the Sacred Journey

2008-03-02T12:13:00.004-06:00

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Francis Schaeffer's dictate in Mark of the Christian, "Because a man is a man, he is to be loved at all cost." Christ gave love priority over all other Christian virtues. "This is the message you heard form the beginning: We should love one another" 1 John 3:11
Yet in the fast paced life we live, we have yet to learn how to fully love in all of it's pain and pleasure. C.S. Lewis wrote "To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to be sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one - not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safely in the casket or the coffin of your selfishness. But, in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, unredeemable. The only place outside heaven where you can be safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love, is hell."

This Sunday begins my journey for the next 52 weeks. I am learning to live a life of love! I hope that you will join me weekly as we share this journey.

The Usual Suspects

2007-11-01T15:40:00.001-05:00

It’s bittersweet in that we have been in Acts for the past two years, we have gone verse by verse, chapter by chapter, 58 messages in 12 mini-series and now we are finishing strong in the last chapter of Acts with a series called “The Usual Suspects”. You never know where life is going to take you or who you will meet along the way; but God is preparing divine encounters where you might be blessed by a stranger or be a blessing to a friend. There is a special e-vite that you can send to your friends inviting them to be your guest at The Fellowship this weekend. Just go to The Fellowship home page and click on the banner that says "Invite a friend to The Fellowship".

Just a note - this Sunday is daylight savings time so "Fall back" one hour and don't forget that we are having Donuts for Dads. So bring the kids, leave the pajamas on and have some donuts!

Spells, Spirits and the Unseen

2007-10-31T09:42:00.000-05:00

Halloween is always a mixed bag for Christ followers. Its origins run deep into the past practices of ancient Celtic pagans where October 31st was considered to be the most powerful day of the year for casting spells and calling upon spirits. Yet it is also the eve before "All Saints Day" - where as early as 270 A.D. Christians would celebrate the anniversary of a martyr's death in an all night vigil followed by the taking of communion at the fallen saint's grave. Like many religious events, this pagan practice has become secularized and what we experience today in Katy, Texas, didn't even exist before the 1950's. The truth is that the origins of this day have little to do with what people believe and practice on Halloween. But it is does bring into focus the very issue I shared on Sunday about the "unseen". Remember that in 2 Corinthians 4:18 Paul writes that we are to "... fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." So what can you fix your eyes upon this Halloween? Is it the sites and sounds of candy, costumes or a child's customary "Trick or Treat" that will be the focus of our evening or is there more than the senses can detect. What is truly going on the spiritual realm? The Bible tells us that there is a battle raging against rulers, authorities and powers of the dark world, spiritual forces of evil. (Ephesians 6:12) This battle that is 24/7, not just relegated to one evening a year where goblins and ghouls haunt the night. The truth is that the enemy, though cloaked in the darkness, has been exposed by the light of God's presence, truth and love. God is present tonight! Let his light shine in all we do in his name and for his glory. Why do we as Christ followers have parties at our churches, hand out tracks about Christ or engage in the evening's festivities ... it is because our God reigns and not even one single night a year will we allow an evil darkness to come over our community and world. So let your light shine on this Hallowed Eve and pray that all who step into the dark of night would be drawn to the eternal light of the truth of God's love and grace!

I hope that you will join me tonight at the Hallelujah Hay Day at The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch, bring a friend!

Betcha That's a Great Ride

2007-10-22T11:50:00.000-05:00

The city of Banda Aceh is alive with activity, the hustle and bustle of a normal urban environment. If you want to get around you can hire a car, take a small bus, taxi or the best way to see the town, a Betcha! Yes, it's my favorite way to get around town and yes it is pronounced just the way it sounds. Will is the photography and he went along for the ride. The city is alive like any urban scape, with sites, sounds and sensory experiences, but the challenge is to look beyond the five senses and exegete. It doesn't take long to see hurt and hope, suffering and smiles, pain and pleasure on the faces of people as they pass by. This is a city living in the reality of its only moment, today. They are people filled with so much life after suffering so much death. There are indeed signs of hope, just ride a betcha and see!

Serious Coffee

2007-10-22T11:38:00.000-05:00

A morning cup of coffee to get the blood flowing and the senses awaken. I'm sitting at a little shack on the banks of the Acehnese river where they make a mean cup of coffee. Acehnese coffee is for serious coffee lovers. It's smooth, rich and strong ... can't you just smell that aroma. I'm bringing back about 5 kilos, so if you want some, let me know and I will share some of my beans with you. Sipping coffee is just a small part of the experience, it's more about sitting with new friends, watching and soaking up the new day filled with all its opportunity.

This morning we are going into the villages up in the mountains to visit some areas heavily populated by freedom fighters called Guam. They are a people traumatized by 30 years of civil war, death and destruction but they weren't as impacted by the tsunami. They are angry and untrusting, but yet they have a deep longing to be a part of the new building and prosperity of Aceh. They need education, job training, medical and so much more. They feel little hope about the future, but our God is a god of hope! Pray that the work among the Guam will continue to open doors of blessing for the future.

A Little Piece of Paradise

2007-10-22T09:20:00.000-05:00

I know it looks like I got photo shopped into this picture but trust me this is the real deal. I am standing on the edge of a 1/2 acre of paradise where we will be building a retreat center for training and respite. As soon as we have something built it will also be a place for our teams to spend a day or two to train as well as retreat. We took a hydrofoil to the island of Wey and then across to the other side of island by the capital city called Sabang. We went to the "Tuna" cafe and then walked over to the property. It is tropical with cliffs reaching out over a emerald green sea. It is truly a little piece of paradise! As I walked the property I prayed that God would use this place as a blessing to so many who continue to love the Acehnese people with the love of God.

Tomorrow is my last day and then I will be heading home. This trip has been strategic for Bridges of Hope and The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch. I want to say again how much your prayers have strengthened me on this journey. I will be sharing more this Sunday, I can't wait to see all of you!

It's All About The Foundation

2007-10-18T20:35:00.000-05:00

You can build all day long but in the end if the foundation is flawed the building will be compromised. We went with a friend who has developed a way to make bricks without using a kiln. This is a huge idea because if you look at the massive Sumatran jungle it won't take you long to see swaths of jungle spanning miles where the trees are being harvested to keep kilns burning to fire the bricks to rebuild the city of Banda Aceh. But a brick, made of sand, cement, water and other ingredients with little or no environmental impact is huge. They make the brick, put them under clear tarps to create a curing process that takes about 30 days. As they have been experimenting with bricks they keep discovering cracks that don't effect the quality of the building just the looks. But as they continue to build they know that it all depends on a level, well done foundation. Jesus reminded the disciples to pay attention to what you are building your life upon! There is only one solid foundation.

Radical Inclusiveness

2007-10-18T20:22:00.000-05:00

I remember when I was little singing the song, "He's got the whole world in his hands ..." Sing it with me "... you and me and brother, in his hands, he's got you and me and brother ..." O.K., people are starting to stare at you! :-) But that song reminds me of the simple truth, that God's heart is an inclusive heart. God's desire is that none should perish into an eternity absent of His presence, but rather that they should know His love and redemption for all eternity. This is indeed an age of radical inclusiveness where God's plan for the nations is unfolding before our eyes. This morning I listened as a brother shared his journey to read all of scripture,Genesis to Revelation,highlighting every place where the word spoke of God's heart for the world, all people, all nations. His journey has been life changing as he began to see God's heart and promises for all people, and he's only through Jeremiah. I am so glad that God included you and me and that He has called us to share the love of his radical inclusiveness to the Acehnese people. Psalm 145 would be great place to spend some time just to see what I mean!

Visions and Dreams

2007-10-18T18:28:00.000-05:00

The people of Aceh are praying daily in the Mosques prayers that say they want to know God and yet they can't find him. They are hungry for the truth and long to know God but debate and propositional truth makes little inroads to their search for meaning. As I listened to a man speak of how men and women are having visions and dreams where Jesus appears to them, I was reminded of Isaiah 29:8 says "as a hungry man dreams that he is eating, but he awakens, and is hunger remains; as when a thirsty man dreams that he is drinking, but he awakens faint, with his thirst unquenched."

In the Islamic world dreams are important to discerning truth and to understanding what God wills. Through history God has used visions and dreams to lead people to an understanding of His will for their lives. That is evident even today among the Acehnese people. The Lord is appearing to them and leading them to believers who can explain the way. So pray ... pray that the Lord of the universe will appear to men and women in visions and dreams leading them to seek out the truth from those whose are pointing the way.

A Hope and a Future

2007-10-18T18:00:00.000-05:00

What an awesome day here in Banda Aceh. It began with an early morning run, shower and a Zone bar before spending time in Jeremiah 29. Jeremiah reminds Israel as well as all Christ followers that if we seek God, we will find Him, when we seek Him with all our hearts. The heart is filled with desires and I have to constantly ask, is my deepest desire to know the Lord more intimately and to follow him more closely. On most days in my little part of the world called Katy, the answer is yes. But on days like today sitting at the feet of some men and women whose passion burns so brightly that it casts a shadow of doubt. Lord I want to seek you with such abandon, and obey you with a reckless heart.

Some of those that I met today I won't share their names nor their causes for the sake of their own safety, but believe me they are making advances for the cause. When you see the sacrifice, suffering and service of these great people, I am moved at the deepest places of my soul. It is exciting to know that in our faith community called The Fellowship, there is a desire to radically and recklessly love others. From our community, city to the Acehnese God is at work.

Keep praying, keep seeking, keep serving, keep loving, keep hoping and believing God for He has a future for you, me and The Fellowship.

The Value of a Mom

2007-05-10T15:38:00.000-05:00

Salary.com, a Massachusetts firm specializing in determining compensation, surveyed 40,000 mothers and found that if she were paid for all her work, the average mother works 92 hours and week, and would earn almost $140,000 a year. The company concluded the average mom works at least 10 jobs, including housekeeper, teacher, cook, computer operator, laundry machine operator, janitor, van driver, psychologist, and chief executive officer. Calculating the median salaries for each position and the number of hours worked at each during the week, the firm came up with an average salary of $138,095 a year. Salary.com’s calculations found that even mothers who work full-time outside the home, put in approximately $86,000 worth of work as mothers every year.

Proverbs reminds us, … Who can find a wife with a strong character? She is worth far more than jewels. Her husband trusts her with {all} his heart, and he does not lack anything good. She helps him and never harms him all the days of her life. She seeks out wool and linen {with care} and works with willing hands. She is like merchant ships. She brings her food from far away. She wakes up while it is still dark and gives food to her family and portions of food to her female slaves. She picks out a field and buys it. She plants a vineyard from the profits she has earned. She puts on strength like a belt and goes to work with energy. Proverbs 31:10-17 (GW)

I hope that every mother realizes that her worth and impact go far beyond her monetary value, for the role and blessing of motherhood can and should have an eternal value that even surpasses her temporal worth. Let’s celebrate motherhood and all moms and moms to be this Sunday.

Calling all Super Heroes!

2007-05-03T11:36:00.000-05:00

I started reading a book this week, called “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell. It is subtitled, “How Little Things Can make a Big Difference”. In the first chapter Gladwell talks about the three agents of change; the law of the few, the stickiness factor, and the power of context. Over the next few weeks I’ll share some additional thoughts on this book but let me just say this … it only takes one person to make an eternal difference. We all know the story of Paul Revere and his midnight right to warn all that “the British are coming.” It was that lone voice that created a sonic boom of resistance against the British on April 19th 1775 and ushered in the American Revolution. Gladwell says that “it is safe to say that word of mouth is – even in this age of mass communications and multimillion-dollar advertising campaigns – still the most important form of human communication.” That’s how the gospel of Jesus Christ has spread around the world, one voice adding to another till the sound reverberates to every continent – Jesus Christ is Lord! That is our mandate, our calling, our mission … to love and lead our community to Christ, to communication in word and deed God’s eternal love and grace. That’s what we are doing here at The Fellowship this summer … mobilizing all God’s average ordinary everyday superheroes in Christ.

I need you to consider the Mexico mission trip this summer, click this link for details (http://www.thefellowship.org/global_impact/mexico/index.htm) we need 15 more men, women and students who are willing to take the time and make the trip – it will be worth it, life changing!

