Not a Coincidence

In recent years the unrest, war and terror in our world have been sharply increasing. I have to be honest. I don't really get the Middle East. I'm gonna guess I'm not alone. I bet many of you don't either. I don't fully understand all the issues. All the underlying brokenness. All the fighting. All the riots. All the different strands of Islam. And why they fight each other. What I do understand is this: Jesus wants to see his name worshipped in every corner of the earth!! And it's not happening yet. I also understand that any peace outside of the peace of Jesus is a counterfeit peace.  And any love outside of the love of my loving Father is a counterfeit love. So, regardless of all I don't know and don't understand about the complexities of our world's conflict and the political turmoil right now, I'm here. Writing this from the very center of where bombs and swords and hatred are taking lives. And regardless of all I don't know....I DO know that Jesus is the only hope for healing. And so we've gathered. To storm the throne of God for breakthrough.

The timing is not a coincidence. On the very week that the kingdoms of this world (even my country of origin) decide to take violent action to solve the problems, we gather to admit that we cannot solve the problems. It's not a coincidence that just after nations decide to conquer, we gathered to surrender. As citizens of this upside down kingdom, we can't take matters into our own hands, we have no option but to place things in God's hands. And this is no coincidence. Actually, I think it's a divine symbol.

The bottom line is clear and simple: the world is in desperate need of healing and peace...and it can only find it in Jesus, the prince of peace.

So, we are praying like crazy and strategizing with the help of the Holy Spirit. We need people to GO! Maybe it's you?

Thank God for Beer

Like the title?  Here are some more that were in the running:

• I love Beer
• Beer opens doors
• Beer leads to God

So, they are all a tad controversial, huh? Well, they are also true. Maybe.

After working in Africa for 20 months, I have found that what is true in my homeland is even more true here.  There is a huge canyon between sacred and secular. People dichotomize life so drastically. Right, wrong. Black, white. Holy, unholy. Church, life. God, me. Sin, purity. God is at church on Sundays. My Monday through Friday has nothing to do with God. He only plays on Sundays. My life and sin are a separate departments than my spirit and faith.

So, what does this have to do with beer?

Well, there is loads of alcohol use an abuse in the community we serve in. But, almost every local African I meet thinks that beer separates man from God. God evidently hates beer. And drinking. So, we must hide it from him. And we can certainly not talk about God while drinking. We must first hide or dispose of the beer and then we can discuss God.  Or we can talk about God tomorrow with a coke. But, God and beer do not mix.

What is my point?

Here's the deal...this is legalism. And it is anti-gospel thinking. The very nature of Jesus is that he comes among us, loves us where we are, and invites him to join him as we are. Then, his spirit works in us for his good purposes.

I thank God for beer.  Beer is a topic I can bring up every time to start spiritual relationships by shattering religious spirits, crappy legalism and bad theology.  Stop hiding your beer. Bring your beer to church. Bring some to share for goodness sake.  And let's experience the radical nature of the lavish love of God....yes, even for sinners.  And then let's journey with Jesus from there.

Helping someone see that God loves them right now, with or without beer....with or without addiction....is the first step to teaching good theology to a future disciple.

Beer...a new evangelism tool. ;-)

Video :: Nothing is Original

This video is a must-watch. Please take the time to see it and think about how you perceive creativity.

Wealth in Poverty

There is wealth in poverty!

What is your dream? What is your vision? Mine is to see Disciple Making Movements cover the earth until the whole world loves and worships the Creator God.  Big dream, I know.

But, regardless of the size of your dream, the very most important resource that will help you in accomplishing it is people. People are 90% of what is needed to change a population or see a vision become a reality.

And now think in terms of successful organizations...personnel is also usually 90% of the cost! Only about 10% is other materials.

We work in a very poor community in Africa. And guess what? Even the poorest community in the world has the most precious tool within it. It has people.  It has the most expensive part of the budget already in place.  It has people.

So, no matter the dream you have or the community you look at, have the eyes to see that it has what it needs to be transformed.

Are we really going to fret about the 10% we may not have for bells and whistles we may not need, while we overlook that 90% that we do?

Yes, there is wealth in poverty!

(Inspired by my time today with David Watson. He used the phrase today and I built on it.)

"American Evangelism" of Muslims

A friend of mine shared an article with me. It stunned me. I want to share an excerpt with you. If you want to read the whole thing, do so HERE. These are the sentiments of a Palestinian Arab Christian in the West Bank. What is most stunning is at the end....

