from our huddle

Jesus didn't come to don't!

2012-01-26T07:40:00.000-08:00

Yes the title of this blog entry is a great example of terrible grammar. (Mrs. Flag, my senior English teacher would be horrified.) But the poor grammar is intentional and pointed!

Hebrews 10:9 tells us that Jesus said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." As we went over that in Bible study last night that really struck me. As we strive for holiness, we so often focus on the don'ts. The ever growing list of things that we can not do if we want to be like Jesus.

But as we study scripture, we find a different pattern. We find that Jesus focus is on "doing" the will of the Father!

With that in mind, might a make a suggestion? Instead living on the defensive and walking around with an ever growing stone tablet of things that aren't permissible... why don't we instead just focus on "doing" what pleases God!

Enjoying the Journey

2012-01-24T15:44:00.000-08:00

As I was studying for Sunday's message in Acts something struck me. God told Philip to go to a town that pretty much didn't exist anymore. Philip obeyed and something miraculous happened. On his journey to Gaza Philip met an Ethiopian and led him to Christ!

The point: sometimes God's intention is not the destination... it's the journey!

Now if your like me that should mean something. Maybe we need to be less focused on getting from point A to point B, and more focused on the people and things that God puts in our path along the way!

Just something to think about as you go through your week. Till next time... I hope you enjoy the journey!

-Jason-

Can you worship a God who isn't obligated to explain His actions to you?

2012-01-23T09:12:00.000-08:00

That's the question author Francis Chan asks of us in his book "Crazy Love." And the answer for some may vary. Perhaps you feel like God needs to explain himself. Maybe you question his nature or his character and because of that you constantly have questions about and for God. "God, why are there so many starving people in the world?" "God why did my friend have to die?" "God, why did my spouse leave me all alone?"

While these questions would seem "normal" and even justified by some in our society today, I would encourage pause on our part when we feel these kind of things rising up in us. I've heard many a preacher proclaim that God is big enough for our questions. And I want you to know that I believe that is true. God is certainly big. I mean we are still exploring the depths of his first sentence of revelation to us: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The question isn't about the size of God, or even the power of God, the question ultimately is about the authority of God. People today aren't "comfortable" with a God that isn't obligated to explain his actions. They would rather question everything that is wrong with our world and point the finger at God as if it's all His doing.

(If your one of those people, be warned, I'm about to offend you.) As I study scripture there is one thing that God has nailed down within me, and that is His character! My God is loving and merciful and gracious, but He is also totally just! He owes no man an explanation of who He is, yet He has given us a loving account of self-revelation. No, as I study scripture what I have found instead is this: it is not God's character that needs to be questioned it is ours! Why are so many people starving when we throw out tons of food a year? Why are people dying of curable diseases when we have the resources to do something about it? Why are there more slaves today than ever in the history of the world? Why has the gospel still not reached the ends of the earth when we live in a day and age where we have the ability to communicate like never before?

The answer friends is right before us! The answer stares back at each of us every morning as we look into the mirror. We are the ones that must give account. You want to ask God the tough questions? Then you better be prepared to answer them yourself?

These questions leave me humbled, embarrassed, even ashamed. They also leave me challenged. Wanting. Ready to change and make a difference.

The question should not be can we worship a God who isn't obligated to explain His actions to us, the question should be how could we worship a God who was anything less?

The 2 year/read the Bible in 90 days plan!

2012-01-18T21:24:00.000-08:00

When you have to work to remember the password to your own blog... you know it's been a while since you've written. I could say that the holidays were busy (which they were) or come up with some other excuse, but the truth is I've been trying to pour more time into listening and less time into talking.

As a pastor, you have to talk a lot. Public speaking is a requirement and teaching multiple times a week is common. I don't mind it to tell you the truth. I think it keeps me sharp on some level... always having to prepare for something else. The amount of preparation never changes much for me. Study is extremely important and has to be done. My struggle is usually not the amount of time that I'm in the Word... it's more like a struggle of "who am I in the Word for?" I've told my congregation on several occasions that I simply preach/teach what the Lord is teaching me... and that is completely true. But there are times that I long for something just between me and Him.

