illuminate

the weight of disbelief

2010-07-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

S - Bel bows down; Nebo stoops; their idols are on beasts and livestock; these things you carry are borne as burdens on weary beasts. They stoop; they bow down together; they cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity.

Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. - Isaiah 46:1-4 ESV

I am, and there is no one besides me... - Isaiah 47:8, 10 ESV

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea; your offspring would have been like the sand, and your descendants like its grains; their name would never be cut off or destroyed from before me." - Isaiah 48:17-19

O - Deceived in their thinking the Israelites weighed themselves down with their false beliefs about what would provide for and save them. As they journeyed through the desert their trip was made harder with the weight of their idols. Practically their journey to exile could have been easier if they had cast aside their wrong beliefs. More practically, God has provided for them in the desert before. Not only would their loads be lighter, but there would be the water and food they needed. They were not alone. God was waiting for them to turn to him and profit from the richness of life he offered them in every aspect of their lives, though they would find themselves in exile in Babylon.

A - How am I deceived in my thinking? What am I counting on to provide for and protect me that actually is a burden? How am I buying into the belief that "I am, and there is no one beside me"?

P - Lord, as I start this day I feel the weight of things that are out of my control or a result of my lack of "expertise." They directly affect how my family is provided for. Am I in anyway believing that it is me, and me alone, who will provide for and save my family?

I think practically speaking it seems that way to me at times. I am tempted to live as if you do not work on the practical. But I remember. I remember how you led Abraham through the desert. I remember how you kept shoes from falling apart on the way from Egypt. I remember how you protected Nehemiah. I remember how your angels tended to Jesus. I remember how money arrived in the mailbox. I remember how you have been there every step of this last year.

Ask the next question, right? What would you want to say to me today...

Pay attention to my commandments
Your peace is like a river
Your righteouness is like a wave
Your children will always be before me

drunken sailors protest government spending

2010-05-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

coming this sunday...

2010-05-07T09:18:00.001-07:00

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

forgiveness is hard...

2010-04-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

The Four Promises of Forgiveness (Ken Sande, The Peacemaker):

• I will not dwell on your sin.
• I will not bring up your sin and use it against you.
• I will not talk to others about your sin.
• I will not allow your sin to stand between us or hinder our personal relationship.

I'm grateful that Jesus does this consistently and quickly with me (since he really did it all in the past, how cool).

solitude and community

2010-04-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

“Only in fellowship do we learn to be rightly alone and only in aloneness do we learn to be rightly in fellowship.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer

a hidden life

2010-04-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

O tree,
what hidden life
that birds and worms
and bugs enjoy

A world its own

How observed, O tree
that bustle of bikes
and cars go by
you stand still, yet alive

Who knows, O tree
from whenst life came
the rushing throng of people
the steady flow of creek

You stand, O tree
a testament to Creator
known and knowing
living and dying

A steady full life

And me, O tree
must I a hidden life,
a still and steady life,
known and knowing?

What life, O tree
do you know of for me

resurrection

2010-04-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

Resurrection: Rob Bell from The Work of Rob Bell on Vimeo.

easter hymn: rock of ages

2010-04-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

I will let this song speak of my friend Jesus this glorious morning:

Rock Of Ages - Chris Rice

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

death drips juicy

2010-04-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

Twisted deception
your curtain veils
what is good
and what I have

Instead, a faulty offer
Your apple
which eye and mouth
and hand and
heart all approve

Death drips juicy
sweet across the lips
as it kills

good friday hymn: o love that will not let me go

2010-04-02T07:00:00.001-07:00

This is how I am thinking about the cross today:

O Love That Will Not Let Me Go...

O Love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

O light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine's blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life's glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.

lord and king

2010-04-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

A still and steady man
eyes gazing past the present

To see as you see
the world as it could be

A lively and playful man
heart firmly placed in love

To know this love
the joy of eternal embrace

A strong and mighty man
hands not working on their own

To feel a presence beyond yourself
a trust of help that always comes

Behold, the man

contact & conflict

2010-03-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

In cultural engagement there's a point of contact & a point of conflict. That's the sharp end of the gospel and where repentance is focused. — Steve Timmis

life returns

2010-03-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Spring is coming
from all around the world
it peaks through death
a blade, a blossom, a buzz
Hints that life goes on
beneath the cold death
life has been living
Always present, always strong
though under attack at every turn
life presses on

When will spring come in me
what seems a cold season of death
has been covering my ground
buried, there beneath my ground
a Spirit cries out for more
a blade of faith
a blossom of love
a buzz of hope

I, like the earth,
am not left in winter
and everything hidden presses
up and through the depths
Bleak limbs bud
and barren hills green
The stream flows
bringing life along its narrow path
And so with me
Eyes opened to the sun
mouth quenched by the stream

Life returns
as it was always meant to be

can smart people believe in god?

2010-03-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

Can you KNOW that God exists? Dallas Willard answered some great questions and helped people think differently about this, and a great number of other "tough questions" regarding faith and God. It's in written form in his most recent book Knowing Christ Today, but it is also in audio form from the four different services (all different questions) from Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. I recommend both!

paper and the pulpit

2010-01-15T19:18:00.000-08:00

"I confess that I have not invariably been comfortable in front of a pulpit; I have never been comfortable behind one. To be behind a pulpit is always a forcible reminder to me that I am an essayist, and in many ways a dissenter. An essayist is, literally, a writer who attempts to tell the truth. Preachers must resign themselves to being either right or wrong; an essayist, when proved wrong, may claim to have been 'just practicing.' An essayist is privileged to speak without institutional authorization. A dissenter, of course, must speak without privilege." — Wendell Berry, "Christianity and The Survival of Creation"

what story is your life telling?

2010-01-14T20:52:00.000-08:00

"Neither revolution nor reformation can ultimately change a society, rather you must tell a new powerful tale, one so persuasive that it sweeps away the old myths and becomes the preferred story, one so inclusive that it gathers all the bits of our past and our present into a coherent whole, one that even shines some light into the future so that we can take the next step... If you want to change a society, then you have to tell an alternative story." — attributed to Ivan Illich, Former Austrian priest and philosopher

What story is your life telling?

reflection for 2010: trained by grace

2010-01-01T14:05:00.000-08:00

A new decade begins...

I have been spending some time in Titus lately. I am pleasantly surprised by what I have found there. I am encouraged by Paul's straightforward expression of the transforming reality of God's grace and gospel in Jesus. Here's the passage that stands out to me as the central catalyst of everything else in this little letter:

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. — Titus 2:11-14 (ESV)

I think it reflects a growing desire in me, perhaps for 2010. To be trained by grace. By Jesus. By the gospel. There are three actions grace trains us to have. To RENOUNCE, to LIVE, and to WAIT. Here are the nuggets I have pulled out so far.

RENOUNCE, in the Greek there is a sense of "refusing something offered." It is clear that my flesh (the part of me use to living without dependence upon or relationship with God), the world, and the Enemy offer me alternatives to God's way of life. While I have an inclination towards sin, that is not the end of the story. I can stand firm in resisting, rejecting, refusing anything that is offered to me apart from God.

LIVE, in the Greek there is a sense of "to enjoy life" and "be full of vigor." What a gift it is to live! To really be alive. I was reading 10 Resolutions for Mental Health from the Desiring God blog, Kilby's suggestions seemed to express exactly what this word is saying about enjoying life with God. His reflections on God, creation, and men are not contingent on circumstances, they reflect an eternal perspective on the gift of life.

WAIT, in the Greek is pretty unique. It reflects the opening to companionship and intimacy, while also the idea of expecting a promise to be fulfilled. This is a pretty amazing word. I do not want to think I know all I can about what Paul is trying to express. Since I am living in a unique, to me, state of waiting I am very excited about this. In the waiting there is an invitation to more relationship than has been experienced. It is the kind of waiting used for a man and wife becoming one. In waiting there is also a confidence in promises being fulfilled. So, as relationship and circumstance have not yet arrived at what is ultimately desired, there is great joy in the anticipation.

Lord, train me by your grace through Jesus to refuse any offer that is not from you, to enjoy the fullness of life today, and to joyfully anticipate the consummation of your will in my life and the world.

life not included

2009-12-29T08:34:00.001-08:00

Here's a comic from a friend:

Check out his daily strip at www.bucketgnome.com.

advent: favorite song of 2009

2009-12-27T11:43:00.000-08:00

Wanted to share with you all my favorite "new" Christmas song for 2009. Below are the lyrics and a link to listen to the whole song online.

