WaWa.

Those of you not from the NJ/PA area probably have not heard of a small convenience store called "WaWa." In fact, you probably just chuckled when I mentioned the name. Be quiet. Its true. I know the name sounds like something that babies say when they want a drink. But somewhere along the way an ambitious entrepreneur decided he/she would take the name and make a convenience store chain.

Now, for all you haters out there... I will defend the store despite its ridiculous name. And, for those who are not down with Northeast Culture (Josh... yes I named you), this is indeed a culture watch. Last night at 11:30pm a sharp pain arose from my stomach as I hungered for a late night snack. After moments of pondering what I should get a light bulb sprung to life in my head: SOFT PRETZELS! Yes, I love pretzels! And, again if you are not familiar with the northeast, particularly Philadelphia, the BEST soft pretzels are made here. Being based in the general Philadelphia area, WaWa has incredible soft pretzels. So I decided to take a ten minute drive into Red Bank, NJ (taking my life into my own hands) and procure a delicious soft pretzel. And no pretzel would be complete without a solid bottle of Snapple (made from the best stuff on earth). As I walked up to the counter, removed the plastic from my wallet and slid the magnetic strip through the machine, my mouth watered. I could not wait to get that salty, highly carbohydrated goodness into my mouth. I quickly ran to the car, started the engine (to keep me warm), ripped open the bag and savored what I had been anticipating.

WaWa was a huge part of my college career. 2:00 or 3:00am WaWa runs were common at Eastern University in PA and I made my fair share of trips, as evidenced by a slight (hehe) college weight gain. Whatever your feelings on the WaWa name or your experience at the store, I think you have to agree that the pretzels are... "A little slice of heaven." When I get to heaven, I think Jesus will be eating a pretzel from WaWa.

East Coast.

It is 10:00pm on a rainy, cold and uneventful night in the central part of New Jersey. I am sitting at the lone Starbucks in a town of 70,000 people, wearing my NY Yankees beanie and sipping a, currently lukewarm, cup of Salted Caramel Signature Hot Chocolate. I know what you might be thinking right now... doesn't a 27 year old single guy with a gregarious personality and tons of energy have something better to do on a Friday night?? The truth is no. The close friends of my youth have fled to other, more exciting (seemingly), parts of the country. Diners, such as the newly redesigned Middletown Diner, are poised for business but the novelty of the 2:00am diner run fades away in the wake of my late 20s and the lack of companionship. The allure of an empty Starbucks, my Bible and a keyboard is more appealing. Its funny how that works sometimes? As much as I love being around people... sometimes space is required-to reflect on the relationships of the past.

In our current technologically revolutionized world it seems like we are never at a loss for "relationships." Social networking websites like MySpace and Facebook have redefined the way we are "plugged in." People can't go to sleep each day without checking "updated status" reports from their friends. Its funny, I thought that status reports were something Captain Kirk asked for after an attack from a Klingon vessel! Text messaging and mobile phones (notice I used "mobile" because I wanted to sound more British) have truly allowed people to have contact with people "24/7," while at the same time becoming the ultimate poster product of American Individualism. But as a friend of mine is quick to point out... are those really relationships?

This brings me to my "East Coast" title, because when I return to the East Coast I am reminded of the stereotypes: People are rude, overbearing, terrible drivers (my sister almost killed me 5 times while driving home from the airport), impatient, fast paced and work long hours. The cynic would say that the stereotypical East Coaster does not due relationships well. Some work til all hours of the night on Wall Street trying to make a ton of money in order to acquire "happiness." However, those of us who either grew up here or have spent some time know that those on the east coast are some of the most authentic people you will meet. They may "tell you like it is" but they also like to "take it like it is." Some of the most authentic and caring people are my friends from the east coast, who I know will always "have my back" (perhaps even Soprano style). Words from an east coast insider... the rest of the country gives the right coast a bad rap.

It is the relationships I made in New Jersey that brought to life the words of Hebrews 10-12. Church was about "spurring one another" to pursue Jesus and to "never give up meeting together." I've known a few people who deserve to be in the"hall of faith" and I felt like I was surrounded by the "cloud of witnesses." The race that I am now running is because of the relationships and the unbelievable examples of those who invested in me throughout my childhood and adolescent years--those who still love me with the love of Jesus. My friends from the east coast give meaning to the "fierce love" that Jesus has for his children. They may work hard and be rude sometimes, but no one will ever accuse an east coaster of being inauthentic or getting lazy when it comes to running of the race to pursue the "author and perfecter of our faith."

Much like the Yankees never lack in pursuing their free agent prize. Halla back C.C.!

AIRPORT.

