Ineloquent Anthem seems to go in seasons
and I am growing more ok with that
...
tis the season to take a break
see you in 2012
...
in the mean time - catch up with some oldies
Monday, December 19, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Merry Christmas (?)
it has subtly crept in, year after year
and I couldn't never quite put my finger on it
...
among Christians there seems to be a latent anger around Christmas time
and it is becoming palpable
...
their faces redden as 'Christ is taken out of Christmas' - like He is marginalized by semantics
they obnoxiously wish someone 'Merry Christmas' merely out of spite or to prove a point
...
are these the responses we are called to?
I too am saddened that more do not know my Jesus
but I am not overly surprised that Jesus is being removed by a culture than doesn't recognize Him from a time that has seemingly little to do with Him
...
so my fellow brothers and sisters...you love Jesus?
good
so show it
you want to celebrate Christmas?
good
do it in a way that honours your Lord
...
because quite honestly - you're not acting much like the One you say you celebrate if you are driven to anger and bitterness instead of grace and mercy
...
1st Peter talks about giving an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you have - and to do this with gentleness and respect
is the hope that you're showing calloused and jaded?
or are people even asking you?
...
and may Jesus shine in our hearts so brightly and His love so fully that we desire to serve those who may not acknowledge Christ yet, as we celebrate not just His birth - but His life, death and resurrection
and I couldn't never quite put my finger on it
...
among Christians there seems to be a latent anger around Christmas time
and it is becoming palpable
...
their faces redden as 'Christ is taken out of Christmas' - like He is marginalized by semantics
they obnoxiously wish someone 'Merry Christmas' merely out of spite or to prove a point
...
are these the responses we are called to?
I too am saddened that more do not know my Jesus
but I am not overly surprised that Jesus is being removed by a culture than doesn't recognize Him from a time that has seemingly little to do with Him
...
so my fellow brothers and sisters...you love Jesus?
good
so show it
you want to celebrate Christmas?
good
do it in a way that honours your Lord
...
because quite honestly - you're not acting much like the One you say you celebrate if you are driven to anger and bitterness instead of grace and mercy
...
1st Peter talks about giving an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you have - and to do this with gentleness and respect
is the hope that you're showing calloused and jaded?
or are people even asking you?
...
and may Jesus shine in our hearts so brightly and His love so fully that we desire to serve those who may not acknowledge Christ yet, as we celebrate not just His birth - but His life, death and resurrection
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
you're awkward
you are awkward - just face it
we all are to varying degrees at varying times
but don't allow awkwardness (or lack thereof) to be your guide
we skirt around so many important things in attempts to avoid those awkward moments
...
awkwardness is not necessarily an indication that something's wrong
it's merely an indication that you are surrounded by other encultured people, dictating what is and what is not awkward
...
may our lives transcend awkwardness as we love, inspire and serve
and embrace your inner awkwardness (own it)
we all are to varying degrees at varying times
but don't allow awkwardness (or lack thereof) to be your guide
we skirt around so many important things in attempts to avoid those awkward moments
...
awkwardness is not necessarily an indication that something's wrong
it's merely an indication that you are surrounded by other encultured people, dictating what is and what is not awkward
...
may our lives transcend awkwardness as we love, inspire and serve
and embrace your inner awkwardness (own it)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
dissonance
it's as if life has been in dissonance the past few years
undoubtedly right, yet with tension
...
the chords haven't changed but the sweeping melody is building
what once was discord is transitioning into a harmonious consonance
undoubtedly right, yet with tension
...
the chords haven't changed but the sweeping melody is building
what once was discord is transitioning into a harmonious consonance
your lights are on (?)
"if you drive a black cavalier with the licence plate,&%$023 - your lights are on"
as the words came from my mouth, the bad taste was already forming
is this really what we've become? simple purveyors of information?
...
where is the call for restoration?
the cries for healing and justice and mercy and forgiveness?
God, forgive our near-sightedness
...
"if you are alive and breathing, it's time to turn your light on!"
as the words came from my mouth, the bad taste was already forming
is this really what we've become? simple purveyors of information?
...
where is the call for restoration?
the cries for healing and justice and mercy and forgiveness?
God, forgive our near-sightedness
...
"if you are alive and breathing, it's time to turn your light on!"
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
walk on water
I want to walk on water
but this boat is so much safer
and there's this thing about drowning that sounds so unpleasant
but this boat is so much safer
and there's this thing about drowning that sounds so unpleasant
Monday, November 28, 2011
homeostasis
"the maintenance of equilibrium within a social group, person, etc."
we tend to revert back to what we know
whether good, bad or otherwise, we work to keep things the 'same'
I know this homeostatic effect
- it's comfortable
- it's predictable
- it's safe
(un)knowingly, I pursue this 'sameness'
as new variables are introduced, I adjust accordingly
anything to remain in control
...
but now I've named it - this tendency to revert back
let us not throw out the proverbial baby
however, let us not be afraid to drain the bathwater
...
because babies grow up
and maturity is the goal
and it's time to get out of the tub
...
are we merely homeostatic?
or are we willing for the sake of Christ to be uncomfortable, unpredictable and risky?
we tend to revert back to what we know
whether good, bad or otherwise, we work to keep things the 'same'
I know this homeostatic effect
- it's comfortable
- it's predictable
- it's safe
(un)knowingly, I pursue this 'sameness'
as new variables are introduced, I adjust accordingly
anything to remain in control
...
but now I've named it - this tendency to revert back
let us not throw out the proverbial baby
however, let us not be afraid to drain the bathwater
...
because babies grow up
and maturity is the goal
and it's time to get out of the tub
...
are we merely homeostatic?
or are we willing for the sake of Christ to be uncomfortable, unpredictable and risky?
Friday, November 25, 2011
what time is it? (guest post)
a guest post from one, Ryan Mulligan
Check what time it is. Right now look at the time on your computer, iphone, ipad, iclock and remember it.
