Ways to Grow

             There comes a time in every young person’s life when you feel like you have finally arrived, where life seems so good it could not be any better. For my son, Tedy, it was when he was tall enough to go down the big slide at the LPC Aquatic Center. He loved it so much he spent the next ninety minutes on the waterslide.

            We all grow. Growth is necessary but we are unable to control the growth process. We must start to see growth differently than we do now. For example there is more than one way to grow. Even Jesus himself grew, Luke 2:52 says, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” This passage describes four different ways of growth.  I would like to break them down for you in a new way.

1.      Stature- High Chair/Physical Growth-High chairs are used to help feed babies. Babies grow by a physical growth. Is the church like a high chair? Yes, but high chairs are temporary. Eventually the baby will outgrow the high chair. The baby will learn to feed themselves.  It would be awkward to see a 40 year old being spoon fed in a high chair.  You have to be careful as a high chair faith can lead to a lazy, unhealthy, narcissistic faith. There must be more than a high chair and spoon fed faith.

2.      Wisdom- Desk Chair/Mental Growth- Desk chairs are used by students to learn. Students grow through information. Is the church similar? Yes, but a desk chair is also temporary. Eventually a student graduates but hopefully does not stop learning. The role of education is to teach a student the ability to continue growing for a lifetime. However if not focused a learning driven faith leads to works driven and prideful faith. Faith is more than attaining knowledge. 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 confirms, “knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.”

3.      Favor with God- Pew/ Spiritual Growth- Pew’s are where people sit during a worship experience. In spiritual growth people grow in the heart. However just because you sit in a pew on Sunday’s it is not an automatic heart change. The danger is sitting in a pew becomes just another thing we do, but never impacts your life. The second danger is that your heart becomes legalistic thinking your way is the best or even only way.  The pew is also temporary. You may sit in it an hour or two a week. The real test is if your faith is actually lived out when you are not sitting in a pew.

4.      Favor with Man- Piano Bench/ Relational and Application Growth- A piano bench is special, it is meant for two people. The teacher and the student sit side by side as the teacher demonstrates. There is a relationship of one pouring into the other. Then as the student grows is able to play the piece on their own. The student practices, the teacher gives advice, the student applies the advice and grows. Eventually the student may grow enough and be able to move into a teaching role.

This is what it is meant to be a disciple. Jesus came alongside each one. Walked with them, taught them and there was transformation. Then Jesus released them to make disciples. Each disciple eventually makes disciples. It was always part of Jesus’ plan for us to be in the role of disciple maker. Now talk to your Pastor to see how you can make disciples.

LeBron and the Quest

Breaking news last night is LeBron has once again left his team in free agency. He has apparently agreed to a deal with the Lakers for the next four years. This is nothing new to LeBron who has the mentality everything is greener on someone else’s lawn. His desire to be the best makes him strive for better, this is part of the American dream.

He says his quest is to win championships. He has won three of them. However he wants more. This lust for more leads him to never be happy where he is. And since he is the best player in the NBA he has the power to control at least part of his destiny. This quest has led him to multiple teams, coaches,  choosing the players he wants on his team, and even trading player’s midseason.  

The problem with the quest for the ideal is that LeBron did not find what he is looking for in Miami or Cleveland and he will not find it in Los Angeles either. His quest has become his idol. He has put this goal above any other.

LeBron has what most American’s desire. He has money, fame, and power, yet he still wants more. I have a feeling if this LA experiment works for him and he wins four championships he will still not be content. There will always be a restlessness in him because he can only fill a void with something he is not chasing.

The quest does not stop with LeBron  and championships, money, fame and power. As Americans, we think we will be happier, better, stronger if we reach our goals but then there is always another goal. We think our country will be happier, better, stronger if we have the right people leading us, or the right laws to govern us. This quest keeps us switching jobs, cities, spouses in a lust for more. Yet we always will fall short, it will never be enough.

Jeremiah 17:5-14 says,

“Cursed is the one who trusts in man,
    who draws strength from mere flesh
    and whose heart turns away from the Lord.
⁶ That person will be like a bush in the wastelands;
    they will not see prosperity when it comes.
They will dwell in the parched places of the desert,
    in a salt land where no one lives.

⁷ “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
    whose confidence is in him.
⁸ They will be like a tree planted by the water
    that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
    its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
    and never fails to bear fruit.”

