I am really enjoying what God is revealing to me in my study times. Here's another I would like for you to reflect upon.
"It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the Lord your God will drive them out before you..." (Deuteronomy 9.5, TNIV)
As the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, Moses takes the time to recount what God has done for them since they left Egypt (the book of Deuteronomy). Along the way he encourages them to remember that it is God's faithfulness - not theirs - and God's righteousness - not theirs - and God's integrity - not theirs - which is providing them with the land. God tells Moses to remind them because they are prone to forget, just as most humans are.
I believe Christians have many things in common with the Israelites:
(1) We often get caught up in the blessings and forget the blesser
(2) We often get caught up in the struggles and forget the one who releases us from struggles
(3) We fear the unknown
(4) We are slow to take action
(5) We forget to rely on God's power and lean on our own instead
These commonalities get lost in the shift from OT reading to NT reading, but they are there and must be recognized as a blessing, not a stumbling block. When Christians and Jews realize that often we have more in common than we have historically paid attention to, there is great freedom that can enter the picture.
I need to empower people in my congregation to engage in acts of healing and aid with members of the Jewish community - not for evangelistic reasons, but because we serve the same God. A God who wants his children to work together to provide solutions to global issues.
Creator God, you care for all humanity - let's start acting like it in our community, neighborhood, and world. Help me to work outside conventional boundaries to make a difference in the world. Amen.
Grace&Peace
08 March 2007
05 March 2007
New Awareness
I spent some time today researching what is going on in Darfur, with prisoners, and in the global fight against AIDS. I had no idea what injustices were happening across the globe and what little hope some people are forced to live with.
Jesus, I repent of my ignorance. I can no longer live as a responsible Christian without doing something to help care for those whom you love and died for. Engage me with efforts that are beneficial to those who are in the deepest need.
Grace&Peace
Jesus, I repent of my ignorance. I can no longer live as a responsible Christian without doing something to help care for those whom you love and died for. Engage me with efforts that are beneficial to those who are in the deepest need.
Grace&Peace
27 February 2007
Don't be Impotent
Perry Noble is pastor of NewSpring Church in South Carolina and I have recently begun to follow his blog and his ideas, this post is one of the reasons that I am ready to hear more of what he has to say. Thanks for bringing it, Perry!
Also check out Tony Morgan's synopsis of Perry's talk at a recent conference.
Grace&Peace
Also check out Tony Morgan's synopsis of Perry's talk at a recent conference.
Grace&Peace
14 February 2007
Can Denominational Churches be Relevant?
As Willowcreek prepares for this year's Leadership Summit, they invited the host site pastors to spend some time with each of the speakers that will be featured during the 2.5 day event. Tim Stevens has a great synopsis of some comments made by Bill Hybels and John and Nancy Ortberg.
I wanted to draw your attention to one thing that John Ortberg said: "Leaders want three things...Freedom, Opportunity and Challenge. They want these three things way more than money or security. However, deonominations are set up to repel leaders."
John serves a Presbyterian church in California, so he knows about denominations. I serve a United Methodist church in Texas, and I know a little about the power that denominational structures have to quell creativity and experimenting. Can the UMC crawl out from under that structure to make a meaningful impact on the kingdom of God? Can we be both relevant and faithful to our denominational heritage? Or are we doomed to be enslaved to the system that keeps things the same?
NB - Trietsch is not a typical UMC, so most of the previous rant about the UMC does not apply to my current appointment.
I don't have all the answers, but I hope that the next 10-15 years of my ministry are creative, relevant, and transformational to a generation that despises organized religion and fake Christianity.
Grace&Peace
I wanted to draw your attention to one thing that John Ortberg said: "Leaders want three things...Freedom, Opportunity and Challenge. They want these three things way more than money or security. However, deonominations are set up to repel leaders."
John serves a Presbyterian church in California, so he knows about denominations. I serve a United Methodist church in Texas, and I know a little about the power that denominational structures have to quell creativity and experimenting. Can the UMC crawl out from under that structure to make a meaningful impact on the kingdom of God? Can we be both relevant and faithful to our denominational heritage? Or are we doomed to be enslaved to the system that keeps things the same?
NB - Trietsch is not a typical UMC, so most of the previous rant about the UMC does not apply to my current appointment.
I don't have all the answers, but I hope that the next 10-15 years of my ministry are creative, relevant, and transformational to a generation that despises organized religion and fake Christianity.
Grace&Peace
13 February 2007
February Staff Mission Project
This morning most of the Trietsch staff went down to CC Young to celebrate February birthdays and Valentine's Day with the residents. It was an amazing hour of serving those whom Christ loves dearly and the world often forgets.
As we served those beautiful people cookies, juice, crackers, and mixed nuts I wondered how I am going to live out the last years of my life. Will my children put me in a "home" to be forgotten? Will my family take me into their home so that I can live with them? How will I deal with the constant loss of life-long friends?
The residents at CC Young seemed happy and well taken care of and I am proud to have this facility as a part of the United Methodist connectional system. I even met the grandmother-in-law of one of the elders in our conference. Louise was such a great woman to talk to and I promised her that I would say hello to Kathleen for her. I know that you will probably never read this Louise, but I am very glad to have met you and to make a connection with you thru Kathleen - God's peace be with you Louise!
Well, our team has been charged with the April Mission Project, so I hope we head to Starbucks soon to begin planning! Especially after reading Mark's post about his recent trip to the drive-thru!
Grace&Peace
If you would like to support CC Young financially, click here. If you would just like to find out more about the facility, click here.
