholeheartedlife.blogspot.com

The week that went by WAY too fast!

2009-06-08T13:03:00.000-05:00

Last week, Callie and I enjoyed a much needed vacation. It was a great week. The only problem we experienced is that vacations go by way too fast! It was over in the blink of an eye, or so it feels. Below are a few pictures along with descriptions of our most enjoyable week.

Monday: We began the week by taking the boys to Saugatuck. We spent time walking around this quaint little community. We also walked along the docks and gawked at the massive boats. On the way home, we stopped by Crane's Pie Company and purchased an incredible rhubarb pie. If you have never been to Crane's, you need to go. The pies are amazing!

Tuesday: We spent most of the day sprucing up the yard. We went to S & S Farm Market and purchased a few annuals to plant in our flower beds. We also trimmed our much overgrown bushes in the back yard. It was a great day to work in the yard and then spend time relaxing afterwards.

Wednesday: We had a doctor's appointment to confirm what we hoped to be true. Callie is pregnant with our first child! We are so excited! The baby is due Dec. 23rd. I know, our kid is going to be screwed out of birthday presents :)

Thursday: We celebrated our 5th Anniversary by staying at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. It is one of our favorite places to stay. I surprised Callie with a dozen red roses. The hotel was absolutely fantastic and very generous in helping us celebrate our special day.

Friday: We left the Amway and headed over to Grand Haven. We ate lunch and then planned on spending the day at the beach. The only problem was, it was cold! It was 10 degrees cooler in Grand Haven than it was in Grand Rapids. We spent the afternoon cuddled up in blankets sitting in the back of our suv. What was funny though, is that it was the last day of school for Grand Haven students and they spent the day at the beach as well. However, they were wearing their swimsuits. Oh to be that young again :)

Here is a picture of Callie wrapped up in a beach towel trying to stay warm.

Sunday: We celebrated our niece Olivia's 1st Birthday! It was a joyous occasion. To see Olivia go from the brink of death when she was born to a thriving little girl celebrating her birthday is nothing short of a miracle and gift from God. What an incredible experience. However, I did receive a sad bit of news while on vacation. Erin Merritt's, a good friend of mine, mother passed away unexpectedly last week. Please pray for Erin and her family during this difficult time!

Vacation!

2009-06-01T07:25:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I am on a much needed vacation this week. Callie and I don't have much planned except for a few day trips. We also have a doctor's appointment this week that I am hoping to tell you more about in the future. I will not be updating my blog this week but I have some exciting stuff coming next week! Have a great week!

2009-05-28T07:26:00.000-05:00

I am having a difficult time understanding a statement made by a pastor in his message this past weekend. He said, "Sin is not what we do, sin is what we are."

Really?

Now, first of all, I deeply respect this church and by no means am I throwing stones by writing this post. In fact, the content before and after this statement was fantastic. However, I have been wrestling with this statement and I am using this space to process what was said and hopefully, through discussion, I will receive a greater understanding of what he meant. With that said, your feedback to my thoughts would be much appreciated.

When Adam and Eve were created, there was no such thing as sin. They had not disobeyed God and therefore humans were in right relationship with God. So often we forget that the Bible starts in Genesis 1 & 2 and not in Genesis 3. We think that sin is normal. Sin is not original to creation and is only a temporary invader to this time and place. Creation longs for the day when sin is completely destroyed and taken care of forever.

If sin is something we are, then this brings many questions to mind:

Is sin something we are born into or something we learn? Or both?

If we are born into sin, at what age are we able to grasp the reality and consequences of our sin?

If we are born into sin, and sin throughout the scriptures is considered "darkness", do babies and children who die before they are able to grasp that Jesus is their savior spend eternity in hell, because what fellowship can light have with darkness?

If we are sin, what about Paul's statement about humans who are in Christ becoming a new creation? How can we be sin and a new creation at the same time? How can we then be in Christ if we are sin? Again, what fellowship can light have with darkness...