I did not get on a plane until I was 19 years old. Those who know me will not be surprised that during the flight from Philadelphia to San Francisco I was like a kind in a candy store. I got to look out the window and see the magnificent rays of the sun like I had never seen them before. As we soared through the black, dreary clouds that covered the Philadelphia Aiport and burst through them to see the sun, it was like being "born again." It was like seeing life with new eyes. As I looked down to the ground below and say the smallness of the streets and the lights of the population centers, I was so excited. I love flying. I love to "experience" new places. The flying experience is especially potent when I get to fly somewhere I have never been before. But even when I fly somewhere I have been, I still get exited. Why is that?

As I sit here in Denver International Airport, I am reminded of the experience every time I get to fly. I love to people watch, and there is not a better place to see lots of interesting people than at the airport. People in an airport have a certain rhythm to their lives. They all have some purpose, some place to go. The question I get to try to answer is, "Where are they going?" Because each person has a story. 

The airport also gives me a purpose. I have a destination, some place I am trying to get to and I am the kind of person who likes to know where he is going. I hate being in limbo and wondering what will come next. BUT! That is the tension. I also enjoy the mystery of the journey. While airline travel does not have a ton of mystery, the unexpected is still possible. For example, my flight was delayed today. I didn't expect that to happen. The weather was beautiful this morning in Denver, but the flight was delayed. The unexpected makes life interesting. I also don't know who I will sit next to on this flight or what the conversation will bring. That is the mystery. 

There is also something about being 35,000 feet over the earth and soaring through the clouds that feels adventurous. It feels exciting. When I look down on the middle of United States each time I take a trip from Denver to New York, I get to see the world's from God's perspective. He cares about each person on this earth and he sees each one of us simultaneously. He knows us very deeply. And, perhaps, that is why the airport is such a good example of the Christian life. As followers of Jesus we all have a destination, eternal life. But we will all meet new and exciting people along the way. We never know who we will meet, some will stay in our lives for a while, others may last a short time, and still others may be out of our sight as quickly as we said hello. The task, the purpose and the excitement of that journey is to live! To live with the purpose of showing the love that my God showed me when he shed his blood on calvary. To live with the intention of caring for people the way our Father cares for us. There is a great opportunity to do that in the airport. 

I love adventure. I love journeys. I love new and exciting things... after all, I hate it when I am missing something. Life is too short. And I think that that is why I love flying. I want to see as much as I possibly can, to live as fully as I possibly can, and impact as many people as I possibly can before my Savior calls me home with him. The airport is a reminder of my mission. The airport is a reminder of why I live. 

Redemption.

NOTE: This is another culture watch but the title was too cool to pass up.

On Sunday November 23, 2008 I was one of the millions of fans to have their appetites satisfied. For a year and a half, amidst financial crises, Georgian invasions, international olympics, foreign wars, and uncertainty of the future Jack Bauer has been absent from our television screens. If you have never seen the blockbuster Fox televisions series "24" then you are truly missing out. The show occurs in real time (24 hours in a day) and Jack Bauer always manages to save the day just in the nick of time. He is promoted as the "savior" of America, a man who truly loves his country and will do whatever he has to to protect and save its citizens. If you are a bad guy... LOOK OUT!

I think the reason for America's fascination with 24 and Jack Bauer is that we see everything we want to be in him. We see courage, strength, no nonsense, and sacrifice. If I was ever in trouble I would want Jack Bauer at my side. He has the ear of presidents and is always willing to lay down his life for the greater good (Very utilitarian). This past Sunday's "Redemption" 2 hour movie event was no different (Warning! If you haven't seen it I will disclose some details). At the end of Season 6, perhaps the most disappointing in the series, we saw Jack sitting on the edge of cliff seemingly not knowing what would come next in his life. In "Redemption," we find out that Jack has been running all over the world trying to avoid a subpoena from the Senate where he will be questioned about his use of torture (If you have seen the show, you know torture is not something Jack shys away from). He is currently in Sangala, Africa staying with his friend from the marines "Benton," who runs a school for orphans. 

Another major backdrop for the episode is the election of the first female president...hmmmm. Apparently 24 has to be first at everything (i.e. David Palmer, who has claimed he had a part in Barack Obama's election), is this a prediction for the future? She is about to be inaugurated and is undergoing the final stages of transition from President Noah Daniels (Who took over for Wayne Palmer last season). I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I found out that Daniels would not be on the show this season. He was easily to most idiotic, immoral, bigoted, annoying character that the show has concocted (Yes that is how I really feel). Meanwhile, back in Africa we learn that Sangala is about to undergo a political coup and all American citizens are being airlifted out. The new warlord wants to recruit new members for his army. So he heads right for Benton's school. In steps Jack, and in true Jack Bauer fashion he kicks some butt! Jack saves the children, gets them to the American embassy, and helps them be airlifted back to the US... but not with out cost. 