⁹ The heart is deceitful above all things
    and beyond cure.
    Who can understand it?

“I the Lord search the heart
    and examine the mind,
to reward each person according to their conduct,
    according to what their deeds deserve.”

¹¹ Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay
    are those who gain riches by unjust means.
When their lives are half gone, their riches will desert them,
    and in the end they will prove to be fools.

¹² A glorious throne, exalted from the beginning,
    is the place of our sanctuary.
¹³ Lord, you are the hope of Israel;
    all who forsake you will be put to shame.
Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust
    because they have forsaken the Lord,
    the spring of living water.

¹⁴ Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;
    save me and I will be saved,
    for you are the one I praise.

            We can learn a lot from this passage.

1.      When we trust man over God we are cursed.

2.      We can be in the best place possible but still feel horrible.

3.      Those who are blessed, follow/trust God.

4.      The heart is deceitful.

5.      Searching riches leaves us short.

6.      God is our hope.

7.      Only God can heal and save us from the curse.

8.      We need to praise God.

We can learn a lot from LeBron.  But until we think differently than him we will never be happy.  Who do you trust? What do you worship? What will you continue to chase until it is too late?

November Awareness- Men's Health and Adoption

October 2010 Jenny and I sat in a Urologist’s office and waiting to hear the results of the test. We had been trying to become pregnant for five years, but we were a little passive, we said it would happen when it happens. But now that I was finished with classes and just two months away from graduation at Wesley Seminary it was time to be a more aggressive in our pursuit for children.

So now here we were hearing the news that we feared. Sure there was some healing that needed to take place, but in a way we had already known what the doctor had shared with us. I would never biologically be able to have children. It was painful but not as painful as I thought it would be. Maybe because I had already known what the results would be. Maybe I had already dealt with it and this was what brought the closure I needed.

 I am not one to dwell in the pain.  I am a problem solver. There is always a solution.  For me there was only one solution. Most of my life I have known people who were adopted. My Uncle David and Aunt Vicky adopted their two children Meghann and Jed. A friend in junior high had two adopted sisters. Adoption had an impact on my life long before October 2010.  

November for me is an important month. We bring awareness to Men’s Health by growing beards. November is also National Adoption Awareness month. In my case the first led to the last, for me they are connected. Infertility however is not the end of the world. It is not a sentence. It is just part of the story.

Adoption has led us down a sometime difficult road, difficult but not bad. Difficult roads can lead to redemption. Adoption has led us to two beautiful children. Tedy is now five years old and thriving. Our second Mae was just welcomed into the family six weeks ago. Seven years later we are now parents to two children whom we love and could not imagine a better story to be told.  

Maybe you find yourself in a doctor’s office being told news that is difficult. Maybe you are experiencing a surprise pregnancy or are being told having biological children is not an option. Can I encourage you to consider adoption as an option? Bethany Christian Services is the agency Jenny and I used and would encourage you to give them a call.

7th Grade Ignorance

When I was in 7th Grade I was stupid. Most 7th graders are. Sorry 7th graders. It can be a hard time. Hormones are just starting to attack, your body is going through changes you possibly cannot understand. I was dealing with 7th grade ignorance.

In 7th grade I got in trouble... a lot.

I remember having lunch detention for 2 weeks after I wrote some mean things about a teacher and someone discovered them in my desk.

I hit a girl in the head with a math book, was arrested for assault and spent 6 months on probation. I had to pay her hospital bill. Do not worry she is fine and we are actually Facebook friends to this day.

Back in 7th grade we had to have book covers to protect the expensive books. I remember making them out of the paper grocery bags. They held up well and we would cover them with doodles. I remember at the time some friends and I discovered this somewhat cool and simple logo to draw. So we started drawing it on our covers. It at one time was a symbol of good but in the 1930s and 40s it became a symbol of hatred. Yes my friends and I drew the swastika. I told you I was stupid. It was 7th grade ignorance.

I also had a friend. I played baseball with him and he happened to be Jewish. He told me what the symbol meant. I was ashamed. I had hurt my friend. I apologized and remember throwing the cover in the trash. He was good about it but the damage had been done. I however was no longer 7th grade ignorant. I had a responsibility to uphold.

