Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
A different dining experience
The soup: potatoes and cabbage (spicy and tastes of potatoes and cabbage)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
i'm just lucky i guess
love these girls! just wanted to share. i'll get back to the leadership series later this week.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
leadership identity
You can't teach a frog to fly. I really believe that the BEST thing a leader can do is get comfortable in their own skin - and lead out of who they are.
Who You Are is made up of a lot of things…it includes your strengths and your weaknesses; and for Christians the “Old Self” and the “New Self, led by the Spirit”.
**Both your nature and your nurture are at work in you, and so is your spiritual transformation.
Leadership gurus have debated over the years about how much effort should be given to improving weaknesses. Some push for well roundedness, others for specialists who focus on only on their strengths.
I think you are most valuable where you add most value, so I try to spend my efforts doing the things that I believe I am stronger in…and maybe even gifted in. This isn't a far cry from the NT teachings on spiritual gifting. Look to:
-1 Corinthians 12
-Ephesians 4
-1 Peter 4
-Romans 12
In each of these there are 3 common themes. 1) There is intended diversity in the way people serve and lead, because 2) God designed people, and He did so that 3) Needs would be met as our diversity leads to our unity and maturity.
Check out my own translation of Romans 12:6-8, "Since we have different gifts, let’s go ahead and be who we are, without trying to be something we’re not – if you preach, preach God’s word; if you’re a serve, serve; teach so that learning happens; encouragers encourage; givers be generous; leaders lead well, and those who show mercy and compassion, do just that & with the right attitude."
--
About 10 years ago, I read a book that set the tone for the way I lead, interact, and build teams. George Barna, in his book The Second Coming of the Church, prescribes that there are 4 styles of leaders. Visionaries see things that should-be and could-be; Strategists understand systems and can chart ways to accomplish a vision; Operational Leaders are great at managing people, resources, and details to completion of a task or goal; and Relational (team building) Leaders understand people, know how and when to communicate so that people will buy-in to an idea. *Which do you think is mostly you?
Simply determining your strengths and your style of leadership doesn't make you a good leader; but owning and practicing that leadership identity puts you on the path to being a great leader!
What’s Your Leadership Discipline?
{I read this somewhere sometime} If you want to be a better golfer what do you do? Practice. How about if you want to be a better musician? Practice. If you want to be a better leader, what do you do? You get the picture. So what’s your daily leadership practice?
--
About 10 years ago, I read a book that set the tone for the way I lead, interact, and build teams. George Barna, in his book The Second Coming of the Church, prescribes that there are 4 styles of leaders. Visionaries see things that should-be and could-be; Strategists understand systems and can chart ways to accomplish a vision; Operational Leaders are great at managing people, resources, and details to completion of a task or goal; and Relational (team building) Leaders understand people, know how and when to communicate so that people will buy-in to an idea. *Which do you think is mostly you?
Simply determining your strengths and your style of leadership doesn't make you a good leader; but owning and practicing that leadership identity puts you on the path to being a great leader!
What’s Your Leadership Discipline?
{I read this somewhere sometime} If you want to be a better golfer what do you do? Practice. How about if you want to be a better musician? Practice. If you want to be a better leader, what do you do? You get the picture. So what’s your daily leadership practice?
A leadership discipline is a behavior that you choose to intentionally practice every day. Here are some tips for creating your leadership disciplines:
1) Keep it Simple. (something that is measurable and achievable)
2) Make it Stretchy. (something that helps you to grow)
3) Make it Fun. (something you enjoy and look forward to)
**As an example, here are my current leadership disciplines:
1) Collaborate with someone, on something, every day. (simple)
2) Evaluate something for effectiveness, clarity, creativity, etc, every day. (stretchy)
3) Invest in another leader, every day. (fun)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
REpost: leadership
I'm doing some leadership development with our staff and leaders...and in prepping I went back and read through this article I wrote in 2008. I'm reposting it now to kick-off a 4-part blog series on leadership.
Certain skills are valuable to all good leaders. I am finding it very difficult to place the following list in an order of importance, though, I might consider them in two groups: 1), of primary importance and 2), of secondary importance.
Primary, or inward skills: Self-Awareness, Discernment, Courage, Loyalty, Integrity
Secondary, or outward skills: People skills, Listening skills, Communication skills, Management skills (including delegation), Initiative (including forward-thinking)
Good leadership is the discipline of building intentional relationships to help guide and enable people to participate in a vision, mission, or goal. People will join a leader because he displays love, humility, authenticity, competency, and self-control. For this reason, leadership must be an action-oriented, interpersonal influencing process. In essence, leadership involves vision and personal initiative. Jesus, who perfectly modeled loving, authentic, relational leadership, did more than just teach these characteristics. He communicated these characteristics through the actions of his life and leadership. One of my favorite leadership quotes has been “We must be the change we envision”; and it is this participation that allows people to truly join and follow a leader, rather than simply submit to his words.
I highly value a self-differentiating-team style of leadership; and I believe that small strategic teams can multiply participation in effective processes. In this model, people are released to reach towards their potential, and together they make something greater than any one of them could have made on their own. In the church, there is strength in dependence as we co-depend on God’s people and ultimately we depend on God. (And not to get way off of track, but, in a way, this mimics a social, or economic, view of the trinity. As Christians, we embrace and celebrate three equal and distinct functional expressions of God’s identity. All divine activity occurs through the cooperation of the three Trinitarian members; and the members express the excellence of the whole one God. Each part of the Trinity fulfills a role within a single, divine program.)
It is true, that there is strength in numbers and that one stick can easily break, but a bundle of sticks cannot be broken. I believe that more success can be experienced when leaders focus on their strengths and depend on strategic teams to accomplish more. Some years ago, I read The Second Coming of the Church, by George Barna, on which I have based much of my leadership philosophy. He asserts that there are four necessary types of leaders in a good leadership team construct. Visionary leaders see the big picture. They dream dreams, tell stories, and inspire people. Strategic leaders know how to put a vision into action. They know where they are going and can determine how best to get there. Operational leaders get things done. They are organized, administrative, and task-oriented. Relational leaders are team builders. They bring cohesion between goals and people; they are often the “glue” that holds the organization together.
