Sold Out

Who Will You Run To?

2010-07-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

I think it so awesome, and am so thankful that Christ loves His kids so unconditionally. Case in point; me. He has an uncanny way of saying " I know you better than you think, and I am watching you right now." (paraphrased of course) The other night I realized my helpless human shell that I am entombed in is just that; helpless without Christ.

I had just had a major discussion (a.k.a. fight) with my wife of 18 yrs. I did not want to talk to her, my friends, and least of all - God! He would just tell me to pull up my boot straps, grow a pair, and figure it out. I didn't want to listen. I actually felt like getting ripped. Going and buying a 12 pack and sitting down by the river, and saying "to hell with the world" for awhile and just get lit up. I was pissed at life in general, using my wife as the catalyst and blaming her. Messed up. Now, I have been a Christian for a long long time, and I have not wanted to get drunk in a very long time. I love a good beer or red wine, but have absolutely no desire to get tipsy or drunk. Nope, not any. Been there, done that. I have to consider myself a little wiser now knowing that throwing up on my floor is not my favorite past time. However; I didn't really care that night. Here's where Dad comes in.

I stormed out of my house with a cloud of anger brewing above my head, and got into my Suburban ready to hit the 7-11 for a short case of whatever. I turned my key and the radio had been left on from earlier. The first words that came out of the radio were; "you decide, who will you run to?" A song by a band called "Fireflight." At first it made me angry that God was there, and then, as angry as I was, I had to chuckle at His timing. Did it make me think? Damn straight it did. It gave me a visual of Jesus on one side and my 12 pack on the other. "You decide, who will you run too?"

I didn't get my beer that night, nor did I have the desire to after that. I opted for a solo viewing of the movie "Inception" at our local movie house. In the days after, I have been thinking of that song and what it means. Some times life sucks. It just does; but we have to decide who (or what) we will run to.

Thanks Dad for caring enough to speak to me through the radio the other night. Love you.

Steve

The New Dream Team

2010-07-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought I would do my quarterly post for all two of you out there - Bueller...Bueller. I posed a question on Facebook this morning that got me thinking. If Jesus were walking the earth today, and he was choosing the 12 Apostles to change the world, who would he pick?!

First, one's mind would think of great and well known pastors, or maybe an activist leader trying to rid the world of hunger and poverty. Maybe. Would he gather men from one country, or all over the globe? Who would be Judas?

My finite mind would immediately go to people like; Francis Chan. Chan's house may be the first one Jesus stops at. He is such a selfless man, and is like my blog title - "Sold Out" for Christ. I think he'd be a great pick. Maybe someone like Mark Driscoll? He is passionate, articulate, smart, and sometimes has a foot shaped mouth. He would be a perfect Peter. Billy Graham is old, but seasoned well. Dietrich Bonhoffer? Maybe.

What about people like Bono, and his work with the AIDS pandemic? Or Rick Warren from Saddleback. I don't know of many prominent Christian men in other countries, so "my picks" are primarily from the states. Remember; there is a Judas out there too. Any ideas? Careful, your answers may not be PC, but they may be close to the truth. Would he be a political leader perhaps? A famous athlete seemingly on fire for Christ? Hmmm.

Yeah Steve, those are all great names, but Jesus didn't pick high profile speakers, or eloquent men of great stature. He started with some fishermen. These are ordinary people, ordinary Joe's like you and me. He started to pick His apostles where you would least expect it - in the margins of society - places we would never think to look, if we were picking a team to change the world. Smart man that Jesus.

So, how cool would it be to let your mind wander and think that Jesus is walking the earth as your read this, to pick his new "dream team". Just be prepared. If you're just an ordinary Joe with a heart for walking and talking with Jesus, and for saving lost and destitute souls, then maybe, just maybe, you might get a knock on "your" door. He probably won't be wearing a choir robe, or have the 80's hair band look, but he might be wearing flip flops. (especially if he lives in Bend, OR)

So if you listen real hard, I'll bet you can hear the knock.

Question is: will you answer it?

Cheapskate Christian

2010-02-08T22:06:00.000-08:00

The bible tells us as Christians to tithe 10% of our first fruits. In today's world that means 10% of our income. Debates arise as to whether or not that is 10% of gross, or net, or everything, or just money, blah blah blah, and the debate rages on. Should it be for my church, or can it be a combination of my church, and a charity, or my grandmothers cat's vet bill etc. You get the picture. Regardless you have to ask yourself if you are tithing 10% of your income. Are you tithing 5%? 2%? Anything at all. Maybe it's a token $20 when a powerful speaker tugs on your heart strings and you feel compelled (or guilty) to give something for their cause.

Here are few interesting things I have read regarding the Christian giver / penny pincher. In the year 2000, only 2% of church members were giving 10% of their earnings to the church. Pathetic huh? During the great depression that number was 3.3%. Yeah, it was higher. It seems the more we have, the more we want to hold on to it. The more we need, the more we give. Typically a little over 10% of the church members give 80-90% of the money to their respective churches. That's really stepping it up all you Sunday seat warmers. You know, it would seem to me that if you loved Jesus, you would love the church. And if you don't love the church, then you don't love Jesus. You know, the bride and groom thing. It's a relational concept.

Here's a simple formula with an astounding effect. Take 100 committed adults in a church. That's all there is at this hypothetical church. It's hypothetical, because I can't think of a church that would do this. And each of them makes, oh, lets say $40K a year. They love Jesus, and the mission of their church, and they tithe regularly 10% of their wages. Now do the math. 100 committed, sold out members each giving 10%, which is $4K a year. What does that equal? $400,00! All of this from only 100 members! If you really want to have fun add another 100 or 200 committed people. What if the 100 only gave 5% or even a measly 2%? That's still $80K a year! Now I'm not concerned with how much money the church could make, it's not a contest, but think what could be done with that money for the mission of the church. For the mission of Jesus. Too many scenarios for me to list, so I'll let you dream up something yourself.

Bottom line is we are told by Christ to tithe. It's also the only place in the Bible where He says "test me". We have personally in our house, and He hasn't disappointed. In fact He's amazed us.

Like the commercial says..."What's in your wallet?"

"Pure" Religion

2010-02-01T11:07:00.000-08:00

James 1:27 states that "pure and undefiled religion" or some translations say "faulty religion". So we have religion, or better yet, a type of religion that is pure - undefiled - one that God himself accepts. That tells me that the flip side of the coin represents a "faulty" or "defiled" religion... and that all religion is not good. So what is it? What type of religion should we be striving for to be in Christ's favor? Well he describes it about as clear as crystal. "To care for the widows and orphans in their distress." I guess the question I have to ask myself is am I?

I can talk a good talk as well as anyone. But what about acting upon it? Caring for the orphans has always been on my heart, and lately even more so. It seems God won't quit smacking me on the ear to let me know He's still there. It's as if He is saying "that's all you got Steve? You can't do anything more?" "We'll talk later when you come to my place."

It's the comfort factor. Why step out of my comfort zone? Because I don't want to let go of control. "Religion", as defined by us, is what God hates. The legalistic, fundamentalistic type of religion makes Him sick. In Malachi He gives us good insight to His thoughts on twisted religion. In Matthew Jesus tells us what He thinks of the Pharasitical thought process and lifestyle. We are on this earth for a nano second in the grand scale of eternity, and we will face Jesus at some point. Isn't it about time for us (me) to start living out His desires now.

He also tells us to care for the least of these. Ask yourself what you are doing to care for the least of these? What if you were one of the least of these. What would you want from the so called "Christians" Pray about what you can do. Adopt, support financially to a cause for the needy? Get involved in an outreach program here locally? Pray.

Tomorrow could be too late. James 1:27

Satan Is Alive & Well

2009-08-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

Lest we think we are safe from the arrows of satan, we should think again. He is the ruler of the world as we know it today. He is in control of this earth for as long as God allows it. He is the great deceiver, and no one is greater at it than he. 2Corinthians 11: 14-15. He is always looking for an opportunity to pierce us, and is always on the prowl, we must be alert at all times and recognize his stealth tactics 1Peter 5:8 . If he has difficulty penetrating your defenses, he will switch tactics and go for what is most important and valuable to you. He may start with monetary items, or worldly possessions. Stronger people realize this attack, and pray through it. Then he will go for the jugular and make it personal. He will attack your family. Your marriage, and even your children.

This is where the strong are brought to their knees. Satan has a mission in mind - to kill and destroy, and deceive. John 10:10. It may be adultery, pornography, drugs, lies, lust, deceit, or more. Any and all of these. If you think it's easy to fight against this spiritual warfare, then you are spiritually dead. Satan is the greatest tactician of darkness. He will pit us against one another with ease and a flick of his wrist. He is the father of lies who defies God and despises truth. John 8:44. Remember - God is Truth. How ironic is that?! In these extreme economic times, we are left to wonder what will become of our lives, our families, our future. This breeds doubt, discontent, discouragement, anger, fear & uncertainty. All satanic weapons of mass destruction. I myself have been blitzed with these weapons recently, and memories of the past still haunt me, and envisions of the future scare me. My children, my wife, my family, my mind, they are all affected.

Oh the prince of darkness is having his day right now, and will continue to gain power

Ephesians 6: 12 until the day when the Lord says "enough!" and comes to end his reign here on earth. Be aware of satan and his legion of demons, but more so be into the Word, and prayer and pray against his attacks. But also remember these things: Satan was created "by" God and not equal to God Proverbs 16:4, and given limited power Job 1:12, and most importantly he was defeated by Jesus on the cross. Death a.ka. satan could not keep it's grip on Jesus. Three days later he arose with life. "The temple will be rebuilt in 3 days." Satan is defeated. Satan will win some major battles in the coming years, but in the end, he will be forever defeated.

Therefore resist the devil and cling close to God James 4: 7-10. Draw near to Christ in your times of trouble, and He will draw close to you. Satan is alive and very well, but Christ is the ultimate victor. Draw strength from the power of Jesus and no other and you will defeat the attacks of satan. If God is for us - who can be against us. Praise God!

Are you really ready?

2009-07-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

We talk big, and act out all the right characters in perfect timing. But the facade that we construct will at some point break apart and crumble. Usually when we are at our lowest point. Why do let it happen that way. Let's accept the love and direction that Christ offers to us NOW! We say we are ready for Him, but we don't act like it. Let Christ's love run deep within your soul, and reap the benefits He so wants to give us. Whatever it takes. Here are the lyrics to a song by Kutless calle "Ready For You"

Lord, You take my heart away with Your love
and I am willing to put on my faith in Your plan.

Come and take my life.
Make my soul refreshed in truth now.

I am ready for You.
Take my heart and make me new now.
I am ready for You
to come and fill my soul.

Cleanse all of my mind that is not of You.
Break me, teaching me how to find rest in Your hands.

Come and take my life.
Make my soul refreshed in truth now.

I am ready for You.
Take my heart and make me new now.
I am ready for You
to come and fill my soul.
To come and fill my soul.

Whatever it takes,
I'm needing to make Your will be done
and I'm letting go of my control,
for I see what You've done in me.

I am ready for You.
Take my heart and make me new now.
I am ready for You
to come and fill my soul.

I Feel Like I'm Gonna Hurl

2009-06-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

There's any empty pit feeling in my stomach. The fear of losing my business is becoming more of a reality every day. I still have tremendous faith that Jesus can provide a miracle and save my business, but I don't know if He will. It's kind of like that feeling you get when you get sick. You know - you feel like you're going to hurl, but so badly don't want to. So you lay there tossing and turning and doing whatever you can to not blow. Then there comes a point where you just say - "let's get this over with and be done with it." "If it's gonna happen, let it happen."

That's kind of where I'm at right now. People tell me that God won't let you suffer more than you are able to handle, and that He will take care of me, and He has an ultimate plan. I know all that, but it really doesn't pay the bills right now! It still stings like a needle piercing the skin on my arm. Thank the Lord that I have Him, because without Him, I'd be a wreck. I'd be going off like a loaded gun, and regretting every bit of it later. Without Christ, I'd be a mess.

We learned about real perseverance last night in our small group. Paul. Paul was ridiculed like George Bush at a PETA festival, and beaten like a red headed step child. Yet Paul got up, pulled up his pants (robe) and jumped back in the fray. Crazy? Yeah he is kind of crazy. He's crazy filled with the Holy Spirit that's what. He totally believes that he's gonna continue to get the crap beat out of him, rocks thrown at his head, and driven out of town by a bunch of jacked up loons that think he's Zeus's sidekick!

But he also believes that God will take care of him. Take care of him then, and more importantly - in the future. He is not focusing on the seen, but the unseen. He is preparing this day for that day. He 100% full on believes in the power of Jesus! Do I? If I really do, then why am I getting my shorts all in a bunch? I pray that I will be filled with the Holy Spirit the way Paul was! Believing that is possible is where I draw my strength from. This is temporary, and we should expect that it's not going to be easy like Shaq putting down a two handed dunk. But I think I draw the majority of my strength (aka faith) from knowing that my Jesus has my back. No matter what. And one day (in the future) He is going to let me in on His heavenly party. And oh, will we par-teh! No more doubt, nor discouragement, nor suffering.

Thanks Jesus for having my back, may I never falter in my faith that you do.

