Ecclesiastes 2 (The Message)

Ecclesiastes 2

1-3 I said to myself, "Let's go for it—experiment with pleasure, have a good time!" But there was nothing to it, nothing but smoke. What do I think of the fun-filled life? Insane! Inane! My verdict on the pursuit of happiness? Who needs it? With the help of a bottle of wine and all the wisdom I could muster, I tried my level best to penetrate the absurdity of life. I wanted to get a handle on anything useful we mortals might do during the years we spend on this earth.

I Never Said No to Myself

4-8 Oh, I did great things: built houses, planted vineyards, designed gardens and parks and planted a variety of fruit trees in them, made pools of water to irrigate the groves of trees. I bought slaves, male and female, who had children, giving me even more slaves; then I acquired large herds and flocks, larger than any before me in Jerusalem. I piled up silver and gold, loot from kings and kingdoms. I gathered a chorus of singers to entertain me with song, and—most exquisite of all pleasures—voluptuous maidens for my bed.

9-10 Oh, how I prospered! I left all my predecessors in Jerusalem far behind, left them behind in the dust. What's more, I kept a clear head through it all. Everything I wanted I took—I never said no to myself. I gave in to every impulse, held back nothing. I sucked the marrow of pleasure out of every task—my reward to myself for a hard day's work!

I Hate Life

11 Then I took a good look at everything I'd done, looked at all the sweat and hard work. But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. Smoke and spitting into the wind. There was nothing to any of it. Nothing.

12-14 And then I took a hard look at what's smart and what's stupid. What's left to do after you've been king? That's a hard act to follow. You just do what you can, and that's it. But I did see that it's better to be smart than stupid, just as light is better than darkness. Even so, though the smart ones see where they're going and the stupid ones grope in the dark, they're all the same in the end. One fate for all—and that's it.

15-16 When I realized that my fate's the same as the fool's, I had to ask myself, "So why bother being wise?" It's all smoke, nothing but smoke. The smart and the stupid both disappear out of sight. In a day or two they're both forgotten. Yes, both the smart and the stupid die, and that's it.

17 I hate life. As far as I can see, what happens on earth is a bad business. It's smoke—and spitting into the wind.

18-19 And I hated everything I'd accomplished and accumulated on this earth. I can't take it with me—no, I have to leave it to whoever comes after me. Whether they're worthy or worthless—and who's to tell?—they'll take over the earthly results of my intense thinking and hard work. Smoke.

20-23 That's when I called it quits, gave up on anything that could be hoped for on this earth. What's the point of working your fingers to the bone if you hand over what you worked for to someone who never lifted a finger for it? Smoke, that's what it is. A bad business from start to finish. So what do you get from a life of hard labor? Pain and grief from dawn to dusk. Never a decent night's rest. Nothing but smoke.

24-26 The best you can do with your life is have a good time and get by the best you can. The way I see it, that's it—divine fate. Whether we feast or fast, it's up to God. God may give wisdom and knowledge and joy to his favorites, but sinners are assigned a life of hard labor, and end up turning their wages over to God's favorites. Nothing but smoke—and spitting into the wind.

For Someone I Love Dearly

Seether - Breakdown(VIDEO)

A few things I am thankful for

I am thankful to my higher power, who is God, for my continued sobriety.

I am thankful for God's Grace, Love and Mercy.

I am thankful for my family.

I am thankful for my friends, you know, the true friends that are there for you always, in good times and in bad. You know who you are.

I am thankful for my blog friends especially these that I mention, for they are all very encouraging to me...Jeni, Debo, Dave, Carl Tuttle, David Hayward. You guys and gals all encourage me more than you will ever know.

I am working this Thanksgiving Day, but I am especially thankful that I have a job to go to, as many today do not.

I am thankful that Obama won the election, let's see if he can get things turned around.

I am thankful for many things and cannot mention them all in a post, but these are a few that I can think of right off the bat.

Be thankful today for something. Everyone has something to be thankful for.

Be blessed!

Peace!
Keith

Happy Thanksgiving from Arizona

Finally, some weather

Just arrived to work a bit ago and it looks like I may even be busy today. Yes, we have some weather moving in. After months of no rain, we're going to get some today into tomorrow. Can you believe the last time it rained here was Aug 31st. The West Valley did get some in early November but it was isolated at best. This storm should be more widespread. I guess we'll see.

I actually get to work on Thanksgiving tomorrow. But I will say this...

I am very thankful that I have a job. Many folks do not. I have a lot to be thankful for and will try and share that tomorrow.

Peace!

ONN: Charity Raising Money To Feed Non-Gay Famine Victim

This is very funny!

Romans 14 (The Message)

Romans 14

Cultivating Good Relationships

1 Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.

2-4For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume he should only be a vegetarian and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ's table, wouldn't it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn't eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God's welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help.

