Just One Ministry

New Video

2012-02-11T14:29:00.000-06:00

Just posted a new video on Youtube.

My Youtube Channel is here:http://www.youtube.com/user/JustOneMinistries/videos

Pardon The Mess

2012-01-10T20:22:00.001-06:00

I will be making a few changes around here for a bit - so it might get a little funky for a bit!

Thanks.

Chris

Forgive us our sins...

2012-01-05T19:45:00.001-06:00

The next (and I believe) toughest line in the Lord's Prayer is this:

Forgive us our sins AS we forgive those who've sin against us.

I highlighted the AS - it wasn't until recently that the "as" struck me.

Is is "as" as in is "while" or as in "like"?

The more I got to think of it - what if it's "as" as in "like?"

Then I might be praying for something I don't really want! Because if God forgives ME as I forgive others? I'm in trouble! And here I am asking God to do just that.

This puts forgiving in a whole new context...

And one that more and more I am trying to forgive others as I want God to forgive ME. Which means: absolutely and without reservation.

Am I ready for that? Is that what I really want?

If I am to live how Jesus taught and lived, then yes.

If I want to do things my own way, then no.

Well, considering the trouble I have gotten myself into - I think I'll go with the former.

And while I don't completely like the idea that I am asking God to forgive me the same way I forgive others - I DO like the idea of forgiving others as God forgives them.

I'm not for rewriting the prayer, but one way to look at it might be: to THINK "Help me to forgive others AS YOU forgive us."

Daily Bread

2011-12-17T14:50:00.001-06:00

The next line of the Lord's Prayer is this: Give us this day, our daily bread.

As many of us know (and for those of you that don't) this is a call back to the time when Israel wondered the desert for 40 years. Each day, God would provide them with mana - which could be made into bread: hence DAILY bread.

In the Lord's Prayer, we say this.

But what do we mean?

Remember, Jesus also once said that man doesn't live by bread alone. So, are we praying for our daily bread? True bread? Or spiritual bread? Or what kind of bread?

I've heard it preached both ways...and that's exactly what I think it's supposed to be: both.

We are not only praying for our spiritual daily bread...that which we spiritually will live on, but also that we trust God will provide for us.

Exactly how? That's up to God - that's what we are to trust him with.

But instead of asking God how, we should be asking ourselves if we ARE trusting God to give us our daily bread -whichever we may need daily.

Just today I put some money into my savings account - you know, for the future. Of course, this means that in the future, should I need it, I am trusting that my BANK will provide me with this money. But in reality: what might I need this money for?

Certainly I'm not putting it in the bank, under a savings account in MY name, for the poor. That wasn't the reason for the account. No, it was for ME.

I put away that money for when I need it. But what might I need it for? Car tires? House payment? In other words: things of this world?

Will I use ANY of this money for someone who is in true need?

I don't know. I would like to say, YES! But at the moment, I really don't know.

But I know what I SHOULD do.

So am I really trusting God to give me my daily bread? In any form?

If I am honest with myself, I have to say no.

No. I make plans, just in case. Even spiritually. If God doesn't come through (as I believe he should) then I have my back up plans - just in case.

Money wise - I truly don't believe God will come through with what I need - after all, I NEED my movies and my car, and my house, and my....and the list goes on. But do I really need them?

Does anyone?

What are we really praying for here? Needs or wants?

Do we trust God to provide - however he deems fit, and with what he deems needed?

I don't know that I honestly say that I am.

But I do know that I want to.

And that takes quite a leap of faith - to trust God at his word.

So maybe I will try and change this part of the prayer. Instead of praying for my daily bread, I will pray for accepting my daily bread. Because, when it comes down to it -that exactly what I DON'T do - accept my daily bread.

I always want more...for just in case....

The Lord's Prayer - Part One (B)

2011-12-09T08:41:00.001-06:00

In reading back, I noticed I failed to point out another, very key, piece to our prayer as well.

The FIRST WORDS!

Duh!

"Our Father..."

Very key words.

They are not, "Our God" or "Our master" or "Our Leader" or "Our Judge" or "Our Supervisor" or "Our Spiritual Police Officer" or "Our ANYTHING."

"Our Father."

Just those words denote something special, something different. A Father. A GOD as a FATHER. This could be a whole different post (and maybe should be) as to what this truly means for us as believers.

A GOD as a FATHER.

No, A GOD as OUR FATHER.

I think this needs to be look at in more depth...

The Lord's Prayer - Part One

2011-12-05T19:08:00.001-06:00

In our look at prayer, we are going to take a look at The Lord's Prayer.

However, we will go through this slow and easy.

Remember, we are trying to answer: what exactly IS prayer? What's it for? What's it look like?

To find out we are looking at the prayer that Jesus gave us as a model: The Lord's Prayer.

It starts: Our Father, who art in heaven...hallowed be thy name...thy kingdom come, thy will be done...on earth as it is in heaven.

For the moment we will start there.

What have we said so far?

For one, we addressed who we are praying to: God.

But then we say, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done."

No doubt, at least in this case, we are admitting that God's kingdom IS coming, and his ultimate will, WILL BE done.

That's a pretty heavy admission! Humbling too!

Not OUR will, not OUR kingdom - but God's...and it's coming!

Where?

On Earth - as it IS in Heaven.

I have always glossed over this part in the prayer, just rambled it off in order to get through the prayer. However, now, I realize how heavy of a statement this is, and right at the BEGINNING!

We haven't prayed for anything yet - all we have done is ACKNOWLEDGE what is going to happen...someday.

So the question is: what does this mean in regards to OUR prayers?

I would take it to mean that somewhere (perhaps the beginning) we are to acknowledge that God's will, no matter what, when all is said and done WILL BE done.

And we should take A LOT of comfort in that.

A LOT.

The first part of our prayer is GREAT NEWS!

God will be done!

Seriously, what IS prayer?

2011-11-15T18:53:00.001-06:00

Given what my family has recently gone through, I have done a lot of praying.

Now, that isn't to say I don't pray everyday; I do! But during the time of my father's illness, I prayed more than I usually did. Heck, I think some days I was in nothing BUT prayer, just to get through the day!

Now that my father has passed, and things are "relatively" getting back to normal - or as I tell my clients: there is no normal, only average.

But back to prayer.

At first, I was praying that my Dad would be healed. That he would gain his strength, be able to have surgery, and get to have him with us for a few more years. Eventually, my prayers were not so....grand. They were down to the point of just asking that my Dad have a good night sleep.

As the days passed, after Dad died...I continued to pray...but I didn't know exactly what to pray for.

After all, God knows what's going on. I'm not telling him anything new. I'm not giving him any information that he isn't privy to.

Given this, I reverted back to what I do in real times of stress and worry: I pray the prayer Jesus taught us.

"Our Father, who art in heaven..."

You know the rest.

I figure, if Jesus said to pray it - there must be a reason!

But what is that reason?

What is the reason for prayer in the first place?

I know we are supposed to - but why? Because God wants to hear a bunch of us complain about our lives and ask for help?

I hope not!

I'm sure he'll hear any prayer that we offer to him, but is that truly the purpose?

According to the words of the Lord's prayer that doesn't seem to be the case.

I have heard other teachers say that the Lord's prayer isn't so much a word-by-word prayer we should say, but a guide to prayer.

I believe this to be true - however, I don't see a problem with the word-by-word part. If it was good enough for Jesus, it should be good enough for me! And it usually is.

But what is the breakdown of the prayer? How is it a guide?

I don't exactly know, I have forgotten the sermons I listened to that spoke about it, but I have some ideas of my own.

In the next post I'll take a look at the first part of the prayer.

"Our Father, who art in Heaven.....on earth as it is in Heaven."

If you have any ideas, or opinions or beliefs, or input on how you pray, please share!

Religion and Sci-Fi

2011-11-10T11:06:00.001-06:00

If you are a sci-fi (even horror) fan, you might have noticed that sometimes Sci-fi and religion seem to highlight each other - or at least, have similarities.

Why?

Well, if you are interested, there's a great interview, regarding the book Religion and Science Fiction can be found HERE!

I highly recommend reading the interview. Myself, I will be on the hunt for the book!

God vs. Disease

2011-11-03T19:32:00.004-05:00

Last post I looked at the challenge: why doesn't God grow back limbs?

If you would like to read it, it's right below this one!

In this post, I will dive into the world of diseases.

Unlike the last post, this one is very personal...my father passed away in September of mesothelioma.

Did I pray he would be healed? Yes.
Did I pray for a miracle? You bet.
Then why didn't God answer? Good question.

In short: I don't know.

But, I'm not here to provide a short answer. I'm not here to provide ANY answer, because, like I said, I don't know.

However, I can give a few opinions and thoughts...so that's what I'll do.

When we ask the questions: why didn't God heal (insert name here)? We are really asking this: How come other people get healed but I don't? Or how come bad people get healed and my Dad didn't?

See, we are really asking why one thing (us, or our loved one got healed) didn't happen over another (someone ELSE getting healed).

For some reason, WE think we know who SHOULD and SHOULDN'T be healed. In a way, by asking such a question we are making ourselves better judges than God.

But let's back up.

Some days I am jealous of the folks in the Bible. They seem to have all these miracles, and conversations with God and Jesus, and well....crap, I can completely understand their faith in that context!

That's about all I'm jealous of, though.

Now, I like camping, and roughing it from time to time, but I doubt my cushioned butt would last very long back in those days.

That and I don't speak ANY of the languages that were prominent then...so, that would be an issue too.

Today, though, to see a miracle is...well, a MIRACLE!

Some folks claim to have seen one, or two...For me, like a ghost - I have never seen a miracle. At least on par with healings and such.

So now we can come back to our question: why do some people see and get miracles and other people do not?

I wish I knew.

That's faith.

Faith is, in part, knowing that why we DON'T know, there IS a reason.

Faith to know, that in spite of never seeing a miracle or experiencing a miracle...I shall not be jealous of those who have.

For one - like the events of our daily lives, there is much going on that we don't know that ends up effecting our day...like the Butterfly Effect. Someones spilled coffee on their way out the door to work, leads to them rear-ending us on their way home from work. In between those two events, numerous, perhaps COUNTLESS events take place.

Like the bumper sticker says: Shit Happens.

How does this relate to diseases?

After all, my spilled coffee didn't lead my Dad to dying from mesothelioma.

No, but asbestos did.

Somewhere along the line, my Dad was exposed to enough asbestos to eventually take his life. This is such a variable in his life, we can't even pinpoint where or how...and to even continue to try is fruitless, and a waste of time.

But why didn't God heal him?

Like in the real world, in the spiritual world there is more going on that we know of.

Too out there for you?

Huh, you accept God, but not other spiritual entities? Even Jesus believed in them...if they were real enough for him...I rest my case.

Did Satan cause my Dad to die?

No, life did. Life as we know know it, that is...not how it's supposed to be.

This is NOT the world God created...we messed it up. And without going into a rant about the fall, we'll just have to agree - the fall was NOT a good thing.

Sin, evil, you name it abounds! (for now)

The "bad" that we see happen is only the harvest that we have sown...it's the fruit of our labor. Now, certainly we can't all take "blame" for diseases, but we certainly can take enough blame to go around. Not every disease is just a random even - there are causes. Smoking can give you lung cancer - so if you smoke (like I did) you run that risk...can we really blame anyone/anything else?

And can we really get mad at God for not healing us or a loved one then?

And what does it say that we are mad at God because he "failed" to heal us in THIS life, while promising a better one in the NEXT.

Should we wish for death? Of course not, and to think it is missing the point...

What about my Dad...wasn't he a victim?

Maybe he was, maybe he was completely innocent and did nothing to "deserve" his illness.

What does that mean?

It's only a reflection of the world we have created. Fairness doesn't inherently exist.

Shit happens. (sorry Mom!)

If my faith then tells me that my father is with my Father...what does it say about me if I were to be angry that my Dad is gone?

Honestly, that I'm selfish.

I miss my Dad, more than I can express. But if given the chance, would I "make" my Dad come back to live with me, in this world, rather than be with God?

How selfish is that!?

I know my Dad loves me, and I will see him again WITH GOD. But to get mad at God for not healing my Dad when there is so much more going on here and in the spiritual world - it just goes to show how short sighted I am.

While I hesitate to say it was God's will and God had a reason to take my Dad the way he did, I do know one thing: God's will CAN come out of it.

Having faith in God isn't that he will show up and rescue us at the last minute, or that he will stop the tide of trouble...but that if we truly have faith IN HIM that we will get through it, and good CAN and WILL come out of it.

It's not what happens to us in life that matters, it's how we act AFTER.

We will experience all the world has to offer, even us Christians - it offered Jesus no less. But what matters, what counts, is what do we do when it does...

My Dad is gone...from here.

I can't call him. I can't hug him. I can't work on the house with him....

But I can love him.
I can still learn from him.
I can talked to him.

I can still feel him.

And while I still feel the pain of his death...I can't help but think of other people, other boys who grew to be men that didn't have a father. Especially a father like mine.

For 34 years I was blessed to be protected, loved, cherished, sacrificed for, by this man...in a way, how dare I ask for more, or be mad that it "wasn't enough" when there are far more out there who never HAD or will HAVE what I did...

And I think Dad would remind me of that, if I ever got to selfish.

So why didn't God heal my Dad?

I don't know.

But I do know this: It's okay that I don't.

Why Doesn't God Grow Back Limbs?

2011-10-26T20:09:00.001-05:00

One form of recreation I have is listening to debates between atheists and Christians.

During such a debate, the atheist brought up miracles - rather, lack thereof - as disproof of God. His main contention? God must have something against people who lose their limbs. After all, if God can heal a diseased person, why couldn't he just grow back a limb? Especially one lost to war or other tragedy?

At first thought, it does seem to be a valid question...and a tough one to counter at that. What is a limb compared to a disease? Certainly he can do it, right? After all he is all powerful!

Not to mention all the publicity God would get if someone actually DID have their arm grown back! Think about it, an Iraq war vet who lost his/her leg via IED and glory of glories their leg grew back, thanks be to God!!!

So, why not then?

Seems reasonable doesn't it? It did to the atheist.

Perhaps that's the problem though. It "seems" reasonable.

Clearly we aren't the plum bob for reason, as humans. Many bad things have been done in the name of "seemed reasonable at the time."

