tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439670153521554122024-03-13T13:40:47.293-04:00Dan WeissUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger522125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-84130512070819050812018-02-25T17:31:00.002-05:002018-02-25T17:31:50.754-05:00Four Lost Reflections of God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtysYdsohaZB39Muw0JpDG6kgOQE1-gdCQphHJq5sj7H6cfMGY8WZ33PB8-NjvwOBBv3gWQKrIDcXQqemnqYZJqJp_XHqdBGg7Nrd9vEcvQdORIsQnd2c0GlWAcCrFyqY8FOayqPiOiqj4/s1600/16th_Street_Baptist_Church_corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtysYdsohaZB39Muw0JpDG6kgOQE1-gdCQphHJq5sj7H6cfMGY8WZ33PB8-NjvwOBBv3gWQKrIDcXQqemnqYZJqJp_XHqdBGg7Nrd9vEcvQdORIsQnd2c0GlWAcCrFyqY8FOayqPiOiqj4/s320/16th_Street_Baptist_Church_corner.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a college student in the late 90s, I was not passionate about learning. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sports, friends, girls and fun filled up my schedule, leaving little time for acquiring knowledge. I earned my degree, but did not learn nearly as much as I could have. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the last several years, however, my curiosity and desire to learn have been sparked by the people around me. I’ve been involved in cross-cultural ministry since the fall of 2014, first in a different country and now in a different city. It has been a journey of having my eyes opened to the beauty of other cultures and realizing how God is already at work among people who are different than me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently I was chosen to participate in a Civil Rights Pilgrimage. I joined two of my co-workers and 16 strangers on a journey to the Alabama cities of Birmingham, Selma, Montgomery and Tuskegee.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The facts</span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At the corner of 6th Avenue and 16th Street in Birmingham, we found ourselves nearly surrounded by historical sites. On the Southeast is Kelly Ingram Park which is filled with statues commemorating aspects of the Civil Rights movement. The Southwest quadrant is the Civil Rights Institute. On the Northwest corner is the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our first stop was the Civil Rights Institute. I discovered many names, faces and events that were new to me. I remember feeling a bit ashamed at my ignorance but felt inspired to study and learn as much as I could.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eventually I came to the exhibit dedicated to the terrorist attack on the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. This exhibit is strategically placed near windows that allow you to see the actual church across the street. I had heard about this bombing before and how it had killed four young girls. However, several facts surrounding the attack were new to me. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11h3ew3vBpWgkOdpu7pwk5myyS1j235QxrK7UxQuTciTd1mHYp8S4vQl3usfB8mT-tndriasfrrtCn5Gzz6n8rCHMlbvz5-kirSUgVOffg22k2OIJuleNYqpN2Ie5-ypHohQ0inOeez4m/s1600/4+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11h3ew3vBpWgkOdpu7pwk5myyS1j235QxrK7UxQuTciTd1mHYp8S4vQl3usfB8mT-tndriasfrrtCn5Gzz6n8rCHMlbvz5-kirSUgVOffg22k2OIJuleNYqpN2Ie5-ypHohQ0inOeez4m/s1600/4+girls.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I learned the names and ages of the girls - Addie Mae Collins (top left) was 14; Carole Robertson (bottom right) was 14, Denise McNair (bottom left) was 11 and Cynthia Wesley (top right) was 14. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I also learned the date of the attack - September 15, 1963.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I stared at the date for some time - probably not minutes, but long enough to realize I was staring. My heartbeat and my breathing became noticeable and my mind was reeling. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was born on September 15, 1976 - a difference of exactly 13 years. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Only 13 years.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While walking through the Civil Rights Institute and seeing black and white photos, I was transported back in time. Even though I knew better, I felt as though the events of the Civil Rights Movement had happened at least 50-75 years before I was born. The years separating me from those four little girls were stretched to twice, three or four times their actual length.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Being hit with the relative proximity of this tragedy shook me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Realization</span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Questions overtook my mind as I stared at the date of the bombing. How did I not know the date of this attack? Was it really just 13 years before I was born? What would Addie Mae, Carole, Denise and Cynthia be doing today if they had not been murdered? How many others were killed during the Civil Rights movement?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I pictured the day of my birth, but not what was happening where I was born. I imagined the homes of the girls’ families. I saw the parents of Addie Mae, Carole, Denise and Cynthia waking up and not wanting to get out of bed. They didn’t want to face another anniversary, another flood of emotions, more questions from reporters and others wanting to memorialize their daughters. They were still devastated because their little girls were gone, and even though more than a decade had passed, the pain was still fresh.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought of my own children, my 15-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son. The 13 years that have passed since my son was born have gone by in a flash. But for the parents of Addie Mae, Carole, Denise and Cynthia, 13 years probably felt like a crushing lifetime and each new day another year added on top of that.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why didn’t I know? Why didn’t anyone tell me? How is it possible that I have celebrated 41 birthdays on September 15 and never learned the significance of that date?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are two answers to these questions and each is equally disturbing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">America doesn’t think the deaths of Addie Mae, Carole, Denise and Cynthia at the hands of white supremacists merited mention.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Either that, or my own importance and privilege have made me apathetic to history and blind to the pain of others. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or maybe it is both.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Resolution</span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Addie Mae Collins</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Carole Robertson</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Denise McNair</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cynthia Wesley</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Their names and lives are significant, not just because of how they died but because of how they were created. The Creator of the Universe, the one we call God, created each of them in His image. Those little girls with dark skin were a perfect reflection of our Heavenly Father. God made Addie Mae, Carole, Denise and Cynthia exactly as He intended them to be. He had a purpose in mind for each of those girls. He wanted the rest of the world to know Him better when they met Addie Mae, Carole, Denise and Cynthia.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s why their deaths are significant enough to be included in every single historical account. Significant enough to remember September 15, 1963, the same way we remember September 11, 2001.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My birthdays will be different from now on. I’ll still celebrate another year of life because I think that’s what God would want. After all, each day is a gift from Him and it’s a good practice to celebrate regularly. However, my birthday will also include a time of remembrance, mourning and lament as I acknowledge the image of God in Addie Mae, Carole, Denise and Cynthia that was taken away from us by hatred.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Questions</span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This pilgrimage has left me with more questions than answers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What happened to the image of God in those who killed Addie Mae, Carole, Denise and Cynthia? Those men were also created as a reflection of our Heavenly Father. How did hatred and white supremacy so fill them that they couldn’t see God’s image in black people?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do we see the image of God in people of color? In immigrants and refugees? In anyone who is different from us?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Has hatred, pride, greed or comfort so filled us that we can no longer see the image of God in ourselves?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are all created in the image of God. We all display unique parts of our Heavenly Father and without those unique parts we can’t possibly know God. We were intended to complement each other in order to reflect who God is. It’s not enough to see each other as valuable; we must start to see each other as necessary.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley would be 68, and Denise McNair would be 66. I wish I could have known them because through them, I would better know God.</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-16322698496193071772017-05-09T07:09:00.000-04:002017-05-09T07:10:18.111-04:00Will you accept the gift? [2017:7/52]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BsOJm-wqwgQPk09K9bYSGcsQ3csKjkHogPtBC8DewcriZst-lrPEViNxm8XXhnCbvnbwi_yP4FwjatbKYJLDPX_sbz7AwhUOi3Z_T92PqoXWTrJ8fIL98sPGCrNLk8GSfXQT-SQspGFK/s1600/begging-1922612_960_720.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BsOJm-wqwgQPk09K9bYSGcsQ3csKjkHogPtBC8DewcriZst-lrPEViNxm8XXhnCbvnbwi_yP4FwjatbKYJLDPX_sbz7AwhUOi3Z_T92PqoXWTrJ8fIL98sPGCrNLk8GSfXQT-SQspGFK/s320/begging-1922612_960_720.png" width="320" /></a></div>
If you've grown up in church like I did, the title of this post, "Will you accept the gift?" is not unfamiliar. It usually refers to salvation - a free gift given by God.<br />
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But this isn't about that.<br />
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The gift I'm talking about could be any gift, any act of kindness or form of service that one person can give to another.<br />
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Almost all people like to get gifts, but have you ever thought about the circumstances under which we will happily accept a gift?<br />
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- Birthdays<br />
- Anniversaries<br />
- Christmas<br />
- Graduations<br />
- Weddings<br />
- Baby Showers<br />
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It seems like there must be some special occasion in order to willingly accept a gift.<br />
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What about a gift that is given, "just because?" And what about a gift that is given to meet a perceived need - something we can't provide for ourselves? That's the kind of gift I'm talking about, and it is often difficult to accept.<br />
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I've got some friends who were in a serious car accident. The didn't suffer any major injuries but needed a few days of rest to let the bumps and bruises heal. I wanted to bring them a meal one night just so they didn't have to cook or go out for food.<br />
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When I offered the gift I was prepared for the reaction I'm accustomed to hearing: "Oh that's OK. We can manage. Don't worry about us. We're fine."<br />
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I was prepared to offer a little more forcefully until they relented.<br />
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However, my friends surprised me with their response. "Thank you. We accept your love offering."<br />
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At first the response seemed odd to me, but I quickly realized what a beautiful response it was.<br />
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Where I come from, people are used to being the giver and not the receiver. Self-sufficiency is a virtue right up there with honesty, hard work, strong moral character and patriotism. Receiving help is not a regular activity. And if the time ever comes when help is needed, it is customary to put on a self-sufficient show, making a big production of how you can manage and others shouldn't inconvenience themselves for your sake. Then, after a sufficient amount of resistance, it is allowable to accept the gift ... begrudgingly.<br />
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It was common for me growing up to see two grown men arguing over who would pay for the meal at a restaurant. I never understood it.<br />
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Having spent time with people from different cultures and different walks of life, I'm starting to see that not everyone puts such high value on being self-sufficient. And not everyone makes such a big show of being able to fend for themselves.<br />
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Some people happily accept gifts given "just because" or gifts given to help meet needs.<br />
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Jesus gives us an example of being willing to accept a gift. Remember, in John 12, when Mary poured perfume on His feet and wiped them with her hair? One of the disciples objected, but Jesus defended her actions and embraced the act of kindness.<br />
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Mary's was an uncommon act of kindness intended to bless the receiver. But many times we forget about the blessing received by the giver ... unless the giver is us!<br />
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Acts 20:35 quotes Jesus: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This is a well-known phrase. We teach it to our children so they will be generous as they grow up. Most of us try to live out this truth by being generous ourselves - especially when those around us need help.<br />
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But, if giving is the MORE BLESSED position, why are we so hesitant to allow others to give to us?<br />
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Think about the feeling you get when you give a good gift to someone. It's way better than receiving the gift. After all, being the receiver can often imply need. So, to meet someone else's need feels great. But it also puts the giver in a position of power, self-sufficiency and greater blessing.<br />
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What if we allowed others - maybe even those we consider needy - to occupy the position of giver once in a while? What if they could hold the power, the feeling of self-sufficiency and the greater blessing.<br />
