What is a "work"?

There is nothing you can do to earn heaven. Heaven is not your wage for living a good life, even a moral life, even a perfect life (as if that could be attained).

You work 40 hours and in exchange for all those seconds of your life, away from your spouse, children, hobbies, etc. you earn a wage. You get paid to spend your few years of life doing something that someone else wants done.

Heaven. Eternity. They don't work like that.

Romans 3 tells us that we cannot "boast that we have done ANYTHING to be accepted by God..." There is no "work" that gains a relationship with God. None. Try all you like, it's not possible to earn your salvation. Give to the poor. Build orphanages in foreign countries. Build a million! It doesn't help you get closer to God. You cannot give, live, fight, talk or even welfare your way to God. He doesn't accept that exchange. You see, His gift of eternal life in Heaven is worth so much that NOTHING we can give or do could even come close to earning us Heaven.

What gets us the promise of eternal life? Faith. Our faith that Jesus sacrificed His life and shed His blood for us (Romans 3:25).

God makes people right with Himself only by faith... so:

1. Without faith there is no point in confessing Jesus as your Lord and Savior - so confession is NOT a work because it cannot earn you eternal life by itself.
2. Without faith there is no reason to repent of sin, since it only by faith that you realize what you've done IS sin and would try to not do it anymore - so repentance is NOT a work because it cannot earn you eternal life by itself.
3. Without faith there is no reason to be immersed because immersion (as Rom 6 clearly states) connects us with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and if you don't believe He sacrificed His life and shed His blood why would you do something that so clearly represents that sacrificial death and new life? - so baptism is NOT a work because it cannot earn you eternal life by itself.

Now, before you get angry, look at Romans 4:2,3 Abraham believed and it was credited to him as righteousness. It was not the good things he did that got him anywhere with God, but his faith. But does that mean that he stopped doing good? That he stopped obeying? That he stopped working out his salvation? NO! Abraham proved his faith by his actions, but his actions (work) did not EARN him eternal life.

Had Abraham said, "I believe" but I'm not going to obey, follow, speak on your behalf, do you think God would have still used him to become the father of many nations? Heck no!

So why do we think that our obedience in repentance, confession and baptism somehow minimize or take away from our faith? These acts PROVE our belief they do not take the place of it. And if they did... we would not be looking forward to Heaven.

Stepping off the soapbox now. My apologies for even getting up there... just in the mood I guess!

You're a Christian? So what.

Christians have been given lots of names over the years. Self-righteous. Hypocrite. Phony. Poser. And in reality I think we deserve them. Think about it for a minute... there's a reason the hour before church has been called the "unholy hour." Moms and Dads yelling at each other, at the kids, trying to get everybody out the door. I remember how careful I had to be as a child not to get my "church clothes" messed up before church. Church people worked so hard to look the right way and dress the right way and talk the right way, when they were at church. But come Monday you couldn't tell the difference between the people who went to church and the people who spent the weekend at the bar!

In Romans 2 Paul calls out the Christians who thought they were better than everybody else just because they believed in Jesus. He tells them that being born into a certain culture or family doesn't make you better than anybody else. Claiming the name Christian because you say you believe in Jesus doesn't make you a Christian any more than having the name Jesus makes you the Messiah!

In the end, it's not your church attendance, your outfit, making everyone think you have the perfect family for one hour on Sunday morning, or even calling yourself a Christian. What makes you special in God's sight is your actions. Look at Romans 2:6,7 "He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers."

I would rather see you fail and fall and get up seeking forgiveness. Then claim you never have to get up. Some even talk about they have failed - but then do everything they can to hide those same failures. My mom wrote just today in her post on Psalm 11 from God's perspective, "I do not demand a perfect life from you, but I do demand your allegiance and your efforts to draw near to me so that I can draw near to you." If God doesn't demand a perfect life - why fake it?

I believe what the world is desperately looking for is authenticity where Christianity is concerned. When I can be honest with people about my faults and failures and at the same time point them to my relationship with Jesus as the sustaining part of my life, even with my screw-ups, they begin to see God for who He really is. Not a dictator who demands perfection, but a Father who desires relationship.

See Corey. See Corey run. See Corey fall. See Corey's God help him up, brush off the dirt and encourage him run again.

simple faith

Do you know how I remember the name of the by who fell out of the third story window to his death while Paul preached on into the night? You'd-a-cussed too if you fell out a window. Eutychus, was his actual name and I'm inspired to simple faith today because of his sleepiness.

Fortunately this kind of thing (falling asleep in church) doesn't happen very often but this time it had a beneficial result.

Eutychus falls out of the window to his death (Acts 20). Paul goes downstairs to see him and picks him up in his arms and tells everyone, "don't worry, he's alive!" "Then they all went back up..." That's it. The young man dies. The Holy Spirit heals him through Paul and they all go back to what they were doing. Eating. Communion. More preaching.

What would it be like if the uncommon where so common that we expected it? The Bible says that God calls things that AREN'T as though they ARE. I think I'd like to try that. God is in the business of the uncommon. So I need to familiarize myself with that place - so I like being there and get used to the things I'm not used to.

Faith Works.

What is up with the thousands of "cleansing" adds on the Internet, coming to my email, on face book and every other social media site? I'm reminded of the "colon cleanse" phony commercials SNL used to show (back when it was good).

Their seems to be two steps to the CLEANSE. First you have to decide what you are doing to your body is not healthy and make a mental choice to make a change. Then you have to take the steps necessary to go through what will be a difficult and perhaps disgusting process. But when it's over - you are promised a new you! More vitality. Better health. Happier life... changed life.

The changed life is an amazing thing. Jarrod - the Subway guy knows. So do all those people who have made amazing transformations via programs like the Biggest Looser.

But there is nothing that compares with the life change that happens at the hands of the Holy Spirit. In fact, it's a lot like a cleanse program for the soul.

Paul saw it when he preached in Ephesus, the evidence of changed lives took two major forms.

1. Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices - When God gets a hold on someone the Holy Spirit works and one of His duties is to convict of sin. When that happens confession happens. The status-quo is no longer acceptable. Accountability is sought. Life changed.
2. Some brought their incantation books and burned them in a public fire - the text goes on to say this was upwards of several million dollars. Can you imagine?! Someone so convinced of their sin and God's desire for Holiness that they actually simply burn items they could have sold and got lots of money for!

I'm reminded of a statement John the Baptist I think made often. He told the people to "produce fruit in keeping with repentance." That's what the people of Ephesus did.

Life change begins on the inside as you accept the message - respond in faith and obedience to repent, confess Jesus as YOUR Savior and be immersed according to the Scriptures - but it doesn't end there. As the Holy Spirit works in your life you will have a great desire to toss aside the things that used to control you. the things that will once again drive a wedge between you and your God.

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance - with your new life! Confess your sin and Cleanse your life!

God's got a plan.

So, behind on my Bible reading - the website took more time than I'd like to tell you about - and I'm reading today in Acts 16.

Paul is talking with some Greeks and finds a interesting way to tell them about God. It seems they had a shrine/statue that they worshiped but it was called "an unknown god." They were so careful to not offend the "gods" that they worshiped one they didn't even have a name for (which is kind of silly since all the other names were made up anyway).

Paul tells them about their unknown god, of course, he tells them about the one and only God.

Anyway, Paul says some cool things about God's plans in the passage. Yes, God does have a plan. And he's got some points laid out on how to reach that plan.

God's plan: Get the nations to seek Me.

He is going to do that by helping them to "feel their way toward Him" that happens a number of ways. Let me use you as an example. Why is it that people have to make a conscious decision to be atheist? We are born with a knowledge that there is something beyond ourselves. There are things that have happened in your life (I'll bet) that you could not explain or don't know how/why they happened. These are ways that God helps us to "feel" our way toward Him. Look, we are all spiritually blind, like puppies, we root around and "feel" our way to what will sustain and nourish us.

