Today I leave you with a simple prayer of St. Patrick. May you be blessed...
I take for my sureties:
The power of God to guide me,
The might of God to uphold me,
The wisdom of God to teach me,
The eye of God to watch over me,
The ear of God to hear me,
The word of God to give me speech,
The hand of God to protect me,
The way of God to go before me,
The shield of God to shelter me. ..
Christ be with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ within me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ at my right,
Christ at my left,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Monday, March 29, 2004
Everybody has an Opinion
I finally saw "The Passion" this weekend and for the most part I appreciated the film. I know that everybody under the sun has their own opinion on whether or not they liked the movie, some positive and some negative, so I guess it is not a surprise that I have mine. I don't think the movie was too violent in its presentation. Was it gory and vividly gruesome in parts? Yes. However, I believe the picutre painted by this depiction was appropriate. Sure, the movie has an agenda and is depicted through a certain set of lenses but isn't that expected? I guess one of my questions for those who disagree with the depiction is, "How do you picture and how would you visualize the last days of Christ?"
I appreciated the connection between the flashbacks to earlier moments in the life of Christ and the suffering of Christ. Maybe I'm ignorant to the reality of punishment and crucifixion in those days but I imagine it to be a vicious experience and thus found the depiction appropriate. Granted some of the more brutal aspects made me sick to my stomach but I didn't feel it was overdone. Scripture may not focus entirely on the brutality expressed in the film but the accounts do take time to point out aspects of Christ's suffering. There is no possible way that such an experience could have been pretty. For example, I can't imagine what causes a person to cast lots for a dead man's possessions. If you will allow it, imagine coming across someone who had been slaughtered to death on the side of the road but you look down and say, "oh, nice watch" and take it for yourself. The hate and anger must have been intense to cause people to hurl insults and spit upon any man while beating him over the head with club and fist and fashioning a crown of thorns for his head.
I appreciate the emphasis on a different aspect of the life of Christ. Of course I don't want to focus on his death and suffering over and apart from his life and resurrection. I think there is a tension between the two but I believe it doesn't hurt to reflect on the different aspects from time to time.
In the end, I believe the message of his life, the cross, and the empty tomb speaks louder than any of our finite and humble opinions or depictions of such events. And ultimately, whether or not people agree or disagree with the movie doesn't matter because the reality of God's love and Christ's passion for us all is evident in his life, death, and resurrection.
Father, thank you for the life of Jesus that we may experience a portrait of life with You! And, thank you for the cross and for Christ's sacrifice in which our sins are forever atoned for. May we each take up our cross and die daily. And God, thank you most of all for the empty tomb by which we may have life with You both now and forevermore!
May God be praised in all the earth!
I appreciated the connection between the flashbacks to earlier moments in the life of Christ and the suffering of Christ. Maybe I'm ignorant to the reality of punishment and crucifixion in those days but I imagine it to be a vicious experience and thus found the depiction appropriate. Granted some of the more brutal aspects made me sick to my stomach but I didn't feel it was overdone. Scripture may not focus entirely on the brutality expressed in the film but the accounts do take time to point out aspects of Christ's suffering. There is no possible way that such an experience could have been pretty. For example, I can't imagine what causes a person to cast lots for a dead man's possessions. If you will allow it, imagine coming across someone who had been slaughtered to death on the side of the road but you look down and say, "oh, nice watch" and take it for yourself. The hate and anger must have been intense to cause people to hurl insults and spit upon any man while beating him over the head with club and fist and fashioning a crown of thorns for his head.
I appreciate the emphasis on a different aspect of the life of Christ. Of course I don't want to focus on his death and suffering over and apart from his life and resurrection. I think there is a tension between the two but I believe it doesn't hurt to reflect on the different aspects from time to time.
In the end, I believe the message of his life, the cross, and the empty tomb speaks louder than any of our finite and humble opinions or depictions of such events. And ultimately, whether or not people agree or disagree with the movie doesn't matter because the reality of God's love and Christ's passion for us all is evident in his life, death, and resurrection.
Father, thank you for the life of Jesus that we may experience a portrait of life with You! And, thank you for the cross and for Christ's sacrifice in which our sins are forever atoned for. May we each take up our cross and die daily. And God, thank you most of all for the empty tomb by which we may have life with You both now and forevermore!
May God be praised in all the earth!