The last week a story has gone viral starting in Iowa and is now national news. Some high school students  wore some KKK hoods, had a confederate flag, and a gun. You can see the story here.http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/iowa-hs-students-wearing-kkk-hoods-booted-football-team-article-1.3480890 They posed for a pic and posted it on social media. Usually when there is hate there is ignorance but we can no longer blame it on our 7th grade selves. We go public because somewhere at some point hate needs to stop. Sometimes it is in the subtlety of a Facebook post, not knowing all the facts, or not willing to budge from our opinions.

I have found that when I listen I usually learn. When I learn I usually grow. When I grow I usually change for the better. I change my actions. Change does not start through actions. Change starts with a change of heart. Changing hearts however is hard. I cannot personally do that. Only God can. Something as deep as the soul where we have this inner voice telling us we know we are wrong. Some may call this conscience, but I will add that the Holy Spirit leads my conscience.

We can never go wrong with love but there also comes a point where I must take a stand for God's creation. I am to give the oppressed value and worth. I must write about the Dreamers whose livelihood is threatened. I must support the refugee. I must do something about those in Texas and Florida who are suffering due to hurricanes. I am no longer in 7th grade. I am no longer ignorant of what is going on around me. I cannot minimize the pain and trauma that others go through.

I am a Christian, and a Pastor. So I see the world through these lenses. I try to view people as God sees them. When people hurt, I want to help. It is called empathy. Today my empathy leads me to write this blog. Tomorrow who knows. But I can no longer sit by passively when I see people hurting.

I admit I still have hope

I admit I have been fairly silent on #BlackLivesMatter. I have been watching from afar. Maybe it is because I do not know all the facts. Maybe it is because I am one of the pastiest white guys I know with blonde hair and blue eyes. I admit I have no idea what it is like to walk around with dark skin, to be profiled by someone else just because the color of my skin. But I do know I cannot be silent any longer. Black lives matter and when us “white folks”   respond with all lives matter we are missing the point. In our country we have enslaved people because of the color of skin. We have devalued people not allowing specific rights because we feel supreme. We have had segregated schools because we thought that was best. Even today because of the systemic problems a black man is sentenced more harshly for the same crime as a white man. With all these things I admit I still have hope.

I admit that I have never met a poor policemen. Every cop I know has lived with integrity and when they put the badge on they really mean they are here to “Serve and Protect.” I admit I have no idea what it is like to wear the uniform to observe and watch over a community always having to respond to what the worst of humanity has to offer. Our church honored first responders on September 11 and I am proud of each one of them. They sacrifice their time and safety to protect our community. For them I am thankful. Their hard work is being overshadowed by some police that do not serve with the best integrity or intentions. Even though there are some problem cops I would guess that 99.9999% of policemen put on the uniform each day and use the best judgement they know how. With all these things I admit I still have hope.

I admit I am a Christian who may look at the world a little differently than most. I am a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven before I am a citizen of the United States. Jesus is my King and I follow his truth before I apply any of the Bill of Rights or the Constitution to my life. While I love my country and consider myself to be a Patriot I worship Jesus and not a flag. While I stand to the Star Spangled Banner putting my hand over my heart during it is difficult because my heart belongs to no one other than Jesus. While I recognize we are the leader in the world on freedom we may not have the best ideas on everything we do. With all these things I admit I still have hope.

I admit I am a Pastor who loves the people I have a chance to lead and serve. I err on the side of grace and love.  I share truth but do not condemn. I try to live out the Great Commandment of Loving God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and love my neighbor as myself. I have been called to live out the Great Commission of going to all nations to make disciples. I have seen the best and the worst of people. I have met with people who have had affairs, going through a divorce, suicidal. I have had a chance to marry and bury. Rejoice with them in babies birth and celebrate with salvation and baptism. I have seen fights tear friendships and churches apart. Through the twelve years in ministry I have heard racist comments at most and ignorant comments at least about minorities, refugees and other religions. All I can do is pray for God to have mercy for they know not what they are doing. Our church in the last few years has become more diverse. I would now consider it to be a multi-cultural church. I love what God is doing within our church community. With all these things I admit I still have hope.

