Reflections of Christ

Beg for Forgiveness

2012-02-10T12:16:00.000-05:00

Dear Ben,

I am writing this letter because God has laid it on my heart to beg your forgiveness. It's been a long time since we have even really talked. We were friends in high school, but have lost touch since your gave me the letter. I really don't remember what you wrote in the letter. What I do remember is my reaction........and it was wrong. I was young and stupid and you never deserved the cold shoulder I gave you.

Many years later, I have seen your success, I have secretly been pulling for your success in life, I have watched your success unfold on public TV, and now I want you to know that I love you as a friend and wish you the most in life.

You never deserved the way I treated you. You never deserved the shame I might have put you through. You never deserved what other people may have done to you in your life. What you do deserve is my respect and admiration for the awesome person you are. You deserve to know that my faith in Christ means I do not turn my back on anyone, despite the fact I may not agree with your decisions in life or the lifestyle you choose. I now ask myself how I can judge someone else's sins without judging my own first?

Ben, you are a special person, created by God and living the path you have chosen. It was not my place to turn my back. It was my place to be there for you through the tough times. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me Ben. I pray for you everyday and now I pray you will forgive me for the actions of a young and stupid kid.

I wish you all the best in life and will be looking for you in the spotlight again, praying for your success and hoping you will come to know the true love of God that i know, and not the distorted one of the media and the bigots.

Once your friend and begging for your forgiveness,
Jeremiah (aka Freak)

The New Mantra

2011-12-21T22:34:00.001-05:00

I heard this song a while back, and then my good friend Matt decided to use it as a worship song one weekend I was filling in with his music team. It has left an indelable mark on my life. It is a conduit through which God has changed my perspective on reaching out to people. I now pass this along to you and hope you will see in it what I have seen, or hear in it what God is saying to you.

I Refuse by Josh Wilson

Sometimes I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone's alright
When I know they're not
This world needs God, but its easier to stand and watch
I could say a pray and just move one
Like nothing's wrong
But I Refuse

I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
I could choose, not to move
But I Refuse

I can hear the least of these, calling out so desperately
And I know we are the hands and feet, of you Oh God
So if You say move, its time for me to follow through
And do what I was made to do
And show them who you are

I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else
Do do what God has called me to do myself
I could choose, not to move

But I Refuse, to stand and watch the weary and lost cry out for help
I Refuse to turn my back and act like all is well
I Refuse to stay unchanged, to wait another day to die to myself
I Refuse to make one more excuse

I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I Refuse to sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
I could choose, not to move,

But I Refuse.

I hope you do too.....

Freak

Letter to a Quarterback

2011-12-12T23:18:00.000-05:00

"No one lights a lamp, then hides it in a drawer. It's put on a lamp stand so those entering the room have light to see where they are going." Luke 11:33 MSG

Dear Tim,

Its been a tough road for you the past couple of years, at least it seems that way on first take from all the scrutiny and criticism you have received about your style of football and the supposed "finesse" you should be playing with. Or has it really been that tough........for you? Never has there been an athlete of your caliber, with your integrity, with you leadership ability, and with your humility. You're not the best at what you do, but you do it the best you can. You're not out there to make a name for yourself because you're out there to make a name for Him.

I like it and encourage you to keep it up. I write this in homage, not to you Tim, but to the awesome God whom we serve. Its because of Him that you have this opportunity: and thus far you have served Him well. The scrutiny you are under just shows that most people don't understand what drives you, including those who say they know and serve the same God we do. It's not for money, or for the spotlight, or for anything else that you do what you do, except this one thing: serving an awesome God and spreading his message to the world. You're a preacher, but your pulpit is the football field. You attend church, yet its walls are thousands of screaming fans with a roof of the heavens. Your have a Sunday service, but this service is far greater than if you were sitting inside a building listening to a minister speak.

Funny thing about this whole situation is this: you are making more people think about God than anyone else in the sports world has ever done. I don't care if you win or lose Tim. I don't care if you stay with the Broncos or not Tim. What I do care about is this: that you stay focused on what really matters. The media will try to bring you down; doubters will try to bring you down; critics will try to bring you down; and we know who else is working to bring you down. But do not be distracted. Your message to the world seems to be these three simple principles: Love God, Love Others, Lead with Humility and Hard Work. Keep that out front of you always.

If I could only be as strong as you some days. You are an inspiration to a whole slew of people looking for ways to be strong in their faith despite public opposition. Don't give in, and keep fighting the good fight, my brother in Christ.

Keep your lamp high and bright for everyone to see. Whether they agree or not, it doesn't matter to us. What matters is that the message is getting out there and people are beginning to think........seeds are being planted around water coolers, in carpools, at stadiums and at sports bars.

Seeds are starting to sprout...............

With all my respect,

Freak

Humility- The Other Crow Meat

2011-12-08T22:00:00.000-05:00

"Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself............You should have the same attitude towards one another that Christ Jesus had.........He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to death-even death on a cross!"
Philippians 2:3, 5, 8

Yesterday we talked about how we should embrace the opportunities Christ sets in front of us through the bad example of other Christ-followers. The are so many examples of mis-guided Christ followers, whose hearts seem to want to do the right thing, but they are led astray by someone with "selfish ambition or vanity." It saddens my heart to see so many people misguided and tainted by the few who have no humility, but only serve to serve themselves.

Our God is a God of love, not hatred and bitterness towards us. He despises the sin, but loves even the worst sinners because they are His creation. We need to have the same attitude towards all people: Love God, Love Others. Having a humble heart, focused on God and not ourselves is the only way to achieve this. Spewing hate, insults, and bigotry only serves the one who throws it, not our awesome God.

If we want to humble ourselves before God and serve others, we must not hate or judge. Period.

Freak

It Doesn't Matter

2011-12-07T22:46:00.000-05:00

"What is the result? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice......" Phil 1:18 (NET)

Last post we talked about Paul, and all he was going though during his imprisonment in Rome. On top of living in a dungeon, other so-called "Christians" were out in Rome smearing his name and spreading the gospel in ways that were not congruent with the truth or because of "selfish ambition." But as we see in verse 18, it really didn't matter what was happening, as long as Christ's name was being proclaimed.

You see, as Christ followers, we sit here more often than not and shake our heads in shame or condemn those who are not spreading the truth as we feel it should be spread. For a long time, I held animosity against the man on the corner screaming through the bullhorn, or the people of Westboro Baptist Church who rant and rave all over the place. Yes, let me make this clear, I do not agree with them or how they conduct themselves. But what is most important is not what these people are saying, but that no matter what, people are hearing about Christ. Yes, its not the perfect way. Yes, its abrasive, unkind, uncouth, disgusting and revolting,and mostly not out of love. But find the silver lining in the cloud as Paul did: Christs name is getting out there.

At least people are hearing his name. What matters most is people who may not know Christ will come to us and start asking questions: Do all Christians really believe that? Why are they so hateful? Is that really what Jesus taught? Does the Bible really teach us to hate like that?

And then the door is opened.........

Seeds can be planted...........

And its time to capitalize on the opportunity we have.......think about it.

Freak

Ode to Monty Python

2011-12-06T23:34:00.000-05:00

"I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel:"
- Phil 1:12

Who has seen Monty Python's Life of Brian? This has to be one of the funniest movies the Monty Python bunch put on besides their Holy Grail movie. In this movie, Brian, the main character, is actually mistaken for Jesus Christ and everyone is following him around as if he is the Messiah. Many Christians would see this movie and scream blasphemy. Grow a sense of humor, folks. At the end of the movie, there are guys on crucifixes who begin singing a song. "Always look on the bright side of life, (whistling in tune and key of the music)....."

So my point is this: Paul always looked on the bright side of life, that is, his life in Christ Jesus. He never saw his suffering as such, but really looked for the way in which he could use his dilemma to further the kingdom of God. While he was writing his letter to the Philippians, Paul was sitting in a Roman dungeon, chained to a wall and sitting in his own bodily waist. What could be worse than that? What he did was use the opportunity to talk with the guards and other prisoners and actually bring many of them to Christ. How awesome is that?

So no matter how hard our situation may be, we always need to look on the bright side of our life in Christ Jesus and find how we can use our circumstances to advance his kingdom.

I will address the Monty Python, Life of Brian, blasphemy thing tomorrow. Trust me, you will see the bad things that Christians do in a whole new light.

Freak

If I Could Be Like David.......

2011-11-29T23:33:00.000-05:00

"May the Lord be our judge and arbiter. May he see and arbitrate my case and deliver me from your hands." - 1 Samuel 24:15

Don't take this verse out of context. I need to frame this for a second. In this part of 1 Samuel, Saul is in a cave (taking a leak......no joke) where David and his men are hiding and God has basically handed Saul over to David to either kill, humiliate, capture, etc. Saul has been chasing David and trying to kill him for a little while now. But, David shows mercy on Saul and only cuts a piece of cloth from his robe without Saul knowing it. After Saul leaves the cave, David walks out after him and presents himself.

Remember this part: Saul was trying to kill David. And yes, David walks right up to Saul after he leaves the cave, despite the better advice of his soldiers. So what does this tell us about David's faith and trust in God? First, he was given Saul on a silver platter and could have very well killed him where he pee'd, I mean stood. But instead, David shows mercy on Saul and respect for God in the fact that he was not going to kill the person God annointed King of Israel. Second, and I believe most important, is that David showed no fear in walking up to the man who was trying to kill him. That's right, David walked right into harm's way, but with one crucial person backing him up: God. His Lord was there the whole time to back him up and ensure he was going to be taken care of.

David could have done anything he wanted to Saul, but he chose to trust God and do what would honor him: spare Saul's life and confront him with what he had done: courage in the face of adversity and fear. If I could only be so bold in sharing my faith and showing God's love.........which means knowing that God has my back no matter what happens.......and also means listening to the Holy Spirit and doing what we know to be right.

Freak

My Very Own Punching Bag

2011-09-12T22:49:00.000-04:00

".....I will set eyes on them for good.......I will build them up, and not tear them down, I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord....." - Jeremiah 24:5-7

I am my very own punching bag. From the time I was a kid, I can remember taking my own mental person, propping him up against the wall, taking turns yelling and belitting him, then throwing fist after fist of insults at his fragile being. It was humorous at first. Some of the things I would say to myself would actually make myself laugh at the inner child being bullied by the other inner child. Then it started to become destructive, sometimes to the point of thoughts crossing my mind that should not be. (Bare with me, I do not have 2 personalities).

Tonight was one of those nights. As I sit here and re-hash the events with my wife and son that took place all because we were trying to remove splinters from a ranting and screaming 6-year old's foot, I began breaking out the UFC gloves, strapping them on and going to town on the person I would like to think is innocent, right in front of my wife no less. In reality, he is not innocent, but sinful. He is not perfect, but he is a pretty good father, despite what the Chuck Liddell side of his mind may think. And he is absolutely living his life absent of God when he does this.........when I do this.

God does not tear us down: He allows us to make decisions and live with the consequences of those decisions. God does not uproot what He has planted; He only allows the aridness of sin to whither away that former plant so that He can re-water us and cultivate a new character. God does not rip our hearts out: He allows the pain of suffering and strife so it will strengthen our dependence on Him and we can grow in Him. God does cause bad things to happen to us. He just does not stop them from happening from time to time so that we come close.......come close and depend on Him.

.....Cometh the Fall

2011-08-24T00:16:00.000-04:00

"The pride of your heart has deceived you........you who say to yourself, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?'" Obadiah 1:3.

The church we attend here in Chattanooga TN is going through a series entitled, At the Movies, and this week's movie was 127 Hours. If you have not seen this movie as I have, then you are in for a, well, very interesting show, but one I highly recommend. Aaron Ralston's story taught us a great deal, and our pastor taught us a lot about the pride before the fall through illustrations from the movie.

What is it about pride that seems to blind us to the impending danger ahead in life? I truly believe that our pride comes not from within us, but from the spiritual being, manifested as Satan, whom we battle on a daily basis. You want a prime example of pride before the fall, Satan wanted the top job and was relegated to the depths of Hell because of it. Talk about one helluva fall.........get it, HELL of a fall..............yah, anyway.

We do not really battle ourselves. That means we have to give ourselves way more credit than we deserve and it puts us on a spiritual playing field with God and Satan that I don't think we quite belong. Now, I am no expert in theological studies and spiritual warfare, but I am smart enough to understand that there is a serious battle going on in some other dimension. That battle is for control of our souls...........and Satan is winning (not over God, but over us) through the pride he tempts us with. Pride would have to be his most effective tool for pulling us out of relationship with God. Why? Because we think we can do it alone without Christ's love. His (Christ's) grace and mercy are the most effective tools he uses for intervention and rescue of us from our pride.

God is waiting with open arms when we find humility and come running back to Him. Satan is waiting with open arms when we want to come running back too.........funny thing is, he seems to step aside when we reach out for him and he just watches us fall. And thus, our pride, at Satan's invite, comes before the fall.....

Ouch.

Just Walk Away.......

2011-08-01T10:33:00.000-04:00

"My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent." Proverbs 1:10.

Who remembers the Garth Brooks song, Thunder Rolls? Okay, so I am dating myself with that one, but does anyone remember the lyrics or what the storyline was about? It is not the happiest song out there and sure as heck wasn't about a physical thunderstorm, at least in totallity. This is about a husband who cheats and his wife finds out the hard way when he comes home late from his mistess' house. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Maybe you have been touched by this type of messy situation. Maybe you haven't.

Regardless, the one inarguable fact is that the guy should have walked away from some situation he never should have allowed himself into. What causes us to push the limits? Peer pressure is one EXCUSE we give. True, our peers have a great amount of influence on what we do and when. Sometimes, they throw out the "old double dog dare you" to do something you know in your heart you should not. That's not your conscience telling you don't do it, that is God. Remember this:

Conscience=God. Dont' believe anything less.

Proverbs gives the simple solution: "....do not consent." Hmm, easier said than done right? Not always. I am one of those people who likes to test the limits of temptation, as I am sure most of us do. But I have recently been setting up safeguards for those areas where I know I am weak.

Men, women and our eyes equals disastrous thoughts and actions. Simple solution: turn your head, turn the channel, don't click the link, be nice but let them know you are married, WALK AWAY FROM "FRIENDS" WHO PRESSURE YOU INTO SOMETHING!

In short, "....do not consent."

Feel the Burn

2011-07-19T09:02:00.000-04:00

"If I say, 'I will not mention Him or speak anymore in His name,' there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot." -Jeremiah 20:9

One of the hardest things we do as Christ followers is share our faith. Its much easier in today's society to lend a helping hand, sit and talk with someone in trouble about their problems, or just be there for a friend when someone close passes away. The hardest thing to do is OPENLY share our faith: for me, its the stigma our so called media has put on Christians through their twisted representations of those who follow Christ and David Koresh/Jim Jones type stories. For you, it could be that you just want to be liked by everyone, or maybe you feel you don't know enough about the Bible to answer people's questions. Truth is, we don't need to Bible scholars, not everyone is going to like what we have to say, and the crazy stories about Christians will continue as long as the world is spinning.

Here is where the above verse comes into play: if we truly love Christ and follow His lead, then to share our faith will be exactly as Jeremiah described. It will hurt to keep things in. It will make our stomach churn when we hold it in or miss an opportunity to talk with someone about Christ and the awesome thing he did for us on the Cross. We will be asked questions that we cannot answer; there are pastors who are asked questions they cannot answer about Christ, the Bible, and faith. But there is on unfaltering truth that we all know as Christ followers that is the only answer we need: Christ died for our sins so we would be saved, His grace and mercy covers our sins as long as we believe, and there is nothing we have to do accept acknowledge him and accept him into our lives. Christ does the rest, not us.

Christ burns in all of us. Question is, how intense is that fire and are you willing to put yourself aside for Him and those who don't know him?

Stoking the fire in my heart,
Freak

And.........go!

2011-06-07T12:14:00.001-04:00

I'm sitting here thinking of what to write about this verse that struck me from 2 Timothy this morning. Then, an old song, that I haven't heard since I was a snot nosed teenager going to a small Catholic middle school in Dunedin, FL.

"Go forth, among the people. People, of every nation."

(Don't ask me to sing it. Taking a bat to some bagpipes would sound much better.)

It will all tie together here in a second so go with me on this. Our attitude, especially when it comes to spreading the Truth of Jesus Christ, shines from within us, whether we like it or not. So when we go forth on our mission, what is our attitude?

"....., for God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self control." 2 Tim 1:7.

That hits hard. God GAVE us our spirit, our attitude, our drive. We are powerful people, not because of us, but because of God. He gave us a spirit where we are not afaid of the world, we love others no matter how bad they have hurt us or where they have come from in the world, and we maintain self control and self discipline in our lives. So why do we fear talking about Christ, why do we not love everyone, and why do we cave to our own desires? I will give you a hint: his name starts with an S and ends with an ATAN. He is real. Don't be fooled.

So, what are you going to do about your attitude? Is time to cast fear aside, start loving despite ourselves, and batten down the discipline hatches?

Time to go forth........

The Freak

There is a season........

