Yes, I believe and follow Jesus, and I will participate in our local neighborhood Halloween activities this year!
Well, I’m sure that I may have lost many of you in that first statement, but for those of you who are still reading, I would like to talk about why my family does engage in Halloween. This time of year there is always a lot of talk about why Christians should avoid Halloween and celebrate an “alternative” instead. In the past I have agreed with that viewpoint, and my intention here is not to discredit what God is leading you or your church to do as an alternative to Halloween. In some geographical/cultural contexts these alternatives (fall festivals, as they are often called) are effective. But in the context of our family and what we are trying to do (being very intentional with a mission-focused discipleship in our community), I thought I would share my reasons for participating in our local Halloween activities. Please keep in mind that this is my opinion, but one formed out of a deep conviction from the Holy Spirit.
First, to clarify, I am not saying that I believe in or practice Halloween as some innocent, helpless activity. I have read the research, seen the videos, and listened to the well-educated, respected teachers that expose Halloween and certain practices of it as evil or demonic. I do agree that Halloween does have some of its roots deeply embedded in occultist activities. I do believe that it is one day above many others when darkness reigns and demonic activities are practiced. However, I feel that as commanded-disciple-makers it needs to be a very strategic day in our own mission. In a very famous, heavily quoted scripture, Jesus himself says: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house…” (Matt. 5:14,15). Does it not make sense then that if Halloween is associated with and marked by so many “dark activities,” as children of God this should be the one day that our light should shine its brightest? However, if we decide to not participate and hide out in some church building or don’t answer the door for “trick or treaters,” is that not like putting our light under the bowl? I just finished reading Organic Church: Growing Faith Where Life Happens by Neil Cole. What stuck out to me more than anything else was the fact that the author intentionally started churches in very “dark places.” They purposefully went to spiritually dark places. One example was a place called Portfolios -- in the author’s own words, “What was once a hangout for witches, warlocks, Satanists, and vampires… turned into holy ground.” Eventually, three different churches were started from converts made within that place. What if they had not taken the light of Christ into that dark place? It is surely something to consider. If we continue to take our light out of dark places, then I am afraid that the darkness will be unrestrained and cover up anything in its path.
Second, I feel that Jesus specifically has a special interest in children (Matt. 19:14, Mark 10:14). One of the arguments against the practice of Halloween holds to the idea that putting on a mask and costume is somehow related to the “opening up” of doors to the spirit world that could be harmful to the person. If this is the case, then it is even more critical for me to make attempts to combat that, to stand in my doorway and greet trick-or-treaters with some light and truth. We had this idea last year too, that when we gave children candy, Jesus would somehow have a presence in it. But we underestimated the number of children and did not have enough to go around. This year we are better prepared and hope to not just give out candy, but also Hope, Truth and Love. It is subtle but intentional, and we hope to not just put candy in their baskets, but pieces of the Good News. Last year there were over 50 kids that came to our door. Don’t think for one minute that I am going to keep my light turned off, sit in my living room, hide out, and not open my door. Rather, I plan to look at it in the context that maybe, just maybe, this is the beginning of that child’s point of contact for God to do something amazing in his/her life . . . that as I am opening my door, I am giving them light and direction to the doorway of God. The point is, you don’t have to beat people over the head with the Bible or demand that they repent of their sins; but in a very real and tangible way we can put the opportunity of the Good News into their hands.
Third, I am not against my own kids dressing up in an innocent, non-violent costume and going trick-or-treating. This gives me a huge teaching moment in the disciple-making process every year with my own children. If all they ever heard from me year after year was rhetoric like, “Halloween is the Devil’s holiday. We don’t celebrate evil.” etc…. then one day their own curiosity about it (reinforced by my continual negative approach to the subject) may get the best of them, and at a very vulnerable, unsafe time in their exploration they may open up unwanted doors to the power and influence of Satan. It is my choice and my responsibility to train up my children in the ways of God. This is something I do not take lightly. Halloween gives me the opportunity to intentionally talk with them about things like good versus evil, and gives me tangible ways to teach my kids to be missional in their own relationship with Christ.
Finally, by taking our kids door-to-door to get candy, it gives us more of a presence in our community. People see us, and we see them. We meet our neighbors, as well as other children in the community and school our kids go to. Now we have faces and names to pray for, build relationships with, engage and live life with, and reach out with the love of God to. For me, Alan and Debra Hirsh validate this point clearly in their work Untamed. They share the “six P’s” of incarnational discipleship practices: presence, proximity, powerlessness, prevenience, proclamation, and passion. When our family participates in Halloween, we are essentially engaging in “presence and proclamation,” and hope that God will bless our humble efforts. I am concerned that in society today, Christians and the church in general are known merely for the things they are opposed to. We boycott, disengage, and henceforth lose ground. If we are not present in others’ lives, then we are doing a very poor job at making disciples and loving others. My only criticism of a Fall Festival type ministry would be that it lacks a greater sense of presence. It might be great at proclamation, but it operates under the assumption that people will bring their kids to it. Instead of trying to attract others to them, maybe they should do it more in the presence of the community, like at the local school, or break it up into different homes, etc. Our lights need to be more present in the communities we are trying to engage.
Some of you might take serious issue with the things that I have said. But I hope you can at least understand my viewpoint. Halloween gives us so many ways to be creative and intentional in our efforts to love God and love others. I encourage you to take some time to pray and research some ways that your family can use Halloween as a time to serve and honor Him more. The internet is full of ideas. It might be as simple as handing out appropriate, kid-friendly cards with God’s Word on them, inside candy bags like we are doing. Or there are all kinds of pencils, toys, and novelty items with a positive, even Biblical message on them. You might want to host a party in your home for your kids and their friends, and use that time to read them a story or parable that would incorporate God’s love in the message. You could just spend time prayer walking in the streets as kids trick-or-treat. The resources and ideas are out there. Or you can choose to not participate, to do nothing. Of course, it is your choice. But whatever you do, I hope it honors God.
--Jeromy Guthrie--
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Church Undercover, A story about praying
Something I shared on another site, part of a series called Church Undercover. I thought I would share it here.
Church Undercover, A story about praying.
