Oscar Romerso was martyred 25 years ago tomorrow (March 24, 1980). He was the archbishop of El Salvador and lived a truly remarkable life. He rose through the ranks of the Catholic hiearchcy mostly because he was safe and El Salvador was going through some pretty rough times and safe seemed best for the church. But once he was promoted to Archbishop he had, what I would call in a way, a conversion experience. He started sticking up for the poor and oppressed and no longer tried to just keep things calm. One of my favorite lines from the movie "Romero" (which I higly recomend to any and everyone) is when he tells a rich lady he will only baptize her kids with all the rest of the kids, including the poor kids, and she gets ticked off because she realizes he is standing with the poor in solidarity and she says "do you know what that will cost us?" I'm not sure if he knew what it would cost her, but he knew what it would cost him... his life.
Thinking on his life, makes me think about mine. Am I just playing it safe, or would I be willing to risk it all for the sake of the Gospel. I'm always playing it safe. I never want to offend anyone, or challenge anyone. I'm scared of leading our church to really being the people of God. You read about people such as Romero and then your read the Gospels and you see so clearly how you are just living a watered down faith.
I was reading an interview with Ron Sider in Christianity Today about his new book where he rips the church in America. He said he wrote the book with tears in his eyes, but also with hope in his heart. I hope that's how I write this entry today.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Dusty
Dusty preached in Spring Revival today and boy did his message cut to the heart. He talked on Matthew 6:5-6, about how we are suppossed to pray. He said the reason the hypocrites prayed in public was only because they thought that was the only place they could get a reward for their prayer. They lost faith in a God who actually heard their prayers.
I blog as a way to journal. I'm just not disciplined enough to journal in a book that no one reads but God and myself. So I journal where everybody can read it and hopefully think that I am funny, cool, thoughtful, and a wonderful person and that's what motivates me.
I over analize things too much at times, but maybe I need too?
I blog as a way to journal. I'm just not disciplined enough to journal in a book that no one reads but God and myself. So I journal where everybody can read it and hopefully think that I am funny, cool, thoughtful, and a wonderful person and that's what motivates me.
I over analize things too much at times, but maybe I need too?
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Gates are defensive tools not offensive ones as Dr. May pointed out in class today. That makes me think...
Gates are defensive tools not offensive ones as Dr. May pointed out in class today. That makes me think...
Monday, March 07, 2005
NO MAS
Just finished my take home final for Greek. That means I'm finished with all my Biblical languages at seminary! This is so odd to say, but I think I'm glad I was required to take them. Hebrew was especially rewarding as I got to see some cool things that are taking place in the Bible that English could never bring out. But I am still glad I'm done with them.
Friday, March 04, 2005
Kingdom stuff
Sorry to post other people's stuff, but I've been reading this guy's blog lately and he talks about the Kingdom in ways and with language I'm not used to. He makes me think a lot, so I thought I would show you what I think about.
