Thursday, January 29, 2009

Boy Among Men

Maybe how David felt?
-- Post From My iPhone

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

That Mystery Key

Sitting in my driveway…my friend managed to lock himself within his trunk. Keys within his pocket and no other way in or out. Don’t ask. Stupid high school stuff. In the end, his sister came to the rescue. A spare was left behind…just in case history repeated itself. Fortunately, it was never needed.

Just yesterday I went though our keys. Keys for anything and everything. Cars, churches, clubs, halls, homes, and offices. Kind of a mess. I still ended up with a pile of mystery keys. Holding on as if someday I’ll remember. Ya right.

Keys gain access…even through the hardest and toughest of doors. A simple twist and there you go. Boldly walking across the threshold.

People so often lug and tug the baggage and luggage of life. Searching and seeking for the mystery key. The key that will open, unlock, and free. Perhaps a counselor or doctor. Perhaps our friend Google. That key is out there somewhere. But…these people still lug and tug. Lugging and tugging past you and your church. Looking up and neglecting or even scoffing. At least never thinking. The church? Do they make keys?

Not the church…but, Jesus Christ who is embodied and represented through the church. Through us. We have that key. That mystery key. Do your relatives know? How about your colleagues or friends? Better yet…how about you?

People lugging and tugging past you and your church. Please stop, pause, and consider. But how? Relationships! After all…we were once lugging and tugging. But, we’re free (John 8:32). Not perfect or even all together. Simply freed and united through the blood of Jesus Christ. Related with the beliefs, experiences, and thoughts of fellow brothers and sisters.

Relationships. Or should I say…transparent relationships will get those luggers and tuggers to stop, pause, and consider. And when they do…we'll be there with the Key! Opening, unlocking, and freeing. Boldly walking across the threshold. Until next time. Jed.

Monday, January 26, 2009

To Be Or Not To Be

Any leaders among us? I imagine so. Leaders love to do do do and go go go. Capturing, nailing, reaching, remembering, and transcending…multiple items and tasks at one time. A quick inhale and off we go again. A relentless venture. Climbing mountain after mountain. Crossing finish line after finish line. Repeating day after day and tomorrow after tomorrow.

The point being…leaders often relish leading and completely neglect being. To be or not to be? Be a friend. Be a husband. Be a parent. Be a partner. But…above all…be with God. The friend, husband, parent, and partner will never fully bloom without the later. Be with God.

The beauty. The majesty. Remember when? These things I remember as I pour out my soul. How I used to go with the multitude. Leading the procession to the house of God with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng (Psalm 42:4). Remember when following and serving God was thankful and joyful and not just full of notes, points, and tasks.

Pause for a moment day after day and tomorrow after tomorrow. Remember when. Be with God and be renewed! Until next time. Jed.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Did You Know

Don’t put your head in the sand! After all…we live in a changing world. Don’t believe me…watch this video. Adapt, evolve, and reach a new generation for Christ. Until next time. Jed.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Jesus Is Watching

A burglar snuck into a house one night. Shining his flashlight on the floor in the dark, he heard a voice saying, "Jesus is watching you."

He looked around nervously, shook his head, and kept looking for valuables. He again heard, "Jesus is watching you."

This time, he shone his light all over, and it rested on a parrot. He asked, "Did you say that?"

The parrot admitted that he had. "I'm just trying to warn you, is all."

The burglar said, "Warn me, huh? Who are you? What's your name?"

"Moses."

"Well, what kind of stupid people would name a parrot Moses?"

The bird answered, "I don't know, I guess the same folks who would name a rottweiler Jesus."

Ha ha. Spending the last few days within a hospital, I noticed something. Jesus. He was everywhere. Every time they moved my dad…you bet…there was Jesus. He was in the waiting rooms, lobbies, cafeterias, and oddly enough the bathrooms. The crucifix was hanging at every occasion.

You know…this hospital is on the money. Jesus is everywhere. Jesus is watching. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever (Psalm 121:5, 7, & 8). How cool is that!

