California Trip Highlights

Becoming A Courageous Church

This morning I had the opportunity to preach at my guy Aaron's church, Living Hope Neighborhood Church, in Richmond CA. I felt led this morning to preach about what it means to become a courageous people of God. The preparation and the delivery of the message really convicted and challenge me in my own cowardice. Here is the outline of this morning's message.

Becoming A Courageous Church

“Courage is acting (or moving forward) on conviction in the face of fear.”
-John Perkins

The Church Needs The Courage To…

(1)Communicate the Gospel
• 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 = …But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

Ask God for “divine appointments” this week.

(2)Compassionately Care for the Needs of Others•
2 Corinthians 8:1-4 =…Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
• Luke 10:25-37 “the parable of the Good Samaritan”

“In the third century AD, a terrible plague struck the city of Alexandria, claiming many lives. The pagans interpreted the event as the gods’ punishment and refused to help the sick since they “deserved” their calamity. Alexandrian Christians responded differently. Out of love for God, they nursed the weak and buried the dead – often contracting fatal illnesses. These brave souls won the nickname “paraboloni” which means “one who takes a risk.” Today, we should make it our aim to earn this title of honor.”
Amy Sherman “A Call For Church Welfare Reform”

(3)Cross Lines
• Acts 13:1; Acts 11:25 =…the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch
• John 4:1-26 “Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well”

“Love for each other across racial and class barriers still remains the most powerful testimony to Jesus Christ and the gospel. The local church must demonstrate fellowship to communities turfed by gangs, divided by political corruption, and ruined by financial exploitation.”
-Ray Bakke in “The Urban Christian”

(4)Our courage must come from Christ!
Acts 4:13 = When they saw the COURAGE of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Burdened For The Fatherless

Last weekend I got a voice message from a friend of mine, Jake, who graduated from Moody with me. He lives and works in Des Moines, Iowa and is very involved in ministry there at his church and at his job. Jake definitely has the gift of encouragement. It is hard to have a conversation with him and not feel encouraged in some way. On this particular phone call he left a question for me. He told me that he recently had become involved working with fatherless youth. He then asked me how we could be praying together for the fatherless. I was really challenged by his question and the obvious intent of his heart behind his question. Although I have definitely prayed for young men and young women over the years who don't have their fathers involved in their lives, the size of his question really caused me to think.

Fatherlessness has become an epidemic in our nation. I see the effects of it in the urban context, but fatherlessness exists in suburban and rural contexts at an ever increasing rate as well. Young people that grow up without a father are more likely to be impoverished, less likely to graduate from college, and have an increased chance of incarceration. I will refrain from sharing the statistics on this, but they are definitely disheartening. What makes fatherlessness so challenging to tackle is that it is caused by both systemic injustices and personal sin. It is a complex challenge. Materialism and chasing the American dream plays a part. Economic injustices and lack of opportunity plays a part as well. The reasons or causes for fatherlessness may vary, but the effects don't change.

But back to Jake's question, "how can we be praying for the fatherless?" First and foremost, God is referred to throughout Scripture as the defender and the helper of the fatherless. It is evident that the fatherless are on God's heart. I am reminded what the founder of World Vision, Bob Pierce, once said - "Let my heart be broken with the things that break God's heart." We need to allow God to break our hearts for the fatherless. I think that is the best place to start.

Secondly, I am reminded of the prayer that Jesus challenged his disciples to pray in Matthew 9:36-38 = When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." We can therefore be praying that God would raise up laborers with a heart for the fatherless.

The interesting thing about the Matthew 9 passage is that right after Jesus tells them to pray for laborers, he sends them out as laborers. We need to be the laborers with hearts for the fatherless. There is an African proverb that says, "it takes a village to raise a child." The church can be that "village" for the fatherless. The church can and should be the family for fatherless children. So what does this look like? If you are married and have a family, although your primary ministry is your wife and children, you can still reach out to the fatherless. In fact it should be a natural, as an increasing number of your children's friends may be fatherless. You have a great opportunity to have them over for dinner, take them to church, and take them on family trips. Singles within the church could and should be involved as well. Although singles don't have the connection through their kids like married folks do, there are endless opportunities for singles to mentor and disciple fatherless young men and young women.

We can also be praying that fatherless young people will find their identity in Christ - that they will find their identity as a child of God. Young people need the strength, protection, affirmation, and love of their father. When they don't get that, they look to fulfill that legitimate need illegitimately through relationships/sex, gangs, drugs/alcohol, etc.

In conclusion, let's be the village for fatherless children, let's be the family of God for them, let's be the Church.

Psalm 86:5
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling.

Psalm 82:3
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

Deuteronomy 10:17-18
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.

Chicago Peace Campaign Kickoff Rally

Chicago Peace Campaign Kickoff Rally
Saturday May 23rd
11am - 1pm
Washington Park - just east of Garfield Blvd & King Dr

Proverbs 27:17

Last weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Boston, Massachusetts for my friend Ben's graduation from Gordon-Conwell seminary. Ben and I practically grew up together. I call his mom and dad, aunt and uncle, and he and his two sisters cousins. Over the years I have learned much about friendship from Ben. It was during my sophomore year of college that he introduced me to the concept of being accountability partners. His transparency with his own personal sin struggles allowed me really for the first time to be completely honest and vulnerable with a brother in the Lord about my struggles and my fears. In the spring of 2001 he cried with me as I shared my surrender to follow God's calling into urban ministry. Over the years there have been times where he has cried for me as he has prayed for things that I have gone through in my life. He has modeled what it means to "be" a true friend and brother in the Lord.

Over the course of the weekend I also got to observe he and two of his closest friends from college. These guys connected at Wheaton college and have invested in each other's lives over the last 9 years or so even as distance and family have made it challenging. These brothers love to laugh and have a good time together. They also intercede for one another, seek counsel from one another, and lovingly challenge one another when necessary. Spending the weekend with them reminded me of the importance of friendships and the importance of community.

In the book the Disciplines Of A Godly Man,the author Kent Hughes states that only 10% of men have true friendships with other men. That is a sad statistic, especially for the body of Christ. I am still learning what it means to "be" a godly friend. I still struggle with being transparent and vulnerable with my brothers, but by God's grace I am growing in this area. I am thankful for the solid brothers that God has placed in my life.

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Sharing A Need

The conclusion of this school year (last day of school is Friday June 12th) marks our second school year of ministry in our new building. Praise God for all that He has done during our short time here in this community. When we first moved into the building in January of 2007, only the office section of the building was usable. Over time, the all-purpose room and the community technology center were finished. In June of 2007 we finished 1 of the 6 apartments located on the 2nd floor of our building (it has been home of the Blodgett family ever since).