2011-02-28T22:22:00.000-05:00

Who remembers the song "Turn, Turn, Turn" by the Byrds? It's one of those classic 60's songs that everyone knows the words to, but quite possibly doesn't know where the lyrics actually come from. Some Christ-followers do, but for those who don't, (and it's not wrong if you don't know), they are adapted from the Book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, versus 1-8. What a great commentary on life.

So I was reading tonight in a part of Eccl I had marked a long time ago. I've had a rough day with some business dealings, and those lines caught my eye. I have read them many times before with the tune of "Turn, Turn, Turn" going in the back of my mind, but never really thought hard about them until now. One part, of one verse really struck me as I struggled to make sense of what happened today.

".....a time to keep, and a time to cast away;......." (verse 6).

I can be my own worst enemy sometimes when it comes to relationships, and either holding on too tight to the wrong ones, or not holding tight enough to the right ones.

Disclaimer: This post has nothing, whatsoever, to do with the relationship I have with my wife, or kids!

So, I know and mingle with many people I will call acquaintences, a few I would call friends, some I would call family whether they are or not, and others I will just say are business or good times to be experienced. All of them we can reach out to for God, but not all of them will produce fruit. It's just as Jesus explained about the sower's seed. Whether that seed produces depends on where it falls, and if we try to plant on the wrong ground, we are planting in vain.

Why do we torture ourselves chasing after relationships that, in the grand scheme of what God wants us to do, mean nothing for the end picture of our lives or God's kingdom? Why do we run a rat race making relationships with people that only poison our thoughts? What do we do when we work hard to plant seeds of the Truth, but don't realize we are just chasing our tail? When do we say enough is enough, and move on?

These are questions I have, and answers I long for, and it really comes back to these few words. There is a season...................and all seasons have an end, whether we like it or not; no matter how hard we try and hold on to these relationships; whether we want to realize it or not. Our stress level, our joy in life, our capacity to be more productive all hinge on our ability to recognize the seasons, and adjust to their beginnings and endings. Winter is a season that has a beginning and an end. Life would be very uncomfortable if we decided that we wanted to hold onto winter and wear our thick coats through the summer months. It will have an affect on your life, I guarantee it.

And that is what I have realized today. No matter what I do, I will no longer try to hold on to those relationships that are unproductive, those ones that drain my sanity, money, and time, when I could be so much more productive for God's kingdom. I have done as God has asked me, it's no longer up to me whether someone takes that step with Christ. I will be there for them, I will cultivate as much as I can, but if I am sowing seed among the rocks, I am waisting my time because it will not produce fruit. The season has ended, and I must move on.

".......a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted........" (verse 2)

- Freak

Reflections

2011-01-13T22:36:00.001-05:00

I sit here tonight and reflect on the past few months of my life. The sweeping changes my wife and I have made in uprooting our family and moving from Florida to the snow topped mountains of Tennessee. We live in a cabin now, with only 3 neighbors within a 1/2 mile, one of which is family and the other 2 who might as well be. We are searching right now; searching for our new earthly lives, careers, a church home and routines. But we have settled on not being settled right now. The biggest thing though, is our faith in Christ has not changed. If anything, this ordeal, this life trauma, this re-planting of sorts, has solidified out faith just a little more each day. The funny part is this: life has gotten harder, money has gotten shorter, trials have been more than ever. Yet through it all, I have amazingly seen God work some seriously mind blowing miracles for us, and for our WHOLE family, not just the ones who reside in this little cabin. It has brought us closer together as a family as we work through the challenges of the days. We have been tested, and will continue to be tested, yet we are blessed and God will continue to bless, not only us, but those we meet and come into relationship with here in this new place. It's a whole new world we live in, but a familiar face awaits us every moment and comforts us as we work through each and every challenge, both physically and spiritually.
Christ is with us, with you, and with everyone who calls on Him as their Savior.

Will you or have you called upon him and asked for His friendship?

Pondering,
The Freak

Where's My EASY Button?

2010-10-19T21:52:00.001-04:00

"Therefore, be imitators of God.........." -Ephesians 5:1

Where is my EASY button on this one? I need my EASY button please. I need that crutch that allows God to swoop in and make this one a piece of cake.

I have one thing to say to God: "Being an imitator of you is impossible. I can't do it." You know what He said back? "I know it is impossible............for you."

God is not asking us to imitate Him. He is asking us to have a relationship with Him, and only then will we become imitators of Him. Because when we are connected with him, He shows through us. Kind of a convaluted way of saying, "Just connect with Him and watch what happens to your life, your outlook, your reactions, your joy in life, your service to others, your attitude, etc., etc., etc." Give it all over to him.

Only through God's hand can we imitate Him. We will have to work at it at first, but what we are really working to shut down our temptations, fear, loathing, self pity, doubt, addiction, etc. When we learn to shut those things down in our lives and ultimately concentrate on God, only then does imitation become second nature because we are so close to Christ, it's like we are Him.

Follow? Now go find your EASY button and throw it out the window. It ain't gonna help!

Freak

Home Improvement- Chapter 3

2010-08-31T23:30:00.000-04:00

Chapter 3- Choosing the Proper Building Material

"For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words." Eccl 5:3

I was talking to a friend of mine today about the business venture he has been working hard on over the last few months. My wife has even helped him out designing a few of the things he needs for it. If you are a college football fan, be on the lookout because there are going to be some super cool things coming out that you will have never seen before, but want to get your hands on because of their uniqueness. I will plug his ideas later on if he allows me (and after I ask him first).

Anyway, after we talked today, I sensed the passion and hardwork that has gone into such an undertaking as starting a new business, or designing a line of clothing, or inventing something. There are two undeniable tenets to being a success at work, at home, etc.: tenacity and dedication. By the way, that does not translate into 18 hour days for 60 years straight.

And through my friend, I have learned one huge fact of success in any facet of life: success comes not from what you know or don't know, how well you talk the talk or don't, or how well you dress or don't dress.

Success comes from dreams; that are shaped into reality; then worked at for weeks, months, and mostly years; but ultimately achieved after allowing Christ to work harder on us than us on our dream. Ultimately, success of a dream is not what comes out of our mouths, but what pours forth from our heart through our character and actions as we strive to be successful at work, home, school, and for Christ.

So what's your dream? Quit talking about it and start acting on it.

Talk is the house made of cards. Action is the house made of cinder blocks.

Lastly, failure is still successful if we learn and grow.

Building with better materials,
Freak

Home Improvement- Chapter 2

2010-08-26T20:31:00.003-04:00

Chapter 2- Hurricane Protection

"And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving for the wind." Eccl 1:17.

So I am sitting at the Village Inn last night with a couple guys that I meet with and just talk about life and throw out biblically based challenges to one another. Now I'm really digging my scrumptious cherry supreme pie on Free Pie Day at the Viking Village Inn (that goes out to you C brotha), and I get this yearning for more to eat. So I order the cheese omlette, the hash browns and some really greasy bacon to top it all off. In order not to feel guilty that I am eating too much, I look at C and ask him to order what he wants as the fourth item.

We talked for close to an hour about all the things going on in our lives lately and how the last challenge went for all of us. Grace was the topic. Yah, exactly. We didn't quite hit even par on that one. All kidding aside, we really did work hard on giving grace and working on turning that other cheek, but as human as we are, that's like trying to hold in a burp after drinking a 2-liter of soda sometimes.

So as C and H are talking, I pull out my bible and go back through the first chapter of Ecclesiastes I had read the night before. I remember reading about Solomon's loathing over all he had worked so hard to gather and accomplish and how it was like "striving after the wind." I really started thinking from the shoes of the second smartest man who ever walked the face of this earth. He had it all, including some astronomical number of wives, boundless amounts of money: the Bill Gates or Warren Buffett of that time. It just struck me that despite the fact this man had everything in the world, including the biggest, wisest brain, he sat down and wrote a book about how vane his life was.

Then I threw it out there like a poker ante on green felt: "What wind are we chasing after in life?"

What's the one thing, whether now, in the past, or in the future, we are chasing, have chased or could possibly chase, which would be like trying to grasp at the wind in a hurricane? What do we do about stopping the "madness" and re-focusing on those things which are most important? What do we need to do now that will stop the frantic, swirling chase and help us find the eye of our hurricane, the calm amidst the storm? Lastly, what are those "things that are most important?"

Here's my challenge to you all: find your wind and enjoy life as it whips about you but doesn't knock you down and instill fear in you. Is it time to cut back on work hours and spend an extra hour at home with your kids? Is time to settle down and stop chasing after your favorite TV show while your spouse tries to talk with you about life? Is it time to devote the bar hours at night to digging into the Word and finding solice in scripture and the God who loves you, instead of at the bottom of the bottle?

Where's your storm? Figure that out, and then chase after the eye of the storm. I guarantee God will be at the center of your storm, pushing out the wall and providing solice in a place which is typically brimming with "madness."

Calling on THE Weatherman,
Freak

Home Improvement- Chapter 1

2010-08-23T23:59:00.000-04:00

Chapter 1- Preventing Erosion

I have been reading the blog of a certain pastor in the United States. You may have heard of him: he wrote the book "The Purpose Driven Life," he gave President Obama's Inaugural Prayer, and he is the lead pastor for a well known church out in California.

Now Rick is one of the most successful pastor's of the modern era in spreading the Good News "to all nations." His teachings are a beacon of hope and challenge to many people around the world Yet, they can cut straight to the bone. Like a surgeon performing neurosurgery in a hurricane, God's divine power to use Rick in so many precise and personal ways while life swirls around us like a tempest, I felt as though his last 5 posts were custom tailored for a character surgery.

So let's define procrastination: in the McBride English Dictionary, procrastination is defined as the art of finding every way possible to avoid doing the stuff we don't want to do or that just isn't any fun, until the last possible second. I used to say it was just my way of waiting on "God's timing" to do something. Ahhhhhhhhhh, yah. in the words of Jim Carrey looking for Mary Swanson in "Dumb and Dumber, "Sammy........Swawmy.........Swa.........Sw.........Swanson....-Look on the briefcase, maybe it's on there. - Samsonite! I was way off!"

God has hit me right between the eyes through the fine words of Rick Warren (here's the link to his blog, good stuff: http://profile.purposedriven.com/dailyhope/ ). Slowly, through my fine craft of procrastination (perfected over many years of believing I could ace a paper by writing it the night before because I got a C on the one I wrote a week early), I have been eroding the very foudnation of service to my God, my family, my job, just my entire worth to this world and the next.

And God has been speaking to me for a long time. I'm just so thick headed, I didn't want to understand or had the delusion that I had things under control and thought, "God, I got it from here. Take a break." I used to have a monetary goal for my business on my wall. Now the goal on my office wall reads like this:

"Go to the ant, O sluggard: consider her ways and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man" Proverbs 6:6-11.

Now I can be really hard on myself. I'm talking debilitatingly hard on myself to the point that I think God doesn't even want me. But that's not the truth either. Procrastinatorial (is that even a word?) tendencies and all, God loves me and accepts me. Now I just have to be willing to let Him put me to the grinding wheel and shape who He wants me to be. Otherwise, the very foundation of my life will erode away like the man's house that was built upon the sand.

Awakened to shore up my foundation,
Freak

The Desire for Pain

2010-05-28T21:29:00.000-04:00

Is it weird for me, as a father of 2 sons, to want my sons to experience pain, suffering, a broken heart, hard times, (input your own word here? I was sitting down at the dinner table tonight, alone because I wasn't hungry when the rest of the family ate, and I was watching my 5-year old playing with his cars on the couch. Over there was my wife working diligently on the computer to find a good deal on a pair of shoes for our son's awkward feet. And I just started thinking, I wish I could take my son's foot pains away so that he could walk around school all day long and never have to wake up in the middle of the night again crying in pain.

I was also thinking about how I don't stop my almost 1-year old from climbing on the toys only to hope that when he falls, he will experience the pain of falling (of course watching with a close eye so he doesn't crack his head open on the furniture). I want him to know the pain of falling so he can learn to think before he does it the 10th time (kids hardly ever learn the first time). Then I pulled out the crystal ball I have stashed in the pantry for times when I want to know what their lives will end up like, and I started to imagine them as teenagers: girls, schoolwork, friends, peer pressure, (input your own word here too). And then I realized, I will never, ever be their savior, nor will I ever try.

Sometimes I feel as though I am being callous towards my kids when I want them to experience pain, but deep within my heart, I don't ever want them to feel the pains I had to endure in my life, however miniscule or different from mine they may be. What I want them to learn is how to cope, how to deal with the realities of life without breaking down. That's why we try to teach them, through the repeated tantrums and wailings on the floor, that life is not getting what you want all the time. They need to experience the pain of losing something or not gaining something they want, so they can cope in the future when the inevitable will happen.

Christ is the same way with us. He never wants us to experience pain, especially the pain He watched as His own son was tortured, dragged through the streets, beaten, stabbed with spikes and a spear, and then ultimately left to die on a couple beams of wood: FOR US. I imagine in my finite mind that God, as He watched these things happen to Jesus that day, turned away and wept. Yet, he remained strong, and steadfast in support of His own son experiencing that pain knowing in the long run, the result would be the salvation of those who would accept and follow Him.

I don't want to shield my children from pain and suffering. I don't want to save them from every bad decision they make. I don't want to keep them from making bad, and good, decisions. I don't want to be in the way of the life lesson they will learn from the pain they experience. I WANT to help them endure it, recover from it, and grow from it. I don't want to stop it from happening.

Disclaimer: there are going to be times, for their safety, and possibly sanity, that intervention may be required, don't get me wrong here.

Lord keep me strong,
Freak

A Good Defense

2010-05-27T01:23:00.000-04:00

".....'We don't know who opened his eyes. Ask him. He is old enough to speak for himself.' His parents said this because they were afraid of the elders, who had already decided that anyone who said Jesus was the Christ would be avoided.........." John 9:21-22

A good defense is not always a good offense. Jesus has just healed the blind man with spit and dirt. The man is brought before the Pharisees and grilled over what happened. They still won't believe the him, so they take formerly blind man to his parents to verify that he was blind from birth. But something funny happens. They verify his blindness yet deny the One who healed him, knowing full well Jesus Chist had healed their son.

I can still remember times in the military when it was prudent for me to remain silent about my faith so as not to be "avoided" by the "elders." It was a regulation not to be open about your faith. I have become much more vocal in work environments about my faith, still with the fear of being "avoided." Frankly, I don't care if I don't get invited to happy hour after work. Acceptance, or better yet, lack there of, can be paralyzing to someone of my people-pleasing nature. But I have turned a corner in my life. People to please no longer fully fuel who I am. (Notice I said fully-it's a hard habit to break). They can't, unless I want to live my life for them and not for a God who gave His only son on a cross for my forgiveness.

Do I still hesitate to talk about my faith sometimes? Absolutely, out of fear, which breeds and fuels a lack of that same faith I claim to have. It's hard to be open. But, it will be a lot harder to close my soul when Christ bears it on the day I stand before Him.

What will we do when the guys in the office are talking about what they would like to do with the cute girl in cubicle 2, and then turn and ask us our opinion? What will we do when the girls at the gym are bashing our faith because of the "money hungry" pastor with his limo and multi-million dollar house? What will we do when the boss says that you cannot, under any circumstance, talk about your faith in the workplace, yet makes off-handed remarks about churches in staff meetings?

What will we do? Don't go on the defense. Jesus didn't. Why should we?

Freak

Guilt by......well, just Guilt!

2010-04-14T21:12:00.000-04:00

"And he touched my mouth and said: 'Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."
Isaiah 6:7

Ever since I can remember, I never could lie very well. Everytime I tried to lie as a kid, it would backfire on me because I would feel all this deep guilt within myself and then just confess whatever it was. My lies were always written on my face or in my actions. Guilt would consume me.

Guilt has now turned into fear for me. I don't feel guilt as much any more, as I do fear of the ramifications of telling the truth in today's litigious society. Look at your car's insurance card: one of the key things it says is to not admit guilt in an accident. So my insurance company is telling me not to take responsibility for my actions? What message does that send? Maybe I am naive in my thinking here, or it could be the guilt I carry around.

Fear and guilt are of the same color when it comes to the emotional spectrum. Boiled down to their essence, these emotions invoke feelings of not being in control. As we all know, control is an illusion, or should I say dillusion, we mere humans see as some ability we have over our surroundings and circumstances. Some people spend their entire lives chasing after control of their situation or position in life. We here it a great deal: "I must take control of my destiny, fate, etc."

The problem is this: fear, guilt and control can turn into obsessions if we are not careful and do not focus on the fact that our Father in heaven has control over all things, except of course, our own choices. Choices are about the only things we have control over in life. And no one makes right decisions 100% of the time.

Christ is our refuge in those times we are afraid. Trying to take control of a situation is us saying to God, "Hey, I got this one. Take a break for a little while because I want to play your part for awhile." Guilt, is us saying, "God, today I will not let you forgive me for the things I have done wrong. I just want to wallow in my own misery hear. Take a break for a little while because I want to play your part for awhile."

