I was sitting here eating my lunch and cruising through the world news trying to do my part to be a culturally relevant preacher. I came across this article on Fox News and decided to read it. Partly because I never hear anything about Will Smith in the news but mostly because I saw the word "Scientology."
The source is http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,316808,00.html if you want to check out the whole article. But it was the quote that I have pasted below that made me laugh and also wonder about the 2%.
"In this latest scenario, Smith seems somewhat won over after Pinkett already had taken the lead. Smith continues to defend Cruise and Scientology. Smith reiterated on "Access Hollywood" this week a similar idea he presented in a men’s mag this month: that Scientology and the Bible are pretty much the same.
He told "Access": "I was introduced [to] it by Tom and I’m a student of world religion. I was raised in a Baptist household, I went to a Catholic school, but the ideas of the Bible are 98 percent the same ideas of Scientology, 98 percent the same ideas of Hinduism and Buddhism."
My stock for Will Smith just hit the depression of 1929. I never really put stock in Hollywood or its counterparts but I have always had a fondness for Will Smith; his family values and ability to keep his wife and kids protected from the front page of the pitiful star magazine types. As far as his "Student of world religion" statement, he must be reading that children's bible that I read to my kids at night. Actually, that children's Bible is even more informative than Mr. Smith's comments seem to be.
Let's be honest no where does Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, or Christianity teach about aliens taking over our bodies. If my Scientology is a little off I apologize but I am not too concerned with studying the deep details of it because on the surface it has no validity and to waste time on something that does not have "The Ring of Truth" is time not well spent. However the version goes, aliens are somehow involved and the essential truth about Jesus is left out.
Buddhism and Hinduism are both based on works salvation very different from Judaism and Christianity and Judaism is waiting for a Messiah that has already come. There are hundreds of prophecies in the writings of the Jewish historians and prophets that attest to the truth that Jesus is that Messiah.
Will did say 98%. So, if we concede the numbers we could say that there is room for the 2% factor. I don't think we could fit Jesus, space aliens, and work salvation into 2% but say we could. That 2% is enough to kill you.
The root of this problem lies in the exclusive factor of Jesus Christ. It is not popular to confess that Jesus Christ is the way, the only way, to the Father. People would much rather focus our attention on their own merit. I am sure that Scientology does wonderful things for kids and education at some level, but as far as salvation goes, there is no donation large enough that can buy that. Christians were bought at a price and that price is the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
That's the contention and I am not going to speak about my faith as though I have it all figured out, but the Bible does tell us that there will come a time when people will not listen to what is reasonable and will only hear what their itching hears want to. I believe the truth is not that hard to find and those wanting for it to be something of their own liking pass it as they wave to Jesus flying by in search of the mother ship.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Jesus Back in the Public Square...Maybe
Mitt Romney just delivered a speech today and the main issue was his religious convictions. He said some things that have caught my attention about the importance of God in our culture and the miss conceptions of Church and State as well as the poor judges in our court rooms. But the thing he said that made me smile the most was the name of Jesus. He did not say his name under some historical context. He said, "Jesus Christ is the son of God and the savior of mankind." I am interested to hear more.
Something else I am interested in as well is will the main stream media exclude that part (Name of Jesus, son of God, savior of mankind) from their reports. Some breaking reports already have. The washingtonpost.com had an overview of the speech and the high points but no "Jesus." Foxnews.com DID include that part and is were I received the above quote (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,315486,00.html).
I am waiting and watching to see.
Something else I am interested in as well is will the main stream media exclude that part (Name of Jesus, son of God, savior of mankind) from their reports. Some breaking reports already have. The washingtonpost.com had an overview of the speech and the high points but no "Jesus." Foxnews.com DID include that part and is were I received the above quote (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,315486,00.html).
I am waiting and watching to see.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Top 10 Vision Problems
I have learned a lot in four years and have much more to learn. There was a point in time that I thought I could just preach and even though I used to say things like, “Preaching is a small part of the minister’s work” it really never settled in until the work became a reality.
The most difficult thing is leading. A leader, at least a good one takes all the blame and none of the credit. That is easy for me, not because I am humble but because leadership is not my best side and I would much rather have all my pictures taken from the right. Therefore I am thankful for the words of Jesus to Paul, “...for my power is made perfect in weakness” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
The top ten things that can cause blurred or loss of vision:
10. Disobedience—There are some days that I would like for this to read disobedience towards the Preaching Minister’s instructions but the kingdom of God is not about me and there are times when I am wrong. The Church is a living breathing organism, literally, because each person who confess Christ as Lord and savior is a block in the building of the spiritual Church. When God’s Church (Big C) are not living in God’s will then the church (little c) will not produce His vision (Proverbs 29:18).
9. Laziness—Here I will spotlight laziness of serving and giving in the church and community. I could also say laziness of spiritual living but I addressed that under disobedience. We all play a role in God’s Kingdom. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us” Romans 12:6.
