Why I Love My Life Group

Let me tell you about my life group. All ages from twenties to fifties. All walks of life from babies to teenagers and from blue collars to white collars. None better than the other. Simply doing life together as fellow friends of God.

Here's what we're up too...

Friday night we're hanging out. Games and homemade pizzas. Mmm.

Sunday morning we're serving together. The smiling faces for all who come through the doors of Harvest Chapel.

Monday night we're digging into Scripture. Applying love and tackling life.

Let's not forget the constants. Friends to count on. Laughter. Minds to pull from. Really really good food. Shoulders to lean on.

So...why do I love my life group? Seems like a silly question after noting the above. Doesn't it? Which only begs the real question. Why struggle and stumble alone? Get plugged in. Do life together. Build support walls.

When the time comes...you'll be glad you did as we're designed to be actively engaged within community. And...we all know life happens and the time always comes sooner or later. Until next time. Jed.

The Magic Of Love

The top three ways, ten best practices, or five golden rules. These numbers and titles generate traffic to blogs everywhere. They're catchy and generally easy to absorb and implement. But, how many top three, ten best, or five golden exist? All together...the three quickly become the three hundred. Kind of hard to absorb and implement the three hundred. Isn't it?

But, we continually cloud the clear and create the complex. Let's face it...we all want to know these numbers and titles. After all, aren't we steps from the peak? Getting ready to ride the wave of glory and success?

A fellow once had similar thoughts. He decided to vocalize these thoughts and ask the Master. What is the most important principle? Forget the top three, ten best, or five golden. Give me the one! The answer? Love God and love people. Huh? Seems too simple.

However, let's set aside the numbers and titles for just a moment. Not to sound like a love song...but, a little love may generate the traffic we're truly seeking. What about your husband, kid, neighbor, or wife? What would happen with love as your guide and partner? There's no need to answer this question. You already know the answer!

From my good friend, Wes Bell, love is spelled SHOW and TIME. Good advice and good truth for us all. Until next time. Jed.

Dirty Laundry

A church and a pub just a few blocks apart. How do these worlds interact and intersect? Better yet...do these or should these worlds interact and intersect?

Let's travel back a few posts. Perhaps it's time for a reverse Jericho...with the church blowing their trumpets and allowing their walls to crumble. Sounds poetic. But, what does it mean? What does it mean for this church and this pub?

For some reason, these questions are craving my attention. Jumping up and down and waving their hands within my mind. So, I'm letting my walls crumble and venturing out into the world of what ifs...

- What if my church eliminated the word orphans throughout my county?
- What if my church opened a coffee house, counseling center, or laundry mat?
- What if my church provided attorneys or physicians to those without means?
- What if my church united with area churches on any of the above?

These what ifs engage the community and reach the lost. Take the simple laundry mat. The relationships and opportunities. The life change through simple soap and water. Potentially, bringing this church and this pub together.

Or...providing the attorney or physician to the struggling dad or mom. Helping preserve families and kids instead of despair and distraught through secondhand tales.

My church functioning and operating downtown next to the flower shop and insurance agent. Joining the Chamber of Commerce. Waving at the barber across the street. Loving every chime of the front door.

How much more does uniting with area churches impact and improve these what ifs?

So, what should my church be doing beyond their walls? These questions will likely jump and wave throughout my life. What I do know? Don't glance over. Rather buckle down. Break the rules. Stretch the thoughts. Who knows where God will lead! Until next time. Jed.

Get Dirty

Did you know more than one billion people don't have access to clean safe drinking water. That's one in six of us! In fact, 80% of all diseases originate from unsafe water and a lack of basic sanitation. Wow! Parkview Christian Academy will be change agents for these startling statistics by launching a Dirty Water Campaign in early November.

Parkview Christian Academy has partnered with LiquidWater.com who inspire and resource like minded organizations to "get dirty" and help tackle the global water crisis. Together, Parkview Christian Academy will be raising funds to dig wells in Africa. These wells will literally transform villages overnight. Every amount large or small has a lasting impact as a gift of only $20.00 provides clean water per child for the next twenty years.

