Common Saints

Count It ALL Joy...

2011-10-13T20:13:00.000-07:00

"Count it all joy when various trials come your way..." That what it says in the Bible book of James, first chapter, second verse.

Seems a bit ridiculous at first glance. Consider my problems as something to be joyful about? Are you kidding? Do you know what I've been going through?

I've sat through many sermons on this particular topic and all of them end up going down a very similar path: life's painful experiences test your faith in God and refine you much the same way fine metals are refined in fire... therefore, be happy about what you go through.

Really?

Have you ever gone through anything difficult and maintained a smile on your face? Who does this? And don't say Tibetan Monks - because there's a part of me that wants to believe that even those robed ethereal types wince a bit when something bad happens to them - say, burn their tongue on the soup, or something.

The reality of life is that things are difficult. For you, for me - for all of us. Shit happens, as the bumper sticker says.

I used to misunderstand this verse. I read it as saying "God is testing your faith and that's why all this bad stuff is happening to you." But I don't believe that any more. I don't believe for one moment that the Almighty God of all we will ever know actually sets out to make my life hard. He loves me - unconditionally, completely and totally. He wants the BEST for me. Always. Therefore, God does not orchestrate the calamities of our lives. I also don't believe that God is a magician who waves a heavenly wand and simply zaps us free of pain. That would also not be loving. What He does do is allow us to learn from the mistakes we make as well as from the circumstances of life we encounter which are sometimes the results of mistakes those around us make.

So, the way I now view this verse (concept) is that life is difficult - sometimes it's my fault, sometimes it's your fault - sometimes it's the simple result of unpleasant and unexpected circumstances of life that impact us even though we have nothing to do with the cause. And what this verse does is remind us how we are to respond to these events - with JOY!

Responding joyfully in difficult circumstances is not easy to do. Anyone who tells you it is easy is either a liar or not living on this planet, walking among other human beings. Bad things happen all the time. And those bad things impact us. They can do everything from bend us, to break us, to destroy us. And it's in the course of those events - the on-going, the day-by-day, that we learn what it means to BECOME people who are able to consider such life events as moments of refinement, maturing, shaping, crafting... and THAT is what leads us to choosing to live JOYFUL lives rather than lives of bitterness, anger, despair and hopelessness.

Jesus did not look forward to being hung on a cross. The Bible does not seem to paint a picture of Him gallantly marching forward to face his death with heroics. He was not afraid - don't get me wrong. But Jesus Himself stated to His Father (God) that he'd rather not go through with this type of death. I can't imagine Him being "happy" about this. He knew it had to happen as the culmination of his ministry on Earth and the birthing of salvation for the rest of us. So, I can also imagine Jesus being somewhat "joyful" knowing what was COMING, though what he was going through was certainly not a "joyful" experience.

There is something to be said about endurance. Perhaps you have gone through days, weeks or even years of enduring - enduring painful life experiences you never thought you'd encounter. And now, today, you are still alive. Scarred, scratched and perhaps a little scared. But you are alive. (I know this because you are reading this blog!) Apparently, those events you never thought you could live through - well - you've lived through!

Here's that verse again... let it sink in...

Count it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4

This Post Has No Photo

2011-07-21T06:25:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post before getting ready for the rest of what the day has to offer me.

The TITLE of this blog is COMMON SAINTS. That's by design. It's to remind ALL of us that we are just simple humans, prone to messing up, who are created by a God who loves us so much He sent His Son, Jesus to be our Savior.

It's a pretty cut 'n dry plan, when you think of it. Our (man's) sin has kept us from enjoying the intended relationship we are to have with our Creator. So our Creator provided a way to restore that relationship - allowing His only Son to be the one-time (that means once and for all - not on a continual basis) sacrifice for our sins.

We commoners who accept that gift from our Creator, and choose to call Jesus our Lord, will live forever in His presence after we leave this earth.

Yeah, this common saint is okay with that arrangement. : )

Tastes Just Like Chicken

2011-04-13T06:12:00.000-07:00

There's a story in the Bible about a fellow named Jonah. Whether or not you officially attend church or call yourself a Christian, the chances are pretty good you've heard or read the story of Jonah.

In a nutshell, Jonah was a prophet. He relayed information from God to the people of his day. And right out of the gate, in the opening lines of this story, God instructs Jonah to travel to a city called Ninevah and warn the people in the town that God is displeased with them. Jonah, who apparently had not figured out that God is everywhere, decided to trick God. Rather than do what God said, Jonah hopped on a boat and headed to a totally different town called Joppa. In essence, he chickened out, disobeyed and ran away from God.

During the boat trip, a huge storm occurred and the men on the boat began harassing Jonah begging for his God to save them. This made Jonah nervous - so much so that he decided to leap into the sea. No sooner had he done this that a "great fish" swallowed him up and, for 3 days, he lived inside the belly of that fish until God made the fish burp Jonah up on to dry land.