It's Just Outside Your Front Door

2009-05-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

It starts in our own backyard. Sometimes we get so caught up in foreign missions we forget about our own surroundings. Maybe it's just naivety in the fact that we think someone else is taking care of it, or maybe we are just cowards. Cowards in the sense that these are the people we live with, work with, and play with. What if they knew exactly how we felt about Jesus. After all it's way easier to preach the gospel to someone you don't know who doesn't live where you live. Right? There's no fear of rejection. And if rejection did happen - not a big deal, you'll probably never see them again. Easy. I guess the real question here, without going off on a tangent, is if you are a Christian, why wouldn't the poeple you hang with know exactly how you feel about Jesus? Alright, staying focused here.

Global missions ARE needed, and are as important as anything. In fact I personally have a soft spot in my heart for Africa. The AIDS orphans and villages that have been devastated and ravaged resonate deep within me. I will go there someday. Hopefully more than once. Other nations that are in dire straits also need our help, and we should help out of love and compassion, not out of duty or responsibility. However; coming back around to the locals - here is what I came across this morning while reading the Bible. I was actually reading out of "The Message." The Message is a paraphrase of the Bible, not a translation, but sometimes gives a fresh relevant approach. It's good to broaden your scope of reading and not get sucked into a single only translation. i.e. KJV only or NIV only. So here is what spoke to me this morning while reading in Matthew.

Jesus is addressing the crowd and states that the harvest is great and the workers are few. He then calls his 12 disciples up and gives them this direction. "Don't "begin" by traveling to some far off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost confused people RIGHT HERE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD!" ..."Don't think you have to put on a fund raising campaign before you start. You don't need a lot of equipment, you are the equipment!" I like what Jesus says next - "All you need is three meals a day...travel light." Now understand this is a paraphrase version, these are not the literal words of Christ, but the message is there plain and simple.

So yes, let's continue to focus globally. Like our mission statement at our church "Journey" Let's transform the world by starting in Bend Oregon. Don't think that's really possible? How many people did Jesus call up to hit the local neighborhood? 12. Look what's happened.

Over ANALyze

2009-05-07T09:51:00.000-07:00

If anyone reads this blog. Thanks! If you would care to comment, that would be great.

Something that has been bugging me for awhile that I keep forgetting to write down - is over analyzing people - especially bloggers. It seems that everyone has become an expert on everything spiritual anymore. Analyzing this, critiquing that (which I am just as guilty of) suggesting this or that, and lost focus of what I believe is the core. The heart.

People are analyzing the type of worship, the style, the songs, the way you sing the songs, the band, their clothes, their hair, are they smiling too much etc.? Are they performing? Is it called a stage or a platform? People comment on the pastors, or reverends, or teachers of the Word. What translation is he using? What kind of props are acceptable? How long should the sermon be? Should it be topical or exegetical? Then how about the decorations of the church? Everyone has an "opinion" on that? Or how about the ever controversial "coffee area"!! Oooh! Should it be good coffee, just O.K. coffee, Starbucks coffee, or should we even have coffee at all!

People are analyzing and opining on things like - do we love God or do we love loving God? Are we worshiping for Him or for the inspiring song? If it's for Him, (which is should be) are we not allowed to enjoy the experience? Or is that not about Him, but about us? The whole thing is out of control. When I go to a game, or see my kids excel at a sporting event, I'm the loudest one there. My wife genuinely gets embarassed. Should I say "well that was a public display of attention that was centered around me." No! I'm excited for my team or my kids, and I'm having fun with it! It's not about me, it's about my team or my kids! I am enjoying my kids and the experience they have drawn me into with them. Having fun with Jesus is NOT wrong, in fact I would encourage it, and I think He would too!

Where is the heart issue? Jesus is more concerned about your heart than He is about the freakin coffee, I can assure you of that. As far as I'm concerned, jump, shout, laugh, sing loudly at the worship songs! David in the bible did! Oh yeah, he got analyzed over that too. Get engaged. Are you saying you can't have fun and worship God at the same time?! Then you better go to a Baptist or Lutheran church if that's how you feel.

When you realize that it's your heart your pouring out to Him, everything else becomes so irrelevant. When He realizes that your pouring out your heart to Him everything becomes so authentic. Enough of the over analyzing and micro managing ideology. Are there black and white issues? Absolutely. But don't tell me how to worship the King, or what translation is best, or that I can't get excited about at church, because then it's not really about Him, it's just the "atmosphere" that's been created that your excited about.

Pour your heart and soul into Jesus and you can't not produce fruit. He tells us to draw near to Him and He will draw near to us. It's a no brainer. So all you super intellectual, over analyzing, theological spiritual wanna be's ...shut up. Commit yourself fully and wholly to Jesus. Quit being His earthly go to guy. He doesn't need your help, He's got it pretty well figured out Himself. If you want to help, go out into the world and love on someone for who they are, and let Jesus take it from there.

Prove It To Me

2009-05-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

It tells us in the Bible that our sins are forgiven when we become Christians. Psalm 103:12 So when we get to heaven, we are still judged. Right? For what? I believe that when we become a new creation in Christ, all or our transgressions are forgiven forever. So that means when we enter heaven we are pure. Right? Then what are we judged on if I'm correct here? I believe we are judged on what we did once became a child of God. It's going before the judge and presenting your case. 2 Corinthians 5:10

Here's what I mean. Imagine the judge (in this case God) asking for proof that indeed you were changed when you committed your life to Him. "where's the evidence?" He asks. "All I see here is a bunch of lust, drunken-ness and excuses." "Where is the proof that you really turned your life around?" "How would you like to proceed here?" "Do you have any evidence?" "Church?" "Church?" "Do you expect Me to believe that by going to church your life was changed?" "Do you realize to whom you are speaking?!" "Now be careful here - I know your thoughts."

Would you have enough evidence to prove that your life was changed? That you were a true believer and follower of Jesus?! "O.K., do you have any fruits that you could use as evidence?"

Will you hang your head, and ask the almighty to just believe that your intentions were good, and that alot of things got you "off track" and you meant to "come back" but just didn't get around to it in time?! "Show me proof!!" "Show me the fruits of your labor, surely there must be something more concrete than reading your bible once in awhile, or going to church!" "Surely there must!"

Would you have enough evidence (any concrete evidence) that you are a converted child of the almighty judge? If you are a true christian, you will go to heaven, but it may be an uncomfortable conversation with the judge. Just a thought I had.

Where is the Holy Spirit?

2009-04-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

Why don't we see the Holy Spirit moving in our churches like the churches in Acts? He came as a rush of wind, powerful and mighty. Unseen, yet His force was like no other. Acts 2:2 Is His work done? Are there enough churches and mega churches that He feels He isn't needed anymore? Could it be that WE feel we don't need Him? Or that we don't believe those miracles exist today, and were only for the Bible? Could be. Probably more truth in that than we are ready to admit. Our society is a me society and we think we got it handled, and can figure it out ourselves. Holy Spirit? That guy only did His miracles in the "old" days!

The Holy Spirit is still as alive and powerful today as ever. We just don't tap into Him. What's that you say? We do? Not really. I think if we did, we would see amazing results. We have things today so structured, that we try to "fit" God in when our schedules allow. Usually it's the scraps, or the filler time that He gets. The deity of Christ has unlimited potential, and we are satisfied with just the basics, and wonder why we don't see more miracles in today's day and age. It's the lack of faith, the lack of obedience, and the lack of priority. The God of today is the same as the God of yesterday, we are the ones who have changed. I think it's still possible to see a modern day Pentecost, but we as Christ followers need to believe in the power of the Holy Spirit first. We need to have the same faith as Peter or Paul, and preach like Peter and Paul. They weren't afraid of being persecuted! In fact Peter relished it when he was let out of prison. Acts 5:41

I think it's possible if we start to preach the truth. And believe.

From Uganda With Love

2009-04-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

For the past two nights our family has had the privilege of being a "host" family for a 10 year old Ugandan orphan girl and her chaperone. The girl's name was Faith, and her chaperone was auntie Shova from Nepal. They are both part of an organization called World Help http://www.worldhelp.net/and are in a "traveling" choir called Children of the World Choir. They performed at our church last night to a packed out house. The kids (13 of them) were nothing short of spectacular! To see their faces light up while they sang their lungs out to Jesus was completely moving.

Without going into great detail, these kids are all orphaned and most have been affected by HIV in some way or another through their families. Thankfully, none of them actually have the disease themselves. The pure joy they bring was contagious. Faith lit up our home with her dark skin and pearly white. Shova (her chaperone) was a petite Nepal girl with long beautiful black hair down to her waist. We learned over dinner, that she loves American Idol! We were quietly reminded when it was 8'o clock the last two nights. We played Simon and critiqued the contestants, and I was told I was actually harsher than Simon. Although I dress better.

Faith called me "uncle" and my wife "auntie", and in the few short hours we spent with her, a magical bond that could only come from God was formed. The real icing on the cake was last night after their concert. When the children were exiting the stage, Faith was first to come down. She spotted me sitting on the edge of the aisle, and as she approached I put up my hand to give her a high five. She wanted nothing to do with that. She ran towards me put up her arms and jumped into me with a ferocious bear hug and held on. I just about lost it right there.

Whew. It was stinking awesome. Later that night we took some funny pictures and put them in her scrapbook. This morning we said goodbye to Faith and "auntie" Shova as they were off to another performance. They are currently in their 8th month of a 10 month U.S. tour.

During the performance last night they showed about a five minute video of how HIV/AIDS has ravaged their home of Uganda, and what I consider pathetic support given by so called Christians and their organizations. Seventy to ninety percent of the world aids pandemic stems from the sub-saharan region of Africa. Most Christian organizations (percentage wise) don't do a thing about this pandemic. When people say "how can God let this suffering happen?" I want to say..."how can WE let this happen?" I know there are hundreds of organizations out there that we should support, and have an excuse for why we aren't - but pick one. How about just one? Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do! - or wear dark sunglasses and act like we don't see the truth. What's the mantra - out of sight out of mind? Well that's convenient. Jesus says - whatever you do for the least of these you do for me! Sorry, but I was so touched by these kids and by Faith, that maybe it was God's way of slapping me upside the head and saying "what are you waiting for?" "All that talk Steve don't mean jack!" If anyone reads this blog, I'd love to hear some ideas, and action plans for the next year. Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus, because I sure saw his face last night!

What God Do You Bow Down To?

2009-03-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

What do you spend your time with? on? at? Do you realize you spend your spare time doing what you are hooked on. That's where your real passion lies. Want to see what someone loves? See where they spend their free time. We tend to fall into a rut where we worship anything but God. Oh, don't get me wrong, we throw Him scraps every now and then to make ourselves feel better, lying to no one but ourselves about how good we are. My bad is this stinking computer. It has become my God. If I spent half as much time reading my bible as I do in front of this fricking computer, I'd have it read in a month! Where are your priorities? Just look at what consumes your free time. It would be a cool project to see how much time you spend on things other than building your relationship with God. I think it would be even cooler to put down our false gods to the point where we reverse the trend, and spend more free time with God than our current gods. I bet between the computer and the TV, I space out looking at the screen for an average of 4 hours or more a day. Probably more. In fact I think I'll try to track it, and update this next week. We / I need to focus on what's important and what's not. Not getting sucked in because of my weak discipline. Focus is the discipline to say no to anything off- mission or off-task.

Buddha & Jesus

2009-03-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

Buddha, Krishna, Muhammad, Jesus. We can all have our own way to get to heaven or the afterlife right? Recently, a friend and I decided to take a walk through a local park and invite people to our Sunday night church, and hopefully spur some good conversation, and maybe more. We had no plans or well thought out ideas or expectations, we just had the urge to "get out." One thing that may have prompted us (well actually two things) was that we were going through Acts in our Tuesday night small group. The other, the Holy Spirit tapping on our shoulders. In Acts, Peter and the others are filled to the brim with the Holy Spirit, getting beat down like a rabid dog for it, and loving it! They actually pray for boldness to continue this craziness of preaching!

So, during our travels through the park we encountered people of different sizes, shapes, and religions, some were just a quick "hey" and others were really open to talk to us about Jesus. One couple in particular engaged us in a great dialogue. It was kind of like hooking up with a the big fish you were trying for all afternoon. Her name was Brianne, and his was Ryan. Brianne turned out to be a sweet, intelligent caring girl. Ryan was a smart, intellectual guy. Both I'd say were in there 20's. We talked about Jesus, and asked them their thoughts. She said Jesus was a great man and a great role model that we could learn a lot from. A great teacher. And she appreciated what we were doing, but she wasn't interested. "I'm a Buddhist" she said.

We talked about salvation and the afterlife, and I told her that I believed that Jesus was the only way to heaven. I quoted a few scriptures i.e. John 1:1 and John 1:14 and John 14:6 "I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the father but through Me". That was all well and good and real nice and churchey, but didn't really mean squat to her. You see even the demons believe in God, (not that she was a demon) but don't pledge their allegiance to Him. So I asked her - out of all the religions of the world, why did you choose to follow Buddha? She pondered for a second searching the sky for an answer, and in an almost unconvincing answer said - harmonics.

Personally I like to believe that the Creator of all things (my God) would have more than just harmonics. He died, rose again like He said He would and fulfilled umpteen prophecies while He spent time with us as a human. We talked about how the bible is a history book, and that Jesus was either who He claimed to be, or He was an all out liar and a bad person. She just smiled and said that we don't "completely understand" Him. Then Ryan started quoting from Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy! Come on Ryan, we weren't ready for that one. How even His disciples questioned Him and his ideas and parables. It was an awesome dialogue. It was obvious that our road to heaven was a different one than theirs. Harmonics or a living, breathing, dead raising, life giving God. I didn't expect to change their minds that afternoon, but maybe, just maybe a seed was planted. Left for the Holy Spirit to water. We left with smiles on our faces as we continued our trek through the park and downtown. We had brought the horses to the edge of the water, but it wasn't our job to make them drink.

