I would like to start a new series of posts. These posts will highlight people who I believe have followed God's call outside the camp.
I am going to dedicate this first post to my friends, Matt and Janie Mehaffey. You can read about their entire journey (so far) of following their call by clicking on The Pursuit link on the right. But, for right now, I just want to mention some of my observations.
I met Matt during freshman orientation at Cincinnati Christian University (back then it was Cincinnati Bible College) in the fall of 1994. We instantly became friends and have remained close ever since. Matt and I both served as interns at large churches in Indianapolis following our college careers. It was a blast to be done with school, but still working and living in the same city as Matt.
But, as our internships came to an end, our paths finally split. The church Matt was working for decided to keep him on staff (which I believe says something about the kind of guy Matt is). The church I was working for, on the other hand, didn't give me that option (which I believe means absolutely nothing, so don't try to read into it). So, I moved to Virginia to serve at a church, and Matt stayed in Indy.
Matt is from Indiana, and I believed that he would always be a resident of the Midwest. I didn't blame him. I, too, am from the Midwest and I couldn't wait to move back someday. But, God had other plans for Matt. Not only did God lead Matt to a wonderful wife, Janie, but He also put a call on his life to go outside the camp.
I remember when Matt first started talking about planting a church in Miami, FL. It was exciting to hear about, but I really couldn't believe it. I know Matt himself would admit that transplanting this Indiana kid into such a diverse city seems crazy. But, God was calling Matt and Janie to something VERY important. The city of Miami has a tremendous amount of need and God is preparing Matt and Janie and the rest of the staff of The Pursuit to meet those needs.
I am just so impressed that Matt and Janie listened! It would have been a lot easier to stay inside the camp. When you start to understand the needs, culture, and process of planting a church in Miami you begin to realize that a ton of sacrifice and suffering is involved. In fact, as I write this, some big challenges have come up in reference to the location of The Pursuit when it launches in January. Matt and Janie could have easily decided to stay within their borders, but they didn't. They followed God outside the camp so that others can come to know Jesus Christ.
Please pray for The Pursuit.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Outside The Camp - Part 2
"Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore." - Hebrews 13:13
Jesus suffered in a way that we cannot. That is a fact. But this scripture calls us to "bear the disgrace he bore." It calls us to go to him outside the camp.
For the original recipients of this letter, this meant a departure from the old Jewish order of their upbringing. They were called to identify themselves with Christ and his cross. This was no easy task for them. It was probably easier and more respectable "inside the camp."
It is like that for us today. Very few of us are willing to leave the camp. We don't want to go outside the borders of safety and comfort. We don't want to think about the fact that there are other sheep outside of our fold. We don't like to think about the fact that outside of the camp is suffering. We know to leave the camp would mean sacrifice and possibly some sort of suffering.
But the fact remains that there are places, people, and nations that need to be told about Jesus. It is costly to go to them. But Jesus gave us an example to follow of bearing abuse so that all can be saved.
Jesus suffered in a way that we cannot. That is a fact. But this scripture calls us to "bear the disgrace he bore." It calls us to go to him outside the camp.
For the original recipients of this letter, this meant a departure from the old Jewish order of their upbringing. They were called to identify themselves with Christ and his cross. This was no easy task for them. It was probably easier and more respectable "inside the camp."
It is like that for us today. Very few of us are willing to leave the camp. We don't want to go outside the borders of safety and comfort. We don't want to think about the fact that there are other sheep outside of our fold. We don't like to think about the fact that outside of the camp is suffering. We know to leave the camp would mean sacrifice and possibly some sort of suffering.
But the fact remains that there are places, people, and nations that need to be told about Jesus. It is costly to go to them. But Jesus gave us an example to follow of bearing abuse so that all can be saved.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
A Spook-tacular Blog
Why do companies find it necessary to use the non-word "Spook-tacular" in reference to their Halloween sales events? I think the first guy to ever use the word was being quite creative...but now it is just sad. It has been used way too much this year. I think I have seen it used most frequently at car dealerships and dollar stores. Why is that?
Equally as bad is the use of the word "Egg-stravaganza" during Easter.
Is it just me, or has reading this post put you in the mood for Bunnicula?
Equally as bad is the use of the word "Egg-stravaganza" during Easter.