We still need to finish the other 5 apartments as well as the remaining storefront on the first floor. The vision for the last storefront is to transform it into a community cafe, that will be open to adults in the morning and then be used as additional youth programming space in the afternoon and evening hours. The vision for the unfinished apartments is to create affordable housing (4 units) and staff housing/office use space (2 units).

Praise the Lord, we recently were able to get our zoning changes finalized at City Hall. This enables us to secure our building permits and move forward with the above mentioned rehab projects. However, what that means is that we are now in the position to raise the funds necessary to complete the project. The financial need is $150,000. Please pray with us that God would provide for this need!! The completion of the building would be a huge blessing as we enter into our 3rd school year of ministry here in the fall.

Pictures: the top picture is the inside of the unfinished storefront, the 2nd picture is the outside, the 3rd picture is a view of our building off of 61st St

Chicago Peace Campaign Update...

Yesterday was the launch meeting for the Chicago Peace Campaign at the Chicago Embassy Church. I believe there was 100-120 people in attendance. We began with a time of worship and prayer. Then the pastor of Chicago Embassy and Chris Butler cast the vision for the Peace Campaign and exhorted us to collaborative action for peace. They also showed a tragic video, highlighting youth violence in our city, that set the tone for the urgency and importance of this campaign. We were reminded that this is not about convincing those who are doing violence to put their guns done, but rather this is about mobilizing people who are doing nothing towards creative and collaborative works of peace. In other words, the movement is seeking to create a culture of peace in Chicago that leaves no room for violence. In Biblical terms, darkness cannot overcome the light.

The web site for the Peace Campaign will be up in a matter of days. The next event is scheduled for Saturday May 23rd at Washington Park from 11:00am to 1pm. This will be the kick off rally.


Jeremiah 29:5-7
Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.

Global Stand By Me

Chicago Peace Campaign

In lieu of the challenge of violence in our city, a new movement has been started called the Chicago Peace Campaign. It is a comprehensive peace plan developed to mobilize churches, community organizations, and concerned neighbors towards collaborative actions that promote peace throughout the city. The movement is being spearheaded by Chris Butler (26 yrs old), who grew up in Chicago and is burdened to see Chicago's diverse communities unite around the cause of peace. He loves Christ and loves the city, and it is out of this heart for the Lord and for people that this vision has been birthed. I was privileged to be at the initial meeting for this movement, surrounded by urban ministry veterans, pastors, and community organizers. Each person at the initial meeting was then exhorted to recruit ten people to come to the launch meeting this Saturday. We are praying that 200 people will be in attendance at this initial launch meeting.

Here is a brief description of the mission of the Chicago Peace Campaign and its main pillars of action.

The Chicago Peace Campaign is a mobilization strategy to fill the city of Chicago with "the way of peace" through life giving words and action, leading to a measurable decline in the rate of violence in the city, especially among our young people.

Peacemakers Projects: Organize, coordinate and support service projects that will become deterrents to violence and monuments of peace.

Friday Night Lights: Night time outreach in rough areas. Light up dark corners with physical lights while lighting up dark souls with the light of the Gospel.

Beautiful Feet: Recruit a corps of street pastors to go house to house with message of peace and be a presence for peace in the streets.

Peaceful Speech: Communicate the message of peace through new media (website, facebook, text message etc.), traditional media (radio, television, newspapers) signs and events.

Pray for Peace: Cover the Chicago Peace Campaign and the city of Chicago with prayer.


I will write an update after this Saturday's meeting and as the various activities begin to unfold. The launch meeting is this Saturday, April 25th from 10am to 12pm at the Chicago Embassy Church 5848 S. Princeton.

Too Many Young People Are Dying

Last Friday morning I attended the funeral of 18 year old Tommie Williams. He was shot and killed the previous Thursday evening near 5pm on the corner of 61st and Cottage Grove. The church where the funeral was held was packed, primarily with young people. It was evident that he was a well-liked young man. His mother shared that the Lord was keeping her strong but that whoever shot her son didn't just shoot him, he shot their whole family (meaning it hurt all of them deeply). His father told those in attendance that he didn't want his son to be just another t-shirt. (In the inner city, when a young person dies, t-shirts are made that have his/her picture on it and usually say RIP.) Tommie had six sisters and four brothers.

On Thursday evening (of this past week) 14 year old Juan Cazares was playing basketball with his friends. At around 6:30pm two men walked out of an alley and began to shoot. Juan was shot, and eventually died from gun shot wounds early Friday morning. Juan was well liked and known for his sense of humor school officials said. Juan had two younger sisters and a younger brother. He lived with his mom and some of his cousins.

Juan became the 33rd Chicago Public School student that has been killed by violence this school year (2008-2009). A total of 508 Chicago school kids were shot (not all fatal) from September 2007 through December 2008, according to data compiled by the school system and released to the Chicago Sun-Times. Those CPS shooting statistics do not even include other school-age kids who have been shot. Adding those kids would double the 508 shootings of CPS students (according to Chicago Sun-Times March 9th article). That averages out to almost 32 children shot each month. Although (thankfully) not all of these shootings have been fatal, the damage is still severe.

“There is physical damage, which is awful enough. But the psychological damage can last much longer – both for the victim and their classmates. Many kids in the most violent neighborhoods of Chicago are paralyzed by fear, and it’s hard to blame them (Chicago Sun-Times March 9, 2009 article).”

I am still trying to get my mind around all of this. I have been praying and thinking about all of these shootings and all of these young lives that have been taken. It is sobering enough to hear the number and to hear the statistics, but when you start to personalize it and think about the families, the friends, and the classmates that are effected it becomes even more tragic. There is so much potential in the young people here in Chicago. I see it first-hand every day and every week. At the same time, many of these young people feel deep pain. There is a saying that I have been reminded of lately that says, "hurt people hurt people." Young people are hurting, and they are acting and reacting out of that hurt. The crisis of youth violence that our city is experiencing right now is a very complex issue. Unfortunately there is not a "quick fix." In the next few weeks I will continue to blog about this topic, thinking through preventative responses that the Church here in Chicago can engage in.

Please pray for our city. Pray for the young people and their families. Pray that peace would reign in the streets. Pray that the Church would rally and unite in acts of compassionate intervention.

I recently discovered a Chris Tomlin song entitled "God Of This City" that I have been singing as a prayer. The words are as follows...

