Just What Does it Mean to Chase Jesus?
Having a relationship with a God like this requires that I am willing and prepared to move, serve, minister, care, comfort, challenge, and reconcile with him as he is going about these things himself. My relationship with this Jesus is not static, rather it is a wild, dynamic, flowing experience of the action and activity of God himself.
When God Seems Distant
One of the messages the church in general seems to communicate clearly is that we should never doubt our faith, or especially God. Being honest with your pastor about the doubts you’re having often makes the as squeamish as a parent who’s toddler just asked them where babies come from. Often you end up getting pat answers about trusting God, and the need for faith. The problem is the answers don’t really deal with the doubt, and they certainly don’t make us feel any better, so what do we do?
I Think Jesus Laughed At Farts
The other day, I realized something about my own particular Christology (that’s the fancy word for the stuff I believe about Jesus). I think Jesus laughed when people farted. It’s funny! Even grown-up, mature business men will laugh when someone farts in the men’s washroom. I think Jesus laughed at farts.
Getting Cynical About Being Cynical
The dictionary says that being cynical is defined as being “bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic.” I used to think that there wasn’t really anything that wrong with being cynical, in fact I almost felt as if it was a good thing. I saw myself as being a realist; someone who objectively analyses the world around them. After thinking about what my friend had to say, I think I’m getting a little cynical about being cynical. I’m starting to get distrustful and pessimistic about the benefits of cynicism. I think it’s time for a change.
Who Do You Trust?
Jesus said once, “”Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”" (Matthew 11:28 MSG) The real question isn’t whether or not Jesus is capable of making good on that promise, it’s do we trust him enough to follow him there even if we don’t know what the final destination is?
Pearl of Great Price
I’ve been married for 13 years to an absolutely amazing woman. I definitely got the better end of the deal there, but I have a bad habit: I take her for granted. Now, while it’s certainly not okay that I do it, I’m pretty sure I’m in good company. In fact, most guys I know [...]
Re-Thinking Missional Children’s Ministry
I have been wrestling, as a pastor, and church leader, with some of the missional concepts and also with some of the questions that need to help us understand how we got here in the first place. As I’ve been reading, and talking with others on the missional journey, I have noticed a disturbing gap in the thinking and theorizing that’s been done so far. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of talk about what children’s ministry might look like in this missional paradigm. In fact, it seems to me that a lot of the churches that might be considered to be missional are actually undermining themselves in their children’s ministry.
SillyFest 2009
When’s the last time you did something silly? When’s the last time you ordered a coffee at Starbucks and told them your name was Franklint, with a “P”? Or, when was the last time you struck up a conversation with a random cashier and did everything in your power to get her laughing hysterically? I think the world needs more silliness in it, especially these days.
Blessed For Blessing
To often we miss the purpose of the blessings in our lives and get myopic rather than outward focused. Why is that? Watch \”Blessed For Blessing\” on YouTube.