8. Closed Ears—Jesus said, “…hearing they do not hear” Matthew 13:13. The point of His words and the parable is that the people had their heart closed. We must always have our hearts open to Christ and our brothers and sister. Canoe Creek is full of ministry teams and they all overlap meaning they have intersecting points and at those intersections there are red, yellow, and green lights. We all have to stop, proceed with caution and wait our turn. If people or ministry teams are not willing to hear their brothers and sisters out then we will fail to accomplish our vision due to a lack of unity.
7. Over Extending—Construction has begun and the new building will soon be completed and the greatest temptation will be to launch all kinds of new ministries but that might be the very thing that causes us to loose sight. Many Churches have done many things good and missed their opportunity to do something great. It is essential that we branch out in ministry as the need arises and we do it at the pace God enables us to. Christ’s mission in its simplest form was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
6. Reactionary verse Pre-Actionary Preparation (Pre-Actionary, my word)—There are times when we have to punt and I recognize that punting is strategic. However our primary goal should be, to be a church on the move. Jesus Christ said, “…and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” Matthew 16:18. Capture a mental picture of that and make it a picture you look at for the first 15 minutes of each day. City gates in ancient days were designed to keep people out. Jesus sees his Bride as one who is on the move and taking the devil’s strongholds by storm, or faith.
5. Having a corporation mentality—CEO church, I think not. More and more churches are stealing ideas from the corporate world to “run” the church. Most businesses receive their principles of good leadership out of the scriptures whether they know it or not. “There is noting new under the sun.” When we are more concerned with numbers, human and financial, and our next project more than sharing the compassion of Christ with a single person then we have missed the mark.
4. Self centered thinking (Meism)—Jesus Christ died on the cross not you or me. It is about Jesus Christ and it is the work of every Christian to loose their self to Christ. “...whoever looses his life for my sake will find it” Matthew 10:39.
3. Re-duplicating—Yes I know that the word is redundant, that’s the point. Canoe Creek must follow the vision God has for us and not try and copy success. Creative ideas from our Christian brothers and sisters can be helpful but not always. “That’s not how they do it up north” or some sort of version of that is something I hear a lot of, but Canoe Creek is Canoe Creek and that is all we will ever be. While we build on the same principles of other churches that are successful we will build a house that looks very different.
2. Faithless planning—Church budgets and church plans without faith lead to nothing more than human accomplished goals. Bold initiatives lead to God glorifying feats! On anything we set out to do, when it is all said and done, if there is even the remotest possibility that we can say we did it then we have most likely missed an even bigger opportunity. Even if it hasn’t rained in two years we need to be plowing and planting the lower 40. Faith confidently awaits God. “...and even if I have faith that can move mountains” 1 Corinthians 13:2.
1. That’s how we have always done it—The methods change but the message always remains the same. There is a problem when the methods become the object of our worship. I have some older relatives that just recently moved and are struggling with the change. I empathize with them as I pray a younger generation will empathize with me if and when I grow less adaptable to the changes around me. Can you imagine what it was like when the Gentiles started going to Church. “8-tracs are the way of the future.”
The most difficult thing is leading. A leader, at least a good one takes all the blame and none of the credit. That is easy for me, not because I am humble but because leadership is not my best side and I would much rather have all my pictures taken from the right. Therefore I am thankful for the words of Jesus to Paul, “...for my power is made perfect in weakness” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
The top ten things that can cause blurred or loss of vision:
10. Disobedience—There are some days that I would like for this to read disobedience towards the Preaching Minister’s instructions but the kingdom of God is not about me and there are times when I am wrong. The Church is a living breathing organism, literally, because each person who confess Christ as Lord and savior is a block in the building of the spiritual Church. When God’s Church (Big C) are not living in God’s will then the church (little c) will not produce His vision (Proverbs 29:18).
9. Laziness—Here I will spotlight laziness of serving and giving in the church and community. I could also say laziness of spiritual living but I addressed that under disobedience. We all play a role in God’s Kingdom. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us” Romans 12:6.
8. Closed Ears—Jesus said, “…hearing they do not hear” Matthew 13:13. The point of His words and the parable is that the people had their heart closed. We must always have our hearts open to Christ and our brothers and sister. Canoe Creek is full of ministry teams and they all overlap meaning they have intersecting points and at those intersections there are red, yellow, and green lights. We all have to stop, proceed with caution and wait our turn. If people or ministry teams are not willing to hear their brothers and sisters out then we will fail to accomplish our vision due to a lack of unity.
7. Over Extending—Construction has begun and the new building will soon be completed and the greatest temptation will be to launch all kinds of new ministries but that might be the very thing that causes us to loose sight. Many Churches have done many things good and missed their opportunity to do something great. It is essential that we branch out in ministry as the need arises and we do it at the pace God enables us to. Christ’s mission in its simplest form was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
6. Reactionary verse Pre-Actionary Preparation (Pre-Actionary, my word)—There are times when we have to punt and I recognize that punting is strategic. However our primary goal should be, to be a church on the move. Jesus Christ said, “…and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” Matthew 16:18. Capture a mental picture of that and make it a picture you look at for the first 15 minutes of each day. City gates in ancient days were designed to keep people out. Jesus sees his Bride as one who is on the move and taking the devil’s strongholds by storm, or faith.
