(It might be helpful to view the video available through this link before continuing).
Choices. Every day we are faced with all types of choices. Those choices can lead us down a road to any number of outcomes. Whoever broke in to our building the other night had a choice. They chose to act in a way that might give them temporary satisfaction, without much concern for the negative implications. They will only continue to be faced with choices as they move forward wherever they go.
As those who have been wronged, we also have a choice. How will we respond in the midst of unfortunate or frustrating circumstances? The world would expect us to be angry. Maybe in some way we might actually be justified in that feeling. But, should we choose to feel that way? Or do we have a responsibility, a calling even, to choose to respond differently than those around us might expect? Sure, the initial feelings are ones of frustration. It's a hassle. It's inconvenient. There's immeasurable value in what was taken...it's more than just the price tag on the box. Even still, in the end it's just stuff. What does it really matter? What matters is how I choose this day to respond, whatever the circumstances...whether good or bad...mountain or valley...victim or thief. What matters is that I have a chance, I have a choice, to act redemptively even when I'm not at fault, even when there is an obvious someone else to blame, even when an enemy chooses to spit in my face.
After all, Jesus did. And he's the one I choose to follow. He's the one I decide each day to try to imitate. So don't be angry. Life's too short to chase that train. Instead, take a deep breath, and be reminded of this simple refrain: "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him." -Deut 30:19-20.
--Mike
Oct 16, 2009
Oct 14, 2009
Night Time Visitors
Had any night time prowlers lately? Not the ones that invade your home without an invitation. I'm talking about people and happenings that invade your sleep. Come to think about it, I guess dreams do invade our homes without invitations. Like an intruder they can interrupt sleep, cause restlessness, and even create fear and dread.
In my lifetime I've had three very troubling dreams. Sure, I have the same dreams lots of people have, like falling off something only to awaken startled just before I hit the ground. And I don't know what this one means--I'm sometimes getting up to preach only to realize that I'm not fully dressed. O how much I hate to share that one since no doubt someone is bound to conclude something about my sexuality that cannot be positive.
The first dream that really troubled me came maybe 20 years ago when I dreamt that my wife died. I awakened crying with real tears in my eyes. Even after I collected my senses and checked to make sure mshe was beside me, still breathing, it took several minutes for me to calm down. I still fell those emotions. Nightmare it was!
A second dream came several years ago that really troubled me; only my wife knows about it and she has probably forgotten. I'm glad. And then last night another interloper trespassed my rest. It was really bad. I've told no one about it. May never.
I'm not superstitious. I don't believe last night's dream will happen. But I would truly enjoy studying dreams more thoroughly. Maybe someday I will.
So, what are your thoughts about dreams? Does God still speak to us through them? Might they reflect some inner struggle? Do they reflect reality as we'd like it to be? Or maybe they are expressions of our greatest fears? How can God use dreams?
Come on now, don't be shy. How about sharing one of your dreams with the rest of us? And what do you think it means?
In my lifetime I've had three very troubling dreams. Sure, I have the same dreams lots of people have, like falling off something only to awaken startled just before I hit the ground. And I don't know what this one means--I'm sometimes getting up to preach only to realize that I'm not fully dressed. O how much I hate to share that one since no doubt someone is bound to conclude something about my sexuality that cannot be positive.
The first dream that really troubled me came maybe 20 years ago when I dreamt that my wife died. I awakened crying with real tears in my eyes. Even after I collected my senses and checked to make sure mshe was beside me, still breathing, it took several minutes for me to calm down. I still fell those emotions. Nightmare it was!
A second dream came several years ago that really troubled me; only my wife knows about it and she has probably forgotten. I'm glad. And then last night another interloper trespassed my rest. It was really bad. I've told no one about it. May never.
I'm not superstitious. I don't believe last night's dream will happen. But I would truly enjoy studying dreams more thoroughly. Maybe someday I will.
So, what are your thoughts about dreams? Does God still speak to us through them? Might they reflect some inner struggle? Do they reflect reality as we'd like it to be? Or maybe they are expressions of our greatest fears? How can God use dreams?
Come on now, don't be shy. How about sharing one of your dreams with the rest of us? And what do you think it means?
Oct 9, 2009
"A Sense of Responsibility"
The title above was a quote from an interview in TIME magazine with the President and First Lady, addressing the need for more 'volunteerism' in America. The interview overall was fairly interesting because of the emphasis on the good that comes from opportunities of service, both for those being served and those doing the serving. It was suggested though that volunteerism is probably down in large part because of the prevalent worry that exists during these unsettled economic times. Many people might be thinking they need to focus on taking care of themselves which apparently makes it more difficult to give your time, money, and energy to others. However, President Obama argued that this is exactly the time that Americans should offer a helping hand to their neighbor and their communities. You can read the full article by clicking here.