Secondly God is going to make sure that He is found. Go back to the puppy picture. If momma doesn't come back, if she can't be found the puppies die, right? So, momma has to make sure that she can always be found when her puppies need her. God does the same with us. He is never far from us so that He can be found when we need Him.

And once we seek Him and find Him we realize that IN HIM we live and move and exist!

My prayer today is that:
In God, I live! I dwell. I'm at home. Comfortable in God, safe and secure.
In God I move! He gives me wings to fly and dreams to reach and plans to follow!
In God I exist! I am nothing without Him. Any good I have done - apart from Him is nothing. I find my reason for being in glorifying my Savior Jesus Christ and bringing honor, together with Him, to God our Father.

So today I must seek Him... and find Him...

Can there really be agreement?

I've been in church my whole life. Born and raised on the pews and in the classrooms and spanked, on a number of occasions, by God fearing spiritual giants (or at least they seemed that way to me!). The one thing I've learned over nearly 40 years in and around the ministry... you never have complete agreement. At least, I've never seen it.

Even if everybody believes something should be done everybody doesn't agree on WHAT should be done. Someone is always the winner and someone always the looser.

But in Acts 15:25 something miraculous, incredible, a sign, a wonder from God Himself happens! I read this morning the words, "they were in complete agreement." Wow! It was incredible! It can be done! There can be agreement! It is possible! (or at least it was possible.)

And in verse 28 of that same chapter the key to coming to agreement in the church is uncovered for the generations. Are you ready? Here it is:

"It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us."

The key to agreement. The formula for togetherness and cooperation! I am so happy! What? You don't see it?

In almost every decision that has ever been made that same line from verse 28 would be written this way, "it seemed good to me" and so I did it. We are so wired to get our way and fight for what we want that we often forget about the "us" and never even mention the Holy Spirit - what could He possible have to say anyway?! We don't consider the Holy Spirit (who speaks only what He hears from the Father) and so we take His place in the formula, It seemed good to us.

Look, the church is NOT a democracy it is a Theocracy - God rules, He placed Christ Jesus in charge as the Head of the church. So, what Jesus wants is all that matters. Nothing else. If it helps "us" do what He wants then it ought to be done as soon as possible. And what does Jesus want? The same thing His Father does and the Holy Spirit enables us to do - "everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9) which means He wants everyone to experience Life Change through Jesus!

That's what we're about! That's what we must rally around! That's our battle cry! Changed Lives! Can I get an Amen (which means "so be it" and is a statement of affirmation)? NO? let me guess, you don't agree.

A little Red Bull for your soul.

The commercial says Red Bull gives you wings... I've never had one but I seriously doubt it. But I get the metaphor - Red Bull is supposed to pick you up and get your motor going when you feel worn out.

Did you know that you can get spiritually worn out too? There are times when you're just going on auto-pilot and you really need a pick up! I discovered my today while reading in Acts 13.

So here's some Red Bull for your soul! in verse 41 (Paul quotes from Habakkuk 1:5) where God says, "I am doing something in your day, something you wouldn't believe even if you were told about it." That just stirred my spirit! I'm believing that God is going to do something here at Real Life that we wouldn't have believed if someone had told us about it. We're seeing the signs of what is to come already. Lives are being changed and God's Spirit is moving among us! Hasn't there been a "different" feeling in worship lately? I think God may be getting ready to blow the roof off this place for His Glory!

But it gets even better! If one can of Red Bull is good - two is better right? verse 38 - "through this man, Jesus, there is forgiveness of YOUR sins, everyone who believes in Him is DECLARED right with God!" Isn't that amazing?!

In this world of performance - you have to do right, look right, talk right, walk right, think right, and out do everyone else there is this truth... Through Jesus there is forgiveness of YOUR sins. You can have freedom. You can have peace. You can have real life. Because everyone who believes in Jesus has been DECLARED right with God. You didn't have to earn it. You didn't have to talk, look, dress, walk, work just right - God declared you right.

Wow! forgiveness and righteousness by Jesus from God. better than a Red Bull.

Better eyes.

It's Sunday morning. Early. Jesus was killed Friday evening and buried in the new tomb before the sun went down and the Sabbath officially began. Which was Saturday back then. The day after the Sabbath when work could once again be done Mary walks to the tomb.

Once Jesus was confirmed dead the religious leaders went to Pilate and asked that a seal and detachment of guards be placed at the tomb to keep the disciples from taking Jesus body from the grave and claiming He had risen. After all, He said that if you destroy this temple I'll rebuild it in three days. They got the point - that He was talking about Himself.

So Mary gets near the tomb and sees that the stone has been rolled away and she runs and finds Peter and John (he's the one who reaches the tomb first) and tells them, "they have taken the Lord." Interesting isn't it. The religious leaders protect the tomb because they think the disciples will try to steal the body of Jesus (they obviously don't believe He will actually rise because they "know" he's not the Messiah). And then Mary blames the religious leaders for stealing Jesus' body (obviously she didn't get the memo that He was going to come back to life).

Curious situation. Both sides, good and bad if you want to call it that, blaming the other for something that Jesus told them was gonna happen.

Do you ever rush to judgment? Yea, me too. But often I find that if I would have been listening to God in the first place I'd know what was going on. I think I'll try to do more listening and less judgment jumping so that when I discover that God has done something incredible I'll be like, "yep. I know that was going to happen." Here's to spiritual eyes and a better rememberer.

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Scars that change our lives...

Working on this Sunday's message and I'm thinking about Scars, emotional/spiritual cuts that God has been healing, and how some of them actually lead to life change. This Sunday we'll talk a little about One of Trevor's scars. When he was about 2 years old Andi and I were getting around on Sunday morning for church when we heard Trevor screaming. We ran into the living room to find him standing next to the ironing board, HOLDING THE IRON! He was screaming because it was on and he was burning his right hand, the hand holding the hot part! For several weeks he couldn't close his hand because of the huge blister that covered his whole palm and went up to the first knuckle on each finger. Bad. I don't think Trevor ever reached for an iron again. And I sure know that he has absolutely no desire to pick one up even today! Sometimes the scars we receive in life actually teach us a lesson. Keep us from doing things that will hurt us.

The Bible says that God disciplines His children so they grow. So we learn a lesson. So we become more like His Son, Jesus. The scar from our sin then, actually acts like a string tied on our finger, to remind us of the pain committing that sin will bring. And sometimes, through the scars we receive in life, God actually reveals His grace, mercy and love to us. So that in that scar we might see Him - instead of the sin that cut us so deeply.

Instead of hating your scars why not let your scars be a warning and a light to others. A warning so they might not make the same mistakes and a light by which they might see the grace of God and experience the forgiveness of sin.

What should I expect? Nothing.

In the church we often talk about those great passages that make people WANT to give and tithe. You know, ones like, give and it will be given back - pressed down, shaken together and overflowing will be poured into your lap. for with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. I hear guys, like that one down in TX (and lots of others - especially on tv), who seem to be saying that if you give your life to Christ and if you give your money to the church then God will take care of you and you'll get everything you always wanted - new cars, jobs, homes, better family, etc.

But today I wondered whatever happened to the widow?

In verse 4 Jesus praises her in front of the disciples and other for "putting in all she had to live on." But what happens next?! If you believe some - she must have went home and discovered that she had the winning lottery ticket! Or maybe she got a promotion at the Jordan River Laundry so she made more and was given an assistant to carry her load to the river. We desperately want to believe that God must have done something incredible in her life because all we hear is that if we are faithful and give to God what is God He takes responsibility for providing, the new Wii, new car, new 52" flat panel television (you can send it to me!).