Wake Up The World by JJ Heller

Shepherds come to worship
Angels sing Gloria
Wake up the world, the King has come

Oh let heaven, heaven and nature sing
Oh let heaven, heaven and nature sing
Oh let heaven, heaven and nature sing
Wake up the world, Wake up the world,
Wake up the world, the king has come

Joseph smiles at Mary
The baby falls asleep
Wake up the world, the king has come

Oh let heaven, heaven and nature sing
Oh let heaven, heaven and nature sing
Oh let heaven, heaven and nature sing
Wake up the world, Wake up the world,
Wake up the world, the king has come

Son of God
Love’s Pure light
Wake up the world, the king has come

Wake Up The World - JJ Heller

advent: o holy night

2009-12-25T08:52:00.000-08:00

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

— by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem "Minuit, chrétiens" (Midnight, Christians) by Placide Cappeau (1808–1877), a wine merchant and poet, who had been asked by a parish priest to write a Christmas poem.

advent: god's light

2009-12-24T08:18:00.000-08:00

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

"Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." — Luke 2:25-35 (ESV)

This was our final Advent devotional reading. We remembered that God is not finished with his plan for us and the world. He desires that everyone would love and obey him. Just as Jesus was a light and blessing to those around him, we are to be a light and blessing to others. This will not be easy. It will be costly, but worth it. Very worth it.

Now we celebrate the light of the world, and pray that God would teach us to be a light just like Jesus!

advent: our gifts

2009-12-21T08:08:00.000-08:00

After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. — Matthew 2:9-11 (ESV)

This was our fourth reading for Advent devotions as a family. We had a good time placing our Little People Nativity pieces by each candle we had lit so far. An angel for OT prophecy and "God's Promise." Mary for "Our Choice." Shepherds for "God With Us." And finally the wise men for this week "Our Gifts."

We reflected on how God has blessed us so much, and he loves when we give back to him. The kids brainstormed what we can give God, obedience, giving to those in need, our time, etc. We also thought about these verses:

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. — Psalm 51:17 (ESV)

All these things my hand has made,and so all these things came to be,declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spiritand trembles at my word. — Isaiah 66:2 (ESV)

We remembered that God's favorite gifts are when we ask for help and admit we are wrong and need help.

advent: the friendly beasts

2009-12-19T12:35:00.000-08:00

Jesus our brother kind and good
Was humbly born in a stable of wood
And the friendly beasts around him stood
Jesus our brother kind and good

"I" said the donkey shaggy and brown
I carried his mother up hill and down
I carried him safely to Bethlehem town
"I" said the donkey shaggy and brown

And "I" said the cow all white and red
I gave him my manger for a bed
I gave him my hay for to pillow his head
"I" said the cow all white and red

"I" said the sheep with a curly horn
I have him my wool for his blanket warm
And he wore my coat on that Christmas morn
"I" said the sheep with a curly horn

"I" said the dove from the rafters high
Cooed him to sleep that he should not cry
We cooed him to sleep my love and I
"I" said the dove from the rafters high

And "I" said the camel all yellow and black
Over the desert upon my back
I brought him a gift in the wise men's pack
"I" said the camel all yellow and black

Thus every beast remembering it well
In the stable dark was so proud to tell
Of the gifts that they gave Emmanuel
The gifts that they gave Emmanuel

— This song originally hails from a 12th century Latin song "Orientis Partibus" which first appeared in France and is usually attributed to Pierre de Corbeil, Bishop of Sens (d 1222). Robert Davis (1881-1950) apparently wrote the words that we normally associate with this tune in the 1920s.

Listen to this song done by Sufjan Stevens:

The Friendly Beasts - Sufjan S...

love the questions

2009-12-17T16:40:00.000-08:00

"You are so young and before all beginning, and I want to beg you, as much as I can, dear sir, to be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer." — Letters To A Young Poet, Ranier Maria Rilke, July 16th, 1903, p. 27

living out the questions

2009-12-16T13:34:00.000-08:00

I said, "Well," for now I was ashamed, "I had this feeling maybe I had been called."
"And you may have been right. But not to what you thought. Not to what you think. You have been given questions to which you cannot be given answers. You will have to live them out—perhaps a little at a time."
"And how long is that going to take?"
"I don't know. As long as you live, perhaps."
"That could be a long time."
"I will tell you a further mystery," he said. "It may take longer."

— Jayber Crow: The Life Story of Jayber Crow, Barber, of the Port William Membership, as written by himself by Wendell Berry

knowing god in prayer

2009-12-15T06:45:00.000-08:00

"The message of hope the contemplative offers you is that whether you understand or not, God loves you, is present in you, lives in you, dwells in you, calls you, saves you, and offers you an understanding and light which are like nothing you ever found in books or heard in sermons." — Thomas Merton, in a letter to Dom Francis Decroix, Aug. 21, 1967

advent: god with us

2009-12-14T10:58:00.000-08:00

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." — Luke 2:8-12 (ESV)

This was our third reading for our Family Advent Devotionals. We reflected on the "baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." Thinking about how God came to be with us and went through growing up just like we do. We were with two other families. So we talked about Jesus being a baby like Eli, 2 like Caleb, 4 like Ashlyn and her friend Maria, 6 like our friend Ella, 9 like our friend Jack, 11 like our friend Connor, and 14 like our friend Jenny. Each kid shared what they like about being their age and we imagined Jesus like that. We talked about playing, toys, church, friends, puberty, and hormones.

How good it is to know Jesus wanted to be with us so much he was willing to go through everything we do! He can sympathize with our weaknesses and challenges, but showed us a better way to live!

christmas tom-foolery

2009-12-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch.
You really are a heel.
You're as cuddly as a cactus,
You're as charming as an eel.
Mr. Grinch.

You're a bad banana
With a greasy black peel.

You're a monster, Mr. Grinch.
Your heart's an empty hole.
Your brain is full of spiders,
You've got garlic in your soul.
Mr. Grinch.

I wouldn't touch you, with a
thirty-nine-and-a-half foot pole.

You're a vile one, Mr. Grinch.
You have termites in your smile.
You have all the tender sweetness
Of a seasick crocodile.
Mr. Grinch.

Given the choice between the two of you
I'd take the seasick crockodile.

You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch.
You're a nasty, wasty skunk.
Your heart is full of unwashed socks
Your soul is full of gunk.
Mr. Grinch.

The three words that best describe you,
are, and I quote: "Stink. Stank. Stunk."

You're a rotter, Mr. Grinch.
You're the king of sinful sots.
Your heart's a dead tomato splot
With moldy purple spots,
Mr. Grinch.

Your soul is an apalling dump heap overflowing
with the most disgraceful assortment of deplorable
rubbish imaginable,
Mangled up in tangled up knots.

You nauseate me, Mr. Grinch.
With a nauseaus super-naus.
You're a crooked jerky jockey
And you drive a crooked horse.
Mr. Grinch.

You're a three decker saurkraut and toadstool
sandwich
With arsenic sauce.

— Dr. Seuss, "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch"

too much power, too little knowledge

2009-12-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

"But a man with a machine and inadequate culture—such as I was when I made my pond—is a pestilence. He shakes more than he can hold." — Wendell Berry, "Damage" in What Are People For?

In what ways do we have too much power and too little knowledge?

woven together

2009-12-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Woven together.
One does not know how.
Yet, living it,
it is clear.

Woven together,
with blade of grass and tree.
Walking, or running,
with many, as one.

Woven together,
with neighbors, strangers, and friends.
Laughing, or crying,
with many, as one.

Woven together,
with mind, body, spirit, and soul.
Loving, or hating,
with many, as one.

Woven together,
with Father, Son, and Spirit.
Living, or dying,
with many, as one.

a memo regarding the christmas crèche

2009-12-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

A satire by John Mark Reynolds, from The Scriptorium Daily

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Office of the White House
Czar for Celebration and Jollification
Alcibiades Antinous, Director

RE: The White House Christmas Crèche

Someone must tell the President that his display of the Christmas crèche is inconsistent with our recent policies regarding holiday celebrations in the United States.

The display of the crèche will self-evidently lead to an Iranian style theocracy. If the President chooses to place a crèche in his house many of us in the community of no-faith will feel pressured to put a crèche in our house.

Just yesterday I was hosting a party in my own fashionable Georgetown duplex and someone commented that my replica of the Oval Office and White House decorations was incomplete because I lacked a crèche! Now I can take this kind of heat, but should this kind of bigotry exist in this free nation?

Despite the fact that use of Christian symbols has been a consistent practice of every administration since the founding of the United States, it is never too late to worry about this problem.

Just because it has always been done harmlessly, does not mean it isn’t just about to be harmful. We have been warning about the danger of singing songs like The Battle Hymn of the Republic and playing the “I Have a Dream Speech” by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. for decades, but perhaps the President is willing to listen to us now.