Some people are born with leadership traits, but real leaders are developed. I believe that people can work-hard-to-get-better at anything; but one’s weaknesses will never become their strengths. Leaders will be most efficient in areas in which they are most competent. By strategically building teams with balanced leadership styles and skills, I believe that more can be accomplished, and more can be accomplished better. Good leaders are those who are always learning and always developing. In effective leadership, one must never grow stagnant, but instead they must continue to evaluate themselves and their processes, sharpen their skills, and make changes when necessary. Good leaders will always become better leaders when they share leadership, lead by example, and genuinely connect with the people that they are leading.
Monday, June 27, 2011
notes from 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Letter from Paul to the Corinthian church (counter-cultural to readers – and to us)
The audience: THESE ORIGINAL READERS = mostly new Christians
-Their early excitement muted by selfish attitudes and actions
1) They understood GOD FORGIVES SIN {but they} used it as an excuse
2) Within the church = arguments, choosing sides, competing for power
THEIR ATTENTION HAD TURNED FROM GLORIFYING GOD TO GLORIFYING
THEMSELVES, AND B/C OF THIS, THEY WERE NOT OPEN TO THE
TRANSFORMATION THAT GOD WANTED IN THEM AND AROUND THEM.
Paul describes them in Romans 1 this way: that “by pretending to be wise – they became fools, they were trading the greatness and glory of God for much less – for cheap junk”.
I might say: “They had God…but they tried to pretend like they were bigger than Him – and so they really weren’t experiencing what it was to be God’s.”
-I THINK: they wanted what they didn’t have (what seemed "normal"– what their culture said was important. And so they began to even deceive themselves in some sort of false pride. And Paul confronts this:
1 Corinthians 1:26-31: There’s a perspective-thing at work here = they/I don’t seem to realize how impressive God is – the reality is that God is so impressive, that He just can’t be impressed with us and our stuff.
And so Paul writes: 26 For [r]consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to [s]the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;
-In "normal" life, it seems that everything is measured by OUR greatness, aptitude, ability, strength, etc. This is how we are measured/judged/we achieve.
-Paul writes that God calls/chooses not b/c of what we are, but rather, in spite of it.
“You know what kind of people you were – You know that He didn’t choose you because you impressed Him”.
MIRROR MOMENT: “Take a good look – what do you see?” If these Corinthians were honest, they didn’t see many impressive people. They saw very ordinary people, from unimpressive backgrounds.
And in the next few verses Paul reminded them of WHY God chose them: 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29 so that no [t]man may boast before God.
Do you think Paul is saying God is foolish?
God’s Ways are so much higher and wiser than human reasoning that it seems foolish to human thinking.
Paul gives a better example of what seems like the weakness/foolishness of God but is not. 25 Because thefoolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
-What seemed weak to the world – was God’s greatest, most wise, powerful, and noble act.
And so there is this meaning that Paul is trying to express that God’s spiritual sight and perspective is upside-down from the world’s sight and perspective.
-I THINK: they wanted what they didn’t have (what seemed "normal"– what their culture said was important. And so they began to even deceive themselves in some sort of false pride. And Paul confronts this:
1 Corinthians 1:26-31: There’s a perspective-thing at work here = they/I don’t seem to realize how impressive God is – the reality is that God is so impressive, that He just can’t be impressed with us and our stuff.
And so Paul writes: 26 For [r]consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to [s]the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;
-In "normal" life, it seems that everything is measured by OUR greatness, aptitude, ability, strength, etc. This is how we are measured/judged/we achieve.
-Paul writes that God calls/chooses not b/c of what we are, but rather, in spite of it.
“You know what kind of people you were – You know that He didn’t choose you because you impressed Him”.
MIRROR MOMENT: “Take a good look – what do you see?” If these Corinthians were honest, they didn’t see many impressive people. They saw very ordinary people, from unimpressive backgrounds.
And in the next few verses Paul reminded them of WHY God chose them: 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29 so that no [t]man may boast before God.
Do you think Paul is saying God is foolish?
God’s Ways are so much higher and wiser than human reasoning that it seems foolish to human thinking.
Paul gives a better example of what seems like the weakness/foolishness of God but is not. 25 Because thefoolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
-What seemed weak to the world – was God’s greatest, most wise, powerful, and noble act.
And so there is this meaning that Paul is trying to express that God’s spiritual sight and perspective is upside-down from the world’s sight and perspective.
In vv. 27-29, it’s not that they are really ignoble and contemptible; this is just how the world sees them, because most were not born of a powerful-name and they hadn’t amounted to much. BUT THEY WERE CHOSEN, and by really believing in and deciding to follow Christ they’re taking part in this higher-plane spiritual thing.
Why does God intentionally work counter-cultural to humanity in this? 1) He just is higher 2) Purpose - V.29 tells us “so that no flesh should glory in His presence”.
-God chooses the foolish, weak, base, the simple, to prove Himself as the only worthy of glory. In effect, God says: “It’s not you, it’s Me”. He chooses these “foolish Corinthians” in order to humble those in high places…to attack pride…that “under the judgment of God the wisdom of the flesh (all that we could understand and do on our own) can only blush at its miscalculations”.
-God then intends (and does) great things through the fools, the weak, the broken (as they submit to Him, invest in Him as He invests in them).
And so God’s choice eliminates self-esteem. It’s not about their esteem, but about His.
(It seems that all of our Bible heroes were also bumbling idiots in some way; *see Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, Paul, Mary Magdalene, etc.)
Abraham – pretended his wife was his sister and let another man have her (twice!), he had concubines, had a child with slave Hagar,
Moses – killed an Egyptian, reluctant to follow God – made excuses
David – affair with Bathsheba – sent her husband to his death, overlooked sexual abuse to happen in his family,
Peter – rash words & actions, hot-tempered, denied Jesus
Paul – persecuted the church, killed Christians, ignored the HS in Acts 20-21, wrote of His struggle with sin in Rom 7, the thorn in his flesh in 2 Cor 12
Mary Magdalene – possessed by 7 demons
-God intends great things through the fools, the weak, the broken – simple, regular people (as they submit to Him, invest in Him as He invests in them).
-And this is huge – because in Christ we have this ultimate potential that we can live within (who doesn’t want to live their potential?) – And that potential is seen the more we know God and allow Him access to our life…in this He is glorified.