The other day I took my 4 yr old son, Eli to get a hair cut. While he was sitting in the chair we kept looking at each other in the mirror. He was being his typical self while enduring the scissors and clippers. He was being quiet, a little shy. As his eyes caught mine in the mirror he would give me this shy little smile that I have seen 100 times now. It was like this unspoken heart language we have saying “I love you dad, I love you son”. Being a dad is an amazing thing. In fact a regular thanksgiving prayer of mine is “Lord thank you for letting me be Reagan and Eli’s dad, help me to…..” I think that one the most important things any parent will ever do for his child is pray and intercede for them constantly. If there is any hope of me preparing my children for life, I cannot do it without prayer. In fact prayer was the very foundation of my son’s life.
I never will forget what I learned about prayer the day he was born. The night before, my wife and I were resting at home. We had just put our daughter to bed and were just enjoying some quiet time alone. It was late. Then it happened. My wife started bleeding very badly. We would come to find out later that her placenta had detached, and this caused her water to break. The only problem was that it was 10 weeks early. I admit that I was scared, but under God’s grace I was able to remain focused enough to call 911. Once the paramedics came, my immediate reaction then was to call a couple of people who I knew would absolutely drop everything they were doing and start praying for us immediately. We would come to find out later that my wife lost so much blood that she was just a fraction away from a transfusion. That was almost 5 years ago. My wife and Eli are fine now and I am grateful for it. However, the first 24 hrs of Eli’s life were uncertain, and the doctors could not give us 100% guarantee that he would live. Several things were wrong; the most crucial one was that his lungs had not had time to fully develop. They were giving him all kinds of medicine, asking my permission, explaining things to me but it was all numbing. Within 24 hrs things changed so much and kept changing. Perhaps the hardest decision I had to make was when we found out that the hospital we were at, their NICU was not able to give Eli the care he needed, and he needed to be transported to Children’s Hospital in Colorado Springs. Now, on top of everything else, my wife was going to be in one hospital and my son in another across town. How could I be there for both of them? How could I leave my wife behind? But at the same time, we did not want Eli to be alone his first night, especially given all the circumstances and uncertainty. So I painfully left my wife in the hands of the nurses and we both agreed that it was best for me to be with Eli. I can’t imagine what Jess went through that night. But it did not seem right for Eli to be all alone. We both wanted him to know we were there for him. My wife was allowed to hold Eli for about 60 seconds before they took him away in an ambulance to the other hospital. It would be days before I or anyone else would be able to hold him. I was barely allowed to touch him. I will never forget going to the hospital and walking in the unit after they had transported him and got him settled in. There was so much pain and discomfort in his face. There were so many tubes and IV’s in him. If he could have made any noise you could not have heard it.
There I was, sick babies all around me. All born too early, all struggling to grow and survive. However, in my own selfishness of the moment all I could see or think about was my son. I stood there quietly praying over my son, trying to be respectful of the noise limits in the room. When Eli’s nurse walked up she interrupted me and said, “you don’t have to pray so quietly.” And then she led us both in this intercession for my son, you would have had to have been completely deaf not to hear her. Even the next nurse on night shift turned out to be a fellow sister in Christ. She also prayed with me and for me and Eli. I would come to find out later her story and how she and the other nurses would daily walk over and pray for every child there. It was their mission, their calling.
There is a lot I remember about that time. But I want to point out a couple of specific things. First, I found out that the church exists in the NICU at Children’s Hospital in Colorado Springs, not because it was in a building. It was not even in a building as our culture defines church. The church existed because 2 or more of followers of Christ were present. Prayers and thanksgivings were being made to God, in Jesus’ name. There was fellowship among us and I was greatly encouraged and lifted up in my time of need. Ministry and service for God’s Kingdom was happening. It did not happen in some building decorated by pews, pulpits and steeples. It happened right where the need and opportunities were. Second, it is important to see that there was a group of nurses and other staff there, probably from different denominational backgrounds, but united. United and focused on one common purpose. To pray, in Jesus’ name, for the children and families of those in need. I can almost bet that most of the children and families probably will never know about this. Although I am sure that some do. But I wonder how God will reward their obedience. I wonder how many have been so touched or moved that their hearts are changed by our loving God forever, because of the love these ladies showed to them and their child. I wonder what the answered prayers look like. I also am aware that there are instances, unlike my own with Eli, where the child never leaves the hospital alive. I wonder how much pain has been healed in a grieving parent’s heart, because of the unseen things done by some faithful followers of Christ.
God’s word instructs us to pray for all people, to intercede on their behalf. I am grateful for those that prayed for my son that night. I am grateful for the people in my life that pray for me. I honored to pray for others. I hope you are too. I hope you have some people close to you that intercede for you on a regular basis. Prayer is a powerful tool we have in kingdom work, in being missionaries. It connects us to God. It helps us to grow close to Jesus and be able to follow His commands. It connects our hearts closer to others. It can happen any time, anywhere.
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 1 Tim. 2:1 (NLT)
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Col. 4:2 (NLT)
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Eph. 6:18 (NLT)
Church Undercover, A story about praying.
The other day I took my 4 yr old son, Eli to get a hair cut. While he was sitting in the chair we kept looking at each other in the mirror. He was being his typical self while enduring the scissors and clippers. He was being quiet, a little shy. As his eyes caught mine in the mirror he would give me this shy little smile that I have seen 100 times now. It was like this unspoken heart language we have saying “I love you dad, I love you son”. Being a dad is an amazing thing. In fact a regular thanksgiving prayer of mine is “Lord thank you for letting me be Reagan and Eli’s dad, help me to…..” I think that one the most important things any parent will ever do for his child is pray and intercede for them constantly. If there is any hope of me preparing my children for life, I cannot do it without prayer. In fact prayer was the very foundation of my son’s life.
