Thoughts for the journey

Mid-course correction

2007-01-10T12:23:00.000-05:00

This blog will continue to be a place for me to simply discuss life and the experience of being a follower of Jesus. However, I have a new blog at www.jasonsteckel.net.
My new blog at www.jasonsteckel.net will be a place for my thoughts on ministry to families with teenagers. Here at the Rochester church I am a part of an exciting and innovative approach to ministry. While I am sure we are not the first to consider a different way of doing ministry, I feel like there is something special happening here at Rochester. It is much bigger than any one person. It is a movement. A gathering of people seeking to transform lives in ways that are sometimes outside the box.
Thanks for stopping by.

shine!
Jason

The best thing in the world

2006-12-18T14:24:00.000-05:00

In the UK recently, 1500 children under 10 were asked "What's the very best thing in the world?" Here are the top ten answers, starting with the most common answer:

1. Being a celebrity
2. Good looks
3. Being rich
4. Being healthy
5. Pop music
6. Families
7. Friends
8. Nice food
9. Watching films
10. Heaven/God

As I look at those results, I wonder about several things.
First, I wonder what our future holds in store for us. Although these are children from the UK, I can't imagine American children's answers would be much different. When being famous, looking good, and having money are the best things in the world, what does that do to our culture? Should celebrities have special treatment simply for being famous? What other values will be compromised to achieve fame? Are those who are less attractive, less wealthy, and unknown to be pushed aside for our personal gain?
I also wonder where the church is in the midst of this craziness. Have we become so self-absorbed in building our church buildings (which are often monuments to us as much or more than they are to God), creating flashy programs (which seem an awful lot like pop culture activities), and showing how "good" we are (by hiding our sins or being so "tolerant" that we ignore God's word), that we have missed out on being salt and light?
One last thing I wonder is if we realize the battle we are in. Now, I am not naive or myopic enough to say that this is the only "culture war" in the history of the church. Frankly, I am getting weary of the "End Times" folks who think this is all a sign that the end is near. Have you ever studied the history of the Roman Empire? I am not a expert in history, but I know enough to know that the church was in a culture war while Peter, Paul, and the other apostles still walked the earth.
While the end of time as we know it may be around the corner, that isn't the point. The point is that God has called us to be faithful regardless of the calendar. We are in a battle. It is a fight; and it's not just a fight to get people into heaven. It is a battle to take back the ground that was lost in the Garden of Eden.
Sin has brought self-centered and prideful darkness to this creation that was pure. And contrary to many Evangelicals, we are not called to board a ship to be taken away from this evil world. We are called to disembark in this world for a battle to bring God's grace and mercy. The call of Christ is a rescue mission, but our self-centered, individualistic society has trained us that the rescue is for the sole purpose of getting us out of this sin-filled, evil world. The real rescue mission is one that followers of the Christ are called to join in. We must go into the world and rescue those who are suffering.
We must rescue those who seek relief by intoxicating their bodies to dull the pain and hurt.
We must rescue those who seek relief by surrendering their bodies sexually to receive love and acceptance.
We must rescue those who seek relief in a few minutes of fame to mask their insecurities.
We must rescue those who seek relief in social status to hide their fears of inadequacy.
We must rescue those who seek relief in getting attention because they feel unloved
We must rescue those who seek relief in material wealth because they are poor in spirit.
We are surrounded by people in need of rescue. And if the truth be told, we are all still in a state of needing rescued. Not the kind of rescue that comes from shallow religion, strict doctrine, and pew-sitting Christianity. This is only the kind of rescue that comes from engaging in the work of the Kingdom of God and living out the mission of Jesus in each one of our lives. Now that's the best thing in the world to me.

shine!
Jason

Relevant AND Resolute

2006-12-16T12:10:00.000-05:00

How do we stay relevant to the culture around us while remaining resolute in our faith? This is a question that most honest Christians wrestle with. There are so many approaches.
On one extreme, we can say that culture is worthless so we withdraw and become monks who never interact with the culture around us.
On the other extreme are those who submerse themselves in culture and look for God in everything, regardless of the content that surrounds it.
How do we find a balance?
I don't have the answer, but I am on the journey.
While I acknowledge that we must be able to connect with those who don't know God, we must be careful to not be influenced. I know Christians who listen to all kinds of popular music to be relevant and connect with the culture. But I see many of these same people begin to exhibit the values of the culture in their life. What message does that send? When we allow the culture to shape our thinking, how does that match up with Paul's words in Romans 12?
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
We must always be searching for ways to touch the lives of those around us while living out the Kingdom of God.
There are always extremes people seem to be drawn towards...
What was the social gospel of the 70's all about? I believe it was an overreaction to the disconnected, "self-righteous" religion of the early 20th century. When Christians think they are better than everyone else and look down on others, the natural overreaction is to serve the lower classes while forgetting about purity.
This is what today's relevant movement seems to be about. I think there are some noble causes and concerns, and I share the concern. But what about purity?
I would also agree that many Christians, even today, worry so much about their own holiness that they miss Jesus' call to bring the Kingdom to earth. They would rather sit in a Christian bookstore, reading Christian novels, and listening to Christian music. And then they get in their car, drive home, and relax in their home while people around the world (and in their own community) suffer.
Don't get me wrong. I really enjoy Christian music and literature. But if we settle into our Christian ghettos and never spread the Kingdom of God, we are missing an important part of Jesus' call.
At the same time, there are other Christians who seem to worry so much about fitting in that they miss another part of the call. They sit in Starbucks, listening to top 40 music, and reading whatever is trendy at the moment. They get in their car, dial up some hip-hop in their iPod, and rush home to see the newest episode of their favorite show.
There is nothing inherently evil about enjoying today's culture. But can we get so comfortable in this world that we invest more energy in fitting in than reaching out?
Neither approach is completely wrong, but both seem to miss the point.
At my point on the journey it seems we need to seek a balance. We must protect our hearts and minds from the influence of culture while still engaging and connecting with those around us. But this hard work. It requires thought and diligence. It may require more effort than many want to give. (This might include me, if I am to be honest.)
I think that for most of my Christian walk I have tended to live in the Christian ghetto. I still listen to Christian music. But I acknowledge there is plenty of "good" stuff in the "secular" world. As if there are really two worlds.
Which leads me to a temporary side bar. I don't really think there is such a thing as "Christian" and "secular." Those might be two ends of a spectrum, but they are not separate worlds. Need an example? How do you explain a preacher who teaches that if we follow God, we will be blessed with money and possessions? Sounds like a secular Christianity to me. Or how about the musician who praises God when they win their Grammy, but his next album talks about exploiting women. Sounds like secular with a dose of Jesus.
Is God at work in the lives of those who live in the "secular" world? I absolutely believe He is. Can God send a message through those who are not really all that faithful and dedicated? Isn't that the basic message of much of the Old Testament?
But was God's message to the Israelites to continue fitting in with the culture around them to be relevant? I don't think so. I acknowledge that this is a new Covenant, but has God's nature or character changed?
No, we are no longer called to destroy our enemies. (Although American Christianity seems to endorse a continuation of the Crusades.) But we are still called to change our "enemies," not to fit in.
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
“I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
So after a few bunny trails, I return to the question at hand. How can we be both relevant and resolute?
There is no simple answer. There is no formula. But the most concise answer might be Micah 6:8. No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. The questions we must all wrestle with are right in this passage.
What does it mean to do right?
What does it mean to love mercy?
What does it mean to walk humbly with your God?
I believe that in the answer to these three questions we answer the question of relevance versus resoluteness. Here we can find the way to be in the world but not of the world. Here we can pursue the path that God has called each of us to travel.
But it's not always easy to see. People for thousands of years have been seeking the path. And all of us have missed the point in someway. And in the future, if not today, people will consider the path we chose and see the error of our ways.
But isn't that part of the hope of the cross. Jesus didn't die so we could live a perfect life. His sacrifice enables us to pursue that path without fear of failure. We don't have to get it all right. That's the joy of the cross! Because when we are set free to learn from our failures and improve on the journey, then God's glory will truly be revealed and the Kingdom of God will be set loose here on earth.

shine!
Jason

iGod

2006-11-28T11:49:00.000-05:00

Let me begin by saying that I am an imperfect sinner who struggles with many of things that bother me. I swim in the dirty water that I deplore. I am guilty of the things that upset and disappoint me. So this does not come from one who thinks he has it all together. Rather, these are the words of a fellow man who falls short of the glory of God.
As I write these words I look on my desk and see my iPod plugged into my iHome. While not playing anything at the moment, it could be turned on and I could select from thousands of things to listen to. And if there is nothing there, I could go online and download just about anything I want within seconds.
Have we done the same with God?
Just think about it.
How many of us take our iGod and choose the one we want?
Feeling like you want to fit in with your friends today? Grab your iGod and select the "God in a Box" who will silently stay in your back pocket at school or work while you tell off-color jokes, make fun of the person everyone laughs at, or lie and cheat to get ahead.
Maybe you want to be a trendy Christian. Grab iGod and dial up the "God who likes the music, regardless of the lyrics." Didn't God give that person the ability to play like that? This musician claims to be a follower of Jesus. He talks about God when he accepts his Grammy. He even has a song with a spiritual reference. Can we just overlook the fact that he has three other songs that degrade women and glorify greed? I just want to fit in.
Want to be the churchy Christian? This is where you put your iGod on shuffle. Whenever you get around those church people it's time to act all holy. Sure, you might have been out drinking last night. Maybe on Friday night you were playing cards and winning money while taking advantage of your friends. You could have been using that girlfriend of yours to please yourself. You brushed off the student or coworker that looked lonely. But now it's Sunday morning. Time to sing the hymns, bow the head, and take communion.
Then there are more subtle choices like "Happy Christian." This is where your iGod playlist changes. You have struggles and hurts, but when you get around your Christian friends you smile and say everything is great. It could be pride. Maybe it's fear of embarrassment or rejection. Whatever it is, we serve the "everything is great on the outside" God while we are dying on the inside.
What about the secular/spiritual setting on your iGod? This is where we act like our two worlds are not connected. Spirituality is a private matter. Sure, I live a moral life, but other than that God is a personal thing. Never mind what Jesus said about losing my life for the sake of Gospel. He was taking to martyrs. That rich young ruler that Jesus told to sell everything. He was just making a point.
Wait...one more. Does your iGod have a playlist called "God is another hobby?" This is one of the most popular downloads. I can get up every morning at 6:00am or stay after school for two hours for a sport. I will spend hours and even entire weekends hunting, fishing, or playing golf. It is nothing to spending Sunday afternoons watching football. But you want me to give up a few hours a month to serve the homeless? Do I have to "go to church" Wednesday night? It's been a busy week. I don't really have time to get up 20 minutes earlier to pray. I was up late last night watching a good movie.
Frankly, I am tired of my iGod. I want to put it away and live a dedicated life. I don't want to care whether or not I am dressed fashionably while some people in Oakland County would just like to have a coat. I get mad at myself for watching even an hour of television while people within walking distance of my house barely have food to eat. I am frustrated that I am in more conversations about sports and entertainment than I am about the power of God. I get discouraged that we often spend more time figuring out where to eat out on Sunday afternoons than finding someone to have in our home who can't afford a meal. Have we become so absorbed in the consumerism around us that we want God at our disposal like a service technician?
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that entertainment or clothing anything else in our culture is inherently sinful, but are we serving the wrong gods? Is it not backwards when we compliment someone more about the way they are dressed than the way they serve? Is it not upside down when we spend one hour serving the poor and hours upon hours serving ourselves at restaurants, stores, move theaters, and in front of the TV?
Jesus did not come to give us a comfortable, enjoyable life. He came to give us life abundant. I don't think He ever imagined that abundance would mean big houses, nice cars, and big bank accounts. I think He had in mind hearts full of compassion, people seeking joy in simplicity, and hands reaching out to others. The abundant life is not about us; it never was intended to be about us. It is about loving God and loving others. It is about laying down our life so that someone else's life could be better.
Is "The American Dream" what has spoiled our view of God? Has Manifest Destiny created a consumeristic God? Has the American "God" become a God of capitalism and individualism? Has the God who has always valued community become of God of commodity? Is the Way of selflessness become a way of selfishness? Do we serve with our lives or do we serve to help justify our lifestyle and feel better about ourselves?
I think about people like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King and weep at the kind of follower of Jesus I am. The more I get to know Jesus, the more I realize how little I really follow Him. I feel like Peter, who followed at a distance, but was willing to deny Jesus when it interfered with his comfort.
I am more and more convinced every day we as a people of God need to spend more time with Jesus. Sure, this involves time in the Bible and time in prayer. But it is much more than that. We follow a man who didn't have a place to lay His head, didn't worry about owning much of anything, and was willing to stand up for what was right, regardless of the circumstances. We follow this man, Jesus, by building bigger and bigger houses, gathering as many possessions as we can, and compromising our principles when necessary. Are we following or just admiring from a distance?
My biggest fear in life is that I am just admiring while pretending to be a follower. I want to pick up my cross, but often I am afraid to lay down the things that I am already holding in my hands. What I am learning is that ultimately, it's not about what you own...it's about what owns you.

shine!
Jason

Life flashing before my eyes...

2006-11-20T21:09:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I had one of those encouraging, emotional, reaffirming, sad, joyful, and fun experiences. I was at the Belpre Youth Rally. I saw people from almost every part of my full-time ministry experience...
There were adults and teenagers from Amherst.
There was a teenager from Amherst who is also a student at OVU.
There were adults, kids, and teenagers from Belpre.
There were college students from OVU.
There was a teenager from Belpre who is a student at Rochester College.
There were college students from the Rochester Church.
There were admissions counselors I have known for years.
There were OVU employees.
I think that just about covers it all.
It was one of those times where God allows you to see how many lives you have touched. Although I played such a small part in many of these people's lives, it is still cool to see how God uses us.
Even more encouraging to me is how much all of the people I saw this weekend have impacted my life. Seeing so many friends was like stepping back and looking at a mosaic of the people who have helped shape my faith.
When I pulled away from the Belpre Youth Rally it was time to return to where God has brought me to, but for a few days in November I was able to look back at the last seven years of my life and see how God shapes a man using the people around him.
To everyone I saw this weekend who reads this I want to say "Thank you."
Thank you for showing me what it means to be faithful.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be loving.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be kind.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be passionate about God.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be a friend.

shine!
Jason

Still a political science junkie

2006-11-07T22:58:00.000-05:00

Here I am watching FoxNews to see the results of the election. As much as I have distanced myself from politics, it is still a mild passion for me. But this is the key to keeping your sanity in the midst of the craziness. God will keep working no matter who controls Congress.
So many people, even Christians, place so much of their hope in the outcome of elections. Don't get me wrong. If we feel like a candidate supports our views we should vote for them. It is our responsibility as citizens to vote.
However, our faith should never be in who is President or controls Congress. Our ability to follow God is not dictated by what political party is in the majority.
I will probably make more comments after the election results are finalized, but I am tired and need to get to bed soon. Who will be in control when the dust clears? Republicans? Democrats? How about God?

shine!
Jason

It doesn't affect me?

2006-10-02T16:08:00.000-04:00

In the last week, there have been three fatal school shootings. I am sure that even now the debate is renewing. Why? How? Here are a few of my reflections.
I am pretty tired of this philosophy that our children (and adults for that matter) can listen to whatever they want and not be affected. Personally, I take that as a cop-out because people either lack the courage to stand up for what is right or they don't want to give up the entertainment they enjoy.
Don't think I am trying to be the thought police or go for censorship. It's not the government's job to pick up where parents and other community leaders are dropping the ball. If the church would do it's job, we wouldn't need the government providing day care, welfare, and so many other services that God's people should be engaged in. But that's a different subject for another time.
Back to this entertainment thought. Do we really think our children can listen to whatever they want and not be affected? Here are the lyrics for this week's Billboard Top 5:

WARNING: There is some explicit language in the songs below! I have left them unedited for you to see what many of our youth are listening to.

------------------------------------------------

Sexy Back (Justin Timberlake) #1

[Verse 1]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
I think you're special whats behind your back
So turn around and ill pick up the slack.
Take em' to the bridge

[Bridge]
Dirty babe
You see these shackles
Baby I'm your slave
I'll let you whip me if I misbehave
It's just that no one makes me feel this way

Take em' to the chorus

[Chorus]
Come here girl
Go ahead, be gone with it
Come to the back
Go ahead, be gone with it
VIP
Go ahead, be gone with it
Drinks on me
Go ahead, be gone with it
Let me see what you're working with
Go ahead, be gone with it
Look at those hips
Go ahead, be gone with it
You make me smile
Go ahead, be gone with it
Go ahead child
Go ahead, be gone with it
And get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it

Get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it

[X6]

Get your sexy on

[Verse 2]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
Come let me make up for the things you lack
Cause your burning up I gotta get it fast
Take em' to the bridge

[Bridge]

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
If that's your girl you better watch your back
Cause she'll burn it up for me and that's a fact

Take em' to the chorus

[Chorus]

----------------------------------------

Money Maker (Ludacris featuring Pharrell) #2

[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Verse 1:]
Shake shake shake your money maker
Like you were shakin it for some paper
Took your mama 9 months to make ya
Might as well shake what ya mama gave ya

You ... you lookin good in them jeans
I bet you look even better with me in between
I keep my mind on my money, money on my mind
But yous a hell of a distraction when you shake your behind
I got * on my right side pourin some cups
My whole hood is to my left and they aint giving a fuck

So feel free to get lose and get carried away
So by tomorrow you forgot what you was sayin today
But don't forget about this feeling that im making you get
And all the calories you burn from me making you sweat
The mile high points you earn when we taking my jet
And how everywhere you turn I'll be making you wet..

[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Verse 2:]
Switch, switch, switch it from right to left and..
Switch it till you running right out of breath and..
Take a break until you ready again and..
You can invite over as many friends as..
Ya want to, but i really want you
Just be thankful that Pharrell gave you somethin to bump to...HEYY
Luda...Im at the top of my game
You want my hands from the bottom to the top of your brain
And I...just wanna take a lil ride on your curves
And get erotic giving your body just what it deserves and..

Let me give you some swimming lessons on the penis
Backstroke, breaststroke, stroke of a genius...YUPP
Call me the renaissance man
Get up and i stay harder than a cinder block mannn....HEYY
Im just a bedroom gangster
And i been meanin to tell ya that i really must thank ya when ya..

[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Verse 3:]
Rock rock rock it and make it work girl
Please dont stop it until it hurt girl
You..you been lookin a little tipsy
So if you could jus shake it a little this wayy
See ima member of the BBC
The original bread winna of DTP
And you the center of attention thats distracting this war
Cuz everybody in the camp is like OH MY GODD..she could

[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

--------------------------------------

How to Save a Life (The Fray) #3

Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it's just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you've told him all along
And pray to God he hears you
And pray to God he hears you

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you've followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he'll say he's just not the same
And you'll begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

How to save a life
How to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

How to save a life

---------------------------------------

London Bridge (Fergie) #4

Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit
When I come to the clubs, step aside
Pop the seeds, don't be hating me in the line
V.I.P because you know I gotta shine
I'm Fergie Ferg
Give me love you long time

All my girls get down on the floor
Back to back drop it down real low
I'm such a lady but I'm dancing like a ho
Because you know what, I don't give a fuck
So here we go!

[Chorus (x2)]
How come every time you come around
My London London Bridge want to go down
Like London London want to go down
Like London London be going down

Drinks start pouring
And my speech start slowing
Everybody start looking at you

The Grey Goose got the girl feeling loose
Now I wishing that I didn't wear these shoes
It's like everytime I get up on the dude
Papparazzi put my business in the news
And I'm gonna get up out my face (oh, shit)
Before I turn around and spray your ass with mace (oh, shit)
My lips make you want to have a taste (oh, shit)
You got that? I got the bass

[Chorus x2]

---------------------------------------

Lips of An Angel (Hinder) #5

honey why you calling me so late?
It's kinda hard to talk right now
Honey why are you crying is everything okay
I gotta whisper cause I can't be too loud
Well, my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel

It's funny that you're calling me tonight
And yes I've dreamt of you too
And does he know you're talking to me
Will it start a fight
No I don't think she has a clue
Well my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel

It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
(And I never wanna say goodbye)
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
honey why you calling me so late?

---------------------------------------

This begs a few questions for me...
Is it any wonder that teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are everywhere?
Is it any wonder that divorce rates have gone up?
Is it any wonder that teenagers are more depressed than ever?
Is it any wonder that respect seems to have faded away?
Is it any wonder that this generation feels lost, lonely, and abandoned?
Which leads me to my other point. Most of the blame is not on the youth. We listen to what we let them listen to. We give them too many adult freedoms without adult guidance. We invest time in our own careers, hobbies, and desires and leave them without much time and direction.
It seems like many parents would rather have a promotion at work than dinner with their family.
It seems like many dads would rather play golf with their buddies than spend time with their son or daughter.
Families spend hours staring at a TV rather than looking at each other and talking.
What happens when the captain leaves the cockpit of a plane? The same thing that happens when parents abandon leadership of their families. Crash!
Granted, parents often face financial struggles and difficulties. But do families really NEED a fancy car, a big house, or a HDTV? Are those things really more important than family time?
I know there are single moms and families that struggle to make end meet. Sometimes the situation makes it nearly impossible to have quality family time. But isn't that where the church should be there to help out and make up the difference? But other than saying hello on Sunday morning are we there to help single moms? Are we there to lend a hand to families in need?
I will be the first to step up and claim falling short. I know I am not doing as well as I should. But it's time for all of us to step up our efforts. It's time to stop letting the entertainment industry shape and form our children. It's time to take the power away from MTV and iPods. It's time we spend more time with our children so WE can shape their minds and hearts.
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. (Romans 12:2)
"A tree is identified by its fruit. Make a tree good, and its fruit will be good. Make a tree bad, and its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart. And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned." -Jesus (quoted from Matthew 12:33-37)
Would you rather your son spend an hour talking to you about how to treat young ladies or get advice by listening to the artists above? Or, who do you want teaching your daughter how to treat and use her body? It's your call.

shine!
Jason

Student Small Groups

2006-09-21T22:29:00.000-04:00

I am so completely pumped about our Student Small Groups. In less than two weeks we will have over 20 volunteers working with around 70 students. Every Wednesday night these groups will meet in various places at the church building to engage in study, sharing, and prayer. I know that God is going to accomplish great things through these groups.
Please be in prayer for the adults and students that will be a part of this ministry. I know that it will be challenging at times, but I also know it will be very rewarding. I believe that small groups will be the most powerful and significant part of our student ministry from this point forward.

shine!
Jason

What ever happened to holiness?

2006-09-18T14:52:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I taught the high school class and our topic was holiness. Actually, the title of the lesson was "God's Most Frightening Feature." This lesson has really been picking at me since yesterday and caused me to ask the question above. What ever happened to holiness?
In the rush to be relevant, tolerant, and trendy, many churches and Christians have lost a grip on the holiness of God. Think about it. Think about a lot of the worship songs that are coming out. How many of them sound like secular love songs with God serving as the boyfriend? This love affair with a "warm, fuzzy" God paints only part of the picture.
Now, before you think I am some right-wing, moralist, fundamentalist, hear me out. I agree we need to reach out to people where they are. I am 100% behind grace. There is no way we can reach the lost if we condemn them for the situation they find themselves in. My concern is not with the lost, but with the ones that call themselves saved.
While there are probably a hundred reasons for the demise of holiness, let me ponder a few.
One of the first things I would consider is the whole idea of Americanized Christianity. You know the kind I am talking about. It's the one where your baptism stamps your passport for heaven. The one that has 5 steps to salvation. The one that is packaged neatly and can be picked up at your local Barnes & Noble. The one that produces love songs for Jesus. Need I say more?
When we begin to look at following Jesus as an individual event as opposed to a community endeavor we lose something. Being a Christ-follower suddenly becomes all about me and not about others. It's about what I need to do to get into heaven, not who I need to be to bring heaven to earth. Me. Me. Me. Didn't the apostle John write, "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less."? (see John 3:30)
Which brings me to my second thought. Now, this is where I get into one of those chicken and the egg discussions. What came first, Americanized, individualized Christianity, or consumerism? Or did they both feed off of each other? I ask this question, because wasn't our country founded on individual liberty? So I struggle to see what came first. An economy with "God-given" liberty or a religion where you pick your type of God. Is either really that healthy? Or are both a unhealthy marriage of spirituality and materialism?
All that to say that holiness is not Christianity on our terms. It isn't something where we have wiggle room. We can't pick and choose on holiness.
This has nothing to do with worship styles, translations of the Bible, or even what church you attend. It has everything to do with what your life looks like the 165 hours a week you are not in a building that our society calls a church. It has to do with the words you use. The choices you make. The way you treat others. The things you allow to shape your mind and heart. The people you allow to become your closest friends. The time you spend developing your relationship with God.
Consumerism has unfortunately become the air we breathe. We worry more about how people look when they worship than how people dress and cause their fellow Christians to struggle with lust. We worry more about the color of the carpet that why the skin color of most of the people in our church is the same. We worry more about what the Bible class teacher says than whether or not we even open our Bibles at home.
Our society has turned church into McReligion. The kind where you order what you want, consume it, and you're done with it by the time you get to your next stop. Church is for Sundays. It doesn't matter what my life looks like on Monday as long as I look right on Sundays. I can treat people how ever I want at work as long as I take Communion. I can lie, steal, or cheat to get ahead in school as long as I show up for youth group. I can ignore my neighbor in need as long as I throw a few bucks in the collection plate.
What happened to holiness? What happened to staying pure physically, emotionally, and mentally? What happened to keeping ourselves separate from the ways of the world? What happened to looking so different from the world that we would be persecuted, put down, and abused?
I think that many have traded in the old rugged cross for the little plastic one on the end of a necklace. What would Jesus do?

shine!
Jason

Shhhh....

