We are at war!
I have become even more convinced of this in recent months. I am not talking about anything happening in Iraq, Afghanistan, or the Gaza Strip. I am talking about what is happening right here among us.
I have watched students who have grown up in Christian homes become entangled in behavior that would have been unthinkable for them a few years ago. I have seen students become apathetic about their faith, treating it more like a hobby or activity than a lifestyle. Some of these students have continued to appear dedicated to Jesus on Sundays and Wednesdays while the rest of the week is spent engaging the worlds passions and desires.
On the other hand, I have seen others display self-righteous attitudes that exclude all but those who appear to be “good Christians.” When those who do not know Jesus are in our midst, they seem to be unable or unwilling to engage those who Jesus calls us to seek.
In both cases I sense the undercurrent of spiritual warfare. When we as families are unwilling to focus on spiritual training or place an emphasis on Kingdom-focused living, we can expect both of these results. For some, Christianity becomes a performance to put on when we “come to church.” For others, Christianity is knowing we are right and protecting ourselves from the “sinners.”
Both of these are unhealthy and immature. If we are going to be serious about the spiritual war we find ourselves in, we must be willing to dedicate the time and energy needed to fight the good fight.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:11-12)
In World War II, everyone realized what was at stake and made sacrifices. Some went to the front lines. Others served as sergeants and generals, directing the battle. Those at home were willing to give up some of their comforts to support those who were in the heat of the battle. One of the main reasons we won that war was because everyone did their part.
Unfortunately, I believe we live in a time where many people have become comfortable and are either unwilling to sacrifice or unable to see the need to sacrifice. Although we are currently in a time of financial downturn, we are still more prosperous than most previous generations.
Until we are willing to commit ourselves to what it takes to win the war, Satan will continue to take his shots and inflict damage.
I am encouraged by some of the stories I have heard already from those who are participating in our 40 days of fasting and prayer. I sense that some among us are reclaiming territory from the evil one and engaging in the battle at hand. It’s time for all of us to arm ourselves and join the war that has already been declared against us.
shine!
Jason
Monday, January 26, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Who gets the credit?
When Ronald Reagan was President, he had a sign on his desk that said, "There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit." In 2004, when I visited the Reagan Presidential Museum and Library, I purchased a paperweight with this saying on it and I have had it on my desk ever since.
While I struggle to live out this motto at times, I strive to allow these words to echo in my mind.
Another man who I greatly admire has lived by this creed for much of his life. Church Noll coached the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1969 until 1991. He is the only head coach to win four Super Bowl titles. He is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In spite of all of these accomplishments, he never looked for fame or fortune. He quietly headed into retirement.
This morning I read a great article about Noll that reminded me what kind of man he is and was.
As I think about men like Ronald Reagan and Chuck Noll, I think about the man who embodied this kind of humility and accomplished the greatest fete in the history of mankind. This man was no ordinary man. He was more than a man. He was God, in the flesh. Paul describes Him this way in the letter to the Philippian church:
When I think about men like Reagan and Noll, I believe that while none of us are perfect, we can strive to have the attitude of Christ. And while both of them had plenty of faults - don't we all - they exhibited a humility that I wish could be a bigger part of who I am.
I am convinced that what often holds me back from accomplishing greater things is me. If I could set down my pride, stop worrying about what people will think about me, and focus on carrying out Kingdom work and considering others more, I am sure that God could use me to do much more than I can ask or imagine.
shine!
Jason
While I struggle to live out this motto at times, I strive to allow these words to echo in my mind.
Another man who I greatly admire has lived by this creed for much of his life. Church Noll coached the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1969 until 1991. He is the only head coach to win four Super Bowl titles. He is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In spite of all of these accomplishments, he never looked for fame or fortune. He quietly headed into retirement.
This morning I read a great article about Noll that reminded me what kind of man he is and was.
As I think about men like Ronald Reagan and Chuck Noll, I think about the man who embodied this kind of humility and accomplished the greatest fete in the history of mankind. This man was no ordinary man. He was more than a man. He was God, in the flesh. Paul describes Him this way in the letter to the Philippian church:
Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
When I think about men like Reagan and Noll, I believe that while none of us are perfect, we can strive to have the attitude of Christ. And while both of them had plenty of faults - don't we all - they exhibited a humility that I wish could be a bigger part of who I am.
I am convinced that what often holds me back from accomplishing greater things is me. If I could set down my pride, stop worrying about what people will think about me, and focus on carrying out Kingdom work and considering others more, I am sure that God could use me to do much more than I can ask or imagine.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Name change
We are changing names.
We are in the process of transitioning the name of our ministry from “180” to “Arise.” This decision was made after almost a year of conversation and prayer by our leadership.