Do we truly think we are more reasoned than God? Do we honestly think that if it were truly reasonable to do such a thing, God wouldn't? Sure, at times we think we are more reasonable than God - we try to outsmart him with our reason. Yet at the end of the day, if we are honest, we know better - reason isn't our strong suit.

So why might God not grow back a limb? Especially one of a veteran. They would deserve it, right?

Let's get the deserve out of the way. We deserve NOTHING. None of us. And no, not the vet. Though while they may have served our country - are they any better than any of us who didn't? Why would a vet be anymore important that a child who lost their leg? And is that child any more important or special that the pastor who, too, lost their arm?

See where this is going? We can all make a case for who would "deserve" this special healing. However, none of us are truly deserving of anything, including the Grace that is given to us. So what do we value more? A leg, or Grace?

And that's the crux of the issue.

It doesn't come down to what God can/can't, will/won't do - it's our VALUE.

We VALUE the human BODY more than we should. Take a look at the newsstand, or watch TV for five minutes, or checkout all the diet/fitness books at the store, or the porn industry - we are obsessed with our bodies. To the point that we evidently see that someone without a leg, arm, all four limbs as such a less person we want God to "fix" them.

And that's the truth. We honestly don't value human BEINGS as much as we do human BODIES.

We feel bad because someone doesn't have a leg...yet couldn't care less if they have something to eat, a good home to go to, a loving family, or just a friend...

The truth is: we want God to "fix" them so we don't have to be reminded about how obsessed we are with our BODIES.

Yet we are asking God help us in our obsession?

And a loving God would do as such?

If WE truly loved, honored, cherished, treasured the person - it won't matter what part/s of their body is missing or not working correctly.

Rather than seeing them as someone God could fix.

Is that how YOU would like to be looked at?

On Anger

2011-10-15T10:28:00.001-05:00

If we are to be truly honest with ourselves about our feelings, we must admit how selfish they are.

Especially anger.

While we might believe anger can serve a cause for good, most times it's not; it's for us.

Oddly, anger is one of those selfish feelings that does more harm to us than others - depending on the severity of our anger and our subsequent actions.

But for the moment let's keep anger within the confines of ourselves.

It serves no purpose.

Anger is not a feeling hope for, search out - in some cases we do - or wake up in the morning wishing to be angry at some point during our day.

Rather, anger comes upon us. It "happens" or someone "makes" us angry. And more and more these days, there are more and more ways we "become" angry.

"Don't make me angry," pre-Hulk would say. "You won't like me when I'm angry."

Take a quick look around at the bookstore - there are rows and rows of books on how to "beat" stress and "anger." Why is that? With all these books shouldn't we be making progress? Shouldn't there be less books?

Why haven't we figured out how NOT to be angry?

Perhaps because we aren't looking at the right cause of our anger: ourselves.

Of course, a book that blames US for OUR problems might not be a best seller - even if we know it's true, we don't want to hear it.

But it IS true. Whether we like it our not, we are the cause of most of our problems in life and the anger that follows.

Think of the last time you were angry at someone - most likely they didn't something (big or small) that YOU didn't want/like them to do.

Have you ever gotten angry at someone for ALL WAYS doing what you want them to? Though I could see how that might be annoying - however that just proves my point as well.

Anger, for us, all ways involves OUR expectations of someone or a situation. When it doesn't go the way WE want, we chose to get angry.

That's right, we CHOSE to be angry.

Think back to that last time you were angry at someone. You chose to be angry at them, because you could have NOT been angry at them. But that's not how you wanted to feel. You wanted TO BE angry - as if your anger was some form of punishment. You wanted them to know you were angry. Why?

Is our anger at someone THAT MUCH of a punishment?

Clearly not as evident by people who know us still "make" us angry...Our wrath is not so fearful.

But why else do we, should we, get angry? For what purpose might anger serve? Be useful for? Can it be the "gift" Rage Against the Machine says it is?

What things are good to be angry at? Is there people that DO deserve our anger?

Injustice?

Sure, I suppose. But are we angry at the perpetrators of "injustice" or the act itself? For if we are angry AT the perpetrators, are we not just being selfish again - they aren't measuring up to our expectations of them.

Can we be angry at "something" like injustice? How do we know when we see it? When it makes us angry?

Are people ever helped by anger?

Have you ever been thanked for your anger?

Do we fill books with quotes of anger because they are so valuable?

Should we honor anger?

What good can anger bring to the world?

Or maybe anger is not what it seems. There's a feeling, for sure, that things in the world AREN'T the way they are SUPPOSED to be. We all feel it. But we can't put our finger on it. We can't even fully express it. Anger then becomes a substitute.

I believe that while we say anger pushes us to action - it doesn't.

Does it push us to protest or to protect?

To screaming or soothing?

To hurting back or helping more?

Sparking riots or building communities?

What purpose does anger serve?

I'm not sure I know anymore...if I ever did.

Guest Post!

2011-10-10T21:16:00.002-05:00

It's been some time since my last post. For good reason...which we might get to later on.

However...I will be guest posting over at The Schires Five which (full disclosure) is my sister's blog - which if you take a look around is full of interesting little tid bits from cooking, being frugal, to faith and family! Check it out and check out my guest post this Thursday!

Take Care.

Who Is To Blame?

2011-09-17T13:54:00.000-05:00

We blame. We blame A LOT. We blame the ref for a bad call, traffic for making us late, the Democrats for ruining the economy - or wait is the Republicans? Maybe it's both. We blame the terrorists, we blame the fundamentalists, we blame the atheist, the Christian, the Muslim, the guy down the street who's lawn is always a mess, those people - you know the ones - can't trust them, we blame the mortgage company because WE didn't read the fine print, we blame the kids at McDonald's earning minimum wage for having to wait TWO MINUTES before we could stuff our face with grease and fat, heck we blame McDonald's for making us fat, we blame eggs for our heart attacks and Phillip Morris for our lung cancer, we blame our boss when we are fired, blame the homeless for decreasing our home value, blame the rich that we don't have money to buy groceries, blame the bleeding heart liberals because our taxes are too high, blame the homosexuals for ruining OUR family values, we blame those wacky Christians that Adam and Steve can't get married, we blame...boy do we blame. Kid gets hurt? Who's to blame! I get sick, it's got to be someone else's fault! Blame!

Sadly, if we made a list of everything and everyone we blamed for what went on in our lives, well heck, we might just about blame everything and EVERYONE!

Why do we blame? Because we can. Especially here in America. We are a blaming society. One only has to listen to any given conversation at any given time to hear someone or something get blamed for...(insert problem here). Heck, we blame others for NOT stopping us from doing something stupid. Have you ever said, "Why didn't you stop me?" Yeah, that's called blame.

We blame because it's easy. 9/11? Terrorist of course! See? Easy.

We blame because we don't want to take responsibility, or think we might have some part in the problem.

In short, we don't want to take the time to understand why something happened the way it did, or why someone acted the way they did. We want to blame, then we want JUSTICE! That is, unless someone blames us for something, then we want mercy and understanding.

God is not free from our blame either. How often have we dug our own holes, so deep we pray for help to get out of it. And when said help doesn't come, we blame God that we are still in the hole. After all, he has the power to help us, so it only stands to reason that he should, right?

There is a saying, "When you point a finger at someone, there are three pointing back at you."

Jesus said something similar, "Remove the plank from your own eye, before you help someone remove their speck."

Plank and speck...quite a difference isn't there?

That's the other reason, maybe the main reason we blame...if we didn't, we might have to remember our planks. And we don't want to do that.

Do we really get to blame? That is a question we should ask too. Are we in any position to blame? To point a finger, to point out a fault, to find a reason to punish in the name of justice?

What does Jesus say?

Something we don't want to hear: Love your enemy.

Say What? (or in those ATT commercials Say Butt?)

Love. Your. Enemy.

Okay, but what does that have to do with blame?

Well, nothing, because if we are loving someone we can't blame them can we? If we are truly loving someone, and they do something that might hurt us, do we get to blame them for our pain?

Doesn't appear so.

After all, does Jesus point his finger at you and blame you for his crucifixion?

Oh, we know we are to blame, there's no doubt about that...but we aren't blamed. Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit don't blame us...oddly, Jesus willingly took the punishment (blameLESS as he was) that we deserved, and didn't even want a thank you...only for us to do the same "take up your cross daily."

Love understands, it doesn't, it never blames.

"That which we understand, we can't blame." Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe.

If we truly love, then we strive to understand. Love our enemies, means not only to pray for them, but to understand them. Do we understand why we were attacked on 9/11? I don't truly think we do. I don't truly think we want to either, because as unpopular as it might be to say: we might not want to discover that we might have some blame to share.

So, who is to blame?

All of us. All that is wrong in the world, all the hurt, the suffering, the you-name-it...we are all to blame. We all in some form or another by what we do or don't do have contributed to it.

And if we are all to blame...well then, perhaps we can put down our fingers, start working on our planks and maybe, just maybe, get some real love spreading through the world.

Sometimes you have nothing to say...

2011-08-09T16:25:00.003-05:00

It's been awhile since I have posted. As I was thinking about what topic to post on, I realized that I didn't really have one for now.

And that's okay.

Sure being a blog, people like to comeback to read something new. For me, however, this is an outlet. And as such, not always do I have something to blog about. Perhaps, I'm too busy or too tired...or more recently, dealing with a family health issue.

Whatever the reason, I could kick myself for not posting, but I won't. I will still post. I'll get back into the swing of things...just not today.

And that's okay.

Book Review - "The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

2011-07-15T21:14:00.000-05:00

I have read many quotes by Bonhoeffer, and many people have quoted him and spoke of his amazing life.

A true disciple of Jesus if there was one in our modern age. I highly recommend just finding out about the man, let alone reading "The Cost of Discipleship."

TCD is a challenging book. Not because it's hard to read, or understand, but because it does just that - it's challenges.

If you've ever admitted that you "fall short" of the glory of God this book will show you more.

Yes, at times you will feel "guilty" and "convicted" but at the same time, you get a clearer, more direct, more honest look at your own walk with Christ - and how much we are not only falling short with God, but ourselves!

With Jesus, yes, we have great responsibility, but what a responsibility it is! Truly, the cost of discipleship is high, but the rewards are even higher (and I'm not just talking about heaven).

Bonhoeffer doesn't pull any punches and gives insight to the Sermon on the Mount that perhaps you might not have heard - I know I hadn't.

It's a quick read, but don't let that fool you, it's a deep one as well.

This was the first book, or any writings for that matter, by Bonhoeffer I have read - I will certainly read more!

Billy Graham in Quotes - A Review

2011-07-11T15:51:00.001-05:00

Where does one start?

If you've read or have heard Dr. Graham before you know the way he has with words. This book highlight, perhaps, the best of what Dr. Graham has had to say in his long life as an evangelist.

In the book, Dr. Graham is quoted on a wide variety of topics such as: Sin, Salvation, the world, Jesus, young people, family, evil, money, and a whole lot more!

What you read is straight-from-the-heart, no-holds-barred, and uncompromising. Billy says what he means, means what he says for sure.

To quote: "If we are at peace with this world, it may be because we have sold out to it and compromised with it." - From the chapter Billy Graham on compromise.

My only complaint, if you could even call it that, is the structure of the book itself. More to the point, how the chapters are ordered. Perhaps I've ready way to many Christian books, but it is odd to find Jesus in the middle of the book, rather than at the end. Or maybe not!

One thing is for sure, I can say this isn't a book you would regret taking the time to read. It will both inspire and challenge you, for which you will be all the more better because of it.

And as always: I have received this book free for my review through Booksneeze. In no way was my review influenced by the author or publisher of this book. For more information please visit: Booksneeze.com

Ministry Today - the magazine

2011-07-07T20:10:00.001-05:00

First, did you even know there was a magazine called "Ministry Today?"

You can check them out HERE!

But let me back up a second...

I am a sucker for kids selling stuff. Maybe because I had to sell ads and wreaths growing up and hated every second of it - I am NOT a salesman. Whatever the reason, if I answer the door - you'll probably make a sale!

The long/short of it: I subscribed to Ministry Today...as I was starting (still working on) my ministry and thought maybe this mag could help.

My thoughts?

It's just another magazine.

Articles to sell ads.

The cover looks no different than what you'd expect for any other magazine - a list of articles promising the latest fad or "technique" to do __________ (whatever you are looking to do).

Really?

Sure the "content" is different, yet the style and execution is exactly the same. My current issue states the following on the cover: "Discover IHOP-KC'S Strategy for: Keeping platform ministry pure, spirit-led children's ministry, fasting more effectively...

What?

Fasting more effectively?

How is that different than when Men's Health has an article on: More effective push-ups?

I hate to be cynical (okay, maybe I don't) but what the he(xx)?

Effective fasting?

Have we reduced following Christ to "effective fasting?"

Want to know how your music can "go beyond worship?" (also in this edition)

I'm not sure what I expected, but I know it WASN'T this.

But before I get tooooooooo cynical, I take the words of Jesus to heart: Those who aren't against us, are for us.

So, while I may disagree with their methods (as I'm sure they would certainly disagree with mine) I leave it to God to decide. If he is cool with it, than I will be as well - though I don't have to support them by renewing my subscription, which I won't.

Are nuggets of gold to be found?

I'm sure...in fact, I found an article written by a friend's pastor (which I gave him the issue). If even for that fact, alone, the magazine is worth it.

When it all comes down to it - who am I to knock them down?

If this magazine might possibly influence the new Billy Graham, than I shall humbly step out of the way....

A humble thanks...

2011-06-30T21:01:00.000-05:00

Last month IFC podcast hit 500 downloads!

Now, I don't have the software to show me who is downloading the podcast, but regardless - I am quite humbled.

That 500 people would subject themselves to one man rambling on about his faith...

...makes me wonder: don't they have anything better to do?!

So, I guess I should say thank you for listening, but then I ask myself: do I have anything worth listening to?

After all, I'm just a man working out his faith...I don't pretend to have anything to offer than my thoughts as they come to me.

If you have suffered through one of my podcasts (and are not my mom!) then I humbly thank you for at least your attention and hope that you could take away...something.

Chris

The God Delusion - A quick review.

2011-06-26T12:24:00.000-05:00

I was planning to do a multi-part review of Richard Dawkins' book The God Delusion. However, after further consideration, I have decided not to.

This blog, this ministry, I wish to focus on positive things. And while someone might think tearing down TGD is good, it doesn't help.

Let's be honest, my review is not going to change any minds - much like the book failed to change mine.