But here's the reality. There's no more to that story. Jesus doesn't chase her down and miraculously give her a pile of money. He just recognizes her sacrifice. And He allows it to be a sacrifice. You see, if you and I give to God so that we can "see what He might do to give back to us" then we're wrong. I'm gonna go way out on a spiritual limb here and say that some people who get back so much are not getting that from God. But Satan is keeping them tied to a "give/get" spiritual relationship and that is unBiblical.

My wife and I tithe because we believe we've been asked to in Scripture. It's not our money, that first 10% belongs to God we have no right to spend it. So, with bills in hand and no food on the table (a little exaggeration for effect) we put that check in at church. And God doesn't run to thank us. He doesn't pour out on us great financial blessings. Because we're only giving what we've been told to give. What isn't ours in the first place. If I give back to you something you gave me first should I expect a "thank you"? No. I should be thanking you! That's what we're doing financially. We're saying, "thank You Father for providing for us already." The truth is... He doesn't have to.

Unworthy... undeserved.

This chapter of Luke just cuts me down every time I read it. I don't know about you, but I'm guessing if your a believer in Jesus and have been for awhile you get to feeling like I do, that God owes you. You know how it goes. God, I gave my tithe now where's my blessing? Pressed down, shaken together and running over... my lap is still empty. God, I went to church every Sunday last month, where's my blessing? God, I helped that person on the side of the road. Why is MY car now broken down?! Come on, you know you've griped at God for not "giving you your due!" Surely I'm not the only one!

But in this chapter two events/comments just sucker punch me right in the gut and I get to feeling really guilty.

The first one comes in verse 10 when Jesus points out that the servant is the servant - not the master. He says, "when you obey me you should say, 'we are unworthy servants. We have only done our duty.'" Wow. All the whining and griping I do when God doesn't bless me... I'm just a servant. I'm only doing what I have been told to do. I'm nothing special. But WAIT! I get up and preach and tell people about Jesus! just a servant. But I teach a Sunday school class or lead a Bible study! Just a servant. But I come and clean the church and volunteer my time! Just a servant.

We get to looking so much like the 9 guys in verses 15-18 who Jesus heals and they run off like they deserved it! Like, just because they were Jewish God owed them this healing! Only the foreigner comes back to thank Jesus.

I don't want to expect God to bless me just for doing what He's called me to do. Father, forgive me, for I... well, I'm stupid and greedy and sometimes serve you for only what I can get out of it. But I don't want to. Thank You for Your blessings - each one special and undeserved.

I'm a little excited - but reality is closing in.

It's hard for me to concentrate when I'm excited about something. That really stinks cause I get excited about a LOT of things; a date with my wife (happening tomorrow), a new toy, an exciting scheduled event... the list could go on. Right now though I'm excited because I just approved our very first television commercial for Real Life Christian Church (you can check us out at www.reallifecc.us) and it is set to begin airing on Monday March 1st, (my wife's birthday!).

But as the story in Luke 16 goes, Abraham says the rich man’s family won't believe, "even if someone is raised from the dead." Well, a thirty second spot on a few channels is not nearly as cool as a dead guy walking around but the truth translates. For most people the commercial will go in one ear and out the other. It will not be effective because they've heard it before.

We made our spot as fun and energetic as possibly could to fit the style and feel of real life - but in the end these spots are running only in the hope that someone, anyone, will be moved by the Spirit to check out Real Life, and if they do, we may be able to tell them about Jesus in a way they might understand and then, Jesus can change their life.

My prayer is that someone will be open. Someone will be interested. Someone will give it a try. And someone will come to Jesus as I do and be saved.

The difference between me and God.

Okay, so the titles a little misleading, like there is only ONE difference between God and me. Actually, I can't begin to count the differences. But I'm focused on one today.

Let's just pretend the story of the prodigal son is my son and I'll highlight some things that would happen (brutally honest time here).
1. Son comes and asks for inheritance - I would tell him, "there ain't none" and send him on his way.
2. While my son was gone I would probably think of all the things he had ever done wrong and replay them in my mind. That way I would stay mad at him for leaving and make it "his fault" thereby freeing myself from any guilt.
3. When my son came back home I would probably hurry and make myself look busy so he didn't think that I had been waiting - even if I had.
4. I would begin a large lecture that would probably make us late for dinner for no matter how hungry he was - he would have to listen to me first.
5. There probably would not be a feast and I would probably point out how my other children hadn't left or done anything so stupid in all their whole life.
6. I'd finally put my arm around him and say something like, "even though you blew it and it was stupid of you to leave and you had to suffer and it was your own fault... I'm glad to have you back."

So, complete opposite of what God would do. Scratch that. What God DOES do every day to me and probably to you too.

The truth is I'm the prodigal. I'm the one who wants to try it on my own. I'm the one that doesn't think God is big enough. I'm the one who runs away. I'm the one who needs someone to take me back. I'm hungry. I'm naked. I'm sick. I'm broke. I'm stupid. I'm not worthy... except that HE makes me worthy. He clothes. Feeds. Heals. Protects. Restores. Runs to meet me. Serves the meal. and after all that is done He's the one that comforts the others too.

Why can't I be more like my Heavenly Father? Why can't I swallow my pride. Why can't I forgive. Why can't I seek out restoration and healing? Why can't I be more like Him?

I suppose, to answer my own question, I'm NOT God. Nowhere near. So, I'll continue to accept my Father's graciousness and maybe someday I'll be at least a dim reflection of the Man/Father He is.

Do we take God too lightly?

So I was preparing for the Monday evening Bible Survey class when I came across this passage in the book of Leviticus.

Then the Lord said to Aaron, "You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the tent of meeting, or you will die... You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean..."

This conversation between God and Aaron happened right after Aaron watched his two sons die when fire came from the "presence of the Lord" and killed them (read about it in Lev 10:1-11). Moses' response to this was incredible, "This is what the Lord spoke of when He said, 'Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.'"

I think sometimes, perhaps because we don't see people get consumed by fire anymore, we get a little apathetic to our relationship with God. The fact is, God is Holy. There is none like Him and no one has the "right" to stand before our Holy God.

I think a good dose of distinguishing between the clean and unclean, the holy and unholy would do us good. When was the last time you thought, "I'm going to church tomorrow, I should prepare myself for what God will say to me?" I try (try) to keep a very low profile on Saturday nights so that I can mentally and spiritually prepare for Sunday morning and preaching from God's Word.

I just wonder what would happen if we all began to prepare on Saturday for what God would do on Sunday? For instance, you could cut out drinking alcohol on Saturday night - just because you're preparing yourself for Sunday. You could watch your language closer - just because you're gonna worship in the morning. You could spend some time reading your Bible or turn the TV off and talk to the family or just sit and think about the week because tomorrow you're gonna be in the presence of a Holy God.

What concerns you the most?

We, okay, I get bogged down with lots of stuff. This has to be done and that has to be done and when will I get that other thing taken care of.

Sometimes I just need to be reminded that there is only thing I need to be truly concerned about. It's not my house, or my bills, or even this Sunday's message. It's Jesus. If I could figure out that the only thing that is truly worthy of my time and effort was Jesus, all that other stuff would probably fall into place.

But it's difficult isn't it, to make Jesus a priority. I mean, if He were sitting with me here in the office I would put everything else aside and just talk to Him. But He's not, physically. So I get caught up in all the other stuff that is present physically and competing for my time.

So I read the Bible, which helps me pray and try to see with new eyes what Jesus wants to reveal to me today. Jesus, help me to make you a bigger... no, my only priority.