Next, ask yourself how much you have. Have you been blessed this year? No doubt your answer will be based on the success of your schooling, career, relationships, sporting activities, family life and so on. Many of us would not measure our blessings on our opportunity to drink enough water, drink clean water, or not spend up to three hours a day fetching water to drink.
Are you female? If so, did you know that in most developing countries women are the ones responsible for gathering water for their families? Imagine the difficulties you would have attending school as a young girl if you spent up to three hours a day retrieving that water. Imagine if your school was not equipped with a bathroom separate from a boy’s bathroom. Imagine if you were required to stay home from school once a week, every month because there were no facilities to give you privacy.
Did you flush the toilet today? On average a toilet uses 1.6 liters of water or more for every flush. In Mozambique, the average person uses 1.3 liters of water per day. You would use that 1.3 liters for all sanitation, cooking, drinking and any other needs you may have.
Every day, 2 million tons of human waste is disposed in to waterways.
In developing countries 70 percent of industrial waste is dumped, untreated into waterways, where those women and girls we spoke of earlier, return it to their families to drink.
Now look at the time. How long did it take you to read this? After you’ve done your quick math think about this… every 20 seconds a child dies as a result of a water related illness. How many children have died in the time it took you to read this?
Are you outraged? Are you experiencing the same pain that God experiences every 20 seconds? This isn’t just about leaving the water running while you brush you teeth. This is the death of God’s created children that were made in the same image you were. I long for Christians to unite in their outrage and empathy. I say empathy because it demands action. Action at the injustices these numbers show. After all, our scripture demands it:
Matthew 25: 34-40
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
There is a worship song that has a line: “Break my heart for what breaks yours”
Look at the time again…
Monday, November 21, 2011
like a child (guest post)
a guest post from engineer-extraordinaire, Austin Rosom
“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven…”
Words like these resonate throughout the gospel as Jesus roamed, touching lives, loving, living..
So what stands out.. what stood differently among these children. Was it their age?
But with age comes more understanding of the gospel and ability to grow… right..?
So what was so different about these children. Was it how they lived? Children are
dependent on their parents to look after them and they are fairly simple in the way they live…
But is that where the difference stands out? Living simply…
As adults we like to make everything very complex and we look at everything much different than
a child would.
But with age comes more understanding of the gospel and ability to grow… right..?
So what was so different about these children. Was it how they lived? Children are
dependent on their parents to look after them and they are fairly simple in the way they live…
But is that where the difference stands out? Living simply…
As adults we like to make everything very complex and we look at everything much different than
a child would.
What sets them apart?
A few weeks ago I had the privilege of sitting down with a 2 year old named Ari, and throwing a ball against a wall. As
one would expect, every time we threw it, it came back. To me, this wasn’t incredible or amazing, it was just..
normal. But to Ari, this was spectacular. His face grew with joy every time that ball rolled back into his lap. For
a good… 20 minutes we threw this same ball against a wall. Still, every time in awe of this magnificent thing.
This got me thinking…
This joy that children have for simple things like balls bouncing off walls, is the same type of awe, and wonder when
they hear the story of Jesus. The awe I saw in Ari’s eyes… was just a small glimpse of that awe. To them, God isn’t normal, its something huge, that is incomprehensible. They do not contemplate theology, split themselves into
denominational groups, or even try to comprehend, that is too complex. When it comes to living, they live simply.
one would expect, every time we threw it, it came back. To me, this wasn’t incredible or amazing, it was just..
normal. But to Ari, this was spectacular. His face grew with joy every time that ball rolled back into his lap. For
a good… 20 minutes we threw this same ball against a wall. Still, every time in awe of this magnificent thing.
This got me thinking…
This joy that children have for simple things like balls bouncing off walls, is the same type of awe, and wonder when
they hear the story of Jesus. The awe I saw in Ari’s eyes… was just a small glimpse of that awe. To them, God isn’t normal, its something huge, that is incomprehensible. They do not contemplate theology, split themselves into
denominational groups, or even try to comprehend, that is too complex. When it comes to living, they live simply.
Do we get lost in details?
Do we find ourselves forgetting to stand in awe of God?
Jesus make me…. Like a child.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
living within the tension
I am being broken
yet being put back together
continually dying
yet being made alive
bringing the kingdom of heaven here and now
though realizing it can't be fully...yet
there is a tension
...
I want to fight it
I want it to go away
I want one or the other
and yet, there is an undeniable tension
I'm done fighting
I want it to stay
I want both/and
I must live within the tension
...
I see it all around
we run from it, swinging to one side or the other
but we find ourselves smack-dab in the middle of the tension
...and that's right where we need to be
how can it not drive us to Jesus?
how can it not drive us to humility?
...
and like a finely tuned instrument, may we make our song, living within the tension
yet being put back together
continually dying
yet being made alive
bringing the kingdom of heaven here and now
though realizing it can't be fully...yet
there is a tension
...
I want to fight it
I want it to go away
I want one or the other
and yet, there is an undeniable tension
I'm done fighting
I want it to stay
I want both/and
I must live within the tension
...
I see it all around
we run from it, swinging to one side or the other
but we find ourselves smack-dab in the middle of the tension
...and that's right where we need to be
how can it not drive us to Jesus?
how can it not drive us to humility?
...
and like a finely tuned instrument, may we make our song, living within the tension
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
and when you fall
we all fall down
it's inevitable - it's going to happen
but, as a good friend of mine pointed out:
- the question is, in which direction are we falling?
...
are we falling toward Jesus or away from Him?
in our falling, are we drawn back to Jesus in the light
or do we cower and crawl back into the darkness
in our falling, do we realize our desperate need for grace?
or do we resolve just to 'do better and try harder next time?
...
are you broken?
have you fallen?