One of my many frustrations with christians/churches is that we pound into people's heads that we aren't good enough, that we don't measure up, that we are sin...no wonder so many people are turned off by christians/churches.

The problem with this way of thinking is that it seems directly opposite to the message of Jesus. Jesus, through word and action, was constantly telling people that they were good enough, that they had worth, that they were beautiful and valuable in God's eyes. When people came into contact with Jesus (who is grace, love, and mercy) they couldn't help but want to change their lives. I think the message of the church would be better received if we constantly reminded people that God loves them, cares for them, forgives them, thinks they are beautiful...

That seems to me to be the approach that Jesus used and from what I gather was rather successful...why would we want to change it?

Church Copycats

2009-05-26T12:59:00.000-05:00

I found this post on the Church Marketing Sucks blog and enjoyed it so much I decided to repost it here. I am often amused by the "christian" versions of popular products and internet sites. I want to see the church move to the forefront of the arts and creativity and be the leader in shaping culture. It's also time to break out of the christian bubble. And I probably need to hear that more than anyone!

Church Copycats

by Joshua Cody

Recently, I came across Godwitter.com via the xpirimental blog. My palms became sweaty, my heart sped up, my stomach twisted and my mind went back to the service formerly known as GodTube.

Then I thought of the 68 threads with "copyright" in their title in the Church Marketing Lab. Next was the 44% of churches who don't give a rip about copyright. After that, the proliferation of iGod series, Survivor retreats andlogo ripoffs. Lastly was Joshua Blankenship's post from a few years ago with a hefty focus on creativity.

We do this under the guise of "redeeming our culture" or "being relevant." And I have nothing wrong with either of those things. But seriously, a Christian version of Twitter? 28.3 million search results for Christian social network?

We are the jealous friend. We see something that seems cool, and we have to have it. But rather than take the unthinkable risk of corruption or dirtying ourselves with those less holy than ourselves, we created a walled garden. In this walled garden, we can have all the "good stuff" of the world, but we can pretend the rest of the world doesn't exist.

And the cost is high. This isn't just about not being creative or about not reaching our full potential. Our copycat actions are both a failure to realize our full potential and an affront to those we are trying to reach.

People who live outside of the Christian bubble roll their eyes. You lose them forever. They see you as demeaning something they value, and they think less of you for it. You trade the entire mission of God for the comfort of a walled garden, and you chose your Christian social network over actually networking with non-Christians. It doesn't go unnoticed.

Your marketing is screaming, "I don't care about you or your things. I mock them."

So let's rename our GodPod series, turn off our GodTubes, shut down our Godwitters, log out of GodSpace, delete our Gracebook accounts and show the entire world that we care about them more than us.

Rescue Mission

2009-05-21T08:17:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I noticed one of our robins laying on the ground under the tree where she had built a nest. I thought it was unusual because robins don't usually lay on the ground.

I continued to watch and noticed she was actual laying on one of her babies. The nest had apparently tipped over throwing the babies to the ground. I knew they would die if they were left on the ground so I put plastic over my hands, pulled the nest out of the tree, scooped up the babies and put them in the nest.

I wasn't sure how to secure the nest, on it's own, back in the tree so I built a little wooden structure to secure the nest to the tree.

I was worried that the two adult robins would not return after I handled the babies and the nest. This morning, to my pleasant surprise, I found the mother robin sitting on the nest. Mission accomplished!

Good idea or bad gimmick?

2009-05-20T12:13:00.000-05:00

I heard recently about a new church plant that gave away a laptop at their first worship gathering. I am curious what you think. Good idea or bad gimmick?

Love is...

2009-05-19T08:16:00.000-05:00

I am still having a difficult time wrapping my mind around something that Jesus said to his followers. Jesus told a group of people, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35)

It fascinates me that Jesus doesn't say, people will know you are my disciples by how many verses of the bible you have memorized or by how many church services you attend.

Love is the evidence of faith in Jesus.