For the book, I will say this: I was disappointed. If it challenged ANYONE to seriously question their faith, I would wonder it's strength to begin with.

If you do wish to find a critique on this book can find many out there. Mine, however, will not be one of them.

Chris

New Audio Ministry!

2011-06-17T11:08:00.000-05:00

We will soon be starting a new audio ministry: Beer Can Christians.

Check it out HERE!

Peace and Love

Chris

Book Review - The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

2011-06-12T10:38:00.000-05:00

"This is mankind’s last chance. Centuries of greed, pride, and hate have sent humanity hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship, and it consists of only two words."

This is the premise of Andy Andrews' book The Final Summit. A very unique book. I haven't read something quite like it. The main character, David Ponder, is whisked away to presumably heaven to have a "final summit" other "travelers."

I'm not entirely certain what a traveler, but in they include various people from the past: Benjamin Franklin, Winston Churchill, etc. David Ponder, leads this group of travelers in the final summit to save mankind. Their answer can save mankind, if they can only discover what the answer is, and if they can do it in the time provided.

The answer?

Two words.

The Final Summit is filled with interesting historical events and "personal" accounts of such event from "those who were there" This Final Summit will keep you interested in discovering the answer. And while the answer may not be as “exciting” or “big” as you would expect, once you think about it, it starts to make sense.

(NOTE: I have received this book for free through Booksneeze.com. The review is my own. I did not recieve this book in return for a positive/negative review. For more information visit Booksneeze.com)

The God Delusion - Part 2 - The God Hypothesis

2011-06-02T13:20:00.000-05:00

The following is a post I submitted to richarddawkins.net so some of it is more geared to the followers of that sight. There I was told my input on the book would be appreciated. We shall see!

Okay, for those of you who are ravenous here is my perspective. Like Dawkins I'm not much for labels, so rather than saying "Christian" I prefer to say I'm a follower of Jesus.

That being said, let's move on shall we? I know you are ready with your replies. So am I.

I'm skipping right up to Ch 2 - The God Hypothesis.

"The God of the OT is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully."

There's a mouthful.

Strong words from Dawkins who claims later that he's "not attacking any particular version of God or gods. I am attacking God, all gods, anything and everything supernatural, wherever and whenever they have been or will be invented."

Yet, most of his book, in arguments against “God” is against the “Christian” God – including Jesus. Yes, he takes small glimpses at other gods, but still his main focus is on the Christian God. But, then again, he really doesn’t as most of the “attacks” and arguments about God are really only pointed at religion – some of his arguments I agree with.

His opening statement in Ch. 2. However says TO ME two things, which I have pointed out. 1) A lack of understanding of the Bible (which is different than knowledge of). 2) or a purposeful misrepresentation of the Bible for argumentative purposes.

For point 1 it could be innocent lack of understanding from someone who doesn’t dive into the word to fully understand not only the “what’s” of the Bible, but the “why’s” “how’s” and “what’s really going on.”

By the sheer differences of denominations in church points out that this really is not so easy of a task.

Personally, I think if someone makes such a comment they should – if they truly want to be so critical – do a couple things.

1) Provide “proof” from the Bible. Verses, etc.

2) Read, look into, study, various critical analysis of the text that “proves” one’s assertions – such as Dawkins makes.

But Dawkins doesn’t even do step one. He just says it, as if he’s an authority of OT scholarship. Which he never states.

None of you would accept this type of characterization of Dawkins (or Darwin) without AT LEAST someone doing some quoting, or examples…

Though, his character sketch aligns (or influences) yours so no further, critical thinking, work is needed to be done on your (the readers) part.

Remember, Dawkins states that he hopes religious leaders become atheists at the end of his book – that’s a pretty tall order considering said leaders DO critically study the Bible.

Pretty much if I said “evolution is a false, delusional, pathetic, valueless means to describe life as we know it.”

You would AT LEAST want me to back up my argument. Or hint I’m about to do so.

Dawkins does try, later on to justify his statement – but we’ll get to that when he does.

As for attacking God – as of page 41 he hasn’t done so (outside of his statement). He only has attacked religion. He finally says this: “The deist God is certainly an improvement over the monster of the Bible.” And what about the other gods? He doesn’t say. Nor, again, does he even provide even a piece of evidence of this so-called-monster.

Not yet.

Dawkins also states that he doesn’t see any reason “theology” should be a subject at all.

I could see why he would think so.

Also on page 57 he asks the question: …by what criteria do we then decide which of religion’s moral values to accept?

By religion, he means the Bible. Yet, not an attack on God (any/all) just on religion.

But this argument again implies that 1) Dawkins is a Biblical scholar and understands all of what is going on in the Bible. 2) Given this “fact” there is no further need to look into those section of the Bible for possible further understanding. Or 3) again, deliberate misleading on Dawkins’ part.

I for one subscribe to point – 1. Just for clarification.

The rest of this chapter is more attacks on religion and not so much on God. I didn’t highlight, but a quick scan reveals no quotes from the Bible…nor attacks on any/all gods as he claimed.

I know you are probably chomping at the bit to tell me to “prove” my claims that Dawkins isn’t representing the Bible correction (for either stated reason).

I will…but not now. Dawkins doesn’t feel the need to “prove” his assertions at this point in the book, so I don’t feel the need to “prove” mine in this post.

I’ll just follow his lead.

However, that shouldn’t stop you from looking into yourself.

Next post: Argument’s For God’s Existence

Peace and Love

Chris

The God Delusion (a review) - Preface

2011-05-23T12:08:00.000-05:00

Well, I might as well start at the beginning. The Preface.

Dawkins states his book, "..is intended to raise consciousness - raise consciousness to the fact that to be an atheist is a realistic aspiration, and a brave and splendid one."

Interesting wording. One can aspire to be an atheist?

But really, all the Preface does is allude to what will be "discussed" in the chapters ahead. I put "discuss" in quotes because, well, it's not a discussion. Anything he is against, doesn't get a true look - but, hey it's his book, he can do what he wants.

Dawkins does go on to say that "for atheism nearly always indicates a healthy independence of mind and, indeed, a healthy mind." and that he hopes religious leaders will be atheists at the end of the book.

Also in the premise, it becomes quite clear - Dawkins dislikes religion (of any, but mainly Christian). And that yes, to believe in a deity, one is not only delusional, but as he stated, perhaps not one of sound mind.

The main point of the preface is that of pointing us to certain sections, if we were so inclined, rather than feeling that we had to read straight through.

Overall, nothing enlightening.

Peace and Love

Chris

New Podcast - I Prayed For Osama bin Laden

2011-05-21T15:27:00.002-05:00

New podcast is up and ready! Check it out Here!

Facing the Giant (or) Will Richard Dawkins Kill My Faith?

2011-05-21T13:36:00.001-05:00

Today I picked up a copy of The God Delusion, by Richard Dawkins - a "god" among atheists.

I have seen him speak, heard him debate, and read his quotes, and I have glanced at this book, but I have never read it front to back.

Of his books available, I figured the one that dealt with God would be the one to start with. And since I'm a firm believer that you aren't really sure what you believe, until it's been challenged, I figured I should challenge what I believe - what better way than facing the Giant?

Richard has admitted, that he's it out to "kill a religion" - Christianity.

So, can his book kill my faith?

I guess we shall see!

As I read through, and find something of interest, I will try and post it AND as usual, comments are welcomed (don't be afraid!)

Peace and Love

Chris

God and Genocide - is there any justification?

2011-05-20T11:23:00.000-05:00

One argument that atheist bring up, and Christian's struggle with is the issue of God mandating the genocides of the Cannaanite people, and some other "laws" that seem to us to be, well barbaric (including slavery).

While I would love to be the one to address this issue, far smarter people have done so already. The following link: God a Moral Monster? is an excellent article.

A must read, and a good read too!

Peace and Love

Chris

Praying for the enemy...

2011-05-17T15:59:00.000-05:00

In a recent post on redletterchristians.org, someone had (a bit snidely) suggested that we not only pray for OBL, but also the people that are fighting and killing our troops. Not only that, but to ask for God to bless them and comfort them.

I got to thinking - great idea! It's easy to pray for the well-known, but what about those are in the mix and fighting it out everyday? Should we not pray for them as well?

So, I did...

I prayed for everybody. Our soldiers, theirs, even the poster who suggested we do it.

I have to say, it was one of more heartfelt prayers I have prayed recently.

I highly recommend it.

Name Our New Podcast!

2011-05-10T18:39:00.001-05:00

Perhaps the last thing the world needs is another podcast, but since they are so dang easy to do, and put on the interweb...and dang it we like to talk, me and a couple buddies will be producing a new podcast ministry.

A couple things before you either jump up and down in excitement or dread.

Yes, this will be a "Christian" podcast...as the three of us are, and we will be discussing Christian issues.

However, we aren't going to be "nice" about it.

What does that mean?

Well, we believe there is an unreached segment of people that kind of have the idea that Christians are boring, bland, and stuffy.

Three descriptions which don't fit us - at least we don't think so.

What our goal is, is quite simple: we want to show a more real, raw side of our faith. Three men trying to follow Jesus as best we know how.

We aren't squeaky clean, nor are we going to pretend we are on this podcast. We, in fact, will be as real as possible as we discuss topics, issues, and questions.

While we may tell you what we think, we won't try to tell you what to think.

A walk with Christ is a journey, and we wish to show you that journey in the most real fashion possible.

We aren't experts. None of us are theologians.

We are just three men, trying to follow Christ.

Now...the only issue is: we haven't a name.

So, just because I can...I'm opening up a contest for a name based on the description above, or just a cool name if you come up with it.

Winning name will get a $25 Zazzle Gift Certificate. (Purchased by me, because we have no sponsors to do this)

I will put a deadline of May 31st.

To enter, just email me (Chris) at justoneministries@hotmail.com.

Simple as that.

Good luck!

Love Your Enemy? Including Osama bin Laden?

2011-05-10T16:12:00.001-05:00

While fitting with our Western Culture idea of "justice" the picture to the left doesn't quite fit does it?

Yet, if one were to glance about at some Christian blogs recently, one might think this is the kind of Jesus we believe in.

Certainly looks tough, and perhaps a bit cool...certainly more manly than what we are used to...but is it correct?

With the murder of Osama bin Laden, many Christians are dang near rejoicing. An evil man has been removed from the planet - and some speculate that he is in hell.

Maybe he is, maybe he isn't. I'm not going to debate that here.

What I wish to bring up is the command Jesus gave us of "Love Your Enemy."

Now, post this (as I have) on some of those blogs and see what you get. What you get is a laundry list of Bible verses (predominantly Old Testament) pointing out God's wrath and judgement and "destruction" of evil. Can't argue with the fact those versus exist.

Yet, what does Jesus tell us?

Love Your Enemy.

As in my previous post, this brings up the question of authority. Does Jesus have authority, or does the Bible. One or the other has authority.

I'm going with Jesus on this one.

He says, despite what I would rather do, to love my enemy. No wiggle room, no grey area...it's right there! Love your enemy.

Now, I don't really care what you can bring to me in the way of "evidence" in the Bible that you might have found that shows that killing OBL was righteous...because, well, I'm going with Jesus on this one.

Take it up with him. He gave a commandment - follow it, or don't...but don't try fool yourself: he meant what he said.

As a disciple we are to be like our teacher: Jesus.

How many people did Jesus kill?

In fact, he could have killed someone, and he would have been correct, just, and in his divine right to do so. Yet, well, he didn't.

Of course, this is where you get a bunch of "what if" questions: what if we didn't fight Hitler, etc.

Those questions, while they may seem to be a valid question, really are shallow in their context and cause us to rule out history and the relationship of cause and effect.

As for violence, sure it may remove a symptom (ie. OBL, Hitler) but it doesn't and NEVER HAS solved a problem.

Also, if ANYONE can find me a list Jesus gives us of all the exceptions to this rule are, I would love to see it.

It's clear, we are taking matters into our own hands...matters that if we were true to our faith, we would leave up to God. God tells us to do just that. Yet, we act as if we don't trust him.

Killing Osama bin Laden...

We call it justice...but does God?

Guess we won't know, we decided not to find out.

Book Review - Story Engineering by Larry Brooks

2011-05-09T15:39:00.000-05:00

"From story concept to character development to scene construction and beyond, this blueprint for dynamic storytelling makes putting together a strong novel, memoir, or screenplay easier than ever."

Pretty strong words.

I have read many books on writing from technical to "organic." While one can find a nugget of info among the many pages, most tend to be a waste of time.

Of the select few that don't waste your time: this is one of them.

I purposely selected this book, thinking that I might get to blast it for it's all talk - no show (as many "how-to's" on writing are), but I was taken by surprise. Believe me, I wanted to be able to rip this book apart; thinking this was just another book geared toward taking money from your wallet with "vague" ideas, such as create great characters, rather than truly trying to help you.

I don't that chance. Brooks has provided us writers, and hopefuls, with a valuable book.

Despite how you write (technical vs. organic) there is much to be learned from this book. Brooks talks about six core competencies that EVERY writer needs to know and incorporate in their novel if they are looking to publish.

And while on a couple we might say, "Duh," it's more than knowing, and Brooks reveals - it's about application and execution of these competencies.

Some may balk at his "blueprint" for writing, claiming it stifles creativity, but as Brooks points out we all have a skeleton and similar make up (blueprint) yet we are all unique. Thus it can be for a story.

I highly recommend this book as it goes beyond what you should write but how it needs to be written.

(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

On What, or who's, Authority?

2011-05-05T16:57:00.000-05:00

It has been an interesting week seeing the different responses "Christians" have been posting in regards to Osama Bin Laden's death. I put the word in quotes because, well on the interweb it's a bit hard to tell who's being real and who's being funny.

Sadly, many of the comments I have read I truly believe to have come from "Christians." Christians who are happy, and delighted, at the death of OBL. Some even speculating it was God's will that he be killed.

Yet, the more I thought about it, the more I couldn't agree with them.

After all, Jesus said it bluntly: Love your enemy.

I posted this myself. And then came the shots. No, not too many were mean, some had the notion I didn't have a firm grasp of Biblical teachings - which I will admit too always, until the day I die (shouldn't we all?)

What was amazing was all the "evidence" they pulled out from the Bible to show how killing your enemy was fine, if not justified.

At first glance, I would almost agree that they had a case. Yet, that would only be true if not for one thing: Jesus said, "Love your enemy."

