Gospel verse found on ancient shrine
Every once in a while something like this will turn up. Makes you really curious who really was buried in there.
Thursday, November 20, 2003
God's the Greatest
Here are some of the most beautiful sites that you will ever see, all taken from the Hubble Telescope launched ten years ago. What an artist! God's canvas is immense and his colors are bright and alive. James had it right when he said, "everything good and perfect comes from above, from the Father of lights..."
Check out this beautiful collection of Astronomy images. Some of them are so clear it is hard to remember that they are so far away.
Here are some of the most beautiful sites that you will ever see, all taken from the Hubble Telescope launched ten years ago. What an artist! God's canvas is immense and his colors are bright and alive. James had it right when he said, "everything good and perfect comes from above, from the Father of lights..."
Check out this beautiful collection of Astronomy images. Some of them are so clear it is hard to remember that they are so far away.
Jackson surrenders to authorities
There has been so much said about this fiasco that I don't believe I could add anything of meaning. But let me just say, "That's just sad..."
And I love Michael! I was one of the, obviously now, idiots who said, "He's not dangerous, just weird!" Dude is the King of Pop for crying out loud, but I can't help but say, "Better to wear a millstone necklace and take a swim in the deep blue sea than give even one of these dear little ones a hard time!" (Luke 17:2) It looks as if He has taken advantage of and hurt children...in my estimation one of the lowest of the lows...but doesn't that probably make him a good prospect to receive the grace of God? The public will probably never really know what the truth is in all of this, but maybe that's not so bad. Even if crimes against children have not been committed, one has to ask who is supposed to be responsible for these children that are in close proximity to Jackson? If they are orphans or foster children I am deeply sadded, if they aren't I have to ask ,"Where are their parents?
The JesusGeek says, "He just sets himself up for this junk"
And I love Michael! I was one of the, obviously now, idiots who said, "He's not dangerous, just weird!" Dude is the King of Pop for crying out loud, but I can't help but say, "Better to wear a millstone necklace and take a swim in the deep blue sea than give even one of these dear little ones a hard time!" (Luke 17:2) It looks as if He has taken advantage of and hurt children...in my estimation one of the lowest of the lows...but doesn't that probably make him a good prospect to receive the grace of God? The public will probably never really know what the truth is in all of this, but maybe that's not so bad. Even if crimes against children have not been committed, one has to ask who is supposed to be responsible for these children that are in close proximity to Jackson? If they are orphans or foster children I am deeply sadded, if they aren't I have to ask ,"Where are their parents?
The JesusGeek says, "He just sets himself up for this junk"
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Nowhere Man
He's a real nowhere Man, sitting in his nowhere land,
Making all his nowhere plans for nobody.
Doesn't kave a point of view, knows not where he's going to,
Isn't he a bit like you and me?
Nowhere Man, please listen, You don't know what you're missing,
Nowhere Man, the world is at your command.
He's as blind as he can be, just sees what he wants to see,
Nowhere Man can you see me at all?
Doesn't kave a point of view, knows not where he's going to,
Isn't he a bit like you and me?
Nowhere Man, don't worry. Take your time, don't hurry,
Leave it all till somebody else lends you a hand.
He's a real Nowhere Man, sitting in his nowhere land,
Making all his nowhere plans for nobody.
~Half a million dollars for 133 words. I'd say they got a bargain.
Latest Art Images
Here are a few takes on the celtic knotwork cross. The Celtic Christians in Ireland and Scotland in the fourth century "used the famous 'celtic knot' whose spirals intertwine to symbolize God's encircling protection of his people, to symbolize eternity, and to suggest the movement, pilgrimage and progress that is essential in the Christian's life." (The Celtic Way of Evangelism, Hunter p.74)
Oh, and also a cute picture of Zoe on the grass with the leaves.
Here are a few takes on the celtic knotwork cross. The Celtic Christians in Ireland and Scotland in the fourth century "used the famous 'celtic knot' whose spirals intertwine to symbolize God's encircling protection of his people, to symbolize eternity, and to suggest the movement, pilgrimage and progress that is essential in the Christian's life." (The Celtic Way of Evangelism, Hunter p.74)
Oh, and also a cute picture of Zoe on the grass with the leaves.
Clay Pots - Weak and Humble, but Full of the Power of God
Here is the introduction to a study that we are working on for CMA. Please read, comment and give suggestions. I could really use some input.
“We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives” 2 Corinthians 4:7 (MSG)
Clay is an amazing naturally found substance. Used by artisans and craftsmen all throughout history, clay has been formed into just about everything from household items to sacred works of art. The Bible mentions clay and vessels made of clay quite often. From the mixture of dust and spittle in John 9:6 to the Potter’s clay in Jeremiah 18:1, clay and pottery was a part of everyday life in ancient times. It is certain that the Apostle Paul would have been familiar with many clay pottery items from small cup like drinking pots, to larger cistern sized pots. Clay decorative items as well as clay households such as lamps and containers would have been commonplace around the Apostle. He would have certainly understood the availability, utility and fragile nature of clay pots.
When Paul describes our lives as clay pots, he is using a metaphor packed with meaning.
•Clay pots are humble. Unlike goblets of silver or pitchers of brass, clay pots are inexpensive and not very fancy. Paul is no doubt alluding to the fact that the contents of the vessel are much more important than the vessel itself. Clay pots are usually simple and readily available. Because of their functionality, decoration wasn’t very important. In the Old Testament, when a clay pot was ceremonially defiled it had to be destroyed (Leviticus 6:28; 11:33) illustrating that they were easy to replace.
•The use of clay reflects back to the material God used to create Adam in Genesis 2:7 (the Hebrew ‘adamah’ can be translated as dust or clay) where man is only dust until God breathes life into him. Recalling this image, Paul speaks of our helplessness and worthlessness without the Spirit (Heb. ‘ruach’ or breath) of God.