How quickly we forget

My kids can forget stuff in an instant. "When you're done with that, go clean your room" I say. An hour later, "why didn't you clean your room?" "I forgot" comes the reply. But I guess I can't get too upset with them (I can but it doesn't sound very nice for this post!) because forgetfulness is one of my spiritual gifts!

Do you have this problem? God does something great for you or through you and its wonderful and you are so excited that He came through for you... then the next time you need something you worry and fret and fear grips you. You forgot about His faithfulness. You forgot about His ability to handle any situation. You forgot He loves you.

Luke 9 starts out with Jesus sending out the disciples who in verse 6 are preaching the good news and "healing the sick." but only 7 short verses later, in front of Jesus, they are totally clueless! Jesus tells them to feed the crowd and they are like, "uh... how are we gonna do that it would take a lot of money and a long time to walk to a village that probably wouldn't have enough food for this many people, and...and... but... and." You get the idea.

They forgot that Jesus gave them the power. They forgot that they had the ability. They forgot that when Jesus asks you to do something He provides a way to do it too. They forgot. And you and I do the same thing. God, help me to remember. To draw a line in the sand and say this is where it happened. To build a spiritual monument to the incredible things You've done in my life so that I don't forget. So that I trust. So that I'm ready.

Do we speak the right language?

I was skyping today with our missionaries in Koper, Slovenia. I asked them what the hardest thing had been so far planting a church where none exists. They said it was the language barrier. They are hitting the language classes really hard but they still only speak at a Kindergarten level. In fact, Tina said she spoke really broken Slovene... "go. market. now." It's hard to share your faith in a way that could spark life change when the people can't understand what you're saying. If the message of Jesus is lost in translation life change is impossible.

I think Christians in the U.S. have the same language barrier. For years the church has spoken Christianese and then wondered why the non-christian world didn't understand what we were saying. We essentially said, "you learn our language so you can come to our church." Then we griped about how non-Christan's stayed non-Christians and didn't connect with church (and more importantly with Jesus).

I think, as Christians we ought to learn the language of those we are trying to reach with the life saving message of Jesus Christ. That way, we can communicate in a way that they understand, that they connect with, that they get. And once they get what we're saying they can get what we're offering - life change through Jesus Christ.

So let's bridge the language barrier and bring about life change!

What's my job?

This morning I'm working on the script for a commercial Real Life will start running in the next 30 days or so. I'm very intimidated by it. I have one 30 second shot to create a desire in the person sitting on their couch to give church... and Jesus a try. I don't want to blow it. I'm very excited by this opportunity though too. I have one shot to inject a little truth, a little Jesus into someone's life that may result in catastrophic life change. Incredible.

Zechariah reminded me what my job is this morning, whether it be in writing a commercial for television or writing this entry or a blog post... my job is to tell people how to find salvation through Jesus (forgiveness of sins only comes through him) and I’m also to give light to those who sit in darkness and guide them to the path of peace!

Wow! Isn't that a great job! In everything I do, write or speak I should be about those things! And you should too!

Your job isn't just to teach - it's to shed light into the darkness! Your job isn't just to fit pipe - it's to tell people there is hope through Jesus! Your job isn't just to answer phones, or watch someone else’s' child - it's to help people, young and old find the path of peace! That's an incredible job and way cooler than anything else!

I want to make this my prayer for my children, my wife, myself and Real Life church - that we would be people who tell others how to find salvation through Jesus and shed His light into the darkness and hopelessness of their lives helping them to find the path of peace. That's our job. To make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Am I the one?

Just struck this morning with a line in Mark 14:19. Jesus has just told the disciples eating the Last Supper with Him that, "one of you will betray me." And "greatly distressed" they each asked Him, "Am I the one?"

Strange. Don't you think they would know? Judas had already agreed to betray Jesus - he certainly knew! But the other 11 all asked (surely Judas did too so he wouldn't stand out) "Am I the one?"

Jesus knows everything before it happens. He knows what I'm going to end up doing today when I don't even know EXACTLY what is going to happen today. And when Jesus is teaching the disciples to pray He says, "lead us not into temptation - but deliver us from evil." Those are forward thinking statements, future tense.

I think, as strange as it seems, this needs to be a question for me everyday. Lord, today, Am I the one who will betray your trust? Today, am I the one who will bring shame on the Name of Christ? Today am I the one who will cause someone to think, "that's why I'm not a christian" ?

Because today, I want to be the one who points someone to Christ. I want to be the one who affirms the faith to others. Today, I want to be the one who stands up for Christ.

Today, Lord - let me be the one who does the right thing, and not the other one.

Daily Bible Reading - Feb 1, 2010 - Mark 8

Have you ever tried to tell God He was wrong? Doesn't work very well does it?

Peter tried to tell Jesus that He wouldn't or shouldn't die. That was the wrong thing to say! Jesus knew what had to happen to fulfill the will of God for the salvation of the world. And Peter, seeing things from a human point of view, didn't want to see his mentor, his Savior die. Even though it meant salvation for Peter and for all of us.

But Jesus then talks about being selfish. I guess Peter was being selfish because he wanted Jesus to stay with him longer. Jesus puts an end to that feeling and then tells everybody not be selfish, but instead to take up their cross daily and follow.

That's a hard thing to do. Whether you believe it or not we are selfish. Even if we finally decide on the unselfish thing to do, we first think about how it will affect us.

I was selfish the other day when I drove past a guy in the Wal-Mart parking lot holding a sign saying he needed gas to get somewhere. I headed home, then turned around and went back to help him. By the time I got there someone else had stopped and given him some money and he was leaving (I watched him go to the gas station by the way). But I felt bad because my first instinct was focused on myself.

The church often gets this way too. We think first about what would make us (who are already here, serving, sweating, giving) feel better. More comfortable. More relaxed. More at "church." But Jesus told us to take up our cross daily (even Sunday) and follow Him. So we should be thinking about what will make others feel more comfortable. Relaxed. Better. And, we should be willing to use what God has given us to meet the needs of others, that's why we have NA meetings here and provide them with heat and light and a place to meet. Because we want to see lives changed. turned around. And if we can help someone get and stay clean - their life is on a path to change.

So, roll your sleeves up, pick up that cross and let's get moving!

Daily Bible Reading - Jan 29, 2010 - Mark 5

Okay, at the risk of offending some of my Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ... well, what the heck, you know me already!

I have always envied priests and others who have that nifty little cross thing they do with their hands when they pray, bless someone, or in the movies, cast out demons, curse, whatever... I believe it represents Father, Son and Holy Spirit and is in the form of a cross - I get the symbolism.

But in the independent Christian Church we don't have anything like that... and I don't want to look like a copy-cat. I've tried a few different things but they all looked more like Elaine when she dances (Seinfeld) than a holy action that inspired faith and trust.

Then I read about Jesus going into the home of Jairus. He doesn't cross himself. He doesn't utter some Lord of the Rings style long forgotten ancient language of the Elves. He simply says, Little girl, get up. That's it. Nothing crazy or strange or even incredibly spiritual, just, get up. He probably had said that a hundred times to other people, he said it three times to the apostles the night he was betrayed! Get up. But this time, it was a miracle. I guess there's hope for us non-holy-action folks after all.

The power of God is in the Word of God, not the hands of men. (and you can quote me!)

Daily Bible Reading - Jan 28,2010 - Mark 4

This last story in Mark 4 always seemed weird to me. I get that Jesus has power over the wind and waves but it always seemed a bit odd.

Did you ever know anything before you supposed to know it? Like, you got to peek at the cast list for play before it was posted to everybody else. When you know the outcome the storm isn't much cause for alarm is it. All your friends are running around worried and excited and freaked out; did I get the part I wanted, what if I have to kiss so-and-so... but you are one cool cucumber. You know the truth. You know what's going to happen before it does.