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Being generous isn't always about giving, sometimes we must receive as well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-22312438216131037472017-03-19T08:53:00.003-04:002017-03-19T08:53:46.616-04:00What if ... [2017:6/52]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-3CZ0KUmdFXZ04De7M_yxXyAYK-PeBYVbeUILAPCHCYVxduKN5GdYJnPzczZllQwj6DT_E_uPcaLyKo8KMYi6kFe6pk7y42aJ-a_KLODM4SaeA4HzaZEfjh2NM7VAbDsKqF3xiqBtiPw/s1600/4637561241_6d77f97087_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-3CZ0KUmdFXZ04De7M_yxXyAYK-PeBYVbeUILAPCHCYVxduKN5GdYJnPzczZllQwj6DT_E_uPcaLyKo8KMYi6kFe6pk7y42aJ-a_KLODM4SaeA4HzaZEfjh2NM7VAbDsKqF3xiqBtiPw/s400/4637561241_6d77f97087_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if we are on the verge of the next Great Awakening?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if we are blind to the injustices we are guilty of?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if I acknowledge my many privileges and wield them to enact justice?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">What if we’re missing out on part of the Gospel because we avoid discomfort?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if we’re missing out on part of the Gospel because we avoid suffering?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if we’re missing out on part of the Gospel because we avoid people who are different from us?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if we’re spending the majority of our time and effort on things that won’t matter in eternity?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if we defend and fight for refugees just as strongly as we defend and fight for the unborn?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if we were more concerned about criminals’ eternal souls than we are about them getting the punishment they deserve?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if we are just the slightest bit racist?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if our stereotypes, prejudices and biases are keeping us from loving our neighbors as we do ourselves?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if inner cities are places of beauty?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if the next generation looks back on us with disgust for the problems we’ve tried to ignore?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if our comfort is keeping us from learning all that God wants to teach us?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if the poor are not just people we should help but people we should learn from?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if we’ve been doing church wrong?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if Jesus had really dark skin and hair?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if money didn’t have such a hold on our priorities?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if small groups are not the way to build community?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if community isn’t the answer to our sin issues?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if our sin issues never go away?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if safety is an impossible thing to achieve?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if financial peace is an impossible thing to achieve?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if God asks us to do something really dangerous and costly?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if we say no to God when He asks us to do hard things?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What are your “What if” questions?</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-13268414566667832202017-02-22T11:35:00.004-05:002017-02-22T11:35:54.537-05:00The Image of God [2017:5/52]<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Genesis 1:26-27</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lest we forget, here is a <i>very small</i> sampling of those who were created in the image of God:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-13661457916588421362017-01-31T07:53:00.001-05:002017-01-31T07:53:33.555-05:00Confession [2017:4/52]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Shout it aloud, do not hold back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Raise your voice like a trumpet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Declare to my people their rebellion</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and to the house of Jacob their sins.</span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For day after day they seek me out;</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">they seem eager to know my ways,</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">as if they were a nation that does what is right</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and has not forsaken the commands of its God.</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They ask me for just decisions</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and seem eager for God to come near them.</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">'Why have we fasted,' they say,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">'and you have not seen it?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Why have we humbled ourselves,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and you have not noticed?'</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Yet on the day of your fasting you do as you please</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and exploit all your workers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and in striking each other with wicked fists.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You cannot fast as you do today</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and expect your voice to be heard on high.</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">only a day for a man to humble himself?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Is that what you call a fast,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">a day acceptable to the Lord?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">to <u>loose the chains of injustice</u></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and <u>untie the cords of the yoke</u>,</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">to <u>set the oppressed free</u></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and <u>break every yoke</u>?</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Is it not to <u>share your food with the hungry</u></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and to <u>provide the poor wanderer with shelter</u>-</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>when you see the naked, to clothe him</u>,</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and <u>not to turn away from your own flesh and blood</u>?</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Then your light will break forth like the dawn,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and your healing will quickly appear;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">then your righteousness will go before you,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">with the pointing finger and malicious talk,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">then your light will rise in the darkness,</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and your night will become like the noonday.</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Lord will guide you always;</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and will strengthen your frame.</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You will be like a well-watered garden,</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">like a spring whose waters never fail.</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and will raise up the age-old foundations;</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and from doing as you please on my holy day,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">if you call the Sabbath a delight</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and the Lord's holy day honorable,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and if you honor it by not going your own way</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">then you will find your joy in the Lord,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The mouth of the Lord has spoken. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Isaiah 58 (emphases added)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is my confession: I am no better than Israel when these words were spoken by God through the prophet Isaiah.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For a long time I have been talking about justice, about walking alongside the oppressed, about serving others. This past week, however, I was forced to face up to the reality that talk is a lot easier than action.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">With all the reaction to President Trump's executive order to ban refugees from entering the United States, I've had to question where I stand on this issue and what my reaction will be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">First of all, I vehemently disagree with turning away people who are seeking refuge. I believe anyone who reads the Bible and takes it seriously cannot dismiss the Lord's desire for us to welcome foreigners and those desperate for help. So the president's ban is disappointing and shameful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">However, when I consider what my reaction will be, things are not so clear. I am not afraid of refugees or muslims or terrorists - the worst any of these people could do is hurt me or my loved ones physically. As a Christian and a disciple of Jesus, I should live expecting such treatment (John 15:18-19). So it is not fear that gives me trouble when considering my reaction - it is <a href="http://danweiss-learning.blogspot.com/2017/01/comfort-2017352.html">comfort</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If I boil this issue down to a very personal level and consider how I may practically help those refugees who are no longer welcome in the United States, my instincts to preserve comfort and convenience kick in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Would I welcome a refugee family into my home?</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I want to say yes, but the truth is that it would be very inconvenient and uncomfortable for me and my family.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Will I write a letter to my congressman and/or other elected officials?</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I want to say yes, but how would I find the time? What would I say?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Will I donate money to organizations who are helping refugees?</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I want to say yes, but I've got so many other people and organizations who need my support as well.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Will I pray for refugees?</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I want to say yes, but my prayer life is a joke. I can't even remember to pray for my own family much of the time, so how can I realistically commit to praying for people who I don't know.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">All of these are confessions. I'm not proud of myself. I'm humiliated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A few years ago I read a book called <a href="http://areyouoverrated.com/">Overrated</a> by Eugene Cho, pastor and founder of <a href="https://www.onedayswages.org/">One Day's Wages</a>. The thesis of this book is that our generation is very aware of issues of justice. We are very concerned and quick to respond to injustices in the world. The problem is that we are not quick to act in meaningful ways. Therefore, we risk becoming the most overrated generation in history - one with incredible potential to do good, but without the willingness to enact justice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>I am overrated.</b></i> I have big ideas and feel strongly about issues of justice - systemic racism, poverty, mass incarceration, immigration, the death penalty, human trafficking, war - and yet, what do I do? I continue living my comfortable life, mostly concerned about myself and my family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This post is not about where I stand on issues of justice. My stance doesn't matter if I'm not willing to do something about it. This is about my heart and my lack of willingness to do things that are difficult on behalf of the oppressed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Some people actually believe that if our hearts are in the right place then it doesn't matter what we do. If you read Isaiah 58 above that is clearly not true. God told His chosen people that their religious disciplines were worthless if not accompanied by acts of mercy and justice. I have been so quick to give myself a pass because I've felt that my heart was in the right place - that I was taking the right stand on issues. Now I can see that Isaiah 58 could have been written about me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For day after day Dan seeks me out;</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">he seems eager to know my ways,</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">as if he is a person that does what is right</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and has not forsaken the commands of his God.</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He asks me for just decisions</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and seems eager for God to come near him.</span></b></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; text-align: start;"> </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-63068856491909229452017-01-22T18:09:00.001-05:002017-01-22T18:09:05.293-05:00Comfort [2017:3/52]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu73KjeXF7r_5CFJhmWO89UglblJlRPVRgmLyMR4kC0EYswxwKUHgNkStpeyJJt08FBKzqaI_P7CZIc5XlrEHAG5u17Wqfa3h2HXK-pxy0rHE4D8OOnLUgKfKrMSa3kVmSYMARRr6i09eP/s1600/American-Dream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu73KjeXF7r_5CFJhmWO89UglblJlRPVRgmLyMR4kC0EYswxwKUHgNkStpeyJJt08FBKzqaI_P7CZIc5XlrEHAG5u17Wqfa3h2HXK-pxy0rHE4D8OOnLUgKfKrMSa3kVmSYMARRr6i09eP/s400/American-Dream.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair." </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">- C.S. Lewis</span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Comfort is a slippery thing. It's hard to grab onto. If you can get it in your grasp, it's hard to keep it there. Once you've had it and lost it, your desire to get it back can consume you. If you've got a firm grip on comfort, you are not likely to voluntarily let it go. You'd like to share it with others, but then, if you do there may not be enough of it for both parties.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are many things in life like comfort - or maybe they are subcategories of comfort:</span></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Power</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Wealth</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Safety</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Comfort also has some cousins:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Status Quo</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Freedom</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Control</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Comfort, along with its subcategories and cousins, has become the biggest idol that stops us from becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is true for me, and I'm sure it's true for many of you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Stop and think about your life. If someone who doesn't know anything about you took a look at the way you live, what could they assume was the most important thing in your life? Take it a step further and imagine if someone who has grown up in a third world country examined your life. What would they conclude about your priorities? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">If we read about the life of Jesus, there were some clear indications of what was most important to Him. Even as a boy He chose the Temple of God over time with His own family. As an adult Jesus spent His days teaching, healing, comforting and confronting - all in an effort to show the world who God really is. He poured Himself into a group of young men so that they could do the same once He was gone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">As you read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John you will not find Jesus seeking comfort. He did not put down roots in any one place, instead He said, "The Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He was homeless! As someone who was constantly on the move, we can safely assume He did not have a large wardrobe that He had to carry with Him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jesus was shown great hospitality and did not turn down acts of kindness, sometimes in comfortable settings. However, He did not seek comfort and was not preoccupied with His own <i>power</i>, <i>wealth</i> or <i>safety</i>. He surely did not seek to maintain the <i>status quo</i> of the day. He willingly laid down His <i>freedom</i> and allowed others to take or maintain <i>control</i> in certain situations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">I wish I could say I was more like Jesus than I am. I do so many things to preserve or achieve comfort. </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Comfort has become an idol in my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Part of my problem is I've had a firm grip on comfort for so long that I'm afraid to let it go. I don't know how to live any other way. I've seen what life looks like without comfort and it scares me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">I grew up in the United States of America - a <i>wealthy</i> nation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">I grew up as a white male - a very <i>powerful</i> set of traits.