•Clay pots are also weak and easy to break. In the middle of a discussion on the struggles of being the Lord’s servant, it seems important that he compares himself to a weak, breakable clay pot. Clay pots shatter when dropped; they break into shards and can no longer be used. Even when tempered by fire and made to be as strong as possible, clay pots are at best still considered fragile. Paul speaks of his own life as being “pressed from all sides”, “persecuted”, and “struck down”, all tough wear and tear on a fragile clay pot.
As a whole, I believe Paul wants us to identify with the humble, temporal, and fragile clay pot. We are only humans, weak and unsightly when compared to the glory of God. We are imperfect; We struggle through many hardships in life, yet there is more to the metaphor of the clay pot.
•Clay pots have to be made by the hand of a potter. Clay, in it’s natural form, isn’t shaped to perform tasks. It takes the foresight, time and artistry of the hands of the potter to create a functional vessel. A potter pays special attention as he molds and forms the clay into the desired shape. Every clay pot reveals the plan and design of it’s potter. Our lives are exactly the same. Our very existence speaks of the plan and foresight of The Potter, Almighty God. Our lives reflect his leading and the intervention of His grace. He has brought us through experiences and wrote the story of our life to shape us for his purpose. As the potter creates a clay pot to carry water from a well, so does God create our lives to be used to literally carry the life-changing power of God.
•Clay pots are extremely useful. In the times of the Apostle Paul, clay pottery was used for a multitude of purposes. Water and commodities containers of all sizes as well as clay oil lamps were all necessary to daily life. Paul probably hints at the functionality of clay pots, when he uses this imagery. While it is the contents of our lives, the power of God, that is important, it is exciting to think that Jesus wants to use us to shine his light in darkness. God’s plan is to use his creation, his people, to carry his Message and move in his power.
And this is the powerful thought of 2 Corinthians 4:7: We are, as humans, weak and humble, yet God desires to use us, and use our lives as containers and dispensers of his grace and power. We in ourselves are not super powerful, but the Holy Spirit working inside of us is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. We in ourselves are weak and breakable, but the power of God working in us can withstand any attack. We in ourselves are humble and unadorned, and yet God chooses us to carry the beautiful and precious message of his love to the world.
Here is the introduction to a study that we are working on for CMA. Please read, comment and give suggestions. I could really use some input.
“We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives” 2 Corinthians 4:7 (MSG)
When Paul describes our lives as clay pots, he is using a metaphor packed with meaning.
•Clay pots are humble. Unlike goblets of silver or pitchers of brass, clay pots are inexpensive and not very fancy. Paul is no doubt alluding to the fact that the contents of the vessel are much more important than the vessel itself. Clay pots are usually simple and readily available. Because of their functionality, decoration wasn’t very important. In the Old Testament, when a clay pot was ceremonially defiled it had to be destroyed (Leviticus 6:28; 11:33) illustrating that they were easy to replace.
•The use of clay reflects back to the material God used to create Adam in Genesis 2:7 (the Hebrew ‘adamah’ can be translated as dust or clay) where man is only dust until God breathes life into him. Recalling this image, Paul speaks of our helplessness and worthlessness without the Spirit (Heb. ‘ruach’ or breath) of God.
•Clay pots are also weak and easy to break. In the middle of a discussion on the struggles of being the Lord’s servant, it seems important that he compares himself to a weak, breakable clay pot. Clay pots shatter when dropped; they break into shards and can no longer be used. Even when tempered by fire and made to be as strong as possible, clay pots are at best still considered fragile. Paul speaks of his own life as being “pressed from all sides”, “persecuted”, and “struck down”, all tough wear and tear on a fragile clay pot.
As a whole, I believe Paul wants us to identify with the humble, temporal, and fragile clay pot. We are only humans, weak and unsightly when compared to the glory of God. We are imperfect; We struggle through many hardships in life, yet there is more to the metaphor of the clay pot.
•Clay pots are extremely useful. In the times of the Apostle Paul, clay pottery was used for a multitude of purposes. Water and commodities containers of all sizes as well as clay oil lamps were all necessary to daily life. Paul probably hints at the functionality of clay pots, when he uses this imagery. While it is the contents of our lives, the power of God, that is important, it is exciting to think that Jesus wants to use us to shine his light in darkness. God’s plan is to use his creation, his people, to carry his Message and move in his power.
And this is the powerful thought of 2 Corinthians 4:7: We are, as humans, weak and humble, yet God desires to use us, and use our lives as containers and dispensers of his grace and power. We in ourselves are not super powerful, but the Holy Spirit working inside of us is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. We in ourselves are weak and breakable, but the power of God working in us can withstand any attack. We in ourselves are humble and unadorned, and yet God chooses us to carry the beautiful and precious message of his love to the world.
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Cultural Icon turns 75
Yes, it is true. Mickey Mouse has turned 75 years old. Is there a more visible cultural icon than the happy little rodent? I certainly know that most anything that comes around with his ears on it my kids will love. We have spent more happy evenings together as a family financially supporting the mouse than I can count. It is fascinating to me how the imagination of one man, a simple doodle really, can become world industry. What does the image of Mickey Mouse mean to you? What thoughts and feelings do you have when you see him?
As a kid, anything with mouse ears on it was something I could watch. It usually stretched my imagination and was always enjoyable. There weren't too many Disney products that I didn't love as a child. All the animation was great and the Wonderful World of Disney always was a treat. When cable came around and my family started getting the Disney Channel, which mainly consisted of animation shorts, old Disney movies and Wonderful World of Disney reruns at that time, I lived on a steady diet of mouse. When Walt narrated those nature documentary-style programs, I was entranced. It was probably the influence of the Disney Channel that made me so Disney crazy when I was in college in Lakeland, Florida. Once I began going to the parks I was hooked. I loved the design and the artwork. I loved the imagination that goes into the place and I simply couldn't get enough of it. A singing group that I was in would do some holiday singing in the parks and in the resorts and it was always so cool to walk the hidden corridors. Jennifer and I might go so far as to tell you that we fell in love there. (On our first date, we watched the fireworks over Epcot Center and one of our park trips was an unforgetable stormy Sunday at MGM.) Sure, we knew that it was outrageously expensive and mostly a glossy put-on, but we didn't care; Disney World was a place of fairy tales, color and imagination, and we liked how we felt when we were there.