Later that afternoon we talked to a couple of street vendors about everything from surfing, selling cars, weird looking bicycles (that they had poured ridiculous amounts of money into that still looked "ridiculous") and Jesus. We shook hands and said our goodbyes and good days. There was no one that was offended that day. You see it's about being authentic like Jesus and meeting the lost at their home, at their campus, at their park. I had a great time talking with Brianne and Ryan, and they were totally down with what we had to say. I pray they realize that Jesus Christ is "thee" only way to heaven.

I hope they drink the water someday.

Acts 5:42

Why Is It?

2009-02-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

Why is it that a 20 dollar bill seems like such a large amount when you donate it to church, but such a small amount when you go shopping?

Why is it that 2 hours seem so long when you're at church, and how short they seem when you're watching a good movie?

Why is it that you can't find a word to say when you're praying, but you have no trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend?

Why is it so difficult and boring it is to read one chapter of the Bible, but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a popular novel or fiction book?

Why is it that everyone wants front-row-tickets to concerts or games, but they do whatever is possible to sit at the last row in Church?

Why is it that we need to know about an event for Church 2-3 weeks before the day so we can include it in our agenda, but we can adjust it for other events at the last minute?

Why is it so difficult to share Jesus Christ with others, but so easy to talk about anything else, including gossip?

Why is it that we hardly ever question what the media says, but we question the inerrant word of God, The Bible?

Why is it that everyone wants a place in heaven, but they don't want to believe, do, or say anything to get there?

Why is it that we expect Jesus to provide for us, when we sit around and do nothing?

Why is so easy to spend time doing your favorite hobby, but so difficult spending time with God?

Why is it so easy to justify spending money on trivial excessive items for yourself, but so difficult spending money on a meal, or a wool hat for the homeless person who sits on the corner?

Why is it that we continue to do the same things, yet long for and expect different results?

Why is it so easy for us to talk about doing something great, and puff ourselves up, but so hard for us to actually do it?

Stained Glass Masquerade

2009-02-06T10:16:00.000-08:00

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

Lyrics from Casting Crowns

Who's Praying For Me?

2009-02-04T09:01:00.000-08:00

John 3:16 There's been a lot of crap going on lately. In the world and in my home. Distractions are rampant and keep me from Jesus. Yes, that's my fault, and yes, it shows where my priorities lie, but the distractions are usually subtle attacks that I don't even realize until the end of the day, or the next morning. Satan doesn't need to bring a full on frontal beating or a golf club in the back of the knees to knock me off track. Most of the time it's anything that has distracted me enough to keep me away from time with Jesus. I could not handle my situation (life) right now without complete faith that He knows what He's doing. Couldn't - Nada. Jesus is in complete control, even if I don't like what's going on right now. And really I don't. But is this our test?

These are times for us as Christians to shine and show our faith. Not just talk about it, but express it, live it out like we actually believe what we talk about. Don't just speak the well rehearsed Christian-eese lip service. What greater example in these hard times than for people to see Jesus in our eyes, like a reflection in a mirror. People - we talk about not having an opportunity - but in reality we have opportunities every day! It's whether or not we seize those opportunities. We are lazy, and have more excuses than Mickey D's has fries.

Here's the really cool thing though. Jesus Christ - thee Jesus Christ - is praying for you today. Everyday. That just blew me away this morning when I was reading John 17. And as sit here correcting all my spelling errors, it continues to sink in deeper. It's stinkin awesome! Really!

Here is what Jesus is praying to His Father about:

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

9I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. 12While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. 13"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Wow! I think I can make it now. I do feel the full measure of His joy. I'm being prayed for by Jesus himself?! wow!

Take Action

2009-01-27T22:05:00.000-08:00

Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

James 2: 14-17 (the message)

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

James 1:26-27 (NKJV)

I Stinkin Love My Kids!

2009-01-20T11:35:00.000-08:00

Last night around the dinner table, we actually had a family conversation that meant something! It wasn't the typical inhale your food, leave your dirty dishes on the counter, or table, and bolt for the TV or Facebook. It was kinda nice. My kids peeled open a deep theological subject without them even realizing what they were doing. The ensuing dialogue was awesome to say the least. My oldest son asked the question, why would God choose only some people to go to heaven and not others? Then my daughter said, why didn't He just make everybody love Him? Then my youngest son, not wanting to be left out, said what if someone never heard about Jesus? Would he go to heaven? Killer convo going on here. I perked up in my chair, my ears turned up like Spock, and I made my best attempt to explain these huge questions to a trio of adolescents. It was like trying to explain which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Then the question turned to, does Jesus choose us, or do we choose Him? O.K. now we are entering the Calvinism / Arminianism catechisms. What? This is awesome! I tried to explain that God is God and He is sovereign (what's sovereign mean dad?) yeah - He can do what he wants to us, He created us. Who are we to tell the creator of something that they don't have the right to do with it what they please. Simple enough explanation right? "Well, mom created us, can she just choose if she wants us to live or not, just like God?" Yes honey sometimes she can. No, just kidding. I can just imagine Jesus sitting there in the empty chair next to me with a big ol grin on His face, thinking...well Steve what is your answer gonna be on this one? I tried to explain that people way smarter than me (way way smarter than me) have discussed, debated, and divided on whether Jesus chooses us or we choose His free gift. I also told them that they don't have to lose sleep over it, because they know for sure Jesus is in their hearts. Ask Him which it is when you get there, but don't lose any sleep over it. You've already got the golden ticket Charlie. Once we know we are saved we need to work on our sanctification process. Sancti - what process? Getting closer to God, and letting Him be the ruler, and leader of our lives. To build an awesome relationship with Him.

Dinner was so great last night. About as great as the Cardinals making it to the Superbowl! Actually a little greater than that. I am so stoked that I know where my kids are going, and that they are starting to learn why they believe what they believe. Not just because that's what their parents believe, but starting to create their own identity. Thank you Jesus for choosing me to be the father of these three kids. I stinkin love my kids!

Get Lit

2009-01-18T10:01:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about this for a few days, so I thought I would just write it down. Now some of you may say to this post - Duh - but just here me out, because this is really cool in perspective. Jesus talks many times in the bible about being the light, whether it is in reference to Himself, or us. The cool thing I was thinking about is that darkness can NEVER overtake light. You may say, "sure it can" if you snuff out the light, it becomes dark. Right? True. However; the only reason it becomes dark, is because you have removed the light. What about nightfall when it gets dark? The sun has been removed, that's why it became dark. Not because the darkness of night overpowered the sun.

Walk into a dark room with a flashlight or candle and try to make it so dark that it blots out the light. You can't! But the light will always pierce the darkness. It always wins. Light can certainly overtake the darkness. This is cool to me because as I apply it to Jesus, it tells me that He (being the light) will always win. He will always overtake the darkness, or evil, because He is the light. He is the source of light. One other really cool thing to note: The darker it gets - the brighter your light becomes. I know you heard the light / dark thing as a kid in Sunday School, but hey! It's not rocket science, or some deep theological breakthrough, I just thought it was cool.

Be The Man!

2009-01-15T09:08:00.000-08:00

Times are tougher now than I have ever seen them in my lifetime. I'm 45. The one constant is Jesus. If I don't embrace Him now, I will never persevere through this. It's time for me to man up, but that is easier said than done. What do I mean? I mean it is difficult being the leader and head of the household right now. When the economy is good and we all get to eat at Cold Stone once a month, take the fam to a movie and buy those extra shoes that you don't need, things seem to run more on auto pilot without to many hiccups. When times are rough (like now) it takes more to be the man. There is a lot of responsibility put on us men that are husbands and fathers. Not just from society, but from God himself. We are supposed to be the leaders, the thinkers, the providers, the care takers, and the rock for our families. When everything else crumbles and goes to hell, we are the ones that our family looks to for strength, guidance, and assurance that they are going to be alright.

I wish I could say "no problem, I'm there" but I can't. We as men have to fully embrace and surrender to Jesus to help us get through "it." I'm not asking for Jesus to take this away from us, I'm just asking for His help to get us through it. I believe you will do one of two things. Fold your tent and get in line for government cheese, or become stronger because of it. If you fold your tent, you have turned your back on God. Some days it's tough to keep it together in front of my family. As men we are (as John Eldridge says) "posers" "How's it going Steve" "good!" Liar. We internalize so much that we either explode or implode. Usually we explode on our families, and implode with a bottle. My son had a question posed to him - when do you feel closest to Jesus? I think now my logical answer would be when I am with Him. I am with Him when I am in prayer and reading my bible. I ask myself that same question regarding my family. Or reverse it and ask the reciprocal of the question - when do you feel most distant? When you aren't with them spending quality time. You will either shun Him or run to Him, which is it?

At a men's night a few weeks back we were given dog tags imprinted with LIVE PURE, SPEAK TRUTH, RIGHT WRONGS, FOLLOW THE KING. What a great set of parameters to adhere to as men. If we can remember those simple things, we as men will automatically draw closer to Jesus, and we will make it through this and be the men that He wants us and expects us to be. Get close to God, and He will get close to you. Nobody puts it better than the great philosopher Phil Knight - "Just Do It" Thank you Jesus for all that you do for me. You are awesome!

Fishing With Satan!

2009-01-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

I love to fish. I mean I really love to fish. Sometimes I go alone, and sometimes with a buddy of mine. But I would never dream of going fishing with Satan. Would I? When I go fishing by myself, I stand in the river looking at all of God's creation and get sucked in to a one on one time with my Creator, Friend, King, Savior etc. It's an awesome time of reflection and bewilderment at the same time. Reflection on how mighty and awesome He really is! Bewilderment in the fact that I can't even come close to understanding Him. The main points yes, the gray areas, no way. Why so much grace for a wretch like me? I have a hard time fathoming that, but I like it. Why do bad things happen to good people? Not sure on that one either. I have some ideas, but trying to figure out God is like trying to do a Rubik's cube blindfolded with one hand. But fishing with my God is an awesome thing. It's real, it's authentic, and it's meaningful.

When you go fishing you are trying to trick the fish or fool them into something that is not what it seems. You are "deceiving" them.

So fishing with Satan? Satan is a great fisherman. Probably the best. He knows just what bait to use for each and every one of us, and most of us can't refuse it. Once we bite down, it's hard to break free. We nibble at the bait he's tempted us with. Satan is the master deceiver, and gives us counterfeit bait i.e. love, significance, and security to name a few. These tempting baited hooks take the form of money, porn, toys, power etc. We bite down hard, and the hook sinks in deep. Quite often, once the hook is set, he reels us in and lands us.

We can avoid being hooked by knowing what kind of "bait" he is using. We do this by knowing what is real and what is not. We do this by enhancing our relationship with the real fisher of men -Jesus Christ. If we do not invite Jesus to take complete control of our lives, we will be deceived, and we will take the bait. Know the truth. Know Jesus better.

2009 - The Year of the Nipple...again?

2009-01-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

It's 2009 already! I can still remember the panic leading up to Y2K, and that was nine years ago?!! Wow! Well I for one am not big on New Years resolutions, because they hardly ever work, but I do think that the beginning of the year is a great time to assess or reassess what we can do or do better for the new year. One of the areas to focus on is our spiritual growth. For those who call themselves "Christians" or "Christ followers" it's time to stop sucking on the nipple. People who have been self proclaimed Christians for awhile, take this year as an opportunity to grow in maturity. Make this the year that you wean yourself from the nipple and start to eat some real food. Solid food. Steak! Take this year to step out of your comfort zone and connect with Jesus where He is. He lives outside our comfort zone most of the time, and we find excuse after excuse why we can't meet Him there. How long can we continue to be satisfied with just milk? Do you really want to be an infant your whole life? Sadly, some do, and they like it that way. No worries, just get my milk, burp, and go back to sleep.

We really see the face of Jesus and his character when we break free of the nipple and start to grow up. We all have teeth now, so none of us should be continuing to nurse anymore.

What is solid food?

To me it's more than just an hour a week sitting with your friends.

It's more than just a prayer when you need something.

It's more than reading your Bible "once in awhile".

It's more than agreeing with someone who has a good idea.

It IS getting involved in our community.

It IS digging into God's word on a regular basis

It IS changing your habits that are contrary to the nature of Jesus

It IS learning about Jesus in ways you never knew.

It IS everything that brings you closer to Jesus.

2008 sucked for alot of people. In my life it sucked financially, but it also brought me closer to Jesus. That doesn't suck. 2009 is a year of opportunity. An opportunity to build a closer relationship with Jesus. It's really a no-brainer, He says draw close to me, and I will draw close to you. So what's the excuse for 2009?

Break free of the nipple this year.