5Or, say, one person thinks that some days should be set aside as holy and another thinks that each day is pretty much like any other. There are good reasons either way. So, each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience.

6-9What's important in all this is that if you keep a holy day, keep it for God's sake; if you eat meat, eat it to the glory of God and thank God for prime rib; if you're a vegetarian, eat vegetables to the glory of God and thank God for broccoli. None of us are permitted to insist on our own way in these matters. It's God we are answerable to—all the way from life to death and everything in between—not each other. That's why Jesus lived and died and then lived again: so that he could be our Master across the entire range of life and death, and free us from the petty tyrannies of each other.

10-12So where does that leave you when you criticize a brother? And where does that leave you when you condescend to a sister? I'd say it leaves you looking pretty silly—or worse. Eventually, we're all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Your critical and condescending ways aren't going to improve your position there one bit. Read it for yourself in Scripture: "As I live and breathe," God says, "every knee will bow before me; Every tongue will tell the honest truth that I and only I am God."So tend to your knitting. You've got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God.

13-14Forget about deciding what's right for each other. Here's what you need to be concerned about: that you don't get in the way of someone else, making life more difficult than it already is. I'm convinced—Jesus convinced me!—that everything as it is in itself is holy. We, of course, by the way we treat it or talk about it, can contaminate it.

15-16If you confuse others by making a big issue over what they eat or don't eat, you're no longer a companion with them in love, are you? These, remember, are persons for whom Christ died. Would you risk sending them to hell over an item in their diet? Don't you dare let a piece of God-blessed food become an occasion of soul-poisoning!

17-18God's kingdom isn't a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness' sake. It's what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy. Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ. Do that and you'll kill two birds with one stone: pleasing the God above you and proving your worth to the people around you.

19-21So let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault. You're certainly not going to permit an argument over what is served or not served at supper to wreck God's work among you, are you? I said it before and I'll say it again: All food is good, but it can turn bad if you use it badly, if you use it to trip others up and send them sprawling. When you sit down to a meal, your primary concern should not be to feed your own face but to share the life of Jesus. So be sensitive and courteous to the others who are eating. Don't eat or say or do things that might interfere with the free exchange of love.

22-23Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don't impose it on others. You're fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you're not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe—some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them—then you know that you're out of line. If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong.

The Shack: William Young

MANIPULATIVE GROUPS MIGHT ...
control negative feedback of leaders
squelch legitimate criticism of leadership
teach people to obey even when they don't feel right about it (thus encouraging people to die to their sense of right and wrong)
teach that doubts and criticism of leadership equals sin
teach that all criticism of leadership is probably slanderous, divisive or factious
cause members to loose jobs, promotions or deter them from school or other goals or family activities
emphasize Biblical ideas like dying to self in a non-scriptural way
subtly redefine the meanings of words
hound on these certain Biblical words almost to the exclusion of other sound Biblical principles
induce guilt in members so they confess being sorry for not trusting their discipler more
not tell you that in the Bible trust or loyalty is never used in reference to church leaders
teach you that unity means that you need to change your opinions to match the groups' instead of constancy of purpose
teach you that you must only go to leaders in private when you are pointing out error
encourage the combination of trusting leaders and not criticizing

Jesus taught plainly in regard to the proper role of leadership, speaking against those that "lord" over others. He even taught that He did not come to be served, but to serve others. In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus said,

"You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you... For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve..."

He stated that we as Christians are not to lord over others, abusing our authority as the Gentile leaders did. Jesus says, "...it shall not be so among you."

A scripture commonly used to justify abusive control and authoritarianism by the leaders of some churches is Hebrews 13:17 that instructs believers to, "Obey those who rule over you..." These leaders think that this means they have blanket authority over the flock entrusted to them and that they can proceed to take control over the personal lives and personal faith of believers. The word obey in this passage literally means "to be persuaded by" in the original text. Nothing in this verse gives church leadership unrestrained control over the lives of others. Instead it teaches believers to consider the example set by truly loving, God-fearing, servant-leaders that lead us to Christ.

In short, those that wish to act as dictators are not fulfilling a calling of God but are instead elevating themselves into a position to serve their own self-interests and ambitions. They step outside of biblical teachings for the purpose of fulfilling their desires to control the lives of others. Some of the greatest leaders in the Bible--Paul, Peter, John and even Jesus Himself--explicitly taught against those that wish to "lord" over believers. Ironically, those that claim "authority" themselves reject genuine authority--that of the scriptures and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

A Real Friend

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing... not healing, not curing... that is a friend who cares."
-Henri Nouwen

Abuse in the church

I stumbled across a great interview that New Man Magazine did this morning. Believe me folks, it happens way too often, especially in the abuse of authority in the church.