5. Having a corporation mentality—CEO church, I think not. More and more churches are stealing ideas from the corporate world to “run” the church. Most businesses receive their principles of good leadership out of the scriptures whether they know it or not. “There is noting new under the sun.” When we are more concerned with numbers, human and financial, and our next project more than sharing the compassion of Christ with a single person then we have missed the mark.
4. Self centered thinking (Meism)—Jesus Christ died on the cross not you or me. It is about Jesus Christ and it is the work of every Christian to loose their self to Christ. “...whoever looses his life for my sake will find it” Matthew 10:39.
3. Re-duplicating—Yes I know that the word is redundant, that’s the point. Canoe Creek must follow the vision God has for us and not try and copy success. Creative ideas from our Christian brothers and sisters can be helpful but not always. “That’s not how they do it up north” or some sort of version of that is something I hear a lot of, but Canoe Creek is Canoe Creek and that is all we will ever be. While we build on the same principles of other churches that are successful we will build a house that looks very different.
2. Faithless planning—Church budgets and church plans without faith lead to nothing more than human accomplished goals. Bold initiatives lead to God glorifying feats! On anything we set out to do, when it is all said and done, if there is even the remotest possibility that we can say we did it then we have most likely missed an even bigger opportunity. Even if it hasn’t rained in two years we need to be plowing and planting the lower 40. Faith confidently awaits God. “...and even if I have faith that can move mountains” 1 Corinthians 13:2.
1. That’s how we have always done it—The methods change but the message always remains the same. There is a problem when the methods become the object of our worship. I have some older relatives that just recently moved and are struggling with the change. I empathize with them as I pray a younger generation will empathize with me if and when I grow less adaptable to the changes around me. Can you imagine what it was like when the Gentiles started going to Church. “8-tracs are the way of the future.”
Friday, November 30, 2007
Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover
I have to admit, I am quick to draw up an internal profile sketch of someone when I meet them basing it on what I see on the outside. Part of it is a protective mechanism that I have and in some ways it is smart to prepare yourself for what might happen. Let's be honest, in most cases if it has scales it is a fish, if it has wings it can fly, and if it has fleas keep a protective distance.
However, there are many times when my internal sketches are wrong. This doesn't mean I am rude, arrogant, or any other sort, on the contrary I tend to attract to the rejected crowed. That is where Jesus spent his time and it seems fit that I do the same.
I suppose what I am getting at is that it is a fresh breath of air when someone comes along and completely contradicts the stereotype.
Check out this link and watch this video audition of Paul Potts and tell me what you think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA
However, there are many times when my internal sketches are wrong. This doesn't mean I am rude, arrogant, or any other sort, on the contrary I tend to attract to the rejected crowed. That is where Jesus spent his time and it seems fit that I do the same.
I suppose what I am getting at is that it is a fresh breath of air when someone comes along and completely contradicts the stereotype.
Check out this link and watch this video audition of Paul Potts and tell me what you think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA
Monday, October 22, 2007
A Time Of Refreshing
Some pictures of my retreat to Louisville.
We were treated at Ruth Chris Steakhouse. My first time ever eating there and I learned what "A La Cart" means. I was thinking they were going to bring the food in on a cart, but it just means it cost a whole lot more.
From left to right: Bob Russell, Me, Tracy, Brian, Tony, Ben, Bob, Sam, Mark.
Here are more pictures for my retreat brothers to download.
I am planning on burning all the pictures I have to a CD and sending them it in the mail.
We were treated at Ruth Chris Steakhouse. My first time ever eating there and I learned what "A La Cart" means. I was thinking they were going to bring the food in on a cart, but it just means it cost a whole lot more.From left to right: Bob Russell, Me, Tracy, Brian, Tony, Ben, Bob, Sam, Mark.
Here are more pictures for my retreat brothers to download.
I am planning on burning all the pictures I have to a CD and sending them it in the mail.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Pray For Judah
Please continue to pray for Judah. I came across this interview and it heightened my sense of concern for Judah, his family, the orphans, and all the Christians. Please take a look at it.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/octoberweb-only/140-52.0.html
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/octoberweb-only/140-52.0.html
Monday, October 8, 2007
UGHHHHHH!
I have those moments where I would rather beat my forehead against a brick wall than try and explain something to my child again, or have to tell them to not do or to do something one more time. To beat my head against a brick wall would be less painful and more productive.
Maybe you have been there. It may have not been a child, but maybe you have experienced a moment in time when you thought, "Why don't they get it!"
I was reading John 6 and saw into the life of Christ and couldn't help but to think that Jesus was having an UGHHHHH moment. He was gently guiding the people to realize that He is the one they ought to believe in and upon this they tell him, "What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You?" (John 6:30).
Just the day before he had fed five thousand people, the very people who are now asking for some amazing sign to prove what he says. What does Jesus have to do? Die on a cross or something?