As we served those beautiful people cookies, juice, crackers, and mixed nuts I wondered how I am going to live out the last years of my life. Will my children put me in a "home" to be forgotten? Will my family take me into their home so that I can live with them? How will I deal with the constant loss of life-long friends?
The residents at CC Young seemed happy and well taken care of and I am proud to have this facility as a part of the United Methodist connectional system. I even met the grandmother-in-law of one of the elders in our conference. Louise was such a great woman to talk to and I promised her that I would say hello to Kathleen for her. I know that you will probably never read this Louise, but I am very glad to have met you and to make a connection with you thru Kathleen - God's peace be with you Louise!
Well, our team has been charged with the April Mission Project, so I hope we head to Starbucks soon to begin planning! Especially after reading Mark's post about his recent trip to the drive-thru!
Grace&Peace
If you would like to support CC Young financially, click here. If you would just like to find out more about the facility, click here.
12 February 2007
Eradicate Poverty
Today I met with a small group of college students at the Denton Wesley Foundation to talk about Tony Campolo's new book, Everybody Wants to Change the World. My devotional time this morning brought this verse and these thoughts. Praise God!
"Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God." (Lev 19.10, TNIV)
When did profit become more important than protecting humanity? When did making a buck begin to supercede saving a life? It seems that God's provisions and instructions are clear enough so that we can create a sustainable economy.
Why did we stop caring for the less fortunate? Why does it take a government program to feed people in this country when the body of Christ should be on the front lines? If we all just followed the guidelines set out for a healthy world, then hungry people would be fed, sick people would get medicine, and homeless people would have a roof to call their own.
This doesn't seem all that hard. I can go without a $4 mocha each week. I can buy smaller portions of food. I can cook more meals at home. I can do my part to share what I have been blessed with in order to bless those who have not. If every Christian consciously took the time to understand more about what we can do to combat poverty, then we could make major changes around the world.
I need to preach this message to as many people as possible. I need to make sure that those around me are consciously aware of what they can do to combat poverty in our world, our neighborhoods, and across the globe.
Jesus, you love everyone - even those who have too much. I pray that you can take this spark and fan it into a flame that spreads throughout the Christian church. We, as Christians, need to respond to the plight of the poor with dollars, bodies, and fresh ideas - give us those resources O God, and allow us to spread you love. In Jesus' name. Amen.
"Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God." (Lev 19.10, TNIV)
When did profit become more important than protecting humanity? When did making a buck begin to supercede saving a life? It seems that God's provisions and instructions are clear enough so that we can create a sustainable economy.
Why did we stop caring for the less fortunate? Why does it take a government program to feed people in this country when the body of Christ should be on the front lines? If we all just followed the guidelines set out for a healthy world, then hungry people would be fed, sick people would get medicine, and homeless people would have a roof to call their own.
This doesn't seem all that hard. I can go without a $4 mocha each week. I can buy smaller portions of food. I can cook more meals at home. I can do my part to share what I have been blessed with in order to bless those who have not. If every Christian consciously took the time to understand more about what we can do to combat poverty, then we could make major changes around the world.
I need to preach this message to as many people as possible. I need to make sure that those around me are consciously aware of what they can do to combat poverty in our world, our neighborhoods, and across the globe.
Jesus, you love everyone - even those who have too much. I pray that you can take this spark and fan it into a flame that spreads throughout the Christian church. We, as Christians, need to respond to the plight of the poor with dollars, bodies, and fresh ideas - give us those resources O God, and allow us to spread you love. In Jesus' name. Amen.
06 February 2007
Preaching on Sunday
I preached this weekend at one of Trietsch's sister churches, Chinn's Chapel UMC. It was quite a different experience from preaching at Trietsch because the crowd was smaller, the sanctuary was much smaller, and I didn't have to wear a lav or speak into a mic at all (that's how small their sanctuary is).
I preached about Jesus calling his first disciples in Luke's Gospel (ch 5) and how living in the deep water was the best way to make major strides for the kingdom of God on earth. As I was preaching, I realized that I was challenging a church of less than 100 people to reach out their new neighbors, whom they have been avoiding like the plague, with the message that God loves them and that they matter to God. I wondered how wise it was to issue such a challenge, but that's one of things about ministry - I have been called by God to push buttons, poke, prod, and stir the people of God as much as I can in the name of kingdom advancement. It's my mission. It's my calling. It's my goal.
I guess, deep down, there is this longing inside of me to want to see people who have been passive in their faith take a big step out of their comfort zone and make a difference for Jesus in our world. I really believe that Jesus did not call us to be consumers of Christianity, but to be investors in Christ. And part of making that investment, is turning what you start with into more ... taking what you are given and doing all you can with it ... I think I read that somewhere.
What big steps have you taken lately?
How are you living in the deep water?
Grace&Peace
I preached about Jesus calling his first disciples in Luke's Gospel (ch 5) and how living in the deep water was the best way to make major strides for the kingdom of God on earth. As I was preaching, I realized that I was challenging a church of less than 100 people to reach out their new neighbors, whom they have been avoiding like the plague, with the message that God loves them and that they matter to God. I wondered how wise it was to issue such a challenge, but that's one of things about ministry - I have been called by God to push buttons, poke, prod, and stir the people of God as much as I can in the name of kingdom advancement. It's my mission. It's my calling. It's my goal.
