Thoughts from Outside the Box

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2010-08-25T19:27:00.000-05:00

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leprosy... I'm not half the man I used to be... (sung to the tune: yesterday)

2008-09-29T14:28:00.003-05:00

Are you a leper?

Kind of a silly question to ask nowadays huh? After all, I've never met a bonafide leper, and neither have you. BUT, back in those ancient days it was a very important question, and even more important to have the right answer to!!! Leprosy is quite a nasty little bug, the details of which we wont go into heavily here since this is a family blog. Its main effect is a shutting down of the nervous system. A leper loses his pull back reflex and blink reflex. When something hurts, there is no reflex to pull back from it as the nerves are damaged. The same thing happens in the eyes as the reflex to cleanse the eyes with a blink is lost.

So, are you a leper? In a way, yes.

Sin, having crept into our lives on whatever level you allow it to be there, has taken away our reflexes to pull back and blink. We dont pull back from those things that will hurt us, just like a leper getting his hand too close to a fire. We're so comfortable with sin that it just doesnt effect us anymore and we go on as if nothing has happened. Then theres the loss of the blink reflex. When sin thrives we lose the drive to close our eyes to what will damage us. Guys, you especially know what I'm talking about. We must protect our eyes from leading us down a path that will destroy us. Allowing sin to thrive in our lives is like having leprosy, a damaging disease that ultimately leads to a pretty rotten ending.

I have another perspective on the leprosy thing I want you to think about too. We have grown too numb to the presence of God in our lives. We've lost the wonder and awe of worship, the changing effects of God Breathed Scripture, the daily renewal of Christ's sacrifice... Whens the last time you've been shaken to the core because of the magnitude of what God has done for you?

Are we living lives either numb to sin or God (or both!!)? Now's the time to shake off spiritual leprosy and thrive under a God who was willing to give all.

where does Superman's cape go?

2008-08-18T10:22:00.004-05:00

This rarely happens to me, so I'm taking time to chronicle it... I also need some help explaining this from comic book geeks out there who may know the answer to my query. Anyhoo, here's the story:

So I woke up in the middle of the night recently with this very odd and startling thought running through my head. Where does superman's cape go when he is dressed up as Clark Kent? We've all seen the image of him ripping open his shirt and the gleaming 'S' shield hiding under there (imagine how many shirts he goes through after ripping them open... slowly and carefully unbuttoning just isn't all that dramatic but it sure saves in the wardrobe department)... and typically following this, we see him shooting up, up and away in full superman regalia that include shiny red boots and a full length cape.

I spent the next few minutes trying to imagine where he put it... Does he tuck it in to the back of his pants? highly unlikely since it would be near impossible to sit down, or even harder to hide the sheer amount of super-fabric involved for a shoulder to shoulder width, down to the heels length cape. my next guess would be that he folds it up and keeps it in his pocket, ala the silver emergency blankets you have on hand when hiking and such. But then, his cape appears to be substantial fabric so the 'in the pocket' theory went bye-bye. I then figured he kept it in Clark's briefcase, neatly pressed, rolled and ready to go. when he needed it, he could whip it outta there and lavishly throw it over his shoulders, clip it on, then up, up, and away.

Then there's the boots issue. do you know how big his regular looking shoes have to be to slip those red boots inside them? I thought, that's an easy one, his boots are more spandex than heavy rubber so they slip inside the socks just like spiderman's suit does... But that just doesn't work when you look at the pictures of superman. those boots are substantial, and seem to be very sturdy rubber, if not a synthetic material manufactured for stability and strength. You don't see them clinging to his feet, they're boots not footies. So where do the boots go? Inside the shoes and socks? I mean, the dude is superman, but lets be realistic.

I don't think I would have to question this if we saw him flying around with a super-fanny pack or something that ergonomically holds the boots and cape in an easily accessible pouch conveniently held around the waist by a stylish and sturdy nylon belt. Think about it, he could keep the boots and cape in there as needed for Clark's disguise, then when changed into superman clothes, he could do a super-fold and keep his fashionable suit coat, tie, pants, ruined shirt, socks and loafers safely attached to his waist in said fanny pack. Now that's convenience and believability.

help me solve this enigma and mystery... I'm afraid if this doesn't get solved, Superman will have to be deleted from my 'real life people that I want to be like when I grow up' list... So far the list is down to Superman, Optimus Prime, and Newt Gingrich. I really don't want to be a politician, so somebody help me solve this!!!