I think that is why Jesus could sleep and why he gets a little frustrated with these "friends" of his. Hey guys, you're with the creator/sustainer of the universe. You are supposed to know the truth! Why let a little storm throw you off and get you all worried?!

The next time you face a storm in your life maybe you could take Jesus example and rest in the truth that no matter what, he's got this, (I know George Lopez thinks he does...) But there is nothing He can't handle (Jesus, not George). There is nothing YOU can't handle through Him. So, rest well my friend... rest well.

Daily Bible Reading - Jan 27, 2010 - Mark 3

In the movie Chicken Little the little chicken gets hit in the head with what everyone else believes is an acorn and from that point on (until he gets to be the hero in the end) everybody assumes he's a nut (pun intended!).

Sometimes one single act can haunt us and define us for life.

In pretty much every list of the Apostles Judas is listed with something like this tag (the one who betrayed him). Judas had a miss. He missed the truth of who Jesus was. He missed the reality of forgiveness. He missed the freedom of faith in the Son of God. Because of that miss he made a choice that would follow him far beyond his own life.

So, in the words of Dwight K. Schrute, "before I do anything I think, would an idiot do this? and if they would I do not do that thing."

I don't want to MISS anything.

Daily Bible Reading - January 26, 2010 - Mark 2

In the last story of this chapter Jesus has to point out to the religious leaders that the Sabbath (Saturday) existed for the benefit of the people - the people did not exist solely to obey/worship the Sabbath. He uses King David as an example of this and how David and his men were not punished by God for eating bread that was used in ceremonial worship in the temple.

I wonder if we in the church may have gotten it backward too? So many Christians believe that you have to act a certain way, talk a certain way, dress a certain way in order to be welcomed, accepted in church.

Do we as people exist for the church? Do we exist solely to benefit "the church:" fill a spot on a pew or provide income or play an instrument or clean a toilet? Or does the church exist for our benefit?

I think the church exists to connect the unconnected. To guide the lost. To welcome the unwelcomed. To provide opportunities for the willing. The Church exists to gather the scattered. To unify the differing under the cause of Christ. To explain the unknown and clarify the confusing. To partner instead of patronize. To love the unlovely and care for the needy. The church exists to provide a place where the people of Christ can learn how to act like Christ, think like Christ and be motivated to live like Christ so that they are always looking out for those who don't know Christ so they too might put their hope in Christ.

We connect with people in order to connect people to Christ. The Church exists for us... and more specifically "them."

Desert or ancient lake?

I'm watching a show on the History Channel about scientists who believe that the Sahara desert was once full of "mega" lakes. They discovered this via satellite images and followed it up when they discovered shells from fresh water lakes. Now they say that every 20,000 years the Sahara floods. And it goes on and on.

I'm not sure about all that but, if the entire earth was covered with water when it began to subside water would pool in every low lying place and for awhile, even deserts would be full of water and you'd find animal bones, etc. So, is it easier to believe that 90,000 - millions of years ago deserts were once huge lakes? Or that a world wide catastrophe, like a flood with hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. deposited water in places where it didn't exist before and wouldn't exist after.

My opinion is that science, without philosophy, only points to what the Bible already says. It is when Science tries to "theologize" it's findings that you get to the point where anything can happen given millions and billions of years - even rocks turning into monkey's turning into people.

Huh. Interesting.

Daily Bible Reading - January 23, 2010 - Matthew 25

This whole chapter is a warning to believers. Be on your guard! Watch out that you don't become lazy and forget to take God with you wherever you go. Don't help others only if it appears they will also be able to help you. Share your faith - this will be your only opportunity.

God expects us to invest in others what He has given to us. Our talents, our abilities, our wealth, our possessions. What He has blessed us with He expects a return on, for the Kingdom. He also wants us to be kind to people, not just the people who can bless us. The folks in this passage asked, "when did we see YOU... and not help?" We are to help those who can't offer us anything in return and then we are "doing it as unto the Lord."

So, I want to watch my life and conduct when others are around and when I am by myself. I want to help those in need no matter what their situation or ability to repay me. I want to use what God has given me, financially, spiritually, emotionally, physically, to provide a return on His investment in me.

Bottom line, I want to be more like Christ. Who was the same everyday and forever. Who was always "about His Father's business" Who helped those that no one else cared about. Who gave His Father a great return on His life by paying the sin price for everyone else. I want to be more like that.

Daily Bible Reading - January 21, 2010 - Matthew 24

We cannot begin to understand just how deeply this statement of Jesus' must have moved the disciples. Let me tell you why.

When the Temple was built under King David's son Solomon, it was built to be THE most magnificent structure in the entire world. Imagine building a HOUSE for God. It was incredible! Nearly everything (walls and doors) overlaid with solid gold. When the light would hit the walls of the Temple of God they came alive - it must have been breathtaking! The angels that had been hammered into the gold must have looked like they were singing and dancing on the walls of this incredible structure.

To suggest that the most well known and beautiful structure of it's day (actually is supposed to be the most beautiful structure ever built) that was the place where God Himself chose to dwell would be destroyed was unheard of and, as we say, "them's fighting words!"

But it reinforces something to me that we must always remember. If God was willing to see His own Temple be destroyed it must mean that He is not nearly as caught up in buildings as we are. And it reminds me that this building we have, and any place we might call home in the future, is just a building - a stone. The stones may be put together well, they may have cost us dearly, but it's still just stone.

The Bible says that we (you and me) like stones are being built by God through the Holy Spirit, into a spiritual house. One that will not ever be destroyed. So, whether we meet here or not. Whether the building meets our needs or not. Whether we've put lots of money into or not. It's not the thing that will last. It's not what makes a church the house of God. You and I - we are the church. The building is just a garage, it stores what's most important - but it's not important by itself.

Daily Bible Reading - January 20, 2010 - Matthew 23

Wow. Every time I read this passage it just puts me in a very somber mood. I guess because the religious leaders and Pharisees Jesus is talking to in this chapter are my ancient counterparts; Men who taught others how to live, according to God's Word.

But they seem to have gone a little overboard. Jesus does tell the disciples and others to "listen to them and do what they say" but also not to live like them because their speech and their lives didn't say the same thing.

I wonder if my life and speech speak the same thing to others. I don't want to make Real Life in Christ any more or less difficult than the Bible says it is. Where the Bible speaks to a subject I want to speak as the Bible does and when the Bible is silent about a subject then I need to shut-up about it. But I know too many who are quick to throw in extra stuff. Too many churches that create more hoops to jump through. The Bible says in order for someone to have real life in Christ they must believe, repent, confess the Name of Jesus and be baptized. Nothing more, nothing less. It doesn't matter what clothes you wear. Where you're from. How you talk. Or what your parents did.

Coming to Christ is easy - there's a reason for that. I don't want to add anything to it. God help me NEVER to be like those whitewashed tombs. May my conduct and speech sing in unison.

Daily Bible Reading - January 19, 2010 - Matthew 22

Some people say that I look a lot like my father. I guess what they mean by that is that I have a fairly large nose, a small chin (the reason for the goatee) and a low hairline. I share some of his features. But beyond that, not as many similarities as far as I'm concerned. My Dad has always loved people - I sometimes struggle with that. My Dad is always nice, always kind. I have never heard him say a harsh word to anyone... unlike me. So, if you like me, you'll probably love my Dad. He's me - only better.

Jesus said the coins, in this exchange with the Pharisees, bore the image of Caesar and so they belonged to Caesar. They were the currency of the day for the people, but they carried Caesar’s inscription, they bore his image - therefore they belonged to him.

You and I are to bear the image of Jesus, not in the way we look, but in the way we act. Others are supposed to be able to see a clear picture of Jesus in us. We then become the currency through which lives are purchased by Jesus. we should be able to say, if you like me, you'll love my Father! He's me, only way, WAY better.

