In 1992 an amazing little movie came out, Army of Darkness. I have only seen it on the small screen, but tonight it makes a return to the big screen at the local Century 25. Bruce Campbell as hero Ashley "Ash" J. Williams is a classic character. No one can beat the "I lost my hand so attached a chain saw for a weapon against the evil dead, and then was transported back to Medieval Times."
This prayer caught my attention (here) because it included Hebrews 5:14 which I read today as part of my (distracted) time with God.
"Whatever it takes, Lord, give me...
"Delight in you as the greatest treasure of my heart.
Delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
"Desire to know you, be with you, and seek your kingdom above all else.
Delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
"Discernment that comes from a renewed mind that I might know your will.
But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:14)
"Discipline to plan for what I discern as your will.
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)
"Diligence to do your will with all my heart."
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Interesting to hear a "news" perspective on some of the possible changes to how Americans do church:
"There are also questions about the extent to which the emerging church conversation will push out beyond a white-middle-class movement to become truly diverse and global. And whether it will have a lasting spiritual impact." Zing!
Lots of drama around the release of The Golden Compass. I read the book, it was pretty good. It definitely seemed like more of a pre-teen story. There are significant "anti-Christian" and "anti-authority" themes in the book that directly go against a biblical worldview. While for some older kids (13+) this will be a great movie to interact with them about, any younger kids probably won't benefit from the complicated message below a beautifully creative story (good thing its is rated PG-13). Definitely disturbing that everybody has daemons (pronounced demons) that follow them along and act sort of like a conscience (that nobody else hears or can touch).
I am getting back into reading books again. I just received a shipment of new books and John Stott's The Living Church: Convictions of a Lifelong Pastor is a breath of fresh air.
Stott, I think, lays out a basis for common ground moving forward as a Church in an ever-changing post-Christian culture. The respect for the institutional Church, and the heart for the authentic Church would be hard for anyone to argue with.
While Stott dives into reflections on the elements in any church (Worship, Evangelism, Ministry, Fellowship, Preaching, Giving, and Impact) that will certainly be challenging to many, I loved his picture of "God's Vision for His Church." He argues that the characteristics that are essential for a living church are:
A Learning Church: a church submissive to the teachings of the apostles (Scripture)...relating to the apostles.
A Caring Church: a church characterized by generosity...relating to each other.
A Worshiping Church: a church that rejoices and reveres God both in private and corporately...relating to God.
An Evangelizing Church: a church with compassionate outreach (led by Jesus, spreading salvation, and part of every day life)...relating to the world.
Stott also invested time affirming the strengths of the "emerging" church, as he sees them:
1. Identifying the life (or way) of Jesus as their example and teaching.
2. Transforming secular space by rejecting the sacred-secular divide promoted by modernism.
3. Living as community as kingdom or family community.
I commend this book to those of you who are passionate about Christ's Bride, the Church.
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. – Matthew 24:6
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts. – Proverbs 26:22
"The church is the only cooperative society in the world which exists for the benefit of its non-members." - Archbishop William Temple
What's your blog reading level? I am sort of embarrassed because it probably got this rating because I quote smart people . . .
Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore. – Psalm 133 (ESV)
Unity . . . Wholly Together . . . Joined . . . Harmony . . . Assembly . . . Undivided . . . One Mind . . . Peace . . . Community . . . YAHDAW in Hebrew.
How good and pleasant when the people of God are YAHDAW. It is like precious oil (an image of the presence of God's Spirit) overflowing on those as a crowning moment of relationship with one another and God. It is refreshing like the morning which brings new mercies and all the provisional grace we need. Living in YAHDAW is where God's blessing is commanded!
Commanded. That's a huge statement.
Do you feel on the outs? Do you feel alone? Do you feel that God is distant? Run to his people! Run and enter into YAHDAW. There his blessing is commanded. There he will be (I seem to remember something about "where two or more are gathered . . .")! There you will discover a place where his will is done. A place where his kingdom is manifest, present, tangible, experiential. There in YAHDAW.
No wonder the author of Hebrews (who I think is Paul) believed that the community of believers was so important for drawing near to God and holding on to hope:
. . . and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:21-25 (ESV)
The author is so aware of our need to be cleansed as imperfect people, but still "requires" the pursuit of "togetherness." YAHDAW.
I find myself in a new community of believers. Initially I share nothing with them but location and the bond of Christ. Do I believe this is enough? Do I believe this is powerful enough to command God's presence, blessing, and eternal life? Will I dive in to these relationships knowing that I, along with everyone else, need cleansing and will likely hurt one another? Will I risk being uncomfortable, lonely, misunderstood, and more for the reward and promise of YAHDAW?
I wonder what stories of YAHDAW you have? When was it beautiful? When was it hard? When did you want to quit? When did God's presence cover you like oil? When did the common become a sacred moment?