For the last year we have contemplated how the “180” fits the overall purpose of our ministry and the Rochester Church. Last year, the church transitioned to the “Connect. Grow. Serve.” vision. We are seeking, as an entire church body to connect, grow, and serve, in our personal lives as well as our Christian community. (This vision is being and has been discussed in our Sunday morning sermon series this month.)
We felt that the “180” name did not best communicate this vision or the shift to a ministry for families with youth that we have been undergoing over the last several years. However, we were having a difficult time agreeing on a name that fit.
Last fall we launched our “Arise” campaign that is challenging our parents to collectively engage in 2009 hours of service, and challenges our students to do the same. Late in 2008, the idea of transitioning our name to “Arise” came to light. Everyone on our team felt this was a name that better communicated our vision and purpose.
In terms of the church’s vision, “Arise” is a natural fit with “Connect. Grow. Serve.” It is an action word that better communicates the call for students and parents alike to rise to the call to connect, grow, and serve.
With regard to our specific ministry’s purpose, it addresses all three areas of our ministry. Students who are beginning to discover and develop their own identity are called to arise into what God created them to be. It’s time for students to arise from their childhood and find their own active faith. Parenting teenagers can be challenging, so parents are called to arise into the challenge of leading their families during this time. This requires personal growth as well family interaction. When students and parents are answering their individual calls in this period of their families’ life, our families will arise to be the outposts for the Kingdom of God that they are meant to be.
On a more practical note, this shift will take a few months. There are already some noticable differences in our publications and language. Other changes, such as our website, make take a little longer. There will also be an article in the February article of Rochester Church's REACH newsletter relaying many of the same things I shared here.
I am excited about the days ahead and seeing what God has in store for us. As we arise as followers of Christ, we may be amazed at what God will be able to do in and through our ministry.
shine!
Jason
We are in the process of transitioning the name of our ministry from “180” to “Arise.” This decision was made after almost a year of conversation and prayer by our leadership.
For the last year we have contemplated how the “180” fits the overall purpose of our ministry and the Rochester Church. Last year, the church transitioned to the “Connect. Grow. Serve.” vision. We are seeking, as an entire church body to connect, grow, and serve, in our personal lives as well as our Christian community. (This vision is being and has been discussed in our Sunday morning sermon series this month.)
We felt that the “180” name did not best communicate this vision or the shift to a ministry for families with youth that we have been undergoing over the last several years. However, we were having a difficult time agreeing on a name that fit.
Last fall we launched our “Arise” campaign that is challenging our parents to collectively engage in 2009 hours of service, and challenges our students to do the same. Late in 2008, the idea of transitioning our name to “Arise” came to light. Everyone on our team felt this was a name that better communicated our vision and purpose.
In terms of the church’s vision, “Arise” is a natural fit with “Connect. Grow. Serve.” It is an action word that better communicates the call for students and parents alike to rise to the call to connect, grow, and serve.
With regard to our specific ministry’s purpose, it addresses all three areas of our ministry. Students who are beginning to discover and develop their own identity are called to arise into what God created them to be. It’s time for students to arise from their childhood and find their own active faith. Parenting teenagers can be challenging, so parents are called to arise into the challenge of leading their families during this time. This requires personal growth as well family interaction. When students and parents are answering their individual calls in this period of their families’ life, our families will arise to be the outposts for the Kingdom of God that they are meant to be.
On a more practical note, this shift will take a few months. There are already some noticable differences in our publications and language. Other changes, such as our website, make take a little longer. There will also be an article in the February article of Rochester Church's REACH newsletter relaying many of the same things I shared here.
I am excited about the days ahead and seeing what God has in store for us. As we arise as followers of Christ, we may be amazed at what God will be able to do in and through our ministry.
shine!
Jason
Friday, January 16, 2009
Everyday hero
Yesterday afternoon I watched the television as a plane slowly sank into the Hudson River. I was captivated by the images of scores of people standing on the wings, appearing as though they were walking on water. It was like watching a movie, except it was real. And the heroes in this story weren't actors; they were real people.
One of the main heroes in this real-life drama was Chesley B. Sullenburger III. Who is that you ask? According to an AP article, "the 57-year-old, of Danville, Calif., is a former fighter pilot who runs a safety consulting firm in addition to flying commercial aircraft."
They also mentioned in the news article that, "Sullenberger, who has flown for US Airways since 1980, flew F-4 fighter jets with the Air Force in the 1970s. He then served on a board that investigated aircraft accidents and participated later in several National Transportation Safety Board investigations."
