UrbanChristianMaggot

urbanchristianmaggot

2012-01-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

People wonder why I use the tag “urbanchristianmaggot” and I felt that I should share why this has meaning and direction for my life. First, and foremost, I am someone who strives to follow and obey the teaching of Jesus Christ. He died for me because I could not live up to the ten commandments. I have broken everyone one of those laws. Ten simple “do’s”, NOT “don’ts.” Who can argue that it is ok to steal, lie, murder, be jealous, commit adultery, live for yourself?
God is not telling us to “not lie,” He is telling us to be truthful! He not telling us to “not commit adultery,” He is telling us to fulfill our vows to honor our marriage commitment. He actually gave us the commandments to help us understand why we fall short of His expectations for our lives. When we fall short we sever our relationship with Him. What parent doesn’t understand this outlook? When our children fail to live up to our rules and world view do we not get angry, have sorrow, and even remorse when that behavior becomes habit? If you believe we are created in His image (and I do!) then it makes complete sense that God feels that same way.
God “decided” to provide the final solution so we would not miss out on being with Him. And not just for today, but for all eternity. Christ came to fulfill the law. He did that perfectly and He did that on our behalf. God created Hell for Satan and the demons, not for us. But when we reject Christ we align ourselves (even when we don’t know that is what we have done) to Satan and deserve the same eternal punishment. God’s love is poured out to us through the actions of Christ. Christ took our place and died so our sins (falling short of commandments) would be eternally forgiven. No amount of “good” works or intentions can overcome this shortfall. Only trusting in Jesus being the one who should be charge (that is the meaning of LORD) and believing in our hearts that Jesus was raised from the dead after three days according to the Scriptures (this put the forgiveness in place and fulfills centuries old prophecy support the authority of God Word, the Bible) we are not only “saved” from Hell we are “saved” to live out the purpose for which God created us!
Very seriously, I will talk with you about this or message back and forth if you would like. “Friend” me on Facebook with a message or you can call me at 559-978-1370. Leave a message since I won’t know the caller. I promise to return the call within 24 hours.
The reason for the “maggot” portion of the tag line is pretty simple. This is what I was before Christ. I decided to follow Him at the age of 30. I had been divorced twice (mostly due to me), became a drug addict as an adult, was violent, completely unethical, and even stole $5,000 from a very good person who followed Christ and happened to be my sister. “Maggot” represents what I was without Christ. It also represents EVERYONE who does not have Christ. Nothing “counts” for good without Christ. That sounds pretty condemning and judgmental I know. But as Penn Jilliet (an avowed atheist) said, “How much must I hate someone to NOT (bold is mine) tell people about Hell.” I simply am proclaiming my love for you and desire for you to not exist in eternity in Hell. A terrible, tortuous, painful, constant state of understanding of rejecting the God who loved you completely! I do not condemn you. I do not judge you. In fact, the Bible forbids me for doing so!!!! I care for you at a level which often surprises me. My nature without Christ would be to say, “screw you!” Yet Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord, commands me to “love my enemies,” “do good to them,” and to allow them borrow from me without expectation of being paid back! If you don’t know Christ and Christians haven’t treated you this way, please know they have failed miserably in their faith. BUT, Jesus Christ hasn’t, you will have no excuse before Him on Judgment Day because a “Christian” failed you. Christ did not fail you.
Lastly, I use the word “urban” in my tag to communicate the area of life I love and believe I have been called to serve. I won’t give a sociological lesson here but the bottom line is this, most people live in an urban environment. Even our suburban and rural communities are becoming urbanized through technology. It is in the urban environment we will find the most people. I am continually surprised at how much I care for people I will never have contact with. Yet, through my faith in Christ, through my desire for Christ to work through my life, through my desire that Christ is SEEN in my life, I focus on the urban community. In Fresno CA, where I live, this means a special emphasis on an area called “Highway City.” This area’s epicenter is Shaw and 99. Draw a half mile circle around this geographical point and that, for all intent and purposes, is Highway City. I was allowed, by the grace of God, to start a church (Central Community Church) in this economically, educationally, and vocationally challenged area and also lead a faith-based non-profit (community benefit organization [ CBO]) named Highway City Community Development. I also teach at a local Christian university and pastor at a suburban church (New Harvest, in Clovis CA) with the desire and calling to lead others toward this vital area of ministry in the world. I also serve, at this point in time, a bilingual church in Paso Robles, CA named Harvest Bible Church.
If you have read this far I want you to understand three things. (1) I want you to know Christ. Not just because I don’t want you to go to Hell due to falling short of God’s commands, but to live out the life that God has designed for you to live through Jesus Christ. (2) I desire that you understand that your life is to be lived on behalf of others! First, live for the purpose of honoring God and, just as important, you live your life for others. (3) Finally, your life may just plain SUCK right now! I say, “So what!” So did mine and I have the privilege and responsibility to lead a life that helps people get past those very really issues. Do you want to “stay STUCK on SUCK” or move to helping others (which means helping yourself) toward a life which has purpose, dignity, and brings honor to our Creator?
I reiterate what I wrote earlier, contact me through Facebook messaging or call me. I unashamedly declare that I am an “urbanchristianmaggot” and grateful for the incredible privilege to live with Christ and proclaim the hope and salvation found in the only name in which people can be saved JESUS CHRIST!!

PC250151

2011-12-25T19:30:00.000-08:00

The Christian Problem

2011-11-17T17:38:00.000-08:00

The main problem with Christians is that they don’t understand the main thing. We get caught up in politics, issues, children, sports, financial security, and more politics. We think being active or participating in these “things” will help us be better off AND, mistakenly, believe they can be co-opted into “being Christian.” This is totally wrong thinking according to the Bible!
If you truly believe you have said “Jesus is Lord” and “believe in your heart he has been raised from the dead” it is time to shed these “scales” from your life. There is so much more available to bring fulfillment and purpose to your life. If you are truly Christian you are to be about THREE things, three things only!
First, and foremost, you are to live a life in which EVERYTHING in your life is dedicated to the LORD of all Creation! This is pretty simple stuff. You don’t own anything. You are NOT in control of your destiny. God, honoring God, is your top priority in all aspects of life. Nothing less is acceptable if you think you are a Christian.
Second, and just as foremost, you are to love your neighbor as yourself. Get this, what you want, desire, appreciate, and respect is exactly what you should want, desire, appreciate, and respect for others. You should understand that ALL people are created in the image of God and need His love. The love that died on the cross for you is to be shared with someone who hasn’t yet discovered that love. YOU are to be a representation of Christ. You will not be perfect at it but your desire to show it will be respected.
Third, and is an outcome of the first two issues becoming a lifestyle, you are to proclaim this to the world and those who accept the message you are to teach how to live according to that new found faith! YOU do not have the option of declining. You do not have the excuse of being scared. You are not allowed the excuse of “not knowing enough.”
Quit being political, it won’t change a thing. Become the type of Christian Christ died for you to be. Love people, live with integrity, live with boldness in your faith, give ALL credit to God. Regard all people you come across the way Christ as regarded you. Remember, your disobedience, abstinence, and rebellion was died for while you were committing it!!!!!
You want to make a difference in this world? Truly love God with all you possess. Truly love people the way God has loved you. And, tell the world about it. It is really quite simple.
Call me (559) 978-1370 if you want to know more about Christ. E-mail me if you want to discuss things in that format (jeffreycraig.harrington@gmail.com), or go to my FB page.
For the person truly desiring to be Christian, get going! Remember the main thing: Christ died for our sins accord to the Scriptures, he was buried, he was raised from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures. Go and live it out.
jeff

Life in Death

2011-09-30T00:56:00.000-07:00

Life in Death

Three people I know are going through the incredibly painful journey of going with their spouses as they may or may not die. Two are dealing with the cancer of their spouses and the other a serious bleed on the brain (AVM).
My care and affection for each of these couples is very deep but has manifested in different forms. All of these couples have made significant contributions to my life in Jesus Christ; contributions which are far beyond just basic friendship and care for God’s call on my life. It is that “strange” relationship in which distance or time provide an inconvenience but when we get together it is as if we saw each other yesterday.
My care for them has much to do with what is stated above but also, and maybe more importantly, their joint devotion to each other and to the Lord of the Universe. All three couples have served for decades together. They have supported each other in the beautiful moments of ministry and in the very painful moments that come when dealing with the people of God.
They have raised children, celebrated the joy of being grandparents, and continued to become best friends as they pursued their marriage covenant. They have been a shining example of long devotion to another as they stayed devoted to the Lord of All Creation.
These three couples have boldly proclaimed Jesus Christ as the Sole means by which we can approach God. They have not deviated from sharing that Jesus Christ is the way and the truth and the life and that no one can come to God except through Jesus Christ. They have planted churches, discipled countless people, and served sacrificially since the beginning of their marriages.
They haven’t been “perfect,” or even “good” all the time. They have failed and not lived properly at various time. They readily share these shortcomings to help others follow the narrow path better. They seek to utilize their gifts and strengths and talents to help others, but don’t shy away from their weaknesses to achieve the same result, helping others to grow closer to the famously gracious and merciful LORD of All.
From a human perspective their painful journey doesn’t seem fair. They have been faithful over the long haul. They have sought to be obedient and helped thousands to come to Jesus Christ. For all their work they are now suffering in a tremendous way. The spouses are particularly suffering as they wish and pray for their spouses’ survival all the while wanting their spouses not to suffer.
In talking, messaging, and reading posts no one will find a hint of people who are angry, resentful, or hopeless. Yes, each deeply desire for their spouse to survive and have vibrancy. Yet, more than that, they want the God they serve to be honored and appreciated. One spouse battles the health issues, and the other seeks to comfort and pray for God’s will to be accepted. They don’t want to “lose” their spouses, their best friends, their beloved, but they want God honored and appreciated above their desires.
Each is willing to accept the hardship of losing a spouse if God will bring others to Himself through the process of death. They understand death is but a stage in life. They have invested much and will experience extreme pain in the loss. Again though, they understand the loss to be short term because their faith and hope dictates a reunion when their own time comes to pass. They desire for others to understand this process.
They have loved each other well and that is why they suffer right now. But, because they have loved so well, because they have strived to be unconditional in that love, because they have sought to serve the interests of the other, because they have understood their marriage to be an example of God’s love and care for all of us, they will go through the sorrow and rejoice that God has been honored.
They see nothing as important as this: that you know Jesus Christ as the only way in which to receive eternal life and the sole means by which to live your life in a way which brings honor to God. They understand that their loss is nothing compared to Jesus’ sacrifice and they seek to rejoice in the suffering they are going through. Don’t try to understand that paradox. Look deep within yourself and acknowledge your need for the God they have lived to serve and will continue to serve in their devastating loss. Can you handle this loss? You will with Jesus Christ. If you have doubts or questions you should send me a message. I’ll talk with you. My life is different because of these people. But more importantly, my life is different because the God they have served is the God I served.
Send me an email to jeffreycraig.harrington@gmail.com and I will share my own journey from desolation to being part of Lord of Universe’s work in our world. God bless you, please consider Jesus for your life. It is the only genuine life changing choice we can make.
jeff

Because I said so...

2011-09-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

“Because I said so…”

“Because I said so…” has to be one of the most over used and empty phrases developed within the English language. If words have power (and they do) then the combination of these words show how powerless and meaningless some speech (speeches?) can be.
“Because I said so…” reeks of intellectual dishonesty, lack of legitimacy in exercising authority, and indicates a worldview in which nothing in life is purposeful.
“Because I said so…” smacks of an acceptance to tradition without critical evaluation of its pertinence in contemporary life, and that today’s circumstances are secondary to history.
“Because I said so…” indicates a lack of desire to claim responsibility for exercising authority, decision making, and the consequences (good or bad) of such issues.
“Because I said so…” tells those under your supervision, authority, and responsibility that you lack the caring and willingness to work for their benefit.
“Because I said so…” closes off all beneficial dialogue and the possibility of deepening a relationship.
“Because I said so…” should be eliminated from your speech if you desire to promote relationships, have respect for you position of influence, have better relationships with your friends and family, and desire to be accountable for your actions.
You should pay attention to this not because I said so but because you evaluated the “argument” and believe it will enhance your relationships and general interactions with all around you.
God bless you.