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">I grew up in the country - a <i>safe</i> place to live.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">I grew up with a good education - something that allowed me to <i>control</i> my future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">I grew up in a stable, loving family - the <i>status quo</i> was rarely threatened.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">I grew up as a Christian - a state of complete <i>freedom</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">All of those things above are incredible blessings. The problem is, I've grown so accustomed to them that they've become something I find myself fighting to protect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Power</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have learned that the most powerful group of people in this country is one that I became a part of the moment I was born. I didn't earn my way into this group. I didn't ask to be in this group. I didn't even know I was in this group at first.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Being a white male equals power in the United States. I'm not saying every white male has authority over others. I am saying that being a white male has granted me <a href="https://www.deanza.edu/faculty/lewisjulie/White%20Priviledge%20Unpacking%20the%20Invisible%20Knapsack.pdf">privileges</a> that no other group in this country has.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">In general, people do not make negative assumptions about me because of my race or gender. In fact, most of the time people will assume positive things about me because of my race and gender.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I get pulled over for a traffic violation - something that has happened too many times in my life - I don't spend much time thinking about my body language or tone of voice. I feel safe, even when the officer walks up to my window with his hand on his gun. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">If I'm uncomfortable in multicultural settings, especially settings in which I'm the only white guy, I can usually choose a different setting that makes me more comfortable (i.e. a room full of other white people). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is a power that not everyone has.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Wealth</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">We all know that the Bible says, "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." Very few of us would say that we love money, and therefore, don't worry about its evils. However, if we compare our thoughts and interactions with money to those of Jesus, we are not likely to see many similarities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">When Jesus tells the rich young man to sell all he has and give to the poor, then follow Jesus, I tend to start interpreting Scripture in a way that absolves me of Jesus' words, even though I am very much like that rich young man.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">When Jesus tells a large crowd, "Do not store up treasures on earth ... store up treasures in heaven," I'm quick to think logically about the need to be prepared in case of an emergency. I'm not trying to store up a treasure, just to be wise and take care of my family. That's what a good husband and father does, right? But if I've got an emergency fund stored up and disaster hits, why would I need to rely on God for help.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">I don't want to take care of myself or my family, I want all of us to be in God's care. I'm so unqualified to be the provider and He's the creator of everything and gives us everything we need if we just trust Him!</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Safety</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Every night I pray before going to bed and I ask God to keep my family safe. When we leave on a road trip we ask God to protect us. Any time my kids are away from home, or I'm away from them for the night, I pray for their safety.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Do you see the common thread?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">In the moments when I don't feel like I'm in control - that's when I look to God for protection. Any other time I feel pretty confident that I can keep myself and my family safe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">It turns out, safety is harder to get ahold of than comfort! It's an illusion really. We've all known people who have suddenly and tragically died. Most of them probably felt quite safe moments before tragedy struck.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">When we offer our lives to God as His disciples, we must also lay down our desire and need for safety. The Apostle Paul wrote, "For me to live is Christ, to die is gain." He knew safety wasn't going to always be with him as he served the Lord. Paul was beaten, imprisoned, stoned, shipwrecked and more. He longed for death to come so he could be in heaven, and yet he served God while he was alive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">How many of us live that way? How many of us really believe there's something better awaiting us when we die?</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Status Quo, Freedom, Control</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">These three cousins of comfort have been on my mind a lot in the past year. The Presidential Election brought these three things to the forefront in many ways.</span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Status Quo is something both major parties fought for - their own versions of status quo. Although change is a buzzword during any election, the real goal is to get things back to the way they feel they should be. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Freedom is another hot topic during campaigns. We all want the freedoms that matter to us - religious freedom, freedom of speech, freedom to vote, freedom to choose, freedom from tyranny.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Control is the ultimate goal in an election. Whether it's control of the Oval Office or control of the Senate, everybody is fighting for control of the government in one way or another. There are even issues around the idea of control - gun control, border control, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">The problem with pursuing any and all of these things is that they never live up to the expectations. Status quo inevitably changes. Freedom is limited. Control is temporary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">In the end, our American Dream really amounts to nothing. We end up with piles of money, guns, houses, laws and aspirations for a better future. None of it really makes us happy or gives us fulfillment, although they may make us slightly more comfortable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jesus asks us to give up everything - all we have - so that nothing will distract us from following Him. When we hold on to the pursuit of comfort, in any of its forms, we cannot possibly become all that He wants us to be. That only happens when we've got nothing.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-19328241879576487812017-01-12T07:15:00.002-05:002017-01-12T07:15:55.806-05:00Words [2017:2/52]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I graduated from <a href="http://www.bethelcollege.edu/">Bethel College</a> in 1999 with a degree in Communication. Back then you could choose from three different tracks within the Communication major and I chose print media. My aim was to be a journalist.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When I was in high school I discovered a love of writing. I enjoyed both creative writing and journalism. I found more freedom in creative writing but I enjoyed being able to recount events concisely and accurately through journalism.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I held three different positions at two different newspapers for the first eight years that I was out of college. I did a lot of writing and designing during those years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There were some unforeseen side effects to working in journalism. First, being required to write every day made it less appealing to spend time writing outside of working hours. Second, there is a constant challenge to keep your writing fresh. It's easy to get into a rhythm and pretty soon that rhythm can change into a rut where you use many of the same words, phrases, sentence and paragraph structures. Editors will let it slide for a while, but sooner or later they'll push you to change things up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Avoiding the use of cliches is one of the biggest challenges I experienced as a journalist. Cliches exist for a reason - they provide accurate descriptions in an easily recognizable way. They also get overused and can even lose their original meaning eventually.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The need to keep things fresh and avoid cliches drove me to keep learning new words. I've developed a love of words over the years and I'm always ready to look up definitions when I hear words that I'm not familiar with. I normally don't use a great variety of words in conversations but I enjoy trying to effectively use new words in my writing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Here are some of the words and phrases I've been learning or re-learning lately:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Conservative</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Definitions: 1. Disposed to preserve existing conditions, institutions, etc., or to restore traditional ones, and to limit change; 2. Cautiously moderate or purposefully low; 3. Traditional in style or manner; avoiding novelty or showiness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes the meaning of a word differs depending on the arena in which it's being used. I believe this is the case with the word conservative.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In last week's post I ended by saying I no longer fit into the <i>political</i> categories of Conservative, Evangelical or Republican. In many ways I still consider myself conservative and evangelical. However, as descriptors of political preferences they do not describe me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Just as cliches can lose their original meaning with overuse, words can also take on different meanings over time. I believe the meaning of conservative when talking about someone's political bent is different than the definition above.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Rather than describing a person's political strategy or ideals, the word conservative is most often used to categorize people. The words evangelical, liberal, moderate and progressive are used the same way. Each word has a dictionary definition that is still valid, but it also has a commonly applied use, which may or may not agree fully with the definition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Part of the reason I've tried to separate myself from the political distinction of conservative is because it is often associated with narrow-mindedness, racism, war, lack of concern for the vulnerable and religious extremism. Correct or not, when using the word conservative in a political conversation, those are the characteristics assumed.</span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Conservatism always positions itself as a return to a better era. The data tends to indicate that better era never existed." - Mike McHargue, The Liturgists</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Going back to the good old days isn't always the best thing for everyone. In the world of politics many people want our country to go back to the values and principles of our founding fathers. I can understand this sentiment but I disagree with it because their values and principles weren't all that great for everyone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">About two months ago I read the <i><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/">Declaration of Independence</a></i> and the <i><a href="http://constitutionus.com/">Constitution of the United States</a></i> for the first time. While much of those two documents is admirable and worth protecting, there are a few small phrases and caveats that shouldn't be ignored. In the original documents, the rights that were supposedly given to all men were really only given to white men. Africans, Native Americans and women were not given the full array of rights. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I realize people who want to return to those days aren't trying to take away people's rights, but the founding fathers' view of and discrimination against minorities must not be ignored. It was part of their character.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The reason I've spent so much time writing about this one word is because I've always considered myself conservative. The current meaning of the word, however, is not something I am comfortable applying to myself. It's a part of my ongoing <a href="http://danweiss-learning.blogspot.com/2017/01/deconstruction-2017152.html">deconstruction</a> and it's causing me to deeply examine both the word and my own heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Evangelical</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Definitions: 1. Pertaining to or in keeping with the gospel and its teachings; 2. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">belonging to or designating the Christian churches that emphasize the teachings and authority of the Scriptures, especially of the New Testament, in opposition to the institutional authority of the church itself, and that stress as paramount the tenet that salvation is achieved by personal conversion to faith in the atonement of Christ</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Again, the political use and the common use of the word evangelical have taken on two different meanings. If you're talking about my religious beliefs then I am clearly an Evangelical. But if you're trying to fit me into a political category, I don't want anything to do with the term Evangelical.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Evangelical and conservative seem to go hand in hand in the world of politics. Therefore, Christians who claim to be Evangelical quickly get lumped in with all the stereotypes about conservatives. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I don't think it's ever a good idea to try to categorize people. We were made by a very complex Creator who created us in His image, so that means we are complex as well. We shouldn't try to fit every person into a box, or even a set of boxes. It makes it too easy to minimize each person's uniqueness.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Empathy</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Definition: <span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">the</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">psychological</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">identification</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">with</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">or</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">vicarious</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">experiencing</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">of</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Personality tests are meant to explain people, but sometimes they are used to categorize people. For that reason, I'm not a big fan of personality tests. However, there is one personality test I've taken twice and my results have caused me to embrace and use my strengths much more effectively. The <a href="http://www.strengthsfinder.com/home.aspx">Clifton StrengthsFinder</a> says my top two strengths are adaptability and empathy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">I was aware of my adaptability long before I took the test. Working in the newspaper business, with its constant tight deadlines, almost requires adaptability.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Empathy, however, was not something I was very familiar with. Honestly, I couldn't have told you the difference between empathy and sympathy until about five years ago.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">I was very close to my mom growing up and I've always thought of her as a very kind and loving person. It turns out that she is also very empathetic. She identifies with the feelings of others and has compassion for them.