- don't scurry back into the darkness
- but stand up humbly in the gracious light
we are dead to sin - but alive in Christ
it's inevitable - it's going to happen
but, as a good friend of mine pointed out:
- the question is, in which direction are we falling?
...
are we falling toward Jesus or away from Him?
in our falling, are we drawn back to Jesus in the light
or do we cower and crawl back into the darkness
in our falling, do we realize our desperate need for grace?
or do we resolve just to 'do better and try harder next time?
...
are you broken?
have you fallen?
- don't scurry back into the darkness
- but stand up humbly in the gracious light
we are dead to sin - but alive in Christ
Monday, November 7, 2011
come back
grace.
mercy.
forgiveness.
you have been offered them all freely
family.
love.
safety.
people have offered them to you because of what they have received
...
but you have turned them away
were you too scared of what it all meant?
have you been alone for so long that community disgusts?
...
there is still grace for you. mercy is yet extended. forgiveness continually offered.
what is family if they leave? what is love if not enduring? what is safety that harms?
...
come back my friend
mercy.
forgiveness.
you have been offered them all freely
family.
love.
safety.
people have offered them to you because of what they have received
...
but you have turned them away
were you too scared of what it all meant?
have you been alone for so long that community disgusts?
...
there is still grace for you. mercy is yet extended. forgiveness continually offered.
what is family if they leave? what is love if not enduring? what is safety that harms?
...
come back my friend
Friday, November 4, 2011
...but do we have a quorum?
ah...church politics
two words evoking so much emotion and opinion
...
the separation of church and common decency
...
ah...church membership
valid or invalid?
an out-of-date relic or missing vitality?
...
I read an article this morning from RELEVANT Magazine which was quite interesting - please read it
...
but answer me this:
- are you a member of a local church body?
- why or why not?
two words evoking so much emotion and opinion
...
the separation of church and common decency
...
ah...church membership
valid or invalid?
an out-of-date relic or missing vitality?
...
I read an article this morning from RELEVANT Magazine which was quite interesting - please read it
...
but answer me this:
- are you a member of a local church body?
- why or why not?
Thursday, November 3, 2011
tea is the catalyst for thoughts (a guest post)
another guest post by Nalanda Barber
Mayor of Casterbridge: possibly one of the most sobering books I’ve read in a while. Thomas Hardy can write tragedies, let me tell you.
And I say ‘sobering’ instead of ‘tragic’ because I felt the weight and sadness of the world, and of life itself, not of one man. Life is hard. It wrecks people. It ruins them, breaks them, steals from them, destroys them and eventually kills them.
Brutal.
So many things in philosophy bring me back to the Fall. Milton’s Paradise Lost will always have a special fondness to me – God used that, once, to restore to me faith I had lost sight of. Life and its brokenness makes sense because of Genesis 3. But God is good, and the Bible does not end in Genesis 3.
It ends in hope.
then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away
now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them
they will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God
the old order of things has passed away
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
I think it’s called Revelation for a reason.
Mayor of Casterbridge: possibly one of the most sobering books I’ve read in a while. Thomas Hardy can write tragedies, let me tell you.
And I say ‘sobering’ instead of ‘tragic’ because I felt the weight and sadness of the world, and of life itself, not of one man. Life is hard. It wrecks people. It ruins them, breaks them, steals from them, destroys them and eventually kills them.
Brutal.
So many things in philosophy bring me back to the Fall. Milton’s Paradise Lost will always have a special fondness to me – God used that, once, to restore to me faith I had lost sight of. Life and its brokenness makes sense because of Genesis 3. But God is good, and the Bible does not end in Genesis 3.
It ends in hope.
then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away
now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them
they will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God
the old order of things has passed away
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
I think it’s called Revelation for a reason.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
kudos (I see you)
a little encouragement for you today:
you love God deeply
you know God's love for you
you love people intentionally because of the love you have received
and I see you
you may think nobody knows and nobody cares - but you're wrong
you may never fully realize the implications of your service...and that's ok
God has chosen to work through you and He will reward you for your faithful obedience
is that enough for you?
don't give up
don't grow tired of doing good
delve further into faith - to the point where you NEED God
that person/ thing/ endeavour that you are feeling pulled towards - run to it
if this is where you're at - take courage, you are not alone
I know you do not serve for the kudos - but I'm giving them anyways
...
you are no longer a zombie and middle-management does not satisfy
you love God deeply
you know God's love for you
you love people intentionally because of the love you have received
and I see you
you may think nobody knows and nobody cares - but you're wrong
you may never fully realize the implications of your service...and that's ok
God has chosen to work through you and He will reward you for your faithful obedience
is that enough for you?
don't give up
don't grow tired of doing good
delve further into faith - to the point where you NEED God
that person/ thing/ endeavour that you are feeling pulled towards - run to it
if this is where you're at - take courage, you are not alone
I know you do not serve for the kudos - but I'm giving them anyways
...
you are no longer a zombie and middle-management does not satisfy
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
middle-management for life
middle management is the worst (if that's you - I'm sorry)
you've climbed the corporate ladder, you've put in your time
you probably have a decent desk and possibly an office
someone's always telling you what to do, though you rarely have the authority to actually do it
...
but there's something comfortable about the middle, isn't there?
- it's rather noncommittal
- you don't have to make big decisions
- you get to boss around other people, further down the ladder
- there's a sense of entitlement
- and so on
...
it seems that in our attempt to find this 'american dream,' we've actually bought into middle-managementChristianity Life:
- noncommittal, making few decisions, bossy, entitled and so on
...
but this is not what we are called to and definitely not what we should aspire to be
we are called to be janitors (with all due respect)
- cleaning toilets
- gathering garbage
- scrubbing floors
- humbling ourselves
Jesus is a servant, yet God
...
what is too beneath you?