I admit I am or at least used to consider myself a traveler. I have been to four continents and hope to be in the other two at some point. I am ok not experiencing Antarctica. It has helped me to see the world and people differently. We may look different, speak in different languages and come from a different background.  But we have a lot more in common than the things that are different. We truly live in a beautiful world with beautiful people created by a wonderful creator. In the world a terror is sweeping through and killing people who do not side with them. Our first response to fear is to stay away. Some brave soul might choose to go and rescue. The world can be a dangerous place. With all these things I admit I still have hope.

I admit that I am not a republican or a democrat and I will vote for… Well I am not going to admit everything today.

I admit that a blog like this probably will not have a dramatic change in the world. But I hope that the three or four people that might read it might ask how they might be able to bring good to the world. People are looking for hope and I hope that I am one that can bring that to them.

Returning from Vacation

July 4th we started vacation. We left the world behind and I shut my electronics off until July 12th. I really like the ability to get away, focus on family. I almost forget that the rest of the world is not on vacation too. A lot happened during those days and I feel like I have spent some of my day today catching up on world events.

1. It seems like there are shootings every day. People are dying. Lives were lost. Cops. Black people. White people. This is never good. There are some some great thoughts that friends and others have written so I want to share those blogs here.

Wayne Schmidt- General Superintendent (Pope) of the Wesleyan Church
Kyle Ray- Pastor at Kentwood Community Church in Grand Rapids, MI (for context he is also black)
Kory Kleinsasser- Pastor at Waite Park Church in Minneapolis

There are many others. These are three people I highly respect. But I think we can all agree we must be in prayer for all involved. We need to learn to listen to people. Hear why, what, who. There is always more to the story and until we have lived in someones shoes we have no idea what someone goes through on a regular basis. This is bigger than me, I don't have the answers but I will continue to look to Jesus. #blacklivesmatter

2. Perry Noble was fired from his position at NewSpring. NewSpring has a weekly attendance of over 32,000. He was fired over his over use of alcohol. This is a big deal and affects a lot of people. I have followed NewSpring for a while as I used to live close to the church. I pray for Perry Noble, his family, his future, his recovery, and all those who have been impacted by his ministry Ed Stetzer wrote on it here. Noble released a video today on Facebook. In it he claims "he ran to it instead of Jesus and because of it I am sorry."

3. Pokemon Go- I understand very little here. All I know is Nintendo's stock went up 25% and in a weeks time there are 65 million users. There seems to be pros and cons for this new app. If you have Pokemon Go and like it please let me know, I would like to understand it. Check out an info video.

4. Personal- Vacation was good. Some of the highlights were.
- Family time- This is alway nice. From Aunts and Uncles, cousins, niece to siblings and parents. It is nice to always see them. I was also able to spend the whole week with my grandmother. She is 90 and not sure how many moments like that I will be able to have.
- East Grand Lake- One of my favorite places on Earth
- Beulah- First time at family camp. I can see why it is a big deal. Here I was able to catch up with friends I haven't seen in over a decade, to former ministry partners.
- Caleb's Ordination- He is my brother and I am very proud of all he has done.
 Some lowlights
- I was sick... on vacation... again. I think I need to learn how to slow down and relax.
- Weather. For the majority of the trip it was cool 50-60s and rainy. This hurt our ability to be outside and enjoy one of the most beautiful places (Grand Manan) I have been in my life.

5. Overall Vacation was good. I was glad to get away from Presidential election ads/news. I was glad to not have to think about Church or meetings or people. I was glad to eat Houlton Farms, Mrs Dunster's Donuts, and Brenda's Cinnamon Rolls. But, I am ready to get back to life. I flourish on the routine. I like exercising regular and controlling my diet. I like my own bed and pillow. I like sitting in my recliner at night. I like my life. I like my job and am blessed to be able to do what I do. I love Heartland Community Church in La Porte City and look forward to worshipping with them on Sunday.

Soul Care

In a small group, John Wesley would always ask the question, "How is it with your soul?" I think this is a question that we need to ask of ourselves and others. But there is only one person who can answer it, you. You are the only one that has the ability to know the answer. You are the only one who has the responsibility to feed you soul.

About a month ago I was talking with a mentor and asked him about soul care. He encouraged me in this simple way. Daily devotions, Weekly Sabbath, Monthly day alone, and Yearly Retreat. I have heard this before but had had only practiced the first two. My mentor encouraged me to take the next Monday as my first Monthly Day alone. I was planning to but it never happened. A pillar of our church passed away that Sunday and I put it aside because I had to prep for the funeral. I didnt have time to get away.