Then there were the years of the Disney Boycott popularity. Spokesmen of the Christian Right began to call attention to the seedier aspects of the Disney Juggernaut. The information learned from those years soured the pristine 'we just want to make people happy' image that I had swallowed. I began to realize that Disney, like any other company in the world, wanted to make money. I also came to realize that just because a company makes cartoons and G rated movies doesn't mean they are 'pure' and not involved in any other morally forbidden behavior. My disenchantment with Disney was short lived as it was soon overcome by anger at the whistle blowers who tried to make me believe that hidden words and animated characters were going to turn my children into homosexuals. In the secret of our living room away from the watchdogs, we watched the Lion King, Alladin, Hercules, Pocohontas and every other fairy tale hero the Disney animators could throw at us. In spite of the 'christian' thing to do, we watched the shows, bought the videos and even visited the park. All because of the enjoyment the entertainment and all its accompanying merchandise brought us. Some voices against the boycott were out there, but they were definitely the minority among evagelicals for a few years. The Boycott, which still exists in some form, has lost most of its original impetus, and in my estimation did not bring the empire to its mouse knees.
Which brings us to now. If I honestly look at my family's life, I must admit that Disney impacts us on a daily basis. From Rolie Polie Olie to Out of the Box, my children are into Disney educational shows. We watch the movies, buy the DVD's and play the video games. Over the past few years, My wife and I have been introduced to Disney Channel original programs, which in my opinion shape pre-teen culture in America more than anything else. If you don't know who Shia LaBeouf is, you should tune in. Raven Symone and Hilary Duff's shows are the Father Knows Best, the Andy Griffith Show, and the Happy Days of today; And when your 4 four old sings, "Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me", you better know who Kim Possible is.
We are, of course, keenly aware that we don't want our progeny following the life path of the mousketeers set in front of them, and that the content coming from the Mouse is not always innocent. We know that and we push to make sure that our children know it as well. While living our lives as followers of Christ we would not support everything produced from the Disney empire, but we wouldn't support everything TBN puts out either, but we have chosen not to boycott Paul and Jan this year. We don't support immorality and we have to filter junk sometimes, but you know what? I like watching Even Stevens with my kids, and I'm not ashamed to admit it! I like watching them pretend to be the skaters, race car drivers, dancers and rock and rollers they see courtesy of the mouse. Einstein is quoted as having said, "If you want to make your child a genius, read them fairy tales."
I guess the point that I am trying to make is that for 75 years Mickey Mouse has been impacting the culture of our world. It seems to me that Disney has an imagination monopoly in children's media today. Congratulations Walt, and Happy Birthday Mickey!
As a kid, anything with mouse ears on it was something I could watch. It usually stretched my imagination and was always enjoyable. There weren't too many Disney products that I didn't love as a child. All the animation was great and the Wonderful World of Disney always was a treat. When cable came around and my family started getting the Disney Channel, which mainly consisted of animation shorts, old Disney movies and Wonderful World of Disney reruns at that time, I lived on a steady diet of mouse. When Walt narrated those nature documentary-style programs, I was entranced. It was probably the influence of the Disney Channel that made me so Disney crazy when I was in college in Lakeland, Florida. Once I began going to the parks I was hooked. I loved the design and the artwork. I loved the imagination that goes into the place and I simply couldn't get enough of it. A singing group that I was in would do some holiday singing in the parks and in the resorts and it was always so cool to walk the hidden corridors. Jennifer and I might go so far as to tell you that we fell in love there. (On our first date, we watched the fireworks over Epcot Center and one of our park trips was an unforgetable stormy Sunday at MGM.) Sure, we knew that it was outrageously expensive and mostly a glossy put-on, but we didn't care; Disney World was a place of fairy tales, color and imagination, and we liked how we felt when we were there.
Then there were the years of the Disney Boycott popularity. Spokesmen of the Christian Right began to call attention to the seedier aspects of the Disney Juggernaut. The information learned from those years soured the pristine 'we just want to make people happy' image that I had swallowed. I began to realize that Disney, like any other company in the world, wanted to make money. I also came to realize that just because a company makes cartoons and G rated movies doesn't mean they are 'pure' and not involved in any other morally forbidden behavior. My disenchantment with Disney was short lived as it was soon overcome by anger at the whistle blowers who tried to make me believe that hidden words and animated characters were going to turn my children into homosexuals. In the secret of our living room away from the watchdogs, we watched the Lion King, Alladin, Hercules, Pocohontas and every other fairy tale hero the Disney animators could throw at us. In spite of the 'christian' thing to do, we watched the shows, bought the videos and even visited the park. All because of the enjoyment the entertainment and all its accompanying merchandise brought us. Some voices against the boycott were out there, but they were definitely the minority among evagelicals for a few years. The Boycott, which still exists in some form, has lost most of its original impetus, and in my estimation did not bring the empire to its mouse knees.
Which brings us to now. If I honestly look at my family's life, I must admit that Disney impacts us on a daily basis. From Rolie Polie Olie to Out of the Box, my children are into Disney educational shows. We watch the movies, buy the DVD's and play the video games. Over the past few years, My wife and I have been introduced to Disney Channel original programs, which in my opinion shape pre-teen culture in America more than anything else. If you don't know who Shia LaBeouf is, you should tune in. Raven Symone and Hilary Duff's shows are the Father Knows Best, the Andy Griffith Show, and the Happy Days of today; And when your 4 four old sings, "Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me", you better know who Kim Possible is.
