"Becoming Community"

Overcoming Evil

2011-07-23T11:26:00.001-05:00

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21 (NIV)

Technical difficulties are only one of those things in our life that make us frustrated (I know our webmaster was working desperately hard this week to get us live again- kudos on your success!). We also get frustrated with bad drivers, or the unkind sales clerk. We get frustrated with more bad news on TV, or a bigger bill in the mail than we anticipated. Life can get rather frustrating, can’t it?
My thought for today is rather simple, and it is not from my own wisdom. Look in your Bible at Romans 12:21. The Bible says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

How does that apply to your life today? How might it lead you into your life this next week?
It seems like there is so much evil that we cannot control. Trust me, I think evil is a great way to describe good things like politics and economies run amuck! But rather than facing those issues with anger and hostility, what might it look like if you and I faced them as change agents? What might it look like if you and I faced them as those who could bring good into and over and throughout those issues? What if our goodness exists as the hope of God’s presence to still make a change in this world?

I believe it is possible, do you? “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

"Getting Sentimental" Luke 2:8-20

2010-12-15T10:24:00.002-05:00

Getting Sentimental

It’s really not about the ribbons and the bows…
It’s not even important if it rains or if it snows!

But doesn’t it feel so warm and so right
When we can snuggle by the tree on a cold winter’s night?

Could it be that this is the year
When we really find things dear?

You know- instead of a shopper being shoved,
What would it mean to be a child of God, so loved?

You’ve heard it said that Jesus is the reason,
You know- tis’ the season!

But it really is…
You and I can be His!

Now if that doesn’t warm your socks and your cap,
Don’t rush so quickly back to Santa’s lap.

Have faith, even a sentimental ear,
For this may just be the Christmas that God comes near.

- JVM, December 2010

Open Source Troubles

2010-06-17T09:07:00.002-05:00

"It was good of you to contribute to my troubles." Philippians 4:14 (poor paraphrase)

Do you ever feel like others contribute to your troubles more than share in them? Maybe that describes your morning thus far...

In a world of open-source technology, I wonder if we might have open-source communities?
Could there be places around us that share each other's best when another is truly in need?
Isn't that a definition of the Church? Whether it is for you, it can be, by God's Spirit...

Today, very simply, consider the calling of God's Spirit to share in another's troubles. Consider how you might contribute peace and hope to the world of another. Consider how you might meld the Church with the activity, reality and hope of God's Kingdom...

As St. Francis is quoted as saying, "Preach the Gospel at all times...If necessary, use words!"

Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer

2008-07-12T09:18:00.002-05:00

"But for Adam no suitable helper was found." Genesis 2:20b (NIV)

Wow- it has been a long time since i wrote in this blog!

So, here is today...a day when I have a small window of time where i can be, well, lazy.

I have been thinking today about this verse from Genesis 2 today.
The context is that Adam is between not finding his companion in the animals, and God's creation of woman.

Considering the making of woman from Adam's rib- but especially in the image of God, I can't help but wonder about how well we consider that God is our only suitable helper?

Certainly this is also a call to consider that God's gift of marriage is also a means for nurturing that kind of holy devoiton to the Divine, but one must think about the direct connection to how suitable God is to intimatly love us, and be loved by us...

So, how's that going for you?

Today, more than ever before, I love my wife. She is perfect for me...she's my soul mate. All that is so, because of our collective devotion to the Lord. We know that we are loved by God, and know that we can do nothing else worthwhile in this life but to love God with our everything.

That's a good summer day!

Point of Reference

2007-06-20T09:33:00.000-05:00

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)

What's your point of reference?

We all have one...or maybe we have a whole slew of them depending on the situation, event or discussion!

As I read this passage from Isaiah this morning, I couldn't help but go back to that moment in the movie, "Remember the Titans," when the 'Rev' sang these words...I can almost still play through that scene in my mind even as I type this!

I have heard other stories told about moments in which a particular song sang at the conclusion of congregational worship service became a reminder to a person later of the meaning of the message that previous Sunday. One of those stories in particular became a victory song for a woman who when she later heard the song, she remembered the Sunday sermon and discovered for the first time the God of the Bible as the same God who loves her now! Talk about a whole set of reference points that will never be forgotten!!!

I wonder if I might suggest to you today that you find a Holy reference point somewhere in your day. In other words, I invite you to look for the presence of God, and the movements of His Spirit in your life. (In our busy worlds, we must sometimes be intentional about looking for God's presence). And when you find that reference point, begin to notice the movement of God in you, through and before you (even as small as that reference point is- I found mine today as I watched a child play in his yard. I remembered that even before I was born, God made a special place in a wonderful family for me. Now, that's not earth-shattering, but it is a reference point whereby I became aware of God's presence in my life today. That reminder became a great conversation starter for my Lord & I in prayer.).

My friend, I pray that your life finds centering today around God's love in Christ Jesus. God is so good...He will truly renew your strength! Keep looking and listening.

Beyond Bootstraps

2007-02-22T14:08:00.000-05:00

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers & sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

With our three boys, I have found myself already encouraging my guys to "get over it!"

A bump on the head...a paper-cut..."Get over it!"

Honestly, I consider myself to be a rather compassionate father- but I do think that I at least become a pretty good American when it comes to the bravado of pulling up one's bootstraps and moving forward. I mean, really- there are many more satisfying aspects of life that will never be experienced if we sit in pity parties all of our life. Right?

But...(there is always that proverbial "but") is that really what is offered to those who discover God's gift of love in Jesus Christ? I mean...did Jesus simply pay some penalty on the cross, way back when, so that we might get over the stuff of this world through cold-hard perseverance to someday make it home to our prize in the afterlife. I mean really, is the rest of this stuff prelude and heaven is the real story?

