"What are you afraid of? It's time for brother in Christ to act like brothers! No more sectarian Jesus where brothers act like sisters in a cat fight. No more sentimental Jesus where brothers get all weepy and sing Kumbaya when the Truth is on the line. No more watered down Jesus where the approval of pagans comes before proclaiming the truth. We are brothers."
The Elephant Room from Harvest Bible Chapel on Vimeo.
In all seriousness I don't think I could be anymore excited about this! I am already looking for ways to buy this. (Side note: If anyone needs anything done call me and I'll do it for about $50 bucks, and then you can borrow these too!) All of these men I really respect, a couple have shaped me spiritually in ways they will probably never know, and they all do ministry so differently. I feel connected to almost every member here in some way, either through sermons or books or even geographically. I can see and experience the Oneness of the Gospel and the church in how I feel towards them and their congregations.
I feel a background story coming on!
I am bent towards debate, and without the guiding of Christ and me leaning completely on Him this becomes contentious. I know that now, wish I would have realized it when I was about 5 though! The interesting part is that I want to please people, I want them to like me but the argumentative side loves putting that me in the back seat.
They both need to be locked in the trunk!
Thankfully, through all sorts of arenas this has been made known to me and over the past several years I have learned that through Christ it can be tamed and aimed in directions like these. I think a lot, and I am drawn through Acts 14:21 - 22 to Strengthen the Souls of believers. This does not allow me to disregard making disciples, as I have done in the past, but the passion that I am drawn to is opening Christ followers to the depth and truth of His character through His Word to love and therefore obey Him more.
I'm out to sharpen the iron and I have been and continually need to be careful that the fires that start are from these sparks and not the ones coming from my sword beating my shield. I am a servant of Christ and I will love my brothers in Him but I am not after their approval, direction maybe, but not approval.
I think Perry Noble said it very well in his blog yesterday, disagreement . . . yes with love at its base. Vicious attacks because of different thinking . . . this is us allowing spiritual warfare to bring us down and degrade the name of Christ in societies eyes. They win.
So let the iron sharpen the iron, let the sparks fly, let the fires burn, but let it be done in love to further the gospel of truth not to win or lose a prideful argument.
So what are you afraid of? That love isn't true or that truth doesn't love? Because ultimately these go hand in hand or they are worthless.
Truth not founded in love is a lie and love without truth at its foundation isn't love, it's selfish.
.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
What Did You Hear?
Bedtime in a crowded bunk looking at books and Bakugan is where I sat with my son. Hysterical laugher followed by, "stop please!" as he gripped to remove my tickle fingers from his chest. "You are va blue guy & I am va red guy and you say . . ." simple directions in order to be a part of the fantasies he dreams making his reality more real.
It quickly changes, " You are Goliath & I am David & you say who will fight me." I respond to his request with a deep raspy voice and a battle ensues with a sling and a fallen giant . . . but right in the middle . . . a creak outside the door!
He freezes and ears perk up like a dog after a treat, eyes wide as his flashlight pierces the darkness towards the door. "Did you hear that?" he asks, more excited about an adventure than afraid. "No, I was Goliath," I respond, but he stands confident that his ears did not fail. And sure enough, the door flings open and he yells, "Mama!"
This past Sunday I heard a pretty clear presentation of the Gospel and saw evidence of response. I was excited and encouraged. Since then I have heard at least 4 different variations of how this related to other people, Christ followers, which is incredible to me!
The news that Christ paid the debt for my freedom in Him is unfathomable, it boggles my mind and yet I can get wrapped up in the idea that it is for those who do not believe and the rest of the Bible is the manual to guide me. This is ignorance, based in my pride.
The Bible IS the Gospel! Every story, every word, every do and every don't is guiding me to Christ, His character, His love. It is not about me and what I should do, this is a bi-product of a book to show me who He is. That is the Gospel and I need to hear it everyday, that these words are His redemptive story for a people He loves in order to bring glory to Himself.
Listen for the creak and shine the light towards the door, this message isn't for them, it's for me . . . it is the power that keeps us in Him.