Help. Your stories will sharpen and spur others and me on to pursue YAHDAW?
So goes the song of sin;
with suttle tones and
whispers of suggestion.
The lure of thoughts not your own.
The tug of habits long been home.
The song of selfishness has been
the only tune I've known.
After long awaiting the release of David Crowder Band's new album its been on my iPod for a few weeks now.
I was slightly disappointed to see it was only 10 tracks. After Illuminate and A Collision I had hoped for the many interludes, reprises, and randomness that I enjoyed previously. I was also disappointed to find a number of repeats (even "Everything Glorious" was already released as the title track on the Passion CD for 2007).
I was a bit hesitant about my purchase at first . . . but I found that the tracks "Remedy" and "Surely We Can Change" are well worth the cost of the whole album (and since I am not yet quite use to only purchasing a few tracks with the whole digital music phenomenon, I still do buy the entire album of artists I like).
I love the comparison of the lyrics to "Surely We Can Change" and the Prayer of St. Francis . . .
First St. Francis:
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
Then "Surely We Can Change":
And the problem is this
We were bought with a kiss
But the cheek still turned
Even when it wasn’t hit
And I don’t know
What to do with a love like that
And I don’t know
How to be a love like that
When all the love in the world
Is right here among us
And hatred too
And so we must choose
What our hands will do
Where there is pain
Let there be grace
Where there is suffering
Bring serenity
For those afraid
Help them be brave
Where there is misery
Bring expectancy
And surely we can change
Surely we can change
Something
And the problem it seems
Is with you and me
Not the Love who came
To repair everything
Where there is pain
Let us bring grace
Where there is suffering
Bring serenity
For those afraid
Let us be brave
Where there is misery
Let us bring them relief
And surely we can change
Surely we can change
Oh surely we can change
Something
Oh, the world’s about to change
The whole world’s about to change
I am partial to Francis, but that's just because he's older. Old guys rule, or so I have heard. But I love the modernized sense of Crowder's lyrics and the music that accompanies this haunting prayer . . . "and hatred too."
An art exhibit of a usable toilet enclosed in a cube of one-way glass is seen across the road from London's Tate Britain Museum. The person inside the outhouse can see passersby while remaining invisible to them. Find out more! (Thanks to Scottie C for this.)
I came across a beautifully haunting illustrated novel called Blankets (NOTE: this book contains R-rated content, please be prayerful about the impact nudity, language, and pictures of abuse might have).
I have stumbled across this book a couple times while roaming Barnes & Noble. I have been taken by Craig Thompson's storytelling and pictures every time I quickly read parts of it. Of course, the compelling aspect of the book for me is Thompson's autobiographical account of his Christian upbringing, the effects of "youth group," the lure and wonder of young love, and the dichotomy of cultural Christianity and true faith.
This is what Publishers Weekly wrote about Blankets, "Thompson manages to explore adolescent social yearnings, the power of young love and the complexities of sexual attraction with a rare combination of sincerity, pictorial lyricism and taste. His exceptional b&w drawings balance representational precision with a bold and wonderfully expressive line for pages of ingenious, inventively composed and poignant imagery."
For those who have carefully considered the content of this book, it is a heart churning, soul aching, love sick tale which draws up my longing for God, Heaven, and a life that is eternal in quality and never-ending in quantity.
I have been taking some time listening to John Piper's sermon series on the content of his book Future Grace. I have been confounded by his assertion about the availability of joy (especially in suffering) in the Christian life. I am looking forward to more on this subject tomorrow . . . but for now . . .
As I pulled in to church this morning I realized I needed a scanner for a flier I wanted to distribute. I walked into the office and asked the receptionist if there was one at the church, she was not sure, and then looked at a printer left on her desk . . . it was a combo printer/scanner/copier (the entitled HP PSC 2355). She offered that I could borrow it (I began to wish in my heart I could keep it), but that it was for another person in the office. Unfortunately I did not have the right cable to attach it. So the printer/scanner/copier was left, and I was without my scanner.
Later in the day I went and asked the new owner of the printer/scanner/copier if it was set up yet. She said no and directed me elsewhere. So I proceeded out of her office to run an errand with friends.
As I returned from the errand, the owner of the printer/scanner/copier called me back in to her office. She offered the aforementioned printer/scanner/copier to me for my office. Delighted, I received it, and my friend carried it up the stairs for me.
In the midst of a trivial need, God provided in abundance. Unmerited favor. God's power enabling me to do what I could not do on my own. Grace. All done in foreknowledge by God even before I had the thought about needing a scanner and then wanting that one. Future. Future Grace.
Could he provide in such proportional abundance to greater needs like the woundedness of my character? Could he bless beyond measure the relationships I participate in? Could he guard my heart with peace and joy in the midst of suffering? Can I respond with rejoicing when I am persecuted or wronged?
