Monday, May 08, 2006
New Blog
I have decided to change blog servers, Here is the link. I will try to do a better job of updating this one.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Throw me a Bone
I am thinking about getting an ipod nano. Against my better judgment I am stepping over to the dark side. I thought sense I am some liberal, I should follow the trend of all the other lemmings. No not really. I am just tired of not being about to download pod cast from the internet. Anyways I need your help. I am going to order my ipod from apple, and they engrave the back of the ipod for you. But being unoriginal I have no idea what I would put. I was thinking something like “I love kittens” or “Damm the Man, Save the Empire”
But I am sure someone can come up with something better. So if you will do me a favor and leave your suggestions as a comment.
But I am sure someone can come up with something better. So if you will do me a favor and leave your suggestions as a comment.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Miller's Response
Most of you know that I a huge of Donald Miller. Ok I’ll be truthful here I am kinda of obsessed. I would read the Funday Sunnies if he wrote them. So a couple of months ago I asked Miller a question on his fan site. I was not sure if I would get an answer not, but I did. Below is my question and his response.
At the time I submitted this question I was really questioning if it what the happy medidum of evanglism was in the State. I think so many times as a church we try to throw a prepackage form of Christianity in poeples face. And most of the time they reject it.
In Miller’s response: Thirteen Paradigm Shifts, he does a great job of explain how we as Christians can interact and relate to non-Christians in a non threading way. I am not saying that Millers word are the final say, but he does a great job breaking this down in a way I can understand it.
Don,
I am so happy that you have created a forum like this to interact with your fans. So I have read all of your books. I think your style talks across so many borders in the Christian and non – Christian world. I have been accused by some of my friends of being a little obsessed with your books. Not obsessed I just want as people to read what you write, because I think you present the gospel in such an unique way.
I always thought if I had the opportunity to ask you a question (in person or by email) I would come up with this profound question that would result in a thoughtful profound answer from you. Well when I found out about this website I froze up. It took me a long time to think of a question to ask you. In reality after reading your books, I probably could come up with a million questions. But for now just one.
Actually it is something that I have been struggling with for a while. And after reading an interview and hearing you talk about this I think you might be the man to ask.
What is the happy medium (if any) in evangelism here in the states, specifically to non- Christians?
This has been bogging me down every since I returned from Kenya this past summer. I feel that evangelism is easy in a situation like missions, and especially in a foreign country, to people that have less than I do. But when put on a playing field like I am now “everyday life” here in the states I just can’t do it. Especially in the town that I live I see people struggling with life, and I know that if they only had the Love of Christ their life’s might be fuller. I mean I do share the love that I have, but I don’t share the news. Is that enough? I think the thing that I am afraid of here is offending someone. Giving them impression that all Christians are bible thumping legalist. How do I do this?
Well Don thank you for your time. I am looking forward to reading To Own a Dragon. I actually pulled it on my blog, as well as all of you stuff. Keep writing the mind blow material that you write so well.
Michael
Don’s response:
michael,
if you go to the resource section of www.donaldmillerwords.com there is a free file called “thirteen paradigm shifts” or something like that (click here to open this document). these are the notes from a talk i give on the subject you have inquired about, and i think you will find some interesting thoughts within. you are right about sharing faith being different stateside than it is elsewhere. we live in a unique and complicated country. hope those notes help, michael. all the best.
don
At the time I submitted this question I was really questioning if it what the happy medidum of evanglism was in the State. I think so many times as a church we try to throw a prepackage form of Christianity in poeples face. And most of the time they reject it.
In Miller’s response: Thirteen Paradigm Shifts, he does a great job of explain how we as Christians can interact and relate to non-Christians in a non threading way. I am not saying that Millers word are the final say, but he does a great job breaking this down in a way I can understand it.
Don,
I am so happy that you have created a forum like this to interact with your fans. So I have read all of your books. I think your style talks across so many borders in the Christian and non – Christian world. I have been accused by some of my friends of being a little obsessed with your books. Not obsessed I just want as people to read what you write, because I think you present the gospel in such an unique way.
I always thought if I had the opportunity to ask you a question (in person or by email) I would come up with this profound question that would result in a thoughtful profound answer from you. Well when I found out about this website I froze up. It took me a long time to think of a question to ask you. In reality after reading your books, I probably could come up with a million questions. But for now just one.
Actually it is something that I have been struggling with for a while. And after reading an interview and hearing you talk about this I think you might be the man to ask.
What is the happy medium (if any) in evangelism here in the states, specifically to non- Christians?