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">My mom's influence must have passed on this trait to me. I always knew I could identify with others, probably a little more easily than most people, but I didn't know there was a word for it. I also didn't know it would become a strength in my life.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">As I've spent time living and working in different cultures, empathy has been a great asset. It has helped me identify with the struggles of those who are different from me. I have been especially grateful for this ability when I've spent time with people groups who have been historically oppressed or marginalized.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">I'm not saying I know what it's like to be oppressed, or that I completely understand the experience of all people. I am saying that empathy has allowed me a deeper glimpse into the lives of people and that has caused me to deconstruct many of the things I took for granted growing up.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">One of the knocks against conservatives and Evangelicals is that they lack compassion toward the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized. I think this alleged lack of compassion comes from a lack of empathy. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Many people outside the Church feel only judgment and condemnation from those inside the Church. The Church should be the most empathetic, the most compassionate and the most accepting group of people in the world. After all, those of us who claim to follow Jesus know that if it wasn't for His love, His grace, His atoning sacrifice for our sins, we would all be doomed. And yet, as we look out into the world outside of the Church, we are quick to cast judgment and retreat into the safety and comfort of being surrounded by people who think, act, dress, talk and worship like us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">The people of God's Church have been called to care for the orphans, the widows and the foreigners - the least of these even. So, where is our empathy? Where is our compassion?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Sadly, I believe the Church has become so consumed with being right, with being comfortable, with power and with racism that it can't see past its own doorstep and into a world full of people in need.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Here is what we seek: a compassion that can stand in awe at what the poor have to carry rather than stand in judgment at how they carry it." - Gregory Boyle</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: large;">There are so many more words I want to discuss, but this post has already gotten very long. Maybe I'll do more "Words" posts throughout the year. Some of the words I wanted to address are <i>privilege, gentrification, justice, equality</i> and <i>unity</i>. Those will have to wait for another day.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's important to me that I use words accurately and in the correct context. My co-workers and I joke a lot with each other about words. We laugh and call out each other's mistakes, but it's because we really want to communicate clearly. We talk about a lot of very important topics and so we want to be careful in the way we speak about them. We also want to be honest about how words apply or don't apply to us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My love of words has caused me to carefully examine their meanings - literal or practical - and that has led me to know myself and the people around me better.</span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-5368704124830779402017-01-05T08:05:00.002-05:002017-01-05T08:05:53.952-05:00Deconstruction [2017:1/52]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV5xr4-bhjRr1P0zIGdAJw18pgYOEYWKDwTNZCjY8OyAMotzxqdhAgFZPcFa_Jb_GyBUYQ2MYoP1EMtEi-tV4rnHUKb8jAxgNlHdNqQM26-Trsw-vrNT904ga-oO4V2QixO6b4M80g8fM/s1600/IMG_20170103_211833_739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV5xr4-bhjRr1P0zIGdAJw18pgYOEYWKDwTNZCjY8OyAMotzxqdhAgFZPcFa_Jb_GyBUYQ2MYoP1EMtEi-tV4rnHUKb8jAxgNlHdNqQM26-Trsw-vrNT904ga-oO4V2QixO6b4M80g8fM/s400/IMG_20170103_211833_739.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A few years ago I saw the inside of a carburetor for the first time. My friend <a href="https://www.tinyhands.org/team/brad-and-liz-reimer">Brad</a> and I were trying to get his 1978 Honda motorcycle started, but it wasn't cooperating. He was sure the engine wasn't getting fuel and so he suggested we take apart and clean the carburetor. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had heard the word carburetor many times. I even knew how to spell the word (no small feat). But I had no idea what function a carburetor performs or how to take one apart and clean it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Growing up I loved to build things. I still do. I mostly liked working with wood to create useful things. I only remember a few occasions when I actually took something apart, learned how it worked, and put it back together. My interest was mostly focused on construction.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That day in my garage a few years ago changed my perspective. I was nervous to start taking parts off the engine because I wasn't sure we'd ever get it back together. With Brad's confidence pushing us forward, we took the carburetor off the engine, cleaned it well, learned how it regulates the flow of fuel to the engine, and then put it back on the motorcycle. <i>Our work, and the risk required to do something we've never done before, paid off.</i> The motorcycle started and I took a victory ride down the street outside my house. Other problems soon surfaced, but armed with my new sense of confidence, I was able to tackle those problems and eventually got it running so well that I used it as my commuter vehicle.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The process of deconstruction can be of great importance. As I look back on the last few years of my life - right around the time Brad and I tore into that motorcycle engine - deconstruction has been a consistent theme. I still get nervous that I won't be able to put things back together in working order, but the risk is always worth it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm not only talking about physical deconstruction of things, but also deconstruction of inanimate things like faith, culture and values. There have been several events that have caused me to deconstruct different areas of my life:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span></span>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Reading books like <i>Irresistible Revolution</i> (Claiborne), <i>Radical</i> (Platt) and <i>Pagan Christianity?</i> (Viola & Barna)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Short-term mission trips</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Living in the Dominican Republic</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Working in South Bend</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Reading books about America's history of racism</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Never earning a large salary</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Comments from other Christians about how they could never be a missionary</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Interacting with Catholics whose faith is inspiring</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.64px;">I'm not going to expand on any of those events in this post because they'll come up throughout the year as I continue to write. However, the thing I've learned from those events is that <i><b>w</b></i></span></span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; letter-spacing: 0.64px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>hen you experience a different way of living, or a different way of thinking, and discover that it works - that it produces the results you desire - it can cause you to question your own way of thinking and living.</b></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.64px;">To deconstruct something is not to destroy it. That's called demolition. Deconstruction is not a haphazard process of destruction. It's a careful taking apart and preserving of the pieces. You may or may not use all the old pieces when you begin to rebuild, but you must preserve them long enough to know whether they still work or not.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.64px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.64px;">Most of my life was spent building - constructing - a worldview based on faith in God and strong moral values. I toed the line of American, conservative, Christian standards. My goals were to please God, be a good husband and father, live peacefully and eventually pass away having enjoyed life.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.64px;">That existence, however, has been interrupted in unexpected ways. The more time I spend with people who have a different perspective - because of culture, economic status, race, religion, etc. - the more I see the important issues that I've never really addressed. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.64px;">I'm learning a lot about things like justice, compassion, mercy, unity, equality, racism, poverty, power and privilege. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.64px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.64px;">Many of those things should have been part of my worldview already, considering I grew up in church and faith was a big part of my life. Somehow, though, my understanding of some important topics was never fully developed. Many of those things never came up in church life, and that has caused me to deconstruct my worldview and my faith.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.64px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.64px;">Remember - deconstruction is not the same as demolition. I am not discarding my faith or my worldview. I'm simply re-examining them, piece by piece, because there seems to be something in there that is not functioning as it should be.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.64px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.64px;">I'm not sure yet if deconstruction is a process that you eventually reach the end of. Maybe it's a continual cycle of deconstruction and construction. Either way, I'm thankful that I'm in the process. I don't ever want to settle in so deeply and comfortably that I'm not willing to re-examine my life. I want to be a lifelong learner, and that will surely lead me through more seasons of deconstruction.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.64px;">As I end this first post of 2017 I want to leave you with a couple quotes that have been critical to my process of deconstruction. They represent a different way of thinking than I was used to just a few years ago. After the quotes I'll make one final statement that is intended to cause tension and anticipation for next week's post.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">"The strategy of Jesus is not centered in taking the right stand on issues, but rather standing in the right place - with the outcasts and those relegated to the margins." - Gregory Boyle</span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"A sad tendency of evangelical faith is to elevate the act of evangelism over the humanity of the people we want to reach." - Edward Gilbreath</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This process of deconstruction has even caused me to reconsider how I describe myself to others. I don't have an accurate description yet, but in the wake of the most recent election I know that I no longer fit into the political categories of Conservative, Evangelical or Republican.</span></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-20899947003911096562016-12-29T09:36:00.000-05:002016-12-29T09:36:18.833-05:00Catching Up<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8V_WSuMArF7hnT1hVt5YFVa2QjneZjf7mvGWKsQjsNcz9LB_aD7dIhoIXZN3KdID1IPrrUYtixlD1h1o1ZQvTJ5Hvr6HKEIvbyOp8E939et_hMWlsm-gGA59ix5CRKpW1iPvPQkss2N6/s1600/15250803_1498675513481033_3638769382715227623_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8V_WSuMArF7hnT1hVt5YFVa2QjneZjf7mvGWKsQjsNcz9LB_aD7dIhoIXZN3KdID1IPrrUYtixlD1h1o1ZQvTJ5Hvr6HKEIvbyOp8E939et_hMWlsm-gGA59ix5CRKpW1iPvPQkss2N6/s320/15250803_1498675513481033_3638769382715227623_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since the last post was from 2014 and the photo in it was even<br />
older, here is a recent photo of my family.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">It has been more than two and a half years since I've written on this blog, so it seems appropriate to do a little catching up, just in case anyone has been wondering what I've been up to during that time.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">My last post was in March of 2014 and I can easily say some big changes have happened since then. Here are a few highlights:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In August 2014 I left my job at Nappanee Missionary Church to become a missionary in the Dominican Republic. My family and I lived outside the city of Moca, serving alongside an amazing pastor named Quina Ovalles. Her love for people and her commitment to hard work have changed my life. Even at 72 years old, Quina is constantly learning new things, working hard for the sake of others and presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ - both through words and actions.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">We lived in the Dominican Republic for a year and it was obviously a learning experience. We didn't master Spanish, but all four of us became quite conversationally proficient. The biggest lessons, however, were cultural. We learned about different traditions, customs, humor, politics, strategy and even racism. Some of these lessons were a joy to learn and some were very difficult and even hurtful. In the end, however, we came away with a new appreciation for cross-cultural living.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">After returning from overseas, I joined the staff of Transformation Ministries in South Bend, Indiana. My good friend Kory and his wife Ali started this ministry in 2009. It was a grassroots operation, and still is in many ways. The focus is the youth of South Bend and we use a variety of programs to spark transformation in their lives. We do not claim to have all the answers and we do not rely on our own strength to carry this ministry. We enlist the help of roughly 125 volunteers and everything we do is an expression of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. </span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">We work hard. We try to show genuine and unconditional love to everyone we encounter.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These experiences have taught me much and taught me that I still have much to learn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Why Blog?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My purpose for rebooting this blog is to explore some of the lessons I've </span><span style="font-size: large;">learned</span><span style="font-size: large;"> as well as to share many of the lessons I'm in the process of learning. I'm not doing this because I think I've attained some great wisdom that should be shared with the world. It's really more for me that I'm writing again. I have a goal to publish one post per week throughout 2017. It is an effort to establish a rhythm and a discipline of writing. I love to write, but I don't always make time for it.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm also writing on the blog because it gives others the chance to give me feedback on what I'm writing. So, please leave comments or email me your thoughts at <a href="mailto:danweiss76@gmail.com">danweiss76@gmail.com</a>. I look forward to some good discussions.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you've got ideas for topics I can address through my writing, please share those with me as well. I might even ask some of you to be guest writers. I know many people who are far wiser than me, and I'd love to read what they would write about certain subjects.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In the process of writing, it will never be my intention to offend anyone or to diminish the value of any other person. I may address some topics that are very sensitive and I may offend you at times. But please know that my intention is not to hurt anyone, but to share about the things I'm learning. As long as it's constructive and not hurtful, I'll be eager to hear any criticism or disagreement at any time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm excited to get started. Look for my first post of 2017 coming toward the end of next week.</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-41583009976069168582014-03-06T12:15:00.001-05:002014-03-06T13:51:26.645-05:00What Am I Living For?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01lPVxPJjO8yAJ1FqG1MIWxR0AHnd5zfz3yRCFvgfstDFUN1-AnJL0JXqlUL31WyBq_u6XsoEE-MCLzkCprM4wJPYeVIaYGpO5GFE114EkyMJjtuAzaNdNIIydOF5-RST2NeI6hXGFddU/s1600/weiss+family+furore+phil+1+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01lPVxPJjO8yAJ1FqG1MIWxR0AHnd5zfz3yRCFvgfstDFUN1-AnJL0JXqlUL31WyBq_u6XsoEE-MCLzkCprM4wJPYeVIaYGpO5GFE114EkyMJjtuAzaNdNIIydOF5-RST2NeI6hXGFddU/s1600/weiss+family+furore+phil+1+21.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">credit: FURORE Photography</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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For some time now I've been on a thrilling, agonizing journey with my Heavenly Father.<br />