What does it mean to take hold of something as the verses above say? Is there something relational in all of that? Or was Christ the example of a pointless life beyond making sure that the Will of God was followed?

I wonder what freedom might be discovered for us if God's Will for our lives- and our constant pursuit of its prize- the perfect experience of God's presence... His love- might not be something delayed to the afterlife...but if by God's Spirit I (and you) might experience God's Will in the day to day moments of life. Wouldn't it be great if everything resolved itself...it usually does- one way or the other. So the issue for us may not be that God will then in the details of life here and now make everything nice and rosy, but wouldn't it be life changing to know that we don't have to "survive" the stuff of life by pulling up bootstraps? Wouldn't it be nice to know that we can go through life- well...never alone?

There is more. Which really is amazing- considering the power of that one discovery alone. You have to read on Philippians to find out that just like another person rubs off on us, so does God by His Spirit's power rub off on us. I love the way verse 21 says that God can transform us. That's really awesome.

Never alone...

Forever transformed...

Yah- that's good...

Blessed?

2007-01-14T20:52:00.000-05:00

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." Matthew 5:3-11 (NIV)

There are enough reasons to feel otherwise in this world...but may you hear it in faith,
"You are blessed!"

"' "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."'
Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

Better Questions?

2007-01-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

"Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them.
Matthew 15:16 (NIV)

The disciples were not getting it. They seemed to miss every point that Jesus made about things clean and things unclean. They were worried about things unclean entering the body of a person...Jesus was concerned about the state of the heart.

Are our minds so dull, that we look around us before we look at our own hearts?

Ouch, that hurts! We want to argue, that we only know ourselves by our interactions with others. But as true as that may be, it is also true that interactions with others can also be deceiving.

In a world that so quickly draws in our attention, we must hear the radical call to look to the Lord and to allow His Spirit to teach us about the questions that need asked for our own souls sake.

Internal evaluations are helpful in learning to ask better questions. God help me today.

Retreat...Advance

2006-10-15T05:29:00.000-05:00

The Lord says, "I will also give you rest from all your enemies."
2 Sam 7:11 (NIV)

In our hurried and busy world...how well do we rest? How well do we lead our people in ministry to rest, pastors? How well do we lead our pastors into rest, people?

I received this email and thought I would pass it along...I have not been able to enjoy one of these retreats in particular, but I have heard only good reports! Believe you me- I am checking the calendar!!!
____________________________
"12 Ways to Appreciate Your Pastor"

When we look at our pastor or minister what do we see? A spiritual giant? Someone who can go it alone? Someone who works a day and a half a week? A servant of the congregation? Someone who does it all?

The truth is that clergy are real people with real families, dreams, needs, desires and gifts. And like all of us, they shine best in situations where they are appreciated and supported. Here are a dozen ways you can bring out the best in your pastor:

Write a note of appreciation.
Pray for your pastor regularly.
Stop the rumor mill.
Invite him or her out to lunch, golfing, or some other shared interest, without an agenda.
Offer to babysit the kids so pastor and spouse can have an evening together, even better, offer them a gift certificate to a restaurant they enjoy.
Honor his or her day off – allow time for rest, personal renewal and family time.
In times of loss, offer sympathy, care and practical help.
Consider holidays and other family days – if the pastor is far from their family of origin, invite them to your celebration – no strings attached.
Ask him or her how you can help and then follow through.
Tell him or her what you’ve learned from their sermon.
Go to http://parsonage.org/cam/index.cfm for ideas on how to celebrate your minister during Pastor Appreciation Month.

Consider a sabbatical time for your pastor and find a way to provide one as needed.
Pastors Retreat Network provides pastors and their spouses with a five-day, self-directed retreat experience that is free of charge. It is a time to rest, spiritually renew, and reconnect with God and spouse. Consider how an experience like this might benefit your minister. For more information, please visit our Web site -- www.pastorsretreatnetwork.com

Rock Bottom?

2006-09-06T09:34:00.000-05:00

"For you have no delight in sacrifice; if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." -Psalm 51:16-17 (NRSV)

Being the youngest brother in my family, it was never a positive thing that one was 'driven' to their knees. That is the language of weakness, and the language of domination.

It's amazing to me how confused we can become in this world about the Almighty God before whom we fall on our kness...

Oh, how God has tried to help us understand through the Word that He is not about punishment, but redemption...God is not about rules but freedom!

As amazed as our understanding of God's revealed love get's inflated in the wrong directions, I am also amazed at how we deflate our responsibility or calling as followers of Jesus Christ...

For someone to make a change in their lives- it often requires hitting rock bottom. That's what David is talking about in Psalm 51. We are to offer broken and contrite hearts before God. How many times have we instead offered a heart that is "ailing" and "sorry?"

There must be more!

And not because God demands it...but because our soul longs to be made right with the One who made us, called us, and fills us with His Spirit.

It may sound like poor counseling to say it this way, however...Today, hit rock bottom!

Let the needs of your life- your mind- your very soul drive you to your knees- and let the love of God lift you to the wonders of His peace!

How Dark The Con Of Man...How Bright The Truth Of God

2006-05-24T22:19:00.000-05:00

"The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death." -Matthew 26:59 (NIV)

We Americans love a good conspiracy! My how the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown has brought out our fiercest voices to defend the faith and to allow orthodoxy to correct the error of old stories brought to new light.

But isn't it just a modern conspiracy re-telling an old gnostic (heretical) proposition? Isn't this scandalous matter merely the repeated conversation settled long ago. Proofs are debated, and I believe rightly so, as the matter must be corrected. We cannot allow lies to go uncorrected...My concern is just how that happens.