What's $$ got to do with it?

Last week while working on the message for Sunday, something so elemental, so basic, so... duh, came so clear to me. I am reminded of Paul telling the church, "by this time you ought to be teaching, but you still need to be taught the basic truths of of the Bible."

Everything is God's. And I know that I am expected, as a believer, to give back to God a portion of what He has given me; great or small, 10% belongs to Him.

But I was reminded Sunday that it's not because He needs it, it's because money means life to us today. Without money we can't buy, food, heat, electric, etc. So, money is life. And that's what God wants, our lives. If we still used shells (like some ancient cultures), or pelts, or gold, grain or animals, to support our lives, then God would ask for 10% of that. Every god asks for something, only God wants to help us trust Him more by what He asks for.

Money is not money when given to God, it's trust. I trust God with my life - so I give Him a little portion of my income to prove it.

Daily Bible Reading - January 18, 2010 - Matthew 21

What would your list prove?

If all the information someone had to determine whether or not you were a believer in Jesus was a list of your actions, what would they determine?

Sometimes we as Christians think that our speech or church attendance ought to be enough. But this parable shows us that God is more interested in how we live then in what we say. The Religious leaders of Jesus day got it backwards. They said all the right things, but did all the wrong things... or at least didn't do the right things. Jesus was more concerned with action. The "sinners" and tax collectors believed and acted on that belief, the religious thought they had it all together and didn't respond, to their downfall.

If someone had only a list of your actions over the next 6 days, would they be able to tell whether or not you would be in church on the 7th day? The Scriptures say, "let your light shine before men that they may see your GOOD works and glorify your Father in Heaven." Are your actions having that result?

Glad the answer to this question has changed...

Daily Bible reading, January 16, 2010 - Matthew 19

This young man asks a very important question for his time. Let me explain. Before the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus all humanity was under the Law. The Law consisted of the 10 commands given to Moses and then there were something like 300 other laws dealing with cleanliness, sins of commission and omission (what you DO and Don't Do, respectively) and laws about the tabernacle, etc. The way it worked was this. You had to obey the law. If you obey the law you're okay before God. If you disobey or break the law you were not okay before God. The catch is that the Bible says that if you break even one part of the law you're guilty of breaking it all! Couple that with the Romans passage that says "all have sinned" and you see the pickle. No one (except Jesus) was sinless. No one ever was able to keep the law - all the law. If you broke the law you missed perfection and that meant hell was your eternal destination.

So this guy is looking for an attaboy. He's obeyed the law (he thinks all of it) and thinks what he will be told he's got a pretty direct path to heaven.

But Jesus knew that after his resurrection humanity would not be under law but under the grace of God, expressed in the sacrifice of Christ. But the rule at that moment was the law and the young man knew it.

So the interaction lives in both the present and the future. Jesus doesn't humiliate him, but points out that spiritual perfection does not exist in just obeying every law, but in living according to the spirit of the Law. And everybody knew that the greatest command, the greatest law was to love God and then to love others. This young man had the law part down - but obviously didn't have the "care" part down. He loved God, he may not have loved others very much - certainly not enough to give his life for them, as Jesus was about to do.

I'm glad that the answer to this question has changed. What must I (and you) do to inherit eternal life? Believe in the one that He sent, Jesus. It's about who you are in Christ - not what you do in life.

Where is God's heart?

Daily Bible Reading - January 15, 2010 - Matthew 18

If you look at this chapter, beginning to end, as a whole thought you begin to see God's heart. He talks about little children and their faith and the punishment that waits for those who cause them to sin. He speaks of the lost sheep. Of correcting another believer and wraps up with how many times we should forgive and a big story about a guy who was willing to receive mercy but not show it.

I think it's pretty clear where God's heart is - it's with the other guy.

I know, I know, it's hard to swallow, but only because we are so used to being number one. Getting what’s ours. Being first in line. We always want to know, "where's mine?!" when someone has something good happen to them. If your spouse goes to lunch with somebody you think, "I want to go to lunch" - that's not fair. Ah, fairness. Everything is supposed to happen under the great umbrella of fairness.

Fairness doesn't exist. Fairness is based on horizontal reasoning. Everything has to be equal for fairness to work and it never is.

The reality is that this whole chapter is a focus, not on the Christian who is in right standing with God, but the person who has the short end of the spiritual stick.

Little children can be manipulated and they believe everything you tell them - their innocent and God wants to protect them.

The lost sheep is about the one who steps out of the fold and gets lost - and Jesus, the good shepherd - leaves the flock to fend for themselves while He looks for the one that is lost.

Even the bit about correcting a brother is a set up for the next passage where Jesus points out that each of us who have a relationship with the King have been forgiven a huge debt! But we often go to those who only have a relationship with us (if he had a relationship with the king he would have borrowed from him) and demand repayment! We don't show the same grace and mercy to others that we ourselves have received.

So, in every part of this chapter God's focus is on the least, the lost, the little and the limited. It doesn't mean He doesn't care for us or love us... HE DIED FOR US! But He wants EVERYONE to be saved and come to a knowledge of His Son Jesus Christ. So His focus, His heart is for those who have not yet experienced that relationship with the King where He forgives everything.

My relationship with the King, should be reflected in my dealings with His subjects. I should treat them, as I have been treated... because I was once the little child, the sheep that wandered away, the one who needed to be restored and the one who couldn't repay the debt.

I'm a lot like Peter... you'll see.

Bible reading for Thursday January 14 - Matthew 16, 17

I like Peter. He is capable of great spiritual understanding and two seconds later acts like he doesn't have a spiritual clue. He speaks profound truth and in the same breath utters the very heart of Satan. I like Peter because I'm a lot like him.

Peter speaks the great confession which we still use today, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. And then he seeks to keep Jesus from His appointed death (the only way that the sin price could be paid and salvation/heaven be offered), which is exactly what Satan wanted. Peter sees Jesus transfigured and meets Elijah and Moses, two of the greats! And then expects Jesus to pay a tax to His own Father, just so that he (Peter) doesn't look foolish.

I'm a lot like Peter. I am capable of seeing and explaining spiritual things that sometimes are beyond me. And then I can do something so stupid, so spiritually void you'd think I had no relationship with Jesus at all!

But I guess if God can choose and use Peter, with all his flaws, He can choose and use me. So I'll continue to do my best. When I succeed spiritually I'll give praise and thanks to God. And when I fail miserably I'll ask forgiveness. And one day, just like Peter, maybe I'll be blessed enough to do more right than wrong.

Here's hoping.

You'd think vision would be easy...

Trying to figure out what God wants to do with Real Life in 2010. Not as easy as it may seem. So I'm thinking in terms of the vision that He's given us, to create a place for people who don't have a place so that we can help every person possible find Real Life through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

We're not trying to reach the people who would fit in at the Baptist church, or Methodist, Presbyterian, AG or others that exist. No, we're trying to create a place where people who don't fit into those traditional venues for worship can get involved. And that's difficult.

It's not just thinking outside the box, as some have said. We have to pretend there is no "church" box. How did Jesus reach and teach? If He would have attended a church, what would it have looked like?

I'm thinking in 2010 there needs to be a greater emphasis on connecting with people outside our walls, video is a great way to do this. People around the world can watch online. Maybe podcasting the messages/worship? Getting on a local television station?

How can we help every person possible find Real Life through Jesus - the best way is for you to tell your friends, neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances, etc. There is a church where you can feel comfortable the minute you walk in. Where you can learn and grow in a way that is current - not 50 or 100 years old.

How do you think we can work to continue the vision in 2010? any ideas?

What Scripture do you cancel?