“Why, he asked, has the church abandoned us Christians here in the Middle East? We are deserted, forgotten by the church of the whole world. Why do the Christians in America support the Zionists instead of supporting us, their brothers and sisters in Christ? I do not understand. They do not even notice us… We are caught between the Israelis and the Muslims. The Muslims see western Christendom as behind Israel. They see Israel as an outpost of the West- of the Christian West. They want no part of it…. We are willing to become martyrs if that is demanded of us. We shall remain faithful. But you are forcing us become unworthy martyrs, martyrs in an unworthy cause.

… A few years back 12 percent of the Palestinians were Christians. Now only 6 per cent are. We are constantly shrinking, constantly getting smaller. They are being forced out of Israel by Zionist policies. Israel is destroying the church in Palestine. The old ones have their homes taken from them by the Israelis, confiscated. The young ones, seeing no future, leave- for the United States, for South America, anywhere. Why do you Christians in America support the Zionists, when the Zionists are destroying the church in Palestine? Why do you not support your brothers and sisters in Christ?

And now I am told that conservative Christian groups in the United States are planning to start a radio station aimed at the Muslims. Why do you not speak to us first about such things? Why do you act as if there are no Christians here? We have lived with the Muslims for thousands of years. Why do you not first ask us our advice? You say that we have not been successful in evangelizing the Muslims. What do all your Western missionaries have to show for their efforts? I tell you, this will only make the Muslims more nervous, more suspicious, more fanatic. Our oppression will become worse. You will cause Christianity to disappear from the Middle East unless you stop this ‘American evangelism’- and unless your government settles the Palestinian problem.”

[From “An Evening in Amman”, The Reformed Journal, July 1982]

Did you see the date? 1982!!!!  What has changed? Perhaps things are only worse! God help us.

African Friends & Money Matters

This week I am aiming to finish up a few books that I had half read. I often get halfway through a book, think I've got the gist and lay it down. The problem is that this clashes with my desire to finish that which I start. Plus I'll not review and blog about a book I have not read in full.

Anyway, today I completed the book "African Friends and Money Matters". I'm short, I'll say that this is a must, must, must read for any westerner serving in Africa. This book will save you money, energy, embarrassment and relationships. And above all, it will de-ignorant (like my new word?) you and help you to love Africans through understating them.

Make no mistake about it, there are major, major cultural differences between a westerner and an African. And some of the stuff in this book will shock you.

I will probably write a follow up blog to this one where I will list out some of the most costly cultural clashes.

Really, Mr. Winans?

Whitney Houston died. I pray God's peace be with her family. Seems that most of the rest of the world jsut needed something to talk about. No prob. That's cool.  Her funeral was yesterday. I did not watch it.  Could not really get it here.  Not televised and slow internet. 

Today, I saw this clip of Rev. Marvin Winans speaking at the funeral.  He called it preaching.  I call it heartbreaking. A few quotes with some short commentary:

• "I don't want anybody leaving here thinking God wants anyone here broke!" // Really, Mr. Winans? You were preaching to millions of people. Many were broke.  Flat broke.  What should they do with the fact that you have now told them that God isn't ok with their brokeness? And why are there 300+ mentions of God's love and care for the poor in the Bible you were holding while you preached?
• Mockingly, he states that folk say "I don't believe in this proserity gospel." To which Mr. Winans responds: "I don't know what other gospel there is!" // Really? I do. It is called the gospel of sacrifice and suffering.  The one that our Lord Jesus Christ modeled so perfectly by pouring himself out and humbling himself even to death. (Phil 2)
• "If God wants somebody broke, would you tell me who that is? Who's volunteering?" // To answer your question, I guess God wants more than 80% of the world to be poor, since they ARE. I assume most of Africa must have volunteered?!  Seems as though your church isn't volunteering, though.  No one raised their hands.  They just laughed. 
• "When God brough Israel out of Egypt, everybody came out with something." // Really, Mr. Winans? Where is that in the Bible? And what is this supposed to mean, anyway?  Because I want to tell some of my friends here in Africa who have nothing "in their hands" today how this can help them. 
• "For you to believe that somebody needs to be broke is to say that God does not have enough sufficiency to supply for everybody." // Really, Mr. Winans? Seriously? I am afraid you are deeply missing some vital principles about who God is and what He is up to. And now millions of other people can be as confused as you are.  
• "I want you to understand that what God desires for everyone, is for everyone to be healthy and prosperous." // Really? I am sure that this is in the Bible somewhere, but can you remind me of where? And then can you help me administer that reaity to the millions of people on the earth today that are neither healthy or prosperous? 

