Book review

I think every pastor and paid minister should read this . . .and church member, too.

The section on pastors 'getting over their call to preach' alone is enough to make this a must-read.

The paradigm that Roberts illustrates concerning the true nature of missions is amazing. While reading this book, I was confronted with so many uncomfortable truths about the ways I view the rest of the world, my nationalistic ego, & my ignorance of not only the need for but also the mandate to long-term, overseas commitments from the American Church. Whether we like to admit it or not, we had better get going--off the seats and into the field. When Roberts mentioned how many Easterners are coming to America as missionaries, I about cried.
What am I doing? What are we doing? Why aren't we doing? Or, is this more about who we refuse to become?

"I too had noticed that our prayers for others flow more easily than those we offer on our own behalf. And it would be nice to accept your view that this just shows we are made to live by charity. I'm afraid, however, I detect two much less attractive reasons for the ease of my own intercessory prayers. One is that I am often, I believe, praying for others when I should be doing things for them. It's so much easier to pray for a bore than to go and see him. And the other is like unto it. Suppose I pray that you may be given grace to withstand your besetting sin (short list of candidates for this post will be forwarded on demand). Well, all the work has to be done by God and you. If I pray against my own besetting sin there will be work for me. One sometimes fights shy of admitting an act to be a sin for this very reason." -C.S. Lewis

Help! My priorities are wacked! God, why are you always willing to listen and I am not? Forgive me for neglecting You.
Here I am! There's nothing in my hand. Will you talk with me?

Is this real-ly relevant?

I read this article:
(http://www.relevantmagazine.com/pc_article.php?id=7353). It’s entitled “The Commercial Church.”
There are some assertions that the author makes which really resonate with me, like: “Many times, [in a church’s service time] we create spectators rather than participators.” I think that is a real danger when the emphasis on programming is high. I believe we’d better serve and honor both God and people by focusing more energy in creating an environment where people are invited to experience the LORD—not so much a “presentation.” I long for my time spent in a service to be a time and space where I can experience God—right where I’m at: physically, emotionally, and mentally. I wish that the elements of the service time where geared more towards that end then staying on schedule or the impartation of mere information. Do not tell me what to think about, teach me how to think—how to draw closer to Jesus. I’ll never remember three points, a snappy acrostic, and I’ll probably throw away whatever cheesy little reminder thing everyone gets from the ushers. I think people are hungry for “real” more than they are “relevant.” As Peterson [I think] wrote, “Real is always relevant.” Let’s focus on creating a safe place for people to get real with God and experience His love and grace. Let’s help people figure out how to do that versus trying to modify their behavior.
Another opinion with which I agree is the author’s observation that “The non-Christians are now called the ‘un-churched’ or in other words, the ‘un-institutionalized.’ Is that our goal, to ‘church’ people? And so we wonder why people are feeling dry and disconnected from God even though they are active in their church.” I’ve been guilty of this, too. My goal for me, my friends and family should be discipleship not church membership. Unfortunately, trying to find some “disciple-facilitators” amongst all these teachers and preachers can sometimes prove tricky . . .

Eye of God

Father God,

I've been so tired for so long; when will this end? Am I supposed to be learning something in all of this? Is this about my pace? I hurt, and I feel like I've been operating at 55% capacity for weeks.
Are we o.k.? I've neglected you many times in the past month or so. You've given me some great ideas and bursts of creativity, though. What are you saying?
Am I on the right track? (Pilgrim and Disciple?) Maybe your Son is moving more slowly than I would like him to; is this your way of getting me to fall in line behind him? I've seen Him show up in so many ways and in so many faces lately--mostly in the way that children look at me. What's changed? My heart? It feels softer . . . I like that; it's somewhat scary, but I have been enjoying the new ways in which I see people that I used to ignore (e.g. little kids). What are you up to?
If I can keep melting into your mold, Jesus, then I am willing to maintain this pace. My brain is working, but my body isn't. Am I doing something wrong? Is it something I'm not doing that I should be?
I know you take care of me. It's all yours anyway, God. I'm all yours. Thank you for all that you have given me to manage. I am excited about who & what you have put in my life. I love them. I think they love me. That's hard for me to accept, you know.
I love you. I trust you. Thank for this certainty. Maybe I need that more than clarity.
You're all I have and need.
Bless you.
Your son,
Ben

Twins rock!

So, I had the awesome honor of baby-sitting my friends' twins today. They are 4 years old and quite the pair! They are really cool little people, and I love to be around them. I'm quite sure I'm not the world's greatest child-care provider, but nobody got hurt today (especially me!). Here's a tip to aspiring baby-sitters: take the kids out of the house. It makes the day go by faster, and there are more opportunities for memory-building experiences. You don't have to do anything that expensive or thrilling---just different scenery seems to make a world of difference to the kids.
One quick story: the male twin and I chilled out to some tunes for my last hour there. It was just him and me because his sister was at school. We didn't do anyting but lay on the couch and enjoy the music. He was so content and relaxed. He loves music a lot. It was a great reminder to me to slow down and just listen once in a while . . .Thanks, J.