The ultimate sacrfice has been paid for our sin, sins which can lead to guilt if we let them, and further, guilt leads to fear when we try to take control. The atonement has happened. Why do we try so hard to pay our own way?

Forgive me Father,
Freak

2010-04-13T23:45:00.000-04:00

"You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Oh Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:7-8

Last night, my wife and I hosted our home team as we have done every Tuesday since the beginning of February. Tonight was a little special for me. As I posted months back, I read the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. We have been following the accompanying study to his book in our home team this session and it has been really cool to see our group participating and growing in their walks with Jesus Christ.

Tonight was especially enlightening to me as we dug down to the heart of loving our Savior and God. We talked about loving Him in a way that rivals that of our most intimate relationships here on earth. It made me look deep into my relationship with Him and wonder: How much effort am I putting into our relationship?

We asked a lot of questions tonight. What was it like to pursue that person in your past or present who you would do anything to spend time with? What did you give up in life to spend that extra 15 minutes with your special someone? Was a 3 hour drive, one way, worth seeing that person for only 30 minutes? Seeing that person in the flesh was amazing, but how does not seeing Jesus physically affect how we interact with Him?

Relatable questions, all of them, but pondersome nonetheless. I had to ask myself some other questions: when I was chasing my wife in college, what did I do that would seem crazy just to get a kiss or spend 5 minutes with her? What did I give up for her that might have been important because I just wanted to spend time with her? (Quick Story: I once drove 28 hours straight from Tucson AZ to Auburn AL just to spend 2 days with my fiance before some military training. I have a $200 speeding ticket from a Louisiana cop to prove it! Now, would I do that again to spend 2 days with my Savior?)

Let me ask those questions again and replace "my wife" with "my Savior." When I was chasing my Savior in the past, what did I do that would seem crazy just to spend 15 minutes with Him? What did I give up for my Savior that might have been important because I just wanted to spend time with Him?

Fast forward to today: What am I giving up to spend time with my Savior, Jesus Christ? What is more important than my relationship with Jesus Christ? Then we threw out the challenge: conciously spend more time with Christ this week than we do with that special someone (spouse, kids, friends, coworkers, etc.). Whether it's 1 minute or 1 hour more, make the effort. Don't do it because it's forced, but do it because it is what we yearn for and desire. We were not just talking about doing things for Christ like church, or service or, worship. We were talking about connection and letting responsibilities go just to spend time with Him.

Sherk the responsibilites for once and open up your mind and Bible. What will it be like? I bet it's like no other experience on earth and I want it!

Take these responsibilities and ..............,
Freak

The Resurrection

2010-04-04T21:33:00.000-04:00

Question of the Day: why is the birth of Jesus celebrated so much more than His death and resurrection? This has been a question I have had for a very long time. Many will argue that there would be no crucifixion and subsequent raising from the dead had Jesus not been born, so it is more important to celebrate His birth. But I beg to differ. There would be no salvation without his death and resurrection. The blood He shed for each and every one of us on the cross would not be possible if Christ had decided not to abide by the will of the Father.

"And going a little farther, he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but what you will.'" Matthew 26:39

"And he said, 'Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.'" Mark 14:36

"And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed saying, 'Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.'" Luke 22:41-42

Three of the four gospels confirm that Jesus could just have easily done his own thing, as take up his final cross for us and spill his blood for our salvation and forgiveness. In Jesus' final prayer in the garden, according to John, Jesus even hints at the fact that he could have made that decision. So my questions still remains, why do we celebrate Christmas as the penultimate holiday to celebrate Christ, yet for the most part, we give Easter a cursory recognition? Is just a reason for us to take 2 weeks vacation from school at the end of the year? Does it give us other reasons to conclude the year on a high note?

Who knows. I vote for a change to the status quo across the board. Let's celebrate Jesus' death and resurrection as much, if not more than, we do His birth. It just might change our outlook on the gift we have been given by the Father.

Please don't take this as an indictment on anyone or any organization. I am just as guilty.

I'm just saying,
Freak

The Other Woman

2010-03-15T22:39:00.003-04:00

"For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolator, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God." Ephesians 5:5.

I was with some guys this weekend, spending time in Scripture, learning about effective leadership, but most of all, connecting with God and seeing where He is leading His church. One of the guys said something while we were all together that made me think about the odd relationship I was forming with that little device I connect to the world with. He held up his Crackberry, ehh hem, sorry, Blackberry, in his left hand and proclaimed that she was The Other Woman! (Ladies, this is not to exlcude those who find The Other Man in there personal electronic devices, but most of the time, it's us men who find refuge in "sexy" technology).

So I started thinking, yes dangerously thinking: When are the times I see myself engrossed in technology and leave my wife, family, and even my God for "The Other Woman?" It happens more often than I want to admit. For the most part, when I get home from work, the BB goes on the charger stand, vibrates a lot, grabs my attention every time, and calls to me to caress the buttons and answer every email, text message, Tweet, and phone call that comes across her very active radio waves. Most times I can resist the lure of the "idolatrous" electronic vixen she is. But there are times when I cave and just look at the screen with my picture of Ethan on the Monster Truck wheel. Guilty again.

Question: did Jesus ever have one of these? My guess is that if he did, it would have ended up at the bottom of the Sea of Galilee after the first 5 minutes of the Pharisees Tweeting about this odd Nazerean that was blaspheming the name of God. Yet WE still come back for more.

So what do we call The Other Woman? A distraction? A tool for business? An IDOL? Tough call, but sometimes, it may just be an idol we use to lose ourselves among the world of electrons and shirk off our real responsibilities. Sometimes, the hard responsibilities: loving our wives or husbands; spending time with our kids; seeking the face of God in life; learning the hard truth about our relationship with God.

This indictment I take upon myself. Where do I need to leave the Other Woman behind?

Away with you Woman!
Freak

Back in the Game

2010-03-13T11:44:00.000-05:00

It's been a long while since I have posted to the blog. Two kids are no excuse, but they really demand a lot of time and attention. So I am going to start back into my venture of working for Christ through the words I post here. This privilege to interact with God through the words I write here has been an inspiration lacking lately in my life and it's time to re-engage with Him on a deeper level again.

Like Maverick on a Mig,
Freak

Facelift

2009-12-06T22:17:00.003-05:00

Before the end of the year, I am going to give my blog a little facelift. Let's see if I can keep from overthinking this one and just get it done.

JM

Put the Erector Set Down

2009-12-06T21:35:00.003-05:00

I was sitting there today in church, and our pastor hit me with something I never really put a great deal of thought into until recently. As he was going through his teaching on Luke 8:26-39, he started to unpack the whole story and the impact people can have on others. That's when it hit me like a ton of bricks. I had a self-realization about me and how I try to talk with people about Christ.

Actually, it was a self-realization about something that has cluttered my head for a long time. Lately (that's a relative term, it's more like the past few years) I have had numerous people tell me that I try and analyze things way too much. You know, always trying to find the why or figure things out and it gets in the way of me doing. Most times I think too much instead of doing. It's been the death of so many ideas and plans I have had. I think things through to perfection and then stop achieving because I don't want to screw up the Rembrant in my head. And then it's rinse, lather, repeat like my shampoo bottle.........

So here was my 2x4 moment. The demon possessed man begged to follow Jesus after he had been saved, but Jesus ordered him to go home and tell everyone about what God had done. And then our lead pastor laid it out: this man had no training, no Bible (well, that would have been a little difficult but you get my drift), no concordance, no commentary, no (fill in the blank). He had nothing but this experience with his awesome Savior!

When I think about that, I just slump my head in shame. Then I lift it again and ask for the help of Christ in getting out of the way and letting Him do His work. Instead of focusing on MY power to meet objections against following Christ, instead of focusing on MY ability to coerce others about the good things of following Christ, instead of focusing on MY talents being used for His purposes, I must now turn aside and let Christ use HIS power. It's a power we will NEVER understand. I've tried it. It's a fruitless effort...............

And one more thing, this is for you Jeff B, we need to stop trying to figure out how or why He works, and just be satisfied that He does in so many awesome ways. Otherwise, Christ gets put back in that little box we only pull out on Sundays and holidays, and when we THINK we are talking with someone about His saving grace.

Putting my inner engineer out to pasture,
Freak

Thank You Day

2009-11-25T23:53:00.004-05:00

What I am thankful for:

First and foremost, to God Almighty: thank you for sending your Son to die for all sin! The most awesome gift in the world. You can't buy what He gives on Black Friday! It's FREE! Without you, nothing is possible. With you, everything is possible. Your love is amazing!

To my wife: thank you for marrying me, putting up with me, teaching me, helping me, and bearing 2 beautiful sons! After that car ride, I am still baffled why you picked me!

To my sons: thank you for the fun, laughter, joy, heartache, pain, and most of all: your smiles!

To my parents, brother and sister: simply put, you are the best! I couldn't have dreamed of a better childhood. I couldn't have dreamed of better support and love.

To my church: what a journey it has been. But it's not over. Thank you for growing me as a man, husband, father, friend and Christ follower.

To my British friend JJ: thanks for the support and kicks in the butt. Thanks for straight talk and thanks for your ancestors coming over and inventing a meal for kings on this day. Oh yah, thanks for starting the best country on this planet!

To my friend and boss Danny: Thanks for your support in so many ways. Thanks for seeing a need, filling that need, and then giving me all the opportunities one man could ask for. You are an inspiration and a true role model for business, life, and family.

To all my friends: thanks for the good times, the bad times, the fun times and the weird times. Without you, I wouldn't be who I am. With you, well, it just would't be life.

On this day of thanksgiving,
Jesus Freak Out!

Arms Outstretched

2009-11-23T23:01:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking about this for a while, but it never really clicked for me to write about until tonight. I was putting my 5 month old to bed tonight. He has finally learned to roll over, but when he does it in his sleep, he tends to either get a limb stuck in the bed rails or wake himself up. So what we do is wrap a blanket around his lower body and legs, but leave his arms out so he can inevitably chew on them and not wake himself up fighting a swaddling blanket. Plus, he is just to old to swaddle now. And I digress...........

Well, after his nightly routine of bath, bottle, and bedtime rocking (I love it when he sleeps in my arms where I get to watch him sleep while I play with those cute, chubby, little, dimpled hands), I went through the routine of wrapping him in his blanket while he lays on his back with his arms outstretched like Christ on the cross. It's just how I do it. But it really moved me tonight. What was God thinking as he watched his own Son on the cross, bearing the sin of the world, and suffering that pain and agony?

I couldn't imagine my son going through that, better yet, having to watch it from afar knowing that people would curse His name throughout the ages and drag his legacy through the mud because they could not see the sacrifice he bore for them. Personally, if I, a mere human had the power, I would .....................I can't say. It's just not what God would do.

Tonight just made me think about the sacrifice that Christ paid to fulfill his Father's will and save the world from the evil of sin. It makes my head spin just thinking about it.

Simply humbled tonight,
Jesus Freak Out!

The Pain of Obedience

2009-10-25T22:21:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, I decided to extend the number of miles I run in one session. For years, I have been running no more than three miles at a pop because of how I trained in high school for track and cross country. We trained short distances. I have only run more than three miles at a time 3 or 4 times in my life, and one time nearly kept me from running forever because of my knee and the pounding it took.

But yesterday, I decided it was time to up the ante and start training for endurance. After my son's soccer practice, I decided to run home from the fields. I clocked out the mileage and it was exactly four miles. Granted it's not a lot more than three, but it's a start. I hope to get up to an average of 6-10 miles, but that will be a while. After mile three, I started to hear that little voice inside that said, "Your body has had enough. Three miles is your limit. STOP RUNNING!"

But then I started to pray. Sounds corny, but I did, mainly because of the pain. I didn't have to pray long before God came back to me with something that hit me like a ton of bricks. I started thinking back to the interactions I have had with my 4-year old son. How my wife and I have been working on him obeying us more. What came back to me was this: "How do you expect your son to obey you if you don't obey me?"

You may be asking yourself why this would come to me during a run? Well, I wanted to quit running. When all was said and done, I didn't want to hurt anymore. I just wanted to do what I wanted to do, do what would feel better. But God was teaching me something. He was pushing me to obey and finish out the run. It was a simple test of my ability to do what God had asked. I felt as though He simply asked me to finish running. Not for Him, not to make me hurt, not to lengthen my endurance, or even bring about a Forrest Gump moment. It was just to see if I would obey when I knew how much it would hurt to do so.

And that's all He asks. That no matter how much it may hurt our ego or our pride or our self-confidence, we must obey and endure the pain. Look at how much pain Jesus Christ endured on the cross for us. To simply finish out a run, talk with someone we don't necessarily want to talk to, or give up something we have earned: is that too much pain to ask us to endure for Him?

Time to honor through obedience,
Jesus Freak Out!

Working Hard or Hardly Working?

2009-10-07T23:39:00.003-04:00

For those of us with jobs, be appreciative right now, no matter how bad things may be or get. But, as someone I trust and admire once told me, take that job, kick it square in the butt and beat it until it is bleeding on the side of the road. Then kick it some more..............

In other words, do your job to the best of your ability, with diligence, drive, motivation, and most of all, joy in our hearts. Now that's not everyday. I know there are going to be bad days, but our overall attitude is reflected in our success. Strive to be the best, strive to do your best, work like there is no tomorrow, because there may not be. And while you are working diligently, don't forget that your work extends beyond that of your cubicle or office: your work extends out for Christ. I bet you can point to at least four people that sit around you that you are pretty sure don't know Christ. It's time to initiate some conversation.

I leave you with two passages to ponder and carry with you throughout your workday:

- Proverbs 10:4 (NIV)- "Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth."

- 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)- "So whether you eat or drink or WHATEVER you do, do it all
for the glory of God."

Working to Glorify My Awesome and Wonderful God,
Jesus Freak Out!

Served or Servant?

2009-09-13T23:08:00.002-04:00

Which type of person do you want to be? The one who is served or the one who is the servant.

To many times I have watched as "members" of churches sit back and wait to be served. They sit in the pews and wait patiently for the music to end. Maybe they sing a few of the words to the "cool" worship music and, God forbid (it says no where in the Bible that raising your hands in worship is a sin, although some of the stares may say otherwise), raise there hands a little so people think they might be "Christians." Then they sit down, listen to what the pastor has to say, write a few notes so it looks as if they are interested, and then finish out their "Christian" duty by talking a little after the service. Before they can get to their car, they have forgotten what the message was about and they are already thinking about the football game or the beach that afternoon. Their "Christian" duty is done. What duty? To come to church and be "served" their weekly helping of God?

Why do I know so much about this? Because I've been there. I was "that guy" thinking I had God all figured out and everyone else fooled into thinking I was a good "Christian." Sure, I did some "extra" stuff. I helped out with the youth group some and was on the Carpet Color Committee. But it was empty service. Why, you might say? Because I was not serving with my heart; I was waiting to be served. Waiting to be served that line, "You are doing a great job serving god" (notice the little G in god there).

I have found a new level of service over the past few years. Service is an attitude. Service is a mentality that permeates your entire soul. I heard a great quote today in church, "You discover the heart of God through service." I also self-discovered that I am not a drummer, I am a servant. Calling me a drummer implies that I have some sort of status over another. Not the case. I am but a humble servant of Christ, peddling my abilities in order to serve an awesome and wonderful God through music.

I also finished the book of Joshua today. In Chapter 24, Joshua addresses the tribes of Israel before his death and point blank tells them what will happen when they serve God, and when they serve any other gods. "Now therefore fear the Lord and SERVE him in SINCERITY and FAITHFULNESS. Put away the gods" (that's not just pagan gods) "that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and SERVE the Lord" [vs.14].

Serve the Lord. Serve the Lord with SINCERITY and FAITHFULNESS. We must serve with our whole heart. We must serve with a sincere heart. We must serve with unwavering faith that God is there for us when we need Him, not just for us and our selfish interests, but for us in what we are doing for Him.

Be the servant, not the served.

Your humble servant,
Jesus Freak Out!

Cling-on Invasion

2009-09-09T22:37:00.003-04:00

There needs to be a Cling-on invasion in this world. I'm not talking some Star Trek inspired, Beam Me Up Scotty invasion where some green monsters come down and attack. I'm talking a an invasion of souls. I'm talking an invasion of our lives and a consumption with everything that is Him, everything that is Christ.

In Joshua 22, Joshua is addressing some of the tribes of Israel as they return to the lands that God has set aside for them. Specifically, Joshua is addressing the tribes who kept all the Lord and Moses had commanded. But Joshua says something to these tribes that applies to our lives on so many levels (and some say the Old Testament is.............old): "Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, , to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to CLING to Him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul" (ESV). Jesus Christ commanded the same thing in the NEW Testament (Matthew 22:37).

We must "cling" to Him in all that we do. We must "serve" Him with all that we have. We must follow His "commandments" and live our lives for Him and in Him. He must invade our every thought, our every action, our every word and we must remain close to Him. It's hard enough to remain close to someone here on earth, let alone God. But still we must remain..........

Retreating from myself,
Jesus Freak Out!

Something Old, Something New

2009-08-29T23:52:00.002-04:00

Renew. It's a word we use all the time. It obviously means to make something new again. Renew wedding vows, renew an insurance policy, renew a promise. There are things all around us that cna be renewed. What about our commitment to living our lives for Christ?