Being a youth minister, we are trained to apply any and all things to Jesus, including such mundane items as monosodium-glutamate to the dynamics of superman's cape. So here we go... is your faith like superman's cape? does it do a convenient disappearing act when its not convenient to have it out? When mommy and daddy are around, or when we're with 'church' people we can look super with our christian words and Bibles at the ready, but in reality those are just our disguise, easily discarded for the real us. I know that no one is perfect, especially me, but trading your good little christian self in for something different or worldly is walking a line that will only hurt you, and never ever have good results: Matthew 7: 17 - 20.

Please don't try and live two lives... and even worse, don't profess to be one person then advertise the opposite on facebook and myspace. we're not that dumb and integrity and respect are easier lost than gained.

how big is your canon?

2008-08-13T09:35:00.004-05:00

I am going to leave this one short and just pose a question to you, the random reader who stumbled upon my blog... How big is your canon? this is not an armament question, this is a question concerning what portion or pieces of the Bible that you find are most important and worth following. You might be offended and say that you believe the entire Bible is infallible and that you believe and follow every word as God breathed. I doubt it.

for example, if you are from the Church of Christ tribe you probably have canonized sections from Paul's letters to Timothy and the Corinthians when dealing with women on Sunday mornings. You think Colossians has a vital piece that justifies only singing acapella, and abolishes instruments in worship. Whereas other 'commands' in Corinthians are ignored (women covering their heads in prayer, long hair only on women, etc...)

This isn't a c of C bash, that's just what I know best. Its a statement of truth across denominations and church tribes. We all have our tendencies to lock on to certain scriptures and make them 'ours'. We try to push those really uncomfortable sections of scripture out though, because they will change the areas in our lives that we tend to keep as our own. For example, all those sections where we hear about the church selling their personal possessions to give money to the poor and destitute. A pretty important fact about the early, first century church that gets thrown aside and replaced with a policy or pantry that helps ups control how we deal with benevolence requests.

I'm not trying to sound anti-establishment... its just that church has become a haven for Christians to shut out the world and be reclusive. We have to break down the walls of what's been established and get into the world, even if its for only one person at a time. OK, so the 'leaving it short' notion was a lie, as I cant seem to stop myself.

Take some time and look at the life of Jesus and see what was important to him, and make that stuff important to you. We may look like fools for it, but whats important is that we follow in the steps of Jesus, even if that leads to our own cross...

church is for smart people. just plain dumb, part 2...

2008-08-12T16:14:00.004-05:00

Church is for smart people. That's not a compliment.

We are filling up our buildings with all the smart people we can find, and when we run out of smart people just like us, we split and start another church and fill it with smart people just like us, until we run out of smart people... You get the picture. Church has become a haven for smart people. Smart people know the risks. Smart people know what tomorrow might bring. Smart people know how valuable a nice building is, and will be. Smart people think they are doing church the right way when the budget is balanced, the lawn is cut, the carpet is clean, and the pews are packed. I was a smart person once. In fact I was a smart person who thought everyone around me was just plain dumb, and I was proud of that fact.

God does not need you to be a smart person. He really needs a healthy dose of stupidity in your life. There's a guy who lived a long time ago that was the epitome of stupidity. He seemed oblivious to the risk. He seemed ignorant to tomorrow, thinking only of the now. He thought poverty and imprisonment was living the high life. He was emotional, often putting his raw anger or chastisement on paper for anyone to read. He committed his life to someone he had never met, offering all he had as a sacrifice to the relationship. He told the smart people how to do things. He was a stupid person who did great things for the Kingdom... He was Paul.

See, Paul WAS a smart guy before he met Jesus. He had a plan, he had the backing of the government and church to press his smartness on others (forcibly). He was very ambitious, probably wealthy, intelligent, educated, persuasive... He was what smart people wanted to be.