Friday, March 26, 2004
The "Passion" to Confess
I still have not been able to go see "The Passion" but I am planning to set aside some time to do so this weekend. So far I have heard both positive and negative reviews of the film from friends, family, and the press so I am anxious to determine my own opinion. Maybe a purpose of the film is to help us experience a different aspect of the life of Jesus calling us to, in one way or another, fall to our knees and confess his name--I don't know. But, whatever the purpose(s) of the movie is and despite the negative reactions this particular depiction of Christ has received, at least one man was "led" to produce his own confession as evidenced in this USA Today article.
Well, even if not today or tomorrow or the next we know that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father! May YOU be glorified in all the earth by those who confess your name!
Well, even if not today or tomorrow or the next we know that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father! May YOU be glorified in all the earth by those who confess your name!
Monday, March 22, 2004
Life of Worship
The following is a response to questions raised regarding my last post:
It seems IF our lives are full of praise of God THEN the time we come together for communal worship would overflow with praise and joy and worship. Yet at the same time I believe we can foster an atmosphere in corporate worship that encourages a "worship experience." How do we as leaders help people go from "unsatisfied customers" to living worshippers? How do we counteract our consumer society so that it's not "all about me?" And what does God desire...require...inspire?
It is difficult to lead people to move beyond a consumer-oriented religion because our society shouts consumerism from the rooftops. However, it is unfortunate that many continue to listen. I believe it is a mistake to convince ourselves that worship is for the individual, at least in terms of its greater purpose. There must be some deeper meaning, some greater purpose which calls us to participate in a life of worship as God intended.
Furthermore, this view of worship should not be contingent on whether the preacher spoke well and was entertaining or the songs evoked some “worshipful” emotional response or even whether my prayers are answered in ways I would expect or desire. Worship is more than an experience, a time period, or a form of personal satisfaction. It is not just something we do, but it is who we are. Worship is life!
The Creator longs for us to be what we were created to be: “living worshippers.” He desires that we “delight in Him” (Psalm 37:4) and not in the world around us. God’s glory is reflected in and through us when we give God glory by seeking pleasure in this life only in Him. God invites us to be satisfied in Him:
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare” (Isaiah 55:1-2).
Life with God is so much more. Somehow, we must help people view worship beyond duty to desire! We must realize that relationship with God is more than obligation because of what he has done for us. It is an opportunity to participate in a life of worship with (and of) the one true God—our Creator, Savior, Redeemer and Sustainer.
As we recognize God for who He truly is, and who we are in Him, duty fades and desire reigns! Worship becomes our passion and no longer our obligation. Our sole desire is to worship and give glory to the God with whom we share relationship. The more we desire this life, the more we long to intimately know Him. As we live a life in worship to God, His passions and His desires become ours. Our hearts align with His and our worship manifests itself without walls.
If we must be consumers, at least this might be a better idea of ultimate customer satisfaction!
It seems IF our lives are full of praise of God THEN the time we come together for communal worship would overflow with praise and joy and worship. Yet at the same time I believe we can foster an atmosphere in corporate worship that encourages a "worship experience." How do we as leaders help people go from "unsatisfied customers" to living worshippers? How do we counteract our consumer society so that it's not "all about me?" And what does God desire...require...inspire?
It is difficult to lead people to move beyond a consumer-oriented religion because our society shouts consumerism from the rooftops. However, it is unfortunate that many continue to listen. I believe it is a mistake to convince ourselves that worship is for the individual, at least in terms of its greater purpose. There must be some deeper meaning, some greater purpose which calls us to participate in a life of worship as God intended.
Furthermore, this view of worship should not be contingent on whether the preacher spoke well and was entertaining or the songs evoked some “worshipful” emotional response or even whether my prayers are answered in ways I would expect or desire. Worship is more than an experience, a time period, or a form of personal satisfaction. It is not just something we do, but it is who we are. Worship is life!
The Creator longs for us to be what we were created to be: “living worshippers.” He desires that we “delight in Him” (Psalm 37:4) and not in the world around us. God’s glory is reflected in and through us when we give God glory by seeking pleasure in this life only in Him. God invites us to be satisfied in Him:
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare” (Isaiah 55:1-2).
Life with God is so much more. Somehow, we must help people view worship beyond duty to desire! We must realize that relationship with God is more than obligation because of what he has done for us. It is an opportunity to participate in a life of worship with (and of) the one true God—our Creator, Savior, Redeemer and Sustainer.