- cuz there's some toilets needing some serious scrubbing in Jesus' name
...
may we take off our middle-management ties (pride), put on our work gloves (humility) and serve...because the secret is we're actually kings and queens in God's kingdom.
and get this...those we serve - they bear God's own image, deserving our utmost respect
you've climbed the corporate ladder, you've put in your time
you probably have a decent desk and possibly an office
someone's always telling you what to do, though you rarely have the authority to actually do it
...
but there's something comfortable about the middle, isn't there?
- it's rather noncommittal
- you don't have to make big decisions
- you get to boss around other people, further down the ladder
- there's a sense of entitlement
- and so on
...
it seems that in our attempt to find this 'american dream,' we've actually bought into middle-management
- noncommittal, making few decisions, bossy, entitled and so on
...
but this is not what we are called to and definitely not what we should aspire to be
we are called to be janitors (with all due respect)
- cleaning toilets
- gathering garbage
- scrubbing floors
- humbling ourselves
Jesus is a servant, yet God
...
what is too beneath you?
- cuz there's some toilets needing some serious scrubbing in Jesus' name
...
may we take off our middle-management ties (pride), put on our work gloves (humility) and serve...because the secret is we're actually kings and queens in God's kingdom.
and get this...those we serve - they bear God's own image, deserving our utmost respect
Monday, October 31, 2011
zombies everywhere!
this is not a halloween post - though it is October 31st
nor is this an anti-halloween post
...
but there are zombies everywhere!
...
as I sat and listened to him I found myself continually nodding my agreement
'how could he see in my head?'
...
there is obviously something going on here - something beneath the surface
these passions and dreams rolling around my head and heart resonating with what I'm hearing
...
there is something going on and I know it's not just with me
there is a stirring among the zombies
can you feel it too?
not just here
and not just there
...
in the midst of chaos and death - life is bursting
can you feel it too?
the wind is changing
...
many are scared
many retreat
but I have hope
those asleep are waking - no longer zombies
...
there is life - deep life
do you have it?
or are you still a zombie? wandering and devouring...
...
I'm not scared of zombies - for you see, I was one
nor is this an anti-halloween post
...
but there are zombies everywhere!
...
as I sat and listened to him I found myself continually nodding my agreement
'how could he see in my head?'
...
there is obviously something going on here - something beneath the surface
these passions and dreams rolling around my head and heart resonating with what I'm hearing
...
there is something going on and I know it's not just with me
there is a stirring among the zombies
can you feel it too?
not just here
and not just there
...
in the midst of chaos and death - life is bursting
can you feel it too?
the wind is changing
...
many are scared
many retreat
but I have hope
those asleep are waking - no longer zombies
...
there is life - deep life
do you have it?
or are you still a zombie? wandering and devouring...
...
I'm not scared of zombies - for you see, I was one
Thursday, October 27, 2011
the impact of being plateaued 2
I've had some time to cool down after losing the majority of the last post
I posted these, not because I wanted to 'call out' other pastors and leaders, but because they point out some of my own flaws and I bet I'm not the only one
honesty time (I hate this part):
1) I struggle to relinquish control
2) I sometimes am tempted to filter what God may be saying
3) I have perpetuated different classes of Christianity
4) I admit that it is entirely easier to know something as opposed to doing something
5) far too often I default to the 'church service' mentality compared to the 'church in service' mentality
6) I find myself more concerned about what other people think of me rather than what God thinks of me
...
but...
I do not share these because I like to injury myself publically
...
I recently apologized to my church body for not being the leader I should be...I have been lacking a deep, faith-filled following of Jesus
however...
these 'faith-less' days are done for me. they are dead and gone
...
honesty time (I love this part)
1) I am learning to empower and encourage others to take seriously God's call as He leads them
2) I desire to 'allow' God to speak for himself through the ways He chooses to (though, that doesn't mean I do not teach)
3) I am now seeing each Jesus-lovin' follower as equally valuable and equipped for what God wants to do through them (ie: a holy, royal priesthood)
4) I yearn to be driven to act because of what I know
5) I am resisting the mentality of 'come and see' church vs. 'go and show' (forgive the cheeziness - still true)
6) I want Jesus to be famous! And I want to hear the words: "well done, good and faithful servant."
I posted these, not because I wanted to 'call out' other pastors and leaders, but because they point out some of my own flaws and I bet I'm not the only one
honesty time (I hate this part):
1) I struggle to relinquish control
2) I sometimes am tempted to filter what God may be saying
3) I have perpetuated different classes of Christianity
4) I admit that it is entirely easier to know something as opposed to doing something
5) far too often I default to the 'church service' mentality compared to the 'church in service' mentality
6) I find myself more concerned about what other people think of me rather than what God thinks of me
...
but...
I do not share these because I like to injury myself publically
...
I recently apologized to my church body for not being the leader I should be...I have been lacking a deep, faith-filled following of Jesus
however...
these 'faith-less' days are done for me. they are dead and gone
...
honesty time (I love this part)
1) I am learning to empower and encourage others to take seriously God's call as He leads them
2) I desire to 'allow' God to speak for himself through the ways He chooses to (though, that doesn't mean I do not teach)
3) I am now seeing each Jesus-lovin' follower as equally valuable and equipped for what God wants to do through them (ie: a holy, royal priesthood)
4) I yearn to be driven to act because of what I know
5) I am resisting the mentality of 'come and see' church vs. 'go and show' (forgive the cheeziness - still true)
6) I want Jesus to be famous! And I want to hear the words: "well done, good and faithful servant."
the impact of being plateaued
as a follow-up to yesterday's post - here are 6 areas of impact of poor leadership because of a spiritually-plateaued leader as found in Organic Leadership:
1) Poor leadership needs to control all ministry.
2) Poor leadership needs to filter God's voice.
3) Poor leadership promotes upper-class Christianity.
4) Poor leadership emphasizes knowledge at the expense of obedience.