30 But [u]by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, [v]andrighteousness and sanctification, and redemption, The emphasis falls on God’s activity – In Christ = HE is their wisdom (wisdom activity).
God didn’t just make us wise, righteous, and holy in Christ. He gave us Christ so that we should never need anything else for salvation. And wisdom does not have to do with “getting smart”, nor with status or rhetoric. God’s wisdom – the real thing – has to do with salvation through Jesus.
31 so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” God chose the “foolish things” so that they couldn’t boast in themselves…and in that He also made possible the one true ground for boasting: “let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” And this word “BOAST” might best be translated “put confidence in/trust”. And so Paul is writing: “Trust Christ Completely – or trust nothing”.
And so God’s choice demands heightened and proper Christ-esteem self-esteem.
The Challenge: I know my strengths…and I especially know my weaknesses and limitations better than anybody else (you do to). And we usually tend to “front” our strengths (talk big)…and yet we tend to make decisions out of our weaknesses (act small). {talk big about how good we are and what we deserve – act small, doing nothing great, committing to nothing, out of fear or doubt or apathy}
You are (I am) average, weak, and foolish, God chooses you anyways…and God can accomplish great things in you. You only must invest in Him and let Him invest in you – as you do so, remember and embrace that HIS CHOOSING:
1. Eliminates self-esteem (1:26-29)
2. Demands Christ-esteem (1:30-31)
Prayer: That they would put aside everything that keeps them far from God and invest themselves fully in what God is doing this weekend…
Why does God intentionally work counter-cultural to humanity in this? 1) He just is higher 2) Purpose - V.29 tells us “so that no flesh should glory in His presence”.
-God chooses the foolish, weak, base, the simple, to prove Himself as the only worthy of glory. In effect, God says: “It’s not you, it’s Me”. He chooses these “foolish Corinthians” in order to humble those in high places…to attack pride…that “under the judgment of God the wisdom of the flesh (all that we could understand and do on our own) can only blush at its miscalculations”.
-God then intends (and does) great things through the fools, the weak, the broken (as they submit to Him, invest in Him as He invests in them).
And so God’s choice eliminates self-esteem. It’s not about their esteem, but about His.
(It seems that all of our Bible heroes were also bumbling idiots in some way; *see Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, Paul, Mary Magdalene, etc.)
Abraham – pretended his wife was his sister and let another man have her (twice!), he had concubines, had a child with slave Hagar,
Moses – killed an Egyptian, reluctant to follow God – made excuses
David – affair with Bathsheba – sent her husband to his death, overlooked sexual abuse to happen in his family,
Peter – rash words & actions, hot-tempered, denied Jesus
Paul – persecuted the church, killed Christians, ignored the HS in Acts 20-21, wrote of His struggle with sin in Rom 7, the thorn in his flesh in 2 Cor 12
Mary Magdalene – possessed by 7 demons
-God intends great things through the fools, the weak, the broken – simple, regular people (as they submit to Him, invest in Him as He invests in them).
-And this is huge – because in Christ we have this ultimate potential that we can live within (who doesn’t want to live their potential?) – And that potential is seen the more we know God and allow Him access to our life…in this He is glorified.
30 But [u]by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, [v]andrighteousness and sanctification, and redemption, The emphasis falls on God’s activity – In Christ = HE is their wisdom (wisdom activity).
God didn’t just make us wise, righteous, and holy in Christ. He gave us Christ so that we should never need anything else for salvation. And wisdom does not have to do with “getting smart”, nor with status or rhetoric. God’s wisdom – the real thing – has to do with salvation through Jesus.
31 so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” God chose the “foolish things” so that they couldn’t boast in themselves…and in that He also made possible the one true ground for boasting: “let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” And this word “BOAST” might best be translated “put confidence in/trust”. And so Paul is writing: “Trust Christ Completely – or trust nothing”.
And so God’s choice demands heightened and proper Christ-esteem self-esteem.
The Challenge: I know my strengths…and I especially know my weaknesses and limitations better than anybody else (you do to). And we usually tend to “front” our strengths (talk big)…and yet we tend to make decisions out of our weaknesses (act small). {talk big about how good we are and what we deserve – act small, doing nothing great, committing to nothing, out of fear or doubt or apathy}
You are (I am) average, weak, and foolish, God chooses you anyways…and God can accomplish great things in you. You only must invest in Him and let Him invest in you – as you do so, remember and embrace that HIS CHOOSING:
1. Eliminates self-esteem (1:26-29)
2. Demands Christ-esteem (1:30-31)
Prayer: That they would put aside everything that keeps them far from God and invest themselves fully in what God is doing this weekend…
Sunday, June 19, 2011
all-time NBA team
The season is over, the Mavs are the Champs, and basketball talk is beginning to wane. For me, that means (other than the NBA draft), no more sports talk until October. In an effort to keep the conversation alive, I've been brainstorming my "all-time NBA team".
To begin I decided to list (I love lists) my Top Five at each position. *a few positions received a 6th as honorable mention.
PG: Magic, Oscar Robertson, Isaiah Thomas, John Stockton, Jason Kidd, *Steve Nash
PG: Magic, Oscar Robertson, Isaiah Thomas, John Stockton, Jason Kidd, *Steve Nash
SG: MJ, Kobe, Allen Iverson, Pistol Pete, DWade
SF: Bird, Dr. J, Pippen, Rick Barry, Dominique, *LeBron
PF: Tim Duncan, Barkley, Dirk, Mailman, KG
C: Kareem, Wilt, Hakeem, Moses Malone, Shaq, *David Robinson
Then I created my 1st team, The Starting Five:
Jason Kidd - This may seem ridiculous considering his company on the Top Five, but in relation to the reset of the Starting Five, I want a PG with high bball IQ and great passing ability (goes for all my PGs), who also has defensive prowess, and the ability to not be a shoot-first PG. Of course Kidd can score; he's proved himself on the drive and at the 3, but he does look to create opportunity for others to score first. With the scorers he's playing with here, that's what I need from him.
Michael Jordan - It's MJ. The ultimate scorer. Defensive beast. His Clutch-ness. The best.