As I watched the Da Vinci Code movie tonight (which from a literary/story perspective, I give it a B- compared to other historical writings & subsequent films- we will see 100 years from now if this book and film is considered a classic or not)- anyhow, as I watched the movie I kept thinking "What the Church really needs to combat this heretical proposition of Gnostic truth (small "t") is a good conspiracy right back!

As I drove home in prayer- it came to me (at least in some pieces)...the film itself revealed it to me (dare I say one of the good things from the film!). My revelation came from the lesson learned by the Council of the Shadow. They were consumed with and fell prey to their fear of a truth or lie being exposed. It is funny how fear can consume us.

The lesson learned is in the power of the freeing Truth (big "T") as it is a mighty power within the greatest conspiracy of all. When the devil has communicated (only words) that his power is sufficient to claim the lives of each man, woman & child- Jesus Christ declares by His scandalous crucifixion, that His love can display the power to save that which He claims as free!

I do not believe that we have as the Church wasted our breath as we have defended the Truth in these days about the danger of introducing kernels of deception as kernels of truth- such are the simulacrum that leave us empty and alone. However, I do believe that the greatest response of the Faithful is to declare the power of God's love through the cross as the answer expressed as the Lamb was slain for our sins- that has now set us free!

Now, I really don't mean to sound cryptic or mystical, but I do wonder if the brightness of God's love really can drive out all fear? 1 John 4:18 suggests to me that the power over deception is the presence of God's love through Jesus. Perfect love is just that "perfect."

As my friend, Brent Vernon writes "No lyric has ever been written- no melody ever been sung- oh, the greatest of authors could never describe the power of God's wonderful love." May such descriptions flow from us as the greatest conspiracy ever to take over the world- such is a revival we long for!

Of interest...Greek Orthodox Conversation on The Da Vinci Code

"Response Ability"*

2006-03-20T17:14:00.000-05:00

"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. "
Matthew 7:28-29 (NIV)

Have you ever noticed those moments in your life wen you feel passionate feelings of either hope, love or even anger towards something? Have you ever noticed how so often these days, those feelings are replaced with other feelings? Maybe for some of you, have you ever noticed how strong feelings may continue but how unproductive they can be?

I love Jesus' sermon preached in Matthew 5, 6 & 7 (though it is one of the most unsettling passages to my own status-quo religion). Have you ever noticed what happens at the end. The text says that the people are amazed. Well, that's cool.

We love when people are amazed by Jesus! Especially His grace!

But I am concerned....

There is a big difference between being amazed and actually responding. Often times we question our ability to respond to God's grandeous calls in our lives- but that's not really the appropriate struggle. God has very often reminded us throughout the Bible that He will come to our aid as we live for Him. I mean even the sparrows don't need to worry about food.

I guess I wonder then, are you simply amazed at Jesus or have you begun to respond to His powerful teaching and to His love?

* a phrase I recently heard from a dear brother in the Lord, terry gaugler

How About You?

2005-10-31T11:04:00.000-05:00

From a 'Barnabas' in my life...May he encourage you as well! - JM

A Magna Charta of Trust by an Out-of-Control Disciple
from Sweet's Soul Cafe (March 1996 Vol. 2, No. 1)

I am part of the Church of the Out-of-Control. I once was a control junkie, but now am an Out-of-Control Disciple. I've given up my control to God. I trust and obey the Spirit. I've jumped off the fence, I've stepped over the line, I've pulled out all the stops, I'm holding nothing back. There's no turning back, looking around, slowing down, backing away, letting up, or shutting up. It's life Against the Odds, Outside the Box, Over the Wall, the game of life played Without Goal Lines other than "Thy Will Be Done..."

I'm done lapdogging for the topdogs, the wonderdogs, the overdogs, or even the underdogs. I'm done playing According to the Rules, whether it's Robert's Rules of Order or Miss Manner's Rules of Etiquette or Martha Stewart's Rules of Living or Louis Farrakhan's Rules of America's Least Wanted or Merril Lynch's Money-minding/Bottom-lining/Ladder-climbing Rules of America's Most Wanted.

I am not here to please the dominant culture or to serve any all-show/no-go bureaucracies. I live to please my Lord and Savior. My spiritual taste-buds have graduated from fizz and froth to Fire and Ice. Sometimes I'm called to sharpen the cutting edge, and sometimes to blunt the cutting edge. Don't give me that old-time religion. Don't give me that new-time religion. Give me that all-time religion that's as hard as rock and as soft as snow.

I've stopped trying to make life work, and started trying to make life sing. I'm finished with second-hand sensations, third-rate dreams, low-risk high-rise trades and goose-stepping, flag-waving crusades. I no longer live by and for anything but everything God-breathed, Christ-centered, and Spirit-driven.

I can't be bought by any personalities or perks, positions or prizes. I won't give up, though I will give in... to openness of mind, humbleness of heart, and generosity of spirit. When short-handed and hard-pressed, I will never again hang in there. I will stand in there, I will run in there, I will pray in there, I will sacrifice in there, I will endure in there-- in fact I will do everything in there but hang. My face is upward, my feet are forward, my eyes are focused, my way is cloudy, my knees are worn, my seat uncreased, my heart burdened, my spirit light, my road narrow, my mission wide.

I won't be seduced by popularity, traduced by criticism, reduced by hypocrisy, or trivialized by mediocrity. I am organized religion's best friend, and worst nightmare. I won't back down, slow down, shut down, or let down until I'm preached out, teached out, healed out or hauled out of God's mission in the world entrusted to members of the Church of the Out-of-Control... to unbind the confined, whether they're the downtrodden or the upscale, the overlooked or the underrepresented.