In Joshua chapter 8, Joshua and the Israelites defeat Ai by renewing their commitment to God to listen and follow. At the end, Joshua renews the covenant that Moses made in the desert by making new the law on new stones.

We too can renew our covanent with Christ. We can recommit ourselves to the promise of living our lives for Him, for His work, and for His people.

Keeping it simple,
Jesus Freak Out!

Give it all you got.......

2009-08-28T22:34:00.002-04:00

For those who may not know, our church is about to take a step of faith in a huge way. And do I mean a huge way. We are not making a relatively miniscule decision to give to a new missionary, or start a new ministry. We are literally taking a huge step............out the door of our current location to that of a new one. This move has brought many challenges, stresses, timelines, and tests. Throughout this time I have taken on our lead pastor's challenge of reading through the book of Joshua. I have never read the book of Joshua (and I'm still not done) until now, but it has opened my eyes to the challenges that Joshua faced casting the vision of what God had planned for the Israelites. And I found one challenge that we now face as a church.

That challenge is one of intensity, tenacity, perseverance, and intention. We have it now, but can we keep it?

In Joshua chapter 7, Joshua sent men from Jericho down to Ai to spy out the army there. Before having Joshua bring the WHOLE army down there to fight, the spies brought information back that only a few thousand were needed because the army at Ai was not all that tough. Or so they thought. Maybe that was their mistake, they thought instead of trust. In the end, the Israelites who were sent to fight the army at Ai were destroyed because they not only sinned against the Lord (Achan had stolen some of the "devoted things"), they lacked humility and intensity.

In our daily lives and walks with Christ, we must never give in or give up. We must persevere and we must give it all we have for the Christ. Half hearted effort for Christ produces whole hearted shame from God. He doesn't want us just on Sundays or at the dinner table, He wants us all the time, full throttle, whole heartedly pushing the proverbial rock up the hill. As long as we rely on Him and trust in his unfailing and unconditional love, and as long as we give Him all that we have with every fiber of our being, then we have fought "the good fight."

This move for our church is a battle, not against the world or the challenges of the move. It's against ourselves. This battle is against our half hearts, our mediocre efforts, and our "spare time." The Israelites failed at Ai because of themselves, not because of the Amorites. They lost because they did put forth their all.

For this church, for God's church, for this life, we must give it all we got............

Ante up,
Jesus Freak Out!

QUIT IT!

2009-07-28T00:08:00.004-04:00

The church is not confined to the walls of a building or to a specific "clique" of people. The church extends beyond ourselves. The church is the "bride of Christ." We need to start thinking that way. If you can't, start reading the bible more and find out for yourself. Life in Christ is not about you or me. Life in Christ is about bringing people into relationship with Him. Life in Christ is about service, not to you but to Him and others. Did Jesus not say that the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, mind and strength? Oh wait, and He also said the second was to love your neighbor as yourself?

(For those who think this is not loving my neighbor, think again. Because if we went around not wanting to offend someone, that's not loving someone. That's catering to and God doesn't cater to people, He pushes them to their limits and makes them re-think their decisions. Scripture is full of examples, say Jonah).

So stop hacking down one another when a church decides to do something different. If someone doesn't want to follow the leaders appointed and led by our great Creator, let them go. Either God has led them in a different direction or they aren't following Christ in the first place. Stop being a naysayer and stop being a gossiper and stop threatening. LET IT GO! You are ripping apart the bride of Christ and it pains God to see that happen. It's like watching a family destroy itself.

We have to trust that the leaders of every "part" of Christ's church are doing as they feel God has led them. It doesn't take committees to run a church. It takes people after God's own heart. It doesn't take votes to run a church, it takes the vote of one person: Christ and that's it. Done. Over. Finished. If something is biblically wrong with a church, (i.e. the pastor preaches that it's okay to live together and not be married because marriage is a heart commitment), by all means speak out, and loud. But just because a leader decides to move the church, or change the wall color, or decides on a certain message series that we don't agree with, it's time to search ourselves for the real reasons why we follow Christ. Is it for us or for Him? And for those who want to question the motives of those who might decide to leave, search yourselves too..........and hard.

When we focus on the wrong things, we take our focus off the real things: if you can't figure out what the real things are, you are not following after Christ. And I ask that you search your soul deeply.

Please do not respond or comment on this entry. Just think about it.

Something like Jesus in the Temple right now,
Jesus Freak Out!

True Love (this will test your soul)

2009-07-19T23:14:00.004-04:00

I will do this for me, but now, insert your name and do it for you:

"[Jeremiah] is patient and kind; [Jeremiah] does not envy or boast; [Jeremiah] is not arrogant or rude. [Jeremiah] does not insist on [his] own way; [Jeremiah] is not irritable or resentful; [Jeremiah] does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. [Jeremiah] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.......faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13 ESV

Thank you F. Chan for making me do this. Now it's your turn. So what is your perspective on how you love now? I hope your heart will be changed forever as mine has.

Learning to truly love again,
Jesus Freak Out!

After thought:
Love is a mirror. How you love reflects how you live.

My Journey's Beginning

2009-07-12T22:15:00.002-04:00

Recently, I have been meeting with a group of guys one morning a week to just study God's word and talk about the role we play as men in our families, marriages, relationships, churches, careers, etc. One of our take-aways this week was to write down our story. So I have decided to write mine down for everyone to read. This is where my journey with Christ began.

First off, I was raised Roman Catholic. I went to the private school at our church from kindergarten through 8th grade. I was an alter boy from the 3rd grade and I was a member of our high school youth group. I did everything I was supposed to do. I didn't drink, I didn't smoke, I tried to do everything I was supposed to in order to be known as a "good person." But there was always something missing.

I went off to college and embarked on sewing my wild oats. Thank God none of them took root anywhere. I found the woman of my dreams about 6 months before graduation in June of 2000. By August, I was on my way to Arizona to start my career in the US Air Force. In January of 2002, I married that same woman of my dreams and 7 months later, our lives were changed. With family 1800 miles away, I left my wife in Tucson while I went on deployment to Kuwait and Afghanistan. At the time I left, I was happy to leave. We were having trouble as a newlywed couple and the time away was going to be good. I never knew how good for us it would be.

I started my deployment in Kuwait in September of 2002, but in October, I was forward deployed to an air base in Afghanistan. After about 4 weeks of deployment, I began to miss home. I began to realize what I had left behind. I began to long for something more in my life than my work. I had taken a small library of books along with me when I left. Among those books was a devotional by Oswald Chambers titled "My Utmost for His Highest." A friend of mine had given it to me before I graduated 2 years earlier. I had never picked it up until that time.

I started reading it every night before I drifted off to sleep in my single bed next to the hand made wooden bookcase that served as my home away from home. I went to sleep with the roar of jet engines, the occasional attack alarm sound, explosions in the background, and my thoughts of life without my wife and Christ. During this time, my beautiful wife also sent me Gary Chapman's "The Five Love Languages." I began reading that as well and I realized what I had left behind. I realized what was missing in my life besides my wife. One night, I found my way to Christ.

After so many years of playing the part and thinking that I was a "good person," I finally found the greatest gift available: God's amazing grace. And thus began my journey with Christ. My life has never been the same since.

From the beginning,
Jesus Freak Out!

Ten Things to Remember When Reading the Bible

2009-07-10T23:10:00.002-04:00

1) Do not put into the Word what is not there
2) Let the Spirit speak to your heart and soul
3) When reading, cast aside preconceived notions of what you think it says
4) Read for quality, not quantity
5) Read both Testaments because it's all relevant
6) If you're gonna do the 1 Year Bible, take the time to do it (see #4)
7) It's not a novel, or story book, or history book; it's way more than that
8) Blessed are those who can read the Bible; some people in the world are killed b/c they own a copy
9) Take notes b/c we all forget
10) Pass the Word along..........

Focusing my mind on the Word,
Jesus Freak Out!

This is going to hurt

2009-06-30T23:23:00.003-04:00

I have been reading this book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. A friend of mine's wife, along with one of our bassists and his wife, recommended the book (thank you April, Ashley and Justin). Reading the chapter that is titled the same as the book, I have come across some seriously "in your face" comments that are making me rethink my relationship with God and others. I just want to hit you with a couple of quotes from it, and my short commentary.

In this chapter, Chan talks about our warped sense of love for God. How twisted most of us have it. Here is what rocked me to the core:

"Jesus doesn't have to love us." (I'm sorry, did I read that right?)

"God treasures us." (I retract my previous question and will take my foot with ketchup please.)

"The irony is that while God doesn't need us but still wants us, we desperately need God but don't really want Him most of the time." (If anyone says this is not true for them, they are lying!)

"God doesn't force us to love Him: it's our choice." (My choices are not always the greatest, are yours?)

"Are we in love with God or just His stuff?" (Steel-toed boot right in the junk!)

Think about it.

Seriously addressing my love for God and holding my stomach,
Jesus Freak Out!

Hot as Hell

2009-06-16T23:18:00.003-04:00

I realized something today as I worked a friend's landscaping at 3 o'clock in the afternoon: it was hot as hell out there! I feel that hell will be something like Florida on a summer afternoon at about 3 p.m. It may sound cliched, but it really was hot as hell. Water did almost nothing for me today.

Talk about motivation, spend a day out there working without AC and see what you think. This gives me a little more motivation to ensure people who don't know Christ are introduced to His saving grace. Step outside some afternoon and then think about what hell is going to be like. It may just make you think twice. Just a thought...........

Sweating profusely,
Jesus Freak Out!

Peace of Mind

2009-06-15T23:53:00.004-04:00

I was sitting on my couch today watching God's beautiful gift of my son, Nathaniel (better known as Nater Tater) sleep in my arms. It has been 4 years since my wife and I had a child this small and precious. I had forgotten what it was like to see and have peace in my life. During that instant today, I was at peace watching my newborn son sleep, at peace. I had to call my 4-year old over and just hold the both of them. I looked at Ethan, hugged him and just told him I loved him. I found peace today.

I started looking through all of Paul's letters this evening and found that except for three of them, he greeted his recipients with something close to this from Romans 1:7: "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ." Paul always wished for Christ's peace upon those he love and ministered. No matter the audience or the reason for his writing the letter, Paul always prayed for and wanted the best for people. That's exactly what Christ wants for us........His grace and peace.

We must seek His grace and we must lead others into that grace. Granted, we can't give that to them, but we can show them that grace through our actions. We can be that example for what it is to be in relationship with Christ, to be in His grace, to have His peace. Peace comes through Christ. Peace comes when we let ourselves go and we look toward Him.

I saw the peace of Christ today and I want more. But it's up to me to allow that peace into my life. What does that look like? What situations do we need to walk away from that are causing turmoil in our lives? What things in life are we holding onto that God is asking us to give to Him or let go of?

Peace of mind. It's the new "life" meat.

Ordering a peace of mind,

Jesus Freak Out!

Praise be to God in the Highest!

2009-06-10T22:39:00.006-04:00

This IS one of the happiest days of my life. God has sent my wife and I one of the most beautiful gifts in the world: another son. I went into this morning with apprehension but I turned it all over to God like I blogged last night. And it turned out that everything has been wonderful. He is so precious, so beautiful, and so sweet. He is one of God's greatest creations. Okay, so I'm a little biased. (Blogger won't post the pic for some reason)

Here is my prayer:

Most awesome and powerful Father, thank you. Thank you for who you are. Thank you for what you have done, what you do, and what you are going to do. You are the great I Am. My prayer right now for Leah and I, and for all parents, is that you will give us the strength and courage to lead and raise your wonderful creations in the image that is your Holy Son. In the image that is a reflection of your awesome love, your unconditional love, and that we will teach them through your Spirit what it is to follow Christ and spread the gospel. You are an amazing and wonderful God, and we thank you with all that we have.

In the holy and awe-inspiring name of Christ our Lord,

Amen.

Jesus Freak not-freaking Out!

"The only thing we have to fear is........."

2009-06-09T23:17:00.005-04:00

.........the unknown right? Sorry Jack (or should I say Jeremiah).Whoever says they don't, or never have, feared the unknown is lying. I tend to take things to the extreme and what pains me is that this pains Christ. I know that He looks down on me and shakes his head asking why. This has been the hardest thing for me to do. Let go of my fears, let go of my stress, and tell myself that God has the helm, I'm just a deckhand (sorry, Deadliest Catch is one of my favorite shows).

This last week has been a test of my will and a test of my ability to hand the unknown over to the only one who can chart my course for me. I have been successful (I think) on some days, but failed miserably on others. I have new job that is truly a Godsend. And, tomorrow is the true test of my will to allow God to have the controls. Tomorrow, our second son will come into this world. So what is going through my mind right now? Well, how can I be a good father to a second son when I feel like I have failed the first? It's easy Jeremiah: give it to God. Get over yourself and your dillusion of control. My dillusion has lead to fear. And my fear has driven me for too long.

If we look back in the Book of Exodus, when Moses and the Israelites saw Pharoah and the Egyptians bearing down on them in the desert, Moses had confidence in God's control of the situation. The Israelites did not. They feared what they did not know and that drove them to doubt and fear.

"(14:11)......What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? (12) Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians?' It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"

So where are you fearing the unknown and not trusting God? I'm gonna try something new, fearlessness. I'll let you know how it goes.

".....fear itself,"
Jesus Freak Out!

"What we've got here is failure to communicate....."

2009-05-20T23:38:00.003-04:00

(Title is taken from a sound bite at the beginning of Guns 'n Roses "Civil War")

How many of us have ever taken the easy way out and sent an e-mail instead of picking up the phone or just going and visiting someone? I know I have. It's the fast paced world that we live in where we have so much to do and so little time, we just feel we have done our duty by sending an e-mail, or a quick text message. We feel as though we have met the need of someone in quick, 120 character snipits. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our connected world is making us more and more disconnected.

Let's look back in time about 30 years. Rotary phones were still in and touch tone phones were just coming of age. The first "cellular" or "car" phones were being made and cost an arm and a leg to buy. How did we communicate back then? I can remember picking up the phone and actually talking with someone on the other line or getting the annoying busy signal and trying back later. Or, I just hopped on my bike and road over to their house.

Think about John and the the first century A.D. They obviously didn't have phones and tin cans were still years down the road. Pen and paper were the only means of communication over distances, besides actually visiting. Communication has become a lost art, contrary to what we might think.

I was reading through 2 John the night before last with a friend and 3 John tonight and it hit me. He concluded both letters the same way: "I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face" (3 John 13-14). Talk face to face? What an idea. Imagine what we can accomplish with new believers and non-believers when we invest time in talking face to face, or at least voice to voice, instead of fingertip to fingertip. I was guilty of the fingertip dance tonight as a matter of fact.

Guilty of communication failure,
Jesus Freak Out!

What do you want me to do?

2009-05-14T00:24:00.003-04:00

God's will. At some point in our lives, we have all asked God the question, what is your wil for me? Well, maybe more than one point in our lives. At least I know I have asked that question way more than once. But what is God's will for each of our lives? What do we ask of Him? We don't have to read any further than 1 John 5:14:

"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us." (ESV)

The key point here is "according to his will." Again I ask, what is His will? For one thing, obedience (I'm preaching to myself here as well). One of the hardest things to do is put ourselves aside and listen to what it is that God wants us to do, whether that's picking up shop and moving to another state, or simply talking to the nice lady in line in front of us. Another thing is having faith. That can be difficult during the hard times we face in life. Lastly, belief in Christ as our Savior. To me, it's that simple.

Simplifying my faith,
Jesus Freak Out!

Patience is a Virtue

2009-04-22T22:35:00.004-04:00

So I have asked God for patience for a while now.

Here is my piece of advice for all Christ followers: Never ask God for patience because I am convinced that He will be more than happy to oblige you. It's the quickest prayer you'll ever feel answered and the longest answer He will ever give you.

My new prayer: God, please help me to be impatient.............with myself.

With elevator music playing in my head,
Jesus Freak Out!

Risen!

2009-04-11T21:01:00.002-04:00

He is Risen! This day is an awesome day. This is the day of all days in history. This is our day of celebration! We celebrate the greatest miracle.......no, it's not a miracle, it's God........we celebrate the best thing that ever happened to mankind and all of God's creation. This is the day that Jesus Christ came back to life. This is the fulfillment of such an amazing and providencial plan, there is just no way any man can deny the Truth of the resurrection. On this day, we celebrate our salvation!

The gospels talk about Jesus and the many people he appeared to this awesome day. He appeared to the women at His empty tomb (John 20:11-18), He appeared to His disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), He appeared to the disciples in their hiding place (Mark 16:14), and He appeared in many other places.

We cannot hide from the fact anymore, that Jesus came to this earth, died for our sins, and rose on the day after the Sabbath to fulfill the ultimate promise: taking on the burden of sin so that we might live again with Him! I am so excited, I can barely put into words what our Savior has done for us. I hope and pray for each of you this day as we celebrate this awesome gift. I pray for your devotion, perserverance, humility, and love for what Jesus mandated us to do: "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation (Mark 16:15 ESV)......that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name (Luke 24:47 ESV).......Feed my sheep...follow me (John 21:17,19 ESV).........and baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19 ESV).