Yuck.

Whether it's running from God, or simply running from life's problems, we all run the risk of "tasting like chicken" at times, don't we? Life is difficult - for different people in different ways. But all of us face stuff we'd rather not have to face. And the story of Jonah shows us that if we choose to run, chances are pretty good that something even bigger might overtake us - whether that is guilt, or fear, or even a more uncomfortable circumstance. In other words - facing our problems, though not always desirable, is usually the best way to go.

For me - I have had to arrive at a place of finally and truly deciding, once and for all, that ALL of the "problems" of life are there for a reason and I happen to believe those reasons are based on something God is trying to teach me - for growth and refinement - much the same way a sculptor chips away at the marble until the intended figure comes to life.

I remember as a kid, arrogantly and smugly laughing at Jonah for being such a jerk and running away from God. As an adult, I find myself relating more to Jonah than I care to admit. And while I've never been eaten by a whale - I can honestly say that I've seen them on the shoreline with bibs around their necks from time to time wondering if I might taste like chicken...

We are designed to be brave, courageous, faithful and hopeful regardless the situation.

Psalm 31:24 puts it this way: "Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord."

Peta won't like this - but from where I'm sitting... a hungry whale is fine with me!

Facebook = Blog-Robber

2011-04-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

I want to blame facebook for keeping me from blogging. This is because I spend so much time on the social network site and simply forget that I have launched a blog to offer deep thoughts and commentary on the stuff of life.

But I can't really blame facebook. That's like blaming hot dogs for keeping me from eating apple turnovers. Both are probably not good for me - but both are so yummy!

Anyway, here I am...

And today's amazing philosophical point is: Life is hard. (Yes, you heard it here first, folks!)

Blaming, as was my idea with facebook or the hot dog, is such an easy "out" in life, isn't it? I think, for the most part, everyone has blamed someone or something else for why they are where they are in life.

> The company promoted the wrong guy!
> My parents never taught me how to get ahead in life!
> My husband snores!
> Why do they sell 10 hot dogs in a pack but only 8 hot dog buns in a pack?

We blame because we don't like feeling uncomfortable, disrupted, annoyed, agitated or any number of a variety of inconvenient feelings that should not be a part of our prosperous American way of life. It's not fair! (Have you ever said that?)

I stood in our local supermarket the other day... I was playing the "role" of "husband waiting at the cart as wife meanders through the aisles in search of just 'two more items'..." - - as I stood there, I was gazing around and was suddenly struck with just how much "stuff" we have in our markets here in America. I read somewhere that the average market in American offers around 45,000 different items for sale. That's not a misprint... 45-THOUSAND different items. (No wonder I can't decide on Special K, Special K with almonds, Special K with berries, Special K with less sugar added, Special K with chocolate bits or Special K with enzymes...)

Last night I was on the phone with a friend who has left her husband. In short, because of her huge salary (he was a stay-at-home dad), they lived a luxurious life complete with a huge home in a very nice area, they had a nanny, a cleaning lady and other amenities to make life amazingly comfortable. The husband never worked. His "job" was the kids - which makes sense. Except that in most cases the kids were off with the nanny or at school. According to this friend, her husband found fault with the lifestyle - it was not enough. He lashed out at her for not working harder to bring in more money - eventually that anger turned into all out emotional abuse and she ended up taking the kids and leaving him.

Perhaps blaming isn't the answer. I'm just sayin' - -

What if - and I'm just tossing this out there - what if life really IS hard? What if, sometimes, the circumstances we find ourselves facing really are incredibly difficult? What then?

What if - even in a world where we have EVERYTHING at our fingertips, as close as a mouse click, a short drive or a phone call - things are STILL difficult?

For me, as a Christian, I rely on what The Bible teaches me about the God I choose to believe in and follow. That He "will never leave [me] and He will never forsake [me]." (Hebrews 13:5,6)

As the title of this blog states, I am just a "common saint" - a man with flaws, failures and a future - all at the same time.

And, praise God, He's there with me every step of the way!

BEEN A WHILE

2011-01-24T11:31:00.000-08:00

It's been over a year since I posted anything on this blog...

I suppose the fact that I stepped away from professional ministry might have something to do with that... I'm just not surrounded by "professional" Christians any longer and feel less of a need to comment on the ups and downs of "church" stuff - since I don't deal with that anymore.

My focus has been on two areas this past year - comedy and radio.

COMEDY

I am very appreciative of the many comedy gigs I had in 2010. I can tell I have improved in my ability to present material that I believe is funny and, based on the responses of most audiences, they also think is funny. That is a great feeling!

RADIO
I am very grateful for the opportunity to be dabbling in morning radio here in Denver. Being a part of a great station like KYGO 98.5 has been an amazing learning experience. There are parts of this gig I am great at - other areas where I need to ramp up a bit - but overall, I love it!

