1- Everyone is broken. Everyone. There are 2 types of broken people: those who realize it and those who don't.
2- Broken people cause more brokenness. They demand grace yet give none. They want love and attention yet are quick to condemn and slow to help others. They blame-shift and justify. In other words, they are just like the rest of us. Some will act stronger than they are- and it will keep them from growing. Others will act weak on purpose- because they constantly want something from everyone else at church. Both are forms of sin.
3- Outside of the transforming power of Jesus, broken people stay just as broken. They may seek religion, self-help or other forms of improvement. But these are, at best, self-delusional veneers that only change the outside appearance.
4- I will never meet someone for whom Jesus did not die. Therefore, I need to respect and love them.
5- I will never share Jesus with someone who would be better off if I didn't. However, I should never push Jesus on someone whose heart is too hard to hear it.
6- Tolerance is hypocritical and overrated. Those for whom tolerance is a top value tend to become pretty intolerant and mean-spirited towards the people they deem "intolerant." But it's not tolerant to tolerate only those who are easy to tolerate. And, as a friend says, the value of tolerance aims far too low. How about respect? Admiration? Care and concern? Certainly, all of these are better than tolerance. I tolerate the flu because I have to. I love the sun because it's a blessing. I respect people because they are made in the image of Christ. Therefore, screw tolerance as a value.
7- Jesus was intolerant at times. He claimed exclusivity. "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me." If we could get to Christ any other way, then Jesus died for nothing. Further, if Jesus is God- as he clearly claims to be- then how can I come to God by rejecting God?
8a- Churches can either see believers as customers or family. If they are customers, we cater to them. We try to make them happy. To get their money and keep their business. We chase them down to get them to come back because our goal is to become a bigger, more successful business. This is skubala.
If they are family, we speak hard truth, in love, because we want the best for them. We cater to Jesus. We seek to make Christ happy by helping them become holy. We show concern but chase after no one. Our goal is faithfulness to the call and real discipleship, not outward religious morality and Americanized church success.
8b. Some will leave a church to test our love. Will we call? Will we run after them? We do care, but should we have to prove it? And when we fail them, when we don't, they'll claim to have hurt feelings. This is ridiculous- love isn't a game. And there's usually nothing wrong with their dialing finger- they could have called at any time.
9- All biblical counseling is merely discipleship: formation into the image of Christ. Our goal is NEVER to fix the outward problem, but to look deeper for the image issue. What have they believed that is a lie and keeping them from following Jesus fully? How have the failed to see the truth of the gospel in it's implications for their lives?
10- I can fix no one. Ever. But I can take them to the One who is in the business of forming us into His image.
11- Couples counseling always involves 2 people. Never make a judgment until I've heard both sides.
12- My greatest times of growth will always come from or be centered on fellowship involving the Word of God. Sermons are widely underrated. Some of my most important decisions have come during times of hearing the Word preached and then responding to God's Spirit.
13- Most people serve money. Even if they don't have it. Jesus said serving money and serving Him were mutually exclusive. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say he probably knew what he was talking about.
14- Our sinful natures cause us to worship the created rather than the Creator. For this reason, we cling to forms and miss the function. For instance, we're so concerned about the style of music that we miss the reason for it- worship. We get exercised over dress codes and miss the point- coming to Jesus laid bare inside and with nothing to hide. We get so concerned for the "sanctuary" that we miss our own heresy- there is NO building made with hands that is holy or in which God dwells. We are the sanctuary. How do we treat one another? It means much more than whether or not a kid runs in a building or Christian brings coffee into a particular room. Skubala- all of it.
15. Contemporary, casual-dress Christians (me!) can be just as judgmental towards traditional Christians as the traditional Christians are towards them. Both times, the issue is a prideful and wrong attitude.
16. In churches, there are: not-yet-sheep, sheep, shepherds and wolves. We challenge the not-yet to become sheep. We direct the sheep to greater growth. We pray for and respect the shepherds. We give no room to wolves. Ever. "Reject a divisive man after the first and second warning. Having nothing more to do with him..."
17. Wolves rarely know they are wolves. They are usually self-deceived. But they tend have an easy time bullying people because Christians think they should be "nice" to everyone- including those who would slander, gossip, divide and destroy the church.
18. We can only unify around something greater than our petty viewpoints and preferences. Biblical unity can only occur around Jesus as we each carry a cross and crucify our own desires. Jesus died for the church- it's his. Not ours. No matter how many generations of our family have been at the church.
19. God uses shock-value at times to communicate. The Christian community covers it up. Isaiah walked around naked, his junk swinging in the wind. Paul used the word "shit" as an expletive to describe all his honors and accomplishments apart from Christ. Our best deeds look like used, bloody, clumpy menstrual rags to God. This is Bible, not me. God does it to focus our attention on truth, not to titillate our minds. Ezekiel 23 in the NIV is positively pornographic. God has a reason for it- Ezekiel 23 demonstrates how God views our unfaithfulness.
Why, then, are we so proper and modest in our practice of our religion?
20. I will never feel successful. I'm in ministry. People are broken. They are a work in progress that is never finished this side of glory. They will, at times, attack and hate and slander. And I will want to walk away. This happened with OT prophets, NT Apostles and has been true of Pastors since the church began. However, faithfulness to the call is always going to be the real measure of success.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Familiarity...
I love food. Yeah, you read that right. Food. I enjoy it, savor it even. When I want pizza, I don't want just any pizza. I want good pizza. With a spicy sauce that has a hint of sweetness to it. Papa Johns, maybe. With a three-cheese blend. Maybe some sauteed onions and green peppers. The garlic butter sauce for dipping my crust. Hmmm...
Oooppsss- got sidetracked. Toldya- I love food. I have a friend who feels the same way. He just completed a 10-day fast. Said it made him appreciate tasting food all the more. Like he'd become so accustomed to the taste of his meals that he'd taken it for granted.
I pastor an incredible church. I seriously feel privileged- like I've been honored with a great gift- to pastor these people. They love one another well. Not with mere words, but in how they treat and care for one another. They focus outward- "how can we help?"- rather than inward "what has the church done for ME lately?"
And this is a poor church. Socio-economically, we are lower-middle class. We barely make our bills and often don't quite get there. Our carpet is 25 years old, stained with memories of coffee, baby bottles and juice. Our outside lights don't work right. Our parking lot is in desperate need of help. Yet...we feed and clothe people through our Mercy Ministries. We welcome addicts and see them become free in Christ. We are full of foster kids and maladjusted youth. And we love and accept them. Even when they're loud in the worship service. And...God is present.
So I make well under what a Pastor of a similarly-sized church with like affiliations in Virginia makes. Especially one in his "highest earning years," according to reports. We struggle. Vacation last year was a Minister's Retreat in an unairconditioned dorm room. We had a great time. But no cruises. No beach trips.
And I can struggle with the desire to give my wife and son more. But...Layman isn't fighting or plotting the overthrow of it's leaders. We are reaching, teaching, going, growing. Because we reach the disadvantaged, most people represent more need rather than additional help financially. But that's OK.
Because I'm called here. To this. With these people. And I LOVE them. I often think of where they sit each week. I see them in my head and I can call to mind names, family relations, prayer requests. And I pray for each. And thank God for the privilege of doing life together with them. No greater honor.
God forbid that familiarity would breed anything other than a greater love for God's people, God's mission, God's call. I'm no martyr. I'd love to be able to make more. To give my son vacations and ski trips. To give my wife a new floor (our carpet is disintegrating...). But I'll give them a contented, called husband and father who loves Jesus and is privileged to serve. Hopefully, that's enough.
Oooppsss- got sidetracked. Toldya- I love food. I have a friend who feels the same way. He just completed a 10-day fast. Said it made him appreciate tasting food all the more. Like he'd become so accustomed to the taste of his meals that he'd taken it for granted.
I pastor an incredible church. I seriously feel privileged- like I've been honored with a great gift- to pastor these people. They love one another well. Not with mere words, but in how they treat and care for one another. They focus outward- "how can we help?"- rather than inward "what has the church done for ME lately?"
And this is a poor church. Socio-economically, we are lower-middle class. We barely make our bills and often don't quite get there. Our carpet is 25 years old, stained with memories of coffee, baby bottles and juice. Our outside lights don't work right. Our parking lot is in desperate need of help. Yet...we feed and clothe people through our Mercy Ministries. We welcome addicts and see them become free in Christ. We are full of foster kids and maladjusted youth. And we love and accept them. Even when they're loud in the worship service. And...God is present.
So I make well under what a Pastor of a similarly-sized church with like affiliations in Virginia makes. Especially one in his "highest earning years," according to reports. We struggle. Vacation last year was a Minister's Retreat in an unairconditioned dorm room. We had a great time. But no cruises. No beach trips.
And I can struggle with the desire to give my wife and son more. But...Layman isn't fighting or plotting the overthrow of it's leaders. We are reaching, teaching, going, growing. Because we reach the disadvantaged, most people represent more need rather than additional help financially. But that's OK.
Because I'm called here. To this. With these people. And I LOVE them. I often think of where they sit each week. I see them in my head and I can call to mind names, family relations, prayer requests. And I pray for each. And thank God for the privilege of doing life together with them. No greater honor.
God forbid that familiarity would breed anything other than a greater love for God's people, God's mission, God's call. I'm no martyr. I'd love to be able to make more. To give my son vacations and ski trips. To give my wife a new floor (our carpet is disintegrating...). But I'll give them a contented, called husband and father who loves Jesus and is privileged to serve. Hopefully, that's enough.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Unfrickenbelievable...
I received an email last week from Cowboy Church. And an attachment concerning worship. Their concept? Using the Jewish Temple as a pattern, take a Gentile (outer court) song and use it first. Upbeat, not very spiritual and possibly secular. Then move slowly into the more worshipful areas. Excellent confirmation on what we'd already felt Biker Church should be doing.
I met with head honcho from Cowboy Church and discussed licensing. Found that we are (and have been) on very safe ground for what we're doing as long as we're in the building in a non-profit teaching environment (Church!). He tells me that when one of his guys visited, he was surprised to hear we were doing contemporary Christian music as our mainstay. He felt we should be rocking the place. This is the guy who has pioneered niche church in Va. So I'm listening to him confirm what I already felt!
So I walk into BCR last night and the crowd is thin. It's cold out and close to Christmas. It's all good- we're upbeat, happy, unified. Several of us go back to pray in a little room. We come out and people are streaming in. Great group- as big as we've been since we started.