When Paul met Jesus, he had the smarts knocked right outta him. He couldn't answer Jesus' questions when confronted with his persecutional tendencies. He was struck blind, and stupid. After he got his strength and vision back he IMMEDIATELY starting preaching Jesus (Acts 9: 20). He didn't wait for his image to change, for the proper hermenutical education... He went right at it. He spent his first few attempts at evangelism with people who wanted to kill him because of his 'stupidity' (Acts 9: 23, 29). He didn't know when to keep his mouth shut.

The church needs a good dose of Paul's stupidity. He was emotional, and wanted nothing more than God's kingdom to be grown. When things weren't going right, he did whatever was necessary to right the wagon and get the wheels turning. He spoke boldly, often to the point of punishment. When that didn't phase him, he was thrown into prison and beaten, which only emboldened him. That type of behavior is frowned upon in church today.

We don't speak with boldness, we pay someone to do that. We don't throw risk into the wind and take God's message to the streets, we send our money to missionaries to do it for us. God used people in the Bible to do amazing things ONLY when they left their preconceived notions behind and let him lead, no matter where it led. So Church is for smart people... we need to change that and inject some stupidity and irrationality into our lives... Lets be dangerous in our faith, bold in our beliefs, and yes, even a bit stupid.

ministry

2008-06-03T15:18:00.002-05:00

why is ministry so difficult? boy, thats a question for the ages huh? Well, the answer is easy, the solution is horribly difficult. The answer is this: ministry is hard because we minister to people. If I were to be a minister to dogs, it would be a piece of cake and I would be leading a mega-church for the christian canine nation. Really, when a dog acts up, you put a chole collar on it and it bends to your will. Try THAT in church on sunday.
The same thing goes with evangelism. Its hard because we're trying to convince another person that we're right and they're not. I cant convince most people that Diet Pepsi tastes so much better than Diet Coke, more or less convince them that their drinking, lying, sexual immorality, dishonesty, or alternate lifestyle is sinful and leading them to eternal damnation. Why? Because everywhere else we're told to think for ourselves, to make up our own minds, to rely on our own experiences, to not trust authority, to not trust salesmen. I personally cant stand used car salesmen. they manipulate, coerce, preach, and ultimately use any and all illustration/influence they have to make the deal. well, poop... that sounds like ministry. we take every angle, every approach to find that right angle or approach to get someone to just THINK about God.

anyhoo, this is more of a rant than a post... tell me what thoughts my thoughts evoked from you.

I aint scared

2008-06-03T15:17:00.001-05:00

I ain’t scared… Ahh, those famous last words. Truth is, the more you have to say it, the less its actually true (i.e. “I’m funny” or “I’m popular”). So saying those fateful and grammatically incorrect words “I ain’t scared” doesn’t really convince me of anything, including your level of scaredy-ness. The absolute truth is today is that most, if not all of us, are scared. We’re so scared that we hide, cover our heads in the blankets, don’t show any signs of weakness, and maybe even wholeheartedly profess that “I ain’t scared.” Yes, we are scared, all of us. We’re scared to death OF death. We’re scared of pain, suffering, divorce, denial, bankruptcy, debt, gas prices, the government, the presidential race, our neighbors, spiders, lies, being lied to… need I keep adding to this list? We are scared because the world is a scary place. Is it okay that we all live in fear? Um, NO!!!!! We’re scared because we aren’t looking at the right things. We’re scared because we think the boogey man really is there to grab our feet when we get out of bed. We’re scared because the dark is so….dark. Another truth statement: we’re scared because we believe all those things listed above are bigger, stronger, and more alive than God. Does that scare you? I hope so. I’ve said this lots recently (sermon, blogs, etc…) and I don’t think it could be said enough. We’re more intimidated and scared of the size and power of our enemies than we are in our God. Did God promise us a life devoid of scary things like tarantulas and murderers? NO, but he did promise us that he wont ever leave us hanging alone. He DID promise us that our works and faith here will get us an even better life after death. Read through the story of David and Goliath. Read through the story of Moses. Read through the story of Joshua and Caleb. And end all THAT reading with the story of Jesus climbing onto a rough piece of wood willingly. I bet every one of these men we’re scared outta their socks, but that didn’t stop them. Believe in God more than the boogey man. Believe in God more than pain. God is bigger than your comfort zone, so be ready to share your faith. Believe that God is bigger than anything you will ever encounter here. Just because its scary doesn’t mean we quit.

