Really?!?

That word - 'really' - has come to be a fad term people used when they are shocked or surprised at something or someone.
It says a lot. (Kinda like 'dude' used in 50 inflections, but... dude... don't mistake the fact that 'dude' will be around a lot longer.)

So... when I talk with people as a pastor, so often I get their theological take on things really quickly.

"God as genie" is popular - rub the bottle/Bible/pew when you want something and He's supposed to deliver.

"God as bully" is also common. Pay no attention to Him in all the good days with food and shelter and friendships. But something bad happens or a you hit tough times or a natural disaster and everybody wants to blame Him.

"God as (whatever you want he/she/it to be)" comes up a lot too. That whole 'god' thing is really a 'pick what you want' as long as you are 'sincere.' You name it and carry it around when you want and toss it away as wanted too. But don't let anything like Scripture or the testimony of millions of believers around the world to the fact that He is real and has a solid and dependable character get in your way.

To these I say, "Really!?!"

Lots of people want good stuff with no effort - in school, work situations, relationships, and life overall.
It doesn't work that way.
It takes effort to grow up.
It takes sacrifice to earn and/or give away something of true value.
It takes saying 'no' to lots of cheap things to gain something of value.

Check out this verse...
"In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood." Hebrews 12:4

Jesus did. He did struggle against sin - with full success. Then He gave away His perfect life to anyone who will believe Him and take Him at His Word - that He is who the Bible says and does what the Bible says.

We have a Savior. His name is Jesus Christ.

If you know that and realize that today is the day to pick your Bible back up and pray with an open heart to such a great God, cool. Enjoy.

If you are reading this and thinking (really) "Really?!?" - then message me and I'll tell you more about Him.

chances to serve.blocks to serving

so i just spent a couple of hours with several people who gave up other appointments, etc. to plan out details and share responsibilities for a multi-church service project this summer.
yeah - like months away still.
yeah - like they won't get paid.
yeah - like they'll give time, money and sweat (plenty)
yeah - nobody's forcing them.

what about you?
who is right next to you at work or school who could use some attention?
what could you do - tonight! or tomorrow! - to serve someone just because.

there are TONS of chances to serve.

there are some BLOCKS - and most of them center on self-centeredness.

i dare you to give away a kind word of encouragement. or... share your lunch table... or contribute to Haiti or Chile's needs.

don't let the selfish nature of 'us' keep you from the fabulous JOY of serving others.

i dare you.
and then comment here or on my facebook - tell me what you did, and what happened.

big breath. move on.

life happens in seasons.
some are great and wonderful and joyful.
some are... less than that. harder than that.
some are just ugly.
lately feeling smaller than my job.
overwhelmed.
not enough.
tendency in the past - 'hole up' and hide and self-pity.
this time...
with God's grace...
taking a breath.
moving on.

where are you?
spiritually? in your key relationships?
take a breath.
move on.

Galatians 6:9

random soccer comment

pretty excited to watch the US National Men's Team play the Netherlands tomorrow.

not expecting a win since our 'top tier' guys haven't trained together lately with their 'paying jobs' around the globe.

but looking forward to it nonetheless.

(that is all)

learning

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, MIND, and strength..."

I love to learn. New facts. Trivia. How things are made. Origins of words. Fresh jokes. (I know some of you think I don't have any...)

Keeping my mind sharp is a high priority for me. I do mindless things sometimes. (e.g. Halo, Napoleon Dynamite, chess) But USUALLY my 'spare time' is spent with a book, a crossword, Sudoku, or other brain-jogging activity.

Whether or not you truly enjoy stuff like that or not, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, there is a calling and a joy in continuing to learn from Him. Exercise your gray matter today. Memorize a new Bible verse. Read one paragraph in Hebrews and work on understanding what's taught there. Expand your thinking about who to pray for today and pray for a variety of people, things, issues, leaders.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, MIND, and strength..."