In his Philippian letter, Paul writes,
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:1-11)
This passage reminds us that God’s way of doing things is different than the world’s. Jesus didn’t establish his kingdom with an army, weapons, force, or coercion. Rather, his Kingdom is based on the Fruit of the Spirit. Love, not hate. Joy, not happiness. Peace, not war. Patience, not selfishness. Kindness, not harshness. Goodness, not evil. Faithfulness, not dishonesty. Gentleness, not cruelty. Self-control, not indulgence.
If we are going to truly be followers of Christ, God’s story must be the story that determines the direction of our lives. There are many stories competing for our attention and our devotion. Stories of pride. Stories of possessions. Stories of privilege. Stories of power. These stories seek to draw us near and pull us away from God with their promises of easy happiness.
But the reality is that only God’s story of humility and Spirit-led living will bring true joy and ultimate satisfaction. This is the story that reveals our true calling to seek and embody the character and nature of our Creator God who loves us and desires relationship with us.
shine!
Jason
Friday, January 29, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Bearing fruit
According to the dictionary, fruit is, “The ripened ovary or ovaries of a seed-bearing plant, together with accessory parts, containing the seeds and occurring in a wide variety of forms.”
The apostle Paul writes:
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:16-26)
There is an important lesson here. The Fruit of the Spirit are not something you can create on your own. We cannot simply be loving or create peace. Goodness does not come naturally to most of us all of the time. Self-control is not easy to manufacture.
The kind of fruit we bear depends on what kind of seed we plant in our lives. You cannot plant apple seeds in your backyard and expect to grow an orange tree. But, for some reason, people seem to think that they can plant seeds of sinfulness in their lives and hope to bear fruit of righteousness.
If you want to see the Fruit of the Spirit exhibited in your life, don’t start by simply trying to make outward changes. Yes, we need to make efforts to change our behavior. But, the reality is that real change, change that takes root and lasts, can only come when we examine what is watering and feeding our inner-self.
Jesus said, “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.” (Matthew 12:33-35)
The question we have to ask ourselves is: What are we planting in our hearts? What are we allowing to shape the way we think? Are we, in the words of Paul, living and walking by the Spirit. Only when we are can we truly bear the kind of fruit in our life that God desires.
shine!
Jason
The apostle Paul writes:
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:16-26)
There is an important lesson here. The Fruit of the Spirit are not something you can create on your own. We cannot simply be loving or create peace. Goodness does not come naturally to most of us all of the time. Self-control is not easy to manufacture.
The kind of fruit we bear depends on what kind of seed we plant in our lives. You cannot plant apple seeds in your backyard and expect to grow an orange tree. But, for some reason, people seem to think that they can plant seeds of sinfulness in their lives and hope to bear fruit of righteousness.
If you want to see the Fruit of the Spirit exhibited in your life, don’t start by simply trying to make outward changes. Yes, we need to make efforts to change our behavior. But, the reality is that real change, change that takes root and lasts, can only come when we examine what is watering and feeding our inner-self.
Jesus said, “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.” (Matthew 12:33-35)
The question we have to ask ourselves is: What are we planting in our hearts? What are we allowing to shape the way we think? Are we, in the words of Paul, living and walking by the Spirit. Only when we are can we truly bear the kind of fruit in our life that God desires.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Commitment
What are you committed to?
We all make a lot of commitments. We make commitments to friends to stand with them in good and bad. We make commitments to teams that we join. Those of us who are married make commitments to our spouse. Parents make commitments to their children. Commitments are a vital part of any relationship.
When it comes to Christianity, what are you committed to?
Are you committed to a set of ideas and beliefs? Or are you committed to a person?
If we are going to be honest, many of us are probably as committed or more committed to a set of ideas and beliefs than we are the person of God. This is why churches split and Christians are known as much for their infighting as anything else.
Early in his gospel, John writes:
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:9-13)
The Jews, who had studied what we call the Old Testament for centuries, were waiting for the Messiah to arrive, and when he did, they missed it! They had become more committed to the words of the Bible than the One whom the words of the Bible point to. Aren’t we often guilty of the same thing?
Commitment to doctrines and beliefs above commitment to the person of God leads to things like legalism and the compartmentalization of our lives. When Christianity is about a set of doctrines and beliefs, it can be a part of our lives.
When our commitment is to the person of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Christianity becomes a valued relationship that should stand above all others. It should color every aspect of our lives.
For centuries, people have used Christianity to justify murder, racism, sexism, oppression, and much more. When we think we have the right doctrine, we can find ways to justify almost anything.
Our challenge as followers of Jesus is to follow Him along a radical path of complete commitment. This may call us to reconsider every aspect of our lives. The way we think about other people. Our spending habits. How we treat others who are different. Maybe even the way we think about church.
Ask yourself this question: What is your primary commitment in life?
When I ask myself that question, if I am honest, the answer is often not what it should be. I need to focus more on my commitment to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, so that every aspect of my life reflects the nature and character of God. Isn’t that what we all need to focus on more?
shine!
Jason
We all make a lot of commitments. We make commitments to friends to stand with them in good and bad. We make commitments to teams that we join. Those of us who are married make commitments to our spouse. Parents make commitments to their children. Commitments are a vital part of any relationship.
When it comes to Christianity, what are you committed to?
Are you committed to a set of ideas and beliefs? Or are you committed to a person?
If we are going to be honest, many of us are probably as committed or more committed to a set of ideas and beliefs than we are the person of God. This is why churches split and Christians are known as much for their infighting as anything else.
Early in his gospel, John writes:
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:9-13)
The Jews, who had studied what we call the Old Testament for centuries, were waiting for the Messiah to arrive, and when he did, they missed it! They had become more committed to the words of the Bible than the One whom the words of the Bible point to. Aren’t we often guilty of the same thing?
Commitment to doctrines and beliefs above commitment to the person of God leads to things like legalism and the compartmentalization of our lives. When Christianity is about a set of doctrines and beliefs, it can be a part of our lives.
When our commitment is to the person of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Christianity becomes a valued relationship that should stand above all others. It should color every aspect of our lives.
For centuries, people have used Christianity to justify murder, racism, sexism, oppression, and much more. When we think we have the right doctrine, we can find ways to justify almost anything.
Our challenge as followers of Jesus is to follow Him along a radical path of complete commitment. This may call us to reconsider every aspect of our lives. The way we think about other people. Our spending habits. How we treat others who are different. Maybe even the way we think about church.
Ask yourself this question: What is your primary commitment in life?
When I ask myself that question, if I am honest, the answer is often not what it should be. I need to focus more on my commitment to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, so that every aspect of my life reflects the nature and character of God. Isn’t that what we all need to focus on more?
shine!