Dealing With Abuse in the Church

While stories of sexual abuse by priests or others in authority make headlines, many instances of abusive behavior in the church occur unnoticed. In their new book, Church as a Safe Place, authors Peter R. Holmes and Susan B. Williams deal with the issue of abuse in the church, and when places that should look like God’s kingdom turn out to be the same as the rest of the world. New Man presents a Q&A with the authors that looks at how men as church leaders can make the church a safe place.

New Man: When we hear the word “abuse,” most of us immediately think of physical or sexual abuse. What are some other forms of abuse you have identified in the church?

Holmes: As a background and resource to Church as a Safe Place, we have drawn upon the experiences of the significant number of our own congregation who once were “former Christians.” By this we mean that they are people who had a history in the church but for various reasons had left congregational life. Sadly, we heard several stories of physical and sexual abuse perpetrated by church leaders or others within the church. But there were also many other troubling stories describing behavior many of us have never recognized as “abusive.” For example, when one woman we know lost a baby several years ago, her pain was multiplied when she was told by members of her faith community that this happened because she and her husband had left the mission field in Africa. Others had been rejected outright because of failure to conform to the extra-biblical rules and values held by those in leadership. After hearing story after story, we were able to identify harm and abuse in the church in five major areas: verbal, emotional, physical, sexual and spiritual. These areas of abuse are not exclusive. Many situations involve more than one type of damage, and the boundaries between them are blurred. For instance, verbal abuse can lead to deep emotional trauma that lingers for many years. Because so much of this abuse involves those who claim to be speaking God’s words, there is often a spiritual aspect overshadowing another form of abuse.

New Man: Since every person has the potential to mistreat someone else—and churches are simply groups of people—is there such a thing as a “safe” church?

Williams: The word “abuse” seems strong, but most people who have suffered abuse within the church can at least recognize that their feelings are being hurt, and they don’t feel that church is a safe place for them. This happens far more often than most of us would think. We are not suggesting that every church is unsafe. Neither are we giving everyone permission to accuse others unjustly. But our congregations are part of our Western society and can be as abusive as the society they are a part of. Because abuse in our or, really, any culture is so common that it becomes like background noise, when congregations become abusive or hurtful environments, it is all too easy for the organization and its members to develop a tolerance to it. It becomes normal. For many of us, of course, local church life is an enjoyable and safe experience. For many others, abuse has become synonymous with church life. This is an area in which most churches demonstrate room for improvement, which is why we consider Church as a Safe Place to be a handbook for churches in confronting, resolving and minimizing abuse.

New Man: What role does confidentiality play in the prevention—and the sometime proliferation—of abuse by leaders in the church?

Holmes: Traditionally, the pastoral relationship, like the one-to-one counseling model, has been a private one. In the USA, initiatives like HIPPA, the national standards to protect the privacy of personal health information, reinforce this. But, in an age when confidentiality in any form is becoming the holy grail of medicine, we would like to question the wisdom of allowing this to creep further into congregational life. The issue of confidentiality can create a number of problems. At one extreme are the pastors and leaders who keep an iron grip on all relationships and disclosures. They insist on knowing all confidential information and often seem to think that it should come to them alone. This increases their power over those who seek help and can lead to abuse of that power. At the other extreme are churches where openness is encouraged to the extent that people do not feel safe around their leadership because they might use confidential information about them in sermons and conversations in the church lobby. We can think of one example in which a young woman attending a youth rally felt great shame when the speaker asked all the virgins to stand. This truthful young woman remained seated, feeling publicly exposed, as the others applauded themselves. Finding a balance in matters of confidentiality can be difficult. A culture built on openness is particularly helpful to people with no Christian background because when they move into congregational life they are able to hear everyone’s amazing stories and this is compelling. If everything goes on in private, with very little told, they begin believing that church is lived in secret. The safest place on earth is where there are no secrets. That being said, the sharing of those stories should always be done voluntarily, not under pressure to conform.

New Man: When we realize that we have been abusive to someone, how do we go about setting things right? What if we are the ones who have been abused—what should we do then?

Williams: As we outline in our book, begin by asking: What would be best for the person I have hurt? How would it be most easy to contact them? The normal answer is by sending a card or letter. When you first make contact, begin gently. You have a responsibility to give the other person the opportunity of finding a way back to you. Try to set up a meeting. You may even suggest that the other person bring along a friend if they wish. When a person has been very hurt, mediation will at times be necessary. Someone impartial will need to step into the situation to listen to what is being said by both people or parties.

If you realize you have been abused, the first thing to do is to talk to someone about it, someone who is able to listen to your perspective rather than continue to defend the other person(s). Invite the Lord to be with you as you admit you were abused. Perhaps you need to raise your voice as you let the anger out. Give the pain to the Lord. Resist the urge to blame God for what people have done to you in His church. This will cut you off from His restorative love.

New Man: What are some specific steps leaders in the church can take to maintain an environment safe from physical and sexual abuse?