So, stay tuned - hopefully it won't be another year before I return to this blog site!

the vinacular of the saints

2009-12-04T12:46:00.000-08:00

I guess after 30+ years of being immersed in "the organized church" system, I've grown a bit tired of the various ways we churchy-types talk to one another. Like, even right there - "one another" - even THAT sounds a little stiff... well, to me.

For those who've been keeping up with me, you know that in May of this year (2009) I walked away from full-time music ministry to pursue a new life direction in entertainment, primarily comedy but with acting, writing and songwriting still tagging along for the ride. Since May I have had the chance to meet with a few churches for more of a part-time position - just to see if there might be a need to have an on-going regular income - albeit, at a smaller pay rate than a full-time job - but just to know that every 2 weeks we would have "X" amount to count on. Thus far, God has not seen fit to bless us that particular way - and, to be honest, while it has really stretched my faith, and while at times it makes me nervous, I am also feeling VERY taken care of by God - in ways I never really imagined. I've moved, I believe, from the "talk" aspect of being a Christian more into the "walk" aspect.

As I spoke to a few churches, I was met, once again, with the unmistakable way we churchy types communicate with each other. Honestly, it's rather icky on many levels.

Phrases like "ministry fit" and "God's will" fly around as if there is some huge gavel of ordination that will be THE determining factor in someone being hired to work at a church. Often times, the main reason we churchy types talk like this is because it's EASIER to blame GOD for things "not working out" than to blame ourselves or take responsibility for our decisions. If I don't like you as a candidate, for whatever reason, it's a lot easier to say, "Well, this is just not God's will" rather than, "you know, I just don't think you are the right person for this church." Just today I received a "rejection" letter from a church that did a very good job of attributing their reason for not hiring me to some sort of God-ordained reasoning. Bottom line - they wanted a rock band leader - not a 50+ piano player. Honestly, I would have felt better had they just said, "Gee, we really want an electric guitar player with long hair and hip clothes..." but then, that would make it more of a HUMAN decision, right? And we just can't have that in a church... or so we think!

Another side aspect to this - they also wanted me to supply a DVD of me "leading worship." I made the decision many years ago to NOT provide this. Ever. I have my reasons and I believe they are not only valid, but biblical. I will never send an "audition tape" of me leading a gathering of people that is supposed to be focused on GOD - and not the one doing the leading. Churches that don't like that should simply not call me. End of story. I understand the current trend - I understand that this is "how things work" these days. For me, it completely undermines the actual purpose of the position - and bases selection on PERFORMANCE rather than on WORSHIP. I am sure that part of the reasoning to not hire me had to do with my decision to not offer a DVD that they could watch.

I believe churches TEND to fail in our true ability to really reach people with Kingdom love and that one of the main reasons we are failing is due to our lack or normalcy in how we communicate with each other. Jesus was transparent and real. He calls us to be the same. We really need to trash all of our churchy talk and simply meet people and love them where they are - today - now. Otherwise, we are simply continuing the role of Pharisee...

Hint - Jesus didn't like the Pharisees very much...

2009-09-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

FEAR is a terrible thing.

I'm aiming this note primarily to all my Christian friends but all are welcome to read it because I think we all deal with this issue at times.

See that picture attached to this note? Isn't if funny? It's President Obama - you know, the president of our country. He's the man whom this country elected - like it or not - to reign as the leader of The United States of America. Granted, there are things about him that I don't like. Some are huge. Some are not so huge. But, the bottom line - Mr. Obama IS our president.

A lot of conservatives are afraid of him. Well, not him. But what he is "...doing to completely destroy our country..." They are so afraid, in fact, that they are relentless in their on-going attacks of the man. Some of these conservatives must actually believe that their constant Obama-bashing will magically get him kicked out of office. If they call him the anti-Christ enough times, eventually the moniker will stick and we can "...get the rat out of office..."

They were afraid of "the message" he would bring to our children on Sept 8. So they reacted by yanking their kids from school that day. (That'll show those socialists!) They yank their kids because they are AFRAID of what their children might HEAR...

LISTEN - - I'm MORE afraid of the "FEAR MESSAGE" being taught to our children by that action!!

Yep. Those damn conservatives live in fear.

Oh - guess what - so do the liberals...

They were (and many still are) in FEAR of Sarah Palin becoming "... just a heartbeat away from the office of President..." They FEARED her policies and did all they could to drag her through dung in order to make their point.

They are AFRAID of "...the right wing agenda..." So they FIGHT to ensure that we remove the words "Under God" from the money. They are doing all they can to silence Biblical teachings. They are AFRAID of their children hearing a philosophy they don't agree with... hmmm - sounds familiar.

The CONSERVATIVES fear...
The LIBERALS fear...
The CONSTITUTIONALISTS fear...
The INDEPENDENTS fear...