just plain dumb

2008-04-28T16:15:00.002-05:00

ever get the feeling that you are a moron? ever get the feeling that you really should be 'getting it' but "IT" eludes you and the mystery remains unsolved (or everyone is laughing but you)? ever feel like your mind is on another planet? if the answer is yes, give me your car keys NOW we have enough stupid people on the road.

okay, that was just a rant. but really, I was thinking about those stupid wooden triangle and golf tee games at every table in Cracker Barrell today. On each game is a list, a list telling you just how smart or 'ignor-a-moose' you are. I cant tell you how many times I've been dejected and insulted by this stupid game. I have NEVER left just one peg on the board. I know, 31 years and I have yet to conquer the elusive golf tee game at CB. Good thing God needs stupid people too. In fact, today I would say that God needs MORE stupid people than he does smart people. I might even go as far as saying we have enough smart people in the world and not nearly enough stupidity running around.

see, smart people think they know whats going on. smart people know exaclty how much they have to lose. smart people know where they want to be, where they want to go, and exactly how much time, effort, and money it will take to get there. Smart people dont want to look stupid and try everything they can to avoid it. If you're a smart person, you are probably beaming with pride right now. If you're a stupid person, you're annoyed because this post is already too long and you want me to get to the point.

Stupid people take risks. Stupid people put way too much on the line. Stupid people dont think about tomorrow, or the next day, or the next day, they live for today only. Stupid people will buy into a plan, even if it doesnt make sense right away. Stupid people dont care if they look stupid. Why on earth do I think we need more stupid people? The Bible is full of Stupid people, full of em. People who walked into and challenged the most powerful nation on earth with a stick. People who attacked a fortified city by power walking. People who walked for three days up a mountain knowing he had to kill his only son with a knife (then burn the pieces). People who accepted certain death by a fiery furnace and a lion's den. People who dropped their nets and followed a stranger at a moment's notice. People who jumped out of a boat on rough seas to walk out to that same stranger. People who pledged their lives to a stranger after only one chance meeting.

Yep, the Bible is FULL of stupid people. Seems like all the smarty pants in the Bible only made trouble, or were turned away because they thought they had a great plan only to find out Jesus' plan required a healthy dose of stupidity.

Following Christ doesnt make sense, especially to the rest of the world. We look like morons, idiots, stupid people. Good thing God needs us stupid people...

no original thoughts whatsoever

2008-04-23T14:27:00.003-05:00

I am lamenting a bit today. I thought to myself: "Chris, you need to write on your blog, its been a while. you stirred the pot here at church with your youth ministry killing our youth thing, but other than that there's been disappointingly little content to your much anticipated blog." Well first thing I did is laugh at myself for thinking anything I do is much anticipated. Then I decided I needed to quit thinking to myself in run on sentences and use proper punctuation in between separate thoughts, i.e. periods instead of commas so that instead of long sentences I have smaller, easier to digest thoughts that don't leave people wishing and hoping that this annoying train of thought will derail.
So anyhoo, back to the lament. Good ole Solomon said "There's nothing new under the sun." Well that about sums up whats in my head. Its a tough realization that there is nothing I can think up or offer that has not been done, said, or thought up already. Pretty pathetic when you think about it, huh? So does that mean we quit, or don't try and have individual thought? No. Thats using Solomon's word in the wrong extreme to be a lump of wood who doesn't do anything (which has always had great appeal to me).

There's a few points you can take from this:
1) You will NEVER surprise God. NEVER. He has seen it all before, and nothing you could ever do will make him say "WHOA! didn't see that one coming!" Good to know there are reliable sinners to go before us and pave the way, huh? So don't ever think you are too bad, terrible, worthless, or sinful to approach God personally. He wants you just the way you are, but he loves you enough to not leave you that way.

2) Just because its been said before doesn't mean it doesn't need said again. Some of Jesus' more memorable quotes come from what we know as the Old Testament. (Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and Love your neighbor as yourself). You have been given a talent and voice that can say something old in a new and relevant way. NEVER think you cannot minister to someone.

