Spiritual Junkfood

Sermon: Messy Spirituality

2011-11-22T11:44:00.000-06:00

"Messy Spirituality," Jeff Lathrop, November 20, 2011 from Grace Methodist on Vimeo.

HUNGRY OR THIRSTY?

2011-07-18T22:12:00.002-05:00

I know it's been awhile since my last post, but since the flood, it's been chaos...things have since calmed down. As an update, Holly and I are expecting our first on September 24th and are moving into a three bedroom apartment at the end of the month.
Below is a video of the sermon I gave yesterday, July 17th. Be sure to watch it and leave me some feedback.
I apologize for my inconsistency. Blessings upon you all...

"Hungry? Thirsty?" Jeff Lathrop, July 17, 2011 from Grace Methodist on Vimeo.

A HOLY CHALLENGE: EXAMINING LOVE

2011-04-20T15:06:00.001-05:00

'Do to others as you would like them to do to you. If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.'
-Jesus of Nazareth

“If you aren't good at loving yourself, you will have a difficult time loving anyone, since you'll resent the time and energy you give another person that you aren't even giving to yourself.”

-Barbara De Angelis

As we think about Christ's sacrifice for us leading into Easter, I can't help but think about a profound sense of love in his actions leading up to the cross. You see, Jesus had a choice, but decided to follow through with God's plan knowing the end result.
What gets me is that I don't have that sense of dedication and committment. Sure, I'm committed to doing the best that I can, but if I'm honest, usually it involves preserving my own sense of self-what's in my best interests. I don't mean to sound cold in by any means, but there times when I do things for show-even as a youth pastor. Shocking I know, but there are times when I'm running on empty and have very little 'love' to go around.
While I won't go into details, I know this isn't something that only I struggle with. I think we all do as Christians. We struggle in our daily lives to line up our words and convictions with our actions. It's hard to compare ourselves to Jesus and sometimes it can be mind-numbing...especially when you consider that 'for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God'.
That happens to be my favorite verse. Why? Because it's humbling to me. It means there's a level playing field in the realm of life. It means that no one has plateaued in their understanding of God and in their relationship with God. I think it's important to realize this truth.
I think that you and I should examine the four types of love found in our day to day interactions. I think by doing so we can peel away some of our misconceptions and mis-steps too.

EROS-is considered to be physical passion, gratification, and fulfillment. C.S. Lewis called this type of love as 'indifferent' and 'desires the sexual aspect of a relationship'.
STORGE-is considered the 'natural bond' between mother and infant, father and children and kin.
PHILEO- is considered a love of affection. The delight of being in the presense of another, a warm feeling that comes and goes with intensity.
AGAPE-is a love that seeks the welfare and betterment of another regardless of how we feel. C.S. Lewis felt that this was the 'greatest of loves' and sees agape 'as a specific Christian virtue'.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT C.S. LEWIS' BOOK:THE FOUR LOVES

After reading about the types of love that are found in our relationships, take some time to evaluate your various relationships with friends and family members. As a matter of fact, I want to leave you with this challenge: Go and grab your Bible! Open it up to 1st Corinthians 13 and read it through once-slowly. Now, pick up and pen and a pad...now in the places that you see 'love' (verses 4-7) substitute it out and insert your name. After doing this, read that section...does it ring true? Again, take a good long look at where you are and how you feel. During Lent we are supposed to 'give up' certain things we try too hard to control-what can you give up in your life that would enhance your 'love' quotion and fill you up?
*I know the love challenge doesn't 'ring' 100% true for me, but it's a good reminder of the many things I need to work on in the areas of love.
Good luck!!!

GREENER GRASS?

2011-03-21T14:03:00.000-05:00

“The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.”

-English Proverb

“If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet the water bill is higher.”

-Unknown

So many of us feel that 'the grass is greener on the otherside' and too often we think of the 'what if' situations we passed up on in our lives. Some of us spend way too much time thinking about our past that it begs the question: How is it that you and I are able to live a full life if you and I constantly keep looking back on what might have been instead of where we are now and why? An interesting conundrum isn't it?

Jesus said: 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.' (John 10:10) Yet, in our attempt to life to fullest you and I continue to struggle in our day to day choices-between what's right and wrong, between what we think we can get away with and things we think are so innocent that we haven't the foggiest concerning how it will affect us weeks, months, and even years from now. The interesting thing here is that most, if not all, of our struggles come from our own selfishness. James puts it this way: 'What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.' (James 4:1-2)

So what is it that you've been personally struggling with lately? Does it concern school, work, the internet, a guy, a gal, or something you wish had or haven't done?

We only need to look to the book of Gensis to understand that this is an ancient problem-original sin (Genesis 3). You and I constantly struggle with guilt-sometimes guilt for things that we've done or left undone and even guilt for things we're about to do knowing full well it isn't the right thing to do.

When we examine the case of Adam and Eve we find out that God tells Adam that he can eat from any fruit in the Garden of Eden with exception to the tree 'of the knowledge of good and evil.' And that if he does eat from this tree he would die. (Genesis 2:15-17) Now, shortly after that, God created Eve (Genesis 2:18-23) who would be Adam's life long companion-his wife as we might consider her today. Anyway, in chapter three things get interesting in that the serpent creates doubt in Eve's mind. He plays with the 'verbage' of God's instructions concerng the fruit from the 'tree of knowledge'. He asks Eve: 'Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?' And after her reply of truth he goes on and says: 'You won’t die! God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.' (Genesis 3:1-7)

The rest is as we would say...'history,' but I would be inclined to disagree. Why? Because when God was searching for them as a parent might for their lost child in a mall or grocery store, God continues to ask 'where are you'? He asks that of you and I even today. Like Adam and Eve who were convinced they weren't good enough (naked, ashamed, confused, and worried of judgment), we too are convinced we aren't good enough to be loved or forgiven by friends, family members, and God. We find ourselves feeling as though we're too guilty or too sinful to be loved or forgiven.

*We need to note that once they were 'busted' the blame game began...Adam blamed Eve and then Eve blamed the serpent...this type of thing still exists today. Sometimes we fail to take responsibility for our own actions and place the blame on others and some of us even place too much blame upon themselves.

Now, the grass can seem greener on the otherside, but you and I already know what lies on the 'otherside'. We've seen the brokenness of others who have made some poor choices and many of us have endured our own misadventures there and back too.

I liked the second quote better concerning the grass being greener and that there's a higher price to pay for it. Too often we don't think about the price we might have to pay-loss of sleep, friendship, health, and even love.

For far too long you and I have listened to the seeds of doubt created by fears (in our past and near future) and have made ourselves too timid and unsure of our worthiness as 'the beloved'. Some have let this become too crippling and debilitating that it's cost them more than they ever imaged. It's time to stop listening to the 'great deceiver' who whispers seeds of doubt and hope we nurture it.

You and I can live life to the fullest and have it abundantly, but we must stop reliving the past and thinking about the 'what if' scenarios in our lives. If we continue to live in the past we will surely have a sad future filled with regret.

Remember, the grass may be greener, but there's always a price to pay...pray about it.

EMOTE CONTROL

2011-03-08T10:42:00.000-06:00

'So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.'
-Jesus

'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.'
-David

Now, depending on which tranlsation you have, the first quote may actually use the word 'anxious' instead of worry. What's interesting is that they aren't the same-yet worry and anxious is used interchangingly. Worry creates anxiety in my mind...but lets take a closer look at the words themselves:
Worry- to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; a cause of uneasiness or anxiety...
Anxiety-distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune; psychic tension occurring in some forms of mental disorder.

So is David writing about how there is no fear right? I don't believe so...I think he's talking about how while he is in the midst of great dispair he will 'fear no evil' because God is with Him. Yet, in today's world, we live in constant fear-whether it's at work, at home, or at school. Teenagers constantly fear they aren't good enough-not only emotionally, but physically too. Guys and girls worry about what they look like or 'seem' to convey to their peers. And adults fear they'll lose control of their children, not get the promotion or bonus, or can't keep up 'with the Jones'. The point? That it doesn't matter your age...we all suffer the paralyzing thoughts and affects of fear in our lives-sometimes daily.

When many of us think or hear-even from Jesus, that we should worry or fear...our knee jerk reaction is: 'it's always easier said than done' however, I would submit to you that it isn't. Just like the discipline of prayer, we need to work on how we let our emotions affect our faith. Now, did I just turn a page or two ahead here? Did I lose you? Let me be clear...I'm saying that we let our emotions affect our faith. To clarify I will give you some biblical examples: Peter walking on water, then sinking. Jesus calms the storm. Treasure.

Now, I realize that two of them were great examples, powerful examples in fact, but the last one hits home too-in that, Jesus ends his little talk on treasures and possessions with: 'Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.' I feel that's the perfect transition for what I'd like to talk about-emotions. For Peter, it wasn't until he let his emotions get the best of him that he began to sink, and even after they had witnessed Jesus peform great miracles the disciples woke Jesus up to save them and after these two instances Jesus asked them: where is your faith?

So where is your faith? Is it emotional or fixed upon the promises of God? Even the disciples struggled with their emotions getting in the way of their faith. I'm not saying that emotions are bad, but they do tend to get us off the prize and distracted. So what does one do when their emotions get the better of them? Remember His promises-go and read the scriptures again. You may find that Jesus himself took up the practice of really listening to his Father-our God, even in the midst of death.

We can hear God through prayer and His word, but none of that matters if we're going through the motions. None of that matters if we aren't truly open and have an attitude of expectations here and now. And I think we know when we're going through the motions; it's when we let fear take hold in our hearts and minds when it comes to the things we face each and every day...

So take control and don't lose sight of His promises. Jesus told us: 'For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.' Whatever it is that continues to through you off your 'game' as a Christian, focus on how it can change and needs to change. Don't let your emotions guide your into a dark hole or into denial, learn to control them and give your anxiety to God. Again, how do we know our emotions get the best of us-check your focus in tight situations or throughout your daily lives. A good time to 'check' would be when you pray...are you a 'scatter brain' and can't seem to focus? It's time to shut it down and decompress.

So there is my challenge-I dare you to take control of your emotions...David was in a bad spot when he wrote the majority of the Psalms. Again, emotions aren't bad, but they can be when they distract us from His truth and His promises.

KNOCK, KNOCK...

2011-02-22T18:21:00.000-06:00

'Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.'
-Jesus of Nazareth

'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.'
-God

Do me a favor and take a few minutes to look over the picture. I realize it's not the picture many have seen, but many of us have seen a similar picture of Jesus standing at the door...

The reason I picked this particular picture was to illustrate something that is usually missed or overlooked-especially when compared to other versions of Jesus standing at the door knocking...so, what do you see? You see Jesus, holding a lamp, knocking on the door-do you notice something 'missing' on the door? Do you notice something crowding the door?

I will ease your suspense if you haven't already caught it: there is no handle on the outside of the door and there are weeds and other plant life crowding it. When the painter panted this picture he was told he messed up-that he had forgotten the door handle on the outside, but that wasn't the case. He knew all too well that he had done...for as the scripture says: 'If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in...'

So lets think about this for a second...what does that mean? Well for many of us it means that we miss the point too-that we've assumed too much in life and about Christ. I think many of us assume that if we think warm and fuzzy thoughts about Jesus that he will make things all better. While there is truth to that, we forget that it means really letting Jesus in. It means that we need to stop demoting Jesus to the 'side seat driver' and that it is us who need to stop driving.

Many of us struggle when it comes to our prayer life. We neglect certain aspects of this discipline and have often shuffled it off to 'prayer before bed time'. Now, that's not to say that I haven't done it or that I don't do it...but why is it that God is so important to us...yet not? How is it that we want to get married in a church-in front of family, friends, and God? Why is it that when we go through Confirmation, it involves family, friends, and God? Why is it that God is important in our lives, but not important enough to have him apart of all of our lives?

On Sunday's we attend church, but forget to worship, go to Sunday School, but fail to let anything we learn take hold in our everyday lives...we 'show' that God is important to all the 'right people,' but not our God. God spoke of his people to the prophet Isaiah and lamented: 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.'

Have we become so dry that we forget to worship? Does our cup overflow anymore? Is there joy in what we say and do? Or is there more fingerpointing and judgment among us? Jesus is knocking and I fear that we've become too busy to hear his call. Especially in our times of need...we feel as though we're so far away from him that we forget to let it go and let him in...

My challenge is for you to figure out what that 'it' is for you...what is 'it' that is seemingly separating you from the peace and joy that passes all understanding? What sin or burden do you carry from your past or carry for someone, but fear it's too much? You're not alone for Jesus is knocking...

THE GREAT DECEIVER

2011-01-25T09:52:00.003-06:00

'If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.'
-1 John 1:8

'It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.'
-Jesus of Nazareth

Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket?
While driving have you ever been passed by a vehicle going way faster than it should?
Did you think to yourself 'where is a cop when you need one!?!'
I know, I have...what's funny is that we all have this wicked sense of justice-an innate sense really. Ironically enough though, I know that while I've said it about others, I know the same could have and may have been said about me.

What about you? Perhaps you can relate or perhaps you're fortunate enough and don't find yourself speeding because you're behind schedule or it's an emergency...perhaps you merely roll through an intersection you know isn't busy-ignoring the stop sign, or maybe you don't let someone in the lane when you know you should-while at a stop light backed up in traffic.

Regardless of whether or not you're patient enough while driving or fortunate enough to be along for the ride, I think we can all agree that at one point or another we've done some things-the very things that we ourselves hate or find annoying about others. *Name something you can't stand and then ask yourself-do I do that?

What I want to focus on is that we all deceive ourselves...maybe not intentionally and maybe not on a daily basis, but we all claim or compare ourselves to someone else-even if we don't advertise it. As mentioned before I think we have an innate sense of justice, but it's more how Ian Percy said it: 'We judge others by their behavior. We judge ourselves by our intentions.'

I know it's not the first time I've used that quote, however, I think it's fitting. You and I have a tendency to compare ourselves to others around us and claim to be 'better' or not as bad as. As Christians...we should be better than that. When I think of scripture concerning this, I can't help but think about the parable about the Pharisee and Tax Collector going to the temple...I especially like the version found in The Message translation. Regardless of which translation you choose, the bottomline is the same, who is more righteous at the end of the day? You or them? You because you're being so humble about it as you compare notes or the other person whom you and I often don't know, but assume to know all too well because of their behavior-convienently forgetting our own behavior.

So why do I bring this up? Because you and I have bought into the Pharisee's game on a daily basis. We have played the game more than once and can't seem to give it up. As you and I go about our day, are we mindful of our actions and words? Do they line up or are we deceiving ourselves and the ones we love?

The word we search for here is hypocrite. If you and I continue to say one thing and do another we are lying to ourselves and the truth is not in us. As a Christian we are called to more-something better than playing a game that has been around since the beginning of man. We are called to love one another as we love ourselves-yet we continue to struggle with that. We try to wrap our heads around why everyone can't see things the way we do-as though it is so obvious.

The truth is, we can't know everything and there will always be different views and opinions. Just as cars pass in the other lane-regardless of speed, there will always be different ideas and views as to how things could be done or should be done. At the end of the day though, it isn't about who is more justified. It's about whether or not you and I are humble enough to swallow pride and truly listen-not just to God, but those around us. We shouldn't live as though we know it all...
Which brings me to this question: What is in your heart? I have heard that 'character' is defined by who you are when no one is looking. The problem is, Jesus is always there and we act as if He isn't. Truthfully, what comes from our mouth is what comes from our heart. Sure, that's not to say that certain things don't get us bent out of shape from time to time, but how we react to things that aren't in our control says a lot about us. Our need to control warps our preception of those around us and our expectations of them.

Interestingly enough, I think our need to control and feel justified is what 'defiles' us. Now, I'm not saying that I'm perfect or that I don't have issues-in fact, I'm saying the exact opposite...we ALL have issues we need to work through. Remember it is what comes from within-what we truly harbor on the inside that we usually speak from. Again, that's not to say we don't say things we don't mean, but if that's the case we found something else to work on...

My challenge for you is to really challenge yourself! Think long and hard about the things you do and the things you claim you dislike-but you yourself do too. You should no longer deceive yourself and honestly strive to become more humble-as Christ was. Your words and my words shouldn't be of judgement, but of openness and love. I know you and I have said something we wish we could take back, but what's done is done and can't be undone...it's time to forgive, grow, and let the healing begin.
Remember, as Mike Yaconelli once said: 'those who pretend, have pretend relationships'.

Enjoy this bonus video:

TOO EFFICIENT

2011-01-19T10:53:00.002-06:00

^'I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.'-Paul (The Message)

'I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'
-Jesus of Nazareth

What would you say if I told you that many churches are 'too efficient'? Allow me to explain...when you think of your church-whether it's your home church, the one you currently attend, or have been attending off and on and consider it your place of worship, do you remember why it's 'your church'? What drew you in? Was it because you had no choice-you were born into and raised in this church or were you at one time a 'seeker' of a church family?

As you think about that...lets fast forward to today. When you think about today, what do you think 'seekers' see and or hear about your church now? As you look around at worship do you see a lot of young people 18-34 years of age? If not, it's cause for concern. Why? Because that age range is supposed to be trained up to become the next leaders in God's church.

I recently attended a 'RETHINK Church' workshop and I can honestly say that many of the things that was presented wasn't new to me, however, it was new to a great deal of those who attended. You see, it's a message that many of us youth pastors and young pastors have been trying to share wtih God's churches all across this great nation. The reason for so many generational gaps and slow progress is simple really...too many assumptions on the part of current leadership within the church and not enough open and honest dialog.
Communication is key in any family and in any relationship, yet that is usually the one major barrior which prevents change and real growth.

I'll give you a couple good examples-one that isn't mine...but I feel it is a good snapshot of how so many churches view outreach opportunities. Like most churches, we have an annual Turkey Dinner. This Turkey Dinner takes months to plan and many people are involved. It is open to the community and all are welcome.
While the church sees it as an opportunity for people in the community to enter the church, to enjoy some great food and par-take in the fellowship...it isn't true outreach. Why? Because what seekers see and hear is that it isn't free-it's just another fundraiser.
Now, that's not to minimize the Turkey Dinner...because great things do come of it, but it usually entails the same folks inviting the same friends, sitting with the same friends, and not much else. Food is a great way to entice folks to come visit, but it isn't necessarily the best way to retain them for much longer than just an annual meal/event.

The second one is about the Angel Tree. This year we had such an outpouring of support that all the names on the tree were taken and only donation cards remained. Each person was to drop off their present(s) at the church office by a certain deadline (the office was overflowing with gifts). Then the church secretary would orgainize the gifts for children by school. She would later call the 'usual suspects' to help her-usually two or three people and they would load up the gifts in their vehicle and then deliever them to the schools.
If you don't know what the Angel Tree is please click the link.

Again, not to minimize the good that was done for the community-specifically the children who otherwise wouldn't have gotten any presents for Christmas, but this 'well oiled machine' minimzed it's own impact. There was a thank you in the newsletter and in the bulletin, but that was about it.

Which gets me back to the beginning of my post. Do you remember what got you 'hooked' on the church you're at? Was it because of the many great things they offered to you and the rest of the community? The thing I would like to point out is that many of the things the church was known for then might not be the things they're known for now. You may know the deep history and traditions, but there are those who don't. There are many who sit in worship now that can't articulate or even share what the church is about now-what they're doing in the community.

The challenge is to ReThink Church and to share your experiences with others. It isn't enough to invite someone to church anymore-many seek something more than just worship on Sunday, they wish to be deployed and join a cause. What better 'CAUSE' than the one of Jesus Christ?

Enjoy the video below...I enjoyed it and I think it fits for all denominations-it should be how all of God's churches are-invitational, welcoming, and empowering.

UNCERTAIN IN A CERTAIN WORLD

2011-01-17T13:51:00.000-06:00

'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.'

-Deuteronomy 31:6

'No punishment anyone might inflict on them could possibly be worse than the punishment they inflict on themselves by conspiring in their own diminishment.'
-Parker Palmer

When I go to checkout at the Christian Bookstore here in Sioux City, I'm usually given a box that's just for youth pastors...it contains some awesome resources. I'm also asked if I would like to purchase any additional stuff near or on the checkout counter for $5.00. While I usually pass up the offer, I didn't this time...there was something too good to pass up. I saw a cd called 'FREEDOM' by the Artists United for International Justice Mission (http://www.ijm.org/).

I have been addicted to a few songs off disc 1...so addicted that I haven't even listend to disc 2 or watched the bonus dvd (disc 3). The one I'm most drawn too and find myself playing over and over again is called 'AMAZING BECAUSE IT IS' by The Almost. Now, I've always liked the classic hymn: Amazing Grace, but in this song...when you get to the 'amazing grace' part there's this calm. When you watch and listen to it you'll know what I'm talking about...

But I think I'm attached to this song because if you listen to the lyrics you'll find a truth that many of us dare not speak of...fear. We live in a world of uncertainty. Where everyone around us lives and acts as though things are going well and that they're in control-that there's this element of certainty in all that they say and do. The sad thing is, it's an illusion that you and I have bought into one too many times. You and have have spoken as though we were right when it didn't matter because our need to be right was so wrong.

We have become so blinded by this illusion that we can be so certain yet so wrong. All of us struggle with fear on some level. It's usually fear that keeps us in line when it comes to asserting ourselves. It's fear that tames our passions for more and it often prevents us from trying because rejection lies right around the corner. In truth...we all are fearful on some level, we just don't like to talk about. As if someone were to find out our dark secret our world would be turned upside down...we would be less of a person.

Mike Yaconelli, one of my favorite authors, wrote: 'Those who pretend have pretend relationships'. I think he hit the nail on the head! We are pretending to have it all under control and fear losing what little control we actually have in our lives. In the song I mentioned above, there's talk about how he 'lets fear drive'. While I know it's hard to stop pretending...we need to stop. We are in so deep no one quite knows who we really are and we have way too many 'pretend relationships'.

My challenge is that you might stop pretending. That you might let go of the fear that controls you-that hinders you from making progress. Sure, rejection may be right around the corner, but without mistakes and mis-steps...what would we have learned in life? How much growth would've taken place in our lives if we had played it safe? Jesus told us to pick up our cross...He doesn't call us to comfort.

So stop seeking comfort and reach out...start living and grow beyond the confines of your comfort zone...

*Below is the music video along with the scrolling lyric. Enjoy...

Lyrics

The Almost lyrics - Amazing Because It Is lyrics

YOUTH STRIKE MEETING CANCELLED

2011-01-10T17:12:00.002-06:00

TONIGHT'S YOUTH STRIKE MEETING AT GRACE UMC HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER.

SAINTS REPREAT?

2010-12-27T13:29:00.000-06:00

In an attempt to make myself feel better-in relation to posts from last year, I'm writing another blog to at least tie the amount of 'blog posts' from last year. Sad, I know...but I had to-especially considering this years goal was to post at least one blog a week. To date: I have failed!
Now, onto the blog that I wouldn't normally write...I have decided to write about my favorite NFL team: Da Saints! While I know we've had our issues this season concerning injuries, I know each team deals with that throughout a regular season. We've also had some issues with consistancy too-but again, what team doesn't deal with that throughout the season? It would seem that we've hit our stride here late in the season, with exception to the dropped game/opportunity against the Ravens last week. Like many of the loses this season we were in everyone of those games-including the loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Which brings me to the 'meat' of my blog...tonight we play the Atlanta Falcons and it could determine who wins the NFC Conference title. Of course, there's another game after tonight's match up, but I think tonight's game will really determine who reigns supreme in the NFC. This has been one of those seasons with close games and teams that aren't budging a whole lot concerning the 'Win Column' of things...but right now, these two teams sit atop of the NFC.
I obviously have a bias concerning tonight's game-I would like to see my Saints win and eventually go to the Super Bowl. I'd like to see them mop up throughout the Playoffs and show everyone that repeating isn't as hard as everyone says it is. So far we've overcome some adversity-concerning the above mentioned, but I truly believe a teams edge come from within themselves. A recent game I'd like to submit for such a thought is last weeks Giants and Eagles game. Just as you thought the Eagles were about to lose...they come away with a win inspite of a 'seemingly insurmountable lead' held by the Giants. *That quote is one from Bill Walton an NBA guy who annoys me to no end.
Anyway, I submit my blog post for a Saints Repeat! I have hope that they might do it again, but given this season, there's no clear cut winner or favorite heading into the playoffs. The playoff picture isn't a clear one, but it looks to be a good one. I look forward to the playoffs with the same hopes I had earlier this year as the Saints and the Colts played in the Super Bowl.

CONSPIRACY CHALLENGE 2011

2010-12-23T10:37:00.000-06:00

While I didn't talk about an actual throw down between Santa and Jesus, I did share about how I felt that the spirit of Christmas was truly lacking and that we've become too distracted. Now, I want to turn the page...I want to turn the focus to a challenge for next year.
I've become saddened by my own lack of Christmas awareness and loss. I have found msyelf guilty of over indulging in Christmas for way too many years. I have been wanting the past churches I've worked for and Grace UMC-the church I currently work for, to get involved in the 'Advent Conspiracy'. However, I've decided to stop wishing and finally doing!
This year marked a change for Holly and I...on more levels than one, but one of the things we've recommitted ourselves to is the 'envelope system' that Dave Ramsey. Yeah, we depleted our funds for the big move from Lincoln, NE to N. Sioux City, SD, and to cover bills while Holly searched for a job...but we've decided that next year we won't be buying lots of gifts for our friends and family members. Instead of multiple gifts for everyone on our lists...they get one and it might be a gift card from one of their favorite stores-which takes the stress out of guessing whether or not they might like something I pick. *Everyone knows I have poor taste and no fashion sense.
Anyway, it's amazing how much money you actually save in a month and throughout a year when you prioritize and only spend money in the areas that you really need-not want. Again, we live in a consumeristic culture, but that doesn't mean I have to keep buying things that don't bring me or anyone else any true happiness. Enter 'Challenge 2011' a conspiracy against consumerism and thoughts of just 'me, me, me'. Holly and I, in addition to sponoring a child through Compassion and tithing to the church, will begin saving up money and donating to Yellow Ribbon and Advent Conspiracy-which is about providing clean drinking water to areas that need it.
I would like to challenge you to do the same. Take a step back and evaluate the year gone by and think of the day to day things you do that could benefit others...in what areas can you give up some spending?
Now, you don't have to give to Yellow Ribbon or Advent Conspiracy, but I would encourage you to trim up your finances-stop going out to eat as often or pass on that morning cup of joe at Starbucks. You'd be amazed at how much money you could be saving by passing on the little things you don't need. When you sacrifice the things you don't need in order to meet the needs of others...you're not only investing in the future of others, but yours as well-treasure in heaven.
*Yellow Ribbon is about teen suicide awareness, education and training-something that goes overlooked all over the United States and in our local communities...Advent Conspiracy is about providing a basic need to those who don't have clean drinking water-something we take for granted everyday.
Below is a video I wanted to share with you-it was simple and profound at the same time. It made me stop and think. It eventually convicted me to make a change concerning how I prepare and treat Christmas-along with the rest of the year too. Again, the challenge is to challenge yourself. Move beyond self and see if you can't find it in your heart to sacrifice a little more for someone else this upcoming year.
Blessings to you all as you take on this challenge...a journey to search inward in order to reach outward. That is truly what it means to be a Christian.