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It has been a journey of change, discomfort, peace, joy, angst, cynicism, freedom, worship, progress and confusion - sometimes all in the same day! Nevertheless, God has been faithfully loving me throughout the whole process.<br />
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Because of this journey there are some people - maybe you're reading this right now - who might think I've lost my mind. In some sense, I hope you're right! In fact, if I haven't convinced you yet, the rest of this post might just seal the deal.<br />
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At the beginning of 2013 I felt a strong push in my spirit to simply study Jesus and do everything in my power to become more like Him. It seems like a simple goal but it has turned out to be a life-changing process. I am not making any claims to have become like Jesus. I hope, in some small ways, my life is a better reflection of Him, but there are times when I feel like I might have farther to go than when I started!<br />
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The problem with trying to become like Jesus, I've found out, is that you don't get to pick and choose which parts of Him you want. If you study, and take seriously, the things He did and the things He said, you will surely want to imitate some and, just as surely, throw some out.<br />
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In Matthew 19 Jesus told a rich young man, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."<br />
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That's probably one we'd like to throw out, right? But later on in the same story he says something we all want to embrace: "... with God all things are possible."<br />
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Or how about in the famous Sermon on the Mount that starts in Matthew 5 when Jesus said, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven."<br />
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We might not want to throw that one out, but when somebody hurts us we can easily justify hurting them back, thus ignoring Jesus' words.<br />
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Later on in the same sermon, in Matthew 6, Jesus said, "... do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"<br />
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I like that one. I think I'll keep that one!<br />
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But what about when Jesus touches people with leprosy (Matt. 8:3) or declares Himself homeless (Matt. 8:20) or exorcises demons and kills a herd of pigs in the process (Matt. 8:28-24)?<br />
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What about when He says, "Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. (Matt. 10:37-39)"?<br />
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How much of Jesus' life and words should we take literally? Where do we draw the line between really trying to be like Jesus and just knowing about Jesus?<br />
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These are the kinds of things my journey has forced me to wrestle with. Maybe you're starting to see why I called it an exciting, agonizing journey.<br />
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I'm certainly not done with the journey yet, but I was given a point of reference recently to help me see how Jesus has changed my life.<br />
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The picture at the top of this post shows me with the most important, precious people in my life. I cherish them more than I could ever describe. I was talking with one of these precious people recently and the topic of <a href="http://weissfamilyhandsandfeet.blogspot.com/">our upcoming move to the mission field</a> came up, as it often does. In the midst of the conversation we talked about the level of risk involved with stepping into the unknown. Then some words came out of my mouth that I didn't expect, but believed with everything in me.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"If we die doing what Jesus has called us to do, it's OK."</span></i></b><br />
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Somewhere along this journey, my perspective had changed so much that I now believe Paul's words in Philippians 1:21, "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." to be true for me.<br />
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Of course, the thought of dying does not appeal to me. The thought of being separated from my family makes me sad. The idea of the future never happening makes me feel like someone close to me died. I have a normal amount of desire to stay alive and grow old with my wife and see my kids grow up. It's not that I despise this life or any of the good things God has given me in my life. I cherish all of it!<br />
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It's just that when I look at the life of Jesus Christ I don't see a man trying to preserve His own life. I don't see Jesus seeking more comfort or more stuff. I don't see Him working hard so He can put money in His retirement account and still have enough to go out to eat once in a while. And I certainly don't see Jesus living by His own agenda or seeking His own desires.<br />
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I know it sounds crazy when I say it, but I'm saying the same thing Jesus said in Matthew 26:39, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup (death) be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."<br />
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Unlike Jesus, my death on the mission field is far from certain. The chances of anything bad happening to any member of my family while we're on the mission field are very slim. However, I want to have the same resolve He had to fulfill His Father's will!<br />
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So, in accordance with Paul's words in Philippians 1:21 my life on earth is Christ and my death will be great gain! I'm ready, Lord, do what you want with me!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-54770280677000430402014-03-05T08:34:00.000-05:002014-03-05T08:34:12.639-05:00A Little Context Please<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRDOJEFL_sOsGzXRK60218031DAfF7LHTMLhPykfCjo-UOEIt0OQLjzvBqNTjatIMi7K4iz5uqeOlehS8AC8H2Y5IrbVa0VsRoDjmw1ON-IwV5foqKwpUZ3mrWqsuaZ7YJWUasv31n20l/s1600/philippians+4+13+context.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRDOJEFL_sOsGzXRK60218031DAfF7LHTMLhPykfCjo-UOEIt0OQLjzvBqNTjatIMi7K4iz5uqeOlehS8AC8H2Y5IrbVa0VsRoDjmw1ON-IwV5foqKwpUZ3mrWqsuaZ7YJWUasv31n20l/s1600/philippians+4+13+context.jpg" height="400" width="286" /></a></div>
Sometimes because I'm familiar with a particular verse or with a passage of Scripture I think I understand its meaning. However, lately I've noticed I've been missing something in the context.<br />
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For example, this morning I read Philippians chapter 4. I admittedly was only about 50% mentally engaged. But when I got to verse 13 I remembered how common a phrase that has become.<br />
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"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."<br />
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It's a promise we hold onto with fierce diligence because it affirms who we are in Jesus Christ.<br />
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But then I noticed something in the context. In this passage Paul is thanking the Philippians for their gifts, which they had not been previously able to give. Paul uses this as a teaching moment, making it clear that financial stability should not effect our contentment.<br />
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Here's the passage that includes our beloved Philippians 4:13 ...<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Phil-4-10" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29453N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></span> Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Phil-4-11" id="en-NIV-29454" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29454O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></span> whatever the circumstances.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Phil-4-12" id="en-NIV-29455" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29455P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></span> whether living in plenty or in want.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29455Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NIV-29456" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>I can do all this through him who gives me strength.</span></blockquote>
<span class="text Phil-4-13" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text Phil-4-13" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's interesting how I never realized what the context of the famous verse was. But now that I see it, I am convicted to be much more careful with how I use the promise given in verse 13. Does the promise apply to many different situations? Sure it does. But it was precisely given for a certain circumstance and should most definitely be applied to that circumstance.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-4-13" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Phil-4-13" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So the next time I'm discontent, worried about money, coveting something I don't have ... that's when I'll recall the promise that "I can do all things (even be content in any and every situation) through him who gives me strength!"</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-55126820602526662322014-03-04T08:51:00.001-05:002014-03-04T08:51:07.298-05:00RUBBISH<span class="text Phil-3-5" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">Philippians 3:5-6</span></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-3-5" id="en-NLT-29387" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Phil-3-6" id="en-NLT-29388" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.</span><br />
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If I was going to start bragging about what makes me holy I'd probably go in a different direction than Paul does in the verses above. Circumcision is kind of a gruesome thing to think about, let alone brag about. My self righteous rant would sound a lot different. In fact, I've probably said something very similar to this:</span></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"I grew up in a Christian home. I gave my life to Jesus at a young age, always went to church, went to a Christian college, spent part of my time there as a Ministry major, led youth groups and small groups, been to four different countries on mission trips and am currently preparing to enter the mission field."</span></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yep, my holy bragging definitely sounds different than Paul's. But, in the end, aren't we saying the same things? He was proving his credentials to the religious elite of his day. His peers valued the things he wrote about. My peers value different things, so I brag about different things.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">However, here's where Paul goes in a completely different direction than me:</span></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Phil-3-7" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">Philippians 3:7-11</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Phil-3-7" id="en-NLT-29389" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="text Phil-3-8" id="en-NLT-29390" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="text Phil-3-9" id="en-NLT-29391" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.<span class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NLT-29391c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3&version=NLT#fen-NLT-29391c" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</span>For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="text Phil-3-10" id="en-NLT-29392" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="text Phil-3-11" id="en-NLT-29393" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!</span></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Phil-3-11" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Phil-3-11"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have never - not once - followed up my holy bragging like Paul just did. My strategy has always been to let my credentials sink in to the hearts and minds of those listening so they would consider me worthy of whatever ministry I was attempting. Even now, as I really am preparing to enter the mission field, I find myself using my background as a way to validate the call God has placed on my life.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Phil-3-11"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Phil-3-11"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the New International Version the word RUBBISH is used instead of garbage in verse 8. Since I didn't complete my Ministry studies I sometimes brag about, I don't have the skills to do a thorough word study. But I once heard Francis Chan say the original word for rubbish actually equates pretty well in today's language to a pile of dog poop. So Paul is saying all those things that he and the world look at as holy qualifiers he now considers no more than a pile of poop so that he can be one with Jesus Christ.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Phil-3-11"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="text Phil-3-6" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Phil-3-11"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So today I find myself wondering what it will take for me to stop looking at my own pile of dog poop as something that validates me. How can I leave all those things behind the way Paul did so I can pursue Jesus Christ, His power, His suffering, His death and His resurrection?</span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-70915073907756697982014-02-28T15:41:00.001-05:002014-02-28T15:41:22.426-05:00We Don't Get to Sort the Wheat from the Weeds“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:43-45a<br />
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Have you ever felt justified in your dislike of someone?<br />
Have you ever felt justified in your mistreatment of someone?<br />
It’s just you and God, so answer those questions honestly!<br />
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Most of us, when we are completely honest, have to admit we have found solid reasons for not liking or even mistreating someone. Maybe our feelings have even been directed at a whole group of people.<br />
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So, who is it for you?<br />
Politicians? Televangelists? Teenagers? Slow drivers? Your in-laws? Your boss?<br />
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We can’t ignore the significance of how we think about other people. Over and over Scripture dismisses our seemingly justifiable reasons for disliking or mistreating others.<br />
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In Luke 9 Jesus’ disciples tried to stop a man from driving out demons because he was not one of the 12. However, Jesus responded, “Do not stop him. For whoever is not against you is for you.”<br />
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In the Church we find reasons to dislike people from different denominations, or those who have different theology. But are those people against us? If not, then Jesus says they are for us!<br />