There is a clear and present danger in this crèche to our liberties.

The entire Christmas story as pictured in the crèche is inconsistent with our policy to commercialize holidays and so stimulate the economy. Since acquiring so much of the private sector in the government bailout, our office has made a concerted policy to commercialize the holidays. The man attending church or praying is not in the mall buying.

Isn’t this obvious?

It treats a particular religion as different from other religions and so undercuts our policy to confuse differences. Our present mantra is that all religions are the same, so that people will not look into the tedious details. Pointing out that the founder of one religion is called “the Prince of Peace” through carols and crèches marginalizes other religions whose founders killed people.

Finally, the Christmas story itself, as demonstrated by the figures in the crèche, is inconsistent with the policies of this office. We used several million dollars in a stimulus grant to study the crèche problem and were easily able to come up with ten ways this crèche is inconsistent with present administrative policies. We have put together a policy briefing book outlining the problems in three hundred pages, but here is an executive summary of What Must Go in the Christmas Story.

First, the so-called wise men set a bad example. They are not accredited, so far as we can discover, by any government approved credentialing agency. Who says they are “wise?”

We also discovered that several people in the office were made to feel “other than” by the use of the term “wise man” on both gender and educational grounds.

The situation is worse if they are called “kings.” The notion that a government official should bow the knee to any authority outside government, as in the Baby Jesus, would set a bad precedent. It is in that direction one finds the tea party people.

The gifts given will not stimulate the economy. None of them are from government owned TARP businesses. Couldn’t they have brought Joseph and Mary a GM car? That would improve the crèche considerably. In fact, the use of gold as a gift implies a “hard money” view of currency inconsistent with present administration policies.

Second, the shepherds represent a view of work and economics inconsistent with our present policies. These shepherds lacked a union and were “keeping watch over their flocks by night.” Angels appeared and ordered them to Bethlehem, but failed to find adequate means of transportation. The implication is that these exploited workers walked or ran.

Third, the use of animals in the crèche does not meet modern standards for the housing of livestock. Many of them are pictured in quarters that are cramped and filled with filthy straw. One of our more sensitive commission members could not stop weeping when she saw the crèche ox kneeling in what she described as “an unnatural position.”

Fourth, the “virgin” Mary is a terrible role model for our women. Where to begin with the problems? She was forced by her culture to keep an inconvenient baby. Her very title glorifies an unhealthy abstinence. She is well known for her humility and not her self-esteem, undermining decades of educational effort. She has become associated with Catholics and other retrograde groups.

Fifth, Joseph is an even worse role model for our men. He is upset when he discovers his fiancée might be pregnant by another man indicating a moral judgment about such behavior. When Joseph finds out Mary is “good,” he “takes care” of his pregnant wife without any government assistance. This is both demeaning to Mary and to the government.

Sixth, the “angels” appearing in the scene are flying without FAA clearance. When contacted, Gabriel refused to acknowledge the authority of this office if he needed to make an announcement over American airspace. We have ordered a Homeland Security investigation.

Seventh, government officials such as Herod are routinely shown in a negative light. This is, perhaps, the most serious problem. It is hard to serve the public, but when government officials are shown as “monsters” it gets harder to attract the right kind of forceful person to the civil service. At the very least, if the crèche must be shown, shouldn’t Herod be able to give his side of the story?

We need a Crèche Fairness Doctrine!

Eighth, the use of a “manger” to house the infant Jesus and “swaddling clothes” both fail any reasonable test for good parenting. The cost to the economy alone of such cut-rate child rearing is staggering.

Ninth, both Mary and Joseph home-schooled the infant Jesus, and the boy Jesus ended up embarrassing many well-known teachers. It’s just one step from a make-do-manger to do-it-yourself-schooling, and the President cannot afford to lose the teacher’s union.

Tenth, the delivery of the Baby Jesus without government run health care sets a bad example. Need I say more about this? How can we convince people that everyone will die without government run health care when this crèche is sitting in the White House?

The President should realize that he has already let down the progressive community through his bellicose “Peace Prize Speech” and angered the no-faith community through his use of Christian “just war” rhetoric. The faithless are growing restive and placing a crèche in his own home is beginning to make many of us think or believe that his public protestations of Christian belief are genuine.

Can he afford to offend a key three percent of the voting public to cater to the whims of three-quarters of the nation at Christmas?

The good news is that the President is left with an important part of the Holiday story that he can use to illuminate the real importance of the season.

Please let the President know that the only part of the Christmas story acceptable to this office is Luke 2:1: “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.”

happiness and peace?

2009-12-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

"God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." — C.S. Lewis

"The God and Father of Jesus Christ could never possibly be satisfied with less than giving himself to his own." — George McDonald

a quiet spirit

2009-12-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. — Proverbs 29:11 (ESV)

A word to strong and passionate young men. Oh, to speak to myself ten years ago and be lest hasty or loud with my own passion.

peacemakers?

2009-12-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

"Especially among Christians in positions of great wealth and power, the idea of reading the Gospels and keeping Jesus’s commandments as stated therein has been replaced by a curious process of logic. According to this process, people first declare themselves to be followers of Christ, and then they assume that whatever they say or do merits the adjective 'Christian.'

"This process appears to have been dominant among Christian heads of state ever since Christianity became politically respectable. From this accommodation has proceeded a monstrous history of Christian violence. War after war has been prosecuted by bloodthirsty Christians, and to the profit of greedy Christians, as if Christ had never been born and the Gospels never written. I may have missed something, but I know of no Christian nation and no Christian leader from whose conduct the teachings of Christ could be inferred.

"One cannot be aware both of the history of Christian war and of the contents of the Gospels without feeling that something is amiss. One may feel that, in the name of honesty, Christians ought either to quit fighting or quit calling themselves Christians."

— Wendell Berry, Blessed are the Peacemakers: Christ's Teachings about Love, Compassion & Forgiveness

advent: incarnation poster

2009-12-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

Get the FULL size poster on the Incarnation.

for every man in his work

2009-12-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

"Deliver us, we beseech thee, in our several callings, from the service of mammon, that we may do the work which thou givest us to do, in truth, in beauty, and in righteousness, with singleness of heart as thy servants, and to the benefit of our fellow men." — the prayer "For Every Man in His Work" from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer

A welcome prayer as I pursue work to provide for my family... and truth, beauty, righteousness and my fellow man.

advent: a simple "Yes!"

2009-12-07T06:45:00.000-08:00

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?"

And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy— the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

— Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)

Our second reading for Advent. This time we read it with friends who we are sharing the next three Sundays of Advent with.

It is particularly special to reflect on how we each have a choice, like Mary, to respond to God's plan and Savior. Mary could not have possibly known all that saying "Yes!" would entail. She was, however, convinced of God's worthiness to do with her life what he pleased. This is certainly one of the reasons Mary has been so revered by Christian tradition.

I encourage you to reflect on when you first said "Yes!" to Jesus. Do you remember your fears? Your questions? Your assurance of God's goodness?

Or, consider saying "Yes!" to Jesus and his plan for the first time. It's okay to be unsure. It's okay to have questions. Are you convinced of your need, his worthiness and ability to meet your need?

advent: it's a birthday

2009-12-06T07:00:00.001-08:00

Come on, ring those bells
Light the Christmas tree
Jesus is the king
Born for you and me.
Come on, ring those bells
Every-body say
Jesus, we remember
This your birthday.

— Evie Tornquist, "Come On Ring Those Bells"

I like this song because it teaches exactly what I want my kids to say Christmas is about. It frames the decorations, fanfare, and magic perfectly.

losing truth and calling

2009-12-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

Like any other public institution so organized, the organized church is dependent on "the economy"; it cannot survive apart from those economic practices that its truth forbids and that its vocation is to correct. If it comes to a choice between the extermination of the fowls of the air and the lilies of the field and the extermination of a building fund, the organized church will elect—indeed, has already elected—to save the building fund. The irony is compounded and made harder to bear by the fact that the building fund can be preserved by crude applications of money, but fowls of the air and the lilies of the field can be preserved only by true religion, by the practice of a proper love and respect for them as creatures of God. No wonder so many sermons are devoted to exclusively "spiritual" subjects. If one is living by the tithes of history's most destructive economy, then the disembodiment of the soul becomes the chief of worldly conveniences. — Wendell Berry, "God and Country" in What Are People For?

advent: our present festival

2009-12-05T07:00:00.001-08:00

“This is our present festival. This is what we are celebrating today — the coming of God to man…so that we might return to God…

”So let us keep the feast, not like a heathen festival, but in a godly way — not in the way of the world, but in a way above the world — not as if it were ours, but as it belongs to him who is ours, our Master’s — not as of weakness, but as of healing — not as of creation, but of re-creation.”