And so, I saw a vision. It just happened. Friends, we're at war, and its raging. Here's what I saw: "I was walking at night in a cemetery, I was alone, it was dark, it was cold and the stench of death was all around me. Cement gravestones, cracked tombs with vines growing intertwined all around them, there was no color, everything was in black and white. I was drawn to one particular gravestone in the shape of a cross, it was leaning over like someone had tripped over it. I was standing before it and I looked to the dark night sky and there were what seemed to be spirits of death soaring over me. They were flying in every direction, active in the night. Then I realized that I was no longer standing, but kneeling before this grave. And courage was welling up within me and I screamed into the night a cry of willingness. I looked around a 2nd time and I wasn't alone, in the distance I could many of you kneeling before similar stones crying out to the night. I saw Keck, I saw Bean, I saw Arlen, I saw Joe Long etc. etc. I saw as far as the eye could see saints crying into the darkness and it didn't seem so dark anymore. And then I awoke." We are all interconnected in this war, we need each other, we need to cry louder, we need to keep our swords at our sides, we need to bring the fight to the enemy with zero fear, we need to meet him, we must not back down, we will win this fight, but we must prepare ouselves and bring it everyday. We are never alone, never. Rain down your HOPE oh Lord, rain down your hope. I have come to realize that the enemy has been actively seeking to destroy the work that God has been doing through Ordinary Community Church. Seeking to steal, kill and destroy. Its not that he has infiltrated our camp, its that we moved into the same neighborhood. It is indistinguishable our territory from his. We are at close quarters and the stakes have never been higher for us. Well, I'm here tonight to say in the words of Doc Hollywood, "I'm your huckleberry". (thanks Keck)If you want a piece of my spiritual family than you can come through me. If you want deeper influence, then your going to have to take it from me personally. If you want what is not yours, then your going to fight for it. We walk in the power of the ressurrection and we fear you not. I'm going to sleep well tonight unless Abba wakes me up to pray and then I'll take my orders from Him. Whatever He commands I will do, I know no other way, He holds the words of life. When I awake in the morning, I will be back you slimy bastard. And come death or Kingdom Come in fullness, I will bring the fight to your doorstep. You see, my cries have been heard tonight and its in Him I trust. Remember the scene in Braveheart after Wallace's big speech in full warrior gear at the battle of Stirling. He turns to his inner circle and they say "Where are you going?" Wallace responds: "I'm going to pick a fight." Then they turn to each other and one says "Well . . . atleast we didn't get dressed up for nothing." Those words have never been so true.Friends, bring the fight to your particular context, and don't relent. I'll see you on the field.
And so, I saw a vision. It just happened. Friends, we're at war, and its raging. Here's what I saw: "I was walking at night in a cemetery, I was alone, it was dark, it was cold and the stench of death was all around me. Cement gravestones, cracked tombs with vines growing intertwined all around them, there was no color, everything was in black and white. I was drawn to one particular gravestone in the shape of a cross, it was leaning over like someone had tripped over it. I was standing before it and I looked to the dark night sky and there were what seemed to be spirits of death soaring over me. They were flying in every direction, active in the night. Then I realized that I was no longer standing, but kneeling before this grave. And courage was welling up within me and I screamed into the night a cry of willingness. I looked around a 2nd time and I wasn't alone, in the distance I could many of you kneeling before similar stones crying out to the night. I saw Keck, I saw Bean, I saw Arlen, I saw Joe Long etc. etc. I saw as far as the eye could see saints crying into the darkness and it didn't seem so dark anymore. And then I awoke." We are all interconnected in this war, we need each other, we need to cry louder, we need to keep our swords at our sides, we need to bring the fight to the enemy with zero fear, we need to meet him, we must not back down, we will win this fight, but we must prepare ouselves and bring it everyday. We are never alone, never. Rain down your HOPE oh Lord, rain down your hope. I have come to realize that the enemy has been actively seeking to destroy the work that God has been doing through Ordinary Community Church. Seeking to steal, kill and destroy. Its not that he has infiltrated our camp, its that we moved into the same neighborhood. It is indistinguishable our territory from his. We are at close quarters and the stakes have never been higher for us. Well, I'm here tonight to say in the words of Doc Hollywood, "I'm your huckleberry". (thanks Keck)If you want a piece of my spiritual family than you can come through me. If you want deeper influence, then your going to have to take it from me personally. If you want what is not yours, then your going to fight for it. We walk in the power of the ressurrection and we fear you not. I'm going to sleep well tonight unless Abba wakes me up to pray and then I'll take my orders from Him. Whatever He commands I will do, I know no other way, He holds the words of life. When I awake in the morning, I will be back you slimy bastard. And come death or Kingdom Come in fullness, I will bring the fight to your doorstep. You see, my cries have been heard tonight and its in Him I trust. Remember the scene in Braveheart after Wallace's big speech in full warrior gear at the battle of Stirling. He turns to his inner circle and they say "Where are you going?" Wallace responds: "I'm going to pick a fight." Then they turn to each other and one says "Well . . . atleast we didn't get dressed up for nothing." Those words have never been so true.Friends, bring the fight to your particular context, and don't relent. I'll see you on the field.