Jason
Saturday, January 09, 2010
The Word became flesh
I am coming home from a great week in St. Louis with my head and heart swimming in ideas and possibilities. I have been stretched and challenged both personally and with regards to our ministry. I have heard from other ministers who God is obviously speaking through.
If I had to choose one word that I am bringing home this week, I think I would choose incarnation. This idea that God lived as a man is probably best described by the Apostle John…
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-5,14)
One of the unique and beautiful aspects of Christianity is that God becomes one of us. He enters the world in human form to show his grace and truth.
Later in the same gospel, Jesus prays for you and me, and in that prayer he invites us to join Him, although in a different way, to be an incarnation, humans in which God lives…
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:20-26)
The beauty of God’s plan is that after God became flesh and dwelt among us, He invited man to allow God to dwell in each of us. When we are baptized and receive the Holy Spirit, we invite God to live in us, and we offer our lives as a continuation of the Jesus story.
The incarnation is more than just an amazing story about a God who chose to dwell among men. It is also an amazing story about a God who wants to live within and among us. It is your story and my story. It is our story. It is the story that is the foundation of our relationships, our community, and ultimately, the foundation of our lives.
shine!
Jason
If I had to choose one word that I am bringing home this week, I think I would choose incarnation. This idea that God lived as a man is probably best described by the Apostle John…
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-5,14)
One of the unique and beautiful aspects of Christianity is that God becomes one of us. He enters the world in human form to show his grace and truth.
Later in the same gospel, Jesus prays for you and me, and in that prayer he invites us to join Him, although in a different way, to be an incarnation, humans in which God lives…
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:20-26)
The beauty of God’s plan is that after God became flesh and dwelt among us, He invited man to allow God to dwell in each of us. When we are baptized and receive the Holy Spirit, we invite God to live in us, and we offer our lives as a continuation of the Jesus story.
The incarnation is more than just an amazing story about a God who chose to dwell among men. It is also an amazing story about a God who wants to live within and among us. It is your story and my story. It is our story. It is the story that is the foundation of our relationships, our community, and ultimately, the foundation of our lives.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Plan to be resolved
Welcome to 2010!
It’s hard to believe that 2009 has already come and gone.
This is typically a time when people make resolutions to change a habit or begin a new one. Whether it’s weight loss, better time management, a change in attitude, or dozens of other aspects of life, we often make promises to ourselves and others to change something.
First, I want you to think back to January 2009. What New Year’s Resolution did you make? Did you keep it? Or did it fall to the wayside as the challenges of life piled up around you?
If you followed through, what helped you keep that resolution?
If you didn’t, what was the biggest obstacle that prevented you from following through?
Now…fast forward to today.
What is your New Year’s resolution for this year? Even if you don’t have one, what is something you would like to improve on this year?
Let me narrow things down a little more. What is your spiritual resolution for 2010?
When I say spiritual, don’t necessarily think it has to be some lofty, “churchy” thing. Sure, you could say something like read your Bible more or pray more. But it could be something much more earthy. And it probably needs to be a little more concrete than “I will ______ more.” Here are a few ideas:
• I commit to reading a chapter of the Bible with my family three times a week.
• I commit to helping my elderly neighbor by shoveling her snow and mowing her lawn for free.
• I commit to going to Cass Park every month.
• I commit to serving in the Children’s Ministry for at least three months this year.
• I commit to giving 10% of what I earn to the church and it’s ministries. (This includes for students with jobs. It’s good to develop habits early.)
• I commit to praying with my family once a week, including a time to pray for each other.
These are just a few ideas consider.
Let me challenge you to take this a step further. Plan a time as a family to sit down and share your resolutions with each other. Find ways to hold each other accountable and encourage each other. Write these down and post them somewhere in the house. (It doesn’t have to be public where visitors see.)
Take time as a family to develop a plan for growing spiritual both individually and collectively. You might be amazed what God can do.
shine!
Jason
It’s hard to believe that 2009 has already come and gone.
This is typically a time when people make resolutions to change a habit or begin a new one. Whether it’s weight loss, better time management, a change in attitude, or dozens of other aspects of life, we often make promises to ourselves and others to change something.
First, I want you to think back to January 2009. What New Year’s Resolution did you make? Did you keep it? Or did it fall to the wayside as the challenges of life piled up around you?
If you followed through, what helped you keep that resolution?
If you didn’t, what was the biggest obstacle that prevented you from following through?
Now…fast forward to today.
What is your New Year’s resolution for this year? Even if you don’t have one, what is something you would like to improve on this year?
Let me narrow things down a little more. What is your spiritual resolution for 2010?
When I say spiritual, don’t necessarily think it has to be some lofty, “churchy” thing. Sure, you could say something like read your Bible more or pray more. But it could be something much more earthy. And it probably needs to be a little more concrete than “I will ______ more.” Here are a few ideas:
• I commit to reading a chapter of the Bible with my family three times a week.
• I commit to helping my elderly neighbor by shoveling her snow and mowing her lawn for free.
• I commit to going to Cass Park every month.
• I commit to serving in the Children’s Ministry for at least three months this year.
• I commit to giving 10% of what I earn to the church and it’s ministries. (This includes for students with jobs. It’s good to develop habits early.)
• I commit to praying with my family once a week, including a time to pray for each other.
These are just a few ideas consider.
Let me challenge you to take this a step further. Plan a time as a family to sit down and share your resolutions with each other. Find ways to hold each other accountable and encourage each other. Write these down and post them somewhere in the house. (It doesn’t have to be public where visitors see.)
Take time as a family to develop a plan for growing spiritual both individually and collectively. You might be amazed what God can do.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to my family at RCC
Thank you to everyone who blessed us with a Christmas card or gift. We continue to feel extremely blessed to be a part of the family here at Rochester. It’s hard to believe that it was a little over four years ago that we moved here. In the time since, we have grown to love the people here and value the relationships we have developed.
In a time when hundreds of commercials tout the latest toys, gadgets, clothes, and more, you have given us the greatest gifts there are: love and family. We wouldn’t trade anything for the way you have welcomed us, embraced us, and made us part of the Rochester family.
In addition to celebrating the past, I am looking forward to an exciting future. When I think about everything God is up to, I can’t wait to see what He has in store for us in 2010! I continue to be amazed at the power of God’s grace and mercy.
Please allow me to share the words of Paul to express my feelings for you and as a prayer for you as we begin a new year together:
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace…in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:3-11)
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21)
shine!
Jason
In a time when hundreds of commercials tout the latest toys, gadgets, clothes, and more, you have given us the greatest gifts there are: love and family. We wouldn’t trade anything for the way you have welcomed us, embraced us, and made us part of the Rochester family.
In addition to celebrating the past, I am looking forward to an exciting future. When I think about everything God is up to, I can’t wait to see what He has in store for us in 2010! I continue to be amazed at the power of God’s grace and mercy.