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In fact, we may be out of line even trying to decide who is for us and who is against us. In Matthew 13 Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the weeds. A farmer’s field is inflicted with weeds sown among the wheat. The farmer’s servants offer to pull the weeds, but the farmer stops them because he fears some of the wheat will be destroyed in the process. He decides to sort the wheat from the weeds at harvest time.<br />
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We don’t get to sort the wheat from the weeds - or the sinners from the saints. God will do the sorting at the end of the story! Our job is to simply love the Lord and love people. We must make love the first thought in our minds when we look at the people in our lives!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-33533501254596170422014-02-19T12:12:00.000-05:002014-05-09T10:15:00.913-04:00Should I Speak or Should I Stew?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut they seem intelligent. - Proverbs 17:28</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. - James 1:19 </blockquote>
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Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. - Proverbs 31:8-9 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. But the words you speak come from the heart-that's what defiles you." - Matthew 15:17-18</blockquote>
From what I know of the Bible it seems clear that keeping your mouth shut is usually the best response. I'd like to say that's the reason I don't speak up very often. However, there are other, far less noble reasons why I often don't say much, especially at times when I disagree with someone:<br />
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1. I'm not confident in my ability to clearly verbalize the thoughts in my head.<br />
2. I dislike conflict.<br />
3. What if I'm the only one who feels the way I do?<br />
4. I have to filter through the thoughts in my head to find the ones that make sense, the ones that are beneficial to the conversation and the ones I can readily defend. By the time the filtering process is complete the conversation has usually switched topics.<br />
5. I don't want to seem like a know-it-all because, let's face it, nobody enjoys being around a know-it-all.<br />
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So while my actions may appear to be in line with what the Bible prescribes, what's going on inside of me is not necessarily anything Holy. And that's why I find myself stewing over the things I wish I could have said.<br />
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Stewing, I've found, is like holding a grudge. The only person it bothers is me, and it drives me absolutely crazy! I will hold onto thoughts of what I wanted to say for days and weeks at a time. It can affect my attitude and the way I interact with people. At its worst, stewing distorts my view of reality so much that I start to assume things about myself, others and the world that are completely false.<br />
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So, what's the answer? I know speaking my mind is not usually the best choice. And I also know stewing over what I could have said is very unhealthy. Is there a third option?<br />
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How can I simply let go of the thoughts that seek to drive me crazy?<br />
How do I remind myself, in the moment, that my opinion isn't really what matters?<br />
How do I put other people ahead of myself, even when I completely disagree with the things they say or do?<br />
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In the end, I think, the example of Jesus is always a good place to look for answers. So, what did Jesus do?<br />
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(side note: Anybody remember the original WWJD bracelets? I wish I still had one. It feels like the time is right for those to make a comeback!)<br />
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This is the part where I just leave that last question out there and wait for the answer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-9228403411406379792014-02-18T13:40:00.004-05:002014-02-18T13:40:53.182-05:00Kicking Around TopicsI've felt a pull to start writing again for some time now, but until recently haven't had any topics in mind. Well, I've got a few possible topics rolling around in my head and I think soon they will become blog posts. Here are some of the possible topics:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Can God Show Up?</li>
<li>Does Accountability Work?</li>
<li>What's Crazy About Following Jesus?</li>
<li>Should I Speak or Stew?</li>
<li>Would I Rather Have a Home or a Bible?</li>
</ul>
<br />
As you can see, I've got lots of questionsand I intend to write in a truth-seeking tone. I'm sure I'll put some of my opinions out there, but I want to earnestly seek wisdom.<br />
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Which of these topics sounds most interesting to you?<br />
<br />
I can't wait to get started!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-39433464710208154412013-11-13T10:11:00.001-05:002013-11-13T10:11:20.438-05:00My Favorite Verse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztA0mrIpXz_796kAwzNEFS9I_RMNnLJ8WRaYg0jHD6JdCZx7Ay4jl9vCHuvU6MAYxAgZBKWPXoaHoYc09BPlmFPcSQainWmFxVx0E73X-DTJ3VCJh4UcPzWhKgJ1vELwUqZqMsRGDEPi7/s1600/second+timothy+DESKTOP+green+purple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztA0mrIpXz_796kAwzNEFS9I_RMNnLJ8WRaYg0jHD6JdCZx7Ay4jl9vCHuvU6MAYxAgZBKWPXoaHoYc09BPlmFPcSQainWmFxVx0E73X-DTJ3VCJh4UcPzWhKgJ1vELwUqZqMsRGDEPi7/s400/second+timothy+DESKTOP+green+purple.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-9580891020458984972013-04-18T09:59:00.000-04:002013-04-18T09:59:06.857-04:00HE pursues me<b id="internal-source-marker_0.14988395804539323" style="font-weight: normal;"></b><br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.14988395804539323" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5ecnGU5YTEG5QO3RPSF-1eJ_SzQLk2fs6L9PU8tgHFVA611b9936lUmsp2lDmCqKfx-IxqIoDPK4OQEcvhXIKRAPQwzGv5NFQjDZBgJcDjB1hItlHK_tkuefs9kTBhpRLSWfx8dv-Sbd/s1600/3035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5ecnGU5YTEG5QO3RPSF-1eJ_SzQLk2fs6L9PU8tgHFVA611b9936lUmsp2lDmCqKfx-IxqIoDPK4OQEcvhXIKRAPQwzGv5NFQjDZBgJcDjB1hItlHK_tkuefs9kTBhpRLSWfx8dv-Sbd/s400/3035.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div>
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.14988395804539323" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was saved the same way a lot of kids were saved. When I was six years old I walked up to the front of the church, knelt down at the altar and asked Jesus to come into my heart. </span></b></div>
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.14988395804539323" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And He did. </span></b></div>
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.14988395804539323" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And it was great. </span></b></div>
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.14988395804539323" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I felt new and clean and ready to live a different life.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unfortunately, while meeting Jesus came easily and quickly, knowing Him is taking a lot longer. A lot longer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s been 30 years since I first met Jesus and I am learning new things about Him every day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My life has been filled with seasons of furiously seeking Jesus and seasons of tossing Him aside ... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">seasons of daily sacrificing my life to Him and seasons of selfishness ... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">seasons of grace and seasons of guilt ... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">seasons of pursuing His purpose for me and seasons of pursuing what my flesh desires.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each season of my life has included Jesus, even when I tried to walk away from Him, to ignore Him. No matter how hard I tried to live for me, Jesus was still there calling me to live for Him. Even at my lowest points, caught in addiction, pride, jealousy, worry, anger or materialism, Jesus was right there with me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I offered myself as a slave to all kinds of sin, Jesus did not walk away from me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He wouldn’t even look the other way so I could do my dark deeds in privacy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So my story is one of being constantly pursued by Jesus. I wish I could say it was the other way around, that I have always sought more and more of Him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But the way it really happened is the more beautiful story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus, the one who created me and the one who died on a cross for my sins, wants to be with me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let me say that again: </span><b id="internal-source-marker_0.14988395804539323" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.14988395804539323" style="font-weight: normal;"></b></b></div>
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.14988395804539323" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.14988395804539323" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Jesus, the one who created me and the one who died on a cross for my sins, wants to be with me.</i></span></b></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He longs for a relationship with me. He has watched me do terrible things and still loves me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He still holds me in His arms when I come running back to Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It overwhelms me to think about the grace Jesus has given me. It confuses me because I don’t give grace like that. I run out of grace to give to others, but He never runs out of grace for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The grace of Jesus, the love of Jesus and the life of Jesus have become my passions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to walk in the freedom His grace gives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to love others the way He has loved me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And I want to live the way He lived - constantly sacrificing Himself for those who need Him the most.</span></div>
</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-70220481191220255222013-04-10T08:49:00.003-04:002013-04-10T08:49:56.470-04:00An Unexpected, Unexplainable Common ThreadEvery now and then I see several unrelated things and I sense a common thread but can't quite figure out what it is. That happened for me this morning as I was looking through some blogs I read regularly. I'll share them with you below and maybe you can find the common thread!<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.churchmarketingsucks.com/2013/04/amazing-days/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+churchmarketing+%28Church+Marketing+Sucks%29">Amazing Days</a> on churchmarketingsucks.com<br />
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2. <a href="http://theresurgence.com/2013/04/10/what-skateboarding-taught-me-about-missions?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheResurgence+(The+Resurgence)">What Skateboarding Taught Me About Missions</a> on theresurgence.com<br />
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3. <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2013/04/10/satisfied-in-you/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+between2worlds+(Between+Two+Worlds)">Satisfied in You</a> on Justin Taylor's blog, which included the video below.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/A7O7LQpQaoc" width="560"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-39142063907697923372013-03-13T09:53:00.002-04:002013-03-13T09:53:46.026-04:00The Leader"A leader is someone who has the courage to say publicly what everybody else is whispering privately. It is not his insight that sets the leader apart from the crowd. It is his courage to act on what he sees, to speak up when everyone else is silent. Next generation leaders are those who would rather challenge what needs to change and pay the price than remain silent and die on the inside."<br />
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- <a href="http://northpoint.org/" target="_blank">Andy Stanley</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-43655736520953626912013-03-01T09:42:00.002-05:002013-03-01T09:42:45.530-05:00What can Protestants learn from Catholics?<br />
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Growing up in a Protestant church, I never had - and still don't have - a real clear understanding of the Catholic faith. I never considered Catholics to be of the same faith as me, but at least now I understand that they believe in the same God and the same Messiah.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As time goes by I find myself having more and more encounters with Catholic people. I've taken two trips to the Dominican Republic, which is considered a Catholic country. I even have family members who are Catholic, and yet I still don't have a good picture of their religion.</div>
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A book I'm currently reading has opened my eyes to the beauty of some of the Catholic traditions. Growing up I thought Catholics just did a bunch of rituals and then lived however they wanted to live. Now I know that is a stereotype that isn't true of all Catholics. In fact, I now believe there are just as many Protestants who go through the motions of religion without a real life change as there are Catholics.</div>
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<o:p>The use of Liturgy, what I'll define as a prescribed set of practices, to enhance a person's relationship with their Savior is not specific to the Catholic Church. In the Protestant Church we don't call our practices Liturgy, but we do prescribe disciplines such as Bible reading, prayer, fasting, communion, etc. We believe those disciplines, when practiced faithfully, will draw us closer to Jesus.</o:p></div>
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<o:p>Any action can become an empty ritual if our hearts aren't in the right place when we do them. If we read the Bible just so we can tell other people we've read the Bible, then what good is it doing? It only serves to puff us up with pride and we are deceiving ourselves.</o:p></div>
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Let’s look at some disciplines from the Catholic Church we
can tweak and use to add to our own repertoire of Time Alone With God (TAWG)
activities. In their book <a href="http://redletterchristians.org/redletterrevolutionbook/"><i><span style="color: #1155cc;">Red Letter
Revolution</span></i></a>, Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo share several
examples of ancient Catholic practices which have proven effective for all
believers to fellowship with Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Jesus Prayer</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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This is a short, memorized prayer that can be helpful
throughout your day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s only 12 words long, but they can be powerful if
memorized and recited in the midst of daily ups and downs. Just think about a
typical day, with all its stresses, joys and disappointments. That simple
prayer means something different in each context, yet it always brings us back
to the core of our relationship with Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Rosary</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.theholyrosary.org/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">The Rosary</span></a> is a string of beads with a cross
at one end and a loop that can be placed in the shape of a heart at the other
end. Each bead on the string represents a different type of prayer, or a
different subject of prayer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We can use something similar to give our own prayer lives a
boost. Claiborne offers some insight into his own use of beads to remind
himself of important prayer points.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Creating a chain of
beads can help you have a physical tool as you pray throughout the day. Prayer
beads aren’t magic, but they can cure some minor cases of ADD. For instance, I
have a chain of some different-sized beads (or different colored or textured
beads) for various prayers. You might have a large bead for the Lord’s Prayer.