I never will forget what I learned about prayer the day he was born. The night before, my wife and I were resting at home. We had just put our daughter to bed and were just enjoying some quiet time alone. It was late. Then it happened. My wife started bleeding very badly. We would come to find out later that her placenta had detached, and this caused her water to break. The only problem was that it was 10 weeks early. I admit that I was scared, but under God’s grace I was able to remain focused enough to call 911. Once the paramedics came, my immediate reaction then was to call a couple of people who I knew would absolutely drop everything they were doing and start praying for us immediately. We would come to find out later that my wife lost so much blood that she was just a fraction away from a transfusion. That was almost 5 years ago. My wife and Eli are fine now and I am grateful for it. However, the first 24 hrs of Eli’s life were uncertain, and the doctors could not give us 100% guarantee that he would live. Several things were wrong; the most crucial one was that his lungs had not had time to fully develop. They were giving him all kinds of medicine, asking my permission, explaining things to me but it was all numbing. Within 24 hrs things changed so much and kept changing. Perhaps the hardest decision I had to make was when we found out that the hospital we were at, their NICU was not able to give Eli the care he needed, and he needed to be transported to Children’s Hospital in Colorado Springs. Now, on top of everything else, my wife was going to be in one hospital and my son in another across town. How could I be there for both of them? How could I leave my wife behind? But at the same time, we did not want Eli to be alone his first night, especially given all the circumstances and uncertainty. So I painfully left my wife in the hands of the nurses and we both agreed that it was best for me to be with Eli. I can’t imagine what Jess went through that night. But it did not seem right for Eli to be all alone. We both wanted him to know we were there for him. My wife was allowed to hold Eli for about 60 seconds before they took him away in an ambulance to the other hospital. It would be days before I or anyone else would be able to hold him. I was barely allowed to touch him. I will never forget going to the hospital and walking in the unit after they had transported him and got him settled in. There was so much pain and discomfort in his face. There were so many tubes and IV’s in him. If he could have made any noise you could not have heard it.
There I was, sick babies all around me. All born too early, all struggling to grow and survive. However, in my own selfishness of the moment all I could see or think about was my son. I stood there quietly praying over my son, trying to be respectful of the noise limits in the room. When Eli’s nurse walked up she interrupted me and said, “you don’t have to pray so quietly.” And then she led us both in this intercession for my son, you would have had to have been completely deaf not to hear her. Even the next nurse on night shift turned out to be a fellow sister in Christ. She also prayed with me and for me and Eli. I would come to find out later her story and how she and the other nurses would daily walk over and pray for every child there. It was their mission, their calling.
There is a lot I remember about that time. But I want to point out a couple of specific things. First, I found out that the church exists in the NICU at Children’s Hospital in Colorado Springs, not because it was in a building. It was not even in a building as our culture defines church. The church existed because 2 or more of followers of Christ were present. Prayers and thanksgivings were being made to God, in Jesus’ name. There was fellowship among us and I was greatly encouraged and lifted up in my time of need. Ministry and service for God’s Kingdom was happening. It did not happen in some building decorated by pews, pulpits and steeples. It happened right where the need and opportunities were. Second, it is important to see that there was a group of nurses and other staff there, probably from different denominational backgrounds, but united. United and focused on one common purpose. To pray, in Jesus’ name, for the children and families of those in need. I can almost bet that most of the children and families probably will never know about this. Although I am sure that some do. But I wonder how God will reward their obedience. I wonder how many have been so touched or moved that their hearts are changed by our loving God forever, because of the love these ladies showed to them and their child. I wonder what the answered prayers look like. I also am aware that there are instances, unlike my own with Eli, where the child never leaves the hospital alive. I wonder how much pain has been healed in a grieving parent’s heart, because of the unseen things done by some faithful followers of Christ.
God’s word instructs us to pray for all people, to intercede on their behalf. I am grateful for those that prayed for my son that night. I am grateful for the people in my life that pray for me. I honored to pray for others. I hope you are too. I hope you have some people close to you that intercede for you on a regular basis. Prayer is a powerful tool we have in kingdom work, in being missionaries. It connects us to God. It helps us to grow close to Jesus and be able to follow His commands. It connects our hearts closer to others. It can happen any time, anywhere.
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 1 Tim. 2:1 (NLT)
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Col. 4:2 (NLT)
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Eph. 6:18 (NLT)
Church Undercover--something about Encouragement
Something I posted months ago on another blog, part of something called Church Undercover
Church Undercover—something about Encouragement
About a month ago it was one of those beautiful ends of a summer day. The sun was shining, it was just the right temperature to lure you to spend you whole day outside. What was I doing, packing? I was loading all of my family’s possessions into the back of a 27’ Penske truck. I was tired, exhausted but full of hope and excitement for the next day -- because we were leaving to begin the next chapter in our journey, the Chicagoland chapter.
Later that afternoon, after the truck was all packed up, apartment cleaned up. I went back outside to put our travel bags in the car. Suddenly I noticed that propped up on my car on the tow trailer was this painting of very peaceful, calming springtime landscape. There is a narrow path going through a field of trees. There is a fence running along the road. The flowers are pink and white. The dogwood trees are in bloom. The sun is shining through the leaves. It’s really beautiful. On the back of the picture was this post-it note:
“I hope this picture blesses you and your family. The road is narrow, but it is worth it.”
There was no signature, but my wife immediately knew who did it. It was one of our neighbors that had recently moved into our complex. We had already known them from church a little bit; my wife was closer to the mom than I was with the dad. Our kids were close in age. I knew that this lady had issues of her own that she was struggling with. So I was blessed to receive her words of encouragement. Little did she know that in my own quiet times over the past couple of weeks, I had been in Psalm 25, meditating and praying verses like:
“4 Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. 5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.
8 The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. 9 He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. 10 The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.” (Ps 25, NLT)
Her words, “the road is narrow, but it is worth it,” were just further confirmation that I was moving in the right direction. I am trying my best to be obedient to the ONE, ALMIGHTY GOD whose love is unfailing.
As followers of Christ, we are never promised a smooth path to follow. The picture I mentioned above is lovely and inviting. There is nothing scary about it and there is probably not one person alive that would be afraid to walk down that path. However, it’s only a picture and not the whole story. I don’t know what waits around the corner, or around that big tree. It could be anything. It could be dangerous. It could be glorious. It could be painful. It could be refreshing. What I do know is that God rewards faithful obedience. He says, if I follow, if I obey, if I live by His covenant, obey His commands... His unfailing love and faithfulness is there. I am so grateful that I am never alone. God’s Spirit dwells inside me and you because of our faith in what Jesus did on the cross.
