Caffeinated Joe

Blogabatical

I think I am entering this word into Wikipedia. In essence, this means that I haven't blogged in a long time, (you noticed) but I have not given up on blogging.

It also means that I have been blogging for Group Publishing. <http://revunplugged.blogs.com/unplugged>. My latest blog was titled, "Does our Gospel need to get greener?"

It also means that I have some good stories. So some good stuff is coming.

It also means that if I have time to blog, then I am getting my life back.

But I am, thanks for noticing.

(Picture of my son riding the snow hog. Sweet jump).

Another Blog

Group Publishing has asked me to do a blog for them. I am on a team of six pastors from around the nation. They have labeled me the Gen X pastor –not my choice. If you read any of my blogs, they tend to be devotional. But, this blog will be different. I have been instructed differently. Alan Nelson, the editor for REV has stated:

". . . the goal of blogging is not so much to provide a devotional thought as it is to elicit a response that is conversational in format. Drive a stake in the ground on some issue and invite others to do the same, or to pull your stake out of the ground.  Ask questions.  Admit you’re wrestling with an issue; give your opinion, and then invite others to participate.  Got and axe to grind; this is a good place.  The blog is not so much a pulpit from which to preach as it is a coffee table that encourages shooting the breeze with peers and working through the issues of church life, ministry, and even your own personal struggles.  Be a bit controversial if necessary.  Be honest and real.  Share your unfinished parts."

So here comes the controversial-axe to grind-put a stake into the ground Joe. This is so not like me, but perhaps I can grow here. After all, the world needs changing doesn't it?!? If I say anything that may elicit a question from you or cause you to doubt, please ask and do not assume nor label. Just dialogue.

It's the Gospel, Stupid.

I am a bit late to blog about this, but last week Time Magazine had a front page article titled, "Does God Want You to Be Rich?"  The article surveyed some current megachurch pastors to get their answer. Each pastor had their place on the continuum –either for the premise or vehemently against it. Some were in the middle.

What I found interesting is that within this past year, I have had conversations with Christians who have quoted just about every pastor in this article and have raved about how the Lord has used these folks to speak to them. I am not denying their experience, yet it is clear that these pastors are NOT preaching the same Gospel. I think all of them had a bit of the Gospel, while others had all of it. But what is so dangerous is that the average Christian may not discern what is being taught from these men and women. A bit of the Gospel is just as heretical as having none of it. How do you know you are receiving the full Gospel?

The Gospel, in short, has a means and an end. The means is God and the end is God. In the words of John Piper, "The Gospel is God." We need to have both the means and the end to have the full Gospel.

We are made for God. He completes us and therefore any endeavor is to know him, his words and his works (death and resurrection). God is the purpose and existence of all of life. He should be the end of everything we do.

He is also the means. I cannot know him on my own, nor in my strength nor in any amount of good works I can produce. He alone is sufficient and he alone can sufficiently make it possible to know him. God is the means and God is the end. The Gospel is God.

Let's say we have the means correct, but not the end. Then it means that I want to use God to accomplish what I want. I will use God to get rich (Prosperity Lite), to get healed, or change my undesirable circumstances. I call on a higher power not for the purpose of God's interests but my own. God then becomes a cosmic vending machine. What the believer needs to know is that God only answer's prayers when they are in his interests. He only answers prayers when they essentially give him glory (Exodus 32:11-13). It is not wrong to pray for healing, or for riches or for a change of undesirable circumstances. He just will not respond unless his interests are protected and expressed.  A question we need to continually ask is, "Why am I praying this?"

Let's say we have the end right, it is about God, but not the means. In other words, the good works in trying to produce a God experience, or the strength to bring about his kingdom of renewal on earth is done in the flesh, not the Spirit. We can call this legalism or spiritual pride. The only way to achieve God like stuff is by God himself. That is why we are to allow ourselves to be full of the Spirit. We are the receivers, not the initiators.

Preachers are guilty of this when they give a congregation 3 simple steps to achieve renewal in their life. They are also guitly when they preach the benefits of the resurrection, without preaching Christ's crucifixion. A listener who engages in 3 simple steps will produce spiritual pride and the false belief that one can achieve God's purposes essentially without God. Parents are guilty of this when they  tell their kids to "get your act together." If I could get my act together, or achieve anything for God, then why need a savior? Christians need to be connected to the vine (John 15) , or allow the Word of God to dwell richly within them (Colossians 3) in order for God like stuff to happen in their lives.

