Fish Guts & Disobedience

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

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

What's your Nineveh?

How Dare You Say Christmas!

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

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

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

Do You Really Believe What You Really Believe?

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

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

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

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

Jesus.

I am Thankful

I am thankful for the roof over my head.

I am thankful for the food in my cupboards.

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

I am thankful for clean water.

I am thankful for my wife.

I am thankful for my awesome kids.

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

I am thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ.

and mostly, I am thankful for Jesus Christ.  

Starbucks is in the (RED)!!

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

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2008

Starbucks is (RED)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just One can make a difference

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

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

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

NOTES:

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

* The "church" comes out of missionary engagement. 

* The recovery of discipleship should be a core task. 

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

* Expand your disciples & expand your movement/growth! 

 

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

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

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

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

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

What Is Church?

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

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

So be it.

Disgusting Pride Spills Over

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

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

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

Thank you for your unconscionable patience in me Jesus.  

Thank you 

What If?

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

What If?

My Life Sucks

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

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

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

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

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

And two - remember what James 1:27 says -

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

Californication & Santa Too!

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

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

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

Aaaarghh!!

A Church Within A Church

May 5^th, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who Cares Friday 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who Cares!!

Metamorphosis

Romans 12:2 ESV

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

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

True Lies

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

Children of the Devil 

John 8: 42-47

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

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

Letter of the Law

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

God. Cruel? I Think Not

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

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

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

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

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

Fall Already?

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

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

Redeemed

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

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

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

"You are called a holy one."

chapter 39 The Day I Was Crucified

Journey at the lake

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

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

Who Cares Friday (3)

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

Coca-Cola was originally green.

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

It is impossible to lick your elbow.

(betcha just tried it huh)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who Cares!!!

Cross off that name!

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

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

Tomorrow May Never Come

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

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

Acts 5:42

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

Stuck

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

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

So here is the question:

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

My Answer:

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

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

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

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

SBS Question of the Week (my belated answer)

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

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

Journey to East Lake

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

37 pics in all

Who Cares FRIDAY!

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

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

Do not wear red. Bulls are in the area.

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

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

Do not try to ride the cow like a horse.

Do not try to milk the cow.

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

Do not eat a burger in front of the cow.

Other Suggestions

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

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

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

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

Wear high boots, not flip flops.

Who Cares?!

Absolute Faith

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

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

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

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

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

Who Cares FRIDAY!

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

A Translation Manual

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

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

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

Who Cares?!!