VLI

I am considering taking the VLI course which is the Vineyard Leadership Institute. It is a 2 year commitment and the purpose of the training is to prepare called and committed Christians to the ministry of the Kingdom of God. The primary focus in the training is for those who want to:

.plant a church
.work as a pastor or ministry director on a church staff
.pursue a secular occupation while ministering as a lay leader in a church, but with the proficiency of a professional pastor

I do feel called to ministry, however I still have to provide for my family financially and I have 25 years of government service this September. I am praying right now that I will be offered an early retirement. But if that is not the case then I would be more than happy to serve in the Lay Ministry for now. I am very excited to see what God has in store for Amadeo as I have prayed over this and believe that Pastor Ben and all of those involved have a vision for bringing the Kingdom of God to the people of the East and Southeast Valley.

I am going to talk with Patty about this and we will be in prayer. I ask that you all join with us in prayer for guidance and wisdom.

Be Moved by God! Be Loved by God! Because you are.

I found this paper written by Ray Mayhew very interesting and thought provoking. I thought I would post it and share with others should they care to read through it. I should warn you though that it is about 24 pages long so it is pretty detailed and a long read. Enjoy! And Be Moved!

Embezzlement: The Corporate Sin of Contemporary Christianity?

The Gospel:for here or to go? (Part 1 of 6)

The Gospel: for here or to go? (part 2 of 6)

Keith Giles is doing a series on The Gospel:for here or to go? I've only read part 1 and 2 so far but really enjoyed it. I really like the last two paragraphs at the end of part 2.

Here it is:
Without embracing the Great Commandment, we can never hope to accomplish the Great Commission. This is why Paul the Apostle tells us that, without love, all that we strive to do for the Kingdom is meaningless and empty. (1 Cor 13)

We have to love people because they are people that Jesus loves. We have to learn to love people unconditionally. To love others as He loved us. Until we get really, really good at this, all our efforts to evangelize and to make disciples will appear hollow and empty.

Can't complain about my Saturday either. Although at work we had some disagreements over the forecast and the flash flood watch that we've had out since Thursday night and not one drop of rain. But the Lead Forecaster gets to make the call and I'm not him so I guess I'm okay with that. If that pesky little low over New Mexico would just drift a bit to the west like all of the models have suggested, it would have panned out. We ended up extending the Flash Flood Watch through tomorrow so we'll see what happens overnight. There is a lot of stuff to our North on the radar and it should drrift south over night. We'll see what happens.

Came home and played with the dogs. Another great day for them. I was pleased. Then I grabbed a bite to eat and headed over to the church since I was teaching Youth at the Saturday night service. I was in the main sanctuary for the praise and worship and it was just awesome. I was an in extra worshipful mood tonight and just praised him with all I had.

But...we only had 1 kid that showed up for Youth and that was Kirsten. So we read through the word a bit and discussed it and then we prayed and sat and chatted for a bit. Pray for her. She has been witnessing to a kid at school that doesn't like rules at churches. So she really wants nothing to do with church or God anymore. Just pray that God will use her to influence her friend and give her the words to say and all the love she can show her. Even thought it was just her and I, I thought it went very well. I have heard talk that they may drop the Saturday service and go back to 3 on Sunday. We'll see what happens. But beginning in September, I'll begin doing more with Amadeo as we are being released from any minitries at the Vineyard and will start tithing to Amadeo.

And I would be remiss if I did not say that our home church, Vineyard Community gave us a pretty substantial gift to get started in Amadeo. We are blessed to have them as our mother church. This is the absolute best church I have ever attended in my life. I can honestly say that. They are very missional and do the stuff. I am blessed to be a part of it and have been ministered to here beyond measure and also have been allowed to minister in the areas I am gifted at.

Be Moved by God! Be Loved by God!

Well the day went well at home while I was at work. The house was just how I left it when I left in the morning and the dogs really did not mind being in the cages at all. But man oh man did they want to play when I got home. I took the big one for a walk and then they just wore each other out the rest of the night wrestling with each other on the floor.