3) Even mediocre minds can do think great things when they let God move. My mind is a silly place (a lot like Camelot in Monty Python's Search for the Holy Grail. Lets not go there, t'is a silly place). My mind is also mediocre on its best day. Unless you call being sarcastic and cynical greatness, I'm far from that. But its awesome when I sit with scripture in front of me and dive into the world presented to us, the world that was breathed through God. Let God move you through century old words in Scripture and you'll be amazed at what things snap, crackle, and pop in your foggy, slow moving brain.

post-it notes = the key to ALL office procrastination

2008-01-24T11:01:00.000-06:00

I am an ardent user of post-it notes. they are convenient, just the right size to document a note or two, and best of all: they're STICKY!!! they stick almost everywhere. (almost). I have one in my bible with notes on it marking my place for the kids message this sunday, one for my communion thoughts, one with my lesson plan for kids zone on sunday night, and even one just placed deliberately in Job with this on it: What an Amazing God we serve (Job 36 - 38).

BUT, there is a darker side to the post-it note. a MUCH darker side. they are the key to all office procrastination. I'm afraid I've left too many good intentions on a post-it note. I've left too many I should do this on a post-it note. I've left too many you need to call and encourage this person on a post-it note. instead of just DOING IT, I write it down and stick it in a convenient place to do later.

A good intention is just that, a good intention. You will never be remembered for your good intentions. Never. get off your bottom and do something. Christians can only effect the course of human history if we actually DO something that will effect human history. quite writing it down and do it.

I dont want to be the bad guy

2008-01-22T16:01:00.001-06:00

So I'm into change, into being progressively minded, into growth through revolution, and other such things for our churches. And that makes me the bad guy. I genuinely feel bad and a touch guilty asking someone to walk away from traditions they hold so dear, and have done so for longer than I've been alive. However, in every other aspect of our lives we are forced (willingly or unwillingly) to forgo our traditions and accept the new, the updated, the different. When you go to walmart you can still pay with a hand written check, take your two items through the regular (non-express)line and avoid using the debit card machine and self checkout lanes. But you are encouraged not to. There are people (if you're at a good walmart) standing near the lines to usher you to the shortest lane, there are attendants to help you with the self checkout, and if you're lucky there are the new "Line Busters" who ring you up BEFORE you get to the cashier. We've also been told by the FCC that our old TVs wont work after next year because of the updating to all digital signals (that's right, we're finally going to have to get rid of those console TVs that weigh roughly the same as a hippopotamus).

I watch how Jesus impacted the world around him and I wonder if any of us would have had the courage or tolerance to listen to his message and accept his means of ministry. Probably not since his style went against the establishment of the time (and wasnt it the establishment that killed him?!!).

so, before I get too long winded and get myself in more trouble, I just want us all to think about what we are doing to either grow the community of believers we surround ourselves with; OR what we're doing to contain the community of believers we surround ourselves with into something comfortable. Jesus never wanted comfort to be a part of the life of his followers. NEVER. He cared most that those around him were willing to get off their bottoms and love and serve just like he was. We cant be the church we need to be if we arent willing to walk away from what isnt working and do what needs to be done to reach the generations who need it most: Ours.

why youth ministry is killing our youth

2008-01-15T12:15:00.000-06:00

a forthcoming book by chris wise... really.

This may sound hypocritical as I am a youth minister, but I feel that youth ministry as we know it is killing our youth. You've heard the statistic (which I firmly believe): 80% of our teenagers leave the church and faith behind when they graduate high school. Do I have the answers or am I implementing what I think should be proper youth ministry that actually saves and grows the faith of our kids? Not yet, but I think I've got the right idea...

Here's what I want from you... Tell me what you think about my statement: Youth Ministry is killing our Youth.

Some of my thoughts: for at least 5 years we cater to the every whim of our teenagers. for 5 years they get celebrated for just showing up to church. for 5 years their faith schedule is planned out for them, from stupid games and barbecues to mission trips. Then, after they graduate church becomes REAL boring. You have to bring all the excitement yourself. You are expected to show up and then when you do, nobody really notices or cares. worship isnt exciting anymore, in fact they care more about the stuffy traditions of the old people who wont be around for many more years, than they care about what you like.

If you want more, read the book when it comes out...

a story...