We are, of course, keenly aware that we don't want our progeny following the life path of the mousketeers set in front of them, and that the content coming from the Mouse is not always innocent. We know that and we push to make sure that our children know it as well. While living our lives as followers of Christ we would not support everything produced from the Disney empire, but we wouldn't support everything TBN puts out either, but we have chosen not to boycott Paul and Jan this year. We don't support immorality and we have to filter junk sometimes, but you know what? I like watching Even Stevens with my kids, and I'm not ashamed to admit it! I like watching them pretend to be the skaters, race car drivers, dancers and rock and rollers they see courtesy of the mouse. Einstein is quoted as having said, "If you want to make your child a genius, read them fairy tales."
I guess the point that I am trying to make is that for 75 years Mickey Mouse has been impacting the culture of our world. It seems to me that Disney has an imagination monopoly in children's media today. Congratulations Walt, and Happy Birthday Mickey!
Monday, November 17, 2003
Yaconelli Memorial
Please check out the Youth Specialties Mike Yaconelli Memorial site.
It is a great tribute to a great life. It is also a great place to hear a little of Yaconelli's approach through the words of those who eulogize him.
Please check out the Youth Specialties Mike Yaconelli Memorial site.
It is a great tribute to a great life. It is also a great place to hear a little of Yaconelli's approach through the words of those who eulogize him.
A Better World
Oscar Romero
Youth: ponder how we are all called to goodness,
and how the older generation – my own, I regret –
has left you a legacy of so much selfishness
and so much evil.
You are new wheat – a newly sown crop –
You are a field still fresh from God’s hand.
Children, youth: make a better world.
~Core to everything that Jen and I do is this belief that young people can make a better world. Why not purposefully live for the children? Why not invest all you have to develop young lives? Programs and structures that we construct might last a long time if they are exceptionally strong, but young lives that are cultivated, mature and seed and grow again. I pray that God will allow me to be involved in what he is planting and watering for the future.
Oscar Romero
Youth: ponder how we are all called to goodness,
and how the older generation – my own, I regret –
has left you a legacy of so much selfishness
and so much evil.
You are new wheat – a newly sown crop –
You are a field still fresh from God’s hand.
Children, youth: make a better world.
~Core to everything that Jen and I do is this belief that young people can make a better world. Why not purposefully live for the children? Why not invest all you have to develop young lives? Programs and structures that we construct might last a long time if they are exceptionally strong, but young lives that are cultivated, mature and seed and grow again. I pray that God will allow me to be involved in what he is planting and watering for the future.
Thursday, November 13, 2003
Looking after the 'Little Ones'
In Matthew 18:10 Jesus says, "Beware that you don't despise a single one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father." Jesus was most likely referring directly to the child that was standing there in front of his disciples (Matthew 18:2). Also, without taking away from the obvious meaning, many would also believe that he spoke not only of children but of those new or immature in faith: the 'child-like' believer. As I listen to the words of Jesus, my mind quickly moves to what I believe are the important questions to ask, if I intend to do as he has said.
Who are the 'little ones' Jesus speaks of in my world? Presently today around me, who would qualify as a 'child' or 'child-like' or 'immature'? Certainly my first thoughts go to my own children. In an all-out life-effort to look after them I will teach them to walk with God; I will love and correct them. But I also want to take care that my actions do not nullify my words with them.
But I find that it is esy to look after my own little ones. The problem comes when my time or energy is required to look after those 'little ones' that I am not directly responsible for. The poor, the underprivileged and the elderly all qualify as 'little ones' to me. And what about the rowdy immature Christian, doesn't he qualify? What about that teenager who brings nothing but strife to my peaceful world, I am sure that he qualifies. I say it again, I want to look out for the 'little ones.'
In Matthew 18:10 Jesus says, "Beware that you don't despise a single one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father." Jesus was most likely referring directly to the child that was standing there in front of his disciples (Matthew 18:2). Also, without taking away from the obvious meaning, many would also believe that he spoke not only of children but of those new or immature in faith: the 'child-like' believer. As I listen to the words of Jesus, my mind quickly moves to what I believe are the important questions to ask, if I intend to do as he has said.
But I find that it is esy to look after my own little ones. The problem comes when my time or energy is required to look after those 'little ones' that I am not directly responsible for. The poor, the underprivileged and the elderly all qualify as 'little ones' to me. And what about the rowdy immature Christian, doesn't he qualify? What about that teenager who brings nothing but strife to my peaceful world, I am sure that he qualifies. I say it again, I want to look out for the 'little ones.'
A 'Pricey' Gospel
130 years ago, Missionary Thomas Baker was killed and subsequently eaten by cannibals in the remote village of Nabutautau , Fiji. He joined the thousands of Christian martyrs who have over the centuries given the ultimate sacrifice for their faith. Open Doors and their youth movement The Underground continues to call our attention to those Christians who are presently being persecuted all over the world. It strikes me again this morning that sometimes it is pretty costly to follow Christ.
No, not for us who live in the age of Time-Life worship music collections and in a nation with 24 hour Christian entertainment options. No, for us there is measured ease and maybe even social advantage in being outwardly 'Christian'. I fear the possibility of there not being enough to eat after Sunday Morning Service rather than being eaten after Sunday Morning service.
Not to say that to be ultimately committed to Christ you have to give the ultimate sacrifice, but I wonder where I stand in my commitment to the gospel. How much am I willing to pay for what I believe to be true? I'd like to think that I'd give everything, but how can I test that or see evidence of that type of commitment in my easy life? Living all out for the gospel can be 'pricey' at times, I'm not sure that I have enough in my soul's checkbook to cover it.
130 years ago, Missionary Thomas Baker was killed and subsequently eaten by cannibals in the remote village of Nabutautau , Fiji. He joined the thousands of Christian martyrs who have over the centuries given the ultimate sacrifice for their faith. Open Doors and their youth movement The Underground continues to call our attention to those Christians who are presently being persecuted all over the world. It strikes me again this morning that sometimes it is pretty costly to follow Christ.
