Coffee Slinging Theology

How to respond when I feel mistreated

2008-11-06T09:43:00.004-06:00

Luke 10:27, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "

Loving people is not as easy as it sounds. People can be grumpy, hateful, backstabbing, greedy, prideful, quirky, accusatory, snarky (love that word), or just plain MEAN, but that doesn’t give us reason to return the favor.

2 Timothy 2:23–26, “Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”

Jesus calls us the “salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13). We are called to live out the message of the Gospel as we function as divine ambassadors to those around us. In likeness of Jesus, this could mean speaking boldly against the accepted norm or possibly allowing someone to nail us to a cross.

So, how then do we know how God wants us to respond in different situations?

The answer lies in the objective foundation of Scripture. Therein, we find loving others may mean praying for them (Matt. 5:44), asking for or giving forgiveness (Col. 3:12-14), confrontation (Prov. 27:5), or submission (Eph. 5:21). What to do in different situations may vary, so that’s why we not only need the Scriptures, but also the Holy Spirit.

The Scripture guides us. The Spirit leads and empowers us.

One caution when dealing with difficult people or situations is to guard against bitterness and resentment. When we are on the blunt edge of gossip, slander, hate, backstabbing, church divisions and factions, etc... It is fairly easy to give into the bitterness, turn inward, or lash out in defense. At such times, I’ve found the greatest release is to take Jesus example (Luke 23:34) and simply forgive and pray for God to bless those that hurt me.

It's hard to hear God’s direction in a situation when resentment or bitterness dominates us. Prayer and forgiveness release us to hear the Holy Spirit clearly, which in turn helps us to respond Christ-like in any given situation.

The Vision

2008-10-21T21:19:00.001-05:00

Love the poem.

Sweet song too.

Brilliant Worship! Powerful Message!

2008-10-16T08:47:00.007-05:00

Lately, I have been listening to the new Elevation Worship CD entitled We Are Alive.

"Sing Forever" is one that I seem to keep coming back to, but most all the songs have kept me humming the past few weeks. Listen here.

By the way, Steven Furtick (Pastor, Elevation Church) has never ceased to amaze me when he preaches. Last Sunday he preached a message called "Conflict" in a series entitled Visionary Love, Dream Sex.

If you are married, and ever had conflict (I know it's rare, but you can always prepare for the future...) you need to watch it!

Anyone scared?

2008-10-14T21:41:00.003-05:00

Never read the book, but it looks like Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker might rock my face off with House, opening November 7.

Beer commercials & church?

2008-07-22T16:40:00.005-05:00

These commercials stand out in a sea of utterly apathetic advertising. The marketing is incredible. Want to know what this commercial has to do with church? Prodigal Jon nails it here.

Christian Bloggers Network on Facebook

2008-07-13T16:10:00.002-05:00

I just ran across the Christian Bloggers Network (CBN) on Facebook and thought it was a cool idea. Check it out and see who's blogging near you!

Friends with double vision

2008-07-03T07:42:00.007-05:00

Thursday before a 3-day weekend... I love the anticipation!

Allow me to take a moment and introduce you to a young couple new to the blog-o-sphere. Meet Josh and Rachel.

They, along with their daughter Abigail, live in Kansas City. They have a heart to to serve the Lord and are a very creative couple. Keep an eye on their writings as they navigate the journey God sets before them. I'm sure you'll find some rich insight, raw honesty, humorous antidotes and a story in the making.

Read their blog here.

When people bark | part 2

2008-07-01T12:04:00.008-05:00

Sometimes people can bark. Among the many experiences I have had with such people—one stands shoulders above the rest.

I was working as supervisor at a coffeehouse in Kansas City when Rufus (whose name has obviously been changed) walks in and orders a frozen yogurt in a cup.

“Sure thing!” I replied as I walked over to the frozen yogurt machine, grabbed a cup and proceeded to swirl the yogurt into it twisted ever so stylishly. I then slid the plastic spoon into the treat and handed the cup of frozen perfection to Rufus.

His expression changed at that moment from great anticipation to obvious disgust. With scary fixed gaze locked on me alone, he meandered slowly to the trash and dropped the whole cup of yogurt in with a loud THUD.