SANTA VS. JESUS

2010-12-23T09:51:00.000-06:00

'The responsibilities and pressures of this world clamor for our attention and tend to squeeze out our inner lives and starve our souls. When this happens, we lose sight of the things that really matter and focus on the things that are passing away. Our value systems become confused when we invest more of our thought and concern in things that are doomed to disappear than in that which will endure forever.'

-Ken Boa

'Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever'

-1 John 2:15-17

Merry Christmas! Have you gotten all your shopping done? Did you remember everyone on your list-did you check it twice? Did you purchase multiple presents for each person-or did you get them one gift each? I'm going to tell you something that won't shock you...the average family spends over $750 on Christmas gifts each year. Now, when you think about that, when you've got a family, gifts add up quickly-you've got mom, dad, siblings, friends, and maybe even co-workers.
Christmas has become a stressful time of year and the true meaning of Christmas has become lost in this consumeristic culture that we live in. Many of us are consumed with the thoughts of 'who did I forget' or 'are you sure they're going to like this'? Our thoughts aren't on Christ, but presents. Usually, those gifts aren't useful either-they're gifts that lose their meaning within months of receiving. I recall watching NCIS: Los Angeles recently in which the teams boss gives them gift-ironically, their boss regifts the gifts the team had given in previous years. Of course, Hetty, their boss, doesn't give them the gifts they gave, she gives their gifts to other members-once everyone begins opening their gifts-shocked that she gave them any gifts at all, they begin to realize that the gifts they opened were gifts each other gave to Hetty.
My point? Well, we spend time purchasing gifts we think our friends and family members want-sometimes we're fortunate to get a list of things they wanted, but sometimes we do our own thing too. In the end, many of the things on their list-including mine isn't a good investment. The one that hit me up-side the face was movies...I like movies a lot and I have been dubbed 'the mini-blockbuster' by friends and family. When I think of all the movies I have, it's sad really...it takes up space and I don't find myself watching them over and over again-just every once in a while. I don't need them, I wanted them and I think that truth is what's been misguiding the Christmas season all together...which is why I picked 'Santa vs. Jesus' for this blog post.
Henri Nouwen wrote: 'Being busy has become a status symbol' and that 'we are inclined to become so restless and tense that we welcome anything that will distract us again'. Now, I'm inclined to agree with him-I think we've become too distracted and have missed the true meaning of Christmas. The celebration of Christ coming into the world as not a king, but as one of us...an ordinary child with an ordinary up-bringing and a gift beyond measure...
How sad is it that we've forgotten that Christ was God among us and that he was born in a stable...I still think there's something wrong with this picture-he should've been staying at the Double Tree! Christmas has become deluted into spend, spend, spend and stress, stress, stress. Yet, how often do we find peace and find deep meaning in the company of our families? It's pretty rare when we find ourselves preparing for family to either arrive or pack-up the gifts cuz you're on your way to the in-laws! There's plenty of stress to go around during Christmas, but I don't think that's what Christmas was intended for. When you see movies with Santa, you find a unifying theme-usually it's Santa worried about Christmas. How sad is that?
Anyway, I will get off my soap box, but I promise to be back with something else too...in the mean time check out this video:
Click Here

CONFESSIONS OF A CHRISTIAN

2010-11-23T22:54:00.000-06:00

One of my biggest fears has to do with my relationship with God…my biggest fear is complacency concerning my faith journey. You see, I know many youth pastors, student ministry directors, and even pastors in churches that are going through the motion. When I’ve confronted them, I was told that it’s merely a byproduct of ‘knowing too much’-at the very least I think it’s pride.
Why am I telling you this? Because I know it’s something that many Christians struggle with. In our busy world we have obligations and for some of us God is just another obligation. We often find ourselves with little time and energy for others-whether they’re friends or family members and God is no different.
Now, you don’t have to agree with me, but over the years I’ve discovered that we all need healthy boundaries. This idea isn’t my own, in fact, Jesus himself withdrew from the everyday tasks of life to reconnect with God (Luke 5:15-16 & Mark 1:35). I feel that opportunities such as the Leadership Institute and the National Youth Workers Convention are a time to reconnect and grow in my understanding of who I am, where I am, and why.
These two events help me think outside of the box concerning the ever changing ministry landscape that is Christianity. In order to reach people outside of the church one needs to ReThink what’s been done, how it was done and why. We as God’s people can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. It isn’t healthy and we need to constantly reconnect with our creator and learn to stay connected with one another-that is true community-connectedness.
So, how are you staying connected? With family, friends, and with our God? Are you where you know you need to be or just where you can be when you can be? What do you need and what is needed of you from family, friends, and God? Do you hear God's call upon your heart to do more? If so, you need to take some time to reconnect and search out his direction-what does he require of you?
These are all tough questions and may lead you to a place you may find uncomfortable. But I truly believe that God doesn't call us to comfort, but to work! We are each called to pick up our cross for Jesus and blaze the trail-changing the way the world thinks about us as Christians. And if you don't already know what those from the outside looking in think-pick up unChristian and When Christians Get It Wrong.
There are way too many who think we're hypocritical, judgmental, and too political.
Join me on this journey inward as we honestly reconnect with relationships that bring true life. Stop going through the motion, humble yourself, and truly become open to God's direction for you and His church universal-not just your church home.

CONNECTEDNESS

2010-11-19T18:18:00.000-06:00

Then they took him to the high council of the city.“Come and tell us about this new teaching,” they said. “You are saying some rather strange things, and we want to know what it’s all about.”
-Acts 17:19-20

'There is nothing wrong with Christians sharing their faith. The problem is when Christians share their faith in ways that are arrogant, disrespectful, hurtful, insulting, and insensitive.'
-Adam Hamilton: When Christians Get It Wrong

I have read Adam Hamilton's book: When Christians Get It Wrong and I recommend it to everyone! Adam wrote the book after reading unChristian and various intense interviews with young adults-he wanted to learn more about why young adults have left the church. It's an insiteful book and think everyone should read it-regardless of denomination or faith tradition. I think this book will stretch you spiritually and touch you deeply.
Anyway, if a person were to read all of Acts 17 they would find Paul attempting to connect with the people of Athens. Paul chooses to find common with them in regards to a starting point-a reference he knows will get the attention of those among the crowd. He starts by addressing the 'unknown' God...he goes further to talk about this God they know nothing of. By the end of his sermon, there are those who walk away laughing and thinking he's got a screw loose and then there are those who are so intriqued they have to know more-in fact some even become followers.
When you look at today's church-regardless of denomination, it's no wonder why there are books like unChristian or When Christians Get It Wrong. We as a church have failed to connect and stay connected with those who were once inside and or currently outside of the church-whether its arrogancy or not, we lack connectedness with those outside the walls of our church building. It's nice to have a church website, but we have to have substance beyond our external invitation (the website)...
FACT: 80-85% of seekers (mostly young adults and young couples) go online and search for church websites that resonate with them-whether it's a nursery, Bible Study group, or young adult ministry...they are giving you a 'test drive' before they actually hop into their vehicles and go for the physical visit.
That fact further proves the idea that we live in a market based culture/society. An older generation may call technology a nuisance but it's essential to stay connected and reach out with invitation that meets the needs and curiosities of today's youth and young adults.
So why do I focus on connectedness? Because I believe it's essential to the future of the faith. Too often we find differences in regards to other denominations and those around us-by what they wear, what they think, or how they vote. I agree with Adam, I don't think Jesus could be a democrat or republican-why? Because 'you have a moral and spiritual responsibility not to slander or send out inflammatory e-mails about the opposing party or its candidates.' Everyone gets it wrong when we too closely associate our faith with a political party and lay aside Christian ethics and Christ's call to love-even our enemies. No longer do generations within congregations need to be at odds-we aren't called to judge, we're called to love, we aren't called to point fingers, we're called to love...
So knowing we're called to love and use that as our basis for common and mutual connectedness why isn't every church in the country busting at the seems? Because they're missing something...I mean what keeps people in church these days? Connectedness! Yet, too often there's a focus of 'who did me wrong' or 'you changed the worship time' and continue down the path of divisiveness.
My prayer is that we might remember that it isn't about us, it's about relationships-not just with others, but with our God. So take a step back and take a deep breath. Is there something that's been eating away at you? Don't give up and give in...relationships are hard, but if you truly love, you realize that we all fall in and out of love-it doesn't mean we don't love, it means that we aren't always as close as we should or want to be. How do we create an environment for ourselves and others to begin the healing process? Perhaps you need a personal retreat-time away from everyone and time with God. Or perhaps you need to seek forgiveness and that's hard too.
Whatever you decide may you find the peace that you seek.

CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY:PART III

2010-10-07T00:24:00.001-05:00

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father."
-Jesus of Nazareth

"Without a personal commitment to inward change, believers will be dominated, motivated, and manipulated by the cultural network of their society".
-Kenneth Boa (Conformed to His Image)

Have you ever wanted a new car? If you watch any tv, you may have come across the new 2011 Jetta commercial. It depicts a young man who sees a billboard for the new vehicle while at work in a hospital-doing his daily job of cleaning up after others and I don't mean janitorial work either. Anyway, he realizes he isn't able to get the new vehicle-he's short on cash. So the rest of the commercial shows him taking on other jobs in order to up his income and save money. At the end, he's back at the hospital and glances at the billboard and an addition is being put on the ad-the price...come to find out, he earned enough to purchase two!
ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE?
Why did I mention this example or story? Because it illustrates exactly what it takes to be a Christian-it requires sacrifice! The young man in the commercial knew that in order to achieve his goal of owning this new vehicle he would need to work his tail off to earn enough money to buy it. Yet, interestingly enough, that isn't the kind of world we live in...we live in an instant gratification kind of world-where we demand results now. What he did illustrates discipline, patience, and sacrifice...and what's prevailant in today's society is anything but that. Sure, it sounds good, but it's not really lived out among everyone we run into on a day to day basis.
We live in a world that at times seem to either 'overemphasizes our role and minimizes God's role' or 'overemphasizes God's role and minimizes our role'-the two extremes leave us exhausted, confused, and irritable when it comes to living as we have been called to. Too often we are lost in translation...you can't have it both ways and there must be a balance.
So what's missing? An acknowledgement of dependence and lack of discipline. As already mentioned in the scripture above-Christ is a the 'true vine' and our ability to live Christ-like lives is only possible with the help of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:19; 3:16; 5:18; Galatians 5:16-18; 25-26; John 6:57; 14:10). We also need to recognize that 'there is no growth in the Christian life apart from discipline and self-control' (1 Timothy 4:7). We don't become good at it overnight-it requires sacrifice and constant self-refinement. What it really requires is a choice and commitment to follow through.
You and I need to mature in our faith and that takes sacrifice and discipline. Kenneth Boa hits the nail on the head: 'without a personal commitment to inward change' we will forever be dominated by those around us who aren't as close or committed to growth, sacrifice, and discipline. The Apostle Paul calls us to train ourselves and to prepare.
The bottom line is that our thirst and hunger for wisdom, understanding and discernment comes at a price. And begs the question: are you willing to pay the price? If you truly yearn to know Him more intimately-it requires that you give up certain things...just like anything else in your life. If you want to improve a relationship-you work at it...even when you might not like it. Want better grades? Stop spending 6 hours on Facebook! Want a better relationship with him or her? Stop cheating or investing in things that really don't matter!
I leave you with this: if you wanted to play the piano, what would it require of you? If you didn't already know how to read music-that would be a good place to start, but it might also be a good idea to find someone who could teach you too-this will cost you more than just money. When our 'cravings' and goals aren't matched with a willingness to invest time, energy, and discipline to make it happen...it will never happen!

DO HARD THINGS: REBEL AGAINST LOW EXPECTATIONS

2010-10-04T19:15:00.000-05:00

Below is a video I wanted to share with friends and family across the U.S. and the world. I hope that you enjoy it and that the message speaks to you-regardless of age.

*Don't forget to leave comments!

"Do Hard Things" Jeff Lathrop, July 25, 2010 from Art Allen on Vimeo.

CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY:PART II

2010-09-28T16:25:00.001-05:00

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
-Jesus of Nazareth

Afterwards, it says that 'When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.' How interesting, the crowds 'were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority'...I wonder...who has authority in your life?
In my previous blog I more or less illuded to the fact that there is a major difference between knowing about Jesus' teachings academically-just in the head and knowing him in your heart. David would be a good example of this-for the prophet speaks of 'a man after God's own heart.' Now, that's not to say that David didn't have any issues concerning his faith journey-as you might recall his relationship with Bathsheba and the hardships that followed him when he strayed away from God's commands.
Now, lets get back to the above scripture...Jesus himself says there's a huge difference-those who put his words into practice is like a wise man and those who hear his words, but don't put them into practice is foolish. Which brings me to another warning Jesus gave us in Matthew 23: 'The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.' Jesus warns of those who abuse their authority-those who talk a lot about righteous living, but do little to show it or live it among God's people.
When you think about it, it's rather interesting really. What Jesus was warning us about is the same thing we struggle with today-except that the power of 'authority' has been blurred and divided up amongst the things that take priority in our lives. And when you look at today's culture, not much has changed-there's still greed among us and not just when it comes to money either, there's still drugs and alcohol, there's still death and loss, and there isn't much hope in today's world. Our focus isn't on hopefulness or hope in a better tomorrow, it's in a here and now kind of hope-I hope I can get enough done today to leave early so I can do...or I hope so and so doesn't ask me...or I hope that I have enough money to pay for my bills. Fill in the blanks-what are the things you hope for each day?
Kenneth Boa shares this about hope: 'As children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, we are called to a lifestyle of growing others-centeredness and diminishing self-centeredness as Christ increases and we decrease.' And that 'while we are aware that in a sinful world such a lifestyle makes us more vulnerable to the pains of rejection, indifference, demands, misunderstanding, and betrayal, we also realize that a wise person finds more joy in serving other than pursuing posessions, power, performance, or prestige.' (Conformed to His Image)
So, do you remember what I first asked? Who has authority in your life? I asked it for a reason. I asked it so that you might begin to think about your own life-think about your day to day tasks and duties. Ask yourself this: are things crumbling around me like the foolishing builder?
Take it a little further...what aspects of your life aren't you happy with? Once you've written them down, your next task is to indentify why. Remember, this is a process and will take some time...but take time to prayerfully consider and discern God's message to you in your situation-your life right now. Is he calling you to something more or asking you to give up on something in order to focus more time and energy where it's needed?
I will leave you with this-'That which is highly esteemed by among men is detestable in the sight of God'. (Luke 16:15)

*As always, don't be shy. Leave your comments and ask any questions you might have. We'll continue next week and dig further into the 'woes'.

CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY:PART I

2010-09-21T17:23:00.001-05:00

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”

He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself." "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
-Luke 10:25-28

Why do you suppose Jesus answered his question with another question? And why would Jesus ask an expert 'how do you read it'? Do you remember what Jesus talked about after that little exchange? The expert went further to ask 'who is my neighbor' and Jesus segued into a story about the Good Samaritan. The story itself struck at the heart of the matter-you may know what is expected of you, but will you do it?
God gave us freewill-the ability to make decisions on our own...good or bad. It's one of the many characteristics/abilities God gave us when He made us in 'His' image and also led to our eventual boot from the Garden-God told Adam and Eve to NOT to do.
Anyway, over the past 75-some years there's been this great disconnect concerning our relationship to God. We currently live in a 'consumer-based' culture, which has led to the gradual deteriation of relationships, but the bottom line is that we don't know God as we should. In an age of 'information' where it's at your very finger tips-sometimes daily and literally, we may know 'stats' about God, but we really don't have a vested interest in growing deeper in our understanding of God.
Again, lets go back to the above scripture-the expert knew what was written about God, but Jesus really asked him what he thought God was trying to say. Interestingly enough, the expert had to feel 'justified' and asked Jesus 'who is my neighbor'...as if he didn't know who his neighbor was...but I think this story fits well with what we see in today's culure. There's a reason why books like 'unChristian' by David Kinnaman, 'The Christian Atheist' by Craig Groeschel, or 'Loving God When You Don't Love the Church' by Chris Jackson. There is a broken world because of this disconnect-this lack of understanding what a true relationship is and not just between friends or loved ones, but with God.
So how do we open the door for understanding and healing? I think it starts by recognizing that there are those of us who learn differently-some of us are a sponge and information works fine, but there are those of us who learn by watching and doing. We also need to be mindful that each of us are in a different place concerning our spiritual journey-some of us carry scars left by Christians and are broken or lost, some of us have found the path of mercy and forgiveness, but some of us who are doing pretty well in our walk aren't doing enough to help those among us who aren't in such a good place. Hence the parable of the Good Samaritan...even the priest passed by on the otherside of the road-sure he would have taken pity on the man, but he didn't.
So what's better? To know merely information about God or to have a relationship with God?
Now, remember...this is only Part I of this series. I don't know how many there will be, but I do plan to share more. I hope to share more and even upload something based on 'A Circle of Sensibility'. So stay tuned!
*Don't forget to share your thoughts and comment...

A RICH FOOL

2010-09-16T23:36:00.001-05:00

'No man is rich enough to buy back his past.'
-Oscar Wilde

'Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.'
-Jesus of Nazareth (Luke 12:13-21)

In the above we have two thought provoking quotes-both speak truth and deal with something we constantly struggle with: greed. However, one assumes that it's all about money, when in fact, I think it's so much more than that-'life is not measured by how much you own'. It's pretty clear it's more than just money, it's about what we buy with our money, do with our money, and how money affects us.
People who generally have money, wish they had more money. Those who have more money tend to worry about losing money and the only people who think about more money than those with money are those without money to pay for the things we take for granted-like shelter, clothes, and food.
When Jesus began His illustration the goal was to talk about something beyond money-He used a 'hot button/ talking point' as we might call it today, to open our eyes to our foolishness and misplaced anxiety. There are some of us who are living paycheck to paycheck, just hoping we have enough to have a little extra until the next wave of bills. And there are also those of us who are one emergency away from bankruptcy-whether it's an accident or a diagnosis beyond our control. But there are also those among us who have the money and aren't very good stewards of it. *Now, that's not to say that everyone fits into one of those categories, but I think the average person struggles with one of the above mentioned, has struggled with one of the above mentioned or is delusional.
While there is some truth that money is important, it shouldn't be our only focus. If we were to seriously take a step back and ask ourselves how we got to this place-we would find out it was because of decisions we made. Perhaps some decisions seemed good at time and not much prayerful consideration was given to how it might affect the future...and others were just flat out poor. The bottom line, regardless, is that there is no one else to blame but ourselves.
Now, it may seem that there's an inherently big contradiction in my posting-concerning how foolish it is to plan for a future...to store up your treasures here on earth when you don't know when your time will come-when your time is up and to 'prayerfully consider' how a decision that will affect your future-for better or worse. Let me assure you there isn't one.
You see, when our focus is on us, our own abilities, what we feel we've earned and is rightfully ours-we forget that it isn't ours, and we forget that life isn't fair and that this world is often cruel and unforgiving. Why are we shocked when something bad 'catches' up on us? Usually...it's because we weren't paying attention to our future-at least not in a serious way.
When we lose sight of God's many blessings in our lives-like health, which enables you to earn money, and in turn more money that helps you purchase a vehicle to get you to and from work, and even more money to put food in your stomach, clothes on your back, shelter for rest, and gas to fuel your vehicle. If we forget that God fuels our lives, like gas fuels a vehicle...if we neglect to pay attention to the signs-blinking fuel gauge or squeaky breaks, then it serves us right to have a wake up call in our lives. God tries to get our attention, but we choose to not listen and ignore His warnings-keep 'this up' and you'll go broke, keep 'this up' you might die, keep 'this up' and you might find yourself without a job...you fill in the blank...
You and I are richly blessed and forget that what He gives...He can also take away (Job 1:21). Don't let life 'sneak up' on you or 'catch' you off guard. Be mindful of what you have been given because you may not be here tomorrow. Work on relationships you know are suffering and remember that it first starts with you. Sometimes we're unable to see it because of our past...so stop looking to the past, it has no future, it has come and gone...what was done can't be undone.
CHALLENGE:
Take some time away. Go on a personal retreat-maybe not for a day, but at least a good chunk of the day (4-6 hours), to work through the things in your life that you know are getting in the way of true relationships. What in your past has ruined the future? Identify, those negative triggers in your life and find away back towards a path that leads you to a better life.
*The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Enjoy this video by Switchfoot:

YOU HAVE HEARD IT SAID...

2010-08-30T15:57:00.002-05:00

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."

-Jesus of Nazareth (Matt. 5:43-48) NLT

"Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that all people love poorly. We need to forgive and be forgiven every day, every hour increasinly. That is the great work of love among the fellowship of the weak that is the human family."

-Henri Nouwen

Jesus was 'tested' by an 'expert' in the law when asked: 'teacher was is the greatest commandment of the law?' In the end Jesus summariezed that it was love- at the core of the answer and at the core of the law should be love. Now, that's an interested concept considering we all have a tough time with love-especially when it comes those who have betrayed us. There are those who have hurt us physically, emotionally, and whole-heartedly. But Jesus tells us to pray for them and He takes it a step further...He calls us to love them. In fact we are told that if we are to be true children of God we are to love.

So why is it that we love ourselves more than we love others? What is the reason that we push away those we love and who truly love us to seek an empty love instead? I think it's found in a fundamental change concerning our society and culture. When you look at television ads they give us a false sence of the world-if we party, we are 'social' and we have friends (most beer and cigarette commercials). If we have the latest and greatest cell phone or computer, we are 'connected' and cool-we can show our friends we're keeping up with the times and demands (think Verizon and BestBuy).

I mean seriously, did you see the last BestBuy commercial? The guy is talking about a tv and blu-ray player combo/deal going on and it has the latest technology! In fact, they make it a point to show that you can 'tweet' while on the couch. Really? I thought that if I had a phone with the twitter application I could do that already...honestly, do we need this stuff?

In Henri Nouwen's book: 'Reaching Out' he talks about how we actually don't deal with our fear of loneliness. Instead, we choose to busy ourselves by clinging to other things that change our focus away from such an anxious thought. In fact, we cling to relationships in hopes that it will make things better and that we have convinced ourselves that this time...it will be better.

When was the last time you took some time to be alone? When was the last time you took a step back, took a deep breath, and took some time to really search yourself? It's no wonder most of us keep asking ourselves: 'is there more to this life'? Nothing is filling us up anymore! We move from one relationship to another and often ruin relationships and ourselves in the process.

There are those of us who have in the past and still continue today...to put ourselves out there for the enjoyment of others-debasing ourselves in hopes of finding a common ground, when we know there's a difference between those who laugh at us and those who laugh with us.

So, what is your definition of 'neighbor'? I think we have taken a step or two back concerning our definition. In fact, I think the Old Testament definition of neighbor is our definition today. Would you like to know what it meant back then? Back then, your 'neighbor' was someone who merely held the same believes and convictions as you-it was a click. When I think back on what neighbor means to me...it means someone outside of my usual group of friends. Someone outside my comfort-zone.

When you look at what Jesus said in the above passage, He's trying to broaden the minds of those around Him. He's trying to get everyone to think outside the box-to see that 'our neighbor' has a much broader meaning. Yes, it can be someone whom we don't know or never met, but it is also someone who we no longer associate with because of past differences.

Lets be clear though, Jesus didn't say that we won't have enemies, He merely points out the core issue-that we're still bound by love. You see, Jesus changed the game! Just as the sun rises on those who are evil and those who are good...so too did He die for all us-the just and unjust alike.

I know you've heard a lot of things in your life, but I challenge you to remember that we're all children of God and that we're all loved and called to love. While some have gone astray (and that may have been you or may be you now), that doesn't mean we are to stop praying for them. We may not like what they do, but we are still called to love (and that can be tough and downright hard)...always remember that you are loved and that you're called to love.

