Relationships are at the core of our identity as human beings. Without relationships, it is hard to imagine what our existence would be like.
Whether it’s family, friends, or those we date and marry, much of what happens in our life is determined by friendships. And the best friendships occur when we live lives that are filled with and controlled by the Spirit. Who wouldn’t want to have relationships filled with the following traits?
Love.
Joy.
Peace.
Patience.
Kindness.
Goodness.
Faithfulness.
Gentleness.
Self-control.
So, ultimately, our relationships are the best when we are in relationship with God. In Romans 8:5-6, Paul writes…
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
We can choose to have relationships full of life and peace, if we live according to the Spirit. What does that mean? It means we submit to God’s will. We allow the Holy Spirit and the word of God to shape who we are. What if we don’t? Then imagine relationships full of the following: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. (Galatians 5:19-21)
We can ultimately decide what our relationships are like by what we allow to shape us. If we want to have relationships that bring wholeness, peace, and fulfillment, let the Spirit fill and lead you.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Have you been with Jesus?
This week our students start a yearlong journey through the Gospel of Luke. I am excited to see what we will experience and learn about Jesus throughout the next year.
My experience has taught me that some Christians know the Bible well and others not as well. But even for those who know the Bible fairly well, there are many who may not know Jesus very well.
One of the main purposes of spending a year in Luke is to get to know Jesus better. In his follow up to his gospel, Luke says the following about Peter and John:
The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain that these men had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)
The officials weren’t amazed because of the Peter and John’s education. It wasn’t because there was something special about them. As a matter of fact, it was their ordinary nature that made their bravery so unique.
Imagine how much different we might act if we knew Jesus. Obviously, we can have the same experience as Peter and John, but there are four accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry to help us better understand who this Jesus really was. By spending a year traveling with Jesus from birth through the resurrection, we are hoping to get a better glimpse of the man from Nazareth.
Here is how Luke opens his account of the Life of Jesus Christ:
Many people have tried to tell the story of what God has done among us. They wrote what we had been told by the ones who were there in the beginning and saw what happened. So I made a careful study of everything and then decided to write and tell you exactly what took place. Honorable Theophilus, I have done this to let you know the truth about what you have heard. (Luke 1:1-4)
My prayer is that this year, we can join Jesus through the words of the gospel of Luke. Hopefully we can walk alongside Him and see people the way He does. Then maybe people can say about us that we have been with Jesus.
shine!
Jason
My experience has taught me that some Christians know the Bible well and others not as well. But even for those who know the Bible fairly well, there are many who may not know Jesus very well.
One of the main purposes of spending a year in Luke is to get to know Jesus better. In his follow up to his gospel, Luke says the following about Peter and John:
The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain that these men had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)
The officials weren’t amazed because of the Peter and John’s education. It wasn’t because there was something special about them. As a matter of fact, it was their ordinary nature that made their bravery so unique.
Imagine how much different we might act if we knew Jesus. Obviously, we can have the same experience as Peter and John, but there are four accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry to help us better understand who this Jesus really was. By spending a year traveling with Jesus from birth through the resurrection, we are hoping to get a better glimpse of the man from Nazareth.
Here is how Luke opens his account of the Life of Jesus Christ:
Many people have tried to tell the story of what God has done among us. They wrote what we had been told by the ones who were there in the beginning and saw what happened. So I made a careful study of everything and then decided to write and tell you exactly what took place. Honorable Theophilus, I have done this to let you know the truth about what you have heard. (Luke 1:1-4)
My prayer is that this year, we can join Jesus through the words of the gospel of Luke. Hopefully we can walk alongside Him and see people the way He does. Then maybe people can say about us that we have been with Jesus.
shine!
Jason
Friday, September 18, 2009
Lord, save me from myself
There is a sign hanging in my office that I made early in my ministry. It reads as follows...
I have to admit that for the better part of the last ten years, this sign has been more of a decoration than a description of my life. If I were to remake the sign according to the reality of how I have lived, it would read like this...
Yes, I intended to list ministry twice, because that's more like the way it has been. I have allowed ministry to define me, shape me, and give me much of my identity.
I have gotten it all wrong.
Over the last several weeks I have listened to God in my life like I never have before. I have a long way to go, but I believe that God has been trying to speak boldly into my noisy life. Here is what I think he is trying to say:
Repent of your "savior complex" and let me (God) be God. For too long, you have been trying to be the savior. You have tried to do what only I can do.
Repent of your primary identity as a youth minister. Youth ministry is a calling, not an identity. Your identity is as a human being, one created in my image.
Repent of your need for affirmation from people. Affirmation from others is good and necessary, but your first source of love and affirmation should be from me. I created you. I know you. I saved you. I was there when you were created and I will be there when you die. I will never fail you. I will never just tell you what you want to hear.
Repent of your misguided priorities. After your relationship with me is your relationship with your wife. I have made you one flesh. You dedicated your life to this woman. Return to the vows that you made and make her the top human relationship in your life. Stop being distracted at home. Give her your attention. Your second most important relationship is with your son. Molding and shaping his image of me and of the world starts with you. Show him he is more important than everyone else except your wife. Make time for him.
Repent of your busyness. There is nothing wrong with working hard, but make time to be quiet. Make time for rest. I included the Sabbath in the Ten Commandments for reason. You must make time to recharge.
Father, forgive me for neglecting our relationship. I have tried to sit on your throne for too long and it is wearing me out. Save me from my selfishness and desire to seek my ultimate fulfillment from anywhere other than you. I have let important relationships suffer because of my own selfish desires. I have permitted my calling to become my identity, and in the process, I have sometimes forgotten who and what that calling is about.
Father, forgive me for allowing my ministry to distract me from being a better husband and a better father. Save me from my desire to receive the praise of men before your praise. Help me to see that when my relationship with you is stronger and my relationships at home are stronger that I can be a better servant of yours.
Father, forgive me for all of the times in the past I have gotten lost along the way. Thank you for your years of patience as you watched me struggle along. Thank you for speaking to me, even when I wasn't listening. Thank for you giving me a wife with supreme patience and a heart of gold. Thank you for giving me a son who loves me, even when I am not as attentive as I should be. Lord, thank you for loving me, even when I frustrate you and let you down. Save me from myself so that I can be more whole.
My Priorities:
1) My God
2) My Wife
3) My Family
4) My Ministry
I have to admit that for the better part of the last ten years, this sign has been more of a decoration than a description of my life. If I were to remake the sign according to the reality of how I have lived, it would read like this...
My Priorities
1) My Ministry
2) My Ministry
3) My Wife
4) My Family
5) My God
Yes, I intended to list ministry twice, because that's more like the way it has been. I have allowed ministry to define me, shape me, and give me much of my identity.
I have gotten it all wrong.
Over the last several weeks I have listened to God in my life like I never have before. I have a long way to go, but I believe that God has been trying to speak boldly into my noisy life. Here is what I think he is trying to say:
Repent of your "savior complex" and let me (God) be God. For too long, you have been trying to be the savior. You have tried to do what only I can do.