Here is a man who was in the right place at the right time. We can debate whether or not God placed this man in the pilot's seat of this plane. But what if God knew this was going to happen and gave this man the abilities he used in this scenario?
I do not believe that God has the days of our life pre-planned for us, but I believe that God has foreknowledge of what will happen in our lives. And I believe that God has given each of us specific talents and abilities for a reason.
Were Sullenberger's passions and talents provided by God for this very moment? We will never know. But I am convinced that his training and background made him one of the best pilots to navigate this potential disaster. Had either wing of the plane gone into the water on landing, the plane likely would have flipped and killed many on board. The abilities of this pilot probably saved dozens of lives.
Which makes we wonder...
How many of us have been given specific abilities and gifts and fail to use them at the right time or right place? The apostle Paul wrote, "But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it." (1 Corinthians 12:18)
You may never be the pilot of a plane that needs to make an emergency landing, but we all have opportunities to save people. God has created each of us uniquely to bring forth the Kingdom of God.
In a culture where we are encouraged to use our talents and abilities to bring honor to ourselves, what if we questioned and altered our motives? What if we stopped trying to make ourselves look good and challenged ourselves to be selfless heroes, living out the mission we were created to fulfill?
You are special. You are different than anyone else. You, and only you, have the set of passions and gifts that God created within you. You have been made with a purpose.
Instead of trying to look like everyone else or fit into an image that the world has created, look for ways to be the person God meant for you to be. Regardless of who you are, you can be a hero. You can save a life. You may not save anyone from a plane sinking in the Hudson River, but you can save someone who is drowning in the darkness of the moment. All it takes is looking at ourselves as instruments of God, parts of a body that has been created to be the hands and feet of God in this world.
shine!
Jason
One of the main heroes in this real-life drama was Chesley B. Sullenburger III. Who is that you ask? According to an AP article, "the 57-year-old, of Danville, Calif., is a former fighter pilot who runs a safety consulting firm in addition to flying commercial aircraft."
They also mentioned in the news article that, "Sullenberger, who has flown for US Airways since 1980, flew F-4 fighter jets with the Air Force in the 1970s. He then served on a board that investigated aircraft accidents and participated later in several National Transportation Safety Board investigations."
Here is a man who was in the right place at the right time. We can debate whether or not God placed this man in the pilot's seat of this plane. But what if God knew this was going to happen and gave this man the abilities he used in this scenario?
I do not believe that God has the days of our life pre-planned for us, but I believe that God has foreknowledge of what will happen in our lives. And I believe that God has given each of us specific talents and abilities for a reason.
Were Sullenberger's passions and talents provided by God for this very moment? We will never know. But I am convinced that his training and background made him one of the best pilots to navigate this potential disaster. Had either wing of the plane gone into the water on landing, the plane likely would have flipped and killed many on board. The abilities of this pilot probably saved dozens of lives.
Which makes we wonder...
How many of us have been given specific abilities and gifts and fail to use them at the right time or right place? The apostle Paul wrote, "But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it." (1 Corinthians 12:18)
You may never be the pilot of a plane that needs to make an emergency landing, but we all have opportunities to save people. God has created each of us uniquely to bring forth the Kingdom of God.
In a culture where we are encouraged to use our talents and abilities to bring honor to ourselves, what if we questioned and altered our motives? What if we stopped trying to make ourselves look good and challenged ourselves to be selfless heroes, living out the mission we were created to fulfill?
You are special. You are different than anyone else. You, and only you, have the set of passions and gifts that God created within you. You have been made with a purpose.
Instead of trying to look like everyone else or fit into an image that the world has created, look for ways to be the person God meant for you to be. Regardless of who you are, you can be a hero. You can save a life. You may not save anyone from a plane sinking in the Hudson River, but you can save someone who is drowning in the darkness of the moment. All it takes is looking at ourselves as instruments of God, parts of a body that has been created to be the hands and feet of God in this world.
shine!
Jason
Thursday, January 15, 2009
40 day adventure
On Monday our ministry embarked on an exciting journey. Over the next 40 days, parents and students are challenged to enter into an intentional season of fasting and prayer.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is often avoided or ignored. Maybe this is because we don’t understand. It could be that we really don’t want to engage in the type of sacrifices that fasting calls us to undertake.
My prayer is that over the next six weeks, our families will be drawn closer to God and each other. As God speaks through periods of time where we go without eating or set aside aspects of our life that we typically enjoy, may the Holy Spirit convict and confront us in our comfortableness.
Fasting pushes us out of our routine and often makes us think about things we often take for granted. During times I have fasted in the past, I have found myself reaching for something to snack on and suddenly remembering my fast. There have even been times I prematurely ended my fast – both intentionally and accidentally – and was reminded of the difficultly of true sacrifice and self-control.