Larry Bird - A great SF is a multi-dementional workforce who can score, defend, run, gut-it-out, and take over when necessary. Larry Bird is the best SF ever. Period. MJ is the centerpiece of this team, Larry is his VP. His hard work, leadership, and overall bball ability are core to our defensive and offensive strategies.
Tim Duncan - Though I have cross-state rivalry with the SA Spurs, I cannot deny Timmy his place as the best PF in history and the perfect PF for my team. Pass it to him on the post, let him back in a couple of steps and drop it in...all day.
David Robinson - As a MFFL I really struggled with this decision, but my need was for an athletic, strong, center who can rack up blocks and rebounds while working with Tim Duncan and company. That leaves me David Robinson. The same could be accomplished with my Top Five, but not with his humility and teamwork.
Next, I worked out my 2nd Team...it seems ridiculous to call these guys The Bench:
John Stockton - I know, I know...with Kidd and Stockton - Where's Magic!?! Considering the number of dominant players on my team, I had to work hard to choose the outstanding players who can also step-down to the highlight reels. Stockton's game-vision and shooting ability should be rewarded with a ring on this team.
Kobe Bryant - If MJ wants a break, Kobe isn't a bad 2nd option for the SG. I don't care what you say, there is only one MJ. But IF there was a player worthy of the conversation, it's not Grant Hill, LeBron, DWade, AI...it could only be Kobe.
Scottie Pippen - Scottie Pippen obviously has the chemistry to play on the Starting Five with MJ, but Bird gets the edge. The 2 SFs can be switched out as needed. His athleticism and defensive play are key here.
Charles Barkley - Sir Charles is our bad-boy. his aggressiveness on both ends of the court should give our team and fans a boost when needed.
Hakeem Olajuwon - Hakeem is versatile and quick enough to build a team around. Here he pairs with Barkley to move the ball quickly and soundly on the offense, and dominate the boards and blocks (and steals) on the defense.
Finally, I needed a couple of role players as my 11th & 12th Men:
Gary Payton - "The Glove" is here to harass the other team's offense.
Steve Kerr - Think of Kerr as our 12th man/player-coach. Steve can run the offense when/if needed, but also plays a role in sharpening and directing the team as an assistant coach.
I challenged a few friends to create their "all-time NBA team". I'll post the ones I receive in the comments section.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
the math of multiplication
I have spent much of the last 9 years preaching the principle of multiplication. In simple equations, If one event can occur in "m" ways and a second can occur independently of the the first in "n" ways, then the two events can occur in "mn" ways. Spiritually speaking, multiplication is representative of a heavenly paradigm that is upside down from earthly logic. As humans, we draw in to ourselves, accumulate, and build up [this is addition]. With proper perspective, we realize that God is the owner and supplier of all things, and He is deserving of all glory and good; and His activity is of giving out from (and of) Himself. In doing so, much more is made of Him [this is multiplication]. Christ modeled multiplication perfectly as He invested His own power and glory "m" into lives of people around Him "n" to create Christians "mn" (also called Christ-followers, disciples, followers of 'the way', children of God). The key to multiplication is the giving away of "m" and "n". For Jesus, the closer He was to someone, the more practical, personal, and challenging His relationship was with them. The more He gave away, the greater potential of "mn".
The point: The Christian way and life is of the heavenly paradigm. We must not conform to the addition of egocentric self-sufficiency, whether in the physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual realms; but we should be conformed to multiplication in the likeness of Christ, by giving away of ourselves. God produces great things from this paradigm. This means that the activity of worship or community, or any other Christian activity, is not about us. It's about the great thing God is doing as we continue in the process of multiplication that He has begun.
(*The picture is to show the work of multiplication in my own family. New baby Boyd is due November 23rd!!)
Giving Away My Faith
I give away my faith to fulfill God's purposes.
Ephesians 6:19-20, "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."
Giving Away My Life
I give away my life to fulfill God's purposes.
Romans 12:1, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship."
Giving Away My Time
I give away my time to fulfill God's purposes.
Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
I give away my faith to fulfill God's purposes.
Ephesians 6:19-20, "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."
Giving Away My Life
I give away my life to fulfill God's purposes.
Romans 12:1, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship."
Giving Away My Time
I give away my time to fulfill God's purposes.
Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Giving Away My Money
I give away my money to fulfill God's purposes.
2 Corinthians 8:7, "But just as you excel in everything, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us, see that you also excel in this grace of giving."
I give away my money to fulfill God's purposes.
2 Corinthians 8:7, "But just as you excel in everything, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us, see that you also excel in this grace of giving."
Monday, June 13, 2011
Finals Champs!
I try not to rant...anymore. I used to rant. This years Mavs playoff performance has given me occasion to rant.Okay, so I ranted a little on Twitter and FB. Here are a few selected rantings:
-Dirk, Thor…separated at birth? (thx WW for that one)
-Sick of JVG’s anti #Mavs comments. He still thinks @mcuban owes him 100k from 2005
-Lesson: Don’t get their (james/wade) engine started
-Get rebounds, make shots, get rebounds, make shots #Mavs
-Wish it could been Peja not Bibby with the case of the Good Ole SAC days
-Rick: Pull Terry. Thanks.
-#Mavs please don't try to pull the old "we were up by 2 in 06 and you beat us so we've gotta prove we can do the same to you" trick. Please.
-Hey #Mavs "You're good enough, you're smart enough, and gosh darn it people people like you". DO IT.
-Just threw my phone across the room - an accident - don't tell my boss
-I'm literally on the floor #Mavs
-Dirk is Han Solo, Luke Skywalker,
and Lando Calrissian all wrapped up in on. And he just blew up the death star. Oh and Bosh sucks on D.
-Series Strategy: have Dirk cough all over Wade & LaDoof #spreadthegerms #Mavs
-Since when can JET pass!?! Why didn't he start this sooner??
-The correct translation of the german word "Dirk" is: gutsy, tough, committed son of a gun
-Cardinal may be ugly, goofy, and can't play…be he sure can foul!
-I'm a little nervous. Not quite sure how to act tomorrow. I've never been a champion before. #mavsfansince'89
*I've learned a lot about myself throughout this series. I will post soon about how I grew up LeBron, but want to be Dirk.
