As I have been preparing my discussion outline for this Sunday (Nov. 2nd), I have been struck by some very strange and conflicting data. As I explored the depth of the pain and worry that people are facing in light of the current financial crisis I was very surprised. Overall there is a real sense that our entire world is in a global recession and hard times have only just begun.
Banks are broke. Homes are getting foreclosed on and companies are cutting staff left and right.
Yet, surveys show that people feel that they are living better than they have in a long time.
I'm confused.
Collapse of financial securities everywhere and yet families feel that they are doing better than a year ago or more!
Is this possible?
As Jesus followers yes, it is possible because our hope and worth does not come from the stuff of this earth.
Yet, it's not just Christians that feel better off... over half of the population, across the board feels better off.
I'm wondering if we have all begun to see and believe that trusting man and our man-made kingdoms will always fail us.
Maybe more and more of us are seeing the cup is half full and we're able to enjoy what we have, rather than what we don't have.
Or maybe, the skeptic in me says, we're all not buying into the gloom and doom story that we hear and read about each day.
Maybe... we're smarter than what the media and others thing we are.
What the case is... I'm confused. Do we celebrate this sense of "feeling better off" or do teach and prepare people how to deal with the stress, fear, and worries of a strange, strange world?
Friday, October 31, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Men and video games
Friday night we had a great time going to Gameworks and just being men. Ok maybe we were boys again for the night.
15 people in all made the trip to one of the biggest and best arcades in the region. We raced formula one cars, shot zombies, danced, danced, danced to dance revolution and even battled it out in air-hockey.
It's always fun to see how a little bit of heart-pumping action and sound effects can help men bond and get to know each other in new ways. Half of our gang knew each other well either being long term Journey attenders or as apart of the Damascus Way re-entry program. But by the time we had eaten dinner, shot a few zombies... we we're all acting like bog kids together. No separation, just a gang of crazy guys out for a night in the big city.
Sometimes we make outreach harder than it needs to be. That's what I love about Journey. Even the simplest things, can be turned into high impact outreach,fellowship and discipleship opportunities. Keep it simple, keep it fun and open to all.
I can't wait until our next "guys night out".
By the way, we are looking at a Paint-ball day and a fun-loving contest with our daughter church the Crux in 2009.
Oh that will be awesome... men and paint guns. Splat!
Until next time men, keep training hard on the Wii systems and practicel, practice on the shooting range and any local arcade.
15 people in all made the trip to one of the biggest and best arcades in the region. We raced formula one cars, shot zombies, danced, danced, danced to dance revolution and even battled it out in air-hockey.
It's always fun to see how a little bit of heart-pumping action and sound effects can help men bond and get to know each other in new ways. Half of our gang knew each other well either being long term Journey attenders or as apart of the Damascus Way re-entry program. But by the time we had eaten dinner, shot a few zombies... we we're all acting like bog kids together. No separation, just a gang of crazy guys out for a night in the big city.
Sometimes we make outreach harder than it needs to be. That's what I love about Journey. Even the simplest things, can be turned into high impact outreach,fellowship and discipleship opportunities. Keep it simple, keep it fun and open to all.
I can't wait until our next "guys night out".
By the way, we are looking at a Paint-ball day and a fun-loving contest with our daughter church the Crux in 2009.
Oh that will be awesome... men and paint guns. Splat!
Until next time men, keep training hard on the Wii systems and practicel, practice on the shooting range and any local arcade.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Hospital waiting rooms
Today I took a road trip with two good friends to have Bill get a surgery procedure done. I had the chance to see him in a hospital gown, look at a strange sculpture, and visit with his wife Sara all day. It was a long so, fast day all mixed together.
The waiting room environment has changed a lot since over the years. Technology plays a big part of patient care and family waiting. BUt the biggest change in the waiting room was when a golden retriever came up and befriended Sara and I ( along with others in the area). Reba the door brightened the, brought laughter and conversation alive. It was fun ton see how a peaceful, friendly spirit made such an impact on people in tense times.