There is no question there. He does not go on to list exceptions to this rule. He does not list certain circumstances in which killing one's enemy is okay, if not justified.

Three words, couldn't have been plainer.

He wasn't in the middle of a parable.

He was speaking the truth, he was speaking as one with authority.

Which begs two questions we each must answer: Who has the final authority. The Bible, or Jesus? And honestly, you can't follow both.

One MUST have more authority over the other.

Either Jesus has more over the Bible (regardless of what it might say) or does the Bible hover above Jesus and he must fit within the front and back covers?

The other question is this: Did Jesus mean what he said?

Jesus gave NO indication that this was up for debate or that he was using hyperbole. So he must have meant it, because if he didn't mean it, why would he say it?

He couldn't lie, he couldn't have steered us incorrectly, or he couldn't have been kidding...in fact he seem to go to some lengths to ensure that we understood "Love your enemy" was EXACTLY what he meant when he said it.

Now we may not like this little fact, this tid bit of information because as a culture (especially American) this does not fit well with our view of "justice."

THAT is another part of the problem. Our brand of justice DOES NOT fit with God's...in fact there is more evidence of "justice" for God meaning giving and helping, than it does punishing.

For if we were truly more Christ-like, we most likely wouldn't have some of the issues now that we feel the need to "punish."

I'm not saying we chuck the Bible. But when we read and study the Bible, we must keep in mind who has authority over what.

Jesus has the final word - hence we are Christians.

Now, if something in the Bible (seems to) contradict what Jesus taught, we MUST error on the side of Jesus and do some digging and study to find out if the contradiction truly exists.

Loving your enemy isn't easy. Of course, Jesus never said it would be. But it IS what he commands us to do, there is no question about that.

If we are to submit to him and his authority, we must submit to this command. Regardless of what we FEEL should happen to our enemies.

Following Jesus isn't complicated, he does have a light yoke, but it is difficult - especially in this world.

Peace and Love,

Chris

New Podcast! - Don't Follow Jesus

2011-04-27T19:40:00.000-05:00

Title almost speaks for itself...almost!

Don't Follow Jesus Podcast

Thoughts or questions please share them here.

In your Father's arms...

2011-04-23T11:33:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite memories as a kid was water skiing with my dad around the lake.

What was special about it was it was before I could ski, so the only way the two of us could water ski was with him holding me in his arms - while holding the rope and maintaining balance.

Out there on the lake it was just the two of us skiing.

If we talked, I don't recall - we didn't need to, the moment was special enough.

If we ever fell, I don't remember.

If we did, it must not have ever bothered me because I remember it being such a thrill!

Sure it was "dangerous", sure I could have gotten hurt...but I had COMPLETE trust in my dad. He was Dad, and I was in his arms - in his arms I truly believed no matter what, I would be okay.

If I hadn't have trusted Dad, I would have never had that the opportunity to ski with him like that. I would have missed out on something special.

Can we say the same when it comes to God? Do we trust him the same way? Completely...willing to give complete control over to him?

I know I don't. Not as often as I would like to.

God calls us into many situations that, at first glance, may appear "dangerous" or "scary." We might get hurt: emotionally, financially (how we view money), spiritually (we might lose a deeply held belief), etc.

We may even "lose" something: friends, comfort, our perceived "safety", status, religion...

Yet, we must trust that despite what we see with OUR eyes, God is calling us into a special experience meant just for us to share with Him.

Sometimes I believe we know EXACTLY what God is calling us into, we just hope that he'll offer us something a bit more safe.

If we just hold out long enough.

Yet, it has been my experience that God is far more patient that us, and while he will offer us other experiences: they aren't necessarily "safer."

I trusted my Dad completely, and still do - God? eh...that, I must admit, needs (quite) a bit of work.

But I am learning, and growing to trust God...and it only happens when we take that first leap of faith. God's arms are waiting, ready to catch you and take you on an experience that you will never regret and never forget...you just need to JUMP!

And when God let's go of the rope and you both ski gently close to the dock, you'll never be the same..

"...Our daily bread."

2011-04-20T12:20:00.000-05:00

When you pray the Lord's prayer and get to "give us this day, our daily bread" do you really believe that? Are you really asking for ONLY your daily bread.

I haven't and I don't.

We certainly don't as a culture. We are a culture of "more" rather than a culture of "enough."

We want more. I want more.

I don't want my daily bread, I want my weekly bread, my monthly bread, yearly bread, enough bread that I can tuck some away, bread to fall back on, bread insurance to replace my bread if I lose my bread in a fire or if it's stolen, I'll even gamble some of my bread if it means that I might be able to win MORE bread, I'm jealous if others have more bread than I do, or if their bread smells better, or is better looking, or makes better sandwiches, I've left jobs I have loved to ones I tolerate for more bread, I even have a couple of cards that allow me to act AS IF I have bread - for a nominal interest charge, I trade my bread for junk, for crap, for stuff that within a year after purchase I'll wonder why I bought it in the first place, I have a garage sale to sell said stuff for small amounts of bread so I can make room for more stuff that I buy with my bread, if someone asks me for bread sometimes I pretend I don't have any on me - they might use my bread to buy something I don't think they should have, after all...it's MY bread right?

Next time I pray "give us this day, our daily bread" I'm going to wonder: do I really mean it?

Book Review - Reggie

2011-04-18T17:06:00.000-05:00

"Born as a result of a heart-wrenching decision made by his then sixteen-year-old mom, Reggie offers hope and inspiration to those who are stuck in the despair of their broken beginings and are crying out for help." - Back cover from Reggie

Reggie Dabbs’ book doesn’t read exactly like a zero to hero book. Surely, one could argue that being the result of a twenty dollar one-night-stand (as Reggie was) might be considered starting from zero. And for a moment in his life, Reggie DID consider himself just that.
But one day, Reggie realized that he wasn’t a zero. That he was a child of God and that despite what others may think, or how they saw him, he was loved.
Sounds simple, yet sadly that’s isn’t the case for many kids born into similar circumstances; or worse.
That knowledge of being loved, loved by Jesus kept Reggie on a path that now allows him to share this knowledge of love with the kids of the world.

As you read, you’ll find various cross roads for Reggie, to take a different road would have meant a different future - a different outcome. Reggie could have easily become another statistic: either counted among the dead, or imprisoned.
But Reggie didn’t. Reggie knew of his value, his TRUE value, because he knew his Creator. And through this book Reggie offers you the chance to learn about this love as well.

While geared more toward teens, Reggie is book for all who need to remember, that despite our past, our failures, our faults, we are loved by the one who created us.

(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

A Look at Suffering - Part Ten - Putting It All Together

2011-03-24T18:46:00.000-05:00

So what exactly does all this mean?

Well, for one it means that faith is tougher than we might have first thought - though we usually learn this an even harder way.

It also means that we are more important than we tend to give ourselves credit for. Yes we are to be humble, and serve, and not put ourselves first, but that doesn't mean we don't have a battle to fight!

God wants, dare I say NEEDS, our help - okay, so in the end he doesn't, but he does ask for our participation.

As my Grandpa would say: participate, don't be part of the problem.

Sometimes by sitting out, or staying away, or letting go and letting God we are inadvertently being part of the problem.

We aren't meant to sit this one out. We are in the game, we all have a role, a position to play.

Why is there suffering?

Because there are agents and people that are out to do evil - and succeed.

What can we do? We can fight back.

Our weapons?

Prayer and love.

I know, not the weapons I would chose either, but in all honesty they ARE the most effective. Perhaps not in the short run, but in the long run - in the run that counts - they are VERY effective.

They are the weapons Jesus used. And if they are good enough for him...

We want to be Rambo and mow down the bad guys one-arming an M-60...maybe that's just me...But that's not what we are asked to do. We are asked to do something much, much, MUCH more difficult - I think you know what that is.

And while this won't answer why anyone suffers for any specific reason, I hope that it gives you a bit broader perspective on God and why in general people suffer and how we can and do effect what happens in this world - maybe even the world to come.

Take care.

"You'll get 'em next time!"

2011-03-18T15:50:00.001-05:00

It's baseball season once again. And as proof that God's favorite sport is baseball I offer you this post.

There's an often said, though not so famous phrase said in baseball. Most people if they've played baseball have heard it, often said it, though outside of the game you're not likely to hear it.

It's most often said when a batter strikes out. As they make their way back to the dug out, one or two of their teammate will slap them on the back and say, "You'll get 'em next time!"

Unfortunately, because this phrase has been said so often, for soooo many years, it's lost it's luster a bit. But let's buff it a little bit and take a look at it.

"You'll get 'em next time!"

What a fabulous phrase - and I don't call ANYTHING fabulous.

There are two great points in this phrase.

1) Next time.

Next time! Yes, there is a next time! I may have struck out at this at bat, but there will be a next time, a next at bat, another opportunity!

Oh, sure, it may not be in the given game i have struck out in. Might not be in the next game, if I'm not in the roster, nor will for sure be in the same league or with the same team...but there will be a NEXT TIME!

2) You'll get 'em.

Said flippantly it doesn't mean anything, but if said with a true heart it tells the person, the batter - I know you are capable of more and I have faith that you will do better next time. But it's not in a condemning way, but in an encouraging way!

You CAN do better, and I bet you WILL!

You CAN get a home run, or a double...I've seen you do it, I have faith you WILL get 'em! Next Time!

We do this, say this because we know they didn't MEAN to strike out and we have seen them do better and know that they WANT to do better and are just as disappointed, if not more so at themselves than we could ever be, so we try to help pick them up. We don't want this strikeout to affect the rest of their game, they are a part of the team, we need them to be at their best, just like they need us to be!

We might even remind the hitter when they knocked the cover off the ball off the pitcher before and other times they came through at the plate.

One thing we don't do though, is yell and chastise them. We don't scream at them saying, "How in the hell could you have done that! You know we needed that hit! What were you thinking? Great, now I don't get to hit until next inning! It's not like you haven't hit the ball before! Did you even TRY to make contact?"

Of course not...what good would come of that?

Yet, isn't this what we do with our walk with Jesus?

If not just ourselves, to others? Even if it's just in our head?

I know I have...and still do from time to time.

I shake my head at someone and say, "why did they swing at that pitch?" "Why did they do THAT? Clearly that wasn't a good thing."

Sometimes, given the right mood, I might even go about pointing this out to them, and explaining where they went wrong and what they needed to have done and how they could have done it far better than they did because they clearly weren't paying attention or praying about it so God would want me to point these things out to them, I'm just holding them accountable for your actions because if I don't, they might not be aware of what they did wrong.

Is that what Jesus taught us to do?

No.

The job of the coach is to work with each player on what they are good at and what need practice on...WE on the other hand have quite a bit different job: we are to DO OUR BEST and to CHEER each other on and pick each other UP when we are down.

Jesus is our coach...let's let him do his job and let's focus on ours.

So let's start patting each other the back and say, "You'll get 'em next time!"

After all, isn't that what we'd want to hear ourselves when WE STRIKE OUT?

Yes.

So have faith, keep your head up, because I believe YOU WILL GET 'EM NEXT TIME!

A Look at Suffering - Part Nine - What Can We Do?

2011-03-16T19:47:00.000-05:00

The Sea of Ambiguity, Boyd calls it.

Paul said it was like looking through a glass darkly...

In other words: we catch glimpses of what is going on, what is happening in the world and in the "world" around us.

Through the other posts, we have discovered that there is more going on than what we see...more than we could possibly know or understand.

Evil exists for many reasons...for many other, hidden, reasons God can't stop the evils from happening. Nor can he stop the suffering.

Evil is easy to see when it happens to other people, suffering is harder to explain when it happens to you.

But we know it is NOT God's will that evil exists, and persists, nor suffering.

There is much at work, causing and effecting much of what goes on in the world, and whether we can point it our or not - we too, add to this confusion...especially when we stray off our path of following Jesus.

But, in the midst of all this confusion, ambiguity, and darkness is there anything we can do? Do we even make a difference?

The answer is: YES.

And it's so simple, we overlook it more often than not.

Boyd puts it like this, "There is one more extremely important variable that conditions God's activity in any particular situation."

That variable is PRAYER.

When I first read this, I almost poo-pooed it right off. Prayer? Really? I know I should pray and I do...but then I began to think...why should I pray?

Just to talk to God? Tell him my wants and needs? (like new tires) To learn His will for my life?

While they are good, they aren't IT as it comes to prayer.

Prayer has been touted as something that helps us, change us.

God doesn't need our prayers...we need do.

After all, would a truly all-powerful God need anything from us? Most of us would answer: no.

But Boyd states that this, "variable is about the kind of world God decided to create."

In the previous posts, we only skimmed the surface as to what kind of world this is, the world He created.

Boyd continues, "Scripture teaches that God created a world in which he has significantly bound himself to the prayers of his people."

Jesus seems to agree to this point. He does teach us a certain prayer: the Lord's Prayer.

In the Lord's Prayer we pray to God that his will be done "on Earth as it is in Heaven."

This would seem to imply, or only make sense, if God's will WAS NOT being done on a consistent basis.

Not only that, but as Boyd points out, Jesus wants us to pray as if God doesn't want to answer our prayers. (Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8)

Obviously God wants to hear our prayers, but to command it, there must be a good reason...evidently, we might hold a bit more sway than we first thought.

But, we might then ask, why would God created such a world that prayers effect what he can/can't do?

Boyd explains it as this: "Prayer is simply the spiritual side of our morally responsible say-so."

In other words, what we can physically change through our actions (free will) we can spiritually effect as well through prayer.

Does that mean that all our prayers will be answered as we wish?

Of course not...in fact, the prayers God seems to answer seems again...arbitrary at best.

But why?

Why would, does, God answer one prayer over the other. More to the point, why does God seem to answer flippant prayers by non-pious, non-church going folks, yet won't answer a heart felt, knee-bent, crying out prayer of say...me?

This is another unanswerable questions in terms of specifics. In general, it is because of all the other variables taking place...all the other prayers, the other people, the other angels, the other demon, the other you-name-it.

There is much going on in this cosmic war.

But through the authority of Jesus, we can and should have faith that prayer, ALL PRAYER moves God's will further along.

However, we may never see this either.

Perhaps our prayer WAS answered, just not in the way that we would like it to be answered, or expected it to be answered.

Again, specifically, for a certain situation we may - most likely won't - ever know.

But, for me, that is a hard pill to swallow. Not because I don't believe it, but because I don't like it.