5) Poor leadership sees church as a worship service more than a service of worship.
6) Poor leadership is lured by fame and fortune.
...
I had this huge, heart-felt response to these questions written - but it was lost
now, I'm sure if I have the strength to re-write it
...
maybe later...
1) Poor leadership needs to control all ministry.
2) Poor leadership needs to filter God's voice.
3) Poor leadership promotes upper-class Christianity.
4) Poor leadership emphasizes knowledge at the expense of obedience.
5) Poor leadership sees church as a worship service more than a service of worship.
6) Poor leadership is lured by fame and fortune.
...
I had this huge, heart-felt response to these questions written - but it was lost
now, I'm sure if I have the strength to re-write it
...
maybe later...
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
have you plateaued?
I've been digging me some Neil Cole lately - having recently finished his book, Church 3.0 and now on to Organic Leadership
in Organic Leadership, Cole presents a list of characteristics of a spiritually plateaued leader from Terry Walling
I would like to share them with you (specifically spiritual leaders) though I won't go into the explanation - the points speak well enough for themselves:
a spiritually plateaued leader:
1) avoids relationships of personal accountability.
2) rarely applies the truths of God's Word to him- or herself personally.
3) has replaced his or her joy, peace, and love with envy and resentment.
4) frequently looks for greener pastures in other places.
5) finds faults in others more often than in self.
6) is burned-out form lots of busyness that has been substituted for simple intimacy with Christ.
7) compromises on ethical principles once held dear.
8) stays within safe areas of expertise rather than branching out into new learning endeavors.
9) is unable to acknowledge the wisdom of others.
10) has reduced the Christian life to routine.
...
I know I'm not the only one convicted by these statements
in Organic Leadership, Cole presents a list of characteristics of a spiritually plateaued leader from Terry Walling
I would like to share them with you (specifically spiritual leaders) though I won't go into the explanation - the points speak well enough for themselves:
a spiritually plateaued leader:
1) avoids relationships of personal accountability.
2) rarely applies the truths of God's Word to him- or herself personally.
3) has replaced his or her joy, peace, and love with envy and resentment.
4) frequently looks for greener pastures in other places.
5) finds faults in others more often than in self.
6) is burned-out form lots of busyness that has been substituted for simple intimacy with Christ.
7) compromises on ethical principles once held dear.
8) stays within safe areas of expertise rather than branching out into new learning endeavors.
9) is unable to acknowledge the wisdom of others.
10) has reduced the Christian life to routine.
...
I know I'm not the only one convicted by these statements
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
a little YFC Saskatoon loving
I am blessed to know some of the most creative, servant-hearted, Jesus-loving people who happen to work with Youth for Christ in Saskatoon
here's a clip (just a glimpse) from some of their ministry in Belize:
John George Interview from Saskatoon Youth For Christ® on Vimeo.
here's a clip (just a glimpse) from some of their ministry in Belize:
John George Interview from Saskatoon Youth For Christ® on Vimeo.
a little too quiet
there's a quote from the critically acclaimed tubular 1991 movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II, The Secret of the Ooze that (sadly) often comes to mind.
when the Turtles secretly infiltrate The Shredder's junkyard,
Leonardo observes, "The perimeter's quiet."
To which, Donatello replies, "Yeah, a little too quiet."
...
the reason I bring this up is this
as I was reflecting today on how we as Christians go about our lives, I was initially comforted that many people, churches, ministries were quietly 'getting it done'
but I was struck - maybe it's a little too quiet
now, there's something refreshing about the lack of in-your-face churchianity, however, maybe in our attempt to not be 'those people' (I won't name any names) we've shied away from the distinct presence we are called to
maybe the pendulum has swung too far
I've heard the great commission described in a way that 'as you go...make disciples' inferring that as we go about our lives (jobs, education, etc) to make disciples more naturally
but there may be an urgency lost
there may be a passivity included
I agree that we should as we go
- however maybe it's a little too quiet
I don't want the response at the end to be - we quietly went about our way, making little impact
nor that we forcefully went about our way with little compassion, making little impact
...
I never want to be unclear in this:
I, Tyson, love Jesus
I have given and am giving my life for Him
...
there are a lot of major implications that come from such a statement
but I don't want to be too quiet anymore
when the Turtles secretly infiltrate The Shredder's junkyard,
Leonardo observes, "The perimeter's quiet."
To which, Donatello replies, "Yeah, a little too quiet."
...
the reason I bring this up is this
as I was reflecting today on how we as Christians go about our lives, I was initially comforted that many people, churches, ministries were quietly 'getting it done'
but I was struck - maybe it's a little too quiet
now, there's something refreshing about the lack of in-your-face churchianity, however, maybe in our attempt to not be 'those people' (I won't name any names) we've shied away from the distinct presence we are called to
maybe the pendulum has swung too far
I've heard the great commission described in a way that 'as you go...make disciples' inferring that as we go about our lives (jobs, education, etc) to make disciples more naturally
but there may be an urgency lost
there may be a passivity included
I agree that we should as we go
- however maybe it's a little too quiet
I don't want the response at the end to be - we quietly went about our way, making little impact
nor that we forcefully went about our way with little compassion, making little impact
...
I never want to be unclear in this:
I, Tyson, love Jesus
I have given and am giving my life for Him
...
there are a lot of major implications that come from such a statement
but I don't want to be too quiet anymore
Monday, October 24, 2011
doubt (a guest post)
I asked a good friend of mine (who'll make a huge impact in this world - just a heads-up) if she'd be willing to write a guest post for me
she graciously accepted
- you can check out her blog at: http://notmebutyou.tumblr.com/
Tyson asked me this question: What has God been breaking your heart over, lately?
My answer: Doubt.
Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God,” and we (rightfully so) put great emphasis on faith. We want to see more, do more, hear more, and believe more, and we need faith to do so. It’s the very foundation of our relationship with Jesus, as Ephesians states.