Holmes: Physical abuse can leave many hidden scars. Accusations should always be treated very seriously, and we should not let our loyalties or prejudices stop us from hearing the person’s perspective. Rumors of sexual abuse in any form should never be ignored. Always ensure that the appropriate person checks out such suspicions, regardless of who the alleged perpetrator may be. Any leader of a faith community who discovers that someone is truly being sexually abused has a duty in law to inform the police. It is inadvisable for a Christian leader to see anyone alone pastorally, especially someone of the opposite gender or a child. It is better if the counselee brings a friend or for the leader to seek the support of another member of the leadership team.

New Man: How should complaints of abuse be handled?

Williams: When anyone comes forward to talk about being abused in any way, leaders should treat what is said seriously and listen carefully and transparently to people on both sides of the conflict. They should talk it through with other trustworthy people, staying mindful of the fact that human nature is revengeful and vindictive. Sometimes things are not as they seem. If the abusive situation has been confirmed, choose to honor all parties who are involved, seeking reconciliation. In instances of sexual abuse, notify the proper authorities. For instances of emotional, verbal and spiritual abuse, seek to restore trust between the two parties if you can, knowing that trust is a key element of restoration.

To learn more or to order the book, click here.

Wayne Jacobsen writes...

But this does express why the body of Christ is having trouble finding each other and living in his life together. Many see conformity on these kinds of issues as a requirement for fellowship and respect. On the one had, that’s just passion and I understand it. On another, it derives from a a mistaken worldview that everyone who is serious about Jesus will have the same conscience I have, and if they deviate from mine I have to set them straight or reject them. I’m going to call that what it is—incredibly immature spirituality. The apostles of the early church saw the individual conscience as the arena in which God makes his will known and that the larger community did not have the right to trump that conscience or marginalize a member because they saw it differently, even if you regard me as a ‘weaker brother’ for voting as I did. See Romans 14-15 or I Corinthians 8.

Every gathering of the body of Christ faces this issue, whether it be eight in a home group or hundreds in a larger gathering. If we all have to think the same politically, or even theologically on minor issues to share our brother and sisterhood, then someone has to decide what that standard is. That’s why many people think we have ‘leadership.’ And they would be wrong, because all that leads to is multiple groups who all gather with those who think just like them and reject those who don’t.

If the body of Christ is going to demonstrate herself today in the corporate majesty of her collaboration and cooperation then Jesus will have to be our only focus and loving others will be our motivation, not a demand for conformity. We can be honest in love and no one will get hurt. But we can’t be honest in judgment and hope to demonstrate anything to the world except how empty the cross is, or how irrelevant God’s power.

Jesus asked us to love as we follow him; he didn’t ask us to agree. If we have to agree to love, then what hope have we? If a group has to all think alike to have fellowship then they have pitched a tent at some stage of the journey and will not grow on to know him. In most groups I’ve known, conformity has been the goal. Someone needs to set the standard for the group and people either go along or go away. Neither leads to the reality of Christ expressed among his people.

So here is the problem today. Too many people think they alone are right and anyone who disagrees with them is a threat to their world. And it only takes one person like that in a group to destroy its ability to live, love and grow together. Until we have enough brothers and sisters that have a passion for truth that does not outrun their calling to love others, the body of Christ will continue to be fractured and impotent in the world. And they’ll have to have enough love to lovingly stand up to those who would be divisive among the family by demanding everyone think like they do.

But where we can differ in conscience and still love; where we celebrate the individual acting in accord with their conscience even if we disagree, then we’ll discover relationships that will demonstrate his glory in the earth. I’ve noticed this over my journey, those who are most settled in God’s truth feel no compulsion to conform others to it. They know truth has a power all its own and that a generosity of spirit will open people to it faster than bashing them with their opinion ever will.

How I yearn for the day that enough people understand that so that the body of Christ can gather not based on the false unity of human conformity, but on a love that is greater than all our disagreements and a humility of spirit that allows our differences to be discussed openly without others being loved.

Then we won’t need so-called leaders to police the peace or make us act like we are of one mind, because we will have Jesus’, in ever-increasing abundance. And then the world will see that Jesus was the gift of the Father and that they too can share in his glory.

Now my turn...

I couldn't agree with Wayne more on this. I have seen too many churches where the "leader", "teacher", "pastor" or (insert whatever here) think they have all of the right answers and if you do not agree with them, adios amigo. This is so sad today and probably the number 1 reason a lot of churches lose people.

AIRFORCEONE09.wmv

I know this is supposed to be a bash on Obama, whom I voted for. But I did think the video was cool. And I think Obama would laugh at it too.

Goings on

I had a pretty cool weekend.