Repent of your primary identity as a youth minister. Youth ministry is a calling, not an identity. Your identity is as a human being, one created in my image.
Repent of your need for affirmation from people. Affirmation from others is good and necessary, but your first source of love and affirmation should be from me. I created you. I know you. I saved you. I was there when you were created and I will be there when you die. I will never fail you. I will never just tell you what you want to hear.
Repent of your misguided priorities. After your relationship with me is your relationship with your wife. I have made you one flesh. You dedicated your life to this woman. Return to the vows that you made and make her the top human relationship in your life. Stop being distracted at home. Give her your attention. Your second most important relationship is with your son. Molding and shaping his image of me and of the world starts with you. Show him he is more important than everyone else except your wife. Make time for him.
Repent of your busyness. There is nothing wrong with working hard, but make time to be quiet. Make time for rest. I included the Sabbath in the Ten Commandments for reason. You must make time to recharge.
Father, forgive me for neglecting our relationship. I have tried to sit on your throne for too long and it is wearing me out. Save me from my selfishness and desire to seek my ultimate fulfillment from anywhere other than you. I have let important relationships suffer because of my own selfish desires. I have permitted my calling to become my identity, and in the process, I have sometimes forgotten who and what that calling is about.
Father, forgive me for allowing my ministry to distract me from being a better husband and a better father. Save me from my desire to receive the praise of men before your praise. Help me to see that when my relationship with you is stronger and my relationships at home are stronger that I can be a better servant of yours.
Father, forgive me for all of the times in the past I have gotten lost along the way. Thank you for your years of patience as you watched me struggle along. Thank you for speaking to me, even when I wasn't listening. Thank for you giving me a wife with supreme patience and a heart of gold. Thank you for giving me a son who loves me, even when I am not as attentive as I should be. Lord, thank you for loving me, even when I frustrate you and let you down. Save me from myself so that I can be more whole.
Monday, September 14, 2009
What's the big deal about Kanye's stunt?
I have to admit, I am pretty culturally clueless much of the time. Well, maybe that is a bit extreme, but I don't spend a lot of time keeping up with celebrities and popular culture. When I am in line at Wal-Mart, I often look at People or Us and wonder who these people are on the cover.
I say that to set the stage for what I am about to talk about. I have been intrigued over the last twelve hours or so to hear about what Kanye West did last night at the MTV Video Music Awards. Honestly, if it wasn't for every third or fourth Facebook status mentioning it, I would have probably never known what happened. But, since everyone seems to be talking about it, I thought maybe I should do a little research. (Side note: I have been trying over the last couple of weeks to be more intentional about having some clue about pop culture without spending too much time in that world.)
Well, first, I watched what happened. I have to admit that I thought it was pretty rude. Here is this young woman who just won an award and some other guy comes up on the stage, interrupts what she is saying, and basically insults her by saying someone else should have won.
After I watched the video, I reflected on what people were saying (primarily via FB statuses). I saw people really getting down on Kanye for his behavior, his attitude, and his apparent intoxication at some level.
Well, in the spirit of research, I invested a little time this afternoon watching all of the videos that won awards - or at least the ones on the MTV website. Before I get to my point, I have to say I was intrigued by the artistry some of the artists displayed in their videos and music (Whether I agree and appreciate the lyrics and messages or not).
As I reflected on the videos I just watched and then thought back to the Kanye incident, what's the big deal about what he did? Seriously.
I watched videos where women paraded themselves around as sex objects, sang about the sexualization of their bodies, and engaged in movements and actions that hinted (sometimes not very subtly) at sexual activity. I watched one video where Britney Spears is in a sauna naked (with carefully concealed breasts) singing a song that includes the following lyrics:
Does anyone else see the irony in her displaying her body in a way that displays her as a sexual object while deriding a man for treating her like one? (To be fair, maybe Britney intended this irony. But it seems to me that she undermines her point even if that is her intent.)
Ok, so back to where we started. When videos are being shown that could be considered soft pornography and men and women sing about women as sexual objects, what's the big deal about what Kanye did? When musicians are using their craft to teach our culture - especially young minds which are still forming their value systems - that women should use their bodies to get what they want and men should use women's bodies to get what they want, what's the big deal about what Kanye did?
Sure, we should be offended that Kanye interrupted Taylor Swift's moment in the spotlight. But shouldn't we be more concerned about the messages that are shaping our culture's approach to the way we view our bodies and how we live as people created in the image of the Creator?
shine!
Jason
I say that to set the stage for what I am about to talk about. I have been intrigued over the last twelve hours or so to hear about what Kanye West did last night at the MTV Video Music Awards. Honestly, if it wasn't for every third or fourth Facebook status mentioning it, I would have probably never known what happened. But, since everyone seems to be talking about it, I thought maybe I should do a little research. (Side note: I have been trying over the last couple of weeks to be more intentional about having some clue about pop culture without spending too much time in that world.)
Well, first, I watched what happened. I have to admit that I thought it was pretty rude. Here is this young woman who just won an award and some other guy comes up on the stage, interrupts what she is saying, and basically insults her by saying someone else should have won.
After I watched the video, I reflected on what people were saying (primarily via FB statuses). I saw people really getting down on Kanye for his behavior, his attitude, and his apparent intoxication at some level.
Well, in the spirit of research, I invested a little time this afternoon watching all of the videos that won awards - or at least the ones on the MTV website. Before I get to my point, I have to say I was intrigued by the artistry some of the artists displayed in their videos and music (Whether I agree and appreciate the lyrics and messages or not).
As I reflected on the videos I just watched and then thought back to the Kanye incident, what's the big deal about what he did? Seriously.
I watched videos where women paraded themselves around as sex objects, sang about the sexualization of their bodies, and engaged in movements and actions that hinted (sometimes not very subtly) at sexual activity. I watched one video where Britney Spears is in a sauna naked (with carefully concealed breasts) singing a song that includes the following lyrics:
Womanizer
Woman-Womanizer
You're a womanizer
Oh Womanizer
Oh You're a Womanizer Baby
You, You You Are
You, You You Are
Womanizer, Womanizer, Womanizer
Does anyone else see the irony in her displaying her body in a way that displays her as a sexual object while deriding a man for treating her like one? (To be fair, maybe Britney intended this irony. But it seems to me that she undermines her point even if that is her intent.)
Ok, so back to where we started. When videos are being shown that could be considered soft pornography and men and women sing about women as sexual objects, what's the big deal about what Kanye did? When musicians are using their craft to teach our culture - especially young minds which are still forming their value systems - that women should use their bodies to get what they want and men should use women's bodies to get what they want, what's the big deal about what Kanye did?
Sure, we should be offended that Kanye interrupted Taylor Swift's moment in the spotlight. But shouldn't we be more concerned about the messages that are shaping our culture's approach to the way we view our bodies and how we live as people created in the image of the Creator?
shine!