Monday, February 28, 2005
another observation
Few people commented on what a large crowd we had at church Sunday (2nd biggest ever), but lots commented on the return of a family who returned to our church after not being there for a long time. They not only commented on it, but they loved on that family while they were there. They have a way of keeping things in perspective for me.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Words just aren't enough
This morning was such a wonderful church service. Words just aren't enough to explain how good it way. I started the service by telling everyone I'm not sure what to expect today except that God will be with us and that He is good. He was definitly with us and He was definitly good.
We had Amy Lewis bring a pottery wheel to church today to help us figure out what it means when the Bible always compares us to clay and God to our potter. Amy, who is pretty shy, thrived even though she told me later she was shaking the whole time (How do you make pottery when you're shaking?). People made comments throughout the demonstration bringing it home to real life. Some people were crying because it spoke to them so deeply.
I guess I talked a lot, but so did Amy, and so did a lot of other people in church. And through all of us talking I think we all heard God talking to us.
God is doing such a wonderful work in our church. We are definitly in for a fun ride.
We had Amy Lewis bring a pottery wheel to church today to help us figure out what it means when the Bible always compares us to clay and God to our potter. Amy, who is pretty shy, thrived even though she told me later she was shaking the whole time (How do you make pottery when you're shaking?). People made comments throughout the demonstration bringing it home to real life. Some people were crying because it spoke to them so deeply.
I guess I talked a lot, but so did Amy, and so did a lot of other people in church. And through all of us talking I think we all heard God talking to us.
God is doing such a wonderful work in our church. We are definitly in for a fun ride.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Gifts
This week I had fun listening to and watching others in our church. One gave me a simply wonderful idea for something we could do as a church that has left my imagination running and the other did a simple task in a way that I thought was great and more than I could have asked for. It was a lot of fun this week celebrating with others the wonderful work God is doing in them.
Tomorrow in church we are having one of the artist of our church bring a pottery wheel to church and she is going to throw clay. We are gonna talk about how that all relates to our walk with Christ. Somebody told me she is pumped about the service and has even said, "I'm so excited that I get to be a part of the service." I think God is trying to tell me something through that quote.
Tomorrow in church we are having one of the artist of our church bring a pottery wheel to church and she is going to throw clay. We are gonna talk about how that all relates to our walk with Christ. Somebody told me she is pumped about the service and has even said, "I'm so excited that I get to be a part of the service." I think God is trying to tell me something through that quote.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Mandy's a hottie
This morning Mandy had on the cutest maternity clothes. She was wearing this pink button up shirt and you could see the form of her belly (now six months pregnant). She looked so beautiful that I didn't want her to leave. I never thought pregnant women were all that attractive until now.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Spring Revival
Just saw a friend of mine in the caft. at MVNU. This friend, Dusty Lawson, is just one of those people who you look up to. He is an example to me in so many ways. He walks humbly with the Lord.
He told me he was preaching in Spring Revival this year, Thursday, March 10th to be exact. Spring Revival has always been special to me. Even though I'm not the biggest fan of having revival, spring revival at the Naz was always a powerful experience for me. I'll never ever forget my senior year during spring revival. It has a ton to do with who I am six years later.
I told Dusty I would pray for him every day. Would you take the time to pray for him as well. Not only for Dusty, but also for MVNU.
He told me he was preaching in Spring Revival this year, Thursday, March 10th to be exact. Spring Revival has always been special to me. Even though I'm not the biggest fan of having revival, spring revival at the Naz was always a powerful experience for me. I'll never ever forget my senior year during spring revival. It has a ton to do with who I am six years later.
I told Dusty I would pray for him every day. Would you take the time to pray for him as well. Not only for Dusty, but also for MVNU.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
3am
Got in at 3am last night and I already find myself at Seminary with a whole day of classes ahead of me. Might skip Greek tonight, I'll see how I feel. The Gates were really cool. Had a real cool discusion on the way home in the car last night too.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Positions filled
Sean, Lacy, Caden (their one year old son), Mandy and I will be leaving tomorrow night for New York City!!! I feel so giddy. Who says once you grow up and start having kids and get real responsible jobs you can't take off and have fun once in a while?