Bible reading for Wednesday Jan 13 - Matthew 15

The Pharisees in this passage cancelled God's command to honor your father and mother by claiming that you could instead, pledge your help and finances to God. So any help physically or financially that you would have given your parents as they got older would be instead re-directed to God. Silly. But that was there rule.

It occurs to me that we can be guilty of the same kind of thing. But instead of replacing God's Word we simply ignore it. We find a passage we don't like and say, well that doesn't matter. I once heard a well known female television preacher read the passage in 1 Corinthians that talks about women being silent in the church and not having a position of authority over a man, and then simply say, "well, I think you know how I feel about that." Everybody laughed and she went right on preaching. That's when I stopped listening to her.

Is there something in God's Word that you have decided to laugh off or "cancel" because you simply don't want to deal with it in your life? I am really trying this year to be a better father and husband - not easy. Seems like every day my lovely and very intuitive and spiritually in tune wife lets me in on another thing that I need to change/stop doing. Not fun for me. But, if it makes me a better husband, i.e. more like Christ. If it makes me a better dad, more like my heavenly Father. If it makes me a better minister, preacher, teacher, friend, then it's worth it to me.

The Scriptures are there to be a road map and guide for our lives. If we ignore even a portion of it, cancel it out because we don't want to deal with it - no matter how difficult it may be - we will not become fully-devoted, mature followers of Christ. We will be lacking something.

I want to deal with God's Word completely and honestly so that I am not found wanting. No cancelling the hard stuff.

growing up stinks sometimes

Having to take responsibility for stuff that is, and some stuff that isn't, our fault is difficult and painful. But, it helps us to learn to see the signals and hopefully avoid the same problems in the future. That's what my family is learning (mostly the children) today.

Lord, give us the grace to teach and the strength to be a living example of the lessons we expect our children to learn!

A little more Compassion.

Bible reading for Tuesday January 12th 2010 - Matthew 14

Jesus is amazing. In the beginning of chapter 14 his relative and the one who was "preparing the way for Him" is beheaded. This causes Jesus so much pain that He seeks to be by himself to mourn. He leaves the area by boat with the disciples to go to a remote place to pray and find some comfort from His Father no doubt. But when He gets to the place He's going to work out the emotional pain He feels there are all these people there waiting for Him!

Now, let's be honest. If you just lost someone, are you in the mood to care for, speak to, and encourage, or even heal a bunch of strangers?! Not me! I want to be alone! I want to be cared for - not have to do the caring!

But Jesus, instead of forcibly trying to meet His own emotional needs - meets the needs of others. Instead of caring for himself, he cares for those He's never met. Wow.

Compassion. It sees how you would normally feel or act or speak and moves you to do, feel or say the exact opposite. Compassion causes you to put the needs, concerns or feelings of others before your own. Compassion for the hurting. Compassion for the troubled. Compassion for the lost.

I want to be more compassionate. And I think that is what we need in the church too. Compassionate churches consider how the unchurched, presaved person would feel and then tailors their church to meet the needs of the people next door - not just the people in the next continent.

In 2010 Real Life needs to consider with more compassion the lost and hurting and helpless in our own community and then do the things on Sunday that would make that person feel comfortable so that they can have a place to go where they can be fed, encouraged, healed.

What can I do... what can we do as a church to show compassion to those we don't yet know? How can we connect with people so we can connect those people with Jesus?

Compassion doesn't just happen in other countries, it ought to happen every Sunday in every church as we welcome and build relationships with people we've never met, who need Jesus.

How are you doing?

Just thought I'd check in to see how you are all doing managing your spiritual terroir? Have you found opportunities to SOW yourself into Christ? To KNOW Him better and GROW in your love for Him and others? I hope so! Reading your bible, prayer, encouraging someone, giving of what you have been given, these are all ways to be sown into Christ every day. Here's to SOWING, KNOWING and GROWING in 2010!

What's your spiritual Terroir?

I learned a new word last week, watching a video about wine, how it's made and how we get all those different kinds. It was hosted by John Cleese (which is why I watched it!) and was pretty good for somebody who knows almost nothing about wine. But the greatest part was learning about this word, terroir (I pronounce it tear-o-wah).

Terroir has to do with the ecosystem and geography around a vineyard. Things like: how much sun the vineyard gets and how hot it is. Is the vineyard on a slope so the water runs off or is it in a valley so it soaks in? What other vegetation surrounds the vineyard? Basically you think about everything that might have an impact on the final product, the grape, and that becomes part of it's terroir.

In the video there was a eucalyptus tree planted adjacent to a particular Chardonnay vineyard and the claim was that you could actually taste a hint of eucalyptus in the wine produced from that vineyard. Pretty amazing when you consider a persons spiritual terroir.

What kinds of things have an impact on your spiritual life? Are you getting plenty of God's Word? Are you filling up in church, bible studies, etc? Are you surrounding yourself with believers who hold you accountable and challenge you in your walk? Or, are you surrounded by people and things that would have a negative impact on your fruit? Bad language, dirty television shows, what are you reading? Watching? Listening to? All of these have an affect on your spiritual terroir.

Everything soaks in. Everything eventually has either a positive or negative affect on the kind of fruit we produce as believers and people.

What is soaking in to your spiritual life? Why not take a Spiritual Terroir inventory right now and list the things going on in your life and how they may be affecting your walk. Then work to remove the harmful and reinforce the beneficial. Here's to having great Spiritual Terroir!

Listened to a great message this morning

I have been getting blog feeds from Mark Batterson (the batterson blog) for a year or so now.  I don't read them all (there's a ton!) but I read quite a few.  Mark is lead pastor at National Community Church in DC and has had incredible success starting churches in theaters.  In fact, if you want to check him out you can go to http://www.theaterchurch.com/ and poke around.

This morning I was watching the podcast of last weeks sermon, his first in a series called Primal - named after his latest book.  I don't have Any of his books yet, (in a hole with a lion on a snowing day, something about flying with geese and now Primal - you can send them to me via amazon if you like!) but I enjoy reading his blog.

In the video he talked about getting back to the heart of God for His church which is pretty simple.  The bottom line.  The big thing.  The core of Christianity.  The heart of the matter is that we LOVE God.  Jesus said the greatest command is that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.  I like that.  And that is what we have been talking about the last few weeks here at Real Life.  Now, not in those same words, but still.  If I give all I have to God - it's an act of love.  When I do something He would like, it's an act of love.  When I show up at church, tithe, say hello or help someone out of the snow as a Christian - it's an act of love.

Think I'll try and do a better job of loving God this year.  Want to join me?

Thanks for the encouragement.

This new year I have recommitted myself to being better. Better Dad. Better husband. Better pastor, planner, preacher.

This morning I was on my way to the office after dropping Trent off at school in Wichita and was praying. There are several things that are happening here at Real Life this year that mean change is necessary. So I was praying about those things, asking God to give me faith and wisdom that no matter what happens I would be dependant on Him. I have to admit that I'm a little scared, not sure what is going to happen financially this year, so I'm giving that to God (He can handle my questions and concernes).

Anyway, I come into the office today and have a visitor who is telling me how God has completely changed her life since she started coming to Real Life and putting God first. And now, the teacher becomes the student, as I listen to her talk about how God provides and how she believes this year God is going to do great things at and in and through us here at Real Life. So, I gave God a nod, said, "thanks for the encouragement." He knew that I needed some reassurance and He gave it.

bible reading for 2010

Hey friends, just signed up for the Outreach New Testament Bible reading plan on www.youversion.com. You can sign up too (free) and follow my reading and notes, if I post any! you can rss and get the daily reading emailed to you every day!

Let's get to know the Bible a little better this year together!

Up in smoke...

Quite literally that was the scene today. As I pulled up to the house the fire trucks were leaving. Strange. I thought the firemen were supposed to go "to" the flame instead of away. But as I talked to my friends the reality began to sink in. The house was a total loss so there was no point to try and save anything.