It's time to go and do. The harvest is ripe and we must tend to the fields. God bless you on this wonderful and joyous day!

Singing His Praises,
Jesus Freak Out!

Joy in His Pain

2009-04-10T02:06:00.003-04:00

A while back I talked about how we as Christ followers take so much joy in the fact that Christ suffered on the cross for our sins. Remember that this is not a joy in knowing that Christ suffered, but a joy and comfort in knowing that He sacrificed Himself for the sake of all of us lowdown, no good sinners.

Today we remember that day over 2,000 years ago, when God sent His son Jesus Christ as the sacrificial lamb and blood offering for our sins. I suggest reading the small book by Lee Strobel titled "The Case for Easter." Within these pages, Lee outlines the true medical facts of crucifixion's brutality, and medical experts explain in excruciating detail, the agony that is the ultimate form of capital punishment. If you have seen Mel Gibson's "The Passion," it doesn't do justice to what really went on that day. I love that movie in its accurate portrayal of events and its authenticity, but it still cannot convey the tastes, smells, atmosphere, or emotions that someone may feel when witnessing such a gruesome sentence.

When we look into the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, we consistantly see the pattern of injustices and pain that Christ had to endure to follow through on His and the Father's promise to become the final offering for the sin of the world. As we reflect on the events of this day, let's look at the meaning of today and what really happened. Read each of the accounts of His death when you get the chance and reflect on what was really occuring. Then ask this question: why is this day called Good Friday?

Pondering the obvious questions,
Jesus Freak Out!

Celebration Meal

2009-04-10T01:50:00.002-04:00

So our church just finished the Daniel Fast after 21 days. I was on the mostly raw/cooked veggie diet for the whole time, with a couple of days mixed in where I ate within the guidelines of our churches commitment (no meat, no sweets, and no dairy). So last night at midnight, myself and two other gentlemen from our men's group went out to Village Inn for the best meal of the day, breakfast.

Oh what a treat to douse my palate with sweet tea first. Then came the ham and cheese omlette (loaded with extra cheese, could have used a little more ham) and the scattered hash browns topped with a little ketchup and some Tabasco sauce to spice things up a bit. I finished that course of my meal off with three buttermilk pancakes (they were nothing compared to IHOP's though). Then it hit me. I was sitting there and the dessert menu began calling to me. I couldn't resist. Village Inn makes some of the best pies around so I had to order up a slice of French Silk. Lord, I am putting in my request right now. I hope the chef in heaven knows how to make French Silk pie because that will be all that I will eat when I get there!

Hallelujah what a meal. The fast was an awesome experience and something that I will duplicate in the future. Praise our awesome and wonderous Creator for what He is going to do this weekend in churches all around the country. May this be the year that Christ comes home to America and resides in our hearts. My prayer is for all those who do not know Christ, that when they attend church this weekend, and there will be many, that they will answer the knock at the door to their hearts.

Praying for the souls of America and the World,
Jesus Freak Out!

Last Meal Request

2009-04-08T23:29:00.002-04:00

I was watching a show the other day about a murderer on death row who claimed his innnocence until the day he was executed. On the night of his execution, his last meal request was pizza and soda. Respectable request. I, on the other hand, would have preferred a nice 20oz ribeye steak, medium rare, with a fully loaded baked potatoe, fresh steamed broccolli doused in butter, and a hot fudge sundae to top it all off. The symbolic American steak meal, at least in my eyes. The death row inmate chose a more symbolic meal in terms of simplicity and commonality. Again, in my opinion. But there was one last meal request that rocked the world because of its simplicity, its audacity, and most of all, its symbology: Christ's Last Supper.

When we read Matthew chapter 26, or Mark chapter 14, or Luke chapter 22, we read about Jesus sitting down to his last meal with his disciples. It was the simplist of all meals, both for that time and ours: bread and wine. But the sheer magnitude of its symbolic nature outweighs that of any other last meal on earth. During this meal, Jesus was not just eating with His favored guests right before he was to be crucified. He sending the world a message to be passed from generation to generation. That message was to be our new covenant with Christ when we meet Him again. The bread, representing the body, broken and handed over to us all. The wine, just as red, just as staining as human blood, representing what was to be poured out in sacrifice for the whole world the next day. Jesus was not just eating: Jesus was portraying the sacrifice of His body and blood so that we could memorialize that gift and remember His gift for all ages until we meet Him again.

There is no other final meal in history with such a sucker punch of symbolism. God has asked us to remember Him in a way we can all understand. As we remember this day when Christ ate his last meal, let us remember what it means to us, because come Friday, Good Friday, we will remember what he did for us in the flesh so that we all could live. Just as this is called Passion week, let all of us carry that passion around like a badge of honor; honor for the God we serve and the people we serve. Let's honor Him by remembering the broken and bloodied sacrifice for our sin and the world's sin. And let's not make Good Friday and Easter a holiday we remember once a year.

Remembering the meal,
Jesus Freak Out!

The Beauty of Creation...........from 24,000 Feet

2009-04-02T00:16:00.005-04:00

The other day I had the distinct honor of helping a gentlemen fly his new aircraft out to Bend, OR for some repairs. It was literally a cross country flight and I can tell you that I have not stopped talking about it since I got back. It was an 11 hour flight with 2 stops in between. I must say, I was privileged to see some of the most beautiful scenery this country has to offer..........from an altitude of 24,000 feet! This flight really made me reflect on Genesis and what our wonderful Creator really sculpted out for His people.

"God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that is was GOOD" (ESV Gen 1:10).

I had plenty of time to marvel at what things God created. We flew directly over the Grand Canyon, Meteor Crater, the Rocky Mountains, the Gulf of Mexico, the plains of Texas, and the Cascade Mountains. Throughout this entire flight, I was able to marvel at what God had made for us and how small I really was. What really amazed me was that in all of this, he decided to create a little nobody like me. But what's even more brain teasing is that he knew who I was from the dawn of time. He knew I would come into this world. It blows my mind.

What does this have to do with bringing people to Christ? So much. People don't realize that God, from the dawn of the ages, knew who was going to be born and when, who was going to die and the precise moment in which their last breath would come. He knew the precise timing of their heartbeat and circadian rhythm of their sleep pattern. He knew it all. He orchestrated it all. He CREATED it all. We must let people know how much God loves them and how much He really knows about them, whether they want to believe it or not.

In awe of His power,

Jesus Freak Out!

I Just Want to Talk..........

2009-03-25T22:51:00.002-04:00

It's been a little while since I last posted. Life is not a good excuse so I will not try and make on up. God should be foremost and He is the reason I started this whole blog. So I must rededicate my efforts to keep this going as strong as it ever was before, if not stronger. So now, I just want to talk for a minute about action.

What is the definition of the word action? It can mean one thing to me, yet another to someone else. It all comes down to context. When it comes to Christ, action is way more than most of us can fathom. It's a change of attitude and a change of heart for doing as Christ has instructed and as He has moved us to. Lately, I have tried to explain away my IN-action as life getting in the way. It's been more like me getting in the way. Don't get me wrong, life can drain us of our drive to take action for anything, let alone Christ. But Christ should be the whole reason that we take action in all that we do.

Look at all the examples we have in Scripture for those who decided not to let life take away their ability to act for Christ: Peter, Paul, Moses, David, and I could go on and on. We must look at their example and model our lives after their strong will and love for the God.

As I go about the next 15 days in fasting and prayer, looking forward to celebrating the awesome day when we remember the priceless gift Jesus gave to us on the cross, I am going to work harder than ever and kick myself into action.

Jump starting myself,
Jesus Freak Out!

Purple People Pleaser

2009-03-06T21:45:00.004-05:00

For as long as I can remember, I have been enveloped by a cloud that follows me like the little rain clouds that follow cartoon characters. This is not one of those torrential downpour type rain clouds. This is just one of those London, dreary day clouds that pours on some days, drizzles on others, yet on others, just keeps a shadow over my life. I have fought myself and fought the humiliation of others, only to find recently that I was truly disobeying what God commands.

"(5)Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, (6) not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, (7) rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man........" (ESV, Eph. 6:5-7).

The Son is peaking through my cloud a little more each day that I read Paul's words. But what is Christ really saying through Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus? He is not saying that we run around and do everything that we are told like robots on an assembly line. But we must respect our authority figures, respect and adhere to the commands of those appointed as our leaders and "masters." We must work in a way that is not only evident when our earthly "bosses" are looking, but those same "bosses" are not looking and when God always is. Our service to others here on earth is in direct correlation to our service to God. What I am saying is that they are interrelated. Serving those in authority is "doing the will of God from the heart."

We may not always agree with decisions that are made and we may not always agree with the ethics of those appointed over us, but when we live out our own integrity through Christ and for Christ, we begin to lift the basket off the lamp of our Christ following lives and show this world who He really is.

In 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 (ESV), Paul also talks about making it our "(11) ambition to follow a quiet life, to mind [our] own business........(12) so that our daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that [we] will not be dependent on anybody." This does not mean that we become an ostrich and stick out heads in the sand when adversity comes along. This means that we do not make unnecessary waves through disrespect and animosity. We "win the respect of outsiders" by exemplifying Christ through our work ethic in everything that we do. I for one must be someone who stops looking for kudos from the world and starts looking for kudos from the One.

It now makes me uncomfortable when I get praise for playing the drums well during the worship service or when I get an attaboy for working hard to serve. It's not about me anymore, it's about Him. I serve for only one: Jesus Christ. We must also commit to serving our "bosses" just as if we were serving Jesus Christ himself, whether we agree with who they are or not. Warning though: don't compromise your integrity, values, or beliefs just to serve an authority figure.

Serving the One now more than ever,
Jesus Freak Out!

Energy

2009-03-02T23:40:00.002-05:00

Energy comes in all shapes and sizes. 55 gallon drums of oil from beneath the ground, a 16 ounce can of sugar and taurine flavored like coffee, a little black rock from the hills of West Virginia, the raw power of carbohydrates. All of these things are sources of energy for us as humans and the world as a whole. But where does our energy for life come from? I'm not talking about the food we eat or the workouts we do. I'm talking about our spiritual lives.

"In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth" (Ps 119:88).

The energy drink for our spirit comes from no where else than the very love that God bestows upon us because we are His. His "steadfast love" is what fuels our spirit and should drive our lives everyday. When this happens, when we truly believe and God looks upon us like a loving Father, our life becomes energetic and alive. When we nurture that love by relying on Him and devoting our lives to the work of His kingdom, then we can keep "the testimonies of [His] mouth" because we want to and we love to. We live out Christ in our lives because we are pumped up for Him. And then the world's eyes will open..................

Cracking open a can,
Jesus Freak Out!

The Tailor

2009-02-23T23:35:00.002-05:00

Did you know that God is the tailor of our lives? He formed us perfectly in the womb of our mothers and knew from the dawn of eternity the day that we would come into this world. God had His hands in it all. I sat down with my friend David tonight and I have been shaken to my very core about what the Creator has done to make me who I am.

In Psalm 139, David is praising God for what he has done in creating the man he is. "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb" (vs. 13). Imagine what it takes for a tailor to sew what amounts to a masterpiece in fine thread. It take hours of hard work, constant measuring, precise cutting, painstaking threading of every seam. Now imagine what it took for God to create you from 2 cells into who you are today.

God painstakingly "knitted" every cell, every system, every organ, every thought, every experience, every person into the fabic of what is now our life. He created everything that is us from the day he dreamt of us so long ago. We are his unique masterpiece, signed and authenticated as a creation of the most artistic, the most inspired Creator of all time. We are created for Him to do His work.

So I ask this question: How would you handle a piece of precious artwork that could never be duplicated by it's creator again, because he died doing what he loved? That is how God looks upon each and every person on this earth. They are His creation. They are His artwork. They are His. If only we could look at others as God's creation and not the discarded practice work of our awesome and wonderful God.

Viewing the artwork of God,
Jesus Freak Out!

Funny Jesus Videos

2009-02-14T21:00:00.002-05:00

I am going to leave you to your own thoughts on these, but I find them enlightening and downright hilarious.

Funny Jesus 1

Funny Jesus 2

Jesus Freak Out!

Check this out!

2009-02-10T22:59:00.003-05:00

This is one of the coolest things I have seen in a long time. Give it a minute and you will see what this really means.

The Truth Spelled Out in Contradiction

Jesus Freak Out!

Pass the Grace, Please

2009-02-09T00:15:00.004-05:00

Lately I have been learning a great deal about the grace and mercy that God bestowed upon us when he died on the cross. As long as we would simply claim aloud that Jesus Christ is our Savior, it's the free-est gift in the world (I know, free-est is not a word but it works here). There is no other gift in existance here on earth, or anywhere else for that matter, that comes with no strings attached and a love so unconditional.

In 2 Corinthians chapter 8, Paul goes into the reasons that he sent Titus back to the Corinthians with this second letter. It was to complete an act of grace that Paul had been wishing for some time. "So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part." Paul sent Titus back to show the Corinthians that no matter what, he was gracious towards them and that he loved them unconditionally. God has bestowed His grace upon those who will BELIEVE AND FOLLOW Him. Note, that doesn't only say believe.

Now, for those of us who have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, and for those who have committed our lives to following Him, we have one other thing to do with that grace: Pass it on to others! God's grace does not stop with that which he gave through our Savior Jesus Christ. It STARTS there! Now it's our job to extend that grace beyond as a testament to the grace God has bestowed upon us. Did Jesus turn His back on the prostitute, or the blind man, or for that matter the Pharisees? No. His grace extended to all who would receive it. But, for others to receive it, it must be given. So, as Christ followers, we must be willing to extend the grace of God to those who are hurting, to those who are in the ditches of life, to those who are misguided by this culture. Who are we to hoard a gift when someone else could use the same gift. Share it, and share it generously.

Working to pass it on,
Jesus Freak Out!

Who's #1?

2009-02-04T23:06:00.002-05:00

Throughout my journey as a Christ follower, I have had many people ask why I believe the things that I do: Do you really believe that Jesus was a real person? Do you really believe that the Bible is fact and not a collection of fiction writings by men bent on controlling others? Do you really believe what the Bible says and that it doesn't teach fear? Do you believe ALL of the Bible or just some?

"Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith" (Rom 1:5 NIV).

It's hard for someone who relies only on themselves to have faith in anything but them. This world teaches total reliance on #1. But in the life of a Christ follower, #1 changes its face. That face now turns from a broken down wreck of a person who could do nothing, as hard as they might try or think they are doing it right, into the image of one who laid his life out for the sins of the world and died on a slab of wood. #1 turns into the face of Jesus Christ. Our life now depends on the faith we have that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, not on the faith we have in ourselves.

Many so-called Christ followers struggle with this everyday. Faith must shift from our own abilities to His abilities. It must shift from the things that we can do to the things that HE can do.
So how do we get it through their thick skulls about our faith? We might as well bang our heads against a wall if we think that we have anything to do with it. We are just the planter, not the seed or the water. Jesus Christ has everything to do with it, not us.

Judge our own faith first, before we judge that of someone else.

Heart Searching,
Jesus Freak Out!

The Shoulder

2009-02-02T22:37:00.004-05:00

I was talking with my wife last night about what a dork I was in high school. I was (or should I say still am) the geek who befriended all the girls, yet never dated a single one of them. I was always the one they would turn to with their relationship problems because obviously I was not a threat or someone they thought they could ever date. I became the wet shoulder. I became adept at listening and not solving the problems for them, just suggesting. I also got myself deeper into some problems than I should have and probably made the situation worse over better.

Fast forward about 14 years and now we are in today. I got a bizarre call last night from someone I have only met once. I am not going to go through the circumstances of who and what and where, but let's just say the people involved are a young married couple facing some tough challenges that are not insurmountable, yet worse than anything I have had to deal with or understand from the first person. I was the one that both basically turned to, including one of their parents.

Over my years of being the shoulder, I have learned some hard truths about being a listener: don't put yourself into the situation-it's not yours to fix; and don't get emotionally attached-you will end up the bad guy some how, some way.

The simplest scripture I have is this: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:31 NIV). In other words, would I want someone walking up to me and asking me intimate details about a life problem if I did not already entrust them with a certain level of intimacy or privacy? There are men that I would trust to come up to me and challenge me with the hard questions and we should all have these people in our lives, but there are other men whom I would not. It's finding those key people in your life and being that person in someone else's life that makes the difference. Lastly, remember to temper all advice with the wisdom of God's word, and not that of this culture.

Drying my shirt and praying for someone's salvation,
Jesus Freak Out!

Budweiser Clydesdales

2009-01-28T23:47:00.002-05:00

Imagine watching the Super Bowl commercials coming up this weekend. There on your HD TV (of course I still have a tube jobby), you see the beautiful Clydesdale horses toting the Budweiser wagon across your screen. Just as the last row of horses comes into view, their's a jackass (no, not Johnny Knoxville) tied to the last harness. That would look kind of odd wouldn't it? It just doesn't fit together.