As we recognize God for who He truly is, and who we are in Him, duty fades and desire reigns! Worship becomes our passion and no longer our obligation. Our sole desire is to worship and give glory to the God with whom we share relationship. The more we desire this life, the more we long to intimately know Him. As we live a life in worship to God, His passions and His desires become ours. Our hearts align with His and our worship manifests itself without walls.
If we must be consumers, at least this might be a better idea of ultimate customer satisfaction!
Monday, March 15, 2004
Confessions of a Journeying Sinner
I guess this is as good a place as any for (in all likelihood) one of many confessions to come...
Last week Sara and I were visiting another congregation and I guess you could say that I wasn't very pleased with the experience. The singing was a little off, the preacher may have had better days, and I perceived an overall feeling of disconnectedness. I didn't leave feeling uplifted or encouraged. Basically, I left an unsatisfied customer.
At the time I felt justified in my assessment...but...then came this Sunday.
Yesterday, I didn't even have time to build up the bomb shelter around my spirit before Mike Cope's heart-seeking missles began exploding at the doorstep to my heart. There wasn't a sermon for me to critique but instead (as he described) a gentle whisper reminding me of the appropriate mindset and attitude for participation in worship. As I listened I realized that this was a message I needed to hear. Once again I found myself consumed in the absorbing force of our "Consumer-Oriented" culture.
Our culture encourages the consumer mindset to "have it your way." You have the right to do what you want, be what you want, and go to whatever church makes you happy. And, as Mike so gracefully explained, this consumer-minded culture is sucking the very life out of our churches. That is exactly what I was guilty of. I was unhappy and frustrated because I left feeling unsatisfied.
There must be something greater involved when the body of Christ gathers together to worship. There must be a deeper meaning and purpose for our communal assemblies than me, myself, and I leaving satisfied because "worship" met my own needs. I am thankful that the journey does not revolve around my ability as a sinner to be right or wrong but around the fact that this sinner, because of what God has done through Christ, can live as a redeemed saint!
I pray we can all realize the importance of avoiding a consumer mindset in worship and strive to be the body of Christ as God intended! God, whether within our communal assemblies or within our daily lives help us to better understand that worship involves a much broader context.
May we all live..........For His Glory!
Last week Sara and I were visiting another congregation and I guess you could say that I wasn't very pleased with the experience. The singing was a little off, the preacher may have had better days, and I perceived an overall feeling of disconnectedness. I didn't leave feeling uplifted or encouraged. Basically, I left an unsatisfied customer.
At the time I felt justified in my assessment...but...then came this Sunday.
Yesterday, I didn't even have time to build up the bomb shelter around my spirit before Mike Cope's heart-seeking missles began exploding at the doorstep to my heart. There wasn't a sermon for me to critique but instead (as he described) a gentle whisper reminding me of the appropriate mindset and attitude for participation in worship. As I listened I realized that this was a message I needed to hear. Once again I found myself consumed in the absorbing force of our "Consumer-Oriented" culture.
Our culture encourages the consumer mindset to "have it your way." You have the right to do what you want, be what you want, and go to whatever church makes you happy. And, as Mike so gracefully explained, this consumer-minded culture is sucking the very life out of our churches. That is exactly what I was guilty of. I was unhappy and frustrated because I left feeling unsatisfied.
There must be something greater involved when the body of Christ gathers together to worship. There must be a deeper meaning and purpose for our communal assemblies than me, myself, and I leaving satisfied because "worship" met my own needs. I am thankful that the journey does not revolve around my ability as a sinner to be right or wrong but around the fact that this sinner, because of what God has done through Christ, can live as a redeemed saint!
I pray we can all realize the importance of avoiding a consumer mindset in worship and strive to be the body of Christ as God intended! God, whether within our communal assemblies or within our daily lives help us to better understand that worship involves a much broader context.
May we all live..........For His Glory!
Sunday, March 14, 2004
Wild, Wild West...Texas that is
It's been another interesting if not exciting weekend as can only be experienced in the dusty plains of West Texas. Friday night a few of us got together to play yet another riveting and humorous round of cards. Once again, my partner Andy and I came out on the losing end. We are getting pretty used to losing to our wives. What a humbling (and somewhat frustrating) experience! :-) At least my abs were still able to get a workout as we laughed together for a majority of the 3 hour losing cause. Laughter truly is the best medicine!