But the BEST thing that happened today was that Patty called. It was so nice to hear her voice and we actually chatted for about 20 minutes. I miss her. She is working at a dropin center in a small town in Northern ireland called Carnmoney. One of the team members for YFC broke their arm last night while playing football (soccer in Americanese). I guess they had kind of a hassle with getting her treated and all with insurance info and all that but eventually she was treated and is doing well now. Patty said she is having and absolutely wonderful time ministering to the Irish Youth and said she has been busy the whole time. They actually get a day off tomorrow.

That's it for now as I'm gonna go study for my lesson tomorrow. I get to teach the Youth during the Saturday service tomorrow plus I get to put in a full day at work beforehand.

Be Moved!

Man's Best Friend?

Well I came home from work today and what I found was not pretty. The last time the dogs tore up the carpet on the bottom step. This time I came home and they had gotten into one of the sofa cushions. I went through several stages of reactions. First I was really really pissed and just wanted to take them to the pound. But I don't want to be heading to divorce court right when Patty gets back.

Secondly I just wanted to smack the crap out of them, but that would be cruelty to animals, which again would lead to divorce court.

Thirdly, I just laughed my ass off at the entire situation. Cleaned it up. Called my sister-in-law and went and bought a crate for them. The little one already had one.

I do love the dogs though. But I'll bet not as much as Patty does, which made me mention the divorce court thingy above.

Anyhow, it's all good! They will be confined whenever we're gone and that will just have to be the way it's going to be.

Be Moved by Love!

What a Storm!

Wow! We hardly get any rain and then it all decides to come at once. Last night was beautiful man. With the exception of those who had damage from these storms. We did get welcome rain though. Here in Gilbert some of the Maricopa County Rain gauges showed 2.3 inches of rain. When the storms rolled in I was sitting on my couch with the dogs and the first crack of thunder came. My dogs went ballistic. It's funny how the bigger dog was more afraid than the smaller one. We have a little cockapoo and a Queensland Heeler.

Then the rains came. I was a little nervous because water was coming in through the chimney, and yes I had the chute closed. But it was still coming in. It wasn't bad though. I am hoping that the rains washed all of the dust, ozone and whatever pollution we have here in Phoenix out of the air because my sinuses do not like that stuff.

Anyhow, thank you Lord for the rain. Please bring more!

Be Moved!

Just when I needed a word from the Lord I flipped a calendar that Patty and I have to July 24th this morning and this is what it said:

When you don't feel love toward your spouse, always remember that feelings change so many times during the day because situations change-but your decision to love him or her was a commitment for life.
Gary and Norma Smalley,
It Takes Two to Tango

Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
1 Peter 4:9 NASB

This is what I am going to share with this couple I have spoken about.

Be Moved!

This will drive you nuts!

Fly a Helicopter

Fight for your marriage

I remember awhile back Ben posted something about fighting for your marriage. I have been talking to a friend of mine the past couple off days about fighting for his marriage. It is a bit difficult for me because Patty is in Ireland right now and this couple are friends of ours and I could definitely use her help in talking to the wife.. I just ask that you pray for them and that they put God first in their marriage. Pray to give me the words to speak to them. I am not a counselor by any means, but I am a brother in Christ to them and I can tell you one thing, Patty and I had our struggles while I was deep into my addictions. But God is better than those struggles and addictions. My wife is almost a saint for what she went through.

But the Lord healed me and made me into the person I am today and I hate to see marriages fail and I hate to see people hurt. I am blessed to say this, the day Patty gets back is August 6th. The following day is the 7th and we will celebrate 19 years of wedded bliss. Well at least the past 6 years have been blisfull.

Father God, I ask you to bless this couple and let them receive your mercy, healing and grace on their marriage. May they seek sound counsel and pray to You father God for the answers to the issues they are struggling with. Put a hedge of protection around them. Thank you Lord. The enemy will try to destroy it. But our Lord is protection from that enemy.

Be Moved!
Be Loved!

This is getting old!

This heat is absolutley insane. Here are some highs and lows for today around the Desert Southwest.

Phoenix 116/95
East Mesa 117/94
Bullhead City 118/97
Gila Bend 121/89
Yuma 116/91
Blythe CA 120/93
Imperial CA 119/93
Needles CA 117/100

Are you freaking kidding me? No I am not folks and that is not a typo for Needles California either. The overnight low for the day was 100 flipping degrees.

I'm telling ya, this heat will make you crazy. But talk to me in January when I'm not outside shoveling snow.