Rapids with God

2011-09-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

I don’t know if you have ever participated in the incredible adventure of white water rafter, but you are seriously missing out if you haven’t. Now I am writing this as a person scared to death of open water. Especially fast, freezing rushing water! I was so paranoid I had to do a flotation test of the wet suit and vest to insure my large girth would stay above water. It worked so I got into the raft.
I guess that is my first metaphor for the Rapids with God. While it is very cool to watch God accomplish great things, it is way beyond great to be in the midst of his work. If you want a genuine, invigorating, never will you be the same experience for your life you need to get into the raft.
The beginning of this rafting trip was pretty serene. The air was cool, the sky was clear, the sound of water was calming, and the guide was calmly giving us very important instructions on what to do through the expected and what to do if something unexpected took place. Little did we know that the later instructions would become so important!
My second metaphor is simple this, pay attention to God’s instructions. They are not only effective for the calm parts of the journey but they are crucial in catastrophe and will enable you to finish the journey.
Within just a few minutes we saw the rapids coming toward us. Excitement, fear, and determination took hold as the guide shouted out the lesson reminders and told us exactly what to do to negotiate this particular set of rapids. We would soon learn that there are a variety of different rapids and the same approach is not to be used if one wants to stay dry (relatively speaking!). We discovered this very quickly as the second set of rapids came upon us before we could finish celebrating our victory over the first set. This set was far more formidable. A whole different set of instructions came from a very determined, calming, and clear voice of the guide.
My third metaphor, when God is in charge all issues of life can be negotiated but we should never assume how He worked in the last situation is how He will work in the next. In fact, it is for our safety we must leave Him in charge and not assume we know what we are doing! One rapid is not like another. There are too many unseen factors that change the level of danger and require different efforts. The slope of the river at that time, the rocks under the water, and the narrowness of the river make all the difference in the world. If you are in the raft make sure you are totally focused on the Guides instructions. Likewise, don’t assume your journey is ever under your control. Stay focused on the instructions of God. This will keep complacency out of the picture.
The river this particularly year was pretty fast and the variety of rapids was pretty intimidating. There was no way that a novice, or group of novices would be able to get through the Rapids with God without some sort of calamity, even death. A particular set of rapids underlined how important the instructions of the Guide were for our safety.
The guide for our crew, at the very beginning of the journey, gave us instructions on what to do if she was tossed overboard! Most of us (including me) figured she was just trying to scare us so we would pay attention. Little did we know what would happen half way into the Rapids with God.
We had successfully passed through a few different rapids and had been having a great time. We were learning to row in such a way as to complement the strength of each person. We were consistently going in a straight line and hitting the rapids in the angle most beneficial to all of the crew. The scary part of the next scenario was that no one saw it coming, except the guide in the raft. Her experience and knowledge informed her that the scenario about to unfold was quite possible.
As we hit the last couple of big plunges (very cool by the way!) we were celebrating coming through them when we realized our guide had been launched from the raft. We were seemingly without a guide and only half way through the journey! All of a sudden we began to hear the guide shouting instructions to us on how to get the raft positioned so she could get back on board. The instructions were simple and EXACTLY like she had taught at the beginning during the serenity of the journey. Before we hit the next big set of rapids she had us perfectly positioned so as to climb back into the raft and be “in our presence” once again.
Here is another metaphor to chew on. Our guide told us (at the beginning of the journey) that despite not being in the raft she would still be able to instruct us. God says the same to us. He will never leave us or forsake us. We might not “sense” His presence but He is there nonetheless. He is still helping us negotiate the unexpected turns of life. No matter what He will be instructing us on how to get through the rapids of life. Despite our consternation our guide was completely calm and in control. Please, I urge you, this is how God operates in our life. NO situation surprises Him. He is prepared to give us instructions. And, in case you have missed the metaphor, He usually requires us to expend effort through acts of obedience to realize the validity of His authority.
It is interesting, but my group of people had the most exciting, talked about journey of everyone who went on this trip. We had experienced a pretty scary situation. We had made it through because we followed our guides calm, yet commanding instructions on how to recuperate. Our journey was more fulfilling because of a significant trial during the journey.
My last metaphor (I promise) follows, it is not that trials should be “desired,” but our fulfillment and joy and experiences are heightened through trials which catch us completely off guard. As we look back and realize that God not only prepared us for the possible scenario, we also realize He was faithful in carrying us through the ordeal. This causes us to develop a deeper awareness of God and our faith grows in preparation for the next set of Rapids with God!
Friends, get in the raft and go with God. If you don’t know Him it is time to say, “You are God, and Jesus is supposed to be guiding my life. Please come and take over and I commit to you in being the guide to the rest of my “rafting trip.” Email me at jeffreycriag.harrington@gmail.com if you would like to discuss your next rafting trip with God. God bless you.

Mentoring Matters (check out my life!)

2011-09-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

What kind of life do I have? How could my life have ended up differently?
I don’t know about you who are reading this, but my life could have turned out completely different than my current reality. My life is certainly very complicated at the moment. When I am asked, “How are you doing?” I reply, “I’m not sure how to answer that question?” I’m 53 years old and have incredible energy that I know comes from something other than myself. I feel that the major life/career adjustment I was compelled to make on January 1 of this year, and the process began in January of 2010, was definitively and actively coordinated by ANOTHER. Security in position, finances, and influence was abandoned. It was very clear that I would probably have to work three jobs in this transition. It was clear that I would not be able to bring home the same amount of income despite working these three jobs. It was also clear to me that I would be doing two things with certainty, and need to be open to the “wild card” job.
So I began the journey of building a non-profit (Highway City Community Development) into the transformative agent we believed it should be in our community. I began the process of applying to become an adjunct professor at two of our local universities. One door closed very quickly due to our state budget issues. The other door opened up (Fresno Pacific University) in a very unexpected way and I am relishing the teaching time. I kept looking for the “right” third job. The simple matter was that our family couldn’t continue to absorb the $2,400+ loss in take home pay. We had done pretty well in financial management, but not completely. Hindsight sucks, because it is so accurate. I wish we had done a bit better. On the other hand, the only reason the first two jobs could be accomplished was through accumulating debt. This is an interesting paradox, yet one that my family must live with.
I knew the third job would need to be a “graveyard” type of employment. Certain jobs were pretty easy to rule out because it was clear they didn’t “fit.” Other opportunities were something to think about but I was worried about my integrity if an organization invested in training me and then I need to quit because one of the first two jobs broke open in a financial sense. One day while networking the person asked if my interns might need employment. Valley Teen Ranch is an awesome work dealing with foster care, adoption, and group homes for troubled male teens. I gladly took the job descriptions to give to our organization’s graduating interns from our Urban Leadership program. As I perused the descriptions a night shift job description caught my eye. I could be a substitute night shift worker.
I then went to the CEO and asked if she would mind if I applied knowing it might be for a short duration. Connie is a great friend and inspiration to what I was primarily doing (HCCD). She was a great encouragement. So I spoke with Janet, the HR person. She gave me the low down and said it was perfectly fine to use my laptop at work! So, I became a nightshift Child Care worker for Valley Teen Ranch in June. It helps my family, it helps Valley Teen Ranch, AND I can do research, reading, and writing while doing bed checks and clocking in every half hour (make sure I’m not sleeping!).
So I’m working two full time jobs and one occasional job (if adjunct professor can be put in that role) just as I felt I would be doing. That actually feels pretty good. On the other hand, I do get tired and periodically question my move to this situation. Three things have helped me to feeling secure in this season of transition, fatigue, and expectation. One, I have an amazing wife. She has been completely on board with the decision to transition and encouraging me and communicating herr deep respect for me as her husband and father of our children. Quite frankly, this has been more than a little important.
Second, if you haven’t figured it out by now, my faith in Jesus and the faith that He was/is directing this move is foundational. All my Christ-following years (almost 23 years) He has directed my path in amazing ways. So much unexpected, never thought it could happen, and “are you sure I’m the one?” have marked my life with Christ. It hasn’t been very often that the journey has been “easy” or considered “safe.” He has asked considerably of me in the areas of giving up comfort, ease, and safety. Each time I have stepped into the unknown He has made a new reality for me. What I would have disqualified myself from He has made me experienced in. Being in the center of God’s will IS NOT the safest place to be. But, it is the most fulfilling place to take a stance.
Finally, the third thing that has sustained me in this journey, and the chief reason for the blog is my mentor. His name is Jim. Quite simply, if you do not have at least one “Jim” in your life I feel very sorry for you.
Jim has been my mentor for 18+ years. He has traveled with me through some very significant transitions in my life. He has shared his life with me. I have observed his life and marveled that I would be allowed to have this person in my life. He has vast experience in the fields I feel so strongly called to be in, a great marriage (not without struggles for sure which he has shared from their journey), good adult kids (pretty close to my age), and grandchildren he adores. He mentors me in all areas of my life. He encourages me, confronts me (gently), spurs me on, and advocates for me when my doubts start to cloud the vision I feel led to move toward.
Today was one of those days. He made a simple, astute statement which changed everything for me. It released doubt, even a little self-imposed guilt, and served as a great cheer for what I was trying to achieve according to my call in life. He said, “Building a dream requires a lot of effort that just can’t be measured.” That was crucial for me to hear. I’m working toward a “dream.” I’m sure it is not my dream. If it was I would have quit long ago. Even when things look totally crappy (probably not the most eloquent word but you get my drift I’m sure) this vision of what could be is always front and center.
Wives are great and critical supporters. God has to make the call and direct the steps. But, God has orchestrated that we move forward in community. He set up the idea of mentors. Whether Moses for Joshua, Elijah for Elisha, Jesus for the Apostles, or Paul for Timothy, he knew that we needed an experienced, godly person to be there with us to help us see more clearly how God is working in our lives.
If you haven’t thought this to be important, I plead with you to seek out a mentor who can relate to the whole of your life. Jim has been this for me. If you don’t think this is important I will pray for you (you are in a dangerous position). If you have this in your life, verbally let them know how much they mean to you.
I don’t know what my life would look like without Jim. So many of the steps I felt I was being led to make seemed so unconventional. The truth of the matter was that they were and he had already traveled the road less traveled. Jim has been willing to share his downfalls, shortcomings, and ill advised moves. But, he has also shared the victories and given me hope in my own circumstances. He has never said, “do it my way.” He always says, “let’s figure out how God will use you in this situation.” He has confronted my shortcomings with love and with a great desire to see me become the man of God he believes I can become. He has been a fierce advocate for me even if it could have been detrimental to him. Simply put, he has believed completely that God is working in my life and has a great desire to help me see this and value that work in my life.
You need this in your life. Mentoring matters. Get one. And prepare to be one for others. That has also been taught to me. Thank you Jim. Thank you for believing in me being used by God. Thanks for crying with me, laughing with me, laughing at me, and setting a great example for how to follow Christ even when we might mess it up a bit.
To those reading this, you need to know Christ. It is that pure and simple. Once there, find another who is farther up the road with experience in your passions. Chances are they are around you and it is time to approach them. I will pray you gain at least as much as I have gained from Jim.
God bless your journey together,
Jeff