As a church, as the body of Christ, we also have the added bonus of walking this path together. We have a fellowship, a bond. Throughout scripture we’re taught to encourage one another, stand together, build each other up (Ecc 4:9, Gal. 6;10, 1 Thess 5:11, Heb. 3:13; 10:25). Part of doing church means that we are supposed to be there for each other, to spur each other on, to encourage one another in words and deeds.
Unfortunately, that does not always happen. In fact, I wonder sometimes if it is even a strong characteristic of the church in general. I mean look at us, we are so divided over so many different issues. When you ask someone about their religion, most “Christians” identify themselves by their denomination and don’t even mention Jesus. The word Christian, in my opinion, probably does not even mean the same thing it did a decade ago. I am not here to argue for or against denominations, but if there is any real chance for us to get serious about obeying Jesus’ commands to “love our neighbor,” then we have to start loving Him first. If we are “loving others” the way Christ wants us to, then hopefully the words that come out of our mouths and the actions we do will only encourage, build up and grow more love.
I don’t think that I would be the person I am today if not for others who have taken the time to say encouraging things to me, to love me even when it’s painful. To be honest with me in love, to encourage me and hold me up. We have got to start doing a better job of this. I have to do a better job at this.
I’ve started this experiment today, doing some research for something I might write about one day. I have posed this question to some people: “What is something about church that you dislike?” I did not define church, but rather let them define it based on their culture perception of church. I assumed that they have had some kind of church experience. They did not know me, I didn’t know them. So far it’s sparked some colorful remarks. As I am reading them, I am responding to some of them. There is a lot of pain in the voices. I guess that I was not expecting so many people to be so honest about the church. Granted, I have no idea what kind of church they are talking about. But nevertheless, there are some people out there that apparently have not been very encouraged at all from the church, but literally torn down.
I know that the church is made up of a bunch of imperfect people, including me. But at what point do we get it? At what point do we stop hurting people and start helping them? I have a long way to go. I am trying to be a better encourager. I am imperfect and I know it, and I’m truly sorry for anything I have ever done to discourage anyone who might be reading this. But if we are going to follow the Lord’s path, then our lives have to reflect it. We have to be lights. We have to help build each other up. We have to be kind and love one another.
Father, help us to be able to love others the way You want us to. Help us to be lights in an growing-ever-darker world. May our words and actions only reflect Your character, and never be a stain on the cause of Christ.
Church Undercover—something about Encouragement
About a month ago it was one of those beautiful ends of a summer day. The sun was shining, it was just the right temperature to lure you to spend you whole day outside. What was I doing, packing? I was loading all of my family’s possessions into the back of a 27’ Penske truck. I was tired, exhausted but full of hope and excitement for the next day -- because we were leaving to begin the next chapter in our journey, the Chicagoland chapter.
Later that afternoon, after the truck was all packed up, apartment cleaned up. I went back outside to put our travel bags in the car. Suddenly I noticed that propped up on my car on the tow trailer was this painting of very peaceful, calming springtime landscape. There is a narrow path going through a field of trees. There is a fence running along the road. The flowers are pink and white. The dogwood trees are in bloom. The sun is shining through the leaves. It’s really beautiful. On the back of the picture was this post-it note:
“I hope this picture blesses you and your family. The road is narrow, but it is worth it.”
There was no signature, but my wife immediately knew who did it. It was one of our neighbors that had recently moved into our complex. We had already known them from church a little bit; my wife was closer to the mom than I was with the dad. Our kids were close in age. I knew that this lady had issues of her own that she was struggling with. So I was blessed to receive her words of encouragement. Little did she know that in my own quiet times over the past couple of weeks, I had been in Psalm 25, meditating and praying verses like:
“4 Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. 5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.
8 The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. 9 He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. 10 The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.” (Ps 25, NLT)
Her words, “the road is narrow, but it is worth it,” were just further confirmation that I was moving in the right direction. I am trying my best to be obedient to the ONE, ALMIGHTY GOD whose love is unfailing.
As followers of Christ, we are never promised a smooth path to follow. The picture I mentioned above is lovely and inviting. There is nothing scary about it and there is probably not one person alive that would be afraid to walk down that path. However, it’s only a picture and not the whole story. I don’t know what waits around the corner, or around that big tree. It could be anything. It could be dangerous. It could be glorious. It could be painful. It could be refreshing. What I do know is that God rewards faithful obedience. He says, if I follow, if I obey, if I live by His covenant, obey His commands... His unfailing love and faithfulness is there. I am so grateful that I am never alone. God’s Spirit dwells inside me and you because of our faith in what Jesus did on the cross.
As a church, as the body of Christ, we also have the added bonus of walking this path together. We have a fellowship, a bond. Throughout scripture we’re taught to encourage one another, stand together, build each other up (Ecc 4:9, Gal. 6;10, 1 Thess 5:11, Heb. 3:13; 10:25). Part of doing church means that we are supposed to be there for each other, to spur each other on, to encourage one another in words and deeds.
Unfortunately, that does not always happen. In fact, I wonder sometimes if it is even a strong characteristic of the church in general. I mean look at us, we are so divided over so many different issues. When you ask someone about their religion, most “Christians” identify themselves by their denomination and don’t even mention Jesus. The word Christian, in my opinion, probably does not even mean the same thing it did a decade ago. I am not here to argue for or against denominations, but if there is any real chance for us to get serious about obeying Jesus’ commands to “love our neighbor,” then we have to start loving Him first. If we are “loving others” the way Christ wants us to, then hopefully the words that come out of our mouths and the actions we do will only encourage, build up and grow more love.
I don’t think that I would be the person I am today if not for others who have taken the time to say encouraging things to me, to love me even when it’s painful. To be honest with me in love, to encourage me and hold me up. We have got to start doing a better job of this. I have to do a better job at this.