I'm at the water fountain in the hallway when I hear it coming from the worship space. The guitars first, then the keyboards and drums. I'm smiling this dumb smile that I can't get off my face. My foot is tapping. "Jeremiah was a bullfrog (Duh Dup Dum), was a good friend of mine (Duh Dup Dum)..." And it's a rocking version. As I walk into the worship area, it transitions smoothly to "Joy to the World, the Lord has Come" and bridges back to Jeremiah. Amazing.
When it's over the crowd is clapping heartily, whistling and screaming "Yeah!" The next is "Angels We Have Heard on High." Again, rocking, yet keeping the same basic tune as the original. Again, applause. Then a very slow and worshipful "Mary Did You Know?"
The comments I got afterward were unbelievable. Our group ate it up. They rocked, worshiped and were drawn closer to Jesus. And I'm grateful. God moved in that place. And through all the chaos and heartache of having friends leave, I feel like God is doing what He desired all along. And that those leadership who left are going to find exactly where God wants to use them. They're good people. And I've loved co-laboring with them and appreciated their faithfulness. It's no loss to Kingdom when God transfers his children from one house to another.
And me? Dude, I can't friggin' wait for next week!
I met with head honcho from Cowboy Church and discussed licensing. Found that we are (and have been) on very safe ground for what we're doing as long as we're in the building in a non-profit teaching environment (Church!). He tells me that when one of his guys visited, he was surprised to hear we were doing contemporary Christian music as our mainstay. He felt we should be rocking the place. This is the guy who has pioneered niche church in Va. So I'm listening to him confirm what I already felt!
So I walk into BCR last night and the crowd is thin. It's cold out and close to Christmas. It's all good- we're upbeat, happy, unified. Several of us go back to pray in a little room. We come out and people are streaming in. Great group- as big as we've been since we started.
I'm at the water fountain in the hallway when I hear it coming from the worship space. The guitars first, then the keyboards and drums. I'm smiling this dumb smile that I can't get off my face. My foot is tapping. "Jeremiah was a bullfrog (Duh Dup Dum), was a good friend of mine (Duh Dup Dum)..." And it's a rocking version. As I walk into the worship area, it transitions smoothly to "Joy to the World, the Lord has Come" and bridges back to Jeremiah. Amazing.
When it's over the crowd is clapping heartily, whistling and screaming "Yeah!" The next is "Angels We Have Heard on High." Again, rocking, yet keeping the same basic tune as the original. Again, applause. Then a very slow and worshipful "Mary Did You Know?"
The comments I got afterward were unbelievable. Our group ate it up. They rocked, worshiped and were drawn closer to Jesus. And I'm grateful. God moved in that place. And through all the chaos and heartache of having friends leave, I feel like God is doing what He desired all along. And that those leadership who left are going to find exactly where God wants to use them. They're good people. And I've loved co-laboring with them and appreciated their faithfulness. It's no loss to Kingdom when God transfers his children from one house to another.
And me? Dude, I can't friggin' wait for next week!
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Preaching and Practice...
For months, I've been preaching about how God never promises a life without pain, suffering, trials. But that we are called to trust him and glorify him through all things. This has been one of several threads running throughout the sermons for quite a while. OK...hold that thought!
Our past affects us. It shouldn't control us, but it does affect us. A woman who has been through severe abuse (I'm thinking of a particular friend right this moment) may be years past it. But a man raising his voice in anger may cause her to crumple into a lump of shaking and tears. I was a spectator, watching it happen. My heart breaking for her. And angry with the man.
Years ago, I pastored a church that was full of anger, bitterness, division and gossip. It took all I had to hold on and not walk away. Minus Jesus' call and strength, I would have left the ministry during that time. I took so many arrows I was holy for an entirely different reason!
I learned a lot and have tried hard to major on unity, love and caring for one another- Eph 4, 1 Cor. 12, etc. We've had a number of years of encouraging, uplifting, unified and loving fellowship. Yet no amount of positive peer pressure and signed church membership covenants and teaching can restrain the flesh when God is not in control.
OK, back to that original thought. You did hold it, right? OK, here goes. Personalities have come into conflict. There's drama and accusations and gossip. Most of it isn't even me, but I'm taking hits and having to confront on issues. None of this is good. None of it glorifies God. And I know that people who leave might badmouth me and the two churches I pastor to others. And that SHOULDN'T bother me. Really. No, I mean it.
Because I have to look in the mirror and make sure I've done what I can to get along with, apologize as necessary, seek peace and look for reconciliation. Having done that, let people talk. I do have to stand before God for every person placed under my care. THAT should be my fear. Nothing else.
But I'm finding that I cringe as I open emails. I want to duck as I go into Facebook. Why should this be? Because...I have Religion-based PTSD. I've been here before. It's ugly and ridiculous and dumb. But I don't get to control anything other than my actions and reactions. And I'm fighting hard not to use food as an escape. (Laugh all you want- it's my drug of choice!). Or to bury myself in movies or computer games. Or to ignore and not be present with my family (this one is tough- my mind is continually preoccupied). Or to justify myself by deciding that others are bad. They aren't. They're just flawed, broken people. Like me!
So my focus is continually being drawn back to Jesus. To the Author, the Finisher of my faith. What I was preaching I'm now living. And I've discovered that my theology hasn't changed. The only thing different is that now I'm understanding it from the other side- as a man feeling the heat of the trial. I can't control the circumstances. But I will submit my responses to Jesus, then trust as He leads. And that, my friend, is more than enough. Bread for today, bro...bread for today.
Our past affects us. It shouldn't control us, but it does affect us. A woman who has been through severe abuse (I'm thinking of a particular friend right this moment) may be years past it. But a man raising his voice in anger may cause her to crumple into a lump of shaking and tears. I was a spectator, watching it happen. My heart breaking for her. And angry with the man.
Years ago, I pastored a church that was full of anger, bitterness, division and gossip. It took all I had to hold on and not walk away. Minus Jesus' call and strength, I would have left the ministry during that time. I took so many arrows I was holy for an entirely different reason!
I learned a lot and have tried hard to major on unity, love and caring for one another- Eph 4, 1 Cor. 12, etc. We've had a number of years of encouraging, uplifting, unified and loving fellowship. Yet no amount of positive peer pressure and signed church membership covenants and teaching can restrain the flesh when God is not in control.
OK, back to that original thought. You did hold it, right? OK, here goes. Personalities have come into conflict. There's drama and accusations and gossip. Most of it isn't even me, but I'm taking hits and having to confront on issues. None of this is good. None of it glorifies God. And I know that people who leave might badmouth me and the two churches I pastor to others. And that SHOULDN'T bother me. Really. No, I mean it.
Because I have to look in the mirror and make sure I've done what I can to get along with, apologize as necessary, seek peace and look for reconciliation. Having done that, let people talk. I do have to stand before God for every person placed under my care. THAT should be my fear. Nothing else.
But I'm finding that I cringe as I open emails. I want to duck as I go into Facebook. Why should this be? Because...I have Religion-based PTSD. I've been here before. It's ugly and ridiculous and dumb. But I don't get to control anything other than my actions and reactions. And I'm fighting hard not to use food as an escape. (Laugh all you want- it's my drug of choice!). Or to bury myself in movies or computer games. Or to ignore and not be present with my family (this one is tough- my mind is continually preoccupied). Or to justify myself by deciding that others are bad. They aren't. They're just flawed, broken people. Like me!
So my focus is continually being drawn back to Jesus. To the Author, the Finisher of my faith. What I was preaching I'm now living. And I've discovered that my theology hasn't changed. The only thing different is that now I'm understanding it from the other side- as a man feeling the heat of the trial. I can't control the circumstances. But I will submit my responses to Jesus, then trust as He leads. And that, my friend, is more than enough. Bread for today, bro...bread for today.
Monday, December 06, 2010
Chaos and Sovereignty
So there I was, innocent enough. I had stopped running. I had begun to come to terms with it. I bought a motorcycle (no small feat considering my wife's vehement opposition. Yet I persevered and convinced her...somewhat). I had lain awake at night dreaming of Biker Church. Couldn't get it out of my head. I KNEW it was from God. No doubt.
So I talked to 2 leaders at Layman. They agreed to help launch and lead Biker Church. From the beginning, there was opposition from the Enemy. Just stupid stuff like people who wouldn't attend because someone else was there who had been divorced from one of their friends. Emotional issues hit me every week before the service. Temptations to lust were very strong during these times as well. Clearly the Enemy was working hard to destroy what God wanted to build.
Yet we began to see God's hand very clearly. Couples who were living together repented and got married. People came to Christ and those who had given up on church found a home at Biker Church. We rode together, hung together, enjoyed time fellowshiping. It was...incredible.
Then it began. One of our leaders made some comments an attender took issue with. During a prayer meeting, I felt strongly impressed to say that I believed the Enemy would try to split us up. We agreed to stay humble, focused on Christ and prayerful.
Several weeks later, issues came to the fore in the form of band trouble. Disagreements on style and type of music. A band that had just come off a great time of leading 2 services felt demoralized by band leadership. We could argue if they should have or not. But the point is, they did. I held a meeting with the leadership and band together without going to the leadership first.
That was it. Our leadership left. Oh, I apologized- very quickly and quite profusely. But now I'm the remaining leader. Another guy has threatened to leave over conflicts in the band, but it looks like that is being worked out. And I've brought in a pastoral advisory team so that there's an accountability for me.
In the end, the Enemy won. But...did he? The band sounds incredible. They feel great freedom and have the ability to grow into the role. This is...opportunity. The leaders who left are amazing people. I've had the privilege of working alongside them for quite some time and have been enriched by the experienced. But one guy and his wife had already been thinking of leaving for a church more tied to the denomination he comes from. And that's OK. The other guy is still hanging out occasionally. I'm praying for God to guide him. He's a terrific guy- I'll miss him if he leaves.
But in the midst of chaos, I cling to the Truth: none of this took God by surprise. And none of it is irredeemable by his grace and power. The couple who left probably needed the break. Pastoral leadership may not be the calling of the other guy. His calling is probably more involved with influencing towards Christ and towards involvement in Christ's church. And there's an excitement in the sadness. God is at work.
When God begins to do something mighty, he often changes the playing field to facilitate the change. I'm praying. I'm praising. I'm missing my friends. But I love my faith. And I thank God for giving it to me. The leash on the Enemy only goes as far the Lord allows. And even fleshly behavior can work for God's glory in the long-run as his people repent, pray and seek.