This has been bogging me down every since I returned from Kenya this past summer. I feel that evangelism is easy in a situation like missions, and especially in a foreign country, to people that have less than I do. But when put on a playing field like I am now “everyday life” here in the states I just can’t do it. Especially in the town that I live I see people struggling with life, and I know that if they only had the Love of Christ their life’s might be fuller. I mean I do share the love that I have, but I don’t share the news. Is that enough? I think the thing that I am afraid of here is offending someone. Giving them impression that all Christians are bible thumping legalist. How do I do this?
Well Don thank you for your time. I am looking forward to reading To Own a Dragon. I actually pulled it on my blog, as well as all of you stuff. Keep writing the mind blow material that you write so well.
Michael
Don’s response:
michael,
if you go to the resource section of www.donaldmillerwords.com there is a free file called “thirteen paradigm shifts” or something like that (click here to open this document). these are the notes from a talk i give on the subject you have inquired about, and i think you will find some interesting thoughts within. you are right about sharing faith being different stateside than it is elsewhere. we live in a unique and complicated country. hope those notes help, michael. all the best.
don
Sunday, April 16, 2006
The Lord has risen!
Happy Easter! Today is the day that we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Three days ago he died on a cross upon Calvary. Although this was a sad event, today is the day that we have been waiting for in anticipation. For today Christ has risen from the day. This morning I was reading in the gospel of Luke, about the resurrection, and marveling at what has happened today. Christ died, but his body is nowhere to be found.
One of the most intriguing part of Luke to me is the end of the book: the Road to Emmaus. I have posted it below for you to read. But let me quickly give you my take on it. When I read this I sometimes put myself in the place of one of the believers. And think of how I would react. If I had seen Christ die in that cross and then looked in that tomb and say it empty. And now a man comes up to me on the road and asks what are we talking about. I don’t know I would react. Especially if this man turned out to be Jesus. I think I would freak out. I sometimes put like to put this passage into perspective in my life.
So many times I find myself in situations like that one. We I have some one walking beside me that I don’t know and is asking me about Christ. Instead of coming up with this wonderful explanation I choke. Not because I don’t know what to say, but because I am afraid of how this person might react to what I am saying. Instead of worrying what they think about what I am saying I should just love them and say what Christ would say and not worry about a thing.
Luke 24:13-35 - On the Road to Emmaus
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him. 17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19 "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." 25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. 30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" 33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
One of the most intriguing part of Luke to me is the end of the book: the Road to Emmaus. I have posted it below for you to read. But let me quickly give you my take on it. When I read this I sometimes put myself in the place of one of the believers. And think of how I would react. If I had seen Christ die in that cross and then looked in that tomb and say it empty. And now a man comes up to me on the road and asks what are we talking about. I don’t know I would react. Especially if this man turned out to be Jesus. I think I would freak out. I sometimes put like to put this passage into perspective in my life.
So many times I find myself in situations like that one. We I have some one walking beside me that I don’t know and is asking me about Christ. Instead of coming up with this wonderful explanation I choke. Not because I don’t know what to say, but because I am afraid of how this person might react to what I am saying. Instead of worrying what they think about what I am saying I should just love them and say what Christ would say and not worry about a thing.
Luke 24:13-35 - On the Road to Emmaus
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him. 17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19 "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." 25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. 30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" 33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Easter is Coming
I read this psalm this past week at a Passover service. I think it is a great psalm to reflect on as we wait for what is coming tomorrow.
Psalm 116
1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me;
I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD : "O LORD, save me!"
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
7 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
8 For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10 I believed; therefore I said, "I am greatly afflicted."
11 And in my dismay I said, "All men are liars."
12 How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
16 O LORD, truly I am your servant;
I am your servant, the son of your maidservant ; you have freed me from my chains.
17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.
18 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the LORD— in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD.
Psalm 116
1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me;
I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD : "O LORD, save me!"
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
7 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
8 For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10 I believed; therefore I said, "I am greatly afflicted."
11 And in my dismay I said, "All men are liars."
12 How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
16 O LORD, truly I am your servant;
I am your servant, the son of your maidservant ; you have freed me from my chains.
17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.
18 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the LORD— in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD.
Friday, April 14, 2006
The Last Words of Jesus
The following are the last seven words (phrases) that Jesus said during his Crucifixion:
Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do (Luke 23:24)
Woman, behold your son...Behold your mother! (John 19:26-27)
I thirst (John 19:28).
This day you will be with me in Paradise (Luke 23:43)
My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me? (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)
It is finished (John 19:30)
Father, into Your hands, I commend My spirit (Luke 23:46)
Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do (Luke 23:24)
Woman, behold your son...Behold your mother! (John 19:26-27)
I thirst (John 19:28).