I just preached yesterday about the significance of receiving the Holy Spirit. This led us to briefly discuss miracles and if they exist today. I personally believe that the Spirit of God is capable of doing whatever He deems essential to glorify Christ. I believe that supernatural phenomenon takes place today. I believe that some of it is at the hands of the devil to lead people astray while other instances are the result of the Holy Spirit to glorify the Son of God so that others might hear the word and believe.
I am not sure if I said it well or clear but at the end of the day I know one thing is certain, miracles alone are not enough to change someones heart. The truth of Christ is essential. In this cynical and skeptical post-modern world we live in noting seems believable and if God were to do something miraculous I am afraid all we would hear from the non-believers would be, "Best 5 out of 7."
Christ rose from the dead. If you are not willing to believe in that and place your faith in the Word of God, you won't believe anything else he might do to impress you.
Maybe you have been there. It may have not been a child, but maybe you have experienced a moment in time when you thought, "Why don't they get it!"
I was reading John 6 and saw into the life of Christ and couldn't help but to think that Jesus was having an UGHHHHH moment. He was gently guiding the people to realize that He is the one they ought to believe in and upon this they tell him, "What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You?" (John 6:30).
Just the day before he had fed five thousand people, the very people who are now asking for some amazing sign to prove what he says. What does Jesus have to do? Die on a cross or something?
I just preached yesterday about the significance of receiving the Holy Spirit. This led us to briefly discuss miracles and if they exist today. I personally believe that the Spirit of God is capable of doing whatever He deems essential to glorify Christ. I believe that supernatural phenomenon takes place today. I believe that some of it is at the hands of the devil to lead people astray while other instances are the result of the Holy Spirit to glorify the Son of God so that others might hear the word and believe.
I am not sure if I said it well or clear but at the end of the day I know one thing is certain, miracles alone are not enough to change someones heart. The truth of Christ is essential. In this cynical and skeptical post-modern world we live in noting seems believable and if God were to do something miraculous I am afraid all we would hear from the non-believers would be, "Best 5 out of 7."
Christ rose from the dead. If you are not willing to believe in that and place your faith in the Word of God, you won't believe anything else he might do to impress you.
Monday, October 1, 2007
How Do We Respond To Skeptics
In John 4 there is a story about Jesus encountering a woman at a well. Many are very familiar with this story. There is a non-verbal exchange that I think we may miss because the conversation is not real time and we do not see the non-verbal indications that express the kind of attitude in which the words were exchanged.
In verse 14 Jesus tells this lady, the he has just met, that he has water she can drink from and will never be thirsty again. Now, if you'll by that I have some ocean front property in Arizona. Let's also remember that Jewish men didn't speak with women, epically Samaritan women. I would imagine that this woman had experienced ridicule or jokes at her expense at some point in her life. I have a strange feeling when I read this text that she believes a witty arrogant Jewish man is trying to annoy her when he tells her he has water that will sustain her for the rest of her life with just one drink.
Therefore (Even though there is no indication in the Greek text) I believe her response in verse 15 is in a tone that indicates sarcasm and skepticism. It would make sense that Jesus would immediately turn the conversation down a path that would quickly remove all of the joking, sarcasm, and skepticism. That is exactly what Jesus does in verse 16. He makes a statement that will cause the woman's skeptical and cynical attitude to immediately change; he pushed a button.
Once Jesus changed the mood of the cynical woman he then answers her scepticism by indicating that he has knowledge beyond normal human knowledge. She now knows that something is very different about this man. But what about us? We are not able to have this kind of power to cause the skeptic to think about it, so how do we respond. I believe there are several clues in this story here and are supported by scripture elsewhere.
1. Seek relationships out of a heart of compassion with people that no others are willing to get close to. That is where it all begins. That is exactly what Jesus does here even though it may have just happend that Jesus wanted a drink, ever thought about that.
2. Pray that God would convict you of your own sin so that you may live such a holy life that the people around you cannot have anything against you (1 Peter 2:12).
3. Pray also for whom it is that you are reaching out to and pray specifically that the Holy Spirit would convict them and that He would give you power to say what might touch their button. Before the conversation could turn the person needed to feel the sting of sin (John 16:8).
4. Trust in the power of God and the Gospel message and share the truth. Jesus had the power to say and do things that were out of this world. We do not, but He still does. Trust in His power to open their heart as you share the truth about His love, mercy, grace, and salvation.
You say it sounds to simple and others say the Bible is too hard to understand. Which one is it?
In verse 14 Jesus tells this lady, the he has just met, that he has water she can drink from and will never be thirsty again. Now, if you'll by that I have some ocean front property in Arizona. Let's also remember that Jewish men didn't speak with women, epically Samaritan women. I would imagine that this woman had experienced ridicule or jokes at her expense at some point in her life. I have a strange feeling when I read this text that she believes a witty arrogant Jewish man is trying to annoy her when he tells her he has water that will sustain her for the rest of her life with just one drink.
Therefore (Even though there is no indication in the Greek text) I believe her response in verse 15 is in a tone that indicates sarcasm and skepticism. It would make sense that Jesus would immediately turn the conversation down a path that would quickly remove all of the joking, sarcasm, and skepticism. That is exactly what Jesus does in verse 16. He makes a statement that will cause the woman's skeptical and cynical attitude to immediately change; he pushed a button.