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said “There is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.” What are you waiting for? Don’t forget that you are an “Average, Ordinary, Everyday Superhero … out to save the world!” Sign up for the Mexico mission trip today by emailing Pastor David Ruzicka (david@thefellowship.org).

Back Home Again

2007-05-02T11:46:00.000-05:00

What an incredible two weeks in Indonesia studying its history and Islamic influence in Southeast Asia. I am so glad to be back and I look forward to sharing my experiences and insights with each of you. Also, let me take this opportunity to say thank you for your prayers and encouragement as I continue my doctoral studies in Transformational Leadership. I could not do this if were not for a great staff, encouraging Elders and a supportive church family. You are all such an incredible blessing.

Traveling outside the United States brings a profound awareness that all eyes are on the US. I landed two weeks ago in Taipei to news of the Virginia Tech massacre and then in Jakarta I watched, as any global citizen would, the news reports and wondered, “How could this happen?” “Why did this happen?” The world and its woes are a complicated mixture of anecdotes and analysis that leave all of us wondering what will happen next. But in the midst of global chaos, the words of scripture resound, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV) In the midst of a life of uncertainty these words cause me to stop and fall to my knees in intercession for the world, recognizing that nothing escapes God’s notice, I say thank you Lord for your promises, your provision, and your eternal protection. These words cause me to live with a prayerful heart toward heaven.

Tomorrow, Thursday May 3, is the National Day of Prayer (http://www.thefellowship.org/prayer/pdf/prayer_guide_ndop_07.pdf) this link is the prayer guide for you to use. There are several ways to participate: You can join me and others 8:30 a.m. in the loft for prayer. You can download or print out the prayer guide and use in your S.O.A.P.ing up. You can download and print out the prayer guide and handout at your office and lead in a time of prayer at lunch or sometime during the day. You can use the prayer guide for a family devotion with your children. I would love to hear how you participated in praying for your nation – email me jerry@thefellowship.org. Listen, there is to much going on in our nation for us not to take some time and join our hearts together with Christ followers all of the United States to pray that God would bless our country.

Love is ...

2007-02-14T11:17:00.000-06:00

It's Valentine's Day or as my kids like to call it, Single Awareness Day. It is a day every year where I wonder what I can buy for Gail that will communicate the depth of my love and devotion to her. How do you say "I love you!" in ways that transcend mere words? Love has been written about, portrayed on the stage and in movies and yet there is nothing as poignant a picture of love as 1 Corinthians 13 ...

Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

John 15:13 where Jesus, "Great love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. The ultimately expression of love is laying life down and picking up an agenda that is God's born out of a love for him. Just today I received an email from Naomi Contreras, a passionate follower of Christ here at The Fellowship, who shared these words with me. They were penned by a young man in Africa and tacked to a wall in his house. The exact story I can't verify but, it has been said that in 1980 this young Rwandan man was forced to renounce Christ or die. When he refused, he was murdered on the spot. The night before his death he had written these lines. Words like these express a love that moves beyond sentimental notions, leading us to live a life of worship, giving God our attention, adoration, affection and allegiance - our very lives.

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence,prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few,my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me--my banner will be clear!

Sacred Garments

2007-02-06T11:40:00.000-06:00

The last few weeks I have been reading, thinking about the wound that we all share ... the depravity wound. I see it everyday on the news, in the headlines and on the Internet. Just this morning I was listening to reports by reporters who just couldn't understand how smart men and women could do dumb things or why rich individuals would choose to do lead destructive life styles. There is this belief that educated, well off people have the capacity to "be better" than those who are less educated or less well off financially. The truth is that no person is immune when it comes to the depravity wound; that wound which is from our sin nature, which no matter how hard we try, it just doesn't heal on its own. In the Search for Authentic Manhood by Robert Lewis, he talks about this wound and how it can't be overcome by education, money or self effort. It is a wound only God can heal. As I was S.O.A.P.ing up yesterday and today in Exodus 20-30, I came across God instructions to Moses about the priests clothing and how they were to, "Make sacred garments ... to give him dignity and honor." That really caused me stop and think about how you and I are able to go before God because of the sacred garment of Christ's righteousness which gives us dignity and honor. When I think about all that Christ has done to take a life suffering from sin and cloth it with the sacred garment of His righteousness ... it is to his glory. Paul said in Romans 8:10, "But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness." I am alive in Him and as Isaiah wrote ... "I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." May my life reflect that truth on the sacred journey.

Meeting with God

2007-02-05T08:28:00.000-06:00

What an awesome Sunday. We welcomed our new Worship Pastor, John Cordes and his family as we worshipped our audience of one, God himself! I was S.O.A.P.ing up this morning in Exodus 20-30, Iwas just going to read a chapter or two but I just got enthralled with Moses' conversation with God on Mount Sinai. After my worship experience yesterday I couldn't wait to meet with God this morning. Two things really stuck out in these 10 or so chapters ... one was in 20:20, Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." A healthy fear that keeps you from sinning is key to living a life that honors God. I always tell my children, "You can choose your sin, but you can't choose your consequences." Too often I look right past the glaring potential consequences of my choices and only see the immediate gratification and pleasure of my sin. It is the reality of the consequences and the God who loves me enough to discipline me, or administer those consequences that causes me to slow down and choose wisely. Fear is indeed the beginning of wisdom. I know it breaks God's heart when I choose to sin and thus choose the consequences. I have told my children, "I don't understand why you chose this punishment." They look at me rather incredulously and say, "I didn't chose this!" My response is, "Sure you did! You knew the consequences and chose to ignore them, therefore you chose them." As a parent it breaks my heart to enforce their choices, I can only imagine how God feels.

The second thing that really stuck out in these chapters I'll share with you tomorrow. Have a God filled day on your sacred journey - Jerry.

Red Sky

2007-01-29T06:55:00.000-06:00

I wish you could see the sky right now. We are at Cat Springs on a staff retreat and it is 6:50 a.m. and the sun is coming up and the sky is incredible. Th red is a ablaze and I am profoundly aware of God as the majestic creator. I am S.O.A.P.ing up in Exodus 33:12:33 where Moses is talking with God about going with him where ever he goes. The text records God's response and it echos in my mind, "My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest." I am often driven, living out of a sense of missional urgency, wanting to live and move with a sense of purpose. But everyday I find God calling me, reminding me that purpose flows from his presence, and strength from His rest! Further on that passage Moses says to the Lord, "Show me your glory..." As I gaze at the morning the sky it is truly a reflection of God's glory and a blazing reminder of God's beauty, creativity and majesty. It also reminds me of his fire that burns in my bones and the warmth of his embrace. I pray that you see and expereince his presence, rest and glory today. Blessings. On the journey together!

Garbage In Garbage Out

2007-01-24T09:04:00.000-06:00

Every new year we make resolutions and about this time of the month they have taken a back seat to the tyranny of the urgent. We are three weeks into a new series that has challenged my mind, body and soul. If you haven't listened to all of the messages you can go www.thefellowship.org and listen. This past week I was taking about the mind and its power over our lives. I shared from Dallas Willard's book Renovation of the Heart, about what he says are the complex components of the mind. (I think I went a little fast on this part on Sunday so here they are ...

Thoughts – all the ways in which we are conscious of things. Including memories, perceptions and beliefs.
Ideas – very general models of or assumptions about reality. They are patterns of interpretation, historically developed and socially shared. Like, what is a family, what does it mean to make a living, to love your neighbor, etc.
Images – concrete and specific, as opposed to the abstractness of ideas, they are heavily laden with feeling. smiles of your children, pictures of your family arguing, a favorite vacation – all with the potential to illicit powerful emotions.
Information – without information our ability to think has nothing to work on. We need to know what God says so that we can put his word into your lives, our actions.
Thinking – the activity of searching out what must be true, or cannot be true, in the light of given facts or assumptions. It extends the information we have and enables us to see the “larger picture” – to see it clearly and to see it wholly.

This morning I was S.O.A.P.ing up on Romans 12 where Paul speaks about the temptation to let the world squeeze me into its mold. The only way to experience the transformation of the mind is through Christ's work in my life with special attention given to the thoughts, ideas, images, information and thinking of my mind. You know the saying GIGO (garbage in garbage out) ... after all the mind is a terrible thing to waste!

Living Water

2006-12-21T16:30:00.000-06:00

Christmas is just a few days away, and I am pondering and reflecting upon the coming of the Messiah and what it means in my life. As I reflected upon the difference Jesus has made in my life my thoughts turned to the very first miracle of Jesus, turning water into wine, and the fact that Jesus is the Living Water. Water is vital for life ...

The statistics are staggering.

1 Billion very important people lack access to clean water. (Although we don't know them personally, are they really less valuable than we are?) They drink from polluted lakes and streams where animal waste, human waste, and parasites infect the water.

Women and children walk 2 hours each way to fetch water (hauling dirty water back to their families.) They have no time or energy left for education or small business, and many of them die.

Preventable water related diseases kill one child every 15 seconds. That's 10,000 every day (and that's just the children). Imagine if that many precious ones were dying in the U.S.

My friend, Dr. Jerry Wiles is President of Living Water International and so I went to their website www.water.cc to check out the opportunity to give water in the name of Jesus. While perusing the website I came across a video by Chris Seay and was only wishing I had seen it sooner. (http://www.water.cc/video.html). If you're looking for a gift idea that could quench both the physical and spiritual thirst of a life, then join me and give a gift to Living Water International in the name of a friend or relative.

Have a wonderful Christ filled Christmas and I hope to see you Sunday morning for worship and then Sunday evening for our Candlelight in the Park Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m.

And the Survey Says ...

2006-12-01T08:53:00.000-06:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas .... cold. Emily called me this morning from OBU and said there is almost a foot of snow and no classes! As I am sitting here enjoying the fire I am S.O.A.P.ing up this morning in Psalm 42, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" If you haven't had some time with God today, take a minute to quench the thirsting of your soul with a drink from the word of God. As I was reading through Psalm 42 I realized how important songs are to expressing the deepest longings of our hearts and relationships.

Songs reflect the cry of our hearts, the condition of our soul and even the calling of our lives. I love a good song that is birthed out of life's raw realities. Songs sung with passion and purpose are what fill the airwaves during the Christmas season. Of course there is your typical fair of secular favorites like White Christmas and Frosty the Snowman, but what really moves me deeply are the sacred songs that tell the story of the longing of a people for a savior and king; songs of the nativity and its cast of unsuspecting bystanders.

This Sunday I am beginning a new series of messages called Christmas Songs, looking at several songs that reflect the season as sung through the biblical voices of Mary, Zachariah, Shepherds and Angels. I'm taking kind of an informal survey ...

What is your favorite Christmas song? Hit reply and let me know. I will share the results of my informal survey on Sunday.

It's Cold in Katy

2006-11-30T15:41:00.000-06:00

It's 3:44 p.m. cloudy and well I've been wanting some cold weather and it is here -

37°F
Feels Like
26°F

so you know what that means - start the fire!

Day 30 - Experiment Completed

2006-11-30T10:53:00.000-06:00

This is the final day of my 30 days of thanksgiving experiment. Over these last 30 days I have thought daily about family, friends, faith, life, breath, creation and more ... But I want to end my 30 days of thanksgiving with a refection and a thank you to my Lord.

To know that my existence is beyond mere matter, that the true substance of my life is in the realm of the unseen, gives meaning to the mystery and to the dance of my sacred journey. To rise each morning with a deep breath filling my lungs, ready to embrace whatever comes my way with enthusiasm, can only be if my companion on the sacred journey is my Lord, my Savior, my Leader, my Friend, my King, my God. Everyday is filled with His strength in my struggles, His forgiveness for my faults, His grace for my growth and His wisdom for my wounds. Moses pronounced the cry of my heart ... if your presence doesn't go us, then don't send us from here. My heart is overwhelmed with the reality that in Christ's coming he came to stay ... in me! To journey forever, never leaving nor forsaking me on this sacred journey. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV)

Day 29 - Down but not Out!