Be Moved!

Well I no sooner finished my dinner and went back to the radar and MORE storms popped up over the SE Valley area and pushed through the Phoenix Metro. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the storms and enjoy being at work because obviously that is the business we're in, weather. But there was no meteorological sense in how strong they were and how much rain they dumped in some areas. All of us were scratching our heads at it. Two more radar shifts to go.

Be Moved!

Hot Hot Hot

I was driving to work earlier this afternoon and thought to myself that it seemed "unusually" hot. Well I got to work at 1 pm and the temperature was a nice warm 114 degrees. The high for the day ended up being 118. But then again, in parker it hit 119 degrees and Gila Bend came in at 120.

It amazes me how much extreme heat like this can just suck the life right out of you. People become on edge. I noticed it while I was driving on the 101 and 202 on my way to work. People drive crazier than they normally do, tempers flare. Police officers even say that crime goes way up during heatwaves. I sometimes wonder why they built this place, Phoenix Arizona, a thriving metropolis right in the middle of a desert. But people still move here. At this point Anarctica is looking pretty damn good to me at the moment. But I'll take anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, say Portland, or maybe Seattle.

We were bombarded with media calls regarding the record heat and phones were ringing off the hook. I was on a radar shift and noticed some storm development to the North. The stuff just exploded into some severe storms and pushed west. We warned on them and verified one warning. Some locations also receieved over an inch of rain in less than 30 minutes. Pretty amazing in the environment we were in with low dew points and the air being so dry. I knew the potential was there for strong gusty winds with these storms but I have to admit, the rainfall amounts surprised me. Oh well, it ain't an exact science ya know?

But I'm finally on my dinner break and things have quieted down for now. Until next time.....


Be Moved!

A Bad night

Well I no sooner walked into the house last night and Steve told me that a friend of mine had called and that it was an emergency. So I called him back. Lets just say that a marriage is in jeopardy, alcohol is involved, and they need prayer badly. Pray for God's touch on them.

Zidane headbutt game

I get to work radar shifts for the next 4 nights. I hope there is some weather going on so it won't be so boring. I also will feel more comfortable now that Steve is at the house. My dogs love him and so i know they will be in good hands.

I forgot to mention that Patty said she got to see Allyson and she said that Allyson had an irish accent from being there for so long. She also saw Harry from Northern Ireland who we met last summer and she said he was the same old Harry. What a guy. I miss Harry and wish I was there. Pray for the crew while they minister to the youth of Northern Ireland.

Why do I have dogs again?

Because I love them of course! Even when they chew the heck out of the carpet on the step downstairs. We have a gate that we put up to keep them from going upstairs. But because of the way the final bottom step is, the gate is not able to keep them from the bottom step. Well I came home from work today and guess what? SURPRISE! I wish Steve was here today because that probably wouldn't have happened. But he will be here tomorrow. It is really wierd how they know that Patty is gone. They have flipped out ever since she has left. Those are her "babies". I'm thinking shock collar here, but I like my marriage so I'll think otherwise!

Crew arrived safely to Ireland

Got to work this morning and checked my email. In it was an email from my wife Patty. Short and brief though. She said they arrived in Belfast safely and described Northern Ireland as BEAUTIFUL! She brought her digital camera with her so I'm sure I'll post some pictures soon.

Today I'm at work, get off at 3:30, then I'll head home and play with the dogs for a bit. I'm gonna pick Steve up and go to Youth with him tonight and he will be coming to stay at my house through Sunday since I'll be working radar shifts in the evening.

Be Moved!

Amadeo Swim/Pizza Party

I had a blast at the Cornejo's house last night. It was a get together for folks going on the Amadeo church plant. Got to see and chat with Ben for a bit whom I don't see that much. Chatted with Robert and Angela for a bit and Robert finally gave me the CD of his sermon a few weeks ago. I also got to know Albert. Cool guy. I enjoyed getting to know him better. I also finally met Steve's mom last night although I forgot her name. We talked for awhile. Great lady. I told her how much I appreciated her allowing Steve to come hang at my house while Patty and Shannon are in Northern Ireland. He's gonna watch the dogs and the house for me while I'm at work.

Be Moved! Be Loved! because you are!