My fundamental identity is as a disciple of Jesus--but even more, as a disciple of Jesus who lives in Christ, who doesn't walk through history simply "in his steps," but seeks to travel more deeply IN HIS SPIRIT.

Until he comes again or calls me home, you can find me filling not killing time so that one day he will pick me out in the lineup of the ages as one of his own. And then... it will be worth it all... to hear these words, the most precious words I can ever hear:

"Well done, thou good and faithful... Out-of-Control Disciple."

Could it be?

2005-10-20T15:57:00.000-05:00

"He (Jesus) handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christians in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ. No prolonged infancies among us, please. We'll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in loveÃ?— like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love." Ephesians 4:11-16 (MSG)

It is an understatement to say that I get frustrated with the political systems of this world. The nation's response to hurricane Katrina proved that we as a people will rise above politics to live caring and compassionate lives.

If that's true in the moral arena, what about within and throughout the Church?

Was it really God's desire that believers move rhythmically and with a growing maturity in Christ?

What would that look like? How would we get there?
I stand with hopeful optimism...

Chapter Notes...

2005-08-17T12:21:00.000-05:00

"I will extol the Lord at all times, the Lord's praise will always be on my lips." Psalm 34:1 (NIV) "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." Psalm 34:13,14 (NIV)

Have you ever noticed those tiny little chapter notes that either preface what is being said; introduce the subject; or they explain where one might go for further information?

I love the chapter notes that are translated in the New International Version of Psalm 34:
"Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left."

There are a number of ways to look at this text. At first glance, it is a warm, encouraging passage that reminds us that God will take care of us. But with a deeper exploration into the text, there is a disturbing and yet even more powerful comfort to be found.

If you were to look back to the Abimelech first mentioned in Genesis 20, you come upon an encounter with Abraham (the patriach of the Hebrew people). This encounter is not a neat and tidy event. In fact, Abimelech is almost caught in a relationship with Abraham's wife, all because Abraham lied to him and said that she was his sister. Sure he was trying to save he and his wife, but he nearly assisted God's wrath in landing on Abimelech. Instead of believing God's promises as true, Abraham's lie nearly brought disaster!

Now freeze frame that encounter...

In 1 Samuel 21, David (the hope of Israel) is on the run from King Saul. The favor of the Lord has been given to David and Saul is not one bit happy. So, to save his life from the hands of some of Saul's men, David plays the part of a madman. They figure him to be insane and not the man they are looking for.

Not a bad story. Quite cunning if you asked me. "Way to go David!", The 'rambo' within me cries out.

But is this the story mentioned in the Psalm 34 chapter notes?

The only time that Abimelech was ever mentioned otherwise in the Bible with David, in particular, was when Joab (David's right hand guy) sent a messenger back to communicate that Uriah (the husband of the woman that David had been having an affair with) had been killed as ordered by David. Joab tells the messenger that David may get upset by the news, and recall the death of Abimelech as he hears the news. Instead, David says something about all men dying eventually (harsh translation my own). (2 Samuel 11).

So what do we do with these words..."I will extol the Lord at all times, the Lord's praise will always be on my lips." Psalm 34:1 (NIV) "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." Psalm 34:13,14 (NIV)

Is there something to be said about what passes through our lips? Is there something to be said about the way that we live for good and not evil? Is there something to be said about truth and not lies?

And after reading this text, is there something to be said about God's grace extended to us in the middle of our sin?

Abraham was faced with a moment of truth (that came only by God's grace revealing truth to Abimelech) and he was later honored for His faithfulness. Now that is a picture of true grace! Could the same be extended to us after all that we have done?

And the young hero, David, grows up to eventually be caught in adultery and lies- however, was given the chance to be brought back to a hopeful relationship with God. Again, what grace has been extended to bring such a man back to be one after "God's own heart!" (Acts 13:22). Is there really such hope for us?

It makes you wonder...Could it be for us today, at its most basic level- a crazy pursuit (like those of madmen), that our lives (though often so terribly marred with sin and selfishness) when hidden in God- when our words become God's Word- when our souls boast in the Lord- when our lives are given to the pursuit of a peaceful Kingdom of Heaven here on earth- that we will be cared for by God in the most precious of ways? Do we dare have such hope?

And not just because we have done all of those things, but because we have stopped living a lie?

May it be because we have believed and lived close (and are growing closer, intentionally each day) to the heart of God!

I guess I imagine a chapter note to our lives that could either tell of our failure to live up to our dreams, or a reminder that we never shot high in our aspirations. But somehow, through God's Spirit at work by His grace, I also imagine a chapter note that tells how God redeemed you and I and kept us free from the lies that so often define our existence.

You know, 'truth' is a funny thing.

The truth is, Jesus is not just waiting to see you fail...He is waiting to see you succeed. Read the rest of the Psalm- especially verses 18 and 22. There is hope for us all.

Jesus is Lord! (No lie!)

Balance Is Found In The Tension

2005-08-03T15:09:00.000-05:00

"Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:1-2 (NIV)

"The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins," declares the LORD." Isaiah 59:20 (NIV)

I have been having a lot of redemptive conversations lately that remind me that there is no depth too deep for the power of God to rescue us, and no web too tangled that God can't break through. But I have also been reminded of the perpetual habit of the heart that keeps leaning into sin, and finding loneliness, frustration and heartache.

I am so glad that in the middle of all of life's tasks, I have been given the opportunity to stand up and say that in Christ, there is life abundant and hope everlasting! Because of what Jesus has done for us, there is no sin too great to be forgiven, and there is no death that can't be overcome. (Though some of you may have thought [or God forgive the Church- some of you may have even experienced it] that religion still reserves exceptions to that offer- let me say, Christ doesn't!)