Fish Guts & Disobedience

2008-12-18T19:40:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been intrigued by Jonah. You know the guy that got sucked up by a big fish, then puked back up on the beach. Imagine looking for shells and looking up and seeing that! But really, this is the story about someone who heard what God was saying, and decided to run. He knew loud and clear what God was telling him to do, but wanted absolutely no part of it, so he ran and hid from God. Or so he tried. You can't really "hide" from God. And you can't really tell Him no thank you. He will be heard, and He will have the final say. Jonah came to his senses after three (very long) days in a stinky old fish belly. He probably didn't get a lot of sleep, and had plenty of time to plead with God and realize his lack of obedience. God spared his life, and Jonah went on to Nineveh. A place he hated, and wished God would punish for what it had become, instead of giving them a second chance. The story continues and has Jonah prophesying to the Ninevites, and over 120,000 DO repent!

Are you running from God? Is there something you have flat out told Him No! Let this be a lesson to all of us to listen and heed God when He calls. I doubt we will get swallowed by a big stinky fish, but he could get our attention in many other ways. You can decide what that might be. We are all Jonah-vites, and run from God. Don't we?

What's your Nineveh?

How Dare You Say Christmas!

2008-12-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

Well, it's that time of year again, and it wouldn't be complete without the usual annual Christmas bashers. I know, it's ridiculous, but it happens every year. And seemingly every year it gets worse, and we become increasingly calloused towards the Christ bashers. I've become more numb to the ramped up anti Jesus sentiment, and as I reflect on Christmas, it just pisses me off to see how our society is so dumbed down by the media and all the squeaky wheels. For example. The Holiday Tree. It's a freakin Christmas Tree! What other holiday do you specifically put your tree up for? If there was not a Christmas, would you put it up for New Years? You don't put it up before Thanksgiving, unless you're some kind of compulsive Christmas gnome or something. So really, it is a "Christmas" tree.

Also, what day does everyone (except JW's) celebrate? December 25th. Right?! What does your calendar say for December 25th? Christmas? Duh? Is it offensive to say Merry Christmas? No. Not unless you have some real character issues. If someone says Happy Kwanzaa, or Happy Hanukkah, I don't go crying to my mom, or call the newspaper with complaints of unfairness, or offensive-ness. Grow up!

Well, some people don't believe in the birth of Jesus. But they still open their presents on December 25th and say "good morning kids! Merry Holiday!" Come on, give me a break. Now my kids have "winter break" and "winter or holiday pageants." I get offended when my kids have to watch a certain movie of read a certain book at school. But I don't dress up like an idiot and storm city hall, or dig a cave and hide out with a full supply of can goods. It doesn't surprise me, but it frustrates me. So this Christmas season, when your sucking on one of those delicious candy canes...enjoy it! Open your presents, have a great day! But also remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. Use yourself and your children to be a light and a sounding board for Jesus this year. It's a birthday celebration for baby Jesus. Don't let anyone bring you down this year. Smile and love on them and tell them Merry "stinkin" Christmas!

Do You Really Believe What You Really Believe?

2008-12-06T17:24:00.000-08:00

Jesus. This post starts with Jesus, because everything should start with Him.

This week my faith was tested big time. I'm not talking about the faith that comes from being pretty sure something is going to happen, but the kind where you just say - there's no freakin way this can happen. Like the Cubs winning the world series! Or Ted Kennedy turning Republican! Just can't happen. This week is a testament to the power of our God and one souls unshakable faith. This post goes out with a fist pound and a double high five to my Jesus, because he rocks!!

The beginning of the week I needed a large sum of money to pay an even larger business bill. The beginning of the week started with no work on the books. (We have a home inspection business) On Monday my wife (killer lady) and I got on our knees and prayed, and prayed, and prayed some more. I fasted that day. Monday afternoon I got a call to do a job. A big job! Paid alot of money in one day. The next day I had an inspection scheduled and got a call the night before from the realtor who said they had to cancel the inspection for tomorrow. Our client lost her job that day. When it rains it pours. The next day I got a call to do another job. And on Friday afternoon I got a call from a realtor asking if I could do a job on Saturday. Are you kidding me! The night before we had just sold my wife's snowboard and boots on craigslist. Do you see God working here people!? This evening I totalled up the dollars for the week, and we had 60 dollars extra! Understand that this is happening in December. Traditionally the worst month of the year for us. Tell me there's not a God in heaven, and I'll tell you we don't have a black man for president. Un-stinkin-believable. Want more?

We went to write our tithe check tonight also. When we figured the total. We had 2 dollars left over in that account! Can you hear me jumping up and down! Oh, we serve a mighty and awesome God. I believe with all of my heart completely that there is nothing Jeus can't do. I really do beleive that. If you really believe what you really believe, you will have that mustard seed. Thank you to all who threw up their prayers this week. Thank you.

Jesus.

I am Thankful

2008-12-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for the roof over my head.

I am thankful for the food in my cupboards.

I am thankful that no one can take my car away.

I am thankful for clean water.

I am thankful for my wife.

I am thankful for my awesome kids.

I am thankful that my family is going to heaven someday.

I am thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ.

and mostly, I am thankful for Jesus Christ.

Starbucks is in the (RED)!!

2008-11-26T15:29:00.000-08:00

I do love my Starbucks coffee, but now I love it even more. My heart cries for the orphans and AIDS victims of Africa. Here is the best reason to date to buy your half caf triple pump shot double non fat soy whip thing at Starbucks! Yeah yeah, i know some of you out there will still B&M about the "corporate" giants, but millions of dollars is just that - millions of dollars! Here is the article from the November 3rd post at (BLOG) RED.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2008

Starbucks is (RED)

This week, Starbucks announced that they are partnering with (PRODUCT)^RED, making an historic multi-year commitment that will give millions of people the opportunity to generate millions of dollars for the Global Fund and save the lives of thousands of Africans living with HIV and AIDS. This surprise announcement was made by Starbucks CEO Howard Schulz on a stage before an audience of more than 10,000 Starbucks partner employees who had come from all over the world for an arena-sized company meeting.

When Schulz said the words and the audience saw the (Starbucks)^RED logo, there was an immediate and deafening cheer from the Starbucks partners. (And this was before they found out that (RED) founder Bono was backstage, waiting to meet them.)

It was an amazing moment for us because it was so clear that Starbucks and their partner employees were ALREADY (RED)—(RED) 10,000 times over. They know that their company can change the world. When Bono challenged them to join the front-lines in the fight against HIV and AIDS by turning their own stores (RED), they were out of their seats again and ready to get started.

Starting on November 28th, those same Starbucks partners will be unveiling (Starbucks)^RED Holiday Exclusives—every time you buy one, a nickel goes to The Global Fund. And Starbucks makes a lot of coffee, giving all of you the chance to turn those nickels into millions of dollars just by choosing (RED). And the (RED) products will just keep on coming at Starbucks so that you can keep on doing something good every day.

We’ve gotten to know some amazing people at Starbucks while planning this partnership. This week, we met 10,000 more. Okay, so you know how big Starbucks is…but you may not know how committed they are to making the world a better place.

Did you know that all 10,000 of them volunteered to rebuild homes in New Orleans this week? They did.

Did you know that they made an announcement this week to double the amount of Fair Trade coffee beans they buy each year to 40 million pounds? They did that too.

It’s all part of their core values—they call it SHARED PLANET. We call it SHA(RED) PLANET—some of the best coffee beans Starbucks buys come from countries in Africa that are faced with the threat of HIV and AIDS every day. Now, you can help them do something about it, every day.

Seeing all the store managers gathered together was a reminder that Starbucks isn’t just a big company, it’s also the actual person who makes you your coffee every day. Yesterday, that person joined (RED) and for the price of a cup of coffee, you can too. Coming this holiday season to a corner near you… BUY (RED) COFFEE, SAVE LIVES.

Starbucks and (RED) today announced a multi-year partnership that will give coffee lovers a chance to do good every day.

Throughout the holiday season, Starbucks will contribute five cents from the sale of any of (Starbucks) RED Exclusive beverage (the three beverages that make up the Starbucks popular holiday trio) at all of their US and Canadian stores to the Global Fund to invest in AIDS programs in Africa.

“(RED) is making remarkable progress in the worldwide effort to address AIDS in Africa,” said Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman, president and CEO. “We have a deep partnership with coffee growing regions in Africa. We are proud to partner with our customers to contribute toward an AIDS-free Africa.”

Schultz joined Bono, co-founder of (RED), for today’s announcement in front of 10,000 Starbucks partners (employees) at the company's 2008 Leadership Conference in New Orleans.

“(RED) is coming to a corner near you thanks to Starbucks. I’m very excited to be able to say that,” said Bono, co-founder of (RED). “The business of Starbucks with roots in Africa and branches all over the world is an ideal fit for (RED). It’s pretty mind-blowing to think that millions of people can buy (RED) going about their daily lives and in doing so raise millions of dollars to fight AIDS in Africa. That’s not a bad hit from your caffeine.”

(Starbucks) RED Exclusive Holiday beverages go on sale November 27, 2008 and continue through January 2, 2009.

Just One can make a difference

2008-11-17T21:21:00.000-08:00

Last night was a record night for our "church within a church" that we call Journey. On any given Sunday evening we have between 70-80 people. Last night we were just under 130. All this growth is organic. It's really cool. As long as we continue to not lose sight of our focus which is Jesus - period - we will glorify Him and the numbers will continue to grow naturally. It was our last night in our "What If" series. Our focus was on what if we really served the world. Our guest speaker was Greg Russinger from Just One, an organization designed and committed to end social injustice, i.e. poverty, orphans, and specifically last night - human trafficking. It was a real eye opener, and even though our service went almost 2 1/2 hours, no one seemed to notice. The Spirit was on the move. You see Greg hangs out where Jesus would be hanging out. With the Lost. Jesus operated / operates where it's messy. Our culture, our world is messy. So ask yourself, as an employee for Jesus, where do you spend your time with the gifts and talents He gave you?

How does a doctor heal the well? About as well as we Christians can add life to our brothers and sisters. If we are not engaged with the lost, then we might as well be fired. If a doctor got paid for only engaging well people, he would most certainly lose his job! Right?

That being said, I was totally stoked and convicted at the same time. Stoked to see the growth last night, and convicted that I wasn't doing enough to serve the world. So tonight I was going over some notes I took at an Exponential conference last April in Orlando. Here are a few the notes I jotted down regarding doing church right. It's a good litmus test to see if we (Journey) are still on task - still have the right focus - still taking the right steps to further engage and grow the Kingdom.

NOTES:

* Follow Jesus' lead. He sets the primary template.

* The "church" comes out of missionary engagement.

* The recovery of discipleship should be a core task.

* Our movement/growth can grow only in proportion to our disciples!

* Expand your disciples & expand your movement/growth!

We need to recover, or rediscover, the apostolic movement. To do that we need to cultivate missionally responsive, culturally adaptive, organizationally agile, multiplicituous people. In short, we need to mobilize the people of God. Own up to our missional responsibilities. We need not only to produce, but to reproduce. Employ missional leadership. (Eph.4)

Now understand what I am saying here. I am not saying it's all about numbers. What I am trying to say is that this is what we should be doing regardless. The question we have to ask ourselves is - are we?

After last night at Journey it was evident that our ever increasing "movement" is indeed doing just that - moving. I do believe we are on the right track, and that our focus is still ALL ABOUT JESUS.

It reminds me of what Jesus says in Revelation 22 - Behold, I am coming soon.

Are YOU moving? He is coming you know. Soon!

What Is Church?

2008-11-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine (Jeff Goins) whom I met through the blogoshpere recently posted and article asking "what is the church?" Great question. Below is a link to his article. Check it out and leave a comment if you like. I would also like it if you left a comment on my blog as well. What is church to you? This could open up a pandorian like box with follow up questions such as - is church doing it right? what our church is doing wrong? should we church plant? how big should a church get? Church doctrine, rules etc. But for now...let me know what you think church is. If you want to elaborate on the latter - feel free. It may make for an interesting discussion. In the meantime check out my friends article and peruse his blog while you are there, he has some great stuff / links. If we are the body...

http://jeffgoins.myadventures.org/?filename=what-is-church-blog-tour

So be it.

Disgusting Pride Spills Over

2008-11-09T21:39:00.000-08:00

This past week has been a trying one. We moved into a new house and are still going through some of the "headaches" of a new address - i.e. getting our business phone and fax line hooked up, trying to fit a 3 car garage worth of "stuff" into a two car garage, and going from a 1/2 acre lot to a very small lot. Work is slow and our local football team got beat in the first round of the playoffs.

But even more than that is the animosity and outright fighting I have (we have) been going through in our house. I have had more arguments and full on fights with my wife and my oldest son, than I can remember in a long time. I know - the easy thing to say is that I'm being attacked by Satan, and there is real spiritual warfare going on here. And I think for the most part that is true. I have been slack at spending time with Jesus this last week, and have let down my shield and my armor, and exposed my weak spiritual self. Enter Satan and his cronies. I don't deny that. However; my own stinking rotting pride has started to seep out again. An excellent pastor in Sisters OR named Tim Kizziar from Sisters Community Church gave an awesome example in one of his sermons that really stuck and had an impact on me that's so relevant here: it's like carrying around a vase of muddy dirty water that no one can see inside of. But as you move around some of the goo starts to spill over the rim of the vase and land on the ground for everyone to see. I'm not hiding it very well anymore. Soon, (as in this weekend) it doesn't just spill over, it pours over, until I've dumped it all on the ground for my family to see. It's like dirty brown sewer water just flowing out now. I have a lot of ugly stuff inside me that just spills out. For me it's my pride. I think my vase is so stained inside that even when I fill it with fresh water, it still looks dirty inside. Thank God for His undeserving but beautiful grace. Jesus please help me to see my faults and my weaknesses. Please help me to change into the man, husband, and father you expect and want me to be. Let me love my son and my wife like the example of love you have shown us. Protect me from the darkness that surrounds and wants to attack. Draw close to me Jesus.

