Imagine

A blue 2003 Buick drives north on Eastman Avenue.  There are four people in the car, dad, mom, and a couple of friends.  They are on their way to Applebees for dinner.  They drive by the Midland Free Something-or-other building where the Church meets and all four of them do a quick glance at the sign without making it obvious.

"Do you have hope for 2011?"

One of them thinks, "it's about time they took the "Merry Christmas" down.  Another remembers last year when she saw her name on the sign.  A third hears his mind think, "no," before he can control it.  The forth is thinking about fajitas.

It's that third person that we work with, that we live next to, that we are friends with.  It's that third person that we need to talk to.  It's that third person that needs to know about the hope of knowing Christ.

I think about the church people that the third person knows.  I wonder if they are able to live hope in front of him.  I wonder if they know how important their life is to Him.  I wonder if they know that they don't have to preach.  I wonder if they know the third person doesn't need religious clichés or memorized answers to questions they aren't even asking.

It's that third person they we wanted to reach in 2010.  It's that third person that I have in my mind as we start the New Year.  Sometimes that third person comes to our church.  Sometimes that third person may be... you.

Imagine

The hope of love that won't leave you.

The hope of faith that won't give you easy answers.

The hope of a tomorrow that's deeper than what I get or what I lose.

The hope of a spirit that is confident that it will remain solid through any storm.

Imagine that for you.  Imagine that for your relatives.  Imagine that for the person you've given up on.  Imagine that for the 3rd person. If I can imagine it I can pray it.

I'm starting the New Year looking for the 3rd person.  "Do you have hope for 2011?"

Answering "Yes,"

Pastor Dave

Merry Christmas

This morning I thought about changing a Christmas tradition.  I know it's easier to steer a freighter with a spoon, but let's at least talk about it.  Some things that we do we don't think through why we do them.

 

Have you ever heard where the tradition of Christmas trees comes from? But, that's not the one.

 

Do you know that we really have no idea how many "magi" there were.  Just because there were three gifts doesn't mean there weren't 40 givers.  But, "we forty kings of Orient are..." doesn't role off the tongue as easy - but that's not the one.

 

Everyone has favorite songs to sing during Christmas, Why don't we sing "Ding Dong Merrily on High?" or, "Good King Wenceslas?" or, why don't we actually eat "figgy pudding."  That's not the one either.

 

My crosshairs are aiming at "Merry Christmas."  You can do the google search and see where and when it came up, and I'm not saying it's bad... it's just not enough.

 

Is that the best followers of Christ can do?  Is being "merry" what we are really longing for people?  In light of the full Christ event do we want to limit people to a "merry" day?

 

"May you have a true encounter with a repentant heart and an awareness of His forgiving grace Christmas," doesn't seem to be marketable even if it might be more theological.  That wouldn't fit on cards or in songs.

 

"Have a deep realization of the eternal ramifications of the incarnation." may not be the best replacement either.

 

"I hope the anointing of the Holy Spirit of God heals and makes you whole bringing His gift of salvation, His complete sanctifying work, and His seal for your eternal home with God." isn't going to cut it either.

 

Maybe asking for a change in the phrase isn't a good plan.  What about a change in heart?  What about believers saying, "Merry Christmas," and praying in their spirits, "I pray that you would know Jesus in a new way."  We could say what tradition has said and mean something much deeper.  Hidden in those two words there could be intercession, and longing, and passion, and blessing.  They could be said from a heart set on fire.  They could be said with eye contact when possible.  The same thing could be said in a new way.

 

I'll go first.

 

"Merry Christmas"

 

Pastor Dave

 

Expectations

Expectations.  As I sat in my chair reading this morning my grandson quietly discovered a stash of grandpa's "candy."  He was curious enough that he had to see what they tasted like and sneaky enough to be sure that his back was to me so I couldn't see him sample the treasure he found.  He knew the treat would be wonderful.

 

Expectations.  Sometimes they are flat unfair.  It's when I inflate the potential of the unknown to be enjoyable without a hitch.  It's when I think people will change when they find out I want them to.  It's when I plan for situations to change solely because I don't like them.

 

Expectations.  In some areas they are too high and in others they are too low.  We have high expectations that our spouse will never miss a cue, and low expectations when we meet with God.  Sometimes we don't have the faith that God will move.

 

Expectations.  Ours of God should be high and should be purified by a strong faith in God.  This is a great season to let your faith grow, and your let faith lift your expectations.  It's Christmas.

 

Expectations.  What are your Christmas expectations?  Flawless dinner - the perfect gift - family harmony - snow on the lawn and not the road?  Do you expect certain flavors, sounds, smells, and emotions?

 

Expectations. Isaiah found himself huddled around a handful of grandpa's candy - Fisherman's Friend cough drops.  His sample licking did not produce the flavors he was hoping for.  Determined, he licked a few of them to see if they were like jelly beans, "there must be one here that tastes like candy!" If you haven't had them before - imagine a fuel oil and rotten egg popsicle.  He was quite disappointed when he placed them in my hand, shook his head, refused to close his mouth so he wouldn't have to taste the remnants on his lips, and proclaimed, "yucky!"

 

Expectations. Our expectations on the "things" of Christmas are too high.  Our expectations on the Christ of Christmas are too low.  The result is - yucky.  The thing is - I set my expectations.

 

Expectations.  Faith based expectations that come from an accurate view of God's nature are never disappointing.  Having my "expecter" set on high when I worship God is not a waste of energy.  Spending time with God is not a disappointment.  Opening my will to Him is not a let down.

 

Expectations.

Mine for God are high.  Mine for a new Corvette are low.

Mine for the move of God's Spirit are high.  Mine for perfect weather are low.

Mine for a demonstration of God's strength is high.  Mine for stuff to satisfy me are low.

 

Going to buy some real candy for my "hiding place" because I don't ever want to see that look on my grandson's face again,

 

Pastor Dave

Preparing

The decorations are up... most of them.  Presents are bought... most of them.  Plans are made... most of them.

 

Preparation is an interesting thing.  Preparation itself is an expression of faith.  We are behaving in faith that the end of the month is going to be here.  We are counting on the repeat annual event.  The calendar page has been turned and we can see the 25th coming.  Planning.  Faith.

 

How do you prepare for Jesus to revive your soul through this Christmas season?  How does our church plan for the Spirit of God to demonstrate Himself in a new way?