2006-11-29T10:53:00.000-06:00

It's day 29 of our thanksgiving experiment. This last week has been filled with highs and lows. Thanksgiving was awesome as I spent time with family, friends and feasting. I have gained about 5lbs and am feeling a bit sluggish. On top of all that, this last month has been long and frustrating as well. I have been doing a lot of reading, writing and research on China to finish up a graduate seminar I took this past spring in China.

I was S.O.A.P.ing up this morning in Psalm 51. I was reminded that many times life got tough for David and yet he found in God all that he needed to come back. When life get's you down it is not a good thing but right now I feel like Rocky ... I'm coming back! Did you hear that Rocky VI hits theaters on December 22. I'm a Rocky a fan! Here's a guy that is the perpetual underdog. He struggles whether in success or failure, he's always poised for a comeback. Just when you think he's down, life has got him against the ropes, all of a sudden there is a spark and POW! the crowd is on their feet, they sense what is about to happen.

Listen, "No matter what, you can overcome your past ... With help, if you look to God, you can overcome your past and be reborn." No those aren't the words of scripture or a preacher, that's Sylvester Stallone talking in an interview about his life. Stallone made Rocky a symbol of redemption and I guess that's why I love Rocky films. I am reminded that we're never to far down for God to reach us with his grace and love and pick us up. On this day I am filled with joy and thanks for the reality of my redemption in Christ. He has picked me up and infused me with life, meaning, and purpose ... I can't wait to see what he is going to do tomorrow!

Day 22 - A Day of Death

2006-11-22T10:51:00.000-06:00

This is day 22 of our thanksgiving experiment. I'll be brief ... on this day I am thankful for two men whose lives have impacted the world of politics and the world of religious apologetics. It is an interesting coincidence that today is the day that both John F. Kennedy and C.S. Lewis died ... one in Dallas the other in Oxford and both in 1963. John F. Kennedy will be remembered for his visionary leadership during tensions both domestic and foreign, including Cuba, civil rights and lunar exploration. C.S. Lewis will be remembered for his probing mind, Christian apologetics and prolific writing. Both of these men have impacted our lives and in this season of Thanksgiving I am thankful for those who have not lived nor labored nor labored in vain. May all who come behind us find us as faithful.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Day 21 - Power Up!

2006-11-21T10:51:00.000-06:00

This is day 21 of our thanksgiving experiment. The last few days have been about routines being set aside for the call of the season and the special opportunities to be with friends and family. School got out on Friday and all of sudden the pace of life changes, every one's thoughts start turning toward family, Thanksgiving and even Christmas shopping the day after Thanksgiving. It is so hard to stave off the impulse to move past the Thanksgiving season, abandon my experiment and get right to the Christmas festivities, but here I am day 21 and I am pressing in on the things that I am thankful for. I'm discovering that 30 days is definitely too short.

This past Sunday around 75 men and women gathered for The Fellowship's quarterly Leadership Lunch where we inspire and inform leaders on the journey of stewarding their influence for the Kingdom. We enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast and a talk about our "Energy schedules". Basically asking two questions, "What fills your energy tank? and What drains your energy tank? In this season when the energy faucet seems to be turned on full I have to make sure that I am spending time filling my tank or it will quickly become empty. So what gives me energy?

Serving The Fellowship as Lead Pastor
Time alone to reflect on life
A great book, movie, or even a song
A ride in the Jeep with the top down and doors off
Talking about God's love with others
But the number one thing that fills my tank - my family!

This weekend I was reminded how much I love my children and how proud I am of them. Have I told you how much I love my kids? Wesley is my man! We drove around on Saturday with the Jeep doors off, listening to music, laughing (I'm Batman) and just being guys; and listening to him play the guitar causes me to beam with pride. Just recently he played in a guitar recital and well, he was awesome.

Allison came home from a theater convention in Galveston this past weekend where she was honored with a scholarship and quit a few university opportunities. She is preparing for the future and we are all praying as she seeks God's will. She is such a talented actress and more than that she desires to see God work in her life. This past summer she really began to see how God could use theater to communicate theology. All of a sudden the medium of the stage had a purpose in the message of the cross.

Tonight we are picking up Emily from the airport as she comes home from OBU (Oklahoma Baptist University). Emily is my oldest, my baby and she is growing up so fast, she's 20 now! She is a History and German major, loves to lead worship and play football. I have always been the man in her life and have told her that if there was ever going to be another man in her life then he would have to get through me first and yes, that is boy standing next to her, his name is Andy Farmer from Alabama. He flies here on Friday for some Edmonson family time. One thing I know about this young man is he has a heart for God and good taste! :-)

Well, thanks for letting me ramble on .... bragging! Over the next several days I am going to devote myself to filling my energy tank with family time, as I know you are, and every day I will continue to offer thanks to God for all his blessings. Have a Christ filled Thanksgiving!

Day 17 - A Letter From God

2006-11-17T10:50:00.000-06:00

It's day 17 of our Thanksgiving experiment. It's Friday, it's cold and believe it or not I am sitting in front of a roaring fire courtesy of fake logs and natural gas. I'm S.O.A.P.ing up in Romans 12, probably one the most challenging chapters of all scripture. It is a passage that sums up the life of a Christ follower, from my relationship to God, to others, and to the world, to the transformation of my mind, and living with an external focus. Every year during this season of Thanksgiving I am reminded that this life is one that has been changed with an end in mind. It is so easy to make life, including my spiritual journey, all about me.

This morning Gail and I took a couple of minutes to talk about Christmas lists and budgets. In the process we both recognize that the greatest blessings come from giving to those who can not give back or to reach out and touch those that are often among the forgotten. It's not just about money or gifts, but about time and presence. Then as I am pondering all this I got an email for Jim Herrington, mentor and friend ... it was the exclamation on my time with God this morning!

Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of you're predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival; although, I do appreciate being remembered anytime. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on.

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can and may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching that explains who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks are. If you have forgot that one, look at John 15:1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.

Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.
Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
If you really want to make a difference, take some time to encourage and support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.
Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food and a few gifts and ask a local charity to help you identify a family. Then, don't just take the gifts and food. Make a commitment to develop a friendship with this family during the coming year.
Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

P.S. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those you love and, remember, I LOVE YOU.

Day 16 - Madonna's Child

2006-11-16T10:50:00.000-06:00

This is day 16 day of our Thanksgiving experiment. Last month Madonna was in the news as there was an uproar about her adoption of a 1 year old Malawian boy named Daniel. Daniel's father is a poor farmer who could not care for him after the death of his mother so he put him in an orphanage with 500 other children. Whether you agree with celebrities like Madonna, Mia Farrow, Ewan McGregor, and Angelina Jolie fast tracking the adoption process, there is a great need.

Then a couple of days ago I got an email from Kathy Jorgensen, a friend and member here at The Fellowship. She was inviting me to be a part of something special this month, something I didn't even know about ... National Adoption Awareness month, here's a Link check it out. Mark and Kathy have a special place in their hearts for this issue, their two children are adopted. They are especially aware of the plight of the fatherless and the motherless and in light of scriptural teaching on the matter ... well, it's on my spiritual radar screen as well. Check out Voice of the Orphans Link for the latest statistics. It's hard to imagine that over 150 million children world wide have no parents, that's staggering and painful.

I was S.O.A.P.ing up this morning in the book of James. In James 1:27 it reads, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James reminds us that our faith is demonstrated by our care for the least of these. In the Old Testament it was the practice of God's people to leave food, shelter and provision for the fatherless, the widow and the stranger.

The plight of the orphan, this painful reality in our world, reminds me of the spiritual reality that at some time in our lives we are all orphans spiritually. Then we come to know Christ and we are adopted into his family. (see Ephesians 1:4-6) We have the opportunity to offer unconditional love to those in need, who have no family and hopefully open the door for them to discover their eternal family. I am so thankful that God knows each child and he longs for each one of them have a family, if not in this life, then in the life to come, knowing him as their heavenly father for all eternity.

Day 14 - Cut from the Same Cloth

2006-11-14T10:39:00.000-06:00

This is day 14 of our thanksgiving experiment. Unity is a powerful force in our lives. Look around and you will see unity in creation, unity in construction, unity in the church ... yes I said the church. Several weeks ago I received an email from Steve Nordlander, a friend and member here at The Fellowship. Steve wanted to share with me about a dream he had. As I read it, I thought what a great picture of unity. I asked him if I could share it here in The Sacred Journey. His dream went like this, "How to share God's desire for Unity and Surrender: Take one large white cloth sheet and cut it in half, then cut that half in half, and so on and so on. When you have cut the sheet into a multiple of small squares, they are all a part of one and are unified in their material and message. As we know, a white flag, sheet, or other cloth is the universal sign for surrender. The idea of the small square patches of white cloth is to provide a daily and constant reminder to all who carry, or possess it (in their pocket, purse, on the refrigerator) as a humble inspiration of surrender and obedience to God."

In the church we too often focus on our differences, but guys like Steve are thinking, praying and dreaming about unity. The truth is that Jesus thought, dreamt and prayed for our unity. I was S.O.A.P.ing up in John 17 where Jesus prays for his disciples. "... I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one ..." Unity is part of God's design and when we live in unity it is a powerful testimony to God's creative order and purpose for all his creation. Unity is defined as the state of being one, or something whole or complete formed by combining or joining separate things or entities. Taking a white sheet and cutting it up to represent unity seems counter intuitive but yet it demonstrates and illustrates the nature of being "cut from the cloth". We are all different yet we are the same. David reminds us in Psalms 133:1 "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" The more life I experience, the more I realize that life is too short to let divisions hinder me, unity is key to living, loving and longing for all that God has for our world. I am so thankful that Jesus prayed that prayer and that today so many like Steve are continuing to pray that prayer ... that God might be glorified in the unity of the body of Christ ... his church.

Day 13 - Global God

2006-11-13T10:38:00.000-06:00

This is day 12 and 13 of our thanksgiving experiment. Just a reminder, the goal is to spend 30 days just thinking of all that we are thankful for and then see how it better prepares our hearts for the Christmas season. I am up in Dallas this morning, Frisco to be exact. I am meeting with several men and women who have the same heart as The Fellowship does about making a global impact. Some of them joined us on our trip to Banda Aceh, some of them are new to Bridges of Hope and are interested in what God is up to.

Yesterday was an awesome Sunday of worship, teaching, Pastor Garth Oliver did a excellent job of contextualizing Paul's missionary journey's, his relationships and conflicts, and fellowship! I did a Newcomer lunch where about 20 men and women heard The Fellowship story and were invited to be a part of the journey we are all on. I then met with a small group of doctors and nurses in our church who will be going to Banda Aceh early this next year (if you are interested, let me know), and then off to Dallas. I'm staying with a great friend and someone many of you know, Ross Patterson. Ross has been instrumental in helping us set up Bridges of Hope and is a catalyst for churches wanting to have a global impact.

This morning I am S.O.A.P.ing up on Matthew 28:19-20 where Jesus reminds us, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Discipleship starts long before someone becomes a Christian. It begins with questions, it continues looking for answers and it involves men and women who follow Christ as living and loving examples of the Way.

let your light shine and point the world to its savior!

Day 11 - Veterans Day ... Thank you!

2006-11-11T10:38:00.000-06:00

This is day 11 of our thanksgiving experiment. Yesterday morning I had the privilege of giving the invocation at a Veteran's Day ceremony. Mattress Mac spoke and a Marine veteran's color guard raised the flag. It was a moving experience. One of my friends and member of The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch, Andy Valadez, is a former Marine and helped plan and publicize this event, great job Andy. My father served in the military for 25 years and had one tour in Vietnam. Thanks Dad! I served in the 82nd Airborne for 3 years long before any trouble in the Middle East. But one thing is sure, I am thankful for the men and women who in our military and the sacrifice that has been made on my behalf. No one likes war, but even in scripture war is a part of life and is even considered a given. In my S.O.A.P. this morning, I was reminded that Christ is coming again, but until he does, there will be wars and rumors of wars. Mark 13:7-8 says, "When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains."

Whether you agree or don't agree with the war or the way it is being waged, the men and women who proudly serve and have served our country deserve our prayers and our gratitude! On this Veterans day I am praying for them and thanking my Lord for their sacrifice. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price to set me spiritually and eternally free, many a solider has paid the ultimate price to keep our nation free. Thank you Jesus and thank you Veterans!