2006-09-14T22:43:00.000-04:00

Imagine a place of peace for you.
Is it sitting in a small boat in the middle of a secluded lake?
Is it the back porch of a cabin in the woods?
Is it a bike ride through the country?
What is that place for you?
Close your eyes for about 30 seconds and just focus on that place.
(If you didn't stop and close your eyes, read the sentence above and follow directions. LOL)
OK. Why do we long for peace? Why do we long for a time of quiet? I believe that God placed that desire for quiet so that we would have times to listen for Him to speak. Consider this exchange between Elihah and the LORD.
"Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
And a voice said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:11-13)
I firmly believe that God speaks to us often. He may not speak audibly, but by the Spirit He longs to speak to our hearts and minds. He wants to meet us in those quiet places. Why else would the Psalmist write, "Be silent, and know that I am God!"?
This week the Rochester teens are participating in a Media Fast. (Therefore many of them may not see this until next week.) This is a week where we have dedicated ourselves to not watch TV or movies, not listen to music (other than praise and worship), and not browse the internet or spend significant time chatting. It is a time to turn off a lot of the "noise" that crowds our minds and drowns out the voice of the Lord.
I want to invite you to join us on this journey. If you are reading this weeks later, make an effort to engage in your own media fast. Take time to be silent and know that He is God.
If you are participating or do participate in a media fast I would love to hear back from you when it is over. How did you hear God's voice in those times of quiet? What impact did it have on your walk with God?
If you have any other questions about the Media Fast, please feel free to email me. May God be glorified in all that you do, say, and think.

shine!
Jason

That's Entertainministry!

2006-08-15T13:45:00.000-04:00

Am I the only one who thinks it is maddening to reach people for Jesus by seeing who can put on the best performance? But isn't that really what most of youth ministry has become?
Who can have the coolest name?
Who has the flashiest logo?
Who has the best band?
Whose teen room looks the coolest?
Which group does the best ski/rafting/fill-in-the-blank trip?
Now, before you run off and accuse me of advocating boring speakers, irrelevant lessons, and no fun, hear me out. I am all about having fun while we live for and learn about Jesus. I think Jesus enjoyed life. As a matter of fact, didn't He tell us following Him would bring more abundant life? Of course. But here is the question of the hour...what did this life look like?
Did His abundant life come by seeing how much entertainment we could shove in our lives? Did it come by going on trips designed to entertain? Did Jesus get a rush by riding roller coasters, watching movies, or taking excursions? (I'll give you a minute to refer to the Gospels if you need to.) I don't see any of that in the Bible.
The last time I checked, the abundant life Jesus spoke of consisted of serving others, putting your life on the line for the outcast, and giving up everything else for the sake of following Jesus. I doesn't seem as though many youth ministries are buying into that model.
Let's consider what Jesus might embrace...
Racing down a river in a raft or reaching inner-city children?
Movie nights or a night in prayer?
Lock-in or looking for ways to serve senior citizens?
Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with having fun. Buy how much more fun (and abundant) is it to enjoy life while aiding God in redeeming creation? Why not find the kind of peace and fulfillment Jesus talks about in His "Sermon on the Mount?"
From what I see, most youth ministries look more like another club at school than they do a movement going against the grain of culture. They seem more concerned with how many students come to an event than how many students are transformed to look like Jesus.
I will conceed that most youth ministries do strive to "convert" students. But convert them to what? A self-serving experience that says we can still have our life but come to church events and worship? A club where we feel good because we go to church. A place where sins often reigns 153 hours a week and Jesus makes an appearance the other three?
I know I am being hard on my vocation. And I will readily admit that many of the things I have said above are self-condemning. I am not innocent at all in regards to the way I "do" ministry. I still struggle with the balance between relevance and faithfulness. I often wonder if I am too hardcore or if I am selling out to society's expectations and norms.
The bottom line is this. Jesus did not ever want us to look like culture. He did not come so we could feel good in the midst of our sinfulness. Jesus never intended following Him to be a self-help adventure or a chance to just escape Hell. No way. No how.
Jesus calls us to something much more profound and life changing. We are challenged to engage this world of darkness to bring light. And when youth ministry doesn't look much different than the rest of a teen's world and doesn't challenge young people to find their identity in Jesus, what kind of light is that? Who wants to subject themselves to more rules and waking up early on Sundays while they don't significantly change the way they live the rest of the week?
When youth ministry strives to create churchgoers, good citizens, or someone who saves sex until marriage, we have completely missed the point. Jesus wants radicals. People who buck the status quo. People who live in contrast to the self-centered, consumeristic world we find ourselves submursed in.
Hey! This makes me think about the experience of baptism. When we dedicate ourselves to God in baptism we are submursing ourselves into a new world. A new way of living. A new appraoch to life. We are making Christ our LORD and Savior. When Jesus calls Himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life, He is not only talking about a path to heaven. He is talking about a new path here on earth. The Way to restore creation to the way God intended. The Truth about what is really important. The Life that is abundant here and in the world to come.
It's time for youth ministry to get out of the recreation business and into the transformation business. Let's stop worrying about how many teens we can entertain and start worrying about how many teens we can change. Now there's a cross I'm ready to bear.

shine!
Jason

Seeking identity

2006-08-13T08:15:00.000-04:00

Everyone wants it. People will pay great money for it. People will steal for it. People will lie to get it. People will give up their dignity to maintain. People will sacrifice their purity to keep it. People will give away almost anything else to have this one thing.
Identity.
As I write this I find myself in the midst of an identity recalibration. I am really not sure what else to call it. It's not a crisis. It's not a total change. It is a recalibration; an adjustment.
My identity is in Jesus, by what that means is certainly changing. It is changing away from things like how I do church and what I believe about a thousand different "doctrines." This is hard, because "church" is my employer. It is my job. And that creates a extra set of expectations and issues. It is a blessing and a curse. (Well, curse might be a bit strong, but I hope you get the idea.)
God is shaping more and more into finding my identity in the person of Jesus Christ. Not in the church. Not in my faith. Not in my spiritual disciplines and habits. Simply in Jesus.
I am a part of a faith community who has tended to seek it's identity in the way we "do church." It has affected the way we interpret texts. It impacts our approach to life. In a practical way it affects the way we live our lives. I have seen plently of people who will fight to the death for the way we do church, but the rest of their life tends to look very little like what Jesus talks about throughout the Gospels.
The problem is that many (in and out of our specific religious tribe) have made church a part of their identity instead of making Jesus their ONLY identity. This mindset has allowed many Christians to be faithful on Sunday mornings while mistreating employees, friends, and family on Monday. It creates situations where teenagers praise Jesus on Wednesday night and sleep with their boyfriend on Friday night. It makes it "OK" for us to put a few dollars in the contribution plate while ignoring our neighbor who needs food or clothing. I could go on and on, but the point is this: when our identity is in anything other that Jesus Himself, our life will be filled with inconsistancy and identity confusion.
I say all this above because at many points along my walk I have been that person. And, to be honest, parts of me continue to be that person. But God has really worked on me over the last couple of months and started opening my eyes to what I could be. He is showing me that identity anywhere but in His Son is selling ourselves short. It is a problem that started in the Garden of Eden and continues today.
I have plenty more to say, but I will stop for now. I just want to encourage you to pray about where you seek your identity. Is it in your job? Your friends? Your possesions? Your boyfriend/girlfriend? Your music? Your spouse? Or one of a hundred other places?
Seek your identity in the one place that the One who made you wants to find it: Jesus Christ.

shine!
Jason

Being relevant?

2006-08-04T11:20:00.000-04:00

There seems to be this new movement in churches to be relevant. Well, maybe it's not new, but there is a new angle. It seems to me that some are submursing themselves into the culture for the sake of being "relevant." I struggle with this method.
As I consider the words of Jesus he called people to a higher standard. While I believe He abhored "morality" without mercy, I also think Jesus would be bothered by allowing current culture almost completely unchecked access to our hearts and minds. Whether it's music, movies, TV, lifestyle, or any number of other areas, I wonder how Jesus would live in America today.
I do not have an answer to the questions below; they are simply food for thought.
Would Jesus spend his evenings watching American Idol or Survivor?
How often would Jesus go to out to eat at restaurants?
What would Jesus have in His iPod?
I guess I could go on and on.
I will admit that I am a fan of culture. I enjoy a good movie. I listen to music quite a bit. I enjoy Olive Garden, Chili's, and a host of other places. But I struggle with the balance between cultural awareness and cultural acceptance.
I know that Paul said, "Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ." (1 Corinthians 9:22) But Paul also said one verse earlier, "But I do not discard the law of God; I obey the law of Christ."
So where do we find the balance? How do we reach the world without looking like the world? How do we follow the mandate of James which states that, "Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us." (James 1:27)
We are called to compassion AND purity.
God demands mercy AND holiness.
We seek to reach the lost AND remain faithful.
I want to reach the lost - especially teens - but what does that look like in the year 2006? The words of Dan Stockstill (my YM professor at Harding University) still ring in my head. "What you win them with is what you win them too."
Are we trying to win the lost with culture plus Jesus? Are we seeking to be relevant at the expense of holiness?
I often fear that we sometimes make Jesus in the image of our culture as opposed to letting Him shape our interaction with culture. For example...
Jesus the action figure who is at our disposal when we need Him.
Jesus the social activist who seeks to addresses issues without a call for holiness.
Jesus the lucky charm who helps us when we are in trouble or need luck.
Jesus the drive-thru window who gives us our house, our car, and other material items.
While Jesus does help us in times of need, calls us to help the poor and outcasts, and provides for us, He first and foremost calls us to be completely sold-out and dedicated to Him. This is a goal that all of us should strive for, but none of us will ever achieve completely. Sin will continue to trip us up.
The question at hand is that do we sometimes seek to be so relevant that we give sin an outlet into our innermost being?
Yeah, you may think of the easy targets, like sexual impurity and violence. But what about the ways that we are gently, subtly shaped in the image of our consumerist culture?
(I am about to indict myself severly.)
How many families in Africa could be fed by the money I spend on a dinner for three at Texas Roadhouse?
How many poor children in America could actually have a week's worth of clothes for the cost of one outfit from Old Navy?
How many American inner-city single mothers could pay one (or more) month's rent for what it costs for an iPod?
Yes, I believe the church in America has a long way to go before we realize the dream of God. I am beginning to more vividly understand the words of Jesus when He says, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!" (Matthew 19:24)
I think that while Jesus is primarily talking about eternal life, there is certainly a sense in which this applies to our lives in this world. How can we fulfill the dream of God when our vision is blurred by the culture we live in?
I write the words above as a challenge to me and others as we seek to be the body of Christ in the world we live in. Being a true follower of Christ in the richest nation in the world is certainly challenging. And the more I get to know Jesus, the more I realize how much I need a merciful Savior who loves me in spite of my failings and misunderstandings. I an thankful that God remains faithful to me as I continue to fail Him.

shine!
Jason

Jesus is not a Republican (or a Democrat)

2006-08-03T10:50:00.002-04:00

The more I get to know Jesus, the more I realize He would turn over tables at the Republican National Convention as much as He would at the Democrat's. He would wonder why so many people who so strongly support "family values" worry more about staying at work late for extra money than spending time at the dinner table. He would wonder why people who want tax cuts would spend all of that money on themselves instead of using to bless the poor.
Now before you think I am turning Democrat, let examine the other side. I am not in favor of the government taking my money and distributing it for me. First of all, there are way too many people between my tax dollars and the poor. My guess is that most of the money that goes to welfare serves the welfare of government workers, not those who are in need. Second, government is providing help without a heart. There is money, but very little guidance.
As we look at this mess called poverty no party is innocent. The Republicans love to blame the Democrats for creating an entitlement mentality, and they are right. When people are giving money without accountability what do you expect. But the Democrats have a point when they say Republicans don't care about the poor either. They allege that Republicans don't care about the poor, and they are right. One side wants to hand out money. The other side wants to force responsbility.
Both sides have good motives, but they both fall miserably short. Let's look at Jesus and see how He would handle this situation today. (And since we are the body of Christ who is called to be His hands and feet, don't you think we should consider what Jesus thinks?)
Jesus helped the poor and held them accountable. He was willing to give His time, His energy, and even His reputation to help those who were "unwanted" by society. He was both Servant and Savior. He loved and challenged people. When He encountered the woman caught in adultery, He didn't just give her a handout and He didn't tell her to help herself. He protected her and gave her new direction in life. When Jesus met the woman at the well, He gave her living water and challenged her to change her life.
Jesus would have rediculed the Republicans for being self-centered as much as He would have chastised the Democrats for being self-centered. Responsiblity without support is just as bad as a handout without support.
While I could go on and on, I will finish with this thought. If Jesus wouldn't have claimed a political party, why should I? Will I still vote? Yes. Jesus said to "give unto Caesar, what is Caesar's." But will I claim allegence to a political party? I am working through that right now.
I have been a Republican all my life. I have a minor in political science. But Jesus seems to be calling to me to rise above all the noise, namecalling, and nonsense. I will follow Him and see where it leads me.

shine!
Jason

Brazil!

2006-06-15T19:44:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow our team of 29 will leave for Brazil. We will be working with the Victory church in Rio for the next 10 days. Please pray for our safe travels, and more importantly, pray that lives will be touched by God. Ask God for an outpouring of His Spirit and that we can be His hands and feet to the church in Rio and the Brazilians we will meet. Thank you for your prayers!

brilho!

Re-imagining the church as a village

2006-06-15T19:41:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday I had the honor and privilege of sharing the pulpit with our pulpit minister, Patrick Mead. Together Patrick and I presented a fundamental paradigm shift in how ministry to youth and their families is done. The lesson was entitled "Re-imagining the Church as a Village." While this concept has been around for several years (and is actually more biblical than the one most youth ministries follow today), it is certainly a new direction for me and for the Rochester church. God has been leading me this way for a few years and it is exciting to see God continuing my journey. You can listen to the sermon by going to http://rccaudio.christianwitness.us/. There you can either download the lesson or listening to it in streaming audio format.

shine!

Blind-spot

2006-06-15T08:31:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: 2 Samuel 12:1-14
Have you ever been driving down the road and when you go to switch lanes you begin to move over and you hear someone honk their horn? When you look again there is a car in the lane you were moving into. Most of us who drive understand there is a blind-spot that we must be aware of when we drive.
How many of us are aware of our spiritual blind-spots? David certainly didn't see his. I am sure that when he slept with Bathsheba, found out she was pregnant, and plotted to have her husband killed, he was aware of the sin. But, he continued to plot and hide the truth.
Then, when Nathan told the story we read today, David never saw the parallel between what he had done and what Nathan had said. It wasn't until Nathan said the words, "You are that man!" Then Nathan goes on to remind David of all the blessings God gave him.
David committed a serious sin in spite of all the ways that God had blessed him and been with him. David's blind-spot caused him to create a huge mess. And the rest of David's life would be filled with struggles because of this.
No matter how successful we are, all of us have spiritual blind-spots. That is one of the reasons it is essential we have healthy, close relationships with spiritual-minded people. Those relationships will help keep us accountable. It will take spiritually-minded close friends to help us see our blind-spots.
Do you have at least one close friend who keeps an eye out for you? Do you have someone who you can share your struggles with that will keep you accountable. As you strive to become the person God wants you to be, make sure you surround yourself with people who will watch your back in this journey called following Jesus.

shine!
Jason

How to be king

2006-06-15T00:02:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 Samuel 18:1-16
There are all kinds of leadership training classes and seminars. You can find a host of books on how to be a leader. But we see David living out what makes an effective leader for God. It's not about seminars, books, or training sessions. Yes, those can all be helpful. But the key to a successful godly leader is found in the heart of the person. Consider what we read about David in this passage.
David was successful in what Saul asked him to do. (verse 5) David was dependable and carried out his assignments.
David was faithful, even when Saul took away some of his troops. (verse 13) David remained faithful in his tasks, even when his "boss" mistreated him.
The Lord was with David. (verses 12 & 14) When David was faithful, God was with him.
We can learn a lot from David. The biggest thing I learn from David in this situation is that we must be a servant regardless of how we are treated. I know there are times I don't want to serve because someone treated me poorly. I would imagine most of us have been there at least a few times.
David shows me that a real leader grows from a real servant. If we can show kindness, faithfulness, patience, and dependability as we serve others, God will often bless us with the opportunity to lead others. This is not a guarantee, but it is certainly a principle I have seen in Scripture and real life. Not all leaders show these characteristics, but most effective, godly leaders will show these attributes long before they are called to lead. Whether you are a leader or not, pray that God will help you develop into the kind of person who could be king, whether you are called to leadership or not. Because the reality is that all of us will lead someone. But are we doing it in a way that brings glory and honor to God?

shine!
Jason

God's warrior

2006-06-13T08:36:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 Samuel 17:32-51
This story brings so many questions to my mind. Here are a few for starters...
Why do we often fail look at where we have been and see what God has prepared us for?
Why do we often try so hard to be something God didn't design us to be?
Why do we often look to ourselves as the ultimate source of power and control?
David isn't your typical warrior. First of all, his king didn't believe him but he went anyway. In most armies, if the general tells you that you can't do it, you don't head into battle. But David realized who his REAL king was. He knew who was in charge.
David didn't worry about his size of lack or military training. Sure, David realized who he was going up against. But Saul failed to acknowledge who Goliath was really going up against. Goliath was not simply fighting a shepherd boy, runt of the litter, untrained warrior. Goliath was facing the God of all creation, and David knew it!
David didn't try to be something he wasn't. Trying to put on armor that was not designed for him would have done two things. It would have limited his ability to battle the way he had learned as a shepherd protecting the flock and it would have shown a lack of trust in the Lord. David knew where his power and protection could be found.
I believe the key to David's victory can be found in verses 46 and 47 where David says, "Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone will know that the LORD does not need weapons to rescue his people. It is his battle, not ours. The LORD will give you to us!"
Do we fight our battles the same way? When we face temptation, sin, persecutions, and other struggles, do we look to God for the power and protection? Do we realize that the battle is ultimately God's?
Often I think we forget...
When we feel insufficient, we try to dress up in the armor of the world. Why else would we worry about what kind of clothes we wear? Why else would we put other people down to make ourselves feel better? Why else would we worry more about being popular than being faithful to God?
We tend to use our abilities to bring ourselves glory as opposed to bringing God glory. Why else would we work so hard to get promotions and recognition? Why else would we dump so many hours into success in a sport or hobby that we usually only do for a few years? Why else would we spend so much money on status symbols?
We all struggle with one or more aspects of either feeling insufficient or wanting glory. It is a part of this fallen world we live in. But we can learn a valuable lesson from David. When we face what seems like insurmountable odds, God will deliver us when we trust Him and send the glory His way. When our focus is squarely on God, He will work in our lives in ways we never imagined. When we go to battle for the only real King, victory is certain. It is His battle, not ours.

shine!
Jason

A shepherd's heart

2006-06-12T21:48:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
We live in a society that is all about looks. If you doubt this, look around when you are in line at the grocery story. There are magazines all over with attractive people on the covers and 10 ways to look better on the inside. If that doesn't convince you, tune in for the latest show about "Hollywood's 10 Most Beautiful Stars." And on and on it goes.
When God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse to find the next king for Israel he fell into the same trap. It almost sounds like the "Mr. Israel" competition. Each of Jesse's sons is paraded before Samuel. And each time the result is the same. "Next." None of them are the one.
Then in from the fields comes David. Not anyone's vision of what a king should be, God chooses him. Not because of his looks. Not because he is the biggest and baddest. No. God selects David because of who he is on the inside. The "runt" of the family is also the one with the heart of a shepherd.
God will often used the most unlikely people. At least unlikely in the world's eyes. But God has a different - and much healthier perspective. God looks at a person's heart. It is substance, not style, that determines who someone is.
The next time you want to judge someone's worth, consider David. Here is the little brother than ended up leading an entire nation. The next time you think someone couldn't possibly serve God, remember David. The one that everyone in the family probably looked down on was the one an entire people eventually looked up to.
We waste so much time worrying about and trying to improve our looks. But how much time do we invest in shaping our hearts? Are we concerned more with what people think about our appearance or who the real us is on the inside? As you consider these questions, remember that God chose the youngest, weakest-looking boy in the house of Jesse to guide His nation.

shine!
Jason

Experiencing peace

2006-06-02T16:36:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Philippians 4:4-20
People today seek peace and comfort in so many places. Think about ome of the industries that have blossomed in recent years. Restaurants. Movies. Spas. Sports. Alcohol. Television. Vacation homes. Tobacco. Internet pornography. Recreational drug use.
Most people would agree that not all of these things are necessarily evil. But at the same time, I would dare to say that all of these things can become sinful if we try to use them to replace God as our source of comfort. Why do you think God told the nation of Israel thousands of years ago, "Do not worship any other gods besides me. Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or
animals or fish. You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god! I do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations. But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations." (Exodus 20:3-6)
God realized that human beings would often seek the "quick fix." We are constantly looking for the next "magic pill" to solve our problems. If you have a hard time believing that, just look at the cover of a magazine or watch a few TV commercials.
"Ten ways to lose 50 pounds in a month."
"The quicker picker-upper."
"How to make thousands in 90 days."
"Your way, right away."
"Calgon, take me away."
"Extreme makeover"
I am sure I could fill a few pages with things like this, but you get the idea. We are a culture in search of peace and comfort in a world full of sin, destruction, and evil. And unfortunately, even many of us in the church skip the real answer and seek out quick, short-cut solutions.
Peace is not always easy to achieve, but the formula is simple. Trust in God.
Listen to His words. Meditate on His words. Live by His words.
When we are able to focus on God and what He has done for us, especially in the person of Jesus, we will begin to discover a peace beyond compare. But we must realize that this is a journey. God usually operates more like a crock-pot than a microwave. It is when we allow Him to work on our hearts and minds over time that real, significant change takes place. And this is where real peace is able to grow and mature in our lives.

shine!
Jason

Producing fruit

2006-06-01T12:39:00.000-04:00

I worked on a farm for two summers in 1984 and 1985. I remember getting up around five most mornings to get to the fields and get to work. At $1.50 an hour, I wasn't getting rich, but it gave me a little money.
Anyway, one of my jobs on the farm was to walk through the fields and get rid of weeds. The farmer knew that weeds would make it more difficult for the crops to grow and produce. Whether it was the weeds taking some of the moisture and nutrients from the ground or getting to the size where they blocked sunlight, weeds were nothing but hurtful to the crops. If they were not safely and fully removed, the plants would die or at best they would not produce any crops.
This is exactly what Jesus is talking about in the parable we read today. The cares of this life and the lure of wealth are just like the weeds. They either steal our energy away from serving God or they block out our ability to see the Son.
We may still go to church. We may keep up the appearances of serving God. But are we producing fruit?
This is what the cares of life and the lure of wealth do to us. They change us from healthy plants producing a crop to nonproductive plants. If we are not careful we are transformed from people sharing our faith and leading people to Jesus to people who are satisfied with sitting in a pew.
Is worry impacting your ability to produce a crop for God? Find someone to help you, pray with you, or challenge you to pull the weeds out of your life so you can bring forth the fruit that God is calling you to produce.