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers........." (2Cor 6:14)

What does yoked mean? Well, think back to the days when people used oxen as their trucks. They had to yoke multiple oxen together to get the goods where they needed to go. They needed a team that worked off the same principles and towards the same goal.

Some people see this verse and go, "So I can divorce my wife now who doesn't know Christ and marry that good looking women I have been talking to at church?" WRONG.

Still others see this verse and go,"So this means that I have to dump all my friends who do not know Christ because I am now at a higher level spiritually than they are?" WRONG again.

God was not talking about the unbelievers in our lives with respect to who we socialize with. Those people still need us. God was referring to those whom we choose to minister with. Do you think that it makes sense to start spreading the Truth to teenagers with someone who believes that oral sex is not sex because it is not specifically quoted in the Bible? Do you think that it makes sense to try and minister to a divorced man with another man who thinks that it's okay to divorce because sometimes people just don't get along? That's crazy. It doesn't make sense. This verse goes on saying:

"For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" Now that right there makes some sense. These things don't go together. I'm not saying that we get it right all the time and there won't be disagreements among us. But, we must not compromise what we know to be true just to stay on someones good side in the church. We're not doing God any favors.

Cinching up my harness for Christ,
Jesus Freak Out!

Moved by the Spirit

2009-01-27T23:10:00.003-05:00

I have a story to tell about how the Spirit moved me the other day. This feels like one of those stories you only see in your e-mail, but I must say that I never felt this moved by God before in my life. It's a little long, but bear with me. There is no great climactic scene of someone coming to Christ, just a cool story about what it's like to really do as God has moved us. By the way, thanks to BH for letting me know this was a bigger deal than I really thought it was:

It was this past Sunday and the unpacked boxes from our move were starting to annoy me in the garage. So I decided it was time to get rid of them, as well as some of the Goodwill stuff I had been meaning to deliver for about 2 weeks. As I was breaking down the boxes to put in my truck, I was still debating whether or not I should wait and take them to the closer trash dump on the next major street over when they opened Monday morning, or just take them over to my old Dunedin stomping grounds. My wife looked at me and asked me what I was going to do and I had to think for a minute. And another minute went by as I started thinking of other things I could do with my time instead of driving all over Pinellas and Hillsborough counties for 2 hours. Then our awesome God laid something on my heart: go to Dunedin because there is someone I want you to talk to at the recycle place. So I did, not thinking that anything would really happen.

I got the truck packed up, tucked Ethan into his car seat, and headed to Goodwill and then on to Dunedin. It was cool to see the old hometown. We pulled into the dirt lot where the recycle bins were and started to put all the stuff into its respective bins. As I was putting some of the newspaper into the dumpster, I noticed an older gentlemen thumbing through the old papers looking for articles of interest. I had 2 office paper boxes full of old magazines so I proceeded to ask if he wanted to thumb through them and take what he wanted. He obliged and we walked over to the bed of my truck. He wasn't interested in most of them because of their aviation nature, but he took the TIME magazines. As I took the rest of them over the proper bin, the old man offered to help me with the boxes and we struck up a conversation. He told me how he was from upstate New York and about the old dairy farm that was turned into an airport near his childhood home. We exchanged pleasantries over jobs, and background, interests and family. I thanked the man for his help and went about my task fo buckling my hyperactive son back into his car seat.

Just when I finished this task, I told Ethan to hold on for a second. I had to go over and talk with the nice man for just one more second. God was still pushing. I wasn't done with Steve yet. I grabbed one of the invite cards to our church out of my wallet and walked over to the man again. I asked he had a church and he said he did not. I asked if he was married and he said that he was not. I told him about our church a little and that we would love to have him join us this weekend. He knew the area where it was and seemed to be pretty receptive to coming on over. What's more important, he seemed very happy to talk with someone. I felt content with myself: the operative word being MYSELF.

Then I started driving. About ten minutes down the road to see the grandparents, I realized something: God pushed me to do something earlier didn't he. Wait a minute, he laid it on my heart that someone was there to talk with me and I didn't even realize it was happening, I just followed as I was lead! Whoa. This doesn't happen to me. I "follow" God all the time and he doesn't necessarily listen. Or is it the fact that I am following my own inhibitions and God is waiting on me to do what he wants, not what I want?

What happened on Sunday shook me up and made me start REALLY "listening" for the Spirit. What about you?

Turning up my spiritual hearing aid,
Jesus Freak Out!

The Earliest Known Ultrasound

2009-01-22T08:59:00.002-05:00

I didn't really send out a message on Christmas day, and as usual in my life, I am a little slow to get things rolling. But I am working on that and it is also a post for another day. But yesterday, actually this morning, I started thinking about the day Jesus was born and the time leading up to that in Mary's and Joseph's lives.

It must have been hard, trying to keep the pregnancy quiet since conception happened outside of wedlock (bad juju, especially in those days when they would have most likely stoned her to death). But I realized something this morning, after contemplating the amazing things I was privileged to see with our technology today. I was able to see and know that my wife and I will be having another son. Mary was afforded the same privilege by God: she knew she was going to have a son and that he would be the greatest man to ever walk this earth. He would be the Son of God. Until modern technology, no family about to have a new child ever knew what sex the child would be before it was born, except Mary and Joseph. Isn't that awesome?

I wish I could have been living in the time of Mary and Joseph, to watch the birth of Jesus. But I ask myself sometimes, without the honor of knowing what the Bible says now, would I have believed that Jesus was the Messiah? Would I have become a follower of His teachings without seeing the miracles he performed? It's the same for our time, only we have the Truth in written form for us to look at, and yet it takes faith to believe what it says. Do we believe wholeheartedly or just the portions that fit our lifestyle and "beliefs"? Think about it. I have been.

Reforming my presuppositions,
Jesus Freak Out!

The Guts to Do

2009-01-21T09:02:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a historic day for this country. The first African American president was sworn into the highest office of this country. But what's even more amazing is the publicity that Pastor Rick Warren's prayer received all because he invoked the name of Jesus at the end of his prayer and actually recited the prayer that Jesus Christ taught his disciples to pray. In the face of great political pressure, this man after God's heart followed Jesus' example over doing what was politically correct. Do we have that audacity for Christ?

So what was Rick Warren saying to all of us Christians when he stood up in front of the whole country and told them who the name of the one and only God was? It's right there for us in the book of Matthew: "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven" (10:32). Rick Warren was not afraid to tell this nation that Jesus Christ is our Savior. Are we? It's that simple.

Shifting gears,
Jesus Freak Out!

I'll Kill You, Daddy!

2009-01-14T22:53:00.003-05:00

Tonight was an interesting night in our household for one reason or another. But something my little three year old son said to me really got my blood boiling and my heart breaking. Tonight I was on the receiving end of the words I just used in the title of this post from my own son.........and it scared me as a father. As well as a Christ follower. Now he had no idea what he was saying, he was just repeating what he heard at day care. But it still scared me and pierced straight to the core of my heart.

Sometimes we joke about these words with friends. Other times we may think about them momentarily in the deep dark recesses of our concious thoughts and then brush them away as easily as we do the dust from a shelf. Tonight, though, I think I caught a brief glimpse of what Christ experienced the night before and the day of his crucifixion. In no way am I implying that I could remotely feel what Christ went through becoming sin for us and dying on that hunk of wood. But for that brief second tonight, it gave me a teeny tiny glimpse of that feeling.

Think about this, though. When we take Christ out of all that we do, in essence we are saying to Him, "I'll kill you!" I'll kill you from my everyday life. I'll kill you from my family life. I'll kill you off from how I make my decisions. I'll kill you off from where I am going to take my life. I'll kill you off from every moment of my life except for my 1 hour on Sundays, and maybe 20 minutes a day during the week when I am asking for what I want and not what You want. I'll kill you again Jesus because of my own disobedience.

Will we keep on killing Jesus from every aspect of our lives and tell Him that He died in vain for us? We might as well go back 2000 years to the day of his crucifixion and just be one of the other Jews spitting and tormenting Him as he bears our sin and we yell, "I'll kill you!"

Reflecting,
Jesus Freak Out!

The Bible Thumper

2009-01-12T22:54:00.002-05:00

The other day at work I was talking with one of my managers and during our conversation, he called me a bible thumper. I hadn't even quoted a single Scripture to him yet. Let me tell you, I was a little less than happy because the first thing that comes to my mind is the folks I used to see on the campus concourse while I was at Auburn. We all know who they are, the ones at pro football games and other sports events who hold up the signs that say repent because the world is coming to and end and hurl insults at the people passing by. At Auburn, they were even worse. A fellow cadet from the ROTC detachment was walking by one of these "thumpers" in his uniform one day, when they looked right at him and called him a baby killer. When I heard that it, it about sent me through the roof. Now I wasn't a Christ follower then, although I liked to call myself one, but this was going too far and for a long time, I never wanted my name associated with Christ because of the negative connotation it brought along with it.

My story on following Christ has changed quite a bit from 10 years ago and so has my outlook on how we should share Him with others. In Luke chapter 10, Jesus sends the 72 disciples out across Israel to all the towns and villages. He gave them explicit instructions on how they were to conduct themselves and how they were to treat those they met. In verse 5, he gives straightforward answers on how we are to introduce the Truth to non-believers: "When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.'" Peace is what God intends, and that is where we are to start.

Jesus was not just talking about the 72 disciples. He was referring to all of us who are commanded to go out and teach the Truth. When we walk up to someone, anyone, and start pointing the finger and rambling off bible verses as if we were Christ incarnate, we alienate, belittle, and put ourselves on a pedestal. We are no better than the person standing next to us. The only difference between us and them is that our eyes have been opened and our hearts have been captured by the amazing and powerful God of this universe. That's it. Plain and simple.

Peace to this heart is what we should be praying as we approach a soul who is in desperate need of the one who sent His Son to this earth to die for the sins of the world. What an honor to be working for such a great God. What an honor to be working for the one who gave me so much and expects so little in comparison to His gift. What an honor to take up my teeny, tiny, itsy-bitsy little cross for Him daily, and follow His word and Spirit. It brings me to my knees, literally.

"Peace to [your] house,"
Jesus Freak Out!

A New Perspective

2009-01-08T10:22:00.003-05:00

Monday I met with a friend of mine from church who is just about to finish up his degree at Trinity University. Well, through him, God has really rocked me to the core once again and showed me just how humble I need to be. That night, he showed me a new way to read the Bible that takes an intense look into the living Word of God. And I do mean LIVING!

I found meaning in verses I never thought was there. And when I read them again, I found new meaning that is totally different from the other night. You see, it changes. Not the context just the viewer. Every word of the Bible tells us something greater about our awesome and mighty God. It's not a book that sits on a shelf and we pick up every once in awhile when times are tough. It's not a book with some great stories about God's power and the history of the world. It's a book, inspired by the Holy Creator and written through the hands of men to show us the way to Him.

My friend David (what an awesome and strong name by the way) challenged me last night to read Luke 10:1-15 again like we had the other night. I barely got through v.7 before my head was spinning and God was gently saying, "See?" (Plus, my hand was wore out from writing down the thoughts on 3 AND A HALF PAGES!!!!) My perspective has changed and the Bible is no longer just the inspired Word of God. It is the divine, holy, insurmountable, awesome, profound, living and BREATHING Word of God. This book has life that I can only describe as powerful if we read past the words on the page and seek the meaning in our lives for what HE is saying.

Like a man waking up,
Jesus Freak Out!

It's an Earthquake

2009-01-05T23:09:00.003-05:00

So, I have been working to find new direction with the Jesus Freak blog in order to grow all of us and take us to that next step in our journeys for Christ. It's time to get intimate, hard nosed and unadulterated. It's time for things to get a little uncomfortable. In the mortal words of the great Perry Noble, "God is in the process of rocking my world."

Since the new year has begun, some things have been happening to me that are shaking up my spiritual and family life more than anything else. I am finding and learning new ways to read the Bible and to finally "see" what God is pressing me to do.

It's rocking my world.

I'm starting to get uncomfortable, but I am also getting pumped and excited about taking the bull by the horns for Christ.

It's rocking my world.

I know that my purpose is now the "lamb among the wolves" (Luke 10:3).

HE'S rocking my world.

I am working to take my family to new heights of spiritual and relational excess. I'm not talking money, and stuff and activities. I'm talking investment in their future, their lives, their love, their relationship with Christ.

HE'S rocking my world.

I have been shaken to the core like no other time in my life. I have been at high points with Christ and I have been at low points with Christ. I have seen God do some amazing things in my life for me. Now He is showing me that it's time for me to do amazing things in my life for Him.

HE'S rocking my world.

I hope that you will stick with me as we dig way deeper than you have ever seen, and I pray that in some way, Christ will knock on that door to your heart, you will open it and you will say,"Yes Lord, I will follow."

Let God rock your world and you will see an abundance from God like at no other time in your life. And I'm not talking of this world. I'm talking through the abundance that is of Christ, for Christ, and with Christ.

Feeling like I'm in a paint shaker,
Jesus Freak Out!

Let's Get Physical

2009-01-01T09:32:00.004-05:00

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" (1Cor 6:19).

If anyone was around in the early Eighties, they will remember this song by Olivia Newton John (the post title, not the verse). I remember buying my mom this record (yes, I said record) for Mother's Day that year because I wanted it. I learned a lesson about giving then, but that's a post for another day. In this video, there were people working out and doing aerobics, and I'm sure that's not what the song was all about but there is a point here.

Every year, many Americans make the resolution to work out and become healthier. According to the IHSRA (haven't found what the means yet), the first three months of any new year is when the most memberships to a gym are bought, 12.4% in January, 9.5% in February, and 8.7% in March. What does this have to do with anything related to following Christ and bringing people into relationship with Him?

A whole bunch! Paul talks about treating our bodies as a temple to God, mainly from the context of sexual immorality in this chapter of 1 Corinthians. But, this applies in all sorts of ways. For me, it's gonna be a new year. But, I really hate the gym. I don't have fun at the gym because it's painful, there are no windows normally (except to the parking lot where my car calls me to go home), and there are too many mirrors showing me how pathetically scrawny I really am. There are many more ways to get healthy without having to go to the gym. So here are my milestones for the year:

1) I am getting back into running. I love running. I ran track and cross country in high school and ran all throughout college. When I started working, I stopped because I was tired and lazy. I am going to work to run for 90 minutes a week. For me that translates to about 10-15 miles a week. The goal is to be ready for a half marathon (that's 13.2 miles) by the end of year!

2) Eat healthier. I am cutting out as much junk as I can, and add in all those good tasting things like green leafy veggies and fruit. Now, since ice cream is one of the 4 basic food groups and provides a wonderful source of calcium, it will stay on a limited basis.

3) I am going to get a home workout from my friend Jamy that I will do at least 2-3 times a week. It will involve the basic calisthenic excercises like push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, and pull- ups to just get healthier. I am not going to be some massive strong dude like Hal Mayer or his son so that's another reason not to go to the gym. Did I mention I hate the gym?

4) Lastly, quit the habit that I have harbored for over 12 years and that I have held myself a slave to. NO it's not pornography, it's tobacco. I have fought this for a long time and kept it farely quiet because of shame. I only tell you so that you will help me and not judge me while I kick it square in the you know what. I have quit and started again numerous times. It's this year that it becomes permanent.

So here are my milestones for the year. What are yours?

Going ONJ on myself,

Jesus Freak Out!

Rekindling, Supporting, and Encouraging

2008-12-30T21:38:00.003-05:00

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her....." (Eph 5:25).

"Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged." (Col. 4:21).

"Because He himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." (Heb. 2:18).

It's three for one days at the Thought of the Day. The next set of milestones I am setting out for myself have to do with all of my relationships in life: my beautiful wife of 7 years come January 19, my son of 3 years, all of my family since I was born, and all the men and women I come into contact or relationship with as I go about trying to spread the Truth. Forget the chord of three strands, this is a cable of numerous strands and it will never break as long as Christ as at the center. Some strands may break, some may fray or become weak, still others will become stronger than ever when strained. All in all, it comes down to my relationship with Christ that will prove the strength of the cable. So here are my goals relationally for 2009:

1) Rekindle the passion in my marriage. How? The hundreds of ways I used to when we were dating. Send her love letters, write her poems, flowers, as many dates as possible, LISTENING, remain steadfast in our weekly night together, and many more.

2) Support my son through encouragement of his interests, involvement in his activities and passions (even though they may not be mine), dedicated play time every night that I am home with him, and exemplifying Christ both in his presence and away.

3) Lastly, encouraging all those I meet whether they know Christ or not. It takes more effort to break down than it does to build up. Through connection with people, Christ will shine through, I just know it in my heart. Believers or not, we all share the same struggles, temptations, and desires. I must not be afraid anymore to share the struggles of being human while seeking the face of Christ. How am I going to do this? Make the effort at least once a day to pray, call, e-mail, text or visit those who I am establishing a relationship with.

Wow, this year is going to be full. Hopefully it will be full of Christ, passion, and purpose. But my goals are not finished, tomorrow, on the first day of 2009, I will outline the easiest and most common goals that everyone shares: physical.