I prayed for help with my unbelief . . . I am beginning to believe.
Well, the "shift" has hit the fan.
(hear Driscoll's comments about McClaren's new group Deep Shift).
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Okay, I have wasted a lot of words and time below, and they pretty much reveal my own arrogance about "understanding" God and big theological concepts . . . what's the bottom-line: Pursue Jesus, not men. Which is Driscoll's ultimate point as well. So you may be better off stopping and reading your Bible to hear what Jesus is saying to you with the time you would have spent reading what I have written . . . seriously . . . stop . . . should you spend some time with Jesus right now . . . As it is said, "Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." - Hebrews 3:15 . . . take time to listen to Him before you even think about listening to me . . .
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At the recent Southern Baptist Theological Seminary conference, Convergent, Mark Driscoll unloaded on the emerging church, at least part of it (hear it for yourself, you can skip the 16 minute intro).
I have been a reluctant fan of the emerging church, enjoying Dan Kimball, worried about Brian McClaren, and wanting to agree with Rob Bell. Driscoll did a pretty good job of laying out the dangers of certain streams of the emerging church. Although his style is not to my liking, so if you can be patient with some of his rhetoric and flaunting of his theological vocabulary, you will learn a lot about the trendy authors and artists people flock to . . . worship . . . listen to in cultural Christianity.
Driscoll breaks the emerging church into three streams:
RELEVANTS: Cool church crowd. Evangelical theology, innovative methodology. Examples: Dan Kimball, Donald Miller, Erwin McManus, & John Burke.
REVISIONISTS: Emergent Village (McClaren) and Bell. Genesis 3 - SIN = error and falling came through a conversation. Emergent has portrayed itself as a conversation on what God has said - "Did God mean what He said?" When God speaks, we are not to converse but to OBEY.
RELEVANT REFORMED: Contextual, confessional, evangelical New Reformed Calvinists. Examples: Driscoll, Matt Chandler, Acts 29 Network, CJ Mahaney, & Joshua Harris. Return to expositional Bible teaching that is theologically motivated and Jesus-centered.
I agree with Driscoll's concerns about who McClaren "talks" with and endorses. He, at best, misleads Christians into theological and philosophical waters which they are too deep for and does little to equip them for their swim (see Ephesians 4:11-15).
In principal I agree with his concerns about the emerging church's stance on homosexuality (which is often unspoken). However, in Driscoll's rant he clear example of why the emerging church is careful with their words. Driscoll is quick to lump the sin of homosexuality with those who have active sex outside heterosexual marriage, but does not put them in the same room as those who struggle with lust. This kind of careless discussion about homosexuality is what makes Christians into hypocrites to those outside the church.
Driscoll critiques Rob Bell's use of rabbinical tradition as suspect since rabbinical tradition does not recognize Jesus as the Messiah (personal note: I discovered recently most of what we know about rabbinical tradition is from the AD 100's, more than 70 years after Jesus). It's definitely not the cleanest approach to scripture, but Bell clearly sites his sources and encourages his readers to do their own investigation. Also, I wonder how well sited Driscoll's use of how Western Philosophy affects his interpretation of scriptural texts (much of current theology has been developed based on the philosophical views and approaches of the Greeks).
Driscoll also calls into question Bell's "trajectory hermeneutic" and sites Bell's support of Slaves, Women, and Homosexuals (see my comments on this book in a previous post). Driscoll's weakness here is that he believes this hermeneutic (which is actually called a "redemptive-movement hermeneutic" in the book) specifically does NOT lead to an endorsement of homosexuality (as explained in the book) like he claims. Not sure if Driscoll has any other concerns about this approach to interpreting scripture, but I recognize that any interpretation of scripture must be very carefully considered and critiqued.
Another major concern of Driscoll, which I share with him, about Bell is his trampoline analogy about theology (in other words theology needs to be flexible) and the example of the importance of the virgin birth. In Velvet Elvis, Bell, hypothetically, considers the translation of "virgin" in Isaiah as "young girl" (which is possible) and wonders if it changes anything about how early Christians viewed Jesus' conception. Driscoll misguidedly, but correctly, points out that the virgin birth was a HUGE part of the early church and goes to the heart of the integrity of the scriptures. Where he goes wrong is saying would we believe the word of a "lying whore" if Mary lied about Jesus' conception. How many whores does God use in the Bible to bring glory to his name? How many liars, thieves, drunkards, and more bring glory to God by proclaiming the truth?
Driscoll's bottom line is we need to return to Jesus and not get so caught up in current trends, culture, and celebrity hype . . . which leads me to wonder about my time writing this and whether I should have been pursuing something else . . . perhaps this will be helpful to some who have not considered the wider implications of those beautifully made NOOMA videos.