shine!
Jason

Decreasing worry

2006-05-30T13:04:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Ecclesiastes 5:10-17
We work so hard for things that we will never get to keep. Sure, we
might enjoy our material blessings for a few years, but what about
after that? Why do we invest so much energy in things that are
temporary? Why do we give up so much of ourselves for stuff that
often ends up controlling us?
The author of Ecclesiastes is on to something here. These few verses
are packed with wisdom. Here are just a few nuggets...
"The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it."
"People who live only for wealth come to the end of their lives as
naked and empty-handed as on the day they were born."
"As people come into this world, so they depart. All their hard work
is for nothing. They have been working for the wind, and everything
will be swept away."
Why do we put so much of our emotions, time, and energy into
accumulating things that we can't take with us when we die and that
will be burned up on the Day of Judgment? Why do we allow ourselves
to experience so much frustration, discouragement, and anger because
of things that don't really matter in the big picture?
I believe that our lives would be much more enjoyable, my own
included, if we could reduce the importance of stuff in our lives.
Imagine if we didn't worry about what kind of car we drove. What
kind of peace would it bring if we didn't care what kind of house we
lived in? How would it change us if we could stopping being
concerned about the name on the label of our clothes?
None of these things are inherently evil, but their place of
prominence in our lives is crucial. The problem is not wealth, it is
what we allow wealth to do to us. When we consider all we have as a
gift from God it will change so many things. We will be more willing
to use wealth as a tool of the Kingdom as opposed to using it as
something to bring us pleasure. We will worry less about money when
it becomes a method to serve God instead of the purpose of life.
We often have worry because things that shouldn't be important
become important. God did not promise us a stress-free life, but He
has shown us ways of wisdom to decrease worry and live a life of
peace. We just need to develop the ability to listen to Him and
apply the wisdom in each of our lives.

shine!
Jason

The Gospel in action

2006-05-26T10:45:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15
Giving is one of the greatest examples of the Gospel in action. When you think about it, what is really at the heart of the Gospel? It is God's willingness to give. And this was no small offering. God was willing to give us His Son.
When we give to others we are continuing what God started. What God started with Jesus we are compelled to continue. It is nothing short of carrying on the work of Jesus.
God provides us opportunities every day to plant seeds of thanksgiving. The question is do we take advantage of these chances? Just like the farmer, the more we plant, the more we will harvest. Do we take every opportunity to plant seeds for the kingdom of God? Are we glorifying God through generosity? Are we willing to give with a joyful heart? Is our giving an extension of our lives?
Our attitude towards giving is a reflection of our faith. It shows our trust in God. It demonstrates our appreciation towards God.
Everytime you are have an opportunity to give, remember that God is calling you to participate in the His work. He is asking you to partner with Him in the goal of reaching all of creation with His love.

shine!
Jason

Let go

2006-05-25T11:14:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Matthew 19:16-30
I don't know how many of you have seen Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, but I am a big fan of the Indiana Jones series. If you are not familiar with them, Indiana Jones, a professor and archaeologist, played by Harrison Ford, finds himself on adventures searching for artifacts.
In "Last Crusade," Indy is searching for the Holy Grail. At then end of the movie he finds the Grail, but of course the "bad guys" show up. In the midst of the struggle, the Grail falls into a crevice. One of the characters who also wants the Grail reaches for it. Indy grabs her one hand while she reaches for the Grail with the other. She continues to stretch until it becomes obvious that she will have to make a decision. Let the Grail go or reach for it and probably fall to her death. Indy tells her to "let it go." She decides to reach for the Grail, looses her grip on Indy's hand, and falls to her death.
As we strive to follow Jesus, we must ask ourselves what our "Grail" is. Obviously for the rich young man, his grail was his possessions. While he was willing to "obey the commandments" he was unwilling to let go of the one thing that caused him to lose his grip with God. And he walked away saddened as he experienced a form of spiritual death.
What is it that you are not willing to let go of? What is weakening your grip with God? If Jesus walked up to you today and you had the same conversation that the rich young man had with Him, what would Jesus ask you to give up? What would your reaction be?
God is calling us to live a life of giving. That includes giving up anything that comes between us and Him. Jesus' words to his disciples both haunt and challenge me...
"Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will have eternal life. But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then."
What do you still need to let go of in order to follow Jesus completely?

shine!
Jason

Bring on the blessings

2006-05-24T00:30:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Malachi 3:6-15
Who is the greatest basketball ever? Most people would say Michael Jordan? Who is the greatest wide receiver ever? Most people would say Jerry Rice.
If you don't know who those two players are, there is something you need to know about them. Both of these men are as known for their sacrifice and dedication off the court and field as they are for their efforts during a game. Even in high school, Jordan would come early before school to practice alone in the gym. Rice's training routine is legendary. Sure these guys had raw talent. But what took them to that next level was being sold-out to what they were doing.
Do we limit what God is able to do because we are not sold-out for Him? Think about that. Does our lack of devotion and dedication reduce God's ability to work in this world?
Before you freak out, reread the Malachi passage. Why were the people of Israel not getting the full blessing? It was because they were holding out on God.
Consider what John wrote to the early Christians. "And we can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will." (1 John 5:14)
Paul said, "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." (Philippians 4:13)
Paul also wrote to the churches in Ephesus, "Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." (Ephesians 3:20)
Jesus said, "I also tell you this: If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them." (Matthew 18:19-20)
I believe that God's ability to work in this world is often limited by our lack of willingness to give. I am not talking primarily about giving financially, while that is certainly part of the equation. But God is limited when you and I are not willing to fully participate in the call and work of the Kingdom.
I don't believe that God usually holds blessings back from us as a form of punishment. I believe that often, He is simply waiting for us to "bring the tithes into the storehouse."
Whether you agree with this or not, make a change and see what happens. I would be willing to say that if you increase your sacrifice, God will increase your blessing. There is a good chance it will not be a financial or material blessing. But, it will be a spiritual blessing that will bring fulfillment, purpose, joy, and the peace that surpasses all understanding. And to me, that's worth more than all the money in the world. Try it! And let God prove it to you.

shine!
Jason

It's an attitude

2006-05-23T09:06:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Genesis 4:1-12
I have heard a number sermons dealing with this text with varying opinions of why Cain's offering was "unacceptable." Most of these lessons have said that Cain did not offer the right thing. They have said that Cain did not follow the directions and offer what God wanted.
From the way I read Scripture, the issue is not that Cain offered grain instead of meat. The issue was not that God only wanted one kind of offering and Cain offered another. This was purely a heart issue.
Consider what God said to Cain. "You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it."
The sin has nothing to do with the type of offering Cain gave. The sin results from the attitude in Cain's heart. Notice the difference in the offerings. Abel brought choice lambs from the best of his flock. Cain simply brought a gift from his produce.
One brought the best of his best to God, the other brought what amounted to a leftover. This is the difference.
The question that begs to be asked is, are we more like Abel or Cain? Do we offer God the best of our best? Or are we giving Him our leftovers?
Does this apply to our weekly contribution? Absolutely. Do we set aside an amount at the beginning of the week for God or do we dig in our pockets on Sunday morning to see what might be left to put in the plate? This provides a glimpse of our attitude.
But I really believe that our entire life is a response to the question above. When it comes to our lives, do we give God our best or our leftovers?
God has blessed each of us with gifts, abilities, and blessings. But are we using them for His glory or ours? Are we seeking to please ourselves or God? Is our life's aim to build a kingdom of our own or to serve in the kingdom of God?
When it comes to giving, attitude is everything. It will reveal itself in the way we give our time, our money, and our energy. It will be obvious by the way we treat others. It will determine whether we find true satisfaction and fulfillment in the things of this world or in becoming a part of the work of God as He seeks to redeem all of creation.

shine!
Jason

Giving like God

2006-05-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Have you ever noticed that no sermon will change the mood of a Sunday morning crowd more than a sermon on giving? People seem to get really nervous when you begin to talk about their money with relation to God. Why is that?
My guess is that for many of us, money is one thing we are not willing to give up to God. I mean really give up. Sure, most of us give at church. Some of us may even give at least ten percent. But how many of us are willing to acknowledge that all 100% belongs to God? How many of us are willing to consider God's will in every spending decision we make?
I will be the first to admit that I struggle with that. It is hard to think about God sometimes where we buy groceries, clothes, or some other item.
But the reality is that everything we have is a gift from God. And we should follow the example of God when it comes to using what we have been blessed with.
When God asks us to give, He is simply asking us to come along side Him and join what He is already doing.
God gives life every day when a child is born.
God gives warmth every morning when the sun rises.
God gives hope every day when someone finds Jesus.
God gives peace every day when people seek Him in prayer.
God gives love every day when someone ministers in His name.
God invites us to join Him every day in this adventure of giving of ourselves. As a matter of fact, He set the bar pretty high when He was willing to give His only Son. But giving for us is so much more than simply writing a check or putting a few dollars in a plate. It requires us to put our complete being in the contribution plate. Not literally, but in terms of the way we live life. It calls us to consider how the money we spend on Tuesday impacts the kingdom just as much as the money we put in the plate on Sunday morning. It asks us to think about how every penny we spend fits into the reign of God in this world.
Giving is not a payoff to please God, it is an outpouring of a heart that is already giving far more to the work of God. It is just a sample of the offering that our whole life is meant to be.

shine!
Jason

God's embassies

2006-05-19T17:43:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 Peter 2:4-12
Most of the other nations in the world have an American embassy. While we often call the building an embassy, an embassy is actually a group of people that represents the United States in that nation. While located in a foreign nation, the land upon which the embassy is based in not considered part of that nation. It is also a place where refugees sometimes go to escape their nation.
As I read what Peter had to say, it made me think that we are embassies for God in this world. We are a group of people who are here to represent God. We speak to those in the world on God's behalf. While we are present in this world, we are still foreigners. Consider what Jesus said in His prayer shortly before His arrest and trial.
"And now I am coming to you. I have told them many things while I was with them so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not. I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They are not part of this world any more than I am. Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth. As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself entirely to you so they also might be entirely yours." (John 17:13-19)
The role of the American Embassy in Germany is not to act like Germans. The role of those people is to represent the United States to the people of Germany. Those who are a part of the embassy maintain their American citizenship.
Our role as followers of Christ is not to act like the world. Our role is to represent God to the people who live in this world. We must never forget that we are citizens of the kingdom of God.
We are a kingdom of priests, called to offer our lives as a sacrifice to God.
We are God's holy nation, set apart to live according to the example set by our King.
We are God's own possession, purchased with the blood of that same King.
We are called to live pure lives not to earn our salvation, but to show that God has rescued us from the darkness of sin. As God's embassies in the this world we must never deny our citizenship in God's nation to be accepted by this world. The more we live like foreigners and aliens, the more meaningful our message will be. And in the process we can be a refuge for those who seek to escape the darkness of this sinful, broken world.

shine!
Jason

The chicken or the pig?

2006-05-18T16:07:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Romans 12:1-2
You may have heard the story about the chicken and the pig. They were arguing one day about breakfast and the chicken was complaining about how much she had to give for breakfast because she had to lay an egg. She groaned about how much effort she had to use to continue to lay eggs. She felt overwhelmed by her involvement.
After listening to the chicken's complaints, the pig explained to the chicken that she may not like her level of involvement, but that when it came time for the bacon, the pig would be fully committed.
Many of us are "chicken" Christians. We lay our eggs for Jesus. Maybe it's giving 10%. It could be teaching a Bible class. Your eggs could include singing on praise team, serving communion, or helping with service projects.
But God is not looking for "chicken" Christians. Jesus is calling us to be "pig" Christians. He is seeking those of us who are willing to give all we have for Him. Instead of giving Him "eggs" from time to time, He wants the full blown commitment that the pig displayed.
The reality is that none of us have completely reached that level of sacrifice. We all hold back to some level. But as we strive to become transformed into the image of Jesus we must all move from involvement to commitment. While involvement is a part of commitment, we can be involved without commitment.
Commitment means that we stop doing church and we start becoming church. Our attitude will allow God to change us from someone who looks at church as a religious activity and begin looking at following Jesus as a lifestyle. Jesus demanded more than religious "egg laying." He challenged the Pharisees and religious leaders time and time again for "laying eggs" while never giving God the "bacon."
As followers of Jesus we need to move towards total commitment to the work of God in this world. We must no longer settle for sitting in a pew. Rather, we must leave the pew behind, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus into the sacrificial life that He modeled for us.
Whether it's 8:30am on a Sunday morning, 7:00pm on a Wednesday night, or 2:00pm on a Monday afternoon, our life should be God's. Christianity should not be something we do, it should be who we are. Following Jesus is not a social club or civic duty. It is a life wholly committed to the cause of Jesus.
It means we put others first, no matter what the cost.
It means we set aside our own agendas when they contradict God's.
It means we make Jesus our first priority.
It means we stand up for what we believe, regardless of the consequences.
Will we ever arrive? No. But if we are not on the transformational journey, we are off course. Let's set our compass in the direction of the cross and allow God to mold us as we seek to become more and more like Jesus.

shine!
Jason

Full access

2006-05-17T18:06:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Hebrews 4:14-16
When I was a teenager I had a season pass to Cedar Point. Over those several years I became very familiar with the park. I knew how to get to each ride. I could tell you where the restrooms were. I even knew what each food stand served. But there was always one area that brought mystery. Whenever I encountered an "Employees Only" sign I would wonder what was on the other side. I would sometimes watch as an employee walked in or out to see if I could catch a glimpse of the other side.
Then in college I got a job at Cedar Point. Suddenly I had access to the "Employees Only" area. In a weird way there was a sense of power knowing that I could walk in that area that was once off-limits.
There was a time when most of God's people did not have direct access to God. The High Priest had special permission to enter the Most Holy Place and deal directly with God. He would enter this place once a year to offer a sacrifice for the people of Israel.
But with Jesus came a change. Consider the words of the gospel writer..."Then Jesus shouted out again, and he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom." (Matthew 27:50-51)
Now, most of us have little training and instruction in Jewish law and ritual so we can miss how HUGE this one passage is. When Jesus gave up His spirit, the curtain was torn in two. The "Employees Only" sign was gone. The barrier between us and God was removed. The curtain that had hidden the secret area reserved for the High Priest was split in two. God Himself, through the person and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, removed that which had been between us. (Notice it was torn from top to bottom.)
No longer would we need someone to go before God on our behalf. God Himself had taken on the role of High Priest in the person of Jesus. In one act, Jesus became our sacrifice, our mediator, and our High Priest. Now each of us could have direct access to God through the Son.
Sometimes it seems like many Christians don't comprehend this. Sure, they may say they understand it, but do they live like it? How many of us still approach God timidly, like we are not sure if we are allowed to stand in His presence?
While we are not worthy on our own to stand in the presence of God, the blood of Jesus makes us worthy. His sinless, perfect life, offered as a sacrifice on a Roman cross, grants us access. Not just access so we can sneak into the presence of God. Because of Jesus, we can boldly approach the throne. We can come to God with confidence because of who Jesus is and what He has done. His sacrifice provides us access to what was once an "employees only" area.
As you deal with struggles and difficulties in life, remember that you have direct access to One who can help. God is not a distant Being sitting behind a curtain. He is a living God who is ever present. He is a caring Father waiting for you to come to Him. He is a concerned and loving Creator who gave a part of Himself because of His love for you.
Let us resolve to no longer approach God apprehensively. While we should always respect God, we have no reason to fear entering His presence. Let's listen to the words of the Hebrew writer. "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it."

shine!
Jason

Free to live

2006-05-16T15:38:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Romans 8:1-4
We were all prisoners. We were captive to the power of sin. Salvation through perfect obedience was impossible. But was it?
Imagine that you are locked in a prison cell. No one has a key. As a matter of fact, there is an entire set of keys laying on the floor that a guard must have dropped. You have tried them all a dozen times with no luck.
Then a man walks in, pulls out a key you have never seen before, and unlocks the door. But you decide that you like trying all of the other keys. You decide to leave the door closed so you can keep trying one of your keys because you are sure one of them has to work. Sounds crazy? You might think so, but followers of Jesus do this all of the time.
People try everything to be set loose from the bondage of sin. But only Jesus has the key. He IS the combination for the lock. He IS the only key that will set us free. But many of us choose to continue to live in the world Jesus came to set us free from.
Once Jesus has set you free there is no more condemnation. He lived the perfect life you and I could never live. And this sets us free to be more than we ever thought we could be.
Once we are not trying to earn our salvation, every "work" we perform is a show of gratitude, not a punch for our ticket. Our attitude should shift from "how much do I need to do" to "how could I ever do enough?" We become servants of the One who loves us, not slaves fulfilling a contract.
The door is unlocked and Jesus wants us to get out of the cell. Leave the things of the past behind and come out where the air is fresh and the possibilities are endless. What will God be able to accomplish through you when your life becomes an outpouring of love instead of a obligation to please God?

shine!
Jason

Mom...keepers of the faith

2006-05-12T22:49:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Titus 2:1-8
I am sure you have heard the quote before, "The church is one generation from extinction." Now while I don't completely believe that, there is a sense in which I agree with the sentiment of the statement.
With the extreme segmentation that has permeated our culture, we have lost the art of passing on the faith from one generation to the next. In other words, because we have divided our culture into so many sub-groups, many of which are generational, we lack the connection of many past cultures.
So many parents have willingly or unknowingly turned over character development to the media, the schools, and the teen culture. Satan has somehow convinced us that our children must be immersed in their culture to be able to succeed. Unless they "fit in" they will never be able to achieve.
Now while I agree that we can never be hermits and we must not withdraw from society, I find myself asking a challenging question. Who is molding our children?
As I look at Paul's instructions to Titus, especially regarding women, he felt it was vital that one generation pass on its faith to the next. Who better to provide direction and instruction for young Christians than older, more experienced followers of the Christ?
Now, I will agree that none of us are perfect and we will make mistakes, but besides God Himself we are still the best potter for the clay our children are. We must be willing to invest the time and energy to pass on the faith.
As we prepare to celebrate moms this weekend, let's be sure to do all we can to encourage, support, and help our moms. Whether they work away from home or in the home, their role is vital to the faithfulness of the next generation.
If you still live with your mom, take time this weekend to show her your appreciation. And don't just do it with words or a card. Make an extra effort this weekend to do what she asks and go out of your way to make her burden a little lighter.
If you are an adult, take time to thank your mom for all she has done. Mothers and grandmothers often go so under-appreciated for all the work they do. Give them a hug, write them a letter, or maybe just offer to take care of something for them.
If you are like me and you no longer have your mom, begin by recalling fond memories of your mother. Then find other mothers and grandmothers around you and offer them the support and love you would show your own mom. This will allow you to celebrate Mother's Day and it will be a blessing to someone else's mom. What better way to honor your mom than by passing on the blessing she was to you?
Mothers and grandmothers, thank you for all you have done and all you continue to do. And no matter what society may say, never give up your role to shape the character of the next generation. Your efforts could impact the lives of hundreds or even thousands in the years to come.

shine!
Jason

True Beauty

2006-05-12T08:39:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 Peter 3:1-7; 1 Samuel 16:7
Our society places a lot of emphasis on the outside. What does your house look like? What does you car look like? How do you dress? What do you look like?
God calls us to look deeper. This body we live in is just a temporary shell. It is rental property. We should take care of it, but is not what is really important. If my house were on fire, I would worry a lot more about the lives inside than the house itself. That is the same way we should treat our bodies. The life on the inside is much more important.
God measures our value by who we are on the inside. He knows that true, lasting beauty is found in who we are. Here are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs, "The Measure of a Man" by 4Him:

This world can analyze and size you up
And throw you on the scales
They can IQ you and run you through
Their rigorous details
They can do their best to rate you
And they'll place you on their charts
And then back it up with scientific smarts
But there's more to what your worth
Than what their human eyes can see

CHORUS
Oh I say the measure of a man
Is not how tall you stand
How wealthy or intelligent you are
Cause I found out the measure of a man
God knows and understands
For He looks inside to the bottom of your heart
And what's in the heart defines
The measure of a man

Well you can doubt your worth
And search for who you are and where you stand
But God made you in His image
When He formed you in his hands
And He looks at you with mercy
And He sees you through His love
You're His child and that will always be enough
For there's more to what you're worth
Than you could ever comprehend

CHORUS

BRIDGE
You can spend your life pursuing physical perfection
There is so much more, more than ever meets the eye
For God looks through the surface
And He defines your worth by, what is on the inside

How do you measure beauty? And what do you allow to impact how you think about yourself? God calls us to look beyond the outward appearance and seek a deeper significance. There are companies that make millions - if not billions - of dollars as we seek to hide our inner struggles with outward "beauty." We use so many things to hide the real hurt and pain that is inside each of us.
But when we can allow God to shape us into the beautiful people He wants us to be, we will need to cover up less and less. And then our Spirit-shaped soul will shine out for all to see. Is it time for you to have a spiritual extreme makeover and focus on the beauty that really matters?

shine!
Jason

Real submission

2006-05-10T10:52:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Ephesians 5:21-33
This is probably one of the most abused passages in all of Scripture. Frankly, I am tired of men who use this part of God's word to mistreat their wives. Time after time I hear people talk about the wife submitting. Sometimes it is serious and other times it is joking, but if we can be real honest for a minute, how often does a part of our true feelings come out in humor?
In the way God designed marriage, is the wife in submission to the husband? Yes. But, let's not miss the other part of that equation. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church. Ouch. Men, I would venture to say all of us fall short of that standard, and many of us fall far short.
Jesus gave up quite a bit for us. Heaven for starters. Jesus was with His Father, in heaven, and He came down and lived on earth. So you may say, well, I'm not in heaven. No, but how many of us put our comfort before serving our wives? I have to plead guilty here at times. There are times I choose to sit on the couch instead of helping. At times I would rather enjoy football then let my wife watch figure skating. I could exhaust you with a list of times I fail here.
Anyway, my point is that submitting to each other and serving is a two way street. And my experience has been that the more I love and serve others, especially my wife, the more willing they are to submit when necessary.
And if you think about it, this really gets to a core problem we have in submission to Jesus. Most of us struggle with one or both of two issues. Either we fail to acknowledge what Jesus has done or we don't really believe we need it. If we had a more full understanding of how much Jesus really loves us and how much He gave up for us, we would willing submit to what He asks.
Obedience to God really comes down to love. Jesus loves us with all He has. Do we love Him with all we have? Have we accepted His love with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength? Has Jesus' love penetrated our emotions, our spirit, our thoughts, and our bodies? When it does, submission is no longer about changing behavior, it's about expressing love.
Which brings us back to where we started. Whether we are dealing with a spouse, a parent, a child, or a friend, the more loving and selfless we are, the more willing people will be to submit. And that has to start young. The habits and attitudes we develop as children and teenagers tend to stick with us for life. If you are young and mistreating others, especially members of the opposite sex, that behavior will likely follow you into marriage and affect your relationship with your spouse.
How many times did Jesus tell us to put others first? This would be a much longer email if I outlined them all, but let me simply say that Jesus said it and He lived it. As long as it was in line with God's character, Jesus always put others first. When He said "put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me," (Mark 8:34) it was not just a slogan, it was a way of life.
Imagine how much different things would be if we could live like that. When everyone is willing to put others first, we all work together and it's no longer about my wants, it's about serving the greater cause of God as He seeks to redeem all creation through us.

shine!
Jason

Faith of our mothers

2006-05-09T11:11:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-17
How many times have you said, "I am not going to be like my parents when I get older?" Or maybe you have said or thought something similar. But as hard as we may try, the reality is that as you get older you start saying and doing things you thought you would never say or do. They are the very things you said you wouldn't do when you were younger.
As you think about that, how important does that make it to model our faith to our children? We can talk all we want about Jesus, but unless children see faith lived out, it does not nearly have the impact. We can talk about God, but when our lives show something different, that is what children remember. I have seen parents that wonder why their children fail to live out the faith they told them about growing up. Often, the cause is a faith of words of only.
Consider the words of James...

Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well"--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all--it is dead and useless.
Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." I say, "I can't see your faith if you don't have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds."
Do you still think it's enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless?
Don't you remember that our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, he was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did--by his actions. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: "Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous." He was even called "the friend of God." So you see, we are made right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.
Rahab the prostitute is another example of this. She was made right with God by her actions--when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without a spirit, so also faith is dead without good deeds. (James 2:14-16)

If we try to pass on our faith by just talking about it, it is like planting a dead seed and hoping for growth. Our faith must be alive and well for our children to see.
It is obvious that Timothy's mother and grandmother had a living faith. Paul mentions it at the beginning of his letter to Timothy and towards the end of the letter he talks about the wisdom and preparation that come from faith and the Scriptures.
While we may resist and fight against the faith we see lived out in the lives of our mothers and grandmothers, we must never fail to respect them. While we know that no parent or grandparent is ever perfect, a faith-focused life will be a blessing. And one day when we are older and our faith is in action, we will be thankful for the way our mothers and grandmothers modeled a living faith for us.

shine!
Jason

Treating women like family

2006-05-08T22:37:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 Timothy 5:1-2
I find it interesting that as Paul writes to his "son in the faith," he gives Timothy guidance on how to deal with men and women of all ages. I want to focus specifically today on how Timothy was advised to interact with women.
First, he tells Timothy to treat older women like he would his mother. Now, I would guess from other things Paul says that Timothy had a great amount of respect for his mom. I would also say that Timothy looked to his mother as a source of encouragement as well as instruction. Based on the kind of man that Timothy seems to have become, his mother had a huge positive influence on him, and that relationship appears to be a strong as ever.
So what does that mean to us as we interact with older women? We need to treat them with respect. We should realize that they often have wisdom and other blessings to offer us. Since Michelle and I both lost our mothers in 1999, God has brought a number of special older women into our lives that have served as "moms" for us. While they could never replace our moms, they hold a special place in our lives and in our hearts. And that is what the family of God is really supposed to be about. As Paul uses family terms to describe our relationships with others in the church, it reinforces the fact that we are just that...family.
Then Paul comes to Timothy's relationship to younger women. As far as I am aware, Timothy was not married when Paul wrote to him. So when Paul tells Timothy to treat younger women like sisters, there are huge implications behind that. We live in a culture today where teenagers are often expected or encouraged to have a boyfriend/girlfriend. I have known many teens who almost seem like they always have to have one. They go from relationship to relationship. And often those relationships miss developing connection outside of emotions and romance. The cycle I often see is this...
1) Hey, there is a cute guy/girl. (Or more often I would hear the word "hot" instead of cute.)
2) I think I want to go out with him/her.
3) They start dating and emotions and romance take over.
4) After a while the initial thrill wears off.
5) The relationship ends and the two seldom talk again.
I have seen a number of teenagers' lives go through this cycle. And unfortunately, they struggle to find a real, deep connection with anyone of the opposite sex. Now I realize this isn't true of everyone, but I would also say that today's popular culture feeds and encourages the quick romance. How many TV shows and movies show a couple in bed together long before they have built a relationship (not to mention the fact they are not married)?
Paul's advice to Timothy is as important and practical today as it was 2,000 years ago. Men should look at younger women as sisters. Our first instinct should be to protect them from others who might seek to take advantage of them. For some young men, they may even include themselves in this category.
I would say that not many guys (especially Christian ones) would want to marry a girl who has kissed, dated, or especially slept with other guys. So as young men seek relationships with young women, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, you are beginning a relationship with a daughter of God. God created her. God loves her. And God wants the best for her. How are you treating God's daughter and what do you think her "Dad" would have to say about it?
Also, remember that you are dealing with someone who will more than likely be married someday. And if you don't marry her, someone else probably will later. If you don't want some other guy kissing or doing others things with your future wife, show that same respect to the guy who will marry this girl someday.
In our "microwave" society that wants everything right away, we have lost something. We often miss the important step of building relationships slowly and strongly. I think that is one of the biggest factors in the high divorce rate. Anyway, as people of God we are called to live by a higher standard. God wants us to treat all older women with the respect we should show our mothers and all younger women with the purity we would show our sisters. Imagine how different things would look - even in the church itself - if we could all seek to live by this guideline.

shine!
Jason

Bringing the light

2006-05-05T18:58:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Matthew 25:31-46
Sometimes I feel like we miss the point. We argue about little things and miss the big picture. We worry about small points and miss the overarching message. We divide over details instead of uniting in the mission of God.
Remember what story was right before the parable of the sheep and goats? It was the story of the three servants. Two had invested wisely and harvested a return. The other had buried his amount and gotten nothing.
I believe the story of the three servants and the story of the sheep and the goats are related. As Jesus was providing insight on how to follow Him, there is a clear message. It is better to take risks for the Kingdom than to play it safe. Give all you have to carry out the mission of God in your world.
I think the third servant who buried his money would have been with the goats. Regardless of how much he had been blessed with, he didn't use it wisely.
How many of us bury the blessings God has given us and fail to use them for His kingdom? Is it more likely we would be seen sitting in a pew or serving a homeless man? Do we think that showing up for church will please God without showing up to serve the lost, lonely, and downtrodden?
I shudder to think about my own life. It scares me to think about how often I become comfortable with pleasing God in ways that are comfortable for me. I have no problem praising God on a Sunday morning. But what do I do on Tuesday afternoon when I see someone whose car is broken down on the side of the road? Or how about the homeless person who needs a meal to eat? Do I waste opportunities to plant seeds for the Kingdom?
God has called us to be much more than people who gather in a building once or twice a week to practice religious acts. He is calling us to be His hands and feet in a broken world. And from what I read in this story that Jesus told, serving that broken world is what is really at the heart of God's work in our lives.
I am convinced more and more that God is not all that concerned with how many church buildings we build if we are not building up people. And I don't think He is all that impressed with our worship if our life doesn't shine His light. This passage convicts me about the fact that religious acts are pretty much meaningless if we don't live out the true religion of bringing the mission of God to life throughout creation. God has called us to do much more than get our ticket punched for heaven. He is inviting us into an adventure of living like Jesus and bringing heaven's light into a dark world.

shine!
Jason

Serving the elderly

2006-05-04T11:22:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 Timothy 5:3; Acts 6:1-6
We seem to live in a culture that no longer values the elderly. A stage of life that was once considered a time of honor and respect is now looked down on by many. We see disrespect for the elderly in movies, on TV, and more and more in life around us.
But not only is treating the elderly a tradition from the past, it is a directive from God for those who are His children. We as a church are called to care for widows without family. Yes, the primary responsibility for a widow is the immediate family's. But there are many widows who either have no family or have family that ignores or neglects them.
We have much to gain from those whose life experience eclipses ours. Taking care of widows can be as much a blessing for those who serve as it is for those who are served.
The apostles, in their wisdom, saw that there were widows being neglected and they sought out men to serve. Obviously, not everyone is gifted in leading a ministry to widows, but all of us should seek opportunities to serve the elderly.
We must never neglect or look down on anyone because they are older. We must always show respect and do what we can to help. Our culture seems to value the elderly less and less. But God is calling us to go against this trend and show respect and concern for those who are in their later years.
I want to challenge you this week to take time, slow down, and minister to any senior citizens you may cross paths with. Whether it's holding open a door, not squeezing by them in a hallway because you are in a hurry, or simply stopping to share a word, your actions can bring a glimpse of the love of Jesus into their life.

shine!
Jason

My precious...or not?

2006-05-03T14:28:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Deuteronomy 24:19-22
I am not a huge "Lord of the Rings" fan, but I have seen the movies a few times. One of the most memorable scenes to me is where Gollum is talking about "My Precious." The idea that the ring is something so coveted that people will lie, steal, and kill to have it. It brings out an evil side in almost everyone who is in its presence.
While we may not be as obvious about it, our society lives with a "My Precious" attitude. My car is mine. My money is mine. My house is mine. My clothes are mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. "My Precious."
But God has different plans for us. His desire is that we share what we have with those in need. Now of course, "need" is different for everyone. A "need" for some would be a huge luxury for others. So many people in our society say "I NEED this" all the time.
I NEED these new shoes.
I NEED this new iPod.
I NEED that CD.
I NEED...
I will be the first to stand up and confess that I do this all the time. I "need" things that people in many countries would look at like I look at a $3 million house. Sure, that would be nice, but there is no way I will ever have it.
God's point to the people of Israel was that He will provide what they really need. The rest should be left for those who are really in need. God blessed the nation of Israel with a crop greater than their need. And He wanted them to share that overage with those around them.
Do we share our abundance? I fail miserably in this area. I spend money on wants instead of needs while children in other countries die of starvation. I worry about what shoes or clothes I am going to buy while some people don't have clothing for today. I spend money on entertainment while people in some nations would be glad to have a house to live in.
If we are truly going to be God's people we must listen to what He calls us to do. I am not saying that we should sell everything and give it all away. Although, isn't that what Jesus told the Rich Young Ruler? Anyway, I just think that God is challenging us to reconsider what is really a "need" and what are things that are simply for our comfort.
God used the nation of Israel to bless the foreigners, orphans, and widows. How much could He use the church in the United States to bless those in need both in our nation and around the world if we would just be willing to leave the excess for those who have real need?

shine!
Jason

What seat do you want?

2006-05-02T15:43:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Matthew 20:20-28
Jesus did not change the world by marching in and demanding everyone
conform to Him. He was able to accomplish much more by serving
others. The Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day wanted
to gain control. They wanted the power.
But Jesus had a different approach. Jesus understood that serving
others would gain more trust than any other way. When people know
that you have their best interest in mind, they will listen.
Even James, John, and their mother did not understand. After they
had walked with Jesus they missed what He was really all about. And
look what happened.
James' and John's desire to have the seats of honor brought discord
among the disciples. The very men who walked with Jesus every day
failed to understand the example He was setting for them. So He had
to sit them down and explain. Their attitudes were undermining the
very unity that Jesus had worked to create. Their desire to be most
important took the attention away from what was really important,
bringing God's kingdom to this world.
When we try to lead without serving others, it will often be
unsuccessful. In God's kingdom, leading and serving are synonymous.
You can't have one without the other.
As we strive to reach others with the Good News, maybe we should ask
ourselves how we treat others. Are we willing to put others first?
Are we willing to serve those around us?
Jesus changed the world by showing a different and better way. He
was willing to give of His life, even to the point of death, so that
others could have more. Are we willing to do the same?

shine!
Jason

True religion is life

2006-05-01T11:24:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: James 1:19-27
I believe there are a lot of people who think that religion equals going to church and performing some religious rituals. Religion to many is sitting through an often boring service to please God. Ask some people what religion is and they will probably give you a list of rules.
But James cuts through all the misconceptions and boils is down. Is his list all-inclusive? No. But interesting enough, James words reflect the character of words spoken by Jesus years earlier. Remember this? "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40)
What is true religion? It really comes down to taking the focus off of ourselves and placing it on God and other people. It is about life lived for the benefit of others, not ourselves.
If we could talk to James today, I would want to ask him if he thought about the words of Jesus when he wrote this passage. Was he dealing with fellow followers of the Christ who wanted to talk the talk, but not walk the walk?
Religion is about much more than knowing about God. Quoting Scripture is a nice hobby, but are we living Scripture? That is the challenge that James places before us. When we looking into the mirror of God's word, does it change us?Does it make us different people? Does it cause us to look more like Jesus?
I would guess that most of us wouldn't pick taking care of widows and orphans as the first thing on our list of things to do. And that reveals the fact that God has a lot of work to do in our lives. We need to continually be going back to the mirror and looking for imperfections that God can work on. But if we are really going to love our neighbor as ourselves, we must help care for those in need.
And what about refusing to let the world corrupt us? Isn't that really what "loving the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind" is all about? When we allow other things to begin to occupy God's place in our life we have allowed the corruption to begin.
True religion requires us to stop serving our own interests and instead seek out what is best for others. We don't have to look any further than Jesus to see this in action. He lived homeless during His years of ministry. He would seek those who were lost and hurting no matter what the cost. He shared His time with those who were rejected by most of society. And eventually He died on a cross for people who cried out "crucify Him" and even the ones who hammered in the nails. Now that is true religion.

shine!
Jason

Unity through respect

2006-04-28T09:02:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Ephesians 6:1-3
Respect. Sacrifice. Honor. They are all vital to a healthy relationship. As Paul reminds us of the Commandment handed down to Moses centuries earlier, he adds a charge for a children to obey their parents.
We so often remove passages of Scripture out of their context. If we do that here, we miss some of the flavor of what Paul is talking about. If you have a few minutes, go back and read chapters four, five, and six of Ephesians.
In Ephesians 4:1-16, Paul discusses our unity in the body of Christ and how every part must do its work.
In Ephesians 4:17-5:20, he goes on to describe a number of details about what living together will look like. Paul talks about how we treat one another and the various sinful behaviors that can damage relationships.
In Ephesians 5:21-6:9, Paul discusses specific relationships: husband and wife, parents and children, and master and slave (which also applies to employer and employee).
It is in the middle of that part of his letter that Paul talks about children honoring and obeying their parents. When I look at these few verses in light of what Paul is talking about before and after, it tells me that children obeying and honoring their parents is a part of the larger healthiness of the church.
In order for the body of Christ to be "healthy and growing and full of love" (Ephesians 4:16) we must all work together in the roles we have. We will not have effective parents in the next generation unless children today learn to honor and obey their parents. This places incredible responsibility on parents and children to work together. We must all learn to respect each other.
Children show respect by honoring and obeying their parents. Paul describes in Ephesians 6:4 one way that parents - especially fathers - can show respect to their children. "And now a word to you fathers. Don't make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord."
Let's commit today to working harder on showing respect for one another. As we strive to treat each other with love and respect, the body of Christ will be unified and strengthened. Then Christ's light can shine even brighter through our families.

shine!
Jason

Rebellion kills

2006-04-27T10:59:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Deuteronomy 21:18-21
Rebellion is a significant problem today. Not just young people, but people of all ages rebel against authority. Now, I will grant you the fact that some authority figures have taken advantage of their power and created this mess. However, that does not free us from respecting those in authority. This idea is a chord that runs through Scripture. Here are a few examples...
Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow. For the authorities do not frighten people who are doing right, but they frighten those who do wrong. So do what they say, and you will get along well. The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for you will be punished. The authorities are established by God for that very purpose, to punish those who do wrong. So you must obey the government for two reasons: to keep from being punished and to keep a clear conscience. (Romans 13:1-5)
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. (Ephesians 6:5-8)
Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
Government.
Employers.
Shepherds.
God's word is pretty clear. We are called to respect authority in all areas of our life. And as I discussed earlier this week, this starts at home.
Well, back to our Deuteronomy passage. Am I advocating that we start killing children who are stubborn or rebellious? Not really. I would like to have a youth group to work with.
But seriously, the message behind what we read here is that respect and obedience is an important part of the community. If we cannot develop mutual respect and honor our society will fall apart. What would that look like? Divorce. Abortion. Suicide. Violence. Loneliness. Disconnectedness. Selfishness. Recreational sex. Addictions. Poverty. Class warfare. Racism. Need I say more?
It is obvious to me that respect has slowly deteriorated in our culture. It can be seen in the way we treat one another and in our behavior. It is made evident by the things our culture places value on.
But as followers of Christ we are called to live differently. We are compelled to resist the flow and live swimming upstream. Even in the absence of respect, we are to be respectful. When honor is not observed, we must show honor to others. When society tells us to "do what feels right," we are challenged by God to do what we know is right.
Is it easy? No. It will not be easy either. But unless we are willing to be transformed by God and stop conforming to the world we live in, we will never make a difference. We may be misunderstood. We will probably be mocked. And chances are we will face persecution. But isn't that what we signed up for when we decided to follow Jesus?
"When the world hates you, remember it hated me before it hated you. The world would love you if you belonged to it, but you don't. I chose you to come out of the world, and so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? `A servant is not greater than the master.' Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you! The people of the world will hate you because you belong to me, for they don't know God who sent me." (John 15:18-21)
Today we don't kill children for disrespect, but the reality is that disrespect still kills. It kills our ability to love others sacrificially. It kills our ability serve selflessly. It kills our ability to trust and obey God. And maybe that is why stubborn, rebellious children were killed back then. Not as punishment, but to protect their hearts and the hearts of the community they lived in. Isn't it important that we continue to protect the hearts of those in the community of God in this day and age?

shine!
Jason

Preparation for life

2006-04-26T08:36:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Proverbs 13:1
Instruction. Direction. Discipline. Boundaries. We may not always like these things, but the reality is that we need them. If we want to grow and mature we must learn to accept the discipline and instruction that comes our way. It prepares us for life.
As we talked about yesterday, parents are not perfect. However, for most parents their goal is to help you develop and grow to become a mature adult. Discipline and instruction are there to help in that process. And when we are wise we will listen to the advice parents and other adults provide. Foolishness is not listening. We show how foolish we are when we don't listen to discipline and instruction.
And once again, we see how our relationship with our earthly parents relates to our relationship with God. Consider what the Hebrew author writes...
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:7-11)
Discipline is a type of weeding out process. It gets rid of the junk in our life. And that process is not always pleasant because we can get really attached to our junk. Separation from things we enjoy but that are bad for us can be uncomfortable. But in the end it makes us healthier physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
If we can learn to listen to the discipline and instruction from our parents, we will be more prepared to hear God's discipline and instruction. And that will not only make us a better member of society, it will make us a stronger warrior in the Kingdom of God.

shine!
Jason

Bringing joy

2006-04-25T11:07:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Proverbs 10:1
There is so much packed in this one verse of Scripture. On the surface it seems pretty basic. A wise child brings joy to his father and a foolish child brings grief to his mother. OK. So the lesson is over right? Well, maybe not.
Until you become a father you can't begin to fully appreciate this verse and what it says. I remember in my teenage years I would go out and do something that I wanted to do but it disappointed my parents. My attitude would often be, "Hey! This is my life. I will do with it what I want." Now while these is a bit of truth in that, it is not really the truth.
It is not just my life. I did not create it. I did not nurture it. It was a gift. My parents decided to have a child. I was born. And as I grew up they took care of me. They provided for me. They instructed me. They shaped me. They invested time, energy, and resources into who I was, who I am, and who I will continue to become. None of us has the right to claim life selfishly.
Unfortunately, our individualistic culture has brainwashed us into thinking that the world revolves around us. Whether we admit it or not, all of us have bought into the lie in some way, shape, or form. There are moments we all reveal the selfishness that has become a part of our being.
But this selfishness is especially visible as we transition from childhood into adulthood. Not because teenagers are any more selfish. No, I think it's more visible because teenagers are more open with their emotions. They haven't learned as well as adults the fine art of concealing their sins and shortcomings.
I share these thoughts to challenge all of us. We all struggle with bringing joy to our Father. I believe the real message behind this proverb is not just that we must strive to bring joy to our earthly father. While that is important, I really believe it is an essential part of learning to bring joy to the Father of all creation. Our
relationship with our parents is really a training ground for our relationship with God.
This is why it is so important for children to learn to honor their parents and it is equally important for parents to model Jesus to their children as much as is humanly possible. We are all together in this struggle to honor God in a fallen world. And when we realize that our role and purpose in this world is to bring honor to Him and not to please ourselves, our relationships will improve and we can all work together to lift up the name of God in this world He so desperately wants to heal and redeem.

shine!
Jason

It all starts at home

2006-04-24T15:07:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Exodus 20:12
What does it mean to honor your parents? In my search in the dictionary, I found two definitions that seem to fit. One says, "To hold in respect; esteem." Another definition says, "To show respect for."
Let me begin by saying there is a difference between respect and mindless obedience. Mindless obedience means that you obey someone and do exactly what they ask every time without any thought or consideration. About now some students are probably thinking, "Hey! That sounds like my house." Well, hold on a minute.
Respect still requires obedience, but it is part of a much larger picture. I am only a parent of a five-year-old and I don't have any teenagers living in my house, but I have seen both respect and lack of respect from teenagers before.
Honoring your parents to me means several things. First of all, I believe it means you give parents the benefit of the doubt. No matter how crazy or foolish their request may sound, you owe it to them to hear our their explanation. And even if you don't agree in the end, there will be times you will still be asked to honor their request.
Second of all, honoring your parents demands that you treat your parents with love and patience, even when you disagree. Disagreement is not grounds for rudeness or disrespect. I have never met a teenager that agrees with everything their parents say or ask of them, but I have seen a number who understand what it means to honor their parents regardless of whether or not they agree.
Honoring your parents also calls for honesty and integrity in dealing with your parents. Disagreement is never grounds to lie to or mislead your mother or father. Disagreement in a relationship with your parents is normal and healthy, but lying is not.
When I have seen families where parents are given the benefit of the doubt, love and patience is the norm, and honesty is central, I have seen students granted much more freedom by their parents. When parents know they can trust you, you will usually have more room. And this is exactly the way God intended it to work.
And what is equally amazing is that this type of relationship with your parents prepares you for the real world. I have not seen a study on this, but I would be willing to say that on average, people who come from homes where they honored their parents are normally going to be more successful and happy in life. When we can learn at an early age to respect those in authority, our life path will be much better. Being able to have healthy discussions and even disagreements at home will prepare us for those encounters when we become adults.
Now, before all of the students think I am ganging up on them, this is a two way street. And if we are honest, all adults would admit we make mistakes at times in parenting. After only five years of being a parent I can look back at plenty of mistakes I have made. But when parents and children can work together in a forgiving, loving, and respectful relationship, you can create a situation that will make your home more peaceful and your life better.

shine!
Jason

Check the can

2006-04-21T09:47:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Exodus 20:15-17; Ephesians 4:25-28; Colossians 3:5-11
How many of your like Ravioli? I would imagine most people do. If not, substitute your favorite canned food. Now imagine I gave you a can of Ravioli (or whatever it is) and told you to enjoy. So you find a can opener and pick up the can. As the can opener blade punctures the surface something just doesn't smell right. Well, maybe it's just your imagination. You keep going. You remove the lid. Hmmm. That doesn't look like Ravioli. You dump the food into your bowl and realize something is seriously wrong. You quickly figure out that you have opened a can of dog food.
Now things have changed, haven't they? For most of us our appetite is gone. If we are not completely grossed out, we at least know that we are not getting what we hoped for.
OK. New story.
Imagine one of your friends knows you are a Christian. You talk about God from time to time. You mention that you go to church. You may even quote a Scripture from time to time. But then you begin to face the difficulties of life. Your friend hears you lie to protect yourself and thinks to himself, "Something just isn't right about that." Later, you brag about how you took a pack of gum from the store without paying for it. Your friend thinks, "Hmmm. This isn't what she told me the Bible says." Then you are sitting at the lunch table and you start talking about the good-looking girl across the room and how you are going to do whatever it takes to get her away from that other guy.
Different story. Same problem. It doesn't matter what the packaging on the outside looks like, the inside is what really matters. The can may have said Ravioli on it, but the reality was that on the inside there was dog food.
There are a lot of Christians that put on some great looking packaging, but they never changed the contents of the can. They put on their church clothes. They say the right things at church. They go to the church events. But when the events of life start to open up their lives and the true contents are revealed, the stink begins to enter the world.
I firmly believe that the biggest barrier to reaching people for Jesus is not Satan. We like to pick out a hundred different things that we believe make it hard to reach people. Now, while I would agree that many of those things contribute, I don't believe they are the main problems. Our biggest barrier to reaching people for Jesus is Christians who have changed the label but not the contents.
People don't want to change a label. They want to change their lives. People are seeking real and significant meaning to life. They don't need another club to join. They don't want another clique to be a part of. They don't need an activity to fill their schedules on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. They want life-changing, heart- filling, purposeful change in their lives. And in many of us they don't see it because it's not there.
As we finish the week looking at three of the Commandments, reflect on what they really mean.
"Do not steal" is more than a command to not take from others. It is the foundation of a life full of sacrifice and giving. It's really not about stealing. It's about sharing.
"Do not lie" is all about the truth. More than avoiding lies, it's about sharing life with honesty and integrity.
"Do not covet" calls us to respect God and others. What we have is not ours in the first place. And what our neighbors have isn't theirs. When we covet things instead of seeking and trusting God it is a change in allegiance. We are seeking fulfillment in the creation instead of our Creator.
If we simply follow the Ten Commandments to the letter of the law without seeing the character of God behind them, I believe we are simply changing the label. Eventually, the can will be opened and the true character will be revealed. It is in those moments that God's kingdom suffers and our witness is silenced.
The reality is that we all have some "dog food" in our lives, but every day should be devoted to cleaning out the can of our lives and filling it with the character of God that we see in Jesus Christ. It is only then that we can live out the words of John the Baptist. "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." (John 3:30)
When it's time to eat, what's in the can is far more important than the label. In the mission of God that we are a part of, what is on the inside is more important than what is on the outside. And when the inside changes there is no way to stop the light of Jesus from shining out for all to see.