On the other hand, fasting has been a powerful spiritual discipline that I have used – not even close to often enough – in times of decision or discernment. When I was contemplating going to school for ministry, a period of fasting provided clarity and made it possible to hear God more clearly.
As for this current period of fasting, I will be participating in both ways I am advocating. I will be giving up all carbonated beverages for the entire forty-day period. From Monday, January 12, until Friday, February 20, I will not drink any carbonated beverages. I really enjoy drinking pop, and this will be difficult. But every time I think about getting a drink of pop, I will remember Christ’s sacrifice and my call to set my selfish desires aside in an effort to bring forth God’s kingdom in this world.
I will also observe several days of fasting from food during the forty-day period.
Whether you are a part of our LifeStage or not, I challenge you to join us on this journey.
The weekend of February 20-22, our students will be participating in a retreat designed to focus on our connecting with God through the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. My prayer is that God will use the forty days leading up to that weekend to prepare their hearts and minds for what He has in store.
Fasting is not meant to be comfortable or convenient. It is a spiritual discipline that calls us to look outside of ourselves and acknowledge Creator God and give more intentional thought to what it means to depend on God as our Provider and Refuge.
shine!
Jason
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is often avoided or ignored. Maybe this is because we don’t understand. It could be that we really don’t want to engage in the type of sacrifices that fasting calls us to undertake.
My prayer is that over the next six weeks, our families will be drawn closer to God and each other. As God speaks through periods of time where we go without eating or set aside aspects of our life that we typically enjoy, may the Holy Spirit convict and confront us in our comfortableness.
Fasting pushes us out of our routine and often makes us think about things we often take for granted. During times I have fasted in the past, I have found myself reaching for something to snack on and suddenly remembering my fast. There have even been times I prematurely ended my fast – both intentionally and accidentally – and was reminded of the difficultly of true sacrifice and self-control.
On the other hand, fasting has been a powerful spiritual discipline that I have used – not even close to often enough – in times of decision or discernment. When I was contemplating going to school for ministry, a period of fasting provided clarity and made it possible to hear God more clearly.
As for this current period of fasting, I will be participating in both ways I am advocating. I will be giving up all carbonated beverages for the entire forty-day period. From Monday, January 12, until Friday, February 20, I will not drink any carbonated beverages. I really enjoy drinking pop, and this will be difficult. But every time I think about getting a drink of pop, I will remember Christ’s sacrifice and my call to set my selfish desires aside in an effort to bring forth God’s kingdom in this world.
I will also observe several days of fasting from food during the forty-day period.
Whether you are a part of our LifeStage or not, I challenge you to join us on this journey.
The weekend of February 20-22, our students will be participating in a retreat designed to focus on our connecting with God through the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. My prayer is that God will use the forty days leading up to that weekend to prepare their hearts and minds for what He has in store.
Fasting is not meant to be comfortable or convenient. It is a spiritual discipline that calls us to look outside of ourselves and acknowledge Creator God and give more intentional thought to what it means to depend on God as our Provider and Refuge.
shine!
Jason
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Dedication
This morning on my way to the office I saw something that caught my attention. As a matter of fact, I had to look twice to make sure I wasn't imagining this.
Along Avon Road I saw a group of about half a dozen Oakland University students jogging on the side of the road. What makes it so amazing isn't that they were jogging. (If you saw me out there, that would be amazing.) What makes it so incredible is the weather conditions.
This morning on my way to work the temperature was a few degrees above zero with a wind chill likely floating around zero. It was just plain cold. In spite of those conditions, these college athletes (I am assuming they are training for a sport) were out running and getting ready for whatever they are training for.
What if Christians showed that kind of dedication to spiritual disciplines? But many of us don't.
We'll set aside Bible study because there is a TV show we really want to watch.
We are a little tired, so prayer gets pushed aside.
Fasting? No way am I going without something I want.
In my decade of youth ministry I have watched a lot of teenagers say they're serious about Jesus, but their actions betray them. They put far more effort into training and practicing for a sport or hobby then they do spiritual formation. Basketball, for example (since it is the current sport), might consume a few hours every day for practice. But how many of those students are giving two hours a week for spiritual training?
Adults, we are not off the hook. In regards to both our children and ourselves.
Many parents will push their children to practice, practice, practice for a sport. But are they encouraging spiritual training?
In addition, and I believe, more importantly, are they modeling that?
Confession time. I will admit that my spiritual training habits are not what they need to be. These thoughts are aimed as much at me as they are anyone else. I know I should be doing more and dedicating more time to this.