Jack faces a choice in the final scene of "Redemption." The children can only go if he goes with them, AND if he goes with them that means losing his freedom. What do you think Jack does? Of course he sacrifices himself. As many times as Jack does this, for me it never gets old. The selflessness of Jack Bauer is something that I aspire to have... because it is what my savior did for me. Throughout the New Testament, the word "redemption" is pretty important. There are various Greek words used for "redemption" but they all have to do with the idea of "saving." If someone has lost their freedom and is on the verge of slavery, a third party can intervene and save them... in this case, Jack. 

Jesus died on the cross so I can be redeemed. I was a slave to sin and lost my freedom, until Jesus laid down his life for me. When I watch 24 I see the Gospel in popular culture. No other character on television shows us the meaning of sacrifice as Jack Bauer. He is real. He undergoes pain. He makes difficult choices. More than that, he makes us feel the need for a Savior. In that respect, Jack Bauer shows my need for Jesus. I need a savior. I need someone who will redeem me. That someone is God in the flesh, our great God Jesus Christ. 

It is good to have Jack back. But it is even better to have Jesus. 

CULTURE WATCH!- "W." "Eagle Eye." "Quantum of Solace."

As a student pastor I have come to realize that the impact of media on today's 21st century American landscape is enormous. Statistics tell us that youth culture, largely influenced by media, changes every six months, which means that if we do not keep up we will be outdated quickly. The amount of information out there can be intimidating, so I want to begin a segment of my blog devoted to something I am passionate about: the understanding of American popular culture. My hope is that parents, students, and anybody who chooses to read will gain a better understanding of what's out there and filter it through the eyes of faith. So... here is the first installment of "Culture Watch!" And it features the three latest movies I have seen...

"W." 

Let me begin by saying that I am fascinated with George W. Bush. I know that can be an inflammatory statement in today's culture, and I do not deny that he has made many mistakes but I wonder if, underneath the media scrutiny, there lies a human being who really wants to do what is right for the country. That is what I took away from my viewing of "W." Those that go see the movie, I think, will view it through their own political lens and, inevitably, will each read political messages into the movie. However, I think the main thrust of the film is to show Bush as a human being with flaws and as someone who may have "missed his calling" (Take that as you will). The film traces his life from his fraternity days at Yale, his meeting of Laura at a family cookout, his first political races in Texas, his conversion to being "born again," running his father's campaign for president, and scenes from his own presidency. 

I will say I enjoyed the movie. The strongest point was the acting performances. Literally I think Josh Brolin was more Bush than Bush himself. The other actors were equally as good. Based on that alone I think the film is worth seeing. However, if you are an avid Bush fan understand that most of the messages that come through will probably appear to be a reinforcement of the pop culture image of the President. He is presented as honest, but unintelligent. There is an underlying story about George W. and his father. Apparently everything Bush does is to please his father... including going to war in Iraq (Which is probably the most inflammatory story line of the film). Based on some other reviews I read, I would have to concur that it probably be better if this film came out in five years. If that were the case we would know the fuller extend of the Bush Administration's actions. As it is, the end of the film left me wanting more and that can only come with time. My overall recommendation is to see the movie. If you can go into the film with an open mind and an appreciation of the acting you will enjoy the film. If you go in hoping that the writing will vindicate the President, you will be disappointed. My hope is that you can do the former and enjoy the film. 

"EAGLE EYE"

This was the typical action film. I enjoyed the movie while I was watching it but it is not one that I would purchase or even be disappointed if I did not see again. If you are looking for something to do on a Friday night and the movie is down that the dollar theatre, definitely go see it. If you want to wait until it comes out on DVD that would be fine too. I don't want to ruin the story line so I will only make a few general comments. Shia Lebouf is himself in the film: funny, high energy and fun to watch. I have only seen him in Transformers and Indian Jones so I have yet to determine whether he is an actor of some talent or simply an emerging pop icon. However, he is enjoyable. The story line, once all details are revealed, will feel like some you have seen before (In fact someone commented to me that if reminded them of an older movie they had seen). The movie is pretty clean except for some action violence and it will be pleasing for the average teenage movie watcher. If you are out of the teen years... it probably will not be your thing. 

"QUANTUM OF SOLACE"

Okay... I will admit up front that I think Daniel Craig is the BEST James Bond I have ever experienced. For those readers who have an affinity for Sean Connery or Roger Moore I will respect your opinion. However, I am pleased with the more "Jason Bourne" direction the series is taking with the younger, more agile Craig. Indeed, this film is very action oriented and the car chases, fight scenes, and detective work done throughout the film is more like "The Bourne Ultimatum" than the typical Bond film. There is none of the archetypical, if cheesy Bond film lines (aka "Bond, James Bond"). There is, shockingly, little sexual activity throughout. Some can disagree with me but I thought, in comparison to other Bond spectacles, 007 gets far fewer girls than is his norm. Perhaps that is because he is still getting over his previous love interest from the first film. 