 

Sure I am a Pastor and I know I need to read the Bible, to pray. So many days it can become routine or even dry. This is why over the years I try to change up my methods so it wont become stale. I have gone through periods where I would read a passage from the OT, Psalms, Proverbs, and NT. I have gone through other periods where I would read from only one book at a time. I would pray at one specific time a day, I would listen to sermons when I run. I would continually mix it up so I could keep my faith fresh.

 

I find as a Pastor it is even more important to fill myself up by taking care of my soul. I spend a lot of time pouring out myself on others so I like my car needs to be regularly filled up and needs routine maintenance to keep myself going strong. 

 

A full month later and what was a really draining month personally and ministry wise later I finally took the much needed Day Alone. I am realizing more and more that in order to fully serve Heartland and La Porte City I need to take care of my soul. Some people may take what is called a sick day or a mental health day to get back to where they want to be. But I would encourage you to take care of your soul. 

 

Take a morning just to walk and pray. Lock yourself in a room just to read scripture. If you are a musician take your guitar and sing out to the Lord. Find a way to connect with your Savior. What did I do? I went to Chick-Fil-A, I read Scripture with no time limit. I started to read the book All In by Mark Batterson. I was there for about 5 hours. It was an awesome time. 

 

Today I am full. I should not have waited a month. You should not put it off either. If you need help to find a way to connect with Jesus I am more than willing to help. 

 

 

Stages of Discipleship

Thankful for the platform from The Progress Review they give Pastor's in La Porte City.

Check out my latest article here.

I will be writing during the month of March. Come back to the blog each week to have the next article.

Do not fear... (My thoughts on Refugees)

Do not fear… Anything

The last few weeks at Heartland we have been in a series borrowed from Andy Stanley at NorthPoint Church called The N Commandment. In this series we have been called by Christ to Fear Not, Worry Not, Doubt Not, Sin Not and this coming week will close out with Judge Not. This is a great series that helps us to understand these commandments in the light this side of the Resurrection. We are able to truly live without fear and worry.

Peter was a great example of a life changed due to the resurrection of Christ. He tried to do things on his own, sometimes even out of fear and worry. He almost drowned when he was walking on water and focused on his fear of the wind and waves. When Jesus was arrested he tried to protect Jesus with a small sword, and among the trouble after the arrest Peter denied Christ three times.

But after the resurrection of Christ Peter lived a live of complete surrender spreading the Gospel to all those that needed to hear. He saw the resurrected body, saw the scars and knew this was the real deal. He was even willing to give his life for the cause. He lived a different life after the resurrection.

I think this is also our call to live differently in the light of the resurrection and trade our lives of fear for trust, worry for peace, and doubt for hope and faith. In the light of the recent events in the world many online are sharing stories about ISIS, Muslim extremists. People are sharing their opinions. And most of these opinions are based in fear and worry. I struggle with what exactly the best thing to do is. This is above my pay grade and there are no easy answers. I do know very few people are using scripture to back what they are saying. I know very few are using personal experience. I know people will never come to a consensus but let me share a few things I have learned over the years about what I have learned.

1. Read Matthew 25:31-46- “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” “whatever you do for the least of these you have done for me
2. Matthew 2:13-18 As a baby, Jesus and his family were refugees to Egypt. They feared for their life.
3. Genesis 47- When there was a famine in Israel Joseph’s brothers and family came to Egypt. The pharaoh gave them the best land (vs 6)
4. Hebrews 13:1-2  Do not forget to entertain strangers.

This is just the beginning of what scripture says we should do.

Another thing that I want to tread lightly on is that we are not looking at this with a world view. We are looking at it through the only lens that you might know, as an American. First, I am thankful to be an American. But I am a follower of Christ first. My allegiance is to Christ over everything.  I am called to Love God and Neighbor. Neighbor is not just the person you live next too but also includes everyone, including the refugee.

Next week we will gather around tables celebrating refugees coming to this great land fleeing religious persecution. If no one immigrated to America we would not have a United States and American Indians would be the only people group here. Our country was formed by a bunch of refugees. So if anyone should be willing to welcome a refugee it should be us. 