MFFL
Sunday, May 29, 2011
A Mavs Repost
This is a repost from a April 2005. Since my Mavs are in the NBA Finals, I thought I'd share again. (Though it's mostly a tribute to the Don Nelson era).
I became a Dallas Mavericks fan in the fall of 1990. I sat on the front row of the folding chairs, on the court. I actually had an ESPN cameraman sitting on the floor @ my feet. My dad had scored these tickets FREE from work. I remember getting James Donaldsons autograph and thinking how big these guys really were. Rolando Blackman was honored that night for breaking the team scoring record.
The mid to late 90s were a tough time for the mavs...we had some great players, but they just didn't gel, then...Don Nelson:
Nelson guided the Mavericks to four straight playoff berths and four straight 50-win seasons highlighted by the 2002-03 season where the team finished tied for the best record in the NBA at 60-22 and advanced to the Western Conference Finals. On February 13, 2005, he won his 330th game with Dallas surpassing Dick Motta for most wins in franchise history. He finishes with a Mavericks record of 339-251 (.575) in eight seasons. Nelson owns 42 years of NBA experience as a player, coach and general manager. He is the second winningest coach in NBA history with a record of 1,190-880 (.575) in 27 years trailing just Lenny Wilkens. Nelson, who has also coached Milwaukee, Golden State and New York in addition to Dallas, has led his teams to 50-win seasons 13 times, which ranks tied for second in NBA history with Phil Jackson, and trails Pat Riley's 17 50-win seasons. He became just the second coach, along with Wilkens, to win at least 250 games with three different teams last season (Milwaukee 1976-87, Golden State 1988-95 and Dallas 1997-2005). A future Hall of Famer, Nelson, along with Riley, are the only two coaches ever to be named NBA Coach of the Year three times (1983, 1985 and 1992).
But the thing I will always remember about Don Nelson is how he would sip that Budweiser during press conferences!
I became a Dallas Mavericks fan in the fall of 1990. I sat on the front row of the folding chairs, on the court. I actually had an ESPN cameraman sitting on the floor @ my feet. My dad had scored these tickets FREE from work. I remember getting James Donaldsons autograph and thinking how big these guys really were. Rolando Blackman was honored that night for breaking the team scoring record.
The mid to late 90s were a tough time for the mavs...we had some great players, but they just didn't gel, then...Don Nelson:
Nelson guided the Mavericks to four straight playoff berths and four straight 50-win seasons highlighted by the 2002-03 season where the team finished tied for the best record in the NBA at 60-22 and advanced to the Western Conference Finals. On February 13, 2005, he won his 330th game with Dallas surpassing Dick Motta for most wins in franchise history. He finishes with a Mavericks record of 339-251 (.575) in eight seasons. Nelson owns 42 years of NBA experience as a player, coach and general manager. He is the second winningest coach in NBA history with a record of 1,190-880 (.575) in 27 years trailing just Lenny Wilkens. Nelson, who has also coached Milwaukee, Golden State and New York in addition to Dallas, has led his teams to 50-win seasons 13 times, which ranks tied for second in NBA history with Phil Jackson, and trails Pat Riley's 17 50-win seasons. He became just the second coach, along with Wilkens, to win at least 250 games with three different teams last season (Milwaukee 1976-87, Golden State 1988-95 and Dallas 1997-2005). A future Hall of Famer, Nelson, along with Riley, are the only two coaches ever to be named NBA Coach of the Year three times (1983, 1985 and 1992).
But the thing I will always remember about Don Nelson is how he would sip that Budweiser during press conferences!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Worship & Theology - "You Never Let Go"
Found this and used it for LINK worship last night:You Never Let Go
Verse 1:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:a)
Your perfect love is casting out fear (1 John 4:18)
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life (Mark 4:35-41)
I won’t turn back (John 6:66-69)
I know You are near (Psalm 145:18)
Pre-Chorus:
And I will fear no evil (Psalm 23:4b)
For my God is with me (Psalm 23:6)
And if my God is with me (Psalm 46--especially verse 11)
Whom then shall I fear? (Psalm 27:1)
Whom then shall I fear?
Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go (Hebrews 13:5-6; Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:1-9)
Through the calm and through the storm (Isaiah 25:4)
Oh no, You never let go (John 10:27-28)
In every high and every low (Ecclesiastes 7:14)
Oh no, You never let go (Psalm 55:22)
Lord, You never let go of me (Matthew 28:20)
Verse 2:
And I can see a light (John 8:12)
that is coming for the heart that holds on (Psalm 27:14)
A glorious light beyond all compare (Matthew 17:1-5; 1 Timothy 6:16)
And there will be an end to these troubles (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
But until that day comes (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2; 1 Peter 1:13)
We’ll live to know You here on the earth (Philippians 3:10-11)
Bridge:
Yes, I can see a light (2 Corinthians 4:6)
that is coming for the heart that holds on (Psalm 97:11; Psalm 57:4-7; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; Hebrews 10:35-38)
And there will be an end to these troubles (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
But until that day comes (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You (Psalm 71; Ephesians 5:8)
*If the song has one overarching Scripture reference, it may be, Romans 8:28-39 and especially verses 38-39: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Verse 1:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:a)
Your perfect love is casting out fear (1 John 4:18)
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life (Mark 4:35-41)
I won’t turn back (John 6:66-69)
I know You are near (Psalm 145:18)
Pre-Chorus:
And I will fear no evil (Psalm 23:4b)
For my God is with me (Psalm 23:6)
And if my God is with me (Psalm 46--especially verse 11)
Whom then shall I fear? (Psalm 27:1)
Whom then shall I fear?
Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go (Hebrews 13:5-6; Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:1-9)
Through the calm and through the storm (Isaiah 25:4)
Oh no, You never let go (John 10:27-28)
In every high and every low (Ecclesiastes 7:14)
Oh no, You never let go (Psalm 55:22)
Lord, You never let go of me (Matthew 28:20)
Verse 2:
And I can see a light (John 8:12)
that is coming for the heart that holds on (Psalm 27:14)
A glorious light beyond all compare (Matthew 17:1-5; 1 Timothy 6:16)
And there will be an end to these troubles (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
But until that day comes (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2; 1 Peter 1:13)
We’ll live to know You here on the earth (Philippians 3:10-11)
Bridge:
Yes, I can see a light (2 Corinthians 4:6)
that is coming for the heart that holds on (Psalm 97:11; Psalm 57:4-7; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; Hebrews 10:35-38)
And there will be an end to these troubles (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
But until that day comes (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You (Psalm 71; Ephesians 5:8)
*If the song has one overarching Scripture reference, it may be, Romans 8:28-39 and especially verses 38-39: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
what to look for when reading your Bible
Reading the Bible this week? What are you looking for as you read? What's your method for reading and interpreting (for understanding) the words of God?