And for you Christians who happen to dwell in any of those camps - FEAR is a completely unbiblical way to live. Call it "concern" or call it "wisdom" - RATIONALIZE IT ANY WAY YOU LIKE - if you are SPREADING HATE-FILLED messages ABOUT either side, FROM either side, to WARN America in any way, shape or form - then guess what - YOU ARE AFRAID!!

Some will say, "Damn right, I'm afraid! Look at what is happening to our country, Dan!"

Yes, the country is in trouble. Surprised? If you're a CHRISTIAN, you should NOT be surprised. There is evil all around and the darkness is on duty 24/7 to DESTROY. And you're FEAR-based campaigns are NOT HELPING!

The evil one (who does exist) destroys in many ways - but most recently it has been through seemingly insignificant ways such as divisiveness, anger, hatred, finger-pointing, slander, gossip, political party loyalty over a loyalty to God, arrogance and, yes, FEAR!

Go ahead America... live in fear... it's your EKG...

Go ahead Oprah, and Beck, and leftists, and right-wingers, and conservatives, and liberals, and Christians and "sinners" - go ahead and continue to live in FEAR! Let's make sure we Christians teach future generations of Christians that the FEAR OF MAN is far more important than TRUSTING GOD.

Maybe it's time to just take a step back - and consider the following...

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
- Isaiah 41:10 -

Serve Somebody

2009-08-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Today I was reminded of the great "post-conversion" song written by Bob Dylan, "Serve Somebody." You can listen to it here.

In the meantime, todays' message at Bridgeway Church in Denver, CO focused on how all of us need to stop living with our feet straddling a fence... make a decision - decide once and for all whom we will trust - either completely and fully trust God - or - trust the world and all it has to offer. But it is foolishness to say "I trust you God, but..." That does not work.

Is it hard to fully trust God? Of course! It's hard to fully trust anything or anyone. That's why it is called "trust."

The lesson focused on Elijah challenging the prophets and people who followed the god, Baal. He basically put God to the test and, in the process, showed that there is only One God - and it was not Baal. It's a great story found in Exodus 17.

I am still digesting the message, trying to own it - because I do tend to be someone who proclaims with my mouth that I fully trust God - but who, at the same time, struggles with the reality of that declaration.

The goal, of course, is to be bold and courageous as I choose to fully trust God with all aspects of my life. May that be true of all of us.

It's All About - Me!

2009-08-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

One of the very common, probably overly used phrases, in the exciting world of "being a Christian" is the notion that "it's all about HIM" (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit). In other words - all we do - should be focused towards and on the Living Lord Jesus Christ.

But I would like to propose that, while I understand and accept that notion - the REAL truth is that it is all about - US! It is all about - Me!

Let me explain.

All of us go thru "stuff" - every minute of every day, every day of every week, every week of every month, year, decade... etc. There is a constant sculpting taking place in our lives. We are the clay, He is the Potter, working on us and is us to craft us into the exact creation HE wants us to be.

"Bad things" happen to us. Some are fairly minor... the car breaks down, you miss the train, you don't get the raise you expected. Some are quite horrific... death of a loved one, dark secrets revealed, drug or some other addiction exposed. And, in the process, we hurt, we learn, we grow and we are refined - solely for the purpose of becoming more and more the person God is crafting us to be.

I've said that word "crafting" twice, now. On purpose.

We are like a huge piece of clumsy stone that the master sculptor us chipping away at in order to bring about the deep beauty that is within - that only He can see. That chipping is painful.

So, while it is true that all of our glory, honor, delight, joy, etc. needs to be aimed at the Only One who fully deserves it, the truth is that along the way, sometimes painful hammering, chiseling and molding are taking place - - - and that is all about me.

UPDATE ON VEHICLE

2009-05-24T21:18:00.000-07:00

In looking back through this blog, I realized I never updated my millions of readers with news on our car...

It is a long, miserable, horrible - "God-thing" story... but bottom line, we did not end up keeping the blue Ford Escape. It is back at the dealership ready to be pawned off on - er, uh - I mean - lovingly sold to - the next victim - er, uh - I mean - customer.

Instead, we ended up purchasing a used Subaru Outback. I never pictured myself in one of those but I really like it! The more I looked for cars, the more I came to find out that the Subaru is really an amazing vehicle. And it's the perfect size for my needs.

I was going to post a picture but they are everywhere on the highway - just turn your head to the right the next time you hit a stop light - you'll see one!

Who Cares? (God Does!)

2009-05-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

If you read the previous post (and, why wouldn't you?) you know that I have stepped away from my full time career as a music and worship director in the church - to pursue doors that seem to be opening primarily in the areas of comedy, acting and music.

As of May 1, I made the bold step of faith and have been somewhat up and down emotionally since then - it's a huge move.