So I'm excited. Jazzed, even. Who knows what God might want to do. Lord help anyone who would try to divide, cause discouragement or spread dissension in God's people. I've read the bible- God hates that stuff. God's at work. I'm on board. Let's see where this train takes us...
So I talked to 2 leaders at Layman. They agreed to help launch and lead Biker Church. From the beginning, there was opposition from the Enemy. Just stupid stuff like people who wouldn't attend because someone else was there who had been divorced from one of their friends. Emotional issues hit me every week before the service. Temptations to lust were very strong during these times as well. Clearly the Enemy was working hard to destroy what God wanted to build.
Yet we began to see God's hand very clearly. Couples who were living together repented and got married. People came to Christ and those who had given up on church found a home at Biker Church. We rode together, hung together, enjoyed time fellowshiping. It was...incredible.
Then it began. One of our leaders made some comments an attender took issue with. During a prayer meeting, I felt strongly impressed to say that I believed the Enemy would try to split us up. We agreed to stay humble, focused on Christ and prayerful.
Several weeks later, issues came to the fore in the form of band trouble. Disagreements on style and type of music. A band that had just come off a great time of leading 2 services felt demoralized by band leadership. We could argue if they should have or not. But the point is, they did. I held a meeting with the leadership and band together without going to the leadership first.
That was it. Our leadership left. Oh, I apologized- very quickly and quite profusely. But now I'm the remaining leader. Another guy has threatened to leave over conflicts in the band, but it looks like that is being worked out. And I've brought in a pastoral advisory team so that there's an accountability for me.
In the end, the Enemy won. But...did he? The band sounds incredible. They feel great freedom and have the ability to grow into the role. This is...opportunity. The leaders who left are amazing people. I've had the privilege of working alongside them for quite some time and have been enriched by the experienced. But one guy and his wife had already been thinking of leaving for a church more tied to the denomination he comes from. And that's OK. The other guy is still hanging out occasionally. I'm praying for God to guide him. He's a terrific guy- I'll miss him if he leaves.
But in the midst of chaos, I cling to the Truth: none of this took God by surprise. And none of it is irredeemable by his grace and power. The couple who left probably needed the break. Pastoral leadership may not be the calling of the other guy. His calling is probably more involved with influencing towards Christ and towards involvement in Christ's church. And there's an excitement in the sadness. God is at work.
When God begins to do something mighty, he often changes the playing field to facilitate the change. I'm praying. I'm praising. I'm missing my friends. But I love my faith. And I thank God for giving it to me. The leash on the Enemy only goes as far the Lord allows. And even fleshly behavior can work for God's glory in the long-run as his people repent, pray and seek.
So I'm excited. Jazzed, even. Who knows what God might want to do. Lord help anyone who would try to divide, cause discouragement or spread dissension in God's people. I've read the bible- God hates that stuff. God's at work. I'm on board. Let's see where this train takes us...
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
2 Churches, 1 Building...
So in a time in which McChurch is growing by leaps and bounds, I'm part of rebelling and doing the opposite. And I don't feel the least bit bad about it. Don't get me wrong: the McChurch is not a terrible thing. It's just that...what? The McChurch? Oh, sorry!
The McChurch is the franchising of the church of Jesus Christ. So instead of planting and mentoring new churches which have their own identity, big churches are now planting new churches with the same name as the mother church, using live bands but video preaching. They are, in a sense, extending the reach of the mother church via branding and centralized leadership rather than planting entirely new churches.
This isn't wrong or bad. It can reach people with the message of God's love and make disciples. Driscoll in Seattle, Chandler in Texas (and many more) are currently doing McChurch. It's simply a different and legitimate use for technology.
However, I'm cynical, skeptical and rebellious. I just read in 1 Timothy about the church taking care of "true widows" who don't have family to take care of them. I keep finding the scriptures speak of helping the needy right alongside preaching Jesus and making disciples. In Galatians, Paul was commended by the Apostles to to to the Gentiles as a missionary. The only thing they asked was that he "remember the poor." Jesus talks about Sheep and Goats. The difference between the two appears to be how big they grew their church. Nope? Yeah, you caught me! The difference is how they treated people who couldn't help themselves.
And I believe many of these McChurches are helping the needy. I wonder if they ever considered putting up housing adjacent to their buildings for those in need rather than theater seats, neon signs and full-service coffee shops in their churches? But, again, I'm cynical and idealistic and somewhat angry at bible-belt Christianity, not to mention consumer-church Christianity. As though the size of the church determines its' success. Here's a hint: Nofreakinway, dude. (Quick disclaimer- I pastor small churches. I'm not jealous nor am I upset about it- it's a privilege to speak God's Word and I LOVE our people).
So...to the original point- I want our building to be used as much as possible. So when it came time to plant Biker Church, we used the Layman building. We just met on an alternate day and time. Rather that "one church, many locations," we became "two churches, one location." And I'm open to a third church or more using the same space. Maybe a Hispanic church plant? Or Bosnian? Roanoke has a fairly large transplanted Bosnian contingent. Hmmm...
And we use it as a center for our distribution of food and clothing to people in need. We give bread items, frozen food, all manner of clothing to those who can use it. Through our Mercy Ministries person, we also house people.
We're small. We don't seem to attract rich donors. We haven't franchised the Layman name and have no plans to make much of our name. But, God help us, we're gonna make much of Jesus. To people Layman can reach. To people Biker Church can reach. To people in need, serving in the name of Christ.
Layman will patch them up and watch many of them go their way. That's OK- our little church baptized more than 20 last year. Quite a few have moved out of state or had circumstances take them away from us. Because that's the nature of many of the people we reach. But we had the privilege of bringing them to faith and beginning to disciple them. We fed and clothed and housed many. And we're good with that.
Praise God for churches large and small who serve Jesus and the people he created- all to his glory.
The McChurch is the franchising of the church of Jesus Christ. So instead of planting and mentoring new churches which have their own identity, big churches are now planting new churches with the same name as the mother church, using live bands but video preaching. They are, in a sense, extending the reach of the mother church via branding and centralized leadership rather than planting entirely new churches.
This isn't wrong or bad. It can reach people with the message of God's love and make disciples. Driscoll in Seattle, Chandler in Texas (and many more) are currently doing McChurch. It's simply a different and legitimate use for technology.
However, I'm cynical, skeptical and rebellious. I just read in 1 Timothy about the church taking care of "true widows" who don't have family to take care of them. I keep finding the scriptures speak of helping the needy right alongside preaching Jesus and making disciples. In Galatians, Paul was commended by the Apostles to to to the Gentiles as a missionary. The only thing they asked was that he "remember the poor." Jesus talks about Sheep and Goats. The difference between the two appears to be how big they grew their church. Nope? Yeah, you caught me! The difference is how they treated people who couldn't help themselves.
And I believe many of these McChurches are helping the needy. I wonder if they ever considered putting up housing adjacent to their buildings for those in need rather than theater seats, neon signs and full-service coffee shops in their churches? But, again, I'm cynical and idealistic and somewhat angry at bible-belt Christianity, not to mention consumer-church Christianity. As though the size of the church determines its' success. Here's a hint: Nofreakinway, dude. (Quick disclaimer- I pastor small churches. I'm not jealous nor am I upset about it- it's a privilege to speak God's Word and I LOVE our people).
So...to the original point- I want our building to be used as much as possible. So when it came time to plant Biker Church, we used the Layman building. We just met on an alternate day and time. Rather that "one church, many locations," we became "two churches, one location." And I'm open to a third church or more using the same space. Maybe a Hispanic church plant? Or Bosnian? Roanoke has a fairly large transplanted Bosnian contingent. Hmmm...
And we use it as a center for our distribution of food and clothing to people in need. We give bread items, frozen food, all manner of clothing to those who can use it. Through our Mercy Ministries person, we also house people.
We're small. We don't seem to attract rich donors. We haven't franchised the Layman name and have no plans to make much of our name. But, God help us, we're gonna make much of Jesus. To people Layman can reach. To people Biker Church can reach. To people in need, serving in the name of Christ.
Layman will patch them up and watch many of them go their way. That's OK- our little church baptized more than 20 last year. Quite a few have moved out of state or had circumstances take them away from us. Because that's the nature of many of the people we reach. But we had the privilege of bringing them to faith and beginning to disciple them. We fed and clothed and housed many. And we're good with that.
Praise God for churches large and small who serve Jesus and the people he created- all to his glory.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Yesterday...
I'm having a couple of weeks of severe insomnia, so my energy levels are a bit...low. We went to Festival in the Park yesterday. Not much happening there. I remember it being so much bigger and better about 10-15 years ago. Left there and headed to the mall to see a movie. Had a little more than an hour to kill, so we walked the mall for a bit. Then saw "Prince of Persia." It was OK. Came home, cut the yard, folding Worship Programs for church and watched the rest of "They Live" that I had recorded a while back.
Just a normal day. Not much sleep again last night, so preaching today should be a challenge. I don't use notes, so either I got this thing or I don't. God will come through and it will all work out, though.
Just a normal day. Not much sleep again last night, so preaching today should be a challenge. I don't use notes, so either I got this thing or I don't. God will come through and it will all work out, though.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
4.5 months later...
Yeah, I used to love running. Esp. on trails. But even on streets and greenways, I'd run and think, "I was made for this! My body- even my soul- loves this!" Then, the IT Band and ensuing knee problems brought it all to a screeching halt. I haven't run at all for quite a while. Haven't biked hardly at all either. My aerobic ability must be darn near nill.
So...I bought a motorcycle. I love being out and feeling the breeze, the sun, nature. It restores me. Yeah, I miss running. Listening to podcasts of Driscoll and Chandler. I miss the feeling of accomplishment after pushing myself to go further, do more. The fitness, the relaxation, the meditation of the rhythmic pat of my feet on the trail.
But I can do one of two things: I can become bitter and regretful and backward-focused. Or I can press on and do what I committed to 27 years ago- enjoy every age for what it has to offer. So...motorcycle. Or at least, more time not running so more time for family and work. And I love my work, so it's not like it's drudgery- I want more time for it.
I can ride the bike to counseling appointments, events, coffee shops (my 2nd office!). Hopefully, I'll be safe and other vehicles will see fit to not kill me. (Like that young teen texting while driving or that really older person having trouble seeing the road!).