I’ve started this experiment today, doing some research for something I might write about one day. I have posed this question to some people: “What is something about church that you dislike?” I did not define church, but rather let them define it based on their culture perception of church. I assumed that they have had some kind of church experience. They did not know me, I didn’t know them. So far it’s sparked some colorful remarks. As I am reading them, I am responding to some of them. There is a lot of pain in the voices. I guess that I was not expecting so many people to be so honest about the church. Granted, I have no idea what kind of church they are talking about. But nevertheless, there are some people out there that apparently have not been very encouraged at all from the church, but literally torn down.
I know that the church is made up of a bunch of imperfect people, including me. But at what point do we get it? At what point do we stop hurting people and start helping them? I have a long way to go. I am trying to be a better encourager. I am imperfect and I know it, and I’m truly sorry for anything I have ever done to discourage anyone who might be reading this. But if we are going to follow the Lord’s path, then our lives have to reflect it. We have to be lights. We have to help build each other up. We have to be kind and love one another.
Father, help us to be able to love others the way You want us to. Help us to be lights in an growing-ever-darker world. May our words and actions only reflect Your character, and never be a stain on the cause of Christ.
Worshiping God Today
This is something that I posted months ago on a friends blog, just adding it this site in case anyone is interested.
Have you worshiped the True, Most High, Loving God today? I have. I don’t say that in a boastful way but in humility. Do you realize what an opportunity and privilege we have to turn our hearts and minds on the Most High? (RIGHT NOW)
My wife and I have been getting ready to move over the past couple of weeks. I ended my job here in GA at the end of August to give myself plenty of time to get ready for our move. My intention has been to not only prepare myself spiritually but also physically by walking a lot at the Roper Park. It has been raining here for over a week. I admit that on a few days I braved it and walked in the rain. But the sun came out today for the first time in what seems like an eternity. I woke up, ate breakfast, put on my shoes, grabbed my MP3 player and headed out. I don’t know what was so special about this day, but I started out with some Desperation Band, then moved on to Firelight to Newsboys. By the first turn I found my heart full of joy for what God is doing. I saw visions of people from different languages saying John 3:16, ‘For God so loved me….” and saying “I am free…”. I saw what I think it means for God’s will to be done here on earth as it is in Heaven. It was awesome -- not that I have never truly been in the presence of God before, but something is different about today. I have to store this time, this day in my memory bank for when the enemy tries to discourage me and drag me down and put doubt in my life. Today I realized that I am free to follow God wherever He leads me. Today nothing is holding me back to follow!
As men, if we are going to be effective Kingdom Builders in our homes, families, businesses and faith communities… There are many spiritual disciplines I believe need to be a part of our daily, regular journey. Worship is only one of those, but it’s a big one. I am not talking about corporate worship, but rather individual one-on-one time with God. I can’t say that I am good or consistent with it. But I do realize that the more time I spend worshiping God, the more I am focused on Him and not all this “crap” we call living sometimes. Focusing on God moves me and challenges me. Don’t depend on just “church” meetings to satisfy your need to worship God. Take time today, right now if you can. Unplug from the world and plug into God, His Word. Put your mind on things above. Love Him and be loved by Him.
May “The Lord guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” Isaiah 58:11 (NLT)
Blessings and Peace
J. G.
Have you worshiped the True, Most High, Loving God today? I have. I don’t say that in a boastful way but in humility. Do you realize what an opportunity and privilege we have to turn our hearts and minds on the Most High? (RIGHT NOW)
My wife and I have been getting ready to move over the past couple of weeks. I ended my job here in GA at the end of August to give myself plenty of time to get ready for our move. My intention has been to not only prepare myself spiritually but also physically by walking a lot at the Roper Park. It has been raining here for over a week. I admit that on a few days I braved it and walked in the rain. But the sun came out today for the first time in what seems like an eternity. I woke up, ate breakfast, put on my shoes, grabbed my MP3 player and headed out. I don’t know what was so special about this day, but I started out with some Desperation Band, then moved on to Firelight to Newsboys. By the first turn I found my heart full of joy for what God is doing. I saw visions of people from different languages saying John 3:16, ‘For God so loved me….” and saying “I am free…”. I saw what I think it means for God’s will to be done here on earth as it is in Heaven. It was awesome -- not that I have never truly been in the presence of God before, but something is different about today. I have to store this time, this day in my memory bank for when the enemy tries to discourage me and drag me down and put doubt in my life. Today I realized that I am free to follow God wherever He leads me. Today nothing is holding me back to follow!
As men, if we are going to be effective Kingdom Builders in our homes, families, businesses and faith communities… There are many spiritual disciplines I believe need to be a part of our daily, regular journey. Worship is only one of those, but it’s a big one. I am not talking about corporate worship, but rather individual one-on-one time with God. I can’t say that I am good or consistent with it. But I do realize that the more time I spend worshiping God, the more I am focused on Him and not all this “crap” we call living sometimes. Focusing on God moves me and challenges me. Don’t depend on just “church” meetings to satisfy your need to worship God. Take time today, right now if you can. Unplug from the world and plug into God, His Word. Put your mind on things above. Love Him and be loved by Him.
May “The Lord guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” Isaiah 58:11 (NLT)
Blessings and Peace
J. G.
Thoughts and reflections from the book Tea With Hezbollah
2/12/2010
Words, Ideas from someone trying to figure out how to Love your neighbor…
I have lots of books in unpacked boxes, on my night table by my bed, on our coffee table -- but I admit that a lot of them go unread. When I was working on my Masters Degree that was all I did was read, and when I graduated I was just tired. But that is changing. I think for the past couple years I have been really selective of what I invest my time in. Most of my taste has turned toward fiction and the books I do read, I admit I just enjoy getting lost in the story. It’s mindless escapism. One author that I do read now is Ted Dekker. I have read several of his works now. Usually they are these fantasy, thriller, mystical novels that create a modern twist to the “good vs. evil” classic theme. Some of you might read his books and think that his writing is too far out there, but you have to understand a little bit about his perspective. He grew up in Indonesia, where his parents were missionaries working with cannibalistic people groups. His childhood was worlds apart from mine. He is a world traveler and his work is pretty well known. He is on the New York Times Bestselling list; his books have been turned to the big screen. He is known in different genres, including the “Christian market.” I got to meet him once, when I told him my name he started talking about Pearl Jam and their song “Jeremy.” My thought was “hey this guy listens to Pearl Jam, that’s cool, even if the song is about a kid blowing his brains out in front of his classroom for revenge.” Anyway it is interesting the things you talk about with strangers, especially those that are famous to some degree.