No, not for us who live in the age of Time-Life worship music collections and in a nation with 24 hour Christian entertainment options. No, for us there is measured ease and maybe even social advantage in being outwardly 'Christian'. I fear the possibility of there not being enough to eat after Sunday Morning Service rather than being eaten after Sunday Morning service.
Not to say that to be ultimately committed to Christ you have to give the ultimate sacrifice, but I wonder where I stand in my commitment to the gospel. How much am I willing to pay for what I believe to be true? I'd like to think that I'd give everything, but how can I test that or see evidence of that type of commitment in my easy life? Living all out for the gospel can be 'pricey' at times, I'm not sure that I have enough in my soul's checkbook to cover it.
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
We had a great night last night. Any night you can sit around the table with your family and spend the evening together is a good night. After supper I assisted Zeke setting up his new blog. He is really excited about the possibility of seeing the Tennessee Titans play when we go to visit in Atlanta in a few weeks. It is just so cool to be able to take the time to enjoy each other. Someone said, "If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups, take your wife out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house, and fix the disposal."
Nothing got cleaned or fixed last night, but we all had a good time.
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
The Problem with Being Right
If you watch any christian television, listen to christian radio shows, go to a christian bookstore or surf the vast maze christian web sites, then you know that there are lots of people around who have the uncanny knack for convincing you that they are right. I come across this 'defense our our ideals' everyday. It seems we christians invest a lot of time and effort into proving to each other that we are right. I think that our investment has paid off, because we are by and large very good at it.
When I can listen for six or seven hours a day to a christian who is out to discredit everyone but himself, something is wrong. (Take a listen yourself especially 10 AM to 12 PM) How often do you hear their tirades? 'Watch out for that G12 junk, beware that seeker sensitive trash'. 'Bill Hybels is the antichrist and Rick Warren is his false prophet'. 'All denominations are full of homosexuals, foul mouths, abortion doctors and harry potter loving occultists'. And probably most amazing of all, 'That whole charismatic crowd is a bunch of greedy money grubbers who have never said a prayer in their lives and don't even believe in Jesus. 'Evil, evil, evil' is the cry of those who have built careers and ministries on the counting of cuss words in movies and political 'we're right!' campaigns. Not only are there a lot of people out there saying they are right, but they are downright nasty about it. It all hits home to me, when prayer practices that I have learned are attacked as being occultic. It's progressed to the place that some say if you don't pray using the same words and practices that we do, you pray not to God but to the devil.
I find that the majority of the people that are shouting 'I'm right!' do have some good points. But they come across so proud, so 'Jesus is the door, but the door is locked and I hold the only key." In fact, I would go so far as to say that I would agree with this type of person on what it takes to know Jesus and find salvation, but at times it seems to me that many have so fused the message of the gospel with their own personal bias that they cannot be viewed separately. Why is it common practice to want to scare people away from anything contrary? In the Apostle Paul's world, christians lived in the same mix of contrary religions and philosophies as we do. Do scare tactics show a lack of belief that one's idea is truly correct, or is it simply mad ambition to control people's lives? It may just be me, but sometimes these people just come off angry and combative.
So that should be the lesson here right? Don't live to destroy others. Don't criticize on the basis of newness, popularity or success. Don't spend all of your 'working for the kingdom' energy tearing down others. Don't add to message of the gospel. Don't lord your position over others. Maybe some are 'called' to this type of 'ministry' but I want to use the time and energies that I have to build the Kingdom not just guard it. Yes, all that and more should be learned, but maybe there is more.
There seems to be a big temptation for those who do have it right in some areas, to begin to live like they do. I have myself at times, learned a new thing and moved to a new model. Immediately, my first response is to build my case against the old way. Why is it that when God uses someone in a great way, we all want to copy it? I know in my own life this largely stems from laziness on my own part. In some way I feel that if I can be led by another who has been lead by God that I will be alright. It's that distant following of the follower that sometimes gets us off track. I have decided that I do not want the only interaction that I have with the voice of God to be tidbits I overheard him say to someone else.
Not to overly criticize the christian media industry. Books and materials have been used by God to bring truth into my life and have altered the path of my journey many times. But I have to remember that it is God bringing answers into my life, rather than people. I have talked to modern pastors who, at least perceivably, have all the answers. They have said to me, "When you finally find your purpose you will find joy and peace." At those moments I felt that their advice was 'Warren-ese' for "when you finally come around to seeing it our way and stop searching for more, you will have made it christian nirvana." To me a lot of times it seems to be a point of arrogance among those who are 'doing it right'. Sure Willow Creek, Saddle-back, and Mars Hill are smart and are accomplishing great things for the kingdom. It's all the 'mini-me's' that get me. Not that the copies aren't seeing salvations and growth but while the second and third generation copies have all of the contents of the originals, they seem to lack the clarity of the original's heart. A post on the blogs4god linker page has 10 or 15 sites talking about Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life book and the accompanying materials bonanza. (Jen and I own a copy, and personally love the content). There are a number of positive posts but there are a few who have some problems with the arrogance of the Hyper-Modernists. They talk about how Rick Warren has marketed his ministry style and sold us all a smooth marketing package. In some ways I agree, not on Warren, his ministry or his content, but in how we all so quickly buy up his wares. In other ways I feel that these 'post-modern' info-age guru's who criticize Warren are just as arrogant as the next guy. Is this it? Is everyone in Christianity arrogant?
I guess this morning I have just been struck by the thought that we are all susceptible to the subtle trap of pride. Having a book or video published doesn't make you arrogant: simply thinking you are better than someone else does the job just fine. Conducting a radio show or building a website to expose the infidels doesn't necessarily make you an egomaniac, but feeling that your voice is most important does. In fact, building a blog post to identify pride in others doesn't make you an arrogant somebody...er...uh... or does it?
And that's the basic problem with being right. If we aren't careful being right gives way to being loud, and then being loud gives way to being proud. Not to say that those who are right and loud are all proud, I'm just saying that in my experience it's real easy to allow the right to speak and be heard to become a platform for our own arrogance. One of the desert fathers used to say, "Every labor, without humility is vain. For humility is the forerunner of love, as John was the forerunner of Jesus, drawing all men to Him: even so humility draws to love, that is to God Himself, for God is love."