Either way, I hope you spend some time with Jesus now before moving on to something else so that you will take him with you:
I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. - Psalm 16:8
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. - James 1:26-27
For awhile I have gone back and forth with some people about whether or not God really likes religion (Toph is of course one of them). I always came back to this verse as an argument against the modern definition of religion: "A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs." (ref) I argued, vehemently at times, that God is not concerned with a set of beliefs, ritual observances, or even moral code (though clearly these are derived from a fear of God and a humble and contrite heart, Psalm 51:16-17).
I am not stepping back from this position too much, but I clearly made a mistake. I did not take into consideration what "religion" meant in the Greek 2000 years ago.
"1) fearing or worshipping God; 2) to tremble; trembling, fearful." (ref) Of course the ancients knew that "religion" was more than some set of governing beliefs or ritualistic behavior. It was, at its heart, a definition for your attitude toward and relationship with God. Is your attitude one of awe, respect, and honor towards God? Then your are religious.
James exposes that this attitude towards God will be reflected in your speech, in your actions, and in your character. A tongue that builds others up actions that join the oppressed, and a heart that remains pure in the midst of evil and brokenness are all evidence of a true heart of religion.
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This does not have only theoretical implications for me. As I began my new job, Family Pastor, I had a lot of ideas about how I would be spending my time. One thing that has consumed more time than I anticipated is a local Kids Club. The leaders from last year backed off, volunteers have left for different reasons, and the few that remain seem uncertain of whether or not God is calling us to this ministry. Personally, I was not planning on leading or facilitating an after school program for kids when I signed on . . .
However, I come across these verses in James, and wonder about my heart towards God and whether it is reflected in my desire to join the fatherless and be a part of their lives. I also remembered reading from Hebrews 11:25-27 . . .
(Moses) chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.
I am not saying I would be mistreated serving in Kids Club. I just connect my discomfort with it and realize this discomfort, compared to the suffering of Jewish slaves, is nothing. Moses, by faith, entered into a difficult situation because of his encounter with God. His new found respect, honor, and awe for God led him to uncomfortable places. Even before Christ was physically on the scene, it was for his sake that Moses let go of the fleeting comforts, rewards, and pleasures of Egypt.
John Piper challenged an audience about whether or not they would choose suffering for the sake of Christ and as a blessing to others. His example: if you and a brother were adopting children and two became available. Would you choose the one with significant challenges over the completely healthy one to bless your brother and choose to enter into the suffering of this child for the sake of Christ?
So, will I choose to facilitate and serve at Kids Club simply as a blessing to other brothers and sisters in Christ as well as for the sake of Christ in the lives of those kids? I am wanting to say yes. And am beginning to move out in faith. Realizing I do not have enough faith, my prayer is:
"God, help my unbelief."
I have stumbled across a great online resource for those of you into apologetics (www.leestrobel.com) and those looking to grow their relationship with God and ministry (www.johnortberg.com). While I am usually completely against those who have www.ME.com as their website, who can argue with the vault of free video resources on these sites. I particularly commend all the videos by William Lane Craig (pictured above) on Lee's site. Dr. Craig is a research professor for Talbot Theological Seminary (the graduate school of my alma mater and his work has been so helpful to me in explaining some of the "reasons" I believe.
It's time to give a shout out to he new season of Survivorman. If you haven't seen the show, stop everything you are doing and run to your Tivo.
This guy, Les Stroud, isolates himself in the wilderness to survive alone for 7 days (did I mention he has like 50lbs of camera equipment because he shoots the WHOLE thing himself). Whether you like the outdoors, adventure sports, or are into film, this is an amazing show. If you want to be entertained, I think you will enjoy this as well.
Whatever you do, give it a shot!
After a hiatus from Tolkien, I was plunged back in by the recent release of The Children of Húrin. While I had never really dived into any works other than The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings, this was a pleasant surprise.
This story is edited by Christopher Tolkien, J.R.R.'s literary executor, from the long poems and notes written by his father. The story is from the First Age (if you are a LOTR geek, you know that Bilbo and the rest are at the end of the Third Age). This is one of three main stories which Tolkien felt shaped the mythology behind The Lord of the Rings. It is a tragic tale, but is well written, and reflects the attention to detail Tolkien gave to the "back stories" of his epics. A worthy read for those that enjoyed The Hobbit and made it through The Lord of the Rings.
Reading this new release has opened the door to the rest of Tolkien's fantasy. Some great stories written for his children (Roverandom and Letters from Father Christmas) which make you envy being in his family. They are beautifully written and made me feel like a kid again.
I hope that some of you may find some joy in revisiting some of Tolkien's lesser known work (you probably will want to stay away from The History of Middle-Earth, unless you are a geek like me).
If not, you should at least enjoy this music video by The Flight of the Conchords:
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. - John 15:7 (ESV)
What are you asking God for?