Yet, this is the world that God created. A world full of risk...and love. And reluctantly I would agree that it is worth the risk.

Boyd goes on to list 9 variables as it pertains to prayer. I won't go into them, but I will list them.

1. God's will.
2. Faith of the person being prayed FOR.
3. Faith of the PEOPLE praying for.
4. Persistence of prayer.
5. Number of people praying.
6. Human free will.
7. Angelic free will.
8. Number and strength of spirit agents.
9. Presence of sin.

Most of these, I'm guessing, you can immediately see how they might affect our prayers. Others are a bit more complicated.

But we must always remember: this sea of ambiguity that we are living in, this dark glass we look through is NOT completely because of our fallen world, but because our of FINITE knowledge.

That is: our knowledge while here on earth, does have limitations.

Perhaps on the other side, we'll get a clearer picture...at least, we can pray for that.

A Look at Suffering - Part Eight - A Look at Us...

2011-03-10T17:53:00.059-06:00

Up 'til now, we've looked at God and his "role" in suffering in the world. If you haven't read the previous posts, I suggest that you do - just so things are in context.

Through the previous posts we now know: that we know very little. Very little about what is truly going on in the world. Sure, we know it isn't how it's supposed to be, but we don't fully know why it is the way it is.

Nor do we fully know why God can stop some evils from happening and not others.

But we do know: Evil is NOT God's will. And that we can trust God did what he could and that He CAN bring good out of evil.

What we have yet to look into is our role in suffering.

This isn't a fun one to look at. We'd rather not admit that we do very little, in the grand scheme of things to alleviate the world of evil. Nor, would we like to admit that we allow for it to exist and happen.

We hate that it happens...but what do we really do about it?

We point our finger at God and ask him why he doesn't do something about it. Or we shrug our shoulders and say it's just "God's will."

There is a benefit to that: it relieves us of any and all responsibility. Evil isn't our fault, it's only the fault of evil people.

But is that true?

Is that what Jesus taught us?

I would argue that our actions/inactions have much, much more to do with suffering than we would care to admit - even under duress!

After all, aren't we all good people? We certainly like to think we are, and some people even tell us we are! We don't condone evil, in fact we condemn it! I shake my head at it when I see it on TV and say, "How awful."

I can hardly see any conceivable way that I have anything remotely to do with the evils and tragedies in the world - especially the big ones, like genocide in Darfur...heck I'm waaaaaaay across the globe, right?

We might not like to, but we do have to admit it: we allow evil to exist and happen every day. Our inactivity from doing good, strengthens evil. When we turn a blind eye to injustice. When we say, "That's someone else's problem." When we chose not to help someone because they look like a drunk, or a druggie, or...

Heck, I can list twice as many reasons I "SHOULDN'T" help someone than why I "SHOULD." Some days - more than I want to admit - the shouldn'ts win out.

But if we are truly followers of Jesus: there isn't anyone who falls under the "shouldn't". Nobody doesn't deserve help. There are no reasons not to help when you can.

Either we are all God's children, thus all one family, or we are not.

God didn't give us ANY wiggle room.

Cain asked, "Am I my brother's keeper?"

The answer is YES!

And we can't truly start to help people until we are honest with ourselves regarding the lack of LOVE we give and the amount of EVIL we allow.

Evil doesn't have to be grand, big, headline making tragedies...evil can, and is, a snide remark, a flip of a finger, a word said to hurt, a slap across the face...

No, we don't have to get down on ourselves - that helps no one - but let's not just shrug it off either.

As the saying goes, whenever you point a finger at someone (even God) there are three pointing back at you.

A Look at Suffering - Part Seven - Is God to Blame?

2011-03-10T17:38:00.000-06:00

Putting together everything we've discussed in the previous posts we should be able to answer: no.

But, even still for me, it's hard to accept that God would allow evils to exist, let alone happen. The murder of thousands, the murder of one child, the earthquake in Haiti...and the list goes on. We all have our lists, personal and public of tragedies that have happened and we look to God and ask: why?!

So let's make it clear: God DOES NOT WILL any of these tragedies to occur.

This is clear from the beginning of the Bible and quite a main point in Jesus' ministry.

The question we are still left with is "why?"

Boyd reminds us that, "Knowing...that freedom must be irrevocable and that a vast, unknowable complexity engulfs every event in history helps us understand in principal why God cannot do more in general. But precisely because every event is engulfed in an unknowable complexity, we can never understand why God didn't do more in any particular circumstance."

So in short: the "why" may never be fully answered. Even if it could be, it no doubt wouldn't be to our satisfaction.

Boyd continues, "Given our myopic vision we can only fix our eyes on Jesus and trust that God looks like Him...And when [evil] isn't prevented, we trust Him to bring good out of it."

This isn't to say it's easy. At times, especially at times of tragedy, faith is difficult.

It's hard to believe that God CAN'T do something. That God CAN'T prevent something, especially evil, from happening. In that sense, isn't God to blame?

Again, the issue isn't truly about his power. To say it bluntly: there ISN'T anything God CAN'T do, as it pertains to power, brute force, ability.

But there are things God can't do as it pertains to character.

The issue becomes, then, do we agree with God's plan of risk or not? Do we agree with God that love, to be real and honest, must be a choice and not coerced?

We do.

Parents do it everyday...allowing their children a life of LOVE and RISK. And as time goes on, more and more risk.

Do we hold parents culpable for everything their child does? Especially the adult "children?"

Do YOU want to control every aspect of your child's life? Most likely, because you want to keep them safe...yet, a life YOU control is no life FOR them - and we know this. Moreover, we much prefer that our children have a life of their own...which means: risk.

Yet it is, perhaps, the most perfect example of LOVE.

How much MORE perfect, then, is God's love?

But how does this reflect his character?

We have faith that God will do everything he can, within the conditions he has created, to keep evil from happening...yet, knowing that God holds himself to these constraints means that we can trust him completely, because he DOES NOT act arbitrarily.

Would you trust a person that acted any way they wanted, at any time, just because they felt like it? No, of course not. We trust certain people because we have seen how they act in certain situations. In other words, because we know that person has put restraints upon themselves on how they act. We then can TRUST how that person will act in certain situations.

Is that not how we would like our relationship with God to be? To know that we can count on God to act in accordance with His character as revealed to us through Jesus?

Unfortunately, given the complexity of the world, how God is "able" to operate is not so cut and dry. But we can know, and have faith and trust, that God did not act arbitrarily but with perfect clarity and perfect character.

I don't like that, but I do accept it. I don't like not KNOWING why...but I trust in God that He did everything He could to prevent it, and in no way did He WILL it.

And when there is significant doubt, and there will be, THAT is when we fix our eyes on Jesus and remember, that when we see Jesus we see God.

Book Review - A Conversation With God by Alton Gansky

2011-03-09T12:09:00.000-06:00

A Conversation With God invites us to "Join in an engaging conversation with God, Jesus, and key Bible characters who answer questions."

Questions such as "God, how can we believe that you created us?" and "Why is there so much suffering?" and many others.

Most likely a question or two of your own are addressed. But, depending on where you are in your journey of faith, it may or may not be the answer your are seeking.

A Conversation With God does not offer much, if anything new. There are no new radical theological issue brought about. The answers to such questions are ones you most likely have heard many times before, from various sources.

What Alton's book does offer, however, is a nice introduction into theological questions for the "new" believer or a "curious" thinker.

The book is put together well, easy to read and follow and the answers are helpful, though underdeveloped. For someone moving into "deeper" areas of their faith, this book might not be right for you. If, however, you think you are ready to face some questions you may have regarding the Bible and God and are looking for a place to test the waters - this is the perfect book for you.

(note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own)

A Look at Suffering - Part Six - Why God CAN'T stop the pedophile...

2011-03-05T19:38:00.000-06:00

(NOTE: please DO NOT base your theology upon the following. I am just a regular Christian like you, trying to sort out issues of faith. I CLAIM no authority over the Bible or God. Any "answers" I may provide are NOT the basis for doctrine, but are solely my beliefs and opinions. Any quotes I use by Boyd or other authors, I use as I best understand them. Any miss use of the quotes are my fault, and should not reflect upon the original authors.)

I think it's time that we cut to the point.

Why is there suffering?

Or what we really want to know: Why doesn't God stop a pedophile from preying upon a child.

I use this example, because it's one I'm sure we all agree reflects the nature of evil.

The question still, even now, makes me pause for a moment and wonder...

Why would an ALL GOOD and LOVING God allow ONE SINGLE child to suffer in such a way?

Certainly and ALL POWERFUL God COULD stop it from happening...Dare I say, SHOULD stop it from happening.

And, there is evidence that He DOES stop it from happening...by why not all the time?

So, why does and ALL LOVING, ALL POWERFUL God allow such evil to occur?

(Before we even try to answer these questions, we must know this: there is no easy answer to them. There is no cut-and-dry, this is why answer. In fact, we may only generally know the answer, but will never specifically know.

But we MUST, MUST remember this: it IS NOT God's will that this should happen. We must NEVER lose our picture of who God is, as revealed to us through Jesus. This can be, will be, tough...)

"What he can hardly begin to fathom, however, is the vast complexity of creation, a creation that includes an untold number of human and spiritual free agents whose decisions affect much that comes to pass." - Boyd.

In other words...there's more going on than just what we see or experience.

We must remember that God's goal is ultimately LOVE. But in order for there to be true love, in all it's forms, there must be risk. This risk is manifested by God granting us free will.

Not only us, but of spiritual agents as well - angels, demons.

We can choose God's way, or not. We see evidence of both every day. Those we could argue that more to the "not" side than the other.

As in the case of the child.

Now, think a moment, how much our hearts break when we hear such tragedies. Especially when we couldn't do anything to stop it.

How much more must God's heart break; especially when He CAN.

But why doesn't he?

The short answer: He CAN'T. Not always.

But not for reasons that we would think.

God "can't" not because He lacks the strength, or the power...make no mistake He does.

God "can't" because that's not the world he created.

God didn't create a world in which he can and does thwart free will as he sees fit. God created a world that involved RISK and DANGER. And yes, we become causalities of this.

But it's not God's fault, though God does take responsibility.

Boyd describes it more clearly this way, "God could have created a world in which his will is always done...however, a world in his will is possibly NOT done would have been ruled out....this means he would have ruled out a world where (true) love is possible."

He continues, "Conversely, if God decided to create a world where love IS possible, he thereby ruled out a world in which his will is ALWAYS done...he can't guarantee that his will is always done, not because he lacks power but because of the kind of world He created."

He can't do more than He does because the world HE CREATED prevents him from doing so.

To give it a more simplistic example: God CAN'T make a round triangle. Doing so would make is a circle. A triangle is a triangle because it ISN'T anything else - it's a triangle.

If God arbitrarily intervened at any time, anytime He wanted, He would be violating His world of free will...we would only be allowed to make decisions, we wouldn't be free to.

This wouldn't be a world of freely given love.

To intervene at will would change the world he created...thus it would NOT BE the world he created.

Isn't this a reflection of His lack of power?

By no means.

This is what Boyd calls the requirement of irrevocability. (say that ten times fast!)

"Love involves choice. This means that God can't revoke agents' freedom when the act in unloving ways. If God were to revoke our freedom...we wouldn't be truly free...He has to give [freedom] irrevocably. God can't intervene to stop it. He has to tolerate it. Not because He lacks the power...but because this is what it means to give genuine freedom to agents."

BUUUUUUTTTTT!

This DOES NOT mean God can NEVER stop an agent from doing something. However, me MUST and DOES stop short of coercion. Persuasion, though, is fair game.

But, there's another but...Boyd says, "This...doesn't rule out other agents using their own freedom to prevent an agent's actions or from canceling the effects of that agent's decisions."

This irrevocable freedom that we, and other agents, are granted does not LIMIT God's power.

Boyd says, "God's power is not the issue. The issue is the kind of world God decided to create and its logical implications."

What is at issue is, "WE don't know how much irrevocable freedom God has granted any individual and thus how much God HAS TO tolerate the ongoing effects of that individuals evil choices. There is NO reason to think God gives the same amount of freedom to everyone or that the scope of this gift is fixed throughout a person's life...We can only know that to the extent that God has give free will, he can't revoke it."

This, however, does not answer the reason why any SPECIFIC evil occurs, only in general. Thus, we must keep our focus on God and who he has revealed himself to us through Christ. And when evil does occur we must trust in God and have faith that he will bring good out of it.

Kiva Update!

2011-03-03T10:12:00.000-06:00

Just got the verification that another $2.10 has been paid back on the micro-finance loan I made through KIVA. This brings the total paid back to $14.70 out of $25.00 lent.

For more information of micro-financing check out KIVA. $25.00 is all it takes to give someone a "hand up!"

A Look at Suffering - Part Five - A War?

2011-03-03T06:00:00.002-06:00

Again, the cornerstone of our faith is based upon how we view God.

We've taken a look at the Blueprint Worldview - the predominant view of Christian's and the Church - that states: everything that happens in the world is ordained, if not allowed, by God for the accompliment of His will, or "secret plan."

But Boyd offers us a different view of God. A view, he argues, is more aligned with with what we see in Jesus.

Boyd writes, "Jesus didn't come to declare that everything already manifests the Father's will. He came, rather, to establish the Father's will, because the world as it now is doesn't consistenly manifest God's will."

Is there any argument there?

All it takes is five minutes of watching the nightly news or reading the top stories of today's paper to prove this.

Thus, Jesus' ministry is not one of a blueprint God but of an embattled God.

Boyd states, "Jesus' ministry reveals a warfare worldview in which God wars against those what oppose him."

A war against, "powers and principalities" as Paul says. A war against those who would oppose his will.

In short, a war against Satan.

Boyd asks, "How are we to make sense of this fact? How could the omnipotent God's creation become a war zone in which he has to genuinely fight to establish his will?"

Especially against Satan, and in light of God being "all-powerful?"

While a search to find answers to these questions may help us to understand the nature and reasons of suffering, the answers will fail in answering them completely.

However, "So long as we think of God's greatness in terms of sheer power, there is no adequate answer to these (any) questions."

If God is at war what does that mean for us? What is our part? What else might be going on that we don't understand? How does this answer suffering?

Does it answer suffering?

A Look at Suffering - Part Five - Dignity of Risk

2011-03-02T05:00:00.002-06:00

In my profession, we have an ongoing challenge of ensuring a person's safety, while under our care, while allowing them AS MUCH freedom as possible. We call this the dignity of risk.