Is it just me, or has reading this post put you in the mood for Bunnicula?
Start Stopping
Tomorrow I will devote an entire day to solitude and prayer. This is a discipline that I really just recently put into practice.
As an intern at Kingsway Christian Church in Avon, Indiana, I was introduced to this idea. Each staff member devoted one day a month to solitude and prayer. As an intern, this was also expected of me. They even were kind enough to provide me with resources about how to get the most out of this time. During the year that I was there as an intern, I faithfully devoted one day every month to prayer, study, and solitude. The staff was very good at holding each other accountable in this area. A lot of emphasis was put on the necessity of listening to God in the stillness, even in the midst of a very busy ministry.
I learned a lot that year, but during my first full time ministry, I neglected the discipline of solitude and prayer. Don’t get me wrong, I still found time to be alone with God every now and then, and I still found time to pray. But, I definitely wasn’t disciplined about it. Devoting a specific amount of time, not to mention an entire day, just didn’t happen.
When I began my current ministry over 2 years ago, I decided it would be a good time for a fresh start in the area of solitude and prayer. I decided to make a commitment to once again, every month, devote an entire day to being alone with God – no cell phone, no internet, no distractions. I would pray, read, and listen.
I am happy to say that I have been very consistent with this. I will often go to a park for my days of solitude. The picture is from Rowe Woods which is one of the parks I frequently go to. I really look forward to these days. It feels good to get away from it all.
Of course, I realize that this can also be a difficult thing to do. Sometimes the world we live in does not offer many opportunities for down time. I am at an advantage. I don’t have any children. I have a job that allows me the freedom to do this during a “work day”. I have organized my responsibilities in a way that is conducive for a day like this to be possible. Many people are not in this same situation. Not to mention, some people just don’t like being still. Some people go crazy at the thought of having to walk around in the woods singing Kum-Ba-Yah all day (For the record: I haven’t sung Kum-Ba-Yah once during my days of solitude – but I might tomorrow).
No matter how hard it is, though, it is important. I know time alone with God will look different for everybody. I think it can probably be done in a variety of ways. But, I want to encourage everyone to make sure it is getting done somehow. I really do believe that God is often speaking to us but we aren’t listening. Instead, we are listening to our iPods, TVs, cell phones, friends, possessions, etc. Take some time to get away from it all. Open up the Bible. Talk to God. Listen.
I am far from being some kind of spiritual giant. My intentions here are not to make it sound as if my one day a month makes me some sort of holy super man. I simply want to encourage you to start stopping long enough to hear God.
And…by the way…if any of you would like to leave suggestions on what has helped you to hear God, please leave a comment.
Do you have…books to recommend, scripture to share, studies to work through, etc.?
As an intern at Kingsway Christian Church in Avon, Indiana, I was introduced to this idea. Each staff member devoted one day a month to solitude and prayer. As an intern, this was also expected of me. They even were kind enough to provide me with resources about how to get the most out of this time. During the year that I was there as an intern, I faithfully devoted one day every month to prayer, study, and solitude. The staff was very good at holding each other accountable in this area. A lot of emphasis was put on the necessity of listening to God in the stillness, even in the midst of a very busy ministry.
I learned a lot that year, but during my first full time ministry, I neglected the discipline of solitude and prayer. Don’t get me wrong, I still found time to be alone with God every now and then, and I still found time to pray. But, I definitely wasn’t disciplined about it. Devoting a specific amount of time, not to mention an entire day, just didn’t happen.
When I began my current ministry over 2 years ago, I decided it would be a good time for a fresh start in the area of solitude and prayer. I decided to make a commitment to once again, every month, devote an entire day to being alone with God – no cell phone, no internet, no distractions. I would pray, read, and listen.
I am happy to say that I have been very consistent with this. I will often go to a park for my days of solitude. The picture is from Rowe Woods which is one of the parks I frequently go to. I really look forward to these days. It feels good to get away from it all.