Training an Eagle - Being a Parent

2011-08-20T23:29:00.000-07:00

I am sitting in the chair that my second son spent so much time in over the last few years. His prom picture with the greatest girl you could hope your son could have in his life hangs on the wall to my left. Straight ahead is his team picture from the City/County All-Star game this summer. On the wall to my right hangs St. Louis Ram paraphernalia which is our favorite team. I'm blogging today because my "eagle" has taken flight and is now starting his new adventure in college about 240 miles south of home.
While I have had many tears over the last couple of days none of them were from sorrow, regret, or wishing for something different. I am so blessed to have watched my son grow into a man. The privilege and honor of parenting really manifested today as we said our good-byes, cried, hugged, kissed, and tried not to stay too long so the reality of being off on his own could begin to unfold.
Caleb and I have a great relationship. As you might guess we have very similar personalities. Sometimes I've felt bad about that and most of the time it has been a great joy. He has that same stubborn, independent streak and the same quiet intensity and determination which contain all sorts of "goods" and "bads" to them!
Our great relationship isn't the result of me being a perfect parent by any measurement. I've regretted how many times I've had to ask his forgiveness because I set such a poor example at times. I still remember the last time I spanked him and realized he had been belittled. He was nine and I sat with him and told him I would never spank him again and I ask him for forgiveness for how I treated him. I suppose that is how all "last" spankings go. I've ended up doing that with all my kids. There comes that day when it is not longer a justified punishment. It only serves to harm and diminish them as human beings. If you are a newer parent pay close attention to that one. Eight and nine years old seems to be the age, maybe a bit sooner for our daughters.
For my son's life I have been in a pastoral vocation. There is a false stereotype out there about pastors' kids. The truth of the matter is that the majority of pastors' kids tend to do much better in life than others, but human nature likes to dwell on the negatives. The vast majority of the kids I know whose Dad is a pastor are great kids and I'm grateful some of them are my kids good friends.
But, as a pastor, I've been very careful not to teach my children about Jesus and the wonder of God out of my vocation. I've always underlined life lessons from my main ministry of being a parent. In fact, the last eight months I haven't been a pastor in the vocational sense and my kids have observed no difference in this issue. I'm grateful for that experience for my kids. Saying this though, I've been a bit concerned I've "soft-peddled" faith and the reading of Scripture. My kids assure me (with a roll of eyes) that isn't the case. But I was compelled a few years ago to insure the importance of knowing Scripture in order to know God better would be the key legacy I would leave them. I knew Caleb would be the first to leave the nest. It may sound strange but I "knew" this when he was about 12. It was about that time I began to use one Bible for all my study, devotion, and learning situations. I took notes, wrote down people's phone numbers, and wrote different thoughts. Yesterday I gave that Bible to Caleb.
I don't think I've read the Bible very much in my kids presence. I never felt compelled to put on the show of reading my Bible. My kids knew I read my Bible because of the different questions I would ask them or they would ask me. Yet, I wanted Caleb to grasp the depth of my love for God's Word. I pray as he leafs through this Bible he will see a man who searches thoroughly to love his God and seeks to live like his Savior.
As I went outside today to let Caleb and his girlfriend Makenzie (a fantastic person in my son's life) could have their private "good bye" I thought about the responsibility of parents to protect their children and prepare them for days like today.
When they are tiny our protection manifest in preventing potential harmful things coming to them. We wash them, prevent them touching the stove, keep them from other sick kids, and keep a very vigilant eye on what they and others are doing. A little later we may actually let them touch the hot stove as a way to teach them more thoroughly about being "safe." We let them wander a little farther away but never out of our sight.
This continues to develop as they grow up. We let them go farther away and we even let them out of sight for longer periods of time. We start letting them stay with others we trust will operate as we do. We monitor what kind of media is coming their way. Bsrney, rate G movies, and the filter for bad language is pretty thick.
Lisa and I made some strong decisions that weren't necessarily common with all Christ following families. We were absolutely committed to public education for a couple of reasons. We both believe that followers of Christ need to be involved in order to bring about a difference. Also, I wanted my kids exposed to the hardships, vulgarities, injustices, and socio-economic diversity. This required a great deal of vigilance and counter teaching as we progressed through the school system. We would talk about maintaining integrity in our faith, living principled lives, and learning that this could bring about ridicule.
Interestingly enough, their peers have generally regarded them with respect and they haven't really dealt with too much negative peer pressure. I know my kids have cussed on occasion and just been plain mean to some people. As we were aware of some situations we would deal with them appropriately.
Finally, as the protection responsibility mandates, we have to let our kids have the opportunity to genuinely screw up. If we are fortunate the screw ups aren't devastating. We pray for the discernment of when to give a gentle reminder (without it sounding like nagging); we stop making phone calls and texting to one's whereabouts, and we allow curfew to become extended. All along we emphasize that nothing good happens after midnight. We have moved from being protectors, to insuring protection, to teaching about how to protect, and then, the hardest part, let them begin to protect themselves.
Today my son Caleb stepped into that responsibility. We will pray diligently that the strength of character that has marked him will continue to grow. We pray his steadfastness and determination will withstand the new, more difficult tests coming his way. We pray that his faith in Christ will become his own faith. It cannot be the faith of his parents, but his very own.
So, my eagle has taken wing. He is officially out of the nest. I pray that he will learn to soar and stay grounded at all times. This is a strange paradox for sure, but true nonetheless. Our dreams can only be appreciated with a strong foundation and anchor in Christ. May my son soar like the eagles and have a foundation that is deep and wide.
My last words to him tonight were,"Keep your path straight." I showed him how to leave the nest. My tears tonight are because I'm proud of him. He flew away. He'll circle around and land periodically for sure, but the flight is all his now. Thank you Lord for the honor and privilege of raising up your gift. I pray I have served you well Lord.

Curing My Depression

2011-04-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

April 6, 2011
Did my repentance cure my depression? Quite probably, my hardness of heart to His Church most likely was the primary reason for my depression. The Church is God’s “invention.” Not only is the Church created by God it is formed by God and “headed” by Jesus Christ. The Church is so important to God that He gave His Son Supreme Leadership over its function in the world.
God, the Supreme Power, would only grant authority to His Son for that which would achieve His ultimate mission. That mission is to reconcile the world to Himself. While it is Christ’s work and the Holy Spirit’s leading that actually accomplishes the task of salvation it is the Church that is the chosen vessel in which He works to help the world understand God loves them.
Just as God gave Adam, before sin, the ministry of care for His creation, God has given His church (the gathered and unified believers in the Biblical Jesus) the ministry of care for God’s creation. The primary care is to be with God’s most prized piece in creation, those created in His Image. The human race.
To not love this chosen transformative agent of God, His people, His Church, is to NOT love God Himself. If then I do not love God’s people as described by His Word (1 John 4:19-21) I do NOT love God. I am a liar according to God’s Word. If that is the case (and it is!) then I can’t be “near” Him. If I am harboring anger, resentment, or vengeance I am “grieving” and/or “quenching” the Holy Spirit’s work in my life. I cease to be transformed when I am not in love with His Church (the gathered and unified believers in the Biblical Jesus). This is the direct result of my depression, is caused by not loving His church.
I am not trivializing the alleviation of depression as simply loving God’s people as God has loved them (John 13:34)! Quite frankly, we all struggle to achieve this mandate on our lives without the work of the Holy Spirit (even with His help). But, for those who truly seek to be “called according to His purpose” claim to “love Him” we do not have the option to love His church. When we (me) become hardened to this fundamental expression of our faith we can be assured depression (or worse) can (and in my case will) manifest.
My bouts with depression have always been related to my disgust, resentment, frustration, and generally lack of love for His church. When I say His church I mean His people. My disgust, resentment, and frustration (again, lack of love) revolves around my sense of the people of God betraying me, letting me down, or just not getting the Biblical mandates He has so clearly given us to follow. Sometimes it is quite valid that His people have let Him down. Sometimes it is not valid at all and I am the one who feels let down (this doesn’t necessarily mean God wasn’t let down also).
My supposed righteous indignation is usually self-centered and not God centered. While God may have certainly been dishonored my self-centeredness tends to take this as a personal violation. I find that issues which appear traitorous or hurtful cause me to escape from “loving” people. Yet, if I truly desire to be like Christ I would simply (not simply as in simplistic) move forward with the aid of the Holy Spirit. After all, didn’t Jesus completely love Judas who He knew was stealing from His ministry’s treasury? And, didn’t He choose Judas even though He knew Judas would betray Him? Didn’t Jesus completely love Peter who He knew would betray Him three times? Yet, He restored Peter. Remember, He knew all the disciples would abandon Him yet He loved them completely and later, after His resurrection would commission them to sacrifice for Him. He completely loved them before, during, and after their sins against Him.
For me to do anything less will almost certainly lead to depression. I have been forgiven so much. Much is expected of me because of this forgiveness. Not in a performance sense, but in a loving sense. The “cure” for my depression is to love His church. If I love the Church (the gathered and unified believers in the Biblical Jesus Christ) I cease to be a “liar.” I am restored and reconciled to my Father when I love people, especially His people! When this occurs the Holy Spirit is again released into my life and the life His has planned for me in regenerated. The ultimate relationship in my life is restored AND, as it pertains to me, my depression is GONE!
My depressions are rooted in my weakness(s). My most profound weakness is broken relationships and my disobedience to love is my “defense” or, even worse, my “excuse” to that issue. It is a simple (again, not simplistic) equation. If I love people as Christ loved me (His command), depression is significantly mitigated. If I decide to be resentful, jealous or vengeful (all emotions are subject to my self-control), then I am in WILLFUL disobedience to God’s call on my life (and yours by the way). I then suffer the “natural” consequence of this sin, the sense of separation of God and the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. This causes me deep depression! To know the presence of God and to “lose” it is devastating.
Your consequences may be different when it comes to deliberate sin. Yet, please know, whatever the consequence, it will render you “less” than God has intended for you. As for me, I am committing (recommitting!) to love ALL His people, His church, of which I belong. I do this not to be free from depression, I do this so that I may bring honor to my Savior who NEVER has given up on me. May my life reflect this in others who fall short of His glory.
God bless you, may you find Christ.
Jef

Newspaper articles and my worldview

2010-09-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever just perused the various headlines in the local paper and then evaluate them according to what has shaped your worldview? I find it to be very interesting exercise which keeps me studying and trying to understand what “in the world” is going on. Today’s headlines and a fortuitous phone call this morning help me to keep things in prospective.
Today’s biggest headline draws all our attention to the fact that the American poverty rate has set a record for the number of people in poverty. The article also explains that without extended unemployment benefits another 3.3 million would have fallen into poverty in 2009. Interestingly, the 14.3% of Americans in poverty were lower than was projected.
Right next to this big article was a smaller article fitted into the lower right hand corner. It read, “If Bush tax cuts expire, everyone pays.” The article would go on to show that all socio-economic groups with a family income of over $50,000 and being a family of four, would see an increase in their taxes. Interestingly, the poverty rate for a family of four, as stated by our government, is $21,954! Seriously, can any family of four live in California for less than $30,000, and not be considered impoverished?
The median household income held “steady” at $49.777. This is somewhat artificial because more households have multiple jobs. This not only artificially inflates the actual earnings of a family it deflates the real unemployment/underemployment figures. It also means, in a literal sense, that virtually 50% of American households will have less money to meet their needs if the tax increases go into effect. It also means that the number of people who are counted as impoverished will almost certainly grow.
So how does my worldview inform my disseminating of this information? First, it is far more complex than I wish. Poverty is an issue that is part of a clarion call in my faith to respond to, proactively, and with an understanding it will be a constant segment of a nation’s population . It involves the issues of compassion, empathy, dignity, justice, and advocacy. How these components blend together is difficult on the individual level.
Second, my worldview also holds that the least likely component of society to address this situation effectively and efficiently is a government organization. The government is a “power” and without an external guiding force (for me this is firmly rooted in Jesus Christ) power becomes corrupted. Thus, government begins to perpetuate problems, ills, and maladies by insuring it can continue to exist. It only seeks to relieve the daily needs and seldom seeks long-term solutions which will benefit not only the people in need but the whole population the government is supposed to be serving.
The very best means to address issues related to poverty is to release funding into the community benefit organizations (CBO’s) and religious organizations of the nation. There is no comparison to the effectiveness and efficiency of CBO’s and religious organization and that of the government. What the governments spends in administrative costs alone would bankrupt most other institutions. If that money were to be released into society through the CBO’s and religious organizations expertise American would be transformed in a very short period of time.
You may ask if government should have a role at all and I do say, “yes” to this. Some issues, particularly in regard to mental health, need significant governmental leadership. Additionally, the disbursement of monies should have strong accountability toward issues of sustainability, accountability, and results. This is simply an issue of good stewardship. The people of America have little problem turning over money when accountability is adhered too. Yet, no organization should be depending on government money (that includes the government!). Of course this is misnomer anyway. The government cannot produce money. It can only collect money. And that money comes from the people. It is a form of property and a government which does not utilize this money properly is, quite frankly, evil. If government became a proponent and adherent to being accountable and showing results people would respond in an overwhelming manner.
The cost of a “bridge to nowhere” and other frivolous “pork barrel” spending could have helped thousands of families to getting headed toward a stronger financial situation which didn’t include dependency on the government. It is the charity of people that best serves the needs of those who have made poor choices or someone else’s choices have brought about their unfortunate situation. It is the CBO’s and religious organizations, which have a strong adherence to results and accountability, which are the most effective means by which to change the course of an individual and community’s direction.
So I close with this blog with a phone call I received this morning. “Alma” was 101 years old when she passed on to the rewards of eternal life. She was brought up in a society which not only supported itself, but also rallied to support each other. She remembered both World Wars, the Depression, and far too many historical episodes to recount, saw her husband and both her sons die before her time was up, yet remained a steadfast independent woman who invested and made sure her needs would be met. Yes, government played some part, as it probably should, but she didn’t see government as the chief means toward this end.
Yes, she collected social security and utilized medical/medicare. All of which she paid into over her decades of work. What wasn’t appreciated was how the money she put in was continually pulled out to meet other government budget issues (i.e. pork barrel and frivolous spending). If we get dinged for pulling money out of our 401k’s and other investments, why does the government get away with it? You wouldn’t have wanted to get her started on this conversation!
I marvel at her life. A generation that understood how to work hard, care for others, sacrifice for a nation, and exhibit generosity to those who demonstrated need and a willingness to move out of that need. I sure hope our government and our people in America will grasp this before it is too late. I am committed to these principles.
Until the next time…