Maybe the next time that we're in a hospital waiting room... we can have the same effect as Reba the dog.
Get better Bill, and thanks for allowing me to be of service and help you both today!
The waiting room environment has changed a lot since over the years. Technology plays a big part of patient care and family waiting. BUt the biggest change in the waiting room was when a golden retriever came up and befriended Sara and I ( along with others in the area). Reba the door brightened the, brought laughter and conversation alive. It was fun ton see how a peaceful, friendly spirit made such an impact on people in tense times.
Maybe the next time that we're in a hospital waiting room... we can have the same effect as Reba the dog.
Get better Bill, and thanks for allowing me to be of service and help you both today!
Monday, October 20, 2008
My Personal Faith
This Sunday we explored the Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-13)
Half of the bridesmaids we're fully prepared with extra oil and the lamp was burning bright when the bridegroom returned.
The other five, got lazy, bored with waiting for the grooms return and they were unprepared. No oil, no extra oil and there for the did not have a lamp that radiated any light.
It's hard parable, because Jesus teaches very clearly here... your faith is your personal responsibility. If you don't take personal responsibility for it, in the end you will be judged accordingly. Man that's hard to take in from such a God that is know for grace, love, and forgiveness.
The reality is, we live in a world low personal accountability and responsibility. We live in a world that allows for excuses and last minute bail outs, rather than having people take account for their choices or even lack of choices. Making no choice is still make a choice.
In the church, many of us rely others faith. Mom and Dad believe so I must be ok. I go to church, when I can, and I feel refreshed after words so I must go to go. This parable seems really harsh in verse 9, as the five bridesmaid who were prepared say to the other five, "We don't have enough for all of us. Go to the shop and buy some for yourselves."
May faith is mine, I can either keep it fueled, energized or I can run dry.. it's my choice.
The sad part is, if I let run dry, I may miss out on many amazing things that God would love for me to be apart of.
In the end, if my lamp is not shinning, it may effect eternity itself.
The maids all got sleepy, they all nodded off. Yet when the groom came, five still were prepare enough to burn bright and go with the groom (Jesus). I don't know how else to say it, I have to stay awake. I want to help others stay awake.
Everyone can take more responsibility for their own faith... if they really want to. But if you're sleeping life away... I guarantee you're going to miss out on so many things.
How's your faith, your lamp burning these days?
How do you get re-fueled when the faith journey gets long?
How prepared are you to go the distance?
How personal is your faith today?
Half of the bridesmaids we're fully prepared with extra oil and the lamp was burning bright when the bridegroom returned.
The other five, got lazy, bored with waiting for the grooms return and they were unprepared. No oil, no extra oil and there for the did not have a lamp that radiated any light.
It's hard parable, because Jesus teaches very clearly here... your faith is your personal responsibility. If you don't take personal responsibility for it, in the end you will be judged accordingly. Man that's hard to take in from such a God that is know for grace, love, and forgiveness.
The reality is, we live in a world low personal accountability and responsibility. We live in a world that allows for excuses and last minute bail outs, rather than having people take account for their choices or even lack of choices. Making no choice is still make a choice.
In the church, many of us rely others faith. Mom and Dad believe so I must be ok. I go to church, when I can, and I feel refreshed after words so I must go to go. This parable seems really harsh in verse 9, as the five bridesmaid who were prepared say to the other five, "We don't have enough for all of us. Go to the shop and buy some for yourselves."
May faith is mine, I can either keep it fueled, energized or I can run dry.. it's my choice.
The sad part is, if I let run dry, I may miss out on many amazing things that God would love for me to be apart of.
In the end, if my lamp is not shinning, it may effect eternity itself.
The maids all got sleepy, they all nodded off. Yet when the groom came, five still were prepare enough to burn bright and go with the groom (Jesus). I don't know how else to say it, I have to stay awake. I want to help others stay awake.