Of course, I realize that this can also be a difficult thing to do. Sometimes the world we live in does not offer many opportunities for down time. I am at an advantage. I don’t have any children. I have a job that allows me the freedom to do this during a “work day”. I have organized my responsibilities in a way that is conducive for a day like this to be possible. Many people are not in this same situation. Not to mention, some people just don’t like being still. Some people go crazy at the thought of having to walk around in the woods singing Kum-Ba-Yah all day (For the record: I haven’t sung Kum-Ba-Yah once during my days of solitude – but I might tomorrow).No matter how hard it is, though, it is important. I know time alone with God will look different for everybody. I think it can probably be done in a variety of ways. But, I want to encourage everyone to make sure it is getting done somehow. I really do believe that God is often speaking to us but we aren’t listening. Instead, we are listening to our iPods, TVs, cell phones, friends, possessions, etc. Take some time to get away from it all. Open up the Bible. Talk to God. Listen.
I am far from being some kind of spiritual giant. My intentions here are not to make it sound as if my one day a month makes me some sort of holy super man. I simply want to encourage you to start stopping long enough to hear God.
And…by the way…if any of you would like to leave suggestions on what has helped you to hear God, please leave a comment.
Do you have…books to recommend, scripture to share, studies to work through, etc.?
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
I Play The French Horn...Seriously.
Once again I experienced the pain of being made fun of for something that most of the world just doesn't understand. I was watching Saturday Night Live with host Jon Bon Jovi when during a sketch Bon Jovi made reference to himself as a nerdy kid who played the French Horn. He went on to say that in order to reach the cool status that he now holds he put down the French Horn and picked up the guitar.Here's the thing...is that true?! Because if Jon Bon Jovi really did use to play the French Horn...THAT IS AWESOME. I have lived my whole life (well, at least since 5th grade) having to endure the ridicule of those who like to poke fun at what is viewed as a nerdy instrument. But now, could a conversation really sound like this:
"Hey, look at the nerdy red head with the French Horn," someone yells.
"Whatever, Bon Jovi plays the French Horn," I exclaim!
Man, to be able to use that as a comeback would rock. It would definitely put the mockers in their place!
Of course, there are other things that might make people realize that the French Horn is a wonderful instrument. It is very difficult to play, so anyone that can play it half way decent does have skill. It has a beautiful tone. Traditional Christmas Hymns wouldn't be the same without the French Horn. And, speaking of Christmas, they make great decorations at Christmas time. Have you ever noticed how many French Horns hang on trees or are printed on cards? Not to mention the French Horn sounds great in the Lord Of The Rings movie score.
But, I guess if none of those reasons change your mind about the nerdiness of the French Horn then how about this: BON JOVI PLAYS IT (maybe).
Outside The Camp – Part 1
Hebrews 13:12-14 has impacted my way of thinking. My fear is that I will not do a good job explaining to you why I feel that this scripture is so important. I fear that I will write my observations here in this blog and you, as the reader, will think something like, “Are you just NOW figuring this out?!”
I admit that I might not come up with the most earth shattering revelations about these verses. But, I hope that my thoughts will in some way open your eyes to what is really important in this world, or at least to why I do the things I do and choose the paths that I am currently choosing.
This one small section of scripture holds within it a lot of information. In fact, I find it hard to wrap my head around all of its possible implications. Therefore, throughout the life of this blog (or at least throughout the beginning of this blog’s life), I will write about Hebrews 13:12-14 in parts. Prepare for Part 1…
The original recipients of this text would probably not have needed a refresher course on Old Testament Law. Those of us reading it today, on the other hand, might not understand the significance of burning carcasses outside the camp that have recently been slaughtered at the alter. Actually, the thought of that makes me kind of sick. It’s like an episode of Dirty Jobs.
Without going into an in-depth study of OT History, let me just make the simple point that outside of the camp was unholy ground, and inside the camp was holy ground. I know that is super over simplified. But, that is one of the main things to remember at this point. We must understand this one main thing because the author of Hebrews makes a point in saying that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross happened “outside the city gate.” It happened on unholy ground…not on the holy ground where sacrifices usually took place. Once again, to us maybe that is not so shocking, but that is only because we don’t understand the significance of this concept. Hughes writes, “The location of Calvary was one of defilement, not sanctification. But the presence of God’s Holy One made holy what was previously unholy…by suffering outside the gate; moreover, Jesus identifies himself with the world in its unholiness. While we are unable to draw near to God because of our sin, God draws near to us in the person of his Holy One…”
My point in “Part 1” is simply this…I love the fact that Jesus was willing to go outside the camp for me. He did it first of all by coming to walk among us as man, and he did it by dying on the cross. I believe Jesus’ example of total self-sacrifice is one that we should follow. In future posts on this topic, I hope to write more about following Christ outside the camp.