For those of you who follow this blog, I urge you to share your goals for the year here. All those who read them will be encouraged and pushed to set their own. And by sharing with everyone, we can be supported by the others to reach and achieve our very own milestones.

Trying to be a California wildfire,
Jesus Freak Out!

Brain Dusting

2008-12-29T22:34:00.002-05:00

"A man is praised according to his wisdom, but men with warped minds are despised" Prov.12:8.

Wisdom of this world and of Christ are 2 totally different things as we have discussed in previous posts. But, warped minds come in all shapes and sizes. And I can tell you that the television has an uncanny way of doing just that: warping our minds.

It's time to clean the dust off the synapses and begin exercising my mind. This means opening my mind to new points of view, criticism, and most off all, Christ. To do this, I must intellectually stimulate those brain cells that have been in hiding for a while. I used to love to read. Instead of reading, this past year I have found numb refuge in the television. It's a great way for me to unwind at the end of a day full of flying and students trying to kill me or help me on my way to a violation of the Federal Aviation Regulations. But, it is a mind crime to think that the television could substitute for something as pure and simple as reading. It's time to run for the bookshelf instead of the remote this year. Here are my goals for 2009 to help me keep my brain from atrophy:

1) Read one new book ever 2 to 3 weeks. Breaking this down, that's 17-26 new sources of information a year!

2) Read one chapter of the Bible each and every day. Really this shouldn't be all that difficult seeing as some chapters are shorter than a TV commercial to read. It's not like I am going to read Psalm 119 every night (check it out, 176 verses). While reading them, I am going to study them as best I can using other sources of information.

3) I am going to engage my wife or son (he's only three but way smarter than I was at that age), or a good friend in a conversation that pushes the limits of our spiritual and intellectual thinking without talking about politics. It's like a workout partner. I want to do this as often as possible. I don't have a definite milestone on this one.

Our minds are the only things that cannot be stolen from us by this world unless we give over the keys to them. I have almost lost my own mind control. It's time to wrestle it back from the screen and free think for Christ.

Knocking myself on the head with my ringfinger,
Jesus Freak Out!

Time to Prepare

2008-12-28T22:28:00.002-05:00

After a longer than expected hiatus from writing, I am now throwing myself back into it full force again. The holidays have been good and bad for me, but all in all, God has taught and still is teaching me some valuable lessons about how to live my life for Him and not myself. Most of all, I was hit in the face today at church. My life has no real plan right now. My plan is haphazard at best and I am still trying to find myself professionally, spiritually, and relationally. Over the next few posts, I am going to try and find my own purpose while working to help all of us find ours.

First and foremost, we must have a spiritual plan in our lives in order to keep our souls focused on the real purpose for our lives: living for Christ in all that we do. "...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1Cor 10:31). This is way too broad to be a milestone, but it must be the driving force behind all that we plan and do. With this in mind, here are the spiritual milestones that I am setting for myself:

1) Open the door to a relationship with one new person a week inside or outside of church. That makes 52 people during the coming year that could potentially start a new relationship with Christ. Sweet! It's lofty but do-able.

2) Dedicate time each day with Christ. Read, study, and pray. It's that simple.

3) Hold true to a devotional with my wife and son once week. Family time is almost as important as time with God. It's time to move this to a higher priority level.

4) Keep this blog going for another year with posts at least three times a week, and six when possible. It's another lofty goal that other bloggers have told me is difficult......and it is. But, I know that through dedication and sacrifice, it can be done.

These are just my milestones written out for you all to see. Some I will meet, others I will fall short on, but I am going to try my best, doing all for His glory. I challenge each of you to do the same. Set your priorities in the right Light, and nothing is impossible.

Spring cleaning a few months early,
Jesus Freak Out!

The Meaning of It All

2008-12-25T01:44:00.002-05:00

I am posting for the first time in awhile. Life has been crazy with a move and Christmas and throughout all of this, I have finally found, on the eve of Christmas, why we do as we do: God and family. Something happened tonight that put me into a mood that I will not soon forget. My brother did not attend our family gathering for the first time in a while and I was upset. I wanted to give to him something he has not had in a long time: peace and solitude from all the commotion of life. He is a hard working, family loving man who has one of, if not, the toughest jobs on the planet: law enforcement. Of course I reacted in a way that was wrong and unjustified and I have sought his forgiveness. But that is the meaning of it all. That is the reason for this day each year.

"For God so loved the world, that he sent his only son, that whosoever should believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Our pastor used this same verse at church this evening, but I felt as though it needed repeating here. God sent His Son for our forgiveness. To think that I could not sacrifice my own pride for my brother, is downright criminal (no pun intended). And to think that God's sacrifice was not enough for the one I had to make tonight. I sought my brother's forgiveness after a long conversation and some tears. I try to love him without condition, for I am merely human, but will always love him, come what may. And so God loves us. He will not abandon us or forsake us. And he sent His Son into the world on this Christmas day as the sacrifice for us. And for me to be so bold...........God forgive me.

Please enjoy this time with family as there are many in the world tonight who cannot spend it with theirs. Family and God: often times, they are the only things that we have to solely rely upon. I did not mean for this to be downtrodden. Christmas is a time of joy and celebration. Celebration with family and joy in their presence. Joy in our lives knowing that our Savior was born on this day and celebration in His reason for coming to this earth. Thank you Father for your sacrifice. Thank you Jesus for your life!

Merry Christmas,
Jesus Freak Out!

The Walk Away

2008-12-14T23:32:00.002-05:00

First, I will be back this week on a limited basis. It's Christmas, we moved and we are trying to get settled, so it will be sporadic. For today though, I want to thank my friend Neal's beautiful wife April for this next post. She is one heck of a writer. Check out her BLOG.

Most of the time, when we read stories of “God calling,” we focus on what God’s call cost the men and women who obeyed. God’s call cost Abraham security with his family; God’s call cost Esther comfort in her position of authority; God’s call cost Mary her reputation; God’s call cost Paul his freedom and eventually his life. The cost is usually what we pay attention to.

There is an untold story, though, that is absolutely essential if we are going to maintain life-long consistency in responding to God’s call. It’s after the call. It’s after the struggle of whether to heed and obey. It’s after the adrenaline-rushing moment of others realizing what you’re doing. It’s after the attention goes from you to God. It’s after the sense of yes!-it-was-worth-it.

It’s the walk away.

When God calls, he calls us toward something. It may be a physical move to another city, it may be a changed habit, it may be a shift in the dynamics of a relationship, it may be a form of denying yourself. In the act of moving towards that something, we are walking away from something else.

When the dust settles, when the decision is made, when the words have been spoken, we find ourselves a little further from the norm and from what’s socially accepted. Although we’re closer to God than ever before, there can still be a sense of loneliness. The friends who once partied with you cannot understand why you won’t. The coworkers you used to gossip with don’t even include you in regular conversation because of your change. Even Christian friends aren’t comfortable with your new convictions and are quick to drop a sarcastic line to let you know.

It’s in the walk away from our old lives that we must be on guard from a fearsome enemy—pride. It was pride that we wrestled with in order to initially obey God. And now pride will try to seduce again. This time, it’s in the form of spiritual pride. After answering God’s call and embracing the change, pride will try to offer us comfort for our loneliness. Spiritual pride soothes the ego and feeds an us-versus-them mentality. It encourages us to judge the ones who haven’t walked away or answered a similar call. The worse thing about spiritual pride is it keeps us from drawing near to God with our pain.

The difference between Paul and the Pharisees that Jesus condemned was simply in the walk away. Paul left family, left political and religious positions of authority, and left places of comfort all in responding to God’s call. When he walked away from those things, he bathed himself in humility and filled his heart with praise for God. He never forgot where he came from. The Pharisees, however, in their acts of righteousness, succumbed to spiritual pride during the walk away. Both Paul and the Pharisees knew the word of God. Both obeyed and made great sacrifices. The difference? One kept worshipping when the miracle was over and the other boasted of its success.

When God calls, we are blessed in our obedience. The Father smiles, the hosts of heaven pause and the world takes note. When the moment is over, though, we are wise to guard our hearts from pride. It’s not only our moving towards what God calls us to that counts as worship. It’s also in the walk away.

Movin' On Up

2008-12-07T14:18:00.003-05:00

I just want to let everyone know that I will be taking a break for the next week from posting. My wife, son and I are moving into a new townhome and this week is going to be non-stop busy moving small things all week, big things on Saturday, and then cleaning the old place on Sunday. On top of that, we will be attending all the fun Christmas-time events in between and working. I am going to try and get a few guest posts up for the week, but it is going to be hit and miss. I will begin anew come next Monday. Until then, be safe, and keep on reaching out to those who do not know Christ as this is a time and a season where they need Him most.

With love,
Jesus Freak Out!

Excellence in All We Do

2008-12-03T23:08:00.001-05:00

I am not trying to tout on my work ethic here, but ever since I started working, I tried to be the best I could at anything I was doing, whether it was fueling airplanes at the local airport in college or prosecuting my unit's little corner of the War on Terror in Afghanistan. It's a pride thing with me that I have to get over, but I always wanted to be better than the next guy. I always wanted to be the BEST!

Now, let's apply this to our walks with Christ. As we live out our lives, hopefully with the guidance of God, we must strive to be the best at everything................for HIM! Too many times, and I am probably the most guilty, we try to be the best for someone or something else, beit ourselves or those who have power over us. Our priority is skewed. Proverbs 16:3 sums up in 12 words how we should look upon our labors daily and for the kingdom: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." It's that simple. If we do everything as if we were doing it for Christ himself, then how can it go wrong?

Now, don't take this as if I am saying that nothing could possibly fall short just because we are doing it for Him. What I am saying is, our outlook on life will change dramatically because our priority is on God and not on ourselves. When we serve ourselves, good comes for a short while but it cannot be sustained because we see failure through our own eyes. When we serve God, good will come forever because our success or failure is not measured in human terms. When we fail with God, we still win because we learn and grow. When we fail with only ourselves, we just fail and most of the time we can't see the forest for the trees.

Dusting the TV screen for a better persepective,
Jesus Freak Out!

Service Before Self

2008-12-02T23:29:00.003-05:00

Sorry for not posting yesterday. I got the funk and could barely stay awake last night. So on with it.....

The next core value that we lived our Air Force life by was Service Before Self. As we can easily see here, this is and should always be the mantra and ethic of a Christ follower. Our service to Christ, to our fellow follower, to those who do not yet have a relationship with Him should always come first before even ourselves. This society we live in is all about looking out for Number 1. Our number one should be God in the whole scheme of living for Christ. Service, just as Jesus exemplified through the washing of His disciples feet at the Last Supper, is the ultimate sacrifice we can make.

"One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty" (Prov. 11:24 NIV).

We must give of the time, money, talents, and work ethic that God has given us. Remember, it is not ours. It is on loan from God to serve His purposes. Service Before Self is not just a mantra, it's an attitude change.

Getting over myself to serve,
Jesus Freak Out!

Core Values

2008-11-30T22:42:00.004-05:00

For the next three days, we are going to keep looking into the book of Proverbs, but I wanted to diverge a little and talk about something that was integral to my tenure as an officer in the Air Force. I know that I talk a great deal about this time in my life, but it was big part for the better part of 12 years and many of my life lessons were learned as a leader in this country's military. While in the Air Force, we followed three core values that were the bedrock of our service commitment: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do. As you can see, these three core values can be applied to our lives outside of the structure and mission of a military force.

Let's look at the core value of Integrity First. I always defined integrity as what we do when no one is watching. I try to live out this mantra in my daily life. It's easy to do the right thing when others are observing what we do. Politicians are a great example. So what does this have to do with Proverbs and living our lives for Christ? "The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out" (Prov. 10:9 NIV).

The heart of this passage is in "walking securely." As Christ followers, we must walk with Christ securely through our day to day activities and actions. We must ensure that our integrity remains intact through the example that we set. God must be a part of everything that we do. When He is foremost in our decisions, in our responsibility, in all aspects of our lives, the Spirit then guides our every decision. When the Spirit guides our every decision, we become integrity personified and the light of Christ will shine through us. Also, our guilt does not consume us and we walk securely knowing that we have done as God commanded. Second thoughts are God talking.

What do we do when we are alone, flipping through the channels at night? What do we do when we are upset about our boss' decision? What do we do when there is a whole bunch of money on the line but the deal is shady? Our conscience is our integrity. When we ignore our conscience, we ignore Christ because the Spirit of God IS our conscience when we are "walking securely" with Him.

Just got Godfreeze and it hurts,
Jesus Freak Out!

Absolut Green

2008-11-28T08:41:00.004-05:00

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." (Prov. 14:30 NIV)

Black Friday. Uuuuuurrrrrrhhhhhhhhh! This day absolutely terrifies me because of all the crazy things that happen, all in the spirit of "Christmas" or "the holidays." We hear about fights over the newest video game system, or some special talking Elmo doll that is out of stock, or over the closest parking space at the mall or department store. It's absolute insanity! It's absolute envy!

This holiday brings out the best in some people, and the absolute worst in others. We see the evils of jealousy, envy, covetessness (don't know if that is a word), and despise. Sometimes it's all because we don't have what the next person has. It's a destroyer of men and frankly, it's a destroyer of the soul.

Peace in a relationship with Jesus Christ is our only refuge and hope of overcoming that feeling of,"How come they get to have all that and I don't. IT'S NOT FAIR!" When we focus our efforts on what God had in mind for this season, i.e. celebrating His Son's birth, we can come to a peace with the world where having everything is not what it's all about. Christmas is about giving, and God gave us the greatest gift of all during this season: His son Jesus Christ. Let's celebrate that the most this season.

Turning the channel on my soul,
Jesus Freak Out!

Beast of Burden

2008-11-26T08:53:00.002-05:00

"Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest." (Prov. 14:4 NIV)

Oxen are some of the strongest animals in the world. They were the semi trucks of the ancient world and during Jesus' time here on earth, they were the economic life blood of an agrarian society. Oxen were used for tending a farmer's field, getting the harvest to market, and pretty much any other heavy labor task. Their strength was unrivaled by any other animal of the time, save the elephant.

If we think about it, Christ is our ox. Our community is the field that is ripe for the harvest and we are the farmers and field hands doing God's work on a daily basis. Maybe the verse should read,"Where there is no [Christ], [the church/our life/their life] is empty, but from the strength of [Christ] comes an abundant [number of people coming into relationship with Him/working for Him/doing His work]." Or, we can just take this verse at face value and believe that when God is in our lives, we will be blessed abundantly. Both are true statements and both will happen when we put our strength in Christ. But focus on the first, and all the blessings will come in due time.

We have a great many things to be thankful for this holiday season. We have breath in our lungs, we have a shirt on our backs, we have food in our stomachs, and we have a roof over our heads. We may not have a great deal of money in our wallets, but that is only relativity. I was awakened this Monday as our home team assisted a ministry in downtown Tampa for the homeless. It was their Thanksgiving meal and I can tell you that I was humbled to say the least. I am thankful for all that I have in this world, but most of all, I am thankful for a loving, gracious, and merciful God. Without Him, lost would be an understatement.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Thanking my Godly stars,
Jesus Freak Out!

Due Diligence

2008-11-25T07:51:00.002-05:00

"The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor." (Prov. 12:24 NKJV)

Lately I have been in a rut with some aspects of my life. My career path is in jeopardy with the economy and the blossoming of a new family. A family has an impact on my career path? Yes, I have to ask myself what's more important, a wife and 2 beautiful children, a or cool career flying cool airplanes. I am stepping out of that "comfort zone" introducing the Truth of Jesus Christ to people, but when I pray, my mind tends to wander. I am having trouble focusing on the goals and being diligent about taking action on them.

Forever I have been a procrastinator extraordinaire. I don't get diligent until it's 2 minutes to midnight or the work really peaks my interest. I work best under stress, but this life with Christ is not a sprint, it's a marathon. It requires patience, not sloth. It requires action, not reaction. It especially requires hard work, time, and a selacious appetite to do what it takes for Jesus Christ. It's time we (I), change our habits and attitudes and push for Christ in all that we do, whether it's talking with people about God's greatest gift to mankind in His son Jesus Christ, or turning off the TV and getting done the honey do list that has been growing since eternity.

Hooking up the 12 volt for a jump start,
Jesus Freak Out!

Contempt of Character

2008-11-23T22:05:00.002-05:00

For the next few weeks, we are going to delve into the book of Proverbs and look at the endless treasure trove of "one liners" that can serve us all as we go about our walks for and with Christ. Solomon has been heralded as one of the wisest men ever to walk this earth, save Jesus Himself, and we can learn so much about how to live out our daily lives by just reading the superficial meaning of his words. We are going to look beyond just the words and see what God was really using this man for.

"A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue." (Prov 11:12 NIV)

Often times we live out our lives holding a certain contempt or resentment towards those who may have hurt us or caused us pain. We see the world through a narrow looking glass where we are the victim and the world is our oppressor. With this attitude, we tend to demean or "deride" those we only think we know. We become prejudiced. We become jaded. Life takes on a demeanor of deep seeded anger towards our circumstances, 99 out of 100 which we created ourselves. Let's flip the pancake and look at the other side.