Jason
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Community
Why are so many people of all ages getting into Facebook? I am convinced one of the reasons is because they crave community. In a day and age where families (aunts, uncles, grandparents, and even adult children) are spread all over the country, we are starving for a place to belong.
For most of history, families were in the same community and often the same house. Today, that is no longer the case. As we become more and more of a transient society, the hunger for connection becomes even more acute.
So how do we respond to this need as followers of Jesus? In a word… community! Our theme for the 2009-2010 year in the ARISE Ministry is COMMUNITY. The focus of our events, activities, and ministries will be designed around this theme.
Last year’s theme, “Arise,” helped us develop an understanding of a life of service. From the 40 Hours of Service, to the drive for 2009 hours of service, to monthly service time at God’s Helping Hands, to the 30 Hour Famine, we were very intentional in creating venues and motivation to integrate serving into our lives. We even adopted ARISE as the new name of our ministry because it became a focus to get outside of ourselves, let our let shine, and rise to face the challenges God has put before us.
This year, as we strive to create stronger community, we will engage five areas of community: God, youth, families, church, and world. God is community. In the Trinity, we see Father, Son, and Spirit living as three persons in absolutely unity. God said, “Let us make humankind in our image.” (Genesis 1:26, emphasis mine) Our identity and primary community call us into relationship with the Trinity, the perfect community of the Creator. This will occur through a variety of avenues, including, but not limited to, a more intentional interaction with the Scriptures, times of reflection, and a call to prayer.
Beyond that, our students will have ways to experience community with one another in small groups and a variety of events.
While peer interaction for teens is important, there is a crucial need for students to connect with parents and other age groups in the church. We will be seeking ways for families to grow closer together and imagining new ways to bridge the gaps between generations, from children all the way up to senior citizens.
Finally, if we are true to our calling, we must find ways to engage the world. When we are “being rooted and grounded in [God’s] love,” (Ephesians 1:17) we can build community with all who share in the common heritage of being children of Adam and Eve. God made us for community with all who are created in their image.
shine!
Jason
For most of history, families were in the same community and often the same house. Today, that is no longer the case. As we become more and more of a transient society, the hunger for connection becomes even more acute.
So how do we respond to this need as followers of Jesus? In a word… community! Our theme for the 2009-2010 year in the ARISE Ministry is COMMUNITY. The focus of our events, activities, and ministries will be designed around this theme.
Last year’s theme, “Arise,” helped us develop an understanding of a life of service. From the 40 Hours of Service, to the drive for 2009 hours of service, to monthly service time at God’s Helping Hands, to the 30 Hour Famine, we were very intentional in creating venues and motivation to integrate serving into our lives. We even adopted ARISE as the new name of our ministry because it became a focus to get outside of ourselves, let our let shine, and rise to face the challenges God has put before us.
This year, as we strive to create stronger community, we will engage five areas of community: God, youth, families, church, and world. God is community. In the Trinity, we see Father, Son, and Spirit living as three persons in absolutely unity. God said, “Let us make humankind in our image.” (Genesis 1:26, emphasis mine) Our identity and primary community call us into relationship with the Trinity, the perfect community of the Creator. This will occur through a variety of avenues, including, but not limited to, a more intentional interaction with the Scriptures, times of reflection, and a call to prayer.
Beyond that, our students will have ways to experience community with one another in small groups and a variety of events.
While peer interaction for teens is important, there is a crucial need for students to connect with parents and other age groups in the church. We will be seeking ways for families to grow closer together and imagining new ways to bridge the gaps between generations, from children all the way up to senior citizens.
Finally, if we are true to our calling, we must find ways to engage the world. When we are “being rooted and grounded in [God’s] love,” (Ephesians 1:17) we can build community with all who share in the common heritage of being children of Adam and Eve. God made us for community with all who are created in their image.
shine!
Jason
Monday, September 07, 2009
God's ongoing story
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the present that we fail to learn from our past or dream about the future. Others either become trapped by their past or consumed by the future.
I believe God calls us to a healthy combination of past, present, and future. In the community of the Trinity we see how God wants to be involved in every moment of our life.
In the Father, we find that all in the past has brought us to a particular moment. Through His dream we were created. Our past is a place where the Father looks to teach us. It is a place where we can look to find wisdom. We should look at failure not as a place of ending, but rather as a place of beginning. Through our past, especially mistakes, the Father is the anchor that shows us grace and mercy.
The Holy Spirit is always seeking to break the future into the present. It is through the Spirit that God moves and acts towards God’s preferred future. It is through the action of the Spirit that God’s dreams – not ours – take shape.
The Son is where the past and future come together. It is through the incarnation that God’s past and God’s future meet. The Father, who has been our Rock and our Refuge, provides a launching pad of sorts. We are able to look back into our past and ask questions like, “What is God teaching us?” We can ask those questions without fear, but rather with hope, because of the Father.
This frees us to be open to the leading of the Spirit into the future. We are able to ask God what His dreams are. What is it that God is calling us to? It is important to remember that God’s dreams are bigger than any one person’s past or future. We are a community that God is calling together into the unity of the Spirit.
The lessons of the past and the dreams of the future find themselves meeting in the present. While Christ serves as the perfect embodiment of God’s present, each of us is called to continue living as this embodiment. We are not individuals seeking personal salvation. Rather we are part of a living, breathing organism known as the body of Christ. We are each a part of God’s dream for this world. We are invited by God to join in His dreams and to hear His voice.
The abundant life Christ speaks of in John 10 is not something He simply spoke about. He lived it out and was the ultimate illustration of how it looks when God’s past and future come together to live in the present.
shine!
Jason
I believe God calls us to a healthy combination of past, present, and future. In the community of the Trinity we see how God wants to be involved in every moment of our life.
In the Father, we find that all in the past has brought us to a particular moment. Through His dream we were created. Our past is a place where the Father looks to teach us. It is a place where we can look to find wisdom. We should look at failure not as a place of ending, but rather as a place of beginning. Through our past, especially mistakes, the Father is the anchor that shows us grace and mercy.
The Holy Spirit is always seeking to break the future into the present. It is through the Spirit that God moves and acts towards God’s preferred future. It is through the action of the Spirit that God’s dreams – not ours – take shape.
The Son is where the past and future come together. It is through the incarnation that God’s past and God’s future meet. The Father, who has been our Rock and our Refuge, provides a launching pad of sorts. We are able to look back into our past and ask questions like, “What is God teaching us?” We can ask those questions without fear, but rather with hope, because of the Father.
This frees us to be open to the leading of the Spirit into the future. We are able to ask God what His dreams are. What is it that God is calling us to? It is important to remember that God’s dreams are bigger than any one person’s past or future. We are a community that God is calling together into the unity of the Spirit.
The lessons of the past and the dreams of the future find themselves meeting in the present. While Christ serves as the perfect embodiment of God’s present, each of us is called to continue living as this embodiment. We are not individuals seeking personal salvation. Rather we are part of a living, breathing organism known as the body of Christ. We are each a part of God’s dream for this world. We are invited by God to join in His dreams and to hear His voice.