Give this a shot- The goal of good and true interpreting is to understand 3 things: 1) What did it mean? 2) What does it mean for me? 3) How do I share it with others?
Of these 3, which are the ways that you have been traditionally taught in Church? Which of these ways do you most often study the Bible? What happens if you leave out one of these methods?
Remember that our goal is to find the text's basic meaning, rather than bring meaning to the text. It's always important to recognize the genre of what you are reading, and read it accordingly. Are you reading narrative or poetry, law or hymns, history or personal letters, prophecy or gospels? This is important, because if you read a genre in the wrong way, you might not catch the irony (sarcasm) of Amos, and believe that he was actually intructing God's people to increase their sins (Amos 4:4)!
Below is my personal map for studying the Bible, I hope it is helpful! *printable version HERE.
Full printable version at this link: HERE
Friday, April 8, 2011
becoming people of the Word
There is no simple pathway to spiritual maturity, but there are disciplines that will help us along the way. If we are going to be deeply formed by Christ, we must become people of the Word.
Let me suggest a structure that might help you grow deeper in God’s Word:
1) Begin with a moment of prayer. Ask God to meet you as you study His Word. Ask for your heart to be tender, open, humble, and repentant.
2) Don’t try to read a great deal. The goal is not to cover a whole lot of the Bible, but to take a portion and go very deep. Or better yet, to let it go deeply into you.
3) Take one thought or verse and live with it. Make it yours for the day, a few days, or even for a week. Remember the words of Psalm 1:1-2: God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won't follow sinners or join in sneering at God… who instead thrill to GOD's Word, and chew on Scripture day and night.
4) Respond to the desire that grows within you from the Word of God. When the truth of God’s Word takes root in our hearts, we will long to be the people He wants us to be. Our desires will change to be His desires. We need to then follow these Spirit-inspired, Word-directed desires, and we will experience transformation in ourselves and in those around us.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
PPL: 3/15/11
1. “Light of the Morning” by Band of Skulls: I have several songs that are perfect for an alarm clock. This is one of them.
2. “Birds of a Feather” by The Civil Wars: This song bounces between the irreverent and reverent in expressing enduring love.
3. “Love Vigilantes” by Iron & Wine: Love song of yearning for one’s wife and kids. This may be my favorite Iron & Wine song, and is one of my favorite storytelling songs (along with Johnny Cash’s “Don’t Take Your Guns to Town” and Bob Dylan’s “Masters of War”).
4. “New York City’s Killing Me” by Ray LaMontagne: I get so caught up in the hurried business of life, that sometimes I just want to get away to a quiet place with intimate friends.
5. “Lost+” Remix by Coldplay feat. Jay-Z: There have been 2 times in my life that I really felt lost. I wish this song had been written before the first time; it was there for the second time. I grew up a Jay-Z fan, and thought he deserved a nod here.
6. “As the Father Sent Me” by Matt Papa: Matt Papa’s songs are simple and rich as he bellows the scriptures. Great missional song that gives me encouragement and inspiration to live life in a manner worthy of what I’ve been called to.
7. “Neutron Star Collision” by Muse: Muse is probably the best modern-day, dramatic-rock band. I’ve always been a sucker for anthem-like love songs. This is a good one.
8. “Royal Blue” by Cold War Kids: I was recently introduced to Cold War Kids tunes. I get excited whenever they pop up on my playlists. This one is catchy.
9. “Let it Be Me” by Ray LaMontagne: Ray gets two songs on the list because he’s my favorite artist. This is my favorite Ray song.
10. “Awake My Soul” by Mumford & Sons: I get swept away bythe melody of this song.
11. “Moment of Surrender” by U2: U2 is my all-time favorite band. Their tunes have influenced most of the artists I listen to. This is a newer song that is super long and super haunting.
12. “Destroy” by Worth Dying For: I heard this track on iTunes while searching for new music. When I played it for my wife, she asked if it was a modern-day Carmen…regardless, it’s challenging, true, powerful, and I keep listening to it over and over.
View/Listen to the playlist on my last.fm page by clicking HERE
Saturday, February 26, 2011
isaiah 55
Isaiah 55 - Invitation to the Thirsty 1 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. 3 Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. 4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a ruler and commander of the peoples. 5 Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations you do not know will come running to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.” 6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”
Sunday, January 30, 2011
My Hope for You as a Community - Part 4
That your family rhythm would be transformed by these principles.
MISSIONAL, CHRIST-CENTERED FAMILY - 19But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. 23Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; 24and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly. 25But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; 26because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. 29Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; 30because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.
Paul didn’t have the wife and kids story…he really didn’t even settle down long enough to have a home. Paul’s family was made up of people that he resonated with along the way [this isn’t just about husband, wife, and kids (if that’s not your situation)…it’s about whoever you consider your family].
The men mentioned in Philippians 2:19-30 were part of Paul’s family. RE: Timothy (his spiritual son): [no one else of kindred spirit {SIGHT}…genuinely concerned for you {ATTITUDE}…seeks after Christ/kingdom driven {PURPOSE} = has been led well by Paul]. RE: Epaphroditus (whom they had sent to minister to Paul while in jail): [brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier {SIGHT, PURPOSE}…minister to Paul’s need…and was worried about others worrying about him {ATTITUDE} even when he was actually very sick.]
When we talk about having Spiritual SIGHT, an ATTITUDE of Christian Submission, and God’s mission as our PURPOSE, we’re not just learning to do church; we’re learning to do life.
Why FAMILY? For all of us, our families are our first calling – and I think we often run danger of giving the actual good stuff to other people. There is the chance that you may offer your transformed life to your church, to your local compassion agency, and even to a co-worker without intentionally leading your family in this way. The Bible deems the person who cares for others, but not his own as “worse than an infidel” (1 Tim 5:8 KJV). [Don’t you love the KJV!]