I experienced in that moment what I like to call “hot nerves” running up and down my 6’1” frame as I felt somewhat offended and caught off guard. Something was obviously not quite right here.

So once again Rufus repeated the order he spouted just an eternal minute earlier. Didn’t I just do that? Is this guy psycho?

“I just made that for you… was there something wrong?” I managed to sputter out of my shocked expression.

With utter disdain, much like Seinfeld addressed Newman, he said, “You placed the spoon in the yogurt.”

“I did. Did you not want a spoon?”

“Not in my yogurt. That spoon touched the counter.”

“Actually, sir, I placed it on a napkin.”

“Same difference. I want a new one.”

Lightbulb—This man suffers from OCD! That changes everything!

As the hot nerves subsided, I carefully made the next frozen yogurt and handed the spoon wrapped cautiously in a tissue directly to Rufus. He was happy.

My understanding of the matter had dramatically altered my reaction as well as my attitude.

You see, from that moment on, instead of fearing the mean, demanding, quirky guy I chose to go out of my way to serve him the best I could without allowing his rough edges to bother me. I think after awhile he came to appreciate my attitude (despite his bark), for he would specifically ask others if I could be the one to serve him.

And when he thought I wasn’t looking, he began to quietly drop a few coins in the tip jar.

When people bark | Part 1

2008-05-12T12:08:00.009-05:00

Whenever I walk by the fence that borders my drive and the neighbors yard, their little Chihuahua sneaks up on me and begins to bark like crazy—swirling in circles and trying to look all tough. For about a year the little rodent made me jump and get what I call “hot nerves” because he always seemed to come out of nowhere and startle me. He really knew how to tick me off.

However, about two months ago something strange happened. Pulling into the drive, I noticed the lil’ noisemaker crouched in the corner of the neighbors yard. Slowly I turned the car off and watched as he stalked closer and closer like a cougar ready to pounce on its’ prey. Cautiously I stepped out from the car and without notice he charged and began his notorious bark-swirls.

Oddly enough, that was the moment I realized that this dog actually likes me.

Sometimes in similar fashion people come at us all the wrong way. For whatever reason, they bark, swirl and continuously catch us off guard. They might try to intimidate us or cause us to react in a negative way. It’s almost as if they find enjoyment in this like the small dog that can make a grown man jump.

The dilemma for us arises when we interpret their “bark” as an attack and defensively react in a negative way. Reacting in a negative way or out of emotion is never a good thing. But how can we react positively if someone is constantly coming at us?

The answer lies in our perspective of the situation.

What we might not realize is that most of the time these people are just lonely and trying to seek attention in all the wrong ways. It’s almost as if causing a reaction from someone (even negative) brings some sort of significance to their life. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that this is right or acceptable behavior, but as the recipient of such behavior we must learn to deal with negatives in a positive way as to maintain our own good character.

In the case of lil’ Cujo, I chose to see the barking, swirling and intimidation as his way of playing a game with me. As he tries to scare me, I bring enjoyment to his day. This perspective changed our daily meeting in a dramatic way. No longer do I dread the noisy barks from this taco bell dog, but rather look forward to seeing him because I know deep down, in a twisted way, he loves our time together. If he catches me off guard and makes me jump—he wins. If I spot him sneaking up on me—I win. This perspective might not be based in reality, but it helps me to love the little monster. Sounds weird, I know, but it helps my attitude anyway.

The fact is our perspective matters and makes all the difference! As we challenge ourselves to look for something positive in negative situations or people, we will inevitably change how we react to their barks and swirls. By lightening up and reacting in a more positive way, we can reduce stress and enjoy the interactions with others that we previously dreaded the most.

Proverbs 25:21-22, “If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he's thirsty, bring him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you.” (The Message)

If someone barks at you today, maybe just smile and compliment them some way in return. I would love to hear your experiences and/or feedback on this. Part 2 of this post will deal with some specific examples of how I changed my perspective in real life situations. Stay tuned….

Back in the game

2008-05-06T16:30:00.004-05:00

The sound of the ball, the thrill of the score, and satisfaction of “leaving it all on the field” are just a few things I enjoy about playing soccer. The end of July marks the last day of recovery from back surgery. Total recover time lasts sixteen weeks and although I feel much better than I did prior to surgery, I have to approach certain things with extra caution. Soccer is one thing that will still be a few more weeks. I can't wait!