Went to a guys baby shower called "beer for diapers". Cool concept. You bring the diapers, and the new dad gives you beer. Or in my case, root beer. It was a very enjoyable evening. Talked to some folks that I met just that evening. Got to see Vu, who I hadn't seen in a long time. It was good to see him. Pastor Danny and Lonnie were there as was Britt. Most I did not know too well, but I got to know them a bit better. Oh yeah, and Micah Killough was there too.

Most of the guys played poker. I'm not much of a card player so I opted out of that activity. But Obie purchased the PPV UFC fight that night so we all watched that too while the guys played poker. It was a cool evening.

Sunday was a trip. It was Patty and I's first Sunday with the 2 and 3 year olds at church. We are going to do it once a month. It was fun, yet very humbling to me. Let's put it this way, I'm glad Patty was there too. ;-)

Today I went to work and went out to two of my sites for the annual inspections. I was in Florence and also at Ashurst Hayden Dam. Tomorrow I'll go by Mesa and East Mesa. I also have an appointment with the counselor. She wants a one on one with me following the one on one she had with Shannon last week.

Patty is in a funk. She's been battling with depression lately. Just pray for her.

The highlight of my week this week will be the Five Finger Death Punch concert tomorrow night at The Marquee. I've been looking forward to this concert for quite awhile. It should be a very rowdy evening. Obie's going with me too and I'm especially looking forward to him going with me.

I am also looking forward to going to feed the homeless on the 29th.

Peace!

Islanders-Antigonish Brawl gregbordenvideo.com

boys will be boys

My favorite blogger

I have to say that David Hayward is my favorite blogger out there. I urge you to visit his blog and he also has t-shirts and art for sale on his site. Probably because I really agree with his ideas and how he pastors a church. I almost want to move to Rothesay, New Brunswick, Canada just so I can be a part of that church. I have learned so much just by following his blog. He is all about the Kingdom and Grace, Mercy and Love. I love his cartoon posts too, as you can probably tell by reading my blog. His post today just moved and touched me so much. Here it is...

I had a strange dream last night. Very dramatic. I am in a place that, after awaking, I would describe as Hell. It is dark, scary, and filled with torment, like a nightmarish cavernous cave. It is a place where there is perpetual war. People constantly hating, fighting and murdering. There is no safety. There is blood on the stones. I see a person standing on a high rock, raising his hands in triumph, only to be shot down and beaten, leaving the high rock empty for the next person to ascend it and claim victory. What chaos. What mayhem! What ambition! What defeat!

Then, suddenly, there is a pronouncement made. I’m not sure if I see who’s making it. But I hear the words, “The truth or untruth is in the statement, not the person!” The cause of all this hatred, war and bloodshed, all this animosity and disunity, is that we afflict the people we disagree with. We disrespect, punish, abuse and murder (metaphorically and really) the people we differ with. Can we challenge and debate the ideas without disrespecting the person declaring them? (emphasis is mine not David's) I am committed to open dialogue and debate. I am committed to this in my church community because if I want a diversity of people, I need to be able to invite and tolerate a diversity of ideas and statements. Plus I must humbly hold loosely the position I find myself in. Otherwise we are in a state of perpetual war. Indeed, this is where we are and always will be until we realize that there is something more important than any statement ever made, and that is love.

I could never have said it better

I hope people read this and get it. This has been my experience. Yet it is so wrong. Why argue and judge when we can agree to disagree and move on. If you always think you are right and everyone else is wrong, this is not love. It is judgment. It is love that is conditional. Agree with me and I'll love you. Disagree with me and don't do as I say and I can't associate with you anymore. If I can't control you, it threatens me, therefore you have to go away and I can't see you anymore until you repent. That is scary stuff man. Just don't drink the kool-aid.

Wayne Jacobsen posted this today and it certainly resonates with me. I see a lot of division in churches today because of certain people that are control freaks. If you do not surrender to their control, you're not allowed in anymore.

If You Wonder Why . . .

If you ever wonder why it is so difficult to find vibrant expressions of body life today, you have to look no further than the comments to my recent post about the presidential election. I would consider that most of the people who frequent my blog share a passion to know the reality of God’s love and to live in it fully. I didn’t expect everyone to agree with me, nor would I want them to. I wanted people to vote the conscience however that was informed in this election and celebrate the fact that others did as well.

Yet, on a topic as temporal as politics the emotions ran high in most of the 72 comments (and counting!) that were posted. Some included heavy judgments against others, and some felt judged by those who disagreed with them. I know I joked on the podcast about doing this post to “thin the herd,” but that was only in fun. I knew it would be provocative but I wanted to see how people would respond to it and to me. To be honest I was shocked at the scale of the response, not the diversity. I expected lots of people to see this election different than I did, but I was most saddened by the oft-repeated spirit that demanded others see the election as they saw it or have their Christianity or their intelligence questioned. Certainly every comment wasn’t like that, but enough were. And these are just the public comments. I’ve had many more private emails, some applauding what I wrote as they had voted similarly but were afraid to admit it, and some promising they’d never visit this site again because I was obviously a hypocrite or was dumb enough to be deceived by the Great Deceiver.