Here’s a pic of Jesus within a waiting room...our temporary home away from home. Until next time. Jed.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

God Has No Equal

Well…where to begin or end. I’m not sure. This past week is one to remember. Aunts struggling with cancer. Dads flirting with death. Families wrestling with doubt. Friends questioning and wondering. Why? Sound familiar? A lone voice calling and crying out. Why? Why that or why this? God seems to have vanished or at least taken a pause. 2009 is off to an interesting and intriguing start.

We all have a why…and this why may never be answered. What now? Does anything change without this answer? God remains constant as we toil and trod. God does not change! Right?

I’ll keep today’s post short and simple as the Word says it best (Isaiah 40:12-25).

Who else has held the oceans in his hand?
Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers?
Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale?
Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord?
Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?
Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice?
Does he need instruction about what is good?
Did someone teach him what is right or show him the path of justice?
No, for all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket.
They are nothing more than dust on the scales.
He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand.
All the wood in Lebanon’s forests and all Lebanon’s animals would not be enough to make a burnt offering worthy of our God.
The nations of the world are worth nothing to him.
In his eyes they count for less than nothing mere emptiness and froth.
To whom can you compare God?
What image can you find to resemble him?
Can he be compared to an idol formed in a mold, overlaid with gold, and decorated with silver chains?
Or, if people are too poor for that, they might at least choose wood that won’t decay and a skilled craftsman to carve an image that won’t fall down!
Haven’t you heard? Don’t you understand?
Are you deaf to the words of God – the words he gave before the world began?
Are you so ignorant?
God sits above the circle of the earth.
The people below seem like grasshoppers to him!
He spreads out the heavens like a curtain and makes his tent from them.
He judges the great people of the world and brings them all to nothing.
They hardly get started, barely taking root, when he blows on them and they wither.
The wind carries them off like chaff.
“To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One.


So…give your why to God. It cannot be in better hands as God has no equal! Until next time. Jed.

Friday, January 16, 2009

A Small Pause

This blog will hit the pause button until early next week. My dad just had bypass (open heart) surgery. Long story short. Air lifted to Loyola...five bypasses later and good to be alive. God is good! See you all next week. Jed.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Just Your Average Sparrows

The birds. Nope…not Alfred Hitchcock. Just your average sparrows. What do they do and where do they go during the winter? Who needs or wants a winter blast? Not me! Be good and fly south my feathered friends. Wish I could join ya.

Don’t worry. We’ll avoid the theology between these questions and you….as yesterday’s toothpaste was reaching and stretching enough. Let’s simply keep it simple.

Earlier today, I was driving and trudging through the snow covered roads. While praying for sanity and safety, two sparrows landed directly in my path. A few pecks and off they went. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

Matthew 10:29-31 notes, “What is the price of two sparrows – one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid – you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

Landing while I was praying…these sparrows were a simple reminder. A gentle touch from God. He catches, leads, and loves!

Listen up church! People are seeking these sparrows. Are you communicating the catching, leading, and loving nature of God? Without spot or wrinkle. Holy and worthy. Simply awesome...

Just your average sparrows. What do they do and where do they go? Not sure. But…what an amazing testament to the faithfulness and readiness of God. Until next time. Jed.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

What Will You Have For Lunch

Chicken noodle or peanut butter? The options for my daughter’s lunch. She went with chicken noodle. A good choice…especially with the winter weather. What will you have for lunch?

This choice will be one of many today. After all…we live in America. Where choices and options abound. Just look at toothpaste. Baking soda anyone? Cavity protection or whitening? Gel or paste? Mint or fruit flavored? Name brand or offshoot? Sensitive teeth too? Toothpaste claims an entire aisle within the store. Toothpaste is serious business.

But…the choices and options have just started. Looking only within our baths…we have conditioners, deodorants, scrubs, shampoos, soaps, sprays, etc. Wow! And…without hesitation we pay the bill. We don’t think twice. We put in the time. To ensure we have this or that. Even going out of our way or paying a little more.

Kind of nuts. Isn’t it? Putting so much thought into our hair, teeth, and underarms. But…what about God? How much thought heads His way? Well...we listen to that Christian radio station. Say a quick prayer or two while plowing through the snow covered roads. Oh ya…we even read that Christian blog. We’re good. Aren’t we?