Please allow me to share the words of Paul to express my feelings for you and as a prayer for you as we begin a new year together:
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace…in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:3-11)
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21)
shine!
Jason
Sunday, December 20, 2009
A gift to remember
It’s almost Christmas!
This is the time of year many people look forward to all year. For some, it means gathering with family. For others, it represents a week or two off. For others, especially children, it’s a chance to get some new gifts.
But for others, this is not a season of joy. For them, it may remind them of a loved one who has died. Others will be working just as hard simply to assure their family can eat. Some will face the prospect of little or nothing under the Christmas tree.
As you approach Christmas, what is your situation? Do you resonate more with the first group or people, or the second?
More importantly, especially if you are in the first group, what is your attitude?
We live in a culture dominated by want. Let’s be honest. How many of us as children were encouraged to write a list of what we want to give for Christmas? Even if we were, which list was longer? The list of what we wanted to receive or what we wanted to give? Which list is longer today?
Consider the words of the apostle Paul as he spoke to the elders of Ephesus near the end of his final visit with them:
“And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:32-35)
It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Do we believe that?
More importantly, do we act that way?
During this week of Christmas, I want to challenge each of us to take a minute and consider what we can give.
How about letting that mom with three small children go in front of you in line at Walmart?
What about stopping over to visit your elderly neighbor who doesn’t have any family around?
Smile instead of some other reaction when someone cuts you off or takes “your” parking spot.
Students, what are you giving up for iChristmas? Another video game? An iTunes card? Getting $30 shoes instead of $60 ones? Giving up a gift card that could buy a meal for a family that can barely afford to eat?
In this season where our culture begs us to get, get, get, let’s go against the trend and give, give, give. We should strive to be people that seek the greater blessing. Long after something you gave someone is gone, the memory of giving will continue to linger. That is the best gift of all.
shine!
Jason
This is the time of year many people look forward to all year. For some, it means gathering with family. For others, it represents a week or two off. For others, especially children, it’s a chance to get some new gifts.
But for others, this is not a season of joy. For them, it may remind them of a loved one who has died. Others will be working just as hard simply to assure their family can eat. Some will face the prospect of little or nothing under the Christmas tree.
As you approach Christmas, what is your situation? Do you resonate more with the first group or people, or the second?
More importantly, especially if you are in the first group, what is your attitude?
We live in a culture dominated by want. Let’s be honest. How many of us as children were encouraged to write a list of what we want to give for Christmas? Even if we were, which list was longer? The list of what we wanted to receive or what we wanted to give? Which list is longer today?
Consider the words of the apostle Paul as he spoke to the elders of Ephesus near the end of his final visit with them:
“And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:32-35)
It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Do we believe that?
More importantly, do we act that way?
During this week of Christmas, I want to challenge each of us to take a minute and consider what we can give.
How about letting that mom with three small children go in front of you in line at Walmart?
What about stopping over to visit your elderly neighbor who doesn’t have any family around?
Smile instead of some other reaction when someone cuts you off or takes “your” parking spot.
Students, what are you giving up for iChristmas? Another video game? An iTunes card? Getting $30 shoes instead of $60 ones? Giving up a gift card that could buy a meal for a family that can barely afford to eat?
In this season where our culture begs us to get, get, get, let’s go against the trend and give, give, give. We should strive to be people that seek the greater blessing. Long after something you gave someone is gone, the memory of giving will continue to linger. That is the best gift of all.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Cards for Cass Park
We want to do something special for our friends in Cass Park this Christmas season by sending as many Christmas cards as possible down to Cass Park.
On (or before) that Sunday, December 20, there are several ways you can help:
1) Donate Christmas cards.
Whether they are last year's unused cards or cards you purchase and donate, we hope to gather as many blank Christmas cards as possible by Wednesday, December 16. To donate cards, please drop them off at the Cards for Cass Park table in the main lobby beginning Wednesday, December 9.
2) Students to Volunteer for Set Up.
We need 3-4 students to come early (8:25am) December 20 to help set up. Contact me to volunteer.
3) Breakfast Donations.
On Sunday, December 20, we need 6-8 families to offer to bring 2-3 dozen donuts or breakfast baked goods. Contact Trudy Kesler to sign up to bring these food items.
4) Assist at Card Signing Tables.
We need at least 4-6 students to "man the card tables" between services on December 20.
5) "Attend the Christmas Card Party".
Sunday, December 20, between services, there will be a Christmas card "party" where you can sign cards in the main lobby. There are no classes between services on that Sunday, so there will be coffee (and donated donuts/breakfast foods) that will be available as well as several tables set up around the lobby with blank cards to sign. Please grab a cup of coffee, a donut, and sign some Christmas cards.
6) Students to Volunteer for Clean-Up.
We need 4-6 students to assist with clean up and putting away tables.
After second worship on Sunday, December 20, our Cass Park team will take these cards and distribute them to our friends at Cass Park. What a great opportunity to bless our friends during this holiday season.
shine!
Jason
On (or before) that Sunday, December 20, there are several ways you can help:
1) Donate Christmas cards.
Whether they are last year's unused cards or cards you purchase and donate, we hope to gather as many blank Christmas cards as possible by Wednesday, December 16. To donate cards, please drop them off at the Cards for Cass Park table in the main lobby beginning Wednesday, December 9.
2) Students to Volunteer for Set Up.
We need 3-4 students to come early (8:25am) December 20 to help set up. Contact me to volunteer.
3) Breakfast Donations.
On Sunday, December 20, we need 6-8 families to offer to bring 2-3 dozen donuts or breakfast baked goods. Contact Trudy Kesler to sign up to bring these food items.
4) Assist at Card Signing Tables.
We need at least 4-6 students to "man the card tables" between services on December 20.
5) "Attend the Christmas Card Party".
Sunday, December 20, between services, there will be a Christmas card "party" where you can sign cards in the main lobby. There are no classes between services on that Sunday, so there will be coffee (and donated donuts/breakfast foods) that will be available as well as several tables set up around the lobby with blank cards to sign. Please grab a cup of coffee, a donut, and sign some Christmas cards.
6) Students to Volunteer for Clean-Up.
We need 4-6 students to assist with clean up and putting away tables.
After second worship on Sunday, December 20, our Cass Park team will take these cards and distribute them to our friends at Cass Park. What a great opportunity to bless our friends during this holiday season.
shine!
Jason
Friday, December 11, 2009
Spending passion wisely
We all have it. We all exert it. It's passion.
For some, it goes into a hobby, sport, or talent.
Others spend it on an entertainer, sports team, or TV show.
Our culture today provides hundreds of options for using our passion.