The abundant life Christ speaks of in John 10 is not something He simply spoke about. He lived it out and was the ultimate illustration of how it looks when God’s past and future come together to live in the present.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, August 30, 2009
A living kingdom
I wanted to share with you a passage from The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer that I came across this past week:
May God challenge us with these words and may we find a deeper understanding of what it means to have faith and be a follower of Jesus in this world and at this time.
shine!
Jason
One of the greatest hindrances to internal peace which the Christian encounters is the common habit of dividing our lives into two areas, the sacred and the secular.
…Our trouble springs from the fact that we who follow Christ inhabit at once two worlds, the spiritual and the natural.
This tends to divide our total life into two departments. We come unconsciously to recognize two sets of actions. The first are performed with a feeling of satisfaction and a firm assurance that they are pleasing to God. These are the sacred acts and they are usually thought to be prayer, Bible reading, hymn singing, church attendance and such other acts as spring directly from faith. They may be known by the fact that they have no direct relation to this world, and would have no meaning whatever except as faith shows us another world, “a house not made with human hands, eternal in the heavens.”
Over against these sacred acts are the secular ones. They include all of the ordinary activities of life which we share with the sons and daughters of Adam: eating, sleeping, working, looking after the needs of the boy and performing our dull and prosaic duties here on earth. These we often do reluctantly and with many misgivings, often apologizing to God for what we consider a waste of time and strength. The upshot of this is that we are uneasy most of the time. We go about our common tasks with a feeling of deep frustration, telling ourselves pensively that there’s a better day coming when we shall slough off this earthly shell and be bothered no more with the affairs of this world.
…Let us think of a Christian believer in whose life the twin wonders of repentance and the new birth have been wrought. He is now living according to the will of God as he understands it from the written Word. Of such a one it may be said that every act of life is or can be as truly sacred as prayer or baptism or the Lord’s Supper. To say this is not to bring all acts down to one level; it is rather to lift every act up into a living kingdom and turn the whole life into a sacrament.
May God challenge us with these words and may we find a deeper understanding of what it means to have faith and be a follower of Jesus in this world and at this time.
shine!
Jason
Friday, August 28, 2009
A new language
I had to share this quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer:
“All Christian thinking, speaking, and organizing must be born anew… The day will surely come when humankind will once more be called to so utter the Word of God that the world will be changed and renewed by it. It will be a new language perhaps quite non-religious but liberating and redeeming as was Jesus’ language. It will shock people and yet overcome them by its power.”
Monday, August 24, 2009
The world will go on
Last week I took three days to spend at home with my family. For the most part, I avoided email, Facebook, texting, and all of my other distractions. It was nice to just take a break and “get away.”
I don’t do this enough, and if most of you are honest, neither do you. We are surrounded by a world that clamors for our attention.
Phone calls.
Text messages.
Emails.
Television shows.
Billboards.
Commercials.
The calls for our focus are endless, and in the end, we might end up focusing on nothing at all.
Even Jesus struggled with this. He always had someone who wanted to get healed, ask Him a question, or follow Him around. After the feeding of the 5,000, He managed to find a chance to rest.
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. (Matthew 14:22-23)
We would do well to follow Jesus’ example. What are some ways we can find rest?
Turn off your cell phone and/or stop texting, especially when it’s time to sleep.
Dedicate certain days or evenings to avoid the internet, television, or even listening to your iPod.
Find a day to go somewhere as a family without any distractions. In the summer, a water park could be a great option. You can’t take any technology with you in the water, so it is a natural way to get away from electronics. You could also find a park, leave your phone in the car, and go for a walk.
If the Son of God felt it was important to have time away, shouldn’t it be important for us? If the world can carry on while God is taking a break, I think it can survive without us for a few hours.
shine!
Jason
I don’t do this enough, and if most of you are honest, neither do you. We are surrounded by a world that clamors for our attention.
Phone calls.
Text messages.
Emails.
Television shows.
Billboards.
Commercials.
The calls for our focus are endless, and in the end, we might end up focusing on nothing at all.
Even Jesus struggled with this. He always had someone who wanted to get healed, ask Him a question, or follow Him around. After the feeding of the 5,000, He managed to find a chance to rest.
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. (Matthew 14:22-23)
We would do well to follow Jesus’ example. What are some ways we can find rest?
Turn off your cell phone and/or stop texting, especially when it’s time to sleep.
Dedicate certain days or evenings to avoid the internet, television, or even listening to your iPod.
Find a day to go somewhere as a family without any distractions. In the summer, a water park could be a great option. You can’t take any technology with you in the water, so it is a natural way to get away from electronics. You could also find a park, leave your phone in the car, and go for a walk.
If the Son of God felt it was important to have time away, shouldn’t it be important for us? If the world can carry on while God is taking a break, I think it can survive without us for a few hours.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Simplify
Today at my retreat, I have been challenged to begin simplifying my life. I have already taken my first step.
I am an admitted iPhone addict (technology addict in general). My phone often distracts me in conversations and other contexts that require my full attention. At the break, I changed the setting on my phone so that when I switch to silent my phone will no longer vibrate. My phone was set to vibrate when it was in silent mode and that vibration would distract me.
In the words of Randy Harris, who is speaking to us today, I want to be "fully present to the people in front of me and to God." I believe this is a step towards realizing that in my life.
shine!
Jason
I am an admitted iPhone addict (technology addict in general). My phone often distracts me in conversations and other contexts that require my full attention. At the break, I changed the setting on my phone so that when I switch to silent my phone will no longer vibrate. My phone was set to vibrate when it was in silent mode and that vibration would distract me.
In the words of Randy Harris, who is speaking to us today, I want to be "fully present to the people in front of me and to God." I believe this is a step towards realizing that in my life.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, August 15, 2009
More than a feeling
Love. It is the topic of countless stories. It is the theme of many songs. There have been hundreds, if not thousands, of movies built around the idea of love.
So why is love such a significant part of the human experience?
Consider what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13. You may have read this or heard it hundreds of times. But take time to read it carefully and answer the questions I have inserted…
Love is patient and kind. Am I?
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Am I?
It does not demand its own way. Do I?
It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. Am I?
It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Do I?
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Do I?
Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Did you stop to consider the question at the end of each line? If not, stop, go back up there, and read each line. Then ask yourself each of those questions.
Because this passage is so familiar to us, we often glance over it and miss the power behind the words.
The same is true with our understanding and approach to love. We have been so immersed in a culture that tells us so many lies about love and redefines what the word means.
To our culture today, love means I get what I want if you love me. Love means that we have sex because we are attracted to each other, not to seal a life-long covenant between two individuals. It means that I set aside all reason and chase an emotion.
True love, the kind that Creator God embodies and envisions for each of us, has been pushed into a corner. Rather than love being an unconditional, unselfish commitment to others, it has become an excuse to follow our passions and pursue our own interests. It has been used to give us permission to follow our desires and often ignore what is best for others and in the long run. Maybe we would do well to seek out love from God’s perspective and make that the definition of love that we live by.
shine!