So, what did you hear?
.
It quickly changes, " You are Goliath & I am David & you say who will fight me." I respond to his request with a deep raspy voice and a battle ensues with a sling and a fallen giant . . . but right in the middle . . . a creak outside the door!
He freezes and ears perk up like a dog after a treat, eyes wide as his flashlight pierces the darkness towards the door. "Did you hear that?" he asks, more excited about an adventure than afraid. "No, I was Goliath," I respond, but he stands confident that his ears did not fail. And sure enough, the door flings open and he yells, "Mama!"
This past Sunday I heard a pretty clear presentation of the Gospel and saw evidence of response. I was excited and encouraged. Since then I have heard at least 4 different variations of how this related to other people, Christ followers, which is incredible to me!
The news that Christ paid the debt for my freedom in Him is unfathomable, it boggles my mind and yet I can get wrapped up in the idea that it is for those who do not believe and the rest of the Bible is the manual to guide me. This is ignorance, based in my pride.
The Bible IS the Gospel! Every story, every word, every do and every don't is guiding me to Christ, His character, His love. It is not about me and what I should do, this is a bi-product of a book to show me who He is. That is the Gospel and I need to hear it everyday, that these words are His redemptive story for a people He loves in order to bring glory to Himself.
Listen for the creak and shine the light towards the door, this message isn't for them, it's for me . . . it is the power that keeps us in Him.
So, what did you hear?
.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Vision Clarity
It has been a month since I have posted here. I left it purposefully. Seeing the busyness of the month that was coming and deciding to set certain things aside so others would no get neglected, as well as getting a little too wrapped up in the number of comments and views, that I self inflated by accident.
So to restart I will clarify the title and in doing so the vision for what and why I write.
Rambling - This is what I do, I am currently being very challenged to have a point that I am headed to with every thought, sentence, phrase, utterance, both written and spoken. I have a tenancy, and those who know me are probably smiling and laughing as I write this, to not just chase a rabbit trail but create them and down play the point of my original speech. This is in the midst of being stopped.
Thoughts - I do this far to often, with the work I do I have the ability to process through all sorts of things throughout the day. My mind doesn't seem to like the idea of turning off, as much as I would sometimes like it too! This has been and I suspect will continue to be both satisfactory and troublesome in the future.
Inconsequential - I am a drop in the ocean, a single sand on the beach, a dew here in the morning and gone in the morning. In the grand scheme I am inconsequential. Do I matter, certainly! Don't here me say insignificant. I am very important to my community, this world and my God as He has created me to change it. I am inconsequential for 2 reasons: 1. At times I choose to ignore how to change the world, and 2. The world will change for His will without me, I am who He DESIRES to use, NOT who He MUST use!
Mind - Because this is where all this mess rattles around forming, shaping, sometimes into a logical argument, sometimes into faith, sometimes into a golden calf.
My ultimate vision is to inspire, encourage, and even entertain a little. I am after His glory, not my own.
I realize this post is less what I usually write and much more focused, less story, more content if you could call it that! I will write that way, that is what flows from me, part of who I am, but here I wanted to be intentional and purposeful.
And with that, as my Pastor says, "Go Change the World!"
.
So to restart I will clarify the title and in doing so the vision for what and why I write.
Rambling - This is what I do, I am currently being very challenged to have a point that I am headed to with every thought, sentence, phrase, utterance, both written and spoken. I have a tenancy, and those who know me are probably smiling and laughing as I write this, to not just chase a rabbit trail but create them and down play the point of my original speech. This is in the midst of being stopped.
Thoughts - I do this far to often, with the work I do I have the ability to process through all sorts of things throughout the day. My mind doesn't seem to like the idea of turning off, as much as I would sometimes like it too! This has been and I suspect will continue to be both satisfactory and troublesome in the future.