WALKING IN DARKNESS

2010-08-02T18:37:00.002-05:00

'Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.'
-Marianne Williamson

'For my yoke is easy and my burden is light'.
-Jesus (Matt. 11:30)

Many of us know what it's like to live in darkness-feeling separated from God. We can all relate to feeling alone, broken, afraid, and lost. We can also feel deep down within us a yearning for more in this life. Many of us have searched to fill that void with careless relationships-giving more and compromising everything to attain and eventually keep it. Whatever we choose to chase to fulfill our need at that time only reflects our need feed the 'me' in life.
Think about it...if we 'follow our heart' in every situation, we will continue to fail if we don't seek God first. Our heart isn't His heart and he wants so much more for you and I, but we have to let Him in...we have to give up our control. You and I know what lies down the road when we do things our way-it leads us into more failed relationships, half-hearted attempts, and a more 'righteous' anger towards God. The funny thing is...we're not righteous in our anger towards Him. In fact, He is the one who has a right to be angery with us.
You and I continually squander the blessings God has given us and we've become so blinded by our own pursuits and goals that we expect God to bless us. *Below is a video of Jad Dean. He talks about this very thing, but he also talks about how God spoke to him through the 'dark' time in his life...
So lets dig in deep here...we need to recognize that sin separates us from God-which means it also keeps us from thinking or seeing things clearly. We've all blamed someone else for something we did or didn't do-whether it's our brother or sister, our co-worker, or family member. The reason we did such a thing was because we had convinced ourselves we weren't to blame-that we had no part in the act.
David writes in Psalm 51:5-17 about sin and how God wants us to be broken and how He doesn't reject a broken spirit. In the last blog post I mentioned how interesting it was that we blame or give God credit for all the nasty things that happen...that during times that are good-He's often forgotten. Lets not forget God in our daily lives.
I think that onces you and I are willing to accept our situation-sometimes our own delusional thoughts we can move on and see things clearer. In 1st John 1:5-10 we find out that God is light and that nothing is hidden from Him. When we convince ourselves as Christians that God doesn't know...we're only lying to ourselves. In fact, if we say we have no blame or better yet, no sin...we are liars and the truth is not in us. How does that make you feel? *Knowing that you're a liar and that when it comes to your relationship, your situation, what you claim isn't true at all.
So what darkness are you walking in right now? What secret are you hiding from your friends, family, and co-workers? What is holding you back from accepting it, letting go of it, and being free from it? God doesn't want us to walk in darkness anymore and we don't have to.
My prayer is that you take up His invitation...for His yoke is easy and his burden is light...lay down your crown-that one you bestowed upon yourself and see just how far you can go-how much you can achieve with God's true blessing.
Enjoy the video below...I hope it changes the way you view the lie to 'follow your heart'-choose to follow God's heart.

SERVING TWO MASTERS

2010-07-28T15:11:00.000-05:00

'No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.'
-Jesus (Matt. 6:24)

'The church doesn’t want something from you; the church wants something better for you.'
-Perry Noble

When was the last time you went to the fridge...looked inside of it and said 'there's nothing to eat'? When was the last time you went to your closet and said 'there's nothing to wear'? When was the last time you went to Best Buy and saw the coolest flat panel tv...starred at it, maybe drooled a little bit, and thought to yourself, I NEED it?

I'm continuing on with my thoughts on Perry Noble's series on the '5 Lies of the Devil' and you can watch the message he gives by clicking on the link. Anyway, tell me if the above didn't ressonate with you on some level? I'm sure the Best Buy one clicked more for the guys than the girls, but I don't want to assume anything...

The main scripture he focus' on is from 2nd Kings 4: 1-7 (please open your Bible). It's about a widow who comes to Elisha asking for help because her husband is dead and his creditors are about to come and claim their children as payment. Interestingly enough, the title of this section in the Bible is usally titled 'Elisha helps a poor woman'...or something to that affect. Now, today we still have creditors and if we're unable to pay, they come to collect-make phone calls and write letters to seek payment. Back in Biblical times, they took your children or family as payment (check out Matt. 18:23-34). Today...if we continue our current path our children will pay for our mistakes-our debt.

Anyway, the nuts and bolts of this story is more about the 'irrational jumps' you and I make concerning our God. For example: when you become a part of a church body, you assume that the church wants your money-often forgetting that they don't want you money, they want something better for you in this life. Too often we associate the church and money in a negative way, when really it's not about the church, it's about our worship of God.

ARE YOU AND I BEING GOOD STEWARDS OF WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN US?

Again, it isn't about the church wanting your money it's more about whether or not you're following Jesus with your money. And the real issue is whether or not you can be trusted with what God has already provided you (Luke 16: 10-14). Let me be the first to admit that I too haven't fully followed Jesus with my money...I've usually had the philosophy that since I don't have much money anyway (life in unordained ministry-like a youth pastor), the giving of my time and energy in other areas makes up for my lack of financial commitment. I am wrong and I have begun a deep converstation with my wife about some changes we need to make.

Now the question becomes...how about you?

You and I have a nasty tendency to focus on what we don't have instead of what we do have. We have overlooked God's blessings in our lives and have decided we don't have enough money, a big enough house, a new enough car, or the latest and greatest cell phone! You and I are addicted...and if we don't 'handle our desire to acquire' then we're doomed to forever be unhappy-in this life and the next.

HERE ARE TWO THINGS THAT DON'T GO TOGETHER:
I love you, but go to hell!
Jesus I love you, but keep your fingers off my money!

I guess at the heart of this is a fundamental question: Are you ever happy with what you have? Do you see the blessings in your life or do you only see what you don't have? Is your focus on this world or the next? Because the answer to many of our problems isn't whether or not God could give us more, but whether or not we can manage what God has already given us. Whatever the situation, whether it's financial or not, do you accept the situation you're in and know the way out? Sometimes it's not easy to do what needs to be done-it's always 'easier said than done', but what needs to be done is what's important.

Isn’t it amazing how we wonder or even blame God for ‘bad things’ that happen in our lives? Why is it that we don’t give Him enough credit, honor, and praise when things are going well? Why is it that we only turn to Him in the midst of our problems?

At the core of all this we need to ask ourselves this: Are we ever happy with what we have? Why do we feel the ‘need’ for more? And who placed that desire there? You and I need to stop conforming to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:1-3), stop serving the many masters of this world (money, fame, and pride) and follow the one that truly loves us-God.

CAN YOU HANDLE IT?

2010-07-27T16:00:00.082-05:00

'...you might be in a valley, be coming out a valley, or about to enter a valley...'
-Perry Noble

'Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you...Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'
-Spirit of the Lord (2nd Chronicles 20)

Perry Noble did a 5 week series a while back called the 'Five Lies of the Devil'. In the first week he talks about the first lie: 'God will never put more on us than we can handle'. He points out that most well-meaning people and even pastors will use that very phrase to offer some sort of hope-I know I have, and that they got it wrong-he admits he had it wrong too.
The scripture that is often refered to and used is from 1st Corinthians 10:13 which reads: 'No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.'
Now, the question becomes...where did we go wrong in our interpretation of the verse itself. I personally think it comes from how we were brought up to think-you and I have been conditioned by today's society and culture to shrug off our need for God's help. It comes back to how we rationalize and justify things in our mind and how we try to convince others and ourselves that we're still 'in control'.
So Perry is covering 5 lies that Christians believe and the first one deals with the contextual issue of the above scripture verse. If you re-read it, the verse doesn't say that you won't have to deal with temptation-we all know we do and will, rather, it says 'tempted beyond what you can bear'. Meaning, there's a choice that has yet to be made concerning the temptation-whether it be to cheat on a test in school, call in sick to work so you can sleep in, or make change in the offering plate as it's passed.
The verse is simply saying that you will be tempted, but you have options.
Too often we use this verse or reference it to give comfort to someone who is in the midst of a crisis or to give comfort to ourselves-forgetting that the choice has already been made and the situation we find ourselves in is a direct reflection of the choice we may have made or haven't made. Confused? Don't be. Re-read the scripture again and tell me if you agree. *It's okay if you don't, you won't hurt my feelings. This is merely my thoughts and opinions-I just happen to agree with Perry on this one.
One last time, it doesn't say that we won't face problems in our lives, but it does say that we have choices and options that will either make our lives more complicated or easier-by what we decide to do and decide not to do. It can be confusing at times and I will be the first to admit I misused the above scripture to give others comfort-not knowing I too was spreading the lie around.
A bad situation, though tragic, doesn't have to remain that way or get worse. If we give up the thought that we're 'in control' and realize our dependence on God- things become clearer. Maybe not easier at first, but once we trust in Him and get out of our rut we can begin to see things in a whole new way (Romans 12:1-2 NLT)
So the challenge here is to give up and give into God (Matthew 11:30). God may put more on our plate than we can actually handle (2nd Chronicles 20), but perhaps it's because God is trying to get our attention-perhaps our relationship has suffered and we no longer rely on Him.
Perhaps He is using your situation to break you down...He may be trying to bring you to your knees or even face down in order to bring you back to where you should be. If this is you, know that 'the battle is not yours, but God's' (2nd Chronicles 20:15). *Remember: Phil. 4:13

FALLING IN LOVE OR OUT OF LOVE?

2010-07-22T10:21:00.001-05:00

'If we deny love that is given to us, if we refuse to give love because we fear pain or loss, then our lives will be empty, our loss greater.'
-Unknown

'If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.'
-1st Cor. 13: 1-3

Most of us have fallen in and out of love with someone or something in our lives-whether it's a relationship with the opposite sex, a job, or our personal journey with God. We have struggled with loving others and even ourselves, but there's still someone we really struggle with...GOD. One needs only to pick up the Bible to find stories of mere mortals struggling to find their purpose or reason for living-seeking direction and in the midst of their brokenness find a feeling they cannot escape...the warmth of love, grace, and forgiveness.

Since the O.T. when Moses was about to reveal God to the Isrealites we've been trying to wrap our heads around this God who claims to be the great 'I AM' (Exodus 3:13). And there have been many who have been angry with God too-we need only look at the prophet Jonah...he thought the people of Nineveh deserved God's wrath, but God gave them mercy and it made Jonah a bit grumpy.

Sometimes we just don't understand what God's trying to say to us. It's not that he doesn't answer prayer, it's just we have a tough time listening and accepting His answers. Sometimes we're asked to give up our desires to meet the needs of others-friends, family, or complete strangers and that's hard sometimes.
So how do you define love? I provided the 13th Chapter of 1st Corinthians, but we have our own words and ideas too...here's what's commonly described as love:
-An emotion of strong affection and personal attachment.
-A virtue representing all of human kindness, compassion, and affection.
*Interesting how similar that is to what is described in the 13th Chapter.

Change isn't easy, but if we're committed to this relationship we know it will have it's ups and downs. Love isn't some obligation to someone or something. Love is merely something that is in our nature. If we force it, it's fake and loses it's flavor (Matt. 5:13-16)-we no longer become interested and we are no longer interesting. Think about it...what is it about us that attracks others? Sure, we can be funny and humorous, but when friends are in need they aren't looking for your humor...they're looking for your comfort, time, and compassion. When we are broken and lost we seek out those we trust most in our lives for direction and advice. I pray that we don't forget that God is a part of this equation too-the equation to happiness and life.

*Below is a link to a couple videos-more importantly they are songs by Jason Gray called 'More Like Falling In Love' and Jars of Clay's 'Love Song For A Savior'. I think both are fitting for this blog. Listen to the words and see if they don't speak to you from deep within.

CHALLENGE-
I challenge you to ask yourself the following questions:
-What areas of my life do I not care about that I know I should care about?
-In what areas have I fallen short of God's standards and my own potential?
-In what areas have I settled for just getting by when I know I could do better if I really tried?
-In what areas have I decided that things 'will always be this way' without ever putting the kind of effort that really changes things?

We should recognize that our relationships are always in flux-changes need to be made. It's like a dance and sometimes we get out of step with God and distance ourselves...we only need to realize that we need Him and that if we seek Him in all that we do, He will make our paths straight. No one said it would be easy because it isn't...it requires us to be flexible (Romans 12:1-2).

CLICK HERE for Jason Gray's video

THE CHRISTIAN ATHEIST

2010-07-15T15:49:00.000-05:00

I recently picked up a book called 'The Christian Atheist: Believing in God, but living as if He doesn't exist'. I didn't just pick this up because the title was catchy, but because it reminded me of something another book taught me-that there are more than two types of people out there. In fact, there are three types of people out there: 1. those who are saved, 2. those who are unsaved, and 3. those who are saved but unspiritual. Of course, the book I'm referring to is older and considered out of date, but this book brings it new life and meaning. Not because it's repackaged, but because it speaks truth about today's culture and society-taking a more dynamic look at this phenomenon.
While a majority of today's population (95% of the U.S.) say they believe in God I would say that it doesn't look like our country reflects that Christ-like character or behavior. Where's the grace, patience, and forgiveness (1st Cor. 13) in senseless acts violence-I don't see the 'Goldren Rule' (Matt. 7:12 or Luke 6:27-31) lived out in the pages I read in the paper or on the internet.
Back in the day, 'my word is my bond' used to mean something, but now...talk is cheap. You may talk a good game, but can you deliever? And if you don't deliver or fall short (Romans 3:23) you're ruined-just ask Tiger Woods about the judgement he recieved. I know I've used this before, but I'm going to use it again because we have a nasty tendency to 'judge others by their behavior (our preception) and judge ourselves on our good intentions'. Too often we're the ones asking for some 'slack' when the heat is turned up on us and we're too quick to throw someone under the bus or place blame-when it falls on us alone.
So where am I going with this...simple...if 95% of Americans claim to believe in God-why isn't there enough love in our communities? There are many who go hungry in our very backyard, and many who go un-noticed in our own church pews on Sundays. I really think there are too many of us out there who are truly Christian Atheists-by the words we speak and the things we do...they will know IF we are Christians.
My challenge to you is to 'DO HARD THINGS' and stop just talking about it and starting doing something about it. God has put you here for a reason and it isn't to just see things pass you by or for you to hear of needs, but to meet the needs of others and do see a need and take action!
-Questions to ponder:
Are you a Christian Atheist?
Do you know someone who is?
Do you know someone who glows with the love of Christ?
What is getting in the way of you taking that next step?
*Prayerfully consider asking Jesus to take over...for real this time-no passenger seat.

MISSION TRIP: CAMPFIRE CONFESSIONS (2nd to last night)

2010-07-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

Last night was another great night for the youth and the youth leaders. During campfire Chris and I talked a little more about what it might look like to go back home and actually do hard things-making hard choices, but the right choices-even if it might be an unpopular one to make. We asked them, 'what might it look like or require of you' to go back home and do what is right?
Our scripture came from Ester 5:1, where Ester is standing in front of the thrown room entrance, dressed in all her royal guard-knowing that what she's about to do next could cost her-her life. You see, Ester was a 'no body' by today's standards-and even back then too, but God moved her away from all that and moved her into a situation in which she had great power and influence.
Nuts and Bolts:When her cousin Mordecai 'disrespected' Haman-someone who was more or less the 'right hand man' of the king, he was enraged and upset and decided to plot against the Jewish people in all of Persia. When Mordecai wouldn't bow down to Haman, he decided to form a plot against the Jewish people-using and abusing his favor with the king to make himself feel justified (thinking 'I'll teach him a lesson). Well, Mordecai went to Esther and told her to talk to the king and save her people. She wasn't quite sure she could do it and when the time came...she stood before the entrance knowing it could cost her everything-her very life.
When Chris presented it to the youth...the spirit worked from within. Because when he was done, we had quote a few come up and talk about the 'hard things' they're scared to face when they go home and the 'hard things' they are struggling with this week-knowing they have to do something, but are afraid.
This week has been an awesome week and we have one last campfire to go-where we will bring it full circle! Pray that those who haven't shared and those who feel they should-will indeed stop denying their call and share what God has put upon their heart this week (maybe not at campfire, but in small groups, or during their quiet time with God alone). Our goal is to have them be honest with themselves, others, and their creator. I know not all of them will share at campfire, but I know they will sometime down the line...maybe not this week, but the next.
Again, continue to pray for growth in the lives of these young people. And throw one or two up there for the bus drive and the youth leaders as we journey back to Lincoln, NE.

MISSION TRIP 2010: DAY 5 (WORK SITE SNAP-SHOT)

2010-07-02T00:52:00.000-05:00

Today was the final work day for the youth! They completed over 600 hours of work this week and managed to impress all that they helped.Our final project was at a Christian Dude Ranch called 'Wind River Ranch'. For a summary that's already done, click and read Chris' blog post called: FINAL WORK DAY

MISSION TRIP 2010: DAY 4 (WORK SITE SNAP-SHOT)

2010-06-30T17:46:00.000-05:00

The youth worked at one site today and it was also the site for the 'Cow Creek Fire' Headquarters. The youth did some work cleaning up the Middle School and High School-whiped down counters, tables, desks, chairs, vacuumed, and other manual labor like washing windows.
After lunch the youth were able to get a tour of the headquarters and find out what's happening. They got to see the many classrooms that were retro-fitted to be offices for various logistical aspects of this emergency: like medical, communications, maps and imagery, lodging, food/catering, and even a place to shop for more fire-retardent clothing and whatever else they might need.
We found out that sometimes the firefighters are on the mountain for three days at a time-they go in shifts and even go daily for 10 hours, ,when it isn't a three day rotation.
Be sure to check out the article link above and find out what's been happening here to the community.

LAST NIGHT'S CAMPFIRE CONFESSIONS

2010-06-30T17:13:00.001-05:00

Last night was another God-filled campfire. As usual, Josh did an amazing job getting us into the mood by singing our praises to God as the sun went down and the fire began to take focus. After a heartfelt song of 'how he loves us' by David Crowder, Chris and I hit it hard! We opened with prayer, scripture, and a story about training elephants-you will have to talk to the youth about more details about their thoughts and reaction.
Did you know that elephants are used in some regions of Asia for labor? For hard labor too-like uprooting trees! They're so useful and powerful...yet at the end of the day of hard work, the owner merely secures their elephant with a rope (twine for them-if that) tied to the their right back leg...which is then tied to a wood post (or stake for them-if that). The interesting thing here is...if an animal that can do great things-like uproot huge trees with deep roots, surely it wouldn't be there in the morning...but they are. The next day, they untie their elephant for another hard days work-fascinating huh? It blew away the youth when we told them, but we weren't done...
We followed it up by talking about 'low expectations' that we have for ourselves and low expectations that society holds for us too. Specifically, concerning teens-they're only expected to get into trouble and not be trusted. A few years ago when a couple of teens wrote a book called 'Do Hard Things' (Alex and Brett Harris) they did a lot of research and found that even Google has low expectations...a few years back, the top search results were: teens and alcohol abuse, teens and drugs, teens and smoking, teens and drinking...just to name a few.
We also mentioned that 'expectations are a self-fulfilling prophecy-whether you think you can or think you cant...you're right!' (paraphrased from the book) and that we live in a culture that wants to tell us how to act, how to think, how to look, and how to talk.
Now, I bet you're curious how an elephant stays put-tethered only by something we would consider a stick and some twine. Well, when the elephant is very young the owner trains them-they chain them (their back right leg) to a huge tree (more or less) and when they try to escape, they can't...and the more they try, the chain begins to hurt their foot...after a while, they give up and stop trying. When they're older, they no longer struggle because they have put it out of their mind to try and can be kept by simply tying them with some simple rope to a stake in the ground.
I wonder...how many of us can relate to this story/analogy? I know it was a powerful one for me and I hope that you will also consider what's holding you back in your relationships-more specifically with God. Are you and I unable to do things because we've been conditioned into a certain way of thinking or have we really maxed our growth? I guess it could come back to the issues of control and sacrifice we all struggle with-change isn't easy because it's uncomfortable and leaves us vulnerable.
Continue to pray for the youth and their 'mountain' experience here at Estes Park.

CLICK HERE to watch the David Crowder Video called 'How He Loves Us'.

POST 100! RELATIONSHIPS UNFILTERED: INFLUENCE

2010-06-29T14:48:00.000-05:00

This is my 100th blog post and I'm excited to share something outside of the Mission Trip. Today is our day of rest-our Sabbeth, time with God. I've been reading two books lately: 'The Christian Atheist' by Craig Groeschel and 'Relationships Unfiltered' by Andrew Root. I have been using some of their insight and sharing it with the youth at campfire-I think God ordained this really...why else would it work so well with our goal, theme, and message for the youth? So this won't be a total step away from the Mission Trip itself-rather a 'behind the scene' type of blog post.
Anyway, for our purposes I'm going to share a story and then give the bullet points about influence. Enjoy!
The story begins with a young lady starting her first month of her sophomore year-she's reflecting on how things are so much better...her grades are up and she likes her roommates. Last year was a mess, but no one would've known by the facade she played. Since 8th grade she knew things were different at home-her mom and dad's relationship went from a playful and flirty kind of love to a coldness that was evident to everyone.
While she was worried, she kept herself busy so that she wouldn't focus on the worry and stress-the low boil the existed among them...but a few weeks into her freshman year she got a phone call from her mother-they were getting a divorce.
She found out that her mom and dad were having an affair for over 4 years with people...and the more she found out, the more her world came crashing down around her. There was a coping mechanism she found though-parties and lots of them. However, when her grades started to slip she decided this wasn't working-she needed to make a change. She began studying again, got her grades up and started hanging out with peers and friends that were 'outwardly committed' to their faith. They became her roommates...however, not all is well in her world...
As she walked into her apartment, she realized all of her roommates were waiting for her...they told her 'we need to talk' and that 'we've been talking and don't think you should room with us anymore'. After the bomb was dropped she asked why...the proceeded to tell her 'because you're a bad influence on us. You used to party a lot not too long ago and you're not helping us grow closer to Jesus. We all have been trying to grow in our relationship-our faith and you're just bringing us down. We thought that by rooming with you we could be a good witness and Christian influence upon you, but you're jeopardizing our faith'.
What sad about this story is that it happens a lot in college...while there are good intentions, people get hurt, but it isn't because they may have tried and gave up, but because of their goal-to influence someone as a means to an end, in this case...having her become a better Christian.
-There's a big difference between relational ministry and plain ol' influence.
Below are some of the reasons why influence isn't the same as relational:
RELATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRY CANNOT BE ABOUT INFLUENCE BECAUSE...
1. it would use the relationship as a means to an end (check out the video below from 'The Big Kahuna').
2. the person isn't important; only that person's decision (or will) is.
3. the incarnation of Jesus Christ has nothing to do with influence.
4. the fellowship of the Trinity is not about influence.

*Perhaps later I will explain more about each point, but maybe I won't have to. Given the story/situation above were the roommates effective in their goal of helping their 'imperfect'-so-so Christian roommate that had made some bad decisions? Nope. Instead, they crippled her-shot her down just as she was gaining momentum, on the outside things looked like it was on the up and up, instead, there were assumptions made and when she failed to pick up on their cues (influence)-they cut her off out of fear they may slip far beyond recovery in their own faith journey. They weren't concerned with her well-being, they were more concerned about theirs. Is that Christ-like?
Thhis is already a longer post than I had intended, but I think it's a good one! Enjoy the video down below. *I apologize for the brieft strong language, but there's something of substance I'd like everyone to marinade on. Ask yourself...are you merely a marketing rep trying to steer a conversation or relationship? Or are you someone who has a real interest in what the other person has to offer-to you and others (on a deeper level than just getting them involved in something)?

MISSION TRIP 2010: DAY 3 CAMPFIRE

2010-06-29T01:18:00.000-05:00

All I can say is wow...what an amazing response to God's word and message. Tonight's scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 12:1-2. The message itself was about being too 'busy' and the risk of missing out-when your goal isn't to miss out on anything (hence being overly busy). Personally, I think we're all a little too busy and Rob Bell thinks that many are addicted to the drug called 'busy'. *Shells-20 Nooma
Throughout the week-in our small groups and at campfires Chris and I have tied our overall theme (Micah 6:8) to encompass some important aspects of the scripture...Day 1: Act Justly, Day 2: Love Mercy, and Day 3: Walk Humbly with your God. So far we have asked them to dig deep-to think about what each of those things might look like in their everyday lives.
For tonight, we interwove an analogy of a dashboard-specifically three things that light up, that all alone say one thing, but if put together mean something even more. We recognized that the fuel in our lives (the fuel gauge) isn't always God's fuel, we recognized that living in the 'red zone' or at full throttle (rpms/tacometer) isn't always good, and asked about whether or not the engine was running too hot or too cold (temp).
The reaction from the youth was amazing-with stories ranging from personal faith struggles (where I am isn't where I want to be...and I feel lost), an outside source (someone has done me wrong), and I have a secret that's been eating away at me. *I guess all of those are considered personal struggles...
Anyway, continue to pray for these young people. Not only have they done great work, but they've also begun working on their personal lives and relationships (family, friends, and God). Last year I mentioned a term I've grown to enjoy...'they shared out of their brokenness'. The reason why I've enjoyed it is because it's such a vulnerable yet authentic-spirit-filled moment which touches all who hear. I would be lying if I said I wasn't moved by some of the 'confessions'...I just wanted to run up to them and hold them as they cried and struggled to find the words-I wanted to take away their pain.
Well, tomorrow there won't be any work sites, only 'God time'. During the usual time of work (usually 9-3pm) the youth will be enjoying a day of rest. During that time they're not to do anything 'fun' with their friend-unless it involves an intense conversation about scripture they've just read. We have encouraged them to take some time alone and to even seek out a youth leader or peer who could help them wrestle or just talk about the theme for this week (and the scripture we've used thus far).
So again, keep praying for the youth...many have come a long way-not just in physical distance (from Lincoln to Estes Park), but spriritually...many feel far from God and seek His face in a serious way. Pray for rest and peace as they enter into a day of 'Sabbeth'.
Thanks for reading and praying!

MISSION TRIP 2010: DAY 3 (WORK SITE SNAP-SHOT)

2010-06-28T17:49:00.000-05:00

Today's worksite wasn't one that we're used to...we helped out at the fairgrounds. There were some grumbles amongs the youth and even the youth leaders concerning the 'nature' of the work-after some discussion we all agreed (youth leaders) that this wasn't really something that fit into our missional goals.
Regardless, the youth continued on with little complaints-they recognized the oddity, if that's even a word and finished the work. Again, there weren't enough tools to do the job or even complete it. We also didn't have enough projects for the youth-they did some painting, cleaned out horse stalls-there were a lot, and cleaned the grandstands for their grand re-opening (on Wednesday).
All in all, the work got done and they're back at the YMCA enjoying their free time. We changed things up though-after their done with free time we will all have supper, small groups, evening activity-ultimate frisbee, and then camp fire. There's a lot left to the day huh?
Continue to pray for the fire fighters, the youth, and the youth leaders. We pray that tonight's campfire will continue to move the youth in the direction God has ordained for their lives.
*If the internet is still working...more to come.

MISSION TRIP 2010: DAY 2 (CAMPFIRE)

2010-06-28T00:54:00.000-05:00

The spirit was present tonight as it moved the hearts of those yearning for more. A good portion of them came forth tonight to either re-affirm a committment they know they've lost or let go of and to learn more about this awesome God in their lives. I won't name names, but there were youth present from each church.
The long and short-it was all a 'God thing'. Chris and I threw out the script! The spirit led us in a different direction-yet kept us on course concerning our core message. There were tears tonight and I pray that they will continue to be pliable (not sure on spelling) to God's calling in their lives. Be sure to check out Facebook for some updates and pictures throughout the day...there isn't much time for Chris and I to get online and blab on and on...but know we give it the 'ol college try.
Thank you all for your feed back...I will be sure to send the messages onto them. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as the week goes on for I know there is more in store for us here in Estes-this is only day 2. I'm looking forward to what God has planned for day three.
-Oh and on a special note: we ended up having our campfire in our meeting room/lodge...it's a different feel, but a good one, intimate and close. *We had no choice really-the rain came down and it was coming down good!
Well, I'm signing off, I'm off to bed!