This got me thinking about a few things. As Christians we are supposed to be identified by how we love God and love others. In doing so, we are to live differently from the world around us. Almost everyone recognizes that serving others is a good thing. Even non-Christians find value in giving of yourself to others. So, how are we supposed to live different than the world around us when it comes to service? What makes us unique in this area as Christ-followers? We as Christians can be just as caught up in the economic instability as everyone else. It's hard not to. The reality for a lot of people is that times are tough. Plenty of people are losing jobs, money is tight, and religion isn't even a deciding factor. Believers and non-believers are both affected. Yet there is tension there. As people who follow the way of Christ in this world, we are called not to worry...is that possible? Most of the time our worry doesn't look much different from those who don't profess a foundation of faith. Sure, I have a little bit of security...it's "easy" for me to ask these questions. I'm not trying to judge or belittle other people's struggles or difficult circumstances, but I think we have to wrestle with these questions.
As God's people, how are we leading the way when it comes to living our lives uncontrolled by worry and insecurities? As God's people, how should we be out front leading the way in living for others and not for self? President Obama is right...NOW is the time to reach out a hand to help someone in need, not reach in to clutch what "precious" things we have left. NOW is the time to offer who we are and what we have to others around us, not circle the wagons and fortify our own economic standing. Tough words, I know. But, shouldn't we feel our own "sense of responsibility" to live as reflections of the One who continually gave of himself so that others could share in a new way of life? Shouldn't the church be providing everyday evidence that "volunteerism" will always be alive and well in the world through the lives of God's people? Shouldn't our lives as Christians be so defined by service and trust, that we buoy whole communities struggling to stay afloat in the waters of uncertainty, by offering hope and inspiring love?
At the very least, it's something worth thinking about...
--Mike
This got me thinking about a few things. As Christians we are supposed to be identified by how we love God and love others. In doing so, we are to live differently from the world around us. Almost everyone recognizes that serving others is a good thing. Even non-Christians find value in giving of yourself to others. So, how are we supposed to live different than the world around us when it comes to service? What makes us unique in this area as Christ-followers? We as Christians can be just as caught up in the economic instability as everyone else. It's hard not to. The reality for a lot of people is that times are tough. Plenty of people are losing jobs, money is tight, and religion isn't even a deciding factor. Believers and non-believers are both affected. Yet there is tension there. As people who follow the way of Christ in this world, we are called not to worry...is that possible? Most of the time our worry doesn't look much different from those who don't profess a foundation of faith. Sure, I have a little bit of security...it's "easy" for me to ask these questions. I'm not trying to judge or belittle other people's struggles or difficult circumstances, but I think we have to wrestle with these questions.
As God's people, how are we leading the way when it comes to living our lives uncontrolled by worry and insecurities? As God's people, how should we be out front leading the way in living for others and not for self? President Obama is right...NOW is the time to reach out a hand to help someone in need, not reach in to clutch what "precious" things we have left. NOW is the time to offer who we are and what we have to others around us, not circle the wagons and fortify our own economic standing. Tough words, I know. But, shouldn't we feel our own "sense of responsibility" to live as reflections of the One who continually gave of himself so that others could share in a new way of life? Shouldn't the church be providing everyday evidence that "volunteerism" will always be alive and well in the world through the lives of God's people? Shouldn't our lives as Christians be so defined by service and trust, that we buoy whole communities struggling to stay afloat in the waters of uncertainty, by offering hope and inspiring love?
At the very least, it's something worth thinking about...
--Mike
Oct 6, 2009
Crazy Love
I'm hooked. Francis Chan has hooked me with his Crazy Love. And you'll love the subtitle: Overwhelmed By a Relentless God. Chan's style is simple and his words are powerful. His questions are provocative. There should be a huge warning sign on the front cover. Here are some of his thoughts:
"How many of you have read the New Testament and wondered if we in the church are missing it?" (p. 19)
"God never had an identity crisis. He knows that He's great and deserves to be the center of our lives. Jesus came humbly as a servant, but He never begs us to give Him some small part of ourselves. He commands everything..." (p. 22)
"But know this: God will not be tolerated." (p. 28)
"Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives. Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control. Basically, these two behaviors communicate that it's okay to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional." (p. 42)
In his discussion of the Parable of the Soils, Chan asserts: "Do not assume you are good soil." (p. 67)
Commenting on Lk. 14:34-35: "When salt is salty, it helps manure become good fertilizer...but lukewarm and uncommitted faith is completely useless. It can't even benefit manure." (p. 81)
"Leftoevers are not merely inadequate; form God's point of view (and lest we forget, His is the only one who matters), they're evil. Let's stop calling it 'a busy schedule' or 'bills' or forgetfulness.' It's called evil." (p. 92)
So, maybe some of these thoughts struck you; maybe not. One thing is certain--if you read all of Crazy Love you'll find yourself more excited about your relationship with God and more challenged to love him in return.