shine!
Jason

Just looking

2006-04-20T08:59:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Exodus 20:14; Matthew 5:27-30
Jesus continues in the Sermon on the Mount to peel back the layers and expose the nature of God. This time he tackles the subject of adultery.
I have heard a number of people - students and adults - say to me, it's OK, I'm only looking. They may see an attractive member of the opposite sex walk by and take a little extra time to look. And while they won't always admit it, some of them look too long.
This is what Jesus is dealing with here. When God said "do not commit adultery" it wasn't just about physical purity. It was also about emotional and spiritual purity. Thinking about the act is sin, just like committing the act.
Once again we are confronted with "line-drawing" theology. I see so many young people who have been taught to "wait" until marriage. But what are they being taught to wait for? They are being given a line not to cross. And each of them will draw that line somewhere different. But is it really about a line? Or is it something much more significant?
Here is a scary piece of information. This generation of teenagers views 16 to 17 hours of television each week and sees on average 14,000 sexual scenes and references each year. That's more than 38 references every day.
Did you catch that? This is not just a small spiritual skirmish. This is full blown WAR! And we must engage this struggle with the seriousness that it demands.
God does not just want us to agree to stop before we cross that line, however we define it. God wants us to run the other direction from any line we may have created. Paul said, "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22) He also wrote, "Have nothing to do with sexual sin, impurity, lust, and shameful desires." (Colossians 3:5)
These verses echo the statement of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. And that statement simply clarifies and amplifies what God told Moses a few thousand years ago. God never changes. But for generations we have tried to find the lines and live near them.
Many of us enjoy flirting with our lines. There is excitement there. We can have the fun when play near the line without crossing it. It's harmless fun, right?
Wrong!
But that is exactly what Satan wants us to believe. Often we become comfortable with the area near the line, so we move the line a little bit. Then we get comfortable there and shift the line a bit more. And you can see where this pattern goes.
Which brings us back to the words Jesus spoke on the Mount. It's not just looking. It's an opening for sin. It is a chance for evil to stick its foot in the door.
I know Jesus takes it seriously. I don't believe he is advocating that we actually pluck out eyes and cut off hands, but I think He wants us to realize how important this really is. Any sentence we begin with, "It's just..." could be the beginning of a path into darkness. Let us become more and more aware of the little traps that Satan sets for us every day. And as we do so we can fight battles that are easier to win. It's not harmless. It's not just looking. It's one of the first battles in the war for your soul. Don't surrender and give the enemy territory to work with.

shine!
Jason

Murder in all its degrees

2006-04-19T17:14:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Exodus 20:13; Matthew 5:21-26
We just don't get it sometimes. We want God to make a list of does and don'ts. We want Christianity in a box. We want God to draw the line so we know when we have passed it. One problem. That's not what God wants. And since He is God, it would be wise to look at His approach.
I don't believe that the Ten Commandments are the definitive list of do's and don'ts we make them to be. Hold on. Before you call me a heretic, hear me out.
Remember when you were a small child? Much of life came down to a small set of instructions. You've seen the poster, right? "Everything I need to know I learned in Kindergarten." While there is one sense in which that is true, we also mature and learn the foundations behind what we learned at that young age.
Unfortunately, many people of God have never moved past the basics. They look at the Ten Commandments as a basis for law as opposed to what it really was. God was revealing His character to His people. And that is what brought them to the Sermon on the Mount.
God had tried for generations to reveal to His people what He was really like. But when all else failed, God had to come down and live among us. And here we see that human embodiment of God basically telling them that they "missed it."
Yes, God told Moses on the mountain "Do not murder." But underlying that commandment was the part of God's character that values life. Not just physical life, but emotional and spiritual life as well. God's people decided to draw a line at "do not murder," but they killed plenty of people with their words and actions. And Jesus makes it very clear that damaged human relationships will damage our relationship with God. Why? Aren't we created in God's image? Aren't we the only creatures on the planet who have a special relationship with the Father that allows God to live in us as Spirit?
Our "line-drawing" theology has so distorted our view of holiness. And this is one of the battles that Jesus fought from the Sermon on the Mount to the hill at Calvary. Holiness is not law-keeping.
Holiness is not following the rules. Holiness is not doing the minimum to please God. Holiness is about bringing heaven to earth. It requires us to be consumed by God's character. Holiness does not occur when we look "good." Holiness occurs when we are good on the inside. Holiness is an attribute, not an activity. And when it comes to murder, it's not just about taking a life. The real heart of the commandment is value and respect for every aspect of human life.
When we can begin to wrap our arms around this concept of becoming godly as opposed to acting godly we will move beyond the basics and develop into the followers that Jesus intends for us to be. Then we can truly fulfill the mission we were created to accomplish in the first place and the world can be changed by the mission of God at work in our lives.

shine!
Jason

Needs

2006-04-19T17:12:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Exodus 20:3-6; Matthew 6:19-34
Needs. What are our needs? I think the answer you get will depend on who you ask. Do you need new clothes? Do you need that car? Do you need the latest (fill in the blank)?
You may be asking, "What in the world does that have to do with serving God?" The answer in a word...everything. What we "need" determines our god.
One of the definitions of worship is "One that is worshiped, idealized, or followed." Read that again. Do you see the central focus of a god? It's all about who or what is controlling your life. Not in a overpowering way (although that is often the way little "g" gods work), but in the sense of providing direction.
We have plenty of gods today. Want some evidence?
Does the kind of car we buy control our spending?
Does the clothing that stars wear impact our purchasing?
Does fitting in with our friends impact how we act?
Does having the "right" name brand affect what you own?
Do the lifestyles of famous people change your attitude towards sin?
Does the music you listen to impact your decisions?
You may not relate to any of these. You may relate to some of them. You may relate to all of them. If you need to, create with your own list.
What we worship will often change what we "need." Things that were once additional luxuries become needs. And often these needs directly affect our outlook on life. And the reality is that these new "needs" can often drive a wedge between us and God. Once we begin to accept new gods, we need to make room for them. So in the process we reduce God's influence. And eventually God's guidance in our life evaporates.
That is why Jesus warns that we cannot serve two masters. And when the two masters disagree - as God and the world always will - one will eventually have to be removed from the throne. And as wants become needs, our desire for and obedience to God will be gone and the new master we have selected will climb onto the throne. And then our ability to impact this world for the Kingdom is gone. Who or what is sitting on the throne in your life? Is it time to overthrow
a false leader to make room for the King of Kings?

shine!
Jason

Just do it

2006-04-14T09:38:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Matthew 28:16-20
Do you ever have doubts? I know that I do from time to time. The reality is that all of us who seek to know God will have doubts from time to time. It may be when we face a difficult time or when we are in a season of life that brings forth doubt.
Jesus comes to His disciples and some of then still doubted. Even in the midst of worship there were things they were not sure about. You would think that Jesus would attempt to answer their questions and relieve the doubt. But He doesn't.
Jesus' message is clear. Go out and live the way I did. Make disciples. Help them turn their lives around. Teach them to live like Me. And remember, I will always be here.
We face the same challenge today. We may not understand everything about God. (The reality is we never will in this life.) We will have doubts at times. God will not always answer every question. Moses himself said, "There are secret things that belong to the LORD our God, but the revealed things belong to us and our descendants forever, so that we may obey these words of the law." (Deuteronomy 29:29)
In the midst of doubt, struggle, or difficulty, Jesus still desires for us to be faithful followers. Faithfulness is not optional, it is a lifestyle. As a matter of fact, it is often through living out our faith that questions are answered. Paul wrote, "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." (Philemon 6)
When we are willing to move beyond our doubts and serve God anyway, we will often gain clarity of purpose and life. We will grow in our understanding of God.
For years, Nike has used the slogan "Just do it." The word Nike is Greek for victory. If we want to achieve true victory in Jesus, we must hear, trust, and act on His call to "just do it" and know that He will always be with us.

shine!
Jason

Running to the tomb

2006-04-13T13:02:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Luke 24:1-12
I would imagine that by this point in the week you are getting used to this. As we look at each of the different accounts of that Sunday morning we see this lack of understanding. We saw a few days ago how Peter and John ran to the tomb when the women came to them. Now we know what happened to the others. They thought the resurrection was just plain nonsense.
So back to Peter. Peter knew something had happened. Granted, Peter was rather spontaneous, but he knew something had happened. So he takes off and runs to the tomb. Once he gets there he looks in but still wonders what happened.
While we may wonder why Peter didn't "get it," there is another side of the story we need to consider. Peter was willing to go to the tomb and check it out while the others didn't even come.
There are times in our life where God asks us to do something that we don't understand. We may even go there and still wonder why. Often it is not until later that we see the clear picture. Suddenly, everything makes sense.
When you face situations that don't seem to make sense, remember Peter. Remember that Peter took off for the tomb before he knew exactly what he would see. He even wondered what happened after he was there. But as he began to understand everything that had unfolded he realized who Jesus really was.
Sometimes in our lives we need to follow Jesus even if we don't understand why at the moment. More often than not we will look back later and realize that something incredible happened in that moment. When we can have faith like Peter and pursue the path before us, God will work in ways we can't imagine.

shine!
Jason

Look for Jesus

2006-04-12T09:30:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: John 20:24-29
We have dubbed him "Doubting Thomas", but I hope over the last couple of days you have seen he isn't the only one doubting.vActually, I think we treat Thomas unfairly, because most (if not all) of us would have wanted to "see it to believe it" ourselves.
But the last thing Jesus said to Thomas rings loudly in my ears. "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway."
I want to go back a little bit in the story and look at the exchange between Jesus and Thomas. Thomas had said he would not believe until he saw the holes in Jesus' hands and the wound in His side. Jesus shows up and tells Thomas to put his finger in the hole and his hand in his wound. He challenges Thomas to believe.
While we are not able to see Jesus' body today, we are able to see Him in other ways. I think He challenges us to believe. If we watch for Him at work we might catch a glimpse. We can't see holes in His hands, but we could see hands serving others in His name. We can't see the wound in His side, but we can see the wounded being healed by His love. We can't hear Thomas say "My Lord and my God", but we can see lives changed.
We are blessed if we believe without seeing Jesus. And we will be blessed when we allow others to catch a glimpse of Jesus. People will believe when we become His hands. People will believe when we help others heal. People will believe when we touch lives.
One of the greatest joys in my life has been times when people come to the realization that Jesus is real and that He is risen. In those moments when they discover their Lord and their God, I feel blessed. And I know that they are blessed as well. And there is no greaterreward in life than leading someone to the resurrected Christ.

shine!
Jason

Things change at the tomb

2006-04-11T10:33:00.001-04:00

TODAY'S READING: John 20:1-10
Can you imagine being Peter or John? My guess is that they were still hurting from the events that occurred a few days earlier. Their friend had been nailed to cross. The man who they followed had been defeated. Their Messiah had been killed. The closest thing I can imagine is how our nation must have felt when President Kennedywas killed. A great leader had been brought down in his prime.
Then to add insult to injury the body had been stolen. What?!?! Not only did they have to deal with this great loss, but now His body had been stolen. So Peter and John run to the scene of the crime.
They began to investigate. First the outside of the tomb. Then they looked inside. After that they moved inside. As they examined the evidence it suddenly dawned on them. Like Bruce Willis' character at the end of The Sixth Sense they realized they had missed something big.
Time and time again Jesus had said He would raise from the dead, but they didn't understand. Sure, they thought Jesus would be raised in the resurrection that many Jews believed in, but they didn't understand that it would be THE Resurrection. It wasn't until they saw the evidence in the tomb that all the pieces of the puzzle came together. Then the picture was clear. This was not just a man. This was not just another rabbi. This was the Messiah. This was the Son of God. He kept His promise. He completed His mission. He was the hope of all mankind.
Want to see the evidence that they believed? This same Peter who denied Jesus before the empty tomb stood before thousands and proclaimed His name after the tomb. The same John that was worried about what seat he would get in heaven was willing to be exiled to an island for preaching Jesus. These men were changed forever by the empty tomb. Are you?
Before the empty tomb popularity means everything, but after the empty tomb we live to serve God.
Before the empty tomb our possessions define us, but after the empty tomb Jesus is our identity.
Before the empty tomb our pleasure is found in the flesh, but after the empty tomb we find fulfillment in the Holy Spirit.
Before the empty tomb position brings power, but after the empty tomb power is found in humility.
Before the empty tomb we look out for "number one", but after the empty tomb we become the servant of all.
The empty tomb is a life-changing event. It was for the people who first found it 2,000 years ago. It still is for those who find it today. Don't leave the empty tomb unchanged. Leave it knowing that Jesus is risen and that nothing else in this world is more important than following Him.

shine!
Jason

Is He really alive?

2006-04-10T08:45:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Mark 16:1-8
Do you ever wonder what you would have thought if you had been there? I am not sure if I would have understood what was going on. Sure, with 2,000 years of Christianity and the rest of the story available to read it makes sense to us. Sometimes we are too hard on the people who were there. We act like one of those people who already saw the movie and we can't understand why the person watching it for the first time doesn't see the end coming.
But then again, maybe we are more like the people who were there than we think. Do we believe in the resurrection? Sure. Do we know that the stone is going to be rolled away? Yeah. But...
What about the ending that hasn't come yet? Do we believe that Jesus will return? Do we know that we will all stand before God? Do we believe that Jesus is still alive?
As you reflect on those questions, consider this...
Do we live like it?
Do we live like Jesus is alive or do we try to handle life on our own?
Do we live like Jesus is the living Lord and Savior or Someone in a book?
Do we live like our friends and neighbors need Jesus or that it doesn't really matter?
Do we live like our life has been bought with Jesus' blood or do we live for ourselves?
Do we live like church is a 24/7 relationship with family or do we treat it like another activity or social club?
Do we live like following Jesus is a lifestyle or a hobby?
We may wonder about the women at the tomb because they seemed a little clueless about what is going on. But I wonder what someone would think if they read about us hundreds of years from now. Would we seem like the women at the tomb? Would they wonder why we didn't understand what Jesus had been telling us and preparing us for all along?

shine!
Jason

Parting ways

2006-04-07T09:54:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Acts 15:36-41
There are times we disagree and have to part ways. Here we see two servants of God with a major conflict. They disagree about John Mark to the point where they decide to go their separate ways. Paul and Silas went one way and Barnabas and John Mark went another way.
There is a huge lesson to learn from this situation. When we have a disagreement that causes us to part ways, we should separate with love. Paul and Barnabas disagreed, but each one stayed focused on the task. It doesn't seem like they had any bad feelings about each other.
When we have disagreements that cause us to part ways we should never separate with ill feelings towards each other. I have seen a number of friendships end because of a disagreement and at least one party has gone out and gossiped or talked badly about the other person. Followers of Jesus should never act this way. We may disagree but we should never mistreat each other. Consider what Jesus said in Matthew 5:43-48...
"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."
Whether someone is a friend or enemy, whether we get along or disagree, Jesus calls us to treat that person with love. Then we will be able to look like Jesus and show others what God is really like.

shine!
Jason

Know when to walk away

2006-04-06T08:49:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Luke 4:14-30
Have you ever been in one of those situations where someone becomes unreasonable? I am sure you have. A conflict arises and someone's emotions completely take them over. It doesn't matter what you say, they will not take time to even listen.
This is what happened to Jesus. Actually what is even more amazing is the change that takes place. One minute "All who were there spoke well of him and were amazed by the gracious words that fell from his lips." But only minutes later "the people in the synagogue were furious."
Often when people's emotions take over and they struggle to think clearly things can get out of control. When Jesus faced this type of conflict He quietly slipped away.
There are times we need to simply walk away from conflict for a time. If someone is being unreasonable or emotions are flaring, there is nothing wrong with getting out of that situation.
That being said, we must be willing to revisit the conflict. This is especially true when it is a one-on-one situation. But there are times it is good to take a little time for emotions to calm. When we can take a "deep breath" and then talk about things the outcome is often much better.
Emotions are a difficult thing to deal with at times. As we discussed earlier this week, anger left to brew can become more intense. But there are also times when anger in the heat of the moment can be just as destructive. Have you ever been in a heated conflict and said something you wish you could take back? I could probably write a book full of these things.
When we slow down and consider the situation we can make the best choice. And there are times we will decide it is better to wait a few minutes or hours before addressing a conflict. But this is not an excuse to avoid it.
As you face conflicts look at the examples of Jesus. He faced a variety of conflicts and dealt with them in different ways. Every situation must be considered separately. We like to have a "one answer fits all" solution to life, but it's not that simple. When we allow Jesus' wisdom and example to become a part of who we are, we will become much more effective at dealing with conflict. And that will allow us to show the love of Jesus to everyone, even those we may disagree with or have conflicts with.

shine!
Jason

Hold on a minute

2006-04-06T08:12:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: John 8:3-11
There are a number of ways to deal with conflict. While there are some situations like Jesus in the temple, there are other situations where we should be patient and quiet. Here we see one of those times. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees tried to get in Jesus' face and force Him to make a statement. They attempted to back Jesus into a corner. But Jesus knew better than to take the bait. He was patient. He took control of the situation.
There are times when we face conflict and our first reaction should not be to switch into battle mode. When faced with situations similar to the one Jesus faced here, we usually react in one of two ways. We either fight or run. Some of us would want to take the teachers and Pharisees to the mat. We would be armed and ready for battle. Others would simply turn and run before they would have to face any kind of conflict.
Jesus shows us a better way. We don't have to fight or run. We can calmly engage those we have a conflict with. The Pharisees probably hoped Jesus would fight or run. But instead, He calmly returned the challenge to them. And in the end, the situation ended peacefully.
Even more important is the fact that the woman did not have to suffer being the center of a drawn out discussion. As soon as the woman was in the middle of the crowd she could have become the center of attention. Now while I am sure people still looked at her, the way Jesus dealt with the situation brought more of the attention to Him and those who challenged Him.
Often in conflict a third party suffers more damage than anyone in the middle of the fight. When we are willing to follow the example Jesus set, we will be less likely to hurt others.
When you face conflict and you aren't sure how to respond, remember Jesus' encounter here. When we are willing to stop, take a minute, and think through the situation, we will usually make a wiser choice. And that is in the best interest of everyone involved.

shine!
Jason

Cleaning out the temple

2006-04-04T10:17:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Matthew 21:12-17
Many of us have a hard time with this Jesus. We like kind, gentle Jesus with the child on His knee. We enjoy the Jesus who healed the blind. We can deal with the Jesus on the cross. We rejoice at the risen Jesus. But what about the angry Jesus?
It can be hard to see Jesus angry. Maybe it's because most of the renditions of Jesus show Him as this skinny little guy. My guess is Jesus was much more muscular than we imagine Him. Do you know many carpenters that are skinny little guys? And the ones we know have power tools.
In this scene I picture Jesus as this muscular guy walking into the temple, angry at what He sees. That being said, I fully believe Jesus was in control of His anger. I don't see it as some blind rage just throwing things everywhere. No, this was more like a controlled anger that was very pointed and intentional. Jesus was extremely upset at what He saw.
People who claimed to be God's people were anything but that. They had taken the temple God intended as a place of worship and made it a place for their benefit. They were profiting from worship. They were turning God's place into a self-serving center.
Jesus' anger was justified and needed. Jesus is very patient with those who don't know Him or who are sincerely seeking Him. But things are different with those who take advantage of Him. God expects more from those who claim to be His people.
We may say about the Pharisees, "They deserved it." But what about us? How do we treat the temple?
You may say, "The temple is gone." Well, sort of. Didn't Paul write, "Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
If Jesus could walk into your temple today, what would His reaction be? Would He need to clear out your temple? Have you made it into something it shouldn't be? Do you use it more for your purposes than His? I am sure that there are "tables" that need to be turned over in all of our lives. What would Jesus overturn in your temple?

shine!
Jason

Does that make you angry?

2006-04-03T11:19:00.000-04:00

TODAY'S READING: Ephesians 4:25-27
Sometimes I find hope in passages like this. You ask why? Because people 2,000 years ago struggled with the same things you and I do. Here are people who spent time with Paul and they can't live perfectly either. Sometimes I feel like we put "First Century Christianity" on some kind of pedestal. We want to look like the first century church. You want to know a secret? Shhhh. Don't tell anybody. We already do look like them, and it's often not a good thing.
Want to look like the early Christians?
Sexual immorality? It was a major problem.
Dishonesty? All over the place.
Worshipping the culture? Not just our problem.
Pride? Try reading Paul's letters to the Corinthian church.
And the more I read about the early church, they had very little ability to deal with conflict properly. They would complain about each other. Divisions within churches were all over the place. Christians were putting one another down. It's seem pretty obvious that people were angry towards one another.
Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like times have changed much. See anything on the list up there we don't deal with? I don't. While everything around us may have changed, human beings are still the same on the inside. Our hearts still struggle with sin.
In the passage we are considering today, Paul is dealing with interpersonal relationships and especially anger. Because following Jesus is so relationship-based, this is crucial. Relating well with others is vital to being a healthy disciple of Jesus.
So how does anger impact our relationships and conflict? Anger is often a necessary part of conflict. Notice Paul does not condemn anger. Rather, Paul warns us that anger not dealt with can cause sin. When we don't do something healthy with our anger it allows Satan a backdoor into our heart.
Anger can create feelings of hate. We can become bitter towards someone. We may begin to gossip about the person we are angry with. Anger can lead us to act in ungodly ways towards someone.
But when we deal with our anger and approach the person we are angry with, good things can happen. Anger is usually a symptom of conflict. It is a sign that we need to deal with something. And when anger is used as a motivator for resolution as opposed to a tool for Satan, good things can happen.
We can help each other grow spiritually.
Our eyes may be opened to see things in a fresh way.
We may find impurities in our life that need to be changed.
Friendships can be made stronger.
Anger is not bad. Anger misused can be fatal. I am not talking about shooting someone (while that has happened). No, anger can be fatal spiritually. It can eat away at us and eventually put up a barrier between us and God. Our anger towards others may lead us to becoming angry at God.
Do you struggle with anger? Does anger seem to take control of you at times? Do you feel like your life is full of conflict? Find a friend to help you work through your anger. Seek out people who seem peaceful that will not be as likely to fuel your anger. Go to God in prayer. Search the Bible for God's wisdom about anger. Make room in your schedule each day for quiet time with God so that He can begin to cleanse your soul.
There is no easy formula to deal with anger. Conflict will never cease. There is no magic pill. Discipleship is hard work, and dealing with anger is no exception. It was Jesus that said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me."

shine!
Jason

A new heart

2006-03-31T08:39:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Ephesians 4:17-24
I am fascinated by heart transplants. It is hard to imagine that doctors can take out a heart that isn't working right and replace it with a different heart. There were 2,016 heart transplants performed in the United States in 2004 and 2,057 in 2003. As of July 15, 2005, the one-year survival rate was 86.4 percent for males and 84.6 percent for females; the three-year survival rate was about 78.9 percent for males and 76.1 percent for females. In 2003, the five-year survival rate was 72 percent for males and 68.5 percent for females.
There is another kind of heart transplant that is equally amazing. It is the one that takes place when someone becomes a Christian. Paul describes the spiritual surgery that takes place.
The old heart that is removed is hardened and rotten. It is filled with impurity, greed, lust, and deception.
The new heart is shaped like God's. It's righteous, holy, and true.
It seems that Paul is writing to a church where, unfortunately, a number of people claimed to be Christians but never really had a heart transplant. Their actions don't seem to match their claims. Apparently they were unwilling to leave their old heart and old life behind.
Wouldn't it be crazy after a heart transplant to go back to the doctors and ask them to put your old heart back in? They would look at you and shake their heads in amazement. They know that putting the old heart back would lead to certain death for most.
But many Christians do the same thing spiritually. They become a Christian and claim allegiance to Jesus, but they want the old heart. They want to continue to enjoy the world they have been living in. They resist the spiritual renewal God calls us to.
As you begin the weekend, go to the Great Physician for a spiritual EKG (heart test). What is the condition of your heart? Does God need to take you into emergency surgery? Do you need bypass surgery? Or do you simply need to "eat" a little better? Remember that whatever goes into our mind impacts the condition of our heart. Are you enjoying a lot of spiritual "junk food" that is corrupting your heart?
Regardless of your condition, this is the time to take action. Every day we wait our heart's health could be getting a little worse. The new heart that God wants us to have will change how we live each day and where we spend eternity.

shine!
Jason

What kind of soil are you?