So...I've recently picked back up where I left off in my Bible reading plan from last year. The plan was to read the entire Bible cover to cover in 90 days. It's a great way to get the big picture, and I enjoyed it for a time. But along the way, I also missed the more intimate time with the Lord that I used to enjoy. Journaling and talking about His Word and how it was speaking to my heart.

I've been in the book of Jeremiah and have been working through it at a little better than a snails pace for a few weeks now. I'm looking forward to finishing what I started last year... a 90 day plan that will probably end up taking me the better part of 2 years... oh well!

I've started journaling again and some of it may even make it here. We'll see. For now, I'll leave you with my prayer from Jeremiah 23:4. "I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing." - Lord, help me be that kind of shepherd. Help us move beyond the hurt and fear of the past and press on and run with perseverance the race you've marked out for us in this city. -

Leaping for Joy!

2011-11-08T08:09:00.000-08:00

“Be strong, do not fear; you God will come… Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.” - (Isaiah 35:2,5-6)

As Pentecost was ushered in during a celebration of first-fruits believers were in awe of the power of God. In retrospect we see the significance. Pentecost was only the beginning… the first-fruits of what God was about to do. It’s during this early “first-fruits” period of the church that we find one of my favorite stories. Acts 3 tells us of a lame beggar’s encounter with Peter and John as he sat outside the “Beautiful” gate begging for alms. After getting his attention Peter tells the lame man that he has no silver or gold to give him, but that in the name of Jesus Christ he should get up and walk! Peter took the man by his right hand and helped him up, “and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.”

Did you catch it? The lame leaping like a deer! It’s a great story. A powerful story. I encourage you to read it today. But as you do, remember this… it’s only the first-fruits of what God is going to do!

When Jesus returns all will be made new! The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will leap for joy!

And to that we say… come, Lord Jesus, come!

A Haunting Little Word

2011-09-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

There is a three letter word that has been haunting me the last couple of weeks. And it persistently continues, even now as I type these words. Oh how I wish the word was joy, or fun, or even sun. But as luck would have it, it’s much more disturbing than that. This three letter word is one that involves each of us and one that we think about often, and usually first. It’s a word that, when not taken in the context that we find it today, is quite familiar and even comfortable.

Oh, but when the veil is thrown back and it is viewed in light of responsibility, commission, and command, it changes drastically the meaning of these three letters. The word you ask… why it’s:

YOU.

You the reader. You the hearer. Which of course means it’s me as well. You refers to us, the totality of those who are witnesses, those who are followers, those who identify ourselves as Christians.

In Acts 1:8 Jesus says, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

The same little word shows up in the “Great Commission” in Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus says we are to go and make disciples, baptizing them, “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

(Are you starting to see how these three letters have been haunting me?) As we continue to walk through the book of Acts on Sunday mornings… as we continue to gather together in fellowship, anxiously awaiting the return of our Savior…as we continue to cry out “How long?” let us be reminded of this little three letter word. Actually, let it do more than remind us, after all reminders can be “snoozed”.

I pray instead that this word would haunt us! When we lie down, when we get up. Reminding us that this is God’s plan! To use us. Each of us individually. The mighty conglomeration of “you.” Father, remind us that there is no plan B. You simply say to each of us, me included… “You go and make disciples. You go and be my witness.”

Perhaps Peter says it best when writing those in the faith. He says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Did you notice who He is patient with? That’s right…. you and me. Meditate on those words in light of Acts 1:8, “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish.”

Ouch! When taken in context, that three letter word is hard to look past. It speaks of calling, commission, and personal responsibility. I know it’s a word that is going to affect me… I hope and pray that it affects you as well.