I simply cannot write all my thoughts in a short blog. I have more explaining to do. But if you have any questions, I can start there.   

One final note:
I will be preaching a series this fall concerning Christian living. The series will look at the truths/half truths/lies we believe as Christians. One talk I will give will address the question: "Does God want us to be happy?" In other words, is this a truth, half truth or lie?

Long's Peak

If you ask any mountaineer why they go to great lengths to climb a mountain, the answer is the same for Mt. Everest as well as Long's Peak, "Because it is there." For me, my hike to the summit for the second time reminded me of another reason, "Because God is there."

I know God is within me (Colossians 3:11) so no matter where I go, I embody his presence. But to experience him, for me there is a difference between sitting in my basement or sitting on top of 14,255 ft. Mountains in the Old Testament are often places where man meets God. Mt Sinai is obvious. Mountains give us a perspective and point to a heavenly reality. No matter the pain of the journey, the view of earth and heaven is always worth the trip.

Lessons from a Catholic Funeral

My uncle passed away. This was the second relative in the past 6 weeks as well as the second trip to Washington State. Darrell placed faith in Jesus about 4 and half years ago when diagnosed with leukemia. He was also a devout Catholic. I learned a lot from my Catholic brothers and sisters in the Lord. I know there are theological differences, but I am writing about lessons learned. So here are my thoughts.

"Devout Catholic"
I loved that the church had a quiet chapel where those who came can pray and meditate. I wasn't sure how long the chapel stayed open, but I had a hunch it was always open. This led me to think that no one ever says, "Devout Protestant." Why? There are some catholics who go to mass every day. This is similar to the earlier church in Acts 2:46, "They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity." I think there is much for me to learn here.

The Power of Ritual
Ritual was a big part of the Old Testament and the Catholics are no different. I grew up in the catholic church but have not stepped inside one since junior high. Yet, when the ritual began, I could recite the confessionals. I never enjoyed it as a kid because God was distant, never personal. But this time around, I actually enjoyed it. These repetitions pressed truth in my heart. But only because I am different now. I have been given God's grace instead of the futility of trying to earn it. We are people of rhythm and the Catholics know this.

The Power of Symbol
Incense. Water. Robes. Crucifixion. Symbols are visually compelling but only so by what they are associated with. Religious symbols are the most compelling but can be idols when one's heart loses touch with God who is personal. Yet, Catholics recognize their church building as a holy place. Protestants put more emphasis on the people being holy, rather than the place. This is a good emphasis since the sacred space of the Old Testament (Temple) to the New Testament (Body as Temple) has changed. Yet, when protestants gather, I think we lose a sense of being separated unto God. Our space should reflect this. At blue sky, our aim is to converge an ancient cathedral and a coffeehouse. The coffeehouse tells of our emphasis on community and the ancient cathedral reminds us that we are here to worship.

Ouch!

How does this poor thing stay alive! Then I thought, who could have done such a thing!? Some bored rich teenager who got archery lessons for his birthday, I conjectured.

Have you ever been pierced by an arrow? Certainly, we make decisions in our life which we have "shot ourselves in the foot." I have a friend who did not leave his job well. He figured, I have a new one only to be let go a couple of months later. He wanted his previous job back but he shot himself in the foot.

We have friends who pierce us. Perhaps they broke trust when you shared in confidence. Or, perhaps, the friendship has no reciprocality.

In the spiritual life, we have an enemy called the devil. Ephesians 6:16 states, "In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan." Immature believers often give the devil too much credit while neglecting their own responsibility of sin while others live life oblivious of a fallen angel who wants to destroy them.

Suppose the arrow did not come from one any one of these sources. There is another option. Suppose the arrow came from God. I am not saying that God is cruel or evil. I am saying he has his intended purposes. Look at these Scriptures below:

Job 13:15
Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him. . .

Psalms 44:17-19
All this happened to us, though we had not forgotten you or been false to your covenant. Our hearts had not turned back; our feet had not strayed from your path. But you crushed us and made us a haunt for jackals and covered us over with deep darkness.

If God does sling arrows at his children, then two questions arise. Why? And how I am to understand if the arrow is from God or from the devil?

To be continued. . .

I'm Back!