Once Jesus changed the mood of the cynical woman he then answers her scepticism by indicating that he has knowledge beyond normal human knowledge. She now knows that something is very different about this man. But what about us? We are not able to have this kind of power to cause the skeptic to think about it, so how do we respond. I believe there are several clues in this story here and are supported by scripture elsewhere.
1. Seek relationships out of a heart of compassion with people that no others are willing to get close to. That is where it all begins. That is exactly what Jesus does here even though it may have just happend that Jesus wanted a drink, ever thought about that.
2. Pray that God would convict you of your own sin so that you may live such a holy life that the people around you cannot have anything against you (1 Peter 2:12).
3. Pray also for whom it is that you are reaching out to and pray specifically that the Holy Spirit would convict them and that He would give you power to say what might touch their button. Before the conversation could turn the person needed to feel the sting of sin (John 16:8).
4. Trust in the power of God and the Gospel message and share the truth. Jesus had the power to say and do things that were out of this world. We do not, but He still does. Trust in His power to open their heart as you share the truth about His love, mercy, grace, and salvation.
You say it sounds to simple and others say the Bible is too hard to understand. Which one is it?
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Strength In Numbers
I am sure that Christians would never look to Buddists to think that they would be helpful to us but that just might be the case. While we may have very different religious views (Christains=salvation by grace, and Buddist=non-existance by works) currently the Buddists in Burma (Myanmar) are leading a cause that the Christians are unable to due to shear force.
Thousands of Monks are leading peaceful protests to speak out against the miulitary rule. If Christians were to do this they would be squashed before they reached the gate, but Buddists hold more political power. The Buddist Clerics are well respected.
It could lead to civil war which would not be good for anyone, but it sometimes has to get worse before it can get better. I just pray that a massacure doesn't happen and I also pray that democracy might take hold in Burma. That could lead to better things for my Christian brother Judah and the other churches.
Read more here Link
Thousands of Monks are leading peaceful protests to speak out against the miulitary rule. If Christians were to do this they would be squashed before they reached the gate, but Buddists hold more political power. The Buddist Clerics are well respected.
It could lead to civil war which would not be good for anyone, but it sometimes has to get worse before it can get better. I just pray that a massacure doesn't happen and I also pray that democracy might take hold in Burma. That could lead to better things for my Christian brother Judah and the other churches.
Read more here Link
Thursday, September 20, 2007
For You Deep Thinkers
"Is Christianity Good for the World?"
Christopher Hitchens and Douglas Wilson debate.
posted 5/08/2007 09:17AM
Theologian Douglas Wilson and atheist Christopher Hitchens, authors whose books are already part of a larger debate on whether religion is pernicious, agreed to discuss their views on whether Christianity itself has benefited the world. Below is their exchange, one in a series that will appear on our website over the course of this month.
Here is a link
Christopher Hitchens and Douglas Wilson debate.
posted 5/08/2007 09:17AM
Theologian Douglas Wilson and atheist Christopher Hitchens, authors whose books are already part of a larger debate on whether religion is pernicious, agreed to discuss their views on whether Christianity itself has benefited the world. Below is their exchange, one in a series that will appear on our website over the course of this month.
Here is a link
Monday, September 17, 2007
God Feels Our Pain
I believe that many things in life are microcosm of other and greater truths. One such microcosm is a parent child relationship. I believe how a parent is supposed to care for and guide their child is a microcosm of our relationship with God. -
Jonah had a bad week to say the least. He was in trouble at school, home, and acted a lot like a 7 year old boy rather than the 30 year old responsible adult I want him to be:) I spoke with him and laid down some benchmarks for him to aim for in order to turn his attitude around. One of those was for him to listen and do what was said.
-
On Friday night I told him to get his flag football stuff together so it would be ready in the morning. He didn't do it. Saturday morning I pointed to his stuff as it lay scattered on the floor and said get all of your gear for football together right now so that you don't forget anything.
-
We got to the Fields, it was game time, and Jonah did not have a mouth-guard. This means he couldn't play. His mother ran home to get it while I refereed the game. I watched Jonah sit upset, hurt, angry, and sad while he watched the game but couldn't play. I told him to borrow his sisters but he is all about fashion and hers is pink so he wasn't having that. His mom was delayed and I told him that she was probably having a hard time finding it and if she couldn't then he wasn't going to be able to play.
-
At this point he began to tear up a little. My heart began to sink, but I held firm. While I was desperately hurting for my son I also understood that he needed to learn a lesson. He played the second half but I am worried for him this week. If he misses the benchmarks that we talked about he knows that the punishment is no football. Even worse, he has to watch but cannot play. If it comes to that, Saturday is not going to be any fun for the both of us.
A Good Day
When we go to work we all know the risks that come with it, it could be a good day or a bad day. I am speaking of course to those who enjoy their work and look forward to it. Even though you enjoy and look forward to your work there are those days when you are not so excited. Maybe you are anticipating some trouble or difficult encounter you have been trying to avoid for weeks or months and you know it is about to happen. Maybe you are not anticipating anything at all and excited about the day but something unexpected happens to let out all your air.