You might have seven rough beads for praying against the seven deadly sins -
pride, envy, lust, anger, gluttony, greed and sloth - and you might have nine
little ones for the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5, so that you can
rest on each one and pray that it would take root and grow like a seed inside
of you - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness,
faithfulness and self-control.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the most popular Vacation Bible School crafts is the
salvation bracelet - a cord with multiple colors of beads, each representing a
different part of God’s story of salvation. The beads serve as a reminder of an
important part of our relationship with Jesus. A string of prayer beads can do
the same as they remind us of important things we should regularly pray for.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Lectio Divina</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lectio_Divina"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Lectio Divina</span></a> is Latin for “divine reading”
and it is a way of prayerfully reading Scripture. This practice can happen with
a group or alone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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First, pick a passage of scripture - it doesn’t have to be
very long - and read it once slowly, listening with your Spirit for the voice
of God. Read it a second time and share with others, or write down, a word or
phrase that jumps out at you. On the third reading each person shares why that
word or phrase struck them. If you’re by yourself, take time to journal about
why the word of phrase stood out for you. Finally, read the passage one last
time, slowly and meditatively.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We can all benefit from slowing down, focusing and soaking
in the Scripture we read. So often we try to digest whole books or chapters at
once and miss the beauty and power one verse or small passage can contain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Prayer of Examen</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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This ancient practice is something we can do daily. The end
of the day may be the best time for the Prayer of Examen. The first part of
this prayer experience involves quieting yourself and recounting all the good
things you did that day (ways you blessed others, ways you served, times you
resisted temptation, etc.). The second part of the prayer is a time of
confession and repentance for the sins you’ve committed that day. Name each of
them one by one and ask God to forgive you and cleanse you from them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Source:
Shane Claiborne & Tony Campolo, <i>Red
Letter Revolution</i> (Thomas Nelson, 2012), 36-40.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-36464067920882826832013-01-31T10:06:00.002-05:002013-01-31T10:06:32.566-05:00I'm Not Who I Used To BeThe older I get, the more I realize everyone changes. We can't stay who we were as kids, teenagers or even young adults. If we don't change, we never mature. This morning it hit me how different I am now than I was 10, 20 or 30 years ago.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">When I was a kid:</span></b><br />
I thought tomatoes were disgusting.<br />
<b>Now</b> I think they are fantastic.<br />
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I thought girls were gross.<br />
<b>Now</b> I know they are different, but amazing.<br />
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I thought the Bible was just a bunch of crazy stories.<br />
<b>Now</b> I know it is one big story about God's crazy love for His children.<br />
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I thought riding a bike was the greatest adventure of my life.<br />
<b>Now</b> I know living life is the great adventure.<br />
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I thought asking Jesus into my heart meant going to heaven.<br />
<b>Now</b> I know asking Jesus into my heart was just the first step to bringing heaven to earth.<br />
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I thought my parents' coffee breath was disgusting.<br />
<b>Now</b> my kids think mine is.<br />
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I thought my baseball cards would be worth a fortune someday.<br />
<b>Now</b> I know I was wrong.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">When I was a teenager:</span></b><br />
I thought a date was dinner and a movie.<br />
<b>Now</b> a date involves babysitters, clearing the schedule and finding a place to get away and just be with my best friend.<br />
<br />
I thought if I worked really hard I could be a great basketball player.<br />
<b>Now</b> I wish I would have worked harder to be the best I could be and a great teammate.<br />
<br />
I thought picking on kids was funny.<br />
<b>Now</b> I get angry when kids get picked on.<br />
<br />
I thought driving a car meant freedom.<br />
<b>Now</b> I often feel trapped when I'm in my car.<br />
<br />
I wanted to be a youth pastor.<br />
<b>Now</b> I see what a difficult calling that would be.<br />
<br />
I thought missionaries were spiritually elite.<br />
<b>Now</b> I know all who follow Jesus are called to be missionaries.<br />
<br />
I thought looking and acting like a Christian was important.<br />
<b>Now</b> I don't care how I look as long as I am actually following Jesus.<br />
<br />
I thought loving my neighbor referred to the people I normally spend time with.<br />
<b>Now</b> I know my neighbors include people I've never met and people I don't enjoy being with.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">When I was in college:</span></b><br />
I thought the internet was the most amazing thing in the world.<br />
<b>Now</b> I think the internet is a tool to be used with great caution and moderation.<br />
<br />
I thought war was an unfortunate, but sometimes necessary, part of our world.<br />
<b>Now</b> I still think it's unfortunate and am not convinced it's ever necessary.<br />
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I thought finding a wife would be difficult.<br />
<b>Now</b> I'm glad I found a best friend who became my wife.<br />
<br />
I thought making money was important.<br />
<b>Now</b> I know no amount of money can make you happy.<br />
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I thought having kids was a burden.<br />
<b>Now</b> I <i>know</i> having kids is a burden - one that brings great joy and fun!<br />
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I thought feeding the hungry meant giving money to a charity organization.<br />
<b>Now</b> I know feeding the hungry means actually feeding the hungry, by whatever means necessary.<br />
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I thought the words of Jesus were a good picture of how we should live.<br />
<b>Now</b> I know the words and life of Jesus are exactly how we should live.<br />
<br />
I thought living a comfortable life and doing some good things was enough.<br />
Now I know living an uncomfortably weird life and loving others as I love myself is what is expected of me.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-67993364689330175692013-01-11T12:22:00.000-05:002013-01-11T12:23:15.953-05:00Christian or Disciple?<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sources: <a href="http://www.northpoint.org/messages/christian" target="_blank"><i>Christian</i></a>, parts 1-8, by Andy Stanley, North Point Community Church; <a href="http://multiplymovement.com/">multiplymovement.com</a>; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/WEIRD-Because-Normal-Isnt-Working/dp/031031576X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357922381&sr=1-1&keywords=Weird" target="_blank"><i>Weird: Because Normal isn't Working</i></a> by Craig Groeschel; <a href="http://biblegateway.com/">biblegateway.com</a>; <a href="http://dictionary.com/">dictionary.com</a></span><br />
<br />
I am a Christian.<br />
<br />
Ever since I went to the front of the church and asked Jesus Christ to come into my life at the age of 6, I have been a Christian.<br />
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Until recently, I thought Christian was what I was supposed to be after that life-changing walk to the altar.<br />
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The last couple months have been filled with books, videos, conversations, classes and meditations that have made me rethink who/what I am supposed to be.<br />
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I believe in Jesus and I am confident His Spirit lives in me. So, what else would you call that besides Christian?<br />
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The problem, for me, is that Jesus never asked anyone to become a Christian. He asked people to follow Him, to become His disciples.<br />
<br />
According to Andy Stanley, pastor of North Point Community Church, in his sermon series <i>Christian</i>, the word DISCIPLE is terrifying because it calls us to actually DO something. A disciple is someone who actively follows, listens to, learns from, obeys and emulates another person.<br />
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Most people, including me, use the word Christian to describe someone's beliefs. As long as you believe in Jesus, you can call yourself a Christian. You don't actually have to DO anything, other than believe. In fact, you can do the opposite of what Jesus asked you to do and still call yourself a Christian because, after all, you believe in Him.<br />
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I'm tired of being a Christian. In fact, I don't want to do it anymore. I want out. I'm done!<br />
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I want to be a DISCIPLE. I want my actions to show who/what I am. And Andy Stanley is right, it's terrifying. It's terrifying because I know my actions don't always qualify me as a disciple. One of the worst things about being a disciple, and the thing that keeps many people from even considering becoming one, is hypocrisy. If we call ourselves disciples of Jesus, then go out and behave differently, we are hypocrites. If we ask someone else to become a disciple and do what a disciple does, but don't live it out ourselves, we are hypocrites. So, yeah, it's scary.<br />
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But, again, Jesus never sought Christians. He wanted disciples. Even the original disciples - the 12 who left their normal lives to follow Jesus while He was on earth - weren't perfect. They made mistakes. They were hypocritical. They disappointed Jesus.<br />
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Before he left the earth, Jesus gave his disciples what we know as the Great Commission. Do you know what He commissioned them to do?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBCtpHOW_LMQ0-Av_cRcljJW_RftRWW5zwRYhEQnpKrXbLzE0scEom9VOuBqtp6hAQvrKtI11FjirjsMywunh2-L7oSoGnbou1AxHlJ1D8x48GeN0T8wdLDgyVaCrIyenDed7QNnTmqo/s1600/Great+commission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBCtpHOW_LMQ0-Av_cRcljJW_RftRWW5zwRYhEQnpKrXbLzE0scEom9VOuBqtp6hAQvrKtI11FjirjsMywunh2-L7oSoGnbou1AxHlJ1D8x48GeN0T8wdLDgyVaCrIyenDed7QNnTmqo/s640/Great+commission.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's nothing in there about Christians. Jesus told them to make DISCIPLES!<br />