Transitions

2010-09-13T11:15:00.001-07:00

According to the dictionary I have at home “transition” means, “passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another” and “a movement, development or evolution from one form, stage or style to another.”
I would alter this a bit for a definition, through a compilation of these definitions to say, “a passage to a stage brought about by a movement and development from one form to another.” This is where I find myself in life. I am about to move from one “stage” to another and this has been brought about by a strong sense of my development and through a clear leading of the Holy Spirit in my life. I am moving from one form (lead pastor of a Central Community Church) to another form (full-time Executive Director of Highway City Community Development).
As someone who has had the privilege and honor of being allowed to start a new church which was focused on Christ through holistic ministry, cross-cultural diversity (age, gender, race, socio-economics), and evangelism (living and speaking the life Christ) I am now being allowed to enter into a new stage of that ministry.
Highway City Community Development, while “legally” a separate entity from Central Community Church, is spiritually and relationally intertwined. Both organizations are focused on the same geographical areas (Highway City and the Central Unified School District) and function with the same ministry philosophy (a strong holistic theology and understanding of a theology of place). Yet, as one being a church and the other a 501 (c) 3 Community Benefit Organization, they have different functions and needs when it comes to leadership. This is where my understanding of my “development” has become so much clearer.
Maybe it is because of passing the half century mark in age, or more likely a better theological understanding that God created me with specific gifts and abilities, but I have come to understand, quite clearly, what I can provide and what I can’t provide to both entities. What Central Community Church needs for its healthy future is different from what I am created, wired, and trained to do. What Highway City Community Development appears to needs is very much in line with those same issues. My faith tells me that the next stage should be entered with full enthusiasm despite the sadness that comes with changing the look of many relationships.
I think this is what keeps most people from making the God directed transitions in life. We fear the change that comes to our relationships. All of our relationships are going to change. Our relationships with God (what if I heard wrong or I can’t receive the same financial support?); our relationships with people (the leadership dynamic changes, the people’s perspective have to be altered); and our relationships with family (routines will be changed, availability may be altered, and access to material “givens” may change due to possible changes in income). These are all VERY significant issues which cannot be dismissed. But, if we truly believe that God is in control, they are issues which can be addressed. And, by doing so, each of the stated relationships can actually become deeper, more vital, and more supportive as the community moves into the transition. Ultimately, this is how transition is to be understood.
We are not created to be alone, nor can we ever believe that our “personal issues” aren’t part of what affects the whole community. An individual who is moving through a transition is also part of community which also must move through the transition. It is much more profound when the individual is the designated “leader” of the particular communities in which they live out their lives.
This is the point of my “new” journey which has been the hardest to wrestle with and to insure I remain gentle, but resolute in what I believe God is leading me (and my communities) into. It is humbling to realize (finally?) that I make a difference in people’s lives. In fact, humbling, doesn’t seem to come close to what I am trying to communicate. I made such a mess of my life before meeting Christ. I hurt people deeply. Even worse than that though, was that I didn’t even care how others might be affected. I made decisions solely on how I felt and what I would get (gain) from those decisions. I am so grateful that Christ NEVER gives up on any of us. If you don’t know Christ, or reject Him at this very minute, I want you to know that He hasn’t rejected you. He is still reaching out to you through your circumstances and various people around you. Just keep that in mind. And now, through the grace and mercy of God, I am now allowed to influence people to the God who created me; the God who waited for me; the God who would die for me so that my life would bring honor to Him.
This blog entry is dedicated to those who are near in vicinity and those who have made the effort to communicate their love for me from afar. Those who are “afar”; Catherine, Rheanna, Sarah, Jesse, Mike, Katie, Jen, Ben, Darin and so many others who have let me know I made a difference. That is hard to grasp, yet so encouraging toward making the decision to be obedient in this new transition. Those in close proximity are too numerous to count and list and I pray that this transition will be seen as the opportunity from God to move you even closer to Him. You are the main instruments He has used to help me to this next stage of ministry.
So, a new adventure is underway. Metaphorically, we are packing our bags and readying ourselves for what lies ahead. The direction seems clear, but the steps certainly are not. What I do know is this: My God has a sacrificial love for me, and my friends will be moving along in the journey with me because this too is their journey. It is also their adventure. We all have the opportunity to become more like what God has planned for us to become. I pray each of you read this will also embrace the journey. God’s blessing on all of you.

Understanding Sovereignty of God

2010-08-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

Life is filled with ups and downs; backwards and forward movements; questions about what direction to head in; and a key question “Did I go in the right direction?”

The reality is that none of these things can be changed, mitigated, or even ignored. Every aspect of life, but the One, is a variable. While we can make a lot of “good” decisions, those decisions often don’t lead to the positive outcomes we envisioned. The decisions of too many other people affect the outcome of our decisions. We even get in the way of our own “right” decisions.

The decision to stay in one place, maintain the status quo, not “rocking the boat,” or not striving for changes in our lives, leads to the very thing we are trying to protect. Mainly, what we perceive as stability. We equate “stability” as the staying the same. We equate stability as what is “normal.” We even equate stability as a “blessing from God.” Yet, from a sociological perspective, or a psychological perspective, or a theological perspective, this pursuit of “staying the same” is useless. At its best, it is merely a wishful thought. At its worst, it is mental and spiritual frustration which leads to detrimental outcomes as we react negatively to our inability to control circumstances.

Change is the one constant in our daily lives that we can be assured of outside of the Sovereignty of God. In fact, a healthy informed understanding in the Sovereignty of God actually builds up our faith and strength to endure the fundamentally important issues of change.

ALL of God is everywhere, all the time, and knows every possible outcome to every decision that can possibly be made by His prized creation, the Human Race. He isn’t parted out in the world, He is always WHOLE at all times. He is present, in his entirety, in every situation, at every moment of every day. We can’t possibly understand this in our finite thinking. Yet, when a person looks back on their lives they realize there are unexplainable “coincidences,” encounters, and “chance” meetings that weren’t part of our thinking in moving toward a direction we hoped to go in. For those who want to believe in a Sovereign God, these are the clues toward this issue of ALL of God being everywhere, all the time. Others, seeking “spirituality,” chalk this up to “karma,” good luck/fortune, or even simply, chance. It is a shame to minimize the level of compassion and care God pours out to His fallen creation.

For the believer in the Sovereign God of Creation, it is His ability to deal with our Free Will, and bring about solutions that will lead others to Him and benefit His followers that should cause us to be in AWE of HIM. This applies to the “good” situations as well as the “bad” situations. A belief in a Sovereign God helps one understand that other people’s decisions can negatively (and positively) affect us. Yet, this Sovereign God is in control.

House fires might be a useful way of understanding this in our “humanistic” thinking (yes, this unfortunately is how too many Christians think).

House fires are almost always the result of a human error or lack of effort in some way, shape or form. Oil got too hot on the stove, kid played with matches, Christmas tree dried out, a person falls asleep smoking, arson, or a worker didn’t properly insulate the electrical issues of the home. The possible ways for a home fire to start are many, but are almost always the result of some type of human error. This is EXACTLY how human life is lived out. “House fires” can occur at any time.

A House fire is difficult to put out if not caught at the very beginning of the igniting. Once the initial outburst has expanded there will ALWAYS be some type of significant damage. If the fire department is notified quickly they will show up in a matter of minutes (Fireman are awesome in their response). They attack the fire with a three-fold, simultaneous counter-attack. They seek to preserve life (rescue), preserve as much of the home as they possibly can, AND insure that other homes do not get damaged by fire.

This is how the Sovereignty of God plays out when our free will is exercised in such a way as to cause a “house fire.” He seeks to rescue all who are in immediate danger to the decision that has been made.
At the very same time, He seeks to preserve as much of the person(s) life that can possible be preserved. This is the ultimate issue concerning the Person, Work, and Position at the Right Hand of God of Jesus Christ. He seeks, actively and aggressively, to preserve the lives of the people He Created. Finally, in the midst of the first two items, God seeks to preserve that which is around the life of the one who made a poor decision (whether it is from neglect, evil intent, or accident).

Interestingly enough, God responds to our poor decisions (no matter the reason the decision is rendered as poor) much like the Fire Department. Bottom line, people have to react as if they need help!

The Fire Department can’t respond if it doesn’t know there is a problem. They have a difficult time rescuing people if they don’t have good information (although they will risk their lives to insure people aren’t in danger). And they have a difficult time achieving their mission without the cooperation of the neighborhood.

This is not dissimilar from God Himself. While the Fire Department can’t do its job without notification, God “Waits” for our notification that something is wrong. This is called “confession.” It is not that God won’t intervene without our call (He certainly does many times), but His care and nurturing of our Free Will compels Him to wait.

Likewise, He will come to the “rescue” of the people calling out. Sometimes that comes too late (the people waited to call) for a total rescue, but He will literally reach into the fire to grab us. We just need to give him all the information (another part of the confession). He already knows (unlike the fire department) but it is our admittance of need that is important. The final issue of “rescue” is also important.

As God responds to “save” our lives (our call for help), as He risks His Own life to rescue us do to our plea for help (salvation through Christ), He is also seeking the rescue those around us. Fireman are often admired not because of what they saved, but by the people they helped to not suffer. This is the ultimate act and desire of God. He wants to keep people “well.” They didn’t necessarily “feel the need” for the fire department but are grateful they showed up on behalf of others and showed concern for them as well.

Life is filled with ups and downs; backwards and forward movements; questions about what direction to head in; and a key question “Did I go in the right direction?” (Yes, I copied and pasted from above!). Have you expressed thanks and appreciation that the “FIREMAN” has showed up in our life and done exactly what He has promised to do? Do you understand that He has done all the work necessary for you to be “rescued?” Have you seen people’s lives changed by God and how that has positively affected your life? Don’t think it was accident. Even if you have ignored God He is actively involved in your life.

Don’t ignore these issues. Proclaim, privately or publicly, gratefulness to the Sovereign God of All Creation. Your life is going to change whether you like it or not. It is time to embrace (receive) and trust (believe) in Jesus Christ as the means by which to have meaning and fullness in this life and guarantee a positive life which is eternal, after you cease to exist on this earth.
Get hold of me and I’ll help you meet the God who waited for me to finally call on His Name and changed my life. It is your choice.

CHOOSE WISELY!