At the same time, I have begun to notice something- something that all Christians SAY talk about but I'm not sure many of us really, truly, actually believe it - God really is faithful. He really is interested in our lives.

God really cares!

In the past two weeks, for example, I have had more auditions for commercials and other on-camera opportunities than I have had since January of this year. A former church staff member of mine tried to link that to the reality that NOW my agent feels more free to send me out on auditions - since I am no longer tied to my full-time church job. That sounds so obvious, doesn't it?

But the truth is - my agent did not work LESS on my behalf before, and she is not working MORE on my behalf now. I believe there are two things at work. First, "the biz" is fickle. That's just the nature of the beast. You can go months with "feast" and you can go months with "famine" and neither is an indication of how "good" or "bad" you are as a talent. It just is what it is. But the other aspect of this - the far more important aspect, in my opinion, is that GOD CARES about me. He cares about my dreams, my passions, my gifts, my wiring, my welfare. God is interested in supplying my needs (Philippians 4:19). Therefore, I am of the mindset that God is the one ultimately "behind" me getting these auditions.

He's also the one behind me booking comedy gigs, getting voice over jobs and composing songs for Christian music publishers and projects.

80% of the above mentioned opportunities have yet to see actual income. But that is not the point - at least that is what I am discovering. The point is NOT "the money." The point is me recognizing that God "is at work."

And the hard lesson there is one all Christians deal with - - letting God do His job as our "pilot." Yeah, it sounds corny. But it's true! God does not want to give us directions - - He wants to STEER THE CAR.

It's not easy, but that is what I am learning. He cares. He drives.

It's that simple.

Tugging At My Ear

2009-04-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things in TV history was how Carol Burnett used to tug her ear at the end of each show to say "so long" to her aunt (I believe it was).

I'm in ear-tugging mode of late...

After nearly 30 years of being involved in church music ministry in some form or another, the past 20 heavily involved as the director of music and worship for churches, I am laying down the baton and heading in a new direction - pursuing opportunities that are opening up for me in the areas of comedy and acting - and, of course, continued opportunities in songwriting.

In some ways this is a very easy move. Frankly, the seeminly never-ending angst of ministry has caught up with me and left me weary and worn out. Some call this "burn out" and, perhaps it is - especially for those out there who just MUST label things for whatever reason. Bottom line, I'm just tired of the on-going debates, fights, arguments, whining, complaining, and more that well-meaning, God-loving, church-going followers of Christ seem to crave.

I don't crave it. I hate it. It is a waste of time, energy, and resources and it has a way of killing whatever joy of the Lord began each day.

I wish more church attending believers realized what they are doing to their leaders. At its core, it is simply pure evil - there is no other way to describe it.

That said - this will also be a difficult transition. It's hard to say "so long" to a nearly 30-year career that has enjoyed pockets of delight, blessing and joy. Music and worship are gifts from God that I have always beed drawn towards. And, of course, there are the people who I will miss not seeing. Especially at my latest church position which lasted nearly 11 years - a true miracle in the world of church music these days!

But it's time. The right time. God's time.

And so, I press on - I cast my net on the other side of the boat...

I tug my ear and say, "so long..."

Oh, Come On - God's Not THAT Big...

2009-03-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

How BIG is God?

The Bible says He will provide for ALL of our needs...

Will He?

The Bible says He will never leave us nor forsake us...

Is that true?

The Bible says He has a plan for us - one to prosper us...

I dunno - seems a bit "out there" to me.

The Bible says "faith" is believing in things you cannot see...

Yeah, easy for GOD to say!

The Bible says if I commit my way to the Lord He will act on my behalf...

Seems too good to be true, doesn't it?

I think NOW would be a good time to see if any of those Bible truths - or the other bazillion Bible truths that speak of how much God loves me, and cares for me, and is guiding me and directing me - are actually true.

The journey begins - right now!

RIP169

2009-03-28T19:36:00.000-07:00

After about 9 years of great service, our Dodge Caravan finally met his maker - well, sort of... as we were closing in on the 169K mark, "things" began to go wrong... dials stopped working, rear wiper blades gave out - - noises and creeks here and there - - the end was in sight - - or - - money had to be paid out just to keep the thing alive.

So - because we've enjoyed my wife's Ford Escape for a while now, we decided to go find a good used one for me as a replacement for the minivan. One of those wonderful deals jumped out at us and we decided it was time.

Now we have "his and hers" Ford Escapes... hers is a burly "man red" - and mine is a "cute bright blue" -- not sure how that happened, but it gives each of us companionship during the day so there ya go...

No, there WE go!

Vroom!

The Other Side Of The Boat

2009-03-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

In some ways, the passage in John 21 is so very simple - almost TOO simple really.