You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are

You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City

Amen!

Thinking on the Cross

Today we watched the Passion of the Christ with a small group of our youth. At the very beginning of the movie the words of Isaiah 53 scroll across the screen. Isaiah 53:5 reads, "But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His stripes we are healed." It is such a powerful and sobering passage of Scripture. Throughout the day I have been listening to Shai Linne's atonement album, and one of the sermon snippets on his album especially stuck out to me today. The pastor explained that not only was the Cross an act done for us (ie John 3:16) but an act done by us (He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities). He then added that it is not until we fully understand that it was done "by us" that we will fully understand the depth of His grace and love for us.

This video was done by the Christian hip hop group called Hazakim. You can check them out at www.myspace.com/hazakimcamp

That's My King

John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Appreciative of Podcasts

I know I am late, but I just recently discovered and started subscribing to podcasts. The last few weeks especially I have been listening to messages - at the gym, on the weekend, before I go to bed at night, etc. It really has been a blessing to "tune in" to these different podcasts. Here are some of my favorites...

Epiphany Fellowship
Pastor Eric Mason is the primary teaching pastor at this Philadelphia church plant. William "the Ambassador" Branch and Shai Linne also do some of the teaching. I have appreciated messages on being a missional Christian, the need for community, suffering in the life of the believer, and Biblical manhood.
www.epiphanyfellowship.org

Cornerstone - Simi Valley
Most of the messages on this podcast are by Pastor Francis Chan. I love his heart for the poor and his emphasis on living out Acts 2 community. I hope to visit his church during my California visit this spring.
www.cornerstonesimi.com

Desiring GodThis is John Piper's podcast. I appreciate his passion for the glory of God, his teaching on missions and the "war time" lifestyle (countering the culture of materialism and comfortable living).
www.desiringgod.org

Heartcry Missionary Society
This is Paul Washer's podcast. Although I don't necessarily agree with with all of his statements, I really enjoy his emphasis on laboring with people in the gospel, the doctrine of regeneration, and his teaching on Biblical manhood.
www.hcmissions.org


Do you have any podcasts that you recommend??

Pray for Kenya!

My last semester at Moody I had a brother named Paul in one of my urban ministry classes who had come from Kenya to attend Moody. I stayed in touch with him after graduation, and a couple of years after graduating he invited me to a celebration at his church - a Kenyan church plant on Chicago's northwest side. During the meal I met three young sisters from Kenya who were studying at Chicago State. All three of them are from the Maasai tribe in Kenya, and all three of them finished at Chicago State and are pursuing graduate studies here in Chicago with a vision to return to Kenya. Over the years, I have stayed in touch with the three of them via email. This morning, one of the sisters named Sitatian, sent me an email asking me (and others) to be praying for the people of Kenya. Here is what she sent...

Hello Friends and Well wishers:
I hope this finds you well. I am well. I am still living in Chicago. I am currently working for a few months after which I will go back to school for graduate studies. I have just been accepted at the University of Illinois School of public health to pursue a masters degree in Epidemiology with a concentration in Maternal Child Health. I am really excited about this opportunity and cannot wait to complete and go back to Kenya to help elevate the conditions of child health.

I am writing to ask for your prayer and support for the people of my community and family in Kenya who are suffering the effects of the severe famine that is facing Kenya and the bad economy world wide. Kenya and the Maasai community generally, depend on rains to sustain their animals and to grow crops. But during the last year, the rains were shorter than usual and this adversely affected the yield of crops which has led to the food shortage that is being experienced at the moment. Grass lands are very dry and cannot sustain the animals. Additionally, most streams have dried out and humans and animals have to walk more than 10 kilometers every other day to obtain water for drinking and house hold use.

I have just been informed that local schools at my village are closing because children are not attending school. The parents cannot afford to pay their school fees and in some house holds the children do not have food to eat so they are not allowed to go away from home. This is a very unfortunate situation that will affect the now and the future of these children. I know what they are feeling because I have lived it! I missed school so many days for lack of school fees and have gone hungry for a countless number of days. I am not there to share in their suffering but, I am hurting with them because I totally understand what it means for a young kid to go for a whole day or all night without food and actually not knowing whether they would get any on their next meal.

We are hoping that it rains in April as it usually does, but I am afraid that no animals will survive it till then. I hope the people do. Please remember them in prayer and any support will highly be appreciated. I am hopeful and wishing that one day they can get a borehole at the village that will, at least, provide drinking water.

PS: I have attached pictures of cattle that were recently sent to me. Notice how the grass land is dry! Just recently, some people received relief food from well wishers here in the USA but ,unfortunately it was not much to sustain them for long. The crowds you see on the pictures are women and children receiving the relief food.
Sincerely,

Sitatian Kaelo- for the Maasai community.
You may contact me at any time for ways that you could help.
Sitatian@gmail.com

Sitatian along with three nursing students(now registered nurses) came together to form a non for profit organisation(Emayian) in the Maasai land to help educate the people on nutrition and basic preventive measures. Its through this organisation that the people of her community are receiving some help in the form of relief as you have seen on the pictures.

The conditions are very bad right now and she is trying to create awareness through churches/organisations and individuals. So feel free to share this need and opportunity with people who may want to get involved and support the Maasai. You can freely do so through EMAYIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

Musical Opportunity

Recently a good friend of mine, Asher Harris aka Point Ash, told me that he wanted me to be on his album (he is soon releasing a Christian hip hop album). He explained that he wanted me to do a "Dave Clark voicemail style" album intro. I like to be creative with the voicemail messages on my phone, so I am changing it every few months or so with silly songs and catchy little "ditties." I was a little nervous about it at first. When I create a voicemail song no one has to like it, and it's just supposed to be silly. However, since this was for his album I felt the pressure to come up with something unique. I took one of my voicemail tunes and changed the lyrics to reflect his album title. I just tried to be corny and silly and creative and I think it worked (at least Ash was pleased with it). It was really cool to be in the studio with him and to see how much work goes into each song. It was intense work they were doing, but at the same time we laughed till our faces hurt.


His album is really going to be nice. You can check out his music at www.pointash.com or www.myspace.com/pointash He is a good brother in the Lord. He is real authentic, desires to grow, and loves to encourage and build with other brothers.

I wanted to somehow link the audio of the intro to this site, but I am still trying to figure out how to do that. I really feel like this intro could open up other doors for me:) I want to give a shout out to my mom for the gift of writing silly poems and songs...What up Colin?!! (love you mom)

What's in a name?