Becoming Truly Human

2010-05-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

One of the more important questions we can ask ourselves is “Am I truly being human?” Now some would simply say, using a biologically based worldview, because of their genetic makeup they are human. Others, coming from an existentialist mindset, would simply say, “yes” because they think, there for they are. Many Christians would wonder why the question is being asked. Unfortunately, while acknowledging they are “human” because the Bible says so (not necessarily misguided), they will not go deeper into the actually theological ramifications of what being “human” actually means.
It is the Christian I wish to address in this particular blog. Not to neglect the existentialist, the moralist, the atheist, the spiritualist, the environmentalist, or any other person. It is just that my perspective on life and living is being established (and continuing to be established/transformed) through a biblical worldview.
This biblical worldview doesn’t make God the center of my life. It doesn’t even make Christ the center of my life. The very idea is a distinctly western in its perspective. It works for the westerner because we think categorically and, most often, in a linear fashion. Like most cultural perspectives, it is not necessarily wrong, it is just gives us an incomplete picture of how God actually works through our lives and in the daily issues of life itself.
My understanding of Scripture, and the continued development of my biblical worldview, is teaching me that God cannot be “centered” into my life. The renewing of my mind is actually confronting this thought process. My theology is teaching me that God is transcendent. Thus, I can’t “center” God/Christ/Holy Spirit (yes, I’m strongly Trinitarian which is a whole other discussion which feeds this human issue). What is required is that I seek to “center” myself in God/Christ/Holy Spirit. If I can’t place a thought, action, or attitude “in” God/Christ/Holy Spirit I must seek to have it removed from my existence. And that leads me into the direct discussion of being truly “human.”
As a Christian you know the Scripture from Genesis which states, “…’Let us make man (word is actually human in Hebrew) in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created man (human) in his own image, in the image of God he created him (them); male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:26-28, NIV)
The foundation of “being truly human” is found right here. The creation of the human race was orchestrated different than the rest of creation. The first humans were not spoken into existence. Unlike the rest of creation, we were formed out of that which was already created. Male was formed from the dirt (feminists love that!), female was formed out the substance of the man (feminists hate this!). This is discovered in Genesis chapter two. The reason we are in God’s image, is stated in Genesis 2:7. We discover that God breathed into Adam His essence. Adam was brought to life through the work of God being imputed into Adam (direct parallel to salvation itself, yet again another discussion). To be truly human is to take hold of the specialness of our existence. We have a purposeful, specific life designed for us. The rest of Genesis 1:26-28 spells this out for us.
What we discover, and what is so heatedly disputed among many, even those who hold to a belief in the Christian faith, is that creation was created for HUMANS! Everything that was created before the human race is for our benefit. The benefits are multi-faceted. And if held in the proper tension, means we have an incredible world in which to live. Here are the benefits in their relative order of importance.
First benefit, creation keeps us mindful that God exists. The wonder of the universe, the ecosystems of our planet, plants and animals, and the molecular and atomic discoveries we continue to make keep us enthralled and mindful that we can’t grasp it all. Paul refers to this issue when he wrote, “…since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine authority—have been clearly seen, being understood from what was been made, so that men (and women!) are without excuse (Romans 1:20).” This first benefit, if acknowledged, keeps us humble and should generate the desire to use what God has created for us well. It should be our chief motivation toward stewarding, caring for creation. It doesn’t just exist for our immediate needs, it exists for the needs of those who will follow us. That brings us to the second benefit.
The second benefit is that we have a stated purpose in our daily existence. Because we are created in God’s image, we have an innate drive to care for and cultivate what was created for our benefit. We have a “role” to act out in our everyday life. We have “authority” over that which was created for us. But that role must be used wisely, and with selflessness. You may ask, “How does he reach that conclusion?” I believe it is found in the third benefit.
The third benefit is that we have been granted the privilege of being able to “create” ourselves. God decided that we could “be fruitful and increase in number.” Like the first two humans, we create out of substance which already exists. And because Adam and Eve were created in the image of God every human afterwards is also an image bearer of God. Our “value” isn’t measured by our accomplishments, achievements or accolades. We have an intrinsic value. This also means we cannot “devalue” any other human. Someone’s lack of accomplishments, achievements, or accolades has no bearing on God’s love for that person. Likewise, those who sharply oppose our viewpoints have to be looked at as people created in the image of God. That person may be failing miserably in being an image bearer of God yet we are still to protect their dignity, and remember their intrinsic value. We cannot cheapen their life under the guise of protecting other lives. This is why abortion, torture, genocide, racism, sexism, chauvinism, feminism (surely there are more categories) are abhorrent. They are accomplished out of a misguided worldview that it is better for other humans if we disregard this one human’s intrinsic value.
This high regard for the intrinsic value of human life creates helps us to steward resources properly. This biblical worldview means that we don’t practice good stewardship of resources for our daily existence. Instead, we practice the good stewardship of resources as a way to honor God for providing for us so well, and insuring we are providing for those who will follow after us. Honoring the intrinsic value of being human leads us to make decisions that are consistently “other” oriented. We seek to preserve what God has created and seek to insure that others will benefit as we have benefitted. It is terribly misguided to discount “environmentalism” because the “environmentalist” has a worldview may be skewed. At the core of Christian theology is the notion that humans were created to “rule” in order for future generations to know and honor God because Creation is wondrous and inspires awe.
This brings me to the conclusion of this blog. Thank you for reading. The stereotypical environmentalist is operating from a worldview that “creation” is equal to the value of “humanity.” A biblical worldview stands in direct opposition to this notion. I am called to “rule” over the whale, the dolphin, the delta smelt (might have to be a Californian to get that one), and how the land gets used and what is constructed and invented and implemented into the lifestyle of this world.
To “rule” does not mean I can discount any of these issues though. If I am to “rule” like God (I’m created in His image so I must seek to “rule” like Him) I must see the world in its totality. I must seek to measure all the possible consequences. With this perspective it is quite possible that a supposedly “good” invention may need to be put aside because the consequences can’t, at the current time, be mitigated in such a way as to prevent the possible destruction of another part of creation.
Ultimately, and this is my conclusion. To be truly human is to understand our proper place in creation. The very word “human” helps drive this home. Our English word for “human” is derived from a Latin root word which communicates humility. It means “knowing your place.” We, humans, live lives which are between God and all the other things God created. It is important to understand that creation can exist without us! God’s created a system which can self-exist. We have the privilege of being placed within a system which benefits us and we are allowed to utilize it for our communities (present and future) and we are given the privilege to accomplish this in such a way that we can bring honor to the Creator. To be truly human is to live out the totality of our lives in a way which honors God and serves the rest of the human race. Many Christians are falling short of being truly human. Seek Christ’s example “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing (human if you miss that subtly) taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness…” To truly be human is to seek to serve the needs of others and to do so with a firm eye and pleasing the God Who created ALL of us. Make it so!

Jeff's 40 Day Fast with God

2010-04-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

Fasting in an interesting component of the Christina faith and is exercised in a variety of ways in Scripture. We will find 40 day fasts and partial day fasts if we read diligently through His Word. Jesus’ own words indicate that fasting is an assumed discipline of our faith and is an integral part of our prayer life. It would seem, at least according to Jesus’ words, that fasting, giving, prayer, and loving each other are givens to genuine faith.
I used to have a regular practice of fasting, but to completely authentic, I don’t know when this ceased to be important to my life. In fact, this was a revelation in my time of prayer with God. I couldn’t figure out when it stopped and why I wasn’t doing it any longer. I had become the typical Christian in America who leaves fasting out of my spiritual life. Yet, based on the authority of Scripture, it is an important element of our prayer life.
Somewhere in early April my God began to try to communicate some issues which needed to be addressed in my life. Early on I realize it was time to get my weight changed. Since I didn’t have an NFL contract there really wasn’t a reason to be carrying 304lbs around. Despite the notion that I could “carry it well” it was simply unhealthy. Of course, the core issue wasn’t my weight, but the attitude and lack of discipline which caused the weight to be there. As with all sin, the consequence isn’t what we are to deal with, it is the attitude and mind-set which must be brought into conformity with God’s will for our lives.
I promptly lost 10lbs because I’m a guy. But the reality check was I couldn’t lose more. For the first time in my life I couldn’t lose weight simply because I wanted to. I was working out, etc. and nothing changed. I truly believe God’s speaks to us through the areas we listen best and this is an area I pay attention to. Toward the middle of April I was hearing loud and clear that something had to change. I began to sense that fasting component, but 40 days surely wasn’t what I was hearing. I’ve never fasted more than 7 days. A typical American.
But, I soon was hearing this loud and clear. I think I was even beginning to agree with when God gave the clear “sign.” I was at a conference for pastoral excellence due to the generosity of a fellow pastor (J.R. Coleman of The Word Community Church in Fresno). We had raffle tickets. I had been wrestling with God all morning about this 40 day fasting gig. I think I was leaning in his direction (reluctant obedience) but God would insure I got the message. I NEVER win raffles. I even stated this at my table.
The first number called was mine! So I went up and collected my book. What to venture a guess at the title of the book? Yes, it was called “Fasting” and written by Jentezen Franklin. Hey, Jentezen, just want you to know that God used your book to solidify His desire for my life. While I can certainly be slow on the up take, I got the message loud and clear. I ate lunch (J.R. had paid for it) and I began the 40 fast immediately. It was also made clear that it would be only water and tea. My personality type lends to just doing something so I started it.
Today I am in day 38 and I have experienced some incredible insights into my own behaviors which lent themselves to God needing to discipline me. Not punishment, but to get my life more in line for His Will to manifest more completely in what He has designed me to accomplish through the work He has already prepared for me to accomplish to His Glory.
Today has been an exceptional day. Through the generosity of Bruce and Alicia Negri, the owners of Shaver Lake Village Hotel I’ve had a place of solitude in the mountains. The mountains are a huge piece to me being connected to God. I love the outdoors, but especially the mountains. The magnificence of the mountains, the quietness of nature, and in this case, the fresh snow, contribute to a great sense of serenity and awe of my Creator. Several breakthroughs have taken place today.
I am so grateful for so many of you at CCC and other friendships who have fasted meals and prayed specifically for me during this journey. Please know your partnerships have helped me become something different. I have strong sense of being different. There have been supernaturally changes and impartations which will be revealed in the weeks to come. God gave a great confirmation to one area of our ministry today.
I was resolved to be technology free after my morning got going. I resolved not to respond to e-mails, text, and phone calls. I was deep in prayer, reading Psalms, and journaling what was being revealed. But somewhere this afternoon (I could check my phone for the specific time but I don’t believe it is relevant) my phone rang. I ignored it. Yet, I believe because of the Spirit’s leading, I decided to check my e-mail. This was no small task because I had over 300 message waiting for me. But, my cursor seemed to land on this one particular message. I read t and decided to call the person immediately. I had no sense I was “violating” my “no technology” day. In fact, I sense of urgency to respond out of my respect and care for the individual sending the message. I actually don’t know if that was the person who called but it is probably irrelevant.
Now before the phone call is described I need to share what some of my prayer had been about. As I read through Psalms I kept being reminded of David’s constant telling to God that he was faithful, righteous, and seeking to never violate God’s commands, precepts and laws. Now, any of us who know Scripture know that David sinned grievously against the Lord by committing adultery and then murdering the husband of the woman he committed the act with. Yet, David’s love for God, his desire to please His God, led Him to acknowledge the sin and even to accept the earthly consequence of that sin. It was because of this type of “Christian” faith that God would state that David, “was a man after His own heart.” Perfection isn’t what God looks for in our faith. We are incapable of such, which is the reason for our need for Christ. But, the closer we are to pursuing God the quick and more completely we are willing and able to seek God’s forgiveness and restoration to being in relationship to Him. David was one who readily admitted his inadequacies and sought to be close to God.
Today, this hit me hard. I had no right to disqualify myself from God’s plans simply because I wasn’t “perfect.” That isn’t even His desire for me. His desire for me is to seek after Him all that I do and when I fail look to Him. Admit my inadequacies and allow Him to transform and restore me to His original plan for my life. My life matters to Him and it matters to how He wants me to be used for the benefit of others.
The ministries I am allowed to lead, Central Community Church and Highway City Community Development, have mighty goals based on what we believe God’s vision is for the community Highway City and Central Unified School District. One of those goals is to establish the Urban Leadership Training Center which we will call “The Hub.” This ministry will train up college age and others to become ministers in urban settings all over the United States. They will be trained in racial reconciliation, learning to be cross-cultural, helping develop indigenous leadership, and being trained in advocacy and training the local community to do the same. They will accomplish this by living among the people they are called to serve. It is vitally important that we have a director to help guide, train, and counsel these interns. They will live in biblical community for 10 months. We need to raise the funding to pay the salary for this person. He is already picked out and has been in a training program with “The Pink House” in Fresno (we will be partners with them and follow their lead).
Today I, with a great deal of discomfort, asked God to come to our aid. I asked Him to search my heart if what I was envisioning in this ministry was not for Him alone. I asked Him if my integrity of spirit was not what I felt it to be. I asked, if this servant (me), would be found righteous in His eyes if He would not pour out a blessing to sustain our ministries. It was after journaling these prayers and continuing to pray that I answered the above mentioned e-mail.
I was informed we would be receiving a $1,000 check toward Highway City Community Development. We will use this to begin the support raising for The Hub’s director.
I did not fast to receive anything from God. Quite simply, I fasted because I sincerely believe God told me to. I also confess that there is no way I could have completed this unless, as Caleb said, “the Lord helping me” it would be accomplished. I do not understand why God blesses simple obedience. But, I do know that all through Scripture He promises to do just that.
This fast has changed my life. It has changed my relationship with my Creator and Savior. It has changed how I pray and how I understand the dynamics of “failure” in my faith. I pray the transformation of my life will be a direct benefit to the people who cross my path each and every day.
I hope this blog serves to encourage you and initiate a desire to more of the God who not only created you, but sacrificed Himself in order to participate in His original plan for your life. Simply put, to live WITH Him on a daily basis. The rest takes care of itself. God bless you.