This day you will be with me in Paradise (Luke 23:43)
My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me? (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)
It is finished (John 19:30)
Father, into Your hands, I commend My spirit (Luke 23:46)
Good Friday
Today is Good Friday. I use to think that this is a sad day. Well it is. It is the day that Jesus Christ died on a cross upon Calvary for our sins. For the sins of the world. I still think that this day is sad, but what I see coming in three days is a wonderful thing.
They following is from Luke 23:26-43 about Jesus’ Crucifixion.
26As they led him off, they made Simon, a man from Cyrene who happened to be coming in from the countryside, carry the cross behind Jesus. 27A huge crowd of people followed, along with women weeping and carrying on. 28At one point Jesus turned to the women and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, don't cry for me. Cry for yourselves and for your children. 29The time is coming when they'll say, "Lucky the women who never conceived! Lucky the wombs that never gave birth! Lucky the breasts that never gave milk!' 30Then they'll start calling to the mountains, "Fall down on us!' calling to the hills, "Cover us up!' 31If people do these things to a live, green tree, can you imagine what they'll do with deadwood?" 32Two others, both criminals, were taken along with him for execution. 33When they got to the place called Skull Hill, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus prayed, "
Father, forgive them; they don't know what they're doing." Dividing up his clothes, they threw dice for them. 35The people stood there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting, "He saved others. Let's see him save himself! The Messiah of God--ha! The Chosen--ha!" 36The soldiers also came up and poked fun at him, making a game of it. They toasted him with sour wine: 37"So you're King of the Jews! Save yourself!" 38Printed over him was a sign: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed him: "Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!" 40But the other one made him shut up: "Have you no fear of God? You're getting the same as him. 41We deserve this, but not him--he did nothing to deserve this." 42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom." 43He said, "Don't worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise."
They following is from Luke 23:26-43 about Jesus’ Crucifixion.
26As they led him off, they made Simon, a man from Cyrene who happened to be coming in from the countryside, carry the cross behind Jesus. 27A huge crowd of people followed, along with women weeping and carrying on. 28At one point Jesus turned to the women and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, don't cry for me. Cry for yourselves and for your children. 29The time is coming when they'll say, "Lucky the women who never conceived! Lucky the wombs that never gave birth! Lucky the breasts that never gave milk!' 30Then they'll start calling to the mountains, "Fall down on us!' calling to the hills, "Cover us up!' 31If people do these things to a live, green tree, can you imagine what they'll do with deadwood?" 32Two others, both criminals, were taken along with him for execution. 33When they got to the place called Skull Hill, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus prayed, "
Father, forgive them; they don't know what they're doing." Dividing up his clothes, they threw dice for them. 35The people stood there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting, "He saved others. Let's see him save himself! The Messiah of God--ha! The Chosen--ha!" 36The soldiers also came up and poked fun at him, making a game of it. They toasted him with sour wine: 37"So you're King of the Jews! Save yourself!" 38Printed over him was a sign: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed him: "Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!" 40But the other one made him shut up: "Have you no fear of God? You're getting the same as him. 41We deserve this, but not him--he did nothing to deserve this." 42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom." 43He said, "Don't worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise."
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Confession
So I have a confession to make. I know confessions are usually reserved as a conversation between a person and a clergy or a person and God. But in this case I am confessing on my blog.
My confession is this:
The past couple of days I have been mopping around mad at myself and the world. I am not quite sure why. I think it might have something to do with the fact that I have no idea what I am doing with my life right now. No direction. And trying to figure it out on my own is the pits.
My jobs end in August, I thought I had a plan after that but now I don’t know what I am doing. I could go in so many directions.
So I guess my true confession is that I have been a self seeking, narrow minded, prideful wandering fool. (If this exist, I am that)
It was not until last night at my weekly small group did I realize my sinful ways of the last week. We were discussing the Passion of the Christ and the significance of the movie to this Easter week.
And then it was when I realized that I had been so foolish. Why have I been acting this way?
Especially this week: Holy Week.
The week that we remember why Christ died on that cross upon Calvary. He died for our sins. For the sin you and I have and will commit. He suffered a great deal of pain on that cross. A pain that I could only imagine. A pain that I never want to experience. And there is me. Walling in my self pity. Trying to figure out a life that is not mine to figure out. Only God know that outcome at this point. He knows who my wife is, and when we will meet….
If we will have kids, and what their names are…..
Where I will live until I am old and grey…. And what day and time I will perish from this earth.
Yes it is my life, but it is not up to me what happens. I can only sit back and enjoy the ride.