The prosperity gospel runs rampant in Ameirca and in Africa. It is a false gospel.  It is damaging and painful to our world. The guys propegating it seem must have AWESOME salaries, live in rich areas and must have rarely, if ever, traveled throughout the world.  My heart aches for them, with them and for the many impacted by the pain that their teaching causes. 

And sometimes, I just have to speak up. And so I have.  I wish I knew Marvin personally and could sit with him and challenge him and hear more from his heart. 

Older Leaders

I want to share some thoughts about older leaders. Why? The purpose of this blog post is to increase grace, honor and understanding for leaders that are further along than you. But a few things need to be said first...

1. First of all, these reflections are from my own expereince serving under the spirititual authority of older leaders. They may not be consistent with your experiences, but they are mine.
2. Second, I am choosing to not define "older".  I will let you do that based upon whether you find the reflections applying to "older" leaders you have served with. Of course, these are gross generalizations that you can judge for yourself.
3. Third, this email is not describing any one leader I have served under, but rather a sampling of a few. And I have been BLESSED to serve under some dynamite leaders. 

Older leaders can seem inflexible. Be careful before you conclude that. What you see as inflexibilty may actually be wisdom and commitment to integrity. They have more years of practice at standing firmly on what they believe in than you do. You would waiver and call it "good" and "flexible".  They just know what they believe in, get it said, and stand by it. What is wrong, is when they communicate their commitments with a pride or beligerance lording over others. 

Older leaders can seem stubborn and unwiling to see and consider other options and opinions. Let us imagine that you are working with a 60 year old leader and you feel that they are acting this way.  Stop and remember this: that 60 year old has had a solid 35 YEARS to learn and form their values.  Their values are based on what they have seen work and fail, please God and displease Him.  So, there is very little conversation when something has worked for 35 years and now you want to try to convince them otherwise.  Sure, there is always a slim chance that their personal value is wrong. But, 1) you will not change it and 2) the chances are higher that they are correct and you just have not had that "class" yet. So, let it go. practice submission and honor and see how you behave in 20-30 years. 

Honor and respect are totally different beasts. You give honor. People earn respect. Honor your leaders regardless of how much they bother you.  Keep pouring out honor as long as you serve them. Leaders often rise to the level of honor they have been given.  You can impact them this way.

Stop taking things personally. When they question something you do or suggest or propose, they are not attacking you. You will do yourself a major favor if you would get yourself out of the center of everything. Most of the time, it is not about you. And even when it is, it is their job to make you aware of it, not your job to assume it.

Stop slamming your leader.  If you are talking negative about your leader behind their back, you will have no confidence when you are in their face and your relationship will never be healthy. Honor them bhind their back. Even with your spouse.  In fact, your spouse will almost always follow your emotions.  If you do not like a leader, she/he will not either. If you honor them, so will they. 

Older leaders are a well of wisdom and stories....but if you are not interested in receieving what they have, they will be mature enough not to just force it on you.  Desire it.  Ask for it. Don't just sit there. You have to ask questions so they feel invited to share what they have.  Older age can be a very vulnerable time....give the leaders ahead of you the confidnce that you care to hear their hearts! 

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How do you think I learned these lessons? Yup. The hard way. No reason for you to do the same.  Please share this news with others you know that need to read it. Save them some heartache.

Most People Look at Porn

Most men look at pornography. Practically all research indicates between 50%-80% of men and not too mush less than that for women--who have an even harder time abmitting it. Your Dad probably did, maybe he still does. Your brothers probably look at porn. Your husband probably looks at porn--and lies to you about it.  You Pastor likely looks at Porn too-- and is totally stuck because if he says a word to anyone, he's convinced he will lose his job.  

You might look at Porn to.  On the same computer you are reading this blog post on. 

And women look at porn too-- increasingly so.

And while looking at it, men and women alike, masturbate, leaving them artifically sexually satisfied and destroying normal sexualty with their spouse or future spouse. 

It is destructive, thrilling, addictive, exciting, harmless (so you think), harmful, and easy to hide while it destroys all that you are and all that the Lord wants to do in you.

This morning, I read one of the very best, open, and honest articles on porn that I have ever seen. It nails the issue with spiritual confidence and truth.  There IS HOPE!! 

Please click here at READ THIS post on Mark Driscoll's Resurgence Blog!!  I think you will find it powerful.  It is slightly, but appropriately graphic- be warned. 