Just Thinking

2010-03-05T11:25:00.000-08:00

I'm just thinking about a situation that has occurred in my extended family. A "son" wondering why his "father" won't look for him. All along the father was looking for the son. One day, due to a "coincidence," the father gets a lead and finds his son. The son is joyful, the father is joyful, and the extended family of the father (and son) is also joyful. This is true life scenario in my clan just realized in the last few days.

How similar this is to the actual pursuit of The Father, to all his sons (and daughters). It sometimes takes a coincidence, the convergence of unlikely scenarios, for the sons and daughters to discover the father does love them and has been actively pursuing. It also demonstrates the joy the family of God is to have when the "lost child" is truly found. The "new family" is to embrace, express love, and share about life so the "new member" can quickly become "family."

So glad our Father is in constant pursuit. May I search for the "lost" as faithfully as the True Father.

United States is Unrepentant

2009-10-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

United States is Unrepentant

It can be very difficult to face the truth. It is also very difficult, once one has faced the truth, to let that “new reality” transform their lives. I am very grateful for mentors who have challenged me to “face the truth” and then allow it to “transform” my life. While the process is on-going I am grateful to be a different than I was and different from what I will be.
With this in mind I was taken on the journey of racial reconciliation about 16 years ago. There is still so much to learn and so much I don’t understand about other people groups. Yet, I know and understand far more than I did 16 years ago. I am so grateful for that knowledge and understanding and hope it is only a foundation to be built upon in however many years I am allowed to breathe on this earth. It is incredible to know that we are all made in the image of God. Yet, the power of God is demonstrated in the fantastic diversity that marks the human race. Diversity that God created, and God uses to demonstrate His love, grace, and mercy.
Today marked one of those “bench mark” days, an Ebenezer, in my life. I had an experience that affected me deeply and reminded me, at the core of my soul, why I am working in racial reconciliation and cross-cultural ministry. It reminded me of how far transformation can take us and how short of His plan we fall when we ignore our past. It reminds me that transformation is for the purpose(in part) of making us more Christ-like so that others may seek out Christ.
Today I experienced, in a very visceral way, the sorrow and grief which is often the first step in facing the truth. Today I faced the depth of my nation’s sin in regard to slavery and its consistent support of not just discrimination, but full on perpetuation of evil through oppression to our African-American ancestors as well as our First Nations ancestors.
Don’t misunderstand, I’ve known and grieved slavery and our treatment of First Nations’ People. I’ve repented for the past sins of my own ancestors. But my visit to the Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio was life-changing.
I have visited the Holocaust museum in Los Angeles. It was a powerful experience and served as a deep reminder to the consequences of unchecked sin. I was saddened and even disgusted with humanity’s propensity toward hate. The fact that it was perpetuated by an insane, megalomaniac gave me some relief (maybe a bit perverse). After all, this was the work of a profound communicator who capitalized and manipulated a nation’s insecurities by casting a vision of utopia through purity of ethnicity. Yes, he swayed others to join his evil, but it wasn’t built systemically. It was a different kind of atrocity. Not the kind of atrocity my own country has accomplished.
The issues behind my country’s enslavement and slaughter of hundreds of thousands of Africans, the systematic breakup of African family units, the denial of citizenship (Dred Scott case) and later, after emancipation, the backroom dealings which brought about Pres. Hayes into office and then removed federal troops so southern states could make their own rules about racial issues under the auspices of giving the south “free-rule”, and bringing the effectual end to “reconstruction” in the south, cause me a deeper sorrow than I could imagine.
What brings about this sorrow and grief in my soul is that my country, using its Constitution, the Supreme Court, legislation, and backroom dealings “legitimized” horrible atrocities and oppression. This was not the work of an insane dictator with cultish building abilities. This was decided and agreed upon to be brought into LAW by what we would define as “rational” men!
Rational, thinking, some would even say Christian men, decided that not only were slaves not worthy of full personhood (for taxation purposes they were established as a literal fraction of personhood), they had no rights to citizenship even if they were free. The Compromise of 1877, under Pres. Hayes, would then allow that they would have no protection from the singularly focused racism of the south.
It was during this time that the government’s efforts to expand its territory, inhabit it, led it to legitimize its oppression, lying, thievery, and genocide of the First Nations’ people. My country turned its pursuit of monetary gain against the existing people of the land. As with slavery, this was calculated, systematic, ruthless, and thoroughly evil.
Again, as with slavery, these decisions and actions were not produced or imposed by an “insane” dictator. It was administered by men of “stature” and “respectability.” Their decisions were thought to be thoroughly rational and these were men who had complete belief in the democratic process. They also thoroughly believed that there were people in the land who shouldn’t be allowed into the democratic process.
It is for these reasons I found myself weeping and then grieving in my visit to the Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati. The harsh reality of the depth of evil my country has perpetrated on Africans and First Nations’ people strikes me to the core.
Is it any wonder why my country won’t apply pressure to Turkey to admit its genocidal reign against Armenians? We aren’t willing to admit our own governmental “ancestors’” sins against people it brought to this land and against the people who first inhabited it. We, the people of the United States, our government which is by the people and for the people, by not admitting to these sins against humanity we are also party to it! We are directly responsible for the sins of our Fathers’ when we don’t renounce, repent, and reconcile those issues of sin.
It is not enough to say “we don’t do this now” or, “I never participated in that activity.” What is necessary is to fully disclose the violation of a people and express sincere regret for our nation’s treatment of these two groups of people. Doing so, and this is of first importance, validates the humanity of the descendants and their ancestors who were dehumanized for centuries. This is the greatest act of love a group of people can do for another, appreciate their dignity while admitting our inhuman behavior. This type of life is commanded in the Christian faith through the greatest commandments.
Secondly, this would create a legitimate foundation by which genuine community and unity could be sought. Humility in wrong-doing creates an environment where trust can be built. Authentic admission of wrongs, even when generational, have the power to draw people together because where there is trust, there is also a sense of safety. When there is a sense of safety, the people who have been wronged (even through generational issues) are willing to build on the sincere gesture of repentance.
From a spiritual, Christian perspective, this is how community is built, preserved, and strengthened. It cannot be accomplished by ignoring past wrongs or, maybe worse, by trying to distance ourselves from those wrongs. In attempting to distance we inadvertently communicate that the atrocities simply weren’t important. At the core, distancing dehumanizes the descendants of those who were harmed. Distancing from, instead of embracing, the faults of our ancestors always creates the thought that the harm could occur again. Maybe the atrocities wouldn’t be to the same extreme, maybe not in the same overt manner, but in subtle ways which reinforce the “formerly” oppressed group’s fears and distrust of the dominant culture.
I strongly believe, through my understanding of biblical forgiveness and repentance, our government needs to pass a resolution that admits to the atrocities, oppression and theft as it pertains to African-Americans and First Nations’ people. I fully realize that it would probably be most effective if driven through the leadership of a white president, but I also believe that if significant white leaders in the business and political realms brought this forward it would be received appropriately by the groups most adversely affected by my nation’s systematic, deliberate sin. The sin of treating others, created in the image of God, as less than human. It could, quite literally, change the course of history for America. It could truly render us the “United” States of America.
May the God of all people by glorified……….

The Gift of God called Grace

2009-09-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

I was sitting, reading and contemplating the life I am allowed to live. There isn't anything I could ask for that would enhance what I all ready have and have experienced. It made me start to think about the incredible gift of God called "grace." It is such an intangible representation of God's character. Yet, it has such tangible results in our daily lives. It occurred to me that God's grace is really administered from two perspectives.
The first perspective would be what I would call "in order for."
The second perspective would be what I would call "because/need."
The grace of God existed before sin, before any of our creation. God's grace was on display as He majestically, artistically, in the finest detail and with perfect precision, made all we know and are still in the process of discovering. In the depths of our oceans and to the far reaches of space we continue to find the grace of God.
His grace, as it manifests as "in order for" keeps the universe functioning after creation. Gravity, planetary and moon orbits, star placement, even light are in place to maintain life on this planet. Ecosystems are by the grace of God. They are in place "in order for" life to be maintained. Thus, environmental awareness and conservation are theologically sound exercises of our faith in fulfilling God's grace in granting us dominion over His Creation.
His grace, operating in the form of "in order for" will eventually bring a stop to the pain and suffering of this world. But before that gets expanded upon let's look at God's grace in from the perspective of "because/need."
In the beginning God's grace was in place to sustain all He created (and is still operating as such) and was especially rendered for the specifically unique centerpiece of His Creation, the human race. The only part of creation created in His Image. Unlike the rest of creation this work of art would be able to react, think through, and respond to a relationship with the Creator. Unlike the rest of created beings on earth the human race would not be driven primarily by instinct. The human race was given the gift of being rational, emotive, analytical beings who could weigh circumstances and freely choose. The were given the right to make decisions. "Right" and "wrong" would be allowed to be evaluated. Like their Creator they could be righteous. Or, they could make the decision to be completely unlike their Creator. They were allowed to make decisions based on their own desires, not those of others. They (we) chose the later.
Since that infamous day in human history, this poor choice has been repeated everyday by virtually every human being on the planet. Our "self" is the ruler of the gift of free will. So grace took on its other form, it became the grace of "because/need."
BECAUSE we have decided to continue with the choice to live our way we NEED a means by which to be restored to the grace of "in order for."
So Christ took up human life and lived it according to the original plan. He would make all His decisions based on our Creator's will and on behalf of others. His "self" did not influence his decisions. He did this because of our need. He gave up everything in order for those who accept, can re-enter a daily relationship with the Creator. We re-enter the eternal relationship as we walk, breath, and occupy the portion of time granted to us. Eternity is not something we wait for, it is something granted the moment we say "yes" to following Jesus' Ways.
The original form of God's grace, giving us choice, giving us the means to be sustained, is reintroduced to us because of our need. Ironically, the form of grace of God referred to as "in order for" is now operating through those who realign to Christ. In order for others to know God, in order for us to grow and more closely resemble Christ, in order for us to live the abundant, full lives brought to us through Christ, God's Spirit is released into our lives. The Spirit guides, convicts, rebukes, and illuminates in order for our transformation to continue as we utilize our free will to honor our Creator and others.
That is the ultimate role of grace, to bring glory and honor to the Wonderful Creator. What He has so graciously provided for our benefit shows brightly into the lives of those yet to know Him.
So the question must be asked, "Are you allowing God's grace, in either form, to change the direction of your life and allowing your life to reflect into the lives of those around you?" Truly, this is our best offering of worship to our Creator, the willingness to focus all our life toward God. That embracing of grace has a draw that no mortal can withstand.
As always, may you discover and embrace the life Jesus has made possible for you.

A Pastor's Prayer

2009-07-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

For almost three years I have struggled in the place I have been placed by God. This is the prayer that seemed to simply pour out of me in order to be what I am supposed to be in God's plan. I submit this with the hopes to encourage all who may struggle in their faith. And I am so grateful for a congregation that loves me.