But.
Sometimes, I struggle with doubt. And it’s not even the ‘little’ doubts about God’s character, or certain aspects of Christianity. No, I struggle with the big ones, the faith-shaking, heart-wrenching, mind-rocking ones about existence, truth and whether this ‘Christianity’ thing is worth it. There, admitted. And this leads me to what God has been breaking my heart over. It hurts me to know that there are Christ-followers in the Church who silently experience and live with doubt.
The thing is, it totally makes sense. If faith is the foundation of absolutely everything concerning us and God, then doubt will be one of the devil’s primary weapons. When Satan tempted Jesus in the desert, he began each temptation with “if” (IF you are who you claim to be, then . . . ), and Satan says the same sorts of things to us. “IF you are a child of God, how could THIS happen? IF God is real, then why does THIS make so much sense?”
But the interesting thing about doubt is that it is a struggle. And as long as it’s a struggle, it’s just like anything else. Sure, we wrestle with it – sometimes losing ground, sometimes experiencing triumph –but in the end we will be victorious. There will be no such thing as ‘faith’ in heaven, for its opposite, doubt, will not exist.
And the neat thing about it is that God will restore you to faith, if you let Him. What a paradox. In the midst of your doubt, trust God enough to remove it. But that’s why faith is considered a choice. C.S. Lewis said, “Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.”
So. Brothers and sisters. Please. Be open about the things you are doubting. It’s hard, but we’ve all been there. The last conversation I had about this was one from which I walked away completely and refreshingly faith-full. God created His Church to be a Body for a reason; we were never meant to do this Christ-following thing alone.
John 20:24-31. God bless.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
a proud and blind eye
I don't know where you stand on the Occupy Wall Street movement and I admit my own relative ignorance
however, I have heard far too many people simply writing it off
they right it off in various ways and for various reasons
I don't need to go into the detail here
however, it saddens my heart greatly to hear people who simply condemn the movement based on their limited knowledge
regardless of how you view demonstrations and an occupy movement - there are obvious problems in this world that need to be addressed
the thing is - I think most of us know it too
but it costs too much to enter in this discussion
possibly our way of life
possibly our level of comfort
and definitely how we view our own standard of living and vicariously how we view others'
now, I'm not saying you should go get a tent and set up in your given location
what I am saying is - before you write it off and go back to your life, consider why you don't care enough to engage
there have been many who question the essence of such a movement, asking "what is it that 'they' want"
a decent critique
however, having received no clear answer they write it off as disillusionment
but what if the underlying problems are bigger than a simple, quantifiable answer?
now, I'm an advocate that those who point to a problem provide a potential solution
but turning a proud and blind eye is far worse than simply pointing to a problem
this world is broken and we all know it
however, I have heard far too many people simply writing it off
they right it off in various ways and for various reasons
I don't need to go into the detail here
however, it saddens my heart greatly to hear people who simply condemn the movement based on their limited knowledge
regardless of how you view demonstrations and an occupy movement - there are obvious problems in this world that need to be addressed
the thing is - I think most of us know it too
but it costs too much to enter in this discussion
possibly our way of life
possibly our level of comfort
and definitely how we view our own standard of living and vicariously how we view others'
now, I'm not saying you should go get a tent and set up in your given location
what I am saying is - before you write it off and go back to your life, consider why you don't care enough to engage
there have been many who question the essence of such a movement, asking "what is it that 'they' want"
a decent critique
however, having received no clear answer they write it off as disillusionment
but what if the underlying problems are bigger than a simple, quantifiable answer?
now, I'm an advocate that those who point to a problem provide a potential solution
but turning a proud and blind eye is far worse than simply pointing to a problem
this world is broken and we all know it
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
a little less dry and a little less cold
aaaaahhhhhhh...(a sigh of relief)
taking the morning to meditate, pray and read was exactly what I've needed (what I've been missing)
...
the iPhone was off
the Franciscan Friars were quiet
and my soul was at peace
...
that elusive silence and solitude was not elusive today
I was immediately aware of my own breathing
like an accordion pumping in and out - rhythmically and cyclically
...
I had forgotten about breathing
I had forgotten about the breath of God in me
...
reading His Word without duty or guilt - but out of love
listening without agenda or needing to speak - but out of love
drawn to pray for needs as they came to mind
...
and clarity - such clarity
vision and heart attuned to the impossible
...
I died a little more today
but feel like I'm breathing fresh air for the first time
my soul, a little less dry and a little less cold
...
still, small voice - we are listening
taking the morning to meditate, pray and read was exactly what I've needed (what I've been missing)
...
the iPhone was off
the Franciscan Friars were quiet
and my soul was at peace
...
that elusive silence and solitude was not elusive today
I was immediately aware of my own breathing
like an accordion pumping in and out - rhythmically and cyclically
...
I had forgotten about breathing
I had forgotten about the breath of God in me
...
reading His Word without duty or guilt - but out of love
listening without agenda or needing to speak - but out of love
drawn to pray for needs as they came to mind
...
and clarity - such clarity
vision and heart attuned to the impossible
...
I died a little more today
but feel like I'm breathing fresh air for the first time
my soul, a little less dry and a little less cold
...
still, small voice - we are listening
Monday, October 17, 2011
a little drier and a little colder
silence and solitude
two rare things in my life
but two utterly needed things
...
I've been semi-functioning for too long now without them
my soul a little drier and my heart a little colder than they could/ should be
...
so tomorrow I'm starting to stop again
...
when was the last time you just stopped?
are silence and solitude as foreign in your life as they are in mine?
...
still, small voice - help us listen
two rare things in my life
but two utterly needed things
...
I've been semi-functioning for too long now without them
my soul a little drier and my heart a little colder than they could/ should be
...
so tomorrow I'm starting to stop again
...
when was the last time you just stopped?
are silence and solitude as foreign in your life as they are in mine?