But this does express why the body of Christ is having trouble finding each other and living in his life together. Many see conformity on these kinds of issues as a requirement for fellowship and respect. On the one had, that’s just passion and I understand it. On another, it derives from a a mistaken worldview that everyone who is serious about Jesus will have the same conscience I have, and if they deviate from mine I have to set them straight or reject them. I’m going to call that what it is—incredibly immature spirituality. The apostles of the early church saw the individual conscience as the arena in which God makes his will known and that the larger community did not have the right to trump that conscience or marginalize a member because they saw it differently, even if you regard me as a ‘weaker brother’ for voting as I did. See Romans 14-15 or I Corinthians 8.

Every gathering of the body of Christ faces this issue, whether it be eight in a home group or hundreds in a larger gathering. If we all have to think the same politically, or even theologically on minor issues to share our brother and sisterhood, then someone has to decide what that standard is. That’s why many people think we have ‘leadership.’ And they would be wrong, because all that leads to is multiple groups who all gather with those who think just like them and reject those who don’t.

If the body of Christ is going to demonstrate herself today in the corporate majesty of her collaboration and cooperation then Jesus will have to be our only focus and loving others will be our motivation, not a demand for conformity. We can be honest in love and no one will get hurt. But we can’t be honest in judgment and hope to demonstrate anything to the world except how empty the cross is, or how irrelevant God’s power.

Jesus asked us to love as we follow him; he didn’t ask us to agree. If we have to agree to love, then what hope have we? If a group has to all think alike to have fellowship then they have pitched a tent at some stage of the journey and will not grow on to know him. In most groups I’ve known, conformity has been the goal. Someone needs to set the standard for the group and people either go along or go away. Neither leads to the reality of Christ expressed among his people.

So here is the problem today. Too many people think they alone are right and anyone who disagrees with them is a threat to their world. And it only takes one person like that in a group to destroy its ability to live, love and grow together. Until we have enough brothers and sisters that have a passion for truth that does not outrun their calling to love others, the body of Christ will continue to be fractured and impotent in the world. And they’ll have to have enough love to lovingly stand up to those who would be divisive among the family by demanding everyone think like they do.

But where we can differ in conscience and still love; where we celebrate the individual acting in accord with their conscience even if we disagree, then we’ll discover relationships that will demonstrate his glory in the earth. I’ve noticed this over my journey, those who are most settled in God’s truth feel no compulsion to conform others to it. They know truth has a power all its own and that a generosity of spirit will open people to it faster than bashing them with their opinion ever will.

How I yearn for the day that enough people understand that so that the body of Christ can gather not based on the false unity of human conformity, but on a love that is greater than all our disagreements and a humility of spirit that allows our differences to be discussed openly without others being loved.

Then we won’t need so-called leaders to police the peace or make us act like we are of one mind, because we will have Jesus’, in ever-increasing abundance. And then the world will see that Jesus was the gift of the Father and that they too can share in his glory.

I found this from the Ministry Today newsletter. Hmmm...Dr. James Dobson comes to mind.

Other black leaders voiced a stronger objection to the pre-election rhetoric, particularly from the white-dominated Christian right: “What they did is insult our biblical understanding,” said Derrick W. Hutchins, a leader in the predominantly black Church of God in Christ. “The white religious right-wing determined that if you didn’t vote for McCain, you were not meeting a standard of the Bible.”

Ray Boltz comes out of the closet and Christians attack!

A busy weekend

I had a busy but very wonderful weekend.

Friday night I went to work because I had switched shifts with one of our student interns so she could attend an event with her family.

Saturday I went to the mens lunch at my church which was very cool. We ate some good food then watched a video by Rob Bell from a video series he has called Nooma. It was about becoming more like Christ. After the video we broke up into two groups to discuss what we had watched and Lonnie asked me to facilitate the discussion at our table. The discussion was good and I also got to meet some new folks and chatted with one of the guys at length afterwards. Neat guy. All this to say that it was good to get out of my comfort zone again and actually get to know other folks that are not in my immediate circle of friends.

Saturday night my mom and dad and aunt Lynn came over and we went to Manzanita Speedway to watch the Western World Championship Sprint Car races. Good times, fast cars, and lots and lots of dirt. It was a fun evening and Patty and her sister came along too. My mom stayed at our house and met with one of her friends from Mesa while we were all at the track.

Sunday morning we went to the early service and heard pastor Jack talk about one of the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:4 (NIV)"4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." He also showed how Eugene Peterson paraphrases this verse in The Message-4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you."

We then went to eat sushi and my parents and aunt headed back to Tucson. I took a nap and then went to one of the wildest concerts I have been to in quite awhile. It was a blast though. I went with a friend from work and we were able to stand near the back away from the pit and enjoy the show.