"Father the prayer of your son comes to you now. Your Son's sacrifice is all that I have, yet it is also all that I need to be your son. while I am not allowed to take your grace as a cheap overture, but to soberly remember it was a priceless, sacrificial grace given to me, I am grateful you are not focused on my imperfections, but the possibility of what Your Son's Perfection can accomplish in me and through me.
Father, I have slipped in my confidence. Not in your provisions, but in my confidence to lead your people. I have discounted my value, my influence on people, and for that I seek your forgiveness. You chose me, equipped me and and abundantly provided for me in leading your people.
Lord God of Moses I have behaved like this great patriarch in arguing with you about my abilities. I am foolish! It isn't my abilities that put me in this position. It was your Sovereign Hand which placed me at CCC and developed HCCD. It is your Hand which will deliver victory in the ministry you created.
Lord, bless me with your power & wisdom and give me your heart for people. My heart must be in love with our people as well as with you. I love you. I love most of your people and I love those who don't know you. Father, I need to love everyone. God said to Moses, as Moses argued about his assignment, "Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf & mute? Who gives them sight and makes them blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go, I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Ex. 4:12)
I am behaving like your servant Moses when he was chosen by you. Father, despite this you used Him in a powerful way. There would be other confrontations, yet you stayed with him.
Father, I ask for your mercy. Help me Father not to use that power to do things my way, but to always stay patient with your people. father, i do not wish to be insolent or to ask for more than is due me, but may Your ministry prosper under the time I am in leadership. Father, as it prospers in numerical growth, spiritual growth, and influential growth, may Joshuas be raised up. Joshuas which run CCC ministries, HCCD ministries, CCC itself and aother ministries throughout Your Kingdom.
Father, i know i need to guard my heart, but Lord I desire this for your glory and not my prestige.
Father, as your performed miracles to Pharoah may you do the same through me. Lord, I know it won't be me, but you that is moving powerfully through your servant. Help me to NEVER lose sight of that fact.
Lord, if it pleases you, if this is truly your plan in CCC, HCCD and the Kingdom at large, use me to draw people to you. Lord, I pray that it is in large numbers. I pray for the unsaved to discover you through Your children's care and ministry. I pray for your wayward children to find an assembly they feel welcomed in and encourages them to live out their faith in a genuine, bold way.
I also pray for leadership provisions from two perspectives. The first Father is that I would do and allow what is necessary to insure that leadership development is part and parcel to the CCC & HCCD ministry. Secondly, godly "transfers" that unify the Kingdom would come and help us.
Lord, without any doubt I believe you have placed us at 4710 N. Polk Ave. the work You have designed is to be taught and transferred to other minstry sites.
Lord you know the needs for running ministry today and you can and will provide should our faith, humbleness and obedience seek to be good representations of Your Son. May that be so in CCC & HCCD. Prosper us Father so we may care for the poor, the broken-hearted, the alien in our land.
Father, if I may ask, and I know it must be in your will to be answered, could you move in these matters staring today? May I ask that growth begins this Sunday (the 26th)? Please return your people and I ask that our "current people" whould embrace our "future people." Truly, may we be one as You and Your Son are One. I pray this in the glory and honor of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

It is early after this prayer was read to the CCC congregation and I have important steps to take to insure I do not stand in the way of the movement of God, but the Spirit of God is working in a profound way. If you pray, pray that I would do what I should as someone appointed by God to my position.
If you need to know God, respond to this message and I will be glad to speak or write to you about life with this Incredible God.

Christianity without a cause

2009-07-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

In Elton Trueblood's, The Company of the Committed, Samuel Taylor Coleridge is quoted. Coleridge said, "He, who begins by loving Christianity better than Truth, will proceed by loving his own Sect or Church better than Christianity, and end in loving himself better than all."
A little later in the book Trueblood writes, "...labor union members often think that they have found a cause of their won which makes the Christian cause unnecessary." This book was published in 1961 and there a plenty of "prophetic" statements made by Trueblood which have, unfortunately, come to pass. While Trueblood may not have been writing to "foretell" he was certainly writing as a means to provide a corrective to the church universal. Unfortunately, much of what he wrote is still, largely, not being applied.
Back to the two quotes at the beginning of this dialogue.
Both statements help to point out the probelm of the christian church, whether evangelical or mainline or catholic, whether "conservative" or "liberal," our agendas tend to replace Truth, and we love our causes, thus ourselves, more than the truth.
Let me apply this to the "conservative" side, often referred to as the evangelical side, and the issue of global warning. So many of the political "right" and evangelicals are in bed together so they share ideologies which includes the notion that there isn't global warming. Now I am not here to argue this issue at all, for me this issue is irrelevant to the purpose of this writing.
The issue is that Truth is being ignored in order for the "cause" to be perpetuated. The cause being that we should continue to consume and live as if we cannot affect/effect our environment and that stewardship of resources somehow doesn't apply to this issue.
Of first note, often pushed forward by Limbaugh and Hannity, is that we should continue to consume because we can and because we are American. Since they believe that global warming is a hoax (again not here to argue that issue) we shouldn't make correctives in our materialistic/consumeristic society.
For the believers of Truth, the global warming issue (again, regardless of factuality or not) is an excellent time to teach about the proper stewardship of the earth's resources, conservation of those resources, and learning to live life with less consumption.
The argument that we can't hurt this hurt is ludicrous in a spiritual sense as well as in historical realities. We are commanded to steward, in part, because of our human nature to abuse, serve ourselves, and ignore others.
Historically, we have witnesses the devastation wrought on our environments due to strip mining, deforestation, and even nuclear mishaps. We can bring plenty of harm to this world we have been created to live in and ordered to care for.
An important step for the church to reclaiming relevancy in society would be to establish leadership in biblical stewardship and care for this planet's resources and encourage our children to pursue the sciences, through a biblical worldview, which would help humanity discover ways to develop cleaner, more efficient uses of energy, while the church teaches strongly the Truth about stewardship/conservation being part and parcel to the transformed life given to us through Christ.
I doubt Christ would have been "green." But I'm certain he would have minimized His consumption and sought the most efficient means to live in this society. That seems quite apparent when He walked this earth. SUV's are not from the devil, but thinking that it is a "right" to purchase one just because we can does come from evil.

Christian Social Action

2009-07-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago I "tweeted" that christian Social Action requires standing against injustice, dignity driven compassion, and the willingness to use wealth for the benefit of community.

To do so is to live out a rather inconvenient faith. Each of these issues carries with it a significant costs. Costs that can be difficult to overcome and "investments" which may not show a "benefit" in the course of our lifetimes.

Injustice is something we tend to overlook or ignore in our American culture. There are still many who believe that our bigotry and prejudices no longer exist and if people would just "try harder" they would succeed. These same people think that everyone is on an even footing, that we all have the same opportunities and that the "rules of the game" are equally applied to all participants. Unfortunately, injustice can be found quite easily if we just would take a serious look at our surrounding communities. If one looks, with the intent to find, slum lords will be found, unequal access to quality education will be discovered, farm workers living in conditions worse than inner city slums, and much more. It is the responsibility of those who claim to follow Jesus to not only be the voice, but to take the necessary actions to irradicate these issues not only in our own society, but in other areas of the world as well.

Dignity driven compassion goes far beyond charity and service opportunties. Dignity driven compassion requires substantial efforts in developing relationships with those in need. Dignity drvien compassion addresses tomorrow, as well as today. It requires the one who can provide for needs to become involved in the day to day living of the one who has needs. It requires involvement with the person to be more important than the service itself. While the service required cannot be neglected, it is simply the means to the more important requirement on a believers life, is to use the service as the means to build relationships and let the person in need know they belong to a community that cares. Dignity driven compassion insures that the person understands that they are not a "project" to be completed, but the invaluable tool of God to teach people with means to see beyond themselves.

A willingness to use wealth for the benefit of the community is a fundamental reason for God allowing a person to have wealth in the first place. Our hard work doesn't mean we deserve wealth. Millions, if not billions, of people work extraordinarily hard and never have the "hope" of being wealthy. Wealth is something God grants, even to those who don't believe in His provisions. For the believer, wealth should not be equated as a "reward" from God for some kind of good behavior. Wealth should be considered in line with our talents and abilities. It is simply a resource meant to be used to show others the Loving God. Bigger houses, expensive cars, expensive clothing etc. are not how the wealth of believers is to be spent. Instead, better housing for the poor, better access to transportation, creating opportunities for those who might not afford clothing being able to earn clothes, or food, or quality used items is how God expects the wealth He grants to be used. Wealth is supposed to benefit the whole community of the individual, not just the individual. Whether the wealth has been given to an individual person, a family, or even a church body, it is meant to be used to leverage good in the community. Anything less than this is unacceptable to the Lord.

While you may have not responded to Christ because you haven't seen the above take place, please understand many believers, throughout the world, do live under these principles, and they do so gladly. Please also understand that should you make the decision to follow Christ that this requirement will also be on your life. It is a truly great way to live.

Grieving in Fathering

2009-06-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

I as wrote a couple of days ago, there is much I have learned about God's character through being allowed the honor, privilege and responsibility of being a father. As any parent knows there will be seasons when fathering (parenting) can be very difficult.
One of those seasons has "sprung up" in my fathering. The pain of a child estranging themselves from the family is painful. I doubt that I fully grasp the circumstances and I also know that dark secrets are part of the issue that has developed.
As I contemplate what I must deal with I realize that the Father has dealt with my own "secrets" and blatant disregard for His will and desires for my life. Of course, His will and desires and completely righteous. While I would like my will and desires for my children to be the same I still wrestle with my own self-will.
God has never abandoned me. He still guided me while I thought my "secrets" were hidden, even from Him. Natural consequences did take place and I will have to be willing to allow the same thing for one of my children. I can't rescue, funny how God doesn't jrescue either until we call. That is what I what to prepare my heart for, being ready to rescue as soon as the call comes. I do hope the call comes sooner than later. I pray for my child and I hope it closely resembles the thoughts of God as He has dealt with me. I pray that the reconciliation and restoration of my son to myself and the family resembles how God has always done that for me in my relationship with Him. If you see my son, tell him I love him.

Grateful to be a Father

2009-06-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

I've not written in almost three weeks so today seems appropriate to get back into the groove. I'm contemplating the improbable blessing I have received in being a father. Few people deserve this less than myself, yet the Lord of my life has granted me the incredible privilege, blessing and responsibility to be the father of four of God's people made in His image.
Fatherhood has really helped me to better understand the character of God. When my first son was born I was about just of two years into my faith in Christ. I still struggled with the concept of unconditional love (I'm sure that isn't uncommon) mainly because I didn't seem to possess the capacity for giving the same type of love. Yet, the moment they put my newborn son in my arms I felt overwhelming love for this little person who could offer me nothing. Well, that is not completely true. He could give me poop, pee, and puke. He had nothing of value to offer me, yet I loved him completely.
When I think about it, I often haven't offered God much more than what my oldest could offer me in his infancy. Yet, despite this, God does love me unconditionally. He does not call me to perform and I don't have to beg for His attention. He is giving Himself completely to me and as I grow and mature my relationship deepens with Him.
That is the route my relationship with my children is like. Unlike God I come up short in my fathering. Yet, with God's grace, my efforts to love, to support, to encourage, and to simply be there, seem to overcome the shortcomings. Additionally, my love requires that I discipline, even punish, but also teach and train (sometimes to their chagrin) and I am starting to observe them seeking my advice and weighing it (this is still work in progress!).
God is also like this. While He remains our Lord, He desires (for us) a relationship in which there can be open communication. In that process we grow in our appreciation of Him and He returns blessing to our lives.
Another thing I've learned is that I must love each of my children equally, but I must love them differently. Whether you look at it through the lens of "love languages" or just the fact they have different personalities I have had to learn to "love" them according to how they receive love. They all have very different talents, interestes, and personalities and I have to take care to value those differences and not "cookie cutter" my fathering. I need to tailor my love to special design
God has used for each of them.
Isn't that what God does for us? He does treat us each differently, but never at the compromise of His character. He also has a desire to fulfill our passions, as long as they will not compromise our character! Isn't this what parenting is all about?
I am so grateful to be a Father. Not just because of the great kids I've been allowed to father, but because it has taught me more about God than anything else except God's Word. In fact, I think God has used fathering to be the application of His Word.
I hope you will seek out my Father. You will find constant wonderment in His love for you.