MISSION TRIP 2010: DAY 2 (WORK SITE SNAP-SHOT)

2010-06-27T16:05:00.000-05:00

We are back at the Y-Camp and we've finished up small groups...small groups are done after we get back from our work sites-we got back a little early. The youth worked at the Victim's Advocacy Center and nailed out a page worth of 'work projects'/jobs. Everyone pitched in-in fact, Tony, our bus driver helped out too.

Here are some of the work projects the youth did:
-sanded hand rails (used wood putty to fill in any major chunks that would cause slivers)
-stained hand rails
-stained the walkway of handicap ramp
-stained the fence surrounding the center
-pulled weeds
-hauled mulch and dirt
-vacuumed
-window washed
-smoothed out unevened rock in the drive way

All in all, the youth did a lot of work...by our estimate they worked 140 hours-which is huge when you consider the Advocacy Center only has two full time employees and three very part time employees. We talked about it in small groups-imagine one person staining the whole handicap ramp or the the surrounding fence...how long would that have taken one person? The youth are proud of what they've already accomplished-even if they didn't get to meet the people who are currently staying there.

Well, don't be a stranger parents, friends, and family members...leave comments so that we all know that you've been keeping tabs on your youth.

MISSION TRIP 2010: DAY 1

2010-06-26T23:37:00.000-05:00

After a long drive we finally arrived at the YMCA Camp...many of us tired, but eager-anticipating a great week that only God knows will unfold. Parents prayed for rain and we got some...the sad news though-the fire has spread. At tonight's camp fire we closed with a special prayer for the fire fighters-giving thanks for their work, but also praying for their safety, that they might return home to their families.
Speaking of camp fire...I just got back from a great conversation with one of our youth. It would seem we're off to a grreat start as there are already hearts eager to make a change. Knowing there's a willingness on the part of the youth brings a smile to my face-because it means they're not just going through the motions.
Now, please realize and note that not every blog I write during out time in Estes will be this long, but I will do my best to give you the meat of what was talked about/mentioned at camp fire and some of the overall impressions I was given. I also promise to add something about the work that was done too-be sure to follow twitter and facebook (when there's cell service, I try to write/leave messages-some w/ pictures even).
Tonight, we (Chris and I) spoke about Micah 6:8 and how God has already told us and shown us what is needed-what we're to do. We both suggested that sometimes doing what is right isn't what is always easiest for us to actually do-like sticking up for someone, it sometimes means we need to do something unpopular and uncomfortable.
During the week, we will be taking it a step further...our hope is that they learn that there are no limits on what we can do or accomplish-only limits that we put upon/give ourselves. We encouraged them to pray more and be open to God's calling in their lives...to dig deep and search for that passion that is deep within-they all feel that they should be doing something and that there is more to this teenage life. Let us all pray they find their way this week...or at least take the first step in believing God can provide that which we cannot already see (Phil. 4:13 and Hebrews Hebrews 11:1).
ENJOY THE VIDEO BELOW...

PRE-MISSION TRIP 2010

2010-06-25T23:43:00.000-05:00

Greetings! This is my pre-mission trip blog/note. Something has come to our attention worth sharing. Please go check out Chris' blog-he's already completed his note, so I'm sharing.

CLICK HERE for his blog article

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers during this wonderful time of exploration and discernment for these young people.

WILLING TO BE REMADE

2010-06-17T13:12:00.001-05:00

'Jesus said pick up your cross...not your matress'.
-Perry Noble

'...can I not do with you as this potter does?'
-God (Jeremiah 18:1-10)

Control. Perhaps the one thing we struggle the most for and with. When things don't go our way, we usually voice our opinion or make it known that we're unhappy with this new arrangement. Ironically enough, when we're not in control of our lives or a situation, we tend to lose control of our basic functions-we sometimes end up saying or doing some things that we later regret. Maybe not all the time, but just so I'm clear...there are times when something happens and we're no longer in control-there's nothing we can say or do to change it-a great example of that would be a car accident, it wasn't planned, but what was planned-your destination or goal has now been changed.
In such situations we have a tendancy to get frustrated and angry-which alters our sense of 'control' and in turn lets loose a whole mess of things...again, some times we say and do things we don't really mean. Oh sure, we mean them right there and then, but if you ever want to make the worst speech of your life-say something out of anger or frustration.
So lets take a step back...unpack that thought. When was the last time something happened to you that altered your plans for the day, week, or month? What was the situation? Were you driving in your vehicle, was it a car accident? Or was it a phone call-some bad news about a loved one? Can you look back on it and say that you handled it well? If so, good for you, if not...you have some work to do. Honestly though, I can say I too have some work to do.
I would venture that we all have some work to do in the department of control-or the lack there of. We all struggle with the internal and external pulls of our daily lives. We sometimes give in, but we also resist. We find strength and manage to see things through-even when it's hard and we don't like it. Change is something many of us don't like too much because it means giving up something...an aspect of your life that you enjoy being in control of.
In Luke 9:22-26 we are told to 'pick up our cross daily' and it's hard to accept the fact that we have to 'toe-the-line' sometimes. Sometimes we have to do things in order to move on or get along, but whatever the case or situation, it's an opportunity for growth. Again, I'm sure at the time you're unable to see it, I know I don't, but in the end, it's a time where you either picked up your cross or left it there.
I don't want to lose you, but I think it's important to note that we're all a work in progress. We haven't stopped growing or learning from each other or God and we need to have confidence in ourselves and our God to finish what was started...even if it means doing hard things.
Lets finish with a passage from the Apostle Paul: Philippians 1:6
I think you'll find it has something to say about what the Prophet Jeremiah learned from the potter in our old testament scripture and what God continues to do throughout the new testament and today.

SPECIAL THANKS

2010-06-03T22:51:00.000-05:00

I thought this would be a great spot to put this.

LISTENING AND DOING

2010-05-12T17:53:00.001-05:00

“To listen well, is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well, and is as essential to all true conversation.”
-Chinese Proverb

"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires...don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says...If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless."
-James 1:19-27

You know, I think that we have a tough time listening these days. Too often while someone is talking we're formulating a rebuttal or something of substance to say...and even then, we have a nasty tendency to interject-interrupting the person who is talking. I know I've done it and I catch myself doing it too. The sad thing is, I know it isn't just me and that it's something we all have been struggling with and against-the ever changing culture.
We live in a do as I say, not as I do type of world. And in a previous blog article I mentioned how we're good at judging others on their behavior and ourselves by those good intentions deep within. The winds have changed! When I was growing up...children or youth didn't speak unless they were spoken to or asked their opinion...but today...it's hard to get a teenager or pre-teen to keep their thoughts and opinions to themselves.
It's not that they don't have a 'shut-up' filter, it's just that they don't know how to use it.
In today's culture, the reason we're so geared or wired to firing back a line or two-whether it's of substance or not, isn't because we forgot how to listen, but because of what we've been taught or have learned-whether intentionally or unintentionally from family, friends, or the media (tv or movies). It's perception vs. reality really...I mean somehow it has become-if you're unable to speak your mind, you don't have a mind or anything to contribute.
Now I realize that I'm generalizing here...I mean, we all know that we're not trying to think of consoling words for our friends and family members who are spilling their guts about cheating, self-esteem issues, break-ups with so and so, or the loss of someone close. I mean come on...we listen 100% of the time! We've all heard this before: 'God gave you one mouth and two ears'...and I wonder which we should use less of.
There are two types of listening really: Active and Passive Listening. Passive Listening is listening without reacting: Allowing someone to speak, without interrupting and not doing anything else at the same time. Active listening is reacting or doing something that demonstrates you are listening and have understood.

Giving non-verbal cues to demonstrate you are paying attention (nodding, making eye contact, making facial expressions appropriate to what is being said) or eflecting back the main points and summarising what has been said. Now, here's the kicker: Non-verbal cues happen naturally, providing you really are listening. If you concentrate on making the non-verbal cues, then you probably aren't listening.
The fundamental question we have to ask here is this: are we really listening?
Of course we have to take it a step further...not just when it comes to our friends and family members, but to God's will for our lives. I believe God speaks to us through those around us-including our friends and family members. Part of discerning God's will is listening to what others have to say concerning their observations of God's work in your life...can you see His hand in your life? Or have you done it all on your own? Remember, 'if you claim to be righteous and don't tame your own tongue you're only fooling yourself and your religion is worthless.'
The challenge is to re-read the above quote and marinade on the scripture passage. Start to think and reflect on how well you listen to others and to God. How is your marriage? How is your relationship with God? If it's suffering and there's too much 'reaction' taking place...it's time to take a step back and hold that tongue.
How can you better your current situation? Are you praying?
I pray that you might stop fooling yourself...as I know I have fooled myself too many times. Pray for me as well.

ANXIETY PLAGUES

2010-04-28T15:30:00.001-05:00

'The anxiety that has plagued me during the last week shows that a great part of me is not yet 'abiding' in Jesus. My mind and heart keep running away from my true dwelling place, and they explore strange lands where I end up in anger, resentment, lust, fear, and anguish. I know that living a spiritual life means bringing every part of myself home to where it belongs.'
-Henri Nouwen

'I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.'
-Jesus of Nazereth

The word 'abundance' comes from the greek word perissos which means beyond measure, surplus, or excess. Currently, I am at Princeton Seminary's Institution for Youth Ministry Certificate Forum in Princeton, NJ. I just got done attending my last class called: 'Soul Tending: Refilling the well'. This class was a two day/two part class which helped me journey inwardly-I like to think I spend enough time with God, but in truth...I know I don't. I wonder...can you relate?
Becky, the one teaching the class had Pastor Dan sit down for an interview concerning his walk with God. When asked 'what are some of the red flags or flares that indicate you're running on empty' he shared about how his wife is upset with him, his kids ask 'where's dad', he just wants to flee to his shop to organize nails or goes straight to his 'man cave'. It's an indication he works too much he admitted. Now, if you're in ministry-which we all are, you can probably relate. Now, he took it a step further by sharing how it really effects his relationships-specifically his kids. One of his son's has autism and how he doesn't like to look into his eyes (it's when you can tell he's upset or dislikes something) when he hasn't been around for a while. He said the greatest thing for him as a father is when his son looks him in the eye. It's when they really connect and bond.
The interesting thing here is...he took it even further...he said, when 'I retreat from everyone around me, it's me not wanting to look God in the eyes-yet I know he longs for me to do so.'
Now, if that's not touching...I don't know what is. But let me ask you this: when was the last time you looked God in the eye? How vain are your expectations on relationships and productivity? What is keeping you from seeking him more? What needs to be stripped away from the 'life' you prop up as more important?
Marinade on that...
The next thing I would like to share comes from Isaiah 55:1-2, 12. Lets unpack this a bit. What do you think it means to 'spend money on what is not bread, and your wages on what does not satisfy'? I think it means we're doing too much looking (and for some, doing/working) in the wrong places. I think it goes back to what was mentioned earlier concerning the definition of abundance...God offers us so much more, but we keep doing it our own way-wasting our time, money, and energies.
I think it's time that you and I peal away the layers that we claim we are and really give to God what we try to cover up-the insecure, selfish, condemning, arrogant, know-it-all, judgemental-the real dirty and unclean people who struggle with self-doubt and brokenness.
In closing, look up Isaiah 44:3 and re-read Isaiah 55:1-2, 12. What is God revealing to you through his word? What is it that you need to do on your end? It's time for some 'Soul Tending'...we've been running on empty for far too long.

TIRED OF FIGHTING GOD

2010-04-26T16:12:00.002-05:00

“We judge others by their behavior. We judge ourselves by our intentions.”
-Ian Percy

"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."
-Gamaliel (a wise Pharisee)

What an interesting quote from Ian Percy...I find it deep, simple, and very true. We have a tendency to to judge inspite of our strong conviction or proclomation that we are indeed a Christian. For example: I know for a fact that I get upset whenever I get cut off in traffic-or when someone pulls out onto a busy street crawling way below the speed limit. I have called such people an idiot-out loud I might add, many times. The interesting thing is...I have been 'that guy'. I have been the person who has made the poor decision to pull out against my better judgement. Like, I knew I could make it, but forgot I had something rather valuable or important in the seat next to me-which in turn, made me rethink after I had already committed to pulling out.
Can you relate? Have you ever done that? Do you find yourself 'judging others on their behavior' and rationalizing your 'good intentions'?
Our friend Gamaliel had a different reaction to the infuriating words of Peter. To fully understand this you have to read Acts 5:25-42 *The 'snap-shot' is that Peter and the apostles said they were obeying God and the religious leaders in Jerusalem thought they 'knew better' than God and deemd their actions punishable by death...of course, that's until Gamaliel, whom I would considered the wisest Pharaisee ever...steps in and changes their mind with a different perspective. Basically, if it's of a man-made movement, it will fail, but if it's of God...you dare not fight against Him-you can't stop God. He took the wait and see approach.
So lets unpack this a bit...there's an element that crucial to point out here-are we living as we should or are we fighting against God. While we sit and judge others on their behavior-for what they've done to us or others close to us, God judges us on ours...right? I mean if we take it upon ourselves to do our own thing...'knowing' what the right things that should be done...then our lives should be 'hunky-dori'! Right? I mean we know God and what He wants...right? Afterall, we've all read Micah 6:8.
So why is it that we always feel so empty, lost, confused, and irritated? I think it's because we actually neglect the discipline of prayer in our lives...I mean how many of us are actually keeping God in the loop concerning our needs and wants? There is a difference you know. But, I think when we're honest with ourselves we find that we've neglected prayerful consideration and dialog with God. We assumed we could do it on our own-which leaves us broken and lost. I think Gamaliel hit the nail on the head here: 'Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown.' In other words, they will fail...just like we fail to see our own 'short-sightedness' in the 'heat of the moment'.
I would like to say that I'm a 'good' Christian...but who can be considered 'good' when Jesus even said He didn't consider himself 'good'.
You and I need to stop fighting against God and stop doing our own thing...it's only in great times of need or stress that we find ourselves on our knees asking for his help-forgetting we walked away from him thinking we had a better idea as to what we needed. And even then, we find ourselves 'making deals' with him-given our sense of urgency and desparateness...thinking we will actually fulfill our end of the 'bargain'.
Does any of the above sound familiar to you? Does any of it 'ring' true for you? Are you tired of fighting against God? Then I invite you, just as God does...to join him in communication and fellowship of the heart. Re-read Micah 6:8 and get down to the basics of living. Relationships are important and we need to work on mending some fences-not just with others, but with our past, ourselves, and with our creator.

PUNCTUATION: COMMA

2010-04-26T12:25:00.001-05:00

'Jesus doesn't identify you by your past...so why do you?'
-Perry Noble

I normally don't like to 'pass off' a lesson or message by simply adding a link, but I feel compelled to. I have set aside my pride to just share with you a message-straight up from Perry Noble. Unfiltered and unedited by me-there are no additions here.
Please set aside a good 45 minutes to this...so if you don't have time, come back when you do. This requires you're attention. *Skip through the worship aspect and go straight to the sermon by Perry (look for the guy in the glasses standing on stage with a Bible in his hand).
*Don't be shy either. Please leave comments with your thoughts...
CLICK HERE TO VIEW/LISTEN TO SERMON

A DOCTOR OR SELF-DIAGNOSE?

2010-04-13T19:07:00.159-05:00

"No action is more fascinating than the action of self-transformation. Nothing on earth can compare with its drama or its value."
-Vernon Howard

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
-Jesus of Nazareth (Mark 2:17)

This whole blog/article is born out of a deep questioning of God's people who are in leadership. Of course, I could say that if you claim to be a Christian you-yourself are in fact a leader or an ambassador for Christ here on Earth. However, I won't drift too far away from something I feel convicted about (Acts 5:17-42). *Source of conviction: 'UnChristian', 'Velvet Elvis', and 'Forgotten God'.
First things first: The truth is that we all need Jesus in our lives. Not just on Sundays when it's convienent to look your best, while shaking hands with those around you, or while you resight lines of confession, you need Him to sit in the passenger seat of your vehicle after someone just cut in front of you, you need Him when you just got done arguing with your spouse about something totally dumb or assumed. You and I...we need Jesus beyond Sundays.
You and I are sick. We are chronically sick with worry, self-pity, and even self-interest...we are so sick that we feel we don't need to take what we learn or hear on Sundays into the rest of our week-it's okay, we have next Sunday's 'fix' to look forward to...right? Many pastors I know, say they preach as though it's their last sermon...we are not garunteed another day or another moment, yet we live, expect, and demand as if we do.

So has leadership failed us or have we failed ourselves?

In God's house of worship-which should really be everywhere, people who have been elected to positions of leadership, who have accepted their appointment, that represent both God and His church (God's people), meet to prayerfully consider God's direction and vision for His family. These people are Christians but are also people, they too have nasty tendencies-as you and I do, they behave irratioanlly and react or cling to things out of fear. I know I am a sinner and I know I'm not perfect, but they are held to the same standards as all Christians (Matthew 7:3).

For me, character is defined as who you are when no one is looking. Those who can't see you don't know of the deeds you've done outside of their presence, but God knows all that you've done, said, and even thought. And if Jesus is present in our lives, it should show right?
Francis Chan (author of 'Crazy Love' and 'Forgotten God') gave a great example: If I claim to have the skills of Michael Jordan, get on the basketball court and aren't able to driblle or shoot like MJ...then my words are empty. In the book of James (1:19-26) there is scripture that talks about being more than just hearers of God's word, but doers.

So the question becomes what are we doing on a daily basis to help curb our sickness...our addiction to self focus-we're always right, everyone else is wrong, or even self victimization? I know that I've mentioned prayer and reading God's word (the Bible), but I think there's more to it too...when was the last time you journaled your thoughts and concerns? We all need a healthy way of venting our frustrations-whether it's a friend, hobby, or sport...if we keep it all inside it will eat away at us.

In closing, I would like to encourage you to take a step back-take a break from whatever it is that has you so busy that God isn't present, Christ-like character is absent, and you feel empty. If you have too much on your plate-learn to say no and know when to say no, this is about healthy boundaries. It's okay to be active in the church, it's okay to volunteer, but be sure to set aside enough time to care for yourself and work on your relationship with Christ.

Let me leave you with this: When you say yes to something, you're also saying no to something else...just make sure you're not saying no to God (Acts 5:17-31).

IN THE MIDST

2010-03-26T00:55:00.003-05:00

“Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.”
-James Arthur Baldwin

“Be still, and know that I am God”
-God (Psalm 46:10)

“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
-Elijah and God (1 King 19: 11-13)

So lets unpack this a bit...'love takes off the masks'-even the ones we all love to wear on a day to day basis? Can it be true? I hope so...because love doesn't leave a person unchanged, it leaves them transformed (of course, sometimes it happens after eating a big slice of 'humble pie'). I could've choosen a number of passages-like the Prodigical Son, but decided not to. Instead, I decided to take an old testament approach. Afterall, Jesus wasn't preaching anything new-he was merely calling people out on their level of commitment and true love.
Take for example the story of the woman who was caught in adultery...the religious leaders brought a woman to Him demanding an answer concerning what the 'law of Moses' says about adultery. Of course, they knew well and good what it says and they were trying to 'trap' Jesus-confound Him to the extent He might say something that was against the law and use His own words against Him. However, their one-tracked minds forgot their true calling...to feed God's sheep. What Jesus actually says really calls them out...'let he who is without sin throw the first stone'.
I think the interesting thing here to point out is that this happens still today. Maybe not in the same dramatic fashion for all to see, but we've nipped at our friends and family members-quick to point out their mistakes, even if they're just trying to hold you accountable. I think today we have lost our focus...for many reasons, but I'll just throw this 'bone' out there to chew on: are you so unhappy with yourself that you would rather ruin or sabatoge a relationship?
In previous blogs I have mentioned the fact that we're too busy-not just for others, but for God and our relationships have suffered-especially our relationship with our creator. If we truly love God, our family, and our friends...we wouldn't wear a mask at all. We wouldn't feel the need to wear one at all-not in the work place, at school, and especially at home or when we gather for worship.
We try too hard to convince everyone we're on the 'right track' often sacrificing our own integrety to gain that which isn't really all that attainable anyway-acceptance, true acceptance. Not acceptance for who we claim to be, but for who we really are at our core without any shame or 'front'. The typical teenager is in constant denial about 'self'-pushing the envelope between what they know is right and what is cool-and what will help them attain a certain level of security.
But honestly, when was the last time you were still? When was the last time you slowed down enough to appreciate what you have and appreciate those around you? I think too many people are addicted to the 'drug' of busyness-I mean that way we don't have to deal with disappoint or failure for too long, we can sweep it under the rug and just press on. The unfortunate thing about that line of thinking is that it always manages to catch up to you.
So I ask you again...are you that unhappy? Do you know that God has your back? Wait...is there a difference between knowing and believing? I think there is and I also think it has become way too easy to say that we know God and that it has become much harder to actually say or mean that we believe in God.
I mean do you and I honestly believe that God is bigger than our struggles of acceptance concerning ourselves and others? Are we only interested in having a clear conscience-where God forgives our sin, but were not really interested in working on cutting that sin-whatever that is, out of your life? *It could be sex, alcohol, drugs, video games, pornography, and sometimes...ego.
In a book called 'A Love Worth Giving' by Max Lucado, there's a story or a 'scenerio' given about God wanting us to slow down. Max suggests that perhaps the reason you're sick at home with the flu is so that you can pick up your Bible and read or maybe even talk to Him. Perhaps God trys to get our attention through minor set backs to really help us reassess and realign our lives. I mean most people can only think about getting better so that they can go back to work, school, or practice-reconnection with our creator is usually the last thing on our minds.
I think it's possible...I mean look at Elijah. He was totally missing it-he was missing God. Most of us would think God is in the midst of the big and great things in our lives-which isn't to suggest He isn't, but I do think that most of us look for Him in the wrong places from time to time (whether it be at work, at school, or even among family). God might be in a whisper and you and I need to be careful not to miss Him.
So here's the challenge: Identify your 'false sense of securities'-are they rooted in insecurities? Once you've done that, prayerfully and honestly ask God to help you work through this. It won't be easy, you might need some help-prayerfully consider who you might ask to help you with your burden(s) or secrets that have been keeping God and other's at bay.
And consider this: Jesus said 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.' (John 10:1-21) and in Matthew He said 'For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.' (Matthew 11:30)

CREATIVITY AND SCHOOLS

2010-03-11T17:33:00.001-06:00

I thought I would share this video with you. It's really good and it really gets your wheels turning when it comes to the past, present and future of our youth and our education system. Let me know your thoughts. I plan to put this on Facebook too.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

2010-03-05T21:01:00.000-06:00

'If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.' -John Quincy Adams

'Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.' -The Message (1st Timothy 4:12-14)

Did you know that you have a ministry? As a Christian you do. And did you know that by what you do and what you don't do you are 'labled' here on by those around you? *No, you're not back in Jr. High-it's just how it is. Whether you like it or not, people take notice of you. Even your friends notice the good and the bad days.
Now, I know I have good and bad days and that there are times when my lips don't bring honor to God. I also know that I fall short in following through sometimes-my actions don't back up my words. I also know that I'm not alone and that sometimes I still choose to go it alone-even making more of a mess while I'm at it. What about you? How often do you find yourself doing that?
I think the biggest thing here the distinction between knowing and believing. There's a difference you know. Take for example the leaders of Jesus' time: the Pharisees knew God's commandments like the back of their hand and could easily resite scripture, but they didn't really believe. Instead, they let pride and their egos take over-they did more condemning and judging than anything else. Does any of this sound familiar? Yeah, I know...it's not a shocker, but it should be.
In today's culture egos rule, it's not about what you believe, it's about what you can prove-what you can control, something tangable and more believable. *Which kind of makes this whole 'faith' thing kind of crazy really and even harder to believe. I mean is it even shocking anymore...to find that living the life is harder than just saying it? It is too easy. And there isn't any great mystery behind why those on the outside looking in think we are hypocrites.
So...what does a Chrstian look like? Or better yet...what should a Christian look like? What are the things that come to mind when you think about the attributes and qualities of a Christian? Do you think of someone who doesn't swear or gossip about or at others? Take a moment and think about that...
Check out this passage from the book of Galatians 3:2-5 'I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?'
I would venture to guess that like me, you struggle with doing things on your own-trying to 'attain your goal by human effort'. And I would go further and say that nearly 9 times out of 10 trying 'our way' resulted in suffering for little or nothing. Now, my next question might take sometime on your part...are you who you want to be and ought to be or are you someone who everyone else expects or wants you to be? Paul gives us a challenge in Romans: 'Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.'
This blog isn't to make you feel bad, it's to get the wheels turning in your spiritual life. It's about reflecting on Christ and His ministry. Lent is a special time for Christians not because we give up something, but because we change something in our lives for the betterment of our faith journey. Last month during the Ash Wednesday service my message was more of a challenge...urging others not to let Lent-traditionally a 40 day period in which we are to 'refocus' ourselves spiritually, become simply another 'New Year's Resolution'.
So here's the challenge and this goes for me as well...let us focus on being a better ambassador for Christ-not just in what we say, but in what we do. And I leave you with this from James 1:22-'...don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.'