Meaning, that we must allow for the person to make some decisions that may not be in their best interest. Such as smoking, or drinking alcohol (with their given medications) be out alone in the community, etc. Things you and I take for granted.

It's a funny way of putting it, but it is true - we, you and I, have the dignity of risk. We, in most ways, get to risk our "lives" or at least our "safety" everyday. There's no one here, right now, watching my every move to see if I "can" or "can't" do something that might put me at risk...

God works the same way. He give us the dignity of risk.

Or, as Boyd puts it: the risk of love.

We've heard it before "God is Love." (1 Jn 4:8,16)

He made the world from His love to share in His love.

As we all know, however, love cannot be forced...it must be freely given, and freely chosen.

This means, a person can say "no" to love.

Boyd tells us that "Up to the time ot Augustine the church understood and emphasized this point...they taught that God's mode of operation in running the world is not coersion but persuasion."

This is risky, though.

Because it allows for one to NOT CHOOSE love. Which also allows for the possibility of...evil.

We can see this in our owns lives: love is risky.

We put out hearts our there, no knowing for sure if the other person will reciprocate our love...or even treat us with love. While we don't want the other person to treat us badly, we don't want to FORCE them to love us either. We want them to have "free will" to love us.

Why?

Because then we'd would know their love wasn't genuine...we want genuine love.

Wouldn't God want the same?

If God's will is to be carried out in love, and he allows us to have free will to do so, it also means he allows us to have free will NOT to do so.

In other words, as Boyd says, "...we can refuse to carry out his command (will) if we choose."

This means, to put it bluntly, we can choose NOT TO follow God's will...

A belief quite contrary to what most of the church is teaching. I would bet that if you asked most people if they believed God's will could be thrawted by us, they would say, "no."

After all, God is all-powerful!

How could we, meere humans, keep God's will from happening? An all-powerful God wouldn't allow that to happen...would He?

Well, if God wants us to love him freely, and to love freely, he can't FORCE us to love Him or others...thus his "wants" and what we "do" may not line up. That would mean His will (want) was not being accomplished.

So does this mean he ISN'T as all-powerful as we believe?

Of course not.

What does it mean?

It means much more is going on than we realize...or perhaps, want to believe.

A Look at Suffering - Part Four - The Blueprint

2011-02-27T05:00:00.001-06:00

"...directly or indirectly everything in world history follows a meticulous divine blueprint...The ultimate reason why anything happens is that God decided it was better to have it happen than not...At the very least it can be said that each event in world history happens because God willed not to prevent it."

The above is how Boyd describes the The Blueprint Worldview.

While he may have named it, the belief is far from new.

In fact, Boyd points out this worldview goes back to the days of Augustine (the 5th century) and is still quite popular in the church even today.

I can attest to hearing some sermons that have preached this view.

The pastor, or whomever, will use words like "providence" and "immutability" and "will" etc.

Augustine even believed that those who found themselves victims of "evil" by the hands of others to find consolation that there must have been a greater good, as God would not have allowed it to happen.

Calvin called it God's "secret plan."

A plan so secret, there isn't even a hint of it in the Bible - outside of God will eventually win. But what's the point of winning if the game is rigged and you created it?

How does worldview fit into real life?

Boyd gives an example. A woman Boyd knew had lost her child to a drunk driver. To console her, she had been told by fellow Christians that "God had his reasons" and "God is still in control."

As Boyd puts it, "...(it's) as though the drunk driver was actually carrying out the will of God!"

Just another part of God's "secret plan."

This is where the Blueprint Worldview has an issue. There is no REAL answer to evil and tragedy, except to say there MUST have been greater purpose for it.

A greater purpose that we may never understand or know of. We are just to trust that God has his "secret plan" and it's working out HIS way...

Of course, "For some people the assumption that God allows tragic events for a specific divine reason has understandably produced rage."

But this begs the questions - why does it HAVE to be this way?

Why couldn't God, if he is so powerful and everything happens because of Him, make His will, His divine plan come about in a different way?

How come God can't bring about His plan without any of us suffering?

If it is all for the greater good, why - at the very least - can't he explain to us how it contributes to the greater good...or at least give us a hint?

The questions keep on coming...no doubt you have some of your own (feel free to same them in the comments).

Boyd also points out: how can God punish someone for doing evil if He is the one that ordained the person to commit the evil - or at the very least allowed it? To say nothing of "ordaining" or "allowing" Adam and Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit - which "condemned" us all.

"And it's difficult to accept that people in hell somehow contribute to the overall good of creation."

Personally, I must say that is hard for me to accept that God ordains and allows evil to not only exist, but seemingly run rampant in this world.

Yet Boyd asks, "Does denying a specific divine reason for every specific event mean that God is not all-powerful?" and "What are we to make of Bible passages that depict God as orchestrating suffering and evil?"

Very good questions.

A Look At Suffering - Part Three - That Darned Tree

2011-02-25T19:04:00.000-06:00

"In the beginning..."

No need to grab your Bibles, I'm sure we all know, or at least have a fairly good idea how the beginning of Genesis reads.

Long/short of it: God makes everything, including Adam - then Eve from Adam - and then puts in this weird tree type thing.

The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

God grants Adam and Eve use and enjoyment of EVERYTHING, but this ONE, SINGLE, SOLITARY tree.

This is what Boyd calls The Loving Prohibition.

At first read I thought, "Whaaaaa? How's that work?"

Thankfully Boyd explains.

At the center of the relationship with God is two-fold. The provision and the prohibition.

The provision is pretty self explanatory. It's the Tree of Life. Loving fellowship with God in all it's forms.

The prohibition is a bit tricky - as the last thing WE want is to be told we CAN'T have something.

Yet, that's EXACTLY what we need.

Thankfully, again, Boyd explains.

I would guess that all of us would agree that there is a difference between God and us. Some more obvious than others.

One of those differences, as Boyd points out, is that we ARE NOT life's "ultimate moral judges." And for that we should be REALLY thankful - in that regard, I think we all would agree: we suck.

To be moral judges is not our role. God didn't create us to be such.

We are to be reflections of God's heart...his love...his will - if you will.

We aren't able to do this, Boyd states, if we are trying to be like God and taking over the role of moral judges.

As Boyd says, "We simply are not equipped to make accurate and loving judgments about good and evil....Our experience and perceptions of reality are incredibly narrow....We are incapable of drawing definitive conclusions about most things, especially the state of people's hearts."

But, we didn't buy into God's way. We bite into the fruit of the tree everyday...

If you think for a second, like I did, that you wouldn't have eaten of that tree: just remember, we do it everyday, most of the time without thinking. Still don't believe me? Watch how selfish you are from sunrise to sunset tomorrow. Heck in the next five minutes!

Me? I'm a saint! (yeah, right)

Nope, we eat of the fruit everyday...all day sometimes.

Why is this prohibition good for us?

Boyd sums it up quite brilliantly: "God wants our life to be one of receiving and giving unsurpassable love. But this requires that we refrain from judgment."

When I read this I want to say "Amen!" and "What the heck?" at the same time.

I don't get to JUDGE people?

But it's so FUN! I mean, there are some people that are just ASKING to be JUDGED and dang it I want to be the one to waggle my finger and JUDGE them...

But, Boyd (and God) is right...we can't truly start to love one another until we stop judging everyone.

I have to admit this is hard - heck just yesterday (though I'm sure I did it today too) I was judging someone. I know, because I was trying NOT to. The more I tried NOT to, the more they kept "giving" me reasons to judge them.

Boyd states that "the most important aspect of faith is our mental picture of God."

How true it is...

He then says, "Amidst the sea of ambiguity (life) we swim in, we must not relay on our own "knowledge of good and evil" to figure out what God is like and what he is up to."

So, perhaps, my view of God might not be all that I thought it was...or hoped it was...If it's so easy for me to judge others, well judging God isn't that far of a leap either.

As tasty as this fruit is...it might not be so good (or fun to eat) after all...

A Look at Suffering - Part Two - God's Blueprint?

2011-02-25T05:01:00.001-06:00

In Is God To Blame? Boyd tells us a story of a woman, Melanie. Melanie wanted to be a mother more than anything in the world. She married later in life and to make sure they had a family they immediately began trying to have a baby. Though, later, they found out that it would be near impossible for Melanie to conceive due to a medical condition.

But, just when they were about to give up hope - Melanie became pregnant!

All went well with the pregnancy...until the birth. Due to complications, the baby die during child birth.

To say Melanie and her husband were devastated is clearly and understatement. Melanie fell into a depression.

To look for answers Melanie turned to a respected Bible teacher they knew.

The answer she got was what she expected: God has a reason for everything. There are no accidents in God's providence. The hand that smites is the hand that heals. You just have to trust him."

Melanie further asked what good God might have intended with this tragedy. She was told, "When God's timing is right, and when you have learned what you are meant to learn, God might bless you with another child. Or it wasn't HIS WILL for you to have children." (emphasis mine)

Boyd learned of Melanie's situation when she came to him for help. Not in understanding "why" she lost her baby, now she wanted to figure out what lesson God wanted her to learn.

Is it any wonder that Melanie lost her zeal, her love for not only God, but of life?

But that was Melanie's picture of God. That is many people's picture of God.

Even I had that picture of God. An all powerful, all knowing God that, if he wanted could stop ANY and ALL tragedies that happen - thus if a tragedy did happen, God had a very good reason to LET it happen.

Many people have lost their passion for God because their picture of God does not foster passion. They believe, as Boyd writes, "Everything that happens (in the world) would be the working out of His plan."

Including Melanie's tragedy.

Yet, I'm guessing like me, you have a difficult time embracing that view. "Accepting" the knowledge that God would actually WILL something like that to happen to someone, anyone.

After all, Boyd says, "How can God be all-powerful and not always get his way?" How could His will NOT be accomplished?

Or how do we "reconcile the picture of God as Jesus Christ with the picture other passages seem to paint?"

These questions are the result of what Boyd calls the Blueprint Worldview. The belief that EVERYTHING that happens in the world has a specific divine reason - God's reason, God's grand, secret plan.

A belief that even I, in part at the very least, subscribed to.

Though, I couldn't ever seem to make it completely FIT with what I saw in Jesus.

Boyd offers us a different perspective, picture, of God: Warfare Worldview.

Instead of a God with a grand blueprint of life, God is engaged in a battle, a war, with many forces opposing (even thwarting) His will.

To discover this "new" view of God we will have to start at...where else?

...In the Beginning...

Book Review - Outlive Your Life, Max Lucado

2011-02-24T22:40:00.000-06:00

You may not feel special. You may not believe you have anything to offer the world, but you are wrong.

You DO have something to offer the world, something the world needs.

In Max Lucado’s Outlive Your Life Max shows you how other “ordinary, every-day” people are making a difference in lives of others, and the world.

From a 9yr old boy to seasoned veterans of life’s troubles, Max shows us that it doesn’t take money, fame, or a big production to make a difference in today’s world.

In a society where it’s all about you, it’s refreshing to read a book that shines a light on others and what THEY need. In his easy going way, Max makes it clear that both you and I, regardless of where we are in life, what “limitations” we see for ourselves, have something to offer someone.

Putting a spotlight on the early days of the church, Max also shows us the troubles and tribulations that the disciples had to endure and how even the smallest of acts from them (even scary at times) made a big difference to someone.

As Max puts it: we can’t help everyone, but everyone of us can help someone.

Outlive Your Life both challenges us as inspires us to do just that.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

We Have Enough

2011-02-24T18:02:00.000-06:00

We have enough: to clothe the naked.
We have enough: to pillow every head.

We have enough: to fill every stomach
but fill ours twice as much, instead.

We have enough: no father should worry.
We have enough: no mother mourn.

We have enough: no one should have to steal
to feed another mouth just born.

We have enough: no drink should kill
We have enough: no meal should wait.

We have enough: to throw away at night,
that others are thankful to take.

We have enough: of all we need
and more of what we want.

We have enough: to keep us entertained,
to help forget the faces that haunt.

We have enough: thank God above.
We have enough of everything...

...everything but love.

A Look at Suffering - Part One - Something Ain't Right...

2011-02-24T07:53:00.002-06:00

Like the song goes, "There's something happening here. What it is, ain't exactly clear."

There IS something happening here. We catch glimpses, we can feel it, sense it...yet we can't exactly put our finger on it.

Like Paul said, we see through a glass darkly...we see shapes and figures and can kind of make out some things...but most of it is...well, a mystery.

And regardless of your spiritual belief, you have to admit...something ain't right.

Things AREN'T how they are supposed to be.

This ISN'T what we were meant for.

This ISN'T the best we can do.

So what IS going on?

That is what I want to look at.

What gives us the best sense that something isn't right in the world is SUFFERING.

We all know it, we've all seen it. And, at times, we try to help in some way or another. Which is good, but in the long run suffering still exists...and most of us struggle to answer the question WHY?

Why do children die of starvation everyday?

Why do tragedies strike "good" and "honest" people?

Why does there seem to be no real order, only chaos, in the world?

All of this is part of God's will? His grand, Divine plan?

For my part, I never had a real good answer either - if I had any at all. I would just fall back on my faith in God and say something like, "well God's in charge, so there HAS TO BE a good reason." After all, this is God's world...we're just living in it.

Even for me, though, that wasn't a good enough answer...there HAD to be a better reason. If Christ is our "image" of God. If we are to know God's heart through Jesus...

...something doesn't jive.

What I see in the world and what I see in Jesus are COMPLETELY different - and to think that BOTH are attributes of God...

...That's a God that isn't, to put it plainly, ALL GOOD.

Powerful? Certainly.

Good? Can't say I would agree.

But through Jesus we see that God IS good, IS kind, IS LOVE...

And yet...

That's where I would get stuck..."and yet..."

and yet...

There is something happening here, and no, it's not very clear.

In following posts, we will dive in to the dark, murky, waters of the "why" of suffering.

Will we get all our questions answered?

No.

But, hopefully, we will get a clearer picture, a better understanding, and more importantly - a more correct view of God, and his heart, AND his will.

Draftsman or warrior...what's your view of God?

2011-02-22T11:31:00.001-06:00

I just finished reading Greg Boyd's book Is God to Blame? Which deals with tough issues regarding suffering and free will and what God is doing/not doing in our lives.

Boyd argues most people have what's called a Blueprint view of God and the world. Meaning, God has a grand plan and that we are can play a part in it. And the horrors and suffering in the world are a part of that plan.