I guess, deep down, there is this longing inside of me to want to see people who have been passive in their faith take a big step out of their comfort zone and make a difference for Jesus in our world. I really believe that Jesus did not call us to be consumers of Christianity, but to be investors in Christ. And part of making that investment, is turning what you start with into more ... taking what you are given and doing all you can with it ... I think I read that somewhere.
What big steps have you taken lately?
How are you living in the deep water?
Grace&Peace
30 January 2007
Recent First Impressions
I wanted to share a few stories about some recent businesses I have worked with and how they made an impression on me.
Bickner Dance Floor Rentals
I used this company to rent a wooden dance floor for the Elevate Christmas party. I spoke with Jonathen Warren to set up the rental and met him in person because he delivered and installed the floor I rented. He was personable, friendly, timely, and shared some funny stories about other jobs he had worked.
Jonathen worked quickly and made sure that everything was just right before he left from installing the floor. He was prompt in returning to pick up the floor and his crew wasted no time getting the job done. Thanks Jonathen!
Chick-Fil-A on 407
I stopped by this Chick-Fil-A about a month ago because I needed to get out of the office and just be somewhere else for a change. I went and ordered a large lemonade and found a table where I could sit, read my Bible, pray, and journal. After being there for about 20 minutes or so, the girl who took my order walked around the lobby to clean tables, etc. and she offered to refill my drink without my prompting. I was caught a little off-guard, but agreed because I did indeed need more lemonade. She brought back my cup full of lemonade with a smile. About 20 minutes later, she came by again and offered me another refill with a smile.
I didn't catch the girl's name, but I know one of the managers over there, so I will try to find out from him. I am continually impressed at the level of quality service that Chick-Fil-A is dedicated to offer using teenagers and 20-somethings in their day-to-day operations. And I am doubly impressed that they still close on Sundays in order to provide their workers with the opportunity to worship and spend time with their families. Kudos!
Kwik Kar on Preston in Plano
One Saturday afternoon, Debbie, Caitlyn, and I were out running errands and my wife needed the oil changed in her Highlander. She had been to this Kwik Kar location previously and had a good experience, so we drove over there because it just happened to be on our way to another destination in our errand run. From the outside, everything looked like the typical Kwik Kar location, but once we stepped into the waiting area I knew this place was different.
The lobby had stone tile flooring, leather couches, glass top coffee tables, a massage chair, CURRENT magazines, a collection of antique model cars, flat screen TVs, and not a drop of oil anywhere. Debbie and I sat down with Caitlyn and immediately marveled at the attention to detail that the owners had placed on their lobby/waiting area. We struck up a conversation with a fellow patron about kids and families and how ignorant we all are about cars. We felt very relaxed and comfortable. Deb's car was ready to go before we knew it and we didn't even need to use a shower of anti-bacterial sanitizer upon exiting. Great job guys!
So, what places have made an impression on you lately?
Grace&Peace
Bickner Dance Floor Rentals
I used this company to rent a wooden dance floor for the Elevate Christmas party. I spoke with Jonathen Warren to set up the rental and met him in person because he delivered and installed the floor I rented. He was personable, friendly, timely, and shared some funny stories about other jobs he had worked.
Jonathen worked quickly and made sure that everything was just right before he left from installing the floor. He was prompt in returning to pick up the floor and his crew wasted no time getting the job done. Thanks Jonathen!
Chick-Fil-A on 407
I stopped by this Chick-Fil-A about a month ago because I needed to get out of the office and just be somewhere else for a change. I went and ordered a large lemonade and found a table where I could sit, read my Bible, pray, and journal. After being there for about 20 minutes or so, the girl who took my order walked around the lobby to clean tables, etc. and she offered to refill my drink without my prompting. I was caught a little off-guard, but agreed because I did indeed need more lemonade. She brought back my cup full of lemonade with a smile. About 20 minutes later, she came by again and offered me another refill with a smile.
I didn't catch the girl's name, but I know one of the managers over there, so I will try to find out from him. I am continually impressed at the level of quality service that Chick-Fil-A is dedicated to offer using teenagers and 20-somethings in their day-to-day operations. And I am doubly impressed that they still close on Sundays in order to provide their workers with the opportunity to worship and spend time with their families. Kudos!
Kwik Kar on Preston in Plano
One Saturday afternoon, Debbie, Caitlyn, and I were out running errands and my wife needed the oil changed in her Highlander. She had been to this Kwik Kar location previously and had a good experience, so we drove over there because it just happened to be on our way to another destination in our errand run. From the outside, everything looked like the typical Kwik Kar location, but once we stepped into the waiting area I knew this place was different.
The lobby had stone tile flooring, leather couches, glass top coffee tables, a massage chair, CURRENT magazines, a collection of antique model cars, flat screen TVs, and not a drop of oil anywhere. Debbie and I sat down with Caitlyn and immediately marveled at the attention to detail that the owners had placed on their lobby/waiting area. We struck up a conversation with a fellow patron about kids and families and how ignorant we all are about cars. We felt very relaxed and comfortable. Deb's car was ready to go before we knew it and we didn't even need to use a shower of anti-bacterial sanitizer upon exiting. Great job guys!
So, what places have made an impression on you lately?
Grace&Peace
Life in Ministry vs.(?) Family Life
Life in the ministry is tough. It's tough for the minister and it is tough for the family connected to the minister. Adam Hamilton (Senior Pastor of UM Church of the Resurrection) wrote a great article on thriving in the "fish bowl" of ministry. I lift it up to you today in order to encourage any ministers out there who need to remember that family time and ministry do not have to be mutually exclusive events.