The paradox for me lies not in the recovery time, but in the fact that I haven’t played for over 10 years. No one likes to be injured or hurt, but it’s interesting how they open our eyes to the things missing from our lives and awaken our passions. They allow us to feel the urgency and determination to take that first step into the things have been disabled by fears or procrastinations.

I have a confession to make. Although I love soccer, my wanting to play is really not about the sport to me. What I really miss is being able to kick a ball around with my two beautiful daughters, which I haven’t been able to do since last September.

In a small way, this is what life is about. This is worth the first step.

I am counting the days.

Church Planting with Bob Ross?

2008-03-24T16:30:00.009-05:00

Recently, I was trying to help out my daughter Olathe with some math homework. I was taught a certain method of reaching the answer. She, on the other hand, is learning several methods of reaching the same answer. So naturally when she asked me for help it became frustrating for both of us. Let me explain…

For me it was frustrating because I knew what the answer should be and the method I was taught to get to that answer, but that wasn’t what the teacher wanted. If I persisted to teach her my way, she would not actually get a good grade because she needed to show her work through a different method.

On the other hand, it was frustrating for her because she needed help. Since I wasn’t there in class to hear the method she was supposed to use, I had to try to draw it out of her and then work with what she was telling me, which I was more than happy to try.

As a church planter I often find I don’t know how to accomplish everything the Lord requires of me. Many times I want to ask Bob Ross how to paint a “white, puffy cloud” when God really wants me to learn how to paint a storm in abstract. If all I ever do is paint by numbers, will I ever really learn how to paint? In the end, I might have a decent painting, but never a skill to paint an original masterpiece.

Maybe God is more interested in me learning to hear His voice rather than some easy answer to church growth.

When it comes to church planting, there is no shortage of advice, but there just might be a shortage of church planters that rely on the Spirit to show them the next step.

Glean all you can from other church planters, books and blogs but ultimately take “good notes” in the class of the Holy Spirit and learn how to get the methods and answers needed directly from Him. Then as you receive or hear advice from others, you will be able to sort out the methods that God might be calling you to attempt in your context. The rest... respectfully decline.

Swimming with the Sharks

2008-03-07T12:19:00.009-06:00

They say a shark will only grow size proportionately to the aquarium it is put in. That means a mature shark in a small aquarium might never grow bigger than several inches.

For us, we might therefore consider aquariums a wonderful place to swim if it weren’t for the following small details…

1. We were made for bigger things: There is no way this 190lb man is going to fit in a little fish tank, but many times I find myself trying to live in the safe box I create. Why? Because that's where there is no danger…. no risk. The sharks are small and can’t really hurt me there. The problem is we were never made to live in little aquariums. We were made for a life of adventure and risk. When we don’t take risks, we can’t exercise our faith. Without faith, we can’t please God.

2. Aquariums are fake worlds: Treasure chests, plastic seaweed, even the way in which the water receives oxygen is contrived. When we submerge ourselves in a world of fake surroundings, we don’t face the realities of life, which essentially cause us to grow. It takes resistance to build muscle just as the hard realities of life in this world cause us to grow spiritually. Look at all the great men and women who became great through their struggle, not by pretending it didn't exist.

3. There’s no room for anyone else: When we live a life of safety, we are become concerned with ourselves as numero uno. We are always looking out for our own best interest. What do fish in an aquarium seem to look forward to most… food! Feed me, feed me! All the while, they are probably looking over at the fish stuck on the glass saying, “Thank you Lord, I don’t have to suck algae and stare out that glass!” In actuality, at least the algae sucker is looking out instead of in.

4. The outside world looks distorted from inside the aquarium: Just how sometimes we see fish distorted from certain angles, I imagine they look out and see some pretty intimidating things. I think of Joshua, Caleb and the other spies checking out the Promised Land. When the other spies came back, they said they saw giants and they felt like grasshoppers in comparison. Typical safe, selfish, aquarium living. Joshua and Caleb, on the other hand, saw the same thing, but they were living a life of risk. They had a different perspective and realized things aren't what they appear. They weren’t going to let their lives be ruled by what things looked like from inside the aquarium.