Through Solomon, God was talking about how we treat those we don't know, those whose circumstances we may not fully understand or care to understand. Each person that we meet is a unique individual fully created by God and in His magnificent image. We must treat each and every one of them as such. There is no sin greater than another; there is no wrong against someone that is so heinous that we must become the judge, jury and executioner. It's not our place. Again, we try to take the place of God when we act as such. It's our job to introduce and help nurture a relationship with Jesus Christ through firm principles and loving strength. The example we set through our words and actions, may be the example that someone looks at as the character of Jesus Christ. Think about that next time we want to speak before thinking.

Pulling the 10.5 out of my mouth,
Jesus Freak Out!

A New Lease on Living in Christ

2008-11-19T21:48:00.002-05:00

I had a revelation the other day while I was driving down the road. I started thinking about all the people that Jesus spent His time with. I also thought about all the people that we see today who are just like those He loved most. Jesus' heart was after those who were broken, not the ones that were already "fixed." But, He saw them from a different perspective. Of course he saw them as sinners. What's funny though, He did not see them as we see most people that we call "sinners."

Too many times these days, we so-called Christians see non-believers for their sins before ever seeing them for the people they are. We see the druggie, the alcoholic, the homosexual, the player, or the greedy businessman. We don't see the person. Jesus always saw right past the sin to the heart of the person. He saw the hurt, the pain, the longing for love, and the yearning for belonging to something special. It's time to change our perspective.

When Jesus met the sinful woman at the Pharisee's house in Luke chapter 7, this was his exact perspective. Granted, her heart may already have been seeking Christ and forgiveness, but if Jesus saw her exactly as the Pharisee saw her, then her perception of Christ would have been totally changed. But her heart sought after what she knew to be true. If we can change our perspective towards that of Christ's heart, then those we encounter will see that we do not conform to the "Christians" of this world.

For too long I have watched as supposed Christians disgrace the very nature of Christ's heart. As a disclaimer, I do not presume to know the heart of Christ. If I did, I would have Him figured out and that is simply impossible. We must see others through the eyes of Christ and not those of a Pharisee. There are many people out there whose hearts are aching for us to love them for where they are, not where we expect them to be. We must look past their sins, look deep into their hearts, show them Christ's love, and leave the heart changing to God. When we supplant ourselves into Christ's role, we take away His power and make it our own. It is not ours to own.

Using my wide angle lens on life,
Jesus Freak Out!

Not Enough Indians

2008-11-18T17:56:00.003-05:00

The last part of Paul's charge to the church was to "discharge all the duties of your ministry." Well, let's define our ministry first. You don't have to be a youth pastor, or a lead pastor, or the head of some great foundation, or run your local churche's ladies group to have a ministry. We have ministries of our own in our homes and in our workplaces. Just because it isn't titled Church at the Bay or Metropolitian Ministries, doesn't mean that we don't have ministerial duties to perform. Everyone we meet or come in contact with is a ministry opportunity, whether they are Christ followers, and especially if they are not.

We have to look beyond just our churches to see that we can minister to anyone, anywhere, anytime. We don't need fancy names and associations to be a minister. We can start at home, at school, or at work. Ministers are like assistants or administrators to the boss (that would be Christ). When we "discharge all the duties," we are working directly for God, doing as His Spirit prompts us to do, and there is no such thing as a title when it comes to ministry.

Tomorrow, I will introduce an interesting perspective on non-believers. Until then......

Stepping up to the plate,
Jesus Freak Out!

Not Your Momma's Televangelist

2008-11-17T22:47:00.004-05:00

A couple of posts ago, I was going to finish discussing the last 2 portions of the post concerning keeping our heads in the game. In the next portion of verse 5, chapter 4 of Paul's second letter to Timothy, he writes about "endur[ing] harship" which I have blogged about before. The next 2 short statements are important as well.

First, "do the work of an evangelist." By the title of this post, you can see what first comes to my mind when I think of evangelism. Televangelists can be far from what God had in mind. Evangelism, or an evangelist, neither has the authority of an apostle nor the gift of prophecy, or even the responsibility of pastoral care of a congregation. An evangelist is simply someone who carries the gospel message to places it has never been known, with origins in Acts with Philip. Hmmmmm, places it has never been known. How about our own community?

By definition, we can all, and should be, evangelists. Personally, I don't like titles, especially when they have the negative connotation in our society like this. But, we must call a spade a spade. Now, we don't have to stand on the street corner and spout off about the end of the world, or protest at an abortion clinic and demean those who go in. That is stupidity, not evangelism. We must "gently," yet firmly and truthfully speak of Jesus Christ, why He came to this earth for us, and about the life change that will come in a relationship with Him. That is evangelism.............and we have to start NOW.

Take it away Johnny,
Jesus Freak Out!

Acting Childish

2008-11-16T23:41:00.002-05:00

Why do we teach our children not to talk to strangers, get in a car with them, or scream bloody murder if they should do something to them? Because we know that children can be all too trusting and put too much faith in someone they don't know. So why would God say that we should be like little children?

In Luke chapter 18, Jesus shows us why we should be like children. "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the the kingdom of God like a little child will not enter it" (v. 17). So what was he saying? While children can be trusting and open, adults are the complete opposite. As adults, we tend to be guarded, skeptical, and downright stand-offish towards what we can't see or touch. We always need proof. That is why we as adults are far too trusting in ourselves and not in the ultimate power of Christ.

To set the example for those who do not truly believe, we must show our child-like faith. We must show that our trust in the power of God is 100%, and that no matter what, we know in our hearts that Christ will ultimately be our saving grace.

Tapping my inner child,
Jesus Freak Out!

Personal Journal

2008-11-13T06:51:00.002-05:00

I have started posting my personal Journal as a blog now. I am not all that consistent with doing it because I need a habit pattern to form to really get something done regularly. But, I will update this at least once a week. This is therapy for me and you will see all sorts of interesting stuff. I'm not looking for support, sympathy, or pity. I'm doing this to help others and to seek advice from those with much more "experience" than I. Please take a look and let me know what you think. There are only a couple of posts right now, but more will be coming. Have a blessed day and be safe.

http://cyberspacewindow.blogspot.com

God Bless,
Jesus Freak Out!

Eureka! I Found It.........

2008-11-12T23:19:00.004-05:00

Well, well, well. We have finally found where our heads end up as Christ followers sometimes. I know I have found my head here a time or two and it wasn't fun when God said,"Let's here that pop my son." Whether it's here, or in the sand, or in the clouds, or wherever, sometimes we need to swiftly remove it from that location and start using it for God. In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he talks about this very thing: "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure harship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry" (2Tim 4:5 NIV).

In a previous post, I talked about enduring the hardship of being a Christ follower. In the next two, I am going to talk about the last two charges that Paul gives us. Until then, enjoy your weekend.

Pulling hard,

Jesus Freak Out!

Generosity Cured the Cat

2008-11-11T21:57:00.002-05:00

Many times, as followers of Christ, we give monetarily to a charity or donate loads of our outdated stuff to Goodwill to make ourselves feel good about the work we do for Him. But, all too often, God overlooks these small acts to see where our hearts truly lie. Don't get me wrong, these are all noble enterprises that will be seen by God, but what he truly asks for is us, not our "stuff."

"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Prov 11:25 NIV). Solomon may be talking about being generous with what God has blessed us with tangibly, but more important, this can and should be applied to our generosity of time. Time is one of the most precious resources we have. It is the one thing that we own, can never have or get enough of, and that vanishes in an instant if we don't use it..........wisely. It is irreplaceable. Instead of the time value of money, like in investments, we need to look at this like the God value of time. Investing 5 minutes just listening or talking with someone in emotional need is worth more than all the gold in Fort Knox.

When we are generous with the time God has bestowed us with, we are being "good stewards" of more than just the tangibles. Generosity of money is only superficial to the giving of time in helping someone come into relationship with Christ, helping them through a tough struggle in life, or just lending an ear to bend. When we give of our time, we show someone and possibly the world what Jesus Christ also gave us: unlimited time in marriage with Him if we believe, live, and accept Him.

Money, Shmoney,
Jesus Freak Out!

Back in the Saddle Again

2008-11-10T21:57:00.002-05:00

Well, after taking a few days to relax from blogging, take in the election, take in the fact that I'm gonna be a dad again, and learning to fly a new airplane, I am back at it again 6 of 7 days a week.

Lately I have been having a spirited conversation with a close family member over e-mail about the new scene of our political landscape. Yah, I know, I must let it go and be the better man. I must concentrate on showing the truth over showing my political views. But through this conversation, I believe that God has been shining through. I have been called names, persecuted for being a believer, and cursed for some of the things that I have said. But, I have been working hard not to boil over and fight back in the same fashion. I think it is working.

As Paul was working to set straight the ways of the believers in Corinth, his first letter highlights a mighty truth in how we should conduct ourselves when we are attacked for our belief in Jesus Christ. "When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly" (1 Cor 4:12-13 NIV). So, how do we react when we are attacked and persecuted for Christ? Do we complain and whine that God is not treating us fairly? Do we lash out at the person sending the grenade our way? Or do we show humility and strength by taking our lick on the chin and smiling in spite of the heart ache?

It's a difficult road as a Christian. It is a road often mired by defeat, isolation, humiliation, and embarassment. But when we seek the face of God in all that we do, we can endure through any persecution by shining His light on the situation and not stooping to the level of the attack.

Disclaimer: This family member is a great person with a huge heart. They are passionate and they did not cross a great line that they did not apologize for. I can only hope that I reacted in a Christ like fashion when I responded each time.

Hit me again,
Jesus Freak Out!

Awesome Day

2008-11-06T22:23:00.002-05:00

Just a quick post for today on some news that my wife and I received. We went to see the doctor and we are going to have our second child!!!!!! I am so excited, stressed, scared, anxious, excited, motivated, moved, excited. Oh, did I say excited. God has blessed us with the most wonderful gift in the world and I plan on doing all that I can to be the best father and mentor to Ethan and our new addition.

Too excited to write more,
Jesus Freak Out!

A New Day Has Dawned......

2008-11-06T00:06:00.002-05:00

Whether we like it or not, this country has spoken and we have elected a new president. The greatest thing about this whole distasteful election season is the fact the we have come so very far in over 200 years of history. What once divided a nation and nearly tore it apart, may now be the uniting factor. The first black President in the history of the United States will take office in a little over two and a half months. Dr. Martin Luther King would be proud of us. I'm not talking about being proud of the issues that may get solved or of gloating that "the right" man won the election. I am talking about how great this country is at overcoming adversity. Not matter what, though, we must continue with our one and only job: exposing the Truth of Jesus Christ to the whole world.

Our country faces a time of unprecedented and unknown challenges. The best thing we can do is "Pray continuously." And that I will do with more vigor and a renewed trust in the grace and mercy of our Savior.

With hope for the future,
Jesus Freak Out!

Clarity

2008-11-04T22:39:00.002-05:00

A little more explanation to my post from yesterday.

God has a soft spot in His heart for those who come to Him, seek forgiveness, and begin a relationship that is like no other. We must do the same. It is hard sometimes to forgive someone who does the same thing over and over, comes back and asks forgiveness, and then does it again. God does not ask us to hound people for the sins they commit. He asks us to admonish them, and then pray. Then pray some more, oh and then pray some more. Wait for it, and then pray again. When we hound someone, whether they are a believer or not, it pushes them away from us and from God. Jesus never pushed anyone away that was not on a high horse and needed to be knocked off. We must still love them no matter what. That does not mean that we approve of their actions or act as though they are acceptable.

Let God do the work of correcting and let us do the work of praying. It's our only solice, escape, and answer to anything. Results are not immediate. It could take days, months, years or decades. For that matter, it may never happen, but it will be in God's plan for everything. Leave it to Him and do the work that we must: pray and be strong for our brothers and sisters. Say it once and then get down on our knees. I guarantee the other person will not forget what you have said and that God will do what He feels is necessary. It's not our call.

Saying it once and loving them always,
Jesus Freak Out!

Hate the Sin, Not the Sinner

2008-11-03T23:01:00.003-05:00

My momma told me this for most of my childhood and adulthood. It still rings true in my mind as I go about doing God's work to the best of my meager abilities. All too often we see this not ringing true with us as we view the lives of those around us, be it they are fellow Christ followers or those we are pursuing for Christ.

In Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, he addresses this issue in a round about sort of way when it comes to our fellow Christ followers. But it can also apply as we approach non-believers. "If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has all of you, to some extent............Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him" (2 Cor 2:5-8 NIV).

When someone is truly sorry for a sin they have committed, this means that we forgive and emotionally forget. It is impossible to mentally forget. If we don't, we risk doing damage to that person on a level that can be irreparable. And we put ourselves in God's place by leveling judgment, instead of love. It's a fine line that we all have trouble defining. But we must find the inner strength to get over ourselves and find the common ground.

This was hard for me to explain without being lengthy in one post so I am going to clarify my remarks further tomorrow. Please chime in with your thoughts.

Saying it once and leaving it there,
Jesus Freak Out!

Baptism by Fire

2008-11-02T22:14:00.005-05:00

I have heard this saying more than once in my life and it had nothing to do with Jesus Christ. When I was a brand spankin' new 2nd Lt in the Air Force, I was put in leadership positions that some could only say were baptism by fire. At 23, right out of college, I was in charge of groups of aircraft maintainers as large as 180. It was daunting, and I was entrusted with a great deal of responsibility from the get go, with no prior experience; sounds a lot like someone else we know.

When John the Baptist was preaching and paving the way for the coming of Jesus' ministry here on earth, he told all those who came to listen to him that, "I baptize you with water, but [H]e will baptize you with the Holy Spirit" (Mark 1:8 NIV). Other translations say that He was coming to baptize us with fire. Until now, I did not really know what this meant. It is now clear.

Our "baptism by fire" and the "Holy Spirit" means that God has put us in charge of spreading the Truth. If we have truly changed our hearts towards the things of Christ, then upon our baptism, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and entrusted with the responsibility of spreading the Truth. As brand new Christ followers, we do not have a great deal of experience. But that is exactly who God is looking for to spread His message and help Him bring people into that relationship. If God were advertising for the job of a Christ follower, it might read something like this: "No experience required just a heart willing to follow. Will provide all things needed. Faith a must."

Applying for my position,
Jesus Freak Out!

Quote for Today

2008-10-30T23:33:00.002-04:00

And today I am just going to send you a little something to spring you into the weekend:

"A great mind is one that can forget or look beyond itself."
- William Hazlitt

Looking to look beyond myself,
Jesus Freak Out!

The Best Job in the World

2008-10-29T22:35:00.003-04:00

What a crappy job! (No pun intended, well yah there was). But can you imagine if this guy was/is a Christ follower? I could here him now, deep inside the bowels of this elephant, "God, this is the best job ever. If only I could serve you better through the work that I am doing."

This is the exact attitude we need to take as believers, whether we are the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, or the proctologist for an elephant; whether we are on a mission trip to the deepest parts of the Amazon or just walking down the city streets of Tampa. "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31). When we rely on God for our strength and guidance and seek to please Him in all that we do, we glorify God. Look to God in all things and I guarantee that He will bless your life. It may not be money, it may not be fame, but it will definitely be peace and solice in a world full of disorder.

With this mentality, that is, doing all we can to glorify God, we shed light on the amazing grace that Jesus bestowed upon us through His death. When we shed this light by our attitudes and outlooks, we show the world and those who do not believe that Jesus Christ will change lives and that there is someone to serve that is greater than ourselves.

Deleting my current outlook on life,

Jesus Freak Out!

The Blame Game

2008-10-28T21:16:00.004-04:00

"The man said,"The woman you put here with me-she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." (Gen. 3:12 NIV)

Ah Ha! There it is stated in the Bible. Woman was the reason that man is sinful. See. I have been saying this for years. They gave us the apple and we listened. Okay, really, not. I was just joking. If you took me seriously, then I have some beautiful waterfront property in Nebraska to sell you. As you can see from the previous paragraph I am playing the blame game. Just as Adam did when God confronted him on his disobedience, I have shifted the blame from man to woman. Logical, right? No way.

As Christ followers, we have to hold ourselves to a higher standard. That standard means that we take responsibility for our own actions and not shift the blame onto others or something else. This is my favorite affair excuse:"It was my wife's fault that I couldn't be faithful because she didn't give me the attention I needed." Are you nuts? Blame feeds our selfish nature and when we sense a threatening situation, like when someone points out something undesirable, we lash out and throw around blame. Time to stop the game and pull the mirror in front of our faces.

When we can step up to our mistakes and take our licks for them, then we can be a phenomenal witness to the non-believer. We also send a message to those around us that we have integrity inspired by Christ. And then they will see Christ. Actions always speak louder than our words.

Flipping the mirror,
Jesus Freak Out!

Who's to Blame?

2008-10-28T06:47:00.002-04:00

Think about how much responsibility you really take for your actions and keep this passage in mind, Genisis 3:12. Tomorrow we are going to talk about the blame game and how we can avoid getting sucked into it.

Until then,
Jesus Freak Out!