 

1. Looking Forward.  As this is being written we are getting regular calls from Nathan and Lynsee about them coming home.  Monday they will be on their way back to Michigan.  We're looking forward to it.

 

Somehow we need to find the hope to look forward to the good thing that God wants to do in and through us.  We don't manipulate God into action; we know enough about Him to look forward to what He longs to do without us even knowing what that is.

 

I'm excited about what God is going to do in our lives this month!

 

2. Be Willing.  This is a willingness to participate not a just a willingness to witness. "God, I will take my place in what You long to do and make myself available to You as You see fit."

 

Sometimes we are only willing to know what we have already known and do what we have already done.  The problem with that is God may have something new in mind.

 

3.  Pray. 'nuf said.

 

Ask God to do more than we could ask or imagine.  Not because He has something to prove to us, but because that's His will for us.  His will for us is greater than what we can understand.

 

Let's prepare.  That's what Advent is all about.

 

Pastor Dave

 

Know Your Role

In a relationship people need to know their roles.

 

In a marriage both the husband and the wife must know what being a mate means to them and what they expect it to mean to the other person.  Husbands know their role is to go to work, eat dinner, watch tv.  Wives know their role is to raise the kids, clean the house, cook the meals, mow the lawn, milk the cows, shovel snow, repair the water heater, wax the cars, and be in awe of how amazing their husband is.  Roles.

 

There are work relationships, friend relationships, relative relationships, dating relationships, family relationships, acquaintance relationships, and a myriad of other ones too.  Each of us has relational roles that need to be filled.  If your view of the relationship is as abusive and twisted as the description in the paragraph above I'm guessing you don't have many solid relationships.

 

The Psalmist gave a good summary of the God/human relationship in the 63rd Psalm and the 8th verse, "My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."

 

I am the clinger, He is the upholder.

 

I am the needy one, He is the meeter of those needs.

 

I am the hungry one, He is the distributer of nourishment.

 

I need enough energy to hold on, He has the strength to hold me up.

 

I have a soul that is empty, He is what fills the void.

 

God and I have a pretty good understanding of our roles.  He's God - I'm not.

 

When I live like that I find there is good guidance that helps me in the other roles I have to fill.  When God is my God and I am His servant I am a better spouse, boss, employee, dad, friend, and acquaintance.

 

I'm thankful I'm learning more about my role as a follower.  Part of my role is to be thankful.  Sunday we'll talk about doing the work of a thankful person.

 

Hoping you didn't stop reading after the first paragraph and start writing me a note,

 

Pastor Dave

 

Evidence

Acts 11

22  News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

 

I read this passage of scripture and hoped that it would be true of us... of me.

 

The message of Christ is spreading to Jews and Gentiles and a "great number" have come to faith in Jesus.  But, that's not what I am praying for for this Sunday (don't misunderstand, a "great number" of people being brought to faith would be a blessing).

 

I'm thinking right now of the line in the 23rd verse, "saw the evidence of the grace of God."

 

What is that?  What does it look like?  What is the proof of God's touch?  What did Barnabas see in those people that he might not have seen in others?

 

People go south and see the evidence of a hurricane.  Hunters go to the woods and find the evidence of deer.  Investigators check out a crime scene and look for the evidence of a perpetrator.  I had an m.r.i. done so the neurologist could look for evidence of a brain (I have copies of the scans - I have one).

 

What is the evidence of the grace of God?

 

Whole relationships.

Changed patterns.

Sins vanished.

Bodies and souls healed.

Visible joy.

Passion.

Gratitude.

 

Go ahead, have some fun in your mind.  What is the evidence of the grace of God?  The point is not to live the list, it's to receive the grace so that the list is the by-product.

 

What would Barnabas see if he walked in on us?

 

Thinking,

Pastor Dave

 

The Report

They came from different backgrounds.  They came with different expectations.  They came with different levels of baggage and freedom.  They came with varied degrees of understanding of who Jesus is.  They came to the same river.

 

Some of them watched the flow from a safe distance.  They limited their exposure and refused the risk of being wet.  They enjoyed the thoughts of getting in the water but they remained far from its current.

 

Others stood in the same shallow spot they have always stood.  They even applauded themselves because they stood in the river and encouraged others to share in their mediocrity.

 

Others went deeper with the predetermined knowledge of drying off as soon as possible.  They temporarily splashed and floated in the waters, but they knew that they remained land lovers and had no intention of swimming long enough to let the water make them whole.

 

Others pretended.  They wore what blends, said what fits, and did what is in line with the average.

 

But, there were those for whom watching was not enough, wading was not acceptable, splashing was not real, and pretending was distasteful.  There were those who saw the current and longed to be caught up in it.  They were thirsty enough to let moments be gigantic as they took new steps.  They allowed the very molecules of the water to find places on their souls that had remained hidden and barricaded.  They let, and welcomed, even longed for, a cleansing that would empower them to know new levels of intimacy and wholeness.

 

They are the ones this report is about Lord.  For they are the ones who found cleansing that changed them according to Your will, they are the ones that received something to take back to their homes, they are the ones that found the value You have given them, they are the ones that allowed You into their relationships, they are the ones that have something new to take back.

 

It is an honor for me to report to You that Your Spirit brought strength where weakness had kept them stagnant.  Your grace taught them to see themselves through the lens of Your Son not the lens of their world.  Your power broke reefs that had held them captive in less than You had reserved for them.

 

I am sure as a result of this new activity we all are going to be busy with celebration as You continue to work through them.

 

Submitted in Worship

Galmila, Angel Over Women's Retreats.

 

This weekend around twenty women from our church will meet with about 400 other women for the Deeper Life Retreat.  May they never be the same and may we all experience renewal and revival as they do.

 

They came from different backgrounds.  They came with different expectations.  They came with different levels of baggage and freedom.  They came with varied degrees of understanding of who Jesus is.  They came to the same river.

 

Ezekiel 47:9 "...so where the river flows everything will live."

 

Revival Ready,

Pastor Dave

 

Lukewarm

There's not a market for luke-warm coffee.

 

Gas stations, coffee shops, and fast food restaurants heat their coffee to 1.38 degrees below lava and people seem to be ok with that.  They also have iced coffee.  Coffee with ice cubes on purpose!