Inconsequential - I am a drop in the ocean, a single sand on the beach, a dew here in the morning and gone in the morning. In the grand scheme I am inconsequential. Do I matter, certainly! Don't here me say insignificant. I am very important to my community, this world and my God as He has created me to change it. I am inconsequential for 2 reasons: 1. At times I choose to ignore how to change the world, and 2. The world will change for His will without me, I am who He DESIRES to use, NOT who He MUST use!
Mind - Because this is where all this mess rattles around forming, shaping, sometimes into a logical argument, sometimes into faith, sometimes into a golden calf.
My ultimate vision is to inspire, encourage, and even entertain a little. I am after His glory, not my own.
I realize this post is less what I usually write and much more focused, less story, more content if you could call it that! I will write that way, that is what flows from me, part of who I am, but here I wanted to be intentional and purposeful.
And with that, as my Pastor says, "Go Change the World!"
.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Check the Fan Pulls
Is it shaking or is it me? Another dizzy spell spawning from the depths of my vertigo?
Or is this more?
The room spins, but this time things are falling (look up, look up, see the fan pulls shaking)
The earth rocks
This time it's not me, I'm dizzy but this time for different reasons
This is an adaptation of a facebook feed from my cousin in Japan over the past couple of days / before the 8.9 hit. She is all right but they are out of power for an unknown amount of time.
Tell a story in 55 words and post the link here with G-man for Flash Friday 55! Come and play.
.
Or is this more?
The room spins, but this time things are falling (look up, look up, see the fan pulls shaking)
The earth rocks
This time it's not me, I'm dizzy but this time for different reasons
This is an adaptation of a facebook feed from my cousin in Japan over the past couple of days / before the 8.9 hit. She is all right but they are out of power for an unknown amount of time.
Tell a story in 55 words and post the link here with G-man for Flash Friday 55! Come and play.
.
Monday, March 7, 2011
A Love Story - Part 3
(Part 1 is here.)
(Part 2 is here.)
Grayson could feel the cold of the floors through his shoes while he waited for her to enter. Before long she would appear from the back and walk down the aisle towards him, then stand opposite as the proceedings began. Cameras crowded the room along with so many men in suits. He waited with a nervousness he hoped to subside but would not fade, even with this days end.
Through the sea of jackets he heard the rear doors open. He stood and turned, eyes that had seemingly been dried out began a flood of salty emotion again. Amidst several escorts she stood, hair straight back, dressed in a white suit, belly protruding at the seven month mark. Back-lit from the hallway she seemed to glow, head down, eyes swollen and red.
She walked down the isle with every intention of not looking in his face, forcing her stare to stay on the floor but as she passed through the small gate that separated crowd from participants she was burned by his glare and glanced his direction. Their eyes met for an instant that hung momentarily until an attorney swept her to her position behind the opposite desk.
"All rise" was the next call as the judge entered the room and proceeded to his bench. "Be seated."
"Today a ruling will be made here that will spark criticism and controversy for decades," the Judge began, " it has only been three years since the landmark decision of Roe vs Wade in this very Supreme Court and the progression to a decision like this came much faster than anyone anticipated I suspect."
The judge rambled on about regulations and laws but Grayson's thoughts hurried to the end. Get too it, is this our child or just hers to do with what she pleased? He found it incredible that the progression to this high court had happened so speedily but the rush when government officials got wind of the original argument forced it to the public spotlight on the biggest stage. He just believed this child was both his and hers.
MaryAnne ran from her thoughts. This could finally be the day after 7 long and excruciating months that it could be over, she could begin her recovery, and continue with her life. She continually reminded herself she could not handle this fetus, not now, not ever, and she was forgiven. She hated it, but she longed to do what she believed was best for her and her world.
The Judge concluded his speech and asked the court to rise for his ruling. Crowds outside waited, the country clung to its radios and news outlets waiting for how feel, and both Grayson and MaryAnne were being held up by their surrounding cast, both facing forward in agony.
"I find in favor," the Judge took a deep breath feeling the weight of the moment, "of the female, MaryAnne. It's your body, it's your choice."
The eruption of cheers and protests was instant and overwhelming. Silence that had lived in this room seconds before had vanished into the victorious screams and devastated cries of those around but Grayson and MaryAnne heard nothing.