You know Satan has been around for almost - ever! It's not a new strategy he employs, but a time tested effective strategy that cuts to the core. It's family. If he can drive a wedge in your family, and pit you against each other, he will also drive a wedge between you and Jesus. He has been very effective in that task this last week. I'm glad I can realize the problem, but that's only half of it. I need to address it by putting my armor back on fighting for my family. I don't know what I'm smoking if I think I can do it solo without Jesus. Lord I am sorry for being so busy this last week that I have neglected you. I'm ready to saddle up this week and rejoin your army.

Thank you for your unconscionable patience in me Jesus.

Thank you

What If?

2008-10-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

We are starting a series next week at our Church "Journey" titled "What If", and it got me thinking just that. What if I was as concerned about my bible as I was my cell phone? Oh, my gosh! where's my Bible? I can't leave the house without my Bible! What if I spent as much time praying to Jesus, as I did watching TV? Half the time! What if I really loved my wife as much as Christ loved the church? Is that even possible? According to Christ it's really not an option. What if I practiced the fruits of the spirit? Love, patience, joy, peace, gentleness, faith, kindness, self control (woo) and goodness? What if I really did? We are so good about practicing the rotten fruit of the evil spirits. Hate, anxiety, depression, conflict, hardness, unbelief, bitterness, rage, and mean-ness. It's no wonder we don't see the glass as half full, yet always as half empty. What if lived like I really believed that Jesus was all powerful? What if I really wanted God to control my life? What if I really wanted His advice? What if I listened to what He says? What if I really applied His words to my life.

What If?

My Life Sucks

2008-10-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Not really, but that's what a lot of people (Americans in particular) think. Times are tough for us right now. Really? I think so, this is the hardest I've had it in the last 25 years! What's hard? Let's see...for starters my laptop is 2 1/2 years old! My kids laptop is 3 years old, and my other computer (for my small business which I own) is 3 years old. My car is 10 years old, and my other car (big SUV suburban) is 12 years old! We don't own a house, we have to rent - God forbid! We have 4 cell phones and a business line. But, once again, my phone is not too cool, it's 2 years old. Well - times are so tough, I had to sell my beloved tent trailer, and my canoe is up for sale as well. Yes the bills are mounting, but somehow God seems to provide. Isn't that just amazing? I don't know how we are surviving with all the hardships we are enduring.

Yeah. Imagine now the millions of orphans around the world. Imagine the 11 year old girl who's parents died of HIV and she is responsible for providing for her little brother. Imagine the only way to get a loaf of bread is for her to have sex with some perv of a man...or two. Can you imagine that?! Well that's what real hardship is like and it's real. That 11 year old girl now has a loaf of bread for her brother. She also now has HIV and will die like her parents did.

This and other stories like it and the plight of of orphans infected with HIV/Aids are all told in a gut wrenching, eye opening, must read book by Tom Davis called RED LETTERS. If you think you can - read it. This is the real world! This is the world we don't want to hear about. Out of sight out of mind. That's easy enough. I think I'll go turn on the Red Sox, and sit on my leather sofa while watching the game in the comfort of my heated home, all the while complaining that my chips are stale, and my beer is warm. Please read this book. Please read this book and do something. Anything! There are a ton of great organizations in the back of the book to get involved with.

Click on the badges on the right side of this page for more information on the Red Letters Campaign and the 5 for 50 Campaign.

One last thought...well, maybe two. When you stand before Jesus and He asks you "what did you do with the gifts I gave you?" what will your answer be?

And two - remember what James 1:27 says -

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself form being polluted by the world.

Californication & Santa Too!

2008-10-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

All right, I've seen enough here, and have to comment on this garbage. While perusing Foxnews.com this morning I sat long enough to watch two videos which I have included here for your "pleasure." For the life of me I don't know how adults can be such idiots and have such a skewed moral perspective on things!! Idiots!! The first video is about a 1st grade class (in SF) where else could this happen, going on a field trip to their teachers lesbian wedding. Dubbed a teaching moment. The ceremony performed by the mayor. How nice. Have you ever heard of a class (first graders no less) going to a wedding of any kind (during school) as a teaching moment! Oh, but it's a couple of lesbians that's why. Of course.

Second is the video that describes another teacher who tells the 3rd graders that the Easter bunny and Santa are fiction! Traumatized children for life! Then she said they should believe in God! Now she's on personal leave, and parents are suing! For what?! You need to watch these two videos and either laugh at the idiocy of the people (both interviewed and involved) or throw up. Or both. Listen as the morals have nothing to do with anything, but the important factors are skewed beyond belief. Sorry, just had to do this, it's ridiculous!

ps As I was doing a spell check for this post, Santa is supposed to be capitalized, God was not!

Aaaarghh!!

A Church Within A Church

2008-10-10T11:09:00.000-07:00

May 5^th, 2008

There’s something happening in Bend Oregon. On a warm Sunday evening a lively crowd is gathering at a thing called “Journey” This is going to be a special night, I can feel it- we’ve invited a special guest tonight, and I can already feel His impact before things even get started. Something in the air is electric and a sense of energy surrounds us. This special guest is about to rock our world tonight.

Journey was birthed a few years ago from the idea that our church needed somewhere for the college age kids to hang and learn about Jesus. A bible study if you will. It started with barely enough students to count on one hand, and they met every Sunday evening in a living room. Soon, more students came, and it grew to the size of a small football team, and the meeting place was moved to the lounge area at our church. Fast forward now three years, and we have moved from the coffee lounge to our old sanctuary to the new (larger) sanctuary which seats about 700 people. We’re not there. Yet. Lord willing though…

Journey is a church within a church. We’re kind of like the younger sibling that’s a little too loud to bring out when the guests arrive. Our music is loud, we come in shorts and flip flops, and we have long hair tattoos and piercings. And we love Jesus! We raise our hands, get our knees, yell out an amen, and give full on, sold out, surrendering type of worship to Jesus!That’s one of the greatest things about Journey - the authenticity and rawness. There is only one rule: It’s all about Jesus. That’s our tagline, or mantra, and when it’s realized – it’s awesome. We sit around tables because we don’t like pews or rows of chairs. We light tons of candles because its cool and we can. We believe in community, and getting to know one another. We don’t have a polished band, although the potential raw talent here is phenomenal, we don’t have the theatrics, the lighting, the budget or the stuffed shirts. It is a come as you are atmosphere, where we don’t put on a big production to lure you in – we send our (His) people out in the streets full of excitement and passion to let the Holy Spirit leak out of them on to others. The result is real people sitting down in a safe environment to listen to a potentially very dangerous message.

Journey is a community. Sorry, I know that’s the overused Christian-eese buzzword, but it’s really what we’ve become. We’re not a community because we have similar tastes, but the same passion - to love Jesus. We love to go out and engage our local culture! Bend is small, by city standards, about 70,000, but still very diverse, and the need is as great here as in any other city. There is about 6 months of winter here so the need to help the homeless is greater here than in a warmer climate. Yes, there are still 4 seasons in Bend: Winter, June, July, and August. Once a month a handful of us goes to the Shepherd’s House, a homeless shelter, and put on a dinner, some worship songs and I preach a short message. We also do the same for Bethlehem Inn, another homeless shelter. Once a month we prepare and serve them a nice hot breakfast. We have a heart and a real compassion for the homeless and the needy. We fill up garbage cans placed around the service on Sunday nights with things like toiletries, socks, gloves, hats, etc. then distribute them to the needy in the area. We are also involved in other community projects. This summer we saved quarters for a few months, then disbanded to all the local laundry mats and paid for everyone’s laundry. The conversations that stemmed from that were nothing short of authentic and real. Some loved it; some thought we were some kind of Jesus freaks. It was awesome.

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matt: 25:40

Keith Kirkpatrick is the one who really birthed Journey a few years back. There are not many men I know of who have the passion Keith has for Jesus. It’s contagious, it’s real, and it’s stinking awesome! Keith is our pastor, and he is an up on your toes, energetic, speak the truth in love pastor. He is really a God send. Trust me your not clock watching when Keith is speaking. We cover topics that our relevant to our culture, as well as topics you may not hear at your traditional “church” We spent almost 8 months on the book of Revelation that was a “journey” in and of itself. Some churches are ‘afraid to even tackle that book, or are so Left Behind, that it’s just a big scare you into believing tactic. How awesome is it to know the end game result and be part of the winning team. Team Jesus!

Broken, confused, alcoholic, homeless, they’re all here. We welcome anyone that wants to have their world rocked by Jesus. Our doors are open to all. And it can get messy. That’s when you know you’re being effective. We send out a van every Sunday night to a couple of homeless shelters, and have some homeless friends from a camp not far from our church show up. We have teen agers, grey hairs (like me) and everything in between. It’s bound to get interesting with that crowd. We have had people walk up to the stage during worship and flat out stare down the worship leader, all the time wondering what will he do next. Pretty trippy if you’re the worship leader. A homeless man lay down on the floor weeping and praising God in front of everyone. And just the other week I noticed a man from the streets reaching into a plastic bag in the back. Drugs? No, he was just rolling a smoke for later. I just sat back with a smile on my face thinking to myself…this is where Jesus would hang out if He were walking through Bend tonight.

The special guest I talked about at the onset was the Holy Spirit. He showed up big time. The night was May 5^th, 2008. We were going through Revelation and before the teaching Keith and I were talking about the night ahead. The message was on the wedding feast, and that one day we would be singing and praising with the greatest worship leader of all time. Jesus! How cool is that gonna be? The thought of people not knowing Christ and not participating got me thinking. We need to pray for those people tonight. Pray like we mean it. In the upstairs maintenance room was a piece of Styrofoam about 3 feet by 6 feet. I said to Keith “we should take this Styrofoam board and have people write the name of anyone they know who is not saved on it, and let’s pray for them. That night the worship music was incredible. Moving. During the course of worship that night, a long winding line of people formed waiting to get to the “prayer board”. When the night was over there were over 250 names written on that board! That board rocks! We bring that board out for every service now, and people can and do go to it on their knees and pray for those names. The really cool thing is that we see Jesus at work. We are starting to cross off names now in a big bold RED marker. They no longer have a place there. They are redeemed! Can I get an amen?!

There is a fire that has been lit here in Bend, and it’s starting to roar. It is so exciting to see what happens when people put Jesus in the drivers seat, take their hands off the wheel, and let Him drive. I am so excited to see where He will take us next. Our vision / goal is to move to our own building in the fall of ’09. Keith and I have been scoping out buildings, but it’s a timing and even more so, a money thing. There is an old warehouse building that we would love to move into, but that would be a huge God thing. Not saying He can’t do it, so we will continue to dream BIG. The building is a very large and would hold probably about 800 or so. It’s run down, grungy, and right across the street from the local strip club. What a cool place to plant a church.

Going forward I meditate on this: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.Proverbs: 3:5&6

Who Cares Friday 4

2008-10-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I did a "Who Cares Friday" so...it's Friday!

SCUBA divers cannot pass gas at depths of 33 feet or below. (did they try?)

Smearing a small amount of dog feces on an insect bite will relieve the itching and swelling. (who figured that one out?)

Although difficult, it's possible to start a fire by rapidly rubbing together two Cool Ranch Doritos. (survival facts you only get here!)

The first McDonald's restaurant opened for business in 1952 in Edinburgh, Scotland, and featured the McHaggis sandwich. (I wonder if they'll come out with the McCain sandwich?)

To human taste buds, Zima is virtually indistinguishable from zebra urine. (really?)

4,000 people are injured by tea pots every year. (that's why I drink coffee.)

In an average day, a four year old child will ask 437 questions. (oh yeah! That's true!)

If you yelled for 8 years ,7 months and 6 days you would have produced enough energy to heat a cup of coffee. (I think my kids are trying that.)

In downtown Lima, Peru, there is a large brass statue dedicated to Winnie-the-Pooh. (Lima's got issues.)

2,500 left handers die each year using products designed for right handers. (sucks to be left handed I guess.)

Americans spend around $3 billion for cat and dog food a year. (I contribute to that.)

When a horned toad is angry, it squirts blood from its eyes. (My ex girlfriend could do that!)

Hope you had a laugh and learned something too. All without staying at a Holiday Inn Express!

Who Cares!!

Metamorphosis

2008-09-30T23:22:00.000-07:00

Romans 12:2 ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, acceptable and perfect.

Transformed is the key word here. The Greek word is metamorphoo. We relate that to metamorphosis. The first thing we think of when we here that word is a butterfly. A beautiful creature transformed from a worm. The transformation that takes place is one of suffering and absolute change within the cocoon. A life change. What a cool thought to think "we" are transformed! This word is used only 3 other times in scripture. I believe we are still struggling within our cocoons, and we will fully "transformed" when we arrive at the wedding feast in heaven, as described in Revelation. Then we will be holy and without sin living in the presence of Jesus. Truly transformed into the beautiful butterfly. Imagine what it will be like.