Overall, this film is worth seeing. I mean, come one, its James Bond. While it is not quite as original and engaging as Casino Royale it serves its purpose. This movie is a bridge between the first and third movies of this new franchise with Craig. It ties up the loose ends of the characters from Casino and gives Bond the teeth he will need to sky rocket into his full on spy career. Go see it. And simply enjoy the explosions, unbelievable stunts, and, as always, Bond putting away the bad guys. 

Modern Day Pirates?

Okay, so I know I have already made a post today but I feel that this subject must be raised if only briefly. Has anyone else heard about these ridiculous "Modern Day Pirates" that are making news off the Somalian coast? Apparently they have been stopping large oil tankers and holding them for ransom, even up to one million dollars!

I don't know about you but I when I hear about pirates I cannot shake images of Jack Sparrow and Captain James Hook from my mind. Is the Black Pearl sailing about in the Indian ocean stopping much larger ships with Exxon/Mobil labels on them? Which begs the question, where is Peter Pan and the Lost Boys when you need them? 

Anyway... check it out on any news website and find out the latest news. In my view, if whatever these "pirates" are doing keeps gas under $2 a gallon they can keep right on doing it. ARRRRRRR!!!!!!

Check this link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122720952045945067.html

SURRENDER--God's desires for us

Ok... so I have been a little lax on my blogging lately. This post is an attempt to catch up and send me running towards the finish line of the semester. It has been a busy three weeks so I will succinctly provide the highlights and thoughts I have experienced. Here goes...

SURRENDER That was the last topic in our Road Signs series. What I discovered as I prepared for that message was simply that I don't like to surrender. Many of us don't. We like to control our lives and have our plans for the future. But then situations come up that are out of our "control" and we have to surrender those things to God and trust that he knows what is best--as hard as that may be. The bottom line of that message was: "Divine direction begins with surrender." Until we decide we want to surrender our lives totally to God and allow his Holy Spirit to guide us--we are working against the one who wants what is best for us. If we, if I, want the direction of my Heavenly Father, I must surrender myself to him completely. Easy right? Yeah...

FRAILTY I was assigned Psalm 8 to preach in my homiletics class. Hadn't thought too much about the Psalm until this point... but it has some beautiful images and theology about our relationship with God. Let me offer three points about the Psalm. First, the use of God's name in the opening lines shows us that God is a God who wants to be known publicly. The Psalmist cries out "O LORD, our Lord How majestic is your name in all the earth!" This is a prayer to YAHWEH God declaring how amazing he is and thanking him for making himself known to us through his name. No longer is he a God who sits high above in the heavens apart from his creation. NO! He is a God who has revealed himself to his creation and who wants a relationship with him. Second, the next few verses shows a contrast between to smallness of man and the big, creative power of God. I love this contrast because I can picture David standing outside on a starry night, marveling at the creative power of God. So David pens the line "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him." The Hebrew word used in that line reinforces the idea that human beings are frail and weak in comparison to our God. Indeed, I think the psalm is reminding us that we need to surrender to God because he is strong and he desires that we are dependent upon him. How convicting. As I look to the future and think about all the plans God has for each one of us... I think his desire is that we constantly depend on him and seek him in everything we say and do. How is that for surrender? Third, the end of the Psalm indicates that God wants to use us to impact the world. He has given us "dominion," over the earth... but that power and authority comes from God himself. He has put his "image" in us and when people see us he wants them to see him. God did not just save us for the sake of saving us... he saved us so that we can live with his purposes in mind and reveal himself to a dead and dying world. Wow! That is amazing. We must surrender to him so that he can use us. 

A "POOR" STORY Last weekend we took 70 leaders and students and immersed them in the heart of the city of Denver. This was our "XA" weekend and our theme was "Love the city." We did that. I was amazed at how our students will rise to a challenge when it is presented to them. Some spent three hours with homeless people at a coffee shop or handing out food on a Saturday morning. Some spent hours building a wheelchair ramp, moving garbage, and "roto tilling" a front yard in the one of the poorest sections of Denver, and some even spent an entire morning with some troubled kids from a transitional housing community. It was an awesome weekend and I know lives were changed. Each time I go into the city I feel God's heart for the poor. It is humbling. And it brings me back to the idea of surrender and the main themes in Psalm 8. We are frail and weak. I see that in the faces of the poor and homeless people we encountered last weekend. When someone has to wake up at 5:00am because they are freezing and have to get in line at the soup kitchen, you realize how little power you have in life. Most homeless people never thought they would be in the situations they are in... but then something happened. Something unexpected. It could happen to any one of us. And if it does, to where will we look for our strength? I can think of no better verse that Psalm 121... "I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from YAHWEH GOD the maker of heaven and earth." If I am ever in a situation like some of the people I met, I pray that Psalm 121 would be my life verse. 