I also look at this through another lens. When I married Jenny I married into a family that has multiple ethnicities and religions.  Jenny’s aunt Lisa met and married a Muslim man Mustafa Al-Ramly while attending Indiana State University. They have lived in Kuwait ever since and have two awesome adult children. So when I think Muslim I think also of my family who are some of the kindest gentle people I have ever met in my life.

Our scope is very narrow. Most writing comments on Facebook are people I believe are good hearted people coming to conclusions based on fear and worry rather than trusting a loving, compassionate, generous God.

These are my thoughts, they are still being developed. I hope I can listen more than I argue. I hope I love more than I hate. I hope I have compassion more than I judge. I hope I am a peacemaker more than I cause conflict. I hope I pray for the least more than I condemn. I am called to so much more in my life than I actually fulfill.

Today please LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS AND SERVE ALL.

Cause for Salvation

Last week I went to a leadership conference in Sioux Falls. One of the speakers was Roddy Chong. He is a very talented violinist. He shared a story of when he was growing up he would perform at different events. Every now and then he would make a mistake. When he was young he would stop and start the whole song again. When he was a little older and a little more talented he would start again just before the place he made the mistake. It took him a while to learn that most people watching never noticed the mistake. When he learned this he said it was an epiphany. It was then he learned to play through the mistake. Not to look back on the mistake at least in the middle of the performance. Roddy Chong refused to be defined by his mistake.

So many people let mistakes rule their life. They let the mistakes impact their decisions. They choose to avoid certain activities. They write people off because of their mistakes. As a Pastor I have met many people that say they could never step inside of a church because of their past. How I respond to one person is how I respond to all people. You are not your mistake. You are not defined by your worst act. We are not our mess. We all have something better that God has planned for us. Unfortunately so many people are allowing guilt to dictate what they do. This should not be so.

Throughout this month I have been encouraging Cause to invade your life. Causes are important. Causes are something we stand up for, fight for and maybe even willing to put our life on the line for. I have addressed different causes like Celebrate Recovery, Slavery, the Food Pantry and digging a well in Sierra Leone. Every one needs a cause. Some causes involve taking a risk.

Last week I mentioned how you are the cause of Christ that he was willing to risk and eventually give up his life for you. Through his death on the cross and his resurrection a few days later he opened up the door of grace for you and I. This door of grace allows us to leave our mistakes behind us. The door offers forgiveness for us, and the freedom we need to move forward and not to be held down by our past.

Most causes eventually end. Maybe a cure was found. Or the needs were met. But the cause of salvation is eternal. It lasts forever and gives life to those who have a relationship with Christ. Salvation is a cause worth standing up for, fighting for and laying your life down for. If you have any questions about salvation give me or one of the other Pastors in town a call. We would be happy to help. Salvation is our cause.

Celebration of Discipline- Solitude

Well it has been a while since I have read/wrote my thoughts on a chapter. It has been a busy summer, which is why this chapter for me has been really good. It seems like I am always going from one thing to the next. From one loud thing to another. About the only time I am alone is when I am in the office working on something for the church.

Foster says, "without silence there is no solitude." If this is the case I rarely have solitude. It is easy to not have silence. Even now as I type this I have Spotify playing in the background. (But I still do acknowledge the importance of silence, in fact I am shutting off Spotify right now.)

A lot of people have problem with silence. Why is this? Maybe because it leaves us alone with our thoughts? This silence is referring to also not talking. We struggle with silence that we want to even fill it with our own voice because it is awkward. Foster says, "One reason... is that it makes us feel so helpless. We are so accustom to relying upon words to manage and control others... The tongue is our most powerful weapon of manipulation."  He adds, true freedom is to "let God be our justifier."

Foster challenges us to live one entire day without words at all, 4X a year to withdraw for 3-4 hours of solitude, once a year to have a 2-3 day retreat with no other purpose than for solitude.

This chapter has been really good because it comes in a time of my life where my tongue has brought me into a little bit of trouble with one of my relationships. There is a lot of truth in this book that if I learn to apply it should help me in this area.

Being okay with silence is hard but every now and then maybe we should shut down all the noise so we are able to think, pray, connect with our Creator and see what happens in that time. I do not think I have ever regretted a time when I could have solitude. But in order to have it we must make room for it in our lives.