However, Friday was only the beginning of what West Texans call "fun." On Saturday we went with some friends to the Rattlesnake Round-up! Basically, it is a festival surrounding the capture of over 6,000 pounds of rattlesnakes. Certain (crazy) people round up these snakes because each year there is an excess of snakes to the extent that it could become dangerous to not do something about it. It is also necessary to collect venom from the snakes in order to develop the anti-venom in the event of snake bites. So I guess it could be considered both entertainment and educational!
There were different booths for snake exhibits of all kinds. You could watch them milk the venom, weigh and measure the snakes and even skin them. You could purchase stuffed snakes, the skin of snakes, snake tails, and if you so choose, eat fried snake. Sara and I tried very small pieces of rattlesnake and will never be the same because of it. :-) Actually, it was very tough, didn't have much flavor, was full of tiny bones, and unfortunately, as cliche as it sounds, can only be compared to something like chicken. Overall, it was a once in a lifetime experience of "West-Texas Culture." In other words, I now can say I have at least experienced it once and most likely only once. Although I am very appreciative of and thankful for the (crazy) people who round up so many dangerous rattlesnakes. I guess somebody has to do it...I'm just glad it's not me!
I know it might sound unusual but believe it or not this is just another day in the lives of those who choose to live in the dusty plains of West Texas.
As a side note...Congratulations to the Lipscomb girls basketball team (my alma-mater) for winning the Atlantic Sun Tournament and making it to the "Big-Dance" their first year in the Div. I Atlantic Sun. Good luck against Vanderbilt!
Grace and Peace until we meet again...
However, Friday was only the beginning of what West Texans call "fun." On Saturday we went with some friends to the Rattlesnake Round-up! Basically, it is a festival surrounding the capture of over 6,000 pounds of rattlesnakes. Certain (crazy) people round up these snakes because each year there is an excess of snakes to the extent that it could become dangerous to not do something about it. It is also necessary to collect venom from the snakes in order to develop the anti-venom in the event of snake bites. So I guess it could be considered both entertainment and educational!
There were different booths for snake exhibits of all kinds. You could watch them milk the venom, weigh and measure the snakes and even skin them. You could purchase stuffed snakes, the skin of snakes, snake tails, and if you so choose, eat fried snake. Sara and I tried very small pieces of rattlesnake and will never be the same because of it. :-) Actually, it was very tough, didn't have much flavor, was full of tiny bones, and unfortunately, as cliche as it sounds, can only be compared to something like chicken. Overall, it was a once in a lifetime experience of "West-Texas Culture." In other words, I now can say I have at least experienced it once and most likely only once. Although I am very appreciative of and thankful for the (crazy) people who round up so many dangerous rattlesnakes. I guess somebody has to do it...I'm just glad it's not me!
I know it might sound unusual but believe it or not this is just another day in the lives of those who choose to live in the dusty plains of West Texas.
As a side note...Congratulations to the Lipscomb girls basketball team (my alma-mater) for winning the Atlantic Sun Tournament and making it to the "Big-Dance" their first year in the Div. I Atlantic Sun. Good luck against Vanderbilt!
Grace and Peace until we meet again...
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Fun in the Sun
What a beautiful couple of days we've had in San Antonio! It's Spring Break this week and we thought we would take a couple days to get away. It's been fun to venture out around town and up and down the RiverWalk. We've tried a couple of Mexican food places (because there are so many to choose from) but I think we'll try something different tonight. I've reached my limit on enchiladas and chips and salsa. One of the restaurants we went to today (Mi Tierra) is open 24 hours. I can't imagine who might be craving chile con queso at 3 or 4 in the morning...apparently some people do though.
I think I'm about ready to make the journey back home though. This vacation thing is enough to wear you out! We've still got a few fun things ahead of us so I can't fizz out yet. Think energy...be energy! Well, I think I hear a nap calling my name. Until we meet again...
I think I'm about ready to make the journey back home though. This vacation thing is enough to wear you out! We've still got a few fun things ahead of us so I can't fizz out yet. Think energy...be energy! Well, I think I hear a nap calling my name. Until we meet again...
Saturday, March 06, 2004
Survival of the Fittest
Well, I survived another weekend course! I love these weekend courses. The class meets two weekends a semester and you’re finished—minus a few projects due toward the end of the semester. Taking these short courses gives you so much more flexibility during the semester. However, the hardest part is probably just the extensive amount of information in such a short period of time. If you ever want to know what it’s like for your brain to hurt (literally), take one of these intensive courses. Overall though, I’m a big fan of this approach.