The Unimaginable

2009-06-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

Fourteen years ago, tomorrow, I was terminated from a the ministry I was allowed to lead. It was an extremely difficult situation, but I wouldn't call it "devastating." It certainly shook me and I seriously questioned myself. After all, I was fired from being a youth pastor. Two perspectives, and some very faithful friends and my wife, kept me upright and continuing the course I am still pursuing.
Once perspective was simply this, God is in charge. My situation didn't surprise Him and He had certainly carried people through much worse situations. While I couldn't fathom what post youth ministry would look like I was certain He would lead me if I would follow.
The second perspective was this, what I was doing in ministry was right. It was biblical. It was the way ministry should be done. That doesn't mean I was doing everything correctly, it just means that the ministry philosophy, the theological moorings, were sound.
To this day I am so grateful for Jim Westgate, Jim Hutton, Jan Van Oosten, Francis and Mike Ribera, Kurt Gregory and Robin, and most importantly, my wife Lisa for believing in me. Their prayers, their friendship, their love, and their confidence in me held me accountable and motivated me to continue on the journey I still travel, and will continue to travel.
Bad circumstances cause most people to develop tunnel vision. Sometimes that is very good because it serves as the means to get out of the mess. My focus wasn't on the termination but making the situation that was being given to me work out well. I say "me" very loosely, it was the people already mentioned and the power of the Holy Spirit working through me. I hope that most of the time I was a willing servant in the process.
This Saturday, virtually marking the 14th anniversary of that firing, I am being granted a doctorate in the very ministry which seemed to contribute to my termination back then.
That is "The Unimaginable" situations God brings about for those who will strive to follow Him. We don't have to do it perfectly, I sure haven't. But He has this incredible capacity for grace and mercy to overcome those shortcomings and magnify the issues of obedience.
I never even considered, or dreamed, or imagined that this could be happening for me. Yet, with God being God, He had it figured out all along the way.
I am humbled and grateful to be counted as one of His. I hope if you are struggling right now, this could provide you the door to the peace that transcends all understanding. God is there with you. Just follow Him.

9/11 Manipulation

2009-05-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

Recently, former Vice President Dick Cheney issued a type of rebuttal speech to President Obama's speech. In Cheney's speech he chose to invoke the memory of 9/11 at the beginning and at the end of his discourse. While it was a rather shrewd means by which to touch people emotionally, he did it in a way to manipulate people so they would not investigate what he said in the middle.
I am not going to debate the merits of either speech, both are obviously quite intelligent and adapt at communicating a message, both in words and vision. But I do want to address the issue of 9/11 and its use in manipulating our society.
For those who "say" they want to follow Christ, we are seriously shortchanging our faith, if not blatantly diregarding it, when we don't evaluate the situation (or any other) from a biblical worldview.
ALL situations in life fall under the perspective of the commandments of Christ (reiterating the teachings of the whole of Scripture. A horrendous event took place in Sept of 2001. It was the type of event which occurs quite regularly in other places in the world, but because it happened in America it was a bigger deal. Which will bring about some points to ponder a little later in this discourse.
In all situations, we are to insure we are LOVING God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This commandment is a command to grasp unto the sovereignty of God in all situations. We are to submit all that is part of our lives to His Lordship. The question, "Why did He allow this to happen to us?" is impertinent, even obstinate, unless the question is asked as a legitimate means of introspection to our culture and political processes and lead us to an honest evaluation of the breakdown of our moral standing in the world's eyes. I would challenge you to think about that issue.
In the 2001 event we are also told to "love our neighbors as ourselves." We certainly "loved ourselves' in this event. We were heartbroken, sorrowful, and even showed a great capacity toward bravery, heroism, compassion and generosity. Afterall, innocent people had been killed in the name of a "holy war." As our political will turned on the power switch of our military and great deal of death and displacement has occurred to innocents in the dispicable name of "collateral damage." Are we, I'm talking to those who claim to follow Christ, if you are still mourning the 2001 event, are you also mourning for the mothers, fathers, and children who have lost their family members simply because they were in the wrong place when destruction was wrought? I would challenge you to think about that issue.
In the 2001 event we are also told "As I (Christ) have loved you, so you must love one another." While the American Church has been incredibly generous toward families suffering through the tragedy of that day in 2001, has there been any conscious effort to love our brothers and sisters in Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran who have suffered terribly during this time. Many refugees of fled Iraq into Syria and Jordan. Are we praying and thinking of ways to support our Palestinian brothers and sisters who practice their faith and suffer for it at the hands of Muslims and the Israeli's alike? What America experienced in a moment, it was is endured daily by our faithful (more?) family of God members in the world. I would challenge you to think about that issue.
Finally, as a believer seeking to evaluate our reaction to events in the world. In this case, an event which took place in 2001 in America. What have you done with the teaching of the One we say we follow, when He commanded us "Love your enemies and pray for thsoe who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." This command is given in the context of how to live out our faith with authenticity and as a means to "perfect' our faith. Of course, He who we follow, epitomizes this as he suffers for US while on the cross he says to the Father, on behalf of those killing Him, "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." This is where the issue of a "just war," torture, and a preemptive war on another country must be seriously evaluated in light of what we claim to believe. Scripture simply, not only doesn't support those concepts (a "just war" can only be led by God), it repudiates them by the strictest means possible. Christ commands us NOT to react the way others might. I would challenge you to think about that issue.
Finally, as a summation, if we truly demonstrated love to God in all our actions, truly loved our neighbors (remember this was illustrated in the Good Samaritan parable), love our brothers and sisters in Christ the way Christ loved us (this includes Arab Christians), and loved our enemies (the way Christ loved them), we would consider the event of 9/11 from a different perspective and all issues of our life from a different perspective. We would be living according to our faith. Our faith, now approaching an authentic, biblical faith, would change our lives and the lives around us. I would challenge you to think abou that issue.

The Generosity of God

2009-05-16T20:15:00.001-07:00

While I suppose writing these blogs seems to indicate that bloggers think they have something important to say there are times I just have to share the awe I have with the God of the Universe. I am marveling at His generosity. His willingness to reach all the people groups he created, despite their efforts to avoid Him, despite their efforts to create their own gods, despite their unbelief there actually is a God who created them.
I marvel at a God who sees beyond our gender, our age, our culture, our strengths and weaknesses, and even sees beyond our sin to that which could be if we would align ourselves to His way of living life. He has always been the God of the possible.
I marvel at a God who has very few "do nots" in His vocabulary but an enormous amount of "blessings if" and He wants to act on the positive.
I marvel at a God who can work through His people's obvious short comings and still bring daily benefits, as well as, eternal benefits, to those who will strive to know Him. He never quits on us, never writes us off, never stops loving us.
I cannot help be overwhelmed by the generosity of God. I hope you meet Him in your lifetime.

Temporal Needs are Spiritual needs

2009-05-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

It is sometimes frustrating, often times saddening, to hear a pastor ask what the spiritual value is of doing something that would meet the temporal needs of an individual. It is as if some types of "caring" are more spiritual than other forms of "caring." Even worse, some forms of "caring" aren't seen as spiritual at all. Maybe it would be good to take a good look at some of Jesus' last words as he hung on the cross and have our minds turned inside out as to what is "spiritual."
Those of us who believe Christ's claims about himself, understand that everything he did was based on obedience to the Father's will. Thus, everything he did or said had deep spiritual realities that we are supposed to replicate in our lives. To be a follower of Christ is to learn to live like Christ, take action like Christ, and to do it all with Christ's motivation.
So if we go to the cross, the story around the cross, we will find that there is no such thing as an unspiritual act of caring. The gospel recorded by John sets the irrefutable testimony that the meeting of temporal needs means we are also meeting spiritual needs.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, beaten, tortured, mocked, ridiculed, naked, and suffering the indignation of watching people gamble over his clothes he looks past his physical, emotional, and spiritual pain to provide a solution to his mother's temporal needs.
Mary's situation was dire. She is believed to be widowed, her oldest child hangs on a cross before her, and she is about to become destitute with virtually no means by which to care for herself. The cultural issues of her day ecplised any opportunities for her to provide for herself financially.
So Jesus looks at one of his disciples and tells the disciple to take care of Mary. Despite his own horrible circumstances, he sees outside of himself and reaches out to address the temporal need of Mary. He not only insured she had family, but that she would be provided for in a financial sense.
This is profound. Shortly after this incident Jesus would say, "It is finished." He confirms the faith of one of the robbers and then provides for the temporal need of a woman. Since everything Jesus did was spiritual, God oriented, then how can it be any less for those who claim to follow Jesus?
Any care that a believer offers in love of God and our neighbor creates a spiritual stirring in the arena which is unseen by our mortal eyes. This action by Christ teaches us to look beyond our own struggles and afflictions (unlike Jesus most of our issues have a self-infliction factor) and take care of the needs of our neighbor. Any act of love has a spiritual impact. It is time for the American church to realize this, en mass. Do the good we are supposed to do, allow the Spirit of God to work through that good. These should be the daily actions of the people who claim to follow Christ. Make it happen.

I'm going to stop being a "christian"

2009-05-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed how much baggage is attached with the word "christian?" The self proclaimed, and now dead, Moral Majority, attached itself not only to politics, but the ideology of a specific political party. The constant drumbeat created the perception that to be 'christian' is to be part of that particular party. Even worse, a perception within that group developed that one couldn't be 'christian' if not associated with that political party.
It became even more defined that one couldn't be 'christian' if one's stance on specific issues differed from the rest of them. Patriotism, which is often disguising nationalism, became associated with this type of 'christian." The issue of torture that I wrote about in my last entry is really motivating me in this direction. And for my part, I want no part of it any longer. I think I'll stop being 'christian.' Obviously, I mean that I will not associate myself to that which the term now defines.
Interestingly, the word christian is only used twice in Scripture. Once in Acts and in First Peter. the term 'believer' is used 19 times (I like this) and follower(s) is used 8 times. I like follower because it is associated always with Jesus. I really like the term "the Way" used five times in the book of Acts.
I think I will tell people from this day forward that I am a follower of the Way. It is Jesus that I am following. Enough said for the moment.

Evangelicals think torture is "ok"?

2009-04-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

It's hard to comprehend that any person who holds to the authority of the Bible could think that torture of any kind is a legitimate use of force. Yet, according to a Pew Research study evangelicals who attend church more than more than once a week, favor torture by over 50%! How can this possibly be?
Does the admonition of Micah to "act justly" and "love mercy", not to mention "walk humbly with your God" only apply when we are not threatened? The incredibly painful irony is that if the nation of the U.S. would operate this way in all arenas the hate that is directed toward this nation would never have developed.
It would not surprise me to find out that these same "christians" probably have a desire for the U.S. to be a "christian" nation. No wonder people despise Christians and consider the American church to be irrelevant (Check out The American Church in Crisis).
Torture is in no way compatible with the teaching of Jesus or the whole of Scripture. The argument that it is somehow legitimate because it saves lives is morally bankrupt, not to mention it is utterly unbiblical. The dignity of life is not protected by destroying the dignity of a single life.
True, we may have to suffer the loss of life due to another's evil decision, but it is not righteous to save lives by performing our own evil act. Righteousness is to be our pursuit in life. Striving for every action, word, and thought to honor God and demonstrate love for our neighbor. As Jesus said, "love our enemy."

Keeping our heads out of the sand!

2009-04-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

I love the words Jesus prayed when he said he wasn't asking for us to be taken out of this world! It is a great reminder that following Jesus doesn't protect from stuff when it hits the fan. We aren't protected from stench and there is a good chance we will have to bath regularly (think about the metaphor) if we are living our lives properly.
So often Christians either get into a "bunker mentality" or we simply bury our heads in the sand and ignorantly prayer for trouble to pass us by. As believers we are uniquely qualified and empowered to go after the problems of this world. If properly aligned in faith, devoted to God and our neighbors, our motives are always "other" oriented, which means we don't worry about the limelight, prestige, or fame. We concentrate on doing "right" for the sake of doing "right." In this process we experience that internal joy that defies the emotions normally expected in less than ideal circumstances.
If you are aware of a need, you are in the proximity of the need, you have a "job" to do! Pull your head out (of the sand), get out from behind the sand bags and tackle the problem. Get dirty, get smelly, it will lead to righteousness. God bless you.

New "normal"

2009-04-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

For the first time in three years I don't have the over arching, always in the back of my head, thoughts concerning my doctoral program. What a great adventure it has been, but I am looking forward to see what my new "normal" will look like. There is much to do in the area of community development in the Highway City area. Creativity, vision, imagination, boldness, and collaboration will be the only way to accomplish the work. Time for my brain to be rewired and refocused to this next phase.

2009-04-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

I am committed to the struggle to live according to Christ (Christian) in the urban environment (Urban) and to have a keen understanding of what I was and could be again, without Christ (Maggot). Worldwide there is a growing group of committed people learning to live, day to day, serving the needs and people of their communities.
I hope to communicate the necessity of the American church reaching back and understanding it has a unique role in serving the under served, under resourced, and the ignored. It is a mandate on us who claim to follow Christ to live like Christ, not just talk about Him.