I was reminded last night of how much work it takes to redirect our passion in a direction that is both healthy and helpful as a citizen of the Kingdom of God.
Last night, I went to Buffalo Wild Wings with family and friends to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers play against the Cleveland Browns. As a fan of the Steelers, it was a pretty frustrating game to watch. If you know the outcome of the game, you know that I was disappointed by the final score. But what happened after the game reminded me of how far I have come.
This morning would have been significantly different for me several years ago. I would have woken up in a bad mood, still bitter about the loss. I likely would have been in a bad mood for several days. Comments from my friends who are Browns fans would have gotten under my skin and fueled the anger and frustration lurking just under the surface.
Today is different. Am I disappointed that a football team I support and cheer for lost? Sure. But once the clock read 0:00 and I walked out of B-Dubs, it only took a few minutes to get past it. This game is not consuming my life.
That's right, it's just a game.
What I have learned over time is that it's just a game. It's a bunch of men playing a game and getting paid millions of dollars to do it. Is it entertaining? Sure. It is fun to watch. Sometimes. Is it worthy of a passion that consumes my life? Not really.
Before those of you who don't get into sports start shouting, "Amen," this doesn't just relate to sports.
I see friends who have that kind of passion about television shows, movies, or books. They talk about the characters throughout the week. They often quote those characters a lot more than they quote Jesus.
Others show that kind of passion for a sport or hobby. They will spend hours upon hours practicing and playing, while leaving little or no time to engage in activities of the Kingdom. It can even become their primary source of identity, rather than their identity as a child of God.
Others invest their passion in things such as the way they look, the labels on their clothing, the lifestyle they work to maintain, and their social status.
Most of the things I mention above aren't inherently evil or sinful. However, when they become the recipient of so much of our passion that we have little or none left for Jesus and His Kingdom, I believe that we have seriously misdirected our passion.
I will be the first to admit that I have not arrived when it comes to this. I still misappropriate my passion sometimes. I elevate some things to a level that is wrong. I am by no means perfect.
But I can tell you that last night's game was a reminder of how far I think I have come. Ten years ago, if I had witnessed this kind of loss, I would have likely ignored certain phone calls, avoided certain people, and been somewhat unpleasant for a few days.
Today?
Well, last night I slept peacefully. And this morning I woke up and my passion was focused on other things. Passion for my God. Passion for my wife. Passion for my son. And passion for people who need to see Jesus in me today.
There are people in the world who genuinely dislike each other simply because of the football jersey they wear. I watched a few of those people get into a fistfight a few months ago at a Steelers-Lions game I attended. Seriously? You're going to punch a guy because he likes the other team? How ridiculous is that?
That, my friends, is misspent passion.
Imagine if those of us in the church poured as much passion into worship, prayer, social justice, and spiritual growth, as we pour into our sports, hobbies, entertainment, and other pursuits. How different would our lives look and how different could the world around us look? Just a thought from a guy who's still on the journey of figuring out how to spend his passion wisely.
shine!
Jason
For some, it goes into a hobby, sport, or talent.
Others spend it on an entertainer, sports team, or TV show.
Our culture today provides hundreds of options for using our passion.
I was reminded last night of how much work it takes to redirect our passion in a direction that is both healthy and helpful as a citizen of the Kingdom of God.
Last night, I went to Buffalo Wild Wings with family and friends to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers play against the Cleveland Browns. As a fan of the Steelers, it was a pretty frustrating game to watch. If you know the outcome of the game, you know that I was disappointed by the final score. But what happened after the game reminded me of how far I have come.
This morning would have been significantly different for me several years ago. I would have woken up in a bad mood, still bitter about the loss. I likely would have been in a bad mood for several days. Comments from my friends who are Browns fans would have gotten under my skin and fueled the anger and frustration lurking just under the surface.
Today is different. Am I disappointed that a football team I support and cheer for lost? Sure. But once the clock read 0:00 and I walked out of B-Dubs, it only took a few minutes to get past it. This game is not consuming my life.
That's right, it's just a game.
What I have learned over time is that it's just a game. It's a bunch of men playing a game and getting paid millions of dollars to do it. Is it entertaining? Sure. It is fun to watch. Sometimes. Is it worthy of a passion that consumes my life? Not really.
Before those of you who don't get into sports start shouting, "Amen," this doesn't just relate to sports.
I see friends who have that kind of passion about television shows, movies, or books. They talk about the characters throughout the week. They often quote those characters a lot more than they quote Jesus.
Others show that kind of passion for a sport or hobby. They will spend hours upon hours practicing and playing, while leaving little or no time to engage in activities of the Kingdom. It can even become their primary source of identity, rather than their identity as a child of God.
Others invest their passion in things such as the way they look, the labels on their clothing, the lifestyle they work to maintain, and their social status.
Most of the things I mention above aren't inherently evil or sinful. However, when they become the recipient of so much of our passion that we have little or none left for Jesus and His Kingdom, I believe that we have seriously misdirected our passion.
I will be the first to admit that I have not arrived when it comes to this. I still misappropriate my passion sometimes. I elevate some things to a level that is wrong. I am by no means perfect.
But I can tell you that last night's game was a reminder of how far I think I have come. Ten years ago, if I had witnessed this kind of loss, I would have likely ignored certain phone calls, avoided certain people, and been somewhat unpleasant for a few days.
Today?
Well, last night I slept peacefully. And this morning I woke up and my passion was focused on other things. Passion for my God. Passion for my wife. Passion for my son. And passion for people who need to see Jesus in me today.
There are people in the world who genuinely dislike each other simply because of the football jersey they wear. I watched a few of those people get into a fistfight a few months ago at a Steelers-Lions game I attended. Seriously? You're going to punch a guy because he likes the other team? How ridiculous is that?
That, my friends, is misspent passion.
Imagine if those of us in the church poured as much passion into worship, prayer, social justice, and spiritual growth, as we pour into our sports, hobbies, entertainment, and other pursuits. How different would our lives look and how different could the world around us look? Just a thought from a guy who's still on the journey of figuring out how to spend his passion wisely.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Living to the max
We talked during circle time Wednesday night about how we can know what God desires and the idea of being filled with and led by the Spirit. Rather than using words, I decided that this week I would let Paul’s words speak for themselves:
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 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. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:1-17)
Being led by the Spirit is not checking a list of rules. It’s much more. It calls us to look at God’s commands not as a list of minimums. Rather, they are guidelines that free us to live to the maximum. Following Jesus is not about restrictions; it’s about experiencing real freedom.
shine!
Jason
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 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. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:1-17)
Being led by the Spirit is not checking a list of rules. It’s much more. It calls us to look at God’s commands not as a list of minimums. Rather, they are guidelines that free us to live to the maximum. Following Jesus is not about restrictions; it’s about experiencing real freedom.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Recognizing some students
I wanted to take an opportunity this week to compliment some of our students for answering a few challenges that have been placed before them. The first one is the significant increase in the number of students who have been bringing their Bibles with them to class.