If you watch any christian television, listen to christian radio shows, go to a christian bookstore or surf the vast maze christian web sites, then you know that there are lots of people around who have the uncanny knack for convincing you that they are right. I come across this 'defense our our ideals' everyday. It seems we christians invest a lot of time and effort into proving to each other that we are right. I think that our investment has paid off, because we are by and large very good at it.
When I can listen for six or seven hours a day to a christian who is out to discredit everyone but himself, something is wrong. (Take a listen yourself especially 10 AM to 12 PM) How often do you hear their tirades? 'Watch out for that G12 junk, beware that seeker sensitive trash'. 'Bill Hybels is the antichrist and Rick Warren is his false prophet'. 'All denominations are full of homosexuals, foul mouths, abortion doctors and harry potter loving occultists'. And probably most amazing of all, 'That whole charismatic crowd is a bunch of greedy money grubbers who have never said a prayer in their lives and don't even believe in Jesus. 'Evil, evil, evil' is the cry of those who have built careers and ministries on the counting of cuss words in movies and political 'we're right!' campaigns. Not only are there a lot of people out there saying they are right, but they are downright nasty about it. It all hits home to me, when prayer practices that I have learned are attacked as being occultic. It's progressed to the place that some say if you don't pray using the same words and practices that we do, you pray not to God but to the devil.
I find that the majority of the people that are shouting 'I'm right!' do have some good points. But they come across so proud, so 'Jesus is the door, but the door is locked and I hold the only key." In fact, I would go so far as to say that I would agree with this type of person on what it takes to know Jesus and find salvation, but at times it seems to me that many have so fused the message of the gospel with their own personal bias that they cannot be viewed separately. Why is it common practice to want to scare people away from anything contrary? In the Apostle Paul's world, christians lived in the same mix of contrary religions and philosophies as we do. Do scare tactics show a lack of belief that one's idea is truly correct, or is it simply mad ambition to control people's lives? It may just be me, but sometimes these people just come off angry and combative.
So that should be the lesson here right? Don't live to destroy others. Don't criticize on the basis of newness, popularity or success. Don't spend all of your 'working for the kingdom' energy tearing down others. Don't add to message of the gospel. Don't lord your position over others. Maybe some are 'called' to this type of 'ministry' but I want to use the time and energies that I have to build the Kingdom not just guard it. Yes, all that and more should be learned, but maybe there is more.
There seems to be a big temptation for those who do have it right in some areas, to begin to live like they do. I have myself at times, learned a new thing and moved to a new model. Immediately, my first response is to build my case against the old way. Why is it that when God uses someone in a great way, we all want to copy it? I know in my own life this largely stems from laziness on my own part. In some way I feel that if I can be led by another who has been lead by God that I will be alright. It's that distant following of the follower that sometimes gets us off track. I have decided that I do not want the only interaction that I have with the voice of God to be tidbits I overheard him say to someone else.
Not to overly criticize the christian media industry. Books and materials have been used by God to bring truth into my life and have altered the path of my journey many times. But I have to remember that it is God bringing answers into my life, rather than people. I have talked to modern pastors who, at least perceivably, have all the answers. They have said to me, "When you finally find your purpose you will find joy and peace." At those moments I felt that their advice was 'Warren-ese' for "when you finally come around to seeing it our way and stop searching for more, you will have made it christian nirvana." To me a lot of times it seems to be a point of arrogance among those who are 'doing it right'. Sure Willow Creek, Saddle-back, and Mars Hill are smart and are accomplishing great things for the kingdom. It's all the 'mini-me's' that get me. Not that the copies aren't seeing salvations and growth but while the second and third generation copies have all of the contents of the originals, they seem to lack the clarity of the original's heart. A post on the blogs4god linker page has 10 or 15 sites talking about Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life book and the accompanying materials bonanza. (Jen and I own a copy, and personally love the content). There are a number of positive posts but there are a few who have some problems with the arrogance of the Hyper-Modernists. They talk about how Rick Warren has marketed his ministry style and sold us all a smooth marketing package. In some ways I agree, not on Warren, his ministry or his content, but in how we all so quickly buy up his wares. In other ways I feel that these 'post-modern' info-age guru's who criticize Warren are just as arrogant as the next guy. Is this it? Is everyone in Christianity arrogant?
I guess this morning I have just been struck by the thought that we are all susceptible to the subtle trap of pride. Having a book or video published doesn't make you arrogant: simply thinking you are better than someone else does the job just fine. Conducting a radio show or building a website to expose the infidels doesn't necessarily make you an egomaniac, but feeling that your voice is most important does. In fact, building a blog post to identify pride in others doesn't make you an arrogant somebody...er...uh... or does it?
And that's the basic problem with being right. If we aren't careful being right gives way to being loud, and then being loud gives way to being proud. Not to say that those who are right and loud are all proud, I'm just saying that in my experience it's real easy to allow the right to speak and be heard to become a platform for our own arrogance. One of the desert fathers used to say, "Every labor, without humility is vain. For humility is the forerunner of love, as John was the forerunner of Jesus, drawing all men to Him: even so humility draws to love, that is to God Himself, for God is love."
Monday, November 10, 2003
McPherson Weekend Update - a.k.a. Lessons from Cartoons
It was, as usual, a great week. We all enjoyed a trip over the Camden, Friday afternoon. We had a great meal with Jennifer's parents and then, like probably a lot of families with young children did this weekend, watched the Finding Nemo DVD. I have to admit, watching a film with a couple of your children on your lap is the highlight of any week. We all had a great time together.