Jason
So why is love such a significant part of the human experience?
Consider what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13. You may have read this or heard it hundreds of times. But take time to read it carefully and answer the questions I have inserted…
Love is patient and kind. Am I?
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Am I?
It does not demand its own way. Do I?
It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. Am I?
It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Do I?
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Do I?
Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Did you stop to consider the question at the end of each line? If not, stop, go back up there, and read each line. Then ask yourself each of those questions.
Because this passage is so familiar to us, we often glance over it and miss the power behind the words.
The same is true with our understanding and approach to love. We have been so immersed in a culture that tells us so many lies about love and redefines what the word means.
To our culture today, love means I get what I want if you love me. Love means that we have sex because we are attracted to each other, not to seal a life-long covenant between two individuals. It means that I set aside all reason and chase an emotion.
True love, the kind that Creator God embodies and envisions for each of us, has been pushed into a corner. Rather than love being an unconditional, unselfish commitment to others, it has become an excuse to follow our passions and pursue our own interests. It has been used to give us permission to follow our desires and often ignore what is best for others and in the long run. Maybe we would do well to seek out love from God’s perspective and make that the definition of love that we live by.
shine!
Jason
Monday, August 10, 2009
Cincinnati Recap
Wow! What a week!
Due to very limited internet access, I was not able to post a blog during our mission trip to Cincinnati, so here is a recap of our week...
Monday was primarily a day of travel as we loaded everyone up in the vans and drove to the camp where we would be staying for the week. After our arrival and unloading we went to downtown Cincinnati for Donatos pizza and a Cincinnati Reds game. The Reds, of course, lost. ;-)
Tuesday we awoke to the sounds of thunder and heavy rainfall. Our first stop was the CUMO (Cincinnati Urban Ministry Outreach) church, where we set up for our VBS. It rained most of the day and after handing out flyers in the rain and hanging out at the community center we headed back to the church. We were ready and waited to see who would show up. You could sense the disappointment when only around a dozen children showed up. However, our students keep their chins up and made it a great time for those who came.
Wednesday morning was spent seeing a movie and grabbing lunch at Johnny Rockets before another afternoon at the community center. With the nicer weather, there were many more children at the community center. We also decided to go out and hand out pamphlets again. We weren't sure what to expect after such a small turn out the night before. This time, we ended up having seventy-five children show up for our VBS. After a fairly easy and laid-back night on Tuesday, Wednesday provided a real challenge. In spite of the craziness of so many children, many of whom come from homes with little structure or discipline, our students adjusted and did a good job.
On Thursday, Pat took us to a park down by the Ohio River for a few hours to eat lunch. People engaged in a variety of activities, including football, volleyball, and renting bikes to ride around. Then we went back to the center for another afternoon with the children. By now you could see that our team and the children were really starting to bond. That night we had eighty-five people show up for VBS. Our students made a lot of adjustments and they did a fabulous job. It was really exciting to see the students learning and adapting. It was a great night!
Friday morning we went to the Creation Museum. It was an interesting day since there was a group of approximately 200 atheists visiting the museum. Some of our students had conversations with some of the atheists. While there were a few of the atheists who made snide comments, overall there were no real problems. After the museum, we went to the community center for our last afternoon there. It is always a joy to see our students interacting with the children. They laugh. They play. Piggyback rides. Basketball. Our students show them love in a way that many of these children may not see the rest of the year.
Friday night's VBS was our biggest of the week with ninety-one children in attendance. The team did a great job and they ended the week on a high note. God was certainly at work throughout the week and everyone did a great job leading groups and teaching classes.
Saturday was our reward for a week of hard work. We headed to King's Island for a day of roller coasters and fun. We got into the park and everyone went off in their groups. While we were at the park, seven students and I were in line for a ride when one of the riders experienced a serious health problem. At first, we weren't sure what was going on. We stood there for a few minutes until medics arrived and we were sent back through the line with everyone else waiting for the ride.
The experience had a significant impact on those who were in line with me as well as a few other students waiting for us by the exit. A little later, we gathered everyone and left the park to get dinner at Cici's. After dinner, we headed back to the camp to debrief. It was truly a blessing to have Dave Palmer as a part of our team. He helped walked our group through a time of processing. Dave met with me and the other students directly impacted by what happened. Other students who were affected indirectly spent time with our other adults. The other students who were not impacted had time to go to their cabins and begin packing. Following the debriefing time, we gathered everyone back together for a time of prayer before going to bed. I was so impressed with our entire team of chaperones and the way they responded to minister to students in need.
Sunday morning we woke up, cleaned up the camp, loaded our stuff up, and headed up to breakfast at Sonic. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we headed off to CUMO for worship. Worship started around 11:30am and lasted until around 2:30pm. It never seemed like three hours and the Spirit was moving among us. Our time together included singing, praying, testimonies, and more. God is obviously working in Pat and the group that meets there. Following worship we enjoyed a final meal together and started the journey home.
We arrived at 250 West Avon to find a church full of parents waiting to see their children. We all gathered in the auditorium to thank the team and present awards to the students as well as a gift to the adults. The night ended with the baptisms of three of our students. Kylie Cohu, Kaitlyn Butka, and Emily Martinko dedicated their lives to God and were baptized into Christ. What a great ending to a great week of Kingdom work!!!
shine!
Jason
Due to very limited internet access, I was not able to post a blog during our mission trip to Cincinnati, so here is a recap of our week...
Monday was primarily a day of travel as we loaded everyone up in the vans and drove to the camp where we would be staying for the week. After our arrival and unloading we went to downtown Cincinnati for Donatos pizza and a Cincinnati Reds game. The Reds, of course, lost. ;-)
Tuesday we awoke to the sounds of thunder and heavy rainfall. Our first stop was the CUMO (Cincinnati Urban Ministry Outreach) church, where we set up for our VBS. It rained most of the day and after handing out flyers in the rain and hanging out at the community center we headed back to the church. We were ready and waited to see who would show up. You could sense the disappointment when only around a dozen children showed up. However, our students keep their chins up and made it a great time for those who came.
Wednesday morning was spent seeing a movie and grabbing lunch at Johnny Rockets before another afternoon at the community center. With the nicer weather, there were many more children at the community center. We also decided to go out and hand out pamphlets again. We weren't sure what to expect after such a small turn out the night before. This time, we ended up having seventy-five children show up for our VBS. After a fairly easy and laid-back night on Tuesday, Wednesday provided a real challenge. In spite of the craziness of so many children, many of whom come from homes with little structure or discipline, our students adjusted and did a good job.
On Thursday, Pat took us to a park down by the Ohio River for a few hours to eat lunch. People engaged in a variety of activities, including football, volleyball, and renting bikes to ride around. Then we went back to the center for another afternoon with the children. By now you could see that our team and the children were really starting to bond. That night we had eighty-five people show up for VBS. Our students made a lot of adjustments and they did a fabulous job. It was really exciting to see the students learning and adapting. It was a great night!