I got asked that question soon after reading the verse above. It challenged me to wonder whether my heart and thoughts were truly in line with God. If they are, the desires of my heart are his desires, and am I asking him to begin to fulfill our desires?
Well, there came an opportunity to put it to the test. I had the chance to meet with the President of San Jose City College on Thursday. I knew this Wednesday when I was asked the above question. So I begin to pray about what should I be asking God for. I thought about a friend who shared about his service of the community by being a chaplain for the San jose Police Department. I also thought about another friend who reminded me of the verse that says, something close to, when our good deeds shine before men they will glorify our Father in heaven. With both these thoughts in mind my prayer for the meeting was, "God give me favor in the eyes of the President to serve and care for the students on campus that they might glorify you."
Even though the meeting was not intended to be about a "chaplaincy program" I brought it up when asked if there was anything else we wanted to talk about. Then the door opened, the President had served at another college where they had been multiple tragedies. He shared about how he had no idea what kind of emotional effect these tragedies would have on his students, workers, and the campus. They are prepared to take care of immediate situations, but are not always equipped to handle the emotional aspects, so he was excited that we "obviously" knew how to do that.
Now I have more meetings with the people in Student Affairs to find out how we can foster this kind of care across the campus.
So I ask you, what are you asking God for?
To say goodbye is to reap
the harvest of relationship.
To reap some sweet fruit
and even bitter grief.
To say goodbye is to leave
the family that you love.
To leave behind those who
have known you every thought.
To say goodbye is to weep
for the moments lived and lost.
To weep for what once was
and may never be again.
To say goodbye is to hope
the loved ones you leave will fly.
To hope that now they are
in better hands than yours.
To say goodbye is to laugh
for those memories bad and good.
To laugh holding each other
for the moment cannot end.
To say goodbye is to pray
that God’s will is done.
To pray that as each day passes
love is spread.
To say goodbye is to wish
for more of what has past.
To wish that heaven will
be where we meet again.
Goodbye my friends.
I have been working my way through Mars Hill Bible Church's current teaching series, "God is Green." At the center of the series is a book called Serve God Save The Planet by Matthew Sleeth. His story is a provocative one, while his speaking style is not so engaging. Both Rob Bell and Sleeth use the Scriptures (mostly OT) to reflect God's delight in creation, and His delight in restoring creation (NT), as a foundation for a call to Christians to live more simply. Specifically to work counter to the driving forces of our culture which call us to consumption, exploitation, and entitlement.
What role does God want us to play in caring for, preserving, and restoring the planet?
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. — Isaiah 4o:28 (ESV)
As I meditated on the love of God today (I listen to a devotional podcast called pray-as-you-go that is awesome) I heard this verse being read. We were asked to reflect upon the words that stood out . . . "unsearchable understanding" definitely caught my attention.
What makes God's understanding unsearchable?
First, and most simply that His understanding is quantifiably more than a finite being can grasp.
Second, could it be, that His understanding is so complete that it is terrifying in nature? Could it be that His understanding of just who I am is so in depth that the very truths that I am unwilling to see or believe about myself are "unsearchable" because I would faint at even the thought?
How wonderfully terrible if true . . . and I believe it is.
George McDonald wrote of God, "He is not safe, but He is good."
For some time I haven't written. For two reasons. First, practically, my laptop is dying. Second, personally, I have had much going on I was not free to share publicly.
As many now know, I am moving on from South Hills, the church I grew up in and have served on the pastoral staff for the last six years. From the first days of talking with Crossroads Bible Church the words from God were, "It's time to set sail." An unnerving way of letting me know that the last three years of "harbor," in other words safety, support, and nurturing, were over. A new adventure awaited with unknown outcomes, and unseen storms.
While I wrestled with this picture, God would give me no other leading but, "Will you trust me? Will you trust my voice?" He even went as far as to have the missions speaker at Hume Lake (where I took high school students to summer camp) say, "Once God reveals His plan have the faith to follow."
So here I am. In transition. Finishing the work I began at South Hills when I volunteered in the Children's Ministry at 8 years old. I have known students in the high school group since they were 4. It is amazing what God has done.
If this has been a harbor, imagine what will He do when we hit the open sea?
It's been awhile. A lot going on, but I thought this was funny, so I would share. You can get your blog rated:
I got this rating because "death" is mentioned twice and "sex" once.
Find out what your blog is rated!
It is the first sound of the day,
if you listen.
It rises in your chest and
passes through your lips.
It can be swift and light,
or deep and sorrowful.
You cannot start your day
without a breath.
It is the first thing you feel,
when you walk out the door.
It gently moves along your face
and makes the world sway.
It can soften the heat,
or highlight the cold.
You cannot escape the
presence of the wind.
>It is often overlooked
for its effects are subtle too.