2006-03-30T10:26:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Matthew 13:1-9,18-23
This is quite possibly one of the most convicting parables Jesus tells. Although just about everything Jesus says challenges me, there is something about this lesson.
As I look at the four different types of soil Jesus speaks of, I unfortunately see more of the first three in my life than the last one. Let me share a little bit of my heart with you today.
Sometimes I fail to understand what God is trying to say to me. I read the Scriptures, I experience life, and I am more concerned about what I think than what God ultimately has to say. The problem is not God's explanation, it's my presuppositions. In a sense we all want God on our terms. We hear God, but do we really understand Him? I know that I struggle with that.
But there are times that I understand. However, it must go beyond understanding. There must be growth. This is where I find myself like the second soil at times. I am joyful for what God has done for me, but so often I become comfortable. I find joy in being where I am. I don't want to be uncomfortable and have to grow. I don't always want God's roots to dig deeper in my life. If I can keep it shallow I don't have to change the areas of my life where I like it.
Just in case we improve in those two areas, Satan has a plan "C." We may understand God and we may even let His roots start to go deeper. Well, then we fall pray to getting to attached to this world. I can engage in Bible study and pray and get all "spiritual." But am I willing to let the rubber meet the road? This is where Satan often distracts me. Sure, I want to help that person in need, but I really want that new book. Yeah, there are people starving in Africa (or even Pontiac), but Famous Dave's has great ribs. I would love to give more to support missions, but how could I live without cable TV or high-speed internet. Have I stepped on your toes yet? I am stomping on mine.
Then we get to the last soil. How many of us have brought thirty people to Jesus? Sixty? A hundred? Who among us has given more to the church than we have asked for? Do we come on Sundays hoping to be filled or wanting to be emptied? Is this "Jesus thing" ultimately about me or about others? I often fail miserably here. I struggle with wanting Christianity on my terms that makes me feel good about myself. I want to walk away from an encounter with Jesus feeling happy instead of fulfilled. Served as opposed to having served.
OK, so maybe you saw more of me than you wanted to today, but God is working hard on me. I just know that I am far short of what God wants me to be. But in the midst of frustration and disappointment with myself, I find comfort in knowing I serve a living God who is both patient and loving. Merciful and kind. And while my God is more than likely frustrated with me as much as I am, He also reaches out His hand in the person of Jesus and says, "Follow me!"

shine!
Jason

Who is the real Jesus?

2006-03-29T12:35:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Mark 6:30-52
Have you ever looked at the disciples and wondered why they never got it? Here they are walking with JESUS! They are spending every day next to the Son of God. They sit and listen to Him teach. They see Him perform miracles. They watch His conflicts with the religious leaders. But yet, they don't seem to get it.
Here we see Jesus feeding 5,000 men (which means there were probably over 10,000 people there including women and children). Then we see Jesus walking on the water and calming the waves. They saw it all too, but look at their reaction. They are astonished. They didn't understand. Their hearts were hard. They didn't believe.
What!?! Does it surprise you that men who walked with Jesus every day had this reaction?
If you think about it, it might not be that surprising. I believe that most, if not all of the disciples had misconceptions of who Jesus was. Most were expecting a military leader who would defeat the Romans. They expected another king like David that would lead them to victory. We even see this in the crowd's reaction to Jesus during the feeding. "Then Jesus told the crowd to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat in groups of fifty or a hundred." (Mark 6:39-40) These numbers reflect how military groups would have been organized back then.
Now let's look in the mirror for a minute. Do we misunderstand Jesus? Do we think He is someone different than He really is? Let's consider the possibilities...
Wish-granting Genie?
Nice teacher?
Insurance policy no matter how bad I live?
Rule maker?
Judgmental?
Many of us have misconceptions of Jesus. As a matter of fact, I am pretty sure none of us completely understand Him. But I do know that Jesus wants us to see Him for who He really is. And that begins when we lay aside our own assumptions and let Him speak for Himself.
Who is your Jesus? Do you need to soften your heart and allow Jesus to show you who He really is? It could be life-changing.

shine!
Jason

Deceived and hardened by sin

2006-03-28T10:01:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Hebrews 3:5-19
There are some things about sin that are just plain fun. Let's be honest. If sin wasn't so fun at times would it really be so appealing? But that is the problem. It is fun "at times." More specifically, it is fun at the moment we are in it. Unfortunately, sin has a way of keeping us focused on the fun part and forgetting about the consequences that follow.
That is exactly what happened to the nation of Israel. After God rescued them from Egypt and they ended up at Mount Sinai, they forgot about their slavery. They were only focused on the homes and material things they had in Egypt. For some reason they forgot about the chains, the taskmasters, and the whips. They were deceived. In spite of all God had done for them, they complained. Even though God had freed them from the bondage of slavery, they wanted to go back. They saw the plagues, but wanted Egypt. They watched the Red Sea part, but they wanted Egypt. They receive the manna, but they wanted Egypt.
You and I may sit here and ask why they were so foolish. But will a future generation look at us and ask the same thing?
God freed us from the need for materialism, but we still seek fulfillment in how much we have. God freed us from the need for sexual impurity, but we still seek fulfillment telling tasteless jokes, watching movies and TV shows that glorify sexuality, and from inappropriate attention from the opposite sex. God freed us from legalism, but we still seek fulfillment by pointing out other people's faults while ignoring our own.
This list could probably go on, but I think Paul says it better than I do...
"Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes--these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world. Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey him. Don't participate in the things these people do. For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true." (Ephesians 5:3-9)
Ultimately, we must guard our hearts against sin. If we allow sin to deceive us, our hearts will become hardened against God. We will begin to blame God for things and get angry with Him for denying things we want. As that happens our hearts start to fill with evil and we stop believing in God. Then we turn away from Him.
The good thing is that God is always there waiting for us, even when we are walking away from Him. In the midst of our struggle with sin, God remains faithful. God wants to share all He has with us, but He can't share it if we leave Him.
If you feel your heart has hardened against God, seek Him patiently and realize that it takes time for a heart to soften. If you believe your heart is beginning to harden, turn back towards God. Even if you feel your heart is not hard, continue to draw closer to God. All of us have a hardening somewhere in our heart; we are just not close enough to God to realize it yet. As we continue to grow in our faith, God will reveal to us things we need to change. No one is ever perfect, but we must always seek to know God a little better so He can continue to mold us into the people He wants us to be. But to be molded we must be softened. Let God soften your heart.

shine!
Jason

Softening hard hearts

2006-03-27T12:44:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Leviticus 26:40-45
Disobedience has consequences. As God spoke to the people of Isreal through Moses, these were his final words. After outlining his commands to the people, God wanted them to be sure of two things.
Disobedience has consequences.
Obedience offers rewards.
Today we live under a different but similar agreement with God. You may wonder...different but similar? Exactly. Under the old agreement, God expected us to be holy and faithful to Him. He provided laws, regulations, and instructions.
The biggest difference under the new agreement is Jesus. Jesus came to bring a final, eternal sacrifice. Jesus came to show us God in the flesh. Jesus came to live out what the old agreement was supposed to look like. Jesus came to show that God wants to remove limits, not set minimum expectations. Jesus was the answer to a relationship with God that had become more about rules than transformation.
Whether it's the old agreement or the new one, the bottom line is the same. Following God is much more about your heart than your outward appearance. Didn't God tell Samuel, "The LORD doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at a person's thoughts and intentions." (1 Samuel 16:7)
So what is the purpose of consequences? Why can't a loving God just rescue us from bad choices so we don't have to suffer? Because without consequences, true change will seldom happen. God's grace cannot be fully realized without recognizing we have done wrong.
We all have two basic responses to sin and its consequences. We can harden our hearts towards God and head further and further into destruction. Or we can allow our difficulties to soften our heart and allow the grace of God to heal.
Want to see an example of the two choices lived out? Let's look at Judas and Peter.
Judas sold Jesus out. He took money to betray his friend Jesus. And after his betrayal he stayed in his sin and allowed it to drive him to the point of suicide. His guilt killed his spirit. As far as we know, he never tried to seek forgiveness.
Peter on the other hand had a broken heart. When he denied Jesus and looked into the eyes of his friend, Peter went away and wept. And on that beach one morning he shared breakfast with Jesus and found the grace of God in full measure. It was only a few weeks later that the man who denied Jesus stood in the same city and proclaimed Christ to thousands.
Is your heart hard against God in some area of your life? Do you feel guilty about something? Do you feel like God has deserted you? If you feel any of these things remember the promise God made to the Israelites. "I will not utterly reject or despise them while they are in exile in the land of their enemies. I will not cancel my covenant with them by wiping them out. I, the LORD, am their God. I will remember my ancient covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of Egypt while all the nations watched. I, the LORD, am their God."
We serve a God who keeps His promises. Our God is faithful and will never leave us. The question is, are our hearts hardened to the point where we might leave Him?

shine!
Jason

Seeking common ground while staying grounded

2006-03-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 Corinthians 9:17-27
I think we all live in this struggle between inadequacy and pride. There are times when I think there is no way on earth I deserve to have the love of God and I should not be a representative of Jesus. Other times I start feeling really good about myself and begin to believe that I can make it without God. Do you ever feel that way?
I believe that Paul struggled with this as well, but he found the key to balance between the two. What is this key, you ask? Self-control.
In his life of service to the Savior, Paul discovered that it's not about him. It doesn't really matter how inadequate he feels or how good he feels about himself. It's about putting our focus on the One who really matters.
But without self-control we are headed for disaster. Life in pursuit of Christ without self-control is like riding a roller coaster without restraint bars. You will either be on a ride that is so slow and tame it is not worth it or you will get thrown out and hurt.
And in the midst of all of this we see one of the most important reasons for self-control. It makes real ministry possible. Why?
Well, when we lack self-control and try to minister to those around us we can find ourselves drawn into the very things we are hoping to help pull others out of. That is what Paul trained himself to avoid.
He was only able to minister effectively to others because he learned how to live with purpose. Everything he did was Jesus-centered. Every thought he had was focused on the cross.
If we want to effectively reach those around us for Jesus we must train and develop self-control. It is only when we are properly prepared that we can be all things to all people without becoming completely like them.
Paul may have reached the Jews by relating to them where they were, but he didn't return to legalism.
Paul may have reached the Gentiles by relating to them were they were, but he didn't start worshipping idols.
Paul always looked for the common ground without sacrificing what he stood for. We must strive to do the same. If we take the message of Jesus to others while we live just like them, the message loses its power. But if we can take the message into their world and show them that Jesus is real where they are, we can change the world. Do you want the world to change you or do you want to change the world for Jesus? Developing self-control will have a lot to do with which one happens in your life.

shine!
Jason

Looking religious

2006-03-23T14:55:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: 2 Timothy 3:1-5
You know what really scares me when I read this passage? It reminds me of our culture today. It almost feels like Paul was able to watch an evening of American television in 2006. And while I may find it hard to believe, there have been many people like this for generations. The difference is that modern communications has brought much more of it to our attention and even into our homes.
It seems as though it is becoming more and more difficult to develop self-control. As the world discovers more and more ways to penetrate our mind, Satan uses them to brainwash us. What would have been thought of as unacceptable to most Christians a generation ago is now tolerated as "not so bad." Behaviors that would have been condemned when our grandparents were younger is "no big deal."
And while Christianity is much more than moral excellence, the lack of moral excellence is an indicator of where the heart is. It is a reflection of a deeper issue. There is so much about our culture that is rushed and shallow. And this attitude has even influenced the church.
Paul talks about this exact thing when he says in verse five, "They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly." He reveals a problem that seems to be present today. Acting religious without acting godly.
You have seen it before. Maybe in your church. Or in your family. Or even in the mirror. The ability to look religious when necessary, but not really changing on the inside. The reality is we all struggle with this at some level. None of us are as transparent as we should be. Most of us want to maintain the status of being a "good church member." I think the words of the Casting Crowns song "Stained Glass Masquerade" describe it best...

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the heart again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

I believe this is why Paul warned Timothy. He was fearful that Timothy would be influenced by the attitude of the day. Paul was concerned that Timothy would avoid real transformation and settle for external performance.
For many Christianity has become another mask to wear. Another routine. A hobby that requires certain behaviors. We have been slowly lulled into believing that who we really are doesn't matter as long as we look the part.
The problem is that when the curtain closes and the show is over, who will you be offstage? When its time to clean off the make up and get out of the costume, who is the real you?
We must be careful to stand strong in the midst of pressure. We should examine our lives to see if the things Paul is talking about are true in our lives. Do any of these things describe you...
Loving only yourself and your money.
Boastful and proud.
Scoffing at God.
Disobedient to your parents, and ungrateful.
Consider nothing sacred.
Unloving and unforgiving.
Slandering others and having no self-control.
Cruel and having no interest in what is good.
Betraying your friends, being reckless, puffed up with pride, and loving pleasure rather than God.
I would imagine most of us struggle with something on the list above. But the question is are we willing to acknowledge it and make the change. That will determine where we go from here and impact our ability to bring a little bit of heaven to earth.

shine!
Jason

Can you see clearly?

2006-03-22T13:43:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: 2 Peter 1:3-11
Have you ever been in a car that is driving in a rainstorm or a snowstorm? I would imagine all of us have been. But how many of us have been in that situation when the windshield wipers don't work? Now that is a whole different situation.
What Peter writes about here is the difference between driving through the storms of life with or without spiritual wipers. As we journey though life we will experience storms. There will be times when we are tested. The question is, can you see where you are going?
Peter provides us with a road-map for the adventure called following Jesus. It is an adventure that begins with faith but becomes so much more. Here is what Peter says...

Your faith will produce a life of moral excellence.
A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better.
Knowing God leads to self-control.
Self-control leads to patient endurance.
Patient endurance leads to godliness.
Godliness leads to love for other Christians.
Finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone.

The problem is that many people stop at step one or two. I have seen many Christians who think that once you have faith in Jesus you have arrived. Once you come up out of the waters of baptism it is time to set the spiritual cruise control and wait for heaven. But that is not what Peter says.
Others believe that moral excellence is the end of the road. They feel that once they become a Christian all they have to do is be a good person. Christianity becomes a list of things to do and not do. But that is not what Peter says.
Once we have faith in Jesus and begin to live it out with morality, our adventure is just beginning. This is simply a foundation upon which we get to know God better and become more like Him.
We should get to know God better and develop self-control. This means we act less like our old self and more like God. This will make us more patient and God-like. And eventually we will come to love everyone like God does. And guess what? That means we will look like Jesus. We will live and act like the One who was willing to completely give Himself away for the sake of others. Love will not just consist of "being nice" to others. It will mean we give all for others.
Is the windshield of your life blurred because you misunderstand God's goal in your life? Are you coming up short of what Peter describes? Do you need to turn on the spiritual wipers to see God more clearly?
Think about where you are along the process Peter talks about. Do you need to press on to another level? The Kingdom of God in your life will only go as far as you are willing to let it. Do you need to leave the rest stop you are at and get back on the road to discovering God? I think we all need to go a little further so we can become more like what we are called to be.

shine!
Jason

Changing addresses

2006-03-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 Peter 1:13-25
Imagine someone came to you and told you that your house was going to be demolished. But since that was going to happen, you were offered a house that was ten times bigger. If your bedroom is 12x12 now, it will be 35x35 in the new house. Your kitchen might be the size of the old house. The fridge will contain every food you like. The TV will be the size of a movie theater screen.
But for some reason you keep going back to the old house. Even though you are not sure when the destruction will happen, you still go back and hang out there. The power has been shut off, but you still look in the fridge for something to eat. There are no lights, but you stumble around in the darkness.
You do go to your new house a couple times a week. You never really stay that long, but you want people in the new neighborhood to know you live there. It's more of a status thing than really living there though.
Does this all sounds crazy? Would you live like that? Well, I have seen plenty of people who do.
They have been warned that this world is doomed for destruction. They have been offered a much better place to live. But they need to be willing to move there now. The Kingdom of God is not just heaven.
The Kingdom of God is something that is very real is this world. It is where God wants us to move to in this life. But so many of us are content to continue to return to the house of sin. We know there is a better place, but we find comfort in the old, dark place. We do stumble around. but for some reason we can't get away.
God's call for us is clear. And Peter describes it well. We are called to be holy. We must leave the old behind and be careful not to slip back into our old place.
This requires self-control. It means there must be real effort.
But maybe you think it's too hard. It means you have to lose friends or risk your reputation. There may have to be a change in the way you talk or treat others. You may have to let go of some possessions or attitudes.
But don't you think it was pretty hard for God to pay the price for our new place? It wasn't bought with silver or gold. He paid for it with His very own Son. The blood that bought you and me a place in eternity was from heaven itself. God was willing to do that because He wants you and me. He suffered so that we wouldn't have to. His Son died so that we could live with Him forever.
But life in God's presence doesn't start on the day we die. It starts here and now. It means leaving the old address where sin and evil live and moving to the kingdom where Jesus lives. It requires us to leave behind the old life that is headed to death and destruction. And in the process we are to become new people with a new attitude and a new way of life. Are you trying to live in both
places? More often than not, the neighbors in the old place will bring you down and keep you there. Have you made the move yet? If not, it's time to head to a better neighborhood.

shine!
Jason

Becoming a spiritual champion

2006-03-20T10:11:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Titus 2:1-15
Do you ever wonder why so many people struggle with self-control? Well, I think the answer is pretty simple. Self-control is hard work. It doesn't just happen. It takes training. It takes encouragement. It takes dedication. All of those things demand sacrifice and effort.
I have tremendous respect for Jerry Rice as an athlete. If you don't know, Jerry Rice is one of the greatest football players of all time. Most people consider him the best wide receiver ever. While Jerry possessed great athletic ability, that is not what made him the best ever. There are plenty of people in this world with the potential to be a great athlete. What made Jerry great was his dedication to training. He would train harder, longer, and more intensely than almost everybody else. When others might have still been sleeping, Jerry was working out. When other might have given up for the day, Jerry ran a little longer. In the end he became a great athlete and Super Bowl champion.
If we want to develop self-control and become more spiritually strong, we must show the dedication to training that Jerry showed. We must be willing to make the sacrifice to become self-controlled. But unfortunately, many of us are willing to settle for spiritual mediocrity. We are willing to trade our comfort for life to the fullest. We would rather avoid struggle than enjoy victory. We give up long-term joy for short-term happiness.
If you really want to experience life to the extreme, live in this world with self-control. The journey will not always be easy and the price may seem high, but as you begin to experience a life of self-control you will come to know a peace that surpasses understanding. You can become a champion for God. And as you become a person of self-control, you will not only find the life you never thought you could have, you will begin to share it with others around you as well. And the impact you have on them will only make the reward even better.

shine!
Jason

Which path?

2006-03-17T12:34:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Psalm 27
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life? Do you ever look around and wonder what to do? It could be a feeling of hopelessness. Or discouragement.
I believe these are the emotions that David was struggling with as he wrote this Psalm. He seems to be on this emotional roller coaster ride. The battle between hope and despair. The conflict we all experience between the moment and the bigger picture.
We would all love to have every problem solved immediately, wouldn't we? Don't you wish that every time you faced a difficult time you could wave a magic wand and fix it? I know that there are times I feel that way.
But David realized and wrote about the real cure for struggles in life. While he still had a hard time being the man he needed to be, David understood where his real hope was found. He knew that life was not easy and challenges were inevitable. But David also knew that God is the true source of strength.
In the face of attacks, the house of the Lord provides protection.
When troubles come, God is our sanctuary.
When our enemies surround us, we offer praise to the Lord.
Even when everyone else abandons us, God is there.
And the ultimate peace is found by the way we live. Although God is always there, we must be willing to remain in His presence. Even though God is constantly faithful, our faithfulness will determine our path.
In the face of danger, David asked God to teach him how to live and guide him along the path of honesty. He remained brave and courageous because David knew he was walking with God. He patiently waited for God because God was with him and he was with God.
When we face struggles and challenges in life we tend to revert to trusting ourselves. We want things fixed on our time schedule. We ask God where He is while we walk away from Him. We have a hard time being patient as the Lord walks with us through hard times.
The next time you face a difficult time in life, which might be right now, ask yourself this one question. Am I telling God where I want Him to take me or am I listening to Him for the path He wants me to take? The answer to this question can determine the outcome of not just that situation, but of your life here on earth and into eternity.

shine!
Jason

Life purpose

2006-03-16T10:48:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
As Paul writes to Timothy he gets to the heart of everything that matters to him. "But you know what I teach, Timothy, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is." (1 Timothy 3:10)
Paul's life reflected what really mattered to him. His life was all about Jesus and serving God. He suffered because of his faith in Jesus. He was persecuted because of Jesus. Everything he did was because of Jesus.
What is your life purpose? What is at the core of who you are? If you are seeking an answer to those questions look at what you teach and how you live.
Paul reminded Timothy to remain faithful to his life purpose. Paul's advice was to remain faithful by trusting the One who gives us purpose. He wants us to remember that true wisdom comes from God and His word.
Most of us want to determine our own path. We want life on our terms. We want to be in control. But God calls us to wait on Him and allow Him to shape our life purpose. He has given us His word to help that shaping process. But most of us give very little time for that shaping to happen.
I would guess that most people avoid God's word because of how it will challenge us. Sure, we may say that we are too busy. But the heart of the issue for many is what God will say to us. We like life on our terms and we don't want anyone to challenge our authority, especially God.
Patience is not just something God has for us. It is something God wants us to develop towards Him. He wants to shape us and define our life purpose. But He realizes that for most of us it is not going to happen overnight. God shows such tremendous patience towards us. Does He deserve any less from us?
Take time to slow down and reflect on what God needs to say to you today. Give God time to speak with you through His word. Allow God to "teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives." Let God's word "straighten us out and teach us to do what is right." Give God time to "prepare us in every way, fully equipping us for every good thing God wants us to do."

shine!
Jason

Filled with Christ

2006-03-15T11:03:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Colossians 3:12-17
So many people look at Christianity as a behavior-based religion. In other words, there are a lot of people who determine whether or not you are a Christian by how you behave. Now, while I would agree that behavior is usually a pretty good indicator, it is not the essence of being a follower of the Christ.
In this section of his letter to the church in Colosse, Paul describes the behaviors of one who is following Jesus.
Tenderhearted mercy. Kindness. Humility. Gentleness. Patience. A willingness to forgive. Love. Peace. Thankfulness.
While these are all indicative of a Christ-follower, they are not what a Christ-follower is. The true heart of a Christian goes much deeper. And someone does not grow in devotion to Christ simply by acting "religious."
No matter how good of a performance someone may put on, the real them will eventually seep out. Or else he or she will spend a lifetime being miserable living in two worlds.
If we are going to truly be followers of Jesus, we must engage in what Paul talks about in verses sixteen and seventeen. First and foremost, the words of Christ must live in our hearts. That doesn't just happen by using our Bible as a table decoration or even as a reference book once or twice a week at church. We must invest time with Jesus. We must be willing to devote ourselves to getting to know Jesus better. Time in God's word must be a part of who we are and what we do. Not because Bible reading is a good thing for a Christian to do or because they tell you to do it at church. Rather, we must desire to get to know Jesus better and make the effort.
As the words of Christ become a part of who we are, we must include them in our daily conversations. God should not be something we only discuss in Bible class. Every aspect of our lives should be directed and influenced by the word of God. If there is a disagreement in your family, consider what the words of Christ have to say. When you are walking the halls at school, let the words of Christ direct you. In those moments when you are alone, let the words of Christ control your thoughts and action. In all situations, teach and encourage one another to live more like Jesus.
Paul's next piece of advice is to let spiritual music penetrate your heart. Music is one of the most powerful tools in shaping who we are. I believe that is why Paul writes about it both here and in Ephesians 5. In both cases he is writing about things that shape the innermost person. The music we listen to influences who we are more than we can imagine. So Paul's advice is simple. Be influenced by music that will mold you into Christ's image.
As he continues, Paul reminds us to always be thankful. So often we take things for granted and have very thankless attitudes. God calls us to be thankful in all circumstances and situations. When we have a thankful heart our outlook on life can change dramatically.
And the result of all these things is what Paul describes as being a representative of the Lord Jesus in all we say or do. When our hearts and minds are filled with and shaped by God, we cannot help but speak and act more and more like Him each day.
As you look at the behaviors in your life, ask yourself two questions. Am I being real or is this a show? And, If someone could strip away all of my masks, what kind of person am I on the inside? As you consider those questions, think about how much the word of Christ is filling your heart right now and whether or not He is really your Lord.