The deep calls.
Tony Morgan wraps it up in one powerful quote. Read it here.

Spiritual Balance and Foam Tubes

2008-03-04T18:31:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, I had to balance on a foam tube. It was an interesting exercise which involved lying down with the tube extending along my spine. I was then told to stretch my hands out from my sides and rock back and forth on the tube, trying all the while to stay horizontally parallel with the ground. It was rather difficult. ☺

Balance is the key. Apparently, it’s what helps the core muscles flex and strengthen. The core is the body’s center of gravity, so as I stretched out to either side gravity would begin to pull me down. In order to stay parallel, I had to flex muscles only God knew I had (they sure aren’t visible). It wasn’t an easy exercise, but if I keep it up the end result will be a strong core and center of gravity.

Spiritually speaking, balance is also one of the keys to having a strong core and center of gravity in every Christian’s life. Ephesians 4:11-14 says,

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”

As a pastor and teacher, I function much like a physical therapist. I have a responsibility to teach others how to strengthen themselves in Christ and to find balance in their walk with God.

There are many fads, teachings and exploited scriptures out there that tend to pressure a person in one direction or the other losing their center of gravity. A good example might be the prosperity gospel or unconditional submission to abusive authority. It’s easy to get pulled in to these teachings all the while losing the balance of scripture. Difficulty arises when nuggets of truth are selfishly twisted and appeal to the fleshy forces of gravity. It’s against such forces we resist and pull back to the scriptures holding fast and balancing our lives upon the truths therein.

Scripture serves as our center of gravity. Learning it in context gives us balance. Balance makes us strong. Strength keeps us from being “tossed back and forth and blown around” in our faith. This is a firm foundation in Christ, through grace, which then qualifies us to teach others.

Paul says it this way in 2 Timothy 2:1-2,

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”

What are you known for?

2008-03-03T13:07:00.004-06:00

I recently heard a friend of mine discussing how there is typically one dominant attribute that an individual is known for.

Some might be known by their trade…
“the coffee guy” or “the lumberjack.”

Others are known for their abilities or hobbies…
“the golfer” or “the chess wizard.”

Still some are just noted for their appearance…
“the bald guy” or “the girl with the beehive.”

If there were one attribute I would want to be known for it would simply be passionate follower of Jesus.

What do you think it would take for a person to live today in such a way that people identify them as an authentic, passionate follower of Christ?

Discovery Changes Everything

2008-01-24T16:09:00.000-06:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about the art of discovering. Discovery is when you realize the existence or potential of something that already existed. It might be that old song a person recently heard for the first time and now plays over and over again on their iPod. It might be that book that was pulled out from the shelf that just can’t be put down. It could simply be discovering the joy in the loving arms of your child, parent or spouse.

On a greater scale, when we discover the divine in the natural we can rest in the bigger picture that God is in control. Take for example the inspiration of Scriptures. The inspired Word of God wasn’t declared inspired by man or a committee… it just is what it is - INSPIRED. We can only discover or recognize that fact. When we do, the inspired Word of God comes alive to us because our perspective has changed. We now realize it is more than just a book of stories - it is God’s communication with man. This changes everything. God is in the details.

As a Christian, I am learning to discover that God has created, ordained and purposed things around and in me long before I choose to recognize them.

This happens all the time in our relationships. Sometimes, as Christians, in the midst of disagreement with a spouse or when the kids act up, it is easy to forget that they are a gift from God. When we do this, we sew strife. We take the gifts that God has given us for granted as they get lost under busy schedules or selfish ambitions. However, as we begin to rediscover God at work in our relationships, our perspective changes and we find joy and wonder in those we are close to. This changes everything. God is in the details.

Lastly, we can discover God in the midst of confusion, pain, or frustrating circumstances. He has been there all along, but maybe we haven't taken the time to notice because it seems so crazy.

Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, "Why is this happening to me?" So she went to inquire of the LORD. The LORD said to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. -Genesis 25:21-24

Rebekah’s pregnancy was a result of Isaac’s fervent prayer. God answered this prayer, and I am sure this fact was greatly rejoiced over at first. After a season, though, Rebekah felt the strain and the stress of something that wasn’t quite right. I wonder if she was thinking to herself, “If this is an answer from God… what the heck is going on?”