Sometimes it amazes me that we pour hour upon hour into activities, that while not bad, are not Kingdom-focused. Sports are not bad. Hobbies are not bad. Even video games are not bad. But if those things consume so much of our time and energy that we neglect our primary calling, we have gotten things out of order.
Maybe it's time for God's people to show the kind of dedication to spiritual training that I saw on the side of a road in the middle of winter. Maybe that's the change that will make following Jesus a lifestyle, not another activity on our calendar.
shine!
Jason
Along Avon Road I saw a group of about half a dozen Oakland University students jogging on the side of the road. What makes it so amazing isn't that they were jogging. (If you saw me out there, that would be amazing.) What makes it so incredible is the weather conditions.
This morning on my way to work the temperature was a few degrees above zero with a wind chill likely floating around zero. It was just plain cold. In spite of those conditions, these college athletes (I am assuming they are training for a sport) were out running and getting ready for whatever they are training for.
What if Christians showed that kind of dedication to spiritual disciplines? But many of us don't.
We'll set aside Bible study because there is a TV show we really want to watch.
We are a little tired, so prayer gets pushed aside.
Fasting? No way am I going without something I want.
In my decade of youth ministry I have watched a lot of teenagers say they're serious about Jesus, but their actions betray them. They put far more effort into training and practicing for a sport or hobby then they do spiritual formation. Basketball, for example (since it is the current sport), might consume a few hours every day for practice. But how many of those students are giving two hours a week for spiritual training?
Adults, we are not off the hook. In regards to both our children and ourselves.
Many parents will push their children to practice, practice, practice for a sport. But are they encouraging spiritual training?
In addition, and I believe, more importantly, are they modeling that?
Confession time. I will admit that my spiritual training habits are not what they need to be. These thoughts are aimed as much at me as they are anyone else. I know I should be doing more and dedicating more time to this.
Sometimes it amazes me that we pour hour upon hour into activities, that while not bad, are not Kingdom-focused. Sports are not bad. Hobbies are not bad. Even video games are not bad. But if those things consume so much of our time and energy that we neglect our primary calling, we have gotten things out of order.
Maybe it's time for God's people to show the kind of dedication to spiritual training that I saw on the side of a road in the middle of winter. Maybe that's the change that will make following Jesus a lifestyle, not another activity on our calendar.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, January 03, 2009
A New Year
At the New Year’s Eve party I talked about new beginnings. A new year is a chance to look ahead. This is a great time to consider where we have been and, more importantly, where we want to go. As we consider the past and the future, we should reflect in the words of the apostle Paul, who wrote the following:
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:12-14)
A new year is a time for a fresh start. Many people get caught in one of two traps at the start of a new year. Some will be unable to escape the negative memories of the past year. Others will look back at the previous year’s success and become complacent. Paul’s words challenge both of these missteps.
When we dwell on the mistakes of our past, it keeps us from finding the healing and hope that God offers us. We cannot act like the past never happened, but neither can we allow ourselves to be weighed down. God offers second chances and opportunities to change. A new year is a great time to look for a chance to change direction or reach for new goals.
On the other end of the spectrum, we can become lazy if we bask in the glory of previous triumphs. If we simply look back with pride with what we have done, it can cause us to stall in our growth and miss opportunities that God will put before us. Focusing on previous success can be a barrier to our future success.
Paul’s words of advice are as true today as they were when he penned them almost two thousand years ago. Don’t think you have arrived. Don’t dwell on the past. Look to the future and seek what God is calling you to be on the road ahead. When we are willing to trust God and look forward, we will receive the prize for which God is calling us.
shine!
Jason
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:12-14)
A new year is a time for a fresh start. Many people get caught in one of two traps at the start of a new year. Some will be unable to escape the negative memories of the past year. Others will look back at the previous year’s success and become complacent. Paul’s words challenge both of these missteps.
When we dwell on the mistakes of our past, it keeps us from finding the healing and hope that God offers us. We cannot act like the past never happened, but neither can we allow ourselves to be weighed down. God offers second chances and opportunities to change. A new year is a great time to look for a chance to change direction or reach for new goals.
On the other end of the spectrum, we can become lazy if we bask in the glory of previous triumphs. If we simply look back with pride with what we have done, it can cause us to stall in our growth and miss opportunities that God will put before us. Focusing on previous success can be a barrier to our future success.
Paul’s words of advice are as true today as they were when he penned them almost two thousand years ago. Don’t think you have arrived. Don’t dwell on the past. Look to the future and seek what God is calling you to be on the road ahead. When we are willing to trust God and look forward, we will receive the prize for which God is calling us.
shine!
Jason
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