...
still, small voice - help us listen
Thursday, October 13, 2011
guilt and the relentless pursuit of 'betterness'
is there hope for us?
or are we caught in a perpetual cycle of of mediocrity?
there are things that need to be changed - decisions to be made and backed up
something about an old self dying and a new self being put on
...
but realistically, it feels as though we can't even make up our minds
with our words we acknowledge it
yet with our actions we deny it
...
we want to be better
we need to be better
...
but this guilt
it permeates and infects
distorts and weakens
...
is there hope for us?
can we look back one day having changed?
...
defeatist thinking is too easy
'why should we even try at all?'
...
has my faith grown small?
God, if ever we needed you - we need you now
I think we're still figuring out that we're naked and removed from the garden
or are we caught in a perpetual cycle of of mediocrity?
there are things that need to be changed - decisions to be made and backed up
something about an old self dying and a new self being put on
...
but realistically, it feels as though we can't even make up our minds
with our words we acknowledge it
yet with our actions we deny it
...
we want to be better
we need to be better
...
but this guilt
it permeates and infects
distorts and weakens
...
is there hope for us?
can we look back one day having changed?
...
defeatist thinking is too easy
'why should we even try at all?'
...
has my faith grown small?
God, if ever we needed you - we need you now
I think we're still figuring out that we're naked and removed from the garden
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
awkward and insecure
to my disenchanted, disenfranchised friends
brothers and sisters
there is hope
you may think that change is seemingly impossible - that reevaluation is out of the question
you see a dying church
irrelevant
impotent
incapable
and you may very well be right in most of these accusations
however, there is hope
problem is - that hope may very well be found in you (actually, not a problem in my mind)
I know your love for Jesus
I know your love for people
and believe me, I know there is a lot to dislike about the Church - but don't lose your love for it
and if you have already 'fallen out of love' - see her again with new eyes
that awkwardly insecure little girl looking for love and life and meaning - just waiting for you to gently take her hand (even though she probably doesn't even realize it)
join me - not with all the answers, but with a deep desire to see her become the beautiful woman our God created her to be
brothers and sisters
there is hope
you may think that change is seemingly impossible - that reevaluation is out of the question
you see a dying church
irrelevant
impotent
incapable
and you may very well be right in most of these accusations
however, there is hope
problem is - that hope may very well be found in you (actually, not a problem in my mind)
I know your love for Jesus
I know your love for people
and believe me, I know there is a lot to dislike about the Church - but don't lose your love for it
and if you have already 'fallen out of love' - see her again with new eyes
that awkwardly insecure little girl looking for love and life and meaning - just waiting for you to gently take her hand (even though she probably doesn't even realize it)
join me - not with all the answers, but with a deep desire to see her become the beautiful woman our God created her to be
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
innocent bystanders - achtung!
as a husband, father, friend, pastor and every other hat I wear - the people around me become the innocent bystanders as I frantically meander this life
all these internal struggles and ideological wrestling matches become spectacle for these poor people
as God breaks my heart (in the best way) over something, I can't help but share
as I'm challenged in an area, I must say something
(un)fortunately, this happens often
...
lately, I have been challenged on what it means to 'be' the church - the body of Jesus
as opposed to what it means to 'do' church
I have no definitive answers yet - though I have some inclings
...
I write this more as a heads-up and an apology - you will be subjected to the ramblings of a man in search (sometimes finding)
...
I am also choosing not to write about Mark Driscoll
Thursday, October 6, 2011
everything is rubbish...
I rarely delve into popular blog trending for my personal writing
however, today - I put that norm aside
Steve Jobs died
I mourn his death, not because of my iPhone or iPad or MacBook or the sleek way they all integrate and have changed the way we live
I mourn because one person has died
...
...
but I got to thinking:
how many others die without so much as a whisper?
who grieves? who mourns for them?
...
and then I got to thinking
as I read posts and blogs and random thoughts from random people:
what will be my mark on this existence? (I know you're all thinking it too)
...and then I really got thinking:
all my ambition, all my drive - rubbish if I lose grip of one key truth
"the last will be first and the first will be last"
I pray that I will be found faithful as a servant
...
what will your mark be?
will this world be better or worse after you're done here?
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
vice versa
given a different set of circumstances I could easily be in your place
yes, we all make decisions and have to live with them
but many of us lack the options to choose between
...
I am blessed - it's true
but I know the capability for evil that is within me
and when push comes to shove I don't know if I can truly say that I wouldn't have done the same thing
...but by the grace of God
...
you were but a child with no food
and no one to look up to
right and wrong seemed a lot more grey
does it have to be this way?
...
maybe I was meant to help...?
maybe my blessing should've become yours.
...
I'm sorry
yes, we all make decisions and have to live with them
but many of us lack the options to choose between
...
I am blessed - it's true
but I know the capability for evil that is within me
and when push comes to shove I don't know if I can truly say that I wouldn't have done the same thing
...but by the grace of God
...
you were but a child with no food
and no one to look up to
right and wrong seemed a lot more grey
does it have to be this way?
...
maybe I was meant to help...?
maybe my blessing should've become yours.
...