Everyone can take more responsibility for their own faith... if they really want to. But if you're sleeping life away... I guarantee you're going to miss out on so many things.
How's your faith, your lamp burning these days?
How do you get re-fueled when the faith journey gets long?
How prepared are you to go the distance?
How personal is your faith today?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Drivers License
Well today Cyndi and I entered into a phase of life... we have a 16 year with a drivers license!
It has not been easy for her to pass the final drivers test. Parallel parking.. who really does that anymore anyway.
But today she got-er done!
It's proud day for her and her parents. Plus it's a nervous day for us.
Now she goes on our insurance, can driver alone (when we let her), and she gains more independence and responsibility!
A a mixture of emotions and thoughts... mostly all good.
My little girl is growing up to be a fine young lady... the clock is ticking and today is just a reminder of that.
It has not been easy for her to pass the final drivers test. Parallel parking.. who really does that anymore anyway.
But today she got-er done!
It's proud day for her and her parents. Plus it's a nervous day for us.
Now she goes on our insurance, can driver alone (when we let her), and she gains more independence and responsibility!
A a mixture of emotions and thoughts... mostly all good.
My little girl is growing up to be a fine young lady... the clock is ticking and today is just a reminder of that.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
KINGdoms - Preamble
Week one of the our new discussion series got a lot of people thinking about our world kingdoms vs our heart kingdom.
The heart Kingdom is God's active, present Kingdom among those that follow Jesus and him Lord, Master, Savior, King.
Yet far too many of us don't believe that this heart kingdom can really exist now, or make a lasting impact. So so we continue to try and use man's kingdom to fix our problems and rely on.
Where do you put your trust in man of God?
Jesus taught that our attitude, our heart condition creates a new kingdom. It moves, it grows, it's seen and yet makes a lasting impact, a dangerous impact in the lives of those that are effected by it. It's a hard concept to fully understand I admit. Yet, you can not deny that's it's just as real as any earthly power or kingdom... even more powerful.
It all comes down to your attitude.
Attitudes define and control us. They our daily course in life so often.
So sound off... what's your attitude? Is it focused on earthly stuff or the unshakeable, eternal values of God?
The heart Kingdom is God's active, present Kingdom among those that follow Jesus and him Lord, Master, Savior, King.
Yet far too many of us don't believe that this heart kingdom can really exist now, or make a lasting impact. So so we continue to try and use man's kingdom to fix our problems and rely on.
Where do you put your trust in man of God?
Jesus taught that our attitude, our heart condition creates a new kingdom. It moves, it grows, it's seen and yet makes a lasting impact, a dangerous impact in the lives of those that are effected by it. It's a hard concept to fully understand I admit. Yet, you can not deny that's it's just as real as any earthly power or kingdom... even more powerful.
It all comes down to your attitude.
Attitudes define and control us. They our daily course in life so often.
So sound off... what's your attitude? Is it focused on earthly stuff or the unshakeable, eternal values of God?
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Church planters retreat
I just got back from a two day church planters retreat in Whalen, MN... south of Lanesboro.
This annual get away has always been important to me and my wife. It's a time of relaxing, refueling and reconnected with like minded brothers and sisters that face many of the same highs and lows we have do each week, month, year.
This year EVERYONE physically tired. It was a two day... nap for many of the leaders and couples. We've had years when couples have come in battle weary and worn... this year it was simply a energy break for most people. It was really strange. No late night card games, no earth shattering stories or prayer request. It was like any of the 4 prior years that I've attended.
Yet it was great in a different way. I was able to share this time with Bill Ellingson ( Director at Journey/ best friend and great guy)
He just lost his job at Qwest and the timing of this retreat was perfect for him and his place in life. Plus he heard and connected with other crazy ducks like me. Yes, that's a good thing.
It was much needed get away as we press forward into fall and a extra special holiday season at Journey.