But there, within the solution is also the problem. So many of us like the possibility of salvation, but fail the confession or surrender of our sins.

You know what I am talking about (and please don't assume that I am talking about working for our salvation- actually I am talking about the exact opposite- I am talking about stopping the incessant working to hang on to our demons, our ills, our pain). The call of the text, and the call of Christ has always been to let go in repentance and God will save us!

Oh, friends, what would that look like for you today? Could you stand the tension, and find out if there is really a long-armed God?

Not My Will...

The ONE Campaign

2005-06-15T09:52:00.000-05:00

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' -Matthew 25:40

Dear Faith Family & Friends,

Last night I watched a new campaign commercial that at least initially surprised me. When the mix of supporters included everyone from Bono, Brad Pitt and Tom Hanks to people like Pat Robertson and Michael W. Smith, it was worth some attention. What is it that these people are calling us to?

I invite you to discover the purpose, and the responsibility each of us are being called to in this campaign. It is always worth being informed- the burden may grow great, but Christ is always greater!

The ONE Campaign

That Christ May Live In & Through Us!

More Than Good Girls & Boys?

2005-05-23T06:14:00.000-05:00

"You have hear it said...but I tell you,"
quoted many times in Matthew 5

I was sitting in a children's Christian education class recently and began to hear the teacher talk about what it might look like for the people of God to embrace God's plans for their lives. When asked "What might God want you to do for Him?" it was very interesting. They sounded like a bunch of good boy and girl scouts. They would help up a child who fell off his or her bike. They would not cut in line at school. They would not tell a lie. And the list of moralism's went on.

I sat there wondering if just one child had the desire or education to go beyond...to excel...to hope for more.

I immediately rationalized that I must be too ambitious. So much so ambitious that it is unfair to expect that these children would move that way themselves.

But then I thought about a candy bar. (Bear with me, I know it is a strange leap.) If I was to ask the children if they would want one- certainly they would say yes. If I held up another candy bar- only this time, twice as large- I am sure they would want that one instead. Let's just say that I held up a two foot tall solid-milk chocolate bunny. Which would they choose?
Of course the biggest!

Maybe the issue isn't ambition- but rather payoff.

Could it be that our children haven't seen in us the payoff for passionate discipleship? I am not talking about a prosperity gospel...I am talking about an abundantly satisfying relationship with our Lord. I'm talking about Holy Living through Jesus Christ- satisfied by the love of our Heavenly Parent- and empowered for Kingdom work by God's Spirit!

So I'm back again...what might it look like for the people of God to embrace Our Lord's calling in our lives?

"Summer in the Soul" A Faith Sharing by Thomas G. Bandy

2005-05-11T15:01:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 43:19-21 Philippians 3:4b-14
"I want to know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, and the sharing of his sufferings ...."