I can't remember when the first time was that someone, after I had introduced myself as Dave Clark, responded with a question and/or a joke about the Dave Clark 5 (rock group from the 60s). I know at some point my parents explained to me what they (older adults) were referring to. I still get it to this day. Most recently, I was at a youth event in the suburbs as a guest judge for a speech competition. When I introduced myself to the woman coordinating the event, she smiled did a little "shimmy" and asked me about the band. I usually smile and say something like, "we retired" or "I'm not doing music anymore."

Here is a tribute clip to the Dave Clark 5. Consider it a "fun pass" for the weekend. I dare you to try and watch this video and not smile.

The Fab 5 Influence

Nuff said.

The Fab 5

I watched some more tournament games tonight. After this weekend the field will be down to 8. I spoke with my brother on the phone today and we were reminiscing about previous tournaments and Michigan players. I am convinced there will never be another Fab 5. They left their mark on college basketball, time out or not time out. As freshman and sophomores on the Paw Paw High School freshman and jv basketball team, we shaved our heads and wore black socks. The baggier shorts were hard to come by.

From Bondage To Liberation

Galatians 1:10
An I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

I read this verse a few times last week, and it really got me thinking. I am a bridge-builder/peacemaker type (in many ways we are all called to be this in Christ). God has made me this way, I believe for His good. I don't like to see conflict. I like to see people getting along, living harmoniously. I am disturbed by divisions in the church - across racial lines, economic/class lines, political lines, etc. This type of division and conflict and strife erks me (my Holy Discontent - probably another blog forthcoming). In many ways this is a great trait. I know that God can use this (and has by His grace). However, on the flip slide there can be some weaknesses in being a bridge builder/peacemaker type. It can lead to people pleasing. It can lead to not rocking the boat, even though the boat needs to be rocked. It can also lead to a type of bondage. People pleasing can be an exhausting game of futility. Pleasing everyone is just not possible (nor should it be desired). The danger in this is that the farther I have gone in ministry the more people I have built relationships with(supporters, churches, co-workers, peers, students, teachers, etc.) - and the more people to potentially "please." If the Lord gives me a family someday, I realize I will never be able to please everyone.

Paul says, "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." He seems to be stating that you can't be a "man pleaser" and be a servant of Christ. The two don't mesh. Although that might seem almost too challenging, there is great hope in those words. Serving Christ and seeking to please Him can provide liberation from the bondage of people pleasing. By God's grace He has grown me in this area in my life, and I trust that He will continue to grow me (to liberate me).

I was reminded of Jason Eskridge's song "Liberator." It is a powerful song. Here are some of the lyrics.

Your hand of freedom
Reached into my situation
Breaking my binding chains and granting me liberation
I once was bound to myself, the worst of penalties
Couldn't escape from my sin, until You rescued me
But now...

(Chorus)
You are my liberator
Your love set me free
You are my emancipator
With Your blood You bought me
Now I am free

Not going back to that place again
Where my mind and my body are enslaved to sin
Through Your life and Your death and Your life again
Taking this dead man and making me breathe again

(Chorus)

I'm set free, I'm set free



Does anybody else struggle with this? Chime in.

Be Careful Of Turning Aside

I recently read through the book of Judges. It is definitely an interesting book. There is some crazy stuff in the book of Judges. One of the more familiar stories from this book is the story of Samson. This is a story that is told in many Sunday school classrooms and is even preached from occasionally. Some things jumped out at me this time, that hadn't jumped out at me before. Let me share some of my observations. First of all, Samson had made a Nazirite vow. In a nutshell, Samson was set apart (or his life was set apart) for the Lord and His purposes. However, Samson had some character weaknesses that were exposed. It begins in chapter 14 where Samson "turns aside" to look at a lion's carcass. He scooped some honey out of the carcass because it looked sweet. He discovered that it tasted sweet too. However, this "secret" act was a violation of the laws that he was to live according to. This initial "turning aside," I believe opened him up to further "slippage." In chapter 16 it says that "he saw" a prostitute and then went after her and got with her. Three verses later he meets and "falls in love" with Delilah. Most of us know the rest of the story...destruction for Samson.

I see a connectedness between these acts in the life of Samson. Samson's life was set apart for the purposes of God until a simple act of "turning aside" for something that looked and tasted sweet led him down a slippery slope of destruction. He became easily distracted from the things of God, and from God's purpose for his life. As my roommate Paul's grandmother used to tell him growing up, "Sin always takes you further than you want to go."

I was reminded of times in my life when an "innocent" turning aside led to additional turning asides. I also asked God to reveal any areas where I might currently be turning aside. Psalm 139:23-24. We are all in need of God's grace to keep us following after Him, and looking to Him and not elsewhere.

March Madness

The first NCAA tournament that I remember watching was in 1987. I was nine years old at the time, and I remember the final game in which Indiana beat Syracuse on a clutch shot by Keith Smart. The following year I remember watching Danny Manning and the Kansas Jayhawks defeat Stacey King and Mookie Blaylock and the Oklahoma Sooners. 1989 was probably my favorite year, as the Michigan Wolverines led by Glen Rice and Rumeal Robinson beat the Seton Hall Pirates (featuring Ramon Ramos and Andrew Gaze) in the final game (I have been a Michigan basketball fan ever since).

Each year I looked forward to selection Sunday. My brother John and I sometimes would even map out the bracket onto a large poster board. We would fill it in as we watched the selection show, and then post it prominently on the wall next to the television. Then the first weekend of the NCAA tournament (this weekend) all we would to is watch the games, eat, and possibly head outside to our basketball court (no matter how cold it was) for some inspired shooting.

I haven't been able to follow college basketball like I used to (I don't have cable at my house.), but I still love March Madness. I have attached a video of the "One Shining Moment" song and highlight video that they play each year after the conclusion. I look forward to watching it every year.

What is your favorite tournament moment? Which games do you remember? Players?

The Impact of A Life of Service

Last night, one of my supporters, Paul Merrill, went home to be with the Lord. He had been battling various health issues for the past two years or so. My memory of Mr. Merrill goes back a long ways. He was one of my "children's church" teachers when I was in my early elementary years. I remember him teaching us Bible stories and using his various magic tricks as illustrations. As I got a little bit older, I remember he and his wife Judy working with me at AWANA club to memorize verses (many of which I still remember today). When I graduated high school I remember them writing a note to me in my graduation card, encouraging me in the Lord, even though at the time I wasn't walking with the Lord. When I first raised support to do a summer internship with Sunshine during the summer of 2002, Paul & Judy were some of my first financial supporters. They were crucial supporters during my early years with Sunshine because not only did they give financially, and not only were they faithful in prayer, but I always knew they believed in me and in the work that God had called me to. During the last several months, Paul's health difficulties have kept him away from church at Lawton EMC. However, when I preached there on Sunday February 8th, he was there with Judy. He looked very frail, and was in a wheel chair, but it was great to see him as I canned the faces in the sanctuary as I preached.