During the strain of a situation it can become easy to forget all that God has done. For Rebekah that moment was pivotal to her endurance in faith. She could have chosen to become bitter at God, forgetting that her situation was an answer to prayer. But, in grand style, the scripture says she went to inquire of the Lord. She knew God was in it and if she could only discover what was going on she could rest in the Lord. God did in fact answer her and she endured this stressful pregnancy until the 9-month season was over.

God is in the details. The art of discovering God and His will can be likened to that book that has been sitting on your shelf for ages. Often you’ve looked past it, sometimes even despised that it takes up so much space. Then, one day you decide to open it and discover a story that invites you on an incredible journey. You grab a latte and sink into that big, comfy chair by the fire. No matter where this story takes you, you are captured. Though conflict arises, you read on knowing that the author is taking you somewhere and this changes everything.

All the while you wonder, “Why didn’t I discover this book a long time ago?”

New URL

2008-01-07T23:14:00.000-06:00

I am still here. Just trying to design a new web site. Will be posting more soon. Good stuff is on the way!

Deathbed Regrets: Part 5/5

2007-12-08T11:39:00.000-06:00

#1 "I wish I had written that book or put in that extra effort that would have helped more people or sung that song that I was created to sing. I wish I had lived my purpose and gone after my dreams."

Allow me for a moment to throw some caution to the wind... Yes, it is important to go after these things and by all means one needs to put in the extra effort in order to die with no regrets. Regret will come in a different shape, though, if all we savor is the destination. The journey of life and faith holds many things along the way that make life interesting.

In the infamous words of Ferris Bueller, "If you don't stop to look around once and awhile, you could miss it!"

This one I already know I am on the right path. Not there yet, but enjoying every second of it.

Deathbed Regrets: Part 4/5

2007-11-08T20:35:00.000-06:00

#2 "I wish I had told _____ I loved them more (or at all)."

I don't think we could ever say this enough to the ones we love!

...

I love you Alethea! I love you, Olathe! I love you, Davia!
I am so glad God blessed me with you. You are the most wonderful family anyone could ever ask for!

Let's Get It Started...

2007-11-06T21:11:00.002-06:00

I am so pumped right now at what God is doing at Judah's House. Last Sunday night we kicked off a new series in Bible study. Being a young church plant, I can't think of any other book I would rather be studying with a group of visionaries than the book of Acts. Thought I would make lesson one available here if you want to wet your spiritual thirst!

Faith. Action. Boldness. Miracles. Martyrs. Sacrifice. Journeys. Salvations. Heroes.

I am so thankful for all the people that God has brought to our church plant that want to be a part of this... you guys rock! Thanks for having vision for where God wants to take us. It's gonna be a wild ride. "Let's Get It Started, Ha"

Deathbed Regrets: Part 3/5

2007-11-06T20:25:00.000-06:00

#3 "I wish I had eaten healthier more often, but passed on fewer desserts."

Less than 5 minutes ago, I popped a hot, fresh chocolate chip cookie just out of the oven in my mouth and savored it beyond measure. MMMMMMMMMMM! Anyway, this regret has much more to do with eating healthy, but enjoying the simple pleasures of live.

Most of my late teen years and even into my twenties consisted of many fast food moments. The thought of fast food today makes me sick and I shutter at the thought of what that did to my body. In the past year, I've only eaten fast food about 2 or 3 times so props to the wife that feeds me good! :) We made a huge lifestyle change that helped make this happen - we moved. Moving allowed us to reformat our schedule and we were so fed up with food on the go that it was months before we ended up getting out to a local restaurant to experience the scene. Simple lifestyle often = healthier lifestyle.

Moving onto dessert: a simple indulgence with a chocolate bar, cake or chocolate chip cookie can be a wonderful reward for eating healthier. Going overboard is never a good thing, but nothing beats a good dessert! My favorite being chocolate mousse... which I remember requesting at almost every birthday growing up (thanks mom)! When it comes to dessert, get the finer quality ingredients. Often they are much healthier for you and taste better. Simple ingredients often = guilt free enjoyment.

Eat healthily to live a long life, but remember to enjoy it the years you earn!