I don't know if I'll run again. Right now, I'm not entirely hopeful. But grieving the loss of running seems somewhat silly considering that it's not an eternal pursuit anyway. God is. Love is. Praise is. Helping others in Christ's name is. Building believers who love God and eschew the Bible-belt mentality is. I'll focus on the important and let the temporal roll by. If I can run again, great. If I can't, great. Blessed be the Name.
So...I bought a motorcycle. I love being out and feeling the breeze, the sun, nature. It restores me. Yeah, I miss running. Listening to podcasts of Driscoll and Chandler. I miss the feeling of accomplishment after pushing myself to go further, do more. The fitness, the relaxation, the meditation of the rhythmic pat of my feet on the trail.
But I can do one of two things: I can become bitter and regretful and backward-focused. Or I can press on and do what I committed to 27 years ago- enjoy every age for what it has to offer. So...motorcycle. Or at least, more time not running so more time for family and work. And I love my work, so it's not like it's drudgery- I want more time for it.
I can ride the bike to counseling appointments, events, coffee shops (my 2nd office!). Hopefully, I'll be safe and other vehicles will see fit to not kill me. (Like that young teen texting while driving or that really older person having trouble seeing the road!).
I don't know if I'll run again. Right now, I'm not entirely hopeful. But grieving the loss of running seems somewhat silly considering that it's not an eternal pursuit anyway. God is. Love is. Praise is. Helping others in Christ's name is. Building believers who love God and eschew the Bible-belt mentality is. I'll focus on the important and let the temporal roll by. If I can run again, great. If I can't, great. Blessed be the Name.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
The Knee...
So I was training for the Blue Ridge Parkway Marathon. OK, I'd decided I might step down to the half-marathon. And I was doing well. Running 13 mile long-runs every Friday. Running up Mill Mountain and out the spur to the Parkway and back every Monday. Running throughout the week.
And I was feeling a bit of pain in the knees. I wasn't sure what was up. One Thursday, I decided to run down 460 from Bonsack towards Bedford. The road was highly cambered and I couldn't run the level surface no matter how I tried. But I only ran 5.5 miles. Nothing major. Ran fast, pushed it a bit.
The next day, I did my long run loop from Best Buy greenway to downtown to RMH to the Water Treatment Plant in Southeast, through neighborhoods, down Williamson and finally back to Best Buy. 13 miles. Felt my left knee hurting throughout. But I stopped, stretched regularly and tried to run easy and slow. Listened to the Matt Chandler podcast in my ears and made it through.
Took the next 3 days off, feeling great. Then, on black Tuesday, that fateful day, a day of deep pain and regret, that will live forever burned in my mind as... OK, OK, let's just say it sucked, alright? I hit Explore Park to run 6 or 7 miles, but only made it 3.5 or so. I was in great pain in my (wait for it!)...left knee!
Next day, thought I'd try an easy downtown run from Planet Fitness. Didn't even make it a mile. Limped back to the gym.
Found out after time off, anti-inflams and pain that stayed with me throughout the day and even hurt while walking, that I had IT Band troubles. So now, I'm down to 10 miles per week (instead of 30) and having to baby my leg. Not sure I'll make the BRP Half Marathon now.
But...I have found a substitute activity for running: I eat. I've gained 8 pounds or so. Crap! Gotta either get back to running more, cycling more (also imperiled by IT Band troubles!) or join a gym with a pool.
Reading Ecclesiastes hasn't helped: "Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works" (9:7). "So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun" (8:15). Yeah, like I need to hear about how good it is to eat! :-)
And I was feeling a bit of pain in the knees. I wasn't sure what was up. One Thursday, I decided to run down 460 from Bonsack towards Bedford. The road was highly cambered and I couldn't run the level surface no matter how I tried. But I only ran 5.5 miles. Nothing major. Ran fast, pushed it a bit.
The next day, I did my long run loop from Best Buy greenway to downtown to RMH to the Water Treatment Plant in Southeast, through neighborhoods, down Williamson and finally back to Best Buy. 13 miles. Felt my left knee hurting throughout. But I stopped, stretched regularly and tried to run easy and slow. Listened to the Matt Chandler podcast in my ears and made it through.
Took the next 3 days off, feeling great. Then, on black Tuesday, that fateful day, a day of deep pain and regret, that will live forever burned in my mind as... OK, OK, let's just say it sucked, alright? I hit Explore Park to run 6 or 7 miles, but only made it 3.5 or so. I was in great pain in my (wait for it!)...left knee!
Next day, thought I'd try an easy downtown run from Planet Fitness. Didn't even make it a mile. Limped back to the gym.
Found out after time off, anti-inflams and pain that stayed with me throughout the day and even hurt while walking, that I had IT Band troubles. So now, I'm down to 10 miles per week (instead of 30) and having to baby my leg. Not sure I'll make the BRP Half Marathon now.
But...I have found a substitute activity for running: I eat. I've gained 8 pounds or so. Crap! Gotta either get back to running more, cycling more (also imperiled by IT Band troubles!) or join a gym with a pool.
Reading Ecclesiastes hasn't helped: "Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works" (9:7). "So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun" (8:15). Yeah, like I need to hear about how good it is to eat! :-)
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Quick Stats...
www.LaymanChurch.com
Layman Church
Not Organized Religion...Just Real Church for Real People
11 AM Sundays
Jeans and T's
5207 Old Mountain Road
Roanoke, 24019
Layman Church
Not Organized Religion...Just Real Church for Real People
11 AM Sundays
Jeans and T's
5207 Old Mountain Road
Roanoke, 24019
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
I Love the Fall...
Crisp weather, leaves gliding to the ground in splashes of orange and yellow and red. Clear days make it feel like you could see forever. I LOVE fall weather!
Went out for a run at night last week. Left my gym bag at Planet Fitness and headed out the door. Took a right and slowly padded over the bridge to Franklin Road. The cool air coupled with low humidity had me feeling great. It wasn't long before the joints were warmed-up and the run became somewhat effortless. I took the greenway towards Wasena only to find out that bridge work meant I'd have to u-turn and take another route. Passed 3 girls running together in the opposite direction. Wish they'd told me about the bridge.
No problem- Chandler was preaching in my head and all was good. Greenway to RMH, then S. Jefferson over the bridge to downtown. Ran all over downtown and the neighborhoods nearby. Some of the sidewalks were filled with leaves and I could hear them crunching even as I listened to the podcast.
It was dark and my mind wandered to my family life- my wife and son. How relationships are what we make them. They don't just happen. That my wife's love for me is cultivated by the amount of time I put into the relationship. And not just time, but actual attention, caring, sharing and interpreting actions.
OOPPSS- gotta translate that. Basic principle of scripture: actions are not self-interpreting. Jesus washed the disciples' feet. But he didn't stop there. He said, "Do you know what I've done for you? Do you understand what this means? How this is now supposed to play out in your lives? In humility. In understanding the need for daily forgiveness of sins. In serving others rather than being served. I am your Lord, yet I washed your feet without thought of position or power. Now- go and do likewise."
Jesus translated his actions so they could be understood. I've learned that I need to translate my actions so that my wife knows the motive and meaning behind them. As I take her to Red Lobster- which is not my favorite restaurant by a long-shot, something she knows- I let her know that I love her and would be glad to take her there because she loves it. I don't moan or complain about it. I simply enjoy it with her because she does. And I let her know that my love for her makes it enjoyable for me. That it's my joy to serve her that way instead of insisting on my choices and desires for dinner.
I do the same with my son. I let him know that I'm serving him. Not self-centeredly pointing to myself as a martyr or a suffering servant. But telling him that I love to make him happy and that I'll always do what's in his best interest. And he's learned that he can trust me- even when he initially disagrees.
For instance, I rented "GI Joe" for a family movie night. I'd already seen it, but my son had not and I knew he'd like it. He didn't want to watch it. I told him I wanted him to and pushed a bit. It would have been easier to let him hang out in his room and my wife and I could watch something else. But I made him sit and watch the first few minutes. That's all it took- he loved it and watched the whole thing with us. Then I told him why I'd made him watch it: I wanted family time. And we had a great time talking about it and watching it together. And I told him I knew he'd love it and that it would have been easier to just watch something else with his mother if he didn't want to see GI Joe, but that I loved him enough to ask him to trust me because I knew he'd like it.
Actions aren't self-interpreting. The line to walk, though, is this: I can't do things for others begrudgingly. I can't serve and then complain or sulk because I didn't get my way. But I also can't point to myself as some great suffering servant. Rather, I have to enjoy the simple act of serving as I interpret it for my family- or my church. And I can only do this as I walk in Jesus. He's the ultimate servant and anything I could do pales by comparison. I learn from him, take joy in serving and watch relationships blossom.
I took the Franklin Bridge back towards Towers and the gym. I saw the 3 girls again. I'd seen them downtown. I envied their friendship and ability to run together. At this stage in my life, I have few running buddies-or buddies at all, for that matter- and don't have the time or opportunities to cultivate them. My wife is not real relational, so couples hang-out time won't happen much. And my job means that people who attend Layman will always be ones I care for than anything else. The back-and-forth of friendship will almost always be tilted towards my caring for them over anything else. So I'm a bit lonely. So are most pastors.
But I'm blessed. I love my wife and son. No one else comes close to my love for them- nor should they. And my job is amazing, wearying, full of the joy and lots of pain. And...I love it! Wouldn't go anywhere else. I spent last year turning down offers. Layman is amazing- we don't have to go elsewhere to minister. Our ministry is always frontline. The Childhood Sexual Abuse Redemption group. The Addiction help. The guys in jail who are part of Layman but haven't yet learned to follow Jesus well. The man who got drunk, took a bunch of Ambien and went for a joyride with his wife at home, scared to death. The girl who stuck a knife in her chest, trying to end her life. Those are our people. They are welcomed, loved and...we refuse to let them walk alone. We promised them more and we're gonna do our best, in Christ, to walk alongside them. Bringing Jesus' healing and hope.
I finished filling up on Chandler as my legs slowed to a walk and I hit the button on my watch, ending the run. I entered the gym refreshed and centered, ready for dinner with the family followed by a night of group ministry.
The fall weather made the run effortless. The night put me in a perfectly reflective frame of mind. And running- well, that's my Prozac!
Went out for a run at night last week. Left my gym bag at Planet Fitness and headed out the door. Took a right and slowly padded over the bridge to Franklin Road. The cool air coupled with low humidity had me feeling great. It wasn't long before the joints were warmed-up and the run became somewhat effortless. I took the greenway towards Wasena only to find out that bridge work meant I'd have to u-turn and take another route. Passed 3 girls running together in the opposite direction. Wish they'd told me about the bridge.