shine!
Jason

Patience like Jesus

2006-03-14T09:24:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: 2 Corinthians 6:3-10
How do you tell people about Jesus? Is it by quoting a bunch of Bible? Maybe you invite them to church? Could it be bringing them to a small group? Or do we have a Bible study with them?
While there may be some good ideas in that mix, I don't think any of those are the most effective way to start the conversation about Jesus. I believe that Paul tells us where to start as he writes to the Corinthian church.
Do you want people to know about Jesus? Here is the formula...
*Patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.
*Be beaten, be put in jail, face angry mobs, work to exhaustion, endure sleepless nights, and go without food.
*Live with purity, understanding, patience, kindness, sincere love, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
*Faithfully preach the truth.
*Serve God whether people honor you or despise you, whether they slander you or praise you.
*Be honest when people call you an impostor.
You might say, OK, but that is not the way Christians are treated today. People aren't threatening to put me in jail or beat me. Two thoughts. First of all, you may be right that Christians are not treated that way where you live, but have you been to any foreign countries lately? Christians are killed and jailed all the time in other places. It is estimated that over 100,000 followers of Jesus are killed each year for their faith.
That leads to my second thought. Are we not being mistreated because we are not living faithfully to our call? Have we sold out to our culture and accepted things that contradict the call of Christ? Are we treated like everyone else because we act like everyone else?
If that is true, we are letting down our brothers and sisters who put their lives on the line every day in other nations. And we are letting down the One who died for us and to whom we claim allegiance.
About 2,000 years ago, Jesus was falsely accused, stripped, beaten, and forced to carry a cross He didn't deserve. He was laughed at, mocked, and rejected. He was nailed to that cross and a crown of thorns was placed on His head. Jesus suffered agony and humiliation. Should we expect any less? Are we willing to settle for "comfortable" Christianity? Do we think that a little struggle is too much to ask for?
If we are going to be Jesus to this world, we need to look like Jesus. We must be willing to be mistreated, pure, kind, and so much more. We have to live like Jesus if we want to have the impact He had. Jesus did not change the world because He was popular and agreed with the culture of His day. He changed people's lives because He was different. He offered a different view on life. He offered a different way to treat people. He offered a radical form of religion. He was willing to give up everything He had so that others could have so much more.
Are we willing to do the same? Can we give up the things that make us comfortable so we can offer others the One who will bring them peace? The followers of Jesus we read about in Acts were willing to make that kind of change in their lives. And look at the difference it made.
Are we ready to be the Jesus we see in the Gospels and the disciples we read about in Acts so that we can have the life-changing impact they did?

shine!
Jason

Unworthy...but worthy

2006-03-13T16:25:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Have you ever felt unworthy to serve as a representative of Jesus? I know I do. It may be a day when I remember my past. It could be a time when I consider my innermost thoughts. Maybe I am just having a not-so-good day looking like Jesus.
We all have those times when we feel inadequate to the task we have been called to. But I find hope in knowing that I am not alone.
Consider the apostle Paul. When Jesus met him on that road to Damascus, Paul had been killing Christians. He was leading the equivalent of religious terrorists whose primary goal was to kill followers of the Christ.
But as Paul writes this letter to Timothy things have changed. Paul has come to know who Jesus really is and what He really stands for. And what a difference it has made.
The man who once tried to kill Christians is now willing to give his life for Christ.
The man who used to think he had all the answers discovered the only Answer that really matters.
It was in his conversion that Paul discovered the real power of God. The power of forgiveness. The power of mercy. The power of patience. The power of a God who is willing to work with anyone.
Feeling insufficient? God is the One who makes you sufficient.
Feeling unworthy? God will give you your worth.
Feeling hopeless? God is hope.
When you feel like it might be time to give up, remember that our God is a patient and loving God who never gives up. He wants nothing more than to see each of us come to love Him and live for Him. And as He pursues each of us, God will be patient, loving, and merciful. And what more could you ask to live for than that?

shine!
Jason

Heaven in this world

2006-03-10T09:45:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Romans 8:18-30
Have you ever started praying and you are not sure what to say? Maybe you are so overwhelmed you can't find the words. Maybe you're afraid of saying things the wrong way.
I find comfort in knowing that the Holy Spirit intercedes when I pray. The presence of God living in me that speaks to the Father for me.
Jesus told His disciples, "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth." (John 14:15-17)
I will be honest and say that I don't completely understand how He does this, but the Holy Spirit works in our life to bring us closer to God. He leads us toward truth and leads us closer to the heart of God. And in reality those two things are synonymous. Truth is the heart of God. It reveals His character.
As we allow the Holy Spirit to take control of our life we will notice a change. God will begin to shape our thoughts and change our focus. He will turn our hearts away from this world and towards eternity.
As that happens we should not just look forward to heaven. We should make every effort to bring heaven to earth. God's purpose is not just that we spend eternity with Him. His purpose for us also includes bringing the Kingdom of God into this world and helping bring all of creation closer to the way it looked before sin entered the world.
The Holy Spirit is the bridge between this world and eternity. He provides a way for us to go into God's presence and it allows God's presence to enter this world. And we are the instruments the Spirit uses to make this happen. When we are willing to allow God to work in our lives through the Holy Spirit earth will begin to look a little more like heaven.

shine!
Jason

American Christianity?

2006-03-09T10:20:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Romans 8:1-17
As I read this passage again it still challenges me. I can't tell you how many times I have read Romans 8, but there is something huge here. I can't help but being convicted by the words of Paul. These words challenge me about what it means to be a Christian. They cut to the heart of what a Christian really is.
I believe that American Christianity misses the point way too often. We have turned Christianity into the "Christian American Dream." Being a Christian in America means you have a nice house, a nice career, drive a nice car, raise a couple of children, and go to church. What was meant to be a lifestyle has become a hobby for many. Church is not who we are, it is something we do. Following Jesus has come to mean being a good citizen.
Where did we lose site of what it's really about? How have we been misled? Has the American Dream stolen our hearts from God's dream? A dream of sold-out disciples who are willing to lay it all aside for the cause of the Christ.
Did Jesus die so we could be more comfortable? Did He give his life so our life could be easier? Did God sacrifice His Son simply so we could enjoy life?I want to take a minute to consider three sentences from Romans 8...
"And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all."
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God."
"And since we are his children, we will share his treasures--for everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours, too. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering."
Has our culture led us to believe that we can have the treasures without the rest? Has our country's brand of Christianity bought into a lie that we don't really need to be led by the Spirit or experience suffering? Have we been deceived to the point where obedience to Christ centers around sitting in a pew on Sunday morning and engaging in a few acts of worship?
Now don't get me wrong. We should come together for times of worship and encouragement. We must help each other along on this journey called life. The body must work together and be together. But what of the Spirit-filled, sacrificial life that Paul writes about?
I am more and more convinced that Christianity is not dying in America primarily because of the moral decay of our nation. No. I think we have it backwards. I believe that moral decay is occurring because many churchgoers and churches are selling themselves short by being participants in religious activity as opposed to Spirit-filled, sold-out, sacrificial followers of the Christ. For many church has become a social club as opposed to a way of life.
I believe this generation has the ability to return to the heart of true discipleship. But there are some crucial questions to be answered. Are we willing to lay down our entire lives for the cause of Jesus? Can we let go of the possessions, materialism, and entertainment-centered culture that dominates our world? Is this a generation that will allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in every aspect of life? Are we willing to settle for a religion that is a part of our life or do we want a relationship with God that penetrates and consumes every aspect of who we are and what we do?

shine!
Jason

Carry the message

2006-03-08T12:03:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: 2 Timothy 1:3-14
In 490 B.C., a soldier named Pheidippides ran from a battlefield near the town of Marathon, Greece to Athens, bringing news of a Greek victory over the Persians. Legend has it that Pheidippides delivered the momentous message "Niki!" ("victory"), then collapsed and died. To this day millions of people all over the world run marathons that originated from this one man's run.We as Christians have been entrusted with a message as well. And as I think about Paul writing about "running the race," I wonder if he was thinking about the story of Pheidippides.
Here Paul is writing another letter to his "son in the faith," Timothy. As Paul writes what many consider to be his farewell address, he concentrates on communicating to Timothy the things of greatest importance.
In the passage we read today, Paul is reminding Timothy of the great message he has been entrusted to carry and deliver. Here is the message as Paul summarizes it in verses nine and ten...

It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began--to show his love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the coming of Christ Jesus, our Savior, who broke the power of death and showed us the way to everlasting life through the Good News.

And as Paul is encouraging Timothy by reminding him of the love of God, he also reminds Timothy that God has not left us to accomplish this task alone. We have been given the Holy Spirit to encourage and guide us on the journey.
Paul tells us that we have been given a Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. It is virtually impossible for us to fully have any of these things on our own, but when we trust in God and allow the Spirit to control our lives, we will be filled with power, love, and self-discipline. We will be able to accomplish much more with the Holy Spirit that we can do without Him.
In addition, the Holy Spirit is there to help us guard what we have been given. He will help us in the way we deliver and live out the message. The Holy Spirit will help us when we are not sure what to say or how to live. But this will only happen when we accept the Spirit's presence and provide a spiritually healthy environment.
I believe that the ability of the Holy Spirit to work in our lives is much like the ability of a plant to grow. If we don't feed, water, and provide good soil for a plant, it will wither up and be weak. The same will happen if we don't feed, water, and provide good spiritual soil for the Holy Spirit.
We can never weaken God, but we can weaken His ability to work in our lives. He has given us the freedom to decide whether or not we will fully commit to Him. And when we use that freedom to deny Him, we will be weakened.
We have all been entrusted with a message that means life and death to us and those around us. And we have been given the Holy Spirit to help us along the way. But the question is, how are we treating our Helper? Are we providing the right environment so He can fill us with the power, love, and self-discipline that will allow us to finish the race and deliver the message of "Victory?" That part is up to you.

shine!
Jason

What kind of friend are you?

2006-03-07T08:50:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: James 4:1-10
Have you ever seen or been a part of a group of friends who gossip about each other and talk about each other in unkind ways? Or maybe you have seen someone who takes advantage of his friends so he can get something from them. I have even seen someone go behind her friend's back to undermine a relationship.
These things happen when we are better friends with the world than with God. When our motives are wrong, so are our desires. If we choose to put our desires before God's we will act ungodly towards others.
Above all, God wants us to be His friend. But not just a casual friend; He wants us to be a faithful friend. The Holy Spirit that lives in a Christian is jealous when we are unfaithful. When we have attitudes, behaviors, words, or thoughts that betray God, He is hurt deeply.
When we treat our earthly friends in unkind ways it is almost always a reflection of how we are treating God. No matter how hard we try to hide it, eventually our true self will show in our lives.
If we really want to be a friend of God we must be faithful to Him. If we want to be faithful we must be humble. In order to be humble we must admit that we need God. When we are willing to admit our dependence on God our attitudes will change and God will be able to shape our character. Humility will change our motives and allow us to draw closer to God. We will truly regret the wrongs we have done and it will be easier to resist the Devil.
Are you a faithful friend who puts others first? Or are you putting yourself before others and allowing evil desires to control your life? When you look at your life and relationships, what kind of friend are you?

shine!
Jason

What will you do with it?

2006-03-06T11:33:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Titus 3:1-8
I have seen plenty of people go both directions. Whether they are athletes, actors, business leaders, or various others who come into money, I have seen wealthy folks use their money both ways. Some spend it for good things and others waste it.
One athlete will open a center for a poor community. Another will use his riches to buy drugs.
One actor will start a foundation for cancer. Another will buy a huge house to host decadent parties.
One business leader will create a scholarship for children in poverty. Another will waste thousands of dollars on a mistress.
I could go on and on, but you get the idea.
We may look at those people in frustration and wonder why they would waste their riches. But I would ask how often is God frustrated that we waste the riches He blesses us with?
I am not talking about material riches, but rather spiritual riches.
God shows us kindness and love. But how often do we fail to share kindness and love with others?
God saved us because of His mercy. But how often do we fail to be merciful to others?
God forgave us. But how often are we unwilling to forgive others?
If we trust in God, we must live the way He asks. We may never achieve perfection, but we must always strive to follow His lead.
Just like when a person inherits a lot of money, we have been given great riches by God. Through the Holy Spirit we have been given a new life. But what are we going to do with it?
Are we going to spend it on our wicked desires and pleasures? Or will we use what we have to bless others?
The culture we find ourselves in is self-centered. But the God we serve is selfless. Every day we are in a struggle to decide which one we will serve. We have to pick a direction to go. And both is not an option.
When we allow the ways of the world to control our decisions, we will find ourselves filled with evil and envy. But when allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, we will overflow with kindness, love, mercy, forgiveness, and more.
God has given you the greatest riches in the world. How are you spending them?

shine!
Jason

Healthy holiness

2006-03-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24
I remember working on a farm when I was fourteen and fifteen. I started working in April and worked until the end of the summer. On the weekends in April we would head down to the farm to help plant. One of my favorite jobs was planting broccoli. We would plant this little four-inch-long sprout that looked nothing like broccoli. But a few months later, with proper watering and care, we would find afull, healthy head of broccoli ready to be picked and eaten.
In this passage Paul is telling the Thessalonians what healthy holiness looks like...
Encouragement.
Care.
Patience.
No revenge.
Joy.
Prayer.
Thankfulness.
Discernment.
Spirit-led.
Holding on to good.
Avoiding evil.
This is a pretty good barometer of our walk with Jesus. These are all good indicators of holiness. And these fruit can only ripen when we provide the proper spiritual nourishment. We must work to feed and care for our spirit. But we can't do it alone.
Paul finishes this passage by encouraging us to trust in God and keep our spirit, soul, and body blameless. This is important for this life and the one to come. Are your fruit helping lead others to Jesus in this world? And when Jesus comes again, will you be ready for the harvest?

shine!
Jason

Follow THE Example

2006-03-02T11:26:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Ephesians 5:1-20
In yesterday's passage, Paul began this lengthy section of Scripture defining what living in the light looks like. This continuation today not only raises the bar a little higher, but it also makes very clear to us the example.
Have you ever tried to used a copy machine to make a copy from a copy? It doesn't matter how hard you try, it seems like that second copy always turns out blurrier than the copy you started with. However, when you can go back to the original your copy will be much clearer.
As I read this passage something dawned on me. Maybe so many people fall short of what they could be for God because they stop with the letters and fail to get back to the original.
The letters of Paul, Peter, James, and others are not the original instructions on life. They are letters these people wrote to help Christians who were struggling with following the original. They are simply tools to help us get our focus on what we should be focusing on, Jesus.
If you want to know how to live, don't settle for looking over apparent lists that Paul and others come up with. Look back to Jesus and how He lived His life. That is the message Paul is trying to get across here.
Paul tells us to follow the God's example that is found in the life of Jesus. And the sins that Paul describes are not an all-inclusive list of what to avoid. They are attitudes and activities that are simply not in the character of Jesus.
Following Jesus is not ultimately about avoiding certain activities or actions. Our real aim should be to be "full of light from the Lord" as Paul describes in verse 8. When we allow the light of Jesus to fill us and pour out into our lives, we will want to avoid sinful activity.
The problem is that many Christians simply try to avoid the sin without filling their hearts with something else. What a huge error! All that usually does is create a larger hunger for the sin that was there before. And when sin returns it gets an even stronger hold on your life.
But when the light of Jesus is allowed to shine in your life it reveals sin for what it really is. His light will bring real change and real fulfillment. It will cause you to see the real nature of sin.
And in verse 18, Paul finally drives the point home when he tells us to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Do you want a definition of holiness? A simple, hard-to-misunderstand definition.
Here it is...Holiness = Holy Spirit filled
It is all about being consumed and controlled by the Holy Spirit. It is about letting God dwell in your life.
It doesn't matter how much Bible you know. I know plenty of people who can quote a whole bunch of Scripture but don't live out one ounce of it.
I have met folks who fill a pew every Sunday, but they don't allow God to fill their hearts at all.
I encounter Christians who sing songs like "Jesus is Lord," but live their lives like "I am lord."
Do you want to be holy? Then open the door to your heart and make room for the Holy Spirit to fill you. This requires work. It means you will have to spend time with God and build a relationship. It calls us to avoid and put away things that fill spaces reserved for God. We must be willing to realize who is really Lord of our lives.
Sound like a huge task? Absolutely.
But if we are going to follow the example of Jesus what other choice do we have? Jesus was willing to give up heaven for you and me. He was willing to become a man so that we could have life. We must be willing to open our lives so that His Spirit can live in us.
It is time to move beyond the religion of rules and regulations and find the heart of Christianity. We must allow the Holy Spirit to fill our lives so we can begin to look more and more like the only real example of holiness, Jesus. Are you ready to be filled with the Light?

shine!
Jason

Flirting

2006-03-01T09:53:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Ephesians 4:17-32
Let me ask a question. Do you think it's OK that I flirt with other women from time to time? It's not really that bad is it? When I go out to eat with a group of friends it's kind of fun to flirt with the waitress and see what she says. Maybe she'll smile or even wink at me. It really helps me feel like I still have it.
OK. Stop. Before you pick up the phone and call one of the elders, finish reading this.
Of course I was kidding about flirting with other women. But how many of us flirt with sin all the time? And the really disturbing thing is that some approach it with the same attitude as the one I discussed above.
As Paul writes to the churches around Ephesus they seem to be struggling with a similar attitude. They claim to be followers of Jesus but some of their choices don't show their new nature. It's like they want to hang on to some of their sinful "hobbies."
Unfortunately for many Christians, especially those who have grown up in the church, it seems like we develop unhealthy habits that breed lust and deception and never think anything of it. Things that contradict our new nature in Jesus remain a part of who we are. Attitudes and behaviors that harden hearts are permitted to continue.
Why do Christians flirt with impurity, greed, and immorality? I think we often fail to see how Satan uses small steps to create a big fall. Have you ever had this conversation with yourself?
"It's just (fill in the blank). It's no big deal."
"What's wrong with _______? I am just having a little fun."
This is often what the same person's conversation sounds like later...
"How did I get here?"
"I never saw this coming."
"I didn't think this would ever happen to me."
It's time for us to start acting like the bride of Christ as opposed to Jesus' casual date. Two thousand years ago Paul warned the church to get rid of everything that leads to sin and undergo a spiritual renewal. Things haven't changed much. The struggles are the same, Satan has only changed the tools he uses.
Stop for just a minute and look deep into your life. Where is Satan using small openings to grow impurity, greed, and immorality? What choices are you making that hurt not only you but maybe even others around you? What do you need to change so that you can become the person God created you to be - righteous, holy, and true?

shine!
Jason

Be like Mike

2006-02-28T08:37:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
I remember the ad slogan "Be Like Mike" that was so big during the height of Michael Jordan's career. Because of Jordan's incredible basketball talent, marketers used his popularity to sell their items. They tried to convince everyone to drink what Mike drinks, wear what Mike wears, and strive to be like Mike.
The basic message of this passage is "Be Like God." We are called to live in holiness and honor. God wants us to become more like Him. Paul wrote to the church in Rome, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is." (Romans 12:2)
As followers of Jesus, we must make an effort every day to think more like God. And the more we think like God the more godly our lives should look.
So what does a godly life look like? In this letter to the Thesslonicans, Paul describes it as control over our passions. And from what Paul says, this control will only result when we know God. Not just a knowledge of God, but a relationship. A relationship where we want to "be like God."
As you reflect on how you are living your life, ask yourself if you are exhibiting control over your passions. And then ask yourself what your relationship with God looks like.
Many "Christians" today want God's benefits without the sacrifice. They want to be God's friend so they can go to heaven without bringing heaven to earth in their lives.
Holiness is not about checking some boxes to get into heaven. Holiness is about being like God in a dark world so that His light shines through you.
There are a lot of people who want to be known by God, but there are a lot less who really want to be like God. Which one are you?

shine!
Jason

The battle for your soul

2006-02-27T11:43:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 Peter 2:4-12
I have alway's been fascinated by cornerstones in old buildings. Maybe you have seen them before too. They often display the year or exact date they were placed there. It is the first stone put down. The one around which everything else is built.
That is how Peter describes Jesus. The one whose name means "rock" once again declares that Jesus is the Rock upon which our faith depends. In a sense Peter is restating what he said back in Matthew 16 when he said of Jesus, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
And now, here is Peter after the cross. After the resurrection. After Pentecost. A man who has put all of his trust, all of his future, his entire life, in the hands of the Christ.
Despite the doubt. Despite the disputes. Despite the denial. Peter continued to place his trust in Jesus. He never gave up hope completely, even when all seemed hopeless. How would you have felt in this siutation described by Luke?