Powerful Spoken Word

I found the way this man used poetic art to be provoking, inspiring and anointed! Check this out. It is worth your time. That's why I put it here.

Jesus for President

Last week I fininshed reading "Jesus For President" by Shane Claiborne (website here). Honestly, I am not even going to attempt to review it here in any detail.  Too rich for that and too deep for that.  It would just provoke a bunch of (controversial) conversation among people who have not read the book....which would be far more fun happening between people who actually have read the book.

I just want to say that it is one of the best books I have ever read in my life. I wept and worshipped my King multiple times while reading it.  I would frequently have to lay it down and sit in silence and conviction for the flippancy with which I live my life. And I promise you that, for most of you, if you would read this book, you will get a picture of Jesus you have never had before.  And you will probably realize that your theology needs some serious attention and revision.

I especially really, really, really reccomend this book to American Christians who like Fox News. And also to anyone who posted gratitude toward veterans on their Facebook wall yesterday (and I am not saying that it was wrong if you did so). Which reminds me....I saw this on Facebook yesterday.  It deeply grieved and saddened me.  If you want to know why, read this book.

My Favorite YouTube Videos & A Porn Warning

Yesterday we had a little party with friends where we all shared our favorite YouTube videos as we watched together and laughed.  Laughter is great!  There should be loads more fun happening in Christian community than there currently is! When is the last time you just had an evening of laugher with fellow Jesus followers? It's good stuff. 

Anyway, last night I tweeted that I would share my faves with you on the blog.  Here goes.  After spending lots of time previewing lots of good YouTube videos, these are my list toppers in no particular order.  MOST of them are very clean.  A few could offend the easily offended.  I have chosen to share them anyway.  If you are easily offended, simply do not risk it.  Don't watch any. 

• David after Dentist   
• Montgomery Flea Market 
• Ignatius the Youth Pastor 
• Hide your kids, hide your wife  
• Bed Intruder Song 
• World's tallest man meets worlds smallest man  
• I'm gonna kick his ask  
• Kittens. Inspired by kittens    
• I told my kids I ate their halloween candy 
• Miss teen south carolina 
• Funny Video Shower Prank 
• Weather Graphics 
• Preacher Beeper  
• Unicorn After wisdom teeth 
• Baby Bopping to Single Ladies  
• Forgot the Blueberries  
• Sophie Can Walk  (Language warning, but super funny.) 
• Bizkit the sleep walking dog  
• Demitri Martin Flip Chart  
• Boom goes the dynamite    

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And now for the part of the title that caught some of your attention...a PORN WARNING...

Yesterday, while I was spending intentional time searching out the best of the best YouTube videos, I noticed something....

YouTube can be a slippery slope into pornography.  The way it is designed seems to vacuum people into garbage.  You can type "Jesus love you" into the search box and get women half dressed and titles advertising body parts.  It's sad, really.  And as I noticed this (and successfully fought the temptation to click on these enticing titles), I really felt the desire to warn people. Be careful.  You can tell yourself "it's just YouTube" and end up several hours later in a place you do not need to be.  And weeks later, months later, years later in a LIFESTYLE you do not want to be living.

Most of you either look at Porn already or it impacts your life in some other rather direct way.  That can change.  There is help.  Take step 1....stop hiding. Yes, I think that is step 1.  Admit it.   

African Creed

Today, my friend Brandon shared with me a section in a book he is reading.  It WOW'd me!! The book: Christianity Rediscovered by Vincent Donovan. The section was entitled: "The African Creed." It was a Masai version of the Nicene creed written by African Missionaries. Check this out:

We believe in the one High God, who out of love created the beautiful world and everything good in it. He created man and wanted man to be happy in the world. God loves the world and every nation and tribe on the earth. We have known this High God in darkness, and now we know him in the light. God promised in the book of his word, the bible, that he would save the world and all the nations and tribes. 

We believe that God made good his promise by sending his son, Jesus Christ, a man in the flesh, a Jew by tribe, born poor in a little village, who left his home and was always on safari doing good, curing people by the power of God, teaching about God and man, showing the meaning of religion is love. He was rejected by his people, tortured and nailed hands and feet to a cross, and died. He lay buried in the grave, but the hyenas did not touch him, and on the third day, he rose from the grave. He ascended to the skies. He is the Lord. 

We believe that all our sins are forgiven through him. All who have faith in him must be sorry for their sins, be baptized in the Holy Spirit of God, live the rules of love and share the bread together in love, to announce the good news to others until Jesus comes again. We are waiting for him. He is alive. He lives. This we believe. Amen.