WEIRD: NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT

"So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."

-Ephesians 5:15-17

"What we have now is real. It's genuine."

-Craig Groeschel

Henry David Thoreau once said "You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment." Yet, it's hard to find a moment worth staying in isn't it? I mean, we all seek something authentic, genuine, and real when it comes to our relationships, but we often find that we're not really focused on connections that last.
A real connection isn't texting people while at the dinner table with your family-whether you're at home or at a restaurant. I mean the idea that in today's world we are more interested in connecting with those who aren't even present-in the moment, than those who we surround ourselves with, begs the question...why? I mean why do we complain about our 'pretend' friends when we find out they're really not our friends? Why are we shocked when our relationships fail?
As Craig puts it: "As long as we're so busy, our minds and hearts are somewhere else: at work, at home, at the hospital, at the church, on and on. We're simply not present. Our minds are so cluttered with endless to-do lists that there's no room for us to experience the joy of being alive today."
There are consequences to busyness. It begins to destroy and errode us with overwhelming stress and anxiety. Our minds are constantly thinking about the next step. When our friends are venting and or sharing from their brokenness we're busy formulating a follow up question or advice. That's not active listening, that's passive listening. Which means that even though we're physically present, we really aren't mentally or emtionally. As a matter of fact, some of us are down right unavailable emotionally and spiritually.
The challenge in today's world is to be truly present. To be there with all your mind, spirit, and support. Now, I know that I have failed in this area more than once, but it's one that I try to be mindful of. My wife has been very helpful in this area...which is a good thing. We need people who we can trust to keep us on the straight and narrow-not the one that is wide and easily followed.
One of my favorite quotes from this book is: "Normal people live distracted, rarely fully present. Weird people silence the distractions and remain fully in the moment." Again, the issue isn't that we need more time, but it's about better management of the time we've been given. I mean if God gave you another hour in the day and another day of the week...would you actually slow down or try to cram more in? I think if we were honest, a 25/8 type of life wouldn't improve much.
The interesting thing is that God gave us the template...he rested on the 7th day. And he created both day and night...a hint that it's time to sleep, to rest up for another day-not to worry about today, yesterday, and what may come...but to engage it! Craig says "the answer isn't more time but a greater awareness of the time we have."
So let me ask you? When was the last time you took a day of rest? When was the last time you took some time for a nice long walk, bike ride, or took a retreat? When do you take the time to sit, rest, and reflect? You can do all this without a phone, computer, or chores to do. What we all need is some quality time with those who are most important and make sure we set aside some quality time with our creator too.
Craig gives a warning and some advice when he says: "Be careful how you live, how you plan: what you say yes to and what you say no to." He goes on further to say that there's a different between the choices we make-wise or fooolish. As the scripture points out, it's true that our choices set up our future. And I think it's time that we did a better job of examining our responses. Our situation can sometimes makes us desparate and what seems to be the easiest decision/choice may lead to more hard times and more difficult decisions. You and I have opportunities and choices each day. We can either choose to embrace it or ignore it.
So be careful how you live...be mindful of your answers. Sometimes God asks us to make the tough choice, the right choice. It's also important that we understand that we need to take more time in our days and in our weeks for reflection and honest communication with family and friends.
As Mike Yaconelli once said: "Those who pretend have pretend relationships". I think we've done enough pretending...

WEIRD: KILLING TIME

"WHEN YOU KILL TIME, REMEMBER THAT IT HAS NO RESURRECTION."