Friday, February 18, 2005
NYC TRIP?
Watching the news tonight we saw a story about "the gates" in New York City's Central Park. It's a big, kinda weird, art instalation that goes throughout Central Park, which is huge. Mandy wants to go see it (I wouldn't mind either), but it gets taken down Feb. 27th which means the only free day we would have to go see it is this Monday. I figure leave about 10pm Sunday night, get there at sunrise, spend four hours in central park, get a piece of NYC pizza, and be home by 10pm Monday night.
I'd have to miss class Monday, which I think I can do, but we need at least one other person to drive with us to make it possible. It seems kind of crazy to do something this stupid at my mature age of 28, but you only live once. I figure if someone calls by Sunday morning it might be a sign that we should do this. Call 740 392 3197 if you are interested. I'll go out on a limb here and say that I really don't even have to know you.
There is a weird feeling going through my body right now... I think I feel like a kid again.
I'd have to miss class Monday, which I think I can do, but we need at least one other person to drive with us to make it possible. It seems kind of crazy to do something this stupid at my mature age of 28, but you only live once. I figure if someone calls by Sunday morning it might be a sign that we should do this. Call 740 392 3197 if you are interested. I'll go out on a limb here and say that I really don't even have to know you.
There is a weird feeling going through my body right now... I think I feel like a kid again.
Kingdom
Most of you are aware that I've been thinking about the Kingdom a lot lately. In church when it's testimony time I now ask if anyone has seen the Kingdom break into their lives lately. What does it mean to be citizens of the Kingdom, is a question I ask a lot lately. So when I find quotes about the Kingdom I pay attention. I really liked this quote I found on someone else's blog today.
We're all aware of the tension that we live in, the tension of the Kingdom, the Kingdom come but not in fullness...the already and the not yet. In the times when we long to see a practical manifestation of the rule and reign of God break into our lives, and yet don't see it, we're tempted to lean towards the side of the "not in its fullness" or the "not yet". My encouragement to you tonight is to lean towards the side of the Kingdom come, of the "already". Why not fall towards that? Dare to hope a bit. Give the Kingdom come the benefit of the doubt. Take a risk and pray "Your Kingdom come" with an air of expectation.
We're all aware of the tension that we live in, the tension of the Kingdom, the Kingdom come but not in fullness...the already and the not yet. In the times when we long to see a practical manifestation of the rule and reign of God break into our lives, and yet don't see it, we're tempted to lean towards the side of the "not in its fullness" or the "not yet". My encouragement to you tonight is to lean towards the side of the Kingdom come, of the "already". Why not fall towards that? Dare to hope a bit. Give the Kingdom come the benefit of the doubt. Take a risk and pray "Your Kingdom come" with an air of expectation.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Good News
Felt Lucy do something (possibly kick?) for the first time tonight! Also, I only got two weeks left of Greek and then I'll be done with Biblical Languages at Seminary!
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Hotel Rwanda
Saw Hotel Rwanda last night with Mandy on a date. Not sure it was a date flick, but almost appropriate on a date now that I think about it. Hundreds of thousands of people being killed in a country and nobody cares about it cause we're all too busy going on dates. Well that's one way to look at it I guess.
Good movie. I think everyone should see it. Yet I left not knowing what to think or do. Movies like that always leave me me wanting to change, but I struggled greatly with what my response is suppossed to be. God forbid my only response is to say that was a terrible thing that happened and I hope it never happens again. But what else can I say or do? Any ideas?
Good movie. I think everyone should see it. Yet I left not knowing what to think or do. Movies like that always leave me me wanting to change, but I struggled greatly with what my response is suppossed to be. God forbid my only response is to say that was a terrible thing that happened and I hope it never happens again. But what else can I say or do? Any ideas?
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