 

It's interesting that we're o.k. with the extremes but the in-between (for most people) is... yucky.  I sit at my desk this morning with a mongo-sized-multi-bathroom-trip  thermal coffee cup that is now effectively holding my coffee at that swampy fuel oil temperature.  I thought about warming it up but that would involve a walk.  Drinking it like it is only involves a scrunched up face to swallow the sludge taste.

The words of the Angel of the Lord to the church Laodicea in Revelation 3:15&16 come to mind, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish that you were either one of the other! So, because you are luke warm... I am about to spit your out of my mouth."

 

Nearby Laodicea was Hierapolis, known for its hot springs that were medicinal and healing.  Also near by were the pure mountain cold waters of Colossea providing refreshing nourishment for the weary.  Laodica is being called to task for its works ("deeds") not its spiritual temperature.  I don't think God would want anyone to be "cold" in their spirit.  The believers are being warned about being indifferent and ineffective in their actions.

 

Not being a place for healing and refreshing is a dangerous place for a church to be.  Christianity needs to be about bringing wholeness and nourishment into the lives of the people who come in contact with us.  It's that stinky mediocricy that is of no value.  What mocks God is an attitude of, "I don't care" that shows up in actions of, "I don't care" even if our mouths say, "I'm a Christian."

 

What engages a Supernatural gag reflex is providing grace and power that remain unused while they're talked about as if they are being used.

 

"Lord, this Sunday may an exhausted traveler find the pure springs of your strength.  Lord, this Sunday may a wounded soul bathe in the healing springs of your love."

 

Walking My Coffee to the Microwave,

Pastor Dave

The Arena

I went to my cousin's memorial service this week.  You would've loved Ed, he was a great pastor and a fun guy.  I find myself sitting next to some of you in the stadium of questions.  You know the place - it's the crowded arena that holds all of us who have had an experience that doesn't seem to fit in the game of life.

 

I hugged Ed's wife, who now is without a husband, a father for their kids, a pastor, and even a church.  I stood in the stadium next to her and felt a fraction of her pain.  We cried.  I walked and talked with my other cousin who is now without his younger brother and himself racked with pain from cancer - we talked about God, about questions, about hanging on.

 

The stadium is often quite full.

 

As I work my way out of the stadium I'm looking back making some observations.

1.  The stadium of questions rarely has answers.
I went in with a list of things that didn't make sense to me.  I went in with a bunch of suggestions for God on how he could have handled this one differently.  I went in thinking I should be exempt from having to be there again.  I went in knowing I wasn't alone - but feeling like I was.  Being answerless makes what I "feel" bigger than what I "know."

 

2. The stadium is often the birth place of anger.
It is amazing to me how close we are to an angry response.  Please know that God can handle our anger, but in most cases it's a huge waste of our energy.  We get angry over what we can't change and don't like.  The danger is that anger not given to God grows into a poison that infects all of our life and is usually expressed on innocent bystanders.

 

3. The stadium of questions is where I am most selfish.
I couldn't count how many people were there.  When I'm in the arena I'm not usually aware of anyone else.  I see people, but I don't notice souls if I'm not careful.  My questions become my identity and the absence of answers is my evil twin.  We're not good for each other.

 

4. The stadium of questions some how grows me.
After I sit in my chair for a while and search for illusive answers I eventually notice that Someone is sitting close to me. 

At some point He asks if I am ready to leave.
"But I don't have an answer yet," I reply refusing to get up.
"You know, you can leave without one don't you?" He kindly asks.
"But if I have questions doesn't that mean I am weak and have no faith?"
"No," He didn't hesitate to answer.
"Are you willing to keep walking without an answer?  Are you bold enough to let my Father have the answers and not share them with you?  Are you able to have faith and questions at the same time?"  He asked the series of rapid fire questions not waiting for my response.
"Yah, I think I am." I finally said.
"I'd love to have a person like that walk with me," He smiled.

We stood together.  I don't have answers - I have a Friend.

 

Leaving the Arena Again,

Pastor Dave 

Rescuing the Church!

Rescuing the Church!  I have watched with interest as the 33 miners from Chile have been rescued from their extended overtime (technically they were on the job the whole time, over 1600 hours - what's overtime pay in Chile?).

It was fascinating the story that the media is feeding us with a front end loader right now.  Already the event itself is not news enough, now we hear all the scandal about individuals.

So far one line captivated me.  As the rescue was happening someone was sharing that the key to survival for them was that everyone of them had a job.  Everyone was involved in helping everyone live through the ordeal.

Petty opinions are of little value when you might die.  Pride is revealed as shallow when it's about survival.  Selfishness must evaporate when 32 people are counting on you to live.

I wonder about the church.  We have become so program guided and oriented that we wait for a program to be implemented to do what is right to do.  In light of that I have to be invited and sold on the program before I chip in.

So, I'm thinking about the church being a place where I belong and where I am active.  Do people know you love them?  Have you meet someone new?  Have you asked how you could pray for a new friend this week?  Have you taken someone out for a coffee?  Have you made sure that person doesn't have to sit alone in church?  Have you risked?

Everyone had a job.  Everyone did the job.  Everyone was rescued.

Thinking about all of us being rescued from ineffectiveness.

Praying for you,

Pastor Dave

In Awe

Last night I went to the hospital and held a newborn.

 

Beauty finds new meaning when it is wrapped tightly in a warm blanket.  Innocence is more obvious when life hasn't hardened a soul.  Dependance seems more healthy when an infant sleeps in your arms.

 

I found myself looking again to the eyes of a proud (albeit exhausted) mom and dad.  They had waited for this moment.  Holding their newborn daughter and standing next to my not-newborn daughter made me think of all the "moments" that are in front of them.

 

Perhaps it's not theological enough, maybe I'm not in the mood for depth right now, it's possible I'm more sentimental than I am dignified - but have a picture in my mind that won't go away.  My Father God finds beauty in his creation.  He looks close as the Creator - "they have my soul in them.  Sometimes it hard to see, but I can see Myself in them.  Man, I'm proud!"

 

If your view of God doesn't include a God that loves you enough to wrap you in a blanket of grace and dote on you, you don't know God's heart.  My heavenly Father provides innocence.  Through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus,  God is able to look at me and hold me tightly enough so that I can't mistake His affection.  He is able focus on the innocence his grace provides, while I demand to look at what He has had to forgive.  He sees me as He made me, too often I see me as what I made me.