*
It is not much different for a preacher. Some days I am not so excited about going to the office or going to church to preach. Sometimes I am expecting some staff problems and sometimes the sermon isn't ready and I know it is going to be lees than engaging. But Sunday is always coming, so I just suck it up and sulk in the afternoon. And other times I am excited about preaching and seeing all of Canoe Creek Church gathered together, but then someone makes a comment that is negative (Usually about music) that just takes the air right out of me.
*
There are those occasions though where I am filled and excited. This week was one of those occasions. I was ready to preach on Thursday, those are rare occasions and you take everyone you get. So I knew that I would be ready come Sunday. It was the first day for our new youth minister and his wife. But the icing on the top was the power of the Spirit.
*
When we were just getting started and there were only 2-3 people at the school setting up, one of the Canoe Creek family was walking up to the building when they stopped. I could tell that something or should I say someone (Holy Spirit) encouraged them to not walk inside but rather walk down to where I was emptying my truck. They were emotionally moved and started to tell me about how the past two years had been the most difficult they had ever faced and if it had not been for Canoe Creek they would have never made it.
*
So fling your arrows, fall asleep during the sermon, complain about music, tell me everything that we are doing wrong and why we are not spiritual because of it. Negative comments or bad days may take some of the wind out of my sails for a little while but just one experience like the one I had on Sunday can fill my sails years. Canoe Creek Christian Church is serving a purpose in God's Kingdom. I am full of joy.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Proud Moment
If we played Fantasy Flag Football I would draft my son first. (Click on the images to make them larger. They are high rex files and awesome clarity. Open them and save to your computer.)
Monday, September 10, 2007
A Whole New Meaning For "Easthigh WILDCATS"
You may not have heard of High School Musical, but I have two young daughters and I have endured both of the Disney specials, High School Musical 1 & 2. My daughters enjoy the characters and the singing and Disney has done a good job of putting together a mostly innocent and enjoyable show for kids.
The recent and unfortunate news is that another teenage beauty queen actor/singer is going down in flames while her popularity goes up in stock. Vanessa Anne Hudgens, the female star of the show has recently showed off more than her singing voice by taking inappropriate pictures that have found their way to the web. She says she is embarrassed, but is she?
It appears that girls like Brittany Spears, Pairs Hilton, and possibly Vanessa Hudgens feed off any attention they get, even if it is negative. It is sad to see such talented young girls (With the exception of Paris Hilton--If she has a talent other than spending money it has yet to surface) feed off such negative attention.
It is so sad how the world we live in can take such innocent and enjoyable things and twist them all up and ruin them. I am reminded every day of how important it is for me to love and hug on my daughters and tell them how special and beautiful they are every chance I get. It is essential to help young girls understand the differences and the good rewards for seeking positive and healthy attention rather than any attention at all.
The recent and unfortunate news is that another teenage beauty queen actor/singer is going down in flames while her popularity goes up in stock. Vanessa Anne Hudgens, the female star of the show has recently showed off more than her singing voice by taking inappropriate pictures that have found their way to the web. She says she is embarrassed, but is she?
It appears that girls like Brittany Spears, Pairs Hilton, and possibly Vanessa Hudgens feed off any attention they get, even if it is negative. It is sad to see such talented young girls (With the exception of Paris Hilton--If she has a talent other than spending money it has yet to surface) feed off such negative attention.
It is so sad how the world we live in can take such innocent and enjoyable things and twist them all up and ruin them. I am reminded every day of how important it is for me to love and hug on my daughters and tell them how special and beautiful they are every chance I get. It is essential to help young girls understand the differences and the good rewards for seeking positive and healthy attention rather than any attention at all.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Missed My Boat
I remember when I was a little guy. I was standing out by the street waiting for someone to pick me up because I was going to go to the beach that day. I stood there with my afro kicking, my red-stripped socks pulled high and my short shorts. My towel was thrown over my shoulder and I had already been lathered up with sun-screen.
I stood on by the street an hour past the time my ride was supposed to come. I never get picked up. It was a horrible feeling and I know you know the kind of feeling I am talking about. It is the kind of feeling I am experiencing this morning. I was supposed to meet with some friends to pray, talk, and just enjoy some time with like kind. It was going to be the first time I met with them but I forgot to set the reminder on my outlook and I forgot. I remembered at 9:00 and the meeting was at 8:30 in Orlando. There was no reason to even rush out. Now I sit here frustrated and feeling a little empty like I missed something.
If missing out on things in life can cause such a sinking empty feeling in our stomachs, imagine what it will be like when we see Jesus coming on the clouds and watch as he separates everyone realizing that we are in the group that is going to miss out. I don't think anyone can begin to imagine what that will truly feel like.
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God...And so we will be with the Lord forever" Thessalonians 4:16, 17.
I remember when I was a little guy. I was standing out by the street waiting for someone to pick me up because I was going to go to the beach that day. I stood there with my afro kicking, my red-stripped socks pulled high and my short shorts. My towel was thrown over my shoulder and I had already been lathered up with sun-screen.