I found this post written by Lance White on the ooze website. It is titled You are Loved. I think it really says it all. Be Loved, because you are!

You are loved

To the soldier surrounded on all sides
You are loved

To the mother who's lost her son
You are loved

To the rocker who's lost that beat
You are loved

To the beaten up and beaten down
You are loved

To the faithful that have lost all hope
You are loved

To the romantic with a broken heart
You are loved

To the hero that has fallen
You are loved

To the traveler far from home
You are loved

To the condemned wanting one more chance
You are loved

To the ruler in exile
You are loved

...You are loved

To the lost that won't be found
You are loved

To the hurt that cannot heal
You are loved

To the outcast without a home
You are loved

To the artist that is misunderstood
You are loved

To the outsider they won't let in
You are loved

To the player that lost the game
You are loved

To pastor after the fall
You are loved

...You are loved

My wife Patty and daughter Shannon are gone. I went to the church last night until about 11 PM and hung out with them and the rest of the crew going to Northern Ireland. They all slept at the church and did their final bag checks and did all of the logistical stuff that is required for an overseas mission trip. After that I came home and watched Brotherhood. It is Showtimes version of the Sopranos and is based in Providence RI and is about the Irish mob. Great show and I am hooked.

I then slept for a couple of hours and then Patty called me at 2:50 this morning to wake me. I then headed over to the church and prayed with all of them and they headed to the airport on schedule pulling out of the church parking lot at 3:30 am. Pray for them as they will be there for 3 weeks ministering to the youth of Northern Ireland.

tonight I get to hang with all of my Amadeo peeps. We are having a pizza/swim party at the Cornejo's house. I am looking forward to it as it will be a great time of fellowship with my church family.

Steve is gonna hang at my house Thursday through Sunday and watch the house and take care of our dogs while I am working radar shifts in the evening at work. Thanks man! You rawk Steve!

Till my next post, Be Moved!

Relationship Evangelism

Over on Ginkworld John O'Keefe wrote an excellent article on evangelism through relationships. Getting to know people personally by being their friend first. Here is an excerpt from that artcile.

"in a relationship sharing reality my desire in getting to know you, is for you today. my desire is that i get to know you for you; not because you will come to my church or because i would have increased the kingdom by one. my desire to be your friend is simply to be your friend, and not because i might convince you to follow christ. now, would i desire you follow christ? sure, you bet. but if that is my motivation in becoming your friend, i have become your friend on pretenses other they just wanting to know you. to truly share, to truly live connected to another is the driving force of our faith. i share my faith, because i live my faith. my faith is my life, and people see it and want to know about it. people do not find christ because i can quote scripture, they find christ in me and in my daily struggles and walk in faith.

in this faith journey, in this faith walk, i seek to meet the needs of people today, their current needs and not the needs that might come after death. people are not worried about after they die, they want to live in christ while they are alive. the idea is not to be "future" but to be now. i love the way it is in "the message" when john, a student and friend of jesus said, "the Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. we saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish." that is how we need to be, we need to be "the flesh of the word in the neighborhood." if we are not, no amount of tracks, tapes, books, or cute little "jesus loves you" stuff will change anything.

one of the greatest joys in my life was watching a man move from questions, to being a follower. it had noting to do with magic words, secret formulas or special acts - it was just two guys talking and sharing life.

Helping the Homeless

I have found that I have a soft spot in my heart for the homeless. The street people, where the street is their "home". I recently read a book about 2 guys that sort of went undercover for months as homeless guys just to learn what it is like. It is possibly even something I would like to do one day. Live on the streets with the homeless. Minister to them. Love them. I would more than likely need another person with the same calling though for the safety factor alone. What I read in the book, street life is sometimes dangerous and territorial.

Anyhow, I am posting a link to an article I just got done reading. I have the same problem that this guy had in just handing money over to homeless people. Not that I don't want to though. The reason is because many of them use the money to support their drug or alcohol addictions and I would not want to enable that. Some alcoholics will even use the money just to buy rubbing alcohol and drink it because it will get the job done cheaply.

This guy had a great idea when it comes to doing something for the homeless. I may even start making some of these backpacks he talks about. It's kind of a long article but please take the time to read it. Be Moved!