NOT WHO I WAS

2010-03-03T17:26:00.003-06:00

'PEOPLE HURT US AND HARM US, AND WE END UP CARRYING AROUND THESE DEBTS THEY OWE US WHEREVER WE GO. TO FORGIVE IS TO REFUSE TO CARRY THOSE DEBTS ANYMORE.'
-ROB BELL (VELVET ELVIS)

"You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."
-Jesus of Nazareth

Forgiveness is a hard subject to write on and even talk about...but should it? I mean if we are all followers of Christ then we are a 'new creation'...right? I know this isn't the first time that I've written on the subject, but I really do think that pride is the real reason behind many of our struggles. Pride often prevents us from admitting we were wrong, pride projects the fault unto others and gives a false sense of security to the person who's projecting and not admitting. Pride also makes it hard to reach out for help...I mean once we realize we have done wrong, we don't like to speak of it.
I personally think that this whole 'new creation' thing is hard. I mean forgiveness is letting go of the past, the burden of lies we have built up to protect ourselves, and letting the healing begin. It truly is a process. But I think there's another truth we dare not speak of: a dark truth about ourselves-that God can't possibly fix our mistakes. It's a recognition or thought that God isn't bigger than our issues and that we're all alone. I think that's our ball and chain in life...the thing we struggle with. I mean isn't it true? Society pushes this on us-this independent way of thinking that we can do it on our own. I mean, it's the attitude we gave our parents every time we wanted to assert our independence-I don't need you anymore, I can do it on my own! We have truly become stubborn.
The irony is that we end up surrounding ourselves with like-minded people who only think of self and very little of others. This group is considered a 'click' in the 90's and early 00's and it still exists today. But we have been warned about this before. Paul, in his letter to the people of Corinth warns that we shouldn't be decieved. In Romans, Paul also writes about how we aren't supposed to be like others and that we are to seek God.
It shouldn't be surprising that we struggle. Not only do we not read much, but we don't listen very well either. Isn't it interesting that God gave us one mouth and two ears? I think we overlook that too much-we're too quick to speak.
In closing, I'd like to just say that you're not alone in your struggle to forgive or seek forgiveness. It takes a lot of 'unlearning' to give up and let God in. My hope is that you will enjoy the video below...listen to the words and let it speak to your heart. Don't let the great 'influence peddler' (Satan) keep you separated from God, friends and family.

youth group canceled in V-day due to frigid temps

2010-02-14T15:36:00.002-06:00

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING

2010-02-07T16:29:00.000-06:00

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
-Leo F. Buscaglia

"And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’"
-Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 25:31-46)

First Presbyterian Church of Lincoln recently participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring this year (in fact, on Super Bowl Sunday) and nearly raised $400 for the Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach. The cool part of the Souper Bowl of Caring is that it's a Nation-wide event and there are churches across the country that are giving back to the community which they live. For the congregation of First Presbyterian, we chose to give our donations to Matt Talbot's Kitchen which received over $16,000 last year and hopes to raise another $18,000 this year-even given the economic hardships of the nation, people are giving and giving big!
*According to the American Association of Fundraising Counsel: Americans gave more than $307.65 billion to their favorite causes despite the economic conditions in 2008. And while many had expected a sharper decline in giving with the recession. It’s important to keep in mind that despite the downturn, giving still totaled $307 billion and individual giving continues to be in the 82% of total giving range.
The greatest portion of charitable giving, $229.28 billion, was given by individuals or household donors. In 2008, gifts from individuals represented 75 percent of all contributed dollars compared to 74.8% in 2007.

I think that's impressive, don't you? But I didn't want to focus on the monetary aspects of giving. First Presbyterian's very own Susie Wilson and Jeff Vance were interviewed by 10/11 News about the Souper Bowl of Caring. When Chris Pavlish of 10/11 News asked a question about how I would answer someone who wanted to give, but didn't have much money, I instantly thought of our young adults and other congregation members who already give back through Mission Trips and helping with The Gathering Place. The point is, we can give more than money, but we can give of ourselves through our time.
So I encourage everyone to contemplate how they might give more of their time to the community of Lincoln, NE. Check out opportunities at The Gathering Place, The People City Mission, and The Matt Talbot Kitchen-just to name a few.

*I hope to add a link to 10/11 News concerning the interviews of myself and Susie Wilson.

HONORING LIPS

2010-01-27T17:47:00.002-06:00

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

-Josh Billings

'...the solution isn't to try harder, fail, and then make bigger promises, only to fail again. It does no good to muster up more love for God, to will yourself to love him more. When loving God become an obligation, one of many things we have to do, we end up focusing more on ourselves. No wonder so few people want to hear from us about what we ourselves feel is a boring, guilt-ridden chore!'

-Francis Chan

'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.'...'Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.'

-Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 15:8-9 & 17-18)

Holly and I have started reading again as a couple every night. And since the youth group is using Francis Chan's 'Crazy Love' book as the main resource, we decided to read it together. Through reading again, I have come to realize how important it is to have time with each other and our creator. While I have the luxury of working for a church, I can honestly say that I still struggle with my relationship with God. I know I read scripture everyday, but the question becomes do I really let His word clothe me and run through me-changing me for the day or have I become so numb it doesn't matter because I've heard it before?

I chose the above quotes and scripture because I've been struck by God's Word! I mean Josh's quote get right to the heart of the matter...do we love God or our neighbors more than we do ourselves? If the answer is no, then we both have a serious problem. In Francis Chan's book he talks about how true love makes you do some silly things. I mean for those of us who have been in a relationship before...we know we have spent a small fortune on that special someone-but if we love God, why don't we give more money in the offering plate (why does He get the buck or two we really don't care about)? We also know that we would do anything for the person we truly love...like take time off of work to prepare for a surprise (getting them something or doing something they'd really enjoy)-but if we love God why aren't we willing to give Him more of our time? Why aren't we volunteering more of our time and energy to something we know would really please Him?

*AS I SAY TO MY YOUTH...MARINADE ON THAT FOR A BIT...

I think we have become too desensitized and too complacent in our lives and have become unwilling to give God more-let alone entertain taking on more. There are too many things in our daily lives that we give more time to-that we think are more important, but what can be more important than living as Christ and God has commanded? It's too bad that loving God and living as a Christians has become a chore for us...and that our failed attempts have left us broken and lost as we try to fill the void with things we know won't last.

I know that I have honored Him with my lips and that there have been times where my heart was far from Him-I was too busy thinking about my own issues and duties. We all have those days...when life demands more than we can give, but God doesn't demand more than we can handle. In fact he offers us relief.

Read Matthew 11:30

When I read: 'the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart,' I couldn't help but go back and read the whole chapter for some context. And what I realized is that the nuts and bolts of this whole chapter wasn't about being psychically unclean (what the Pharisees were arguing about), but about an unclean or untrue heart. I think it has something to do with faith and works.
My challenge to you is to slow down-we are so quick to answer, and really listen to God's calling on your life. I know I asked you to ask this earlier, but are you living for Him or yourself? I know it can get complicated at time, but who do you turn to? While friends and family are good to have as a support system...people can and will let you down, but have you given God a chance? And when I say a chance, I don't mean a half-hearted plea during a prayer, but having faith and being changed by the power and renewal only he can bring. I dare you to truly be transformed and changed...no more false words and 'honoring' lips that only reflect emptiness or half-heartedness.

WE HAVE LOST OUR FOCUS

2010-01-23T23:17:00.003-06:00

"You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."
-Kahil Gbran (novelist and poet)

As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
-Jesus of Nazareth (Luke 21:1-4)

I know what you're thinking (as your eyes roll)...Jeff is about to write concerning money, but you would be wrong (not completely though). The truth is, I'd like to write more about love. More specifically, our love for God. While the quote and scripture provided above could easily point towards money, I think it points to the heart of the matter, something we struggle with as Christians...our heart and how we live out our lives as Christians. In Matthew 22:34-40 we hear Jesus talk about the 'greatest commandment'-that is to Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. He goes on further and says the 'second is just like it, Love your neighbor as yourself' and that the laws and prophets hang on these two commandments.
Wow! So how does one go about living with a loving heart that is meant for God and for others? I mean we live in a selfish world. We are taught to look out for ourselves, not others. I mean we've grown so desensitized to the afflictions of others that very little moves us anymore. Poverty, hunger, homelessness, and the loss of jobs aren't new to us...in fact, they're so old that we haven't any room for them in our lives. I mean, we go to church, hear about such sadness, but we do nothing ourselves...we always assume or even say 'wow, that's horrible, someone should do something about that'-not thinking that God might be calling us to do something-to step up.
When I think about this, I can't help but remember something else Jesus said: 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'. Sometimes is really angers me when God's church doesn't do as it should. It's upsetting to know that psychology plays more of a role in our lives than theology. Think about it, we can rationalize anything in our mind to make us feel less guilty or to pass off the guilt onto someone else. I mean being a 'good Christian' is too commonly passed off on those who work in the church, but that's not true. Throughout the Bible God chose mere mortals to do extraordinary things-it's just that it took some convincing on their end. What will it take for you?
Getting back to Jesus talking about the poor woman who gave all she had...did you noticed anything? He was pointing out that she was being faithful...even when she had nothing left. I mean when you truly love God you don't rationalize your next steps, you just do it. You don't come up with excuses as to why you can't do something...you just do it. I know it's easier said than done because I too am a sinner who struggles everyday. But I think we really need to take a step back and ask ourselves...are we living for 'me' or or living for Jesus? I think we have a nasty tendency of planning ahead, planning for a future, but keep God out of the loop. The interesting thing here is that He continues to bless us in-spite of our shortcomings (and most of the time) when things don't work out...then we seek Him-asking out of our brokenness...giving God the left overs.
Again, if God blesses us, why do we only give out of our wealth rather than out of what we have been given? Truthfully, God has given us more than money, he has given us family, friends, and our health. Sure, the money helps pay the bills, but doesn't God have missions that need to be carried out (like the Great Commission from Matt. 28)? After all, we are His 'hands and feet'.
My point is...if you can honestly look yourself in the mirror and say that you're content-then you need to dig deeper and search Him out with all your heart, soul, and mind. God loves us too much to leave us where we are and how we are. We are meant to be molded and shaped by the potters hands, but we have to make a choice to let Him take the lead. To truly have faith that our problems aren't bigger than Him. I think that when we don't give as we should (or what we can) we show our true colors-just how greedy and selfish we truly are. The love of God is meant to be shared-not hoarded and that extends to what we give God (not just concerning money). I think it's too easy to be boastful and compare ourselves to others, but in God's eyes none of us are good, saintly, or just. Jesus even corrected someone for calling Him 'good'. Even today, I think most of us have this 'following Christ' thing all wrong-just like the Pharisee from Matthew who compared himself to the Tax Collector on the street did.
My challenge to you is to refocus yourself. And this might mean taking sometime off from work and really having a spiritual retreat-just you and God. Search your heart and the scriptures for His answers...seek Him in prayer and be open to the truth for pride doesn't leave room for anyone else let alone God.

TRULY LIVING

2010-01-14T10:43:00.003-06:00

'In prayer it is better to have a heart without words and words without a heart.' -Mahatma Gandhi

Jesus Promises Living Water

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given,because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) -John 7:37-39

You know, I think Gandhi had it right. Especially when we look at the scripture that follows. Jesus talked about what it might look like to be spirit filled and spirit led. He describes it as 'rivers of living water' that will 'flow from his heart'. Amazing! However, when you take a step back and examine your own life...do you see that your life, your daily words and actions flow with this abundance?
If not, I think we need to look at some more scripture and peel away the many layers that protect the 'real' us from others, ourselves, and God. By now, we should all know that we're not fooling anyone-especially not God. The texts I'd like us to really read and marinate on are from Matthew and John. While the scripture from John brings this all together (and we've already read it-in the above), we need two more pieces to this puzzle/pie. In Matt. 6:19:34 we find Jesus talking about money and possessions and in Matt. 13:44-46 He talks about hidden treasure.
After reading the two pieces in Matthew a word should jump out at you. Do you know what it is? The word is treasure. Now, we're not pirates, but we do have a tendency to seek out that which isn't ours or that which isn't even needed in our everyday life. In fact, the majority of the time, once we've attained it, the thrill or excitement is gone and we end up never using whatever it is for very long or end up forgetting about it. *Very fitting since we just got done opening Christmas presents huh?
I think this 'treasure' we seek at times isn't of the spiritual nature-it isn't something that will bring us peace or true happiness. Rather, I think what we seek to often leaves us feeling empty inside. So think about that 'treasure' you seek-fill in the blank: I seek _______
It could be love, it could be money, it could be a restored relationship, or it could be healing from brokenness (both from our own doing and others causing us pain). But I think we all, as Christians need a restored relationship with our creator. A portion from Matt. 6 that always gets me is 'Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.' Whenever I read it, I get this feeling that I'm unworthy and sometimes I even feel ashamed. While many would be shocked I feel that way, it's the truth and I think too many of us are in denial about our true needs in life. I know that I treasure things here on this earth more than I do God and it saddens me. I know we all struggle with it, but how sad is it that God doesn't get enough of our time and our hearts?
My challenge for you is to dig deep and to take a serious look at your life. I know I'm not the only one who struggles with this...we all do. I just hope that one day I will once again be as eager as that man in the parable from Matt. 13-he was so excited at what he found/had, he gave everything up just to keep it. What do you wish to keep?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-10T12:02:00.001-06:00

While I know I'm a little late on my first blog of the New Year, trust me...it was worth the wait. So let us begin! Did you make a 'New Year's Resolution'? Did you make one last year? If so, how many did you make and did you achieve all of your goals?
Did you know that nearly 97% of New Year's Resolutions fail each year? Do you know why there's such a high failure rate concerning New Year's Resolutions? Is it because we have commitment issues...yeah, I can see that, but I think it's much more than that. I think it's something more basic, a value or discipline we all struggle with and it doesn't have to do with the goals themselves, but how we go about making the 'change' for the better.
When you think of New Years Resolutions you think of a list. And when you think about that list you don't really get into specifics concerning how you plan to achieve it. According to Psychology Today we fail because of 'unclear and vague goals'. For instance, one of the top 5 resolutions is concerning eating habits or weight, but it's usually written down or considered more of a 'wish' list rather than an actual goal that can be achieved. So when we slip up, we throw in the towel! Our mindset and goals aren't on the same page. Too often the bar is set so high that when we screw up we beat ourselves up over the failure and give up instead of pressing on and not focusing on the negative and saying things like 'I can't do it' or 'I'm a failure'. No one likes to fail, but when there's no plan for our goals...how can we hope to achieve it?
Again, Psychology Today offers us an example:

Three reasons for failing to achieve one's stated goal-
(1) Unclear and vague goals. It is better to state "I plan on losing 20 lbs by June 1st" rather than "I plan on being more healthy."
(2) Failure to gauge one's progress toward the stated goals. It is better to weigh yourself every Friday morning as a means of gauging your weight loss rather than leaving it to how "well you feel in your pants."
(3) Weak self-control and self-regulation when facing challenges that impede one's ability to achieve the stated goals. It is better to state that once you go on vacation, you will only have a single plate at any meal at the all-you can eat buffet (irrespective of the offerings) rather than having to respond to the temptations at each meal void of a self-regulatory action plan.

Now, the thing that jumped out at me was 'rather than having to respond to the temptations' and 'self-regulatory action plan'. Concerning our spiritual lives we often miss the boat completely because we have only well intentioned goals and no plans to help us reach the goals. And some of us often end up praying to God empty prayers and go through the motions, yet still expect Him to be faithful and give us what we want...when really- what have we done for Him lately? And then, for some, it becomes a bargain or 'offer' that we throw out there: 'please God, I promise to do this if you will do this,' yet more often than not...we never follow through on our end. I mean we might for a while, but not long enough to make it a life-style or life-altering change.
Now, lets take a look the word and definitions of resolution: a formal expression of opinion or intention made, the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose.
Did anything jump out at you? How about 'determining upon an action or course of action' or 'the mental state or being resolved' and my favorite: firmness of purpose. My challenge for you, especially if you've made a commitment to God in your life-not as a New Year's Resolution, but rather to be a Christ-led follower, is to stay focused and firm concerning the goal of becoming more Christ-like.

A CITY ON OUR KNEES

2009-12-15T23:23:00.000-06:00

In my last blog I touched on prayer and I'd like to continue it...take it a step further (if that's possible). In Toby Mac's newest song, we get a sample of what true community should be 'on Earth as it is in Heaven.' I decided to use 'The Lord's Prayer' (the Message version) as my transition from prayer to getting serious...

Click on the picture of Toby Mac to view 'City On Our Knees' on Youtube or just click this line.

Once you're done watching the lyrics and listening (I recommend you really absorb it-listen to it more than once), come back to my blog to finish reading some of my thoughts...

So what did you think? Did you like it? What kind of emotions did it invoke from deep within you? It's the beginning that kicked me in the face: 'if you gotta start somewhere, why not here?' and 'if you gotta start sometime why not now?' Thought provoking is it not? I mean, in today's world it's all about convenience and how there isn't enough time in our day-not just for God, but for others too, we only seem to find time for us or at least what 'maximizes' our time (with the mind thought of: what do I get out of it?).

I'm curious...how do you spell CHRISTIAN? I used all capital letters so that it wouldn't give away my thought process, but seriously...how do you spell it? When I spell it, it's like this: 'Christian'-not just to honor or emphasize Christ as the root of the word, but to emphasize something behind it all: 'commitment'.

When most think of Christianity, or what it means to be a Christian, people automatically run through a list of what it means to be that...forgetting that it really means to be committed to that 'list' because they truly believe it in their hearts. And for some, this is where we find a line between the 'sinners and the saints'-even among those in the church. I mean think about it, the Pharisees knew God's word like the back of their hands, but not in their hearts. And when Jesus got more attention than them and they found he was wiser and had humility, they didn't welcome him with open arms...they became jealous, prideful and condemned him!

In today's world...this still happens-people attaching labels to others based on their preconceived ideas of what a 'true' friend would do or not do in any given situation, or even in the work place...when we take it a step further, that's how many see it in the church (no different). Instead of focusing on what unifies us as Christians: Jesus, we have a nasty tendency to point out our differences which leaves me to think-especially this time of year...'where is the love?'

So this holiday season I challenge you to focus on Christ this Christmas. Don't forget your prayer life and don't neglect God's call upon your life. If you're unsure of what direction He has set for you, it's time to purge yourself of too much 'you'. Because I really do think Toby's onto something...if not me, then who, if not here, where, if not now, when??? If we keep putting His call off until tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year-especially when we know what we ought to do, then we only guarantee it doesn't get done until we're 'ready'. Is being a Christian about convenience?

THE POWER OF PRAYER

2009-11-30T23:03:00.004-06:00

When was the last time you spent time with God in prayer? When was the last time you got away and had some 'me' time-just you and God? I only ask because I think it's important that we pray. Mike Yaconelli thought it curious when he realized that we could actually pray without ceasing. Curious indeed as it is hard to imagine praying continuously throughout the day...unless of course you don't take it too literal-as in, talking to yourself out loud. Perhaps we can achieve it in all that we say and do in our daily lives. Change comes from within and that what is within us is shown to others in our interactions, word, and deed.
If that were so, then I guess that would mean that we would actively live out the gospel and show no fear when it comes to colleagues or peers at school or work. We would have the confidence to approach someone in need when words aren't there (perhaps all they really need is someone to cry with or listen to them).
This of course, leads me to this scripture found in James 5:16 'Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.'
Now, in my previous blog I mentioned the freedom that God offers us and in reading James I find that I'm not righteous by any means. It's not that God hasn't blessed me, it's just that my frustrations from time to time could be of my own doing (which I alluded to in my previous blog). I've been kicking it around and I've come to realize that I don't pray nearly as much as I should. Oh I pray everyday, but I don't pray as long as I could and should...nor do I pray with the intent/reverence I should. It's easy to go through the motions when it comes to prayer, but prayer should be about humbling oneself and coming to God knowing there's nothing we could offer that would improve our chances of blessings (it's a gift) and that we shouldn't get bent out of shape when things don't go our way. Perhaps God wants us to remain 'stuck' until we learn what has already been revealed to us.
Forgive my randomness...I just thought I should share that God offers more than just freedom from our burdens, but power in the many blessings he gives us day to day-we just need to be truly grateful for that which we take for granted.

THE STORY OF STUCK

2009-11-20T12:13:00.007-06:00

Earlier this month I had the privilege of attending one of Princeton Seminary's Certification Retreat and Forum in Hendersonville, NC (Kanuga Retreat Center). This was an amazing week filled with humbling insight and confirmation concerning that which I had been struggling with.
In Jeremiah 29 we read of God's people struggling with a situation...they were stuck. To be more precise: they were exiled into captivity and under Babylonian control. Ironically, this year's theme for the youth group is Jeremiah 29:11-13 and it's usually used like a 'Hallmark' greeting card...sounds good, so we use it, but in it's context...it's something hard to swallow.
Did you know that there are two ways to read the Bible? Traditionally it's either: literally or allegorically. However, I will refer to Francis Chan's definition: Exegesis is an attempt to discover the meaning of the text objectively, starting with the text and moving out form there. Eisegesis imports a subjective, preconceived meaning into the text.
I think we have a nasty tendency to 'import' our own 'preconceived' meaning into the scripture we read. While that's not exactly a bad thing, I do think it's a major contributor to twisted misinterpretations of what it was truly meant to say to us. Personally, I think it's best if we take a look at scripture from both perspectives-after reading a particular text or portion of scripture (if you don't know the reason for it or don't understand it, do some research-get yourself a Study Bible) and then ask yourself questions like: 'what struck me about what I just read?' or 'what does it have to do with me?' or 'what is it that God is trying to reveal to me through His Word?'
See, you and I get stuck and we tend to look for answers in all the wrong places from all the wrong people. Pride tends to get in the way of truth and sometimes we don't like what we hear. Which really leaves us with two options: pursue the truth or give up because it's too complicated, time consuming, or requires too much sacrifice.
If you were to read on in chapter 29 you'd find out that God warns the Israelites not to listen to or buy into 'false hope'. He tells them to get used to their situation because it's where they need to be (for 70 years) for all their short comings (sins). When we sin...we find ourselves in a 'stuck' situation. Until we either come clean and seek forgiveness or give up we won't find peace or happiness. And it won't be because God's denies us, but because we deny ourselves of the freedom He offers.
Again, there are two ways to read scripture, but there's two ways to 'read' a situation too...it's my fault or it's someone else. We either take responsibility or we place blame upon those who we deem are at fault for our own shortcomings.
So the question becomes: are you stuck? If so, why are you stuck? And if you know that you're stuck and the reason for your stuckness...then what are you doing about it? Read carefully Jeremiah 29:11-13 because I think there's something we can all learn here-the honest truth: we have failed to follow God with our whole heart.
My challenge to you is to continue the journey...to seek Him when it's inconvienent and hard. To do what it takes to find peace and happiness. Now, it may mean making some sacrifices, but didn't God make the ultimate sacrifice? Remember, 'for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also'.

THE GREASE OF ALL MODERN ‘NON-RELATIONSHIPS'

2009-10-05T15:04:00.004-05:00

1. WHAT DOES MESSY SPIRITUALITY LOOK LIKE?
Spirituality is home to those who don’t have life figured out, who don’t know the Bible as well as they could, and who don’t have their spiritual lives all together-the rest of us who thought there wasn’t a ‘rest of us,’ Christians who are trying to follow Jesus the best we can.

2. UNPRETENDING
There is no room for pretending in the spiritual life.
There exists an unwritten rule in some religious circles: pretend.
Give the impression everything is okay in your life when it’s not.
Pretend you believe when you doubt; hide your imperfections; maintain the image and don’t admit you sin or struggle with temptations.

*WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT-PRETENDING IS EFFICIENT, UNCOMPLICATED AND QUICK.
Honesty requires a huge investment of time and energy.
Pretending is the grease of all modern ‘non-relationships’.
Pretending perpetuates the illusion of relationships by connecting us on the basis of who we aren’t. Therefore, people who pretend have pretend relationships.
Being real and honest means our messiness is there for everyone to see.

3. THE TRUTH IS: WE ARE ALL A MESS!
None of us are who we appear to be.
We all have secrets we don’t want to share.
We all have issues we don’t want to admit.

READ ROMANS 3:10

*WHEN YOU AND I STOP PRETENDING, WE EXPOSE THE PRETENDING OF EVERYONE AROUND US AND THE BUBBLE OF THE ‘PERFECT CHRISTIAN’ LIFE IS BUSTED AND WE ALL MUST FACE THE REALITY OF OUR BROKENNESS.

4. UNFINISHEDNESS:
Unfinished means incomplete, in progress, imperfect, under construction.
Spiritual describes someone who is incomplete, imperfectly living their life for God.

5. THE WORK OF GOD IN OUR LIVES WILL NEVER BE FINISHED UNTIL WE MEET HIM FACE TO FACE.
Until we give up and give in to the things we are not.

*SPIRITUALITY ISN’T ABOUT BEING FINISHED AND PERFECT; SPIRITUALITY IS ABOUT TRUSTING GOD WITH OUR UNFINISHEDNESS.
Jesus understood unfinishedness.
When He left the disciples they were confused, depressed, afraid, and doubtful.

IF THE DISCIPLES WERE A WORK IN PROGRESS…IT SHOULD REMIND US WE WILL ALWAYS BE A WORK IN PROGRESS AND THAT THIS PROCESS IS MORE SPIRITUAL THAN WE ORIGINALLY THOUGHT.

6. INCOMPETENCE:
According to Dictionary.com it's defined as 'the inability to distinguish right from wrong or to manage one's affairs.'

Spirituality is the humiliating recognition that I don’t know how to pray well.
Spirituality is recognition that I don’t understand God’s WORD or know how to navigate it properly.
Spirituality recognizes that I don’t know how to competently live out commitment to God.
*The messiness of our spirituality affirms our spiritual clumsiness.

Did you know that Jesus responded to desire?
He responded to those who interrupted Him, yelled at Him, touched Him, screamed obscenities at Him, barged in on Him, crashed through ceilings to get to Him.
JESUS CARES MORE ABOUT DESIRE THAN ABOUT COMPETENCE.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS QUOTE?
‘Spirituality is home to those who don’t have life figured out, who don’t know the Bible as well as they could, and who don’t have their spiritual lives all together.’
DO YOU THINK IT’S TRUE? WHY OR WHY NOT?

DO YOU THINK THERE’S AN ‘UNWRITTEN RULE’ AMONG CHRISTIANITY?
There exists an unwritten rule in some religious circles: pretend.
Give the impression everything is okay in your life when it’s not.
Pretend you believe when you doubt; hide your imperfections; maintain the image and don’t admit you sin or struggle with temptations.