All that said, it has been a moving three weeks. God has been good and I think his message to me and to the church in the United States is this--DEPEND ON ME. TRUST ME. SEEK ME. No matter where you are in life Jesus is calling to us and reaching out his hand. He loves us. He cares for us even though he does not have to. Some of us have gone through tremendous amount of pain in our lives. As when those situations and emotions rise up within us we have a choice: trust in ourselves or trust in God. I hope that we realize how big our God is and how much he cares for us, how much he wants to heal us. I hope that we surrender to him everything we have. It is only when we surrender to him and trust in him that he can fully use us. 

If this presidential election has taught us anything it is that people are longing for a life change and for hope. My prayer is that we would find those things in Jesus--the one who can truly fulfill us and sustain us. He is the God who created the world, who delivered his people from slavery, who constantly calls us back to repentance, who sent his Son in the flesh to die a brutal death for us, who rose from the grave and conquered Satan and death, who is at work in this world, and who is coming again! He says "Surrender! Trust in me! Depend on me! Because I care and I know what is best." That is the God we serve. 

XA--Love The City

I know I have got a little behind on my blog posts... I will do one by the end of this weekend. But I want to write this short note to ask that you pray for our "XA" weekend. "XA" stands for Christ First. This year we will be working with various organizations in downtown Denver to help the poor and hurting. We have a good number of students coming and our prayer is that they would get out of their comfort zones and become the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need it most. Thanks for your prayers. Pray for protection and that the Holy Spirit would move on the hearts of all our students. May the name of JESUS be made great!

O LORD our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8)

VISION. (Road Signs Part 2)

Last week I made my first post about the Road Signs series we are doing as a youth group. I had the opportunity to talk about the path principle, which is simply this: Our direction determines our destination. In pondering, praying, and pontificating on this topic a single word came into my mind over and over again: VISION. I think the reason that I and so many other people in life get on the wrong road, or miss a road sign, is because we forget about our vision--or we simply do not have a vision at all.

Andy Stanley defined vision like this: "Vision is a clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction that it should be." This is from his book Visioneering which you all should read if you have not. This principle applies to businesses, families, personal goals, and especially our Christian lives. In order to live and grow in a certain direction we have to have vision. We have to constantly ask ourselves--what is the vision that God has given me for life? We should spend all our energy finding that vision--and then NEVER forget it.

Stanley outlines two main points that every vision should have. First, the vision should come from a deep conviction. This conviction is birthed from our dissatisfaction with something and a desire to see it changed. Second, the vision should line up with what God is doing in the world. One of my friends would term it like this: "We need to connect with the movement of God." What is God doing in our community, in our family, in our hearts and where do we need to jump on board?

The main point in our Road Signs message this week is "when you see a warning sign, turn around." I think this principal is inherently linked with our own personal vision that comes from God. If we don't have a conviction about what God is doing in our lives, how will we ever know if we are going the wrong way? If we have not studied the Scriptures deeply and learned to love them, how will we ever know God's heart for the world in which we live--not to mention his personal plan for each of us? If we have not been driven to our knees by what God did for us on the cross--how will we ever change the world for Jesus? These are questions we must ask ourselves if we really want to align ourselves with God's vision, God's purpose for the world in which we live.

Too many of us go through life lacking a vision--missing the road signs that God puts in front of us. I see so many students walk through life simply wanting to have "fun." Don't get me wrong--I'm all for fun, we need to laugh and connect with people--that is part of God's plan. HOWEVER, when our desire to have fun becomes our vision we will never get anywhere in life. And, sadly, we will never do anything really great for God. Too many of us, myself included, have wasted portions of our lives because we have not pursued our vision. Or, maybe we have a vision but we have ignored the warning signs that popped up when we walked down the wrong path.

I don't know about you--but I don't want to waste my life. I don't want to want to wake up when I am 65 and getting ready to retire and ask the question: "What have I been doing with my life?" I want to come before my God and have him say "well done." Our path, our direction is different for each of us. To discover that path we need vision--a vision that comes from our great God. Don't waste your life. Discover God's vision for you. If you see a warning sign, turn around and head back to the path--because the great thing about our God is that he is a God of Mercy and Grace. Even that truth should shape our vision.

Our direction--our vision--determines our destination.

THE STARBUCKS EXPERIENCE--Some comments on loving God and loving People

I have worked at Starbucks for almost 3 1/2 years. In that time I have done things I never thought I would do. First--I now regularly wake up at 3:45am to go to work (An hour so ungodly--I question why the good Lord created it). Second--I have learned a new "language" which centers around coffee. Third--I actually like coffee! It was not too long ago that I actually detested the taste of it.

For all those things I thought I would never do, I have had the opportunity to do some things that have improved my ministry. First, I have learned to love people. Now... let me say that loving people is not always easy. When people walk in the doors at 8:59pm and we close at 9:00pm, I find it very difficult to love them. When I am cleaning various parts of the store to get ready for us to close, it is hard for me to love people. When customers complain about a tiny little bit of foam on their "Grande No Foam Latte"--it is hard to love people.