Grace&Peace
Grace&Peace
18 January 2007
"Stabucks is the postmodern Cheers"
I just love finding great articles online. This one comes via Relevant again and I wanted to share a few reflections on it.
1) The whole concept of a "third space" is interesting to me. I am not sure that I currently have a "third space" in my life. I spend quite a bit of time either in the office or at home. I am guessing that the gym, the golf course, or the coffee shop could all be appropriate "third spaces," but I don't have one right now. Altho the library was most definitely my home away from home during seminary!
2) I am not currently on a first-name basis with the baristas at my Starbucks, but I also don't go there everyday. I usually limit myself to 2 trips a week, but there is one barista who recognizes me by sight and is working to remember my name. Perhaps I should return the favor.
3) Everybody is searching for belonging. The reality of loneliness is rampant in our culture and I continually deal with people who struggle with the problems that loneliness creates. Human beings have an innate desire for companionship and relationships, and I believe this drives us to do almost anything to not be alone - including things that are unhealthy or destructive. As an introvert, I enjoy moments of solitude because that is how I recharge my batteries from a day or week of being with (or in front of) people. I long to belong just as much as anyone else does, but I have found that my longing is completed in Christ, so that I don't have to worry about filling my life with meaningless things just to feel loved and worthy. God makes me worthy. Christ fills my needs. Debbie and Caitlyn love me unconditionally. And I love them even more each day.
Grace&Peace
1) The whole concept of a "third space" is interesting to me. I am not sure that I currently have a "third space" in my life. I spend quite a bit of time either in the office or at home. I am guessing that the gym, the golf course, or the coffee shop could all be appropriate "third spaces," but I don't have one right now. Altho the library was most definitely my home away from home during seminary!
2) I am not currently on a first-name basis with the baristas at my Starbucks, but I also don't go there everyday. I usually limit myself to 2 trips a week, but there is one barista who recognizes me by sight and is working to remember my name. Perhaps I should return the favor.
3) Everybody is searching for belonging. The reality of loneliness is rampant in our culture and I continually deal with people who struggle with the problems that loneliness creates. Human beings have an innate desire for companionship and relationships, and I believe this drives us to do almost anything to not be alone - including things that are unhealthy or destructive. As an introvert, I enjoy moments of solitude because that is how I recharge my batteries from a day or week of being with (or in front of) people. I long to belong just as much as anyone else does, but I have found that my longing is completed in Christ, so that I don't have to worry about filling my life with meaningless things just to feel loved and worthy. God makes me worthy. Christ fills my needs. Debbie and Caitlyn love me unconditionally. And I love them even more each day.
Grace&Peace
16 January 2007
Rock Stars and the Law of Motion
I received this in a weekly e-newsletter that I get from Relevant Magazine and I wanted to share it with all my readers out there. BTW, check out Relevant's site because it is one of the coolest ones I have seen in a long time.
Grace&Peace
"Rock Stars and the Law of Motion"
In his first law of motion, Isaac Newton stated, "An object in motion tends to stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force." Like clockwork, every time some cultural revolution takes place, Christendom freaks out and begins hosting conferences to discuss what's wrong and how to fix it. Often the solution doesn't add up to much more than rearranging the same old pieces on the board with a different, hipper look. Likewise, we've proven we can do church in a lot of creative ways, but too often it's still "church," the same old mentality wrapped up in edgier packaging. Meanwhile, Christendom stays in motion at the same speed, in the same direction, headed nowhere.
Years ago Martin Luther tried his best to awaken people to the understanding that those with the power to save the day were often marginal and unimpressive. During his day, a prevailing notion said there were two classes of people in the Church—the clergy and the laity. The clergy were the guys with the seminary degrees and considered the "professionals" in all things God. Everyone else was labeled "laity," spiritual amateurs.
Which raises the question: Does Christendom have rock stars? What I mean by "rock stars" are people we place in some category higher than ourselves, or especially esteem because of their charisma, giftedness or prominence. There does seem to be this sense in Christian culture that if someone is standing on a stage, has their name on the front of a book, holds a degree, occupies a top position or has achieved recognition, this person must be closer to God, know truth that has alluded the masses or be especially equipped to do something huge for God.
Of course, God works through church pastors, teachers and leaders. No problem there. What Martin Luther confronted was the unhealthy dependence people placed on the religious professionals. In Luther's mind this was diametrically opposed to Jesus' teachings that the source of relationship with God and spiritual living is inside all believers through the indwelling Christ. Jesus said in John 14:19-20, "Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you" (TNIV). Explaining this further in John 16:13, Jesus said, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth."
I am a nobody. The Spirit revealed any truth I know, and I cannot claim any special quality as a reason for having discovered it. Like you, I have the source of truth within me by virtue of the indwelling Spirit. And like you, if I am open to it, the Spirit awakens me to truth. Left to myself, I have quite a track record of missing, distorting, convoluting, twisting, dumbing-down and being blinded to the truth. Only the Spirit can open my eyes. There are no rock stars, only jars of clay that carry the life of God in equal measure.
We all are teachers and students. We all can encourage one another on the journey. In recent years some of my most significant teachers have included a Waffle House waitress, a tire salesman, a handicapped girl and a tattoo artist. According to Jesus, whenever just two or three of us gather in His name, we experience a deep spiritual fellowship that awakens us to the present reality of God's kingdom. Only the Spirit within us can mediate this reality. There are no rock stars.
