Fast: Day 4
Today I begin day 4. I am told that somewhere around this time the body has released a bunch of toxins and you begin to feel better. I have yet to hit that, but am looking forward…
Fast: Day 2
I made it through day one of fasting with little drama. It was actually better than I thought it would be. Seems the anticipation was worse than the experience; so far. I think there will be some…
Christian meets Christ Follower
This pretty much speaks for itself. Thanks to Eric Bramlett at Community Christian Church. It's good to know that there are also others who disturbed by what the term "Christian" has become. Enjoy! [tags]You Tube, Christian, Christ follower,…
Deserting God
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— . . . . -Gal 1:6 Paul was sharing some strong…
Halloween on Mission
A friend and fellow exchanger, Mike Telezen, e-mailed me today to let me know of his Halloween happenings. Mike and his small group spent last evening at the Light House Mission (a local homeless shelter). It’s another great reminder of why I love being part of the exchange community. Here is Mike’s e-mail:
seeing clearly
So I am driving to work. Driving and praying. Just sharing some things with God as they come on my mind. Somewhere in the middle of that conversation, I get to thinking of what it would be like if someone came up and gave me a big check. (My mind wanders much of the time). I think to myself, “If I get a big check today, I will give half of it away.” I’m thinking if someone hands me a check for ten grand, it would be easy to give it away. Has never happened. Safe bet. Isn’t it amazing how easy it is to make these promises when there is no real money on the table? Still, I thought, “Yea, I could give it away.”
I sensed the spirit of God say “Really? If that is really what you would do, say it out loud.”
the pursuit
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”
Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. Mark 8:29-32
Jesus begins a different dimension with the disciples. A different relationship. he began to let them in on his death and resurrection. For the first time, he reveals the pivotal point of history.
Why then? Why not when he first recruited the disciples?
“OK guys, here is the deal: If you follow me it’s going to be an adventure. It will be incredibly demanding. It will demand everything. We will be together about three years. I will be handed over to leaders on some trumped up charges. I will be killed. Three days later I will come back to life. I will then return to heaven and you will establish my church with the help of the Holy Spirit. Oh, and you will be persecuted. Who’s in?”
create, rinse, repeat
I'm a lover of the creative, especially when people put themselves out there. Thanks again to Rodd Jefferson who ripped this off of someone else, who ripped it off of someone else who . . . .…
too much advice
But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. – Acts 27:11
Paul had been arrested and in jail for more than two years. In the middle of a trial, he appeals to Caesar. In the middle of his transport to Rome, centurion is trying to decide whether or not to set sail. The season was getting late and it was risky to move by sea. Solicited or not, he got advice from the owner of the ship, from the pilot, and from Paul.
Advice. Everybody wants to offer it.
In an interview, someone asked Chris Tomlin how it was different now that he has become more well known. Chris says one of the biggest things is that people keep giving him advice. I’m certainly not on the same level as Chris, but someday’s I get plenty of advice. “You should do this.” “You should think about this.” “I think we need to.” “Have you ever thought about . . . .” “I have something I want to share with you.” Most of the time I hear the comment and hear the gun coming from the holster.
I’m tired of advice. I’m not interested in it. Not that I don’t care, but I, well, really don’t care – unless it is advice that is prompted by God. I’ll take the harsh words if they come from God through a person.
Worshipplus World Tour ‘06
We kissed the family goodbye, loaded up the bus (a 2006 Prevost complete with bunks, full kitchen, lounge, tip out’s, entertainment system) and pulled out early Sunday morning. The sound, light, and media company was in route. Our product was packed in the trailer with our musical gear. Our road manager, Scooter, had finalized the schedule and we were set to go. We were hyped to make some new friends, hit 10 major cities, and rock with a ton of people as we worshipped the Creator. As we were heading down the interstate a loud beeping noise came from where I was sitting on the bus. It took awhile but I found it. My alarm clock. 4:15 AM. Sunday, Oct 22, 2006.