Day 10 - Dr. Jesus, I presume?

2006-11-10T10:37:00.000-06:00

This is day 10 of our Thanksgiving experiment. On this day, November 10, 1871, following seven months of searching, foreign correspondent to the "New York Herald" Henry M. Stanley succeeded at last in locating Scottish missionary David Livingstone in Ujiji, Central Africa. Dr. Livingstone had disappeared 2 years earlier and was presumed to be dead. We all know those now famous first words uttered by Stanley, "Dr. Livingston, I presume?"

The next words spoken by Stanley and Livingston are not as familiar,"I thank God, Doctor, I have been permitted to see you." He answered, "I feel thankful that I am here to welcome you." Can you imagine going on a journey in search of someone that you have never seen before ... only heard of? Yet, there is something that compells you to search until you find it. How would you respond if at the end of your journey you found what you were looking for?

Sometimes we feel like we're on a journey through the deepest jungles of Africa, looking, longing to find God. Scripture tells us from Deuteronomy to Acts, if you seek God you will find him. Here are some verses on seeking and finding that I S.O.A.P.ed up on this morning:

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV) But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Proverbs 8:17 (NIV) I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Luke 11:9 (NIV) "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Acts 17:27 (NIV) God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

I am so thankful to God that when I went searching for the creator of life, the lover of my soul, the redeemer of mankind, I found him. Now Jesus and I travel together on this journey. I have the privilege of introducing him to others who have been seeking him. I also find that he goes before me and I find him in places I didn't expect ... in the faces of children, conversations over coffee with a friend, the cry for justice from the hurting and marginalized, and in the everyday mundane moments, I have found him ... Dr. Jesus, I presume?

Day 9 - Embracing the Past

2006-11-09T10:37:00.000-06:00

This is day 9 of our Thanksgiving experiment. I was S.O.A.P.ing up this morning in 1 Timothy 1:12-17 and was reminded of God's grace and love that abounds to all sinners as Paul reminds Timothy of his own journey

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Last night I gathered with over 50 men with whom I am sharing a journey through the course A Quest for Authentic Manhood. The theme of the evening was "Looking Back", being willing to know where you've come from and how it has contributed to who you are today. Looking back is not always easy for me, memories of painful moments, an alcoholic absentee father, dead mother, step mother, highly dysfunctional blended family, wounds which have left scares as reminders of both the pain and the healing. Looking back over my past, I am in awe that God would take a young man like me who felt he could never be good enough, a liar, a cheat, afraid to let people close, and bring healing and forgiveness into his life. I also look back and know that God strategically placed men and women along the path to encourage, love and journey with me in a way that lead to hope and healing. And then finally, that God would bring me to this place in my life and would entrust to me the founding and nurturing of such an awesome church and ministry as The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch is a great mystery to me and yet a sign of his grace, mercy and love. Would I change anything about my past? No! God has used it in a redemptive way to make me who I am and who I will yet be and for that I am eternally thankful.

May I always be a leader who models God's grace, mercy and forgiveness, living with authenticity, humility and godliness, that Jesus might display his unlimited patience through my life as an example for all who follow.

Day 8 - A Dead Bird

2006-11-08T10:37:00.000-06:00

This is day 8 of our Thanksgiving Experiment. Last night as I was turning out the lights for the evening I found a sparrow by my front door. It was huddled into the corner, shivering, sick, and dying. I could tell it was not going to make for whatever reason and I felt helpless to make a difference. When I got up this morning I found it dead in the corner where I had left it.

A sparrow's life is a small thing yet in scripture Jesus teaches that even a sparrow's life and death are not outside of God's purview. I was S.O.A.P.ing up this morning in Luke 12 where Jesus is speaking to the crowds including Pharisees about not fearing or becoming preoccupied with the harsh realities of the physical life, but rather seek God and his kingdom, focusing on the spiritual realities and eternal treasures that make this life worth living. In the midst of Jesus admonishing the crowd he illustrates with the sparrow. "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Jesus is saying to me and to all of us, if a sparrow's situation is known by God and valued, then don't you know and believe that you matter to me and I that am aware of every nuance of your life and circumstances?

I am reminded and thankful today of God's watchful eye, his compassionate gaze and his love for me. I may feel alone, cornered, suffering, worried, my situation unknown by the world around me, but my God is always with me on the journey, patiently and lovingly taking me to new heights to see with a kingdom perspective all that is eternal. It is this eternal view of life that sets me free to fly, "for those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Let your life take flight today with thanksgiving to God for his watchful eye, compassionate gaze and loving heart.

Day 7 - Republicrats

2006-11-07T10:37:00.000-06:00

It is day 7 of our Thanksgiving experiment and I just got back from voting! Bottom line ... today I am thanking God for my country. I was at the dinner table last night and we were taking about politics. My son Wes asked me, "Are we Republican or Democrat?" I said, "Well, neither ... I believe that you vote for a person not a party." Wes said, "Oh, we're Republicrats!" And in a way I guess we are.

My heart has never been for a party, but for my God. I know godly men and women in both parties who desire nothing more than for the God who ordained government to lead the men and women who serve in it. With all its imperfections, party politics, faults and foibles, I still believe ours is a great country to live in. listening to politicians wax eloquent about themselves and at the same, put their opponents down is discouraging, but honestly, politicians are people too! And like the rest of us, they are broken, sinful, human beings that apart from God's grace, love, forgiveness and leadership will serve out of their flesh no matter what party they serve.

So what can we do? Well the first and the most important commitment you can make is to pray for your political leaders! Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, said, "We truly believe the prayer of God's people is our nation's only hope and greatest untapped resource ..." and I would agree. After today we will have some new faces serving in government. Some of them are Christ followers some are not. How should we pray for them? So here are some ways to pray for our political leaders ...

In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Pauls writes ... “I urge, then that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

Consider these 12 guidelines in praying for political leaders, ours as well as those in other countries. (the following is from an article written by John Redecop)

Pray that rulers will practice personal integrity. The peaceful functioning of government requires public trust and confidence. The fragile fabric of civilized society weakens and even unravels if rulers cheat, lie, steal, take bribes, and deceive.

Pray that rulers will rule justly. This includes seeking truth, acting on truth, and resisting any temptation to become arbitrary or unfair.

Pray that rulers will do good to us all, for God has mandated them as “God’s servant[s] for our good” (Romans 3:4). Such positive action can take many forms.
Pray that governments will resist evil and be moral in punishing evildoers. “Governors” are “sent by God to punish those who do wrong” (1 Peter 2:14)
Pray that rulers will pursue ways of peace. Those who rule can be easily tempted to undertake unwarranted military action, for wars, after all, often unite people, distract citizens from poor government, and bring short-term prosperity.
Pray that governments will manage the economy carefully and wisely in areas ranging from taxation to budgeting, trade negotiations to debt reduction, and currency manipulation to setting interest rates, all of which have tremendous impact on citizens.
Pray that rulers will create and maintain a climate of freedom, including freedom of religion, assembly, speech, the press, and movement.
Pray that governments will defend and promote human dignity. As Christians we are strongly motivated in this area because we know that all persons are made in the image of God.
Pray that governments will govern for the common good and not for their own advantage.
Pray that governments will be open to good counsel and advice, including counsel from Christians.
Pray that rulers will come to understand and acknowledge God’s role in human affairs and their accountability to God. Even the ungodly king Nebuchadnezzar came to such an understanding (Daniel 3:28ff)
If rulers are not Christians, we should follow Paul’s example as he witnessed to King Agrippa and other rulers, and do our part, especially in prayer, so they may come to salvation (Acts 24, 26).

Our general attitude should be one of gratitude. Given that Paul urged Christians to be grateful even for the brutal dictatorship of his day (doubtless believing that the Roman dictatorship was better than anarchy), how much more should we be grateful for governments that provide freedom and much else that is good. Even if we don’t support the government of the day and may actually work to defeat it democratically, we should still pray for it.

Any time is the right time to pray for political leaders. They need it. Scripture commands it. And obedience to God requires it.

Pray this morning and then go vote your conscious as a follower of Christ.

Day 5 - Smiles and Donuts

2006-11-05T10:36:00.000-06:00

What a Sunday! 83 of our ladies on an annual retreat, tired husbands and dads dragging in with kids in tow! What a sight and one which was rewarded ... we had donuts for dads and kids! I bought 20 dozen donuts, milk and juice ... and it didn't take long before every donut was obliterated! Then came the sugar high and nervous Children's ministry leaders. Well they survived the weekend and so did I. Thank God for donuts!

Day 4 - Staying the Course

2006-11-04T10:36:00.000-06:00

Today is Saturday Day 4 in our Thanksgiving experiment and all I want to do is sleep. I skipped my run, slept late, and am trying to get motivated to stay on task and write in my China journal ... got ... to ... finish ... writing ... this ... journal. It's painfully slow and laborious and I don't want to do it, I want to go outside and play, it's gorgeous outside, but alas I need some help and so I pause spend time with God and his word. Lord give me strength, perseverance, discipline ... be careful what you pray for as I am S.O.A.P.ing up in Romans 5 "... we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Christ suffered, gave his life for mine and reconciled my relationship to the Father through his death.

"Staying the course" has become a politically charged phrase but one which expressing my understanding of Christ's perseverance in the face of struggle, anguish and torment. O.K. Lord, I'll stop whining about what I have to do and ask only that you work in me and through me. I am so thankful that you stayed the course, that you didn't give up when times got tough. Life is full of difficulties and they don't even compare to all that you went through for me. Your persevering life has given me so much peace, joy, forgiveness, love, grace, mercy and so much more.

Day 3 - Tick Tock of the clock

2006-11-03T10:36:00.000-06:00

This is Day 3 of our Thanksgiving experiment - This last Sunday a friend gave me a special gift, it was a watch. Not just any watch, but one which he made. It is old school, no bells, no whistles, no battery, it's the kind you wind every day. All this week as I have worn it, wound it and watched it (no pun intended) it has reminded me to live life as it comes, embrace each moment, look for God in all that he is doing and give thanks for each breath, each heartbeat, each laugh, each opportunity to drink deeply the sacrament of time!

I'm sitting here at the kitchen table after my run (it was 43 degrees this morning), I'm enjoying a pot of tea and having pancakes with the kids. I am reminded how quickly they grow up and how important it is to capture the moment to laugh, talk, love ... to slow down for just a moment ... but the moment is short lived as we look at the clock and realize that time has gotten away from us. So off they go and I begin to thank God for moments like these. Reflecting on the up coming weekend I am aware that mornings like this are becoming more rare; everyone is going in different directions. Take this week end for example; Gail leaves for the ladies retreat, Wes heads to the Jr. High retreat, Allison works tonight, takes the SAT in the morning and then joins the retreat tomorrow to lead worship ... and me well I'm here reading and writing on a doctoral seminar. Life seems full these days, not busy, just full. Full of life, family, friends, learning and God; all being experienced with each tick tock of the clock.

But right now, at this moment I am pausing to S.O.A.P. up in Ecclesiastes 3, you know the passage, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:" Time is one of those enigmas; it costs, it pays, it passes too slow, too fast, like sand, the tighter you hold on to it the more it slips away. I think the older I get the more I want to drink deeply of every sacred moment. God is the creator of time; he knows it, understands it, gives it, redeems it, can stop it, speed it up or even bring it to an end as we know it. In the mystery of time I look to the creator of time and find rest from the pace, joy in the journey and yes ... sacrament in each moment.

Day 2 - Anum Cara

2006-11-02T10:35:00.000-06:00

This is day two of our Thanksgiving experiment ... it started early with an opportunity to share at Living Water International. The president, Jerry Wiles, is a friend and an incredible man. Then I had lunch with another friend, Jeff Waldo, who is a futurist and strategic planner with an I.Q. and E.Q. to change the world. Two encounters with friends made me stop and think about friendship. And then I got back to the office and had some time to S.O.A.P. up in Ephesians 5:22-33, I was reminded of my best friend.