 

My provider God knows how dependent I am on Him even when I don't.  He knows when it's time for solid food or the milk of His Spirit to grow me to solid food.  He knows when I can walk and when I need to be carried.  He knows how to teach me to talk and how I will fall short if others fill the role of my provider.

 

He's my Father God.

 

The scene in heaven may have played out like this -

God: "Hey, look at that!  See that baby in David's arms.  I created them both, they are my creations and I can see myself in them.  Look closer.  Do you see the innocence of the souls?  Look at what grace does!  Can you smell the fragrance of dependance from that room - both of them are completely helpless without a provider.  That's me!  I'm their provider.  Quick!  Take a picture!  Two of mine.  I made them both.  I did a great job."

 

Angel: "Wow."

 

Last night I held God's creation in my arms.  God held two.

 

In Awe,
Pastor Dave

 

Summer Reflections

I suppose summer's over, it's time to start "thinking" again.  As I start this day I have some things on my mind that I've learned this summer.  What have you learned?

 

1. Some stuff is out of my control.
It's much easier and safer to not "beat your head" with a bat over things you can't control.  The Lord helped me to set aside my agenda and be ok with the fact that not everything runs the way I would like it to.

 

Too often life doesn't run in the grooves I've made for it.

 

2. Birthdays happen.
I'm not fond of getting a greater distance from thirty, yet the distance keeps growing.  The hair on my head is thinner and the hair on my chin is grayer.  While the world struggles to add years that have little meaning I'm learning to be sure that each one I have matters.

 

Too often I don't live on purpose.

 

3. The soul matters more.
My relationship with God is more important than my relationship with my doctor.  The end of the summer season included physical challenges that I would rather have skipped.  But I know what matters most.

 

Too often I care most about what isn't the most important.

 

4. I love my church.
I just like being here.  I like seeing people grow.  I like meeting new people.  I like hearing people sing.  I like hearing the pages turn when I say, "turn with me in your Bibles to...." I like being a MFMCer.

 

Too often I forget to thank God for the church I attend.

 

5. The call is crucial.
I heard from the Lord this summer about my call - what it is and what it isn't.  The Leadership Team and the Pastoral Staff are making adjustments so that we spend most of our time swimming in the ocean of God's call for us.

 

Too often I wade streams of business.

 

6. Relationships happen on purpose.
I've had some of the greatest times having dinner, playing games, drinking coffee - being with people.  It's our error when we are too busy to be with people and risk building relationships.

 

Too often I don't make time for fun.

 

7. God's good at making new starting lines.
Hint - Sunday we're looking at starting lines for individuals and our church.  Come ready to be blessed by God's grace.  Bring a friend who needs to start over.

I'm getting in position for a new season of the soul and a new season for our church.  I'm listening for the starting pistol to fire.  I'm ready to run the race.  It's been a good summer.  It's time to move on!

 

Pastor Dave

 

Summer

I'm looking at what the summer includes.  I really sense in my spirit a few things need to adjust for the next month or so.  Weekly "Friday Thoughts" is one of them.  

"Friday Thoughts" is often a good unloading for me of some of the overflow thoughts and questions that run through my head like 5th graders fighting over a gallon of Mt. Dew.  

Thanks for your feedback and for spending a few moments with me each week.  What started a few years ago as silly has really grown to a sometimes less silly branch of my investing in people.

I'm going to take July (and maybe some of August) to focus on some other projects and clear my head for a new season of thoughts and challenges.

Be watching - I have a feeling I will be much more holy and wiser and taller and thiner and younger and awesomeer and abunchofotherthingser come August.

Please be in the Word this summer!
Please risk godly relationships this summer!
Please listen for the Lord this summer!
Please grow in your faith this summer!

Following,

Dave  

Why I’m excited about summer

It’s time for a Dave list.

Why I’m excited about summer:

1. Some people, including me, will grow in the Lord.

It’s not about a building, a vacation, or a celebration - I’m thinking about being closer to God.

I’m thinking about the kind of thing that will not change with a Presidents pen or politicians promise.

What makes me smile right now has nothing to do with “success” or comfort.

This is not about the right person doing the right thing so that I will be happier.

Knowing who to blame for an oil spill or it’s clean up isn’t registering on my “wow-o-meter.”

I am excited about those of us who will:
Cross lines with the Lord that He has been asking us to cross,
Stand for something that matters for eternity,
Let go of what has held us captive,
“Taste and see that the Lord is good,”
Swim in the refreshing pool of anointing,
Put away arguments that weaken our impact,
Say “forgive me,”
and follow Christ with abandon.

Ya, that’s it. That’s my list of one. Right now I’m excited about supernatural transactions that are taking place, and will take place, this summer.

Oh, how I want to be one of those growing people - will be be one with me?

Excited,

Pastor Dave

Almost Finding

I didn't have it so I thought it best to do some searching.

I looked inside money and couldn’t seem to see any reflection of it at all. With money there is always more, and always someone who has more. And besides, there were too many external factors that determine money’s value.

I looked in success and found what I thought was it, but it kept changing no matter how much I pushed and climbed. I soon grew tired and disillusioned from grasping what looked like it until it was in my hand - then it wasn’t it.

I was sure it was in relationships, so I looked there. They were very close but I still couldn’t find it there. Mostly because there seems to be an inherent selfishness that I bring into most relationships. Between selfishness and insecurity I knew that was not the place to find it.

I jumped into religion, suspecting that it was formed there. Surely I would find it inside the walls of being and doing the “right things.” But, the more I looked the more I found nothing that even resembled what I was looking for. It often seemed close, but wasn’t there.

I spent time looking inside me. Bad idea. I didn’t have what I couldn’t find - that was just silly.

My soul was exhausted from looking and confused from repeatedly almost finding.

One day I walked through a park looking under benches and behind random trees and saw a man watching me. He asked me what I was looking for. I told him, annoyed that it wasn’t obvious, “I’m looking for the right container... isn’t everyone.”

The “it” that I was looking for was the right container and I found it no where. I wandered away from the stranger hoping he would stare at someone else - he didn’t.

“What is it you need to contain?” he continued to press.

I reached in the worn bag I had carried on my journey, it was far from a worthy container for such important cargo, and I showed him my soul passion. “I can’t find the right container for my passions and I have looked everywhere! Every one I have found is shaped wrong, or cheap, or too small, or has holes. I can’t waste such a valuable part of me!”