The book I am currently reading talks a little about this, how God knows are plans and will provide for us.
Here is a great quote… the author is explaining the Lord’s Prayer:
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as in heaven.
The author then paraphrases this into Jesus saying this:Look, you are going to want to do things your way, but your way isn’t the best for you. Trust me, I know what you need.
That is so amazing. Now if I can go through this week, and the weeks to comes, and the rest of my life remembering that I think I will be just fine.
My confession is this:
The past couple of days I have been mopping around mad at myself and the world. I am not quite sure why. I think it might have something to do with the fact that I have no idea what I am doing with my life right now. No direction. And trying to figure it out on my own is the pits.
My jobs end in August, I thought I had a plan after that but now I don’t know what I am doing. I could go in so many directions.
So I guess my true confession is that I have been a self seeking, narrow minded, prideful wandering fool. (If this exist, I am that)
It was not until last night at my weekly small group did I realize my sinful ways of the last week. We were discussing the Passion of the Christ and the significance of the movie to this Easter week.
And then it was when I realized that I had been so foolish. Why have I been acting this way?
Especially this week: Holy Week.
The week that we remember why Christ died on that cross upon Calvary. He died for our sins. For the sin you and I have and will commit. He suffered a great deal of pain on that cross. A pain that I could only imagine. A pain that I never want to experience. And there is me. Walling in my self pity. Trying to figure out a life that is not mine to figure out. Only God know that outcome at this point. He knows who my wife is, and when we will meet….
If we will have kids, and what their names are…..
Where I will live until I am old and grey…. And what day and time I will perish from this earth.
Yes it is my life, but it is not up to me what happens. I can only sit back and enjoy the ride.
The book I am currently reading talks a little about this, how God knows are plans and will provide for us.
Here is a great quote… the author is explaining the Lord’s Prayer:
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as in heaven.
The author then paraphrases this into Jesus saying this:Look, you are going to want to do things your way, but your way isn’t the best for you. Trust me, I know what you need.
That is so amazing. Now if I can go through this week, and the weeks to comes, and the rest of my life remembering that I think I will be just fine.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Vegas!
I am in Las Vegas this week. Between golfing and whatever esle I might be too preoccuiped to post on this blog. But I promise if I hit that big jackpot you will be the first to know. Well maybe not the first, after I run naked in the casino screaming at the top of my lungs I think the people there might catch a clue that I have just won enough money to put my kids through college. (Dont worry mom I really dont have any kids it is just an expression.)
60 Days!
Sunday was my 60th day of snowboarding. Some would say that you need 100 days to be considered a ski bum. Well say what you want, I feel that I ski a good number of days. Even though our season was not the best the last month was magical! We had 90 inches in the month of march alone. Oh well just 9 months until next season. Or if you are hardcore like some of my buddies you ski backcountry until the snow melts.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Miller's New Book.
This past weekend while I was in NC I picked up Donald Miller’s new book: To Own a Dragon. If you know me at all you know that I am a huge Miller fan. Some say that I have not business reading this book because I grew up with a father. While this is true, I say I have all of the business in the world reading this book. Yes the book is written by someone who grew up without a Earthly father, I feel that he also wrote the book for those of us that grew up not truly knowing our Heavenly Father. Or those of us that are currently seeking him out daily. When I was growing up I feel that I knew that God existed, but I was not quite sure that I really knew him, that is I did not have a close relationship with Him. It wasn’t until about 3 and ½ years ago, when I truly met my Heavenly father.
In this book Miller does a great job about describing his journey without an earthly Father, while seeking a relationship with His Heavenly Father. Miller teams up with John MacMurry who is a landscape photographer. Miller lived with John and his family for a few years in Oregon. Miller describes what he learned about families as well as life while living with John. I could talk for hours about this book and Miller, but I am not. So go pick up this book or anything from Miller.
In this book Miller does a great job about describing his journey without an earthly Father, while seeking a relationship with His Heavenly Father. Miller teams up with John MacMurry who is a landscape photographer. Miller lived with John and his family for a few years in Oregon. Miller describes what he learned about families as well as life while living with John. I could talk for hours about this book and Miller, but I am not. So go pick up this book or anything from Miller.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Big Questions ?
If you have read a few of my last posts, you may notice that I have been asking a lot of questions lately. Call if a crisis, call it an epiphany, call it being an adult. Call it what you want. I quite don’t know what to call it. Maybe it has taken me 27 years to figure out I don’t have to take everything I am told literally. I don’t think I have fully don’t this in my life, but for the most part I believe a lot of what I have been told by my parents, teachers, and the media for what they tell me. But lately I have began to question everything. Maybe it is the company that I keep. Maybe this is Gods way of showing me that I should question a lot of things.