True Lies

2008-09-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

Tonight our small group started a 13 week video series titled "The Truth Project" created by Focus On The Family. In my mind it's probably some of the best "stuff" that FOTF has ever put out. Tonight was on the subject of "Truth", and I've never heard truth explained quite like that. Jesus claimed He came to earth to "...testify to the truth." Do we really believe that what we really believe is really real? Do we? What do we really believe in? Wouldn't our actions prove what or better yet who we really believe in? One scripture really stuck out to me tonight amongst many great scriptures. We call Jesus our father, but is He really? Or is it Satan who is really our father? You judge for yourself.

Children of the Devil

John 8: 42-47

Jesus said to them, "If God were your father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but He sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is not truth in him. When he lies, he speaks in his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."

Wow! Do you hear what God says? Better hope so, or you're on the wrong team.

Letter of the Law

2008-09-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

This last week I had the pleasure (honor) to preach again at Journey in Rev. Keith's absence. We went through the 1st 14 verses of Galatians chapter 3. One of the things that stuck out to me was the legalism that the Judaizers adhered to. Their thinking that you had to have faith plus. Not just faith alone, but faith plus. Pentecost listeners just believed and wham! the Holy Spirit did his stuff. Abraham, David, Saul etc. just believed. Faith. That's all we need, child like faith. Even today religion says that unless we dress a certain way, look a certain way, act just right, listen to the right music, we are not being sanctified. That's a load. If we have a tat, or drink a dark beer, or listen to 98.3 on the radio, we are heathen. Would most of American churches allow a dirty homeless man to come in and hang out? If so, would they stare, murmur amongst themselves, sit him in the back? Heck a few weeks ago at Journey (www.journeyinbend.org) I had a couple of homeless guys sitting next to me rolling smokes in the back. Legal smokes. I watched with baited caution, thinking this is where Jesus would be hanging out, knowing that He as well as I would make him "light up" outside. So forget the legalistic holier than thou attitude, thinking your works will get you to the front row in Heaven. It's all about your heart. Jesus hung out with the drunks, hookers, and thieves. He came to save the lost, not the well. He came to hang with the less fortunate. We should use Him as our role model, not the pastor, or man who lets everyone know just how holy he is. It's a heart issue. Check your heart. How's your pulse today.

God. Cruel? I Think Not

2008-08-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

This question came up kinda sorta at our last small group. The Babylonian King threw Daniel's conspirators (and their families) into the lions den / pit for trying to set up Daniel to get him killed. The question was why did God allow the women and children of the families to get eaten? Long story short, it was the custom of the Medo - Persian law that if any one of the family members were convicted of something, the whole family was guilty. Nice huh? This got me thinking of some other instances in the Bible where God is seemingly ruthless. The annihilation of the Amalekites for example. He told the armies to go back and kill the women and children also! That sounds brutal to me. The same can be said about the Canaanites, or the "little children" (KJV) that taunted Elisha, and two bears mauled 42 of the "little children" to death! Ouch!

I picked up Lee Stroebel's book "The Case For Faith" and read some super cool things. If you don't know who Lee Stroebel is, he was an atheist that worked for the Chicago Tribune newspaper and set out to write a story on the fallacy of Jesus Christ, and prove him as legend rather than the authentic messiah that He is. Lee became a follower of Christ during his "investigation."

He (Lee) has an interview with an incredibly intelligent Christian man named Norman Geisler and challenges him on some of these tough questions about God being merciful vs. merciless. For example; God calls for the complete destruction of the Amalekites. The Amalekites were so wicked and corrupt to the core, that God chose to wipe the entire nation out so that no offspring could ever reproduce their corruption. They were given 400 years to repent beforehand by the way, but to no avail. Same with the Canaanites. He (God) gives us a chance to repent. He wants us to repent. He wants that all will come to Him.

When someone questions us about the "cruel" God of the Old Testament, we need to know our bibles. There are some really bad translations of Hebrew words in the KJV bibles. The "anti" Christ people out there have really been fed a believable pack of lies by the enemy, and if we don't do our due diligence, we have no effective and correct answer for their questions. God is sovereign and merciful beyond belief. We question His actions and motives?! How dare we! If you can create life, then you may have the power to take it away. God created life, He has the power and the right to do what He wants with it. We think how dare God let bad things happen? No the question should be "how dare we let bad things happen" We need to take care of just ourselves. I think God pretty much has things figured out, and doesn't really need our help. But that's just my opinion.

Anytime you question the mercy and grace of Jesus, dig a little deeper. Who else do you know that willingly chose to die a merciless brutal death for the people that hated Him? I can't think of anyone. Can you? I know I wouldn't. Yet we question God's integrity in dealing with people that He created. Wow! We better be careful. God is great, He is, He just Is!

Fall Already?

2008-08-21T12:08:00.000-07:00

It almost feels like fall is in the air with the cool weather and all. Fall sports are definitely in full swing here in the Coats abode. New things this year. Justin is playing soccer for Bend High (the #1 high school in town) Jake is playing tackle football this year (fun) and Jenna is playing soccer again in Parks & Rec. In my opinion, summer has gone way too fast this year. We do have our 4 seasons in Bend however; Winter, June, July, & August.

As life gears up into crazy mode, it's easy to put God on the back burner. Or I can simply be reminded, every time I watch my kids perform in their respective sports, that God is good, and I have much to be thankful for. I can have the crappiest day, but seeing the smile on my kids face when he or she scores a goal or a touchdown, puts it all into perspective. Thank you Jesus for choosing me to be the father of Justin, Jenna, & Jake. I hope todaythat I can put a smile on Your face.

Redeemed

2008-08-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

"Are all of you angels?" he asked.
"Is it speaking to us!" exclaimed one of the angels.
"Am I an angel?" The approaching creature paused and slowly looked around. "No, I guess I am not an angel. I think I used to be a human being. But oh, look at me!"
"I have never seen such innocence, purity, and perfection," whispered one of the angels. "He does not seem to be aware of how beautiful he is or how bright his light is."
"Where am I? What am I doing here? Who are you? Please pray tell what am I?"
"Dare we speak to him?" asked one of the angels.
"You have never seen anything like me have you?"
"You are the first," stammered one of the angels, finally, "but...I have an idea you will not be the last. As to who you are...I would be pleased to tell you, but I do not know who or what you are." "He told me that I would be here today. Is this today?"
The mouths f the angels fell open. One said, "At least we know who you are!" Another said, "That is not possible. After all, remember what he was: He was an old thief. That old, cheating, lying thief."
"Now I remember!" exclaimed the thief. "And oh, oh, oh! He remembered me!"
"We know who you are now, dear one. But we are a little surprised, considering what you were this evening."
"I am a thief. Or was. What am I now?"
"You are the first of the redeemed." You are the handiwork of Christ's redemption."
"That is what I am!" exclaimed the thief. "I have another question. Am I as beautiful as I think I am?"
"Even more so," replied the angels as one. "
"Am I as bright as you are?" he inquired again. "
"No. More so. Much more! We have never been that bright."
"Never before have I been able to see places which cannot be seen," observed the thief in wonderment. "Are you sure I am the only one of my kind?"
"Yes," answered on of the angels. "But we expect many more of your kind." "You are the first of your species," another angel informed him.
"I think I died," said the thief. "I was on a cross just a few moments ago. Now look at me! Am I in ...in...paradise?"
"This is at the least paradise," replied the angel, "and perhaps it will be even more. We will know in three days. In fact, with your arrival, we are sure this will be much more than paradise-in three days."
At those words, this child of God grabbed one of the terrified angels, embraced him, and began to dance.
"Angels do not dance," observed one of the heavenly host gruffly. "We do now," smiled another. "I do not know who I am. I know not where I am. I do not know what I am, but I sense I am not what I used to be- and that I am wonderful and beautiful." he shouted.

Suddenly he paused. "The one dying next to me said that I would be with him in paradise, but he also mentioned something to me about a book. A Book of Life. Is there something called the Book of Life? Oh, also, there was something about being known even as I am known." With that the angels rushed to the Book of Life. Just as they had expected, the very first name written in the Book was that of the thief. The angles began to shout praises, joined by peals of laughter. They bust into a crescendo of song as rarely known before.
"I am the first of what?" he asked.
"You are the first of those for whom we have waited throughout the ages. We have long waited for this day to arrive."

"One last question: You are called angels. What am I called?"

"You are called a holy one."

chapter 39 The Day I Was Crucified

Journey at the lake

2008-08-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday a few of us from Journey went up to East Lake and did some painting for the owners of the resort. We painted a few of the buildings, and built a fire pit in the group camp area. The next day (Sunday) we went back up to the lake and the owners of the resort (Dave & Kathy Jones) allowed us to use a couple of their big pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, and even a paddle boat that seemed to spin in circles. A huge thank you to Dave & Kathy for allowing us to use their boats, and play in the lake. One of the big pontoon boats (the one I was driving of course) pooped out and we had to be towed into the dock. Regardless, it was a blast. We even threw our fishing rods in for awhile (to no avail) and tried for some big browns or rainbows.

The evening brought worship music and a short (but always stellar) message from "Rev." Keith, around the newly constructed and most beautiful fire pit. We cooked up some dogs, burgers, and even smores at the end. It was a fun day. Looking forward to seeing Journey do more things like this. God is good, don't forget to tell Him that.

Who Cares Friday (3)

2008-08-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well, this goes out to anyone who is still blogging in my sphere of influential blogging friends. Who Cares Friday is still going, but will be posted only on the first Friday of each month. Unless I change it again, which I "can" do. So here it for this month. Enjoy, and even laugh a little, sheesh, loosen up, it's Friday!

Coca-Cola was originally green.

The average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000

It is impossible to lick your elbow.

(betcha just tried it huh)

111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321

It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.

Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter "A"?
A. One thousand

Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden"...and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
True or False?

Each year, there are more than 40,000 toilet related injuries in the United States.

Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable.

In every episode of Seinfeld, there is a Superman somewhere.

Who Cares!!!

Cross off that name!

2008-07-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

God is good! Wow, what an incredible understatement. Last night I lethargically showed up at Journey. Tired and grumpy from camping at East Lake over the weekend, I came with no great expectations. Thinking I would just go through the motions and go home. Well, a funny thing happened. The Holy Spirit showed up and stole the show. While we were praying before Journey started, I sensed something change in me. I started to get excited about what the night might hold. Our "Journey moment" turned out to be the launching point for the Holy Spirit. There were three people who shared a great experience with the Lord over the weekend. But the one that was just stinkin awesome was Mike's story. Mike led his best friend to the Lord in Nebraska, and he was the first to cross off a name on the prayer board! For me, that was what it's all about. It was so awesome to see Mike get so emotional over what had happened with his best friend. To cross a name off the prayer board with a bright red marker signifies that Mike's best friend is no longer lost, but is now going to dance with Jesus in heaven! He is a brother in Christ now. What an awesome thing.

To top it off, "rev." Keith was back and delivered as always a great message. We took communion, worshiped the King, and finished off the night praying and singing. It was a great night. The diversity of the people make me smile. We are not a church, we are "the" church. It's so cool to see the "body" all come together. Old, young, homeless, hurting, scared, abused, confused, unsure, all of it. Yes...God is good!

Tomorrow May Never Come

2008-07-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

I got a call the other day from an old high school friend who said a mutual friend of our had died. Even though I hadn't talked to him in over 20 years it still hit me hard. In high school Marty & I were very good friends. Marty was voted best looking in our class and had everything going for him. He turned to a life of drugs after school and continued to spiral downward until his life ended with a heart attack. At the time of his death he was living in a tent behind the Dairy Queen we all used to frequent so often. I think a few of the reasons this hits me so hard is the "friend" who called to inform me of Marty's death used to be my best friend, and now he is divorced, and listening to his words, has shut God out of his life and it's all about him. Also, I don't know for certain, (only God knows for sure) but would be surprised to know that Marty was a Christian. That being said, when we die here on earth, that's it. It's final! The final part I'm talking about is that we don't have another chance to make our decision to follow Christ. We don't get to say "wow, that bright light over there is real, and I'll take door number one!" That's it, final!

We sure talk alot about being doers and not talkers, but my prayer is that we reach out to our friends who are not Christ followers. We can't convince them to follow Christ, only He can do that, but at least we are doing what He asks us to do. It breaks my heart to think that Satan probably got one of my friends. It also pisses me off. I wish, now in hindsight, that I would have reached out to Marty a long time ago. This serves as a belated wake up call to action in the army of our Lord Jesus Christ. I think one of Satan's greatest victories is the complacency he indwells in us Christians. Satan is the great deceiver, beware. Don't' let complacency run your life. Jesus tells us in Revelation "I am coming quickly." Our time is short here, lets make the most of it.

Acts 5:42

And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Stuck

2008-07-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

This week is my week to introduce the question to our group the SBS. Here is the pre cursor to my question:

Jesus says He would rather you be hot or cold than lukewarm. He despises a lukewarm Christian; He wants to spit them out of His mouth. When you first become a Christian you are “fired up” so to speak. Then during your sanctification process we become stagnant for whatever reason. Stuck if you will. I can think of many reasons why we become stuck, but what do you do to get unstuck, and how do you get to the next plateau in your Christian walk? The real crux of this question is a heart check for us all. Are we stuck in the middle right now? It makes me think of a book I read clled Your God Is Too Safe, that talks about being in that place, or in between might be a better way to state it. What do you do to get out of the mire and muck and stagnation of your walk with Christ and increase your sanctification?

So here is the question:

How do we get past the stagnant point between salvation and sanctification?