I’m not here to condemn or rehash an earlier post. Just wanting to give a second or third thought as Jesus stands and knocks (Revelation 3:20). We pursue the best for ourselves…with all the products noted above. But, do we pursue God? We carefully mold and shape our hair. But, do we allow God to mold and shape our hearts?

As Jesus stands and knocks…let’s answer and sit with our Savior. Pursue God’s best! Until next time. Jed.

A little humor before leaving. What’s the slogan for hillbilly toothpaste? If it was made for more than one tooth, we’d call it teethpaste. Ha ha.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Trust? Not A Chance!

Earlier today I pulled up to a stop sign and trusted my wife. She claimed all was clear and off we went without demise.

Trust is powerful. After all...I trusted my wife with my life. No doubts, glances, fears, or worries. Just the word go and off we went. We trust people from all walks of life. Doctors to heal. Officers to protect. Pastors to counsel. Teachers to teach. And the list marches on. But...trusting God seems to be a stretch and life overtakes.

I love my kids and kids love trust. A lion could be charging or asteroid colliding. But...my kids would feel safe and secure within my arms (although we know better). Why? Because of trust. No doubts, glances, fears, or worries. Just absolute and simple trust.

We try and crack the code or untangle the mystery. At times…this mystery is ok unsolved. The answer may remain elusive. Hidden despite our best efforts to seek. Why? Why the diagnosis? Why the pain? Why the stress? Let's take the lead from the kids. Here comes the lion or asteroid. So...jump into the arms of God. Safe and secure with absolute and simple trust.

Abraham left without a defined end...and guess what. Abraham found home (Hebrews 11:8)! He trusted God and God delivered and secured home. How about you? On a journey without a defined end. Not sure of the how, when, where, or why. Just trust. Haunted by fears and questions. Just trust. Plagued by popular opinions. Just trust. Unsure of...

Just TRUST!

Give and release this journey to God. Trust in the Lord with all your heart...He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). Now...that's words to live by. Say bye bye to doubts, glances, fears, or worries. Listen for the word go and trust! Until next time. Jed.

Friday, January 09, 2009

The Earth Opened & Swallowed

The story of Korah within Numbers 16. One of my favorites. A twist of bizarre and simple…topped off with a wow. Israel stranded within a wilderness. Moses with the lead.

Korah was sick and tired. Sick and tired of roaming, wandering, and wondering. Come on…there must be a better way. What’s wrong with Moses? Where's this land of honey and milk? The battle cry was sounded!

Have you ever been there? I have. Near the back…tossing comments near the front…with the best intentions and motives. Right?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m a proponent of change. After all...change is now embraced and expected. So, shouldn’t we cheer for Korah? Perhaps a high five or two on his way to Moses. Who wouldn’t be sick and tired? Stranded within a wilderness.

So…what became of Korah? Numbers 16:32-33 notes, “The earth opened its mouth and swallowed the men, along with their households and all their followers who were standing with them, and everything they owned. So they went down alive into the grave, along with all their belongings. The earth closed over them, and they all vanished from among the people of Israel.” Numbers 6:35 notes, “Then fire blazed forth from the Lord and burned up the 250 men who were offering incense.”

Ouch and wow! Korah went down…literally. Can you imagine? Now…that would be something to blog about. So, what does all this mean? How can I relate?

We all have ideas and thoughts. How to preach better, reach better, and teach better. Ideas and thoughts are sweet. Implementation and presentation? At times…a little bitter. Let’s not get lost within the strategies and tactics of Korah. Stop tossing from back to front. Instead…stand front and partner and implement new stuff!

New stuff is good. New stuff is embraced and expected. Israel was in the midst of new stuff. And…this new stuff appeared to be flawed. Marketing guru Seth Godin stirred the pot earlier today. Seth notes, “When the new stuff doesn’t work, do the stuff more and better.” Just because the new doesn’t work - let’s not revert to the old. Let’s not leave a wilderness to return to slavery. Stay the course. Stand front and partner and implement new stuff! Until next time. Jed.