Several months ago, I noted that in a class of 30-40 students, we were averaging somewhere between two and five Bibles in class on a given Sunday. With the transition to a new curriculum that is more anchored in the text of the Bible and the challenge to bring Bibles, students have responded. We had 28 students in the high school class this past Sunday. Twelve of the students had a Bible with them. While that is still a little below half, it is a considerable improvement.
For those who have been bringing your Bibles all along, thank you for setting an example. For those who recently started bringing your Bibles, thank you for answering the challenge and showing an increase of devotion towards your study of the Word of God. For those of you who haven’t been bringing your Bible, let me encourage you to start doing so. If you don’t have a Bible, please let me know as we will get you one. One of the keys to improving your relationship to God is having a better understanding of His Word. Bringing your Bible to class is one way to take a step down that path.
The other thing I want to comment on is the increase in the number of students sitting towards the front during worship. While I have not been encouraging this as strongly or as often, it has been something I have mentioned to a number of students over the last several months.
Students who sit in groups towards the back of the auditorium tend to talk much more during service and often pay little attention to the lesson or participate in the singing. When groups of students sit closer to the front they are generally more engaged and get more out of what is happening around them.
I want to commend the students who have taken the initiative to sit towards the front. Not only are you setting a good example for the preteens and others, you are taking actions that may very well help improve your spiritual growth.
When it comes to growing spiritually, so much more often comes from the small, steady things than the big, mountaintop experiences. While there is nothing wrong with mountaintop experiences, if you do not have ongoing, intentional actions in your daily life, your faith will likely not thrive just from spiritual highs. True discipleship and true spiritual growth comes from a life dedicated to the daily development of disciplines and choices that slowly and surely draw us closer to Christ. What these students have been doing is taking them down that path.
shine!
Jason
Several months ago, I noted that in a class of 30-40 students, we were averaging somewhere between two and five Bibles in class on a given Sunday. With the transition to a new curriculum that is more anchored in the text of the Bible and the challenge to bring Bibles, students have responded. We had 28 students in the high school class this past Sunday. Twelve of the students had a Bible with them. While that is still a little below half, it is a considerable improvement.
For those who have been bringing your Bibles all along, thank you for setting an example. For those who recently started bringing your Bibles, thank you for answering the challenge and showing an increase of devotion towards your study of the Word of God. For those of you who haven’t been bringing your Bible, let me encourage you to start doing so. If you don’t have a Bible, please let me know as we will get you one. One of the keys to improving your relationship to God is having a better understanding of His Word. Bringing your Bible to class is one way to take a step down that path.
The other thing I want to comment on is the increase in the number of students sitting towards the front during worship. While I have not been encouraging this as strongly or as often, it has been something I have mentioned to a number of students over the last several months.
Students who sit in groups towards the back of the auditorium tend to talk much more during service and often pay little attention to the lesson or participate in the singing. When groups of students sit closer to the front they are generally more engaged and get more out of what is happening around them.
I want to commend the students who have taken the initiative to sit towards the front. Not only are you setting a good example for the preteens and others, you are taking actions that may very well help improve your spiritual growth.
When it comes to growing spiritually, so much more often comes from the small, steady things than the big, mountaintop experiences. While there is nothing wrong with mountaintop experiences, if you do not have ongoing, intentional actions in your daily life, your faith will likely not thrive just from spiritual highs. True discipleship and true spiritual growth comes from a life dedicated to the daily development of disciplines and choices that slowly and surely draw us closer to Christ. What these students have been doing is taking them down that path.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, November 22, 2009
iChristmas Kick-off
With “Black Friday” less than a week away, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone about our annual iChristmas campaign. Here is what has been previously announced:
The ARISE Ministry will once again be celebrating iChristmas. This is an opportunity to live out the true meaning of Christmas. Here is the challenge to our students:
As you are making a Christmas list for your parents, write this on the list: “Please buy me one less gift and put the money you would have spent on that gift into an envelope marked ‘iChristmas’ and put it under the Christmas tree with my other gifts.” The one gift should be more than a pair of socks, but what you are willing to sacrifice is up to you.
Starting on Sunday, December 27, students can turn in their iChristmas money. They can either put it in the ARISE Black Box on the wall in the main lobby, or you can drop the money in the iChristmas gift box.
Each year, the money raised for iChristmas supports a ministry of the Rochester Church. In the past, the ministries we have supported include our missionaries in Rio and Uganda as well as Cass Park. This year, we are planning to contribute all iChristmas funds to the Rochester Church Member Care Fund, which helps our members in need.
Thank you to all of the students who participated in iChristmas in previous years. Continue the iChristmas tradition this year. For those of you who didn’t have an opportunity to give an iChristmas gift last year, make this the year to start a new tradition.
As the push for Christmas begins, please consider what you are going to sacrifice for iChristmas this year. We have around 75 people actively involved in our youth group. Imagine if each person contributed $20 this year. As a ministry we would collect $1,500. That amount could probably pay someone’s mortgage and utilities for a month.
As you think about iChristmas, consider the blessing you could be to another family in our church. You might think $20 isn’t much, but together we could have a huge, positive impact on some of the families with worship with each week.
shine!
Jason
The ARISE Ministry will once again be celebrating iChristmas. This is an opportunity to live out the true meaning of Christmas. Here is the challenge to our students:
As you are making a Christmas list for your parents, write this on the list: “Please buy me one less gift and put the money you would have spent on that gift into an envelope marked ‘iChristmas’ and put it under the Christmas tree with my other gifts.” The one gift should be more than a pair of socks, but what you are willing to sacrifice is up to you.
Starting on Sunday, December 27, students can turn in their iChristmas money. They can either put it in the ARISE Black Box on the wall in the main lobby, or you can drop the money in the iChristmas gift box.
Each year, the money raised for iChristmas supports a ministry of the Rochester Church. In the past, the ministries we have supported include our missionaries in Rio and Uganda as well as Cass Park. This year, we are planning to contribute all iChristmas funds to the Rochester Church Member Care Fund, which helps our members in need.
Thank you to all of the students who participated in iChristmas in previous years. Continue the iChristmas tradition this year. For those of you who didn’t have an opportunity to give an iChristmas gift last year, make this the year to start a new tradition.
As the push for Christmas begins, please consider what you are going to sacrifice for iChristmas this year. We have around 75 people actively involved in our youth group. Imagine if each person contributed $20 this year. As a ministry we would collect $1,500. That amount could probably pay someone’s mortgage and utilities for a month.