Peter understood the significance of this when he wrote in 2 Peter 1:3, "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
What if God's plan to save the world is hidden beneath the radar, behind the scenes and among the everyday lives of nobodies? Could God have placed the fate of His created realm in the hands of dorks like us? A wonderful freedom is growing inside me knowing there is hope, meaning and purpose for unimpressive people like me. Maybe God supplies everything we need, and our part is believing, trusting and depending.
Thinking once again of Newton's first law of motion, maybe the "unbalanced force" that could alter the direction of the Church is for all us nobodies to embrace our true identity as spiritual people. Maybe it's true that we are the "body of Christ" on earth, and Christ is living His life in and through each of us.
Today you are going to cross paths with someone with a longing inside. They may not understand it, but their soul longs to return home to God. You may be a very ordinary person, but because the life of God is within you, you have all the necessary spiritual resources to be Christ to whoever comes your way. Keep your eyes wide open; you just may be the nobody God dials up to help someone find home.
Jim Palmer is the author of Divine Nobodies: Shedding Religion to Find God (and the unlikely people who help you) (W Publishing Group).
Grace&Peace
"Rock Stars and the Law of Motion"
In his first law of motion, Isaac Newton stated, "An object in motion tends to stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force." Like clockwork, every time some cultural revolution takes place, Christendom freaks out and begins hosting conferences to discuss what's wrong and how to fix it. Often the solution doesn't add up to much more than rearranging the same old pieces on the board with a different, hipper look. Likewise, we've proven we can do church in a lot of creative ways, but too often it's still "church," the same old mentality wrapped up in edgier packaging. Meanwhile, Christendom stays in motion at the same speed, in the same direction, headed nowhere.
Years ago Martin Luther tried his best to awaken people to the understanding that those with the power to save the day were often marginal and unimpressive. During his day, a prevailing notion said there were two classes of people in the Church—the clergy and the laity. The clergy were the guys with the seminary degrees and considered the "professionals" in all things God. Everyone else was labeled "laity," spiritual amateurs.
Which raises the question: Does Christendom have rock stars? What I mean by "rock stars" are people we place in some category higher than ourselves, or especially esteem because of their charisma, giftedness or prominence. There does seem to be this sense in Christian culture that if someone is standing on a stage, has their name on the front of a book, holds a degree, occupies a top position or has achieved recognition, this person must be closer to God, know truth that has alluded the masses or be especially equipped to do something huge for God.
Of course, God works through church pastors, teachers and leaders. No problem there. What Martin Luther confronted was the unhealthy dependence people placed on the religious professionals. In Luther's mind this was diametrically opposed to Jesus' teachings that the source of relationship with God and spiritual living is inside all believers through the indwelling Christ. Jesus said in John 14:19-20, "Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you" (TNIV). Explaining this further in John 16:13, Jesus said, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth."
I am a nobody. The Spirit revealed any truth I know, and I cannot claim any special quality as a reason for having discovered it. Like you, I have the source of truth within me by virtue of the indwelling Spirit. And like you, if I am open to it, the Spirit awakens me to truth. Left to myself, I have quite a track record of missing, distorting, convoluting, twisting, dumbing-down and being blinded to the truth. Only the Spirit can open my eyes. There are no rock stars, only jars of clay that carry the life of God in equal measure.
We all are teachers and students. We all can encourage one another on the journey. In recent years some of my most significant teachers have included a Waffle House waitress, a tire salesman, a handicapped girl and a tattoo artist. According to Jesus, whenever just two or three of us gather in His name, we experience a deep spiritual fellowship that awakens us to the present reality of God's kingdom. Only the Spirit within us can mediate this reality. There are no rock stars.
Peter understood the significance of this when he wrote in 2 Peter 1:3, "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
What if God's plan to save the world is hidden beneath the radar, behind the scenes and among the everyday lives of nobodies? Could God have placed the fate of His created realm in the hands of dorks like us? A wonderful freedom is growing inside me knowing there is hope, meaning and purpose for unimpressive people like me. Maybe God supplies everything we need, and our part is believing, trusting and depending.
Thinking once again of Newton's first law of motion, maybe the "unbalanced force" that could alter the direction of the Church is for all us nobodies to embrace our true identity as spiritual people. Maybe it's true that we are the "body of Christ" on earth, and Christ is living His life in and through each of us.
Today you are going to cross paths with someone with a longing inside. They may not understand it, but their soul longs to return home to God. You may be a very ordinary person, but because the life of God is within you, you have all the necessary spiritual resources to be Christ to whoever comes your way. Keep your eyes wide open; you just may be the nobody God dials up to help someone find home.
Jim Palmer is the author of Divine Nobodies: Shedding Religion to Find God (and the unlikely people who help you) (W Publishing Group).
03 January 2007
Video Interviews
Holy crap...a video interview of me found its way to the internet! Check it out here. Altho please ignore the fact that the surrounding text refers to a "scout troop" that got stuck in Colorado because the Trietsch Youth Group was the ones stuck. Check out the follow-up story here for their homecoming.
It's very weird to see yourself in video on the internet.
Grace&Peace
It's very weird to see yourself in video on the internet.
Grace&Peace
20 December 2006
Illumination
I wrote this entry in my journal this morning. I thought it was important enough to share with the world. Enjoy!
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8.12, TNIV)
Light is essential for making sure I am walking in the right direction. In our house we have nightlights strategically placed in the different rooms. Those lights give us just enough illumination to see what is around our feet as we walk thruout the house after dark. I could probably let my eyes adjust to the darkness and use ambient light from outside to make it thru our rooms, but that takes a little longer. Altho I know my way around the house fairly well and could probably get where I need to w/ my eyes closed - I choose to have the lights there to illumine my path.