-A.W. TOZER

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

-Luke 10:38-42

I want you to imagine that Jesus was coming to your house. How upset would you be if you were preparing the meal, setting up the table, and noticing your brother or sister, just chatting away with Jesus? I mean, this is Jesus we're talking about! Who wouldn't want to prepare the best meal on the planet? Who wouldn't break out the best China moeny could buy? The problem is...like Martha, we would be missing the whole point. If Jesus came to visit, he wouldn't be interested in what meal you had prepared for him, or how expensive the plates or silverware was, he would be interested in you.
As Craig Groeschel, the author of Weird, points out, "most of us are living at a pace that is not only unsustainable; it's unbiblical." For many of us, the schedules we impose on ourselves-the things that we commit to or add on a whim are consuming us...sapping the very energy we need. And it begs the question...are we really enjoying life?
You see, the issue isn't that we need more time, the issue is that we need to utilize the time we already have. Craig points out that we need to be honest with ourselves when it comes to our time because obviously we have enough time for what we choose to invest our time in. The idea that we don't have enough time to work out, read the Bible, go to church or youth group is because we consider these as mere things added to our list and it just isn't a priority. In fact he says: "Tell yourself the truth: either it's not a priority and you're guarding your time for good reason, or you simply aren't willing to choose to spend your time on it."
You see the issue becomes what we consider important-our true priorities. Just like Mary and Martha, we are presented with opportunities each day, but each opportunity can be read differently. I mean when was the last time you stopped what you were doing and embraced the moment-were truly present? Mary embraced the moment, but Martha like so many of us was distracted, preoccupied, and busy.
Now, that's not to say that our 'distractions' are all bad things, Martha meant well, but we sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that being busy helps us get further in life. It's not true, it can lead to burn out. "If the devil can't make us really bad, then he'll try to make us really busy". The truth is that sometimes what is most important isn't always what seems most urgent.
This book, which I can't seem to put down, is written in a way that we can all relate. We know what we think is 'normal' by our standards but sometimes 'normal' isn't right. As Craig puts it: "too often our desire to fit in, to belong, to conform and be considered normal eclipes our desire to follow God and do what's best. We choose popular standards instead of habits that lead to holiness."
If we call ourselves Christians we're not supposed to be like everyone else. As it says in Romans 12:2, we are to "let God transform us into a new person by changing the way that we think". We usually think that being busy is a sign of importance, but we have to realize that just because we can do something doesn't mean we should. Or, how Craig puts it: "Instead of soccer practice and guitar lessons, you can pick soccer OR guitar."
In truth, what do you have to show for all your busyness, competitions, trophies, ribbons, pictures, and lack of attendance at school or church? I mean why complain about being so busy and do nothing about it? If we are so tired and burdened by our commitments, obligations, tasks, homework, and responsibilities then it's time that we make a change. Because if we're honest, we would admit that we're doing this to ourselves. That we have decided that other things take priority over God and my spiritual development.
My challenge is that you would evaluate your schedule-what is it that you do each day that is important? You may be a student-whether it's in college or high school, you may even have a job or a family to provide for. Whatever it is...honestly ask yourself if you're distracted by doing too many 'good things' vs. what is best and most important.
My next blog will be about being present...not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

SET THE WORLD ON FIRE

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
-Matthew 5:14-16

"On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability."
-Acts 2:1-4



Today I stopped at the gas station to fill up the car. I went inside, grabbed a Pepsi Next, a Snickers bar, and paid my bill. As I was approaching the counter I heard 'we are young...so lets set the world on fire...we can burn brighter...than the sun.' It was a catchy tune and it reminded me of the fact that we are young. I mean come on! Methuselah lived to be 969 years old! And now, we only live to be 100 if we're lucky.
So I decided to go back and 'google' the lyrics I had heard and found out it was a song named 'We Are Young' by a band called 'FUN'. I decided to pull up the video on Youtube and saw an interesting thing-life happening in slow motion while the song was sung at normal pace. What struck me was more of the lyrics as I listened. 'I just thought that maybe we could find more ways to fall apart' and 'I found someone to carry me home tonight'.
While I realized that this video was shot around a bar setting/scene...I decided to find an acoustic version-something I'm a big fan of and perhaps someday, I too shall learn to play the guitar. Anyway...this time I just listened without focusing on the video. And without distractions I was actually brought close to tears. Why? Because of how powerful the chorus is.
I immediately thought about the early church-specifically, as it was described in the books of Acts! The church was definately on fire! Of course not literally...but the Spirit of God was among the believers and His church was unstoppable. So much so that Herod, who had beheaded James and had imprisioned Peter died of worms because of the power of prayer (check out Acts 12:23). The church was praying for Peter's return and so it happened!
What happens in the book of Acts is the continuation of Christ's ministry through his disciples who have now become the apostles-simply put, his pupils have become the messengers of Christ as he had intended and commanded (Matthew 28:16-20).
While I could go on about the early church and how seemily unstoppable it was, I cannot say that about today's church as it has long been in decline. Just as the lyrics points out, we have become too successful at fall a part-dividing one another in today's culture, family, and faith community. It would seem that we lack the Spirit that God has given each of us-those gifts that well up within us have become silenced by the shackles and chains that have conditioned us to believe that we can't do it. Hope has now given way to feelings of hopelessness-the idea that we can set the world on fire with our passions and ideas have become a numbers and percentage game-what's the point in trying?
That's where my tears came from...it came from the brokenness I see among the youth of today-the byproduct of church families that have grown disconnected and disenchanted with the power of God. This bah-humbug feeling is sad to me because I don't buy into it...I think and know that I am still young and that I have a passion which will make a difference-maybe not worldwide, but like the 'Starfish Story'...I can make a diffference for one, just like I was one who was changed.
So my challenge to you is to ignore the negative world around you that tries to bring you down. Stop coping with pointless distractions and being to deal with your unhappiness and set the world on fire!!! You can change the place you're in...
Enjoy the video...get caught up in the chorus...join the chorus!

ENGAGING DOUBT

Sermon: Messy Spirituality

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

HUNGRY OR THIRSTY?

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

'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!!!