Anum cara means "soul friend" in the Celtic tradition. I have an anum cara, her name is Gail. In this season of thanksgiving, I give thanks for a wife and best friend. I'm sitting here reflecting upon all that enriches my life and gives it meaning and apart from my God, my dearest friend, companion and sojourner is my wife, Gail. For many who may not know me well or my love for my anum cara, you should know that we have been married almost 23 years (22 years this last August):-) and she is more beautiful to me that ever. She has brought three precious children into the world and together we have learned how to be parents, friends, lovers, partners on the journey.

But, I have not always honored her and loved her as Christ would have me and that is to my shame. Back on October 1oth I wrote in my blog, "Like most couples, Gail and I are very different when it comes to money. She's stingy and I'm generous, she's frugal and I'm free living, she's budget- focused and I'm into blessing others, she's reading this and I'm in trouble. :-)" Two weeks later a dear friend wrote me these words, "Friend, I love you and am concerned about some recent words that you have shared about Gail to the church. Words like - she’s a Martha, she keeps me in line or she’s financially tight. I recognize that you shared those with no malice, but do be careful with comments about your precious wife. They could undermine your great marriage." My heart sank, to think that I might say or do anything to hurt my precious anum cara cut me to the core. This last Friday, I sat with my wife and confessed my insensitivity and careless words, and asked her forgiveness, through tears we recognized on easy it is hurt those you love. For friends on the journey who speak truth in love, I am thankful! For friends who inspire me and stretch me, I am thankful! But most of all, for my anum cara, my Gail, to God I say thank you for the blessing of a soul friend.

30 Days of Thanksgiving … an Experiment

2006-11-01T10:10:00.000-06:00

Today begins a season of Thanksgiving. November rolls around and my thoughts turn to turkey, football, family, Thanksgiving and yes … Christmas. It is so easy to skip right over Thanksgiving these days as Christmas decorations go on display simultaneously with July 4^th fireworks. Already Christmas “sale” signs are alerting every shopper to the “early bargains” and smaller crowds. Everyone is encouraged to get a jump on the mall madness and Christmas frenzy. But what if I could slow down and focus for just a moment each day for the next 30 days, focusing my heart and filling my thoughts with thanksgiving toward God? How would that change me or better yet, my Christmas celebration?

David reminds us Psalms 42:4, “These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.” My capacity for thanksgiving is key to my authentic celebration because it represents where I truly put my hope, my faith and my love. So here’s a thought … let’s do this experiment together. Will you join me on the journey each day for 30 days in this Thanksgiving Experiment?

Let me begin by encouraging you to S.O.A.P up in Psalm 69:30-36 and reflect on the ways you can express your praise and thanksgiving during the next 30 days. I must admit sometimes my adoration, praise and thanksgiving is an attempt to butter God up so I can get to the important stuff, what I need and want. Let’s take this season to focus our hearts, minds and lives on our God who is worthy of our thanks. We have so much to be thankful for … let the experiment begin!

Spiritual Wrestling Match

2006-10-31T06:56:00.000-06:00

Today is Halloween ... a day that many despise for different reasons. For some of us, it is a rip off. Last night my wife and I were in a local grocery store purchasing candy for tonight's onslaught of costume clad munchkins filling the streets of our community. As I looked at the prices for a bag of pure sugar I told her that this is a racket, plan and simple. They know you are going to buy candy and so they frighten the money right out of your wallet. But on a more serious note, many struggle with this day because for them it represents a spiritual wrestling match in which the winner's prize is the heart and soul of a child, a family, or even a community.

This morning I was S.O.A.P.ing up in Ephesians 6:12-13. It reads "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground ..."

Precious children filling the streets, they're not the enemy! Mom's and dads dressing up their darling young ones, they're not the enemy! The enemy is a spiritual one, the deceiver, the liar, the devil. We take our battle to the spiritual realm where we wrestle with the forces of darkness. Whether you agree or not, I believe that we must engage the enemy on his own turf. The bible says that the gates of Hell will not stand up against the attacks of God's people. This is a night to be light! This is a night to engage with love and truth! This is a night to bless and not curse!

Tonight I am hoping that a large number of parents and kids will experience a different side of this haunted eve of all that is spooky and scary. We are inviting our kids and the community to come to The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch for a fun time on the "Lighter" side. Here are the details:

For Ages Toddler – 4th grade (older siblings welcome)
Great Station Activities with Games, Candy and Prizes
5:45 – 6:15 Hot Dogs, Chips & beverage (as supplies last)
6:00 – 7:00 All Activity Stations Open for Children (enter Raffle Prize at each station!)
7:15 – 8:00 The Hallelujah Show (Puppet Show) and 13+ Raffle Prizes!

Bring your kids tonight, bring your neighbors kids, rent some kids! Forward this invitation to a friend and I'll see you tonight! Let your light shine in the darkness of this Halloween!

I'm NUTS about YOU!

2006-10-30T08:12:00.000-06:00

This morning I was S.O.A.P.ing up in 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17. It says "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." Paul's prayer or blessing leaped right off the page and into the present as yesterday my Lord Jesus encouraged and strengthened me through a group of dear friends called The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch. What a surprise to be handed almost 200 pieces of paper all with gracious words and thoughts that brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. I spent yesterday afternoon in my office savoring each written word as a if they were drops of rain falling on a parched desert floor. With each stroke of the pen it was as if God was so graciously expressing words through his people that touched deep within my soul. I am indeed a blessed man, a rich man and a humbled man.

I only hope that I can continue to live a life worthy of such friendship, respect and honor. I leave you with these words of affirmation and encouragement ... "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Ring Survey

2006-10-24T10:27:00.000-05:00

Last Friday I did a little survey about rings ... here are the results.

My ring is "Hello MoTo"....because it sounds like "Hello MoJo"...and that is my nick name. Mauri A.

My rings are not at all spiritual. My ring tones are music from rock groups: RUSH’s song titled “Tom Sawyer” and Motely Crue’s “She Got The Looks That Kill.” I love music man. I was raised in the heavy metal era. Andy S.

Just “vibrate” for everyone. I know it is boring, but at least I am not embarrassed in church by my phone ringing . Doug K.

I have a Jamaican sounding ring. It makes me laugh!!! My husband just has a regular telephone sound on his. Anonymous

I downloaded the song “Better is One Day in Your House” (I think that’s the name of it.) Anyway, every time I hear my phone ring I’m reminded of what the Father has waiting for me. Carol H.

My ring is a cat meow-ing!!! Penny T.

The ring on my phone is called…Dancing Puppets…it just sounded like Children’s Ministry so I chose it…incase you were serious about knowing ring tones… Debbie D.

My ring for Steve is called fanfare, it sounds like the announcing trumpets of a King - since he his king of our castle and my heart! Diane W.

When Glenn calls it plays Hallelujah!!! Karen L.

Let your life ring out the truth of God's love and grace!

Two Sided Posters!

2006-10-24T08:28:00.000-05:00

The last 5 weeks have been intense times of prayer, seeking God, wanting to understand his will and his way for my life and my church. Then Sunday came, "Celebration Sunday", one service, all together, to celebrate all that God has done. There was a tremendous amount of spiritual electricity in the gym at the YMCA. I confess, the emotions were difficult for me to suppress. I found myself overwhelmed by the realization of God's faithfulness in the face of my betrayals. My mind seemed to fill with flashbulb moments from the past as if God was pointing out the defining markers in my life, family, ministry of which this Sunday was about to be added to the album.

Then it happened ... the first person walked to the front of the stage, their facial expressions sad and solemn; they held up a poster expressing brokenness, lostness, pain; then they turned the poster over revealing a changed heart, a transformed life and a smile filled their face communicating beyond words the work of God in their lives. One by one they came, poster after poster turned over, two sided posters representing healing, wholeness, redemption, life, hope, meaning and purpose. I couldn't hold back the tears. I thought I would share with each of you the changed life expressed on each two sided poster ...

Bound by fear ... Freed by truth

Worldy focused ... Heavenly focused

Broken pieces ... He is the glue that holds me together

Broken hearted ... Healed & loving heart

Angry ... At peace

Withdrawn ... Came Alive

Blind heart ... Walking by faith, not by sight

Could not have children ... Was given 4 blessings

Suicidal, Lost, Broken ... Full of life, Found, Whole

Spiritually dead ... Alive In Christ

Hungry for more ... Filled by the Spirit

Believed in reason ... Believe God is the reason

Outcast ... Accepted

Empty Worship ... Singing Authentic Praises

Broken family ... Family restored

Intellectual believer ... Personal relationship

Status quo life ... Overjoyed with life

Defeated by the enemy's lies ... Living in Christ's Victory

Divided ... United

Thought I had NO gifts to offer ... Found my TRUE gifts

Had lots of life questions ... Found the Answer

Winning for myself ... Winning for God's Team

Seeking love & acceptance ... Found Grace & Mercy

Parentless ... Amazing parents

I was in bondage ... Now I'm set free

I was barren ... God doubly blessed me

Low self-esteem ... Glowing in God's love

Never wanted children ... Love my girls

Burdened by guilt and shame ... FREE! FREE! FREE!

Unable to commit ... Fully committed

Shattered ... Complete in Christ

I was #1 ... Helping others is the GREATEST reward

Served to protect our country ... A Marine in God's Army

Unclear Mission ... Divine Purpose

Last in line ... 1st at Heaven's Gate!

Sunday was such a high it took a day just to come down! What a celebration!

Thank you Lord for changing our lives!

What does your ring say about you?

2006-10-20T07:16:00.000-05:00

I love a good run on a cool morning! My friend and I pushed each other along a 5.4 mile course with a little conversation and a lot of enjoyment! Our last mile was a heart pumping 7:54, for an old slow guy like me that was finishing strong. I'm sitting here on my day off enjoying the quiet and S.O.A.P.ing up on 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 when a thought just came to me ... "What does your ring say about you?"

It's amazing how many different phone rings you hear these days. My wife has "say you'll love me" from the Phantom of Opera play every time my number rings on her phone. When my oldest daughter calls from college, her ring is a siren, we call her the "siren girl", because during her first year at college, every call was a crisis. The rings we choose for people say something about the strength or randomness of the relationship. Let's do a survey ... email me the rings you have or post them on my blog and I will make a list and send then out on Monday with the next Sacred Journey.

So when your name pops up on the mental LCD of someone's thoughts what song is playing? For Paul every time the Thessalonian church rang he heard a song that reminded him of their "work produced by faith ... labor prompted by love ... endurance inspired by hope." He goes on say that they were the original "Live Out Loud" church ... "The Lord's message rang out from you ... your faith in God has become known everywhere." I pray that my life will ring of my faith, love and hope in God.

In case you're wondering what ring I have on my phone when you call me ... actually I don't use the ring, I have a blackberry and all it does it vibrate! Think about that for a minute! :-)

Chip In

2006-10-19T08:48:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wanted or needed something so bad you could taste it, but you knew you didn't have the resources to get it, to make it happen? Maybe as a kid, like me, you got your friends together and you all chipped in to buy a skate board or a bike or even a lawn mower. You did that so you could enjoy, experience or even earn what one could person could not by themselves. As I was S.O.A.P.ing up this morning in Acts 2:41-47 it just hit me! Why would people sell their stuff and collectively "chip in" to the pot except that they wanted, needed, desired something so bad that they were willing to cooperate and collaborate with others to make the impossible happen.

I am so excited about what God is doing in my life, my community, my church. As we have been going through our Live Out Loud campaign my feelings have only intensified. Like most of you reading this blog who are members of The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch, there are somethings that I want so desperately that I am willing to sacrifice to see them happen. I want so desperately for our teenagers to have place to bring their friends, a place for them grow in their relationship with Christ, a place they can call their own. I want so desperately to make room for the many families in our community who need hope in their lives, marriages and families, who need to know that they matter to God. I want so desperately to make room for children who are beginning their spiritual journey with that child like faith that Jesus spoke of, to expand our capacity to reach them at the earliest age. I want so desperately for the men and women, boys and girls of our community to know the eternal love of Jesus Christ, to know that they matter to God ... but we can't do it by ourselves, we need each other. That's why God made the church and gave her the message of reconciliation. That's why God knits our hearts together in a compelling and shared vision of transforming lives, families, communities and even countries.