Celebration of Discipline- Simplicity

We fill our lives with a lot more than needs. I would say that it is okay to enjoy and have things we want but the idea of simplicity is more than this idea. As Foster shares in the first line of this chapter, simplicity is freedom.

Have you ever felt like you do not have enough? Or have the desire and need for something more in this life? Throughout scripture we are warned  not to trust in riches, not to build up our treasures in heaven, the desire to be rich will make us fall into temptation. Yet simplicity is still more than this.

When we find ourselves content with riches or in poverty this is when we can find simplicity. The problem with simplicity is it can be seen in our lives easily. The attitude of simplicity can be displayed. If we find ourselves anxious about not having or holding onto what we have it can fall into the idea of idolatry. Foster brings us back to "seek first his kingdom and righteousness."

So how do we live a life of simplicity? Foster gives 10 tips on doing this. Since I dont want to make this blog a book, I will address the ones in my life that I need to continue to work on.

- "Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you." This could be anything from caffeine to tv. But it does not need to be a product. It could be the feeling of power or the continual search for joy while not looking to Christ. Release it. As I stated earlier simplicity is freedom, not slavery. If it holds you down, controls you, if you find yourself desiring it more than the things of God than this is a dangerous place to be.

- "Refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry." (That is a mouthful Foster) I dont feel like I need the best or newest but I definitely like the ability that makes me "feel connected." I like Apple, we have a SmartTV.  But not having a lot of extra cash flow helps me in this.

- "Shun anything that distracts you from seeking the kingdom of God." God first, God central.

Simplicity in itself can become legalistic. And I think this is where my problem is. I have never felt like I needed anything. It makes me a hard person to buy for. The problem with this is projecting this same idea onto others. This is when simplicity can become legalism.

The one thing that simplicity allows me to do is give. I have free time to give others. I have left over money that I am able to save and help someone in need. When you dont stretch your money and need to live from paycheck to paycheck you find freedom. Simplicity is freedom.

Confederate Flag Thoughts

Thousands of years ago their was a symbol that represented peace, good fortune or well being. It was used by Buddhist's to represent the sun moving through the sky. It was put on pottery and places of worship. It was known to a lot of people for good.

In 1920, Adolf Hitler, decided the Nazi Party needed a new logo for a flag. This symbol I am referring to is of course the swastika. The next few years Hitler and the Nazi's redefined the meaning of the swastika to mean discourse, pain and hate.

I know a lot of my friends have strong feelings one way or another about the Confederate Flag. For The Dukes of Hazzard fans it means "the good ole' boys." It also represents being from the south, having pride, independence.

Unfortunately racists have adopted the confederate flag as one to spread pain and hate in the United States.

 

We do not use the swastika because even in the short period that it has been seen as evil, the meaning of it has been changed. Like the swastika, the confederate flag for many people is seen in the same evil, hate and more. I am probably not going to change your mind and this is ok. Just think about what you want your life to portray. What do you want to be known for?

 

Celebration of Discipline- Study

Some of the past studies, I admitted that they were not strong points. Study however is one of my strongest disciplines. Not only is it a part of my job where I study scripture of what the context meant by the author, but also how it applies to my and your life. This is something I love to do and is something I would do if I were not paid.

Romans 12:2 Says that we should be "transformed by the renewal of our mind." This is big because the mind can be an inhibitor to the process of our faith. Why do most atheists/agnostics have trouble believing? Because they are unable to grasp or explain God. God does not make sense to them.

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  For many the road block to faith is being able to understand. And honestly I dont think it is possible for anyone to be able to explain the existence of God in full. This is why it is faith. 

There are 4 steps of study that Foster discusses in this chapter. 

1. Repetition- The more you read something, the more you notice. The more you notice, the more you understand. Repetition helps you focus. Why do you think a band practices the same song over and over. So they know it inside and out. It gets to the point where they memorize the notes and words. They no longer need the sheet in front of them to tell them what comes next. It becomes a part of you.
      In my devotions I used to read a different passage every day. This was good for a season, and one day I am sure I will go back to this. Right now, I am reading the same passage everyday for a week. I am diving into it, so I can know it inside and out. I want it to become a part of who I am.