2008-01-07T10:49:00.000-06:00

A story is told of a King who went to his garden one morning, only to find every plant and tree dying or dead. He asked the oak tree: "Whats the trouble?" The oak stated that it was tired of life and determined to die as quickly as possible because he was not tall and beautiful all year round like the pine. the pine was troubled because it could not bear grapes like the grapevine. the grapevine was determined to wither because it was hunched over, nor could it produce such large fruit like the peach tree.
And so it went throughout the garden. Yet when he got to the Violet, the king found the flower as bright and happy as ever. When he asked why the flower was so bright amongst such despair and death the response he received was this: "I am small, yet if you had wanted an oak or pine or peach tree you would have planted one here. Since I knew you wanted a Violet, I'm determined to be the best little violet I can be."

Paul wrote something like this in Philippians. "I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances." (4:11)

From Streams in the Desert: People who are God's without reservation have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. His will becomes their will, and they desire to do for Him whatever He desires them to do. They strip themselves of everything, and in their nakedness find everything restored a hundredfold.

we are all dying in our malcontent. We are like the pine, oak, and peach tree. so cut it out and be happy with who you are and how God made you. BUT do not stop growing and trying to be the BEST YOU possible. The same goes for you, church!!!

anyone want to buy a house?

2007-12-31T10:07:00.000-06:00

1400 square feet with a full basement, located in shelby township, mi right on 23 mile...

so we're desperate to sell our house and want to move on... my question for this blog is WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOD WAITING FOR??? I know its all in his hands and I know it will be in his time that it happens, but how long do I wait until I start griping to him to pick up the pace? I read Psalms 40 and think about David "waiting patiently for the Lord"... I would rewrite that "new song" he so happily sings and make it: "I wait impatiently for the Lord..."

I dont think this makes me any less of a Christian to be impatient and frustrated with God, and I dont feel guilty about being impatient or frustrated (he still loves me even though I complain to him about how I think he's running things). I read so many examples of people in the Bible telling God just how they feel, and I want to encourage you to do so... and while you're telling him about how you feel make sure you mention that we have a house for sale...

Nothing you ever say or do will surprise God.

wonderful christmastime

2007-12-17T15:48:00.000-06:00

so I hate Christmas music. there is one reason why I hate Christmas music: Sir Paul McCartney's Wonderful Christmastime. Why is this song so popular? Why do people see fit to play this song? Why on earth did someone pay McCartney money for writing/recording it? If I were a bazooka toting man, which unfortunately I am not, I would use it to send a clear message to the world: STOP PLAYING THAT HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE SONG.........or else!

thats all, just thought I would let you know how I feel... and oh yeah, Jars of Clay decided to cover it on their new Christmas album... Boy, If I were a bazooka toting man...

another deadly sin OR Chik-fil-a is doing more outreach than your church

2007-12-13T14:14:00.002-06:00

I'm comfortable.

which is a problem if you have the sense to think about it. What happens when you get too comfortable? You get lazy (had to explain that concept to my 4 year old, which unfortunately included lots of examples of daddy's laziness). You get complacent. You get apathetic. And all this happens in an instant.

What happens when you get comfortable in your faith? You get lazy, you get complacent, and you get complacent. All of which can happen in an instant.

What happens when a church gets comfortable? it dies. unfortunately this doesnt happen in an instant. this process takes years, maybe even decades. just imagine if we had instant death for churches NOT living out the great commission, or NOT just doing the little things a church is SUPPOSED to do for the community around it!!! one friday you pass the building on your way home from work, and monday on the way in there's a shiny new Chik-fil-a in its place. (at least Chik-fil-a gives out inspiring 'toys' and lessons in each kids meal, and is still closed on sunday). Boy that would make things so much easier, needless to say tastier too.

I'm very afraid that most of us have gotten too comfortable. Church isnt for growth or challenge, its a home base where we batten down the hatches, shut ourselves in, and prepare to defend ourselves against the whole world.

Again, I dont have an answer... but I am tired of being comfortable in church and catering to the comfort levels of others. Jesus didnt care an ounce about how comfortable his disciples were. His ministry was about BEING the revolution this world so desperately needs.

I'll get started on that revolution after I finish these amazing chicken nuggets...