Like the tragic and sudden death of a loved one is "part of God's plan" or "will."

I have to admit that I subscribed to this viewpoint, at least in part - if not more.

Boyd, however, offers a different look at God.

Not as one pulling the strings, but as one offering an adventure...much like Eldredge believes.

Boyd offers us a Warrior God.

One that is is the midst of a battle of, yes, good vs. evil.

And, like it or not, we have roles to play - important roles...even dangerous roles.

While it's not a long book, it is a deep book and I will share some of it. But to give it it's full due, I will do so in separate posts.

But before that, think a moment about how you view God.

Is he pulling the strings?
Is he just watching?
Is he waiting for us to screw up?
Is he calling us to ______?

What is your view?

Sermon Share - "Losing the Faith Game"

2011-02-22T11:17:00.000-06:00

From Greg Boyd - Woodland Hills Church.

Losing the Faith Game

Three Guys, ten pizzas...

2011-02-17T17:09:00.001-06:00

This Saturday, me and my buddies will be going to help feed and clothe the homeless as needy for the fifth month in a row.

I don't say this to brag, but I say this to - at the very least - inspire.

Why?

First, if you knew me and my two friends...well, that's reason one. LOL

Second, we had no real plan - we had a plan for something completely different and more self serving...boy how that changed.

Third, the three of us - thanks to wonderful supporters - have somehow managed to keep doing this each month...in fact, after the second time, we made a pact that no matter what ONE of us would be doing it every month. I'm happy to say, we've always had at least TWO of us there.

Fourth, we couldn't have imagined what it has grown into in just these quick five months. What went from an initial 10 pizzas, now will be 30 pizzas, 80-plus pairs of socks, blankets, 5-plus garbage bags of clothes, and whatever else we can manage to haul and give away - including gas cards!

If anything, what me, Ryan, and Besu (now Mike!) have done should prove that ANYONE can help.

We didn't write this all down. We didn't have meetings. There were no votes. Just three guys wanting to help out in any way we could. Nor did we didn't set out for any loftier goal than: more pizzas! We just decided to do it and do it every month - regardless of what he have to bring (or not to bring).

And I will say this: if you serve it (pizza) they will come!

But honestly, for me, I would have never have even done it the first time if it wasn't for Ryan and Besu willing to do it as well...if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be posting about this.

I'm glad I am.

Kiva Update 2-4-11...

2011-02-03T09:40:00.000-06:00

As of today, another $2.10 has been repaid on the microfinancing loan I provided through Kiva, for a total of $12.60 repaid out of $25.00.

This was a loan to an man in Iraq to sell CD/DVDs, etc.

For information on what Kiva, microfinancing, and how you can help...visit Kiva Here!

Happy Birthday to...?

2011-02-03T09:25:00.000-06:00

A slap your head "duh!" moment...if you didn't think you could find ONE thing to do...

Just One Birthday Wish!

Hmmmm...what's next?

2011-02-03T09:22:00.000-06:00

Been considering...what's next?

Where is this...me...anything going to now?

Continue? Move on? Change? Rearrange?

Been away for a bit, thinking, praying on it...

No answer yet, which is par for God's course with me...disciplining my patience.

But, rest assured...as soon I as know I will post it!

Chris

Just One Example.

2011-01-08T16:55:00.000-06:00

Local Boy Helps Homeless Kids...

His story goes to show, it takes very little to something "big."

What keeps us from doing anything, sometimes, is that we measure with the wrong "ruler".

If we measure by the standards of "man" what this boy did, really doesn't amount to much. It was just toys after all, right?

Thankfully, God doesn't measure that way.

We might never know the full impact of what this boy, or we, do. Because of this fact, we sometimes let it stop us from doing anything; even feel as if what we do is...a waste of time.

It never is.

Everything we do matters and makes a difference...to someone...

Slacktivism, don't fall for it!

2010-12-14T13:43:00.001-06:00

I usually hate buzz words and catchphrases, but I do like: Slacktivism.

According to Wikipedia "Slacktivism (sometimes slactivism) is a portmanteau formed out of the words slacker and activism. The word is considered a pejorative term that describes "feel-good" measures, in support of an issue or social cause, that have little or no practical effect other than to make the person doing it feel satisfaction."

Examples of slacktivism include (but not limited to) internet petitions, joining Facebook groups, altering one's avatar to "raise awareness" of an issue...etc.

In other words, no REAL action is taken...nothing is really accomplished - except a self pat on the back.

Slacktivism, sadly, is a growing trend.

To make a change, to make a difference REAL ACTION is needed. Good for us, not much effort is needed in some cases!

A donation, a letter, a minute of time, an ear, anything.

All real changes were made through action...just imagine if Martin Luther King, Jr. just wore a ribbon. If Ghandi only signed "internet" petitions or changed his FB avatar.

Or if Jesus just walked around with a "Peace and Love" t-shirt.

Hey, I'm not immune - heck I wear a cross - which does nothing for no one but me (and sometimes not even me). It has not fed the hungry, housed the homeless, nor brought Christ to someone (as far as I know) but I wear it nonetheless...

So, I'm not suggesting we outright rid ourselves of slacktivism - it may (in the rarest occurrences) raise awareness to someone who's never heard of said issue and inspire them to do something, which might be reason enough - but let's not let it replace any real work, action, or effort to make a difference in this world.

Thank God the Church is full of hypocrites!

2010-12-07T08:03:00.000-06:00

One argument against "church" is that it is full of hypocrites, liars, and two-faced people...and to that I say:

"THANK GOD! I'll fit right in!"

If I believed for a moment that any given church was full of Saints, I wouldn't darken their doorstep.

I know, I know, there are some churches that give the appearance that all their folks are saintly and do no wrong, but don't fault them for that...do you like to flaunt your faults?

Neither do I.

No, churches shouldn't necessarily highlight their faults, but they shouldn't ignore the fact that they have them either. Transparency is good - I think Jesus said something like that once.

Nor should a church degrade and harass folks for their faults - it is not the church's role to "change" people. Let God work with them.

The church should be, and mostly is, welcoming...If a church says All are Welcome - I hope they mean it. And I must say - many of the churches I have visited have been very welcoming.

Yes, we can all point out a bad church experience, but we all know better than to compare all churches by just one experience.

The folks inside the church doors (even the pastor) are just like us! They ARE hypocrites, they ARE liars and thieves and adulterers and on and on and on....

We are in good company!

Who are the Least?

2010-12-01T17:33:00.000-06:00

Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Who is the "least of these?"

Back then, people had value place upon them - rightly or wrongly - didn't matter. You were a leper, you were "unclean" for example. Unclean, such a nice word for: worthless.

Sadly, when I have read that verse in the past I immediately thought of: the homeless, the drug addicts, the "really bad" sinners of the world. Of course, Jesus would consider them the "least" of his brothers, right?

Before I yell out YES! and pat myself on the back, I think I need to take a step back for a second.

This "value" that had been placed on people then were values placed on them by man - not by God. When God chose the Jewish people to be his priests to the world, he didn't do so because they were better or more valued...they were just a people...God chose an ordinary, regular, group of people to display what would be his love for the world.

Needless to say they didn't do the best of jobs...neither to we now!

We certainly can't do a better job if we still consider people to be "least" of Jesus' brethren. Remember, he said the last shall be first and the first shall be last.

Now, some people take that literally...but how could it be? That would mean there are still values to people that God place upon them...but does he?

That certainly isn't what Jesus preached. One thing that Jesus preached is that we are no better than anyone else...nor are we any worse...to God we are all equal. (though how Jesus preached this has been a bit distorted)

There is no first, there is no last, there is no middle...there is no "least."

So I must change my thinking. When I feed the homeless, they are not the "least" of anything. I am no better than they are. I have no more value to God then them. Nor are they any less of a value to God.

When I feed the homeless, I'm feeding Jesus' brothers and sisters...your brothers and sisters...my brothers and sisters.

Be a Bell Ringer!

2010-11-20T08:57:00.000-06:00

Ever wanted to a be a Salvation Army Bell Ringer, but can't stand the cold - well the Red Kettles have gone virtual and now you can help fill the Red Kettle right at home, on your computer with your friends and family.

Check it out HERE!

Perfect Time to Lend a Hand!

2010-11-08T11:34:00.000-06:00

It's November, which means it's the start of the Holiday Season (and hunting). One ting about this time of year is it serves as a great reminder to us that there are others out there who are not as "well off" as we are. This provides us with countless opportunities to serve others in many capacities.

If you are looking for opportunities to serve, but aren't quite sure where to start check out these two links:

Volunteer Match

Volunteers of America
Not only do both of the links off great listings of local organizations needing your help, but they make the process quick, easy, and painless.

I have used Volunteer Match several times and highly recommend it.

No more excuses, check it out, find something you can (and would) do and...well, you know the rest.

Food Drive Totals...

2010-11-01T11:07:00.002-05:00

First off, thanks to all who donated and supported me through the second annual food drive.

Big thanks to Mom for the kick-butt sign again this year!

Food Totals: 65lbs!

Money Total: $95.00!

We didn't cure hunger, but we made a dent!

Thanks again!

Chris

Food Drive: Update, LAST DAY!

2010-10-29T09:09:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day of the food drive and as of today 65 pounds of food have been donated.

Last night someone dropped off a box with 30-plus pounds of food in it!

So a bit "thank you!" to them!

Today is also the last day to donate financially as well, so if you'd like to help that way, please do, just click on the link at the right!

Thanks!

Chris

Back on itunes!

2010-10-23T10:50:00.000-05:00

Hehe!

That's right!

I have figured out all my technical issues and will now be updating my itunes on a regular basis (as the podcasts are posted). Over the next week or so, I will be uploading all the current podcasts to itunes, then new ones as they are recorded.

Here's the itunes link!

Pass it on!

Kiva update!

2010-10-21T11:28:00.000-05:00

Another $2.10 of my microfinance loan has been paid back for a grand total of $6.30!

Evidently, business is doing well for the gentleman that I loaned to.

If you would like to follow the Just One lending team or more information as to what Kiva is, click HERE!

Even I can follow Jesus...

2010-10-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

Okay, I've been jonesin' since I've started my second week of a sermon fast...but this popped into my head the other day.

I hear a lot of sermons talking to people about even THEY can follow and be saved by Jesus. Yes THEY the ugly, stinking, wretched sinner they are...

Hmmm...yep, we will accept even them!

I think that message is a bit screwy...

For one, at least for me, it makes it sound as if we are better than them...which of course, we are not. But it also, points out there flaws and completely ignore ours...as if when you follow Jesus, you no longer sin or are selfish and yes, become "better."

For me, I guess I would tell people that even someone like ME can follow Jesus...and if I'm allowed to, they sure as heck can too - just as they are, no change required!

I'll even let you go ahead of me!

God accepts me flaws and all - and I have some deep flaws!

I think that's what Paul was trying to get at when he called himself the greatest of sinners - he really wasn't claiming that title, but he was pointing out that God used even him to great things.

Paul was saying, "Even I can be used by Jesus. And if I can be used for great things, just imagine what you could do!"

A much more positive message, in my humble point of view.

NAMI Walks Update and Pictures!

2010-10-15T01:00:00.002-05:00

According to NAMI MN there were nearly 3,000 walkers at the event and they have raised $275,000!

If you click on the link, they also have pictures posted.

Another successful year!

Me and God don't see eye to eye...

2010-10-14T12:44:00.000-05:00

True enough, most times, most days, God and I aren't on the same page. I think I want the same thing as God wants, but then soon enough I realize that I only wanted him to want what I did.

Most times, I'm looking for outward signs, while God primarily is concerned with what's on the inside...

Case in point - the food drive.

Now, yes, I believe that I am supposed to host the food drive...So far God and I agree there. Where we might part ways is our view of success.

I would see the success of the food drive as the boxes being over flowing with food and other donations - boy wouldn't that make me feel great!

However, what God's view of a successful food drive might be different, deeper than that, and just because I can't see it, might never see it, doesn't mean I didn't do what I was supposed to do - just means I don't have the right eyes to see it...or it wasn't meant for me to see, at least not yet.

Very hard to do...since we are such an externally measuring society...but God doesn't care what society thinks, or how society measures success - for that we should be thankful!

Last thing I would want, is a God that bows to popular opinion, or measure success the way we do.

Food Drive Scoreboard

2010-10-12T09:06:00.000-05:00

As the website is posted on the sign, I thought I'd post this information, in case any of the parkers decided to check it out.

29th Ave S. Parkers: Food (lbs): 0
$$$$: 0.00

Friends and Family: Food (lbs): 12
$$$$: 95.00

So there you have it.

Week Two Food Drive Results...

2010-10-09T09:13:00.000-05:00

Again, there's isn't much to update after the second week of the food drive. Just a box with leaves in it. Thankfully, there are three weeks left, so I'm more than positive that the folks will come through in the clutch!

Food Drive Week Two!

2010-10-08T10:25:00.002-05:00

Well, the box is out again today.

While we have gotten some greatly appreciated donations, we have yet to get any from the target audience. Perhaps today will be different, we shall see!

Mr. Cynical...

2010-10-05T09:07:00.000-05:00

Someday's I think about bringing the Cynical Preacher back...other days, I'm glad he's gone...

Just One Can...Food Drive Update.

2010-10-04T13:55:00.000-05:00

As to be expected, there isn't much to update you with regarding the food drive.

For one, it was the first Friday of the drive - and folks were only given one day notice.

This year, we have both this blog and Second Harvest's web address on the sign, so people can check up on me, make sure I'm legit! lol

It's Food Drive Time!

2010-10-01T13:18:00.000-05:00

Today is the first Friday of not only October, but of the 2nd Annual Just One Can... Food Drive.

We did this last year with modest results and hope to do better this year.

If you care to make a finacial donation, please do so HERE!

I'll keep you posted as the drive progresses.

Kiva Update...

2010-09-27T21:47:00.000-05:00

In case you were wondering, "Hey, what ever happened to your microfinance loan you made through Kiva?"

Well, I am happy to tell you, that out of $25.00 loaned, $4.80 has been paid back!

So there you have it.

New Podcast - Jesus Is Killing My Religion

2010-09-27T18:44:00.002-05:00

Listen HERE.

Coffee Fest 2010!

2010-09-21T09:36:00.000-05:00

It's almost that time of year again!

Coffee Fest 2010 is right around the corner. (Nov. 20th)

For more information, click HERE!