Jesus is a much brighter light than a nightlight - he's more of a floodlight or the sun (Son)! Jesus is the source of light to all of creation, yet there are some who choose to hide in darkness and avoid the light. As Christians, we bask in the light of the Son and we should strive to bring others to it. Jesus promises us that if we believe in him, we will never walk in darkness.
Jesus says that he is the light of the world and that light shines into the dark places of our world and uncovers truths hidden deep w/in us. It is a light that brings healing and wholeness and love to all those who accept it and believe in it.
I need to bring Christ's light to more ppl so that lives can be changed, marriages repaired, and desperation ended.
Lord of Light, I pray for the strength to reach out in your name and w/ your love to those who need light. Shine into dark places so that illumination can bring restoration. Amen.
Grace&Peace
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8.12, TNIV)
Light is essential for making sure I am walking in the right direction. In our house we have nightlights strategically placed in the different rooms. Those lights give us just enough illumination to see what is around our feet as we walk thruout the house after dark. I could probably let my eyes adjust to the darkness and use ambient light from outside to make it thru our rooms, but that takes a little longer. Altho I know my way around the house fairly well and could probably get where I need to w/ my eyes closed - I choose to have the lights there to illumine my path.
Jesus is a much brighter light than a nightlight - he's more of a floodlight or the sun (Son)! Jesus is the source of light to all of creation, yet there are some who choose to hide in darkness and avoid the light. As Christians, we bask in the light of the Son and we should strive to bring others to it. Jesus promises us that if we believe in him, we will never walk in darkness.
Jesus says that he is the light of the world and that light shines into the dark places of our world and uncovers truths hidden deep w/in us. It is a light that brings healing and wholeness and love to all those who accept it and believe in it.
I need to bring Christ's light to more ppl so that lives can be changed, marriages repaired, and desperation ended.
Lord of Light, I pray for the strength to reach out in your name and w/ your love to those who need light. Shine into dark places so that illumination can bring restoration. Amen.
Grace&Peace
19 December 2006
To Heretic or Not to Heretic
Thanks to Stephen Fife for linking me to this quiz! It's good to know that I can't be kicked out on heresy charges.
Grace&Peace
Grace&Peace
You scored as Chalcedon compliant. You are Chalcedon compliant. Congratulations, you're not a heretic. You believe that Jesus is truly God and truly man and like us in every respect, apart from sin. Officially approved in 451.
Are you a heretic? created with QuizFarm.com |
One great idea creates another
At our Staff Christmas Party today, we did something quite unique and fun.... Earlier this month we tossed around ideas about how to spend some time giving back during the holidays as a team. We decided to buy gifts for the Genesis Women's Shelter in order to help women who are removing themselves from abusive situations and starting their lives over again.
We collected funds from the cash we had on hand and then divided up into teams. Each team was given the same amount of money, the same amount of time, and the same general concept of things to buy. We then raced to the closest stores in order to win one of three prizes: first group back; most items purchased; and biggest bargain.
Our team made a mad dash to Wal-Mart in order to spend our loot. We ran thru the aisles to the small appliances section...bought a toaster, a coffee maker, and a blender. We spent $63.33 and made it back to home base in under 10 minutes. Our team made an effort to draw as much attention to ourselves as possible during our outing to Wally World - and we succeeded mightily!
Our team won the prize for "first group back" and would have won the prize for "spending closest to the limit," but there was no prize for that. As the other groups arrived with their purchases, the table to hold the stuff quickly filled to overflowing. It was amazing to see what a group of people can do in 30 minutes to bless the lives of people we will never meet. It was truly a God-moment and I give thanks to Jennifer for spear-heading the activity.
Praise be to God that there will be women who have survived a road of pain and abuse who can live in their own home with some semblance of normalcy this Christmas thanks to a bunch of people running around Lewisville having fun! And the best part came at the unveiling of the gifts...the team that chose the "best" prize ($20 Starbucks giftcard) gets to meet to discuss the next blessing project our staff will participate in. I am looking forward to that!
Grace&Peace
We collected funds from the cash we had on hand and then divided up into teams. Each team was given the same amount of money, the same amount of time, and the same general concept of things to buy. We then raced to the closest stores in order to win one of three prizes: first group back; most items purchased; and biggest bargain.
Our team made a mad dash to Wal-Mart in order to spend our loot. We ran thru the aisles to the small appliances section...bought a toaster, a coffee maker, and a blender. We spent $63.33 and made it back to home base in under 10 minutes. Our team made an effort to draw as much attention to ourselves as possible during our outing to Wally World - and we succeeded mightily!
Our team won the prize for "first group back" and would have won the prize for "spending closest to the limit," but there was no prize for that. As the other groups arrived with their purchases, the table to hold the stuff quickly filled to overflowing. It was amazing to see what a group of people can do in 30 minutes to bless the lives of people we will never meet. It was truly a God-moment and I give thanks to Jennifer for spear-heading the activity.
Praise be to God that there will be women who have survived a road of pain and abuse who can live in their own home with some semblance of normalcy this Christmas thanks to a bunch of people running around Lewisville having fun! And the best part came at the unveiling of the gifts...the team that chose the "best" prize ($20 Starbucks giftcard) gets to meet to discuss the next blessing project our staff will participate in. I am looking forward to that!