Grayson immediately began swimming through bodies to get to her for one last pleading and though his progress was swift upon reaching the isle she was halfway down being flown away by her brigade.
"MARYANNE!" he bellowed with every ounce of breath he could find, "PLEASE!" She turned, hair in her face with a confused look of suddenness. "SHE is OURS! BELLE is MINE TOO!" he screamed at her as she was pushed out the door. "NO! PLEASE!" Guards and friends both restrained and held him up.
Their eyes met faintly, just as in the beginning, as the hallway turned, and for him she was gone. MaryAnne's entourage rushed her to a vehicle waiting among the raging crowd and took her immediately to the clinic for her surgery, a minor procedure. Their paths together had ended. Their worlds could never be the same.
.
(Part 2 is here.)
Grayson could feel the cold of the floors through his shoes while he waited for her to enter. Before long she would appear from the back and walk down the aisle towards him, then stand opposite as the proceedings began. Cameras crowded the room along with so many men in suits. He waited with a nervousness he hoped to subside but would not fade, even with this days end.
Through the sea of jackets he heard the rear doors open. He stood and turned, eyes that had seemingly been dried out began a flood of salty emotion again. Amidst several escorts she stood, hair straight back, dressed in a white suit, belly protruding at the seven month mark. Back-lit from the hallway she seemed to glow, head down, eyes swollen and red.
She walked down the isle with every intention of not looking in his face, forcing her stare to stay on the floor but as she passed through the small gate that separated crowd from participants she was burned by his glare and glanced his direction. Their eyes met for an instant that hung momentarily until an attorney swept her to her position behind the opposite desk.
"All rise" was the next call as the judge entered the room and proceeded to his bench. "Be seated."
"Today a ruling will be made here that will spark criticism and controversy for decades," the Judge began, " it has only been three years since the landmark decision of Roe vs Wade in this very Supreme Court and the progression to a decision like this came much faster than anyone anticipated I suspect."
The judge rambled on about regulations and laws but Grayson's thoughts hurried to the end. Get too it, is this our child or just hers to do with what she pleased? He found it incredible that the progression to this high court had happened so speedily but the rush when government officials got wind of the original argument forced it to the public spotlight on the biggest stage. He just believed this child was both his and hers.
MaryAnne ran from her thoughts. This could finally be the day after 7 long and excruciating months that it could be over, she could begin her recovery, and continue with her life. She continually reminded herself she could not handle this fetus, not now, not ever, and she was forgiven. She hated it, but she longed to do what she believed was best for her and her world.
The Judge concluded his speech and asked the court to rise for his ruling. Crowds outside waited, the country clung to its radios and news outlets waiting for how feel, and both Grayson and MaryAnne were being held up by their surrounding cast, both facing forward in agony.
"I find in favor," the Judge took a deep breath feeling the weight of the moment, "of the female, MaryAnne. It's your body, it's your choice."
The eruption of cheers and protests was instant and overwhelming. Silence that had lived in this room seconds before had vanished into the victorious screams and devastated cries of those around but Grayson and MaryAnne heard nothing.
Grayson immediately began swimming through bodies to get to her for one last pleading and though his progress was swift upon reaching the isle she was halfway down being flown away by her brigade.
"MARYANNE!" he bellowed with every ounce of breath he could find, "PLEASE!" She turned, hair in her face with a confused look of suddenness. "SHE is OURS! BELLE is MINE TOO!" he screamed at her as she was pushed out the door. "NO! PLEASE!" Guards and friends both restrained and held him up.
Their eyes met faintly, just as in the beginning, as the hallway turned, and for him she was gone. MaryAnne's entourage rushed her to a vehicle waiting among the raging crowd and took her immediately to the clinic for her surgery, a minor procedure. Their paths together had ended. Their worlds could never be the same.
.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Rockets and Wings - 55
Grasping the sides attempting to keep his seat while the rockets fired below.
In these moments regrets and memories flood like swollen rivers - eyes redden - sweat beads.