Friday morning we went to the Creation Museum. It was an interesting day since there was a group of approximately 200 atheists visiting the museum. Some of our students had conversations with some of the atheists. While there were a few of the atheists who made snide comments, overall there were no real problems. After the museum, we went to the community center for our last afternoon there. It is always a joy to see our students interacting with the children. They laugh. They play. Piggyback rides. Basketball. Our students show them love in a way that many of these children may not see the rest of the year.
Friday night's VBS was our biggest of the week with ninety-one children in attendance. The team did a great job and they ended the week on a high note. God was certainly at work throughout the week and everyone did a great job leading groups and teaching classes.
Saturday was our reward for a week of hard work. We headed to King's Island for a day of roller coasters and fun. We got into the park and everyone went off in their groups. While we were at the park, seven students and I were in line for a ride when one of the riders experienced a serious health problem. At first, we weren't sure what was going on. We stood there for a few minutes until medics arrived and we were sent back through the line with everyone else waiting for the ride.
The experience had a significant impact on those who were in line with me as well as a few other students waiting for us by the exit. A little later, we gathered everyone and left the park to get dinner at Cici's. After dinner, we headed back to the camp to debrief. It was truly a blessing to have Dave Palmer as a part of our team. He helped walked our group through a time of processing. Dave met with me and the other students directly impacted by what happened. Other students who were affected indirectly spent time with our other adults. The other students who were not impacted had time to go to their cabins and begin packing. Following the debriefing time, we gathered everyone back together for a time of prayer before going to bed. I was so impressed with our entire team of chaperones and the way they responded to minister to students in need.
Sunday morning we woke up, cleaned up the camp, loaded our stuff up, and headed up to breakfast at Sonic. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we headed off to CUMO for worship. Worship started around 11:30am and lasted until around 2:30pm. It never seemed like three hours and the Spirit was moving among us. Our time together included singing, praying, testimonies, and more. God is obviously working in Pat and the group that meets there. Following worship we enjoyed a final meal together and started the journey home.
We arrived at 250 West Avon to find a church full of parents waiting to see their children. We all gathered in the auditorium to thank the team and present awards to the students as well as a gift to the adults. The night ended with the baptisms of three of our students. Kylie Cohu, Kaitlyn Butka, and Emily Martinko dedicated their lives to God and were baptized into Christ. What a great ending to a great week of Kingdom work!!!
shine!
Jason
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Every opportunity
When we think of teaching, we often think of classrooms, desks, and lectures. The reality is that all of life is filled with teaching. The things we say. The way we act. The attitudes we display. For anyone who is watching, we are serving as a teacher.
The apostle Paul wrote the following…
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:15-20)
Paul was reminding us that every moment is a chance to learn, and a chance to teach. We must make the most of every opportunity not only for our benefit, but for those around us as well.
Paul also wrote the following to his “son in the faith” Timothy…
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. (2 Timothy 4:2-5)
Every situation is an opportunity to teach others about God. Whether at school, at home, or at the mall, we must remember that our ministry is to share God’s message and love with the world. What are you teaching through your life?
shine!
Jason
The apostle Paul wrote the following…
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:15-20)
Paul was reminding us that every moment is a chance to learn, and a chance to teach. We must make the most of every opportunity not only for our benefit, but for those around us as well.
Paul also wrote the following to his “son in the faith” Timothy…
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. (2 Timothy 4:2-5)
Every situation is an opportunity to teach others about God. Whether at school, at home, or at the mall, we must remember that our ministry is to share God’s message and love with the world. What are you teaching through your life?
shine!
Jason
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Temporary residents and foreigners
I am slowly recovering from the last two weeks. There is something about being in a foreign country. I loved my trip to Brazil, but it didn’t feel like home. There is something about being in a foreign land. The people talk different. They dress different. Their customs are different. You never quite feel completely “at home.”
As Christians, we should feel like foreigners in this world. Our words, our appearance, and our customs should look different in some ways. The apostle Peter wrote the following:
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. (1 Peter 2:9-12)
It can be hard and feels weird when we live differently than the world around us. It can be uncomfortable.
We struggle to live like foreigners in the world. We want to fit in. We want to look like everyone around us.
We don’t have to go out of our way to be different. We don’t have to be strange just to stick out. But, if we live according to the customs and traditions of God’s Kingdom, we will look different at times. If we speak the language of God’s Kingdom, we will sound different than the world. If we clothe ourselves with Christ, there are times we will not look like everyone else around us.
We are “temporary residents and foreigners” in a world that is ruled by sin. The question is, are we living like citizens of God’s Kingdom or are we abandoning our culture to fit in with the world where we live.
shine!
Jason
As Christians, we should feel like foreigners in this world. Our words, our appearance, and our customs should look different in some ways. The apostle Peter wrote the following:
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. (1 Peter 2:9-12)
It can be hard and feels weird when we live differently than the world around us. It can be uncomfortable.
We struggle to live like foreigners in the world. We want to fit in. We want to look like everyone around us.
We don’t have to go out of our way to be different. We don’t have to be strange just to stick out. But, if we live according to the customs and traditions of God’s Kingdom, we will look different at times. If we speak the language of God’s Kingdom, we will sound different than the world. If we clothe ourselves with Christ, there are times we will not look like everyone else around us.
We are “temporary residents and foreigners” in a world that is ruled by sin. The question is, are we living like citizens of God’s Kingdom or are we abandoning our culture to fit in with the world where we live.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Rio Update - July 19
It's hard to believe that we head home in a few days. :-(
This morning we worshipped with our Brazilian brothers and sisters again. I love the passion in their worship. I am also excited that I know enough Portuguese that I can at least grasp the general idea of most of the songs and the sermon.
This morning we had to say goodbye to some of our Brazilian friends. We will see others in a little bit for a special event here at the building. It sounds like something similar to an event we call Emerging Artists at Rochester. I can't wait to see what it will be like.
Some of our team members (led by Roger) have done a lot of work on the playset at the children's home. It's looking really good. :-)
Friday afternoon was our last VBS. We were supposed to hold it here at the church building, but we had a great opportunity. Instead, we were invited to hold our VBS at the public school next to the church. (That would never happen in Michigan!) We had over 50 children there and it was a great experience. The children were a joy to be with and our team members did a great job once again.
That evening we enjoyed a cultural event when we went to a fair that was created to preserve the culture of northeast Brazil. There was food, dancing, and more. It was a very interesting and fun evening.
Saturday was our English Day. We created a variety of games where Brazilians who know various levels of English could practice their English and have fun. It was an enjoyable day and it helped us get to know some of the Brazilians better. There were church members and people from the community who came.
After the English Day we went to a mall (without a Portuguese speaker in the group) for shopping and dinner. Some of our team members took in the new Harry Potter movie (in English). Then we enjoyed dinner together before heading back to the home for the evening.