The disciples - skilled fishermen - are out on the sea doing their "job" - trying to catch fish. They are not having much success. In fact, they are catching nothing. They are probably pretty frustrated - they are, after all, SKILLED at this job, right? How hard is it for them to catch fish? Then Jesus - the CARPENTER - makes a suggestion. Hey guys - why not cast that net over onto the OTHER side of the boat?

I can imagine these ruddy fishermen snickering amongst themselves. Pssst - d'you hear what the carpenter said? He told us to cast the next on the other side of the boat. Ha ha ha ha... That is what I would have done. Yeah, um, listen Jesus - thanks for the "tip" 'n all... but, well, I've been doing this for a while - - I think I got this fishing thing down pretty good... at the very least, just to play along, I would have peeked over the edge of the boat to see if I could see signs of any fish before lugging that heavy net all the way over to the other side...

But that is not how the disciples reacted.

They immediately obeyed what Jesus said and tossed the next on to the other side of the boat.

And the funniest thing happened - THEY CAUGHT FISH! Amazing!

In their time of struggle and frustration, they:
> listened
> obeyed
> repead the rewards of listening and obeying

Sometimes we have to cast the net without any evidence of a REASON to cast the net - other than the voice of God telling us to cast the net. That's not easy. We want proof. We want evidence. We want to know before we go - -

But that's cuz we are humans.

These past several months I have been on a journey of net casting - and today, I made the decision to cast the net to the other side of the boat with very little evidence (okay, I do have SOME evidence - cuz God is loving and knows I need it!) to do it. And now, I wait and watch with anticipation as the fish start to wiggle their way to the net...

I can smell the tartar sauce already!

Reaching vs Preaching

2009-01-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

In recent years I have come to the very sad realization that for far too much of my Christian life I have acted more like a "preacher" than a "reacher."

I suppose, if we look at Jesus as our example, we would be prone to say that he knew how to balance the two out - he was both a "reacher" AND a "preacher." Unfortunately, we tend to spend a lot more time focusing on, and putting into practice, the "preaching" part - meaning that we come on a bit strong with those unfamiliar with the faith - as opposed to the "reaching" part - which is actually more difficult because it involves establishing relationships with people who might make us feel uncomfortable.

You know - sinners.

I am, today, a firm believer in "reaching" people first, and then letting the "preaching" come later - either naturally, though HOW I treat them, HOW I live, letting them observe the choices and decisions I make, etc. and then, of course, if God opens the door - sharing the gospel (preaching).

Frankly, I am a little tired of hanging around Christians. Let me clarify that - I mean cranky, narrow-minded, critical, bitter, angry, finger-pointing, Bible-waving Christians. Folks who shudder if they hear someone say "shit" or who go into panic mode if they have a friend who smokes or imply that God only loves those who have jumped through some sort of series of spiritual hoops... or, ya know - Pharisees.

I am tired of hanging around Pharisees.

I am hoping that I get more and more opportunities to hang out with a whole lot of people who are in desperate need of RELATIONSHIP and UNCONDITIONAL LOVE and ACCEPTANCE. Well, ya know - like the DISCIPLES.

I wanna hang out with Disciples. Because the Disciples had issues.

So which are you - a "reacher" or a "preacher?"

Judge Not, Lest Ye Be Judged...

2009-01-23T20:12:00.000-08:00

Judge not, lest ye be judged. If you're a Christian, you've heard that phrase many times. If you are not a Christian, you've probably heard it, too. In fact, those from both sides of the coin have uttered those words at times - usually when we are trying to rationalize our belief system or actions... "DON'T JUDGE ME!"

Well, let's talk about this statement - what is it REALLY speaking about?

The truth is - I cannot judge ANYONE. Read that again - I did not say I should not judge anyone - I said - I CANNOT judge anyone - I am incapable of that act - judgement is reserved for God and God alone. At an appointed time, God will step into the role of "judge" and set the course for the next "stage" of life - eternity.

But we misread that - we wrongly assume this statement means we cannot hold others accountable for their actions, or call into question their morals, etc. And the question we need to ponder is this - IS THAT TRUE? Am I NOT allowed to call your actions into question or hold you accountable for unbiblical conduct or morals? And are you now allowed to treat me with equal accountability? Well, the answer to that is - YES, of COURSE we are "allowed" to do that with our brothers and sisters in Christ - in fact, we are COMMANDED to do that.

And doing that - is NOT judging.

So, as a Christian, am I allowed to call into question the immoral, completely unbiblical belief of our newly elected president on his pro abortion stance? Or, if I dare question this aspect of his belief system, did I suddenly step into God's territory and have now "judged" him? Who decides if I am "judging" or "holding him accountable?"

I get Obama's lure - I truly do. I'm old enough to remember men like John Kennedy who had a similar "lure" on a nation tired of "old people and old ways." I get it. I get that Obama has, what he believes, are "hope-filled" plans to turn our country around. I also "get" that God is in total and complete control of all situations in life - which I interpret to mean that God may not CAUSE all events - - - He simply knows what to DO with our screwups...