I couldn't help being introspective after the movie. I wondered how many hours of my children's young lives I have missed due to worrying. In the film, Marlon, the father because of the loss of the past, cannot enjoy the present with his son, Nemo. Marlon, wonderfully voice acted by Albert Brooks, spends every moment of every experience attempting to guard Nemo from danger. While there is never any question of how much Marlon loves his son, Nemo begins to resent him for it. Sounds to me like Marlon wasn't doing too good a job of following Ephesians 6:4, "Fathers don't exasperate your children...". Sometimes I think that I might miss a great moment to share with my sons, because I am to worried about the future or what might happen. My worry is different than the worries of Marlon the clownfish. I tend to worry more along the lines of, "If I don't stay hard after these boys, they are going to 'turn out bad'." (Whatever that means?!?) The love of a father in me, wants to protect them, ensure their complete and total maturity, but my own prideful human nature thinks that I can do it completely on my own. What have I become if I worry about it too much? Eberhard Arnold said, "Do not worry. Worriers build life on wealth just as much as the wealthy. Look at the birds and flowers, and believe in the loving God, the Father who provides everything." It's sometimes hard to balance on the razors edge of watching and protecting on one side and not frustrating on the other.
Saturday we goofed around El Dorado and watched some football. Sunday morning we were in church with Jennifer's parents at Cullendale. Judy had me leading worship and it was a great morning. Winfield gave a very thought provoking message on the Second Coming. Sunday evening we rode back to Mena and got ready for another week.
On the way home, Jennifer and I talked about the next few weeks and how exciting/hectic they are going to be. We are all looking forward to our trip to Atlanta for Thanksgiving. Ezekiel is hoping and praying that we can go and see his beloved Titans who are playing November 23 at the Georgia Dome against the Falcons. It will be great to see my mom and dad and my brother and his family.
Friday, November 07, 2003
A Special Moment
Last night we had a great night at the house. Of course this was magnified by the fact that the Razorbacks won their prime time football game. After Zeke, Joby and Abby had went to bed, I got down on the floor and was playing with Zoe. We laughed and chased around for a few moments. Then I began to notice that she was moving a little slower. I took her in my arms and held her face to mine for a long time, and then laid her on floor right in front of me. She stretch out and looked up at me. I just smiled at her and rubbed her belly. Then gradually, her eyelids slowly begin to droop. Her hands gently fell to her sides on the floor. And I sat there and watched her drift peacefully and contently off to sleep.
That was a special moment.
Last night we had a great night at the house. Of course this was magnified by the fact that the Razorbacks won their prime time football game. After Zeke, Joby and Abby had went to bed, I got down on the floor and was playing with Zoe. We laughed and chased around for a few moments. Then I began to notice that she was moving a little slower. I took her in my arms and held her face to mine for a long time, and then laid her on floor right in front of me. She stretch out and looked up at me. I just smiled at her and rubbed her belly. Then gradually, her eyelids slowly begin to droop. Her hands gently fell to her sides on the floor. And I sat there and watched her drift peacefully and contently off to sleep.
That was a special moment.
Thursday, November 06, 2003
McPherson Family Sports Interests
After an amazing 7 OT win in Kentucky, the Hogs must turn around quickly and play South Carolina tonight in Little Rock. Check out Hogwired for the latest. Go Hogs!
Everyone is talking about Kobe these days. I thought this article was interesting and gave a different insight. Psalm 27 is an amazing prayer to live by.
After an amazing 7 OT win in Kentucky, the Hogs must turn around quickly and play South Carolina tonight in Little Rock. Check out Hogwired for the latest. Go Hogs!
Everyone is talking about Kobe these days. I thought this article was interesting and gave a different insight. Psalm 27 is an amazing prayer to live by.
The Strength of God
An old man said, "Rising and walking and sitting, if God is before thine eyes, there is naught that the Enemy can affright thee. If that thought abides in a man, the strength of God shall cleave to him." (The Desert Fathers, Waddell p.159)
I'm going to put Jesus in my sights today. I'm going to hold to the idea that I rest under the shadow of His wing. I realize that nothing happens in my life or around me that He doesn't already know about and is in complete control of. These thoughts form a smooth solid concrete pad under my stumbling feet. They provide braces to my weak and crippled legs. I realize that I can only stand with the strength of your undeserved grace. I know I do not rise, I do not walk and I do not sit without your presence with me giving me breath to live and strength to act. In all and through all, around me and inside me, Blessed be His name.
An old man said, "Rising and walking and sitting, if God is before thine eyes, there is naught that the Enemy can affright thee. If that thought abides in a man, the strength of God shall cleave to him." (The Desert Fathers, Waddell p.159)
I'm going to put Jesus in my sights today. I'm going to hold to the idea that I rest under the shadow of His wing. I realize that nothing happens in my life or around me that He doesn't already know about and is in complete control of. These thoughts form a smooth solid concrete pad under my stumbling feet. They provide braces to my weak and crippled legs. I realize that I can only stand with the strength of your undeserved grace. I know I do not rise, I do not walk and I do not sit without your presence with me giving me breath to live and strength to act. In all and through all, around me and inside me, Blessed be His name.
Wednesday, November 05, 2003
Pleasing God
The abbot Agatho said, "If an angry man were to raise the dead, because of his anger he would not please God."
It's important to do 'Christian' things. It may be even more important to be 'Christian'. It sounds so simple to say, and it has been said for so many centuries, but why do we have such an easy time rushing past simply 'being' Christ's disciple to get on with 'doing' Christ's work. It's not that doing great exploits for the kingdom of God isn't in God's plan, I just wonder if we have empasized the actions more than the relationship and the inner workings of the personal Christ in our lives. If we focus the majority of our attention on what we can get done for Jesus, we could very well become hollow frames carrying on in the name of Christ, but completly empty of any real presence in our lives. On the contrary, when a person consciously pays close attention to keeping step with Jesus, talking and listening to him, being his disciple, and constantly guarding the attitude and character of the inside man, the deeds of a true Christian spring up. The desert father Agatho calls our attention to this fact. To him it was utltimately more important to be inwardly clean before Christ, than to perform a miracle for him. Not only that, Agatho teaches us that great deeds done in the name of Christ are negated when not originating from the correct motive or attitude. Kind of reminds me of the story of Saul and Samuel in 1 Samuel where Saul feels he can make ammends for his impatient and prideful heart by performing an act of worship for God. One of the many lessons I grasp from that story is that demonstrative actions done for God can never take the place of being honest and 'right' before him.