— Gregory of Nazianzus, Oration 38, on the birthday of Jesus, AD 380.

paraphrastic vs. periphrastic

2009-12-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

"*All* Bibles are paraphrastic (not to be confused with periphrastic, which only some Bibles are)." — Abraham Piper on Twitter

par·a·phrase (pr-frz)
n.
1. A restatement of a text or passage in another form or other words, often to clarify meaning.

periphrasis [pəˈrɪfrəsɪs]
n pl -rases [-rəˌsiːz]
1. a roundabout way of expressing something; circumlocution

Definitions from The Free Dictionary

when fields and wood agree

2009-12-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

"...When fields and wood agree, they make a rhyme
That stirs in distant memory the whole
First Sabbath's song that no largess of time
Or hope or sorrow wholly can recall.

But harmony of earth is Heaven-made,
Heaven-making, is promise and is prayer,
A little song to keep us unafraid,
An earthly music magnified in air."

— Wendell Berry, "1979 VII" from A Timbered Choir

advent: come, o long-expected jesus

2009-12-04T06:45:00.000-08:00

Come, O long-expected Jesus,
Born to set your people free;
From our fears and sins release us
By your death on Calvary.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope to all the earth impart,
dear desire of ev'ry nation,
Joy of ev'ry longing heart.

Born your people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a king;
Born to reign in us forever,
Now your gracious kingdom bring.
By your own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By your all-sufficient merit
Raise us to your glorious throne.

— Charles Wesley, "Come, O Long-Expected Jesus"

advent: light of lights

2009-12-03T07:00:00.001-08:00

Light of lights! All gloom dispelling,
Thou didst come to make thy dwelling
Here within our world of sight.
Lord, in pity and in power,
Thou didst in our darkest hour
Rend the clouds and show thy light.
Praise to thee in earth and heaven
Now and evermore be given,
Christ, who art our sun and shield.
Lord, for us thy life thou gavest,
Those who trust in thee thou savest,
All thy mercy stands revealed.

— St. Thomas Aquinas

mmm pain

2009-12-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

"We are not necessarily doubting God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." — C.S. Lewis

advent: what is advent?

2009-12-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

Came across this great article by Noel Piper on what Advent is all about:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We are a people of promise. For centuries, God prepared people for the coming of his Son, our only hope for life. At Christmas we celebrate the fulfillment of the promises God made—that he would give a way to draw near to him.

Advent is what we call the season leading up to Christmas. It begins four Sundays before December 25, sometimes in the last weekend of November, sometimes on the first Sunday in December. This year it was Novemeber 29.

1 Peter 1:10-12 is a clear description of what we look back to during Advent.

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10-12 )

For four weeks, it's as if we're re-enacting, remembering the thousands of years God's people were anticipating and longing for the coming of God's salvation, for Jesus. That's what advent means—coming. Even God's men who foretold the grace that was to come didn't know "what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating." They were waiting, but they didn't know what God's salvation would look like.

In fact, God revealed to them that they were not the ones who would see the sufferings and glory of God's Christ:

They were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.

They were serving us. We Christians on this side of Jesus' birth are a God-blessed, happy people because we know God's plan. The ancient waiting is over. We have the greatest reason to celebrate.

false humility

2009-12-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth a stranger, and not your own lips. — Proverbs 27:2 (ESV)

False humility towards others' praise has cut me off from good encouragement.

crazy gospel

2009-12-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

"If you're never misunderstood to mean 'Let's sin so grace may abound,' you're not preaching gospel." — Abraham Piper on Twitter

advent: do you know his name

2009-12-01T06:45:00.000-08:00

The man declares, I am weary, O God;
I am weary, O God, and worn out.
Surely I am too stupid to be a man.
I have not the understanding of a man.
I have not learned wisdom,
nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
Who has ascended to heaven and come down?
Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and what is his son’s name?
Surely you know!
— Proverbs 30:1-4 (ESV)

I love Agur's oracle. It seems a prayer fit for my life right now, and for Christmas.

When looking honestly at his life Agur has deep questions about being a man, knowing God, and how to live. On the surface these questions are haunting to anyone. Without the hope of the incarnation (the Son of God born a man) we must distract ourselves from these questions to fake some kind of existence.

How good it is to know, by name and experience, the god-man who can answers these deep questions of the soul. He answers them not with just words, but with the power of his life lived, his death died, and the vindication of his ressurection.

So I ask you, who recognize these questions in your soul, do you know his name?

anger for wimps

2009-11-30T22:00:00.000-08:00

"Disappointment is anger for wimps." — Gregory House M.D.

a student of hardship

2009-11-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his folly will not depart from him. — Proverbs 27:22 (ESV)

A fool does not learn from hardship, he will simply return to his old ways once comfort returns.

advent: for to us a child is born

2009-11-30T06:45:00.000-08:00

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shined...
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

— Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 (ESV)

These were our verses for the first Sunday of Advent. While Christmas is far off (even though we get to celebrate with the Paterson clan in two weeks) these verses about looking forward to the promise of Jesus' birthday were perfect. It was especially fun to think about the gift of a child while a 2 and a half month old joined us!

advent: little lamb

2009-11-29T08:47:00.000-08:00

Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed,
By the stream and o'er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice?
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?

Little Lamb, I'll tell thee,  
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee.  
He is called by thy name,
For He calls Himself a Lamb.
He is meek, and He is mild;
He became a little child.
I a child, and thou a lamb,
We are called by His name.
Little Lamb, God bless thee!
Little Lamb, God bless thee!

— William Blake, "The Lamb"

A good poem to begin reflections on the meaning of Christmas.

party jesus

2009-11-29T07:00:00.001-08:00

"Do you really believe in the deity of Christ? If he came to earth tomorrow, would your God go out partying with sinners? If not, then Jesus must not be him." — Wesley Hill on 22•words

the calamity of social networking

2009-11-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away. — Proverbs 27:10 (ESV)

In a world of social networking and online relationships, how does this strike you?

wonderful monogamy

2009-11-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

"To complain that I could only be married once was like complaining that I had only been born once. It was incommensurate with the terrible excitement of which one was talking. It showed not an exaggerated sensibility to sex but a curious insensibility to it. A man is a fool who complains that he cannot enter Eden by five gates at once. Polygamy is a lack of the realization of sex; it's like a man plucking five pears in mere absence of mind." — G.K. Chesterton in Orthodoxy

george is thankful

2009-11-26T08:37:00.000-08:00

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness":

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

everyday grace

2009-11-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

Every day of our Christian experience should be a day of relating to God on the basis of His grace alone. Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace. — Jerry Bridges

fire with fire

2009-11-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

We must fight fire with fire. The fire of lust's pleasures must be fought with the fire of God's pleasures. If we try to fight the fire of lust with prohibitions and threats alone—even the terrible warnings of Jesus—we will fail. We must fight it with the massive promise of superior happiness. We must swallow up the little flicker of lust's pleasure in the configuration of holy satisfaction. — John Piper in Future Grace

gospel test

2009-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

"There is no better test as to whether a man is really preaching the New Testament gospel of salvation than this, that some people might misunderstand it and misinterpret it to mean that it really amounts to this, that because you are saved by grace alone it does not matter at all what you do; you can go on sinning as much as you like because it will resound all the more to the glory of grace. That is a very good test of gospel preaching. If my preaching and presentation of the gospel of salvation does not expose it to that misunderstanding, then it is not the gospel." — Martin Lloyd-Jones

SOAP: simple sincerity

2009-11-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

S - For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you... For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. — 2 Corinthians 1:12; 2:17 (ESV)

O - Paul continues to argue for the purity of his gospel in how he lived and preached it. Paul lived this way because he knew who gave him life, who had sent him, and who was watching.

A - I love how Paul talks about himself. He has a humility and confidence that seems completely foreign to how I feel about myself. I hope that I can speak with a simple sincerity that is powerful argument for the reliability of the gospel.

P - Lord, help me speak honestly, simply, and graciously. Gently remind me of your salvation, calling, and presence in my life.

how to NOT be missional

2009-11-18T07:26:00.000-08:00

Individuals are consistently converted to communities before they are converted to doctrines. — Jonathan Dodson, How to NOT be Missional Series at Resurgence

This is a small slice of Dodson's insights on missional living. Here's his premise:

The missional church movement has been good and bad. On a positive note, let’s focus on the bad. Over the next few posts, I want to suggest three ways to not be a missional church. We’ll organize these reflections under three headings:

1. Event-Driven Mission
2. Evangelism-Driven Mission
3. Social Action-Driven Mission

little deaths, little resurrections

2009-11-16T21:09:00.000-08:00

Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. — 2 Corinthians 1:9 (ESV)

I went to bed Sunday night feeling like the last few months had a been a string of "little deaths." Grief was thick. Emotions are near the surface. Then I woke up Monday morning to this verse. There is great comfort in knowing that my little deaths do not go unnoticed by my Heavenly Father. In fact, he is the one who is able to resurrect these little deaths... in his time... in his way.

cartoons are funny

2009-11-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry. I couldn't resist.