As you think about iChristmas, consider the blessing you could be to another family in our church. You might think $20 isn’t much, but together we could have a huge, positive impact on some of the families with worship with each week.
shine!
Jason
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The View on accountability
This morning while I was sitting in a hospital waiting room, I watched a little bit of the television show The View. They were discussing an interview with Sarah Palin and her reflections on her youngest child, who was born with Down's Syndrome.
Much of the conversation centered around abortion, Palin's pro-life stance, and a woman's decision whether or not to carry a baby to full term, if she discovers during the pregnancy that her baby has Down's Syndrome.
I am not sharing this information to turn this particular post into a pro-life/pro-choice conversation. Rather, I am simply providing a framework for one particular comment which was made in the context of this dialogue.
In the middle of the conversation, Whoopi Goldberg made a statement that captures much of what is troubling in our culture today. I made sure to type the comment in my phone as soon as I heard it, so I wouldn't forget. This is what she said:
"Nobody outside of you can judge you for the decisions you make."
Read that a few times and think about the implications.
Now, let me take the liberty to change the pronouns and alter the perspective, but not the attitude, of the statement. Nobody outside of me can judge me for the decisions I make.
This, in a nutshell, is a philosophy that is undermining our society. And, unfortunately, I think this way of thinking has even pervaded many corners of the Church.
Think about all of the ways this attitude has permeated our society. The abortion debate, where this comment first emerged, is one example. But there are a variety of other areas. Sexuality. Substance abuse. Greed. Selfishness. So many of these issues are supported by the foundation of this attitude. "You can't judge me for (fill in the blank). It's my decision."
But before we start pointing fingers, we should look in the mirror. I have seen Christians defend their decisions by (mis)quoting Scripture. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, "Do not judge others. Then you will not be judged." (Matthew 7:1)
I don't believe Jesus is advocating the "I'm OK, you're OK" philosophy that some Christians use this to advocate. Rather Jesus is calling us to a deep self-evaluation before we evaluate others. Jesus' call is actually the opposite of "Nobody outside of you can judge you for the decisions you make." Jesus demands a significant self-examination because we are all responsible for holding each other accountable. The church is not a place to ignore sin or take it light-heartedly. Rather, it is a place where we first hold ourselves accountable to a higher standard, and then we challenge others to do the same.
The problem Jesus was confronting is our tendency to measure our sin against someone else's "bigger" sin. He was not telling us to look the other way when we sin, but to be so intentional in our own lives about becoming more like Jesus that we can find ourselves in a better position to help those around us.
In this age of humanism, individuality, and relative moralism, so many people want to allow our society to sink to the lowest common denominator instead of striving for the highest possible calling. For those of us who belong to the Kingdom of God, we can settle for no less than living our lives so that our community is a place where everyone is able to judge the decisions we make in the context of the Way that is following Jesus Christ.
shine!
Jason
Much of the conversation centered around abortion, Palin's pro-life stance, and a woman's decision whether or not to carry a baby to full term, if she discovers during the pregnancy that her baby has Down's Syndrome.
I am not sharing this information to turn this particular post into a pro-life/pro-choice conversation. Rather, I am simply providing a framework for one particular comment which was made in the context of this dialogue.
In the middle of the conversation, Whoopi Goldberg made a statement that captures much of what is troubling in our culture today. I made sure to type the comment in my phone as soon as I heard it, so I wouldn't forget. This is what she said:
"Nobody outside of you can judge you for the decisions you make."
Read that a few times and think about the implications.
Now, let me take the liberty to change the pronouns and alter the perspective, but not the attitude, of the statement. Nobody outside of me can judge me for the decisions I make.
This, in a nutshell, is a philosophy that is undermining our society. And, unfortunately, I think this way of thinking has even pervaded many corners of the Church.
Think about all of the ways this attitude has permeated our society. The abortion debate, where this comment first emerged, is one example. But there are a variety of other areas. Sexuality. Substance abuse. Greed. Selfishness. So many of these issues are supported by the foundation of this attitude. "You can't judge me for (fill in the blank). It's my decision."
But before we start pointing fingers, we should look in the mirror. I have seen Christians defend their decisions by (mis)quoting Scripture. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, "Do not judge others. Then you will not be judged." (Matthew 7:1)
I don't believe Jesus is advocating the "I'm OK, you're OK" philosophy that some Christians use this to advocate. Rather Jesus is calling us to a deep self-evaluation before we evaluate others. Jesus' call is actually the opposite of "Nobody outside of you can judge you for the decisions you make." Jesus demands a significant self-examination because we are all responsible for holding each other accountable. The church is not a place to ignore sin or take it light-heartedly. Rather, it is a place where we first hold ourselves accountable to a higher standard, and then we challenge others to do the same.
The problem Jesus was confronting is our tendency to measure our sin against someone else's "bigger" sin. He was not telling us to look the other way when we sin, but to be so intentional in our own lives about becoming more like Jesus that we can find ourselves in a better position to help those around us.
In this age of humanism, individuality, and relative moralism, so many people want to allow our society to sink to the lowest common denominator instead of striving for the highest possible calling. For those of us who belong to the Kingdom of God, we can settle for no less than living our lives so that our community is a place where everyone is able to judge the decisions we make in the context of the Way that is following Jesus Christ.
shine!
Jason
Monday, November 09, 2009
Laying down your life
What does it mean to lay down your life? In the Gospel of John, Jesus uses this phrase to describe real friendship.
We might think about the cross as the ultimate embodiment of this idea. And we would be right. But what does it mean for us as Christians? For many we would think of martyrs who gave their life in defense of their faith. From Stephen, who is stoned to death in the book of Acts, to Cassie Bernall, who was killed in the Columbine shootings in 1999, there are thousands who have died for their faith in Christ.
Is this all there is to laying down your life?
In the book She Said Yes, written my Cassie Bernall’s mom, she recounts something that Cassie’s youth pastor said in one of the first Sunday services after the shootings:
Cassie’s story reminds us that laying down our life is not a one-time event or only a single act of the willingness to physically die. This is a life-long, daily endeavor. Laying down your life, dying to oneself is something we must pursue every day.
It shapes how we deal with gossip and temptation. It impacts our attitude towards our parents and our friends. When we see an outsider or outcast in school, it will determine our reaction.
Jesus tells us, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) As you consider laying down your life, reflect on Jesus’ words and ask what selfish ways you need to turn from.
shine!
Jason
We might think about the cross as the ultimate embodiment of this idea. And we would be right. But what does it mean for us as Christians? For many we would think of martyrs who gave their life in defense of their faith. From Stephen, who is stoned to death in the book of Acts, to Cassie Bernall, who was killed in the Columbine shootings in 1999, there are thousands who have died for their faith in Christ.
Is this all there is to laying down your life?