No problem- Chandler was preaching in my head and all was good. Greenway to RMH, then S. Jefferson over the bridge to downtown. Ran all over downtown and the neighborhoods nearby. Some of the sidewalks were filled with leaves and I could hear them crunching even as I listened to the podcast.
It was dark and my mind wandered to my family life- my wife and son. How relationships are what we make them. They don't just happen. That my wife's love for me is cultivated by the amount of time I put into the relationship. And not just time, but actual attention, caring, sharing and interpreting actions.
OOPPSS- gotta translate that. Basic principle of scripture: actions are not self-interpreting. Jesus washed the disciples' feet. But he didn't stop there. He said, "Do you know what I've done for you? Do you understand what this means? How this is now supposed to play out in your lives? In humility. In understanding the need for daily forgiveness of sins. In serving others rather than being served. I am your Lord, yet I washed your feet without thought of position or power. Now- go and do likewise."
Jesus translated his actions so they could be understood. I've learned that I need to translate my actions so that my wife knows the motive and meaning behind them. As I take her to Red Lobster- which is not my favorite restaurant by a long-shot, something she knows- I let her know that I love her and would be glad to take her there because she loves it. I don't moan or complain about it. I simply enjoy it with her because she does. And I let her know that my love for her makes it enjoyable for me. That it's my joy to serve her that way instead of insisting on my choices and desires for dinner.
I do the same with my son. I let him know that I'm serving him. Not self-centeredly pointing to myself as a martyr or a suffering servant. But telling him that I love to make him happy and that I'll always do what's in his best interest. And he's learned that he can trust me- even when he initially disagrees.
For instance, I rented "GI Joe" for a family movie night. I'd already seen it, but my son had not and I knew he'd like it. He didn't want to watch it. I told him I wanted him to and pushed a bit. It would have been easier to let him hang out in his room and my wife and I could watch something else. But I made him sit and watch the first few minutes. That's all it took- he loved it and watched the whole thing with us. Then I told him why I'd made him watch it: I wanted family time. And we had a great time talking about it and watching it together. And I told him I knew he'd love it and that it would have been easier to just watch something else with his mother if he didn't want to see GI Joe, but that I loved him enough to ask him to trust me because I knew he'd like it.
Actions aren't self-interpreting. The line to walk, though, is this: I can't do things for others begrudgingly. I can't serve and then complain or sulk because I didn't get my way. But I also can't point to myself as some great suffering servant. Rather, I have to enjoy the simple act of serving as I interpret it for my family- or my church. And I can only do this as I walk in Jesus. He's the ultimate servant and anything I could do pales by comparison. I learn from him, take joy in serving and watch relationships blossom.
I took the Franklin Bridge back towards Towers and the gym. I saw the 3 girls again. I'd seen them downtown. I envied their friendship and ability to run together. At this stage in my life, I have few running buddies-or buddies at all, for that matter- and don't have the time or opportunities to cultivate them. My wife is not real relational, so couples hang-out time won't happen much. And my job means that people who attend Layman will always be ones I care for than anything else. The back-and-forth of friendship will almost always be tilted towards my caring for them over anything else. So I'm a bit lonely. So are most pastors.
But I'm blessed. I love my wife and son. No one else comes close to my love for them- nor should they. And my job is amazing, wearying, full of the joy and lots of pain. And...I love it! Wouldn't go anywhere else. I spent last year turning down offers. Layman is amazing- we don't have to go elsewhere to minister. Our ministry is always frontline. The Childhood Sexual Abuse Redemption group. The Addiction help. The guys in jail who are part of Layman but haven't yet learned to follow Jesus well. The man who got drunk, took a bunch of Ambien and went for a joyride with his wife at home, scared to death. The girl who stuck a knife in her chest, trying to end her life. Those are our people. They are welcomed, loved and...we refuse to let them walk alone. We promised them more and we're gonna do our best, in Christ, to walk alongside them. Bringing Jesus' healing and hope.
I finished filling up on Chandler as my legs slowed to a walk and I hit the button on my watch, ending the run. I entered the gym refreshed and centered, ready for dinner with the family followed by a night of group ministry.
The fall weather made the run effortless. The night put me in a perfectly reflective frame of mind. And running- well, that's my Prozac!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Unhidden Treasure and Blindness...
My stomach bothers me. Mainly just acid reflux. I take antacids. But it can be bad. Especially when out running.
Friday, I forgot to take something for my stomach before running. While I was out on the mountain, the reflux became painful. I remember saying to no one in particular (as I was alone), "It burns...my precioussssss."
When I returned to the car after much pain and lots of problems, I happened to open a compartment in which I store CD's. There, in the corner, was a tin of antacids. I had what I needed the whole time. And- here's the kicker- I had even been in that compartment above the glovebox just before the run.
The can was sitting there and I just didn't happen to see it.
This has happened to me over and over again. I'll need something and think, "Oh man! I wish I had that with me right now." Then I'll do without. Only to find out later that it was there the whole time!
For instance, I went into a restaurant in Texas once. They only take cash. And I'd been jonesing for their tacos. I reached into my pocket and realized I had no cash on me. So I drove next door to Whataburger and bought something else. I REALLY wanted the tacos. After my Whataburger meal, I got in the car and realized I had $30 stashed in there for emergencies.
I could have eated the best tacos in the world! But I settled...for Whataburger?!? That totally bites.
Walked a bike home once because I didn't think I had the stuff to fix a flat. Only to find, to my chagrin, that I had it in my backpack the whole time.
This type of thing has happened so many times in my life. Then I realized...there are times that I face struggle, temptation, the desire to sink into self-pity or take on problems alone. And I think that's all I have- just me white-knuckling it through. Holding on to my strength. My ability. My willpower.
And I fall. I screw-up or become prideful or self-centered. And the whole time, I had what I needed:
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness- 2 Peter 1:3.
I have it in Christ. In the Holy Spirit. In the indwelling power of God through the new man. I have all that I need for life and godlines. Through the vehicle of my knowledge of God and my willingness to bring glory to him in all things.
I have it in his people. Who surround, love and pray for me. Encourage me.
I have it in worship, connected with God. Doing what I was created for: praising his name.
I have it in prayer. Asking and receiving according to God's perfect will.
I have it in the scripture. It searches my heart as I search it. It reads me, strengthens me, obliterates my pride and self-centeredness. It mocks my self-pity. And it's altogether good.
I'm blind. Way too often. I'm an idiot, really. I have it all, then complain about what I need.
I'm like a man who would run for President, knowing the condition of the country. Then complain about what he's inherited (both Reagan and Obama. Just so you know- I don't need to play favorites politically. I can distrust both parties equally!).
I have it. I have it in Christ. I am blessed. I am ill-deserving and gifted with so much.
Gotta open my eyes and realize the power, the love, the truth that God has made available to me through his grace. Time for a treasure hunt!
Friday, I forgot to take something for my stomach before running. While I was out on the mountain, the reflux became painful. I remember saying to no one in particular (as I was alone), "It burns...my precioussssss."
When I returned to the car after much pain and lots of problems, I happened to open a compartment in which I store CD's. There, in the corner, was a tin of antacids. I had what I needed the whole time. And- here's the kicker- I had even been in that compartment above the glovebox just before the run.
The can was sitting there and I just didn't happen to see it.
This has happened to me over and over again. I'll need something and think, "Oh man! I wish I had that with me right now." Then I'll do without. Only to find out later that it was there the whole time!
For instance, I went into a restaurant in Texas once. They only take cash. And I'd been jonesing for their tacos. I reached into my pocket and realized I had no cash on me. So I drove next door to Whataburger and bought something else. I REALLY wanted the tacos. After my Whataburger meal, I got in the car and realized I had $30 stashed in there for emergencies.
I could have eated the best tacos in the world! But I settled...for Whataburger?!? That totally bites.
Walked a bike home once because I didn't think I had the stuff to fix a flat. Only to find, to my chagrin, that I had it in my backpack the whole time.
This type of thing has happened so many times in my life. Then I realized...there are times that I face struggle, temptation, the desire to sink into self-pity or take on problems alone. And I think that's all I have- just me white-knuckling it through. Holding on to my strength. My ability. My willpower.
And I fall. I screw-up or become prideful or self-centered. And the whole time, I had what I needed:
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness- 2 Peter 1:3.
I have it in Christ. In the Holy Spirit. In the indwelling power of God through the new man. I have all that I need for life and godlines. Through the vehicle of my knowledge of God and my willingness to bring glory to him in all things.
I have it in his people. Who surround, love and pray for me. Encourage me.
I have it in worship, connected with God. Doing what I was created for: praising his name.
I have it in prayer. Asking and receiving according to God's perfect will.
I have it in the scripture. It searches my heart as I search it. It reads me, strengthens me, obliterates my pride and self-centeredness. It mocks my self-pity. And it's altogether good.
I'm blind. Way too often. I'm an idiot, really. I have it all, then complain about what I need.
I'm like a man who would run for President, knowing the condition of the country. Then complain about what he's inherited (both Reagan and Obama. Just so you know- I don't need to play favorites politically. I can distrust both parties equally!).
I have it. I have it in Christ. I am blessed. I am ill-deserving and gifted with so much.
Gotta open my eyes and realize the power, the love, the truth that God has made available to me through his grace. Time for a treasure hunt!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Addicts, CSA's, Vow-Breakers and Church...
So I don't pastor a normal church. Not in any sense of the word. We have attenders who continually fall back to alcohol addiction, heroin and crack. We have methadone-clinic folks and prescription drug abusers. Our folks sell blood plasma for money. And they show up at church wearing wife-beater shirts with "F*&#" tattooed down one arm and "You" down the other.
Additionally, we have a goodly number of folks who are working through CSA- Childhood Sexual Abuse. Both men and women, young (teenage) and old. None of them are working with kids, just in case you are worried. But they attend Layman.
And then there are the Vow-Breakers. I'm not talking about those who have been through divorce- that can happen to anyone and is very painful. But about those who are married and yet see no reason to continue in the vow. And they come to me for permission, absolution, advice that- truth be told- is just gonna piss them off.
I don't smile and sanction divorce. I believe God meant it when he said he hated it. I don't even flinch as I type this out. Divorce is not an option. If they guy is beating his wife or controlling her every move, she needs to get out to force major life change in him. Regardless. If she's leaving 2 year-olds at home while she seeks another high, he's gotta take them out. But the goal is almost always individual transformation and then reconciliation after a protracted period of separation.