What is love? We tend to think of love as an emotion. Something that we feel. While that may be partly true, I would argue that love is less of an emotion and more of an action.

Love is...

opening the door for someone

generosity

forgiveness

extending mercy to someone who doesn't deserve it

tipping well

a note to someone telling them how much you care

sharing with someone your faith in Jesus

taking someone a meal

helping in a medical clinic in Haiti

providing clean drinking water

what would you add to the list?

Practical Atheist

2009-05-18T10:31:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I concluded a rather difficult three week teaching series called: Practical Atheist. I actually stole or borrowed, depending on the language you want to use, the idea from Craig Groeschel, pastor of Lifechurch.tv in Oklahoma. Craig defines a practical atheist as someone who says they believe in God but lives as if He doesn't exist.

I spent the first week walking through what a practical atheist is. We talked about having a healthy fear of God. When we fear (deeply respect) God, we are more inclined to obey God. If we don't fear God, then we don't know God. We also talked about why this is such a big deal. Isn't it enough just to say that we believe in God? Actually, Jesus addresses this issue in Revelation. Jesus is speaking to the church in Laodicea and says that because you are neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. A lukewarm christian, aka practical atheist, literally makes God sick.

The second week I walked us through these five characteristics of a practical atheist.

1. They crave acceptance from people rather than from God.

2. Rarely share their faith in Christ.

3. Only turn to God when things aren't going well.

4. Are not much different than the rest of the world.

5. Want the benefits of what Christ did without conforming to who he is.

I wrapped up the series by talking about how we grow closer to God and what a disciple of Jesus looks like. It's fascinating that Jesus says to his followers, the world will know you are my disciples by the love that you have for one another. Love is the evidence of our faith in Jesus. Not how many church services you attend or how many hours you spend reading your bible, while these are good and help us grow closer to God, love is the proof! I also had three of our youth share their recent experience in Haiti. It was a powerful three weeks and I hope the kids in my youth ministry grew closer to God because of it! I know I did!

Something to ponder

2009-05-13T09:27:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was having lunch with a good friend and during our conversation this thought popped into my mind, why do I trust God with my eternal life but struggle to trust him with my current life? I can trust God to take care of me forever after I die, but can't trust him enough to take care of my few short years of present life? How messed up is that! Yet, sadly I think this way of thinking is definitely in the majority when it comes to trusting God.

Something to ponder...

The Question That Changed My Life

2009-05-12T08:45:00.000-05:00

Here is a great blog post by Perry Noble, pastor of Newspring Church in Anderson, SC. We should all be asking ourselves the question, what would you attempt for God if you knew you could not fail? So many of us are content with the way things are. We fail to allow God's fire to burn inside of us and change us into the person that he created us to be. You are capable of GREAT things! Take a leap of faith!

The Question That Changed My Life

by perry

We all have them…life changing moments, you know, the ones where the world seems to stand still and you come face to face with something that just about engulfs you…

It happened to me in August of 1999. I was having lunch with a friend/mentor of mine at Red Lobster (LOVE their garlic cheese biscuits!) I had been restless for about six months and I knew God was pushing me towards something…but I wasn’t sure what. AND…I didn’t want my restlessness to turn into rebellion by me trying to force something…so I began processing with him out loud…

And he asked me THIS question…

“What would you be willing to attempt for God if you knew you could not fail?”

I knew the answer…I didn’t even have to think about it…it literally just flew out of my mouth, “I would plant a church.”

He looked at me dead in the eye and said, “then you are a coward if you don’t!”

SO…literally…at that moment I said “yes” to the call I knew God had placed on my life. I didn’t know the answers (still don’t), I didn’t know anything about strategy or structure, didn’t know how technology would play a part of the church, didn’t know how we were going to establish leadership…I didn’t know a LOT…

BUT…what I did know is that God had placed a DREAM inside of me to plant a church…and when Dale asked me the question I mentioned earlier it SHOOK me…and DROVE me to take a DIVE of faith.