SOAP: children of promise

2009-11-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

S - Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe... So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. — Galatians 3:21-22; 4:31 (ESV)

O - The OT is about grace and faith. How did I miss this before? It was always about God's promise to offer a gracious sacrifice for the penalty of sin that we could never pay. It was about graciously giving life to those who believed God. God never wanted people enslaved to performance and ritual. He wanted to help people be humble, contrite, and faithful.

A - There is a lot of thinking that needs to be changed. I realize, though saying the "right" words (perhaps) about the OT, that I have totally missed it. This is such good news. We are not children of the law, but children of the promise. This motivates me in new ways... I'm not totally sure how, but the day is brighter because of God and his Word.

P - God, I'm sorry for how I missed it. You've been about the same stuff. The gospel has been the same all along. Your grace has been the same all along. I'm just trusting you to be you. Thank you for your promises. Thank you that I can be a child of those promises. I want to help others see you for who you actually are.

SOAP: grace & truth

2009-11-05T21:55:00.000-08:00

S - To them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you... for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles. — Galatians 2:5, 8 (ESV)

O - Preserve the gospel from those who would add to it. God works through different people in different ways to accomplish his gospel purposes. Paul confronted Peter for his "floppy" living of the gospel, but then also affirms Peter's call to advance the gospel.

A - There is a careful balance here... if balance is the right word. Preserve the gospel, but don't wreck other people's calling from God. This is a pretty cool reminder. It fits right in with the grace that Galatians is all about.

P - Lord, thanks for teaching me in such a timely way. I need to hear about your grace. I need it. I need to offer it to others. I also need to hear about how important your gospel is. It's good news. It's something in particular and we can't make it whatever we want it to be. I need you grace and truth. Help me live it solidly.

SOAP: get out!

2009-11-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

S - And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs. — Mark 16:20 (ESV)

O - This is the natural response to the gospel: To go out and share. Jesus works with his disciples even after he has gone in confirming the message of the good news of God's goodness.

A - Dang. Jesus is so good. I want people to know. I'm excited about a renewed passion for my neighbors... maybe a first passion. They are cool people. God loves them and wants no one to perish. I am excited about falling more in love with God and seeing the natural response being an increased sharing of his goodness with whoever I come across.

P - Lord, this is what I want and fear. Help me gain a right perspective and not be responding out of a religious or guilty spirit. I want to grow in love, in the Spirit, and in boldness with the Gospel. May those who you have placed in my path not be able to say I shrank back from sharing the love and hope you have freely given me. I can't do this on my own. I'm gonna need you to work alongside me and confirm it. Help me to trust you to be faithful in this just as you have been faithful in so many of your other promises.

SOAP: word & power

2009-11-02T08:28:00.000-08:00

S - Jesus said to them, "Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?" — Mark 12:24 (ESV)

O - The Sadducees were trying to trick and catch Jesus. They ask a tricky question about marriage and the resurrection. It sounds like they are saying, "Jesus, I would believe you, IF you can explain..." Jesus points out the real problem they face is not their question, but that they don't know God. They don't know him through his revelation or his power, so any question will only be handled from their limited perspective and not really reach them where they need it.

A - Isn't this how I, and so many others, keep God at a distance. "Okay God, I will believe in/trust you, IF you can explain or show me..." We need our questions about life, justice, goodness, etc. answered. We want it to fit in our view. However, the answer is knowing God, the Creator of it all. God doesn't fit in any of our nice little views. The reality of God means I'm going to have to change. So we ignore what God offers us, Himself, through his word and his power.

P - Lord, help me know you more. Your word. Your power. I am so use to viewing the world through my "little view." That view has been blown up. I don't want to look to anything, or anyone else, but you for purpose, order, and value. I don't want to put you in a box and miss out on any of you. Thank you for your church and the way they invite me to know more of you.

SOAP: salt & peace

2009-11-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

S - Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another. — Mark 9:50 (ESV)

O - The disciples were taken aback by someone else using Jesus' name. He wasn't 'in' with the group. Jesus takes this opportunity to teach the disciples that those who use his name are not 'out' like they think. He then compares them to little children and warns that the disciples should not hinder them from growing in faith. Instead he exhorts them to be salt towards them... Preserving what is good, flavoring with true life, & remembering God's faithfulness. He exhorts them to be at peace towards them.

A - As I think about my struggles with 'church' and 'Christians' this is a good reminder. Those who profess Christ in word and deed are 'with me.' We are to work for peace, a deep sense of well being, between one another. And we are to preserve each others' holiness, remind one another of God's faithfulness, and spice up each others' life with the gospel.

P - Lord, help me not to slip into an 'us and them' mentality. Give me a generous spirit towards those who profess your name. Allowing them to be salt in my life and seeking peace together under your gracious reign.

S2 - Jesus said to him,“If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” — Mark 9:23-24 (ESV)

P2 - All things are possible. I don't live this way. May the cry of my heart be, "I believe Lord! Help my unbelief!"

francis is funny

2009-11-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

The disciples obey because that's what people do when someone rises from the dead and gives instructions. — Francis Chan, Forgotten God

SOAP: leaving behind the things of men

2009-10-31T14:10:00.000-07:00

S - And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said,“Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” — Mark 8:32-33 (ESV)

O - Jesus spoke plainly to those who recognized him as God's promised rescuer and ruler. Even then, they did not see clearly what God was up to. They still thought in human terms about 'the good life' and 'how to get it.' The sacrifice and loss of life was unthinkable, ungodly, in their perspective. But completely necessary for their salvation. If they clung to the 'things of man' they would end up REALLY dead. But, if they willfully and deliberately died to the things of man they would REALLY live.

A - What would I have sought to rebuke Jesus about? "Surely not this my Lord!" "You've got it all wrong Jesus!" "This isn't how its suppossed to be!" How am I saying that to him now?

P - Lord you have bigger purposes than I have in mind. You are, and know, the way to life. You help us with each step of our healing and growth. You guard us from totally derailing your purposes. Help me submit to you and your way. I want to learn from you how to steward my life and leave behind the thinking and things of men.

SOAP: deliberate belief

2009-10-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

S - While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue,“Do not fear, only believe." — Mark 5:35-36 (ESV)

O - In the eyes of the people Jairus' situation was 'over.' There wasn't anything Jesus/God could do. Best to not bother him with something so final. Yet, Jesus is bigger than death. From the perspective of God the finality of death is just sleep. Jesus invites Jairus and his disciples to have this heavenly perspective, believing God is not finished when things are way beyond us and our finite expectations.

I also notice how everything in Mark happens 'immediately.' I notice that this happens 'with haste' with Herod's daughter (Mark 6:25). There is something deliberate about Jesus and the Spirit. Including 'leisure,' 'solitude,' eating and 'prayer' (Mark 6:31, 46) There is something rushed, hurried, and foolish about earthly 'kings.' Rushing leads you to decisions and actions you never wanted or believed you would choose. Deliberately living leads to health, compassion, action, concern for others, and a single-mindedness about God's purposes.

A - Perhaps this is a season of "sleep." A time to learn this kind of deliberate living. Deliberate belief that it is God's good pleasure to give us the kingdom (a heavenly reality) in the midst of our circumstances (an earthly perspective). When Jesus leads the disciples into rest (6:31) the word "leisure" can also mean "convenient time." It seems this is a "convenient time" to learn about deliberate belief.

P - Lord, its impossible to ignore how this speaks to my desperation this morning. Bills. Work. Purpose. Health. Life. These things seem to be in a... 'dead' kind of place (not actually dead, but not moving from an earthly perspective). Yet, the sense that I get is that this is a season of "sleep." What would you like to say to about this:

Do not be afraid. Just believe. Believe the promises of your Heavenly Father. He knows what you need and it is his pleasure to give you the kingdom.

SOAP: loving obedience

2009-10-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

S - "but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful"... And he said to them,“Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you"... And he said,“The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how." — Mark 4:19, 24, 26-27 (ESV)

O - Jesus is framing the Kingdom of God for his new apostles. He speaks to how hearts respond to the good news. He speaks to being attentive to the word. He speaks to the work of spreading the word. There will be a number of obstacles to the fruit of the gospel, your heart is central to them. You cares and affections matter. Pay attention to your receptivity to the word. For this will help you notice whether your cares & affections are for God and his Kingdom. Spread the word faithfully, harvest when its time, and do not get caught up in the rest of the process, this is the Lord's work.