I've witnessed miracles of faith as spouses who were cheated on were able to forgive, their husbands or wives repented and they are now together, happy, living new lives together in covenant marriage. And I've watched foolish people think they needed freedom and tear apart the hearts of wives, husbands, children. All for the lie of happiness that never comes. But the ones that make it...it's just so good.
The addicts keep seeing Jesus change them. As they follow Jesus, they get free. Over and over again. Sometimes they stumble a bit. But when they amputate the things which cause them to fall- friends who worship drugs, for instance- and place their faith in Jesus, miracles happen. Alcoholics learn that although having a beer isn't wrong, for them it is. It's their kryptonite- they can't stop at one. Drug abusers learn to cope without the anesthetizing haze of the high. They get changed.
The CSA victims are different. They're less able to talk about their pasts. More prone to shame and feeling like they can't be loved. And- truth be told- I want to beat the BLEEP out of the people who hurt them. But I'm hoping to start a support group for them soon. One that will meet without advertisement. A women's group for women and a men's group for men. So they can process and heal in Christ. And move towards healthy attitudes instead of the guilt and shame that, oddly enough, mirrors the very same things that religion produces. Jesus doesn't. But religion does.
So that's a snapshot of the church. And yeah- we have some "normal" people, too. But that just means I don't know their junk yet. Because none of us are unscarred by the world around us. And none of us can say we've never contributed to our own scars. But Jesus...he's not looking at addicts. Or CSA victims. Or vow-breakers. He's looking a people created for more. Created in his image, no matter how marred that image may be. And he knows they need him. And he meets with them through many people and places. And Layman is one of those places. And I'm just grateful to be a part of what God is doing...
Additionally, we have a goodly number of folks who are working through CSA- Childhood Sexual Abuse. Both men and women, young (teenage) and old. None of them are working with kids, just in case you are worried. But they attend Layman.
And then there are the Vow-Breakers. I'm not talking about those who have been through divorce- that can happen to anyone and is very painful. But about those who are married and yet see no reason to continue in the vow. And they come to me for permission, absolution, advice that- truth be told- is just gonna piss them off.
I don't smile and sanction divorce. I believe God meant it when he said he hated it. I don't even flinch as I type this out. Divorce is not an option. If they guy is beating his wife or controlling her every move, she needs to get out to force major life change in him. Regardless. If she's leaving 2 year-olds at home while she seeks another high, he's gotta take them out. But the goal is almost always individual transformation and then reconciliation after a protracted period of separation.
I've witnessed miracles of faith as spouses who were cheated on were able to forgive, their husbands or wives repented and they are now together, happy, living new lives together in covenant marriage. And I've watched foolish people think they needed freedom and tear apart the hearts of wives, husbands, children. All for the lie of happiness that never comes. But the ones that make it...it's just so good.
The addicts keep seeing Jesus change them. As they follow Jesus, they get free. Over and over again. Sometimes they stumble a bit. But when they amputate the things which cause them to fall- friends who worship drugs, for instance- and place their faith in Jesus, miracles happen. Alcoholics learn that although having a beer isn't wrong, for them it is. It's their kryptonite- they can't stop at one. Drug abusers learn to cope without the anesthetizing haze of the high. They get changed.
The CSA victims are different. They're less able to talk about their pasts. More prone to shame and feeling like they can't be loved. And- truth be told- I want to beat the BLEEP out of the people who hurt them. But I'm hoping to start a support group for them soon. One that will meet without advertisement. A women's group for women and a men's group for men. So they can process and heal in Christ. And move towards healthy attitudes instead of the guilt and shame that, oddly enough, mirrors the very same things that religion produces. Jesus doesn't. But religion does.
So that's a snapshot of the church. And yeah- we have some "normal" people, too. But that just means I don't know their junk yet. Because none of us are unscarred by the world around us. And none of us can say we've never contributed to our own scars. But Jesus...he's not looking at addicts. Or CSA victims. Or vow-breakers. He's looking a people created for more. Created in his image, no matter how marred that image may be. And he knows they need him. And he meets with them through many people and places. And Layman is one of those places. And I'm just grateful to be a part of what God is doing...
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
What If? (and why most Christian authors suck...)
I was just looking at a CBD catalog of books. Andy Stanley has a book called "The Principle Path."
Here's an excerpt: Where you want to go in life and the path you choose to get there don't always agree---despite good intentions. Teaching that our direction determines our destination, Stanley offers a story-driven, Bible-based road map to help you avoid unnecessary disappointments and attain your goals for your marriage, career, finances, and more. Includes interactive study guide. 224 pages, hardcover from Nelson.
John Maxwell has a new one coming out entitled "Put Your Dream to the Test."
Again, an excerpt: When initially conceived, our visions are often little more than vague hopes. Maxwell shows you how to transform ambiguous dreams into purposeful action plans! Let his 10 field-tested questions equip you with practical and powerful direction, inspire you to act with confidence, and guide you in creating clear and compelling pathways to achieving your goals.
I could go all Joel Osteen on you, but that guy's a total...nevermind. Here's the point- book after book after book instructs today's Christian in methods to achieve what they want. They decide what they want in career, money, marriage, life. And the books tell them how to do it- using scripture as a guide.
Ummm...here's a question: "What if...what God wants is not what you want?" "What if...God wants you to fail spectacularly? For his glory?"
Jesus, at the height of his popularity, proceeds to get rid of a crowd that's at least 30,000 strong. He loses them all! On purpose! Then he clears out a synagogue and makes the Jewish leaders fighting mad. On a roll, he loses most of his disciples as well. On purpose.
He refuses to feed the crowd bread on one day when he did the day before. Why? It wasn't hard for him to do. I mean, he's God in the flesh, for Chris...well, for someone's sake.
Jesus says, in John 6, "Oh, does this offend you? That you have to eat my flesh and drink my blood instead of being fed bread and fish. Too much for ya? Then what will you do when you see me ascend to heaven? You ain't seen nothing yet!"
And they...leave. Christ dies a year later as a single, penniless (treasurer took the money!), homeless, unemployed ex-construction worker who is less popular than a murderer (Barrabas). Wrap your brain around that one.
"Oh," you say, "but he came back!" "Yes," I reply. "That's resurrection. We don't get that till we die first."
Jesus, according to the standards of the time, failed spectacularly. For God's glory and our salvation.
"But that's Jesus. That's not us. This is post-cross. Just believe in faith and..." Hold on there, Sunshine.
Paul was beaten, stoned, often-hungry and often-escaping the death plots of both Gentiles and his fellow Jews. He was imprisoned and even the church deserted him. That includes people he'd won to Jesus and was defending before the authorities (2 Timothy 4:16). Pastors- think you're having a bad day???
He was under house arrest and chained to a Roman soldier 24/7. Couldn't even get rid of "dung" without someone present...
He was finally beheaded as a penniless ex-Jewish official under Nero's persecution. He died a jailbird pauper's death.
But...he took his faith to Rome. He changed history. He used his time in prison having pity parties. No, that's not right. He used it to reach, teach, write and pray. God help those Roman soldiers chained to that preacher! 24/7 Jesus! Through Paul, Martin Luther came to faith and unwittingly began the Reformation and Protestantism. Paul failed...spectacularly!
Peter failed over and over again. He was so mouthy even God the Father had to tell him to "zip it!" (Matthew 17 and Luke 9). He had the faith to get out of the boat, but not to continue walking. He was called "Satan" by Jesus right after a proud moment of anomalous brilliance (Matthew 16, Mark 8). He tried to cut off a soldier's ear, then ran for his life naked. He denied Christ after being warned that he'd do it and arguing the point. And tried to go back to fishing before he was restored by Jesus.
Peter was rebuked by Paul openly and, might I add, harshly! He was crucified upside down as a man who failed throughout his life. Peter's years serve as a case study in bi-polar spiritualism. In other words, the boy was nuts. He failed spectacularly over and over again!
But through his life, we identify with him in our own failures. Our own cases of missing faith and stupid remarks and outright religious hypocrisy. And we learn more about Jesus by watching Christ's stern love both rebuke and comfort a failing disciple. We read end-times theology and perseverance from his letters. (Peter, by the way, was the Bible's most explicit believer in Global Warming!) Had Peter not failed so many times, I'd wonder if I could even be called "Christian."
Hosea married a whore. Loved her, was faithful, fruitful, a husband. She was wooed and won by his love. Then she left and sold herself into prostitution. And...he went back for her! What a loser! On his gravestone it says, "Here lies a chump!" But he never gave up. And through him, we learn of God's unfailing love even when we whore around with other gods. (Quit adjusting your halo. Can you say, "materialism?" "Greed?" "Status and ego?" "Religious righteousness?" And so, so many more. False gods, the whole lot!).
I have friends much like Hosea. Those men and women are heroes to me. They aren't known on earth, but they will be known in heaven.
Andy Stanley is probably a good guy. John Maxwell? Good people, I say. But they've been Americanized in their faith and are now adding to the problem as they add money and followers to their names. Since when is money, status, career or any other cultural accomplishment the biblical standard for success?
Last time I checked, only one thing counted: faithfulness. Through falls, failures, screw-ups and human sin. It's not how many times you fall. It's how many times you get back up and walk with Jesus. It's not what others think of you. It's what God sees in you as you continue on the path by his grace, empowered by his Spirit. Did you catch that? Even the power to continue in faith comes from his Spirit, not your rugged individualism!
How many of us are charting a path to our dreams and ignoring God's call? No one sets out to fail. But not nearly enough of us set out to be faithful. And that...sucks. If I do fail, I want it to be...spectacular!
Quick provisos:
- This isn't an excuse for a mediocre life or a lack of work ethic. There are no excuses for that.
- Moral failure cannot be excused nor diminished in magnitude and certainly not celebrated.
- There's nothing wrong with having success as culturally-defined- as long as that's not the goal nor the Christian standard for measuring success.
- Faith was never meant to be a business. If people spent as much time in the scriptures as they did reading books supposedly based on the scriptures...well, one can only dream such a spectacular dream.
- I Pastor a very small church. I'm good with it. Numbers aren't a goal. But I wouldn't kick increased discipleship and attendance out of the room.
- Yes, naysayer, the church in Acts was a megachurch from the git. But...read Corinthians (either one). And all the other letters. The racism of Acts and the rejection of grace in Galatians. Mega means "big," not necessarily good. Small means "not big," but not necessarily good or faithful. Size, it appears, doesn't matter as much as we thought!
