Pivotal Thought's

New Series, "Chase The Lion" 7 Weeks

Well, this past Sunday we kicked off our New Series "Chase The Lion". This is the series that was inspired by the book, "In a Pit With A Lion".

This past week we covered Skill 1: "Defying Odds". We really felt the Lord speaking to hearts and challenging the normality of our lives and those things that somehow we believe we could never do without Divine Intervention. At the end of the service we handed out a copy to each person present so that they may start reading the whole story.

There was a dual-emotion that I sensed after the message was completed. On one hand excitement and anticipation to read the book and hear the rest of the Skills. On the other, the things in each persons lives that they need to reverse the odds in. The 500 lb Lions that have been overshadowing their circumstances. What if our Greatest Blessing was lying behind our Greatest Fears? What if God was in the business of Defying Odds and doing Foolish things so that He may be Glorified in your Circumstances?!?!? Chase The Lion!

Week / Skill 2: "Facing Fears"

Skills: Defying Odds, Facing Fears, Reframing Problems, Embracing Uncertainties, Taking Risks, Seizing Opportunities, Looking Foolish

Blue Like Jazz

On Saturday I finished a book that truly challenged the way that I view this walk called Christianity. To be honest from the jump... many people (Christians) would not be able to stomach this book and its pure form of honesty and Donald's true introspections. It rattles and shakes loose the cob webs of religion and makes a definitive mark on ones mind of how this relationship with Jesus is a personal, up close, and remarkable thing. Not just remarkable... but very challenging and difficult @ times.

I have always believed that when others give their lives to Jesus, they truly are left to wrestle with what to do next. As if the ultimate goal is to just except and thats it! No more to do.... everything is done, finished, alright, etc. No! We are invited at that moment into a history of mistakes made throughout religion that we somehow need and have to figure out for the rest of the world.

Donald uses the metaphor of his dislike with Jazz music as the premise for this beautiful story. He explains how one day he actually hears Jazz being played and it sounds different then he has ever heard before. As he approaches the player of this beautiful sound he notices that the individual is playing with their eyes..... closed. Maybe we ought to do religion this way. Would it sound better? Look better? Feel better? And would we become more attractive to others as we show Jesus more in our circumstances, affairs, and lives.

I highly recommend this book to all people looking to be challenged by the unveiling of what religion can be. What we have made it. If you have ever felt blue about something in your walk with God and questioned why things are the way they are.... read this book! This book has not just allowed me to see the Lord more..... but I have seen the lines in His face. he is amazingly awesome : ) Donald.... great book and keep up the out-of-the-box thinking concerning life, religion, and this thing called Christianity.

Question's For God Over Coffee

Tuesday morning I woke up in a fog as I had many questions for the Lord. Even Michele picked up on me seeming a little down and off kilter. I was at the place where I was challenging the Lord to challenge me and to S.H.O.W. me if we as a church have been on point in our mission, outreach, messages, direction, etc. Just one of those days where it seems you are at a place of questioning. My usual gathering (individual) @ 10am was in a different state on business so I had time to reflect and really just lay my heart before the Lord.

As I entered the Brew House I proceeded to drop off my laptop bag and save my spot : ) I then went to order the famous Mint Mocha (Started feeling a little better!). On the way back I ran into what would be my first answer to my questions to the Lord. He introduced himself as Nate. He stopped me and started to tell me of how he has seen me around @ Panera's, Brew House, etc. He said that he has overheard me on several occasions discussing ministry and the Emerging Vision. Nate continued to say that he also has a church in his house and come to find out.... the individual who is giving the word there on Sunday's is an individual I knew from years ago and have lost contact with. The beauty of this story is the fact that I am right where he needs me. We are right where He needs us!

Often in our questioning God will send people to confirm our mission is correct and on point for Him. He will let us know that He is pleased in our journey and that we are in the right doing with inviting others along. Not only did I have a lot of questions answered..... but I met a new friend : ) Not just a friend... but someone who is blazing the trail with me. Also, Nate is writing two books in which he asked if I would help proof read when he is finished. What an honor as well as I cannot wait for these to be published. They are both on Discipleship (Which is our theme for May '07).