Thursday, January 08, 2009

The Best Is Yet To Come

There’s hope for today and hope for tomorrow. But…I’m somewhat drained, exhausted, jaded, and whipped. Thoughts are racing and racing fast. Reaching for just one and poof. It vanishes…as countless others race past. There’s no end and I’m out of shape. Nap time anyone?

Guess what? You’re not in this race alone. Sure…there’s doubts, fears, thoughts, and worries running wild. But, you’re not in this race alone. Sure…you may be drained, exhausted, jaded, and whipped. But, you’re not in this race alone. You may not even see a finish line. You ask…what’s a finish line? Do they truly exist? But, you’re not in this race alone. You may hopelessly look for a body…someone to talk to or relate with. But…yep, that’s right…you’re not in this race alone.

The writer of Hebrews says it best. Hebrews 6:18-19 notes, “Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” What does this text mean? Well…Jesus has your back and you’re not in this race alone.

There’s hope for today and hope for tomorrow. The best is yet to come! A simple post…but, one that’s dear and near to my heart. Until next time. Jed.

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Church Marketing Sucks...Huh

Yesterday…I looked down and noticed a goof. My socks! I was wearing one gray and one tan. Oh well…who hasn’t been there? That moment. Keeping one eye open and wondering what to do next. Is anyone looking? Did anyone see?

How about your church? Do visitors feel out of place…as if wearing different socks? Or, is the opposite true? Let’s resurrect the same guy from an earlier post. Same jeans. Same shirt. We should give this guy a name. After all…he may want to make a future appearance within this blog. I like Abe.

Abe is curious. His friend has talked of Jesus. But, who is this Jesus and why should Abe care? Figuring he has nothing to lose…he walks through the doors of your church (if only it were that easy). Now what?

We so often get immersed in church culture that we seldom slow down. Slow down and think about people such as Abe. Sure…it’s easy for you and me. Through the door. Shake a few hands. Laugh a few laughs. Take our token seat. Rattle through the service. Sip some coffee. Talk the lingo. And…off to Sunday School we go for a repeat of the above. No doubts, fears, or worries. What about Abe? He is unsure about the shakes, laughs, takes, rattles, sips, and talks. Is anyone looking? Did anyone see?

My dad walked into the emergency room about a decade ago. Throwing his wallet at the desk…he announced he was having a heart attack. The response was impressive! My dad survived this heart attack due to this response and the hand of God. He didn’t have to ponder or wonder. He was welcomed. The shakes, laughs, takes, rattles, sips, and talks were not a big deal. Our church should mimic this emergency room. Welcoming those with heart conditions…washing away doubts, fears, or worries.

Take a hard look at your church. What will Abe see? Will he be welcomed? Will he know what to do or where to go? Will he ponder or wonder? Worse yet…will he sit in our token seat (just kidding)? Don’t ignore these questions. Take action! Implement change where needed. Nothing to change? If so…please let me know and I’ll pray for your ego. :)

Dan Kimball recently posted about this topic. Click here for this post. Also, I stumbled upon a blog named Church Marketing Sucks. An interesting name. And…there’s some interesting reads within this blog. Take a look here. Until next time. Jed.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

The Grace of Tuna

Let’s meet Ronnie. Ronnie fishes for tuna. Now…who doesn’t enjoy tuna? Tuna casserole, salad, and steak. Mmmm!

Tuna live about 15 years. Grow to be 6½ feet. Weigh around 550 pounds. Wow! That’s a big fish. And…some crazy guy once paid $173,600 for a tuna. What? Has he not heard of StarKist? He should have checked Kmart or Walmart first. Perhaps tuna was on a blue light special.

Now…back to Ronnie. While fishing for tuna just a few weeks ago, a squall hit and his boat capsized. He was stranded at sea. As time dragged and lagged, Ronnie was consumed by despair. Adding to the mix…crustaceans nibbled at his softened flesh and blood started to spread. Ronnie was convinced sharks would soon visit.

But…instead of sharks…dolphins came to the rescue. These dolphins nudged Ronnie mile after mile to shore. These dolphins saved Ronnie’s life.