A - I'm nervous about things... Mostly money I guess. Maybe also how others perceive my life. My response to money is to ignore it. My response to others' opinions is to fret about it. I hear a call back to being anxious about God's will. Yet, also a reminder about the grace of God's work in my life. He freely has given, and I can freely obey. This frees me from anxiously obeying God in order to get something I am desiring (or anxious about). Obedience was not why God loved me or freely gave me grace. He loves me as a Beloved Son. I respond with loving obedience to a gracious and good Dad who cares for me well.

P - Lord, thank you for changing my cares and affections so I can lovingly respond in obedience. Keep up the good work. Help me not get caught up in the deceit that money will make my life okay and its all I am missing. I know I have plenty with you as my Father. So thanks for loving me Dad and taking care of me along the way.

SOAP: man of the word

2009-10-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

S - Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. — Acts 27:11 (ESV)

Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. — Acts 17:21 (ESV)

O - Bereans and Athenians. These people had different ways of shaping their worldview. Bereans were shaped by daily study of the Scriptures. Athenians were shaped by seeking out what was 'new.'

A - I am struck by the way that I, and other Christians, can be so easily swayed by the 'new' ideas about Christianity and how to read the Bible without actually studying the Bible. This week I have been lax in studying the Bible daily. I have scanned daily reading, but rarely reflected deeply or returned to what God was saying. I want to be a man marked by an eagerness to study the Bible to see if 'these things were so.'

P - Lord, forgive me for treating your word lightly this week. I'm thankful for the multiple opportunities to study the Bible with people each week. Increase my eagerness for your word. Help me return to your word to shape me and my view of the world.

SOAP: immediate adaptability

2009-10-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

S - And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. — Acts 16:10 (ESV)

O - Immediately. The early church seems so quick to adapt to what God is calling them to. Even when there are 'religious' people who aren't quite ready for the change. The Spirit opens a door, closes a door, blocks a door, leads in a different direction...

A - I sense your call to move quickly... But I don't feel I yet have a team like Paul's where they all reach the same conclusions about where the Spirit is leading. Pray for your team, they are more ready than you know.

P - Lord grant me/us visions that unite us in the same calling. That lead to the growth of your church where others are added to you.

SOAP: bigger grace

2009-10-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

S - When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. — Acts 11:23-24 (ESV)

O - Barnabas, as a man of the Spirit, enjoyed the grace of God that went further than anyone expected or was comfortable with. Was it because of this unexpected turn that Barnabas specifically reminded them to be steadfastly faithful? Because of God's grace, and Barnabas' encouragement, a great number of people were added to God. Added to the Lord... As if adding was not adding to the 'church' for its sake, but adding to the Lord for his sake.

A - God's grace is bigger than I expected. More are able to be added to the Lord than I ever thought. And they are added not to a plan, organization, etc... But to the Lord. Even Gentiles, those who are 'surely' out

P - Blow up my vision of you, your grace, and your church.

SOAP: be ready

2009-10-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

S - You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. — Acts 7:51 (ESV)

O - There is a pattern of resistance against the Spirit. But in contrast Stephen is a man of the Spirit. Who knows how he is marked as such before he is appointed a Deacon. Afterwards he shares the gospel in word and deed. Outside his 'job description' with the widows. The Spirit works outside our expectations and structures.

A - Lord what do you want me to learn from this?
Be ready in season and out of season for the Spirit to move. I have more in store than any plan, vision, or structure than you can think of.

P - Help me be ready Jesus. Thank you for your patience with me.

SOAP: kingdom rewards

2009-10-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

S - And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life." — Luke 18:29-30 (ESV)

O - Entry into the Kingdom of God will cost all that you once held dear. The disciples rightly wonder, "Then who can really be saved?" But what is impossible for men is possible for God. He will work in our lives to remove all our idols.

A - Following Christ is costly. It means giving up all I once held dear...

P - Lord help me know that you are a treasure of far greater worth than anything else that I once looked to for security, purpose, status, or comfort.

SOAP: kingdom duty

2009-10-04T22:08:00.000-07:00

S - So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" — Luke 17:10 (ESV)

O - Jesus challenges the love of money, religious performance, and warns of how our lives extend into eternity (resulting in the kind of eternal life which our earthly life naturally leads to). He then turns to his disciples to warn them on temptation, encourage their faith, and foster their humility. The Pharisees loved money and performance. This life led to destruction, and they took many with them. Jesus wants the disciples to acknowledge their tendencies to do the same, and cultivate faith, humility, and obedience. Anything they achieve... money, success, accolades... is simply the product of an unworthy servant following his Master. Besides, how many servants do you know with any amount of money, success, or accolades?

A - I am so tempted by religion, status, accolades, and money right now. It seems like the end of money and healthcare are upon us right now. I am uncomfortable on the "sidelines." I press to be involved. I need to learn the place of a servant. One who loves his Master and his duty in the Master's house. A good Master will care for his servant. Giving him all he needs to be faithful to the Master's will.

P - Lord, grant me faithful duty. Discipline my heart to treasure you, my good Master, above any other praise or rewards. Help me see my unworthiness, the effectiveness and glory of your Son, and graciously bless others as you have blessed me. I renounce the praise of this world and man, and choose to "do what was my duty."

SOAP: kingdom stewardship

2009-10-03T21:16:00.000-07:00

S - If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? — Luke 16:11 (ESV)

O - Jesus is crazy. He uses crazy extremes such extremes when leading towards what is good. What do you really want to be good with? Money? Kingdom riches? Start small, but never settle for something that isn't actually that good. Our complete frame of reference needs to be different in the Kingdom. Stewardship in the Kingdom is not about temporal things. There are far greater things in the Kingdom.

A - I am starting small. Its good to start. Its good to be faithful. But I need to not lose focus of the Kingdom goods.

P - Help me Lord. Money. Stuff. These comforts are tempting, and it would be easy to feel good if they were "worked" out. I want to be about bigger things. Help me see bigger things. Help me learn to be faithful in these smaller things. Whatever you give me beyond that, its up to you.

SOAP: eating humility

2009-10-01T20:58:00.000-07:00

S - But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. — Luke 14:10-11 (ESV)

O - Jesus has such practical advice for our relationships and souls. He guards us well from foolish behavior as well as an arrogantly corrupt soul. Here is an invitation to the freedom of humility.

A - I am far to envious. Pushing. Wanting. My Shepherd invites me to lay it down. Enjoy the feast he has prepared for me.

P - Thank you Lord for this invitation to humility. Help me take a seat at the end of the table. I'm grateful that you take care of me.

SOAP: strong hands

2009-09-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

S - Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Let your hands be strong... that the temple might be built... Fear not, but let your hands be strong... These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the LORD... The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going.' — Zechariah 8:9, 13, 16-17, 21 (ESV)

O - God speaks plainly to his people through Zechariah, "Listen, I'm not asking for anything new. The new thing is that you will do it."

A - I wonder how much this decision really falls to the next generation. We only see and act as a dim reflection of the beauty and light of our God and His Kingdom. The next generation can be discouraged by the previous generation's "dimness," or they can learn and set their hands to the work for their resplendent King.

P - Lord, let my hands be strong. Let me not fear. Oh that truth would be on my lips, wisdom in my mind, and grace in my heart. May your name be honored in the city, and may many come searching for you because of your people.

SOAP: treasuring God

2009-09-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

S - For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing... If then you are not able to do as small a thing as (adding an hour to your life), why are you anxious about the rest... your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom... For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. — Luke 12: 23, 26, 30-32, 34 (ESV)

O - Life is more than food. Physical. Desire. Feeling. Needs. Getting. Satisfaction. Comfort.

The body is more than clothing. Stuff. Status. Job. Hiding. Covering. Looking good. Having it "together."

A - I cannot "add" to my life. Why then think that food or clothing, desire fulfilled or status, comfort or having it all together will do that? God knows what I need. It delights Him to provide for me. It delights Him to give His children all they need. It delights Him to welcome us into all the grandness of life he actually has to offer!

P - Lord, I'm not worrying about food and clothing. I'm worried about treasuring you and your kingdom. Help me bring others along.

FAITH ACCOUNT: To treasure God and His Kingdom above all things. Considering Luke 12:13-57. (this is for the high school small group I am a part of, we each are writing down the relationship we think God is calling us to have with Him)

Rain City Hymnal Sampler

2009-09-29T10:01:00.001-07:00

Some free worship music. Some classic hymns in a new style...