I think some of it is that I am tired of going with main line answer. I have taken a stance to think out side the box. Especially when it comes to my faith. All my life I have taken full stock in what I was taught about God. But lately it has been different. Questions that deal with heaven and hell, sin, grace and glory have been swimming in my head over the last couple of week. I do get a lot of these questions answered at the church I go to and in the books that I read. But I am convinced that only God knows these answers, and maybe he will show them to me in this life, or maybe in the next.
I think some of it is that I am tired of going with main line answer. I have taken a stance to think out side the box. Especially when it comes to my faith. All my life I have taken full stock in what I was taught about God. But lately it has been different. Questions that deal with heaven and hell, sin, grace and glory have been swimming in my head over the last couple of week. I do get a lot of these questions answered at the church I go to and in the books that I read. But I am convinced that only God knows these answers, and maybe he will show them to me in this life, or maybe in the next.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Church?
So I am still reading this book called Revolution and it is sparking a lot of thoughts in my head. The books talks about different way that people experience there faith. The author breaks it down to four different categories one being alternative faith based communities (meaning small groups, theology pubs, discipleship). Basically different ways of experiencing faith besides connecting with a local church. Working for a local church I am also thinking about way to get people who are not connected with our church to connect. Just to clarify I am talking about Christians that are not connected with churches. Which you doing think there would be a lot, but actually there at least 3 million people in America that claim they are evangelical Christians that are not connected with a church.
This past weekend I was in North Carolina. Unlike the state that I live in it is safe to say that there are a lot of people that are Christians in NC. But a pastor there told me that only 30% of Christians were tied to churches there, this was a surprise to me. After hearing this I asked myself this question:What does it take to get Christians tied into a local?
Or if they are tied into a local church what will it take to keep them there?
I am not saying that I all Christians have to go to a church. I understand that a lot of people don’t go to church, because of many reasons. They might have had a bad experience with church, or they just don’t fell that they don’t get fulfilled at church. Felling that church does not give them a sense of being close to God. So they find other ways. Some might fell closer to God in there P.J.s reading the bible with a hot cup of coffee. Some might fell closer to God singing in the shower.
While in a bookstore this past weekend I overheard a conversation, from a lady that was looking for a book. She was looking for a book that would answers some about Jesus’ life. She said that she loved her church but she felt that she was getting enough answers about Jesus’ life.
Now I am sure that this is a common all everywhere. But this tells me this is something that is plaguing a lot of people. They are searching for answers and they can not find them at their church. People are obviously asking big questions that they are not getting answered at church.
So can you cure this? Can you?
This past weekend I was in North Carolina. Unlike the state that I live in it is safe to say that there are a lot of people that are Christians in NC. But a pastor there told me that only 30% of Christians were tied to churches there, this was a surprise to me. After hearing this I asked myself this question:What does it take to get Christians tied into a local?
Or if they are tied into a local church what will it take to keep them there?
I am not saying that I all Christians have to go to a church. I understand that a lot of people don’t go to church, because of many reasons. They might have had a bad experience with church, or they just don’t fell that they don’t get fulfilled at church. Felling that church does not give them a sense of being close to God. So they find other ways. Some might fell closer to God in there P.J.s reading the bible with a hot cup of coffee. Some might fell closer to God singing in the shower.
While in a bookstore this past weekend I overheard a conversation, from a lady that was looking for a book. She was looking for a book that would answers some about Jesus’ life. She said that she loved her church but she felt that she was getting enough answers about Jesus’ life.
Now I am sure that this is a common all everywhere. But this tells me this is something that is plaguing a lot of people. They are searching for answers and they can not find them at their church. People are obviously asking big questions that they are not getting answered at church.
So can you cure this? Can you?
Thursday, March 23, 2006
The Passion
Last night the small group that I lead watched The Passion of the Christ. A couple of weeks ago we decided to start asking questions about Lent. As well as really digging into the story and traditions of the season. For me it has been a real rich time, focusing on this season in a way that I never have before.
Last night was only the second time that I have seen the Passion. It is one of those movies that you only have to watch once to grasp the magnitude of an event. As a Christian (a Christ follower – (i.e. someone who has a personal relationship with Jesus) it is a movie that paint such a vivid picture of the crucifixion. As I live my life everyday I carry the images depict in the movie with me.
But as my group went through our decisions the last couple of weeks, we decided that The Passion would give us a tangible view of what Jesus went through during the Crucifixion (or at least a glimpse). During this viewing, (which was still hard for me to watch) I started asking a couple of questions in the beginning of the movie.