"In the congregation where my wife is the pastor, the 20 year old son of awell-loved family came down with serious headaches. A day later he wasdiagnosed with a brain tumor. The next Monday the doctors operated for 15hours. On Tuesday morning he died without ever having regained consciousness.At the funeral, 150 weeping teenagers and 20 year-olds were gathered, inaddition to the core church members. And this is what they sang:"As comes the breath of spring, with light and mirth and song,so does your Spirit bring new days brave, free, and strong.You come with thrill of life, to chase hence winter’s breath,to hush to peace the strife of sin that ends in death."One of the fastest growing generations in North America, namely theunchurched, who never darken a church sanctuary except in quest of a centeraisle for a wedding, were stunned into submission by the ferocity of that onesong.Many are familiar with the abundance of writings about leadership andcorporate life. The works of Steven Covey, for example, and the habits ofsuccessful leadership. Everywhere we are learning that to succeed in life.... just as to succeed in business .... we must have clarity about our realpurpose. A few years ago, a group of corporate leaders identified the top tenrequirements for successful leadership. The #1 requirement they unanimouslyidentified was the need for every person to discover that fundamental goal,the achievement of which was the most important thing they could do withtheir lives. They were not just talking about business. They wereintentionally talking about life. They were saying that the most importantthing a business person .... a student ..... a teacher ..... a nurse ..... a"Minute Muffler" manager ....... a homemaker ...... needed to do to be asuccess in their field was to identify the single, most fundamental goal oftheir living.St. Paul had a similar insight. He was one of the most successful religiousleaders in his day ........a man marked for advancement ...... expected to beinfluential among the great political leaders of his day. Yet he says: "Iregard everything as just so much rubbish, compared to the surpassing valueof knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Phil. 3:8).That same insight is true for organizations like the church. They have toclearly and enthusiastically identify their purpose ..... the reason forliving that is "to die for". I have been in consultation with manycongregations about future planning. In every stagnant congregation, nomatter how friendly they are, I have spoken to people who will say: "I lovethis church. I love the people in this church. But despite the great coffeeand friendliness of the congregation, despite the fact that my children enjoythe activities here, and even despite the fact that I will truly weep when Ileave this church .....I AM GOING TO LEAVE!" Many have already left .....drifted to the margins of congregational life ...... formally transferred toanother church .... or just immersed themselves in some other spiritualmovement or personal development strategy. And they have done so despite thefact that the church has gone out of their way to be a truly friendly,welcoming place. WHY? Because the church has not clearly and enthusiasticallyidentified the most fundamental goal of their living ..... and theseindividuals have clearly and painfully discovered their most fundamentalyearning for living. As long as the two don’t meet, then despite the tears offarewell, they’re history!And the same is true, of course, for the many people who visit thesechurches, but who fail to ever participate fully and regularly in churchlife. In one congregation, surveys revealed that fewer than 1/3 of the peoplewho visit the church remain in participation after 6 months. WHY? Again andagain the answer is the same. They have asked the church: What is the point?What is your fundamental purpose as a church? Where are you going? What is"to die for" here? What is so important about your church that nothing ....not the Rotary, not the Garden Club, not Weight Watchers, not Aerobics Class,not even the 12 Step Program ..... nothing can take the place of this churchin my life? What is so important about what you are about in this church thatdeserves the sacrifice of all that time and money you keep asking me for?"They ask these questions .... and the church does not have an answer.Many churches speak out of their experience of life struggle. But can youspeak out of your experience of spiritual victory?"You come like dawning day, with flaming truth and love,to chase all glooms away to brace our wills to provehow wise, how good to choose the truth and its brave fight,to prize it, win or lose, and live on your delight."Do you know what you delight in? Can you identify that delight with thepublic? Can you share it, proclaim it, demonstrate it ..... can you give itaway spontaneously and freely to your friends, neighbors, work associates,and relatives? Does it just bubble up inside of you in the hockey arena orthe coffee shop whenever you see a need, and you just can’t sit still withyour mug of café latte unless you say something?Some people call this "delight" a BHAG. It’s a "Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal",and it fills the congregation with excitement and pride and energy andurgency. Everything that is done in the church is connected to thefulfillment of the BHAG. Nothing is done in the church unless it advanceseveryone toward the BHAG. People cannot wait to get to a church meeting toforward the BHAG. And people are actually reluctant to leave the church afterSunday worship because they are so "fired up" to achieve the BHAG. When theydo go home, the tell their friends and work associates about the Big, Hairy,Audacious Goal which has filled the horizon of their living and keeps themawake at night with eager anticipation.And what is that Big, Hairy Audacious Goal: Is it fund raising for charity?Committee work? The joy of attending meetings? Is it sitting in hardwood pews.... or a deep, urgent need to listen to organ music? Is it the perpetuationof a heritage? The repetition of a tradition? The survival of an institution?Is it a craving for great coffee? No, the public can go to Starbuck’s.Is it a yearning for friendly conversation? No, the public can find that onthe golf course.Is it an opportunity to build relationships? No, the public can join thesoftball league.Is it the chance to do charitable deeds of service? No, the public can jointhe Rotary.Is it the desire to stand beside each other in the trials of life? No, thepublic can join a 12 step program.What is it about your church that is "to die for?" People in growing churcheshave a deep, shared under-standing that something about their churchinvolvement is as important to them as eating, sleeping, and working.Something about their church involvement is as essential for life asvitamins. Something about their church experience leads them to prioritize itamong the top three activities of their week .... right up there with...changing diapers, and Alcoholics Anonymous. It is "to die for". It isessential. It is the purpose of life.The motivating vision of a congregation may vary one from another, but theone Great, Big, Hairy Audacious Goal always remains the same. It is theexperience of Christ, for Christ’s sake!. "I want to know Christ," Paul says,"and to share in his sufferings, and to know the power of his resurrection.""You come like songs at morn, that fill the earth with joy,till we, in Christ new born, new strength in praise employ.You come to rouse the heart from drifting to despair,through high hopes to impart life with an ampler air."There is a group out there that can meet every one of our most importantphysical, emotional, intellectual, and, yes, even spiritual needs .....except one. Only the church can help me experience Christ. Only the churchcan make my most meaningless sufferings matter for eternity. Only the churchcan help me be truly victorious over addiction and death.Churches today have a tremendous opportunity for ministry. But hear a word ofcaution. Lot’s of churches have strategic plans. And most of them are dying.Lot’s of churches have a mission statement ..... but nobody can remember it.They all have ambitious budgets which cannot be met, and dreams of worldpeace which cannot be achieved, and creative programs that never getimplemented. Why? Because they never really identified the purpose of theLord. God never called them to be strategic planners! God called them touncover the one purpose in life that was "to die for", and then proceed torisk their lives for it.The one question you need to answer to prepare yourself for the 21st centuryis this: What is it about your experience with Jesus, that this communitycannot live without? How many people here know right now what it is aboutthis church that is "to die for"? Usually it requires a good deal of prayerand thought. Most churches find it helpful to follow a process ofdiscernment. The processes will vary from place to place, but they willalways: * take time and require prayer; * involve church insiders, marginal members, and the unchurched public; * simultaneously involve personal reflection, small groups, and largegatherings all designed to maximize conversation among the most peoplepossible.First, people need clarity and consensus about their core values. A corevalue is the choice or preference you make spontaneously in daily living.When you honk your horn and shake your fist at a commuter who cut you off onthe highway, you reveal your core values .... no matter what you profess inchurch on Sunday about caring for humanity. And when you readily abandon yourexpensive groceries to run to the aid of someone who has slipped on the ice,you reveal your core values ..... no matter how penny-pinching you may seemon the Finance Committee. The congregation needs to recognize and celebratethe core values that bind them together in positive relationship.Next, people need clarity and consensus about their bedrock beliefs. Abedrock belief is the principle, symbol, or truth to which you habituallyreturn in times of stress or confusion. When you buy a lottery ticket the dayafter losing your job, you reveal your bedrock beliefs .... no matter howmuch you talk about grace in church. And when you enter surgery babbling overand over again "The Lord is my Shepherd ..... The Lord is My Shepherd ...",you reveal your bedrock beliefs ..... no matter how forgetful you are aboutthe Christian Year. The congregation needs to recognize and celebrate thebedrock beliefs which give them strength in times of stress.Now you have created a climate for revelation to happen. You see God hasnever asked you to share your visions ..... but rather to listen for God'svision for your church.Only now can people expect to receive authentic, Biblical visions. A visionis the "song in the heart" that will motivate your every moment of living. Itis the nugget of hope, the pearl of great worth, that revitalizes you theinstant it is brought back to consciousness. When the first thing you doafter a long day’s work is reach for the Scotch and soda, you reveal yourvision ..... no matter what the mission statement of your church might say.And when the first thing you do is hug your spouse or your children, youreveal your vision ...... no matter how big an argument you had the nightbefore. Congregations need to be "grasped" by a vision, and "carried away" bythe purposes of God.Now you are ready to identify the great BHAG of your life. You can finallyperceive what it is about your church that is "to die for". You can have aready answer to the key question of discipleship: "What is it about myexperience with Jesus that this community cannot live without?" And you canshare this answer spontaneously and readily with friends, neighbors, familymembers, work associates, and even perfect strangers they meet in themini-mart.I know a congregation that was on the brink of death in the middle of the exploding population base. Thirty people ... ready to receive a Biblicalvision. They set aside all entanglements ... they surrendered everything thatwas merely secondary .... they clarified their core values and bedrockbeliefs .... and then God revealed God’s vision. They were simply to breatheand elicit health. Their whole lifestyle aimed to connect Christ to thespiritually hungry. Every adult is committed to a spiritual discipline, andthe entrepreneurial ministries are bearing lush fruit in unexpected places.People say, "If you want to be really alive, go there!" They advertise on theentertainment pages of the newspapers. They are known as the "Summer in theSoul" churches. And everything you need to know about these churches issummarized in this song:"You breathe and there is health, you move and there is power,You whisper, there is wealth of love, your richest dower.Your presence is to us like SUMMER IN THE SOUL,Your joy shines forth and then life blossoms to its goal."