I am back. After four weeks away, (and then some serious catching up at church) there are many stories to share. Thanks for checking by the way.  Here is a look at what is going on:

My first week away was a solo retreat near Creede, Colorado. All of my time was spent in meditation, long walks, journaling and some time fasting. I get some puzzled looks as to why I do this so let me explain. My leadership and spirituality vitality is dependent upon hearing and feeding upon the Lord. In other words, to be a leader, I must continually learn to follow him.

I do this every year and every year is different. By far, this was my hardest year. It took me six days in solitude until I was still and quiet before the Lord. And God is faithful, every time I seek him, he reveals himself to me (James 4:2).

The Lord moved me to mediate on Leviticus. Not my first choice as it felt like I was eating ash for my spiritual diet. But from this experience an entire sermon series unfolded. The Lord really impressed upon me that he wants the Blue Sky community to deepen  our appreciation on the cross of Jesus Christ. This journey begins in Leviticus. This will be a challenging series, but I believe it will be the most important one delivered to date.

My second week was devoted to the EFCA National Conference in Denver, Colorado. At any conference, the best part is talking to fellow pastors. I was thrilled to see the Spirit of God raise up new leaders to plant new churches. The conference had its strength in ethnic diversity. I would not call it a diverse conference, but it is headed that way. Yet, even in its diversity, the conference disappointed me for its lack of inclusion of younger pastors. There was little there to reach, equip and give voice to this growing demographic. I speak of men and of women. I really hope some leadership will emerge and understand what the Spirit of God is doing with these younger leaders.

My final two weeks were vacation. Vacation for me is time with family. Usually we get away but we were home. As a result, I did many "honey to do list" projects and as a result, the marriage is good.

During my final week, my grandmother died at 87 years of age. I drove with my sister and Dad to Spokane, WA to lead the funeral service. This was the first time I had ever done a funeral for a relative. Talk about tough. I had so many emotions and I felt a great responsibility not only to honor my grandmother, but to also honor those who call her mom, grandmother and great-grandmother. Seven boys call her mom, 23 of them call her grandmother and 31 call her great grandmother.

One bit of encouragement in all of this. One 14 year old boy came up to me afterwards and said, "It is sure nice to hear a funeral message from the Bible."

The picture (forthcoming) is a view of our lake cabin shared by my mom's family (a big family as well.) I took this picture through the screen of the upstairs window. Our kids missed going here this year so I was thankful for one day, I got to enjoy it. For those who know my story, this is the place God called me into ministry.

Happy 30th Bennett

There is a true statement about Bennett. Wherever he goes, he easily makes good friends. Happy 30th Birthday, my friend.

Patience Part 2

The second "Patient Story" may be more speculation, but it has made me wonder. A couple of weeks ago I led a ceremony. This couple was celebrating their 10th marriage anniversary but they wanted to rededicate it. They were married by a minister who did not believe in Jesus and since their wedding day, both of them have come to faith. Publicly, they wanted to proclaim that Jesus is the center of their relationship. I spoke on what their life would be if Jesus was not in their relationship and then shared what he has brought them. It was a beautiful day.

In attendance was the father of the groom. On this day, he witnessed the Word of God and the transformation of his son. No one but God would realize that this would be his last day on earth. He died that night in his sleep. From all appearances, I do not think he was a believer.

So here is my wonder. Did God extend his life so that he could see the transformation of his son and hear the word of God? Was this an act of God's patience? Again, I am speculating, but this story has made me wonder.

Patient Stories

I wrote a blog about the patience of God and so my eye has been watching for God at work. I caught two stories. The first one comes from our prayer time before the morning service. We meet to pray for the service and any personal matters. As we began to bow our heads, one guy interrupted and spoke up. He got a call from his son who lives with his previous wife and his wife has a boyfriend. His boy said that he could not understand why this boyfriend was calling him a "faggot" along with other derogatory names. His son hated living there. Even worse, his previous wife defended the boyfriend downplaying the situation. Imagine that. As a dad, you are hundreds of miles away and totally helpless to a man who is ridiculing and verbally abusing your own child. Talk about helpless.

So we prayed and here is what we said: "Lord, the best case scenario is for this boyfriend to repent and embrace you as Savior. But if he does not, remove him from that household for the protection of those kids." God gave him a day. His previous wife saw the descruction and finally had the courage to kick him out of the house. God is patient but he has limits. For the safety of these kids, I am grateful.

The other story will be coming as I am firming up some details.