Backpacks For The Homeless Article

Urinal Etiquette

Since we already did the work poop scenario, here's another one. I got 5 out of 6 correct. How did you do?

urinal quiz

"I find solace in places I never could have imagined: the quiet sprinkling of my child's head in Baptism, a gospel choir drunk on the Holy Spirit in Memphis, or the back of a catherdral in Rome watching the first cinematographers play with light and colour in stained glass stories of the Passion. I am still amazed at how big, how enormous the love and mystery of God is -- and how small are the minds that attempt to corral this life force into rules and taboos, cults, and sects."--Bono, from the forward of Adam Harbinson's "They've Hijacked God"

Almost Holy:Confessions of a Bad Catholic...God and Garden State

Interviews about Emergent Church Stuff

Tony Jones Interview

Brian McLaren Interview

Center Stage for a Pastor Where It's Rock That Usually Rules

How to poop at work!

This is absolutely hilarious, and after reading it, so true! I work in an office building on the second floor and the guys bathroom has 6 stalls and 3 urinals. Anyone that has used a public restroom can relate I am sure. If not, you're lying, or are a proud pooper. Enjoy!

If you are offended by Poop jokes, read no further (it's a little sick)...

We've all been there but don't like to admit it. We've all kicked back in our cubicles and suddenly felt something brew down below. As much as we try to convince ourselves otherwise, the WORK POOP is inevitable. For those who hate pooping at work, following is the 2006 Survival Guide for taking a dump at work. Memorize these definitions and pooping at work will become a pure pleasure.

ESCAPEE.
Definition: a fart that slips out while taking a leak at the urinal or forcing a poop in a stall. This is usually accompanied by a sudden wave of panic embarrassment. This is similar to the hot flash you receive when passing an unseen police car and speeding. If you release an escapee, do not acknowledge it. Pretend it did not happen. If you are standing next to the farter in the urinal, pretend you did not hear it. No one likes an escapee, it is uncomfortable for all involved. Making a joke or laughing makes both parties feel uneasy.
JAILBREAK (Used in conjunction with ESCAPEE).
Definition: When forcing poop, several farts slip out at a machine gun pace. This is usually a side effect of diarrhea or a hangover. If this should happen, do not panic. Remain in the stall until everyone has left the bathroom so to spare everyone the awkwardness of what just occurred.
COURTESY FLUSH.
Definition: The act of flushing the toilet the instant the nose cone of the poop log hits the water and the poop is whisked away to an undisclosed location. This reduces the amount of air time the poop has to stink up the bathroom. This can help you avoid being caught doing the WALK OF SHAME.
WALK OF SHAME.
Definition: Walking from the stall, to the sink, to the door after you have just stunk up the bathroom. This can be a very uncomfortable moment if someone walks in and busts you. As with all farts, it is best to pretend that the smell does not exist. Can be avoided with the use of the COURTESY FLUSH.
OUT OF THE CLOSET POOPER.
Definition: A colleague who poops at work and d*** proud of it. You will often see an Out Of The Closet Pooper enter the bathroom with a newspaper or magazine under their arm. Always look around the office for the Out Of The Closet Pooper before entering the bathroom.
THE POOPING FRIENDS NETWORK (PFN).
Definition: A group of coworkers who band together to ensure emergency pooping goes off without incident. This group can help you to monitor the whereabouts of Out Of The Closet Poopers, and identify SAFE HAVENS.
SAFE HAVENS.
Definition: A seldom used bathroom somewhere in the building where you can least expect visitors. Try floors that are predominantly of the opposite sex. This will reduce the odds of a pooper of your sex entering the bathroom.
TURD BURGLAR:
Definition: A pooper who does not realize that you are in the stall and tries to force the door open. This is one of the most shocking and vulnerable moments that can occur when taking a dump at work. If this occurs, remain in the stall until the Turd Burglar leaves. This way you will avoid all uncomfortable eye contact.
CAMO-COUGH.
Definition: A phony cough that alerts all new entrants into the bathroom that you are in a stall. This can be used to cover-up a WATERMELON, or to alert potential Turd Burglars. Very effective when used in conjunction with an ASTAIRE.
ASTAIRE.
Definition: A subtle toe-tap that is used to alert potential Turd Burglars that you are occupying a stall. This will remove all doubt that the stall is occupied. If you hear an Astaire, leave the bathroom immediately so the pooper can poop in peace.
WATERMELON.
Definition: A turd that creates a loud splash when hitting the toilet water. This is also an embarrassing incident. If you feel a Watermelon coming on, create a diversion. See CAMO-COUGH.
HAVANA OMELET.
Definition: A load of diarrhea that creates a series of loud splashes in the toilet water. Often accompanied by an Escapee. Try using a Camo-Cough with an Astaire.
UNCLE TED.
Definition: A bathroom user who seems to linger around forever. Could spend extended lengths of time in front of the mirror or sitting on the pot. An Uncle Ted makes it difficult to relax while on the crapper, as you should always wait to drop your load when the bathroom is empty. This benefits you as well as the other bathroom attendees.
FLY BY.
Definition: The act of scouting out a bathroom before pooping. Walk in and check for other poopers. If there are others in the bathroom, leave and come back again. Be careful not to become a FREQUENT FLYER. People may become suspicious if they catch you constantly going into the bathroom.