How ironic! Thousands of dolphins die each year from the nets of tuna fisherman. And…Ronnie, the tuna fisherman, was saved by what? Dolphins. Sounds like someone I know. You and me.

We often flee from God. Wrestle with sin. Ignore the callings, promptings, and warnings. We’re comfortable. Comfortable with life and the day to day. There’s an awesome story from the Bible about a man named Jonah. Jonah fled and ignored God’s calling to go to Nineveh (Jonah 1:3). Despite a second chance and seeing Nineveh turn to God, Jonah complained about being comfortable (Jonah 4:8-9). As Jonah complained and ignored…Nineveh was redeemed.

Much like Ronnie…we’re saved by what we often hurt. We’re saved by the grace of God. It’s time to drop the nets…lower our guard and allow the grace of God to save. God has amazing plans for you and me throughout 2009. Let’s not be Jonah and miss the redemption of Nineveh before our eyes…all in the name of comfort. Until next time. Jed.

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Some Questions

When was the last time you hung out or went out with non Christians? How many non Christian friends do you have?

When was the last time you shared your faith…with anyone?

How is your church viewed within the community? Is it known? If so…would it be missed?

Would you embrace anyone walking through the doors of your church…regardless of their outer appearance? Would you try and change this appearance if it didn’t fit the “norm” of your church?

Is their a healthy balance within your church of non believers, new believers, and mature believers? If not…why are you out of balance and how can you get back in balance?

Are you praying for non Christians?

Good questions for us all. Me included! Until next time. Jed.

Friday, January 02, 2009

Let Someone Else

Happy New Year! 2009 is here and will be so for some time. So…now what?

You bet! It’s time for some resolutions. The promises and vows that we love to hate and often forget before January expires. Perhaps a faith resolution. Financial resolution. Health resolution. Home resolution. Or…a relationship resolution. All of these resolutions have a common thread. Purpose.

Who doesn’t desire and seek purpose? Every company and factory defines their purpose. More importantly…every individual within seeks the same. What is my purpose? A popular question of the masses. As a young adult? A pastor? A layperson? A husband? An employee? And the list goes on. Each one starring us in the face. Taunting us. Wondering who we are and how we will get there. As we look into the mirror, we expect to see a clear reflection. A definition of each. But, the image seems to elude and fade away.

How can we reverse this trend? Become intentional. So often the church takes a back seat. Worse yet…the church may become a back seat driver. Let the pastor handle that. After all…don’t we pay him? Or…let’s pass this decision and discussion through the ranks of committees. Let them figure it out. Get back to me in a month or two.

It’s time that we…no. It’s time that you become intentional. Intentional with ministries. What are my gifts and talents and how may they be used? Intentional with relationships. Reaching out and sharing with your colleague, friend, neighbor, or stranger. Do they know that you are a Christ follower? Why not? Who will tell them in your silence?

Intentional with Jesus. Jesus was very intentional with us. He saved us from ourselves.

This post isn’t about convictions or inadequacies. We all fall short. We’re all inadequate. This post is about walking through 2009 with a new view. Not for the physical. But, for the spiritual. Looking past the label of church culture. Whether pierced or tattooed. Struggling with depression or pornography. Perhaps self esteem. Sleeping with the same sex. Abusive or judgmental. Let’s look at the heart. Jesus came not only to save you...but, to save all of the above.

Come on Jed. I don’t need a new view.

In walks a young man. Wearing jeans and a shirt, he quietly sits near the back row. People greet him and are excited about a new face. He continually comes and eventually gives himself to Jesus. You feel good about yourself…sitting a row or two behind and watching these events unfold. The church at work.

In walks a young man. Same jeans and shirt…but, with a few tattoos. His language is somewhat off key and come to find out…he has a boyfriend. What’s he doing here? Doesn’t he know the protocol?

Look at both young men. How would your church respond? Would they be welcomed the same? Would any “small talk” ensue? Regardless of the surface…they have the same heart and Jesus came for them both.

How about you? Your actions, deeds and thoughts? Are they intentional? Do you have purpose?

I’ll post some questions that we should all be asking tomorrow. Until then. Jed.

Here are some very intentional ministries with a clear purpose…great examples.

Battle Cry & XXX Church