SOAP: pointing the way

2009-09-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

S - If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here... In that day, declares the LORD of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree. — Zechariah 3:6, 10 (ESV)

O - Joshua stands between Satan and an angel before God. God silences Satan, and turns to Joshua. God has plans to restore His house and people through Joshua. He needs Joshua to not make the mistakes of the past. Instead, he is to keep (care for, preserve, and obey) God's commandments and complete the task of rebuilding the temple. God even gave him friends to help prepare and point the way to Jesus, when everyone will graciously invite their neighbors to share in the blessings of God.

A - It's hard to ignore the similar state of the church. It seems many churches have been in "waiting"... for the "old days," perhaps. Could it be that God has brought up a new batch of men, like Joshua and his friends, to prepare and point the world to Jesus? Of course! I want to be like those men. Pointing the way to Jesus.

P - Father, your plans are good. I'm sorry for our forgetfulness and faithlessness. For the sake of your name, for I and your church bear it, have mercy on us. Help us rebuild like in the days after the Exile. May your church be grander and grander as time goes on! I can't wait for when it will be the pure and spotless bride you deserve!

SOAP: a time to build

2009-09-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

S - "Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little... Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the LORD. — Haggai 1:4-6, 8 (ESV)

O - God is done with the people waiting for "right" conditions. Even though things have not gone as planned, and the road is not an easy one, God wants us to be overwhelmed with a passion for Him and His purposes. Compelled by love. We are clearly compelled to work hard on what seems to benefit us. But how has that really gone for us, really? "Stop doing your own thing and waiting for things to seem right to you," says the Lord, "Get about my business now!"

A - It's time to build. It's time to work on God's glory and plans just as we have worked on our own. I'm going for it this week. We will replant the gospel word, we will cry out to you, we will bless as we have been blessed.

P - Lord, I'm in. We're going. Teaching your word. Sharing your hope. Seeking your joy. May your name be lifted up in our house. In our neighborhood. In our city. In YOUR church.

SOAP: never look back

2009-09-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

S - Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." — Luke 9:62 (ESV)

O - If one is called by Jesus to something it will be uncomfortable, time consuming, and hard. But if one is convinced of the worth of Christ and the effectiveness of his work, one will never look back.

A - I want to set my face towards what you are about Jesus: ushering in the new humanity where forgiven sinners are brought together under your gracious reign. Faithful men... lead Godly families... form Gospel communities... plant churches.

P - Lord, we want to be faithful men. Help us set our faces towards what you have called us to. It is infinitely worth it!

SOAP: a local

2009-09-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

S -"Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. — Luke 8:39 (ESV)

O - Jesus works with locals and wants them to stay right where they are. True, he calls some to follow him from place to place, but most encounters end with him sending people to their local priest or to spread the word from their home.

A - I guess this is a bit of what I feel. It seems God wants me to return to my "local priest" and go throughout my city proclaiming what God has done. God has done so much for me. I hear his call to be a "local" proclaiming in my city what he has done.

P - Jesus, I feel a bit stuck on this. Help me with my neighbors. Help me with those I know through Caleb and Ashlyn. Help me with those I am getting to know through our gospel community. I want to work hard on this. You are an amazingly faithful God and I feel blessed to be called to be a "local."

SOAP: sanity

2009-09-24T22:57:00.000-07:00

S - Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. — Psalm 85:8-9 (ESV)

O - Longing for revival, the Psalmist asks to hear God's voice. He knows God will bring about good things. He knows God's people need to hear from him. He knows God will bring about good things. He knows God's people need to hear from him. He also knows, right alongside this, that God's people very easily forget.

A - Is it any wonder I struggled to do this SOAP today. How easy it is to just move through the day... This is folly. Waiting on the Lord to speak is sanity.

P - Lord, I'm thankful you are gracious with men of folly. Gracious to me. I want revival. Revival in me. Revival in my family. Revival in my neighborhood. Revival in my city. We need you Jesus. We need your voice. We need your leadership. We need your peace.

SOAP: kind to the ungrateful

2009-09-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

S - But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you... And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. — Luke 6:27-28, 31 (ESV)

O - Jesus lays out the blessings of the Kingdom, and warns of the false security of this world. His encouragement, and command, to those stirred or shaken by his words is to love. Love those not easy to love. Love those who wish to harm you. Love those who speak ill of you. Love those who take advantage of you or hurt you. Live towards others as you would want them to live towards you. This is a scary charge, if one forgets about the love and care of God, "for he is kind to the ungrateful and evil."

A - It's easy for me to think I am wise in my own eyes. Like I have all I need on my own. I'm glad I can still be shaken by Jesus' words. He exposes where I have not built my life on him. I must learn to love as God does. I struggle to be kind to people who don't give back in return, or are just meaning to take advantage of me.

P - Lord, help me learn to be as gracious as you. Help me "be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." I want to be innocent enough to be kind, and wise enough to trust your love and care.

SOAP: community repentance

2009-09-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

S - Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth... Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. — Daniel 9:13; 10:12 (ESV)

O - Daniel perceived what God said through the prophets. He saw his sin, and the sin of God's people. He owned it all and moved forward himself in prayer, repentance, and God's truth. God heard him, and cared for him in the midst of exile.

A - I am struck by how Daniel owned his people's sin, and made a choice to obey God himself. Too often I think of myself as an individual following God, or even give up following God "all the way" because of how I perceive other people around me. Daniel viewed his relationship with God in the context of God's people being scattered and having been disobedient for generations. Will I own the sins of the church, present and past? Will I mourn my part in the disobedience of God's people? This was not overwhelming or unwanted by Daniel, instead, this kind of community repentance was integral to his own devotion to God.

P - Lord, I sense we have lost our first love and fallen "in love" with the gifts of faith, not the giver of faith. We were made for a love relationship with you. Gifts are only temporary, but, you, the Giver, are eternal. You are awesome God. O, how we have fallen in love with your gifts and neglected you. Lord, how addicted we have become to your gifts and simply left you behind. Help us return to you, not for our sake, but for the sake of your mercy and your name!

SOAP: counting on you

2009-09-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

S - The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'"... (the devil) said to him, "To you I will give all this authority and their glory..." And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'"... (the devil) said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here... And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" — Luke 4:3-4, 6, 8, 9, 12 (ESV)

O - The devil tempts Jesus to take care of himself, seek his own authority and glory (versus the Father's), and to take matters into his own hands. These attacks come against Jesus' identity, his dependency as a human, and the character of God. When his sonship and provision are challenged, Jesus reminds the devil, and us, that we cannot just look to the physical and the immediate to solve our problems. Instead, there is an invitation to trust God and his promises. When offered authority (independence) and glory, Jesus reminds us to stand in awe of a truly powerful God and to do whatever we can to magnify his goodness. When God's faithfulness and goodness are challenged, Jesus reminds us that God has brought us this far, surly he will continue to bring us the rest of the way.

A - Having a third child in the midst of having no job certainly feels like a desert. I am confident of your leading here. I heard you say I should follow the Elders lead. I heard you say I should wait for your provision. So here I am in the desert. Tempted to take things into my own hands, feeble though they may be. Your angels have to help me from really wrecking myself, right? You have reminded me of my sonship. Your faithful Fatherhood. You have brought miraculous provision. You and your plans for us are good. I will trust in them. I hear an invitation to Sabbath rest. Time with you. Family. No work. Acts of service. Healing. Prayer. Play. Eating. Laughing. Singing. Dreaming. Hoping. Remembering. Forgiving.

P - Lord, I'm counting on you. For life. Intimacy. Food. Shelter. Health. I've really got nothing without you.

SOAP: awaiting the dawn

2009-09-20T22:49:00.000-07:00

S - If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. — Psalm 130:3-6 (ESV)

O - No one could stand before God if he were not gracious and forgiving. How terrible to stand before God knowing what you deserve. How awesome to be forgiven by a righteous God. What will sustain a man? To wait for God's mercy, to hope in God's promises. In the darkest nights, to long for the coming of our God.

A - I hear you extending me forgiveness. I hear your invitation to know you. I hear your call for patience and hope. I will choose to be the watchman longing for the dawn.

P - Lord, help me endure with the same grace you give me. I'm seriously ready for you to act. Keep me alert, ready for what you will reveal tomorrow.

Hooray! God!

2009-09-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

Hooray! God! My Shepherd! I will have all I need!
He has removed my fear, my tension, my annoyances,
and I'm so satisfied I can rest in the midst of good opportunities.
He takes me past the things I long for,
for he and his plans are enough for me.
He makes me completely whole.
He guides me on trustworthy paths that I would never take on my own,
so he gets the credit.