DO YOU THINK THAT PRETENDING IS THE GREASE OF ALL MODERN ‘NON-RELATIONSHIPS?’
Pretending perpetuates the illusion of relationships by connecting us on the basis of who we aren’t. Therefore, people who pretend have pretend relationships.

WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S SO HARD TO BE ‘REAL’ AND HONEST WITH OTHERS?
Is it because ‘being real and honest means our messiness is there for everyone to see?’
READ ROMANS 3:10

DO YOU AGREE THAT JESUS UNDERSTOOD ‘UNFINISHEDNESS?’
When He left the disciples they were confused, depressed, afraid, and doubtful.

DO YOU AGREE THAT JESUS/GOD RESPONDS TO DESIRE?
He responded to those who interrupted Him, yelled at Him, touched Him, screamed obscenities at Him, barged in on Him, crashed through ceilings to get to Him.
WHAT ARE YOUR DESIRES?

CHALLENGE:
READ ROMANS 8:26-28
WHAT ARE YOUR GRUMBLINGS?
WHAT IS IT THAT YOU CANNOT OR WILL NOT PUT INTO WORDS?

IS ANYTHING WORTH MORE THAN YOUR SOUL?

2009-09-30T10:07:00.006-05:00

What an interesting question: 'Is anything worth more than your soul?' I would venture to guess that there's nothing worth more than your soul, however, in today's culture we are often too busy to even consider asking such a thought-provoking question.
I've been bothered by this question because I know the answer. But in youth group when I get the 'knee-jerk' response of 'no' because it's such an easy question I am not satisfied. What's worse is that I know they're content with their answer.
Yesterday I went to the Dare2Share Youth Leader's Luncheon at Wilderness Lodge and Greg Stier (founder of D2S) asked a simple question: 'What if Jesus used Twitter?' He took it a step further by asking: 'What would Jesus 'tweet' about your church if He came to visit?' And then he shocked us all by asking: 'What would Jesus 'tweet' if He came to youth group'?
I have an idea as to what He might 'tweet' about concerning today's church: 'They're still lost and there's no reason for it'. Or maybe it's something closer to this: 'They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me' (Isaiah 29:13). Now, if He were to stop by youth group he might 'tweet': 'They are neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm...how sad' (Rev. 3:16). And I like what Francis Chan wrote in Crazy Love, specifically in 'PROFILE OF THE LUKEWARM': 'Lukewarm People tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives'.
Is this you? Perhaps it's time to take your relationship further and deeper. You don't have to quote lots of scripture or know all of Jesus' miracles, you just need to be willing to go deeper and not be content with the 'ho-hum'/busy way of life.
While I could go on and on about today's culture and how too many have bought into it 'hook-line-and-sinker'...I won't. I'd rather leave you with this verse to look up and the question first asked: Matthew 16:24-26

MESSY SPIRITUALITY: CHAPTER 1

2009-09-28T14:24:00.006-05:00

I know it's been a while since I've actually written a post, but here's what you can look forward to. Each week-when there is Youth Group, I will be posting on Messy Spirituality, a book by Mike Yaconelli. Now, that's not to say that there won't be any blogs concerning scripture, recent events, or things I've been kicking around/thinking about. I just plan to share my notes and small group discussion questions with you-to give you something to chew on. *I suggest getting yourself a copy of the book. If you'd like a copy-ask me.
HERE'S CHAPTER 1:
THE WORKSHOP OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE

Who wants to live a godly life?
Our author, Mike Yaconelli had been trying to follow Jesus for over 45 years, but kept losing Him in the crowded busyness of his life. Here’s a quote: ‘I know Jesus is there, somewhere, but it’s difficult to make Him out in the haze of everyday life. Yet when I look at the yesterdays of my life, what I see, mostly, is a broken, irregular path littered with mistakes and failures.’ (pg. 10)

Does that sound like you?
Is the only consistency in your life your inconsistency?
Are who you want to be and who you are very different?
So what is spirituality?
What do you think of when you hear the word spirituality?
Do you think of monks, the disciples, saints, grandparents?
Generally speaking, most people who use the word spiritual describe it or attribute it to those who they think pray all day long, read their Bibles constantly, never get angry or rattled, have an ‘inside’ track to God, or have special powers.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with that kind of living, monks are able to experience, seek, and know God in ways we haven’t…but what about the rest of us?
What about those of us who are single, married, have kids, or go to school, have a job, have friends, have the scars of rejection upon their hearts, are lost, seeking understanding and acceptance?
Is there a spirituality for the rest of us who don’t have it all together and probably never will?
YES!
WHAT LANDED JESUS ON THE CROSS?
The idea that common, ordinary, broken, screwed-up people could be godly.
WHAT DROVE HIS ENEMIES CRAZY?
Jesus’ criticisms of the ‘perfect religious’ people and his acceptance of the imperfect non-religious people. (Luke 11:37-54)
Jesus basically said anyone can be spiritual.
The pages of the Bible are filled with messy people. Think of Old Testament and New Testament.
God chose a murder to free his people…
God chose a crazy and a drunk to build a boat…
God chose a person who was filled with lust, had an affair, killed her husband, then married her.
That’s just the Old Testament, just look at the failures those few alone had-those are ones we would all be embarrassed of. But why should we be surprised? All of God’s chosen in the Bible had moments of weakness and strength, courage and fear…but they were also murderers, adulterers. Yet, they were men and women who could be gentle, holy, defenders of the faith one minute and insecure, unbelieving, grudge-holding tyrants the next.

THE SCANDAL OF SPIRITUALITY:
THE ANNE LAMOTT STORY (PG. 17-19).
THE TRUTH ABOUT MESSY SPIRITUALITY:
MESSY SPIRITUALITY UNVEILS THE MYTH OF FLAWLESSNESS AND CALLS CHRISTIANS EVERYWHERE TO COME OUT OF HIDING AND TO STOP PRETENDING.
MESSY SPIRITUALITY HAS THE AUDACITY TO SUGGEST THAT MESSINESS IS THE WORKSHOP OF AUTHENTIC SPIRITUALITY, THE GREENHOUSE OF FAITH, THE PLACE WHERE THE REAL JESUS MEETS THE REAL US.
MESSY SPIRITUALITY IS A CELEBRATION OF A DISCIPLESHIP WHICH IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
MESSY SPIRITUALITY IS THE SCANDALOUS ASSERTION THAT FOLLOWING CHRIST IS ANYTHING BUT TIDY AND NEAT, BALANCED AND ORDERLY.
MESSY SPIRITUALITY IS ANYTHING BUT A STRAIGHT LINE; IT IS A MIXED UP, TOPSY-TURVY, HELTER-SKELTER GODLINESS THAT TURNS OUR LIVES INTO AN UPSIDE-DOWN TOBOGGAN RIDE FULL OF UNEXPECTED TURNS, SURPRISE BUMPS, AND BONE-SHATTERING CRASHES.
MESSY SPIRITUALITY IS THE DELIRIOUS CONSEQUENCES OF A LIFE RUINED BY A JESUS WHO WILL LOVE US RIGHT INTO HIS ARMS.

QUESTIONS:
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT JESUS’ CRITIQUE OF THE PHARISEES?
READ: Luke 11:37-54

WHAT DO YOU THINK JESUS WAS TRYING TO SAY IN VERSE 39?
‘You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and wickedness’
DO YOU THINK IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH BEING A FAKE OR A ‘POSER’?
DO YOU LISTEN OR EVEN ACCEPT SOMEONE ONCE IT’S BEEN REVEALED THEY’RE A POSER?
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE WAS TRYING TO SAY IN VERSE 46?
‘For you crush people with unbearable religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden.’
DO YOU THINK JESUS WAS ASKING THEM TO BE MORE HUMBLE AND THOUGHTFUL?
ARE YOU THOUGHTFUL AND HUMBLE WHEN IT COMES TO LEARNING, LISTENING AND SHARING?
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU HELPED?
HOW DID YOU EASE THEIR BURDEN?

JAMES BOND SAID IT BEST: ‘WHY IS IT THAT PEOPLE WHO INSIST ON GIVING ADVICE NEVER TAKE ANY ADVICE?’
IS THAT YOU? ARE YOU SOMEONE WHO JUDGES AND INSISTS ON ALWAYS BEING RIGHT?
-WHEN IT COMES TO FRIENDS OR PARENTS

DO YOU HAVE A MESSY LIFE?
CHALLENGE:
THINK ABOUT HOW MESSY YOUR LIFE IS…HOW YOU MIGHT BE TOO BUSY FOR GOD (READING YOUR BIBLE, GOING TO YOUTH GROUP, CHURCH OR SUNDAY SCHOOL) OR TOO BUSY TO DO GOD’S WILL (HELPING SOMEONE WHO’S HURTING OR MARGINALIZED IN SCHOOL-THINK ABOUT THOSE WHO SIT ALONE).

READ MATTHEW 25:31-46
ANSWER THIS QUESTION: WHO ARE THE ‘LEAST OF THESE’ JESUS SPEAKS OF IN YOUR BUSY LIFE?

Safe and Fun?

2009-09-15T14:40:00.002-05:00

Below is something I'd like to share with you. It has to do with what we all know too well about, but the question is, are we doing something about it? Parents, are you talking to your teens about this? Teens, are you talking to your friends about this?
It's a pretty intense video and I hope everyone is moved by this.

THE FORGOTTEN GOD: REVISTED

2009-08-28T15:03:00.007-05:00

Since posting my review, I sought out my friends at David C Cook and checked out their website-they're the ones who gave me an advanced copy of his book to read.
And I think I have found something that may interest you-a word from the writer himself...Francis Chan. Please check out THE FORGOTTEN GOD by simply clicking on it and order your copy today!
Below is a portion straight from their website:

POWERFUL
When is the last time someone used that word to describe you?

It doesn't make sense that Almighty God would have children characterized by fear and insecurity. He put His Spirit in us so we could be known for our power (Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:7). Sadly, most believers and churches are known for talent or intellect rather than supernatural power. What's worse is that we're okay with it.

Could it be that we've forgotten the One who distinguishes us from every religion and cult in the world?

Through scriptural support and compelling narrative, breakthrough author Francis Chan reminds us of the Holy Spirit as the Bible describes Him. He reminds us that we were not created and saved merely to survive our time on earth. Chan contends that we've ignored the Spirit and are reaping the disastrous results.

It's time for the beloved church of Jesus Christ to reverse the trend of neglect. Let's pursue the Spirit-filled life of effectiveness God desires and we desire.

FORGOTTEN GOD BY FRANCIS CHAN

2009-08-25T23:19:00.009-05:00

He has done it again! Not since Rob Bell's 'Velvet Elvis' or David Kinnaman's 'unChrstian' have I read a book that 'hits the nail on the head' for me. It's true that in today's church there's something wrong, but it isn't easy to identify because of our unwillingness to listen or even have the conversation.
I had the privilege of listening to Francis Chan at the National Youth Worker's Convention last year and I had a feeling he would be coming out with another book-he was so conflicted and convicted it was empowering. While I don't want to ruin the book-which is due to be released sometime next month, I do want to share some of the things he said at the Convention which should give you a pretty good idea as to what you can look forward to concerning the book.
Francis brought up a good point when he spoke to us youth leaders...he basically called out everyone in attendance really. It was when he said 'we spend too much time watering rocks' (this was after he got done reading about the parable of the sower and the seed: Matthew 13:3-23) that it hit me-he's right. It's one of the many things that frustrates those in ministry-the 'rocks' that are in our lives-friends, family members, and even those in leadership in the church who don't seem to listen....or those in a situation of power or influence who only indulge in what's beneficial for them in the here and now, rather than God's Kingdom.
Francis followed it up with something along the lines of: If Jesus was the pastor of a church...mine would be bigger, if Jesus was a youth pastor, my youth group would be bigger. Why? Because Jesus' words were too harsh.
If you read carefully in the parable it was the disciples who came to Him and sought out the meaning of the parable...everyone else left confused. I think that sometimes we get confused and choose to stay that way instead of asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We sometimes forget that God hears our grumblings and concerns for the things that only He can provide (patience in times of uncertainty and loss and guidance and strength in our times of great need).
READ: Romans 8:26-28
I don't want to ramble on too long, but when his book come out...get yourself a copy! See if you don't agree that the Holy Spirit has been neglected in today's church and in God's people. We have the power within us...it's just a matter of tapping into that never-ending flow of power and energy which enables us to do great things in His name.
My closing...a challenge: Go read the whole book of ACTS. Let me know what you think about the unstoppable church back then and the very stoppable church today (which argues over the color of paint or carpet, and even manages to keep talking about the way things were-basically talking about what God and the Holy Spirit were doing in the life of their church years ago while forgetting about what the Holy Spirit is trying to do in their midst). I'll get off my soap box, but be sure to check out Francis Chan's new book...

NO YOUTH GROUP

2009-08-09T17:55:00.000-05:00

Due to the nasty weather there is no youth group today. Please pass this on to others.

HYPOCRITICAL Part I

2009-08-05T22:36:00.004-05:00

I have again picked up another book that I haven't read in a while. It's called UnChristian by David Kinnaman-if you haven't read it, I suggest you get yourself a copy. This isn't just for Youth Pastors or anyone else in a leadership position in the church...it's for everyone who calls themselves a Christian!
I can't seem to get over the fact that nearly 79% of our graduating high school seniors will walk away from the church during their college years. On the same token, I totally understand it...I mean look around. The culture around us has changed and our youth have begun to see through our facade.
It's not just because of our lifestyles as Christians but the way we convey the priorities of being a Christian. The common message they hear/get is that Christianity is a religion of rules and regulations. They think of us as hypocritical because they are measuring us by our own standards. Ironic huh?
Here's another nugget the book unveiled:
Christians are not defined by transparency but by adherence to rigid rules and strict standards.
So the question becomes: as a follower does your response to moral issues reflect complexcity? Are you honest with yourself about your own struggles? Do they motivate you to turn your heart-and that of others-towards God, seeking His ways to handle issues? Or are you too focused on maintaining the rules and regulations?
Now, there are those who would rather ignore the negative perception others have of us Christians-strugging it off saying 'it doesn't matter because outsiders just dont get it'. But what if God is revealing something to us in shift? I mean we can either get defensive about our image problem (that we are hypocritical), ignore it, or we could take culture's accusations of hypocrisy as God's wake up call to the overwhelming needs of others. What if He is using our culture to make us aware of our own hollow attempts and answers? Should we really ignore God's warning to us?
For example: Victoria left the church because of encounters with it's hypocritical churchgoers-they frustrated her and left her outside of the church.
Spirituality isn't measured by the number of sermons you hear, the piety of our lives, or the goodness of our actions. It's in the simple interactions and conversations we have with others in the hallways of our church, in the invitations we give (or don't give), the genuineness of concern, and how people respond to you and your child.
Victoria gave Christians a chance and found us hypocritical and judgmental. The way we react to people and to their life circumstances is also the measure of our spiritual maturity. Victoria didn't say we as Christians are hypocritical because she chose to reject kindhearted help that Christians offered her. Did she misunderstand the dozens of well-intentioned people? Was she oblivious to the men in the church who were trying to help, perhaps by taking her son fishing or to a basketball game? Nope! Instead she watched, waited, and listened for people like you and me to embrace her needs, to restore her life-and that of her son-to God's purposes. Did she make a mistake? Sure, but so did the Christians around her.
You see, the 'UnChristian' faith says it is important to remind Victoria that a single parent family is not as good as a married family. It tells us to keep giving her advice, without love or genuine interest, about how to raise her son. It leads us to believe we should know because we have it all together.
Chew on this for a challenge: Read Matthew 23:4 and think about the overwhelming perception young people have of us as Christians-as hypocrites. Does your life point people to a life in Christ that bursts with freedom to love, restoraiton, purity, and transparency? Or are you burying people-insiders and outsiders-under the weight of a self-righteous life?

MISSION TRIP: LAST NIGHT AND THIS MORNING...

2009-06-19T07:36:00.002-05:00

Last night was another amazing night. It was an amazing last day too-we spent it out at the Lost Antler Ranch (the kids went swimming, kayaking, canoeing, bike riding, hung out and played various card games-including Apples to Apples).
I don't plan to have too long of a blog today, but I can tell you this...you need to talk to the youth about their experience-not just about the work that they did this week, but about the spiritual transformations and heart-tugging they felt this week.
Breakfast is at 7am and we plan to head out by 8am. Right now it's 6:45am and it's been a physically taxing week, but it's a week I wouldn't trade for the world! By our estimates we should be in town around 6pm-your time. Check our Facebook and twitter if things change as we're unable to update on our blogs-no internet on the bus. We can update on our mobile phones...
Pray for safe travels and we'll see you soon.

MISSION TRIP '09: DAY 5

2009-06-17T16:57:00.002-05:00

Today was another beautiful day-we were blessed with sunshine and smiles! The youth had to projects today: MORNING WORK-trash clean up in downtown Estes and AFTERNOON WORK-fire mitigation at the YMCA.
This was their last day of work and we have successfully ended our work on a good note-minor scratches and sunburns. The youth have done an amazing job at all the work sites this week. They all deserve a pat on the back. So when they return please give them thanks and ask of their experiences (the physical labor and the spiritual labor).
Tonight's campfire looks to be another 'rock-your-face-off' night. Chris and I are excited about congratulating these youth on a job well done and plan to encourage them to take this beyond Estes. Stop me if you've heard this before...what happens in Estes, stays in Estes.
Considering what they've shared I pray that they will return to Lincoln on fire for God and continue to share their stories with one another...continue to grow and learn to appreciate God's blessings in their lives.
Last night, in closing campfire I gave them these parting words: life's a journey, life's a test, and may God bless you annoyingly. Basically-try not to complicate your life when God has a plan for you (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
Tomorrow is going to be a relaxing day of fun at the ranch camp we worked at earlier this week. Pray that they might play hard and have fun-they deserve it!

SHARING OUT OF BROKENNESS: CAMPFIRE 5

2009-06-17T00:58:00.004-05:00

Today was another jam-packed one: the youth worked at Lost Antler Ranch-a place where ministry happens. The owner of the ranch is also the same man who started Blockbuster and Boston Market (just to name the most popular)...and he's a Christian who uses his money for God's Kingdom. However, the recent economy has been devastating...he now charges groups to rent his facilities.
The youth pulled weeds, carried, and hauled portions of trees that had be infected with the Pine Beetle-(like last year) it takes one year before the tree start dying, it doesn't even know it's dying. After about three years the tree is gray and is 'dead' to everyone's eyes, but after a year, it's still green and unless you take a closer look you wouldn't know a beatle had buried there/infested the tree.
Now, unto the campfire:
We had more youth come to share-there wasn't any rain-so we had an un-interrupted campfire session. Chris and I talked about the 'so what' implications of life. We had them chew on the 'what if you do' and 'what if you don't' concerning God's call upon your life. We gave them scenarios such as: What if Moses, who protested God's request/call and never helped out...and what about Jesus, what would've happened had he not gone to the cross for us and decided that he needed to prepare the disciples more because they weren't ready???
We went over scenarios about our lives too (about Chris and I)-how had they made different choices in life, we wouldn't be here today. This trip to Estes Park may never have been possible and how we wouldn't have ever met as colleagues and how we wouldn't have gotten a chance to work with such a wonderful group of volunteers and young people.
It was a good night to say the least. Thank you all for the continued prayers concerning weather, safety, and transformations. Good night, I'm off to bed...

CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGER-CAMPFIRE 4

2009-06-16T07:56:00.002-05:00

While I realize that it's not an original title, it does seem fitting considering the last few nights of testimonies, stories, and sharing that the youth have done. As mentioned before, they are sharing out of their brokenness-they are finding out that they're not all that different and that they're all dealing with the same garbage and are more the same than different.
This gradual revelation has stirred in the hearts of many of our youth-you can see the Spirit working within them-convicting them to do more...to share. Some aren't there yet, but you know it's coming and I pray that throughout the week they might find freedom in their release-whether it be through a peer, youth leaders, or in front of everyone.
Pastor Jeff was here, he's the Pastor at Good Shepherd and he said that from what he witness-'I wouldn't have said anything like that when I was their age'. Amazing huh?
Well, it's off to breakfast and then to our main work site-we'll be there all day (until 3pm).
Keeping praying for the youth as they work, witness, and grow in this wonderful environment...

MISSION TRIP: DAY 4-STAINED

2009-06-15T17:33:00.004-05:00

This morning the youth helped the YMCA with trash clean up. Afterward, we met in the meeting room to make our lunch and hang out for a bit. Once the bus arrived we headed to the Victim's Advocacy Center. We had helped out there before and some of the jobs were the same, but they planned ahead, knew we were coming and were prepared for our larger group. The youth did a lot of things:
stained the fence, painted the rails and trim, did some weedy-wacking, did spring cleaning inside the center-sanitized rooms, toys, threw away toys, boxed up toys for storage, organized rooms, vacuumed, cleaned windows, fixed signage, did some landscaping, and did it all within 2 1/2 hours!
In fact they ran out of stain and were only able to complete the outside of the fence...and interestingly enough, I chose 'stained' as my blog title because of it's application to us as Christians. As mentioned earlier, the youth have been given a chance at campfire to share...and many have shared out of their brokenness. Many have shared the 'stains', guilt, and sin that they've been dealing with or ignoring. This has been a very powerful and uplifting experience for many of the youth-some are uncomfortable, but in a good way...they feel convicted and conflicted about whether or not they should share. For example...some of the youth leaders said that some of the youth have said this: 'I know I should say something/I need to say something, but I can't'. (or something to that affect). The bottom line is these youth are sharing their stains (Romans 3:23) and are learning about the freedom of community and the stains of Christ's blood shed for us all (Matthew 20:28)
Again, keep these young people in your prayers as they dig deeper into His Word, His Will and His Plan for their lives...

MISSION TRIP '09: DAY 3/CAMPFIRE

2009-06-15T09:23:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a day of rest for the youth and the youth leaders. We had some hiccups concerning the campfire area we had booked for the week-last night we didn't have a campfire-we just met in our meeting room.
With that said, last night was still a good night. We read Exodus 3:1-5 and talked about holy ground. We talked about how we are on 'holy' ground all the time since God created the heavens and the earth. We also emphasized that we needed to take more than just our 'sandals' off-we need to peal away the various masks we wear-come clean to God in our brokenness.
After a brief introduction/some spiritual food to chew on...Chris and I opened it up to the youth-we had another six come up and share out of their brokenness.
Continue to pray for the youth as they experience each others pain and begin to open up to each other and God. They are taking steps here in Estes...we pray it will continue and never end!

MISSION TRIP DAY: 2 (SABBATH: DAY OF REST)

2009-06-14T14:10:00.003-05:00

SNAP SHOT SO FAR:
Breakfast (7-9am)
Worship (10-11:15am) We worshiped at the chapel here at the YMCA Camp and we were regaled by the Estes Park Bell Choir.
Lunch (11:40-12:30pm)
REBOOT:
Small Groups, Bible Studies (one in meeting room and one on the side of the mountain-youth led), basically-FREE TIME.
Keep you posted later...

MISSION TRIP CAMP FIRE #2

2009-06-14T00:17:00.002-05:00

We read Exodus 3:1-4 and talked about how Moses answered God's call. Last night we spoke a bit about how we're all like Moses-there are things in our lives that get our attention like the burning bush. We also talked about how there's a difference between accepting God's call and society's invitation...we become consumed by the fire of sin in our lives. When we buy into our culture's line of 'the grass is greener on the other side' we find ourselves compromising who we are. Sometimes we sacrifice character and integrity and gain very little.
Tonight, the youth had a very transforming experience. It all started with one youth who was brave enough to get up and share from his inner most self-he was spilling the beans about something he had been carrying (a huge burden that was actually many).
Let me just say this...the Spirit moved the hearts of all those gathered around the camp fire tonight. Even strangers who heard us singing came to see what we were about.
The long and short...thank you for the prayers-not only was their no rain today, we had clear skies! The stars were out for all to see and it was truly beautiful and amazing. Keep praying everyone...your prayers have been heard and will continue to be answered too!
SPECIAL NOTE:
Sunday is a day of rest. We have granted the youth and the youth leaders an opportunity to take time to get closer to God. To sleep in if they need, but really, the goal is for them to grow closer to Him and to learn more-whether that be talking to a youth leader, digging into scripture, or going for a walk with God.
Again, thanks for prayers. This has been amazing and it's only day 2!

MISSION TRIP '09: DAY 2

2009-06-13T16:49:00.003-05:00

We just got done working at two locations for two different groups: Habitat for Humanity and Christian Church of Estes Park.

Habitat had an awesome opportunity for the youth who had an eye-opening experience as they helped lower-income families. Estes is often thought of as a vacation 'hot spot' and no one thinks of this area as a place in need of help.
Interesting tid-bit: When I spoke to Spider, the Mission Coordinator in Estes she said that while it's official city records say only 15-19% of families are registered for Federal Aide (the school lunch programs and or food stamps), it's closer to 60-63% due. Many don't register because of embarrassment and ethnicity. Estes does have something similar to our 'Back-Pack' program in Lincoln.
The place in which the youth worked at was definitely in need-they picked up garbage in area and in their yards. They saw fighting among the youth in the neighborhood (with rocks and baseball bats). While there was mostly verbal arguing happening, there was one who did get hit by a bat (some of the youth leaders went to their aide).
-Later the youth leaders and the youth had a discussion about the various differences in social and family dynamics. Parents were in their homes, playing loud music and ignoring what's happening in their own backyards...some were smoking, but did nothing.