I stood on by the street an hour past the time my ride was supposed to come. I never get picked up. It was a horrible feeling and I know you know the kind of feeling I am talking about. It is the kind of feeling I am experiencing this morning. I was supposed to meet with some friends to pray, talk, and just enjoy some time with like kind. It was going to be the first time I met with them but I forgot to set the reminder on my outlook and I forgot. I remembered at 9:00 and the meeting was at 8:30 in Orlando. There was no reason to even rush out. Now I sit here frustrated and feeling a little empty like I missed something.
If missing out on things in life can cause such a sinking empty feeling in our stomachs, imagine what it will be like when we see Jesus coming on the clouds and watch as he separates everyone realizing that we are in the group that is going to miss out. I don't think anyone can begin to imagine what that will truly feel like.
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God...And so we will be with the Lord forever" Thessalonians 4:16, 17.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
More Than A Respected Relic. John 1:3
The apostles looked at Jesus as a contemporary (By contemporary I mean close to or of the same age). We think that seeing Jesus as the apostles did will change our faith, maybe, and maybe not. It could be that the apostles struggled to see Jesus as God because they there with him and even though they saw Jesus' divine miracles they also saw His humanity. Jesus ate the same foods they ate, He wore the same close, they saw where He grew up, they heard Him snore, and smelled His breath.
Jesus who is timeless stepped into time. I wonder what kind of jet lag that causes? The fact that He is timeless eludes us as well. Jesus was a contemporary of the apostles and this could have caused some gaps in their faith. For us Jesus is a relic that is respected. We sometimes look upon Him as a child does an adult. But, do we look upon Him as a timeless God that existed long before His brief moment of humanity? If we look at Him as a relic to be respected our faith is to weak to seem Him in his true glory, when He was there when "all things came into being."
The apostles struggled to believe for their reasons and we struggle to believe for our own. If Jesus were here today would that solve our faith issues? I doubt it. John knew that accepting Jesus as God would be a struggle so he begins his gospel with the proclamation, "the Word was God" and he ends it with the confession of a doubter, "my Lord and my God" (John 20:29). The following statement by Jesus is encouraging to us today. Jesus said, "Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."
The apostles looked at Jesus as a contemporary (By contemporary I mean close to or of the same age). We think that seeing Jesus as the apostles did will change our faith, maybe, and maybe not. It could be that the apostles struggled to see Jesus as God because they there with him and even though they saw Jesus' divine miracles they also saw His humanity. Jesus ate the same foods they ate, He wore the same close, they saw where He grew up, they heard Him snore, and smelled His breath.
Jesus who is timeless stepped into time. I wonder what kind of jet lag that causes? The fact that He is timeless eludes us as well. Jesus was a contemporary of the apostles and this could have caused some gaps in their faith. For us Jesus is a relic that is respected. We sometimes look upon Him as a child does an adult. But, do we look upon Him as a timeless God that existed long before His brief moment of humanity? If we look at Him as a relic to be respected our faith is to weak to seem Him in his true glory, when He was there when "all things came into being."
The apostles struggled to believe for their reasons and we struggle to believe for our own. If Jesus were here today would that solve our faith issues? I doubt it. John knew that accepting Jesus as God would be a struggle so he begins his gospel with the proclamation, "the Word was God" and he ends it with the confession of a doubter, "my Lord and my God" (John 20:29). The following statement by Jesus is encouraging to us today. Jesus said, "Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."
Friday, August 31, 2007
Judah Home Safely
The context: The Pastor was arrested for false reasons.
From Judah in Burma--"Hi Ross, I came back from Jung Byaw and the pastor and the church members there are fine. The pastor was in jail only one night and then the police and the authority released him. Thanks for praying in the time of difficulties. I am also gland to hear that you would like to come and see us in the future. My prayer is that you could come and encourage us. That would be a great blessing for us from God. Thanks again for praying and supporting brother. Keep the good work there in Christ." Judah
He Is So Great He Can Even Be Small; to the point of a period. John 1:1
I suppose the question begins with a nagging yet understandable, "Why?" This isn't an easy question though it may seem innocent enough. Ask anyone who has spent a little time with a 3-5 year old and they will whole-heartily agree that the "why" question is more profound than many of the rest. It can stump us as well as cause all kinds of misconceptions. It can be the difference between someone being an atheist and a theist.
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I don't pretend to be very smart when it comes to things such as biology, physiology, or any other ...ology for that matter. But I do know enough to recognize that there is something special about life and being made human, at the top of the food chain (unless when swimming off the cape of Africa. Then a great white is one notch above us), isn't some fortunate turn of cosmological or evolutionary events. I know there is an amazingly vast world of science out there but maybe at least for once the unbeliever could be ridiculed for their blind faith because it has to be greater than the theist. After all, a powerful creator fills in the gaps far more soundly than any test tube. Please realize that while I am not a scientist of any sort the various sciences fascinate me and I believe that God is the creator of all sciences.