I'm sorry
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
every good and perfect gift
so, I've been reading some Kierkegaard lately
the following is an excerpt from his writing on the passage from James 1:17 -
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
These words are so beautiful, so eloquent, so moving; they are so soothing and so comforting, so simple and comprehensible, so refreshing and so healing. Therefore we will beseech Thee, O God, that Thou wilt make the ears of those who hitherto have not regarded them, willing to accept them; that Thou wilt heal the misunderstanding heart by the understanding of the word, to understand the word; that Thou wilt incline the erring thought under the saving obedience of the word; that Thou wilt give the penitent soul confidence to dare to understand the word; and that Thou wilt make those who have understood it more and more blessed therein, so that they may repeatedly understand it. Amen.
the following is an excerpt from his writing on the passage from James 1:17 -
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
These words are so beautiful, so eloquent, so moving; they are so soothing and so comforting, so simple and comprehensible, so refreshing and so healing. Therefore we will beseech Thee, O God, that Thou wilt make the ears of those who hitherto have not regarded them, willing to accept them; that Thou wilt heal the misunderstanding heart by the understanding of the word, to understand the word; that Thou wilt incline the erring thought under the saving obedience of the word; that Thou wilt give the penitent soul confidence to dare to understand the word; and that Thou wilt make those who have understood it more and more blessed therein, so that they may repeatedly understand it. Amen.
Monday, October 3, 2011
a voice in the desert calling...
the more I think about it, the more simple and true is the calling:
"repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
so suscinct
so clear
...
God is near
"repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
so suscinct
so clear
...
Thursday, September 29, 2011
quit your day job
what were you born to do?
what are those things that you're skilled at?
those things that you love to do - that when you do them, time flies by.
...
are you doing them?
or at least pursuing them?
...
those dreams and aspirations placed in each are not there by accident
I believe that God has created each of us distinctly with these passions on purpose
to be used to bless others and in so doing bring glory to God.
...
maybe it is time to quit your day job.
what are those things that you're skilled at?
those things that you love to do - that when you do them, time flies by.
...
are you doing them?
or at least pursuing them?
...
those dreams and aspirations placed in each are not there by accident
I believe that God has created each of us distinctly with these passions on purpose
to be used to bless others and in so doing bring glory to God.
...
maybe it is time to quit your day job.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
the deadly loop
it always impresses me when people are able to make a substantial change in their life for the better
what is it that drives them to make these sometimes drastic, painstaking changes?
sometimes it is health related, sometimes it is just a new path
but what is their source of motivation?
...
and then there are others
those who continue to make the same choice again and again and again
who at first are surprised that they continue to have the same reactions to their choice
but later find that it is indeed their own choice that brings about the response
...
everyone wants to be those in the first group
but most of us fall into the second
the repetitive, deadly loop of laziness, guilt and numbness
...
what will it take for you to bust out of it?
what is it that drives them to make these sometimes drastic, painstaking changes?
sometimes it is health related, sometimes it is just a new path
but what is their source of motivation?
...
and then there are others
those who continue to make the same choice again and again and again
who at first are surprised that they continue to have the same reactions to their choice
but later find that it is indeed their own choice that brings about the response
...
everyone wants to be those in the first group
but most of us fall into the second
the repetitive, deadly loop of laziness, guilt and numbness
...
what will it take for you to bust out of it?
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
I'm a heretic!
so, I'm a heretic...
or maybe I am willing to be...
but I guess it depends on perspective
or who is labelling me a heretic.
because Jesus was viewed by many as a heretic (and worse) and he's alright (maybe a little more than alright)
so maybe I want those who would call Jesus a heretic to label me the same...?
...
what if obediently following God in loving others meant being labelled a heretic?
is it worth it?
or maybe I am willing to be...
but I guess it depends on perspective
or who is labelling me a heretic.
because Jesus was viewed by many as a heretic (and worse) and he's alright (maybe a little more than alright)
so maybe I want those who would call Jesus a heretic to label me the same...?
...
what if obediently following God in loving others meant being labelled a heretic?
is it worth it?
Monday, September 26, 2011
but a simple wave
amidst the flutter of the leaves
the changing of the seasons
whirling and swirling
I stopped
...
actually, it was more like someone stopped me
with a wave
she looked with smiling eyes and a knowing grin
with a wave
and then we moved on
but in that moment we saw each other
we actually saw each other
with a wave
...
do you stop?
do you wave?
do you see each other?
Friday, February 4, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
day5
in an effort to combat our own ignorance and presuppositions, it is important to expand our own capacities of understanding and compassion by educating ourselves in realms other than our preference
so today, read an article or blog or chapter of a book with a differing view than you usually do. or, if you rarely ever read -start today. maybe that book you've been putting off for a while or one that was recommended by a friend.
Monday, January 24, 2011
day4
for many of us (myself included) - we've developed this sense of entitlement
and it goes far beyond human rights - our view of 'standard of living' has become so perverted and bloated
along with this entitlement complex, there's a thanklessness deep within the recesses of our hearts
so, today - say 'thank you' for something and actually mean it.
Friday, January 21, 2011
day3
acknowledging that this is no mundane task approached flippantly...
today, begin the process of forgiving that person.
yes, they may do it again. yes, it still hurts.
but your lack of forgiveness is doing nothing but make you a bitter and angry person (and most likely, as a result - you're the one hurting others)
"To forgive is to set someone free and then find out it's you." - Rob Bell
today, begin the process of forgiving that person.
yes, they may do it again. yes, it still hurts.
but your lack of forgiveness is doing nothing but make you a bitter and angry person (and most likely, as a result - you're the one hurting others)
"To forgive is to set someone free and then find out it's you." - Rob Bell
Thursday, January 20, 2011
day2
with the sheer amount of negativity, pessimism and hate in our world, let us bring positivity, optimism and love.
these measures we take are seemingly insignificant - but compounded can change our world one step at a time.
some may be silly or juvenile. while others may have depth we hesitate to go.
...
today, write that text, email, or letter that you've been meaning to but haven't gotten around to (you know the one I mean...)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
day1
I am awake. but am yet waking still.
the dawn is approaching and I welcome it's warmth.
today. one step closer.
by God's grace I will take another tomorrow.
...
smile at a complete stranger (but in a non-creepy way)
what if you loved that person?
the dawn is approaching and I welcome it's warmth.
today. one step closer.
by God's grace I will take another tomorrow.
...
smile at a complete stranger (but in a non-creepy way)
what if you loved that person?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