Yesterday morning I had a meeting with a colleague of mine focusing on leadership development curriculum. We spoke about how crucial it is for elementary/grade school students to have role model figures in their lives, who encourage them and cast vision for them and believe in them. As I reflected on that in my own life, I have been blessed to have several people who have come alongside me at different stages growing up and been that person for me. Mr. Merrill was one of "those people" for me when I was a very shy and timid elementary school student. On Saturday we will celebrate his life. He faithfully served in children's ministry for many years. Even as his health began to fail in his latter years, he served faithfully in his ministry of interceding for others. As her persevered through various procedures and treatments, and through much discomfort, he faithfully served the Lord till the end.

Sufficient for Today

Proverbs 30:7-9
Two things I ask of you O Lord
Do not refuse me before I die
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches
but give me only my daily bread
Otherwise I may have too much and disown You and say, "who is the LORD?"
Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.


Matthew 6:9-11
This then is how you should pray
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us today our daily bread

Pressing In

I'm in a weird place right now so to speak. I am doing a lot of self-reflection and self examination. I am reflecting on where I'm at in life, where I'm at in ministry, where I'm at in my walk with the Lord. In some ways this is a scary and uncomfortable process. At the same time it is a purifying and good process.

I remember when my good friend Aaron told me that a pastor in Chattanooga TN told him that when things are cloudy or when things seem uncertain to "press in" meaning to press into the Lord, to cling to Him, to trust Him. That is what I am seeking the grace to do right now. I recently memorized Psalm 139:23-24 which says, "Search me O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

In this process, I am asking God for the grace to more fully trust Him.

Celebrating God At Work

First of all, thanks to Kevin Gwin www.kevingwin.blogspot.com for putting me on to this video.

As I have spoke with people about how God is using the art form of Christian hip hop, especially when speaking to those who don't have "an ear for it," I have told them how much theological depth and content can be placed in each song. The format of the music allows for this. It is also ideal for testimonial type songs, again because of the format of the music.

This video is a perfect example of that. This is Dwayne Tryumf, a rapper from the UK, who I saw for the first time at the Legacy Conference last year. God is doing amazing things within the sub-culture of hip hop! Whether we have "an ear" for hip hop or not, and whether or not we appreciate the art form or not, we need to celebrate the way God is using it to reveal Himself and to strengthen His followers.

The Impact Of A Humble Servant

During my time at the Moody Graduate School I learned about a minister of the gospel who has profoundly impacted my life and philosophy of ministry. His name is John Perkins. We read two of his books in my urban ministry classes at Moody. We also took trips to the CCDA conference each year (Pasadena 2002, New Orleans 2003, Atlanta 2004). John Perkins is known as the father or founder of the Christian Community Development Association. He has founded and served at ministries in under-resourced communities in Mendenhall MS, Pasadena CA, and Jackson MS. He is now in his late 70s and is based in Jackson MS. He still travels and speaks and teaches and trains and loves on people. He is still passionate about the gospel, passionate about God's heart for the poor, and passionate for racial reconciliation. He exudes the love of Christ in a grandfatherly way.

He grew up in Mississippi during the era of sharecropping. His older brother was killed by a racist sheriff. During the civil rights years he was nearly beaten to death in a jail cell for his participation in the movement. However, the power of the gospel transformed his bitterness into love and forgiveness. He has faithfully lived out the gospel in under-resourced communities for the last 4-5 decades. He has passionately pursued reconciliation in racialized contexts. He has prophetically challenged the Church to move into places where most people try to move out of. He has challenged people with what it means to truly love your neighbor.

I have never met John Perkins personally. However, I have read his books, I have heard him speak, and I have observed his interactions with others. He is one of my heroes of the faith. In the book of Acts, it says that when the people saw Peter and John (who were ordinary, uneducated men) - it was evident that they had been with Jesus. John Perkins is one of those people who after hearing him or observing him, it is evident that he has been with Jesus.

I would encourage you to read one of his books...
Let Justice Roll Down (his biography)
Beyond Charity
A Quiet Revolution
With Justice For All
Restoring At Risk Communities (the CCDA handbook)

A Bridge Builder Experience

In the spring of 2001 I went on a two week trip to Memphis, TN with one of my closest friends Ben. His boss at the time had connected us with a pastor in Memphis who was planting a church in some housing projects called the Lemar Terrace housing projects. His boss had also put us up in a hotel not too far from where we would be serving. The pastor who we served with, Lemar Walker, was our host for those two weeks. Going into the trip, neither of us (Ben and I) really knew what to expect, but I would say that we definitely had expectations of the trip. Personally, I thought that we would be working with kids those two weeks - maybe doing some VBS type stuff, maybe some sidewalk evangelism. I also pictured us doing some work projects: cleaning up trash, painting buildings, doing rehab, etc. I expected to bless the "poor and needy" and to really impact the lives of others in a short period of time. Pastor Lemar had a different set of expectations for the trip. He had grown up in Memphis. He had experienced poverty. He had felt the racial polarization. He had seen black and white churches attempt to work together (some successfully and some not so successfully). He had experienced urban/suburban partnerships and church/parachurch collaborations. When we arrived that spring, he was planting a church in an economically and racially isolated community with a core group made up of kids (primarily), single moms, and a few single men. He was also taking classes at a local Christian college, and busy with family duties - with a wife and 2 young daughters.

For those 2 weeks he was our teacher and we were his students. He drove us around the city, introduced us to people, took us to local restaurants, and gave us a Memphis history lesson. We visited church and parachurch ministries, community organizations, and one wealthy suburban church. We spent a day at the Civil Rights museum at the old Lorraine Motel. It seemed as if each time we arrived at a destination, he would turn off the car, but we wouldn't get out of the car. When he turned off that key, school was in session. He spoke to us about race and how it has impacted life and ministry in Memphis historically and presently. He shared insight about urban/suburban church partnerships. He emphasized the importance of indigenous leadership development. At the time, I didn't fully appreciate what was happening. However, as I look back on that experience I am so grateful for it.