It prompts from within,
and beckons life to birth.
It can shape your heart,
or send a chill across your soul.
You cannot live a day
apart from the Spirit's call.
In Him we live and move and breathe.
The problem of self-identity is not just a problem for the young. It is a problem all the time. Perhaps the problem. It should haunt old age, and when it no longer does, it should tell you that you are dead. — Norman Maclean
Found this quote on Kit Reichow's blog. I have been thinking a lot about Norman Maclean lately. I picked up the soundtrack to the movie based off of Maclean's A River Runs Through It. All three are wonderful pieces of art in their own right.
You should certainly take the time to read Maclean's book. It is one of the most beautiful stories of brotherhood, family, fishing, and searching that you will ever read. I appreciate that is an unassuming story that seems written only for a few to read and leaves behind the grand commentaries of books you read in high school and the pomp and convention of a best-seller. The writing is honest, naked, and beautifully descriptive.
Then watch Robert Redford's screen adaptation and you will find there was little work for the screenwriters and cinematographers since Maclean's writing was so straightforward and wonderful.
All three works provoke a reflection in my soul that is, in Maclean's words, haunting. There is a longing for life, love, and peace that is stirred. It is a good feeling that I enjoy revisiting and letting cause me a little unease about the direction or course of my day an life.
I am grateful for such works that do not let me get caught up in the dreariness of the calendar and that call me to stop, feel, think, and pray.
Today I return to work
While my hands are soft
My heart is calloused and strong
My ground is young lives
My seed the Word of life
My water the Spirit
Hard ground needs to be tilled
Thorns and thistles of culture abound
Stones of pain need to be removed
All things seem to fight back
It is a Curse that weaves itself deep
The days can leave you burnt
This work is too much alone
Too often I try on my mine
Too often I forget to drink
Thank you for this day
Thank you for hard work
Thank you for a place to end the day
My heart is in anguish within me;
the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
Fear and trembling come upon me,
and horror overwhelms me.
And I say, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest;
yes, I would wander far away;
I would lodge in the wilderness;
Selah
But I call to God,
and the LORD will save me.
Evening and morning and at noon
I utter my complaint and moan,
and he hears my voice.
He redeems my soul in safety
from the battle that I wage,
for many are arrayed against me.
Selah
Cast your burden on the LORD,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.
— Psalm 55:4-7, 16-19, 22
Haven't written in awhile, this basically expresses my last three weeks. It has been a challenge to say the least. I have been wrestling with whether or not I am content with God redeeming my soul in the midst of a battle. My focus and worry is mostly on the battle, and he seems to be mostly worried about who I am. However, I have seen him sustain me along the way. There have been continual reminders of his presence and provision and sovereignty. He is in charge. He is in control. And I am learning that if he is truly sovereign then he is right to be more concerned about who I am than what is swirling around me.
Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you. - Ephesians 5:14 (ESV)
I have been waiting for Spring to come
I have been waiting for life to begin
Through the death of Autumn
Through the darkness of Winter
Through the tears of Spring
Life will come
Will you weather death
Will you pass through darkness
Will you shed the tears
So that life will come
I am afraid of dying
Afraid to face the darkness
Afraid that tears will be in vain
Afraid my hope for life is a dream
He beckons me to come with Him and die
He calls me to walk with Him in darkness
He invites me to join His tears
He tells me that today I will be in paradise
Oh my soul why do you fear
Oh my heart why do you grow faint
He is trustworthy
And Spring is coming
So you may be appalled by the ads that have appeared on my blog. I have shamelessly sold space on my blog to Google AdSense. Whenever you click on one or view one of these links I get money. So far I have earned about $0.03. You can also use this website to do a Google Search, its the same as going to Google itself, but you make me money!!!
After 13 years of no playoff games. 16 years of no playoff series wins. 31 years since a 7-game playoff series win. The Golden State Warriors have done the unthinkable. They became the first 8 seed in NBA history to defeat a 1 seed in a 7-game series.
Can basketball have really returned to the Bay Area?
Since I had some time this afternoon to hang out with Ashlyn I figured I should teach her about soccer. We did not have a real soccer ball, but it was a good start. She is a actually pretty swift on her feet and able to guide the ball across the field with little kicks as she runs. Quite the impressive show of talent. (If you can't tell, I am on paternity leave, so I have got a lot of time on my hands with the family).
This afternoon my two year old daughter took the following pictures on our Nikon D70. I think she has a great eye:
Caleb Andrew was born Monday, April 30 at 10:45pm (15 minutes after we got to the hospital). He was 7lbs 13.8oz and 20.5in long. Mom and baby are home safe.
One way to find out more, or get involved: World Relief. You can read more on their blog (World Relief Stories) about the people they help.
Another interesting organization that I don't know enough about, but may be worth your investigation Kiva.