After worship this morning, we enjoyed beans, rice, and meat for lunch before spending the afternoon at the Hippie Fair. The last two times we were in Brazil, Michelle wanted to buy a painting at the fair. Today we were able to find one we liked that was within our budget. Needless to say, Michelle is very happy.
As I type this, I hear our mission team's praise team practicing. I am pretty sure they are going to sing a few songs tonight as a part of the special event. I am looking forward to it! It starts in about half a hour.
The next couple of days will be more relaxing as we experience Rio and the Brazilian culture. Our team has worked hard for a week and now we will have a couple of days to unwind. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us and supported us! You have made it possible for us to bless others and be blessed.
I am hoping to post one more update before we head home. God has certainly been at work in our midst on this trip.
shine!
Jason
This morning we worshipped with our Brazilian brothers and sisters again. I love the passion in their worship. I am also excited that I know enough Portuguese that I can at least grasp the general idea of most of the songs and the sermon.
This morning we had to say goodbye to some of our Brazilian friends. We will see others in a little bit for a special event here at the building. It sounds like something similar to an event we call Emerging Artists at Rochester. I can't wait to see what it will be like.
Some of our team members (led by Roger) have done a lot of work on the playset at the children's home. It's looking really good. :-)
Friday afternoon was our last VBS. We were supposed to hold it here at the church building, but we had a great opportunity. Instead, we were invited to hold our VBS at the public school next to the church. (That would never happen in Michigan!) We had over 50 children there and it was a great experience. The children were a joy to be with and our team members did a great job once again.
That evening we enjoyed a cultural event when we went to a fair that was created to preserve the culture of northeast Brazil. There was food, dancing, and more. It was a very interesting and fun evening.
Saturday was our English Day. We created a variety of games where Brazilians who know various levels of English could practice their English and have fun. It was an enjoyable day and it helped us get to know some of the Brazilians better. There were church members and people from the community who came.
After the English Day we went to a mall (without a Portuguese speaker in the group) for shopping and dinner. Some of our team members took in the new Harry Potter movie (in English). Then we enjoyed dinner together before heading back to the home for the evening.
After worship this morning, we enjoyed beans, rice, and meat for lunch before spending the afternoon at the Hippie Fair. The last two times we were in Brazil, Michelle wanted to buy a painting at the fair. Today we were able to find one we liked that was within our budget. Needless to say, Michelle is very happy.
As I type this, I hear our mission team's praise team practicing. I am pretty sure they are going to sing a few songs tonight as a part of the special event. I am looking forward to it! It starts in about half a hour.
The next couple of days will be more relaxing as we experience Rio and the Brazilian culture. Our team has worked hard for a week and now we will have a couple of days to unwind. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us and supported us! You have made it possible for us to bless others and be blessed.
I am hoping to post one more update before we head home. God has certainly been at work in our midst on this trip.
shine!
Jason
Friday, July 17, 2009
Rio Update - July 17
As I write this we are about half way through our time in Brasil. So far we have cleaned up the children’s home, worshipped with the Brazilians twice (once in a bi-lingual service), started construction of a new playset for the children’s home, been in the community, held two VBS’s (one in the children’s home and one at the Ramos Church across town), and connected with the Brazilian culture. On a more fun note, we have been to soccer game at the famous Maracanã stadium, eaten Brazilian pizza, and enjoyed soups, beans, and rice. It has been an incredible experience so far.
I have been reminded on this trip that God is not an American God. God is a God of all creation.
So often we think of God as the God of our nation. While that is true at some level, He is not just “our” God. As a matter of fact, I don’t believe that American has a special place in God’s heart where He loves us more than other nations. Actually, He is probably disappointed with us more than many other nations.
I am not trying to bash our country. I love the United States. I appreciate what we have and what our nation stands for. But at the same time, we are not God’s “special country.” We are one nation among many through which God wants us to bring forth His Kingdom.
I love the Brazilian people. I love that they often have more joy and peace than we do, but they have less than we do in terms of material goods. Many of them do not have the weight of large mortgages, expensive cars, and maintaining a certain lifestyle. They have something more simple, and more satisfying.
Sure, some of them would like more. Yes, there is violence and corruption in Brazil. There are many who go without food or own little or nothing. They are broken people, just like you and me. However, I appreciate the smiles, hugs, and joys they find in the simple things.
They have learned to be content without things you and I take for granted. Things like free refills, plumbing that doesn’t require pumps, and more reliable electricity. But it is in that contentment that many Brazilians have found something that you and I often struggle to find…the joy of a simple, less distracted life that doesn’t require constant entertainment and amassing of material goods.
shine!
Jason
I have been reminded on this trip that God is not an American God. God is a God of all creation.
So often we think of God as the God of our nation. While that is true at some level, He is not just “our” God. As a matter of fact, I don’t believe that American has a special place in God’s heart where He loves us more than other nations. Actually, He is probably disappointed with us more than many other nations.
I am not trying to bash our country. I love the United States. I appreciate what we have and what our nation stands for. But at the same time, we are not God’s “special country.” We are one nation among many through which God wants us to bring forth His Kingdom.
I love the Brazilian people. I love that they often have more joy and peace than we do, but they have less than we do in terms of material goods. Many of them do not have the weight of large mortgages, expensive cars, and maintaining a certain lifestyle. They have something more simple, and more satisfying.
Sure, some of them would like more. Yes, there is violence and corruption in Brazil. There are many who go without food or own little or nothing. They are broken people, just like you and me. However, I appreciate the smiles, hugs, and joys they find in the simple things.
They have learned to be content without things you and I take for granted. Things like free refills, plumbing that doesn’t require pumps, and more reliable electricity. But it is in that contentment that many Brazilians have found something that you and I often struggle to find…the joy of a simple, less distracted life that doesn’t require constant entertainment and amassing of material goods.
shine!
Jason
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Rio Update - July 15
We have done a lot since Sunday and I have not been able to blog since we have not had internet access. At least I have been able to check my email several times a day with my phone. I have to admit that technology is amazing and so often I take it for granted. This trip has reminded me of how blessed we are materially in the States.
Monday and Tuesday were dedicated primarily to projects around the children’s home. We spent time weeding (light and industrial size weeds). We also cleared out several areas around the grounds. Others installed new handrails and a fence to keep the children safe while they play.
We have enjoyed some delicious homemade Brazilian foods, including traditional breakfasts and soups. The people here have been extremely hospitable and kind to us.
The group was also introduced to one of my personal favorite treats in Brazil, chocolate pizza. Imagine thin crust pizza with chocolate sauce, chocolate sprinkles, and M&M’s. All I can say is, yummy!
I have been highly impressed by our team. We are a diverse group with a variety of different abilities, but we have all come together to accomplish so much. Since our arrival we have transformed the children’s home in a number of ways. In addition to the weeding, handrails, and fence, we have put down concrete where we will be installing a new play structure. (They don't use sand in Rio for playgrounds because it will quickly become a litter box for the animals in the community.)
