American Idol... Drama

This season I have tried to sit and watch more of the American Idol, simply because the rest of the family likes it.
I have to admit, I don't really get the big buzz on this show.
Thousands of people try and show that thy can sing and be the next "big star" in the music industry.
People will do anything, behave anyway to been noticed and get the audition!
This year there was "Bikini girl" and "Norman" that pushed the envelope and the "geek factor" as it its know.
Why?
Why do so many people want to have Randy, Simon, Paula and the new gal judge them?
Why do are so many people willing to have Simon, verbally abuse them in public?
Plus, each week if there isn't enough drama with the singers, the four judges have to go after each other and create drama for the network ratings. It's all so fake and so unneeded.

I have enough drama in my life, I don't need to sit and experience more drama... especially forced, created drama.

I guess, I find it sad, that so many people are willing to do anything, for anyone in order to be told that they are "someone"... aka STAR. I find it much more real, valuable and satisfying when my family and friends tell me truly how they see me.
Oh that can cause drama to, but it's real drama... not a network rating thing.

I wonder, how much the idol type of mind set is effecting our kids, work place and families.
The scriptures say that you should have no other idols before God... and that includes making yourself an idol.

Someone do Something

I recently got back from a conference that included about 200 church planters, spouses, and key leaders with in our nation-wide network of churches known as CONVERGE USA. Our network is one of the two fastest growing and most stable church planting movements in the entire nation. There is must to celebrate and yet so much more that needs to be done.
One speaker at the conference shared a sobering stat.

"At least 3,700 churches will close their doors this year...in 2009."

With population growth, the influx in internationals coming to our country... we can not plant enough churches to effectively serve, minister and reach people for Christ at the rate of churches closing. We are loosing the battle in a country that is seen a "Christian". Wow... that is a real sobering thought.

The speaker spoke with passion and urgency that "someone here, in this room has got to do something."
The scriptures tell us that the "fields are ripe but the labors (workers, servants, risk-takers) are few".
I can't stomach that.
God's word said the world is ready, that light should be expanding and yet not enough people are jumping up make a make in eternity. Someone has got to do something.
I believe that that not just or two have to do something, but an entire faith community must rise up and do something.
A bold movement God, the Holy Spirit, for the sake of Jesus Christ needs to rise up and push back the darkness.
Instead of 3,700 churches closing this year.... 3,700 need to launched,relaunched, reignited.

As we begin this new series called "ALL IN" at Journey. I pray that an entire community of faith explodes with new passion, new sacrifice, new visions and dreams from the Holy Spirit. I pray that this community is the faith community, family called Journey. "SOMEONE HAS GOT TO SOMETHING."

Are ready to do something... then step forward. Don't waste another day. Another day, could see another church close and the darkness will over shadow the light.

Coming Home

I really have enjoyed this week. Several days meeting with some of best church planters and their spouses in our Converge movement of churches, plus some quality time with Cyndi. But a good as this time has been, I'm ready to come home.
When ever I travel over a period of time, I get reminded in my soul what I am called to do and where I am called to serve.

Breaks are good, but don't keep me on the sidelines and on the bench too long.
I could go crazy, without being in the service of God and His people.

From the 75 degrees back to the 17 degrees on Tuesday.
Get ready, Minnesota,..... I'm coming back.

Valentines at Disney

Today is Valentines day we concludeed a two - half day church planters conference in Orlando.
Converge USA our network of churches hosted the event and provided some GREAT deals to get over 200 pastors / planters and spouses at Disney. (suffering for God was tough this week).

After the confefrence Cyndi and I enjoyed at day at Epcot (thanks Tony). We had a fun time and enjoyed watching the fireworks at the Epcot lake. Can't see that enough.

We're celebrating Valentines and our 20 year wedding anniversary a bit early since we're here. (Really a huge God story!!!!)

I hope that you are enjoying a day with the one you love the most.

I'm a hopeless romantic!

Love & higs

Simple or complicated?

I have to admit... I'm a pretty simple guy.
Pizza, Peanut Butter and Jelly (grape jelly), nachos, and cheetos make me happy.
Movies that have lots of explosions and car chases I get.
God's grace and love I get and yet we often make it so hard to accept and live within.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not a hard thing. God loved us, so much that he sent is son to live perfect, die a sinners death, rise victorious over the grave and give us freedom and life. Simply!
So why is it that so many people are confused by matters of faith? Could it be another simple thing... that we, the church, have made it more complicated than it was ever intended to be? Have we add layers and layers of programs, process, systems and vocabulary that it appears to be so complicated to the average person and spiritual seeker?
I would say, "yes" we have!

Just this week I heard from several people, "there's got to be more to his faith stuff, this can't just be it."
Part of Jesus mission was to simply live a godly life, simply love people and simplify our relationship with God.
Jesus came to simplify the countless rules, regulations, and boundaries imposed by centuries of religion.
The people of his day were drawn to his simple teaches and truth.
The religious leaders.... hated him for it! They like complicated.

Simple does not me dumb.
Simple does not mean it's not hard or no growth happens.
Rather, Jesus showed simple to be hard, intense, dangerous, radical, and powerful.
Simple brought understanding, understudying brought faith, faith brought action that appeared simple but rocked the world.

Maybe you're confused as you attend Journey, go to LIFE Groups, participate in various ways.
Maybe you're waiting for the simple to end and the complicated to start... because that's how it's always been in church.
I promise you, if you're looking and waiting for the complicated.... you won't find it here at Journey.
Rather you'll find the simple
So why not embrace the simple.... like Jesus taught, modeled and lived.
Simply show love to others.
Simply reach out to a hurting world.
Simply serve expecting nothing in return.
Simply give the best that you have.

Have you had enough of the complicated life?
Simply accept the simple gift of God.... accept and follow a simply power man... God's son Jesus.
Is that simply enough for you?