We did work with the kids, but only on two of the evenings. He taught us that the kids in those projects had seen plenty of people come and go. He did allow us to do some physical labor, but only because we insisted. What happened on that trip was unexpected. I had anticipated impacting the lives of others and blessing others. Pastor Lemar impacted my life. The city of Memphis opened my eyes. The families of the Lemar Terrace housing projects blessed me. It was a complete paradigm shift for me, and God used it mightily in my life. It was a Kingdom experience.

During the month of March we will be hosting approximately 150 college students at Sunshine. We are praying that a similar paradigm shift will happen in the lives of these college students. I have seen it happen. I have seen college students well up with tears after an experience amongst the homeless, after an immersion night outreach in the homosexual community, and after being impressed by the faith of a 9 year old. Scriptures rarely taught on in most evangelical pulpits come alive during the Bible study times. We are praying that these students will return to their cities and campuses with a renewed sense of compassion, viewing people through Kingdom lenses.

God is good.

Baby Got Book

This really resonates with me...

Celebrating Black History

At church this Sunday our bulletins had a picture and short bio of George Washington Carver on it. All this month, the bulletins are going to feature biographies of various Christian African Americans as a way to celebrate their lives, and to celebrate what Christ did in and through their lives. So often as I continue to learn about African American history, I think to myself, "why haven't I heard of him/her?" Although I have heard of George Washington Carver, I only had a surface knowledge of who he was. I am highlighting him tomorrow to the 2nd through 5th graders in our tutoring program, at our World Changers Station. Here is some of what I have gleaned about his life...

Dr. George Washington Carver was the first African American student accepted at Iowa State University. He was a man of deep faith who believed God had given him abilities - not for himself, not to become rich and famous - but to help people. He developed more than 300 uses for peanuts, over 100 uses for sweet potatoes and taught southern farmers the benefits of crop rotation, composing, fertilization and pest control.

He was born in January about 1864 on the Moses Carver farm near Diamond Grove, Missouri. When he was still just a baby, Confederate slave raiders came and kidnapped him, his brother, and his mother. After the Civil War, his former master was able to ransom him back, but his mother could not be found. Mr. Carver raised George and his brother as part of his own family. As he grew up on the farm, George learned to love plants and nature and earned the nickname "The Plant Doctor."

When George was 12 years old, he was ready to start his formal education, but there were no schools for black children where he lived. He left home and found a town in southern Missouri where there was a school for black children. He went to school and worked as a farm hand to earn his keep. After graduating, he became the first African American student to attend Simpson College in Iowa. He then transferred to Iowa Agricultural College and worked as the school janitor to help pay for classes.

He received his degree in 1894 and two years later received his master's degree. He was the first African American to serve on that school's faculty. It was not long before his fame spread,and Booker T. Washington offered him a teaching job at the Tuskegee Institute. At Tuskegee Carver developed his crop rotation method, which revolutionized southern agriculture. He educated the farmers to alternate the soil-depleting cotton crops with soil-enriching crops such as: peanuts, soybeans, peas, sweet potatoes, and pecans. America's economy was heavily dependent upon agriculture during this era making Carver's achievements very significant.

George Washington Carver was about 79 when he died on January 5, 1943. On his tombstone are these words: "He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world."

I continue to enjoy my ongoing study of African American history. Some books that I have greatly enjoyed reading are...
Before The Mayflower by Lerone Bennett
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley
Malcolm & Martin & America by James Cone
Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins
The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr by Clayborne Carson


What are books that you have read and enjoyed? Biographies?

James 1:22
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

James 1:27
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 from being polluted by the world.

Thinking on Jesus...

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to preach at my parent's church, and my home church - the Lawton Evangelical Mennonite Church - www.lawtonemc.com The church has begun the new year going through a series on the unity of the Scriptures, looking at "God's passionate pursuit of a prodigal people" throughout the Bible. They had just completed their journey through the OT, so my assignment was to speak on the life and ministry of Jesus. I was really challenged as I thought of all of the "material" I could choose from to preach just one message. I had ended 2008 and begun 2009 reading through the gospels. I had also been reading through "The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer and "The Jesus I Never Knew" by Philip Yancey. The one thing that I have been struck with afresh is the paradox of the King of kings and Lord of lords coming down to us, living among us, and loving people who His society deemed as "unlovable." On Sunday,I took a look at His Majesty, His Humility, & His Saving Work.

When looking at the humility of His incarnation, consider the facts that when Jesus came to earth, He...
-was born in a manger – Luke 2:6-7
-was a refugee in Africa – Matthew 2:13-14
-grew up in a poor family – Luke 2:22
-grew up in Nazareth – John 1:46 = Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?
-was not a home owner – Matthew 8:20 = Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.

You see the heart of our Savior, when you consider...

(1) His Credentials
When John the Baptist was in prison (Luke 7), he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, "Are you the One who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"
Jesus lays it out to them, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and good news is preached to the poor."
-Luke 4:16-19; Luke 7:20-21; Isaiah 61:1-2

(2) His Company
Jesus ate, spent time with, and even invited a "tax collector" to be one of his disciples. Tax collectors were bitterly hated by their own countrymen and regarded as little more than traitors. In the eyes of the Jewish community, their disgrace extended even to their families.
-Matthew 9:9-12; Luke 19

Jesus ate with, spent time with, and even touched lepers. Lepers were classified as "undesirable." They were unclean, cast aside, looked down upon, pitied.
-Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Mark 14:3-9

Jesus had an intentional conversation with a Samaritan woman - during which he offered her forgiveness and eternal life. Jews would not even travel through Samaria. They despised Samaritans. Samaritan women were deemed unclean from birth. The prejudices of the day prohibited conversations between men and women and Jews and Samaritans.
-John 4:4-26

Jesus chose twelve perfectly ordinary men to be His disciples. They were Galileans. Galileans were deemed low-class, rural, uneducated people. They were fishermen, tax collectors, and one political extremist. These are the men He chose to "be with Him" that He might send them out to spread the gospel and establish His church.
-Mark 3:13-14

Philip Yancey has a powerful quote in his book "The Jesus I Never Knew." He states, "Normally in this world we look up to the rich, the beautiful, the successful. Grace, however introduces a new world of logic. Because God loves the poor, the suffering, the persecuted, so should we. Because God sees no undesirables, neither should we. By His own example, Jesus challenged us to look at the world through what Irenaeus would call "grace-healed eyes."