We have also connected with many of the people here. Marcos and his family have grown close to us. Marcos, a member of the Victory Church, volunteers his time to help fix things around the children’s home. He and his family have spent a lot of time with us. I have gotten to know their fifteen-year-old son, Thauan. We talked throughout the day (using a dictionary and a lot of hand signs) and played foosball. Table soccer is like real soccer…the Brazilians always win.
This morning we experienced a power outage in the favela. While power outages are a struggle for us in the States, they create even larger problems here. Not only do you lose lighting and electrical outlets. You also lose water. Here, the water is pumped up to the top of the house in a large cistern. The plumbing then uses gravity to feed faucets, showers, etc. So when you lose power, you also lose the source for water. For a few hours this morning, that meant most of us couldn’t shower. Fortunately, the power came on in time for most of us to get a shower before heading to the church building.
Today we will be starting our three days of VBS. Today’s VBS will be held at the Ramos Church. Tomorrow we will hold a VBS at the children’s home. On Friday, we will hold our final VBS at the Victory Church. We have many other things on the agenda as well as our English Day on Saturday.
This year has been different than the last two trip to Brazil, but equally as fulfilling and encouraging. I have enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. I am really excited that Thauan gave me an email address so we can keep in touch – which should be interesting with the need for translation. There is so much more I could say, but I will end with one final story…
This morning as some of us were sitting in the kitchen listening to the rain and without power, we began singing “Send Your Rain.” It was a moment of peace as the Spirit of the Lord poured over us. God reminded us of His presence and working among us. It was one of those thin spaces where God speaks in a quiet but powerful way.
shine!
Jason
Monday and Tuesday were dedicated primarily to projects around the children’s home. We spent time weeding (light and industrial size weeds). We also cleared out several areas around the grounds. Others installed new handrails and a fence to keep the children safe while they play.
We have enjoyed some delicious homemade Brazilian foods, including traditional breakfasts and soups. The people here have been extremely hospitable and kind to us.
The group was also introduced to one of my personal favorite treats in Brazil, chocolate pizza. Imagine thin crust pizza with chocolate sauce, chocolate sprinkles, and M&M’s. All I can say is, yummy!
I have been highly impressed by our team. We are a diverse group with a variety of different abilities, but we have all come together to accomplish so much. Since our arrival we have transformed the children’s home in a number of ways. In addition to the weeding, handrails, and fence, we have put down concrete where we will be installing a new play structure. (They don't use sand in Rio for playgrounds because it will quickly become a litter box for the animals in the community.)
We have also connected with many of the people here. Marcos and his family have grown close to us. Marcos, a member of the Victory Church, volunteers his time to help fix things around the children’s home. He and his family have spent a lot of time with us. I have gotten to know their fifteen-year-old son, Thauan. We talked throughout the day (using a dictionary and a lot of hand signs) and played foosball. Table soccer is like real soccer…the Brazilians always win.
This morning we experienced a power outage in the favela. While power outages are a struggle for us in the States, they create even larger problems here. Not only do you lose lighting and electrical outlets. You also lose water. Here, the water is pumped up to the top of the house in a large cistern. The plumbing then uses gravity to feed faucets, showers, etc. So when you lose power, you also lose the source for water. For a few hours this morning, that meant most of us couldn’t shower. Fortunately, the power came on in time for most of us to get a shower before heading to the church building.
Today we will be starting our three days of VBS. Today’s VBS will be held at the Ramos Church. Tomorrow we will hold a VBS at the children’s home. On Friday, we will hold our final VBS at the Victory Church. We have many other things on the agenda as well as our English Day on Saturday.
This year has been different than the last two trip to Brazil, but equally as fulfilling and encouraging. I have enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. I am really excited that Thauan gave me an email address so we can keep in touch – which should be interesting with the need for translation. There is so much more I could say, but I will end with one final story…
This morning as some of us were sitting in the kitchen listening to the rain and without power, we began singing “Send Your Rain.” It was a moment of peace as the Spirit of the Lord poured over us. God reminded us of His presence and working among us. It was one of those thin spaces where God speaks in a quiet but powerful way.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Rio - July 12 update
We arrived early yesterday morning and spent the day in a semi-awake state getting settled in. We had lunch at the church, shopped at the new WalMart, and spent the evening at the children's home where we are staying during out trip. It is such a beautiful view and I am enjoying the neighborhood. Yesterday afternoon, Rachel, Drew, and I went for a walk in the neighborhood. We grabbed a drink from the local store and watched children play soccer and fly kites.
We slept well last night and had a great breakfast this morning. Worship was incredible. I was amazed at how much Portuguese I remembered after two years. There was a new song we sang this morning (well, new to me) that had a simple but powerful chorus... (Thank you, Kevin, for helping me translate and remember)
My prayer is that this song is the anthem of our trip. That God will do what He needs to do in us, around us, and through us, as we seek to grow closer to him and serve the people of Rio and the Victory Church.
So far this has been a great trip and I am excited about the team that God assembled for this trip. It has also been good to see Dan & Kirsty, the other Rio church members, and Becky and Claire. We also making some new friends. I can't wait to see what else God has in store for us.
shine!
Jason
We slept well last night and had a great breakfast this morning. Worship was incredible. I was amazed at how much Portuguese I remembered after two years. There was a new song we sang this morning (well, new to me) that had a simple but powerful chorus... (Thank you, Kevin, for helping me translate and remember)
Examine me
Break me
Transform me
Fill me
Use me
My prayer is that this song is the anthem of our trip. That God will do what He needs to do in us, around us, and through us, as we seek to grow closer to him and serve the people of Rio and the Victory Church.
So far this has been a great trip and I am excited about the team that God assembled for this trip. It has also been good to see Dan & Kirsty, the other Rio church members, and Becky and Claire. We also making some new friends. I can't wait to see what else God has in store for us.
shine!
Jason
Thursday, July 09, 2009
What do you really need?
It can be difficult to live in the world and not be consumed by it. Every day we see hundreds of messages telling us what we need to be happy, popular, or complete. There are so many things telling us that peace is one purchase away. The apostle Paul reminds us of a better way to find peace…
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:6-13)
Paul did not become content without working at it. His “secret” to a life of contentment and purpose comes from living out the following advice:
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. (Romans 12:1-2)
When we make the effort and work hard at allowing God to transform our minds, we can discover a new purpose for life. As we fix our thoughts on things of God instead of things of the world, we can truly learn to rely on Christ and we will find contentment, where we no longer need the things of the world to be happy. We will be able to do everything through Christ, who gives us strength.
shine!
Jason
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:6-13)
Paul did not become content without working at it. His “secret” to a life of contentment and purpose comes from living out the following advice:
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. (Romans 12:1-2)
When we make the effort and work hard at allowing God to transform our minds, we can discover a new purpose for life. As we fix our thoughts on things of God instead of things of the world, we can truly learn to rely on Christ and we will find contentment, where we no longer need the things of the world to be happy. We will be able to do everything through Christ, who gives us strength.
shine!
Jason
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)