Remember: the proceeds from Coffee Fest help support Second Harvest Heartland.

It doesn't take much...

2010-09-16T22:13:00.000-05:00

Truly, if you would like to make a difference in the world, it doesn't take much.

There are any number of things you can do to help your fellow man out.

A new thing I have started to do, is purchasing gift cards to restaurants. You can basically get then in most denominations, but five bucks is good.

If you don't feel like giving money, at least you can five "food".

As of yet, since purchasing the gift cards, I have yet been able to hand one on of them out...I guess God has some plan for them...but I always keep them on hand, just in case...

Podcast - The Best Life (fixed)

2010-09-10T19:50:00.001-05:00

New Podcast is fixed and Uploaded!

New Book Review...

2010-09-09T19:11:00.000-05:00

I posted my new book review HERE.

Check it out.

New podcast...

2010-08-21T09:07:00.001-05:00

I Don't Trust God...

Hook, Line, and Corn...

2010-08-18T19:19:00.001-05:00

The weather didn't appear to be on our side, at first. Weather Bug said rain. The Weather Channel did not (not until later).

The Weather Channel proved correct this time and we had decent weather for fishing!

Dad and I went and assisted folks with limited vision fish off the Lake Calhoun pier.

This little excursion was put on by Vision Loss Resources.

And while the rain held off, and the fish were hungry, they were a bit more elusive than would have liked otherwise.

Worms might have helped, but the corn we used did prove to be a good enough bait for the sunnies - they just proved to be too small (or too smart) for us.

All in all, things could have been worse and all who fished, did catch! Though no records were broken today.

Certainly if they offer this again next year, I will be the first to sign up - as I will take ANY excuse to go fish, or help others fish!

Jesus Will Wreck Your Life...

2010-08-17T17:37:00.000-05:00

In this journey of following Jesus (or should I say, trying to - some days are better than others) one things has become crystal clear for me...

Following Jesus will wreck your life!

Oh, the things you thought were so important become...silly, futile, a waste of time and energy...objects you value become worthless and take up space...security? We know we don't really have that.

Hate people? Not anymore! And for some of us, that kinda sucks...as we were good at hating people. Now, dang it, more often than not I start to feel compassion (dare I say love?) for them.

I begin to feel sorry that I don't HAVE change to give to the guy on the corner, when before I could just shrug him off and not be bothered. Turn up my radio so I don't have to hear him asking. Pretend I'm fiddling with my radio and just can't seem to find a song I like...

I begin to wonder what MORE can I give, and what LESS can I live with?

The wrong things begin to annoy me...like ME! How much of the wrongs in the world ARE my fault, because I either do nothing to stop and change it, or because I contribute...

I'm not saying I feel overwhelmingly guilty about it...it's more of an awareness.

I'm tucked safely behind my walls, even now, and there is a great need out there...beyond them. I can help, I can start to change things, I can start to make a difference, I can follow Jesus (he's out there, calling me out, I can hear him!).

But to do so could mean...

And THAT'S where I pause, stop from taking that step, from making that commitment, from taking that risk.

All the changes that WILL happen...the things that will be different...how my life will change, and how the life I created will be ruined...

Oh, I know that to feel fully and be fully alive, I must follow him...but sometimes...sometimes the stagnant, bland, lifeless hug of these walls are comforting...if for no other reason that they are familiar and predictable.

Following Jesus is neither.

New Podcast - Calamine Lotion

2010-08-12T19:20:00.000-05:00

A new podcast will be up soon - Calamine Lotion.

The Bible tells of all the miracles that Jesus did...but did he ever just lend a hand?

Is loving our neighbor as ourselves ALWAYS something big? Or can it be something...mundane?

Love Shopping at Target?

2010-08-09T09:58:00.002-05:00

Then check out this opportunity to help kids in need with their back-to-school shopping -

Target School Spree

New Podcast Up!

2010-08-05T19:04:00.000-05:00

Yes the title is a bit weird, but well...there you have it.

What is Kiva?

2010-08-03T16:18:00.000-05:00

What is Kiva?
Glad you asked. Kiva is way for you and me to help someone in an enterprising way by combining micro financing and the Internet.

Through Kiva, we can make loans to entrepreneurs all over the globe to help them start their own business to better themselves and their community.

Like traditional loans, the loans we make are with the expectation we will be repaid. (according to their website, they have a better than 98% repayment rate)

Unlike traditional loans, you or I do not receive any interest on our loan, but we do get to know that what we are providing more than just a hand-out.

Please check Kiva out. Give them five minutes of your time.

If you agree that "risking" 25 dollars to help someone out is something you'd like to do, please do so. If you'd like, you may join our Just One Team by clicking the link on the side.

In good faith, I have started us off.

Take care.

NAMI Walks 2010

2010-07-30T14:35:00.000-05:00

That's right! It's almost NAMI Walk time.

September 25th to be exact.

What does that mean?

Well, it means that there will be a link up on the sidebar, and updates as well until walk time.

My Walk Page

Team Page

Just One Opportunity..."Adopt a Student"

2010-07-30T11:29:00.000-05:00

Click the following link:
Adopt a Student

- "By adopting a student you will provide a child with a new backpack and school supplies needed..."

If you would like to fill a back pack and donate, send me an email @ justoneministries@hotmail.com and I will help arrange a pick-up/drop off if you aren't able to drop them off yourself.

Get Dirty With Jesus

2010-07-24T12:13:00.002-05:00

The new podcast Get Dirty With Jesus podcast fixed.

Perhaps God's toughest Commandment...

2010-07-23T12:27:00.000-05:00

Psalm 46:10 - "Be still and know that I am God..."

Be still.

One of the hardest commandments to follow is to do nothing?!

Yet, on some level, it makes all the sense in the world.

In time of trouble, chaos, crisis - especially of our own doing - the one thing we tend not to do and to be is "still."

Heck, at any given time I have a hard time sitting still, something is shaking or moving.

We are reactionary. Something happens, we respond. Something happens again, we respond again - or we change our response, but we still respond.

We take things personal.

See things in a skewed way, through hurt or angry eyes.

We become paranoid.

Distrusting.

We feel and act like a cat in a corner or we feel like we're trying to catch a million marbles at once.

We make rash decisions.

Talk to the wrong people.

Outrageous things begin to look attractive to us. Like running away to join the circus. (or for those of you who work in the circus) Running away to join the corporate world.

In a time of crisis, when we are at our wits end, when we are barely hanging on by a thread...what does God want us to do?

Be still.

Take a deep breath.

Be still.

Be still and KNOW that God is there.

Does that mean he'll solve our problem?

No.

It means that if we are still and trust God we will get through the crisis and be where we should be on the other side. And our faith and trust in God will grow.

It means God knows the outcome of our crisis. In fact he knows TWO outcomes. 1) if we are still and trust him. 2) if we try to make it, fix it, get through it on our own.

If we follow path #2 and we aren't still we'll miss God's voice. His voice of encouragement, his voice of comfort, his voice of peace, and (what we are looking for) his voice of guidance and direction.

When we miss and don't hear his voice we begin to feel that God is not present with us in our time of need. He is, he is always with us -especially when we don't "feel" him. We can't feel him if we aren't being still.

We get too distracted in what is going on - which the devil is more than willing to help us out with. Distraction is one of his best weapons, tools, he uses to drive a wedge between us and God - crisis brings on the best distractions sometimes.

Hence: be still.

Don't get distracted.

Don't give the devil anything he can use against you, because he will. Or as Paul put it: don't give the devil a foothold.

Okay I'm still, you say, now what?

Listen...wait...continue to be still.

Which, if you notice (by how hard it is to do) being still IS doing something.

It's being open and connected to God.

In my line of work I was trained in how to handled certain situation with consumers who become physically aggressive toward people or others.

One of the first rules: do nothing.

Why?

Because while someone MAY look like they are about to hit you they might not. They might just swear at you and storm off. Yet, if I were to react right away - I might have made the situation worse.

(obviously, this does NOT apply to all situations.)

Being still is for the crisis when the answers aren't so clear.

We ask for direction. Sometimes we get it, as a "yes" or a "no" or a feeling to do something.

Sometimes we get the answer that feels like an unanswered prayer: be still.

Be still, it's almost over.

Be still, the light in the tunnel is ahead.

Be still, the sun will shine upon you tomorrow.

Be still, I am with you always.

Be still, you will be okay.

Be still and know that I am God.

You Can Be Everything God Wants You To Be - Max Lucado (Review)

2010-07-20T16:35:00.001-05:00

“Perfect Gift For the Graduate.”

So says the circular sticker on the cover Max Lucado’s You Can Be Everything God Wants You To Be. A book to inspire our youth as they enter the “real world.”

What, at first, reads as another trite, sugary, book with pretty and uplifting words grows into an insightful, yes inspiring, and even challenging book that would be a great gift “for all.”

As the titled hints at, this book isn’t about striving and achieving all your hopes and dreams. Rather, it goes one better. Max reminds us that God has “packed us” with a specific set of skills for a “specific purpose.”

While many of us may say that we believe that, so few of us actually put in the time and make the effort to discover what that purpose is. Therein lies the challenge.

Don’t let the size of the book fool you. Unlike other self-help, motivational type books, Max cuts the fat and other fluffy extras and gets to the meat of the matter quickly.

God designed each and every one of us specifically and uniquely - as Max puts it, “You-nique.” We are not mass produced. No one has our complete set of skills, likes, and passions. Those are our and ours alone.

But what to do with these gifts?

Ah, another challenge set forth by God that Max reminds us.

In short: change the world.

How?

By being the best “us” we can be.

By sowing a seed and trusting God.

As Max puts it, “God inhabits the tiny seed, empowers the tiny deed.”

So, no Suzie, no Billy you can’t be ANYTHING you want to be, but you can be EVERYTHING God wants you to be.

Max Lucado reminds us how.

(as always, I have received a free copy of this book for review through Booksneeze.com. This review is honest and my own, and was in no way influenced by anyone for any reason)

What Would Jesus Do? Don't ask me...

2010-07-19T16:57:00.000-05:00

It was a catchy phrase, and it did get you to think...but that's the extent of the phrases usefulness. I wasn't much of a fan of it from the start, because I didn't know the answer.

What would Jesus do...when?

In what circumstance?

Is there only one answer? Is there just a set of stuff that Jesus would, will, only do?

Why not: "What wouldn't Jesus Do?"

Do you know?

Not me. And I don't dare guess.

All I know is what He DID, for others, for me...beyond that...well...

Sure, it's a catchy phrase and it gets us to think and discuss...but there's a danger in thinking that there ONLY one answer to any given situation.

Perhaps the question is better asked: What would Jesus want YOU to do?

Now THAT makes it personal and on my shoulders...and if you're like me, I really don't want that...yet, that is what's expected...

I am to take on some of those responsibilities that I don't want to...I want my comfort, I want my predictable, I want my safe!

But that's not where Jesus went.

Don't get me wrong, safe isn't bad...but to grow in faith, in life, we need to get uncomfortable sometimes, we need to trust Jesus more. Being safe...doesn't require much faith and trust in Jesus.

God called people out of their comfort zones throughout all the pages of the Bible...and the people we read about in the Bible are the ones that took those steps, stretched and even challenged their faith.

Each day I ask to have courage to do more and more of that...somedays I feel on fire like I would do ANYTHING God asked of me....other days, most days, including today...I want to be safe, stay safe and wish God would find someone else.

So What Would Jesus Do?

I don't know, but if you ask him...you might not be a huge fan of his answer, yet again, it might be just what you need to hear.

Just One Opportunity..."Clean Start!"

2010-07-13T14:36:00.000-05:00

Clean Start

Aeon, a nonprofit developer, owner and manager of high-quality affordable homes in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, is looking for donations of toiletries.

This runs similar to the Food and Fun Drives of Second Harvest.

You could set one up at work, at your church, anywhere you know of caring folks!

If you don't live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area check around your city for the local homeless shelter/organization - perhaps you could start your own drive and support them!

Can't Hear God's Music...

2010-07-09T15:45:00.000-05:00

I know a fellow who used to be a recording engineer for 20-plus years. His job was very technical, so technical in fact that it has ruined music for him.

Due to his critical ear for finding the right sound, pitch, mix, etc. he no longer can just "listen" to music and enjoy it. That critical ear takes over, finding flaws, errors, corrections that should be made...is less music than it is just imperfect sound to him.

I think we are always in danger to falling into the same pit when it comes to God.

We search for finding the right pitch or sound in God's symphony. We pull tid bits out of the Bible and see if it "fits". We make the worship and following of Christ so technical, it becomes...anything but enjoyable.

Following Christ was never meant to be gruelling work. There are going to be hard times, but there will be hard times if we don't follow him too - hard times will come either way.

But let's not make it so technical.

Some of the best music comes out of a few people just getting together and playing.

Can't we do the same?

Let's cut the crap and get back to basics...Christ, God, and the music we can enjoy with them, in them, and in others. If someone plays a wrong note, who cares? If God doesn't, why should we?

"I played for you, but you didn't dance."

I strongly believe there's a spiritual connection to God in music. Music. Not JUST Christian music, but music. Not lyrics (though they help) but M-U-S-I-C.

So, go turn off the computer, play your favorite song (any song that you truly enjoy - doesn't have to be a hymn, but if it is so be it!) and see if your soul isn't stirred even slightly.

Just One Focus...

2010-07-01T21:57:00.000-05:00

After a great discussion with my folks, JOM has rediscovered it's focus.

In our culture especially, we believe that simple is good...at the start, but that over time things MUST get more complicated.

But that isn't what JOM set out to do.

The vision has always been that each of us, all of us can do something, anything, just ONE thing that can help someone, make a difference, start a change.

Something small, something simple, something meaningful...

For whatever reason, I was beginning to think that JOM needed to be more...complicated.

But it doesn't.

Hopefully, it won't have to either.

I am Just One!

2010-07-01T14:45:00.000-05:00

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I should do and, with the help of God, I will do." Edward Everett Hale

Spread the Word Update

2010-06-27T09:03:00.000-05:00

As of today we currently have 91 Bibles/New Testaments collected.

In addition to collecting Bibles, I have been purchasing Bibles that I find at a local thrift store and have them hand them out. I haven't been as diligent in counting those Bibles as I should have been, but off the top of my head I think it's close to 50 Bibles that have been purchased and distributed through the thrift store.

For now, I will continue to collect Bibles as I know one of these days there will be a need for them...