One. Am I (are we) like Peter?
By this I mean do we say to ourselves and others that we love Jesus and will follow him no matter what. But when the rubber hit the road we get scared. We don’t know how to react. Will I be like Peter? When I am faced with the same situation, Will I deign Christ? I hope I can say I will not. But sometimes I find myself in situations that I have the choice to tell someone that I am follower of Christ and share my faith with them, for some reason I get scared and back out. Now some my not, but I consider this deigning Christ. I only hope that I can improve on this each time I find myself in this situation.
The second question:
What happen to those involved in the Crucifixion of Jesus?
(Judas, the Pharisees, Polite….)
Were they forgiven by God?
Or did they go to Hell?
(Ok so that is three questions, but this is my blog and I can write what I please).
Even though Judas brayed Jesus and committed suicide what happened to him? This is a question that we could debate for ever. (Actually if you are up for it I am down). I have been thinking along these lines for a couple weeks now. Specifically asking myself questions about Heaven. But that is whole another post. (A topic coming to a blog near you soon).
Scripture tells us some of what happens to these people. But only to a certain point. A lot is up to debate and speculation. I say that we may only know when we get heaven, as who is there or not………….
Last night was only the second time that I have seen the Passion. It is one of those movies that you only have to watch once to grasp the magnitude of an event. As a Christian (a Christ follower – (i.e. someone who has a personal relationship with Jesus) it is a movie that paint such a vivid picture of the crucifixion. As I live my life everyday I carry the images depict in the movie with me.
But as my group went through our decisions the last couple of weeks, we decided that The Passion would give us a tangible view of what Jesus went through during the Crucifixion (or at least a glimpse). During this viewing, (which was still hard for me to watch) I started asking a couple of questions in the beginning of the movie.
One. Am I (are we) like Peter?
By this I mean do we say to ourselves and others that we love Jesus and will follow him no matter what. But when the rubber hit the road we get scared. We don’t know how to react. Will I be like Peter? When I am faced with the same situation, Will I deign Christ? I hope I can say I will not. But sometimes I find myself in situations that I have the choice to tell someone that I am follower of Christ and share my faith with them, for some reason I get scared and back out. Now some my not, but I consider this deigning Christ. I only hope that I can improve on this each time I find myself in this situation.
The second question:
What happen to those involved in the Crucifixion of Jesus?
(Judas, the Pharisees, Polite….)
Were they forgiven by God?
Or did they go to Hell?
(Ok so that is three questions, but this is my blog and I can write what I please).
Even though Judas brayed Jesus and committed suicide what happened to him? This is a question that we could debate for ever. (Actually if you are up for it I am down). I have been thinking along these lines for a couple weeks now. Specifically asking myself questions about Heaven. But that is whole another post. (A topic coming to a blog near you soon).
Scripture tells us some of what happens to these people. But only to a certain point. A lot is up to debate and speculation. I say that we may only know when we get heaven, as who is there or not………….
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Revolution
I am currently reading a book called Revolution, by George Barna. The book speaks of Revolutionaries in a since are people who do whatever it takes to get closer to God and help others do the same. Some of these Revolutionaries are not connected to a local church. Which in a church mentally that seems weird. In America we are taught that is you want to be close to God you go to church.
Barna says, “There is nothing inherently wrong with being involved in a local church. But realize that being part of a group that calls itself a ‘church’ does not make you saved, holy, righteous, or godly anymore than being in Yankee Stadium makes you a professional baseball player.”
Mean that just because I go to church every Sunday, does not mean that I am a better Christian or person than the next guy. In fact there are millions of evangelical Christians in America that are without a church. Now I will say that being involved with a church give me a sense of community, where I can go and worship the Lord and be among the Church ( big C meaning the body of Christ, not just small c, the building and what it does). The fact that I attend a church, does not give me any glory in the sight of God. Now I don’t want to sound bitter at the church, in fact I work for a church. I am just burned out on what the church has become, specially the local American church. In recent years the American church has become too much out Mega size, power point, great music, and entertaining sermons. If I want to be entertained I will go to a movie, or a concert. This is on reason why I think a large number of Christians are not connected with local church.
Some even claim that “The local church is the hope of the world” as Barna argues, (and I argee with him) Jesus and Jesus alone is the hope for world. With that said I want to pose this question, Why is there so much emphasis put on the local church
Here is one closing thought from Barna, “You see, it’s not about church. It’s about the Church- this is the people who actively participate in the intentional advancement of God’s Kingdom in partnership with the Holy Spirit and other believers.