Deathbed Regrets: Part 2/5

2007-11-05T18:58:00.000-06:00

#4 "I wish I had taken better care of myself."

This is one regret I have actually quoted.

Recently I had a bout of sciatica. Wasn't real fun. Intense pain can really make one want to take better care of their physical well being. When it came to physical fitness I always considered myself an active person. I grew up playing soccer, skateboarding, and generally maintained an athletic lifestyle. Strangely, those memories stuck with me even after I stopped actually being active. A few non-athletic jobs later and I threw my back out and limped around for two weeks like an old man.

Yes... at 32, I've already uttered this deathbed regret a few times. But thanks to a bit-o-pain, I find myself wanting to improve my well-being dramatically. If I start today, chances are good I'll drop this regret and enjoy walking with a strut in my step instead of a limp.

Deathbed Regrets: Part 1/5

2007-10-22T19:16:00.000-05:00

In a recent Maximized Living newsletter, Dr. Ben Lerner listed the "Top 5 Deathbed Regrets." As I read over them, I thought it might be a good idea to personalize each one, so here we go...

#5 "I wish I had spent less time on my job and more with my family."

This is one that seems nice in theory, but in actuality is a pretty hard one to accomplish. I find it ironic that most people who work to live, end up living to work. The daily grind is not easily escaped, especially since it is a necessity to support a family in today's economy. So how would one, or should I say I, go about my life as to avoid this deathbed woe?

When time is tight because of work or other obligations maybe a key to this one would be "meaning in the moments." This is something I know I could be more intentional in. When I have time and moments with my family I should probably ask myself how to make this the most meaningful. That doesn't mean expensive. It doesn't mean extravagant. It might simple mean that kiss on the forehead and prayer as I tuck my girls in to sleep at night. It might mean that grocery list gets split up and a scavenger hunt ensues for the lowest priced merchandise in the best time. It might mean turning the computer off and setting something demanding aside to eat dinner together with my family. Maybe it's being "fully present" in a conversation with my wife or kids. Overall, the term "meaning in the moment" seems to best describe what I am trying to say.

Most of us have to work to make ends meet, so let's make the most of every moment we are given with our families and create memories we will never regret.

A Strange Sight

2007-10-02T15:36:00.000-05:00

A few years ago I saw something uncanny. I was at a local warehouse store when I saw an elderly man running across the parking lot. It struck me as strange and to this day it begs an answer,

“What would make an old man run?”

It isn’t that common to see someone of years trucking full speed. It could almost make a bystander winch as brittle bones hit the pavement. Yet something DROVE this man to defy the norm and risk injury to RUN?

I am not sure in this specific case, but one answer to the question "what would make an old man run" is love. Love causes people to run at airports for homecomings, after cars during an outgoing, to catch a falling child, or even risk life in a war zone to save a friend. Love is truly a powerful force.

There is a beautiful story in the Bible of an old man that ran to his son who had just come home from a deeply shameful and humiliating situation. His father was old. His father was dignified. His father RAN! Too many times we can skip over that powerful imagery. Picture it…

"When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.' But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time.” Luke 15:20-24 (MSG)

If the power of love could make an old man run to embrace his wayward son, I wonder what it could do for us today… in our relationships. There are many emotions that cover and cloud the object of our love on any given day. Maybe it is an argument with a spouse, the disobedience of a child, or the pain of the past. Maybe you just can’t forgive that one thing they did.

If you allow these things to outweigh your love, then as you age you will find yourself becoming less able to show it.

Take a moment today to look past the present circumstances in your relationships and show love to someone who needs you most. Maybe they need to see you run to know it's true.

New Series: The Darkside of the Supernatural

2007-09-24T22:54:00.000-05:00

Come and check it out! I dare you!
Details Here

Keith Green

2007-09-21T09:13:00.000-05:00

If you're a Christian and have never heard the story of Keith Green - this Sunday night you are in for treat. At small group we will be showing "Your Love Broke Through: The Keith Green Story."

Keith Green was a radical follower of Jesus Christ and his life is an inspiration to many. No Compromise, the biography of Keith Green, changed my life as a teenager. It's was through his story and an article he wrote about missions that I felt the call of God to ministry. His story will challenge you to shake off religious apathy and to follow God with honesty and passion. We would love to see you there!