He looked at what was cupped in my hands and grinned, “I agree. That is very valuable cargo. You need a container that will allow it to grow.”

He and I walked and talked for quite a while. “Passions must be held in a place that is safe enough to grow and accessible enough to be spent,” he said. I found out he was a carpenter and in the days that followed he talked to me about his passion costing him everything. He built the perfect container for my passion.

We spend a lot of time together. He taught me to find others who need a container for passion. He showed me how he mends them. Did you know most containers do more damage than they do good? Some people give up and waste their passions by placing them in the easiest or most popular container. He said the right container lasts forever, is priceless, and is free.

He’s an amazing man - turns out he’s a shepherd too.

Spending and Growing,

Pastor Dave

Friday Thoughts...

July 10th, 1861 - "Yesterday afternoon I preached on 'Being led by the Spirit.'  God assisted me and shed light on many minds, and especially on mine.  At the close we had a prayer meeting for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  It was a gracious time.  The Lord held me to a fuller consecration to Him than I had ever made.  I was led to consecrate myself (1st) to deny self, (2nd) to redeem the time, (3rd) to go forward in the work of God as much as I feel I ought to.  The Lord accepted and blessed me, and gave me His Holy Spirit."

From the journal of B.T. Roberts founder of the Free Methodist Church about one year after it was started.

The seeds have been planted.

Consecrated,

Pastor Dave

Memorial Day Week-End

Memorial Day Week-End

To those who have served in the Armed Forces in the past or currently, thank-you. Your memories may be filled with training, pain, and sacrifice on our behalf. For many, the memories are difficult to even verbalize.

Our memories are filled with the freedom that you have defended.

To those who have lost loved ones in a battle to protect this nation, thank-you. Your memories were painfully cut short of the one that you will always love. Your memories may be filled with good times of the past and hard news that was delivered.

Our memories are filled with the freedom that your loved one believed in.

To the One who gave His life so that we could really be free beyond what any nation could afford or protect, thank-you. You have thrown from Your memory my sin so that I would know relationship with Your Father.

Our lives are filled with the freedom that You gave Your life for.

Remembering,

Pastor Dave

being reminded of our rights

Samuel Adams wrote on the topic of the rights of Colonists in 1772.  He said that individual rights, "may be best understood by reading and carefully studying the institutes of the great Law Giver and Head of the Christian Church, which are to be found clearly written and promulgated in the New Testament."

Sometimes we need to be reminded of our rights.

We have the right to have an open, intimate, and growing relationship with God.  This basic right is not based on our merit or value, it is based on and empowered by the merit and value of the sacrifice of Christ.  The Christ event is the core of our Christian rights.

We have the right to forgive people.  The mercy we receive from God is to be distributed to others.  Sometimes we think we have the right to hold a grudge - we don't.

We have the right to full surrender.  Everything we have we are stewards of as God's family.  Sometimes we think we have the right to selfishness - we don't.

We have the right to persecution.  Suffering for Christ is part of the call and example that has been given to us. Sometimes we think we have the right to comfort - we don't.

We have the right to serve.  Giving of moments, muscle, and money is a reality of Christ-like living that bears the fruit of God's kingdom.  Sometimes we think we have the right to be served - we don't.

We have the right to hold our tongue.  Words damage when delivered from a skewed motive or a platform of anger.  We think we have the right to "free speech" - we don't.

We have the right to live holy lives.  The behavior and actions of a Christ-follower are to be behaviors and actions through which the Holy Spirit can point to the Father as our empowerment.  We think we have the right to do what we want - we don't.

We have the right to be dependent.  We need God for everything!  Our hunger for God should only be surpassed by our worship of God.  Worship of God produces a greater hunger for him.  We understand the work of God to the degree that we are honest about our need for God.  We think we have the right to be self-sufficient - we don't.

We have the right to follow.  Life is not about impacting others it's about being impacted by God so he can impact others through us.  We think we have the right to lead - we don't.

Today I will exercise my rights as a Christ-follower.

Thinking,

Pastor Dave              

Missing the Point

"Jesus, I thought I'd bring a few issues to you this Friday.  

1. It seems that bitterness is growing in our nation.  We've built our sand castles on success and the "American dream" and the waves have exposed them as far less than sturdy.  It's even in the church.  We've forgotten how to define ministry the way you do.  Appearances are valued more than substance even in the gathering of your people.  When our castles don't support us the way we would like we get angry and blame people... usually the wrong people.  
I think the church needs revival

2. There are a a lot of people who are dear to me that are really having a hard time right now.  I keep trying to come up with the right words that will cause people to know your power and find that my words don't cut it.  I guess we need to quit trying to find ways to "fix" people and risk loving them through what often doesn't make sense.  We're not enough.  The stuff is too big for us.  We have no quick solutions.  We really need to learn how to be more dependent on you and less dependent on comfort.
I think the church needs revival

3. Our idols keep us too busy for you.  I didn't mean to say "idols," that was a slip on my part.  They aren't idols - they are priorities.  It's not like I bow down to them... I just hold them higher than you.  That's not an idol is it?  It's just that everything is so important right now.  You are eternity, but I'm doing "right now" right now.  Sometimes I wonder what single surrender looks and feels like.  I'm trying to surrender to a lot of different things.
I think the church needs revival.

4. Too many people haven't placed their faith in you and that doesn't really worry us.  I think we are not as passionate about the lost as you are.  We can send a check or let someone else carry that load.  
I think the church needs revival.

5. Toleration has pretended to be unity.  It's too risky to be real.  I guess it's better to be a surfer than a deep sea diver.  Staying on the surface is ok isn't it?  The busy thing is part of this.  I don't have the time to really walk with someone through the journey.  The journey is best left as an individual thing.  I know you had different plans, but that's how we've learned to do it.  
I think the church needs revival.

6. We care so much about what I can't find in the Bible.
I think the church needs revival.

The answers seem to be the same.  

I'm going to work on a list of people that need to let you bring revival.  I know if they would get on the ball life would be different for them and the church.

Well, It's been nice talking with you Jesus.  
Amen."

Missing the Point,

Dave

Friday Thought

Paul to Agrippa "I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." (Acts 26:29)

Is that part of the heart of the Christian church?  Have we surrendered so fully to what God is doing in our spirits that we can proclaim, "I want you to have what I have?  I pray that God would do for your soul what I have let him do in mine."