Barna says, “There is nothing inherently wrong with being involved in a local church. But realize that being part of a group that calls itself a ‘church’ does not make you saved, holy, righteous, or godly anymore than being in Yankee Stadium makes you a professional baseball player.”
Mean that just because I go to church every Sunday, does not mean that I am a better Christian or person than the next guy. In fact there are millions of evangelical Christians in America that are without a church. Now I will say that being involved with a church give me a sense of community, where I can go and worship the Lord and be among the Church ( big C meaning the body of Christ, not just small c, the building and what it does). The fact that I attend a church, does not give me any glory in the sight of God. Now I don’t want to sound bitter at the church, in fact I work for a church. I am just burned out on what the church has become, specially the local American church. In recent years the American church has become too much out Mega size, power point, great music, and entertaining sermons. If I want to be entertained I will go to a movie, or a concert. This is on reason why I think a large number of Christians are not connected with local church.
Some even claim that “The local church is the hope of the world” as Barna argues, (and I argee with him) Jesus and Jesus alone is the hope for world. With that said I want to pose this question, Why is there so much emphasis put on the local church
Here is one closing thought from Barna, “You see, it’s not about church. It’s about the Church- this is the people who actively participate in the intentional advancement of God’s Kingdom in partnership with the Holy Spirit and other believers.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Risk
After some crazy events that happened in my life this past weekend I have been giving a lot of though about risk. Specifically taking risks in my life. I came op with one particular question: (actually a lot of questions)
What is the balance in taking risk and obeying God’s voice.
In the last year I have made a lot consideration in the decisions that I make in my life. Most of the time, asking myself: Is this what God wants for me?
Or is it just what I think is what I want or need for my self. Should I consult and wait for God on every decision that I make?
Or if I am 100% absolutely sure that something is the right thing, without conformation from God, should I take the risk?
And what is not taking risk means, doing thing the hard way, or loosing that dream girl?
But on the other hand if is not from God (100 % conformation from him that it is the right thing to do) do I want that risk?
What is the balance in taking risk and obeying God’s voice.
In the last year I have made a lot consideration in the decisions that I make in my life. Most of the time, asking myself: Is this what God wants for me?
Or is it just what I think is what I want or need for my self. Should I consult and wait for God on every decision that I make?
Or if I am 100% absolutely sure that something is the right thing, without conformation from God, should I take the risk?
And what is not taking risk means, doing thing the hard way, or loosing that dream girl?
But on the other hand if is not from God (100 % conformation from him that it is the right thing to do) do I want that risk?
More about my trip
The more and more I think about what I saw in New Orleans the hardest it gets to explain.
I wrote a lot about my trip while I was down there, but I as read it now it seems rawer than I first realized. I wrote most of it and in heat of the moment, and in most of my writing I was angry. Angry at a lot of different people.
Mad at the government for taking so long to respond.
Mad at the local government for not engraining the levees correctly so they would not break.
Mad at myself for not going down before now, or not being able to stay longer and help more.
Right after Katrina, I was mad at God. (OK maybe not mad, but confused.) How could he let this happen?
My emotions tend to run high when I am in the mist of something that I feel so passionate about.
So when I look back at the four or five pages that I wrote about my experience, there are only a few that I feel comfortable sharing on this blog. If you know me this might seem unusual behavior for me. But I really felt that I was mad for the wrong reasons.
But as far as more of my experience in New Orleans here is a small snippet. Imagine coming back to your house or apartment after 3 – 9 feet of water had receded. Pretty hard to grasp how much damage this much water can really leave behind. Forget about saving any thing. From your family pictures to you insulation, all gone. Now that really puts into perspective how much these people lost, and how much emphasis that we put on possession.
As we drove through the had hit areas of New Orleans, my jaw dropped. I had never seen anything like it in my life. House literally gutted. Nothing left. And some areas of town have not even began to rebuild.
Most of the buildings and houses had an X spray painted on them, marking that they had been searched by local law enforcement agencies. Some months after the storms. The lone thing that stuck out was a number at the bottom of the X. This number represented the number of bodies found in the house. Some of the houses had 1,2, and even three at the bottom. Crazy! The authorities are still keeping the actual number of casualties quite.
The last crazy observation that I witnessed in New Orleans, is that six months after Katrina and Rita most people in the city are still rebuilding. You would think that this would not be happing so long after a natural disaster. But it is. Some are still not able to return to their house. Some people are living in the top portion of their houses. Some of the lucky ones are living in what are called FEMA trailers, literally in their front yards.
So this is a small sample of what I saw in New Orleans. The last thing I want to say is that there is still need in that town. Need of a lot things: volunteers, food, money, etc. If you would like to help out in anyway email me and I can let you know how.