Solid Committment

2005-04-20T15:16:00.000-05:00

"Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No!'" -Matthew 5:37 (NIV)

As many of you have heard, Pope Benedict XVI has been named! May we lift him up in prayer that he would be God's instrument in these days.

In an article published yesterday by the Associated Press, Nicole Winfield wrote these words...
"Benedict said he had been surprised by his election, and German Cardinal Joachim Meisner told reporters late Tuesday that he had looked ''a little forlorn'' when he went to change into his papal vestments in the Room of Tears - so nicknamed because many new pontiffs get choked up there, realizing the enormity of their mission."

Shouldn't that be our experience of daily worship? Certainly the tears should be filled with inexplicable joy, yes...but shouldn't we also be moved by the enormity of our mission?

What would happen if every Christian who said 'Yes' to the things of God carried it through as truly a 'Yes' from the heart? What would happen if each of us would recognize and pursue the ministry to which we have been called for the sake of the mission?

I think I can almost hear from the heart of God, a hearty "Oh, yes!"

A House Of Prayer

2005-03-21T10:13:00.000-05:00

Jesus said, "It's written in Scripture, 'My house is a house of prayer; You have turned it into a religious bazaar.' " Luke 19:46 (MSG)

You know the story- It's Monday, early in the week of Christ's Passion. Jesus comes into the temple and begins driving out those who were selling sacrifices.

As a boy, I thought this passage was the best way to 'proof-text' myself out of guilt when I was mad at my brother and sisters. You know how it goes..."Even Jesus got angry!"

Little did I understand the injustice that surrounded Godly worship- and right in front of Jesus- let alone everybody!

The truth is...Little do I understand it now, probably because it's not as easy to see these days those hidden injustices we make towards God.

You know what I mean...How often do we try to offer God a sacrifice that we don't own? Or in the same vain, how often do we offer sacrifices that have cost us little?

In a consumer world, it is the norm for us to enjoy that which costs us the least. You know, we go the store with the lowest price...we shop at the store closest to us. It continues. This is fine if you are buying a product- trust me I am as much a consumer as the next guy. But in society, and certainly deep within our hearts, we have to figure out what is worth consuming at low cost, and what demands our life, our heart, our all.

Certainly relationships deserve that. Especially one that is expressed in a life of Godly worship!

And so Jesus says that God's house is to be a house of prayer. There's no mistake that sacrifices and prayer are combined in this event. Prayer isn't easy...but it is well worth it!

Again, not that we might receive another consumable (we're good at asking for those)...but that we might be consumed by the all surpassing love of God in Christ.

S.O.A.P!

2005-03-06T20:31:00.000-05:00

"Agreed," said Laban. "Let it be as you have said." Genesis 30:34 (NIV)

As the Word of God speaks to you, and as you agree to God's direction in your life, may this simple suggestion guide you in your personal devotions.

THE LIFE JOURNAL*
"1. Start with your Bible, journal (any kind of notebook will do), pen and day planner/calendar.
2. Go to the Daily Bible Reading list to find today's readings.
3. Before you start to read, pray to God how to apply the reading to your life today.
4. Read today's readings. As you are reading, underline or write down anything that impresses you as a personal word to be applied. When you read with an open heart, God will give you words of encouragement, direction and correction. When ideas about other things "to do" crop up, write them down in your planner/calendar and go back to reading.
5. When you are through reading, go to your journal, write down at the top on one side the date and on the other side a page number. Then begin SOAP on about the 4th line down.

S write down the portion of scripture you will journal on. This is usually a short section that you have underlined or marked as you were reading.
O write down your observations on the passage
A write down how you will apply this passage to your life today.
P write down a prayer to God about your experience today.

6. On the second line at the center top of your first page, write down a topic that describes what you journaled on today. Then above it, write a title like a title for a newspaper article. Have a page where you keep a Table of Contents and write in the date, the name of the book, chapter and verse, the topic, the title and the page number so that you can find this writing in the future.
7. Conclude your daily devotional time by using a sheet for a Prayer List. On this page write down all the people and situations you wish to pray for. Write down the date which you listed them and write down the date you believe the prayer has been answered. Pray a prayer of intercession for what you've written.