One of the biggest challenges for any disciple is family life. Incarnational families don’t come easy.
When we focus on how our families are affected by kingdom principles, the question is of what the culture of your home is going to be. What is Christian Culture (Kingdom Culture) in the home? I don’t think that it is enough just to say a prayer together or read a bible story together. Your family must see you live Jesus-stories in front of them…and they need to be as much a part of them as possible.
Here are some notes of Overview for this series, and the situations/opportunities that we brainstormed in group:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/47815847/Kevin-s-Notes-for-Kingdom-Principles-Overview-and-Application
MISSIONAL, CHRIST-CENTERED FAMILY - 19But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. 23Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; 24and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly. 25But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; 26because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. 29Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; 30because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.
Paul didn’t have the wife and kids story…he really didn’t even settle down long enough to have a home. Paul’s family was made up of people that he resonated with along the way [this isn’t just about husband, wife, and kids (if that’s not your situation)…it’s about whoever you consider your family].
The men mentioned in Philippians 2:19-30 were part of Paul’s family. RE: Timothy (his spiritual son): [no one else of kindred spirit {SIGHT}…genuinely concerned for you {ATTITUDE}…seeks after Christ/kingdom driven {PURPOSE} = has been led well by Paul]. RE: Epaphroditus (whom they had sent to minister to Paul while in jail): [brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier {SIGHT, PURPOSE}…minister to Paul’s need…and was worried about others worrying about him {ATTITUDE} even when he was actually very sick.]
When we talk about having Spiritual SIGHT, an ATTITUDE of Christian Submission, and God’s mission as our PURPOSE, we’re not just learning to do church; we’re learning to do life.
Why FAMILY? For all of us, our families are our first calling – and I think we often run danger of giving the actual good stuff to other people. There is the chance that you may offer your transformed life to your church, to your local compassion agency, and even to a co-worker without intentionally leading your family in this way. The Bible deems the person who cares for others, but not his own as “worse than an infidel” (1 Tim 5:8 KJV). [Don’t you love the KJV!]
One of the biggest challenges for any disciple is family life. Incarnational families don’t come easy.
When we focus on how our families are affected by kingdom principles, the question is of what the culture of your home is going to be. What is Christian Culture (Kingdom Culture) in the home? I don’t think that it is enough just to say a prayer together or read a bible story together. Your family must see you live Jesus-stories in front of them…and they need to be as much a part of them as possible.
Here are some notes of Overview for this series, and the situations/opportunities that we brainstormed in group:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/47815847/Kevin-s-Notes-for-Kingdom-Principles-Overview-and-Application
2 Churches
My Hope for You as a Community is what I have called this series, though the actual emphasis is living out a kingdom culture in the world. Consider the Lord's Prayer:
“Pray in this way:
Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
If we are to live by these words of Christ in the prayer that He modeled for us… what would it be like if we actually lived life on earth as the church body… “on earth as it is in heaven”?
For the church, this implies a fundamental shift from the mission-minded people we have become to being a missional people. That may seem as bit confusing; but I do not intend for mission-minded to mean the same thing as missional. The mission-minded church has concern for and is supportive of God's mission (which is good), while the missional church holistically and actively participates in God's mission (which is better).
Consider 2 churches:
Trinity Church operates out of a mindset of *centripetal force. (Centripetal force is a force that makes a body follow a curved path.) I say that TC operates out of centripetal force, because their church locations/meeting times/programs/plans/agendas are looked at as the main place for conversion and life transformation. Those who are far from God must be pulled by some path into a center for change.
Cornerstone Church operates out of a mindset of *centrifugal force. (Centrifugal force (from Latin centrum "center" and fugere "to flee") represents the effects of inertia that arise in connection with rotation and which are experienced as an outward force away from the center of rotation.) I say that CC operates out of centrifugal force, because they see their church locations/meeting times/programs/plans/agendas as building-up-sending-out opportunities. While conversion and life transformation does happen in those environments, the focus is to send out from those centers, changed lives that will change lives.
At PBC, we think and speak more like CC, but as life gets busy and difficult (like it always does), our action can begin to look more like TC. Don't get your feelings hurt, western Christians especially struggle with this. We have been nutured to compartmentalize our life into categories of family, work, friends-close friends-best friends, business, money, education, spiritual matters, social action, etc. It is no easy task for us to break out of the compartments that have been prepared for us and begin to see the whole of our life as fluid and all centered around 1 thing (the mission of God). All of these categories are environments for "knowing God, and making Him known", and all should be pointed to our main purpose.
Our mission statement is to: "Make God known by making disciples who are changed by God to change their world". This is not to be only characteristic of our Home Group time, Community Group time, worship time, serve time, with our church-people, etc. This is to be the way you and I live out our life in all of our categories, so that all are threaded together by this mission. If this is the way we think, speak, and act, we will be like CC. We will be a center for change that sends changed people out to change their world (in their world).
This week, we're dealing with how you can Live as a Missional Family. *See next Post
“Pray in this way:
Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
If we are to live by these words of Christ in the prayer that He modeled for us… what would it be like if we actually lived life on earth as the church body… “on earth as it is in heaven”?
For the church, this implies a fundamental shift from the mission-minded people we have become to being a missional people. That may seem as bit confusing; but I do not intend for mission-minded to mean the same thing as missional. The mission-minded church has concern for and is supportive of God's mission (which is good), while the missional church holistically and actively participates in God's mission (which is better).
Consider 2 churches:
Trinity Church operates out of a mindset of *centripetal force. (Centripetal force is a force that makes a body follow a curved path.) I say that TC operates out of centripetal force, because their church locations/meeting times/programs/plans/agendas are looked at as the main place for conversion and life transformation. Those who are far from God must be pulled by some path into a center for change.
Cornerstone Church operates out of a mindset of *centrifugal force. (Centrifugal force (from Latin centrum "center" and fugere "to flee") represents the effects of inertia that arise in connection with rotation and which are experienced as an outward force away from the center of rotation.) I say that CC operates out of centrifugal force, because they see their church locations/meeting times/programs/plans/agendas as building-up-sending-out opportunities. While conversion and life transformation does happen in those environments, the focus is to send out from those centers, changed lives that will change lives.