After reading most of Muhammad Yunnus' Banker to the Poor, see my previous post, I came to a realization that this guy must come under fire all the time. A passionate advocate for the poor, anyone with such determination and focus must come under criticism. So I began reading what was available online (the following are a sampling):
The Micro-Credit Cult
Microcredit, Microresults
The Myth of Grameen
Grameen Bank: Taking Capitalism to the Poor
Is Micro-Credit a Macro Trap
Microcredit Globalization Unlimited
Grameen Transforming Lives
Social and Economic Impact of Grameen and BRAC
Personally, I found the Columbia University article, Grameen Bank: Taking Capitalism to the Poor, the most helpful. I felt like this had a good balanced perspective on Yunnus' work from a business perspective (while admitting it did not try to rate the social impact). It also fills in some of the missing years from the end of Yunnus' book, published in 1999, through 2003. It also addresses some of the setbacks Grameen faced (like a religious and political boycott in 1995) that I missed reading about in the book.
My evolving thoughts are exemplified in this quote from Yunnus about how one of his colleagues use to think that "governments were the savior (of the poor)" so "he turned to the private sector." Savior is the keyword. While micro-credit is an exciting option for helping the poor rise above their way of life from a capitalistic perspective, the ultimate Savior and Hope for the world is Jesus.
I say this not as a catch all, but as balance and a personal reminder. The second most mentioned subject in the Scriptures is the poor (number one is salvation). God is a god of the oppressed, forgotten, and poor. The establishment of the Kingdom of God through Jesus will ultimately heal the systematic brokenness of ourselves, our community, and our world that allows for their to be the oppressed and needy.
Our bats came alive this week. We scored 15 runs and made it through all 6 innings. However, our defense continued to struggle and we gave up 25. In previous weeks the "under-30's" on the team had struggled at the plate so we had been regulated to the end of the lineup. This week we started two rallies of 4+ runs. Personally I went 1 for 3 with a walk and an RBI. Not great, but my hit was a double that a faster runner would have legged out as a triple. Needless to say Softball was a lot more fun this week.
FYI: Softball Sucks.
My adult league team is 0-2. We got slaughter ruled (mercy rule for kids so they don't get their feelings hurt) 21-1 after 4 innings in our first game, and then 18-3 in 5 innings in our second. Both times we were down one man in the field (normally you have 4 players in the outfield). So the first game we got creamed, but the second game was close, 8-3, before we lost Tony to an ankle injury. Then the other team unloaded 11 runs by placing the ball in between our outfielders. Softball Sucks. But I am still going to play this next Monday. Our goal is to field a whole team and make it to the 6th and final inning.
For those of you that missed Anne Rice's book Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, you can see the movie in 2009. Now I can't exactly recommend the movie, since there is no talent connected and the rights are owned by Good News Holdings, backed by Christian church researcher and author George Barna. Who knows whether this will actually be a quality film, or just another cheesy Christian film. We'll see.
I did actually read the book a couple years back. It is a very interesting read from inside the head of seven year old Jesus. The historical setting, daily life, and political climate are extremely accurate to the time of Jesus. This alone illuminates some of Jesus' teaching in the gospels. Rice forms here fictional story of Jesus on the rejected gnostic gospels, and she clings to Catholic traditions like the continued virginity of Mary. If you are looking for a fictional read that will spark some good conversation about Jesus and give you insight into 1st century Israel, pick it up.
Turns out I may not have been completely honest about my TV addiction. The truth is there is another show which I watch almost religiously. The Soup (formerly Talk Soup).
Now, I initially began watching this 30-minute weekly entertainment show because it was good research for pop culture and entertainment news, and was remotely humorous. I enjoy staying on top of these things since it helps me understand the influences of pop culture on the students I work with, and makes for humorous references during teachings at our weekly gathering. I must warn you, since it often has some questionable content. But I have to confess it's grown on me.
Joel McHale's personality, humor, and near apathy for his job have endeared me to the show. While I do watch to stay on top of current events, I have become more interested in Joel's journey as he has gained some success and notoriety and has appeared on Iron Chef America and Thank God You're Here. The guy is sort of a sad character (real person) and I am rooting for him!
Even as I write this my almost two year old daughter swoons over the picture of our Worship Pastor to the left.
For the last few months whenever we go to church (even days other than Sunday) she asks to see Daniel. She asks whether or not we will be able to hear his "'sic" (two year old for "music"). One time Daniel abliged by having a behind the scenes concert in his office. She was quite excited by the whole experience.
I am not so sure about how I feel about my daughter already batting her eyelashes at a musician. I guess as a pastor you would want your daughter to be enamored with a Christian artist.
The more humorous side of this infatuation is that if during a worship service anyone pauses the music for prayer she interupts, often yelling, "Amen! More 'sic!" When the band is through playing she raises her hands in a questioning manner and says, "Daniel? All done?"