The other group went to Christian Church of Estes Park to help with the recent vandalism they've experienced. Again, the youth were up to the task and did a wonderful job!
Some of the work included helping them repair their paintball course: cutting down trees and branches in the way, loading them up on a 16 ft. trailer, hauling it out to the dump. They also painted over portions of their forts that had been vandalized.
They also helped the church with other tasks: cleaning, vacuuming, and sanitizing rooms.
The group that finished up the work for Habitat later joined the other group at the church to help. We got done a little early (which is a testament to the youth and the youth leaders commitment to this trip).
Well, that's all I have concerning work projects today. Consider yourselves fortunate though-I actually had time to be more specific. As the week wears on, that will change.
Keep praying for these wonderful group of youth and youth leaders. They had displayed Christ in their words and deeds today.
*Also, pray for good weather. Prior to leaving it was supposed to rain everyday-all day! That didn't happen today :)

MISSION TRIP '09: DAY 1

2009-06-13T00:59:00.002-05:00

Well, we made it! That's not to say that we didn't have any 'hick-ups' today. However, in spite of it all attitudes-for the most part, are good. I think the bus ride was 'longer' for some or at least longer than they had hoped for. *It was no doubt a long day for everyone.
While, I won't go into details concerning the 'hick-ups', I will share something amazing. Shortly after camp fire many of the youth approached youth leaders for some time to chat. During that time a transformation began to take place in the hearts and minds of those on the trip. I know God has blessed this return to Estes...
If you'd like to follow along:
Exodus 3:1-3
Tagline: Go and see
Chris and I basically laid it out there-all of them (youth leaders included) were on this trip for a reason. Some have come to grow, some came to know they weren't alone, some came to make new friends and to help others, but they all came because they made a choice.
That's something we're going to dig deeper into-choices that we make. As the youth will learn, Moses had excuses, but they didn't hold water and God provided...and Moses did amazing things for God and His people.
Again, pray for the youth and the youth leaders on this trip. May this be an opportunity for growth and learning.
-Also, you can follow on Facebook (just add Jeff Vance and Chris Hansen) and Chris' blog too!

PRE-MISSION TRIP LOG

2009-06-10T23:57:00.002-05:00

Holly and I just got done packing! We're about 98% done really, I mean, there are somethings that we plan to use tomorrow and Friday before we leave...but we're pretty much packed.
I went to Facebook and wrote a little something and I thought I would share it:
I am excited for this upcoming experience with the young minds of the future...may God touch their hearts and they be changed for the better...because God cares too much to leave them as they are. JEREMIAH 18:1-6
I realized after I wrote it that I forgot something very important (I later changed in on Facebook too)...that it wasn't just the youth going on this Mission Trip that God wants to change-it's all of us. He cares too much to leave US where WE are in our lives. Some of us are content and have 'lost the fire' and motivation that we once had-in our relationship with God, our hobbies, our families, and our friends.
I think it's time that we all re-read Jeremiah 18:1-6 (heck, read the whole chapter!).
Please pray for us all going on this Mission Trip-pray that some might have that 'mountain top' experience and be changed, wanting to go deeper in their journey.

THE OVERNIGHTER

2009-06-09T14:20:00.002-05:00

Do you like Youtube? Well I have a video I'd like to share. I won't elaborate on it or anything-just watch it! As always, comments are always appreciated.
*If you're a youth worker, paid or unpaid, or even a volunteer, then you'll understand.
CLICK HERE

3 VIEWS

2009-05-22T12:23:00.004-05:00

Lets be honest: NO ONE IS THE SAME
There are only 3 views:
1. God’s View
2. Everyone Else’s View
3. Your View
So lets talk about some of these ‘vantage points’…
Start with God’s:
1 Samuel 16:7 says: ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’
The author of 1 Kings 8:39 says: ‘Give your people what their actions deserve, for you alone know each human heart.’
The prophet Samuel wrote in 1 Samuel 2:3: ‘Stop acting so proud and haughty! Don’t speak with such arrogance! For the LORD is a God who knows what you have done; he will judge your actions.’
John 2:23-25
‘Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. 24 But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew human nature. 25 No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like.’
Everyone Else’s View…
There will always be labels associated with you that have been given or said about you by your peers. Such assessments are partially accurate and some opinions of us are greatly exaggerated.
Those in the ‘public eye’ and considered popular are sometimes idolized or envied and others are publicly given grief and made an ‘example’ of…and there are some who are somewhere in between. I mean even Jesus was given grief by the ‘know it alls’ of their day-those religious leaders (Pharisees). And even Jesus’ disciples, Paul, and the early founders got a lot of grief-even death threats!
Character assassination has been prevalent throughout history…
Your View:
Last, but certainly not least…is the appraisal one makes of themselves. Its no secret that we all struggle with honesty. Because honesty demands that we concede that our self-perception may be grossly inflated.
Romans 12:3 & 12:16
‘Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us’
‘Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.’
The struggle is not to be ‘high minded’ or think of ourselves as ‘wise’ when there is still much to learn. We also need to balance what is said of us and not take it to heart when it comes to things other than constructive criticism. Truth is, what other say, sometimes dictates what we do.
It is important, though, that we have a healthy view of ourselves.
Matthew 22:36-39
‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself’
The scripture implies having a good sound judgment and view of self. Now, sometimes the lines get blurred and we harbor the wrong kind of appreciation of ourselves-so much that it actually hinders our lives-sometimes even tormenting ourselves with unhappiness.
As mentioned before ‘BEHAVIOR FOLLOWS BELIEF’ and sometimes we have a nasty tendency not to believe-what God thinks about us, what our parents think about us or what we think about ourselves...instead believe too much of what others say about us. The scriptures are truth and God’s Word addresses our problems and offers hope to all who are in need-who seek knowledge and truth, support and confidence.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."
Remember that He has plans for good and not for disaster…
Challenge: Give yourself an honest evaluation!
Remember ‘behavior follows belief’…you need to take some time, maybe starting tonight-ask some tough questions of yourself. Have you given yourself an honest assessment lately? Are you too hard on yourself? Do you live to impress your friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, or your parents? Are you following their plans for your life and have you lost your own identity and dreams? Are you pouring too much time and energy into things that don’t matter? Are you too materialistic or ego-driven that other things have suffered? Do you feel alone and lost?
This is life and it’s time that you challenge yourself in ways that make you smile-not cringe!

You, Me, and Marley!

2009-05-12T09:19:00.003-05:00

Have you seen the movie 'Marley and Me'? It's a movie that I knew would be a 'tear-jerker' and I wasn't wrong. I don't plan to ruin the movie, however, I do plan to give you a snapshot about the movie: it's about a dog and his name is Marley, but it's not just about the dog, it's about the family in which Marley is a part of-it catalogs their journey as a family.
Interestingly enough, it's the ending I'd like to share with you...and I think it transcends the owners words about dogs...I think it has a lot to do with us. Here's the quote: 'A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes, a water-logged stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb, givem' your heart and they'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare or pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?'
There's a portion of scripture that talks about how we are all 'LIKE GRASS' and will wither away-meaning our time here on Earth isn't very long.
So I think it's time that we chewed on the above quote...think about how God doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever, dull, smart or dumb and that if you give Him your heart, He will give you His. I mean yeah, there are those in our lives that have made us feel rare, pure, special, and even extraordinary, but even those very people have made us feel disappointment, hurt, angry, lost, and uncertain. While we cannot protect ourselves, just know that all things come to an end-even good things.
I'm just curious as to whether or not we have an appreciation for the time we have been given...are we truly doing enough-our part when it comes to truly 'loving one another' as God instructed us to do or are we still in denial and going through the motions?
So the challenge is...write a list of those who have made you feel like you're on top of the world and then cross out their name if they've ever let you down. Because friends come and go and trust can be broken, but God will give His heart to you if you're willing to give Him yours...

GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS...

2009-05-08T11:50:00.004-05:00

I apologize for the lack of consistency on my end...it's not fair to you the reader who's genuine thirst is halted because of my inability to make time for something I told myself I would commit to...which brings me to a song that I've been stuck on for the past few days. It's a song by Matthew West-someone I got to meet and chat with before he made it big, I was his bodyguard during a performance at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD-I even got a free autographed cd!
Anyway, off his new album is 'The Motions' which I think hits the nail on the head for all of us who claim to be Christians. If you click on 'The Motions' you will be taken to his website that is dedicated to explaining his motivation for the song- which also doubles as a place for anyone to 'recommit' or make a resolution not to continue down the path of 'going through the motions'. I think everyone should google search the lyrics to his song and listen carefully to his message...while it may not resonate with everyone, I know it will touch everyone who is in deed committed to their Christian walk.
I don't want to ruin the song for anyone, but I do plan to break down portions of his song and use it as a reference for this blog to get the ball rolling...
Right off the bat, he opens the song up with this: 'This might hurt, it's not safe
But I know that I've gotta make a change'...the interesting thing here is that 'this might hurt' indicates that there has been time and thought given to this decision and that 'I've gotta make a change' means they've dedicated themselves to this tough decision-they have the resolve and intend to see it through.
Now, we all have this thing about pain...we don't like it. We tend to build up protective barriers to pain-to shield us from the bi-products of pain: confusion, indecision, emotional hurt, and vulnerability. The crazy part is, we convince ourselves we can prevent such things from happening...when in fact, it's not natural and it's not a part of life. You can a hint or two from scripture: Genesis 3 and The Parable of the Talents.
If we don't seek Him and thirst after Him then we're more or less bland and loose our saltiness as indicated in Matthew 5:13-16.
Too often we forget His promises to us and His plans for us...we sometimes choose to do things our own way. And in our brokenness when we pray, we don't really mean it and give it up to Him...we're merely going through the motions. And sometimes we do things because 'that's what a Christian would do' rather than because we actually adopted it as a way of life. You see, Jesus came to teach us how to think, not what to think and we have a tendency to get them confused.
The truth is, we've done it the easy way-our way has always been the path of least resistance, but I think in the tough times we're supposed to learn something, we're supposed to grow and take note of God's lesson. There's a reason why nearly 80% of teenagers leave the church after graduating high school or why over 50% of marriages end in divorce...because when it gets tough...we quit. And if you think the disciples had it easy...you might want to re-read your Bible. On the night of His betrayal His followers fled as He foretold and they were lost sheep...we sometimes get lost and if you're 'going through the motions'...it's time to make a decision. While it won't be easy you know it's the right thing to do. Remember, you've done easy and now it's time to stop going through the motions.
By the way, I made my resolution-to do a better job of digging into His Word and putting down my reflections on this blog which I believe is a tool for many besides me.

HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST

2009-04-06T15:22:00.004-05:00

It is Holy Week this week and it's a time of reflection and careful consideration in regards to our daily lives. As I re-read of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, I began to think about a blog Marko wrote called 'The Grace Of Palm Sunday' and a sermon I heard yesterday. My hope is that you will read Marko's blog and read Matthew 12:1-17 and Matthew 27:11-31.
In Marko's blog he talks about how Jesus in spite of the fact He knew the very people who were praising Him now and giving thanks to God saying 'Praise God for the Son of David' would be the very same people who would later condemn Him and let a murder go free.
As I sat in the pew yesterday, I was blown away by a new concept-there were two crowds! In Maroko's blog he talks about one crowd appearing twice-at Jesus' entry and trial.
Since then I've been thinking about how I never thought of it in those terms before: that there were two different crowds. After some reflection I can see it now and you don't have to believe me, it's my two cents...
The crowd who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem were thirsting for God to deliver them which is why they said 'Praise God for the Son of David'-they were hoping for Jesus to throw out the corrupt religious rulers (as He did in the Temple-verse 12-17 of Chapter 21) and the Roman Empire. What I find interesting is that in the scriptures in the old testament, particularly Zechariah 9:9 it does state that He would be have a humble entry as He was riding the donkey. Jesus' ministry was about serving others and that's a major aspect of Christianity-having a 'servants heart' as Jesus did. As a matter of fact He commanded that we did in Mark 12:28-33.
Now, as I understand it the religious leaders were trying to corner Jesus and trick Him into saying something 'foolish' or blasphemous concerning the Law as they knew it. They weren't too happy with the things Jesus did that flew in the face of 'tradition'-like healing on the Sabbath and not doing things the 'proper' way according the 'Jewish custom'.
Once you take into account the various scripture passages provided perhaps you too will have a different view of Jesus' time in Jerusalem. While I'm not saying Marko has it wrong or that anyone else has it wrong...I merely think it's time to consider digging deeper and thinking outside the box when it comes to our current understanding of Jesus and His ministry. Grace is something we take for granted in today's culture and perhaps we can use both lines of thinking for growth as we enter Holy Week with a greater thirst and seek His will for our lives.
May God bless you all...

*Special Note: I apologize to those who have been waiting for a new message/blog from me for a long time. I will do my best this month to crank out more for your hearts to chew on. I thank you for your dedication and thirst for knowledge and truth as it is revealed to you.

Crazy Love Revisted: Some Inconvenient Truths II

2009-03-16T16:11:00.002-05:00

Before we get into what Francis Chan has to say concerning us 'Lukewarm People' please read some scripture: Matthew 13:1-23.
Now, the reason I had you read this was to put into perspective how we are to approach all that's been said concerning seeds and soil. How we need to look at our situation at hand and take an honest and hard look at where we're at spiritually. In his book, 'Crazy Love,' Francis Chan says multiple times: 'Do not assume you are good soil'. Wow, how true indeed. I mean, we're all distracted by the thorns of this life and it takes away from what God offers us-true life and true happiness. We have a nasty tendency to mess it up. Too often when we're broken, empty, and feel lost...it's because of our own doing. David Goetz writes, 'too much of a the good life ends up being toxic, deforming spirituality.' Good things by themselves are fine, but all of it together keeps us from being truly happy and filled.
The questions becomes...has your relationship changed the way you live? Or are you choking it out by spending too much time, energy, and money on things that don't matter? (Francis Chan)
It's just something to think about...now onto 'The Profile of the Lukewarm':

Lukewarm People say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives. Luke 9:57-62.
Lukewarm People love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; it's only for pastors, missionaries, and radicals. Matt. 22:37-38.
Lukewarm People love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is especially focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back...their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached. Matt. 5:43-47.
Lukewarm People will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give. Luke 18:21-25.

I think that's enough for today. There's plenty more where that came from. Again, if you're interested in the book it's called: Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I was able to see him in person two years in a row at the National Youth Workers Convention. He's an amazing speaker with amazing insight.
He essentially called out over 6,200 youth workers to get serious about Jesus and to do our part in re-energizing the churches for God! So, I hope you get a lot out of this mini-blog series because there are plenty more scripture based truths out there for your to chew on...until next time: READ UP and PRAY UP!

Crazy Love Revisted: Some Inconvenient Truths

2009-03-13T11:43:00.008-05:00

I've been re-reading books as of late and last night I was reading Francis Chan's book: Crazy Love, more specifically, the chapter which is called: 'Profile of the Lukewarm'. Of course, there's way too much information to share in one day, so I estimate that the next couple of blogs will contain 'Crazy Love' information.
So here's what you'll get: Francis Chan snippets for you to chew on. After his description he provides scripture, click on the scripture to be redirected to Biblegateway.com to read it-there will be no additions from me. Enjoy!
'Profile of the Lukewarm':
Lukewarm People attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe 'good Christians' do, so they go. Isaiah 29:13.
Lukewarm People give money to charity and to the church...as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so. After all, God loves a 'cheerful giver,' right? Luke 21:1-4.
Lukewarm People tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) rather than what God thinks of their hearts and lives. Luke 6:26, Revelation 3:1, and Matthew 23:5-7.
Lukewarm People don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm People don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful life. John 10:10 and Romans 6:1-2.
Lukewarm People are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for 'extreme' Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm People call 'radical' what Jesus expected of all His followers. James 1:22, James 4:17, and Matthew 21:28-31.
Lukewarm People rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion. Matthew 10:32-33
Lukewarm People gauge their morality or 'goodness' by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as 'hard-core' for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street. Luke 18:11-12.

In closing, I'd just like to say that our Christian journey to become more Christ-like is just that...a journey, a process of change, but we cannot and should not be so quick to give God the backseat when things get rough.
Hopefully, I'll have more for you this weekend. Until then, please meditate and pray on what Francis described...is that you? I think it's all of us because we all struggle, but if it is you, chew on God's Word in relationship to where you are currently at. There's always room to grow and if you buy the line about 'you can't teach old dogs new tricks'...then you've lost focus of what God can do.

CONSIDER THIS:

2009-03-12T17:19:00.003-05:00

Please read 1st Timothy 6:17-19
and Luke 9:58. Now, I prefer this translation: 'Teach those who are rich...' (NLT) because in today's culture anything that has any 'authority' behind it is often translated as 'blah, blah, blah,' but to teach requires more than just 'demands must be met' it's about walking along side that person and actually helping them to understand.
The assumption is that the scripture from Timothy is for ‘rich’ people-when in fact we are all rich and that’s it’s a matter of perspective. We are blessed by God in all that we have. Consider this: The US is only 6% of the world’s population but consumes 40% of the world’s resources. If you have a vehicle to drive: 92% of the world’s population doesn’t drive, which means you and I are a part of the 8% of the world’s population that has the luxury of personal transportation.
So the question becomes…what do we do with what God has given us? All that we have is God given. In Genesis He commanded us to be good stewards. He doesn’t condemn us for having any amount of wealth, but we should not forget all that He provides.
Each new day is a gift, the very roof over your head is a gift, the very clothes you wear is a gift...nothing you have should be considered 'mine' and done with the understanding/conviction of 'it was all me'.
Here's what Deuteronomy 8:17-19 has to say: ‘You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed.'
So what other 'gods' do you worship? Well if you wake up every morning looking for your phone and the first thing you think about is who you text...then you're not thinking about God. If during the rest of your day, while at school or at work your phone is literally 'attached' to you...then you're worshiping the conversation machine-not a one-on-one experience. While I'm not knocking technology, I know for a fact it gets in the way of our continued growth as Christians.
I would be lying if I said I don't play video games...I do, but not nearly as much as I used to. In a way, I grew up and realized what was more important-doing chores around the house, doing my part instead of consuming and having someone clean up after me when it's my mess. Yeah, I did a lot of that when I was a teenager-I left a mess for my mom to clean up after...you know, when other friends call to go play some basketball.
Ahhh, friends...do they distract? Yeah, they can, but they can also help you in your journey too. What kind of friends you ask? The kind of friends that care about you as a person-who cares about you genuinely, not the kind that leave you when things get 'dicey' or hard and you actually need their time to talk about real issues you're struggling with. Yeah, you have friends like that...
SO CONSIDER THIS:There is more to this life than empty dreams, thoughts of 'what if' and 'why me'...you have a potential inside you that God said was worthy of saving and protecting. You see, you've done it the easy way, the lazy way and all that's brought you is pain and a sense of unfulfilledness.
You see, God knows your hopes and your dreams and he provides all that you need, it's just that you haven't been listening. When was the last time you prayed and honestly gave Him your heart and your commitment? In Jeremiah 29:11 we find out that God has plans for us and sometimes His plans are exactly what we wanted in the first place...we just never realized. So if you feel lost and life has you down...CONSIDER THIS: God has a plan for you...it's time to listen...because you are blessed and able to do more than you realize.

VISIT WITH VOTA'S BRYAN

2009-03-03T13:37:00.002-06:00

Today was a great day! While I was hanging out in Lemstone-checking out Bibles, I saw who I thought was Bryan from Vota. I kind of followed them around (Vota's lead singer and his wife) and when he had headphones on to check out the music area, I decided to ask the question...'hey, is that Bryan from Vota?' His wife had a huge smile on her face and said yes. The band is back in Lincoln for three days-a break from the tour.
So I gleefully went back to the Bible section grabbed the Bible I had been eying for like an hour and bought it with the intent of having Bryan sign it for me.
Of course, it didn't quite happen as smoothly as I thought I would, I found myself stumbling over some words-which they both smiled and brushed off, and we found ourselves in a conversation about the People's City Mission and how they played for them last year and how they plan to play again this year-of course, we all hoped it wasn't at the same location-the event center was very dusty and gritty pizza wasn't exactly appetizing.
So this is a special edition/blog. Vota made my day and I thought I'd share!

TRIAGE

2009-02-27T17:29:00.007-06:00

Many of us enjoy watching some TV and many have grown up watching classics and one that I remember all to well was called M*A*S*H (A 1970's hit). Now, here's a question for you-do you know what 'M.A.S.H' stands for? It's ACRONYM breakdown is: Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals. The show itself was based on a campaign of the Korean military in the early 1950's and served as an allegory for the Vietnam War.
Now, the things that all wars have in common are casualties. Some casualties are in the war zone where some lose their lives and others are scarred for life. But there are other losses suffered that both sides can relate to: families who feel abandoned, alone, and left hung out to dry always wondering and praying for answers during their uncertain times-will a loved one come home as expected or come home unexpectedly?
Truth is, we all are left wondering these same thoughts under the same circumstances...the only difference is 'perspective'. Don't be confused, because I'm still talking about a war, but it's not the kind you would normally think of in such ways. I'm talking about spiritual warfare-a struggle for identity, community, and belonging. A yearning we all have regardless of whether we're Christians or not. As mere human beings not judged on religious backgrounds or spiritual needs-we are very much social creatures and creatures of habit. The bottom line is-we all have needs.
Getting back to M*A*S*H-whenever the doctors heard 'incoming wounded' they would rush out to the landing zone-doctors and nurses included, to give each wounded person an initial assessment to give the appropriate level of medical attention: some went immediately to surgery in hopes of staving off a life-threatening wound; others, who were considered less severe were moved to a surgical staging area to wait their turn; the rest were declared dead or beyond help. This process was known as 'triage', from a French word that means to 'sort.'
Interestingly enough, we already perform such steps in our own lives. Each day we make decisions about what's important and what's not. As Christians we make decisions based on values we've already set-things that are hard or too much of a commitment are usually declared as 'beyond help' because it's too tough, things that we consider somewhat important are put on the back burner with the thought process of 'I'll get to that later' or when I have time, knowing full well we have little or no intention of fulfilling our 'self promise'-there just isn't enough time and it's just not important enough. Now, the things that are 'life-threatening': like relationships (boyfriends, girlfriends, and friends), sports, the latest and greatest cell phone, car, stereo, gaming system, or TV are important because it helps us climb the latter of popularity. It gives us the image of 'I have it all' and there's nothing I'm worried about-when in reality, we're lost-we ironically have no identity-we're too busy trying to become someone else and pleasing everyone that we have lost sight of meaning: who am I, why am I here? And when things fall apart and we find ourselves broken, we come back to the same selfish thoughts, but from a different perspective...who am I, why am I here-why am I trying so hard, why aren't things working out for me?
Now, in our search-our own personal and selfish search we have answered those very questions-we are no one yet we are so many different people around so many different friends. We think we are diversified, but really we are broken because we haven't really solidified ourselves or given ourselves any sort of security.
Our selfish journey takes us down roads that lead to brokenness because we've decided to go it alone. We've trusted the wrong types of people with our hearts, our thoughts, and our dreams. We have all lost sight of what's truly important-self in relationship to honoring God.
Sure, it's easier to throw in the towel, give up, and let the negative thoughts wrap around us and choke out the very dreams we hold so dear...to let it choke out the very thoughts of happiness we seek...let it choke out any hope for love or anything different than we've already gotten-what's the point! Right?
Instead of getting depressed and letting the devil take a foothold in your thoughts choose to pick yourself up off the floor-dust yourself off and make a choice, the right choice. Choose to live and I mean really live. Instead of trusting those who have lost your trust again, swallow your pride and reach out to those who have always been there-God, family, and true friends. Not friends that left you when it got tough and you needed them, but friends that were there even when you were wrong and perhaps friends that you even marginalized and shunned in your selfish search for greater things.
So how does this healing begin you ask? By realizing you're broken and that you've done it on your own and that you're sick of the emptiness you feel from the road everyone has taken. A great author and man of God, Henri Nouwen, said: 'the first and most important task of the healer is making the right diagnosis-a good diagnosis is the beginning.' So if you've given yourself an honest reflection and diagnosis the healing can begin. You can let go of your ball and chain. You can start to reach out to those who have your best interests at heart. While it won't be an easy process, it's the right process for you-you've already done 'easy'.
There's no time table for healing, but remember this is the season of Lent-a time of new beginnings. Lent is derived from the Middle English 'Lente' which means 'springtime'. So if there's anything you've learned from your journey, it's that there's always another day, but it doesn't have to be like it was the day before.
The choice is yours...carpediem! 'Go seize the day!'

HONESTLY

2009-02-20T14:10:00.009-06:00

Recently, I was able to attend an awesome concert which featured Vota (formerly known as: Casting Pearls) and the David Crowder Band. Vota has changed their name and has also changed their style-they've come a long ways from the punk band I remember from years back (when they opened for Toby Mac). One of their songs-'Honestly', struck a major cord with me. While there's no pun intended there, please go check out their song in the link provided above-click 'honestly' to watch the video.
I know I've talked about brokenness more than once, but again, I felt moved to share this with you. While we're now aware of Matthew 11:28-30 which says: 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.' Too often we forget what we're supposed to do when we are broken. In today's Church there's that unspoken rule of 'don't tell me how you're really doing, just lie'. Think about it next time you meet up with someone in the store-when they ask you 'how are you doing?' What's your knee-jerk response? Something along the lines of: good, good and yourself? or I'm fine and you? And of course, you usually get the same short confirming response that they're alright even though we're all broken.
This is an opportunity for a challenge-next time someone asks...say how it really is. See what their reaction is-do they want to get going and continuing shopping or do they want to take time to listen? Do they offer concern and ask to swap phone numbers or do they really want to sweep it under the rug?
If you listened to the song-do me a favor and look up the lyrics to it too. Read it and meditate on it and tell me what strikes you. I won't lie, there are times that I'm at fault for the very thing I just mentioned-for the sake of time and the sake of saving face, I have given the usual 'call and response' answer-but it's just not true. However, it's all about making a commitment to do better-to better oneself.
So honestly, is it any wonder why the church is so divided? Why there's a 'I'm right and your wrong' mentality? It's because we're all broken and unwilling to yield to the God of love and share our concerns in a truly Christian way that exemplifies Jesus' teachings of loving one another. You've read it in the letters Paul wrote to the people of Corinth-churches back then are no different from churches today. And what Jesus taught wasn't 'radical' or 'unpractical'...it was so simple that no one was willing to understand and see it from a perspective that wasn't clouded by the fear of loss or the fear of losing control of what shouldn't be controlled in the first place. Christianity is a movement of faith and it's foundation is on the hope that God's promises will come true.
While I won't get into any specifics concerning what God's church continues to argue about, just know that it isn't worth the time because it is merely a distraction that takes away the focus from the true issue-what is God's people doing for God's ministry and the fulfillment of His goals for His church? Is it our agenda or His agenda...what's the guiding principle? Is it based on scripture or is it based on a fear of loss?
So how can one know if their church is healthy? Well, first know that a healthy church isn't without struggle. However, what separates an unhealthy church and a healthy church is their ability to come together as a community of believers that is of the mind of 'if it's God's will, it will happen'-there's faith and prayer in their meeting (before and after) and nothing about it is radical, instead it is actually very practical. I would consider it 'Christianity 101'.
Brokenness unchecked can lead to bitterness and resentment-a thought process that ends up with too many 'knee-jerk' reactions and responses that aren't exactly God motivated. I am not downplaying our economic times or the struggles that many face-include family members who have recently lost jobs and those who face the uncertainty now...rather, I am saying that if we are faithful He will provide.
Jesus himself admitted He was torn, but in the end He said, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” I think Jesus' ability to admit His brokenness and remain humble and open to God's will is what helped Him persevere in spite of His fear of death. Sometimes we know what kind of sacrifice is being asked of us and we have a tendency to turn back because it requires too much of us-more than we're willing to give, but if we remain faithful in Him then how can we fail?
In closing I'd like to offer up a reading from Romans 8:26-32.