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28)

So, while I am not convinced that God WANTED Obama to become our president (and I base this hunch on the fact that God does not WANT us to be killing innocent unborn humans), God WILL work all things (including his election) for the good - for those who LOVE HIM.

Part Two of this commentary is really more of a question - and it's not an easy one. Does God really - no, I mean REALLY - "judge" a nation for their ungodly actions and decisions? Or have we simply moved past that - like, God DID that - way in the past - but He's come to His senses and no longer has a need to "judge" His people. I ask because if God no longer judges, man - I'm gonna live it up! However, if God DOES still judge "a people" - does it matter - SHOULD it matter - to followers of Christ what we use as the foundation of our decision making when it comes to our nation? Does it really matter that President Obama is pro-abortion - as shown as recently as today (Jan 23) in his reversal of President Bush's ban on funding abortions? Or, should we just stand on that nice scapegoat of "church and state" and simply put "God" in a nice box over here - and "real life" in a different box over here -- to make sure we can keep our cars filled with gas, our kids in college and food on the table...

You know, the IMPORTANT things...

What In God's Name Are We Doing?

2008-12-31T11:54:00.001-08:00

The American Church has fallen into some dangerous waters in recent decades and much of what we is an attempt to blame what we do on God's will - as if God actually commends our weak efforts at spiritualizing (rationalizing) our own selfish ambitions and passions.

Of primary importance to this writer is what we call "worship music." What is that, exactly - "worship music"? Today, it means a wide variety of things and, depending upon who you talk to, certain forms are more acceptable to God than others; certain forms lend themsleves to worship while other forms do not - and it's based on the style of the music. Really? (uh huh)

Generally, we see two main categories, with several sub-categories beneath. The two main categories of "worship music" are described as "Traditoinal" and "Contemporary." Painting broadly, here, the Traditional side of the coin tends to utilize music that is more hymn-driven, more choral, lush, has been around for a while, that sort of thing. The Contemporary side of the coin utilizes songs written in the past couple of decades, is band-driven, relies heavily on technical support (sound, lights, media, etc.).

Thankfully, I believe most of "the church" has finally moved past the idiotic notion that only one of these forms is correct or proper or best - for "worship." I believe we actually do (finally) see that not only are these different forms acceptable - they are necessary - given today's culture.

Unfortunately - the same foundational aspect is missing from both of these general categories in most of today's Christian churches. That missing element - is the HEART of worship. Or, what I refer to as "the WHO of worship." We have done a nice job of focusing on, and enhancing, the HOW of worship - but in the process we seem to have missed the actual reason we gather together in the first place - TO ENCOUNTER THE LIFE TRANSFORMING POWER OF JESUS CHRIST in the midst of our worship gathering.

I can say this because having worked in this arena for nearly 30 years I have come to discover first hand just how selfish most congregations are when it comes to the music selected for use in their services. It is very rare to find someone sitting in a pew these days who has the unselfish ability to refrain from complaining about the music. Most people in most churches are prone to be critical of the music used in the services. The list of complaints varies and seems to be never-ending - but the list is almost always verbalized - either in person, or via a phone call or email or letter... and always - in every instance - the bottom line is that the person complaining "...doesn't like..." a particular song or song style or form, etc. In other words - DO WHAT I WANT!

Here is a blunt question. Why? Why should I, as the music director, or pastor, do what YOU want? What aspect of our worship is about bowing to your personal music wishes and making sure you are kept happy?

And, yet, that is exactly what we do, isn't it? We have arrived at a place in church history where leadership is doing all we can to make sure you are kept happy! The proof of this can be seen in the fact that we now have a menu of worship services you can attend designed to meet YOUR needs... you like classical music? Go to the Classic service. You like rock? Go to the Contemporary service. You like both? Visit our Blended service. Whatever you want - we will provide it for you - so that you stay happy.

But guess what - that isn't working! People are still not "happy" - they still find things to complain about.

Now - here is the reason why people are like that - and some will read this and get very, very angry...

Spirit-led, Spirit-filled worship services do not create an atmosphere of selfishness. Read that again - Spirit-led, Spirit-filled worship services do not create an atmosphere of selfishness. You know why - because these services are not focused on the HOW - they are focused on the WHO of worship - Jesus Christ, as led in the power of the Holy Spirit.

You are probably thinking - well, OUR services are led by the Holy Spirit. Really? So, in your church, where you have constant bickering over the music styles - that is a "Spirit-led" church? Sorry to burst your bubble - but the answer is "no." How can I say that? Because the Holy Spirit is NOT a spirit of confusion. End of story. No rebuttal. If your church is made up of people who, week in and week out, feel the need to complain about the music styles being used then guess what - you are NOT operating in the power of the Holy Spirit - no matter how loudly you say you are - the proof is in the pudding.