Tuesday I am going to see Alanis Morrisette with Patty's sister. I am looking forward to it because I have always wanted to see her in concert and I'm finally doing it.

Jeff called me yesterday about meeting at the church at 5 pm Wednesday with Lonnie and some new guy Jeff met. From what I understand, this guy has some experiences he wants to share about Iraq and the war. He was there and had some pretty powerful experiences.

Shannon meets with the counselor again this week and then the week after that I think Patty and I are supposed to meet with her.

I need to talk to Patty about going with a group to the Park in downtown Phoenix to serve a meal to the homeless folks for Thanksgiving. I would love to participate in that this year.

Thats all from here folks.

Peace!

Brian "Head" Welch responds to critics

I posted a video the other day called "Flush" that former Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch made about his addiction to meth. Apparently some Christian retailers are pulling it off of their shelves due to it's content. This is sad in my opinion. I loved Head's response which I found here.

These so called Christian retailers need to get off of their f'ing high horse and see what it's like in the real world and not think they're better than everyone else. Here's what Head had to say...

MUSIC VIDEO CONTROVERSY

HEAD'S RESPONSE TO VIDEO CONTROVERSY,

CD BEING PULLED OFF OF SHELVES AT SOME RETAILERS,

AND OPEN CHALLENGE TO CONSERVATIVES

I have received a handful of messages from some conservative people complaining about the sex and drug references in my new music video for FLUSH; and, I have recently learned that some select retailers are pulling my CD from their shelves because of my music video's content. So, I wanted to give an explanation of what the video means to me; and to address those select retailers that are pulling the CD from their shelves:

The video for FLUSH is about Crystal Meth addiction and the crazy things anyone addicted to Meth will do while they're high or to get their fix. Everything the models were doing in the video is what I was wrapped up in while I was addicted to Meth. The video is a very realistic look at the addiction and where it will lead you if you get hooked. I understand the images of the models may be too much for some people, but honestly, I was just trying to be real with what happened in my life and show where I was, as well as where I am at now.

I was totally imprisoned by Meth (Straight Jacket).

I would do anything to get my Meth (Models being obsessed with Pink Substance).

I was totally kinky and freaky while I was on Meth (Models touching each other and licking Pink Substance off of each other).

I got emotionally, spiritually and physically sick while I was on Meth (Models puking up black tar all over their faces and everywhere else).

I believe I would be dead right now if I continued using Meth, but instead, I chose to surrender my life to Christ and die to myself so He could share His resurrection with me (Models lying down lifeless, getting zipped up in body bags, coming back to life and ripping through the body bags to catch their new BREATH OF LIFE). Significantly, the images also go along with what the kids (not actors) at the beginning of the video were honestly saying about their addictions.

To be clear, I'm not going to apologize for my video! But, I did want to clear up any confusion about what the video actually meant and hopefully put some minds at ease.

I have also been informed that my CD is being pulled from a handful of retailers' shelves because of my music video's content. I totally understand that the video may be a bit too much for some conservative people and I respect everyone's choice. But to me, taking my CDs off the shelves because of a music video (that isn't being sold with the CD) is a bit too extreme! There is a huge message of hope on my CD and I believe those retailers that are pulling the CD from their shelves are robbing someone spiritually by taking it off of the shelves. But, thank GOD for iTunes!

I'm not called to be a Sunday School teacher obviously....I mean, just look at me....(Smile).....I'm called to speak to people that understand my language and I'm gonna be as REAL as possible. The CHEESE has to disappear from the Christian media. I challenge the conservative Christians to start thinking "outside the box," and get real with how they try and connect with the masses!!

As for me--I'm going to do everything I can do to KILL RELIGIOUS MINDSETS THAT CONTINUE TO BE PIGEON-HOLED IN THEIR THINKING!! DIE!!! RELIGION!!! DIE!!!!!!!!!!

Oh yeah....one more very important thing....I love you all....Even you conservative nit pickers!!!

HEAD

A tragedy

We have some dear friends that we left behind in Nebraska when we moved here. They have been friends for a long time. Their family has been hit by a terrible tragedy. Without going into details, I will just say what happened. It was a murder/suicide involving a husband and wife.

Please pray for this family as they go through this very difficult time.

KORN GUITARIST SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT ABOUT FINDING GOD

Save Me From Myself Brian

Head - Flush (the OFFICIAL video in HD 2008!!!)

Former guitarist for Korn, Brian "Head" Welch in video about overcoming his addictions. Head left Korn and became a Christ Follower. He has also written a book called Save me from Myself talking about his time with Korn and his conversion to Christianity.

Good Word!

1 John 2:9-11 (The Message)

9-11Anyone who claims to live in God's light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark. It's the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God's light and doesn't block the light from others. But whoever hates is still in the dark, stumbles around in the dark, doesn't know which end is up, blinded by the darkness.