At PBC, we think and speak more like CC, but as life gets busy and difficult (like it always does), our action can begin to look more like TC. Don't get your feelings hurt, western Christians especially struggle with this. We have been nutured to compartmentalize our life into categories of family, work, friends-close friends-best friends, business, money, education, spiritual matters, social action, etc. It is no easy task for us to break out of the compartments that have been prepared for us and begin to see the whole of our life as fluid and all centered around 1 thing (the mission of God). All of these categories are environments for "knowing God, and making Him known", and all should be pointed to our main purpose.
Our mission statement is to: "Make God known by making disciples who are changed by God to change their world". This is not to be only characteristic of our Home Group time, Community Group time, worship time, serve time, with our church-people, etc. This is to be the way you and I live out our life in all of our categories, so that all are threaded together by this mission. If this is the way we think, speak, and act, we will be like CC. We will be a center for change that sends changed people out to change their world (in their world).
This week, we're dealing with how you can Live as a Missional Family. *See next Post
.....
*Also, for more on the missional church, click HERE.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
My Hope for You as a Community - Part 3
That you would serve as a team. “That you would have clear kingdom purpose and see your community as purposed together to build up the church."
PURPOSE - 10so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Ephesians 4:1-12 (NASB)
We've been tracking Paul's letter to the christians and churches throughout Ephesus. In it, he clearly exposes the contrast between Christ's Kingdom and the kingdom of the world. Whether talking about dark and light, old and new, self or selfless, he makes the point that Christians are to live under a different value system and for a different purpose than all others. Our purpose is the magnification of Christ, and we are to be participators in building up His Kingdom; and all of our values should align with that as our aim. In short, "it's not about me". This is the theme of Paul's writing, and it matches the example Christ gave - "came to serve, not to be served...that My Father be glorified". Ephesians 4:1-12 is a call to live up to the calling of Christ-likeness.
Here are some study questions for dealing with Ephesians 4:1-12:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/47375592/Ephesians-4-1-12-Discussion-Qs
Here are my answers and reflections on the study questions:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/47375602/Kevin-s-Eph-4-1-12-Answers-to-Discussion-Qs-and-Notes
____________
(*why a diagram of centrifugal force???
come back to this blog next week to find out!)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
My Hope for You as a Community - Part 2
That you would treat one another rightly. “That Christian submission would define your relationships with these people”
ATTITUDE - 3Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but [a]emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
EPHESIANS 5:18-33
Paul has gone from what the church is to what we should be.
In the church, our relationships should be greatly different than they were before we met Jesus.
Verse 21: Submit to one another
READ 5:21-6:9
What Submission is not
Christian Submission is not about being a Doormat
Paul, who writes this passage deals harshly with both secular authorities and with Christian brothers and sisters when they overstep their bounds and treat him as less than he is.
The Submission that Paul is calling us to is a mutual submission – not one where there is one person in submission, and another in authority, but that we would submit to each other.
Christian Submission is not about over-the-top politeness like those two chipmunks in the cartoons who say, “no, no, no, after you,” “no, I insist after you,”
It is not the ignoring of responsibility or authority so we get nowhere and no decisions get made because we are so worried about stepping on each others toes.
Christian Submission is not about the lowest common denominator.
IT is instead, the highest potential can be reached in relationships…and it is completely necessary for participating in God’s mission.
There in a sense in the term of submission of coming under the other person, not to be held down by them, but to lift them up! (SUB / mission)
DO YOU REMEMBER THE OLD ADAGE: two are better than one because they have good return for their work. If one falls down his friend can help him up, but pity the man that falls and has no one to help him up.
-it is much more than an adage…it is God’s instruction and provision for how we are to SURVIVE (outwit, outplay, outlast)…and more than just survive…excel….live life fully.
What Submission is
Definition - a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden".
"put others first" - Contemporary English Version
Instead of looking out for ourselves, we are to be looking out for everyone else, and they are to look out for us.
Christian Submission flows out of Strength, not weakness.
JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE IN THIS.
SCRIPTURE SAYS: (John 13:3-5)
“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
If I suddenly had the divine revelation that Jesus did – all things under my feet, I think I would like to try it out! Not take up the lowliest servant’s job! But because of Jesus’ place of strength, he is able to serve – to subject himself to his own disciples; not as a weak person beaten into submission, but as the strongest person in the universe, choosing to submit.
SCRIPTURE SAYS: (Philippians 2:6-7)
“(Jesus)Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
We too come from a place of strength – (Ephesians 1:3) “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
We respond to that strength, not by taking up any high handed authority, but by submitting to each other.
Christian Submission must come in Relationship
Without knowing each other, knowing the heart’s desire, talking things through with each other, there can be no mutual submission – one will always just be giving in to the will of the other. That is why we need face to face relationships with others – in small groups and close friendships, so that we can obey God’s commands!
Christian Submission is about Sacrifice
Just because submission is not about all these bad things doesn’t mean that it is easy – if it is working it should hurt.
(John 15:12-13)
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
Laying down one’s life is not just about dying it is about giving up what we hold dear because our friend is even more dear to us.
- giving up preferences, honor, possessions… laying down our living lives for each other!
Christian Submission is about Honor
Romans 12:10 “love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.” - NRSV
We are to be a people who lift each other up, not knock each other down.
Christian Submission flows from the filling of the Spirit
Here is a real interesting one…
READ 5:18-21-----fruits of the spirit of Christ in us…
– Be filled with the Spirit, speaking in psalms, hymns, & spiritual songs, singing and making music, giving thanks, submitting to each other…
Our Submission to each other is an outworking of the Spirit’s filling of our lives. If someone likes to call themselves a “Spirit-filled” Christian but cannot submit to others because of pride or rebellion, I want to question their adjective! As this is connected to the filling of the Spirit, we cannot do it without the grace of God flowing through our whole being.
Key words - "out of reverence for Christ"
Just as you have submitted to Christ, submit to each other.
Here are some study questions for dealing with Ephesians 5:18-33:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/46942921/Eph-5-Discussion-Qs
Here are my answers and reflections on the study questions:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/46942922/Kevin-s-Answers-to-Discussion-Qs-Eph-5
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