Even though life can be dark and hard,
I have nothing to fear,
because I know you are always close to me.
Your guidance and correction are welcome.
You bless me so that I can bless those who hurt me.
You immerse me in blessing,
I can't believe all you have given me.

I'm convinced that your goodness and love are always right there when I need it.
I will never leave your presence,
I always want to be with you.

Psalm 23 (paraphrased)

SOAP: show me your glory

2009-09-16T23:04:00.000-07:00

S - Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the LORD.

The LORD bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
May you see your children’s children!
Peace be upon Israel! — Psalm 128 (ESV)

O - Those who stand in awe of God are good. They will have what they need. Their work will be rewarding. Their spouse and children will be a blessing. Yes, it is well with those who know God. They live long in peace.

A - I don't nearly glory in God enough. He is tremendous. Consider the works of his hands. Think about his Son. Marvel at what has happened these last few months. How good is our God? He is far beyond what I can imagine... yet the things in front of me can so easily capture my attention.

P - Show me your glory God! Never let up! Remind me of your character, your power, your faithfulness. Thank you for your promises. Teach my heart to trust and hope in you.

SOAP: cry out

2009-09-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

S - You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. — Psalm 145: 16, 18-19 (ESV)

O - All God needs to do is open His hand and we have more than all the world could ever need. Truck loads of provision for all... But He will not force himself upon us. He waits for us to call... to cry out. Who will call longing for Him and His ways? He is the dream maker and the dream fulfiller. He has set eternal things in us. Yet, we suffer under our sin and the sin of others. Our vision has been shortened. Our dreams thwarted. Mini-dreams and short term satisfaction is all we think is possible.

A - I want to break out of the short sightedness of sin. The King of the Universe stands ready to be all that I need. The deepest unspoken things inside me will be satisfied by Him, and Him alone.

Cry out, O my Soul! Your King awaits. Do not settle, Soul. He is far more than you have ever dreamed!

P - Lord you have showed me truck loads of your provision, waiting to be received. Set me and my family free! Set us free in true intimacy. Set us free from greed and arrogance. Set us free to be generous. Set us free to proclaim your mighty deeds to our children. Lord, you know the desires of my heart. I entrust them to you. Help me let go of how I think they should be fulfilled, my vision is so little.

SOAP: on display and gathered for holiness

2009-09-05T21:45:00.000-07:00

S - Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you... Thus says the Lord GOD: When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and manifest my holiness in them in the sight of the nations... — Ezekiel 28: 17, 25 (ESV)

O - This is an intriguing passage... King of Tyre... allusions to the fall of angels and the fall of Adam... the bottom line; our lives are on display. The King, angels, Adam, me. All will be exposed. One will either be exposed as being full of oneself (pride), or full of God (holiness). Pride sets us apart from others for our own glory. Holiness sets us apart with others for the glory of God.

A - What does my life say about God? Am I being "gathered" for holiness? I take this as confirmation of my steps to pursue living the gospel in community on mission as I grow as a man of God and in biblical leadership. I take this also as a warning. Any beauty or good in this, or me, is not my own. It is bestowed by God. What once may have seemed very wise is easily corrupted by pride. These steps that I take will be exposed for what they are, no matter what I think about them now. The proof is in the pudding.

P - May we be gathered for holiness. May our lives be a display of your goodness and mercy.

SOAP: a call to rebuild

2009-08-31T20:54:00.000-07:00

S - O people of Israel, these prophets of yours are like jackals digging in the ruins. They have done nothing to repair the breaks in the walls around the nation. They have not helped it to stand firm in battle on the day of the Lord... You bring shame on me among my people for a few handfuls of barley or a piece of bread. By lying to my people who love to listen to lies, you kill those who should not die, and you promise life to those who should not live... You have discouraged the righteous with your lies, but I didn’t want them to be sad. And you have encouraged the wicked by promising them life, even though they continue in their sins. — Ezekiel 13:4-5, 19, 22 (NLT)

O - The religious leaders were digging in the ruins of Jerusalem to make sure they had what they "needed." They weren't helping make things as God wanted them to be for the sake of everyone. This is a rebuke of selfish leadership, and a reminder of the active servant leadership God desires. Their selfishness is the evidence of the origin of their message and leadership. God's message and leadership rebuilds for the sake of others. It comforts the righteous and discomforts the wicked. Godly leaders get in the fray on behalf of God and others and stand firm.

A - I am reminded that God is calling me to lead and shepherd my family first, then his people.

P - How does this apply to leading my family Jesus?

digging in the ruins for what you want, or rebuilding the walls for others

What are the "walls" of our family that need rebuilding?

Prayer, Service, Community, Outreach

Thank you for teaching me how to pray for my family in your authority. Thank you for stirring my heart to serve them. Help me listen to my kids. Help me be present to Rebecca. Thank you for moving us toward gospel centered community. Help us know what steps to take. How to fight for it. How to preserve it. How to keep going when its awkward, hard, or distasteful. Thank you for stirring my heart more and more for others. Help my unbelief that I can assure them of your offer of life, lasting and full life, today. Keep me from the temptation of rebuilding (or building) other walls before taking care of my family. You are a gracious God to offer us this time. May you be honored with it.

SOAP: valley of death within me

2009-08-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

S - ...For what God has said applies to everyone— it will not be changed! Not one person whose life is twisted by sin will ever recover. — Ezekiel 7:13 (NLT)

O - The end of Israel, as they know it, is here. Famine, plague, and war. And the religious and rich will make the most of it thinking they are some how exempt. But God's judgement and discipline will miss no one. No matter how good people make it look, they are a crooked mess. No one can escape the reality of their depravity.

A - I am feeling good about this coming week. Flush with God's provision. I am comfortable. Sure that I am exempt from anything traumatic this week... yet I hear you say:

S2 - I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. — Revelation 3:19 (NLT)

O2 - Laodecia has gotten comfortable. They are no longer useful because they don't see things as they really are. Their material needs are met and they feel on top of the world. It seems they have arrived... But Jesus says he is not done with them. Where it counts, they are lacking and in need. They need to trade what they are trusting in for their security, provision, and identity for more of Jesus and His Kingdom.

A2 - There is a choice before me... slip into the comfort of provision, or continue to diligently seek Jesus and His Kingdom. Money can be a false provision when my greedy heart is the problem. Religion can be a false security when my addiction to control is the problem. Being busy can be a false identity when I am driven by a need for pleasure. On the outside this week could look pretty good... but Jesus is inviting me to listen to him. Open myself to him. Let him be the friend and leader I need him to be.

P - Lord I celebrate your provision! We have another month to pursue you and your Kingdom in a new way! Thank you for being with me in the valley of death on the outside (jobless, infected, in pain, shingles, more pain, 103 degree temperature, etc)... now I invite you to be with me and go through the valley of death within me (greed, lust, covetousness, selfish ambition, vain conceit, etc). Let's not stop now Jesus. I don't want to be comfortable with less than the fullness of you and your Kingdom in my life.

SOAP: elements for life

2009-08-28T14:37:00.000-07:00

S - Revelation 2, read it here. (NLT)

O - Formulas for life (?)...
to Hard Work and Patient Endurance + Love = Good Fruit (Life)
in Suffering and Poverty + Faithfulness = Protection (Life)
to Loyalty and Faithfulness + Truth = New Food and New Name (Life)
to constant improvement of Love, Faith, Service, and Patient Endurance + Hold On Tight! = Authority (Life)

These are Jesus' words to the first four churches in Revelation. One who reads these to the churches and obeys them is blessed...

The church has been underway for awhile. Things have seemingly settled down and church is getting familiar. There are a lot of churches doing "good." Jesus says there is more to life than what they're experiencing. He honestly assesses each church where they are at. "Look," he says, "I see what makes you feel good about yourselves, and they ARE good. But that's not ALL I had planned for you. And look, you've got some blind spots. Let's take a look at things together..."

Is it any wonder what these churches are missing is LOVE, FAITH, and TRUTH. They perform well, suffer well, and hunker down together well... but Jesus wants more love, faith, and truth.

One church gets "off." They are constantly improving in these things, but Jesus clearly seems to think it would be VERY easy for them to get distracted, let go, or give up.

A - How have I settled? What do I think is "good" enough? This is not the perfectionist addict talking, this is the servant of Jesus. The one who wants all of the rich and satisfying life Jesus has to offer. The one who wants to see harvests of fruit. Wants to be filled with joy because of God's protection. Wants to feast on the things of God and know him in personal and secretive ways. He is calling me to love, faith (confidence), and truth.

P - Lord, this is going to take time. It's not a "get-r-done" today kind of thing. This is going to take careful, thoughtful, and deliberate action. I need you to secure my each step. I need you to confirm each person. I need you to shape each plan. I want all the life you have to offer.