The evening before rushes in and he thinks:
"Why did I eat 23 wings last night!?!?!?"
Sorry, this just flowed out of my 7 year old mind this morning, my bad to all.
Tell a story in 55 words and post the link here with G-man for Flash Friday 55! Come and play.
.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Groupless - Without a New Start
Just over a month out from being without a Brentwood Community Group now and I don't like it. I could end this right now and be completely satisfied but it would defeat the purpose of writing the steps in this 6 month journey. I suspect this could go many ways over the next months but we will just have to see.
Twelve weeks before time to launch our 3rd Community Group I began to feel a little hesitant. I wrote this off, figuring it was me trying to deny the end of an incredible run with amazing people. Talking through God's Word, wrestling through some hard books & studies, and pushing each other to Christ in life through everyday situations.
The depth of need for this goes back to creation (perhaps I'll delve into this at some point) and thus my initial write off. Then my brilliant wife had questions and so we began to explore. I'm a concrete kind of guy so I wanted a verse saying to breathe or wait or something, all I got was a consistent feeling over several weeks to wait until next time. I am usually quick to act, but I slowed down for this one, because I knew if it was direction from Christ it was going to be painful for me.
"The Lord's voice is always gentle calling you to His home. He is not forceful or hurried but soft. By contrast, Satan's voice is rushed and immediate."
After weeks of talking and working this through we agreed, for the next 6 months, no C-group. I approached our Community Life Pastor about not leading the group and he was disappointed but accepting, with a challenge to lead a week later. (I would have done the exact same thing.)
The new launches came and went and here I sit, groupless, searching for a reason, hoping I don't miss it because only a month out I'm not sure how long I'll last. I have some ideas of why, explore community outside of groups, find a new place to serve, spend more time pouring into people who are not in groups, etc. but as I start to delve into these already some doors have been closed.
I know that I breath this stuff, it consumes my thoughts, the how's the what's the who's & when's. So for the next six months I'll do what I can where I can to be involved with Community Life as it is where my thoughts sit. I'll attempt to journal through the process here as I hopefully learn and ultimately press even more into Christ through whatever He presents to me. We won't be alone, but we won't be weekly grouped either and I will dearly miss that.
So here's to true biblical relationships based in Christ . . . and here's to the journey, right?
.
Twelve weeks before time to launch our 3rd Community Group I began to feel a little hesitant. I wrote this off, figuring it was me trying to deny the end of an incredible run with amazing people. Talking through God's Word, wrestling through some hard books & studies, and pushing each other to Christ in life through everyday situations.The depth of need for this goes back to creation (perhaps I'll delve into this at some point) and thus my initial write off. Then my brilliant wife had questions and so we began to explore. I'm a concrete kind of guy so I wanted a verse saying to breathe or wait or something, all I got was a consistent feeling over several weeks to wait until next time. I am usually quick to act, but I slowed down for this one, because I knew if it was direction from Christ it was going to be painful for me.
"The Lord's voice is always gentle calling you to His home. He is not forceful or hurried but soft. By contrast, Satan's voice is rushed and immediate."
After weeks of talking and working this through we agreed, for the next 6 months, no C-group. I approached our Community Life Pastor about not leading the group and he was disappointed but accepting, with a challenge to lead a week later. (I would have done the exact same thing.)
The new launches came and went and here I sit, groupless, searching for a reason, hoping I don't miss it because only a month out I'm not sure how long I'll last. I have some ideas of why, explore community outside of groups, find a new place to serve, spend more time pouring into people who are not in groups, etc. but as I start to delve into these already some doors have been closed.
I know that I breath this stuff, it consumes my thoughts, the how's the what's the who's & when's. So for the next six months I'll do what I can where I can to be involved with Community Life as it is where my thoughts sit. I'll attempt to journal through the process here as I hopefully learn and ultimately press even more into Christ through whatever He presents to me. We won't be alone, but we won't be weekly grouped either and I will dearly miss that.
So here's to true biblical relationships based in Christ . . . and here's to the journey, right?
.
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