In context Paul wasn't hoping people would mimic his personal characteristics, he was proclaiming a desire that all listening would know Jesus and let Him change their worlds like He did Paul's.  What Paul "was" was a believer.

Requirements before I can say what Paul said:
1. I must be fully repentant for who I have been and what I have done.  I've got to cross through the fire of conviction and repentance before I can wade in the waters of freedom.
2. I have to let grace do its job.  In other words If I confess and repent I must not demand to continue to punish myself for what I have been forgiven of.  Paul had regrets, but he moved on.
3. I have to be willing to engage in what God has for me.  I can't long for God to bring you to where I am if where I am is on the couch of spiritual stagnation.  I would never wish that someone else would know mediocrity.
4. I must embrace the ever growing and changing nature of the spiritual journey.  There is never to be a time when I stop growing and learning of God.
5. I must be honest about what is negative.  "I don't want you to have to deal with ______, but I want you to know Jesus."      
6. I need to surrender to what He has called me to - even if it is chains.  And when the chains happen (whatever form they take) I am to remain focused on what is eternal.
7. I need to let God make me what He longs for me to be.  Now I am angry - He will make me compassionate.  Now I am feeble - He will build up my spirit.  Now I am faithless - He will move mountains through me.  Before I can say what Paul said I need to let God be who God is.  

The reason that's important is because He wants us to be able to say what Paul said!

My Sample:
Today I struggle with a cold and I hunger to be in the center of God's will.  I pray that you would all know what God is doing in me... except for the cold.  

What would happen if we all had prayers like that?

Your Sample:
  "Lord I pray that _____ would know the freedom that you are taking me to, but protect them from the scars I have."

I dreaming about what could happen to our church/city if...

Servant,

Pastor Dave  

Psalm 121

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

"Lord, on this day would you help me lift my eyes.  Sometimes it's the very thing that I need the most help with that I refuse to lift my eyes from.  May this weekend be a string of hours that find me looking to you and knowing your filling."

He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

"Thank-you for never checking out on me.  I count on you watching me and on you knowing about what I can't understand.  I'm kind of like the little child that is always saying, 'Dad watch this.'  I know I don't have to say that to you... but, 'Hey God, I'm facing another day - Watch me!'"

The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

"Lord, I don't know of many things that are really consistent.  You are.  Watching the sun come up on this new day I know you will be with me through it.  Each night I rest knowing you will be with me as I close the day."

The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

"Lord, is it ok that I don't understand why sometimes harms seems to find its way to me?  There is a confident living that you call me to, a confidence in your protection.  I guess I will never know what you have protected me from because I get my eyes on what has been allowed to touch my life.  Help me lift my eyes and see you in faith.  'Both now and forevermore'."

Praying the Word,

Pastor Dave 

Welcome to Spring

There are a lot of things that the wonderful season we are going into involves.  

1. I'm thinking again about cleaning my garage.  For months I've tattooed the excuse, "it's too cold" on my tongue so it was ready to be used when the temptation would arise in my mind.  I have a small window before the, "it's too hot" tattoo comes out.  It's time to do it.

2. The yard projects have mocked me through the winter reminding me that soon I would not be able to hide them under a thin layer of snow.  The layer is gone.  They are not.  Their mocking is louder when it's not muffled by a few inches of snow.

3.  I love walking around the block when there is no ice.  This time is a mixture of exercise, dog walking, and talking with God.  I look forward to a new season of walks.  I love being able to walk.

4.  Trees aren't depressing anymore!  Through the winter the trees in my back yard allow the neighbor's house and ours to seem uncomfortably close.  When I look out my dining room window and ask the neighbor to "pass the salt" it's... weird.  Now that the trees have those green things on them again it gives us a little more privacy.

5. Car warming it over!  I don't have to start the car early to protect frostbite from setting in while I drive to the office.  Did you know most car heaters are programmed to start to work when you arrive at your destination and not before?  I like not having to remember to turn the car on early.

6. New life.  Spring reminds me of life.  It has responsibilities, and even its frustrations (pollen counts), but it screams life into our moments.  God, through His Spirit longs to bring a season of Spring and newness into your life.  The gunk of winter is over (old things pass away) and the hope of spring is here (all things become new again). [2Corinthians 5:17]

A Spring Prayer:

"Lord, thank you for bringing me through the season you have brought me through.  I trust you to lead me and bring a new work into my life.  Cause the pain and sin of yesterday to melt away.  Infuse me with a new warmth that will replace the stiffness that has attempted to render me ineffective.  Plant new seeds of your power that will grow into the pure fruit of knowing the center of your will.

This season is a season of joy because of your work and my surrender to that work.  I give you all of me.  I throw open the windows of my soul to let the breeze of the Holy Spirit force out what is stale and toxic that I have been breathing in.  May this season find me ready for all that you have in store and all that you permit me to face.  May the song that echos through the ages, because of the grace and gifts you have poured out, be heard from the voice of my soul and seen through the activity of my hands and feet.

Praying and Living in Jesus Name."

Welcome to Spring,

Pastor Dave 

Repentance

I've been thinking a lot, reading on, and talking with the Lord, about repentance.  In the 3rd chapter of Matthew John the Baptist confronted the Pharisees and Sadducees who came out to observe what was going on.  He publicly called out their motives to told them to "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance (verse 8)."  

They weren't there to repent or be baptized, they were there to arm themselves with information so they could control the movement of God (my opinion).

So, I've been thinking, what is the "fruit" that gives evidence of a repentant heart?    

Intimacy

I think the result of repentance includes intimacy with God.  When God puts His finger on an area of my life that is standing in the way of knowing Him, and I confess and repent, allowing the work of Christ to cleanse me and the Spirit to empower me - there is intimacy.

I'm known by God, but I can know God too.  When both of those are in place I am experiencing the relationship I was designed to experience.

Joy

There is another fruit that is designed to be in the Christ-follower - Joy.  Repentance opens the flood gates of God's presence which will result in a change of my spirit.  The world may not change a lot, but my view of it will.  

I fear that Christ-followers so quickly sit on the "crabby couch" because they have not had a full taste of turning from what offends the God they serve.

Agreement

Another fruit of truly turning to God and turning from sin is that I agree with God on what is offensive.  For too long we have asked God to agree with us about what is offensive.  If I think it is sin, I assume God does too, and everyone else should also.