Here's an excerpt: Where you want to go in life and the path you choose to get there don't always agree---despite good intentions. Teaching that our direction determines our destination, Stanley offers a story-driven, Bible-based road map to help you avoid unnecessary disappointments and attain your goals for your marriage, career, finances, and more. Includes interactive study guide. 224 pages, hardcover from Nelson.
John Maxwell has a new one coming out entitled "Put Your Dream to the Test."
Again, an excerpt: When initially conceived, our visions are often little more than vague hopes. Maxwell shows you how to transform ambiguous dreams into purposeful action plans! Let his 10 field-tested questions equip you with practical and powerful direction, inspire you to act with confidence, and guide you in creating clear and compelling pathways to achieving your goals.
I could go all Joel Osteen on you, but that guy's a total...nevermind. Here's the point- book after book after book instructs today's Christian in methods to achieve what they want. They decide what they want in career, money, marriage, life. And the books tell them how to do it- using scripture as a guide.
Ummm...here's a question: "What if...what God wants is not what you want?" "What if...God wants you to fail spectacularly? For his glory?"
Jesus, at the height of his popularity, proceeds to get rid of a crowd that's at least 30,000 strong. He loses them all! On purpose! Then he clears out a synagogue and makes the Jewish leaders fighting mad. On a roll, he loses most of his disciples as well. On purpose.
He refuses to feed the crowd bread on one day when he did the day before. Why? It wasn't hard for him to do. I mean, he's God in the flesh, for Chris...well, for someone's sake.
Jesus says, in John 6, "Oh, does this offend you? That you have to eat my flesh and drink my blood instead of being fed bread and fish. Too much for ya? Then what will you do when you see me ascend to heaven? You ain't seen nothing yet!"
And they...leave. Christ dies a year later as a single, penniless (treasurer took the money!), homeless, unemployed ex-construction worker who is less popular than a murderer (Barrabas). Wrap your brain around that one.
"Oh," you say, "but he came back!" "Yes," I reply. "That's resurrection. We don't get that till we die first."
Jesus, according to the standards of the time, failed spectacularly. For God's glory and our salvation.
"But that's Jesus. That's not us. This is post-cross. Just believe in faith and..." Hold on there, Sunshine.
Paul was beaten, stoned, often-hungry and often-escaping the death plots of both Gentiles and his fellow Jews. He was imprisoned and even the church deserted him. That includes people he'd won to Jesus and was defending before the authorities (2 Timothy 4:16). Pastors- think you're having a bad day???
He was under house arrest and chained to a Roman soldier 24/7. Couldn't even get rid of "dung" without someone present...
He was finally beheaded as a penniless ex-Jewish official under Nero's persecution. He died a jailbird pauper's death.
But...he took his faith to Rome. He changed history. He used his time in prison having pity parties. No, that's not right. He used it to reach, teach, write and pray. God help those Roman soldiers chained to that preacher! 24/7 Jesus! Through Paul, Martin Luther came to faith and unwittingly began the Reformation and Protestantism. Paul failed...spectacularly!
Peter failed over and over again. He was so mouthy even God the Father had to tell him to "zip it!" (Matthew 17 and Luke 9). He had the faith to get out of the boat, but not to continue walking. He was called "Satan" by Jesus right after a proud moment of anomalous brilliance (Matthew 16, Mark 8). He tried to cut off a soldier's ear, then ran for his life naked. He denied Christ after being warned that he'd do it and arguing the point. And tried to go back to fishing before he was restored by Jesus.
Peter was rebuked by Paul openly and, might I add, harshly! He was crucified upside down as a man who failed throughout his life. Peter's years serve as a case study in bi-polar spiritualism. In other words, the boy was nuts. He failed spectacularly over and over again!
But through his life, we identify with him in our own failures. Our own cases of missing faith and stupid remarks and outright religious hypocrisy. And we learn more about Jesus by watching Christ's stern love both rebuke and comfort a failing disciple. We read end-times theology and perseverance from his letters. (Peter, by the way, was the Bible's most explicit believer in Global Warming!) Had Peter not failed so many times, I'd wonder if I could even be called "Christian."
Hosea married a whore. Loved her, was faithful, fruitful, a husband. She was wooed and won by his love. Then she left and sold herself into prostitution. And...he went back for her! What a loser! On his gravestone it says, "Here lies a chump!" But he never gave up. And through him, we learn of God's unfailing love even when we whore around with other gods. (Quit adjusting your halo. Can you say, "materialism?" "Greed?" "Status and ego?" "Religious righteousness?" And so, so many more. False gods, the whole lot!).
I have friends much like Hosea. Those men and women are heroes to me. They aren't known on earth, but they will be known in heaven.
Andy Stanley is probably a good guy. John Maxwell? Good people, I say. But they've been Americanized in their faith and are now adding to the problem as they add money and followers to their names. Since when is money, status, career or any other cultural accomplishment the biblical standard for success?
Last time I checked, only one thing counted: faithfulness. Through falls, failures, screw-ups and human sin. It's not how many times you fall. It's how many times you get back up and walk with Jesus. It's not what others think of you. It's what God sees in you as you continue on the path by his grace, empowered by his Spirit. Did you catch that? Even the power to continue in faith comes from his Spirit, not your rugged individualism!
How many of us are charting a path to our dreams and ignoring God's call? No one sets out to fail. But not nearly enough of us set out to be faithful. And that...sucks. If I do fail, I want it to be...spectacular!
Quick provisos:
- This isn't an excuse for a mediocre life or a lack of work ethic. There are no excuses for that.
- Moral failure cannot be excused nor diminished in magnitude and certainly not celebrated.
- There's nothing wrong with having success as culturally-defined- as long as that's not the goal nor the Christian standard for measuring success.
- Faith was never meant to be a business. If people spent as much time in the scriptures as they did reading books supposedly based on the scriptures...well, one can only dream such a spectacular dream.
- I Pastor a very small church. I'm good with it. Numbers aren't a goal. But I wouldn't kick increased discipleship and attendance out of the room.
- Yes, naysayer, the church in Acts was a megachurch from the git. But...read Corinthians (either one). And all the other letters. The racism of Acts and the rejection of grace in Galatians. Mega means "big," not necessarily good. Small means "not big," but not necessarily good or faithful. Size, it appears, doesn't matter as much as we thought!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Gratuitus Layman Info...
Gratuitous info to follow:
The church website is: www.LaymanChurch.com
- Casual Dress (Jeans and T's-even for the pastor)
- Coffee- bring it in with you to the service
- Contemporary Band (yes: drums, guitars, keyboard, etc.)
- Nursery and Children's Church during the worship service
- 11 AM Sundays
- 5207 Old Mountain Road, Roanoke
- Not really denominational these days- just into following Christ
Need more info? Just leave a comment on the blog with an email address or use the form at the church website.
The church website is: www.LaymanChurch.com
- Casual Dress (Jeans and T's-even for the pastor)
- Coffee- bring it in with you to the service
- Contemporary Band (yes: drums, guitars, keyboard, etc.)
- Nursery and Children's Church during the worship service
- 11 AM Sundays
- 5207 Old Mountain Road, Roanoke
- Not really denominational these days- just into following Christ
Need more info? Just leave a comment on the blog with an email address or use the form at the church website.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Randomness...
OK, so I woke up this morning and now it's 1 AM. Where did the day go? Like, a moment ago I was deciding to ride to the gym, run, ride back. Then I realized I'm tired and typing on a blog. Seriously, the day is gone in a heartbeat. And I traded it in for some alone/recharge time and some time with friends.
What I got
- time with God and with podcasts.
- workout
- time with friends
- some Facebook time
What I missed
- time with my wife and son (did Madlibs in the car with them, but that's about it)
- resting on the couch, chillin'
- strategizing and planning for a busy week
- the easy slowness of a day of "downtime"
Every day is an opportunity. To serve. To love. To grow, encourage, trust, believe, become, help others become. To redeem, trade-in something that has no value in and of itself (minutes and hours) for something of great value- changed lives, Christ's glory, encouraged hearts, closer relationships.
Today, I recharged. Tomorrow, I take that into the world. What I do with it will be the indicator of whether or not I redeemed my time wisely today.
I need to counsel, teach, meet with, help my dad, update the church website, make a number of calls and arrange a trip. That's all tomorrow (technically today). I'll get calls where people want to meet last-minute. I don't know if I can. Really, if I should. Maybe it's good to support people and maybe sometimes they need to know they don't need me at all.
I'm a pastor. My goal is to serve according to their needs, not their wants. To serve Jesus by loving people well. To glorify Christ with my life. It's the saying, "no" that's tough for me.
OK, enough randomness. Marriages have been saved recently. Addicts have become sober. Destructive behaviors re-routed into constructive and helpful patterns of behavior. I'm incredibly blessed to do what I do.
Peace!
What I got
- time with God and with podcasts.
- workout
- time with friends
- some Facebook time
What I missed
- time with my wife and son (did Madlibs in the car with them, but that's about it)
- resting on the couch, chillin'
- strategizing and planning for a busy week
- the easy slowness of a day of "downtime"
Every day is an opportunity. To serve. To love. To grow, encourage, trust, believe, become, help others become. To redeem, trade-in something that has no value in and of itself (minutes and hours) for something of great value- changed lives, Christ's glory, encouraged hearts, closer relationships.
Today, I recharged. Tomorrow, I take that into the world. What I do with it will be the indicator of whether or not I redeemed my time wisely today.
I need to counsel, teach, meet with, help my dad, update the church website, make a number of calls and arrange a trip. That's all tomorrow (technically today). I'll get calls where people want to meet last-minute. I don't know if I can. Really, if I should. Maybe it's good to support people and maybe sometimes they need to know they don't need me at all.
I'm a pastor. My goal is to serve according to their needs, not their wants. To serve Jesus by loving people well. To glorify Christ with my life. It's the saying, "no" that's tough for me.
OK, enough randomness. Marriages have been saved recently. Addicts have become sober. Destructive behaviors re-routed into constructive and helpful patterns of behavior. I'm incredibly blessed to do what I do.
Peace!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Don't Experience God...
From Joe Thorn's blog:
Last night I finally started reading Paul E. Miller’s A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World
“…don’t hunt for a feeling in prayer. Deep in our psyches we want an experience with God or an experience in prayer. Once we make that our quest, we lose God. You don’t experience God; you get to know him. You submit to him, you enjoy him. He is, after all, a person.