In the book She Said Yes, written my Cassie Bernall’s mom, she recounts something that Cassie’s youth pastor said in one of the first Sunday services after the shootings:
Cassie struggled like everyone struggles, but she knew what she had to do to let Christ live in her. It’s called dying to yourself, and is has to be done daily. It means learning to break out of the selfish life…It’s not a negative thing, but a way of freeing yourself to live more fully.
The world looks at Cassie’s “yes” of April 20, but we need to look at the daily “yes” she said day after day, month after month, before giving that final answer.
Cassie’s story reminds us that laying down our life is not a one-time event or only a single act of the willingness to physically die. This is a life-long, daily endeavor. Laying down your life, dying to oneself is something we must pursue every day.
It shapes how we deal with gossip and temptation. It impacts our attitude towards our parents and our friends. When we see an outsider or outcast in school, it will determine our reaction.
Jesus tells us, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) As you consider laying down your life, reflect on Jesus’ words and ask what selfish ways you need to turn from.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, October 31, 2009
What is God doing in your life today?
As we at the Rochester Church strive to explore what it means to be a community, I am about to embark on a new adventure that I am inviting the families in my ministry to join with me. I want to be more intentional about engaging in dialogue about how God is working in our lives individually and as a community.
One of the ways I will be doing this is by sending out an email to several members of our ministry every week with the following question:
“What is God doing in your life today?”
All I ask is that they respond to the email. They can answer with a sentence or write a number of paragraphs. I will also ask whether if it’s ok for me to share the responses. Unless they request otherwise, any responses I am allowed to share will be anonymous and I will change any necessary details to keep them that way.
We usually don’t have a problem talking about our school activities, our hobbies, our sports teams, and other parts of our lives. For some reason, our conversations are generally absent of discussions about how God is moving in us, around us, and among us.
I will be sending these emails to parents and students. I will typically not email two members of the same family in the same week. I want to hear from as many people as possible.
In Mark 5, Jesus encounters a demon-possessed man and commands the demons out of him. After this happens, we see the following interaction between Jesus and the man:
As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, "Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled. (Mark 5:18-20)
I hope our families join in the conversation as we seek to go to our friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for us, and how he has had mercy on us.
shine!
Jason
One of the ways I will be doing this is by sending out an email to several members of our ministry every week with the following question:
“What is God doing in your life today?”
All I ask is that they respond to the email. They can answer with a sentence or write a number of paragraphs. I will also ask whether if it’s ok for me to share the responses. Unless they request otherwise, any responses I am allowed to share will be anonymous and I will change any necessary details to keep them that way.
We usually don’t have a problem talking about our school activities, our hobbies, our sports teams, and other parts of our lives. For some reason, our conversations are generally absent of discussions about how God is moving in us, around us, and among us.
I will be sending these emails to parents and students. I will typically not email two members of the same family in the same week. I want to hear from as many people as possible.
In Mark 5, Jesus encounters a demon-possessed man and commands the demons out of him. After this happens, we see the following interaction between Jesus and the man:
As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, "Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled. (Mark 5:18-20)
I hope our families join in the conversation as we seek to go to our friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for us, and how he has had mercy on us.
shine!
Jason
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Singing with the big kids
I am cleaning up my emails and came across something I wanted to share. A group of teens led Kids' Worship earlier this Fall. The younger children at church go to Kids' Worship during the sermon in what I fondly call "Big Church."
I wanted to share some feedback we received from a few parents of the children who were in that Kids' Worship:
"I just read your note about the teen praise team that led our youngsters in kids worship last week. I was finally able to make sense of some of the conversations I’ve had with my 3 year old! I just wanted to let you know that he LOVED it! He has talked about the “big kids singing the same songs we do in big worship” for two days! "
"Just wanted to let you know that EmmaKate really enjoyed the "singing with the big kids" on Sunday. She mentioned it a couple of times throughout the day. She also told me that she would be able to sing to the little kids when she "gets bigger".
So often, I think teenagers fail to realize how much younger children look up to them. That can be a blessing or a curse.
From the comments above, it's obvious that something as simple as leading worship for children can have a huge positive impact. Both children talked about the impact of what the teenagers were doing. One even commented that he wanted to follow their example.
Unfortunately, that desire to follow their lead isn't limited to good examples. If they see teenagers doing things like texting during worship or treating adults disrespectfully, they will often seek to emulate that as well.
I am proud of our teenagers for the example they set for the children at our church in Kids' Worship. This is a good time for teenagers (and adults as well) to remember that "little eyes" are often watching us. What we say and do has an impact. We should live every moment like someone is watching.
shine!
Jason
I wanted to share some feedback we received from a few parents of the children who were in that Kids' Worship:
"I just read your note about the teen praise team that led our youngsters in kids worship last week. I was finally able to make sense of some of the conversations I’ve had with my 3 year old! I just wanted to let you know that he LOVED it! He has talked about the “big kids singing the same songs we do in big worship” for two days! "
"Just wanted to let you know that EmmaKate really enjoyed the "singing with the big kids" on Sunday. She mentioned it a couple of times throughout the day. She also told me that she would be able to sing to the little kids when she "gets bigger".
So often, I think teenagers fail to realize how much younger children look up to them. That can be a blessing or a curse.
From the comments above, it's obvious that something as simple as leading worship for children can have a huge positive impact. Both children talked about the impact of what the teenagers were doing. One even commented that he wanted to follow their example.
Unfortunately, that desire to follow their lead isn't limited to good examples. If they see teenagers doing things like texting during worship or treating adults disrespectfully, they will often seek to emulate that as well.
I am proud of our teenagers for the example they set for the children at our church in Kids' Worship. This is a good time for teenagers (and adults as well) to remember that "little eyes" are often watching us. What we say and do has an impact. We should live every moment like someone is watching.
shine!
Jason
Stuck in the middle trying to figure it out
This is a powerful highlight clip from last week's episode of Law & Order where they deal head on with the issue of abortion (You'll have to sit through a brief commercial first):
Saturday, October 24, 2009
An uncommon promise and common people
Last Sunday in our Student Spiritual Formation class we discussed Jesus’ genealogy. Our primary text was Luke’s genealogy, but we also used Matthew’s. It was interesting to hear some of the things our students observed during this study. Here are a few that I remember:
Even in something that may seem boring to many, there are a lot of things we can learn about God. In the few verses of Jesus’ genealogy we learn some important lessons. We learn that God is faithful and keeps His promises. In Genesis 3:15, God said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head,?and you shall bruise his heel.” In Genesis 15:5, God told Abraham, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them. So shall your offspring be.”