It's hard to be Jesus' disciple. It's much easier to put on the costume - which I think can be purchased at your local Christian Bookstore.
The abbot Agatho said, "If an angry man were to raise the dead, because of his anger he would not please God."
It's important to do 'Christian' things. It may be even more important to be 'Christian'. It sounds so simple to say, and it has been said for so many centuries, but why do we have such an easy time rushing past simply 'being' Christ's disciple to get on with 'doing' Christ's work. It's not that doing great exploits for the kingdom of God isn't in God's plan, I just wonder if we have empasized the actions more than the relationship and the inner workings of the personal Christ in our lives. If we focus the majority of our attention on what we can get done for Jesus, we could very well become hollow frames carrying on in the name of Christ, but completly empty of any real presence in our lives. On the contrary, when a person consciously pays close attention to keeping step with Jesus, talking and listening to him, being his disciple, and constantly guarding the attitude and character of the inside man, the deeds of a true Christian spring up. The desert father Agatho calls our attention to this fact. To him it was utltimately more important to be inwardly clean before Christ, than to perform a miracle for him. Not only that, Agatho teaches us that great deeds done in the name of Christ are negated when not originating from the correct motive or attitude. Kind of reminds me of the story of Saul and Samuel in 1 Samuel where Saul feels he can make ammends for his impatient and prideful heart by performing an act of worship for God. One of the many lessons I grasp from that story is that demonstrative actions done for God can never take the place of being honest and 'right' before him.
It's hard to be Jesus' disciple. It's much easier to put on the costume - which I think can be purchased at your local Christian Bookstore.
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
Living with Jesus
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me.
Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ to the left of me, Christ to the right of me,
Christ in my lying, Christ in my sitting, Christ in my rising;
Christ in the heart of all who think of me,
Christ on the tongue of all who speak to me,
Christ in the eye of all who see me,
Christ in the ear of all who hear me.
excerpt from St. Patrick's Breastplate Prayer from Celtic Christian Spirituality:An anthology of Medieval and Modern Sources by Davies and Bowie
~I am thinking so often about walking in closer step with Jesus throughout the day. I'd like to learn what it means to be 'yoked' with Christ. He said his yoke (the demands of his teaching) was light and easy to endure. Keeping pace with Jesus is a blessing and a treat. This prayer helps my mind concieve in some small way just how connected I am with Jesus and just how present he is in every moment of every day. He is transcendent, yes, in all and through all, but how does he manage to be so personal? To borrow a phrase, 'There's no friend like the lowly Jesus". I hope that one day he can say the same about me.
Spiritual Blaze
Alexander Solzhenitsyn
If the world has not approached its end, it has reached a major watershed in history, equal in importance to the turn from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. It will demand from us a spiritual blaze, we shall have to rise to a new height of vision, to a new level of life where our physical nature will not be cursed as in the Middle Ages, but even more importantly, our spiritual being will not be trampled upon as in the Modern Era...No one on earth has any other way left but upwards.
~Continuing along the lines of the Friday, October 31 post, I wonder what part I need to be playing on a personal level in the "Spiritual Blaze" of Alexander Solzhenitsyn or the "Third Wave" of Charles Wesley. If this is a watershed era in history, I want to be found flowing off the 'right side of the roof'. Isn't God asking us to live ablaze in ways that impact our whole existence? Isn't his love, compassion, justice and ferocity supposed to break free from the small Sunday - Wednesday Night prison that we have been contented for them live? I desire to be that life lived on fire, but how often am I chasing after opportunities to dole out of the blessings that God has given me? As I go over the gospels, I find that Jesus was aggressively looking for people that he could show mercy. A blaze has to be out of control, constantly taking new ground, changing what it comes in contact with.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn
If the world has not approached its end, it has reached a major watershed in history, equal in importance to the turn from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. It will demand from us a spiritual blaze, we shall have to rise to a new height of vision, to a new level of life where our physical nature will not be cursed as in the Middle Ages, but even more importantly, our spiritual being will not be trampled upon as in the Modern Era...No one on earth has any other way left but upwards.
~Continuing along the lines of the Friday, October 31 post, I wonder what part I need to be playing on a personal level in the "Spiritual Blaze" of Alexander Solzhenitsyn or the "Third Wave" of Charles Wesley. If this is a watershed era in history, I want to be found flowing off the 'right side of the roof'. Isn't God asking us to live ablaze in ways that impact our whole existence? Isn't his love, compassion, justice and ferocity supposed to break free from the small Sunday - Wednesday Night prison that we have been contented for them live? I desire to be that life lived on fire, but how often am I chasing after opportunities to dole out of the blessings that God has given me? As I go over the gospels, I find that Jesus was aggressively looking for people that he could show mercy. A blaze has to be out of control, constantly taking new ground, changing what it comes in contact with.
Monday, November 03, 2003
We really had a great weekend. Friday night was fun with all the trick or treating and candy. The kids absolutely loved walking the neighborhoods. Saturday Morning we finished our soccer seasons and had a good time outside. Later on that afternoon the boys helped me clean out the van, and give it a wash and wax. It was fun to do something together. Sunday, Jen and I sang at Union Mission and they had a children's service in the evening. It was so amazing to watch Zeke worshipping God. I just cried, prayed for him, and worshipped right beside him.
Jennifer and I talked alot his weekend about Mike Yaconelli. It seems that we closely identify his life and work in our minds with the change that has started to happen in our own life. This is probably due to the fact that much of what he has said has been so influential as well as the fact that his ministry was in proximity to us as we began to see things differently. At any rate, 4 or 5 days after the news of Yaconelli's death, we are still talking about it and wrestling with what it means.
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