I hope the other pastors aren't jealous.
It's time for me to express my commitment and love for PTI. This daily TV show is really the only TV I feel I am addicted to. The rest of TV I can leave behind, but don't take away Tony and Mike!
ESPN's Pardon the Interruption gives you an overview of sports stories. Tony Kornhesier (Wikipedia/Washington Post) and Mike Wilbon (Wikipedia/Washington Post) give their commentary on the events, the culture, and the implications of sports news. It is far more insightful than you might think, though sometimes it does stoop to the glitz and glam of entertainment news.
Rebecca, my wife, says that Tony and Mike just yell at each other. I say you can turn down the TV if you think they are yelling.
Okay, okay. So I read a lot of books, and I say that a lot of books are really good. I am going to have to temper future statements about most books so that when I come to one like this people will realize that whether they are a book person or not they need to pick it up.
Banker to the Poor is a must read. Muhammad Yunus was the first Nobel Peace Prize winning economist and it all stems from his concept of micro-lending which has lifted nearly 2 million Bengali people out of poverty. His concept has spread to over 100 countries and is really changing the world.
Most of you have already checked out, but if you haven't you are in for a surprise. Yunus is a great author! In the midst of his economic perspective he weaves a beautiful story of life and hope. I was whisked off into the third world by the powerful images invoked by Yunus' words. If you have never been to a third world country, Yunus captures not only the visuals and smell, but the heart tweaking reality of poverty.
Yunus admits that his economic idea was simply a way to cope with his personal guilt for those that were literally dying on his doorstep. He never intended for the idea to spread beyond his personal work with the poor and the hearts of his students. Instead it caught on like wild fire and became an integral part of the national bank in Bangladesh.
Take some time to visit a Borders or Barnes & Noble and read the Introduction (you can also read an excerpt of the first chapter online). Let Yunus' words grab you, transport you, and inspire you to be a part of ending poverty.
I have to admit I have been very interested in the "new" pope, Benedict XVI. He is releasing a new book entitled Jesus of Nazareth which is an expression of his "personal search for the face of the Lord." He specifically sites that he began this work while still being a Cardinal so is not part of Catholic dogma and "everyone is free, then, to contradict me." (whole article). He is basically saying that his words are human words. An endearing quality for a pope!
Just got back from 5 days in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco. We took 39 people (27 high school students and 5 junior high students) to serve at City Impact. Basically we spent the week caring for the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless, poor, and hurting in the inner-city.
The challenge for me this year is encapsulated in the words of Dallas Willard (I believe from The Divine Conspiracy), that "we can offer anybody a blessed life with God today." Paraphrased from a year or more of meditation, these words express the challenge of communicating the hope that I have experienced in living under the healing, power, and rule of Jesus. Specifically the last three years have been a journey of grace (the power of God to be able to do what I can not do on my own) where the lingering sin of worry and anger have been brought under the covering of Jesus' work (the cross, resurrection, and ascension). I see now that there is hope for all of me through the broken power of sin (the work of the cross), the power for a new life (the work of the resurrection), and the authority to bring this new life to others (the work of the ascension).
I am certain that one can have a blessed life with God, I know that through the process of my life I have come to experience. What I struggle to trust is that anyone can have it TODAY.
My thoughts go to a young woman (26, who looked 40+) I met on the street named Rachel. It was nearly 10:00pm as we walked down Jones, and as I was approached by a drunk for money, she cried out kneeling on the street for prayer. This was unique in my experience this last week since it was normally me asking to pray for others. Her cry was muffled by weakness, but clearly desperate and true. I looked her in the eye and the words "a blessed life with God today" came to mind. She then began whispering her plight. I had to kneel on the ground and lean in to hear her. She spoke of an addiction to heroine and crack and how she had been comfortable destroying her own life, but now she was pregnant. She wanted freedom and help from God. All I could offer was prayer. My friend Kirk joined my kneeling on the street, and we prayed together. How can she have a blessed life with God in the next couple hours of this day? My prayers were passionate, desperate, and tear-filled as I knew her cries had been. I offered her the hope of breakfast tomorrow and the assistance of Chaplain Earl (who has helped many break their addictions). We left, longing for her to be protected, and longing to see her the following morning. The morning came, but she did not.
I do not know where Rachel is tonight. I may never know. But I will continue to pray.
The only consolation I had for my heart were the words I read the next morning from John 1:16: And from (Jesus') fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The life of Christ has forever altered history (the way we count history reflects a small piece of that), and we continue to receive from him all the fullness of his life. The fullness of his life is the ability to do what we cannot do on our own, grace upon grace. If history turns on Jesus, so can my history, or any person's history.
I will carry this week with me. I will carry with me a continued commitment to the process of grace in my life. I will carry with me Rachel who needs this grace today.