COME ALL YOU WEARY

2009-02-07T23:16:00.005-06:00

In my last blog I talked about 'The Rabbi's Yoke'. I thought I would take it a step further because I know we're all dealing with things in our lives that we don't speak of. Things that when no one is looking-we often forget that God does and that whatever isn't known to everyone else, it's known to us and to God.
I thought I would share an uplifting portion of scripture with you and it's from Matthew 11:25-30, right before Jesus was baptized by John and His ministry really exploded (not ending, but continuing like a ripple affect in history).
I use that word because we sometimes find ourselves ready to 'explode' into a fit of anger and frustration because of what we've ironically done and not done in regards to how we ought to live.
We cause ourselves a lot of unnecessary heartache and pain-we beat ourselves up when we fail and sometimes it's because of our overconfidence we fail. But the important thing to remember is that the disciples did too-heck, even 'the one' (who He will build His church upon-a foundation) spoke out against Jesus' predictions and made a bold claim of himself and failed because he wasn't listening to what He was told.
In closing, I'd like to challenge you to remember God's instructions and to come humbly to the God of all creation-come and knell at His feet and give away your burdens...and I mean truly give them away.
Now, that I've blabbed and shared the verses with you, I'd like to share one more thing. It's a song called 'Come All You Weary' by Thrice. Enjoy the song and be sure to leave me some comments on what you thought about the song and the verse. It was no accident.

THE RABBI'S YOKE

2009-02-06T11:37:00.005-06:00

Can you quote scripture? Me too! But so can the devil-he's the great deceiver. Confused? Don't be, I'm just about to say something you might not like.
Have you ever quoted scripture to make a point? Was it your point or God's? In whose honor were you defending-God's or your defensiveness or eagerness to defend a set of convictions you have?
Don't get me wrong, it's not bad to use scripture, but it does matter in regards to how you use it. Too often we find ourselves and others using scripture to back their own philosophies and arguments in hopes to prove themselves at the expense of totally missing the point of what God really intended.
Rob, in his book, said that when he hears people quote scripture like that he wants 'to throw up'. He's sick of people misusing and misrepresenting scripture to prove that they're right and someone else is wrong-God never intended it to be totally exclusionary or a tool for isolating others.
He gave an excellent example really-back when slavery was legal and even when it was on the downhill slide of acceptance or the norm...those who owned slaves used scripture to back their justifications or needs. Again, as mentioned in previous blogs, they were caught defending a wall of doctrines and only wanted to prove they were right.
He also went on to talk about the verse many denominations and males have misused from 1st Corinthians chapter 7-they often stop after verse three where it talks about how a woman must submit to their husband, but purposely leave out verse four which talks about how the husband should do likewise. Interesting huh? You can quote scripture for your own twisted use and leave out the true context for what it was used for.
Now, the Bible is meant to be interpreted because it's 'open-ended'. Here's a classic example and I've used it before: Jesus Heals On The Sabbath. The issue was that Jesus' definition of work was different from the definition and convictions of the religious leaders that were there to witness. He calls them out and asked a simple question-what do you think God would want us to do today...nothing (evil) or something (good)? Of course, I paraphrased there, but more or less that was the issue.
I mean who defines work and who defines rest? What if work to one person is considered rest to another or visa-versa? And what does it mean to make a day 'holy'? Interesting questions huh?
Jesus was called 'rabbi' which means teacher. And a rabbi was supposed to interpret the scripture-their role was to pray and study the Word and make decisions concerning what God was saying through the text and how to put it into action/application for everyday life.
Now, different rabbis had different sets of rules which basically outlined what was permitted and what wasn't. Now these rules were considered a rabbis 'yoke'. When you followed a rabbi, you followed him because you believed in his rules and his interpretations of God's Word.
The Rabbi and his student(s) would spend time discussing what it meant to live out a certain text and if a student made a suggestion and the rabbi thought they missed the point they would say 'you have abolished the Torah,' which basically meant in their opinion the student was way off in regards to what God really meant. If they felt the student got it right, they would say 'you have fulfilled Torah'.
So who calls you out in regards to your use of scripture? Do you study, pray, and mediate on God's Word in hopes that He might reveal to you the true nature of what it is meant to live out His commands?
When Jesus came He warned them not to misunderstand Him. So in closing I have one question for you...who's yoke are you representing day to day-yours or God's?

THE BURDEN OF QUESTIONS

2009-02-02T15:54:00.003-06:00

Too often in today's world we follow an unspoken rule: 'don't ask if you don't want to know'. The interesting part is that if we don't ask, we'll never know and thusly we end up carrying a burden. We have a habit of forgetting that questions bring about knowledge and a certain amount of freedom. We have this nasty tendency of focusing on the uncertainty of what we're about to hear. And in turn we become fearful. Stop me if you've heard this before 'the truth hurts'.
Ironically, the truth sometimes does.
Continuing on Rob Bell's book 'Velvet Elvis' we find a section called 'questions'. In this portion he points out that 'questions are so central to faith' because 'a question by it's very nature acknowledges that the person asking the question does not have all of the answers. And because the person does not have all the answers, they are looking outside of themselves for guidance'.
Lets look at the example Rob gives in his book: He gives us the example of Sodom and Gomorrah. You see, God told Abraham what he was about to do to the city, but Abraham questions God. In fact, Abraham is so bold that he keeps questioning God as if he were 'nothing but dust and ashes'. The interesting thing here is that God doesn't get angry with all of his questions and 'what if' scenarios. In fact, it seems that Abraham and God are having an intense dialog and perhaps that is what God seeks today. Perhaps He wants more from his people-'people who don't just sit there and mindlessly accept whatever comes their way.'
If you really think about it, there are many stories in the Bible in which we find those He has chosen to do His will-that end up questioning His logic. I mean Moses questions God and even tries to convince Him that He has picked the wrong person. David too questions God and whether or not God has left him (Psalm 13). And Mary, upon hearing the news of her Holy pregnancy-virgin birth, says: 'How can this be? I'm a virgin.'
So we all have questions and I think there is plenty of proof in the Bible that attests to that fact. It is true that questions are central to our understanding of God. And we're not supposed to give up that 'child-like' part of us. An interesting concept I learned while in college was brought up in class. One of my classmates was wondering why God would allow us to get sick. The professors response: perhaps He wants your attention-while you want to get well and get back to the way things were, He wants you to wake up and make a change. Basically, what I got from that was that God wants more communication from us, more dialog, more questions so that we-with God's help can learn and grow in our understanding.
'Freedom!' The last words of William Wallace according to Mel Gibson's adaptation/movie Braveheart. It's something we all seek really. In our questions we seek to free ourselves from the burdens we carry-the unknown and the not knowing drive some of us bonkers! But as Rob mentions, it's the 'naked, honest, vulnerable, raw questions, arising out of the awe that comes from engaging the living God' that really free us. Going to God frees us from trying to do it on our own-as we call it in ministry...the 'lone ranger' approach.
So next time you think you NEED to go it alone, remember this: truth always leads to more truth! Never give up asking questions...because you won't find any freedom in it.

BRICKS VS. SPRINGS

2009-01-27T16:54:00.006-06:00

It's important to note that Rob doesn't say that springs are God or Jesus, instead he makes the distinction that the 'springs' are merely statements and beliefs about our faith that help aid us in our growth and understanding of God.
Now, what I'm about to share may confuse you because I plan to use some terms that are used in the theological arena when discussing God. I decided to do so since Rob brought up Moses wanting proof of God-just like many of us still do and because he shed some light on something I think too many Christians hold to.
First, lets talk about Moses. Here we find him asking God what he should tell the Israelites when they ask 'What is his name?'. Interesting huh? Not much has changed since his day...we still seek proof and reassurances about what's happening with our world, our money, our lives. For example if a friend asks to borrow some money, the knee-jerk reaction is to say: what for? It's a question...we want to wrap our heads around the request-we want to know.
When it comes to God and all these questions we feel we need to answer-like why do bad things happen to good people, we are really seeking comfort to questions we can't fathom. Here's a quote from Job and I know not many will like it: 'Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?' Deep huh?
Boethius is one of my favorite medieval philosophers because he wrestled with this whole God thing-he too tried to wrap his head around the Almighty. While I'm not in my office to give you the name of the resource, I will tell you a brief background-you see, he finds himself in prison and an angel visits him and he has a conversation about how he didn't deserve to be in jail...he didn't do anything wrong (again, going back to one of the major questions everyone thinks and or asks about: why do bad things happen to good people)...during his time in jail he has an epiphany! He realizes that our capacity to know is limited. For example...an ant doesn't know why you're destroying their home while you mow your lawn or water the garden, they just know that you're destroying it-which is why some ants, like red ants attack you while you sit at a picnic, you may have destroyed their home or killed some family members!
And so the application can be made to us...we try to use 'anthropomorphic' terms (ascribing human form or attributes to a being or thing not human, especially in this case God) in order to describe our God-as we try to wrap our heads around His plan. Another great example of using such a way to describe things-even in the Bible would be from Revelation 21:21.
So now you get the idea of why Moses sought to explain God...because we all still do. It's habit for us. Which leads us to the bricks! Of course they too need a bit of an explanation...take for example the story of God creating the world in six days-are those literal days or not? Now, there are some who take a lot of what the Bible says-New Testament and Old, literally, however, I believe we shouldn't otherwise we would have a lot of people with no hands or eyes because of what they've done or thought. Here's what Jesus said-what do you think?
What I'm trying to get at, like Rob was in his book, is that if you defend a 'wall' (a set of doctrines) then you leave no room for flexibility or for God's mysteriousness to exist-instead, you answer it and put Him in a box. The second you rethink or even question one of the bricks-wait did Jesus really say I should cut my eyes out because it caused me to stare and lustfully think about someone?-then the whole wall crumbles. Sure, the wall seems rigid and strong, but it has a falseness to it-people begin to ignore the danger of such thinking...God is bigger than our walls, our doctrines, and our situation.
So the question becomes...are you flexible and pliable-like clay in the potters hands or are you stiff like a brick unwilling to think for yourself or even imagine a God beyond our limited powers and abilities?

FOR SPORTS FANS

2009-01-26T16:59:00.002-06:00

Earlier today I read an article and I thought I would share it with you. It's about a coach who was fired. Share your thoughts on what you think about the whole ordeal.
Of course, you don't have to be a sports fan to have an opinion on the matter...so everyone should feel free to share their thoughts. And tomorrow or even later tonight I should have another Rob Bell reflection to share.
Until then...enjoy and write a comment on the above article-the link is in bold.

THE TRAMPOLINE OF LIFE

2009-01-23T11:01:00.002-06:00

Have you ever jumped on a trampoline? Do you remember how much fun it was? And did you ever utilize a friends jump to maximize your jump/flight? Ahhh, the excitement! Of course, I do recall jamming myself up pretty good too-miscalculating a friends jump to enhance my ejection.
I think Rob Bell's imagery here is helpful because I think it applies well to life in general-mind, body, and soul. Throughout our lives we've experienced the ups and downs, the highs and lows of what this life has to offer. We suffered our fair share of 'jams', but what keeps us going is the experience of the highs-not the lows. While we sometimes try to attain the same experience of our past, it is impossible because with each new day comes a new high.
Lets take the imagery a bit further, lets dig deeper into the whole 'springs' of life-that which make it possible for us to take flight, that help enable us to grow and see more of what God has intended for us.
The first set of springs that pop into my mind are the mentors in our lives and that could be family and friends. Without them we wouldn't have much of a support system and many of us wouldn't be where we are today without their encouragement and support through the good times and bad times. They are the 'infrastructure' or core of our trampoline of life. They are the ones we turn to when there is a crisis or when we face uncertainty. All of the people that helped shape us were provided by our loving Father and the bi product of their investment is us-our character, who we are when no one is looking.
The second set that comes to mind is of a spiritual nature. And I would have to say it's the enabling spirit of the Holy Spirit. While we recall Christ's words and message it is the Holy Spirit that enables us to take bold steps in His name-just like the disciples. The power of the Holy Spirit can move a person, a community, or a nation.
As time moves and we grow older our understanding of things change, they are stretched and flexed making us more effective as believers-we are able to share our understanding and experiences of the Holy with others because our looking lens has been altered.
The challenge is to keep using the trampoline of life-don't be scared of how high you can jump or think of the return to normalcy. This life has it's ebbs and flows and as God's children we need to continually discuss, study, experience, and reflect on our ever growing understanding of God. Don't be shy!

HOW TO LIVE AS GOD CREATED US

2009-01-21T17:33:00.004-06:00

What an interesting precept to think about-yet we struggle with it everyday as Christians. I'm reading a couple books right now: Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and Youth Ministry 3.0 by Marko. Both are amazing books, but I'm more intrigued by what Rob Bell's book has to offer-not to say that Youth Specialties Marko doesn't have anything to share...but lets move on.
Jesus started this movement or this process of working out how to live as God created us to live. He challenged the people of His time to rethink how to live out their faith. I will use a few examples-chew on them and let me know what you think:
JESUS HEALS ON THE SABBATH-Mark 3:1-6
JESUS CRITICIZES THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS-Luke 11:37-41
JESUS TEACHES ABOUT INNER PURITY-Mark 7:1-23
Did you read them? What Jesus asked for is something radial...it's about thinking outside the box. Do you think God wants you to go to church every Sunday for worship, Sunday School, Youth Group, Bible Study, or even give money? Of course He does, but he wants you to because you want to-because deep within your heart there's a passion that burns to learn more about Him. All the previously mentioned doesn't hurt, in fact, it helps you grow closer to Him-you may find that His heart isn't far from yours.
It's true that sometimes our thoughts are far from what He would have us think, but that's the beauty of His love-the freedom we enjoy and remember. Times change, God doesn't. Random? Nah, because as we learn, the world around us changes and shifts-people that were once friends fall away and a new chapter begins.
Throughout history there have been those who have been transformed by God's Word-convicted to do things otherwise outside their comfort zone. One of those people is Martin Luther. He saw the injustice the church was causing God's people-he posted his 95 Theses or suggestions the church should consider for reform. Of course that's the word I want to cling to-REFORM. If you get nothing out of the stuff from above-may you remember reform. Not just the Reformation-a truly historical and important part of our past, but the reform that should constantly be taking place within.
Think about it this way-and Rob uses it in his book, think about the most well known painting you can think of. Now think about what painting is the 'best' painting in your mind...imagine if that artist would've announced to everyone: 'stop painting, but your brushes down, there's no need to draw or paint anymore for I have created the ultimate master piece.' Do you think anyone would've listened? Nope.
Which is why God sent His Son to teach us about the evolution of mans heart-the darkness that lingers within and the potential too. You see no one creates the exact same thing-sure, there are some who would go an make a copy at Kinkos, but the idea is to take what was great about the previous work and incorporate it with what works now.
So, how to live as God created us...well, it's a process that's for sure and we are still clay in the potters hand-right? I think from the scriptures we can learn something here...lets not have such hard hearts and be open to what God is teaching us through our frustrations and times of bliss.
Until next time...

GRACE TELLS ANOTHER STORY

2009-01-14T11:51:00.002-06:00

Have you heard of the group Mercy Me? Well, I've been listening to them a lot lately and I've stumbled upon a couple songs that have hit me. For today's blog, I've decided to write about 'Grace Tells Another Story'.
In my last blog I mentioned the prodigal son and how God's love for us is a lot like that-we choose to walk away from Him to pursue our own way and in our brokenness find that He's still there. It's hard to admit when we've failed to live up to our own expectations let alone God's. So you don't need to imagine what it would feel like to disappoint someone and to swallow your pride and admit your mistakes, your selfishness, your misguided attempts to be better.
So lets break down the song-if you haven't heard it yet check out this link.
It talks about how 'we've been told the heart is too far gone'. How true? Our culture is all about the fast lane, it's all about the 'get yours while the gettings good'-even at the cost of others feelings. In the end though, we're left feeling quite empty at times huh? And there does come a time when we feel as though we're hopeless.
There's another part of the song that is my favorite: 'but Grace tells us another story, where Grace sends Hopelessness away'. Now, if you look up grace in the dictionary, you'll find a lot of definitions, but I'd like to mention a couple that I like and serve our purposes well read the list:
-Mercy; clemency; pardon: an act of grace.
-Favor shown in granting a delay or temporary immunity
Theologically speaking:
-The freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.
-The influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them
Grace is something that is beyond measure and beyond our capacity to understand. Especially in times of need when we feel as though we are unworthy of such consideration or such a gift. You find grace in families. If you're a teenager or can remember when were you a teenager...you can recall there were times when mom and dad had you 'dead to rights'-caught you red handed in a lie, or whatever it may be. You know you deserved whatever the consequences they deemed reasonable, but were shocked to find out you were 'let off the hook'. You punishment didn't fit the crime! This time it wasn't too harsh in your eyes, but too easy.
Which brings me to the next part...sometimes this whole grace thing makes life too easy. It often opens the door to habitually breaking rules, pushing the envelope, and even doing things you know are very wrong. Whether it be drinking, smoking, doing drugs, or even having sex. It's a slippery slope you know, rationalizing your mistakes and minimizing God's grace. Too often we get into this mindset of 'it doesn't matter'...God forgives right? So that means if I can't be perfect, why try to shut out these desires-why not give in? If it gets out of hand, I can always stop and ask for forgiveness.
WRONG! Grace isn't your crutch or excuse to screw up, it's your life line for those times when you screw up without intending to cross a line. A classic example would be to tell a lie to protect a friend that comes back to bite you in the butt once the secret is out and they finally give in and tell the truth...then you have to answer to friends and family for your hand in it. Perhaps it's a poor example, but it's the best I could come up with on the spot.
In closing, I'd just like to say that I think we need to make a change-not just in our routine, but of the heart. Because that's what God is after...our heart. We shouldn't take for granted His love or the love and forgiveness of others. Then we learn nothing other than selfish thoughts and deeds. Our good deeds become hollow and that's not what they should be. So be thinking about how grace has another story to tell...you are never beyond saving grace.

I AM CONVINCED

2009-01-07T11:14:00.005-06:00

Paul writes in Romans 8:38 what he was convinced concerning God's love.
I have finished two books recently: Mike Yaconelli's 'Messy Spirituality' and 'Survivors' by Howver & Hutchinson. Both are books I think everyone should read regardless of their situation concerning their journey.
We all know that in this life there is struggle. And when it comes to living the life of a Christian, there's a constant struggle between free will (our will) and God's will. There are many lessons I can think of concerning Mike's book because he helped me better understand the truth about the spiritual life...it's messy! A lot of what he said wasn't new to me, it's just that he provided a different looking lens. Instead of kicking myself for not being a 'good' enough Christian or focusing on failure to be my motivation...I should focus on my desire to change. Because if I were to focus on only the negative, there will come a time when I throw in the towel and give up...walk away and that's not what God wants for me.
Jeremiah 29:11 talks of God's plans and hopes for us all and I think it's time that we stop trying to convince ourselves that we're always falling short and unworthy of God's love because if you recall the story of the Prodigal Son you would realize that God's love for us is seriously ridiculous!
So I am convinced...God loves me I mean look at all He provides for me-family, friends, a job, and health. What will it take you to be convinced He loves you? If He hasn't struck you down dead for trying to deceive your God, your parents, your friends or anyone else that is God's children...then I think you're worthy and you too should be convinced.

My apologies...

2009-01-07T11:06:00.001-06:00

I apologies to all my faithful followers-not like I have a cult, but to all those who look forward to reading little snippets of my reflections. I promise to have some 'Spiritual Junkfood' for you later today. I have finished up my two books and plan to share.
So bare with me, I have a meeting this afternoon.

NO YOUTH GROUP

2009-01-04T08:05:00.003-06:00

Attention all parents and youth:
There is NO YOUTH GROUP tonight due to road conditions. Holly and I are unable to come back in time due to the blowing snow and ice still on the roads this morning.
Accordig to 'Safe Travel USA' which gives detailed information and even pictures of current road conditions travel isn't recommended due to spots of ice, blowing snow, and snow build up on bridges.
Please pass this on to everyone you know from youth group-including other parents.
Please pray for safe travels as we will be trying to come home later at 12pm-we both have to work tomorrow too.

The Mechanics of Spiritual Growth

2008-12-31T10:53:00.004-06:00

Spiritual Growth should begin with a desire to grow-to do more and become more than just a 'lukewarm Christian'. It starts with the desire to move beyond the comfort we have isolated ourselves to.
Too often when we talk of 'spiritual growth' we talk out of guilt and obligation rather than a deep passion to grow through our failure-to take the road of frustration and surprise...the unknown for those of us seeking to take go deeper.
Spiritual growth isn't a 'program' or regiment of prayer, Bible studies, service, and going to church services...it's so much more. Sure, prayer and all the above can contribute to change, but it's more than just simple mechanics or a procedure. You see spiritual growth occurs in the trenches of life, not in a classroom or youth group setting-it's about application and the utilization of the tools God has given us. And in that application we sometimes learn that the Holy Spirit asks us to violate our convictions in order to live the faith we claim-not to just talk of it.
We can talk about love all we want, but loving those who are deemed to be unlovable is how we learn to love. In previous blogs I have mentioned the freedom God gave to us through His son. In John 8:32 Jesus talks about truth and how it will set us free. And the truth is we are free to choose the good or the bad-the right or wrong everyday. Because of our freedom in Christ we can either run to Him or run from Him and choose our own way-or the world's way.
So the question becomes: are we to encourage others to fail in order to grow? Or are we to encourage others to grow which means they will fail? Well here's what Paul had to share in his letter to the people of Philippi.
Paul himself said he didn't have it all together, but urges the people to remain focused on Him. I think we can focus on following Jesus, I mean if we can carry a cell phone with us 24/7 and claim it to be our life line, perhaps we can carry Jesus in our hearts and remember God's precepts. The Psalmist said 'I will about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts-in my previous blog concerning Micah 6:8, I think God's precepts can be found there...let's learn to listen to that desire burning with in and walk humbly with our God.
I would like to close with more wisdom from Mike Yaconelli:
'Most Christians consider being 'stuck' a sign of failure or burnout, an indication that a person isn't working hard enough on their spiritual life. The assumption is, if you are stuck in your spiritual life, you aren't doing something right because 'dedicated' Christians should never be stuck. Nothing could be more untrue.
Getting stuck is the prerequisite to getting unstuck. Getting stuck is a great moment, a call from within. We get stuck when we want to change but can't, when we want to stop destructive behavior but don't, when the tug-o-war between God's will and ours stands still and we can't move.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-30T22:02:00.005-06:00

Have you ever stopped and thought about the year that was? I mean this year, 2008 or any other year previously. Have you really thought about what God has been telling you all year-or at least what He has tried to tell you throughout the year?
Have you ever read Micah 6:8? If you haven't, I'll save you some time...here's what it says: 'He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.' (NIV)
Of course, it may depend on your translation, but basically it sounds like around this time of year we take a look back at our accomplishments and failures-of course we don't focus on the failures, but I wonder whether or not in our fond memories and not-so-fond memories we have learned what God has taught us this past year.
I just got done with a Lock-In and showed 'The Passion of The Christ'. After it was done many of the youth said it changed their perspective on Christ's sacrifice. Interesting huh? Many said it evoked some emotions that made them boil within. Which of course was the hope since Christmas was just celebrated, I thought it would be fitting to show the movie that got to the heart of Christmas-Christ. During Christmas we talk of His virgin birth and open presents, but I think we forget that his birth was the 'hope' and that His death was God's gift to us.
I know I wrote about it briefly in my last blog, but I don't think I elaborated on it enough. As we end 2008 I hope that we remember that 2008 even with all it's failures and blessings has a lot to teach us about what God has in store for us in 2009.
I think if we don't do what is good, act justly, love mercy, or walk humbly with God we are only deluding ourselves. When you look back at 2008 do you think about your accomplishments or the things that were made possible through you for God's glory?
It's a challenge to do what is right and to give mercy to those who we feel don't deserve it. And it's even harder to walk humbly in our daily lives when we sometimes forget the provider of all that that we have and enjoy/take for granted.
So where am I going with this...well...ask yourself this as you reflect on 2008: Did you do what was good or did you retaliate? Did you act justly or give back what was given to you 10x's worse? Did you love and give mercy when it wasn't convenient for you or did you discard feeble attempts to reconcile? Have you been walking humbly or did you toot your own horn when it best suited you-so that you looked better than the rest?
I guess when I reflect on 2008 I noticed I failed a lot in 2008-especially when it came to Micah 6:8. Normally, I think I do pretty good, but I know I diluted myself just as many of us do. Classic example was my brother. Regardless of what you know of him, know this...he and I have since become close due to his attempts to move on. Although it was hard and it seemed like he was a broken record...he did shock me when he decided to take responsibility-or at least what I interpreted as an attempt to reach out in his brokenness and uncertainty.
As everyone searches for clarity and security, this much I know. If we were to follow Micah 6:8 everyday...I think we'd make life a bit easier on ourselves. There's no room for ego if God is in charge...it's about walking humbly and being open to His will and direction for you in 2009 and for the rest of your life.