So they arrested him and led him to the high priest's residence, and Peter was following far behind. The guards lit a fire in the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there. A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, "This man was one of Jesus' followers!"
Peter denied it. "Woman," he said, "I don't even know the man!"
After a while someone else looked at him and said, "You must be one of them!"
"No, man, I'm not!" Peter replied.
About an hour later someone else insisted, "This must be one of Jesus' disciples because he is a Galilean, too."
But Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you are talking about." And as soon as he said these words, the rooster crowed. At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered that the Lord had said, "Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny me three times." And Peter left the courtyard, crying bitterly. (Luke 22:54-62)

Have you ever let Jesus down? If Jesus had been there in that moment, how would the scene have looked? What would it be like to look into the eyes of Jesus the moment you denied Him?
Peter knows exactly what it feels like, but yet He renewed His commitment and continued to make Jesus his cornerstone. Peter's words are written from the heart of a man who rejected Jesus but then made a decision to return to the only true Foundation.
Peter's challenge for us is to remain faithful and avoid things that will lead us to reject Jesus. The Peter after the resurrection looks much different than the one before the resurrection.
Holiness is the willingness to join Jesus on His journey to the cross. It requires self-sacrifice. It calls us to listen to God's word and obey.
We are chosen by God.
We are His holy nation.
We are God's possession.
We have been saved from darkness.
Let's take a lesson from Peter. After Peter met the risen Christ he was a changed man. No turning back. No fear. No indecision. Once Peter saw the Jesus who kept His promise and came back from the dead, his mind was made up and his course was set.
Nothing was going to come between him and Jesus. Not suffering. Not prison. Not even death. But we often give in to so much less. Let's make a commitment to the risen Christ that we will not allow our evil desires to destroy our relationship with Him. What do you need to keep away from that is fighting against your soul?

shine!
Jason

I am not

2006-02-24T08:48:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Exodus 3:1-15
There is a great book by Louie Giglio entitled "I Am Not But I Know I AM." Here is how he opens the book...
"Life is the tale of two stories - one finite and frail, the other eternal and enduring. The tiny one - the story of us - is as brief as the blink of an eye. Yet somehow our infatuation with our own little story - and our determination to make it as big as we possibly can - blinds us to the massive God story that surrounds us on every side."
Wow! How true is that? That pretty much sounds like me every day.
And that is definitely what Moses' struggle was too.
Time after time, God told Moses what He wanted him to do, and Moses' reaction was basically "I can't."
God's answer was essentially this..."It doesn't matter if you think you can't because I AM."
Isn't that what He is saying to us every day?
When we are afraid to tell people about Jesus, God says do it and don't worry because "I AM."
When we can't imagine doing what He seems to be calling us to, God says I will carry you because "I AM."
When we want to ignore God's agenda because our way is easier, God says to follow His way because "I AM."
When we tell God we can't afford to give more, God says stretch and challenge yourself because "I AM."
When we say to God that what He wants us to do is too difficult, God says trust Me because "I AM."
No excuse is to big for God. No obstacle is impossible to overcome.
God was present at Creation and He will be there at the Judgment. He watched you as you were born and He is there every step of your life. He watches like a parent as you grow. He smiles with pride when you have victories and a tear comes to His eye when you fall.We are all part of a much bigger story. And here is the mystery of life. We are but a small, immeasurable part of the universe, but the One who created everything cares for us and invites us to be a part of His story.
From Adam to now and until the end of time, God asks every human being to contribute to His story. Your role - as small as it may seem at times - is crucial to the work of God in your time and place. You may be the only person who has a chance to impact a certain person for God. And no matter how difficult that task may seem, God tells us to press on knowing that it's not about us; it's about Him.
The main character in your life and mine is not you or me, it's "I AM." Let's strive to live our life in the proper role so that we can find true fulfillment and bring glory and honor to the name of the main character in this life and the life to come.

shine!
Jason

The ultimate provider

2006-02-23T07:36:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Genesis 22:1-14
God will sometimes call us to a place that seems improbable. The task He has put before us may seem unrealistic or unattainable. God may even ask you to give up something that you don't think you can give up.
In those situations all God asks for is our faith. Not just a verbal commitment, but action to back it up. A willingness to not just say, "Yes, you are God," but acting on that statement.
Whatever God calls us to do, He will provide. It will not always be the way we expect or hope for, but He will provide.
When He called Moses to lead the Israelites, God provided Aaron.
When He called Israel to defeat Goliath, God provided David.
When He brought forth the Messiah, God provided a young girl named Mary.
And here is the biggest one of all...
When my sins and your sins needed to be forgiven, God provided His Son.
While God stopped Abraham from killing his son, God was willing to sacrifice His own Son for you and me. He provided something that He didn't need to, but wanted to because of His love for us.
The next time you face a challenge in your walk with Jesus, remember that God is the One who provides. He will provide what you need in this life and He has provided the only thing that can take you to heaven in the next life. And that is all I really need.

shine!
Jason

Mississippi - Day 3

2006-02-23T07:34:00.000-05:00

Well, our third day is behind us. Nothing major to report, but we got a lot done today. We returned to Bay St. Louis to finish the roof we looked at yesterday afternoon. The only "injury" today is the sunburn most of us are experiencing. After two days of drizzle, overcast, and 50's, today was sunny and near 80.
We finished our job for the day. You can see pictures of us at work on the 180 Yahoo Page. Everyone worked really hard and accomplished a lot. I am looking forward to everyone back home having a chance to see video of what we have been able to do for some other people.
One thing that Duncan said today got me thinking. Earlier in the week when we were working in 50 degree weather Duncan was talking about how much he enjoyed this type of work. He even commented that he might want to get a construction job for the summer.
But then today Duncan changed his tune a bit. Suddenly being on a black roof in 80 degree temperatures made this job seem less appealing. I don't tell you this to pick on Duncan (because I also enjoyed it more when it was cooler), but rather to make a point.
My conversations with Duncan have reminded me this week that being a follower of the Christ isn't always easy. Sometimes we are called to do things we don't necessarily like or want to do. And this isn't just about climbing up on a roof or working in the heat. It's more about living for Jesus when the world turns up the heat.
It is easy to be a Christian when the environment is just right.
Church camp? No problem. Bible class? Sure. Mission Trip? I can do that.
But let's change the scene.
Walking the halls at school? Hanging out with your friends on a Friday night? Telling jokes with coworkers? Now it's a little harder. The expectations have changed. Standing up for Jesus isn't quite as easy.
As I look back on this week so far, I hope that my faith has not just been stregthened to the point where I am willing to serve others fearlessly; I pray that this week will strengthen my faith to stand stronger for God wherever I find myself.

shine!
Jason

Leadership

2006-02-22T19:42:00.000-05:00

Here are some definitions...
Character - Moral or ethical strength.
Christian - Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.
Example - One serving as a pattern of a specific kind: set a good example by arriving on time.
Honesty - Truthfulness; sincerity.
Integrity - Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.
Leader - One that leads or guides.
Leadership - Guidance; direction.
Respect - Willingness to show consideration or appreciation.
Responsibility - Involving personal accountability or ability to act without guidance or superior authority.
Responsibility (2) - Able to make moral or rational decisions on one's own and therefore answerable for one's behavior.
Responsibility (3) - Able to be trusted or depended upon; reliable.
Trusted - Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing.

Student Leader = Character + Christian + Example + Honesty + Integrity + Leader + Leadership + Respect + Responsibility + Trusted

Healing the incurable

2006-02-22T08:16:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Jeremiah 30
As I read today's passage, I couldn't help but think about the people who live here along the Gulf Coast. Thoughts of wounds,exile, and reconstruction. Many people in Mississippi were forced from their homes with little warning and returned to find nothing.
Often in our lives we experience times similar to this. We face pain and suffering. We are injured physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We look at life and wonder what happened.
But as God speaks through Jeremiah we hear about a God that heals. We read of a God that can heal the incurable wounds in our life. The cure that no doctor in this world can provide.
What kind of incurable wounds do you have?
Who has hurt you in a way that you feel "scarred for life?"
What deep emotional and spiritual injuries still hurt?
The message from Jeremiah is clear. God is a God who heals. He heals those who have no other hope.
And there is a guarantee for all who follow the Lord. There will come a day when all of God's people will suffer no more. Even if we never completely escape the struggles of this world, there will be a new world and a time of peace.
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a beautiful bride prepared for her husband.
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, 'Look, the home of God is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever.'" (Revelation 21:1-4)
On the Day of the Lord we will find ourselves surrounding the throne of God, engulfed by His presence. On that day we will experience the ultimate healing. All the pains and wounds of this world will be gone forever.
But in the meantime God offers healing in this world as well. We best see this is Jesus.
Jesus came to heal the sick - physical and spiritual.
Jesus came to reach out to those who needed to be healed.
Jesus came to cure those who knew they couldn't heal themselves.
As you face difficulties in your life, stop trying to heal yourself and see the only Doctor who can bring healing that will last forever. Trust God to heal your heart and spirit. Let His healing touch you where you need it most.

shine!
Jason

Mississippi - Day 2

2006-02-21T22:24:00.000-05:00

Well, we are back from day two. We spent most of the day back at our house from the first day. Today we put the tin roof on and finished our job. Once again I was impressed with how hard everyone worked to get things done. I posted a picture of our finished job on my Xanga site.
The most moving part of the day was at the end when we went down to Bay St. Louis. This is a town on the Gulf of Mexico near where the eye of Katrina made landfall. As we drove closer and closer to the town we were overwhelmed by the damage. None of the pictures you can see on my Xanga site do justice for what we experienced. It looked like scenes I have seen from after the Hiroshima bombing.
Our assignment was to help an older couple who live about a block from the shore. As a few of our leaders were looking over the situation we had time to walk down to the shore. We passed houses that had been lifted off of their foundations and shifted. We passed empty slabs where all that remained was the concrete porch. We even passed one house where the people that lived there had stayed to ride out the storm. They didn't make it.
When we got to the end of the street near the water we met a family who had finally returned to begin cleaning up. Their house was built on concrete block columns that were at least fifteen feet tall. This house had been built after Camille and was built several feet higher than Camille's storm surge peak. Katrina was much worse and their house is nowhere to be seen. All that remains are the concrete block columns. The family was looking through the few items that lay scattered across their property. They left for the Florida panhandle before Katrina and didn't return until late December. Since then they have been renting a house somewhere else near by. This family lost everything except the things they took with them.
As the students were off looking around, I stood alone for a few minutes to soak in the scene. I was humbled by what I saw and was standing in the midst of. It showed me how small we are and how much we need God.This force of nature has destroyed homes, disintigrated bridges, taken lives, removed trees, and so much more. There are so many lives that have been changed forever. And yet most of us continue to enjoy our homes, our cars, and so much more. We live in comfort while others have no real place to call home. We spend $3 for a coffee, $8 for a movie, or $400 for an iPod, while some families struggle to find a place to sleep at night.Acts 2:44-47 has new meaning.
"And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity-- all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to theirgroup those who were being saved."
I struggle with the money I spend so freely while others could use that money for real needs. Jesus didn't have a place to lay his head - a place to call home. He was willing to sacrifice all to help others. This week has challenged me to consider how I live and how I use what I have been blessed with.
Please continue to pray for us and especially for families like the one we met today. Pray that God will lead us to loosen our grip on all the things we have so that we can live more like the One we are called to follow.

shine!
Jason

Mississippi - Day 1

2006-02-21T00:30:00.000-05:00

Well, I am sitting here in my temporary bedroom upstairs in the Picayune Church of Christ. I have had many teens sleep in a teen classroom before, but not after putting in a long day's work. I have been so impressed with all of the students who came with us this week. Jolene, Becky, Duncan, Curtis, Josh, Jake, and Steven worked really hard today. And we got a lot done. The others on the trip with us - Byron, Baxter, Rob, Luis, and Jerry - also put in 110%.
We went to our first assignment this morning expecting to put up shingles. Upon our arrival we discovered a house with a few new sheets of board on top and some not-so-good looking tin roof on the other part. We were informed that we needed to remove all of the tin roofing and put board on almost all of the roof. But our crew was up to the challenge. In about 9 hours of hard work we removed all of the old roofing as well as getting all the new boards up and putting down the tar rolls. (If you don't understand all of that don't worry, I didn't know all of this stuff either.)
On a personal note it has been awesome to see Jesus in the men and women I am blessed to be serving with this week. Whether it's carrying wood to a burn pile, hammering a nail, or handing someone a tool, this is a neat group of people to spend some time with.
We did have one rather interesting twist today. Becky decided it would be fun to step on a nail this afternoon. We cleaned her foot as well as we could. Imagine me doing first aid. (In some twisted way it was fun to pour the rubbing alcohol on the wound. LOL.) After we finished our work for the day we came back for dinner. (Which, by the way, I must say was really good. They are taking care of us here.)
Anyway, after dinner Jolene, Becky, and I headed off to the emergency room. It was one of the most interesting and funny trips to the hospital ever. I have never laughed so hard in the emergency room. I believe one of the highlights of the hospital adventure was when the doctor came in. He told Becky he wanted to do an X-ray to make sure the nail didn't hit a bone or leave metal in her foot. He then proceeded to name several very scary-sounding things that could happen if either of these events occurred. Becky's facial expression (the one that says "I think I am going to die") was priceless. The good news is that the X-ray was good and we were free to go home. We ended the evening with an excursion to Wal-Mart for snacks, workboots, and assorted other items for the rest of the week.
All in all it has been a great time so far and I hope to give more updates along the way. Please keep us in your prayers as we seek to be Jesus to the people of Picayune. May God's light shine brightly as we serve others in His name!

shine!
Jason

TO SEE PICTURES FROM TODAY, VISIT MY XANGA SITE (THERE IS A LINK IN THE RIGHT COLUMN)

My dad is bigger than your dad

2006-02-20T07:52:00.000-05:00

NOTE: Today we begin our mission work in Picayune, Mississippi. I will try to post an update each evening of how the day went.
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TODAY'S READING: Genesis 17:1-8
Do you remember those playground arguments from second grade? Two boys would begin arguing about something and often it would turn into a "my dad versus your dad" battle of words. Each boy would challenge the other by saying his dad was better at something or in some way.
Well, we have a Father who is bigger or stronger than any other. God is the Lord Almighty. And He is a dad who follows through on what He says. Just consider His conversation here with Abraham.He begins with a challenge to Abram. A challenge to live a godly life. A challenge to live like His Father.
But then. Then comes the promise. God will make Abram a mighty nation. And not just the father of A nation, but many nations. And to make it complete, God changes Abram's name to Abraham. And in that day, names meant something. God changed Abraham's name from "exalted father" to "father of many."
And the exciting thing for me is that God makes a similar promise to us. Look at what Paul wrote in his letter to the Galatian churches...
"In the same way, 'Abraham believed God, so God declared him righteous because of his faith.' The real children of Abraham, then, are all those who put their faith in God.
What's more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would accept the Gentiles, too, on the basis of their faith. God promised this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, 'All nations will be blessed through you.' And so it is: All who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith." (Galatians 3:6-9)
And all of this is possible because we serve a God who is Almighty. A Father who is bigger than any other. A Creator who can follow through on His promises.The question we need to ask ourselves is what father are we following? Is it the Father who is Almighty or the other father of this world. Listen to what Jesus said about this...
"If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." (John 8:42-47)
The father we listen to will determine the path we follow. If we listen to the Almighty Father He will keep His promises to bless us. If we listen to the father of lies, he will lie to us and leave us empty-handed in the end without anything. The question is, what voice are you listening to?
Satan's promises sound great, but what is behind the lie? If you have believed his lies before you know the routine. Temporary pleasure but eventual disappointment. Short-term fulfullment with long-term emptiness.
When the father of lies tries to pursuade you, close your ears and walk away. Then turn your ears to the Almighty Father and listen to the One who keeps His promises to every generation.
shine!
Jason

The Unlikely Draft Pick

2006-02-16T11:49:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
In a few months the NFL will have their draft. All the scouts are working to figure out who are the best players. They measure running speed, how much they can bench, and several other factors. And in the end each team will choose the player they feel is best for them.
Well, Samuel is called by God to "draft" a king for Israel. God instructs this prophet to go to the house of Jesse. There he will find the next king. So Samuel arrives and Jesse brings his sons in for the sacrifice Samuel has brought.
One by one Samuel has Jesse's sons go before him. And with each son the result is the same. This is not the one. Finally, after all the sons have come before him, Samuel asks if there are any more. At this point we discover this other son, David. He was not even given equal standing with his brothers. While the other seven were called in for the sacrifice, David was left to watch the sheep. Little did anyone know that this little shepherd boy was to be the next king of Israel.
You may look at yourself or others and tell yourself that there is no way God can use you or that other person. God's message is that the real measure of a person is what is on the inside. No matter how insignificant or small we may look in the world's eyes, God can use us.
David was equipped by God with certain gifts. Maybe David's time as a shepherd prepared him to shepherd the nation of Israel. While his brothers may have been strong men, isn't that what Saul was? And where did that get Saul? He left the throne disgraced.
The more we rely on God, the more effective we can be. And I am sure that David's many years of being looked on as the "other" brother built his character and prepared him to lead a nation.
If you have been through struggles and feel unworthy to serve God, you are probably the kind of person God can use the most. As Paul wrote about his thorn in the flesh, this is what he said...
"Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, 'My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)
Feeling discouraged? Look for encouragement from God.
Feeling weak? Look for strength from God.
Feeling beat up? Look to Christ's example at the cross.
Feeling insignifant? Look for purpose in God's Kingdom.
The more we learn to trust in God and look at the world from His perspective the more we will find peace. The peace that only comes from finding your role in the Kingdom of God. Remember that God doesn't care what you look like, how popular you are, or what social class you are in. He is seeking hearts that are seeking Him. Who or what are you seeking?

shine!
Jason

God sees your worth more than you do

2006-02-15T10:23:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Judges 6
I want you to imagine the scene. The President of the United States has asked the military to assemble a special strike team to hunt down Usama Bin Laden. Upon hearing his assignment, a top Army officer goes to a remote town in Minnesota and finds a man who built a home out in the forest where he felt he could be safe from any potential terrorist attacks.
He knocks on the door and the man timidly answers. The first words the General speaks are, "Great soldier, the President wants you!"I would imagine this would be the response of the man. "Excuse me? Are you talking to me?"
Then imagine that man becoming the person who leads this elite team into battle and finding Bin Laden. Sounds crazy? Oh, yeah. Improbable? Absolutely.
But with God...mission accomplished!This is what happens with Gideon. A man who is afraid and offers up every excuse he can come up with. Gideon even challenges God to prove to him that He is calling Gideon and is with him.
Do you ever do that with God? Here is what it might sound like.
"God, if you really want me to take this job, give me a sign."
"God, if I am not supposed to do this, show me."
"God, if you are here, make it clear to me."
God is so patient with us. Gideon and God's conversation provides proof and one of the funniest exchanges in the Bible.
"Gideon replied, 'If you are truly going to help me, show me a sign to prove that it is really the LORD speaking to me. Don't go away until I come back and bring my offering to you.'
The LORD answered, 'I will stay here until you return.'"
Do you see the humor in that? God says He will wait somewhere for Gideon. If you are not at least smiling, read it again. God tells a human He will wait somewhere for him!
But don't we sometimes talk to God the same way? And not always for good reasons.
"God, wait here until I am ready to commit my life to you."
"God, can you hold on until I finish enjoying my youth."
"God, stay here while I go over there and commit this sin."
But God patiently says, "I will stay here until you return."
He waits, sometimes painfully, as we sell ourselves short.
We are willing to give into self-doubt and dissatisfaction while God looks on and says that we were made to be more.
Paul writes, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10)
Maybe God never intended for Gideon to be a wheat thresher. God may have created Gideon to be a warrior but he sold himself short. Gideon decided to be something less than God intended.
Are you selling yourself short? Does God want you to be more than you are? Has God given you abilities that are still unrealized?
If we examine our lives carefully, we may find that we are keeping ourselves from something much greater. For the first twenty-five years of my life I was hiding in sales, management, and a bunch of other places. But then God opened my eyes and called me to a place I never could have imagined.
Open your ears to God and listen for what He has in store for you. Don't wait for Him to come to you and say, "Mighty warrior, the Lord is with you." Go to Him and ask, "What do you have in mind for me?"
The answer may fill you with fear and take you somewhere you never expected. But in the end, you will find that place God intended for you from the beginning. And that will be more than worth the journey.

shine!
Jason

From God, for God

2006-02-14T08:29:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
There seems to be a trend in sports today. The best team wins, not the team with the biggest superstar. Whether it's the New England Patriots, the Chicago White Sox, or the Pittsburgh Steelers, none of these teams have a premier superstar. I think part of the reason is that many superstars in sports are more concerned with themselves than their team. The team is just a way for them to achieve their fame.
In our walk with Christ we need to be team players as well. God has created each of us with unique gifts and abilities. Some roles will be public and others are behind the scenes. The key is how you handle your role whatever it is.
Paul warns us to approach our role with humility and selflessness. It is not about us. God made us for our role and our purpose is to use that role to glorify Him and serve others. That is the key. God made us a certain way for the role He intended us to fill.
If you are a great public speaker, it's because God made you that way.
If you have a great singing voice, God gave it to you.
If you have a great mind, God created it.
No matter what it is that you are able to do, God created you to have that ability. Yes, you may have put in a lot of effort to enhance and improve you abilities. But God provided the foundation that you built on.
When we realize all of our abilities are from God we will become more of a spiritual team player. Then we will treat everyone equally because God placed them in the role they are in. No one is better than anyone else. And no one is any less important.
Our responsbility is to encourage everyone in their role, not to become prideful about our role. One will make the church stronger, the other will make the church ineffective. We must learn to put the concerns of others above our own and stop finding worth in putting others down. We will only become the church God created us to be when we are willing to get off the throne of self and help others to fulfill the role God created them for, no matter how much attention it might draw away from us.

shine!
Jason

Is your gift still in the bag?

2006-02-13T14:55:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: Romans 12:1-8
I remember several years ago that my dad gave me a video camera as a gift. One of the main purposes of the gift was so I could videotape Matthew. I must admit that I often fall short of what he had hoped for. Our family will have special events or make a special trip and my dad will ask if I videotaped any of it. Often I either forgot to take the camera or simplied failed to get it out. Understandably, he gets frustrated because I wasn't using the gift he gave me.
Do you ever wonder if God looks at us and feels the same way? I believe that is part of what Paul is dealing with here in Romans. He is challenging us to understand what God gave us and respond appropriately. It starts with what Pauls writes in verse one. "When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?"God has done so much for us and blessed us with so many gifts. But how do we respond? Do we use those gifts for His glory or for our's?
That is a scary question to consider. Are we first and foremost using our gifts for Jesus and His church? Do the ways we use the gifts we have serve the Kingdom of God?
Take a minute and think of the gifts God has given you. To help with that, let me mention the ones Paul discusses here in Romans...
Speaking out for God.
Serving others.
Teaching.
Encouraging.
Generosity.
Leadership.
Showing kindness to others.
Do you have any of these gifts? Or has God blessed you with others? Take a minute now to make a list either on paper or in your head.
Now ask yourself how you are using those to honor God.
If my dad has the right to be frustrated because I am not using the gift of a video camera, how much more frustrated must God the Creator feel when His creation misuses or wastes the gifts He gave us when He made us? Shouldn't we strive to use things the way God intended?
I know that if I get the video camera out of the camera bag and start videotaping my dad will be pleased. Let's dedicate ourselves to getting our gifts out of the bag and put them to work for our heavenly Father.

shine!
Jason

Listen to the Doctor

2006-02-09T08:31:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: 1 John 3:1-6
Have you ever been to the doctor because you were sick and he gave you a prescription? What did you do? Do you go to the pharmacy and get your prescription or ignore what the doctor said?
It would be kind of foolish to not fill the prescription. It shows that we either don't trust the doctor or we don't really want to get well. Either way, we are ignoring the advice of someone who wants what is best for us.
The same thing happens when we come to Jesus. When we are sick emotionally and spiritually, Jesus gives us a prescription. He tells us to avoid sin. Stay away from those things that make you sick emotionally and spiritually. But for some reason we fail to "fill" the prescription.
Is it that we don't trust God? Or is it that we are enjoying the temporary pleasure of sin too much to make the changes to get better in the long run? Either way, we are ignoring the advice of someone who wants what is best for us.
John wrote, "But those who keep on sinning have never known him or understood who he is." (1 John 3:6) I think we often ignore God's prescription because we don't know Him well enough or don't really understand who He is. When we don't invest the time in the relationship, Jesus is more of a distant figure than a close friend. And when that happens we don't trust Him as much as we should.
Jesus dealt with a whole group of people who thought they knew God but really didn't. The Pharisees and religious teachers of His day thought they knew God. But to them God was a lawmaker who demanded certain behaviors. And when they met the demands, those religious folks thought they had "arrived." But Jesus had a different view on things.
When he heard this, Jesus replied, "Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do." Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: `I want you to be merciful; I don't want your sacrifices.' For I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough." (Matthew 9:12-13)
There is prescription from the Great Physician. When we realize our shortcomings and want to change, then God can change our hearts. We will not become pure until we realize our impurity.
It has been interesting in my walk with Jesus that the closer I get to God the more inpurities I notice. It's kind of like when the sun rises after an overnight storm. The more the sun rises and the brighter the light, the more damage you will see.
It's also like the doctor who shines that little light in your ear to see if there is an infection. The sickness will never be found until it is illuminated.
Today, let the light of God shine a little brighter on your life and see what is revealed. And as you get to know God better He will challenge you to become even more pure. It is then that God will really be able to make the changes that you and I cannot make on our own.

shine!
Jason

Protect your heart and mind

2006-02-08T07:24:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S READING: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
If you had a vault with millions of dollars in it would you give the key to anyone? How would you choose who gets a key? Would you trust someone who knew would take money?
As crazy as that sounds, we often make that kind of decision when it comes to our body, mind, and heart.
As followers of Jesus our "vault" contains some valuable things.
Faith in God.
Love.
Honesty.
Humility.
Purity.
And this is just the beginning of the list.
When it comes to our "vault" we can either make deposits or withdrawals. The kind of people you choose to give access to will determine which one happens.
If we allow believers, followers of Jesus, to have access, they will usually make deposits. Of course they are not perfect, but in general you will both grow as you encourage each other to become more like Jesus.
Unbelievers on the other hand, usually have a different outlook on life. God is not the center of their life. They will often rob you of your passion for God and direct your heart and mind towards other things.
This doesn't mean we can't be friends with unbelievers. I hope most of us know people who we want to bring to Jesus. But, who are your closest friends? Who are the ones who impact your decision-making the most? Who do you go to when you deal with serious issues?
It is in those moments we need close friends who are focused on Jesus like us. Often in our weakest moments is when our friends have the most influence.
Paul finishes up this thought by telling us to cleanse ourselves from everything that pollutes our body or spirit. In other words, take away the key from anything or anyone that robs your spiritual "vault." If something or someone is taking away your passion for God, it's time to reconsider what kind of access theyhave.

shine!
Jason