When we all desire to see the same thing happen, when we all want our neighbors, friends, family members to experience what we have experienced in and through Christ, then we are ready to "chip in" time, talents and yes, even treasures to make an eternal difference.

These last few weeks I have seen just that, an uncommon unity, an uncommon generosity! A people who desire to give what they have to make a difference by building a Community center as a tool for meeting needs, sharing love and reaching out to families throughout our city. As we "chip in" the impossible becomes possible and God's people are Living Out Loud lives that shout his love.

Until tomorrow ... Live Out Loud

Pit Bulls and Poodles

2006-10-18T12:54:00.000-05:00

Who do you think would win a fight between a pit bull and a poodle? Before you pick the aggressive pit bull and say the docile poodle doesn't have a chance, you might want to consider a news report coming out of the Sweden. They reported that a poodle attacked a pit bull in Southern Sweden and wounded the dog and its owner.

The poodle's owner defended the action of the dog saying the poodle was friendly until the pit bull showed signs that it disliked the poodle. The pit bull felt the wrath of the poodle when it went on the offensive. Trying to rescue the pit bull, its owner stepped in between the dogs and got bit on her leg by the poodle. You have to admire the Napoleonic courage of the poodle. The reputation of the pit bull didn't keep it from standing its ground and fighting.

Too often I let Satan's reputation precede him and paralyze me. I have heard stories of demonic possessions and Satanic power and at times I have timidly choose to ignore the enemies attacks. At times I am afraid to confront injustice or to speak a positive word about my faith for fear of reprisal or rejection. I find myself afraid that if I act boldly that I will draw attention to myself and the enemy will intensity his attack.

Under my own power, I might face defeat, but I am not fighting Satan with poodle power (though don't underestimate the power of the poodle), I am fighting him with the power of the Holy Spirit. In my S.O.A.P. today I saw the courage that comes from a life lived in the presence of God through the power of his Spirit. In Acts 4:1-14 Peter and John stand face to face with a pack of pit bulls called Pharisees and they didn't back down. May my courage confound and my message profess that Jesus alone is the hope of mankind. Satan had better watch out for the bite of God's people ... there's not bark here, it's all bite when it comes to a pit bull named Satan!

Until tomorrow ... Live Out Loud the Sacred Journey!

Indescribable

2006-10-17T12:02:00.000-05:00

Friday I wrote my blog about 3 indescribable moments having to do with my family all together to celebrate Wesley's birthday, a call from a friend, Patrick Richardson, to say Faith had been born and a birthday celebration with a fellow laborer in the vineyard, Robert Jackman who turned 47 and looks great! :-) As I finished writing out my thoughts on the indescribable feelings I had experience in moments of laughter, life and friendship ... I posted Friday's blog into cyberspace and that is where it stayed! The moment I realized that all I had written had vanished into some black hole never to be seen or heard from again, the feeling was indescribable! It has taken me a few days to recover from that nauseous experience, but I'm back.

This morning as our executive staff met in my office I had another indescribable moment. I heard some sad news, our dear friend and attorney, Stu Levin, had suffered a tragic loss, his son was killed 3 weeks ago by a drunk driver. I had no idea what had transpired and was grieved to hear of his loss ... his pain is indescribable. I talked with Stu this morning to let him know that I was praying for him and was so sorry that I was not there to journey with him during these last few weeks.

The truth is that much of life is indescribable, the highs and the lows, but what I have experienced over these last few days as indescribable as it has been, the love which Christ has shown to me in the midst of those moments as indescribable as the moment itself, a love demonstrated by his prayer for me in the garden. As he faced death, his thoughts were for me and my eternity. I am amazed at God's love, generosity, grace, power, patience and so much more. Whether in my moments of greatest joy or the pain of the valley of the shadow of death ... God is there and he is truly is indescribable!

An Equation for Rich Generosity

2006-10-12T15:01:00.000-05:00

... (overflowing joy) + (extreme poverty) = rich generosity ... It doesn't add up! How do you have joy and poverty together? And then, where does generosity come from when there is nothing to give? I am befuddled when I read Paul's experience in 2 Corinthians 8 where you see a kingdom equation written on the hearts of a people who aren't equating their joy to circumstances nor their capacity for generosity to their impoverished state.

I wonder, would I have joy if I were living in extreme poverty? Would I live generously, giving beyond my means to bless others? I guess it all depends on my understanding of joy, poverty and generosity!

Joy is not happiness ... which tends to oscillate with our every changing circumstances. No, joy is the confidence I have in God's promises and presence regardless of my circumstances ... it is my steadfast assurance that God will always be there and that he will never change! My capacity for generous living is never tied to how much I have or don't have but rather my joy! Joy in any economic state results in generosity! Take away my joy and no amount of money can lead to generous living!

Until tomorrow ... Live Out Loud ... joyfully and generously for they are not dependent upon your riches!

Revolution

2006-10-11T11:08:00.000-05:00

I am in a revolution, being called to bear arms against a regime that stands against all I believe in. Scripture says that this enemy's gates cannot stand the pounding of the collective onslaught of God's people. There is too much at stake for me not to commit all I am and all I have to the battle. Yet, my commitment is often challenged. The earnestness of my devotion and trust in God's plans and purposes are questioned. My hand of faith is forced and must be laid on the table for all to see.

Do you ever step out in faith, make a decision to commit it all and then watch as seemingly everything starts to unravel? I think to myself, "Did I make the right decision?" "God, what are you doing, I thought you were going to be with me and bless me?" "I thought you had a plan to defeat the enemy not let him attack me with such force." Disappointment enters the picture or is it dissatisfaction?
On Monday a friend of mine sent me a quote that a friend of hers had written:

"But it is more earnest then even that, revolution is impossible without an ingredient every one of us hates and avoids with all the cunning of understandable self-protection. Disappointment is the despised essential of authentic change. Disappointment is a catalyst. Yet, 'disappointment' isn't exactly the word; it languishes a little too long in the atmosphere of defeat. 'Dissatisfaction', on the other hand, has a tang of energetic hope and carries the idea more accurately. For the dissatisfied are likely to try again, and then...try again if need be; they are the ones who give a good attempt...trip...lie there to catch their breath; still sprawled, the pain of failure dissipates and they slowly recall the beauty of their original hope, realizing that though the attempt to attain it may have resulted in an undignified face-plant, hope, never the less remains utterly beautiful. Renewed love inspires belief and soon enough, the Dissatisfied are filled with fresh hope; they get up, dust off and give another effort. The Dissatisfied are dogged because they love well, almost too well. "

Circumstances have a way of causing me to take my eyes off the reality of the big picture, the meta narrative, the grander theme, the reason for my hope! And yet as I stop and ponder God's work in light of my struggle, I am inspired like Paul to say "I can do everything through him (Christ) who gives me strength!" Yet I am not in the fight alone for I have an army of brothers and sisters who are equally committed to the fight and whose sacrifice and generosity are a fragrant offering to God. I am renewed, inspired, strengthened and motivated to press on and prepare for all that God has for me. My prayer for all is that we trust in the God who is able to meet all our needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. May our holy dissatisfaction cause us to Live Out Loud, again and again and again!

I can't wait till this Sunday! Until tomorrow ... Live Out Loud on the Sacred Journey

2006-10-10T09:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I said it was Yom Kippur, I was only a week off as my Jewish brother and fellow Christ follower, Alan Litvak chided me. :-) But Alan says thanks for stopping to pray for Israel anyway! This morning during my S.O.A.P, as I was reading in 1 Corinthians 29:1-20, I was inspired by the generosity of David and his son Solomon, but one thing I know about money, riches and giving it away (not that I have a lot) ... it can cause conflict in a marriage. Solomon had a whole lot of wives, so I wonder how they were taking this act of generosity?

The truth is with the divorce rate over 50% for first time marriages the number one reason given for marital conflict is ... you guessed it, "money". This is the third time in the last 8 years that Gail and I have had to come to an agreement about what God would have us to give in a capital campaign. It is no easy task! Like most couples, Gail and I are very different when it comes to money. She's stingy and I'm generous, she's frugal and I'm free living, she's budget- focused and I'm into blessing others, she's reading this and I'm in trouble. :-) So last week as we were arm wrestling to see whose number would be the one ... just when she was about to win ... God intervened and the words of David rang out, "Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand." Ouch ... we find ourselves fighting over giving God his money to fulfill his purposes.

The truth is, that just like all of you who are reading this, money plays a huge part in my life and allows me to accomplish my goals and desires. The Live Out Loud campaign has been a reminder that it's not all about me, my goals, my desires and my agenda but rather God's goals, agenda, purposes and plans which are eternal. I have a choice, I can either join him by trusting in his generosity and love for me or I can tell him no thanks, I will take care of myself.

As you and your family prepare to make your commitments on Commitment Sunday this weekend I am praying for you. I hope that rather than dividing couples, this will be an opportunity for uniting couples. Really, Gail and I were pretty close this time and as we prayed and came together to seek God's direction it has brought comfort not conflict into our lives. Until tomorrow, Live Out Loud ...

2006-10-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today is Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. It is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. I am praying today for Israel, Jerusalem and all Jewish people, that they may know peace, forgiveness and God's eternal salvation through Jesus the Messiah of the world. Join me today in prayer for Israel. It is also the 16th day of Ramadan and I am reminded of the Muslim men, women and children in Aceh who have suffered so much and are desperate need of a good news. I am praying that during this season of Ramadan many kingdom workers in Aceh would have the opportunity to speak of the life that is found in Jesus.

Yesterday was an awesome Sunday! David Ruzicka, one of our Pastors, spoke powerfully about the church and the reality that the local church is the hope of the world! I was moved and inspired! I went during the second service over to experience our senior high Realife service. Daniel Willingham, our Interim Student Pastor, was awesome as he spoke of Jesus' healing of the blind man, he actually took dirt and poured water into and put it on the eyes of one of students acting as the blind beggar. I sat and listened as he spoke of different kinds of people in the story and challenged students to consider the truth of God's word. Probably the capstone of the morning was the announcement that 36 leadership families have made their Live Out Loud commitments totaling over 1.4 million. I am inspired by generosity, sacrifice and obedience of our leaders. Not all of our leadership were able to get their commitments in but wow! I can't wait till this Sunday to see the generosity of God's people as we move forward. My Sunday finished with my Life Group as we watched the Live Out Loud lesson on commitment. Great job Garth! I was challenged by the creative use of resources to accomplish the goal. That brings us right to today's S.O.A.P.

As I S.O.A.P. ed up this morning in Luke 16:1-15, I found myself asking why Jesus would commend a dishonest worker. But as I meditated upon the passage it became clear that Jesus was commending the worker for using money rather than serving money! Wow! How many times have I been caught up in the pursuit of money, wealth, riches, or prosperity for me? As a child of God I have earthly treasure that can be used to build my kingdom or God's Kingdom. The heart of this passage is about being wise and discerning in the use of my resources to serve God's agenda. I want to master money not have money as my master! There is only one God, one King, one Kingdom, one agenda and I want to commit everything to battle. Until tomorrow ...

2006-10-06T09:41:00.000-05:00

I over slept this morning ... missed my run ... and I think I'm more tired than if I would have got up at 4:45 and run! But hey ... Friday is my day off ... Gail and I call it "Fantastic Friday", a day to catch up on life, do chores, run errands, wash, dry and fold laundry, go to the grocery store, do a little yard work ... did I say day off? Actually, it's a day filled with all of that and a little rest and reflection. I like to look back over the week and reflect on God's goodness and blessings and this has been one of those weeks where God has been present in the storms and the stillness. We finished up our Live Out Loud Fellowships, (all though, if you were able to attend one, I am having a special Live Out Loud Fellowship just for you on Sunday noon right after the second service.)

I'm sitting here reading God's word and am so encouraged by the realness of God's people. Men and women just like you and me who were faithful in face of real life. Today's passage in Hebrews 11:17-40 speaks to the faith of our spiritual ancestors and how they walked even though they may have never seen the promises of God fulfilled they stayed the course of faith.

Bottom line, we all can grow weary and lose heart. In our world of immediate gratification, quick fixes and instant everything we can get impatient with God. We can be tempted to doubt, to strike out on our own to look for answers, solutions or something. But many have gone before you who have learned to walk by faith. Their collective experiences offer encouragement, hope and a reality that it is worth it all in the end!