My Answer:

One, is we have to cut out the distractions in our life that interfere with our "Jesus Time" by that I don't mean to join a commune and lock your self in a room and pray and read your bible 24/7. What I mean, is that there are probably things we could re-evaluate and tweak a little. For me it could be TV or the computer. Between the two, I probably spend an average of 4 hours a day engrossed in one or the other. What if I spent a quarter of that time in prayer, or in my bible?

Two: We have to see Jesus for who He really is. If we sit down and shut up for awhile and just meditate on who Jesus really is, we should fall over backwards in our chairs! We have (or at least I have) become so comfortable and complacent about Jesus that He becomes just another name we throw out there. We need to recapture the awe and reverence of who He really is. How about for starters, the creator of everything! We get to have a dialogue and conversation with this Jesus...and He listens, and He cares!! Do you grasp that?!!

Three: involve yourself. Surround yourself with other Christians who are fired up! For example, if you want to get good at skiing, you surround yourself with people who are passionate about skiing, who are good at it, practice all the time, devote themselves to getting better at it. You wouldn't or shouldn't expect to get better if you go once a month, or go with someone who is just starting out.

In conclusion the best way to get "unstuck" and move forward is to realize who Jesus is, and what He has done for you. If that doesn't get you unstuck and motivated, you better check your pulse. Your "christian" pulse.

SBS Question of the Week (my belated answer)

2008-06-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

How do we look different from the world according to our faith in Jesus Christ?

Unfortunately, many "Christians" don't look any different from the world. They just blend right in. In a long answer gone short, I would have to say by our love. I know that's a churh-ey sounding answer, but that is what Christ wants us to convey to others. What is the "love" that Christ describes? Check out 1st Corinthians. You, know, love is patient, love is kind... Unfortunately the great deceiver is out there knowing how to supply "counterfeit" love to those who seek acceptance. Draw close to God and you will look and feel different. And that my friends is a cool thing.

Journey to East Lake

2008-06-28T22:35:00.000-07:00

Today Journey journeyed to East Lake. We went to help out Dave & Kathy Jones. Freinds of ours from church who own the resort. We got 1/34 buildings painted before we ran out of paint. All in all a good time was had by...well...all! Here is a slideshow of some pics from today. Kudos and thank you's all the way around for everyone who pitched in and helped.

37 pics in all

Who Cares FRIDAY!

2008-06-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

Today's feature post is on Cow Tipping! Cow tipping is an art in itself. For years many have engaged in this heightening activity. Young children dream of it during their algebra classes, sort of like a rite of passage. It began many years ago, when a young boy of the name of Tipper McCoy decided to make a cow more comfortable as it slept. Thinking that standing while sleeping was cruel and unusual, he set out one night to give 'ol Betsy a rest. Tragically, Tipper fell into a thick cow pie as he tried making his way back to his warm bed. He ended up going to the hospital with a severe paranoia of cows.

Here are some suggestions of what NOT to do while tipping a cow.

Do not wear red. Bulls are in the area.

Do not tug on the tail to check on sleeping status.

Do not make "moo" sounds. This only aggravates them.

Do not try to ride the cow like a horse.

Do not try to milk the cow.

Do not make friends with the cow. Remember, you are there to TIP the cow, not buy it a drink.

Do not eat a burger in front of the cow.

Other Suggestions

If the fence is making a buzzing sound, do not attempt to cut.

If the fence is making a buzzing sound do NOT attempt to relieve yourself on it.

Make sure you bring the good truck. This is supposed to be done quietly. Do not have a truck that backfires like a rifle. Cows will awaken.

Make sure it IS a cow. If it has horns, and no udders, Back off with caution.

Wear high boots, not flip flops.

Who Cares?!

Absolute Faith

2008-06-17T22:34:00.000-07:00

SBS question of the week presented by Mr. Jack Collins. Alias Sgt. of arms.

Is it possible for us to have absolute faith? What can, or better yet should, we do to help us come as close as humanly possible to absolute faith?

This is really a great question! This is my second time writing my answer, and I've done a complete 180. Yes! I do think it's possible to have absolute faith. Absolute by definition is pure, perfect, unquestionable, unmitigated. I may not have the faith to walk on water like Peter did, but I had faith enough to believe that Jesus is the Christ and ask Him to be my personal savior. (that's about as good as any place to get an Amen!) To help us come closer to absolute faith we need to believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is who He says He is. We need to be doers not just listeners. We need to step out of our comfort zones and let God show us trials that we can only overcome through our faith (real faith) in Him.

James 1:2&3 says - Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

James 2 :14 says - What good is it , my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?

Who Cares FRIDAY!

2008-06-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

Confused? Don't worry. This week this post of Who Cares FRIDAY is for us men. I have some facts that if as men you arent' aware of...this will be invaluable information. You see, men and women communicate in different languages Hunh?!? LOL. Here are some key phrases that you should know. What's taken me years of trial and error (because I'm married) I am passing on to you to learn quickly and effectively.

A Translation Manual

It's your decision = "The correct decision should be obvious by now."
Do what you want = "You'll pay for this later."
We need to talk = "I need to complain."
We need = "I want"
I'm not upset = "Of course I'm upset, you moron!"
You're so manly = "You need a shave and you sweat a lot."
This kitchen is so inconvenient = "I want a new house."
I heard a noise = "Get up and see what it was."
Do you love me? = "I'm going to ask for something expensive."
How much do you love me? = "I did something today you're really not going to like."
I'll be ready in a minute = "Ill be ready in 30 minutes."
What's wrong? Nothing = "Everything."

Fine = "Definately not fine"
How about going out for dinner? = I didn't make anything, I forgot"

I'm really tired tonight = " Your'e not getting any tonight"

Who Cares?!!

Stuck in Neutral?

2008-06-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

The question this week for the SBS was given to us by Mr. Holiday. The question is this.

My question, dear friends, is twofold: can to much of a morally neutral thing be eternally bad; and are there morally neutral things in your personal life that Christ is asking you to get rid of, or remove - things he just wants out, even though there is nothing evil about it?

Morally neutral. Hmmm. Let me break this into two parts, then bring them together. What is moral or morality? It is a barometer used to gauge right and wrong, or good and evil. Neutral, to me, is going nowhere, spinning my wheels and not moving, not engaged if you will. So now put the two back together, and I think moral neutrality means you are neither good or bad, just copacetic, or doing nothing.

So are there morally neutral "things" or moral neutrality in my life that God wants me to get rid of or change? A resounding yes. For me wiping out moral neutrality would be to engage Christ. Example. Don't be complacent and comfortably numb as the Pink Floyd song says. If you had and employee, would you want them to just punch the clock each day and go through the motions? Would you be happy with that? Of course not, just as Christ doesn't want us to be complacent. Oh we're not necessarily doing anything bad, but not good either. Stuck in neutral. Morally neutral that is. Engage Jesus Christ and get in gear.

5 for 50

2008-06-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

Our small group was killer tonight. It's obvious to see the Spirit moving in the heart of these young adults. It's exciting to see how Jesus is working and changing lives. One thing we discuss is how we should get off our butts and actually do something and not just flap our mouths and try to impress others. Usually our Christian friends. Well, I would like to throw down a challenge to anyone so inclined. I have a friend,Tom Davis. Tom is an esteemed author who has written some excellent books. One of those books is called Red Letters. Read it. He is the president of an organization called Children's Hopechest. They work with orphaned children in Russia, Africa, and places around the world. Some starving, some with AIDS, some with seemingly no hope.

Check out one of his campaigns called 5 for 50. Here is a chance for you to step up and help someone. To read some of the stories that are posted on Tom's blog will make you tear up, and also realize how great we really do have it here, and all of our bitchin' and moanin' really falls on deaf ears to the rest of the world.

I hope if after you peruse the links in this post, you too will be moved. If the Holy Spirit so moves you, then help out in whatever way you feel led. If some of the stories don't tug at your heart strings , then you better check your pulse. At the very least you will be aware of what's going on and can pray. There is power in the name of Jesus.

Who Cares FRIDAY

2008-06-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

We (I) have changed the name of the Friday post to "Who Cares FRIDAY" because it may not always be facts. It may be some stupid useless information I've discovered and want to post it anyway. You might say wow! but "who cares?" Hence the name "Who Cares FRIDAY" BTW, great comments on "negligent" twister last week. I for one will refrain from playing twister without a helmet from now on.

So without further ado, here is a plethora of useless information just for you.

1. On average, there are 333 squares of toilet paper on a roll. (count em, I dare you)

2. The numbers on opposite sides of a die always add up to 7.

3. Approximately sixty circus performers have been shot from cannons. At last report, thirty-one of these have been killed. (scratch that off my list of to-do's)

4. Pentheraphobia is a fear of a mother-in-law.

5. The ZIP in zip code stands for "Zone Improvement Plan."

6. A theater manager in Seoul, Korea felt that The Sound of Music was too long, so he shortened it by cutting out all the songs. (smart)

7. The average airspeed of the common housefly is 4 1/2 mph. (how do you...nevermind.)

8. If you passed gas consistently for 6 years and 9 months, enough gas is produced to create the energy of anatomic bomb. (research stats from N. Korea)

9. Celery has negative calories. It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery has in it to begin with. (is that counter productive?)

10. There are only 18 countries richer than Bill Gates.

BONUS FEATURE:

1. Grab a calculator (you won't be able to do this one in your head)
2. Key in the first three digits of your phone number (NOT the area code -- example: 555-976-5555 -- you'd use "976"

3. Multiply by 80

4. Add 1

5. Multiply by 250

6. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number (e.g. 5349)

7. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number again

8. Subtract 250

9. Divide number by 2.

(Who cares!!?)

What Does It Look Like When My Experiences and God's Word Collide?

2008-06-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

Deep and intriguing inaugural question for the SBS. Especially originating from a man who goes by the name of "Tuff Pants" As I pondered this question throughout the day, a thought came to me this evening, a revelation if you will. The question in and of itself is somewhat of a paradox, as our experiences and God's Word collide on a continual basis. Thus the question "what's it like" is one of a perpetual experience that we encounter in our every day existence. We need to recognize this and act according to God's desires. For me personally, it can be tragic, or glorious depending on how I perceive God's Word at that moment. Tragic in the sense, that I engage in selfish pride and shun God's Word, glorious in the sense that I recognize Him for who and what he is and revel in His awesome wonder. My life experiences unfortunately fall on both sides of this proverbial fence. However; when I try to decieve myself of my experiences and perform a balancing act it must throw chills down God's spine. The scale should swing to the side of joy and security in Jesus. I become neither hot or cold, but balanced precariously somewhere in the middle. God spits out the lukewarm - the person trying hard to balance in the middle and please both man and God. One thing is for sure...when I see Christ as Christ, my experiences become supernaturally charged. We are always experiencing a collision, how we embrace it is our choice.

Not Of This World

2008-06-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

Our small group last night was awesome! We are going through 1st John, and it's amazing how it ties in with what Keith is teaching on Sundays at Journey. Here is a snippet of a few verses that stood out last night.

1John 2:15-17

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions is not from the father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. ESV

Jesus commands (not suggests) for us to go out into the world and get into the world. At the very end of the book of Matthew (vs. 19) he says "GO." What I'm saying here is engage the world, but not its desires. You see if we are the salt and the light, what good are we around other salt and other light? We just blend right in. But if we go somewhere where the light is dim and the salt is bland...we stand out. For Jesus. Be in the world, not of this world. How cool is it to think we abide in God. Forever.

Factoid FRIDAY!

2008-05-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

Yes blogging amigos, this is what you've all been waiting for I'm sure. Amazing and weird (useless really) facts, figures and just dumb things you might not even want to know about. Are they true? Heck I don't know, but they're funny. It's Factoid Friday every Friday on Sold Out. So sit back, get comfortable and learn. People might even think you stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night!

1. "Stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand and "lollipop" with your right.

2. The words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (palindromes).

3. No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.

4. February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.

5. A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.

6. There's no Betty Rubble in the Flintstones Chewables Vitamins.

7. It takes 3,000 cows to supply the NFL with enough leather for a year's supply of footballs.

8. Months that begin on a Sunday will always have a "Friday the 13th."

9. 75 people die each year playing Twister.

10. Americans on the average eat 18 acres of pizza every day.

Prayer Warrior?

2008-05-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

I love to read, and last night I finished a book, and today I started reading another one. Fresh Wind Fresh Fire by Jim Cymballa. I was turned on to it by Kara Kirkpatrick, our beloved Sunday night pastor's wife. I sat down and read the first 70 pages today and was blown away. He talked about prayer. What an absolutely powerful tool we have been given by God. Some of the stories are amazing to say the least. It just goes to show what sincere, heart felt, down on your knees, begging and weeping and crying out for God's help type of prayer can accomplish. It made me realize that prayer is my weakest link in my spiritual chain. By far. I'd like to consider myself a prayer warrior, but after reading what "sold out" prayer can do, I realize I'm not even close. I'm just a PWIT! A prayer warrior in training. I'm so glad God is patient. I am excited to ratchet up my prayer life and watch the Holy Spirit show me some amazing things! There are so many uncertanties in my life right now that I can't wait to see what fruit bears from some serious "on my knees"prayer in the coming months. I realized today how much I try to control things on my own, and only get into "serious" prayer when I need to. And usually that "serious" prayer is only for me. Lord show me your awesome and mighty power. He says when you seek me you will find me, and when you pray to me I will listen. Man, have I ever limited God's unlimited potential by not praying. D'oh!