In addition to His faithfulness, we learn that God can work through common people to accomplish His purposes. Even people who feel like they have messed up are important in God’s Kingdom. From prostitutes to adulteresses to unknown ancestors, God used a variety of people to fulfill his promises. Imagine what God can do through us if we look to Him and allow ourselves to be a part of His unfolding story.
shine!
Jason
Luke starts with Jesus and works back to Adam, and eventually God. Matthew, on the other hand, starts with Abraham and works forward to Jesus. We talked about the significance of how Luke traces Jesus’ lineage all the way back to the original man while Matthew starts with the man to whom God made promise that found fulfillment in Jesus. Luke seems to pointing towards the importance of Jesus as the Savior of all mankind, while Matthew wants to remind his readers about Jesus fulfilling the promise made to Abraham.
There are 77 people in Luke’s geneaology while Matthew has three groups of fourteen. We noted that the number seven was significant to the Jewish people as a symbol of perfection. If it’s more than coincidence, Luke seems to be saying that Jesus is perfect perfection by the use of 77 people. Matthew has three groups of double perfection. One of the students even commented about the seven days of creation.
We also noticed that Luke’s genealogy simply gave people’s names, while Matthew often provides a description of who he is talking about. Several of those descriptions point out the women in Matthew’s genealogy (none of whom appear in Luke). We find mention of Tamar (a woman who became pregnant after she posed as a prostitute to have sex with her father-in-law), Rahab (a prostitute), Ruth (a Moabite), and the wife of Uriah (Bathsheba, who committed adultery with King David).
Even in something that may seem boring to many, there are a lot of things we can learn about God. In the few verses of Jesus’ genealogy we learn some important lessons. We learn that God is faithful and keeps His promises. In Genesis 3:15, God said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head,?and you shall bruise his heel.” In Genesis 15:5, God told Abraham, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them. So shall your offspring be.”
In addition to His faithfulness, we learn that God can work through common people to accomplish His purposes. Even people who feel like they have messed up are important in God’s Kingdom. From prostitutes to adulteresses to unknown ancestors, God used a variety of people to fulfill his promises. Imagine what God can do through us if we look to Him and allow ourselves to be a part of His unfolding story.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, October 17, 2009
A week of reading
This past week on vacation, I had the opportunity to read five books. I wanted to share with you something I learned from each book.
Raising Boys to Be Like Jesus by Sharon Norris Elliott
I was reminded of the importance of relationships. Throughout this book, the author consistently focused on the importance of character in the midst of relationships. Whether it was his relationship with his mother, his father, or others he encountered, we see an integrity and character that we all should strive for in our lives.
Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom
Faith is more than belief; faith is action. Whether it’s a Rabbi who dedicated his entire life to one community in New Jersey, or a drug dealer and convict turned pastor, who pours his life into a ministry to the homeless in Detroit, faith is something we must live out. I was reminded that God works through the most unlikely people and faith is more about God than it is about us.
A Brief History of the Future by Jacques Attali
History repeats itself. Never before has this fact been so reinforced as it was in this book. As the author reviewed history and speculated about the next century or so, his insights (some of which are already unfolding) reminded me that history is cyclical. There is much to learn about our future by examining our past.
A Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore
Prejudice is alive and well I our country. While things are improving, people still judge others by the way they look. Whether it’s skin color, clothing, or the way we speak, we often jump to conclusions about someone before we get to know them. In this book, I was reminded that some of God’s greatest blessings come from our diversity and willingness to listen to those unlike us. As a rich art dealer and a homeless man develop a rich, warm relationship, God is able to work in incredible ways.
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
You never know the last time you will talk to someone you love. Life takes strange twists and throws us curveballs. We should cherish every moment and treat it like it could be our last. Life is too short to waste time and relationships are too valuable to neglect.
This was a diverse stack of books, but each challenged me in a different way to live life more fully. May God call you to do the same.
shine!
Jason
Raising Boys to Be Like Jesus by Sharon Norris Elliott
I was reminded of the importance of relationships. Throughout this book, the author consistently focused on the importance of character in the midst of relationships. Whether it was his relationship with his mother, his father, or others he encountered, we see an integrity and character that we all should strive for in our lives.
Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom
Faith is more than belief; faith is action. Whether it’s a Rabbi who dedicated his entire life to one community in New Jersey, or a drug dealer and convict turned pastor, who pours his life into a ministry to the homeless in Detroit, faith is something we must live out. I was reminded that God works through the most unlikely people and faith is more about God than it is about us.
A Brief History of the Future by Jacques Attali
History repeats itself. Never before has this fact been so reinforced as it was in this book. As the author reviewed history and speculated about the next century or so, his insights (some of which are already unfolding) reminded me that history is cyclical. There is much to learn about our future by examining our past.
A Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore
Prejudice is alive and well I our country. While things are improving, people still judge others by the way they look. Whether it’s skin color, clothing, or the way we speak, we often jump to conclusions about someone before we get to know them. In this book, I was reminded that some of God’s greatest blessings come from our diversity and willingness to listen to those unlike us. As a rich art dealer and a homeless man develop a rich, warm relationship, God is able to work in incredible ways.
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
You never know the last time you will talk to someone you love. Life takes strange twists and throws us curveballs. We should cherish every moment and treat it like it could be our last. Life is too short to waste time and relationships are too valuable to neglect.
This was a diverse stack of books, but each challenged me in a different way to live life more fully. May God call you to do the same.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Submission and respect
Why do we have such a hard time with submission? It is a lack of respect?
It seems like our society is replete with people who don’t respect others. Think about the number of marriages destroyed because of a lack of respect. People illegally download music off the Internet, stealing it from musicians who invest their life in making music. Students cheat in school showing a lack of respect for teachers and themselves. Television, from reality shows to dramas to sitcoms, shows people treating each other with disrespect.
Paul has some advice for Christ-followers struggling with respect…
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Ephesians 5:16-33)
Relationships are built on the foundation of respect. Respect for covenant and for the other person. This is the foundation of Christ’s love for the church.
Love and respect go together. Whether it’s a parent, a friend, or a spouse, love and respect are essential to a lasting and healthy relationship. Without them, relationships will struggle to survive.
shine!
Jason
It seems like our society is replete with people who don’t respect others. Think about the number of marriages destroyed because of a lack of respect. People illegally download music off the Internet, stealing it from musicians who invest their life in making music. Students cheat in school showing a lack of respect for teachers and themselves. Television, from reality shows to dramas to sitcoms, shows people treating each other with disrespect.
Paul has some advice for Christ-followers struggling with respect…
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Ephesians 5:16-33)
Relationships are built on the foundation of respect. Respect for covenant and for the other person. This is the foundation of Christ’s love for the church.
Love and respect go together. Whether it’s a parent, a friend, or a spouse, love and respect are essential to a lasting and healthy relationship. Without them, relationships will struggle to survive.
shine!
Jason
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