SO…what about you…what would YOU be willing to attempt for God if you KNEW you could not fail?

If the answer isn’t, “what I am doing right now” then I would say you need to do some serious praying and rearranging.

You see…life is SHORT…our days are numbered…and God didn’t put us on this planet to screw around…but rather to MAKE A DIFFERENCE by USING what HE has given us to advance HIS Kingdom and MAKE HIM FAMOUS!

Too many of us are held captive by fear…but remember He is THE MOST HIGH GOD!!! Never let fear trump the potential God has placed in you!

Too many of us are held captive by the unknown…but remember HE KNOWS! Besides…if we have EVERY answer to every question then what He is comanding us to do would not require faith on our part…and where would the fun be in that?!?!?!

Too many of us are held captive by people who say “it” can’t be done…but if you will look at who is saying that “it” you will discover that they aren’t actually doing anything except for trying to hold back the people God is letting loose to do ministry.

Too many of us are held captive by critics…but if you will notice Jesus was criticized…and, if you are not experiencing some opposition then that means the enemy is pleased with you…not exactly the calling our lives should fulfill!!!

What would you be willing to attempt for God if you KNEW you could not fail?

You’ve GOT to beg Him for revelation on this…and when He gives you the Word…you’ve GOT to act. God doesn’t reveal Himself to us so that we can CONSIDER IT…but rather so that we will be CONSUMED by it and OBEY HIS VOICE!

BTW…if the thing that you would attempt scares you to death…if you have had sleepless nights thinking about it…if you KNOW that failure is a sure thing unless HE gets involved…then you should probably make a move…SOON! (Like…maybe even RIGHT NOW!!!)

When Dale asked me that question I told myself, “I’ve got nothing to lose…I am going to give this a shot…I don’t want to waste my life and then look back 20 years from now and begin asking ‘what if’ questions!” (AND…you don’t want that for yourself either!!!)

SO…what would you be willing to attempt for God if you knew you could not fail?

You’re not waiting on Him…He’s waiting on you…do you need to make a move, share Christ with someone, plant a church, change careers…WHAT IS IT that BURNS YOUR HEART and DRAWS YOU to DESPERATE DEPENDENCE ON HIM?

What would you be willing to attempt for God if you knew you could not fail? Can you imagine what the world would be like if all of us allowed that question to drive the vision for our lives?

What about it?

A simple reminder for the day

2009-05-07T07:32:00.000-05:00

LOVE WINS!!!

From Eternity to Here by Frank Viola Part II

2009-05-06T08:13:00.000-05:00

Here are more quotes and thoughts from Frank Viola's book. I highly recommend this book especially if you are disillusioned with many of the current teachings regarding the role and purpose of the church. This book is such a refreshing and inspiring read!

"According to the New Testament, the church of Jesus Christ is not a place where one buries the dead and marries the living. It's a community of people who gather together and who posses a shared life in Christ. As such, the ekklesia (church) is visible, touchable, locatable, and tangible. You can visit it. You can observe it. And you can live in it. With that thought it mind, I would like to make a proposal that will sound outrageous to modern ears. If you were to go into the mind of God, you would find a gripping reality: Jesus Christ is virtually indistinguishable from His church."

"This bring us very close to the purpose of the church. The church was created to be an active participant in the impenetrable mystery of the Trinity. It was created to be an echo of the unfailing love that circulates within the Godhead. You and I have been called into the eternal love affair between God the father and God the son though the Spirit."

"You and I are now sons of the living God. What do sons do? They display the life of their father. We are also the body of our Lord. What does a body do? It expresses the one who indwells it."

"The body of Christ exists to express God in the earth."

"When you or I treat a member of the body of Christ a certain way, we treat Jesus Christ in that same way. Why? Because in the eyesight of God, there is no separation between Christ in heaven and His body on earth. This marvelous reality is consistent throughout the rest of the New Testament."