Grace&Peace
14 December 2006
Tough Times in Ministry
This morning I presided over a funeral for a 16 year old. He died tragically and his parents were left with many, many questions. This was by far the most difficult act of ministry and pastoral care that I have had to do in my career. I can only pray that God used me in a way that will change the lives of some of his friends - so that they will not suffer the same fate that he did and that another set of parents won't have to go thru what his did.
Here is an excerpt from my message this morning. I hope that if you are or know someone who struggles with drug issues, please know that I am available to talk anytime.
Paul uses the image of clay pots as a metaphor for the frailty of the human body. If you know anything about clay, you know that it begins as a part of the earth – dusty, sticky, and moldable. When water is added to clay, it becomes a paste that can be shaped into almost anything. Once a particular shape is acquired, the clay can be “fired” in a kiln to harden and solidify the object. Two things happen at this point. One – the object is permanently set in that shape – there is no changing that shape once the clay has been through the kiln. Two – the object is strong, yet fragile – the fired clay can withstand a great amount of pressure, but if you strike the object with enough force, the object will shatter.
The human body is a lot like clay. We have been molded by our Creator to be exactly who we are supposed to be. We have been put through fires that solidify who we are and shape who we will be for the rest of our lives. But, we are oftentimes fragile. Strike us with enough force and we will break, never to be the same again. If we only rely on ourselves for strength, then one good whack can crumble us forever. One blow to the ego and we are done for. One tragic death and you can count us out. If we look to ourselves only, for hope and recovery, during times of crisis, then it is certainly possible that the life that we understand around us can come crashing down, never to be put right again.
Paul offers us more than a “one-and-done” way of living. Paul offers us the strength of Jesus Christ to draw upon when times are tough. Paul offers us the power of the Son of God to surround us during a crisis. Paul offers each and every one of us the opportunity to know that we can be “hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Jesus understood grief. Jesus understood despair. Jesus understood abandonment, loneliness, and frustration. Jesus understands all the emotions that are in this room right now because he felt all of them. Jesus knows what you are going through because he went through those emotions himself as he ate a last meal with his friends, took his last steps carrying the sins of the world on his shoulders, and breathed his last breath and died for the salvation of the whole world. He gave himself up for the forgiveness of sins. He died on the cross to bring us eternal life. He made a way for humanity to be reconciled to God and he did it because he loved us.
Yes, life still has peaks and valleys. Yes, a life lived for Christ may still result in tragedy. Yes, Christians still have pain and suffering. However, those clay jars that hold “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” are able to moderate those peaks and valleys. They are able to see God’s purpose in pain and suffering and are motivated to make a difference in the world, so that our prayer for God’s kingdom to come on earth can be actualized.
I have a feeling that [D], like many teenagers, wanted tangible evidence about things. He seemed like a guy who wanted physical proof for what he believed in. I am like that in many ways, because without proof, your case won’t hold up. Without proof, all we have to go on is someone’s word. Without proof, we have to trust that people are telling us the truth. Although I do want proof for the things I stand for in life, I have discovered that sometimes, walking out on a limb is the only way to discover what I should stand for. Believing in God does not require us to throw logic and reason out the window. Believing in God does not call us to abandon reality for a land of make believe. Believing in God calls us to understand that we are not alone in this world and that a life lived only for the pursuit of personal pleasure is ultimately unfulfilling and meaningless. Believing in God causes us to move our focus from “that which is seen” to “that which is unseen.”
The Apostle Paul reminds us that outwardly, we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed each day. He reminds us that the stuff we see is “light and momentary” – this includes our bodies, our possessions, and even the earth we live on; but, that the struggles we face each day with those things are moving us toward an eternal glory that surpasses any amount of pain, grief, anguish, or heartache that we may feel. He challenges us (and I second that challenge) “to fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
As we celebrate a life so full of potential and promise, we must keep in mind the reality of what ultimately ended his life. I want to speak to those of you who count yourselves among [D]’s many friends for a moment. As you are well aware, the casual (and addictive) use of drugs has skyrocketed across this country over the past decade or so. It is no longer an isolated group of people on a high school campus who use. Drugs cross socio-economic lines, racial lines, and gender lines. More than likely, you know who uses drugs at your school. You probably even know how often, where, when, and how much they use.
[D]’s mom and dad told me that they had no indication that he ever used drugs before Saturday morning. They wanted me to convey a very clear message to each of you this morning. If you are using drugs, stop. If you know someone who uses drugs, help them to stop. If you have never used drugs, don’t ever start. I want to echo their sentiments because your presence here this morning only confirms the dangers that drugs present....
Again, we are here this morning to celebrate [D]’s life. A life that was cut short, but a life that was lived with passion, energy, and drive. His story is bittersweet and it’s hard to believe that it is over so soon. You all have memories of [D] that will live on in your hearts and I believe, from what I have learned about [D] this week, that he would want you to cherish those memories and smile when you think about him. I will leave you with this: God loved [D] all of his 16 years, through all the ups and downs of his life and God continues to love [D] in life beyond this life...in ways we can't prove or even understand, but simply affirm. And also remember: God loves each one of you. No matter where you are in you life and faith, God just loves you, period. In these days and months to come as you grieve the death of [D], God will walk beside you, giving you comfort and support.
Grace&Peace
Here is an excerpt from my message this morning. I hope that if you are or know someone who struggles with drug issues, please know that I am available to talk anytime.