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The first step to becoming a disciple is allowing Jesus to have your whole life, but it doesn't end there. I don't know how people can think belief is enough. It's a step, but it's not the end. Being a disciple requires more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdrOIEqPk-1EaVEiwrNkReCQvK5jQ7oQYIosQqgEwmOH1gtTNDGyx6r0oV7GgH5ggkQSrr1tp3xfCmi5WxSoVohJduC7-VUs5xlNs28QdSUT9CmU7YP3kX1IQSHqhVl0gw9O6z9jAAZU/s1600/Love+one+another.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdrOIEqPk-1EaVEiwrNkReCQvK5jQ7oQYIosQqgEwmOH1gtTNDGyx6r0oV7GgH5ggkQSrr1tp3xfCmi5WxSoVohJduC7-VUs5xlNs28QdSUT9CmU7YP3kX1IQSHqhVl0gw9O6z9jAAZU/s640/Love+one+another.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Love is the way people will know we are disciples. If we love each other the way Jesus loved those He spent time with, we won't have to tell people we are disciples, they will either know it or will ask us why we do the things we do.<br />
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So, how did Jesus love? That's a complicated answer, but the phrase "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14) seems to sum it up pretty well. Jesus served, healed, demanded obedience, called out sin, forgave, protected, listened, fed and taught.<br />
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Jesus put loving others right up there with loving God:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncZKPT-c6yH1iC0NbnkfDpwPjd1sqP2TX6OYx6510uNH8P7GckM1ofHkSG7H4ANermoIZD6MHWPHlNoeZLw8K0g3dcs_jhAYICurfkkdKQaWiK0g5_hZqBj0yWUnliCuaZL9x4oh_PKE/s1600/Love+your+neighbor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncZKPT-c6yH1iC0NbnkfDpwPjd1sqP2TX6OYx6510uNH8P7GckM1ofHkSG7H4ANermoIZD6MHWPHlNoeZLw8K0g3dcs_jhAYICurfkkdKQaWiK0g5_hZqBj0yWUnliCuaZL9x4oh_PKE/s640/Love+your+neighbor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is where it gets terrifying all over again because how can you possibly love someone else like you love yourself? Especially someone who isn't easy to love at all?<br />
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The only way to love like Jesus loved is to do what Jesus did. The only way to do what Jesus did is to read His story and try to emulate Him ... After all, that's what a DISCIPLE does!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-69281032591268996502013-01-09T11:19:00.003-05:002013-01-09T11:22:19.651-05:00Crawling Before WalkingI've been thinking for a while now about getting back into blogging. It's been nearly eight months since my last post and I miss it.<br />
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I've been trying to decipher my reasons and develop a strategy for my re-entry in the the world of writing. I don't want to do it as a discipline. I don't want to do it to get attention. I don't want to use it as a platform to spread my opinions. And I really don't want it to become an outlet for my passive aggressive side!<br />
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I want to use this blog as an outlet for my own need to put thoughts in writing. I've long felt I'm much better at expressing my thoughts through writing than speaking. I haven't spent much time writing - other than briefly in a journal from time to time - in the last eight months. So, hopefully, the blog will get me back into the rhythm of writing!<br />
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Since I'm not in the rhythm of writing yet, I'm going to start slow and easy. The easiest thing I can think of is to share some of what is inspiring me, interesting me and challenging me right now.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Reading:</span></b><br />
I'm almost done with Craig Groeschel's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/WEIRD-Because-Normal-Isnt-Working/dp/031031576X/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357740423&sr=1-5&keywords=craig+groeschel" target="_blank">WEIRD: Because Normal Isn't Working</a>. I've often found myself wanting to rebel against what most people think is normal or trendy. In this book, Groeschel gives a strong case for why, as followers of Jesus, we should strive to go against the flow in many areas of our lives.<br />
<br />
A few books I'm planning to read in the near future are Jon Acuff's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Quitter-Closing-Between-Your-Dream/dp/0982986270/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357747869&sr=1-1&keywords=Jon+Acuff" target="_blank">Quitter</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Multiply-Disciples-Making-Francis-Chan/dp/0781408237/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357747896&sr=1-1&keywords=Multiply" target="_blank">Multiply</a> by Francis Chan & David Platt and a re-read of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sticky-Faith-Everyday-Ideas-Lasting/dp/0310329329/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357747951&sr=1-1&keywords=Sticky+Faith" target="_blank">Sticky Faith</a> by Dr. Kara E. Powell and Dr. Chap Clark.<br />
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While online I've been regularly reading articles at <a href="http://www.relevantmagazine.com/" target="_blank">Relevant</a> and <a href="http://churchm.ag/" target="_blank">ChurchMag</a>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Listening:</span></b><br />
Ever since this past summer, <a href="http://joshgarrels.com/" target="_blank">Josh Garrels</a> has been my go-to musician. This guy has a lot of music available and he's so unique. His voice is like none I've heard before and he blends folk with rock and roll and even a little hip hop and soul. His songwriting is fantastic. I've been listening to him pretty exclusively for about 5 months and I still love it!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Watching:</span></b><br />
I don't watch TV unless it's sports, and even then I pretty much only watch football. Football season is almost over so pretty soon my television consumption will be no more than the occasional college basketball game and the NCAA Tournament in March.<br />
<br />
I don't see a lot of movies either, but I have recently seen The Dark Knight Rises and The Hobbit - two fantasy-type movies that were entertaining. Nothing about either really inspired me a great deal, but they were definitely enjoyable.<br />
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I recently watched a DVD series from Andy Stanley at<a href="http://www.northpoint.org/" target="_blank"> North Point Community Church</a>. The series is called Christian and it has made me re-think how I use that word. I am a Christian but would rather be identified as a disciple of Jesus - a true follower who seeks to be more like Jesus every day of my life.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-10579747357658508382012-04-18T11:36:00.000-04:002012-04-18T11:36:52.795-04:00Personality Tests<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrw59KWlpkOy55HFBXKbWwzlJpu7-tAptLiWuoqB_j5QIIpes263T35qNnOlsvpSE_-J2A_sD9lQQGagzgwR4SbIUqb2ouddS2l6RorgU2yLJoPr7iWWGPDB8AmB-BmGBk_MeJruhQh5M/s1600/i-am-an-infp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrw59KWlpkOy55HFBXKbWwzlJpu7-tAptLiWuoqB_j5QIIpes263T35qNnOlsvpSE_-J2A_sD9lQQGagzgwR4SbIUqb2ouddS2l6RorgU2yLJoPr7iWWGPDB8AmB-BmGBk_MeJruhQh5M/s320/i-am-an-infp.gif" width="320" /></a></div>I'm not a huge fan of personality tests. I find them interesting, but have never believed a set of multiple-choice questions could completely sum up a person's whole personality. I still feel that way.<br />
<br />
But today I was introduced to a <a href="http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp" target="_blank">personality test</a> that ended in the <a href="http://www.personalitypage.com/INFP.html" target="_blank">most accurate description</a> of who I am, how I feel about things and why I do things the way I do them. So, if you have ever wondered who I am, why I do what I do and how I feel about things, just read that description.<br />
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Now, remember, it doesn't necessarily describe every facet of who I am with 100% accuracy, but it's pretty close!<br />
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And feel free to take the test and share what you find out about yourself!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543967015352155412.post-86146871833594735282012-04-12T09:57:00.001-04:002012-04-12T09:59:43.843-04:00Getting Creative - Porch Swing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9O3diNbpeq24yUtjNUzILswaZyi3ZfpustUKI8dRnICIWH7Yz_K2frY5rbXtX_9TqxmAziX5MQq13DIJTNAVXkKJMRwwGBFYrqpcNXVBub9GvSGG9gGMOq3B65dP8v2tMFxTNg2HlQ8/s1600/swing+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9O3diNbpeq24yUtjNUzILswaZyi3ZfpustUKI8dRnICIWH7Yz_K2frY5rbXtX_9TqxmAziX5MQq13DIJTNAVXkKJMRwwGBFYrqpcNXVBub9GvSGG9gGMOq3B65dP8v2tMFxTNg2HlQ8/s400/swing+finished.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Easter weekend turned out to be a long weekend for me because I was given an unexpected day off for Good Friday. It also turned out to be a productive weekend because Katie and I decided to use the extra free time to finally get some furniture on our porch.<br />
<br />
Well, we didn't go out and get furniture, we made it! The swing you see above is what we spent much of our weekend on and it has turned out to be a great time investment already. Katie and I were inspired by <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/157485318189306581/" target="_blank">this swing</a>, then tweaked it a bit to come up with our design. We already had a lot of the wood laying around our house, so we were able to keep costs low. We were given an old crib mattress by a friend and that determined our size.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQvq55UTpu4pAedf3qcg3sHsKmLXtkRGqeoFXhY3oVruHEhJzTvjc4nunE3Aj66HOmVpy0fLv5dbGZSm561eQpQmVNAF-f9G1V-DEEoBFH21pI6_lcrHa3F3z9edNuNTkkfLWkazrM_I/s1600/swing+hanan+david.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQvq55UTpu4pAedf3qcg3sHsKmLXtkRGqeoFXhY3oVruHEhJzTvjc4nunE3Aj66HOmVpy0fLv5dbGZSm561eQpQmVNAF-f9G1V-DEEoBFH21pI6_lcrHa3F3z9edNuNTkkfLWkazrM_I/s320/swing+hanan+david.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The reason I say it has turned out to be a good time investment is because just this morning Katie was able to spend some high-quality time with our kids on the swing, just cuddling and talking. That makes it all worth it!<br />
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I'm starting to realize that projects like this are always fun for me, but even more fun when the end product gets used and loved by my family or others who visit our home. So, it really all comes down to relationships because if I spend time making something that nobody ever benefits from, I've simply taken time away from others to work on a project. But when that product blesses somebody else or enhances our time together, then it's well worth the time!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0