I want you

I am losing one of my BEST cooperative weather observers in Globe AZ. She was very reliable and dedicated and always a joy to visit with. Globe is an important area in our forecast area because of the elevation. We are looking for a replacement now. Our webmaster through this link up on our website. I guess I'll be pulling the equipment out soon and installing it at a new location. Thank God it's not July!

You can't make this stuff up!

Found this article in the East Valley Tribune today...

November 5, 2008

Jogger with fox latched onto arm runs for help

The Associated Press

PRESCOTT - With a fox locked onto her arm, an Arizona jogger ran a mile to her car, where she was able to dislodge the animal, throw it into the trunk and drive to a Prescott hospital.
The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office says the fox, which later attacked an animal control officer, tested positive for rabies.

The unidentified Chino Valley resident told deputies she was on a trail Monday at the base of Granite Mountain when the fox attacked, biting her foot. The woman said she grabbed it by the neck when it went for her leg and it latched onto her arm.

Thinking the fox was rabid, she wanted to make sure it didn't get away so she ran to her car, where she was able to pry open its jaws, wrap it in a sweat shirt and toss it into the trunk.

The woman is receiving rabies vaccinations, as is the animal control officer.

The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life flow no longer in our souls.

- Elizabeth Cady Stanton,
speech to the National American Woman Suffrage Association, 1890.

"Focus on your own damn Family"

I should get this bumper sticker!

James Dobson’s ‘Letter From 2012 in Obama’s America’

by Jim Wallis 10-29-2008

James Dobson, you owe America an apology. The fictional letter released through your Focus on the Family Action organization, titled “Letter From 2012 in Obama’s America”, crosses all lines of decent public discourse. In a time of utter political incivility, it shows the kind of negative Christian leadership that has become so embarrassing to so many of your fellow Christians in America. We are weary of this kind of Christian leadership, and that is why so many are forsaking the Religious Right in this election.
This letter offers nothing but fear. It apocalyptically depicts terrorist attacks in American cities, churches losing their tax exempt status for not allowing gay marriages, pornography pushed in front of our children, doctors and nurses forced to perform abortions, euthanasia as commonplace, inner-city crime gone wild because of lack of gun ownership, home schooling banned, restricted religious speech, liberal censorship shutting down conservative talk shows, Christian publishers forced out of business, Israel nuked, power blackouts because of environmental restrictions, brave Christian resisters jailed by a liberal Supreme court, and finally, good Christian families emigrating to Australia and New Zealand.
It is shocking how thoroughly biblical teachings against slander—misrepresentations that damage another’s reputation—are ignored (Ephesians 4:29-31, Colossians 3:8, Titus 3:2). Such outrageous predictions not only damage your credibility, they slander Barack Obama who, you should remember, is a brother in Christ, and they insult any Christian who might choose to vote for him.
Let me make this clear: Christians will be voting both ways in this election, informed by their good faith, and based on their views of what are the best public policies and direction for America. But in utter disrespect for the prayerful discernment of your fellow Christians, this letter stirs their ugliest fears, appealing to their worst impulses instead of their best.
Fear is the clear motivator in the letter; especially fear that evangelical Christians might vote for Barack Obama. The letter was very revealing when it suggested that “younger Evangelicals” became the “swing vote” that elected Obama and the results were catastrophic.
You make a mistake when you assume that younger Christians don’t care as much as you about the sanctity of life. They do care—very much—but they have a more consistent ethic of life. Both broader and deeper, it is inclusive of abortion, but also of the many other assaults on human life and dignity. For the new generation, poverty, hunger, and disease are also life issues; creation care is a life issue; genocide, torture, the death penalty, and human rights are life issues; war is a life issue. What happens to poor children after they are born is also a life issue.
The America you helped vote into power has lost its moral standing in the world, and even here at home. The America you told Christians to vote for in past elections is now an embarrassment to Christians around the globe, and to the children of your generation of evangelicals. And the vision of America that you still tell Christians to vote for is not the one that many in a new generation of Christians believes expresses their best values and convictions.
Christians should be committed to the kingdom of God, not the kingdom of America, and the church is to live an alternative existence of love and justice, offering a prophetic witness to politics. Elections are full of imperfect choices where we all seek to what is best for the “common good” by applying the values of our faith as best we can.
Dr. Dobson, you of course have the same right as every Christian and every American to vote your own convictions on the issues you most care about, but you have chosen to insult the convictions of millions of other Christians, whose own deeply held faith convictions might motivate them to vote differently than you. This epistle of fear is perhaps the dying gasp of a discredited heterodoxy of conservative religion and conservative politics. But out of that death, a resurrection of biblical politics more faithful to the whole gospel—one that is truly good news—might indeed be coming to life.

Mark Driscoll - Humility and how to ignore your members