• What kind of sacrifices have others made for me?
• What am I risking as a follower of Christ? What is the cost?
• How am I inspired, encouraged and empowered by the life and death of Christ?
• Will my legacy be about my fortune or my faith? How then must I live?

My Pray ... Lord, may I be included some day about that cloud of witnesses whose faith has lived on as an example for all. I need your strength to stay the course. You, Jesus, are the one that I look to in the midst of difficulties, disease, detours, distractions and even doubts. Thank you for not quitting, but for loving me enough to endure the cross for the forgiveness of my sin. I want my life to be filled with heart, passion, conviction and devotion to you. I love you Lord!

Until tomorrow ...

2006-10-05T16:24:00.000-05:00

Faith is not trying to believe something irrespective the evidence, but rather faith is daring to do something regardless of the consequences. When I read Hebrews 11, the hall of fame for the faithful I can't help but see men and women who faced life with faith even when the consequences were potentially devastating! We all celebrate their obedience and trust in God because of what ultimately happened, but the reality is that they walked into an uncertain future filled with harsh, grime realities and yet they were sustained by their devotion and faith in the one who gave them the command, the one who made the promise, the one who gave the provision. Like Moses, I want to say loud and clear ... Lord, you lead the way, because if you don't go with me I'm not going!

Gail and I, like many of our friends at The Fellowship are wrestling to hear God's voice and to walk in obedience during this Live Out Loud season. There is too much at stake for us to do anything else but seek God and to be men and women of faith!

2006-10-04T08:35:00.000-05:00

Succession plans are a necessary part of any journey. Whether it is Moses passing the baton to Joshua, a father handing down the family business to his children, or someone like Paul giving the missional torch to his protege, Timothy. If in my last hours, I had but a few words to speak into the lives of those who would come after me, those who would carry on the mission, the vision, the heart of my life ... "What would I say?" Maybe a better question is "What would my life have said?" There is a principle that says, we teach what we know, but we reproduce who we are. So ... what is my succession plan, who will carry on the mission of my life?

For me, I think it begins with my children. They are the legacy I will leave behind. Paul considered Timothy to be like a son and as such spoke in loving terms as a father would. For me, I want to live in a way that demonstrates and communicates with great clarity and conviction the cause of Christ, so that Emily, Allison and Wesley, might know and desire Christ and his kingdom, realizing that it's worth giving their lives to! I want to prepare them to live a life that shouts His love.

It's also the next generation of men and women who will be the voice proclaiming, with clarity and intensity, the message of God's love! They are those who will challenge, warn and urge people to follow, love, sacrifice, obey and live out loud this transformational truth of God's redeeming work on the cross.

Paul's words to young Timothy are words each generation of Christ followers should hear and repeat, words of wisdom and encouragement to be passed on to those who will carry the torch of the Christian faith. Until tomorrow ... Live Out Loud!

2006-10-03T12:12:00.000-05:00

A little over a year ago I lost everything when my hard drive crashed. I was in Omaha, Nebraska in my hotel room writing a paper, when my computer groaned, gasped and ground to a halt. I know what you're thinking, "it'll be O.K. you had everything backed up ... didn't you?" Well, let's just say ... no! I had copies of most of my sermons and information from the first ten years of the church but everything over the last two years, well it was gone ... including all of my papers that I had been writing for a doctoral class. I was devastated and depressed ... until I found out what was going on in New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina and then I got a sudden dose of perspective. We all lose things, but a hard drive doesn't even come close to losing a home, or a laptop to losing a life!

It's moments like these that bring new clarity and conviction to my life. Our S.O.A.P. passage today is Philippians 3:7-21. Paul is in prison, comparing his losses to his gains in Christ. When I look at everything I may have lost in life (or could lose) and compare it to what I have gained in Christ ... is there any comparison? I am challenged to live as Paul said, "considering everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ." He says that an attribute of a mature Christ follower is taking this view, because it sets us free to passionately pursue God rather than our appetites. I am thinking to myself, "absolutely, that is exactly how I feel! God you are the only thing that matters and I count everything else as loss by comparison."

It is at this moment, that God says to me, "Jerry, I love you and I want you know me. I want you to take a minute and go through an exercise ... let me stretch you and allow you to know Paul's heart and my heart for you." What if you were to lose the things that are most important to you? Most precious and loved? Would you trust me? Would you draw near to me? Would you want to know me more intimately? What if you were to lose your ...

car ... not the jeep ... alright, it's just a car ... knowing you as the one who can take me anywhere, no comparison!

money ... poverty is not my goal, but O.K. Lord, you own it all, take my money if in doing so I would learn to trust you every waking moment for you alone are my God and there is no comparison!

house ... Gail is really going to be upset, but knowing you as my fortress, the one who protects ... no comparison!

friends ... you made me relational, I love my friends ... but if it means my friendship with you could grow to a depth I could never reach otherwise, then there is no comparison!

ministry ... Lord, The Fellowship is one the greatest joys of my life, but to know you as my Master, to serve you and your kingdom, there is no comparison!

reputation ... I cringe to think that I might bring shame to you or your church, but if it means embarrassment and shame to know the suffering and humiliation of my Lord, there is no comparison!

health ... Age bears down upon this vessel of clay and I am reminded of my frailty, but with every heart beat and every passing breath, I would give my health to know you as healer of my life, there is no comparison!

children ... the shock of yesterday's school shooting brought deep pain to my heart. I can't imagine losing Emily, Allison or Wesley, but the loss of your son was great. To know the Father's love, the Father's loss, the sustaining life of the Spirit in my loss, there is no comparison!

spouse ... Gail is my best friend, apart from you Lord, she is my soul mate and I can't bear the thought of losing her. You're asking me to chose you, to love you more, to want you more, to believe that there is no comparison to the complete love and friendship which you can give and want to give ... there is no comparison!

life ... it is all I have left but without knowing you ... it is death. Your life or my life ... there is no comparison!

Nothing compares to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. May I know it in my life not in my loss! May it be so! Until tomorrow ...

2006-10-02T08:51:00.000-05:00

Last night, at The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch we had a Concert of Prayer that was incredible. From the silent communion to roof raising prayer and praise, the night lifted my spirit and refreshed my soul. God filled the room with his presence and I was profoundly aware of his pleasure. One of my favorite movies is "Chariots of Fire" and it has a great quote. Eric Liddell is explaining to his sister, who is worried that his running is distracting him from his calling as a missionary to China, as he explains why he feels he has to run he says, "Jennie, I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel his pleasure." I love that line, "When I run I feel his pleasure!" As I was running around the track this morning at 5 a.m. in the Houston heat and humidity it wasn’t pleasure that I was feeling. But today's passage in Luke 19:11-27 made me think deeply about what I do that does cause me to say, "I feel his pleasure."

Jesus tells a parable that speaks to how we live, steward and prepare for the return of our King. As I S.O.A.P.ed up this morning, I was reminded that God knows me, calls and gifts me for his purposes. He has entrusted to me his kingdom and commissioned me to use all his resources to further the mission. He has entrusted to me time, talents and treasures and I am called to steward, with great diligence, the journey before me. I am called to live in the knowledge of his pleasure, believing that some day I will stand before him and he will say, "Well done, my good servant!"

2006-09-28T14:39:00.000-05:00

Romans 12:1 begins "In view of God's mercy ..." Recently Gail and I spent a few days in Colorado
Springs at the "Marriage Get Away" in Glen Eyrie. While we were there we decided a trek up Pikes Peak would be worth it, so off we went. We reached the summit of Pikes Peak the easy way, we took the Cog Train, a leisurely 1 1/2 hour ride up the mountain. As we traversed the mountainside the view was spectacular. And it wasn't just the view, it was the company as well. In a rather serendipitous turn of events we ended up riding with one of the couples from the "Marriage Get Away". We shared our stories with laughter and tears reflecting upon our respective journeys of parenting, marriage and life. When we got to the top it was 20 degrees and slightly snowing and Gail was wearing her sandals (that's another story)! We quickly went inside where we met a couple who had just climbed the peak as a training climb for Kilimanjaro. Wow! and I just road the train ... that's humbling! Then you look around and there are youth groups, old ladies with back packs and then there's me ... looking for the oxygen bar. I may have been at over 14,000 feet but I was feeling about 14 inches tall.

Reflecting back on that excursion I have come to realize several things. When I stop and really take into view the mercy of God, Pikes Peak or any other mountain top experience doesn't compare. His creation reflects just a glimpse of his power, creativity and love for all of us. I also recognize how rich and diverse the body of Christ is and how perfect strangers with a common love for Jesus can immediately feel apart of each other's lives. We are all different, unique, gifted and filled with life and when I live in humility I open myself up to the richness of the body of Christ, allowing the grace of God to flow!

In Romans 12:1-8, Paul reminds us that taking a minute to look at all that God has done is the key to a life of worship and to living a life of humility, authenticity and integrity. Life's too short not to climb the mountain with others and with one voice shout out loud the mercies of God. Until tomorrow ...

2006-09-28T08:14:00.000-05:00

I don't know if you have ever heard the song Thank You For Giving to the Lord by Ray Boltz, but as I reading 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 in our S.O.A.P. passage for today it just seemed to sum up thoughts about the reward of a light devoted to Christ, all the investments of time, talents and treasures laid up in heaven will one day be a crown, the prize, the reward for doing everything possible that men, women, boys and girls may come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. All I can say is 'Thank You"

Thank You For Giving to the Lord by Ray Boltz

I dreamed I went to heaven
and You were there with me
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea.

We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name.
You turned and saw this young man
And he was smiling as he came.

And he said, "Friend you may not know me now"
And then he said, "But wait"
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight.

And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start.
And one day when you said that prayer
I asked Jesus in my heart."

(Chorus)
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave.

Then another man stood before you
And said, "Remember the time
A missionary came to your church
And his pictures made you cry.

You didn't have much money
But you gave it anyway.
Jesus took the gift you gave
And that's why I am here today."

(Chorus)
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave.

One by one they came
Far as the eye could see
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity.

Little things that you had done
Sacrifices made.
Unnoticed on the earth
In heaven now proclaimed.

And I know up in heaven
You're not supposed to cry.
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes.

As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord.
He said, "My child look around you.
Great is your reward."

(Chorus twice)
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave.

2006-09-27T08:28:00.000-05:00

This morning was "See You at the Pole". An annual national emphasis where students gather publicly at their school's flag pole and pray. Gail and I stood on the edge of the crowd at Cinco Ranch Junior High with several other proud parents as we watched our children openly pray for their school, fellow students, teachers and principles. They worshipped God, singing at the top of their lungs, singing praises to their Lord. In 2 Timothy 1:8, Paul tells Timothy, "...do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord...". I was so proud of our students as they stood in the public arena as an expression of God's love and concern for all at their school.

In today's S.O.A.P. up passage, 2 Timothy 2:3-7, we are encouraged to learn from the examples of others, like soldiers, athletes and farmers ... maybe even students. As I read this passage I thought, "What do these have in common?" In verse 7 it says that we should "reflect" or "consider", it is the Greek work noieo (noy-eh'-o) which means to exercise your mind, think about it for a minute or two and listen to what God might be saying through their examples. ... So what do you think? Is it their faith, courage, discipline, focus? What insight has the Lord given you into this passage? I would love for you to post your response on my Sacred Journey blog. Until tomorrow ... Let's LIVE OUT LOUD like our students and live a life that shouts His love!