I repent because I agree with God about what is sin.  After I do that I need to continue to  align myself up with His heart and His plan.

Confidence

The result of repentance should always plant a growing seed of confidence in my spirit.  A seed that God will grow as He cleanses and matures me.  I should have a firm foundation that is not shaken by "stuff."  "Stuff" doesn't weaken my grasp on God, or His grasp on me.  What I face, I face as a child of God.

I think we need to stop running from and ignoring our doubts and weaknesses and face them through a season of repentance that will bear the fruit of humble confidence.

Learning as I Dig,

Pastor Dave 

Thought list ...

It's time for a thought list again -

Thought 1.  Spring will be fun when it really gets here.

Thought 2.  American Idol most often does not produce someone worthy of the title.  But we love idolizing talent and looks and ignoring what is valuable and worthy of emulation.

Thought 3.  We watched the movie "The Blind Side" and loved it.  I wonder why there are not more stories of investing in people in ways that changes them.  There is a great lesson in this movie of what Christ does for us.

Thought 4.  I think it's interesting that there are people who want to make Ronald McDonald illegal because "he makes kids obese" and there are people who want to make marijuana legal because "it's not dangerous."  Both of them are wrong.

Thought 5.  Politicians should be held to a higher standard of morality and ethics.  A sports star is paid for their ability, a movie star entertains, a political figure takes an oath to represent people.  By definition the political figure should be the one that we trust and respect.            

Thought 6.  Movements grow into organizations and lose the original passion and ability to be flexible and remain true.  They then spend the rest of their existence trying to figure out how to be a movement again... churches too.

Thought 7.  The "great commission" is just as much a command as the "great command."  Disobedience to either is... disobedience.  "Loving God" and "going" with the truth to people, ya, not options for the follower of Christ.

Thought 8.  I've been wondering what miracle God wants to do this summer.  I've got a hunch we should go into the summer expecting God to do something new.  How do you ready yourself for a miracle - repentance.

Thought 9.  Communication isn't anywhere near as much a problem as we claim.  It's a buzz word that we throw out as a way of deflecting the issue in marriages and churches.  I think the problem is really listening.  There is more communication than ever, less listening.

Thought 10.  Genesis 18:13  "Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?"                

Occasionally it's time to let random thoughts find expression so that priorities can be sorted out.  Have you ever just written out the stuff that clutters your mind?  As you look over this list can you see the difference between opinion and truth?  Which of the above most needs to be expanded and more fully explained?

Aware of God,

Pastor Dave  

Grateful for Friday, Waiting For Sunday

I stood next to the cross.  I had just done my job.  As the frenzy of the crowd evaporates, the anger of the Pharisees turns to quiet shame, and the horror of his followers becomes reality - I stand frozen.

I have nailed many criminals to pieces of wood.  I have used my training on torture, my experience as a solider, and my pride as a Roman.  The trio has grown in my spirit until I am little more than a machine that is released on the deserving scum that has infected our culture with crime.

But, the events of this day are different.  They've had many of the same actions, but somehow they are ending in such a different way.  I feel no satisfaction this time.  I can't find justice in the air.  It seems that if the world had it to do over they would have done it differently... at least I would have.

So, now I stand at the feet of the "criminal" Jesus.  I have heard his last words that were void of bitterness.  I have watched as sincere followers wept at the dashing of their hopes and the brutal treatment of the one they loved.  

I'm trying to remember - what was the crime again?  Why did I do what I just did?  

It's my job.

Our culture must be protected from...

"The blood that runs by your feet is for you."  

I looked to see where a voice came from, who had whispered in my soul?  There are many people near by, but none close enough to whisper into my soul.  

"The blood that runs by your feet is for you."

I find myself looking to the man I have executed.  Instead of feeling manly and powerful I am aware of how small and weak I am.  What if I didn't take his life?  What if he gave it to me?  Why would he do that?  I have weapons and strength, yet I am completely  powerless.  Somehow the dead man is stronger than the live one.

"The blood that runs by your feet is for you."

I don't know why, I don't understand how, I'm not sure how this changes anything, but in ways I have a hunch today changes everything.  I have no care of who hears it.  I've got to say it.  I'm not even sure what this means but, "Surely this man was the Son of God."

Grateful for Friday, Waiting For Sunday,

Pastor Dave

A break next week?

We tend to almost hold our breath for breaks.  The pace of living often makes a reprieve something that most of us look forward to.  A break from the daily schedule, the weight of work, the impact of the urgent, the frustration of repetition, it's all interrupted with what we like to do.  

Next week many people will find different ways to live a week of break, even if it is without a vacation or trip to some place that is really warm.  Many will do what they have been holding their breath for.  

The Spirit of God wants us to know some of the things that the Father will not take a break from.

1. He will not take a break from the plan.  God's plan is eternal and includes a home that has been prepared for those who have faith in him.  Driving an SUV will not end the world - God will.  Dishonest governments will not end the world - God will.  Satan himself will not end the world - God will.  He's got a plan for the universe; we should not be too arrogant with our messes.

2. He will not take a break from loving.  For us love is an emotion that can be turned on and off with physical appearance or relational status.  God's love isn't as shallow as ours.  His love is as deep as His nature and touches every fiber of His being.  Even punishment and judgment are filtered through the fingers of love.  The fact that such love is hard to understand doesn't make it a fable.  His love is more real than we know.

3.  He will not take a break from grace.  Grace is what draws us, sustains us, restores us, grows us, and glorifies us.  Every moment of God's eternity will include the scent of His grace... including the one right now.  Grace is that channel of interaction between the created and the Creator.  It requires God sized hands to open that channel - we can't work hard enough to deserve it.

4. He will not take a break from restoration.  He is about restoring people to who they were made to be.  He is about chipping off the edges and making whole the gaps.  God is about people knowing and living in the freedom and power they were made to know.  

5. He will not take a break from listening.  He listens to the cries of His people.  He listens to the laughter of His people.  He listens to the silence of His people when their souls are too busy to talk.  God does more than hear... he actively listens.  

6.  He will not take a break from being worthy.  He is worthy of my praise.  He will not stop being that.  He is not hoping that some dirty indiscretion will never finds its way to the public - He is worthy.  God is not pretending or puffing himself up to impress people - He is worthy.  God is not demanding what is undeserved - He is worthy.