Dolphin Tale - Awesome Family Movie

2011-09-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

Our Fridays are usually family days. Today was a great one. We ended up all over Austin. We ate way too much, played at a fun park we just happened upon, and saw Dolphin Tale. What a great family movie!

After the movie, I asked Cole, "What is your favorite part?" He replied, "All of it." That's saying a lot for this seven year old.

Seriously, this is a fabulous movie, and maybe because we also just watched Soul Surfer as a family, but I give Hollywood kudos for putting out these films. Dolphin Tale is a wholesome, charming movie with a fabulous story. In short, the movie is about a boy who finds an injured dolphin, gets to help rehabilitate the dolphin, and how this impacts him and those around him. But that doesn't really do it justice.

I laughed as I read through some of the reviews of this film. Many critics complained about it's predictability. First of all, it's based on a true story so, yes it's predictable. Secondly, I'm not sure it would be such a great family film had it gone any other way. Another reviewer claimed it was appealing but too inspirational. Seriously ?!?

Dolphin Tale is predictable, but completely satisfying. It's clean and endearing. You will laugh. You might shed a tear. You will leave smiling.

For a great and complete review, check out Plugged In.

He Knows My Name

2011-09-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

Tommy Walker has been leading worship in Los Angeles California for over 20 years. During that time he’s written several songs. (He currently has around 100 songs being tracked by CCLI.) One of my favorites by far has to be, He Knows My Name. It says:

Verse 1

I have a Maker, He formed my heart.
Before even time began, my life was in his hands.

Verse 2

I have a Father, He calls me His own
He'll never leave me, no matter where I go.

Chorus

He knows my name, He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls, and He hears me when I call.

I think the song resonates deeply with me because it reminds me that my God truly cares for me. He is my good shepherd, and He knows my name. He even knows the number of hairs on my head. My God never leaves me or forsakes me. He made me in His image, and He has gifted me for His glory!

Recently we’ve been studying the life of Gideon (both during family study and in small group). During Gideon’s time, the Israelites were being ruthlessly tormented by the Midianites. The Bible says that they would come like “swarms of locusts” and invade the Israelites carrying off all of the fruits of Israel’s hard labor. Devastated, the Israelites found themselves hiding out in caves, and living lives in fear. When we meet Gideon, that’s exactly what he’s doing. He’s threshing wheat in a wine press so that he won’t be seen by the Midianites (Judges 6:11-14). An angel of the Lord appears to him and says, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”

Now we can only imagine how Gideon must have felt at that moment. The text shows us that clearly he felt somewhat abandoned by God. In his situation, he must have felt helpless, weak, at the mercy of a group of relentless marauders. Yet God greets him with a reminder and a revelation. First He reminds Gideon, even though he feels abandoned, he isn’t alone. God’s promise throughout scripture seems to be His continual presence with His people. Time and time again we see God saying, “Be strong and courageous for I am with you.” And here we find God reminding Gideon of that same thing; “The Lord is with you.” Second, we see God giving Gideon a revelation. He greets him as “mighty warrior.” Now, I’m sure that Gideon didn’t feel too “mighty” as he was threshing his wheat in hiding. But God saw something in Gideon that Gideon himself couldn’t. God saw strength. And not only did He see it; He revealed that hidden strength to Gideon and challenged him to “go in the strength that you have.”

As you read these words, I’m not sure where you are in life. Maybe all is good, wonderful, and joyous. If so, praise God! But maybe you, like Gideon, are hiding out. Maybe your feeling all alone. Abandoned. Defeated. Fearful. Can I remind you of something today? Something that the Lord reminded me of? God knows you! He knows you better than you know yourself. And God’s reminder to us through Gideon is this: My child, it’s not about your situation…it’s about your strength! Mighty warrior, go in the strength that you have!

Welcome to Our Blog

2011-09-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

We have no idea what will come of this, but Jason and I have decided to blog together. Honestly, we both enjoy writing but time is usually the issue. So, welcome to this blog, whatever becomes of it.