2006-09-26T12:47:00.000-05:00

This morning was a top down, doors off morning on the Jeep! A cool crisp, low humidity, sun shining, not a cloud in the sky morning wakes up my senses and causes me to celebrate all that God is doing. I hope that as you are Living Out Loud you too are awake to all that God is doing in your life and in his kingdom. I love to hear from each of you about what God has been saying to you as you S.O.A.P. up daily. This morning as I was reading in Luke 12 I went ahead and read the whole chapter (remember that one of the basic rules of understanding the bible is, “every text has a context”) it really brought light to the passage in today’s reading. After reading the whole chapter, I began to see a picture of God’s heart that I had not seen previously in this passage. God knows me, my needs, my wants, my desires, from the graying follicles atop my head to my band width as a pastor and leader … he knows me! We say it all the time … when you distill life down to what really matters … it’s all about relationships … “a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions”, Jesus says in Luke 12:15. It is this foundational truth that keeps me investing in eternal relationships … my love for God, myself and others! Jesus says, there is too much at stake to be idle, careless or distracted. We believe that God knows us, love us and is faithful to provide for us and because of that he says don’t be sidetracked, diverted or even hijacked by the cares of this world. My mantra for today … “God, you know me, you love me and you will provide for me!” Now go out and make it an awesome day, as you Live Out Loud making eternal investments in the Kingdom of God.

2006-09-26T12:45:00.000-05:00

What an awesome Sunday! I hope you enjoyed Skittle Theology and thanks for sharing your Skittles! Remember, your heavenly dad can get you a 5 lb bag anytime!

Today’s passage is the same text from yesterday’s message, but even this morning as I was having my S.O.A.P. time, God was faithful to show me new things and challenge my life in new ways. The word that kept coming to mind this morning was “simplify”. As I was reading in verse 19, “do not store … treasures”. The idea of storing things is fairly pervasive in our culture, just look around in Cinco Ranch and throughout Katy. There’s a ton of storage space. I wonder what’s in all those storage rooms. Stuff that is just sitting, waiting, collecting dust because we believe that our future will be better, more secure, and more comfortable because of stuff we’ve stored up! Closets in our homes seem to get larger and larger, becoming a key selling point when we purchase a new home. Why? Well for me, I guess it is because I have so much stuff! So I need to store my stuff up for tomorrow when I might use it!

Seasonally, Gail and I go through our closet and take out what we don’t wear (or what doesn’t fit), what we don’t need or what is just taking up space. Pretty soon all that stuff that we are storing becomes stuff that costs us time and money just to keep around, not to mention the clutter. But potentially more damaging is what it does to my spirit; it can become a source of pride and worse, a place where I put my hope and confidence about the future.

Richard Foster, in his book “Simplicity” writes, “Simplicity is the only thing that sufficiently reorients our lives so that possessions can be genuinely enjoyed without destroying us. Without simplicity we will either capitulate to the “mammon” spirit of this present evil age, or we will fall into an un-Christian legalistic asceticism. Both lead to idolatry. Both are spiritually lethal. … The spiritual discipline of simplicity provides the needed perspective. Simplicity sets us free to receive the provision of God as a gift that is not ours to keep and can be freely shared with others. Once we recognize that the Bible denounces the materialist and the ascetic with equal vigor, we are prepared to turn our attention to the framing of a Christian understanding of simplicity.”

Let us all embrace simplicity so that we may give and receive with great joy.

2006-09-26T12:23:00.001-05:00

Friday, September 22, 2006

A Beatles song is ringing in my head, “… all you need is love … da da da da da … all you need is love … da da da da da … all you need is love, love, all you need is love.” Sing it with me … O.K. stop, some of you are embarrassing yourselves right now, people are looking at you … but that’s just because they want to sing along. O.K. go ahead and sing at the top of your lungs and when you’re finished come back and we’ll go on … I love to sing, make a joyful noise, wake up the neighbors, climb a mountain and shout, this is life we’ve been given, made to be lived out, so la la la la live out loud. That could be a song …. Can you believe it that 27 times in this short passage love is used and 2 other times, beloved or friends is used simply saying that you are the ones that are loved. When reading scripture, repeating something usually means the author is wanting to emphasize a point, give more force and emotion … mmmmmm I think God is trying to tell us something. Simply put, God is love, he has placed his love in us by way of the Holy Spirit, and now you and I are supernaturally endowed with a spiritual capacity to love others! We know it, we rely on it, we live it, we sing it, we shout it! I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Thursday, September 21, 2006

“Good answer!” That’s phrase really struck me this morning. Jesus, time and time again, was put on the spot, challenged and plotted against but they just couldn’t get the wisest, Holy Spirit lead leader ever to give a bad answer. Like that teacher of the law, I am forever asking Jesus questions; “Now what is the best way?”, “What is the right thing to do?” or “How can I love the way you do?” What I like about this guy is it seems that he genuinely wanted to know the truth, the good answer. I think that he even had an inkling of what that might be, he just wanted to hear it from Jesus. There are times when I feel the same way. I sense the right answer, the prompting of God’s Spirit and find myself going to Jesus and saying is this true? Is this what you want me to believe, to do, to pray? But then, sometimes my questions are more out of my fear of what God might be calling me give up, to confess, and even out of my desire to protect or propagate my own opinions. I find myself listening and looking for the answer I want to hear. There are times, like the teacher, when I hear Jesus speak and it makes so much sense, it might even be what I was already being lead to do through scripture and prayer, and I find myself saying “good answer” Lord. But, even in my incessant questioning and seeking, I continually find that Jesus always give the good answer, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength … love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Now that’s a good answer!

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Soren Kierkegaard, in his book The Sickness Unto Death, writes that in life we may, “… get married, beget children, be honored and esteemed” and yet we “… may fail to notice that in a deeper sense we lack a self … The biggest danger, that of losing oneself, can pass off in the world as quietly as if it were nothing; every other loss, an arm, a leg, five dollars, a wife, etc. is bound to be noticed.” pp 62-63 In my S.O.A.P. up journaling today it was so evident that God was saying to me, “Look how easy it is for the next generation to loose a sense of who they are in God’s eyes.” Men and women who knew God and were responsible for passing the spiritual DNA to the next generation didn’t fair too well. That sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves, that sense of knowing who and whose you are was lacking. This loss set a generation a drift and broke the heart of God. They were forced on a journey to find themselves and their God, to know him and to experience him, both in his anger and his compassion. We live in a time where many men and women do what is right in their own eyes, making, creating, fashioning gods that reflect each individual want. How will that effect today’s children? What will this next generation be like? Will they lack a sense of self? Will they know their God? Will they remember the experiences, the deserts, the trials of life that have shaped the past?

For me, “Live Out Loud”, is an investment in the spiritual journey of future generations. I want my children and the children of our church and community to know that they are “fearfully and wonderfully made”, loved by God and created for a purpose, so that it won’t be written of them, “another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.”

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

When Gail and I were first married and Emily was just about 18 months old, we faced a time when we were in need, hungry, broke and humbled … God used that place and time in our lives, to test us … to teach us and even to take us to a place of dependence, faith and trust in the one Love, Lord and Leader of our lives! We learned that God is faithful to provide all our needs and to bless our lives as we humble ourselves before him. Some things have changed in the last 18 years; we now have three awesome children (that’s the dad speaking), a great church and wonderful friends, a fantastic community, and blessing upon blessing. Then as I was “S.O.A.P.ing up” this morning, I was reminded how easy it is to take credit for the good in my life, Deuteronomy 8, verse 14 reads, “… then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” … and in verse 17 and 18, “you may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me … but remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth …”

Just as empty pockets can test a faithful heart, full pockets can tempt a faithful heart. I confess how easy it is for my pride to cause me to stumble, how easy it is to take credit for the good in my life and all the while God says, “Jerry, remember what I taught you in the desert? Don’t forget the lessons of your youth or you will find yourself once again a slave to your own folly.” Every good and perfect gift comes from God and I never want to forget that every day, he gives breath to my lungs and rhythm to my heart. He sustains me and blesses me, giving me the capacity to be a blessing to others. It is for his glory alone that we live!

Until tomorrow …

Monday, September 18, 2006

During the next several weeks as we Live Out Loud, I will be sharing thoughts, prayers, and leadings from the Lord as, like you, I S.O.A.P. up daily in God’s word. If you want to know more about how to “S.O.A.P up” just click here. In your Life Group this week you will receive a Daily S.O.A.P. guide, if your group hasn’t met yet or you’re not in a group, I have listed the passages for this week below. You can also find them on our website www.thefellowship.org

Monday, September 18 - Genesis 22:1-18

Tuesday, September 19 – Deuteronomy 8

Wednesday, September 20 – Judges 2:6-3:4

Thursday, September 21 – Mark 12:28-34

Friday, September 22 – 1 John 4:7-12

As I was “Soaping up” this morning in Genesis 22, I thought of the emergency broadcasting system’s old way of testing where they would come on the airways and say “this is only a test” and then begin some obnoxious sound that would cause you to turn your radio way down or off. This story begins with a test and Abraham’s response was to tune God in not turn him off. That’s my prayer for all of us … that we would not turn God off in the midst of his testing because we will miss out on the blessing. The test brought out the truth about where Abraham put his trust! Between now and October 22^nd I am going to be tested and the truth will be seen about where I put my trust! I think that is true for all of us who desire to grow in their relationship with Christ. The most exciting thing I got from this passage was at the end when God told Abraham … “all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” Wow! Thousands of years later, I have received the blessing of salvation because Abraham obeyed God. What blessing is yet to come to others because of my obedience to God, I will never know unless I put my complete trust in the Lord. As the old hymn says, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.”

Feel free to pass this on and invite others to SOAP up daily.

2006-07-28T13:31:00.000-05:00

Retreat, Rest, Restore, Relate

I'm at Camp Alan about an hour from Katy. The Fellowship Elders are on retreat. We are stepping back to look at the long view, welcome two new Elders to the team, build relationships and team, rest our bodies, restore our spirits.

Last night we talked about team dynamics, myers briggs, situational leadership, decision making and functioning as a team. It is a wonderful to see how different we all are yet how we are the same. Understanding that God has brought us together to serve Christ and his church.

These guys are special. I gave each them a serung and peci (a man skirt from Indonesia and a hat worn by the peasants) A reminder of prayer and identification with the poor.

Communion is a special time of remembering all that God has done. We took communion by sharing a common cup, a common loaf and a comment of appreciation; one word that came to mind about the person who was taking of the cup and bread.

This morning we ran 4 miles, swam in the pool and then ate breakfast. This is the day that the Lord has made and I am glad in it.

2006-07-27T21:58:00.000-05:00

10 Days in Banda Aceh, Indonesia

This entry is one long set of entries copied into The Sacred Journey. It was an incredible expererience. Thanks for reading.

Friday, June 02, 2006

Journey

Friday, May 26, 2006 - Getting there is always a journey. As we embark on this journey I feel like the unlikely band of travelers brought together by fate as in the Lord of the Rings. A teacher passionate about language and culture, a nurse longing to help, an engineer with a couselors heart, a student ready to take the stage, a creative student pastor with dreams and me. A group that God has put togethe and who now embark on a journey to serve those who are hurting so far away.

A Long Flight and A Good Read

Saturday, May 27 - It's been a long series of flights that have lead to Singapore! I have enjoyed the time to read, reflect and relax. I've read a series of books that have challenged my thinking and my life. One of them is Practicing Greatness by Reggie McNeal. It is a book about the seven disciplines of extraordinary spiritual leaders; the other book was Change The World by Robert Quinn on how ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary results. The later has especially poignant in his chapter on confronting the hypocritical self, oooch! This one will take a while.

Friday, June 02, 2006

Things that go wrong may be right!

Sunday, May 28 - Singapore ... finally! I slept in a bed (it felt so good) and I got to take a shower, I knew things were to good to be true! %

They Grow Up

2006-07-27T17:48:00.000-05:00

This week we have been traveling. We took Allison to visit Samford University in Birmingham Alabama. A school with a rich history, a beautiful campus nesseled in between the lasts hills of the lower Appalacians and a theater arts program that allows for a missional focus. I've been down this road once before when we took Emily to OBU (Oklahoma Baptist University) in Shawnee Oklahoma. I find that as a dad, I am feeling the sweet pain of watching them grow up. It is a pride mixed with pain, as I know all too soon they will all be gone and the conversations will be fewer and their expereinces will become more thier own and less shared.

On the way back we stopped at Lousiana College to see Emily who is working for a summer camp ministry called Centrikid. They travel to University campuses every week. She is the worship leader and is loving it. We got up early and took her to breakfast while we listened to all the God is teaching her and how she is growing as a leader and learner. She is growing up! Allison is close behind! Wesley is fast becoming a man. They grow up and it is way too fast.