U23d

2007-12-13T14:14:00.001-06:00

what this blog is all about

2007-12-06T10:28:00.000-06:00

not that I expect anyone to read this, more or less walk away a better person...

But I hope that some of my wanderings can ring a bell with you on some level (probably the level of thought YOU had when you were like 12 and I'm just getting around to now in my 30's).

I am not a great theologian and I do not expect my meager thoughts on this blog to be an inspiration or even answer any of your nagging questions about God. I just wanted a place to write about this journey I am making. I extend the invitation to you to join me on the same journey closer to an unbreakable relationship with Jesus.

I've gotten lost at times and chosen paths out of stupidity or hastiness. Hopefully together we can find our way down that proverbial yellow brick road...

my desires vs. God's plan

2007-12-06T09:57:00.001-06:00

so I was wrestling with this thought on the 24 minute drive to work this morning while listening to the Newsboys: Go. If you havent had this thought yet, you need to. I dont have the answer (which makes this post more of an open question/journey, than an encouraging letter of commission to you).

"How can I know that my heartfelt and prayerful desires for my ministry and life are God's plan for me and the church I work with?"

I know I'm not perfect ("if there is a bright spot in this universe, I'm on the planet furthest from" Thank you Luke Skywalker).

I truly dont have the answer for this. When I try and figure out what God wants my head starts spinning because I know my role in his plan is so minimal. I am truly grateful my calling is not Moses' or Noah's. I struggle holding up my little world in a godly way, more or less being a deliverer for mankind. Looking back, I know why God has placed me in Indiana, Colorado, and even back in Michigan this past year. But am I attributing God's work in me just to the successes I see at those places?

Am i following Paul in Philippians 3:12 - 14? My hope from Paul is that he wasnt worried about what tomorrow might bring. He wasnt worried about planning his next sermon or class or sunday night kids program. He wasnt worried about how many people will read his blog. He was more worried about being prayerful and stepping only in the steps God had placed before him.

If I am walking in those steps that I can see in front of me (even if I only see one that leads me 5 minutes ahead in a godly walk) then I can KNOW that at least for the next 5 minutes I am walking in the light of God's plan for me. The problem starts when I get distracted (which happens too easily) and start looking at my own 10.5" footprints.

I am not perfect, nor will I ever be. My temper is too quick, my emotions too windswept, and my mind too mediocre. What a great God that can use a cracked pot like me to do something good in this world (2 Corinthians 4:7)

and so it begins...

2007-12-05T14:40:00.000-06:00

welcome to my first ever glob! oh wait, I mean blog! Not that I expect anyone to read this, but its daunting to know that someone, somewhere, and any given time can access this page and get inside my head. I'm not sure if I'm more worried about myself or you, the reader, for getting stuck inside my head!

today I'm a happy minister. I have a good sunday night program in its beginning stages. I have a class of middle school yout's that I genuinly enjoy and want to see grow in Jesus (really, caleb if you're reading this, you are a great kid with amazing potential). I feel welcomed by the congregation. Yes indeed the future looks bright here at Ridgeview. But even through my rose tinted glasses I'm wearing today I have to look critically at what I'm doing... and yes, at what you're doing too. I've recently read, and reread, and reread an article from the late Mike Yaconelli entitled "Where's Jesus?" and it has been a refreshing slap across my chubby cheeks.

see, no matter how happy I am or how great I think things are going, its all worth the value of a dirty diaper if I do not have my eyes focused ONLY on Jesus. If I'm not trying to scrape and claw my way closer to him through this world, then my ministry is worthless. Absolutely worthless. Whats the point of a great sunday night kids program if all they are getting is snacks, a cool puppet made out of a paper bag, and a lesson simple enough my dog could understand? I have to ask the question: Where is Jesus in this? Have we left him off to the side while we have our pretzels?

I'm not trying to be pushy or condescending, but I'm pretty sure you didnt wake up this morning praising God for relief from the burden of sin and the hope of eternal salvation. I didnt. I woke up, way too early, with the finger of my adorable 1 yr old in my nose.

John 21: 4. Jesus is standing on the shore, calling out to me, waiting for me to jump out of the boat. The only thing that matters is getting to Jesus.