I wrote a lot about my trip while I was down there, but I as read it now it seems rawer than I first realized. I wrote most of it and in heat of the moment, and in most of my writing I was angry. Angry at a lot of different people.
Mad at the government for taking so long to respond.
Mad at the local government for not engraining the levees correctly so they would not break.
Mad at myself for not going down before now, or not being able to stay longer and help more.
Right after Katrina, I was mad at God. (OK maybe not mad, but confused.) How could he let this happen?
My emotions tend to run high when I am in the mist of something that I feel so passionate about.
So when I look back at the four or five pages that I wrote about my experience, there are only a few that I feel comfortable sharing on this blog. If you know me this might seem unusual behavior for me. But I really felt that I was mad for the wrong reasons.
But as far as more of my experience in New Orleans here is a small snippet. Imagine coming back to your house or apartment after 3 – 9 feet of water had receded. Pretty hard to grasp how much damage this much water can really leave behind. Forget about saving any thing. From your family pictures to you insulation, all gone. Now that really puts into perspective how much these people lost, and how much emphasis that we put on possession.
As we drove through the had hit areas of New Orleans, my jaw dropped. I had never seen anything like it in my life. House literally gutted. Nothing left. And some areas of town have not even began to rebuild.
Most of the buildings and houses had an X spray painted on them, marking that they had been searched by local law enforcement agencies. Some months after the storms. The lone thing that stuck out was a number at the bottom of the X. This number represented the number of bodies found in the house. Some of the houses had 1,2, and even three at the bottom. Crazy! The authorities are still keeping the actual number of casualties quite.
The last crazy observation that I witnessed in New Orleans, is that six months after Katrina and Rita most people in the city are still rebuilding. You would think that this would not be happing so long after a natural disaster. But it is. Some are still not able to return to their house. Some people are living in the top portion of their houses. Some of the lucky ones are living in what are called FEMA trailers, literally in their front yards.
So this is a small sample of what I saw in New Orleans. The last thing I want to say is that there is still need in that town. Need of a lot things: volunteers, food, money, etc. If you would like to help out in anyway email me and I can let you know how.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
What is back to normal?
I spent last week in New Orleans with a team from my church to helprebuild. I did not go downthere to help rebuild because I wanted to feel good about myself afterI got back. I went downthere because when the Hurricanes hit was deeply impacted. Most of myfamily lives in New Orleansand some sustained damage to their house.The one thing that everyone kept saying to us when were down therewas, "When you go hometell everyone, that we are not back to normal here." Those words stuckwith me and so this is myopportunity to let everyone one know (at least the people that read my blog).Nothing could prepare me for what I saw when I went to New Orleans. Iknew to expect theworst, but some of the damage that I saw was beyond anything that Ihave ever seen.But the one thing that did surprise me, was the spirit of the people ofNew Orleans. You wouldthink that 6 months after a disaster everything would be rebuilt andback to normal. Well this isnot the case. But talking to some people you would never know thatthey went through somethingas tragic as Katrina and Rita.We had a conversation with one man who's house was damage so bad thathe is now living inin his upstairs master bed room with his wife and 2 kids, and atoaster oven. But you would neverknow by his spirit. As I was standing in line at a New Orleans coffeeshop this gentleman cameup and offered to buy our coffee. He said that he appreciated uscoming down and help. Nowthat is amazing. I mean this guy (and many others in the city) in thetop of is water damaged, moldinfested house, and all he wants to do is buy me coffee. How great isthat! Oh course I didnot take him up on his offer. But I did have a chance to talk and praywith him. And that wasenough for me.That was just one example of the amazing spirit of the people of NewOrleans that I experiencedlast week. I will be posting more about my trip in the next couple of days.As I wrote the other day I am working at the ski resort all week. Or Ias I am referring to it asTexas Land (Hopefully only for the next couple of days). I don’t mindthem, or at least don’t mindthem leaving their green, but I want my state back. Oh well by nextweek they will be gone.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Back From the Cresent City
I arrived back from the Cresent City on Saturday. I did not haveinternet access down thereso I was unable to post any updates. I will be posting about myexperience in the following days.I will also try to put some pics up on my photoblog soon. My camarabroke mid trip so I amwaiting to get some more pics from others that I went on the trip with.On another note. When I arrived back in Durango I was welcomed by alarge scale snow dump.By the time storm was over we were left with about 5 feet at ourmountain. After a unusally warmand dry this storm is a welcomed blessing for our town and oureconomy. Although as a localand working at the resort the abunance of snow means more traffic intown and longer lift lines.But I can put up with it for a week or two
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