The Mark...

“Eagerness to listen, to learn, to receive even what is new and strange will be the mark of one who knows the words of Jesus” “All that the Father has is mine.”

Newbigin, Lesslie The Open Secret – An Introduction to the Theology of Mission – William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI Ó Copyright 1978, 1995 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., p. 183.

4 ways to say I'm Tired!

A thought provoking article

Pimping Jesus: consumerism and the red-light gospel

The degree of self-control you have is in direct proportion to the degree of self-acceptance you have. Put another way, if you don't value yourself, you won't "pull in the reins" on negative actions and attitudes.
(Gary Smalley and John Trent, The Hidden Value of a Man)

Proverbs 16:32 NLT
It is better to be patient than powerful; it is better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

Update on Patty's Mom

Patty and her sister Maureen just got of the phone with the doctor. At this time their mother Dot, is in critical but stable condition in the ICU unit. Her liver is failing and they expect some of her other organs to begin failing. She is being kept comfortable with morphine. Patty and her sister were able to talk to her briefly. The doctor informed them that if the liver does not respond to the treatment and if the other organs begin to fail that they give her a week to live.

Please pray for a miracle folks. Pray for salvation for Dot and again for wisdom in the decisions Patty and Maureen need to make this upcoming week. I reiterate that Patty, Maureen and Dot are all on the same page as far as a "DNR" (do not resuscitate). If Dot does pass away then Patty obviously will not be going to Ireland. But we will continue to lift all of this up to the Lord and place it in His hands. Thanks for all of the kind words and prayers that have been offered up to us.

Peace,
Keith

This is an excellent article I read in The Ooze this morning. What this guy had to say is very similar to what I experienced in a church and had to leave. It also talks about the Emerging Folks of which I consider myself a part of and agree with their viewpoints in most areas.

Still no word from Pennsylvania yet but I will update everyone as soon as we hear anything. The doctors should call today sometime.

Happy Independence Day to everyone. Be safe out there.

Enjoy the article. Here it is. A Passionate Speech to Emerging Christians Everywhere

Patty received a call this afternoon from an emergency room in Pennsylvania. For those that don't know, Dot, Patty's mother has terminal lung cancer and has been battling it for sometime now. Well today she suffered a heart attack and her liver is shutting down also. She is in critical condition at this time.

Please pray for peace and comfort for Dot and also that she find peace and joy in the Lord. We have placed her in God's hands at this time. Patty has had numerous occasions to talk to her mom about the Lord but we are really unsure of her salvation at this point.

Pray that if it is His will, that the Lord will heal her.

Pray for Patty and her sister especially at this time as they are really experiencing a tremendous amount of stress and trying to make decisions at this time. Their mother has stated that she does not want to be resuscitated and Patty and her sister are in agreement with this.

I am just coming off of a vacation from work and got to serve on a mission trip to Camp Barnabas to serve disabled children. Patty and Shannon are leaving for Ireland on a mission trip on July 16th. At this time we are just praying for guidance and wisdom from the Lord as to whether or not Patty will be going. God is good, and He will ultimately get everyone through this.

I will try and update as we hear more and on whether or not Patty will be heading back to Pennslyvania or not.