--Terrell
"How many of you have read the New Testament and wondered if we in the church are missing it?" (p. 19)
"God never had an identity crisis. He knows that He's great and deserves to be the center of our lives. Jesus came humbly as a servant, but He never begs us to give Him some small part of ourselves. He commands everything..." (p. 22)
"But know this: God will not be tolerated." (p. 28)
"Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives. Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control. Basically, these two behaviors communicate that it's okay to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional." (p. 42)
In his discussion of the Parable of the Soils, Chan asserts: "Do not assume you are good soil." (p. 67)
Commenting on Lk. 14:34-35: "When salt is salty, it helps manure become good fertilizer...but lukewarm and uncommitted faith is completely useless. It can't even benefit manure." (p. 81)
"Leftoevers are not merely inadequate; form God's point of view (and lest we forget, His is the only one who matters), they're evil. Let's stop calling it 'a busy schedule' or 'bills' or forgetfulness.' It's called evil." (p. 92)
So, maybe some of these thoughts struck you; maybe not. One thing is certain--if you read all of Crazy Love you'll find yourself more excited about your relationship with God and more challenged to love him in return.
--Terrell
Sep 16, 2009
Surrendering in Prayer
In my lifetime I suppose I 've prayed for about everything imaginable--people, pets and medical procedures as well as life, death and the suffering in between. And if I know my God the way I think I do, I'm confident he never tires of hearing his childrens' prayers. But I've been recently challenged by a little book titled Praying Like Paul. (Actually, I'm a little envious of the class that is studying through this book right now; wish I could participate.)
Author Jonathan Graf writes a simple, profound book in which he simply highlights almost 30 of the Apostle Paul's prayers as recorded in his letters. He does this under four categories: knowing and praising God; spiritual growth through suffering; the ministry of the gospel; and praying for other believers. Here's what strikes me most--while Paul certainly prayed for people and churches in a variety of settings about a variety of issues, his prayers tend to focus on big themes. God's praise and glory, gratitude for God's work in Christ, the preaching of the gospel, that people become Christ and Spirit formed, etc.
Now I plan to continue praying for specific people, circumstances of health, wealth and suffering, needs, family and so on. But I want to pray more about the big themes like kingdom, peace, the lost. Of his own prayer walk, Graf writes:
"I began being struck more and more by the prayers of Paul...(who) had people with huge problems under his care, people who were facing life-and-death situations. Yet in all his recorded prayers, nowhere do I see that he prayed for specific answers to everyday situations. (Yes, he prayed for himself, that his 'thorn in the flesh' would be removed. But remember, God said, 'no,' so he stopped praying about that.) Don't get me wrong. I would be surprised if Paul didn't pray for some specific things for people he knew, so I am not saying we should never pray for specific answers. But, since all of Paul's recorded prayers were in a different vein, I wonder if a majority of our prayers for ourselves and people shouldn't be of the same kind."
Next time I pray, I want to place my personal requests for specific things in the greater context of the kingdom and the honor of God. I'm just wondering what difference that might make.
--Terrell
Author Jonathan Graf writes a simple, profound book in which he simply highlights almost 30 of the Apostle Paul's prayers as recorded in his letters. He does this under four categories: knowing and praising God; spiritual growth through suffering; the ministry of the gospel; and praying for other believers. Here's what strikes me most--while Paul certainly prayed for people and churches in a variety of settings about a variety of issues, his prayers tend to focus on big themes. God's praise and glory, gratitude for God's work in Christ, the preaching of the gospel, that people become Christ and Spirit formed, etc.