Anyway, so I am reading his recent book Tea with Hezbollah: Sitting at The Enemies Table Our Journey Through the Middle East. This is based on a journey he and a couple of friends took through the middle east a few years ago. Their goal was to have candid discussions with influential Muslim leaders on what their take about Jesus’ greatest teaching [“love your neighbor as yourself, love you enemies”(Matt 5:43-48, Lk 6:27-36, Matt 22:37-40)] and the story of the good Samaritan (Lk 10:30ff). They traveled through Saudi Arabia, Beirut, southern Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Jerusalem. They sat down with Osama Bin Laden’s brothers, talked to high ranking officials of the Hezbollah and others. Pieced throughout the book are unedited transcripts of the word-for-word discussions they had with some of these leaders. Interwoven is this modern day tale of the attitude/idea of a “good Samaritan.” The book is also filled with bits of history of the political and religious struggles throughout the years in that area. There is no agenda, but only to allow the reader to experience what they did when they asked the questions: “What is the greatest misunderstandings of our country (the U.S.)? If you had one thing to say to Jews and Christians, what would it be? In your worldview, do you have to be a Muslim to go to heaven? One of Jesus’ greatest commandment was that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. What is your opinion of this teaching?” Thus giving the reader freedom to come to their own conclusions. I am about halfway finished with it but wanted to go ahead and note a couple of things that I am observing. You might not agree with me, and that’s okay. I certainly have my own opinions, and over the years some of those have changed. However, I think we harm ourselves if we refuse to listen to people. For myself I personally believe that what the Bible says is truth, the only truth. Some take it as a just a good book with good teaching. They view Jesus as a good prophet, like many Muslims believe. So when I read stuff, I will always to some degree compare it to scripture to see how it stands up. Which brings me to my first point of observation from this book.
Labels:
In the book there is the subtle theme going about how we label others. Listen to this:
“A Christian in many American circles, for example, means ‘right-wing, gun toting fanatic who hates Democrats.’ As such, a pacifist Democrat who called himself a Christian in those circles would be lying … To most in this world, American is Christian, just as to most Americans being Arab means being Muslim. Both labels have only limited usefulness. I have been called a Christian writer, but I’m not a right wing, gun-toting fanatic who hates Democrats, not by a long shot. So am I a Christian? Yes and no—it depends on what Christian means to you. The same could be said of Carl. But labels are almost impossible to shed.” (p23)
A lot of people grow up, go to school, graduate college, get a job, get married and never really leave the boundaries of their home, culture or social group. Good or Bad, they (we) are shaped by our culture, family, geographical surroundings, etc. We are all guilty of using labels to define people, including ourselves. Ted is right in the light that labels are almost impossible to shed. In 1996, I spent my summer in Colorado. It was about the same time that Forrest Gump the movie was out. I remember one day at a youth group event this kid heard my southern accent and yelled out “Forrest!” It was funny so all summer long that was my nick name, it helped me connect to them. But it is funny how media had shaped this persons mind to associate anyone with a southern accent with the likes of the character Forrest Gump. Thank God, not all southerners are “Forrest Gump.” Since 9/11 I am afraid that too many of us label all Arabs “terrorists.” The truth is not all are, but we label them that way, look at them suspiciously, and live in fear they are going to bomb our school or something. The word/label “Christian” has over the years come to be associated with many things that I am not. Yes I am a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ, but do I call myself a Christian? Over the Christmas holiday we were in Omaha with my in-laws. One night I was watching a documentary on some cable channel about the modern day Ku Klux Klan and White Supremacists groups. Every one of them called themselves “Christian” while proudly burning crosses and wearing symbols of hatred (the swastika). So by that definition, no I am not a Christian and no I too am not a “right-wing, gun toting fanatic who hates Democrats”. Labels can actually be barriers for us to truly build relationships and community with one another. They are barriers for people to get to know me and vice versa. Labels can hinder us from Jesus’ commandments to love. Labels can predispose fears on us to where we are afraid to follow after Jesus’ heart and love our enemies (which is another label in itself, what is our enemy).
Love:
Another observation is about love. What does it mean to love your neighbor, or love your enemies? I have already provided scripture references above to Jesus’ teachings on this. You might want to review it, it is pretty revolutionary teaching. In the book they are continually asking key Muslim leaders questions about Jesus teaching on love your neighbors, loving your enemies. Something I learned about Muslim culture in this book was the fact that so many of them actually read and revered Jesus and his teachings as this great man, great prophet. They unfortunately do not see him as the Way, Truth and Life, the only way to God. But surprisingly some of them had views on loving your neighbor similar to mine and others who are trying to follow after Christ’s commandments. Listen to this, it comes from their discussion with Sheik Nabil Qaouk a Hezbollah leader in south Lebanon. Granted, this guy is a Muslim fighting what he feels is a justified war against Israel for the sake of defending his own country. But Ted asked him: Jesus’ greatest teaching was that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. How do you recommend we love each other as he taught?
“Love has many stages. The highest level is when you cannot decide whether to love or not love because there is no room for hatred. The love of your neighbors comes naturally in response to obeying Jesus and God. Loving the neighbor is proof that your heart is full of love. When we say neighbors, we mean all of humanity. All people are brothers because we all come from God.” (p128)
I’m sorry did I hear correctly did a “Muslim” “America’s” “enemy” just say the love of your neighbors comes naturally in response to obeying Jesus and God? Is it possible to not have any room for hatred in you heart? I don’t know but I want to try to know. What I am saying is that I agree with this man’s words, that if we obey Jesus and God, loving our neighbors is a natural response. You can read throughout the whole bible and yes there are times of war, destruction, famines, death, blood, murder, etc. But from beginning to end is a story about a Creator (God) who loves his creation (you and me) so much that he gave his Son Jesus to die on the cross for us so that we can have unbroken fellowship with him and have His love inside our hearts and lives. What I have discovered is that loving God is the most fulfilling relationship I have ever had. I would not know how or be able to love my wife and family the way I should if I did not love Christ first. I would not even begin to hope I could love someone who hates me enough to kill me or harm me without the Love of God in my heart. I would not even have the mindset or desire to meet someone and try to show them love, kindness, compassion, mercy, hope and friendship without the Love of God in my life.