This annual get away has always been important to me and my wife. It's a time of relaxing, refueling and reconnected with like minded brothers and sisters that face many of the same highs and lows we have do each week, month, year.
This year EVERYONE physically tired. It was a two day... nap for many of the leaders and couples. We've had years when couples have come in battle weary and worn... this year it was simply a energy break for most people. It was really strange. No late night card games, no earth shattering stories or prayer request. It was like any of the 4 prior years that I've attended.
Yet it was great in a different way. I was able to share this time with Bill Ellingson ( Director at Journey/ best friend and great guy)
He just lost his job at Qwest and the timing of this retreat was perfect for him and his place in life. Plus he heard and connected with other crazy ducks like me. Yes, that's a good thing.
It was much needed get away as we press forward into fall and a extra special holiday season at Journey.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Crazy daze!
I really love what I do for a living! Yet, often I get questions (not jokes) what do you really do all day?
It's hard to explain how some days, even weeks are smooth, calm, organized and I read, dream and actually do what seems like very little "work" as most people may call it.
Then there are days and weeks when everything hits and hits and hits.
Yesterday was a great example of a crazy day after several days or peace, prep and dreaming.
9:00 - 11:00 met with another are Pastor.... great time sharing what God is doing in both of our church communities.
11:00 - 11:30 receive call that key leader lost his job of 7 years (BIG SURPRISE)
Noon - 2 p.m. lunch meeting with a new couple to our church that is facing major life/ family issues.
2- 4 p.m. - Visit guy who was let go from job and talked with another person about some major life struggles.
4:30 walk in house, my phone rings and I receive new that "uncle Bob" former attender of Journey just passed away after long battle with Cancer. 1/2 talk on phone with grieving young man about this family loss.
8:30 p.m. as I go to turn off cell phone (off by 9 each night), call comes in from teenager wanting to meet next week and has lost of questions about emotions he feeling and who is God.
I love these type of days. Really.
I feel that I am really serving, ministering, helping people in the name of Jesus.
I feel extremely close God because I must lean on Him, his strength and understand. I must stay linked with God or I would crack and be a nut case.
I'm also glad that God has wired me to transition quickly from joy to sadness.
But I'm also glad that I had several days of calm, peace and dreaming. My battery was spiritually and emotionally charged to face a day like yesterday.
I do not wish pain or hardship on anyone.... but I am glad that God has wired me to do this amazing job called Church planting and pastor a church or searching people.
It's hard to explain how some days, even weeks are smooth, calm, organized and I read, dream and actually do what seems like very little "work" as most people may call it.
Then there are days and weeks when everything hits and hits and hits.
Yesterday was a great example of a crazy day after several days or peace, prep and dreaming.
9:00 - 11:00 met with another are Pastor.... great time sharing what God is doing in both of our church communities.
11:00 - 11:30 receive call that key leader lost his job of 7 years (BIG SURPRISE)
Noon - 2 p.m. lunch meeting with a new couple to our church that is facing major life/ family issues.
2- 4 p.m. - Visit guy who was let go from job and talked with another person about some major life struggles.
4:30 walk in house, my phone rings and I receive new that "uncle Bob" former attender of Journey just passed away after long battle with Cancer. 1/2 talk on phone with grieving young man about this family loss.
8:30 p.m. as I go to turn off cell phone (off by 9 each night), call comes in from teenager wanting to meet next week and has lost of questions about emotions he feeling and who is God.
I love these type of days. Really.
I feel that I am really serving, ministering, helping people in the name of Jesus.
I feel extremely close God because I must lean on Him, his strength and understand. I must stay linked with God or I would crack and be a nut case.
I'm also glad that God has wired me to transition quickly from joy to sadness.
But I'm also glad that I had several days of calm, peace and dreaming. My battery was spiritually and emotionally charged to face a day like yesterday.
I do not wish pain or hardship on anyone.... but I am glad that God has wired me to do this amazing job called Church planting and pastor a church or searching people.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