So, what's a Dirty Water Campaign? The parents and students will drink only water for three weeks. The money saved by not purchasing coffee, pop, and so on will be donated to the cause. 100% of the money raised will go straight to Africa and straight to to these wells. Through this Dirty Water Campaign, the students will learn to give back and transform the world in which they live.

And we have great news! Businesses, churches, families, friends, neighbors, and most importantly you are all welcomed to join this great cause! If you're interested in participating, please contact Jim Apker at 630-553-5158 or via email at japker@parkviewchristian.net. Don't forget that 100% of the money raised will go straight to Africa!

The Bottom Line

Camp's Rants & Raves

We just got back from Family and Youth Bible Camp. What a great week! I tagged team the senior high with my friend Nick Marcoux. And…as always, we had a blast!

Here are a few glimpses…

- Serving the Lord with your all in the ordinary will result in the extraordinary. “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.” (1 Samuel 16:11). This is Jesse talking of his youngest…David. David was living an ordinary life…serving God with his all. The rest of the story speaks for itself.
- You might not make it across the street, home, through dinner, or whatever. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man, the living should take this to heart (Ecclesiastes 7:2). Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog - it’s here a little while, then it’s gone (James 4:13-14).
- Knowing you might not…what are you going to do with Jesus? Forget all the other questions. This is the only one that truly matters.
- Listen to the Paul within your life…there’s likely more than one. Paul advised them saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul (Acts 27:9-11).
- What is it costing you to follow Jesus Christ? Then King David said to Ornan, “No but I will surely buy it for full price, for I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing,” (1 Chronicles 21:24).

Also, here are some questions asked by the senior high…all eye openers…

- If you feel as if God is calling you to do something bigger than what you are capable of doing, how can you feel the confidence to do great things for God?
- Why does God not let something happen that you have worked hard for and would be able to praise Him through?
- Other than an accountability partner, what are good ways to break a habit, as in a habit nobody knows you do?
- How far is too far when it comes to dating? When does it become a sin? What’s the most advisable way to resist the physical temptations and sexual temptations from the opposite sex?
- What do you do if you have a friend who is a believer, but doesn’t attend church?
- My dad is probably not a believer. Besides praying, what are some other ways to also influence him?
- How should I begin to talk to someone about Christ? What should I say first?

Camp was a huge success! God moved in mighty ways and I’ll forever be grateful…for we serve an awesome God. Until next time. Jed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Exhausted & Winded...All We Need Is Love

Your mind ever race? Perhaps get emotionally winded? I envision my mind bent over with a side ache? Completely exhausted and begging for a break or at least a minor pause. The questions seem to flare and flash. How can this… How will this… What if this… What is this… When will this… You can finish the rest.

God. Yes...the I Am. He wants to call you His. Yet, we question and worry? How much more assurance does one need than to have the Almighty as your Father. I love to envision a child chasing their dad. Can the child ever truly catch their dad? Not really. But…what is so cool…is that the dad lets their child overcome them. A hug ensues and cares and worries drift into love. That’s all God looks for…simple love. We often make it complex or try to unlock some complicated perceived puzzle. But, it really is simple love. God loves us first and will slow enough to allow us to overcome Him. So, what are you waiting for? Chase God!

It’s time to slow down and fall in love with Christ. The lover of my soul. I love the song Deep in Love with You by Michael W. Smith. The lyrics are below…well worth the $0.99 download.

Sitting at Your feet
Is where I want to be
I’m home when I am here with You

Drawn by Your grace
Enamored by Your gaze
I can’t resist the tenderness of You

I’m deep in love with You
Abba Father
I’m deep in love with You Lord

My heart it beats for You
Precious Jesus
I’m deep in love with You Lord

Humbled and amazed
That you would call my name
I never have to search again

There’s a deep desire
That’s burning like a fire
To know You as my closest friend

I’m deep in love with You
Abba Father
I’m deep in love with You Lord

My heart it beats for You
Precious Jesus
I’m deep in love with You Lord

You’re the Lord my redeemer
Your blood runs through my veins
My love for You is deeper
Than it was yesterday

Until next time. Jed