This book yes, I can see where it would be labeled as counter culture to American ways. Some of you read the first few lines of this and saw the title and probably stopped right there and have starting assuming some unhealthy labels toward me. Maybe the CIA and Homeland Security is monitoring my computer right now as I post this online because of key words like Muslim, Hezbollah, which will get me stripped searched and interrogated next week when I fly to Atlanta for a few days. I hope not. But what I like about this book is that for years myself and others have been on this path to truly follow after Christ. Here is a guy that is doing some serious research on the subject. What I am finding is that even within my own “church culture,” some of the things, because of our own labels and traditions, make this teaching of Christ look extremely revolutionary. And if we see it as counter culture we immediately label it wrong. But how is trying to figure out how to truly Love God and Others wrong?
I have lived by choice, kind of, in 4 different states over the past 10 years. I currently live in the suburbs of Chicago. I go walking through my neighborhood and observe and meet people. There are those that don’t have the same color skin or speak English. In fact you can hear Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, Polish, and Korean in my neighborhood. Within these groups are many cultural traditions, practices, beliefs. But if I am truly going to figure out how to love these people, love my neighbors, even love those who might choose to be my enemy, one thing is that I have got to drop the labels. And I can’t assume that if someone is Muslim that they hate all white, blonde-haired (lesser these days), blue-eyed “Christian Americans,” and that he is someone to be afraid of. If that is the case, I will never take the love of Christ less than 10 yards from my doorstep.
I hope that if you are still reading this and that I have not bored you too much with this short mini paper. I just woke up this morning and decided to put some thoughts down and felt that it was a good time to share them. Some other interesting things that I have enjoyed reading in this book are the views some Muslims have of American politics and media. Or the idea “can a Muslim be a Christian too?” These are some other points that I think that I could sit down and have some common points of agreement on, but I will save that for your to read it for yourself and see what they say. You might agree, you might not. I don’t agree with everything I read either, unless Jesus wrote it.
I will end with a list of “Labels” I would not mind being known as:
One who loves God with all my heart, soul, mind and body.
One who loves his family more than he loves himself.
One who loves his neighbors.
One who loves those who choose to hate me.
One who had the courage to obey Jesus.
One who has no fears, except to only fear God Almighty.
J. G.
Words, Ideas from someone trying to figure out how to Love your neighbor…
I have lots of books in unpacked boxes, on my night table by my bed, on our coffee table -- but I admit that a lot of them go unread. When I was working on my Masters Degree that was all I did was read, and when I graduated I was just tired. But that is changing. I think for the past couple years I have been really selective of what I invest my time in. Most of my taste has turned toward fiction and the books I do read, I admit I just enjoy getting lost in the story. It’s mindless escapism. One author that I do read now is Ted Dekker. I have read several of his works now. Usually they are these fantasy, thriller, mystical novels that create a modern twist to the “good vs. evil” classic theme. Some of you might read his books and think that his writing is too far out there, but you have to understand a little bit about his perspective. He grew up in Indonesia, where his parents were missionaries working with cannibalistic people groups. His childhood was worlds apart from mine. He is a world traveler and his work is pretty well known. He is on the New York Times Bestselling list; his books have been turned to the big screen. He is known in different genres, including the “Christian market.” I got to meet him once, when I told him my name he started talking about Pearl Jam and their song “Jeremy.” My thought was “hey this guy listens to Pearl Jam, that’s cool, even if the song is about a kid blowing his brains out in front of his classroom for revenge.” Anyway it is interesting the things you talk about with strangers, especially those that are famous to some degree.
Anyway, so I am reading his recent book Tea with Hezbollah: Sitting at The Enemies Table Our Journey Through the Middle East. This is based on a journey he and a couple of friends took through the middle east a few years ago. Their goal was to have candid discussions with influential Muslim leaders on what their take about Jesus’ greatest teaching [“love your neighbor as yourself, love you enemies”(Matt 5:43-48, Lk 6:27-36, Matt 22:37-40)] and the story of the good Samaritan (Lk 10:30ff). They traveled through Saudi Arabia, Beirut, southern Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Jerusalem. They sat down with Osama Bin Laden’s brothers, talked to high ranking officials of the Hezbollah and others. Pieced throughout the book are unedited transcripts of the word-for-word discussions they had with some of these leaders. Interwoven is this modern day tale of the attitude/idea of a “good Samaritan.” The book is also filled with bits of history of the political and religious struggles throughout the years in that area. There is no agenda, but only to allow the reader to experience what they did when they asked the questions: “What is the greatest misunderstandings of our country (the U.S.)? If you had one thing to say to Jews and Christians, what would it be? In your worldview, do you have to be a Muslim to go to heaven? One of Jesus’ greatest commandment was that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. What is your opinion of this teaching?” Thus giving the reader freedom to come to their own conclusions. I am about halfway finished with it but wanted to go ahead and note a couple of things that I am observing. You might not agree with me, and that’s okay. I certainly have my own opinions, and over the years some of those have changed. However, I think we harm ourselves if we refuse to listen to people. For myself I personally believe that what the Bible says is truth, the only truth. Some take it as a just a good book with good teaching. They view Jesus as a good prophet, like many Muslims believe. So when I read stuff, I will always to some degree compare it to scripture to see how it stands up. Which brings me to my first point of observation from this book.