2. Concentration- Repetition leads into concentration. If you are able to concentrate of something you dont have all the outside distractions. You are really able to focus. Think about how easy it is to concentrate today. Most homes you walk in and the tv is even if someone is not watching it. The radio is on, the kids are playing, we are receiving texts or notifications. All of these things are competing for our focus. How often do we just get away from what we are doing and focus on God's Word, listen to what someone is saying, or focus solely on a task.

3. Comprehension- If we were able to concentrate, we would definitely be able to comprehend. If we listened to a friend we would know what is going on. Comprehending leads to knowledge, new insights, and discernment.

4. Reflection- Reflection brings in the significance of what we are studying. This shows the importance. As we give ourselves to it, this is where change happens. Our minds are being transformed.

Foster says, "the purpose of study is not doctrinal purity but inner transformation." 

 

Celebration of Discipline- Fasting

If there is a discipline I am worse at I would be surprised. Fasting is difficult for me and it is not just the idea of giving up of food although that is still a valid reason. American culture is adverse to fasting because it is the idea of ridding ourselves of the distraction, of humbling ourselves to focus on the worship of our Lord. We need to learn to simplify to rid ourselves of the things getting in our way of the obedience of Christ.

Foster says their are "no biblical laws that command regular fasting." Is this why we dont focus on it that often? Just because we are not forced into something doesnt mean that it is not a good practice. Foster refers to it as an "opportunity."

Foster also says "we are accustom to cheap grace." In other words we are okay with the benefits of Christianity but avoid sacrifice, discipleship. The problem with cheap grace is that grace was never free. It was offered free to us through the cross but it was never cheap. It meant that Christ gave his life. Fasting will take sacrifice. It will force us to get out of our routine and change things up.

Foster uses a lot of quotes from John Wesley. Wesley was big into fasting and practice it every Wednesday and Friday. He took this practice from the Didache. Wesley was even known to only ordain anyone to the Methodist ministry who also took on this practice as well.


Tips from Foster on Fasting For beginners-
1. Start with skipping a meal.
2.  Begin with a partial fast of 24 hours, from lunch to lunch. Eat lunch, skip supper, skip breakfast than eat lunch again. Drink fruit juices. Try this once a week for 2-3 weeks.
      -most important monitor the inner attitude of the heart. pray, sing, worship.
3. After 2-3 weeks of #1, try substituting the juice with water. if water gets old use a teaspoon of lemon juice to help.
       -in ways the stomach is like a spoiled child, dont indulge the desires. It took many years for your stomach to be used to food at specific times. It will continue to want food at those times.
       - you can master your stomach
4. The more you do it the easier it will be.
5. Fasting is not just about skipping food but the connection we have with Christ. If there are other avenues that get in your way of connecting with Christ try giving those up for a period. i.e. tv, phone, internet, social media, etc
This can only enhance your worship. I will be starting to do this practice a little more often on a consistent basis. Every relationship takes effort on our part to connect. This is the same in our following of Christ. So try adding this discipline to your schedule.

Celebration of Discpline- Prayer

Prayer is fascinating. If meditation is dwelling on the word of God, I think we can define prayer as connecting with God.  Foster says, "prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us. If we are unwilling to change, we will abandon prayer as a noticeable characteristic of our lives." Everyone need prayer like we need connection with God. It is necessary, more so than even air itself. When we are connected with God we live forever.

When we pray, really pray, "we begin to think God's thoughts after him." It will change us, our desires, our love, our will." It is not something that we just do. But it is a part of us, it is bigger than something we add onto our life but it is life.

People ask how can I pray better?  God meets us where we are at. We don't need to be a Martin Luther (prayed for 3 hours to start the day.) Or even a John Wesley who prayed for only 2 hours a day. He meets us where we are and then brings us deeper. Also we need to realize it is our prayer life and not someone else. Something that works for me probably wont work for you. Prayer is about finding a rhythm.

Many people pray, "if it be your will" prayers. Foster sees this as a little dangerous. What if you pray for someone who is sick and he never recovers? Do we blame God because it was not "in his will?" Rather ask his will, what would please you? What would advance your kingdom? "When we pray we are asking God what to do?"

Do you believe in coincidence? Just because someone prays, is it God who healed him. Or did it have to be more about the medicine? Are you one who leans to miracles? Can God work through both?  Archbishop William Temple says, "the coincidences occur much more frequently when he prays." Does not sound life a coincidence.