But I have met so many people at Starbucks and it has taught me to appreciate the creativeness of our God. I work with people from all walks of life--Christians and Non-Christians--and I believe that God loves everyone of us and he died for every single one of us. We all need Jesus because we are fallen and broken.

I have a friend who has taught me a great deal about loving people through his actions. I have learned so much from his generosity--whether is is getting donuts for strangers in the morning, remembering people's names, or going out of his way to correct something that he said. His passion for people is contagious and inspiring. And it is those little things that go a long way towards loving people and showing the heart of our God.

Starbucks seeks to connect with people over coffee. A few months ago Starbucks decided to close down all their stores in the US. They did this because they wanted to refocus their employees on the reason they exist as a company--to connect with people and serve great coffee. During this meeting my manager quoted Walt Disney's philosophy of growth-- "No matter how big we get, it all began with a mouse." Being the pastor that I am, I could not help but notice the parallel for ministry. Because the truth is no matter how big we get as a church, in our career--no matter how busy we are it all began with Jesus. And Jesus loves people. All people. Through my experience at Starbucks I have continued to learn that no matter what I am doing in life--nothing is more important than loving the people whom God brings into my life--and showing everyone the love that My God had for me.

"It's Friday, But Sunday's Comin'"--Some thoughts on humility and unleashing the church

Last Friday morning, as I do most Friday mornings, I got to sleep in. The week had been exhausting. I was up late three or four nights in a row, but I had made the promise to myself that I would go back to the gym this morning. 6:00am rolled around and my alarm started blaring--it was time to wake up and go work out. Now, I don't know about most people--but I like to institute what I call the "snooze and snore" maneuver. Whenever my alarm goes off in the morning I hit the snooze button twice...okay three...alright four times! I'll admit it, I like sleep. I will delay the waking up process as long as I possibly can so that I can get a few more minutes of shut eye sprawled out on my bed. And, as happened for many Fridays previous, I did not go to the gym. Instead, a thought shocked my brain like a bolt of lightning--I had not finished my message for Sunday! I had been thinking about it all week, praying about it, even daydreaming about it in all my seminary classes but I had not finished. I realized that it was Friday... and Sunday was coming!

Some of you may recognize that line, which was made famous by Tony Campolo. Tony, a born and bred Philadelphia Italian with the spit and passion to prove it, is one of the most sought after speakers in the Evangelical Christian world. I had the opportunity of attending Eastern University where Tony taught and heard him speak often. Since I graduated from Eastern I have not heard Tony speak... until yesterday when he came to Denver Seminary's chapel. I was reminded of what a good speaker he is. I want to highlight two points that I walked away with from chapel yesterday...

1. HUMILITY Tony eloquently talked about the idea of "power and authority" throughout his message. Power, he said, is something that most people seek in this world. People love to have lots of money and wear two bluetooths in their ears to prove that they are important. So many people think that the world revolves around them. Sadly, the church thinks this same way. We think that if we have a lot of money, big buildings, thousands of people in attendance, then we are important and are really making an impact for God and his kingdom. When those things happen--we may have power, but not necessarily authority. Authority only comes when we prove that we are humble enough to realize that God's kingdom is bigger than us and our egos. Authority comes when we have humbly walked to the walk, not just talked the talk. As the old the saying goes--"We have to earn the right to be heard."

Those who know me best know that I have an issue with this. I feel the need to always tell people my schedule and how busy I am. This has been convicting to me of late--because the world does not revolve around me. I am not that important. And while I may have some kind of "power" by the positions and achievements that I hold--my authority only comes from God the Father Almighty. It is through his grace that I have what I have and by his sacrifice that I have life. This thought should drive us to our knees every day as we humbly depend upon our God.

2. UNLEASHING THE CHURCH You will never hear a time that Tony speaks when he does not mention the poor. He is passionate about Christians going into the darkest places of this world to reach the outcasts and make a difference for the Kingdom of God. As Tony spoke about these things this time--I was reminded of the book and philosophy made popular by Frank Tillapaugh "The Church Unleashed"--(Originally "Unleashing the Church"). The crux behind this philosophy is that the church needs to get outside it walls and make an impact on the city in which it ministers--to all the outcasts that the people of "power" neglect. I have heard sermons recently and over the years that have communicated the need for Christians to minister in the "darkest places." In response, I say that those of us who minister in the suburbs, the privileged middle class, need to get unleashed and start serving in the darkest places. I feel that one of my callings as a pastor is to mobilize and equip the suburban church to minister in the urban community. This is Tony's challenge as well, which is relevant and convicting to all.