Now I plan to continue praying for specific people, circumstances of health, wealth and suffering, needs, family and so on. But I want to pray more about the big themes like kingdom, peace, the lost. Of his own prayer walk, Graf writes:
"I began being struck more and more by the prayers of Paul...(who) had people with huge problems under his care, people who were facing life-and-death situations. Yet in all his recorded prayers, nowhere do I see that he prayed for specific answers to everyday situations. (Yes, he prayed for himself, that his 'thorn in the flesh' would be removed. But remember, God said, 'no,' so he stopped praying about that.) Don't get me wrong. I would be surprised if Paul didn't pray for some specific things for people he knew, so I am not saying we should never pray for specific answers. But, since all of Paul's recorded prayers were in a different vein, I wonder if a majority of our prayers for ourselves and people shouldn't be of the same kind."
Next time I pray, I want to place my personal requests for specific things in the greater context of the kingdom and the honor of God. I'm just wondering what difference that might make.
--Terrell
Sep 11, 2009
Surrender Week
Many things in this world call for our attention. Some draw us closer to the heart of God and challenge us to become more tomorrow than we are today. Others distract us and lure us away from what can be most important. Everything around us leads us to live busy lives. So it can be even more important for us to surrender all that we are and all that we do to God.
Next Sunday we will begin an intentional week of surrender. Terrell will start us off on the 20th by challenging us to prayerfully pursue surrender in all areas of life. As a church family, we will cover 36 hours in prayer from Friday evening the 25th to Sunday morning, the 27th. We will then have a special service that morning and conclude our surrender week together with a prayer walk Sunday night.
We hope you will commit to being intentionally involved throughout the week as together we offer our lives, our families, our church, and our communities in surrender to God.
--Mike
Sep 3, 2009
Noise
Slow down just a minute. Pause. Listen. What do you hear? Can you hear the AC unit? A clock? Traffic? The TV? Kids? It's hard to get away from noise. I remember one day back in 1983 when I spent an entire day, long before sunrise and long after sunset, in the woods alone. I saw no humans, heard no voices and was too far from a road to hear traffic. But it's not too often I get to spend a whole day in the Missouri foothills. Otherwise, noise fills my life. Why, just this week one of my neighbors has been building a new driveway and the trucks have rolled in at 6 a.m. One morning a jack hammer was thumping away at 6:10, yes, A.M.
I think all of us would do well to find a little solitude. I know it's hard to do. And some have even been critical of solitude since it appears to be more of a withdrawal from than engagement of the marketplace. Yet, I fear we may be so engaged in the marketplace sometimes that we fail to regroup. At its worst, solitude is selfish. At its best, however, solitude is not escapism; it is essential preparation for service. It is being quiet to make sure your divine signals are correct. Some of the greatest biblical heroes spent time in the dessert (Moses, Elijah, John, Jesus, Paul). But they were not escaping; they were preparing.
Could you consider planning a day sometime when you get off alone somewhere (anywhere) simply to pray, read and write about spiritual matters. Surely we occasionally find time to spend an entire day with someone we love; I know we did when we were dating. What difference might it make in our spiritual formation if we spent an entire day with God? What if we began right now making a list of the things we'd like to talk about with God? Do you think that might excite God?
I'm not talking about spending a day navelgazing. I'm talking about a day of spiritual solitude, when I use of my mouth to speak to God only and my spiritual ears to listen to Him alone. Sound appealing? Sound easy? I wonder if it just might be possible that constant noise reflects spiritual laziness whereas periodic solitude and quiet reflect spiritual passion and maturity. Maybe it's time to be lazy for one day so that our spiritual journey isn't quite so hazy.
--Terrell
I think all of us would do well to find a little solitude. I know it's hard to do. And some have even been critical of solitude since it appears to be more of a withdrawal from than engagement of the marketplace. Yet, I fear we may be so engaged in the marketplace sometimes that we fail to regroup. At its worst, solitude is selfish. At its best, however, solitude is not escapism; it is essential preparation for service. It is being quiet to make sure your divine signals are correct. Some of the greatest biblical heroes spent time in the dessert (Moses, Elijah, John, Jesus, Paul). But they were not escaping; they were preparing.
Could you consider planning a day sometime when you get off alone somewhere (anywhere) simply to pray, read and write about spiritual matters. Surely we occasionally find time to spend an entire day with someone we love; I know we did when we were dating. What difference might it make in our spiritual formation if we spent an entire day with God? What if we began right now making a list of the things we'd like to talk about with God? Do you think that might excite God?
I'm not talking about spending a day navelgazing. I'm talking about a day of spiritual solitude, when I use of my mouth to speak to God only and my spiritual ears to listen to Him alone. Sound appealing? Sound easy? I wonder if it just might be possible that constant noise reflects spiritual laziness whereas periodic solitude and quiet reflect spiritual passion and maturity. Maybe it's time to be lazy for one day so that our spiritual journey isn't quite so hazy.
--Terrell
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