**In this connection, there was no such thing as individual salvation in the first century. You were saved and baptized into the body. You became part of a living community that gathers together continually. According to the New Testament, salvation is not simply an individual transaction. It's rather a translation from one community into another (Col. 1:13). It's an incorporation into a collective spiritual reality, the body of Jesus Christ."

**"Have you ever wondered if God loves you? That's the wrong question. The right question is, "Does God love Christ?" If the answer is yes, then rest assured that He loves you also. Why? Because you are inseparable from Christ."

"The church is the fullness of Christ."

"There is also mutual dependence between Christ and His body. The body needs the Head to give it life, nourishment, and direction. The Head needs the body to give it expression."

**"In so many modern churches, a set of doctrines, a certain theology, a charismatic personality, a set of special works or ministries, is the centrality rather than Christ. Mark it down: The centrality of anything other than Christ is a betrayal of the new species."

"The kingdom of God is a dual reality. It's "already" but it's "not yet"."

"Don't make the mistake of thinking that the church is the joining together of different races. Not so. The church doesn't include Jew and Gentile, men and women, slave and free. The church is a new species altogether. All earthly distinctions are annihilated and erased within her walls."

"Thus the life of Jesus hasn't ended on this earth. The church, wherever she is set free, is the physical manifestation of Christ in the here and now. Christ is present in Christian community."

"As such, the overarching goal of the body is to make visible its heavenly, indwelling Lord."

From Eternity to Here by Frank Viola Part I

2009-05-05T10:34:00.001-05:00

I just finished reading an incredible book titled, "From Eternity to Here" by Frank Viola. Frank does an amazing job weaving together God's plan for humanity and the purpose and role the Church plays in this plan. It stretched me to think beyond individual salvation and helped me think and see from more of what I would consider to be God's perspective. This book is absolutely brilliant! Below is a cliff notes version of the book in case you don't have time to sit down and read it.

**"The church has never been nor will it ever be a human institution. The church is the only place where God can deposit His committed presence."

"Humans want to go to heaven. But God has always wanted to come to earth. Your final destination as a child of the living God is not heaven. It's earth. The garden in Genesis will become a city in Revelation, and it will descend from the heavens to the earth."

**"The pages of history are littered with the sobering fact that God is no longer present in the places He once visited. Go to the landmarks of past revivals, and you'll quickly discover that the crowds have diminished. The joy is gone. The life has evaporated. In many cases, those places are but hollow shells today. For me, the intriguing question is: Why does the Lord leave? The answer is telling: because he was not completely welcomed. He was allowed to visit, but He was not permitted to be head. That is, He was not granted the right to make the decisions."

"Thus lone-ranger Christians are of no use in the building of God's house."

"The wilderness, then, is a divine requirement. But it's a detour, it's not home. How long you spend there is mostly your decision."

"The wilderness has but one goal: to sift us, to reduce us, and to strip us down to Christ alone."

**"Please burn this into your mind: We cannot receive the new until we first let go of the old."

"In the wilderness, God comes to you and me. But in the land, it is our responsibility to pursue Him. Consequently, a day will come in your spiritual walk when the Lord will no longer come after you. In that day, you will be compelled to pray, "Lord, I want You, and I shall pursue You from this day forward." With a violent faith born out of desperation for God, you will say, "I shall take all that is in You" (Matt. 11:12; Luke 16:16)"

"God put physical food on this earth to show us what Christ means to us spiritually."

"Jesus calls men, not to a new religion, but to life."

"There's a lot of talk today about imitating the historical Jesus. Many writers and speakers spend a great of time teaching what Jesus did while on earth. They then urge us to follow His example. But asking "what did Jesus do?" is the wrong question. It's wrong because it's only half the question, and ending there will lead us down a misguided path. The right question is, "How exactly did Jesus Christ fulfill God's mission?"

"Many Christians have been given a view of church that has little to do with the New Testament."

*more on this quote tomorrow