As he finished up with power and authority, it seemed appropriate when he used the illustration of the current Wall Street situation. All the people of power are freaking out because they realize their power is found in their money. But if we are followers of Jesus Christ--our power is in our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ. He is still on his throne and everything we have is because of him. Sometimes it may feel like we are in bed on a Friday and we are panicked with the things of this world. But Sunday's coming--and while I may have been a little concerned about my message on that Friday, Sunday was a great day of celebrating our God. He is the one who has saved us, redeemed us, changed us--he is the one who has come... AND HE'S COMING AGAIN! Wherever you are--HOPE in the truth of the Lord Jesus. It may be Friday--but Sunday's coming!

Your Direction Determines Your Destination: Thoughts on Road Signs

Driving can sometimes be a challenge for me. Have you ever gone the wrong way down a one-way street? Have you ever been driving on the interstate and gotten off at the wrong exit because you "accidentally" were in the wrong lane? Or better yet, have you "misread" a sign and started going the wrong way on the highway... only to realize a few hours later that you were not where you should be? All of those scenarios have happened to me. 

If you are a little younger and cannot drive, maybe you have seen your parents do those things. But more likely you have gone into the wrong restroom (men to women and women to men), gone the wrong way around the bases, walked into the wrong classroom in the middle of a lecture, or said hi to someone you thought was someone else because they look familiar. Again, all have happened to me :). 

In all of these scenarios it seems that things happen unintentionally. After all, I don't think that I intentionally tried to kill the people in my car by going the wrong way on a one way street, or waste people's time by driving the our of our way for three hours. There have been times when I have not intended to hurt someone emotionally... but I did. I have ended relationships with people. I have had relationships end with me. And my favorite line when that happens is "I did not mean to hurt you." Let me just camp here for a second. Of course we did not mean to hurt each other. No one goes into a relationship and says "Hmmmm... I wonder how deep I can wound this person." It is not our intention, but because we take a risk sometimes it can happen. If we choose to take a certain direction in a relationship there is chance, a risk that someone will get hurt. There is also a chance that the direction we take could lead to something greater. 

Intentions are all well and good, but if our intentions do not lead to actions then they are meaningless. Here is the thing that I have learned and that we all have to learn in life: Our direction, not our intention, determines our destination. That is the theme of a new series I am teaching called "Road Signs." 

As I am getting a little older, I have begun reflecting on that idea. I look back over my life and realize that all the decisions that I made in my life have been a direction that eventually led to a destination. I chose to go to certain college, which led to the next stage of life. I chose to move to Colorado from New Jersey to go to Seminary which was a major directional change. All the decisions that I have made in the past and will make in the future are directions that will lead to destinations. The question to ask ourselves is twofold: "Where do we desire to be... and is it in line with God's vision for us?"

As a student pastor I have seen so many young men and women make poor decisions. It is the plight of all student pastors... I am sure mine thought the same about me. We often make decisions based on our desires, but we never stop to ask ourselves if those desires line up with God's vision for us. It is often like a really scary movie, you see the young protagonist enter the dark house late at night and all you want to do is yell "NOOOOOO!!!!!!" Proverbs chapter seven talks about this idea. We see a young man making some very poor decisions in life and an older man is watching and shaking his head. The older man knows these mistakes because he has already made them in life. So he cries out to the young man "keep my words, and treasure up my commandments with you." Why? Because he knows that it is like and he does not want the young man to go through the same pain he went through. He does not want him to misread or disregard the road sign and wind up on a direction that will lead to a poor destination. I think this is the same way that God looks at us as he sees our hearts and our actions. 

Our direction, not our intention, leads to our destination. I have found that to be so true in life. I don't know about you but want my direction to be God honoring and guided by prayer. As I think about this principal I realize how much I need to be on my knees every single day crying out for God's guidance because only he can help us determine the correct direction for our life. And if we take a detour... he offers grace and guides us back to the highway. But it is not his desire that we stray from the path he has laid before us. The writer of Hebrews put it this way:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us RUN WITH ENDURANCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. (12:1-2)."

My hope is that we all would look for the Road Signs in our lives. Run the race, but make use the cloud of witnesses who care about you and always look to Jesus. Heed the "caution" signs, t stop at the red lights and stop signs, dive headfirst into the green lights, and ultimately continually "Yield" to the direction that God is putting us on. Our direction, not our intention, leads to our destination. 

Spiritual Implications of A Boston Red Sox Defeat

This is may seem like a ridiculous topic to blog about, and it is, but I feel I need to comment. Those of you who know me best are aware that I hate the Boston Red Sox. I hate the Red Sox so much that I would be satisfied if they lost every game for the rest of their existence as an organization! Harsh I know, but this is how I am aware that I hate the Red Sox so much. The other night the Tampa Bay Rays were on the verge of allowing the Red Sox to come back from 3-1 series deficit (not the first time the Red Sox have done this). It brought back haunting memories to the worst year in New York Yankees recent history--2004 when the Yankees blew a 3-0 series lead. As the Red Sox lost to the Rays--even though the Yankees did not make the playoffs--I felt like the year was a success. 