7.  He will not take a break from believing in you.  God has a faith in you that will not waver.  He believes in your holiness, your ability to grow, your power to choose what is better, the healing of your soul that is damaged, and your desire to know revival.  God has faith in you that you can be what he empowers you to be.

God is not thinking about taking a break next week!

Counting on it,

Pastor Dave        

A Question for Jesus

David:
Jesus, I have a question.  It might not be the most spiritual question you've ever been asked, but I was just wondering something.  Sometimes I have questions because I don't think, but I've been thinking this one through.  

I know I've asked you some pretty goofy questions before, (like the one - what were you thinking when you created giraffes?) but I think this one is better.  It's not like the one about why do bad things happen to people who don't deserve it, or why don't you make it so child abusers arms fall off before they hurt a child.

Sometimes I can imagine what the answer might be.  By the way, thanks for my imagination.  It kind of bugs people sometimes, but I'm glad you gave me one.  But, I can't use my imagination and let what I know about you push this question away.

Is it ok?  Can I ask you a question again?

That's one of my favorite things about our relationship - you let me ask questions without making me feel like a dingbat.  You've never mocked me for what I don't understand.  

Sometimes I come up with real religious sounding answers to my questions.  You've said you're not fond of answers that pretend to be deep.  You've never liked it when I ram the Bible into a question so I don't have to think anymore or even really listen for your heart in the words.

Here it is - What were you thinking about two weeks before you died?  

We're two weeks away from Good Friday and I was thinking, were you too busy to think about what was coming?  Did you have to psych yourself up to go through with it?  Did you avoid thinking about it?  What was it like to know that you only had two weeks left?  Did you ever wonder if you heard your Father right?  Did you think about going to Egypt instead of Jerusalem?  When I know something bad is coming I do everything possible to avoid it.  Is that why you cried at the garden?  When you got to go back to heaven did you ask your Father why He didn't stop them from beating and killing you?

I guess that's a lot of questions.  You don't have to answer if you're too busy or it's too personal... but, what were you thinking about two weeks before the cross?

Jesus:
That's a good question David.  I'm glad you asked.  I would love people to ask that question so I could give them all this answer.

I was thinking about how much you would love getting rid of sin and how big your smile would be when you were free.  I was thinking about how willing I was to do anything to be able to spend eternity with you.  I was thinking about what a wonderful time you and I would be able to have when you let my Spirit fill you, and guide you, and teach you, and love you, and calm you, and heal you, and even correct you.  I was thinking you would be worth it.  And I was right, you are! 

David, I know this is hard for you to understand - the answer is you.

David:
Oh.

Jesus:
Can I ask you a question?

David:
Yes.

Jesus:
It's two weeks before Good Friday, what are you thinking about?


Thinking about Jesus,

Pastor Dave

Loving the Thought of Two Springs

In the spirit of a good attitude and in light of the fact we [probably] aren't done with snow and freezing weather, I thought it would be good to list out the Ten Things I like about winter.

Um...

After having thought this through and not wanting this post to be too lengthy, it seemed good wisdom to reduce the list to the five things I like about winter.

Um...

As a result of further consideration it seemed appropriate to share with you the single thing I like about winter.

Um... Maybe this post should be "Inspirational thoughts from the book of Lamentations" instead.

I do like snowmobiling.  Or, I did as a kid 400 years ago when I last did it, had access to one, and a yard bigger than a city lot.  

The first big snow is pretty.  But, so are postcards of the Eiffel Tower, I don't need one of those in my backyard.

It's fun to run a snowblower.  Well, in that compared-to-shoveling kind of way it's "fun."

But, most important, the thing I can't reduce, the one thing about winter that I can't complain about or discount in any way is... ya, sorry, I got nothing.  I thought something would come to me - but it didn't.

However, I do like the season that precedes it and the one that follows it.  

Every one of us has seasons in our life we would rather skip.  All of us know the "winters of the soul."  We all have those times when it seems that bitter cold and slippery sidewalks have taken over.  

What we may not be aware of is that God the Holy Spirit was in the season before.  We didn't know it but He was strengthening our souls getting us ready for what He knew was coming and we didn't.  He is also there to bring warmth, healing, and new life when the season is over.  By the way, He is also there through the middle of the season we would have liked to avoid.

If you're in the season before the storm (which is hard to know), let the Lord strengthen you.  Drink in the strength and preparation God can bring you.  Be strong in your faith and don't take God for granted.

If you're in the season of the storm, let the faith of His presence sustain you.  Let God whisper to you and promise to go with you through it.  Be strong in your faith and don't let the storm loosen your grip on God.

If you're at the end of the season you would have rather skipped, let the new life that God wants to give you bring healing and wholeness.  Let Him restore the joy.  Be strong in your faith and don't forget about the God that has brought you through.

Loving the Thought of Two Springs,

Pastor Dave

Wanting the Real

I've been reading a book by B.T. Roberts, the founder of Free Methodism.  I love it when I read something that makes me stop, reread, and dwell.  

"The more valuable a currency, the more liable it is to be counterfeited.  It is so with religion - both as a whole and in all its parts."

I thought about the pure work of the Holy Spirit in a person's life.  Valuable.  Often counterfeited by the enemy and by attention seekers.  But, the counterfeit does not reduce the value of the genuine.  We need the Spirit to move.

I thought about what the Most Important Person (Jesus) said was the most important thing, "...love God with all your heart, soul, and mind."  Fake and shallow love for God will never fool Him and it will never be a foundation for growth.  But, the fact that the imitation exists doesn't mean the real doesn't.

I thought about the role of the church.  The truth of game playing doesn't deflate the purpose that Christ has given the "called out" (church).  There is a mission to accomplish.  It's not found in our charter, our personality, or our dreams.  The mission is found within the consistent heartbeat of our Cornerstone, Jesus.  The mission is to proclaim the truth of the gospel by living it.

I thought about prayer.  

I thought about grace.

I thought about passion.

I thought about friendship. 

All can be faked and all can be real.  What is real will make us more like Christ, and what is not real will be exposed.  God is better at sorting them out than I am.  

So, there is fake money floating around and passing through our hands.  The best thing to do is to do away with all money - can you say "bon-fire?"   Or, wouldn't it be better to continue to use and appreciate the real, learning its characteristics?  We want to know the real so well that the imitation is obvious.  We want to live the real so well that the imitation is obvious. 

Wanting the Real,

Pastor Dave