(3) His CallThroughout the gospels you see two simple words repeated by Jesus as an invitation to others, "follow me." Follow me in a lifestyle of repentance and faith. Follow me in a lifestyle of humility and compassion. Follow me amongst the lost and the least of these.
-Matthew 4:18-20

I concluded the message thinking on how God, assumed a different identity to identify with hurt and sick people, and gave His life so that we might truly live. I am challenged by Jesus - challenged by His words, challenged by His life, challenged by His act of love...

The Legacy Conference

The 2009 Legacy Disciple Making Conference will be Thursday July 30 through Saturday August 31st. This year's conference will take place on the campus of Chicago's Moody Bible Institute. There is a ONE DAY ONLY registration special coming up on February 2nd. If you register on the web site on that day you can register for the full conference for only $35 and for the evenings only package for $20. The web address is www.legacy-conference.org

The Legacy of Dr. King

I think I was in jr. high when I was first introduced to Martin Luther King Jr. I may have learned about him in elementary school (I can't remember), but it was as a teenager that I understood the impact of his life and what he stood for. He has been a role model of mine ever since. Listening to his speeches never gets old to me and his words are still relevant and powerful to us today.

On November 4 of 1956, he delivered a message entitled "Paul's Letter To American Christians." to the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. (This is one of a collection of sermons contained within the book entitled "A Knock At Midnight"). Dr. King wrote a modern day (1956) epistle to the American church, borrowing from Paul's various letters to the early churches, and contextualizing the message to the American context of his day. Although, this message (and the others within this book) were preached in the 1950s, so much of their content is relevant to us today in 2009. Here are a few excerpts...

"You can do so many things in your day that I could not do in the Greco-Roman world of my day....You have made tremendous strides in the area of scientific and technological development. But America, as I look at you from afar, I wonder whether your moral and spiritual progress has been commensurate with your scientific progress. It seems to me that your moral progress lags behind your scientific progress....Through your scientific genius you have made of the world a neighborhood, but through your moral and spiritual genius you have failed to make it a brotherhood."

"You have become the richest nation in the world, and you have built up the greatest system of production that history has every known. All of this is marvelous. But Americans, there is danger that you will misuse your capitalism....You are prone to judge the success of your profession by the index of your salary and the size of your wheelbase on your automobile, rather than the quality of your service to humanity....They tell me that one tenth of one percent of the population controls more than forty percent of the wealth....God never intended for one group of people to live in superfluous inordinate wealth, while others live in abject deadening poverty. God intends for all of His children to ahve the basic necessities of life, and he has left in this universe 'enough to spare' for that purpose. So I call upon you to bridge the gulf between the abject poverty and the superfluous wealth."

"There is another thing that disturbs me to no end about the American church. You have a white church and you have a Negro church. You have allowed segregation to creep into the doors of the church. How can such division exist in the Body of Christ? You must face the tragic fact that when you stand at eleven o'clock on Sunday morning to sing "All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name" and "Dear Lord and Father of All Mankind," you stand in the most segregated hour of Christian America. They tell me that there is more integration in the entertaining world and other secular agencies than there is in the Christian church. How appalling that is."

"I still believe that standing up for the truth of God is the greatest thing in the world. This is the end of life. The end of life is not to be happy. The end of life is not to achieve pleasure and avoid pain. The end of life is to do the will of God, come what may."

A Life Changing Year In Africa

What would a year in Africa look like?
Do you want to discover the face of Jesus in the world's marginalized and poor? If so, consider committing a year of your life to serving in Southern Africa. Come explore what the Gospel lived out in intentional community and service can look like. Pour yourself into something that really matters, by building God's Kingdom through the local church. Come and learn, ask and see what God is doing. Be a part of God's redemption in Africa by reflecting His love.

Who?
Applicants are men and women, married and single, aged 19 and older with a passion to learn and serve.

Where?
Currently we are sending teams to South Africa and Swaziland.

Doing What?
For 6 days of the week interns will spend time in their community serving, building relationships and living out the Gospel. They will be using their gifts and talents on a daily basis through their church and will also report to other ministry service sites in the community where they can apply practical skills to assist and equip local residents. (Hospice Care, Computer Skills Training, Tutoring, Coaching, etc.)

How Long?
Team members must make a commitment to live and serve in Southern Africa for 1 year, from September 1st to July 31st. (Technically 11 months)

How Much?
Team members raise all their expenses for 1 year. The total cost is approximately $12,000 for the year. This includes travel to, from, and within Africa.

Want To Know More?
Visit our website at www.africarevolution.org

Questions....Send Me!

Blessed By My Church

Last night I attended the New Year's Eve service (watch night service) at my church, Christ Bible Church. None of the previous churches that I have attended have done New Year's Eve services, so this was a first time experience for me. I'm not gonna front, I was a little pessimistic about the service. I even told a friend that I wanted to "check it out" and that if I didn't care for it, I wouldn't go next year. I usually like to say pretty low-key on New Year's Eve. I like to bring it in with a few friends, maybe some games, definitely some food, etc. I don't feel like I "have" to be in church on New Year's Eve. However, what I experienced last night silenced my pessimism and cynicism.

I arrived at the church at around 9 with my roommate Paul. Nine o'clock was the start time for the men vs. women Bible competition, moderated by Pastor Ford. I was really curious - going in - as to how this competition would go down. Again, it exceeded my expectation. There were probably 80-90 women and 50-60 men. It got competitive, as the women established a lead. It was really humorous as well. I was amazed at some of the men and women's Bible knowledge as some of the questions were really tough. I'll admit, if I had to go head to head with some of them, I would get crushed :)

The worship service started at 10pm. It really was a time of celebration - "When the Spirit of the Lord," "Lord You Are Good," "Worthy Is The Lamb," etc. After our time of worship, we spent time together praying in small groups around the sanctuary. We then had a time of testimony. Men and women, from age 8 to 80, stood and testified of how God had (& has) been at work in their life during the past year. It was a beautiful picture of a "multi-generational" body, and the blessing that comes from young and old sharpening and encouraging and learning from one another. Pastor Ford then shared a message coming out of John 21:1-19 entitled, "Jesus gives us a new start...even when we're not looking for one." I could write an entire blog entry on the message, as it was rich. He could have preached till one in the morning, and I would have been cool.

After the message, with just a few minutes until midnight, Pastor Ford had all of the women move into the middle section of the church and all of the men stand up and encircle the women. He reminded the men that we are to be the head of households, to be spiritual leaders and protectors. Our prayer circle around the women was symbolic of this. A teenager, a young pastor, and one of our "more mature" elders prayed. It was a fitting ending to a beautiful service.