Remember! This Journal is designed to serve you in your growth with Christ. You can be flexible in how you use it, but be sure to develop a healthy habit of spending time daily with the Lord."

Enjoy The Bath!

* Many thanks to Pastor David Loar for introducing me to this practice of Pastor Wayne Cordeiro and his congregation. Thier webpage with further instructions can be found here...

The People Of God

2005-03-03T17:34:00.000-05:00

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God" -1 Peter 2:9-10a (NIV)

I thought this might hit home for the Body- becoming Community together!

“How baffling you are, oh Church, and yet how I love you!

How you have made me suffer, and yet how much I owe you!

I should like to see you destroyed,
and yet I need your presence.
You have given me so much scandal
and yet you have made me understand sanctity.

I have seen nothing in the world more devoted to obscurity,
more compromised, more false, and I have touched nothing
more pure, more generous, more beautiful.

How often I have wanted to shut the doors of my soul in
your face, and how often I have prayed
to die in the safety of your arms.

No, I cannot free myself from you, because I am you,
although not completely.

And where should I go?

~ Carlo Carretto
The God who comes
ISBN: 0883441640

Full...

2005-03-03T13:36:00.000-05:00

"Stephen, brimming with God's grace and energy, was doing wonderful things among the people, unmistakable signs that God was among them." -Acts 6:8 (MSG)

I love the way Eugene Peterson (who, I often describe as my mentor from afar...though I say the same thing about the Henri Nouwen) suggests that Stephen was prepared for the events of His ministry at this moment, even his final sermon preached, by being filled with the goodness of God's grace and energy.

How much ministry do we do, which most definitely includes me, without the root of our activity coming from God within?

I love the story of the father who comes to Jesus in Matthew 17, asking for his son to be healed. The father shares his confusion that the disciples could not help. I once heard a sermon by T.D. Jakes suggesting that these men (the disciples) were trying to miracles today, on last week's power. To really do the work God lays before us, he expressed, we need to be prayed up today for today's ministry opportunity.

How many times do we seek God to the point of being full?

Do we have signs in our prayer closets that read like the gas station "Do Not Top Off!" I pray not.

Oh, friends, may we seek God fully today, and let His grace and power fill us for the outpouring of our lives He directs. May Christ be unmistakable in us!

GRACE: The Tension Between Being ‘There’ -- & -- “A Long Way’s Away’

2005-02-23T21:03:00.000-05:00

“On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" --John 6:60 (NIV)

I looked at our Church Directory this morning.

It’s a funny thing how that picture book comes together. Depending on where you come from (be your tradition- Wesleyan, Reformed, or Independent/United (you fill in the blank)) it may be a display of persons all over the spiritual spectrum or maybe even persons in different spectrums all together. You know…some of you have members because of the “one service- one dollar” system of membership, and some of you have the “unless you grew up in this church” system. Sometimes those who claim Christ are many…those who claim Christianity are even more!

So, how can it be that the Church is made up of so many different types of folks? I’m not referring to the work of Pentecost that drew us together (at least not yet), I speak probably more of the effects of Babel. What I mean is, how can it be that the gathered people include some who are so close and some who are so far away?

I think of the disciples who themselves assumed their place as the right hand people in the Kingdom…and yet were evidenced many a time to have thought that at the least Jesus’ ministries were near crazy (let alone hard to deal with).

Does this all point to the tension developed by God’s ‘Grace?’ As my friend (& secret mentor) Wade Branard once told me quite cutely, “Once it ceases to be grace- it ceases to be amazing!”

And amazing it is…that from all different corners of the ‘directory’ we should (by Faith- all of us even if we’re developing, printed, or even still processing in the ‘Camera’) all be able to call each other “Community.” Thanks be to God.
....................
But you do know…there is a further thought that is worth our consideration…besides it being an ‘amazing’ tension between people (different people) it also acts as a draw between Us and God. In other words, though it brings all of us together through uniquely spirited lives- it demands a call to move…to grow…to get intimate with God.

Can you imagine that? No matter where we are, or who we are, by Grace the Spirit of God calls us together as His own…and again by the Spirit’s work drawing us to Himself- we are on a journey- sometimes like a couple who sees each other across the room and sometimes like a passionately intimate couple who melts into each other.

The bottom line is this…Whatever it was that made that directory a collection of God’s people…by God’s Grace it might also be that those people will become a collection of witnesses to the love and passion of God for His people!

I know this…I’m grateful my picture shows up there. By God’s Grace (and His Spirit at work within me) I pray that I also show up there. As another mentor once told me, “Sometimes- balance is found in the tension!”

Changing God...

2005-02-18T07:52:00.000-05:00

"Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops."
Haggai 1:10 (NIV)

How depressing! To start a weekend with words such as that...what is wrong with me?

Beginning with the premise that I don't believe that we are able to mess up God's plans- this verse tells me that we can mess up our plans. For lack of any deeper thoughts this morning...I wonder if we miss out on so much that God has for us because we are too busy doing OUR own thing!?! How many times have we 'short-circuited' God's desire for us and His world around us?

Could it be that this weekend (and during this Lenten season) we might grow to surrender ourselves to the plans of God and to the ways of His love? The Bible (not to mention- Devotional experience and discipleship) leads me to believe that beyond a good or bad weekend, surrender to God is the entrance into the joy and hope of God's heart for us for all of our days!

So here it goes...

2005-02-16T19:41:00.000-05:00

Welcome blog world!