Blessings,
Keith

Is someone you know struggling?

Do you know someone that is struggling? Go up to that person and say to them "Whatever it takes, I'm here for you. You're going to get through this. With the Lord's help, we will get through this together."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says,
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (NLT)

Reach out to someone you know that is struggling. Even if it is someone that does not have a relationship with Christ. You reaching out to them and serving them may lead them to Christ.

Great Weekend

I had a fabulous last weekend of my vacation from work. Yay! I get to go back to reality on Wednesday, but with it being Monsoon season now, work should be a little bit more interesting.

Anyhow, onto my great weekend. Saturday night I went to the Rage in the Cage fights at Celebrity Theater with my good buddy Jeff. We had a blast. We were in the 9th row and had a fantastic view. For those that don't know what Rage in the Cage is, it's Arizona's version of the UFC. A little bit lower quality of fighting because a lot of these guys are just getting started, but pretty entertaining nonetheless. It is mixed martial arts fighting and full contact. Basically it is street fighting with rules. We had a great time with the exception of some guy a few rows behind us that had imbibed in one too many alcoholic beverages. Apparently he did not like the outcome of one of the fights and decided to toss his beverage up high and forward over the rows in front of him. Yes it got all over us but he was very quickly escorted out of the venue.photos

On Sunday morning, myself and two other people got to speak to the Youth about our experience at Camp Barnabas. Camp barnabas was truly a blessing to me and I was glad that we were given the opportunity to tell the Youth about it.

Sunday night i took my lovely wife out to Cricket Pavilion for a night of 80's hair metal music. Poison and Cinderella, 2 bands that debuted in 1986 were touring together for a 20th anniversary tour. Patty loved Cinderella back then. It was a fantastic show and I was actually quite impressed with how great they were. I do know that both bands went through the substance abuse problems that are usually associated with rock bands back then. But they have all definitely cleaned up their acts and looked great and sounded even better. It was a fantastic time. If I have one complaint, it would be that it was wickedly hot. I still do not understand why they have outdoor concerts in Phoenix in the summertime. concert review

Tomorrow, the 4th of July, we are having Patty's sister's family over for the festivities. Should be a great time.

Bill of Rights for Unbelievers

Well I finished the book When Bad Christians Happen to Good people by Dave Burchett today. It was a good read. If you would like to read it I'll pass it along. Next up I'm going to read Jesus in the Margins - Finding God in the Places We Ignore by Rick Mckinley.

My last little excerpt from Dave's book.

I would propose this Bill of Rights for Unbelievers:
.I have the right to never have faith forced on me.
.I have the right to never be treated in a condescending manner.
.I have the right to always hear the truth.
.I have the right for you to patiently hear my concerns and doubts.
.I have the right to seek answers to those questions and doubts that you can't answer.
.I have thr right to be steered to resources for my own study and investigation.
.I have the right to be loved no matter how I respond to the gospel message.
We certainly must continue to lovingly express our faith to those around us. But we also owe them the opportunity to allow God to finish His work in them.

So what is the key to becoming more effective in service?

For me it is the simple concept of baby steps. I am not going to be where i want to be in just six weeks or after a twenty-one-step program or a three-point sermon. When I view where I am versus where I would like to be, I get discouraged. The old concept that the journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step rings true with Christian growth. If I want to run a marathon, I must take take certain actions to accomplish my goal. If I only talk about running a marathon, I will last about a half a mile. If I go to seminars and absorb wisdom from the top runners in the world, I will still last about a half-mile. If i study the best journals about running and learn eveything there is to know about kinesiology, I will get about a half-mile into the race. Running a marathon involves getting up, getting out, and getting started. The first run may only be a few yards. Then you can run a mile, a couple of miles, then five, then ten and so on. it's a marathon, and you can't will yourself through discipline or even faith to finish without taking small steps first. There is no other way to go about it. (Lest anyone get confused, i am not advocating a works theology. i am advocating that growing in the faith does involve getting over the sin of inertia and getting the derriere moving.)

Don't worry about the size of the commitment. I have learned that when you venture out and do something, the rewards keep taking you back to it. The concept of receiving more than you give is never truer than when you serve others for Christ.

(by Dave Burchett, When bad Christians Happen to Good People)