Labels:
In the book there is the subtle theme going about how we label others. Listen to this:
“A Christian in many American circles, for example, means ‘right-wing, gun toting fanatic who hates Democrats.’ As such, a pacifist Democrat who called himself a Christian in those circles would be lying … To most in this world, American is Christian, just as to most Americans being Arab means being Muslim. Both labels have only limited usefulness. I have been called a Christian writer, but I’m not a right wing, gun-toting fanatic who hates Democrats, not by a long shot. So am I a Christian? Yes and no—it depends on what Christian means to you. The same could be said of Carl. But labels are almost impossible to shed.” (p23)
A lot of people grow up, go to school, graduate college, get a job, get married and never really leave the boundaries of their home, culture or social group. Good or Bad, they (we) are shaped by our culture, family, geographical surroundings, etc. We are all guilty of using labels to define people, including ourselves. Ted is right in the light that labels are almost impossible to shed. In 1996, I spent my summer in Colorado. It was about the same time that Forrest Gump the movie was out. I remember one day at a youth group event this kid heard my southern accent and yelled out “Forrest!” It was funny so all summer long that was my nick name, it helped me connect to them. But it is funny how media had shaped this persons mind to associate anyone with a southern accent with the likes of the character Forrest Gump. Thank God, not all southerners are “Forrest Gump.” Since 9/11 I am afraid that too many of us label all Arabs “terrorists.” The truth is not all are, but we label them that way, look at them suspiciously, and live in fear they are going to bomb our school or something. The word/label “Christian” has over the years come to be associated with many things that I am not. Yes I am a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ, but do I call myself a Christian? Over the Christmas holiday we were in Omaha with my in-laws. One night I was watching a documentary on some cable channel about the modern day Ku Klux Klan and White Supremacists groups. Every one of them called themselves “Christian” while proudly burning crosses and wearing symbols of hatred (the swastika). So by that definition, no I am not a Christian and no I too am not a “right-wing, gun toting fanatic who hates Democrats”. Labels can actually be barriers for us to truly build relationships and community with one another. They are barriers for people to get to know me and vice versa. Labels can hinder us from Jesus’ commandments to love. Labels can predispose fears on us to where we are afraid to follow after Jesus’ heart and love our enemies (which is another label in itself, what is our enemy).
Love:
Another observation is about love. What does it mean to love your neighbor, or love your enemies? I have already provided scripture references above to Jesus’ teachings on this. You might want to review it, it is pretty revolutionary teaching. In the book they are continually asking key Muslim leaders questions about Jesus teaching on love your neighbors, loving your enemies. Something I learned about Muslim culture in this book was the fact that so many of them actually read and revered Jesus and his teachings as this great man, great prophet. They unfortunately do not see him as the Way, Truth and Life, the only way to God. But surprisingly some of them had views on loving your neighbor similar to mine and others who are trying to follow after Christ’s commandments. Listen to this, it comes from their discussion with Sheik Nabil Qaouk a Hezbollah leader in south Lebanon. Granted, this guy is a Muslim fighting what he feels is a justified war against Israel for the sake of defending his own country. But Ted asked him: Jesus’ greatest teaching was that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. How do you recommend we love each other as he taught?
“Love has many stages. The highest level is when you cannot decide whether to love or not love because there is no room for hatred. The love of your neighbors comes naturally in response to obeying Jesus and God. Loving the neighbor is proof that your heart is full of love. When we say neighbors, we mean all of humanity. All people are brothers because we all come from God.” (p128)
I’m sorry did I hear correctly did a “Muslim” “America’s” “enemy” just say the love of your neighbors comes naturally in response to obeying Jesus and God? Is it possible to not have any room for hatred in you heart? I don’t know but I want to try to know. What I am saying is that I agree with this man’s words, that if we obey Jesus and God, loving our neighbors is a natural response. You can read throughout the whole bible and yes there are times of war, destruction, famines, death, blood, murder, etc. But from beginning to end is a story about a Creator (God) who loves his creation (you and me) so much that he gave his Son Jesus to die on the cross for us so that we can have unbroken fellowship with him and have His love inside our hearts and lives. What I have discovered is that loving God is the most fulfilling relationship I have ever had. I would not know how or be able to love my wife and family the way I should if I did not love Christ first. I would not even begin to hope I could love someone who hates me enough to kill me or harm me without the Love of God in my heart. I would not even have the mindset or desire to meet someone and try to show them love, kindness, compassion, mercy, hope and friendship without the Love of God in my life.
This book yes, I can see where it would be labeled as counter culture to American ways. Some of you read the first few lines of this and saw the title and probably stopped right there and have starting assuming some unhealthy labels toward me. Maybe the CIA and Homeland Security is monitoring my computer right now as I post this online because of key words like Muslim, Hezbollah, which will get me stripped searched and interrogated next week when I fly to Atlanta for a few days. I hope not. But what I like about this book is that for years myself and others have been on this path to truly follow after Christ. Here is a guy that is doing some serious research on the subject. What I am finding is that even within my own “church culture,” some of the things, because of our own labels and traditions, make this teaching of Christ look extremely revolutionary. And if we see it as counter culture we immediately label it wrong. But how is trying to figure out how to truly Love God and Others wrong?
I have lived by choice, kind of, in 4 different states over the past 10 years. I currently live in the suburbs of Chicago. I go walking through my neighborhood and observe and meet people. There are those that don’t have the same color skin or speak English. In fact you can hear Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, Polish, and Korean in my neighborhood. Within these groups are many cultural traditions, practices, beliefs. But if I am truly going to figure out how to love these people, love my neighbors, even love those who might choose to be my enemy, one thing is that I have got to drop the labels. And I can’t assume that if someone is Muslim that they hate all white, blonde-haired (lesser these days), blue-eyed “Christian Americans,” and that he is someone to be afraid of. If that is the case, I will never take the love of Christ less than 10 yards from my doorstep.
I hope that if you are still reading this and that I have not bored you too much with this short mini paper. I just woke up this morning and decided to put some thoughts down and felt that it was a good time to share them. Some other interesting things that I have enjoyed reading in this book are the views some Muslims have of American politics and media. Or the idea “can a Muslim be a Christian too?” These are some other points that I think that I could sit down and have some common points of agreement on, but I will save that for your to read it for yourself and see what they say. You might agree, you might not. I don’t agree with everything I read either, unless Jesus wrote it.
I will end with a list of “Labels” I would not mind being known as:
One who loves God with all my heart, soul, mind and body.
One who loves his family more than he loves himself.
One who loves his neighbors.
One who loves those who choose to hate me.
One who had the courage to obey Jesus.
One who has no fears, except to only fear God Almighty.
J. G.
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