The course was entitled “Managing Church Conflict.” I’m not sure how beneficial it will be though because we all know that there is never any conflict within our churches. :-) (Please excuse the sarcastic undertones) Actually, it was a great course and one that I know will be a great asset for my ministry tool belt because like the professor says, “It’s not a matter of “if” you will have conflict but “when.” So, the moral of the story is to be as prepared as possible for times of crisis and conflict. Gotta run, my wife's calling me by my full name...hopefully I've learned something from the course. Just Teasing! Until next time...
The course was entitled “Managing Church Conflict.” I’m not sure how beneficial it will be though because we all know that there is never any conflict within our churches. :-) (Please excuse the sarcastic undertones) Actually, it was a great course and one that I know will be a great asset for my ministry tool belt because like the professor says, “It’s not a matter of “if” you will have conflict but “when.” So, the moral of the story is to be as prepared as possible for times of crisis and conflict. Gotta run, my wife's calling me by my full name...hopefully I've learned something from the course. Just Teasing! Until next time...
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Mercy Me...What a Night!
Last night Sara and I went to a concert with Mercy Me and friends--Bebo Norman and Amy Grant. In the end it was so much more than a concert. It was more than simply entertainment. The night became a beautiful time of worship. It is always so amazing and encouraging to be in a place in which thousands of people are singing praise to God. I was touched and encouraged by the message conveyed through their music and words but it seems difficult to express the magnitude of those moments in such a simple post. The love God has for you and for me is so much more than I could ever fathom or imagine. One of my favorite songs which was not performed last night is titled "In You." I would like to share the lyrics:
I put my hope in you
I lay my life in the palm of your hand
I'm constantly drawn to you O Lord
In ways I cannot comprehend
It's the creator calling the created
The maker beckoning the made
The bride finding what she's always waited for
When we find ourselves that day
Chorus:
In you where the hungry feast at the table
The blind frozen by colors in view
The lame will dance, they'll dance for they are able
And the weary find rest
O the weary find rest in you
It's no secret that we don't belong here
though set apart by the grace of you
We look for the day when we go to a place
Where the old becomes brand new
Chorus:
In you where the hungry feast at the table
The blind frozen by colors in view
The lame will dance, they'll dance for they are able
And the weary find rest
O the weary find rest in you....
Where the hungry feast at the table
The blind frozen by colors in view
The lame will dance, they'll dance for they are able
And the weary find rest
O we will find rest in you
There is LIFE with God in Christ! The hungry will feast, the thirsty will drink, the weary will find rest...all will be transformed. The Creator beckons the Created to find life in Him. Will we choose to remain satisfied living in the famine or will we allow God to open our eyes to the reality of the feast!
God, Thank you for the transformation that comes through life in You. Thank you for the invitation to feast at your table. And Father, thank you that even in the times we may still choose famine over feast and we become tired and weary, we can fall into your arms and find rest in you.
To God be the Glory
I put my hope in you
I lay my life in the palm of your hand
I'm constantly drawn to you O Lord
In ways I cannot comprehend
It's the creator calling the created
The maker beckoning the made
The bride finding what she's always waited for
When we find ourselves that day
Chorus:
In you where the hungry feast at the table
The blind frozen by colors in view
The lame will dance, they'll dance for they are able
And the weary find rest
O the weary find rest in you
It's no secret that we don't belong here
though set apart by the grace of you
We look for the day when we go to a place
Where the old becomes brand new
Chorus:
In you where the hungry feast at the table
The blind frozen by colors in view
The lame will dance, they'll dance for they are able
And the weary find rest
O the weary find rest in you....
Where the hungry feast at the table
The blind frozen by colors in view
The lame will dance, they'll dance for they are able
And the weary find rest
O we will find rest in you
There is LIFE with God in Christ! The hungry will feast, the thirsty will drink, the weary will find rest...all will be transformed. The Creator beckons the Created to find life in Him. Will we choose to remain satisfied living in the famine or will we allow God to open our eyes to the reality of the feast!
God, Thank you for the transformation that comes through life in You. Thank you for the invitation to feast at your table. And Father, thank you that even in the times we may still choose famine over feast and we become tired and weary, we can fall into your arms and find rest in you.
To God be the Glory
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