A recent issue of USA Today showed ran a story about a Boston Red Sox fan who used to root for the Yankees. He had moved to Boston and became a die-hard Red Sox fan. His comment to the paper was "The Red Sox grow on you." I cannot think of a more heretical statement that could be uttered by a Yankees fan. Scores of stories from church history ran through my mind as I thought that this man was a worse than Pelagius, Arius, perhaps even some of our neo-orthodox brothers.  A visceral reaction rose up in my bones as I heard this statement... it was then that I realized how much I hated the Red Sox. I felt betrayed by this young man. And being the Calvinist that I am I questioned whether he was ever a Yankees fan in the first place! The Arminian perspective may have allowed for more grace in this young man's changing allegiance. 

The whole story reminded me of the Church at Laodecia in Revelation 3. The Christians there were criticized for being lukewarm and falling away from Christ. I offer this young man from Boston as an example of a lukewarm Yankees fan who should be ashamed of himself. Folks, whatever team you root for... never. never. never give in to lukewarm cheering! We cannot lose our valuable faithful to our arch rivals. I hope and pray that the Boston Red Sox loss in this year's playoffs will begin a revival of the Yankee faithful to win more souls to our cause. We cannot be lukewarm... the souls of many depend upon it!

Running Towards The Fray

Does anyone remember when The Fray got really big like two or three years ago? I think it was impossible for me to go into a diner, drive in my car, step into a Starbucks, walk out on the street, enjoy a Rockies game without hearing that familiar beat and vocals to "How to Save a Life." NO ONE could get away from the Fray. They were everywhere. 

Over the last few days I have been thinking about the fray... not the band, but what it means to be in the fray of life. The messiness of life that will always be there. As I get older I realize that life can throw some curveballs at you. Things you thought were going to happen, don't. Challenges that your thought would never come your way, do. And sometimes you are left crying our to God for guidance but left wondering what to do. Sometimes others are telling you these same thoughts from their lives and you try to offer guidance. The uncertainties and messiness of life is the fray. 

I was reading a book at a Starbucks the other day and it used the phrase, "We must start running towards the fray." I was a little taken back because for the last few years I have been trying to run away from the Fray. This author was speaking specifically to followers of Jesus Christ. As we minister in life, we need to run towards the fray. We need to get into the messiness of people's lives and show them God for who he really is: the God who saves, loves, redeems, transforms, is all-powerful, is all knowing, gives freedom, and is the great God of the universe. We must run towards the fray because too many people run away from it. Too many people are scared of getting involved in people's lives. We need more people like David, who was not afraid to run towards Goliath with power that comes from God Almighty. 

Part of the reason I don't run towards the fray of life is that I don't like letting go of the things that I am attached to. I don't want to risk losing my security and worth. I like the relationships that I have, I like the TV shows that I watch, I like my paycheck, I like living the way that I like to live... I am attached to things and I need to let go of them so God can use me in more powerful ways. I was reading another book when I realized that this life is not all about me--it is about allowing the living God to be glorified through me. So often I get caught up in the things that I am doing and am attached too that I forget God has a bigger plan for me. God wants all of us to take the risk of running towards the fray of our lives with his power and let him show up. Because when he does amazing things will happen. 

I don't know specifically what it means for you to run towards the fray. I don't know what you are attached to. Maybe it has to deal with a relationship, or a vision for your life, or how you use your resources. Whatever it is, may you run towards the fray of life, get in the messiness and let God be God. Un-attach yourself for the things of this life and attach yourself to the God of the universe who can carry you through any issue that comes about in your life. Change the world by being used of God. Run towards the fray.

Are you ready for this?

I have never blogged before in my life. Actually, when I first that people were starting this new thing called "blogging," I thought it was synonomous with an upset stomach and something in the toilet that looked like old chinese food (see what you do with that image!). So when it was suggested that I start a blog a few weeks ago (when it was created for me), I wasn't initially on board full swing (As evidence by my lack of posts in the last few weeks). However, its time to to get going... and those who know me well know that reading my blog will be like a Seinfeld quote- "I never know what to expect, and I'm real scared (Jerry to George)." 

In fact, as you read this blog it might not always make sense, you might get visions of George Costanza dancing in your head, you will probably find lots of quotes from current TV Shows and Movies, I may forget to clarify an inside joke, or something else that I am not thinking about at this moment. But I hope that at some point, as I dump out the many thing that go through my mind, you find some hope and encouragement for life an that you see a passion for the God that I love and the kingdom that I live in. Because, as many know- I do love my life!

2:00 AM at the Diner is a reference to a childhood passion of mine. I grew up in New Jersey, and when you grow up there you cannot help but get captured by the diner culture. I chose 2:00 AM because that is time when the best conversations happen and breakfast never tasted so good. Join me at 2:00 AM--and may you be part of the adventure!