Living In Borderland

2008-05-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Years ago I read an incredible book by Mark Buchanan called Your God Is Too Safe. The premise of the book is about living in a land called Borderland. It's right "on" the border, not in, yet not out. Non committal if you will. Safe and comfortable. A place where many of us reside daily. Do you only call on God when things are desperate, or you just need a favor. Stay out of my life Jesus, things are going just great right now. Don't make me go on that mission trip, or give up my 6 figure income, or new car or house. But hey, thanks for getting me that raise. My Jesus is safe at a distance, but if I bring Him too close, He might make me do something "umcomfortable." Is that you? Then you live there too. I can't imagine my kids only calling out to me in times of want or need, never stopping to say thank you, or I love you, or I'm sorry. But that is what we do. We get complacent when things are status quo, and forget about God. Before you realize it, you haven't read your bible in a week, maybe two or three. You haven't prayed either. You really haven't "needed" God. So we put him on a shelf like a bottle of aspirin and only bring him down when we have some tough times to get through, or we have a favor that maybe, just maybe if I pray "now" he just might answer me. I know he's still there...somewhere. That's really about how most of us live our lives if we want to admit it. I know I'm as guilty as anyone. I have my highs and lows, and still struggle to find that even flow. The world is full of distractions, suttle, and in your face. Sex is everywhere, anything is acceptable anymore (except the name of Jesus) and we live in a society where you can have whatever you want whenever you want. My prayer today is that we (I) will seek out Jesus and thank Him for the unseen things He does for us everyday. That we take Him off the shelf and put Him on our dashboards and present Him to the entire world as the living testament of our faith! He deserves so much better than what we give Him. I'm sorry Jesus for putting you on my shelf. Today you're riding shotgun!

YAC ATTACK

2008-05-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

Usually on Tuesday nights my beautiful wife and I host a small group that spawned from Journey (our Sunday night service) But last night the bulk of our small group was in a softball game. So small group went mobile. There were some great hits and plays in the field. Probably no calls this morning from the majors, but they played an awesome game. Brought back many memories. Here are some pictures from last nights game. When I told them I brought bibles for after the game, I got that "yeah right" and deer in the headlight look. I didn't bring any, we just enjoyed the game. By the way, they kicked some tail. 20 something to 2. Way to go YACS!

SOFTBALL PICS! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2000903&l=46f4e&id=1285987983

Jesus Was In The House

2008-05-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

I know I just posted about how Journey (at New Hope Church) rocks, but last night takes the cake. It was unbelieveably intense. The worship was spirit led, the message was flat out awesome, and we wrote over 200 names on the prayer "board" last night. It was a total high for me, like I just downed a 32 oz red bull! It really was an electric atmosphere. Journey is such a blessing, and it was just so cool to see the Lord continue to work. Jesus, I pray that you will plant a fire in the hearts of Journey-nation and explode it for your glory!

So be it.

Peter Gets It!

2008-05-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

Simon Peter, one of Christs original 12 is one inspirational dude! He totally belongs in Jesus's inner circle. I was reading in Acts this morning, and side tracked to Luke and here is what I found. Luke 5: 1-11 to be specific. It's the story of when Jesus preaches to the crowd on the shore, while standing in Peter's boat. Peter is cool. He fishes. Nuff said. So Jesus, when he is done preaching, decides he'd like to do a little fishing, so directs Peter to head out to deeper water. Peter says they have fished all night with no success, but acknowledges and acts upon Jesus's request. Well, they catch fish, so many that their boat starts to sink. It's here that Peter should have asked Jesus if they wanted to partner and start a guide service! Could be a lucrative little business here! Seriously though, this is where Peter actually falls to his knees and realizes who he is the presence of. Falling to his knees he says "depart me from me, for I am a sinful man O'Lord" He gets it! We are totally unworthy here. Here he realizes he is in the presence of God, and gets it! He is blown away! Then...the real kicker is in verse 11 where it says "so when they had brought their boats to land (get this) they forsook all (not some but all) and followed Him. Holy Schnikeys!! Do you see what just happened here? Complete acknowledgement, and sold out reverence. He saw, he understood, and he acted. I hope that we

"get it"!

Journey Stinkin' Rocks!

2008-04-29T11:57:00.001-07:00

If you haven't been to Journey on Sunday nights, you are missing out. It is totally diverse, totally authentic, and just a killer place to hang out on Sunday night and learn about Jesus. Keith brings it in a style that's raw, passionate, and sincere. His heart is for Jesus, and it shows each week by the Holy Spirit leaking out of him. Our worship is stinkin' awesome. We make mistakes, we botch it every once in awhile, and that's what's so cool about it. It's not polished churchy type worship. It's real. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will explode Journey. I believe Journey is on the cusp of exploding, and it's cool to watch and anticipate His next move. Let's take it to the street! Acts 5:42 says it best...And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ!!

Keeping My Ears Wide Open

2008-04-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

This past week me, my wife, and two of our close friends attended a church planting conference in Orlando Florida. When me and my wife signed up for this a couple of months ago, I was really asking myself why? We spent two "long" days of travel, and two days of non stop sessions listening to some great pastors, and one "not so exciting" Just being honest! It confirmed my passion to take Jesus to the streets and to our culture in a way that they understand. But most assuredly without, I repeat without compromising the gospel. I look forward to what God has planned for our future. Only he knows, but I have a feeling he's up to something, but won't tell. He's God, he can do that. So for know I will just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride with my ears wide open. It's a jumbled up foreign language right now, but as I sit intently listening closely, the words will become clearer. Crystal clear if I know Him. It will be interesting to look back at this blog in 6 months to a year. Stay tuned!

Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate

2008-04-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

This blog is a total outlet for me. I don't even know if anyone reads it, but it sure is a great place to put my thoughts on screen. Right now I am in a place where God is doing some amazing things in my life. My ears are wide open and I hear him speaking loud and clear for the first time in a long time. The hardest thing for me to remember right now is that many people are not in the same place as me right now with their relationships with God. So I really have to watch myself so that I don't come across as some scary religous pit bull ready to bite your head off and change the world. I would compare it to frozen orange juice concentrate. Huh? Yeah. You know when you pour (or squeeze) that frozen OJ out of the can into the pitcher? It's undiluted, raw, full strength. You know when you lick it and it tastes too strong in its concentrate form. That's where I am right now! And I want to stay there! I don't want to be diluted with 3 cans of water. Then I become palpable and easy to swallow, a place where most Christians are. I want to stay in the raw undiluted form and make people say...Whoa! that's different, that's not at all what "I'm used to" that's too strong for me, let's water it down so it's easier to swallow. My prayer is that God will use me and my influencial sphere of friends to do great things in our community. He is alive and well and moving freely in Bend Oregon.

King Jesus

2008-03-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

Warrior - King - Savior - Protector

King Jesus. He comes to rescue our mess we call life. He never sleeps. He fights for us without ceasing. He desires to have a relationship with us so much that He willingly laid down His life on the cross. He was humiliated, disgraced, bloodied, and butchered. How much does He love us? He was nailed, stabbed, spit on, struck, and ripped open. How much does He love us? He willingly did this not for the rich or famous or elite, but for the shameful sinner who is worthy of nothing! Especially from the King. Thee King! How much does He love us? Enough to fight for us everyday. This is evident when I see things happen in my life that I can attest to nothing more than the glory of Jesus. He is a warrior, and ultimate fighter that craves a real relationship with his people and will come to their rescue. He is the rock, the steadfast protector! I need to throw aside the world and dance a sweet dance with Him. Come rescue me Jesus.

Watch this, watch all of this and praise Him!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEUVSbD9NF8

AIDS Orphans in Africa

2008-03-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

I feel compelled this morning to write about the AIDS orphans in Africa. Frequently I peruse my friends blog, and would encourage you to do the same. His name is Tom Davis and he is the director of Children's Hopechest and is involved waist deep in some pretty amazing things. Life changing things. Here is the link to his blog. http://tomdavis.typepad.com/
There are some shocking things happening over there that we are oblivious too. Intentionally or not. Unless you read up on, or are involved in this crisis you won't know how shocking the situation really is, because you won't hear about it in the media. You "will" hear about the governor of New York having an affair with a hooker, or Paris Hilton, or O.J. or some other un-newsworthy event that I could give a rats @#*! over. Do we hear about about the little children in Africa who's mom just died of AIDS? Of course not. Or the 11 month old, yes 11 month old little baby girl who was raped! Sick? You should be! We all should be. Did you know that there is a myth in Africa if you have sex with a virgin your AIDS will be cured or you will not get AIDS. The younger the virgin, the more powerful its effect. Sickening. Entire villages are dying and the children are suffering. It breaks my heart to read the stories of these little ones, as I am sure it breaks God's heart also. They are his children suffering, while we complain that our 2nd car is too old, or my kid needs a cell phone. The 4th one of our family. We take so much for granted that it probably turns God's stomach sour. Educate yourself on the plight taking place in Africa, and for that matter around the world. Russia too has an extremely high AIDS rate. At the very very least pray for the children. Or you can help. The 5 for 50 campaign is a great start. World Vision, Childrens' Hopechest just to name a few great organizations. Help an AIDS orphan in some way.

Why Do We Run?

2008-02-28T14:49:00.000-08:00

Why do you run, why do you hide, don't you know I
just want to be with you.

Looking down from above as you watch TV
Wondering why you're ignoring me
Do you remember when I came to you
And you loved me
I'm waiting for you

Whatever happened to the love you had for me
When you first came to me
Don't you know that I died so I could be with you
forever.
I'm waiting for you

Find a place of solitude, and I'll speak to you
As you pray to me
Don't you know I'm waiting here, waiting for you to
read and hear my words
I'm waiting here missing the times we shared so
please come to me

Modified Lyrics of "Run" by Kutless

Well Said Mr. Lewis

2008-02-27T19:49:00.000-08:00

You never know how much you really believe anything
until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you.

It is easy to say you believe a rope to be strong and sound
as long as you are merely using it to cord a box.

But suppose you had to hang by that rope over a precipice.
Wouldn’t you then first discover how much you really trusted it?

Only a real risk tests the reality of a belief.

C.S. Lewis

P356

2008-02-25T21:55:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 3: 5&6 is my all time favorite verse.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." So check it out... First off He asks us to trust Him. With all the crap that goes on in our world who else should we trust? Can we trust? Jesus Christ is the only constant we can trust. Then how much should we really trust him? Just trust him with what you can see or touch or be in control of, that's what most of us do anyway. That's what I do sometimes. No. He says trust Me with "all" of your heart, not just what you or I can be in control of, what kind of real trust is that? Here's the kicker for me..."lean not on your own understanding..." So we are supposed to trust Him, even when things don't make sense to us? Yes! A resounding yes!! Sorry but that just doesn't make sense does it? Of course not, that's what real trust is all about. When you worked your butt off and your job didn't pan out, or that person you thought was "the one" wasn't. He wants you to trust Him when you are down and out, and things don't make any sense at all. He tells us "in all your ways acknowledge me, and I will make your paths straight." In laymens terms, He tells us give it up to Me, all of it, He knows everything, even the end of the story. He wants to comfort us and help us even when it doesn't make sense. How much do you really trust Jesus Christ? I know that if you really honestly give it up to Him and trust that he knows what He's doing. Things will work out for his will. Don't get me wrong here, i'm not saying it will be a bed of roses, sometimes quite the opposite. Sometimes he stretches us to our limits to see how much we trust. How great is our faith when we can't see around the corner? So just do it no matter how tough it gets. Trust in Him with "all" your heart. Reach out and take his outstretched hand. He deeply desires you today.

Get off your butt-Get in the game

2008-02-16T20:48:00.000-08:00

Get Offensive!

Are you happy with the church life you lead right now? comfy, not to oppressive, or intrusive? Just kind of a warm fuzzy type of feeling. Is God at a nice safe distance where you can call him if you need Him, but hopefully he won't tell you to do something you don't feel like doing? Or if he does, maybe just ignore him, and maybe he will go away. Or are you ready to get off your butt, and start doing something for Him? Let the Holy Spirit get creative in you. He's been tugging at you forevever now to get out there. Jesus doesn't say "hey, why don't you think about going out and talking to people about me when it's comfortable and in your timing" No! he says one word. He says to "GO" Not think about it, not pray about it, not wait for the right time, but just flat out GO! Are you a light, or a light under a bowl, are you fresh salt or salt that has no flavor? Do you see a homeless man on the corner and hope he gets a meal or a coat that day? That hope means nothing unless you act on it! Faith without deeds aint jack! I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. We talk a big story and do nothing. We complain about alot, but do nothing. You can't make a difference if your on the bench. You have to get in the game to make a difference. At what point will you get in the game? There is no yesterday or tommorrow, today is all that counts. If you want to make a difference it's going to messy, get offensive, not comfy! Do you think Jesus was in people's faces! He caused comotion, unrest, and made people squirm and get uncomfortable. If your not uncomfortable, then your probably not doing anything. So fool everyone else on sunday, but dont' think your'e fooling Him. Get in the game! Help an orphan, help a homeless person, help a widow, a friend, someone in need. Something is better than nothing.

Snow keeps on coming!

2008-02-01T09:58:00.000-08:00

We have had about 20" of snow here in Bend this last week. The kids were out of school yesterday because of it. Rarely is school cancelled because of snow. So...we took advantage of it and figured out some ways to have fun with a foot and a half of snow.