(pg, 21)
I’m not sure that I hunt for a feeling in prayer, but the thought that I shouldn’t seek to experience God, but experience life with God is the kind of precise exhortation I need. God isn’t a feeling, but a person I was made to know. It’s like with my wife, Jen. I don’t set out to experience her, I seek to know her more fully and experience life with her.
He also likens prayer to a family meal – a beautiful picture I can appreciate. As he unpacks this idea he points out that we often think of prayer solely in terms of the words we are using. We so focus on the conversation that we miss out on the person with whom we are talking. At his family meals (what he considers his family’s “best times”) no one is working on the conversation – it flows out of their love for one another. Miller says,
Oddly enough, many people struggle to learn how to pray because they are focusing on praying, not on God. Making prayer the center is like making conversation the center of a family mealtime. In prayer, focusing on the conversatin is like trying to drive while looking at the windshield instead of through it. It freezes us, making us unsure of where to go.
(pg. 20)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Centered...
Self-centered and self-involved vs. others-centered and God-centered. Self-centeredness leads to credit and excuses. When things go well, the self-centered dude takes the credit. "Well, I planned well and worked hard and..." When they go poorly, it becomes about the excuses. "If I could just catch a break..." "Getting a job there is about who you know...I'm more qualified than everyone else. They just won't let me have the job..."
Others-centered and God-centered means giving God his due when things go well. It means understanding that even our gifts, talents and abilities come from him- though we may hone them and grow in them. It means that failures become opportunities to take responsibility and learn from them instead of excusing them and repeating them over and over.
I just heard about another local pastor trying his best to take someone from a home church to grow his particular church. God, I'm so tired of this crap. I got no respect for that nonsense. NOWHERE in the Bible does it say the ultimate goal is to become entrepreneurial and grow big. The goal is to help people follow Jesus (discipleship) so they can reach others who want to know this amazing Christ we follow. It's an issue of centeredness.
God-centered leaders aren't in competition with anyone. They simply want to serve God and his people. "Sheep-stealing" is an indication that the heart is not right. That something has gone terribly wrong. That cultural values have taken precedence over God's values.
Layman may never become a big church. I'm pretty OK with that. I'm def. not jealous of big churches. I'm a co-worker in the faith, regardless. But I do want us to do all things with integrity and love. If we can do that, trusting God all the while, we're successful. Regardless....
OK, vent-mode }OFF{
Others-centered and God-centered means giving God his due when things go well. It means understanding that even our gifts, talents and abilities come from him- though we may hone them and grow in them. It means that failures become opportunities to take responsibility and learn from them instead of excusing them and repeating them over and over.
I just heard about another local pastor trying his best to take someone from a home church to grow his particular church. God, I'm so tired of this crap. I got no respect for that nonsense. NOWHERE in the Bible does it say the ultimate goal is to become entrepreneurial and grow big. The goal is to help people follow Jesus (discipleship) so they can reach others who want to know this amazing Christ we follow. It's an issue of centeredness.
God-centered leaders aren't in competition with anyone. They simply want to serve God and his people. "Sheep-stealing" is an indication that the heart is not right. That something has gone terribly wrong. That cultural values have taken precedence over God's values.
Layman may never become a big church. I'm pretty OK with that. I'm def. not jealous of big churches. I'm a co-worker in the faith, regardless. But I do want us to do all things with integrity and love. If we can do that, trusting God all the while, we're successful. Regardless....
OK, vent-mode }OFF{
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Sabbathing...
My voicemail this week said that I was "sabbathing" with my family. At first glance, it might appear that I'm simply trying to spiritualize my vacation.
After all, I was in Orlando. I mean, c'mon, it's the friggin' capital of tourism and theme parks. And we stayed 5 nights at the Nickolodean hotel in a Jimmy Neutron=themed room.
We enjoyed Universal and Universal's Islands of Adventure. We went to Aquatica and Sea World. We spent time in the arcade at our hotel's mall. We saw 4-D mini movies. And I'm saying I'm "sabbathing?" Crazy, no?
I DID sabbath. It was incredible. I read from life-changing scriptures. I prayed. I read "Edge of Eternity" by Randy Alcorn. (Amazing book!). I asked God to protect my heart and keep me pure as I walked through parks and pools in which women were dressed in provocative ways.
I kept my phone off so as to disallow the busyness of work and the weight of ministry to lay heavy on my time with my family and my God. And...sad to say, it usually does when I'm on vacation. People call. Well-meaning.
But they want me to know about this or that. As if I'm the one who can solve the problem. I know the One who can. But I'm not him. And I trust our leadership to deal with issues. So I turned the phone on once or twice a day to see if anyone just HAD to leave a message- even after hearing that I was sabbathing and unavailable.
A woman at the hotel lost a young child. The hotel was dealing with it, so we took time as a family to pray. My son got upset at my wife, so I took the time to explain the theology of sin against one another and how sin always demands a sacrifice- even sin against one another. And how Christ paid for all our sin, so we can nail to the cross what other people do to us. He forgave and realized he wasn't justified in his anger to begin with.
I was sick all week (and for almost 2 weeks before). It got bad on Wednesday afternoon. The sinus infection caused my left eye area to swell. I was in pain. But God was good. We had a great vacation anyway. And I- without all the distractions of life and full-time ministry-was able to appreciate my God and my family. And grow closer to both.
I don't want any more vacations. I want Sabbaths. I've tasted the good stuff. Sabbaths- time apart from so as to draw near to- rock!
After all, I was in Orlando. I mean, c'mon, it's the friggin' capital of tourism and theme parks. And we stayed 5 nights at the Nickolodean hotel in a Jimmy Neutron=themed room.
We enjoyed Universal and Universal's Islands of Adventure. We went to Aquatica and Sea World. We spent time in the arcade at our hotel's mall. We saw 4-D mini movies. And I'm saying I'm "sabbathing?" Crazy, no?
I DID sabbath. It was incredible. I read from life-changing scriptures. I prayed. I read "Edge of Eternity" by Randy Alcorn. (Amazing book!). I asked God to protect my heart and keep me pure as I walked through parks and pools in which women were dressed in provocative ways.
I kept my phone off so as to disallow the busyness of work and the weight of ministry to lay heavy on my time with my family and my God. And...sad to say, it usually does when I'm on vacation. People call. Well-meaning.
But they want me to know about this or that. As if I'm the one who can solve the problem. I know the One who can. But I'm not him. And I trust our leadership to deal with issues. So I turned the phone on once or twice a day to see if anyone just HAD to leave a message- even after hearing that I was sabbathing and unavailable.
A woman at the hotel lost a young child. The hotel was dealing with it, so we took time as a family to pray. My son got upset at my wife, so I took the time to explain the theology of sin against one another and how sin always demands a sacrifice- even sin against one another. And how Christ paid for all our sin, so we can nail to the cross what other people do to us. He forgave and realized he wasn't justified in his anger to begin with.
I was sick all week (and for almost 2 weeks before). It got bad on Wednesday afternoon. The sinus infection caused my left eye area to swell. I was in pain. But God was good. We had a great vacation anyway. And I- without all the distractions of life and full-time ministry-was able to appreciate my God and my family. And grow closer to both.
I don't want any more vacations. I want Sabbaths. I've tasted the good stuff. Sabbaths- time apart from so as to draw near to- rock!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Florida...
Just got back from Orlando. Had a week of vacation. I've been sick for several weeks now, but it turned into a bad sinus infection on Wednesday. Put me right down in the bed with half my face swollen and hurting. I'll be seeing the doc today!
Learned some things... Like, for instance, when it comes to taxes, it's never enough for the government. I kept rolling up to tolls that said ".50" and then, a little further down said ".75" and then actually become "1.00". I spend 4 bucks just getting from the airport to my hotel! Those guys are nuts- the roads certainly weren't any better than they are around here...
I learned that the desire for money without the guiding force of morality always ruins the endeavor. Universal and Sea World have versions of a "Fast Pass" you can buy for mega-bucks that allows you to skip lines. So...we waited and waited while the privileged few rode coasters and rides over and over again. Once, the ride operator didn't even make them get off the coaster and walk back around, so my wife, my son and I just stood there waiting and waiting to ride.
I learned that vacations are better with a looser schedule. We spend all day Friday and Saturday at the 2 Universal parks. We were spent. My 45-yr-old body doesn't handle that well. Not anymore. We spent all day Sunday at Aquatica (water park). But...towards the end of the week, we got smart. We did half-days at the parks and half-days at the hotel.
And I was reminded that I care much more about the time with family than where it's spent. We had a great time and got jaw-dropping deals on everything we did, but nonetheless, my best times were just being with my wife and son.
Oh- and God was so gracious to me. I read scripture and it was living and real. I asked the Lord for help with "every man's struggle" and found it almost embarrassingly easy to keep my mind pure. I hate living in a society that objectifies women and I hate that my past has been so heavily influenced by it. But I rejoice that God is continually working on me to daily overcome that struggle.
And really, being head-over-heels in love with my wife doesn't hurt...
Peace!
Learned some things... Like, for instance, when it comes to taxes, it's never enough for the government. I kept rolling up to tolls that said ".50" and then, a little further down said ".75" and then actually become "1.00". I spend 4 bucks just getting from the airport to my hotel! Those guys are nuts- the roads certainly weren't any better than they are around here...
I learned that the desire for money without the guiding force of morality always ruins the endeavor. Universal and Sea World have versions of a "Fast Pass" you can buy for mega-bucks that allows you to skip lines. So...we waited and waited while the privileged few rode coasters and rides over and over again. Once, the ride operator didn't even make them get off the coaster and walk back around, so my wife, my son and I just stood there waiting and waiting to ride.
I learned that vacations are better with a looser schedule. We spend all day Friday and Saturday at the 2 Universal parks. We were spent. My 45-yr-old body doesn't handle that well. Not anymore. We spent all day Sunday at Aquatica (water park). But...towards the end of the week, we got smart. We did half-days at the parks and half-days at the hotel.
And I was reminded that I care much more about the time with family than where it's spent. We had a great time and got jaw-dropping deals on everything we did, but nonetheless, my best times were just being with my wife and son.
Oh- and God was so gracious to me. I read scripture and it was living and real. I asked the Lord for help with "every man's struggle" and found it almost embarrassingly easy to keep my mind pure. I hate living in a society that objectifies women and I hate that my past has been so heavily influenced by it. But I rejoice that God is continually working on me to daily overcome that struggle.
And really, being head-over-heels in love with my wife doesn't hurt...
Peace!
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