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But I digress a little. I believe that the majority of people do believe in some kind of a powerful being that is at work in what we see. I do not believe the world is sitting on the back of a giant tortoise and it is "tortoises all the way down." And I do not think many people believe such things. But the really nagging question is how do we begin to and continue to know or interact with this great being, that's if this being wants to interact with us at all.
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Some people say that this being (God) will fall upon us with power and then we will know of him. Some people believe that it will require intense meditation so much so that all surrounding material must be completely blocked out. Others say it is a 12 step program and once you have completed the 12th step then you will know. (But remember, if you mess up at any of the previous steps you must go back to the beginning and cannot return to your place in line, thanks and have a nice day. "What's in your wallet.") Others just believe and there is no basis for their belief. They are like my 12 year old daughter when I ask, "How do you know." She responds, "I just know."
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Here is a novel concept. There is something that I have noticed about creatures that is very amazing. All creatures are capable of communicating. Animals, each in their own ways as well as us at the top of the food chain. No doubt that this is a part of the evolutionary process, that would explain Ebonics and the ever present phenomena of text message speak:) Doesn't written and verbal communication make sense or am I not complex enough. After all, when I want a drink I say to my son Jonah, "Hey Jonah, how about you fetch dear old dad some tea." Are you different? Do you grunt? Do you stare as if with blazing eyes of power so that you communicate with your brain without spoken words. In the words of the grasshopper from Bugs Life, "Ooh, ooh, ooh, I'm asking you with my brain."
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I suppose we struggle to believe that a God powerful enough to hang the moon and the stars is capable to just speak to us. But just as you read this know we are communicating in a form that is the most accepted in our world. We don't use pictures as our common form of communication. We do not use human poses as our common form of communication (That's not Vogue--I know, that one was bad.), nor any other. While we are capable of communicating in many ways our default is written and verbal words. Here is a thought, if God is as grand as all creation then He is powerful enough to connect with us at our level. He doesn't enlighten us through one powerful enchantment, transcendental meditation, 12 step program or anything other than the most common form that we are accustomed to; the written Word.
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It makes so much sense that Jesus, the Son of God would be called the Word. And it makes sense that the Word would dwell among us. After all God is so powerful and significant that he is capable of appearing insignificant for a while so that we might comprehend what we might think is incomprehensible.
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So Christians, the next time someone ask you why do you believe that or this please do not respond with, "Because I just know." After all, you have the Word.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
I Wonder No More-John 1:11
When Jesus came to earth he dwelt among the very people he took part in creating. I am not even going to pretend that I can fully comprehend that, but in faith I am willing to recognize the simplicity in John's short and concise statements about the most complex issue there has ever been. With several stokes of the pen John takes us from creation to incarnation and accomplishes what would take any human mind hours of confusion in a matter of seconds. The Spirit of God is clearly at work in the opening verses of John's Gospel. The Simplicity of the text must be the work of a power far greater than any created thing, even something as powerful as the human mind. Therefore while I do not fully understand the transaction of power I take in faith that Christ can dwell among the very people he created.
And now for the painful part; many of us fail to offer a proper reception for the very one who created us. Now that my children have advanced beyond the cute and cuddly stage I have grown to understand this verse more personally. There is nothing worse than having one of your own children holler out the words, "I hate you." There are those times when a child does not properly receive the one that conceives, nurtures, loves, guides and protects them. I don't know about you but it sure does hurt when that happens. I wonder no longer how Christ feels.
When Jesus came to earth he dwelt among the very people he took part in creating. I am not even going to pretend that I can fully comprehend that, but in faith I am willing to recognize the simplicity in John's short and concise statements about the most complex issue there has ever been. With several stokes of the pen John takes us from creation to incarnation and accomplishes what would take any human mind hours of confusion in a matter of seconds. The Spirit of God is clearly at work in the opening verses of John's Gospel. The Simplicity of the text must be the work of a power far greater than any created thing, even something as powerful as the human mind. Therefore while I do not fully understand the transaction of power I take in faith that Christ can dwell among the very people he created.
And now for the painful part; many of us fail to offer a proper reception for the very one who created us. Now that my children have advanced beyond the cute and cuddly stage I have grown to understand this verse more personally. There is nothing worse than having one of your own children holler out the words, "I hate you." There are those times when a child does not properly receive the one that conceives, nurtures, loves, guides and protects them. I don't know about you but it sure does hurt when that happens. I wonder no longer how Christ feels.
I Have Arrived
I suppose I have arrived in the 21st century. I have considered creating a blog several times but have not done so for several reasons. But I have finally done it. I wanted to create a space where I could write down some of my thoughts on scripture as I read and study and I want to be able to share those thoughts on a daily basis. So, I look forward to writing and maybe you will look forward to stopping by every once and a while and reading. See you soon.
I suppose I have arrived in the 21st century. I have considered creating a blog several times but have not done so for several reasons. But I have finally done it. I wanted to create a space where I could write down some of my thoughts on scripture as I read and study and I want to be able to share those thoughts on a daily basis. So, I look forward to writing and maybe you will look forward to stopping by every once and a while and reading. See you soon.
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