Now I still don't feel like I "have" to go to church on New Year's Eve. However, as long as the Lord has me in Chicago at Christ Bible Church, I want to be in church on New Year's Eve.

Needy in the New Year

Today I spent some time reflecting, journaling, and praying through 2008. I have much to be thankful for, and much to give God praise for. It is humbling to see His faithfulness over the course of the year. I made note of different opportunities that He gave me in ministry, relational blessings, financial provisions, and ways in which He has stretched me and grown me.

However, at the same time I have come into the end of this year feeling tired, anxious, and struggling to trust Him in areas of uncertainty. I am thankful in some ways for this odd tension of a mindfulness of His faithfulness and power, and at the same time a wrestling in my spirit to fully trust and follow. It has put me on my knees, literally. I have not been one to pray on my knees, but have been intentional in assuming this posture lately. This has been both a blessing and a challenge (I highly recommend it, if you don't). As my good friend Aaron recently wrote (paraphrasing) as prayer becomes more habitual and more intentional, there is a "weightyness" that comes with it.

So I head into 2009 needy, needy to depend much on Him, needy to stay on my knees.

Learning to follow...

I am reading through the Cost of Discipleship right now by Deitrich Bonhoeffer. It is a great read, and a very challenging read. I also just read through the gospel of Matthew (it too is a great and challenging read). I have been reminded of Jesus' frequent invitations to "follow." You see it repeatedly in the gospels:
Matthew 4:19, 8:22, 9:9, 10:38, 16:24, 19:21
Mark 1:17, 2:14, 8:34, 10:21
Luke 5:27, 9:23, 9:59, 9:61, 14:27, 18:22
John 1:43, 10:27, 12:26, 21:19, 21:22
This adds up to 21 times throughout Jesus' recorded ministry in which he invited people to "follow." I think sometimes in Evangelical, "Bible believing" churches we are guilty of reducing the gospel to "easy beliefism." It becomes all about articulating the "right stuff." So we ask people to repeat prayers or to answer "is this what you believe" questions and then declare people as saved. In the midst of all of this I think we must be careful not to miss Jesus' words of "follow me."

To follow, no doubt, requires faith. You cannot follow Christ without faith in Christ. Jesus repeatedly said, "your faith has..." However, to follow Christ is deeper and "messier" than reciting back a ten point doctrinal statement. To follow is to "put feet" to what we say we believe. Following is where our orthodoxy flows into orthopraxy. It is hard. Bonhoeffer's book (mentioned above) walks through the sermon on the mount that Jesus preached. Bonhoeffer seems to imply, "what if Jesus meant what He said to His followers?". I think the tendency is to seek to "hermeneutically soften" Jesus words using other Scriptures. I'm not sure if we can do that as we live out Luke 9:23 where Jesus said,"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." "Followship" is impossible apart from the grace of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

My thinking on this is in process, so I won't ramble any further. I like Shane Claiborne's thoughts from his book "The Irresistable Revolution." He shares...
"But then you start to think there must be more to Christianity, more than just laying your life and sins at the foot of the cross. I came to realize that preachers were telling me to lay my life at the foot of the cross and weren't giving me anything to pick up. A lot of us were hearing, "don't smoke, don't drink, don't sleep around" and naturally started asking, "Okay, well, that was pretty much my life, so what do I do now?" Where were the do's? And nobody seemed to have much to offer us. Handing out tracts at the mall just didn't seem like the fulness of Christian discipleship...I was just another believer. I believed all the right stuff - that Jesus is the Son of God, died and rose again. I had become a "believer," but I had no idea what it means to be a follower. People had taught me what Christians believe, but no one had told me how Christians live."

I want to be a follower. I need to learn from Him (Matthew 11:28-30).

Pastor Ford reminded us on Sunday that, "Christmas is the BUT GOD of history!"

I like how "the Message" translates John 1:14, "The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood..."

What if?...

Heart Check

This time of year is a time of much activity - good activity. Ministries like ours are abuzz with various activities before the holiday break. In the midst of much activity I have been reminded both through Pastor Ford's messages out of Revelation 2 and through personal devotional time that we must be careful that in our work for the Lord we don't forget about the Lord of the work. In other words, our duties must flow out of our devotion. It is the Mary/Martha tension of being vs. doing. This has been an ongoing lesson and challenge for me in my 7 1/2 years here in Chicago as I like to pride myself on "staying busy." I wanted to share a devotional that spoke directly to this the other day and caused me to do a heart check in the midst of a busy month. Here it is...

"A Heart That Loves God" - taken out of Experiencing God by Henry & Richard Blackaby

No amount of activity for God will ever take the place of a heart that is right with Him. Through the ages God's people have been persuaded that they could please Him through their service and their offerings, regardless of their heart condition. King Saul offered generous sacrifices, hoping God would overlook his disobedience (1 Sam 15:22-23). David may have assumed that after all he had done on God's behalf, God would overlook his sin (2 Sam 12:7-15). Ananias and Sapphira thought that their generous gift to the church would compensate for their deceitfulness (Acts 5:1-11). Paul was certainly one who had thought his zealousness would please God. After his conversion, however, he concluded that even if he had faith to remove mountains, gave all he had to feed the poor, and offered his body to be burned for the sake of God, and yet had a heart that was not right, it would all be for nothing (1 Cor 13:1-3)

We are susceptible to the same misunderstanding as all of these people were. We can be deceived into assuming God is more interested in our activity for Him than He is in the condition of our heart. God has consistently made it clear that He will not be pacified by even the most generous offerings and zealous service if our hearts are not right with him (Micah 6:6-8). No matter how much we do in God's service, regardless of how active we are in our church, not matter how honorable our reputation in the Christian community, He will not overlook a sinful heart. His desire is that we devote ourselves to knowing Him and loving Him with all our hearts.

Every Eye

Yesterday at church Sister Betts did a children's message (You know the scene: all the children to the front of the church for a short sermonette as all the parents look on.) on Advent. She explained that the word "advent" means coming. She reminded us that with Christmas coming we are not only reminded of the coming of Christ at His birth but that we are also reminded of the promise of Christ's return.

Pastor Ford then preached a message on Submitting to the Sovereign Savior out of Revelation chapter one. I hung out this morning in that same chapter during my quiet time. I was reminded of one of the amazing facets of the second coming - "Every eye will see Him,". Verse seven states, "Look He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him." That is hard to even get your mind around. As one preacher stated, "We are going to marvel at Him!"



Revelation 1:3 = Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.