Paul uses the image of clay pots as a metaphor for the frailty of the human body. If you know anything about clay, you know that it begins as a part of the earth – dusty, sticky, and moldable. When water is added to clay, it becomes a paste that can be shaped into almost anything. Once a particular shape is acquired, the clay can be “fired” in a kiln to harden and solidify the object. Two things happen at this point. One – the object is permanently set in that shape – there is no changing that shape once the clay has been through the kiln. Two – the object is strong, yet fragile – the fired clay can withstand a great amount of pressure, but if you strike the object with enough force, the object will shatter.
The human body is a lot like clay. We have been molded by our Creator to be exactly who we are supposed to be. We have been put through fires that solidify who we are and shape who we will be for the rest of our lives. But, we are oftentimes fragile. Strike us with enough force and we will break, never to be the same again. If we only rely on ourselves for strength, then one good whack can crumble us forever. One blow to the ego and we are done for. One tragic death and you can count us out. If we look to ourselves only, for hope and recovery, during times of crisis, then it is certainly possible that the life that we understand around us can come crashing down, never to be put right again.
Paul offers us more than a “one-and-done” way of living. Paul offers us the strength of Jesus Christ to draw upon when times are tough. Paul offers us the power of the Son of God to surround us during a crisis. Paul offers each and every one of us the opportunity to know that we can be “hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Jesus understood grief. Jesus understood despair. Jesus understood abandonment, loneliness, and frustration. Jesus understands all the emotions that are in this room right now because he felt all of them. Jesus knows what you are going through because he went through those emotions himself as he ate a last meal with his friends, took his last steps carrying the sins of the world on his shoulders, and breathed his last breath and died for the salvation of the whole world. He gave himself up for the forgiveness of sins. He died on the cross to bring us eternal life. He made a way for humanity to be reconciled to God and he did it because he loved us.
Yes, life still has peaks and valleys. Yes, a life lived for Christ may still result in tragedy. Yes, Christians still have pain and suffering. However, those clay jars that hold “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” are able to moderate those peaks and valleys. They are able to see God’s purpose in pain and suffering and are motivated to make a difference in the world, so that our prayer for God’s kingdom to come on earth can be actualized.
I have a feeling that [D], like many teenagers, wanted tangible evidence about things. He seemed like a guy who wanted physical proof for what he believed in. I am like that in many ways, because without proof, your case won’t hold up. Without proof, all we have to go on is someone’s word. Without proof, we have to trust that people are telling us the truth. Although I do want proof for the things I stand for in life, I have discovered that sometimes, walking out on a limb is the only way to discover what I should stand for. Believing in God does not require us to throw logic and reason out the window. Believing in God does not call us to abandon reality for a land of make believe. Believing in God calls us to understand that we are not alone in this world and that a life lived only for the pursuit of personal pleasure is ultimately unfulfilling and meaningless. Believing in God causes us to move our focus from “that which is seen” to “that which is unseen.”
The Apostle Paul reminds us that outwardly, we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed each day. He reminds us that the stuff we see is “light and momentary” – this includes our bodies, our possessions, and even the earth we live on; but, that the struggles we face each day with those things are moving us toward an eternal glory that surpasses any amount of pain, grief, anguish, or heartache that we may feel. He challenges us (and I second that challenge) “to fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
As we celebrate a life so full of potential and promise, we must keep in mind the reality of what ultimately ended his life. I want to speak to those of you who count yourselves among [D]’s many friends for a moment. As you are well aware, the casual (and addictive) use of drugs has skyrocketed across this country over the past decade or so. It is no longer an isolated group of people on a high school campus who use. Drugs cross socio-economic lines, racial lines, and gender lines. More than likely, you know who uses drugs at your school. You probably even know how often, where, when, and how much they use.
[D]’s mom and dad told me that they had no indication that he ever used drugs before Saturday morning. They wanted me to convey a very clear message to each of you this morning. If you are using drugs, stop. If you know someone who uses drugs, help them to stop. If you have never used drugs, don’t ever start. I want to echo their sentiments because your presence here this morning only confirms the dangers that drugs present....
Again, we are here this morning to celebrate [D]’s life. A life that was cut short, but a life that was lived with passion, energy, and drive. His story is bittersweet and it’s hard to believe that it is over so soon. You all have memories of [D] that will live on in your hearts and I believe, from what I have learned about [D] this week, that he would want you to cherish those memories and smile when you think about him. I will leave you with this: God loved [D] all of his 16 years, through all the ups and downs of his life and God continues to love [D] in life beyond this life...in ways we can't prove or even understand, but simply affirm. And also remember: God loves each one of you. No matter where you are in you life and faith, God just loves you, period. In these days and months to come as you grieve the death of [D], God will walk beside you, giving you comfort and support.
Grace&Peace
09 December 2006
Caitlyn's Birthday Pictures
I am far too late in getting these up here, but I hope that you enjoy them nonetheless. Caitlyn's first birthday was back in October and we took lots and lots of pictures, here are just a few for you to see.
Grace&Peace
28 November 2006
How many times have you ignored a prompting from God? What would happen if we all slowed down a little and responded to that still small voice in our heads? Could we change the world? Perhaps we could make it a little better...
Grace&Peace
Grace&Peace
27 November 2006
Social Networking
21 November 2006
Happy Turkey Day!
I want to send a special shout-out to my father-in-law because Thursday is his "special day" - Turkey Day!!
I'll be in SA for the weekend, so I'll be back with an update on Monday.
Grace&Peace
I'll be in SA for the weekend, so I'll be back with an update on Monday.
Grace&Peace
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