So, what's the answer? Here are a few suggestions:

1) Shut up. Quit complaining. Stop opening your mouth and creating angst. Be quiet. Learn how to keep your selfish opinion to yourself. Need more?

2) Worship GOD. Stop worshiping YOUR wants, needs and selfish desires. God is not there for you - you are there for HIM. Get used to it cuz that's what eternity has to offer. God is more important than you are and HOW you worship Him is far less important than WHO you worship.

3) Follow your leaders. Or get rid of them. One or the other. If you want to have things your way, go start your own church. Until then, follow the leaders God has placed over you. They know better than you what God wants for the flock - otherwise they should not be your leaders. Trust them. Have faith in them. Support them. Encourage them.

4) Follow The Holy Spirit. This seems so ridiculous to say because so many churches actually believe they already are following the Spirit's leading. But, as I said earlier, if you have a congregation that is constantly complaining and bickering you are NOT led by the Spirit. So, change that. Become a congregation that IS led by the Spirit. It will not be easy - but do it anyway.

We need to stop blaming God for our own selfish desires. God has not ordained choral music as the only vehicle for worship. Likewise, He has not decided that contemporary praise bands are His chosen method. God doesn't CARE HOW you worship - so long as you worship HIM.

Who's In Charge, Here?

2008-10-23T22:13:00.000-07:00

I've been involved in church ministry for over 30 years... primarily in music and creative arts. And I've noticed a disturbing trend over the years that has seeped it's way into just about every aspect of "church life."

Control.

For some odd reason - call it ego - many well-intentioned believers feel the need to control - to take charge of - to help God with - what goes on in churches.

We form committees who debate about things that really, in the end, don't have that much importance - well, not compared to Salvation.

We try to regulate the use of certain songs or prayers or practices - anointing them as "holy" when, in fact, they are not holy. They are just - songs... or prayers... or practices. The only reason they have any sacred importance is because we have labeled them as such.

We feel the need to control what goes on in our churches, in our services, in our Sunday school classes - and more!

But - - the last time I checked - - God is the one in charge. And, He does not really need our help, thank you very much.

He just needs our unarguable loyalty, trust, obedience and worship.

We common saints must do much less controlling - and far more committing...

Here's The Thing...

2008-10-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

Assuming that all of us are, at some level, just a common saint, walking this planet, trying to live out what we believe the Bible teaches, trying to be "little Christs" to the world... then it seems to me that we portray that ID in ALL aspects of life - not just "church."

So, to all my Christian friends who have jumped aboard the "hate wagon" during this Presidential Campaign, can I just say - enough!

Each person has their "fav" who they want elected to the office of President. So be it. Not everyone shares the same passion YOU do for YOUR candidate. Thus we have the multi-party system in this country. That's one of the really cool things about America - - unity in diversity.

Well, that's what we SAY... but rarely do we live it out.

Enough with hammering someone JUST to show you are better... back in my school yard we called that "being a bully." And as I recall, the bully was usually the first to get paddled by the principal.

Every candidate has problems. All of them. Not one is above reproach. And NO candidate is worthy of the amount of blind loyalty some seem to be handing them. McCain is not God's appointed president. Obama is not the Savior of the nation. Palin is not gonna usher in the apocaplypes. Biden... uh, Biden... hmmm. I'll think of something later - once he does something.

How about this... shut your pie hole about your candidate -- vote as you feel led -- let the chips fall where they may -- and, for once in your life, learn to trust the ONLY one who really cares about this country.

God '08!

How Big is God?

2008-10-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

No, I mean that. How big is God?

I was talking with a comic recently - she happens to be a Christian - and we were bantering about how many Christians have elected to make their God so small that anything outside of a certain set of parameters just simply does not fit and, therefore, is not "of God."

But God is very big.

God created The Beatles. The Beatles never led anyone to Christ that I know of - but that does not discount that God created them and, I will go so far as to say that God even created their music. Anything "devilish" in their music is due to their own twisting of the beautiful creation of God's called music. And if God created music - it CANNOT be evil.

We Christians are great at building walls - and our walls keep outsiders out. And then we complain why nobody comes to church - or tithes. Guess what? They don't like us!

How big is God?

He's big enought to build bridges - and that's why I follow Him.

T MINUS 10 SECONDS...

2008-10-10T14:06:00.001-07:00

And - - - it's LAUNCHED!

Not sure how long this blog will last - time will tell.

Hopefully this will be a place for church-going folks who share my passion for "outside the box" thinking to share ideas, passions, dreams, visions and more related to how "the church" today is ineffective in impacting the lives of those they are called to impact and then offer solutions to solve this problem.

This is not "Gripe Central" - this is "Fix-It-Ville."

So, if you are just arriving, join the adventure and let's see if it might not be possible to become architects of bridges, rather than builders of walls...