As we stood in the road and prayed together I said the one thing everybody always says. It seems so silly when everything you owned, every picture, piece of clothing, every piece of paper, child's Christmas ornament, everything that the world says "defines" us is gone. But, at least it's only stuff. Your lives are saved.

I suppose this is the best picture of our lives in Christ. We gather up so many things that can't withstand the flames, but that we believe make us who we are. Think about it. Our clothing defines our taste. We decorate our homes so it expresses our unique personality. Shoes. Pictures. Even our dishes have become extensions of our personality and so who we are is seen in what we have. But the Bible tells us that we should store up for ourselves things that moth and rust can not destroy and thieves not break in and steal. We are to store up "who we are" in heaven. By the things we do, think, say.

That way, if we loose all the stuff here we won't be forgotten, there. So, my prayers tonight are with my friends, strength, wisdom to know what to do, patience when the pressure is on, joy in the midst of the flames of fear and the unknown. Praying for you.

New Year...

Well, I started the new year asking the family what my problems are... yes, they had a loooong list. It was not easy to hear. But just like God gives us a second chance (over and over again) I'm hoping that I'll get a second chance at being a better dad and husband.

The pressures of life and providing for my family get overwhelming sometimes and that comes out in ways I don't like. I'm irritated more, short with the kids, little things seem like big things. You know, you may have been there too.

But I really want to be good at my parent and spouse roles so taking a listen once in awhile hurts, might make you cry, but in the end hopefully there is a new you for a new year.

I don't know if I'll improve or not - but I'll try and that will be an interesting part of the Real Life I have found in Jesus. It's not easy being like Him, but trying is the goal.

Happy New You (ME) New Year!

Money, money, money...

I have to admit that I like money. Somebody once said, "money doesn't buy happiness... but it sure helps!" For people like me without a bunch of money we think having money would be the end of all of all our problems. I suppose the truth (that I try to convince myself of often) is that people with money have a whole other set of problems I can't begin to understand.

I like money because it helps me do two things.
First, money helps me keep God first in my life. If it's true that where your treasure is your heart is then money helps my family keep our hearts deposited with God. Now, I don't always look forward to writing out my tithe check with eager anticipation... I am only human after all, but I do like seeing how much we've given at the end of the year. I do sometimes think of what I could have done with that money - but that just gives me the opportunity to remind myself that it's not mine to begin with.
Second, the money I give to God goes to meet the needs, pay the bills and do other cool stuff at the church I attend. Because I give (back to God what was His to begin with) the church can help people in need. Send money to help plant another church in Koper, Slovenia. Keep the building warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Provide lesson material, technology, replace damaged ceiling tiles, get new chairs, etc.

So, even though I wrestle with the desire to have more money, I'm glad what I do have meets my needs and helps God grow His church. Hopefully I'll be able to do even more in 2010!

Practice makes better.

My daughter is playing basketball for the first time in her life this season. She is in 8th grade and never played (outside of gym class) before. I grew up playing basketball but until she decided to play this year, none of my children followed me in that desire to play.
She has come a long way this season from the first day of practice. She didn't know positions, how to shoot, where to stand or what to do... seriously, it was bad at first. But she is now about the best defensive player on the team and has even scored in about three different games!

Today, during Christmas break, I took her to the Y to work with her one on one. She was not as excited as I was. I had her shoot around the paint, five made shots at each mark with left hand on the lowest hash on the left side. We worked on a little one-on-one offense/defense so she could see how to play it. Then we did lay up... that's when things began to fall apart.

She got very frustrated because she couldn't get the rhythm of a lay-up on either side. She held it together pretty well but was not happy.

Our little trip to the gym reminded me of the Christian life. There are some things that I do well. I'm pretty good in some areas of the faith offense, attacking Satan and recruiting for the team. I play my part and hopefully can be counted on to be in the right spot at the right time so my teammates can count on me. In defense there are some areas where I'm okay - defending against the attacks of Satan in some areas is easy.

But, in other areas I miss the basket. I play horrible defense. While I succeed in one area I struggle in another. But just like working with my daughter on the court I need to transfer some of that to the Christian life. The areas I don't do well need more attention and work while keeping up the other areas too.

This new year I'll continue to work on the total game, offense/defense and even sitting on the bench encouraging others. If I practice, work hard and listen to coach I'll continue to improve.

Christmas for a Crank...

This year has been a hard one for me to get into the Christmas spirit. Do I even know what the Christmas spirit is? Well, I'm not sure. And here's why:
If the Christmas spirit is giving then why do we have to ring bells to get people's attention and, I often feel guilty if I don't put something in ever single red kettle I come across. Why is giving so hard if it's the spirit of Christmas? Maybe it's because we want to give, but only to those we know or love... or, quite honestly, we give to those we know will give back. Ouch.
If the spirit of Christmas is about family, that can't be, families always seem to be stressed to the max this time of year. Mom and Dad arguing about Christmas money. Kid's so excited they end up fighting with each other constantly. There is so much "Christmas spirit" stress that Dads and Moms often end up worse off and even splitting up this time of year!
In reality the Christmas spirit seems to be more about getting than giving or family. And if I was honest, I fall into that trap all too often. But last night got me in the mood.

Last night we celebrated the birth of Jesus with our Real Life family at Christmas '09 and it was great! 90+ of our closest friends got together to "share" (that's a word for giving) their Christmas food creations with everyone and for the most part each family sat together at wonderfully decorated tables and we got to talk about the real Spirit of Christmas, the birth of a baby named Jesus who changed the world and would later change people, one at a time.

I may still get stressed about gift giving and not having enough... I may still witness (or be involved in) a family squabble. For for a couple hours last night it was Christmas. And I was in the spirit.

cleaning time...

well, Andi and Tristen are in Norman for the Revolve tour and me and the boys are home...cleaning. Well, I am anyway. I guess Trevor and TJ cleaned their rooms. And they've hauled away a few things I've asked them too, but that's about it.
I on the other hand have cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom. Cleaned the bookcase. Cleaned the laundry room. cleaned off the dinner table (you should have seen it!) and (breath here) I baked the Russian tea cakes for tomorrow's open house.

I still need to finish picking up the living room/dining room and clean the wood floors and carpet. And I was asked to coat the pretzel sticks with chocolate... I guess I'll do that last.

Cleaning is hard work! It's hard to keep my life clean too. Getting rid of the junk I don't need anymore is sometimes painful, but always better for me. Cleaning my language, attitude, thoughts is a good idea every once in awhile!

Here's to cleaning the house and the life!

uh... you still there?

well, it's been a loooooong time since I posted anything on here. I kind of feel like we were talking on the phone and then I set it down to do something and forgot to come back. And here you are, holding the phone to your ear, thinking with every noise that it's me again. Sorry.

Okay, so that was like TOTALLY vain!

Just finished reading some of the rss feeds I get from another pastor's blog and was encouraged to write something to you and even to begin the process of blogging every day (or close to it) again.

Christmas is coming and we've got our annual open house planned, only this year, Andi and Tristen are gone to the Revolve thing in Norman, OK. That means me and boys are left to clean and bake! We'll see how that goes. Anyway, Christmas always makes me a bit nervous... too many things I want to give the kids and wife and not enough money. You probably know what that's like too. But my issue is that I don't have enough to pay the bills and get much for Christmas. And I'm reminded today that there are those (many this year) who don't even have enough to pay the bills, you know, keep the heat on for Christmas. Boil some water for Christmas. They may have a tree but nothing but dust and air beneath it. I wish God would bless me enough so that I could make sure everyone had presents for their kids and their bills paid this Christmas.

That's my grown-up Christmas wish.