Did I just demonstrate bad blogging etiquette by writing an extremely long blog?
I admit that I might not come up with the most earth shattering revelations about these verses. But, I hope that my thoughts will in some way open your eyes to what is really important in this world, or at least to why I do the things I do and choose the paths that I am currently choosing.
This one small section of scripture holds within it a lot of information. In fact, I find it hard to wrap my head around all of its possible implications. Therefore, throughout the life of this blog (or at least throughout the beginning of this blog’s life), I will write about Hebrews 13:12-14 in parts. Prepare for Part 1…
The original recipients of this text would probably not have needed a refresher course on Old Testament Law. Those of us reading it today, on the other hand, might not understand the significance of burning carcasses outside the camp that have recently been slaughtered at the alter. Actually, the thought of that makes me kind of sick. It’s like an episode of Dirty Jobs.
Without going into an in-depth study of OT History, let me just make the simple point that outside of the camp was unholy ground, and inside the camp was holy ground. I know that is super over simplified. But, that is one of the main things to remember at this point. We must understand this one main thing because the author of Hebrews makes a point in saying that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross happened “outside the city gate.” It happened on unholy ground…not on the holy ground where sacrifices usually took place. Once again, to us maybe that is not so shocking, but that is only because we don’t understand the significance of this concept. Hughes writes, “The location of Calvary was one of defilement, not sanctification. But the presence of God’s Holy One made holy what was previously unholy…by suffering outside the gate; moreover, Jesus identifies himself with the world in its unholiness. While we are unable to draw near to God because of our sin, God draws near to us in the person of his Holy One…”
My point in “Part 1” is simply this…I love the fact that Jesus was willing to go outside the camp for me. He did it first of all by coming to walk among us as man, and he did it by dying on the cross. I believe Jesus’ example of total self-sacrifice is one that we should follow. In future posts on this topic, I hope to write more about following Christ outside the camp.
Did I just demonstrate bad blogging etiquette by writing an extremely long blog?
Friday, October 12, 2007
"Let Us Go To Him Outside The Camp"
As I read that heading in chapter 3 of John Piper’s book, Let The Nations Be Glad, I admit that I had no idea what was coming next. In my years of study, I guess I have somehow missed this short section of the book of Hebrews. But, after I read the conclusions that Piper drew from this scripture, I quickly began to try to dig a little bit deeper into the meaning of that phrase.
You’ll read more on that later. But first, let me start off by saying…
I have been thinking about starting a blog for awhile now. But, I have also been reluctant to do so. Partly because I often times find blogs annoying and I don’t want to add to the immense amount of irritating material in the blogosphere. In fact, that word is really annoying and I promise to never use it again. Anyway, I have noticed, on the other hand, that there are a few blogs out there that I actually find useful, informative, and even entertaining. I would like this to be one of those. That’s where it gets tricky, though. You see, I don’t want to have an annoying blog, I want to have a great blog…but doesn’t everybody? Does anybody start off their blogging career by saying, “I am going to create the most useless, dull, boring, and annoying blog ever?” Of course not, because we all think we have something to contribute. I think I have something to contribute. But, do I? Who knows?
The one thing I do know is that the blogs that I find to be great are the blogs that have a purpose. They are the blogs that are informing their readers about events that are important for one reason or another. They are blogs that are keeping concerned people up to date about topics that mean something. They are blogs that are honest – sometimes funny and sometimes serious – but always honest. They are blogs that are telling a story of some kind. They are following a journey. These are the blogs that I think are contributing positively to the…um…place where blogs are posted and float around.
So, that’s what I hope this blog will be. I would like to promise to you, the reader, exciting stories, humorous anecdotes, spirit lifting tales, and impeccable grammar. Actually, I can’t really promise any of those things on a consistent basis. I do hope that you enjoy visiting here, though. And, if you get completely annoyed with this blog, please move on to something better. I would if I were you. And, I will even give you links to blogs that aren’t annoying. How considerate of me!
You’ll read more on that later. But first, let me start off by saying…
I have been thinking about starting a blog for awhile now. But, I have also been reluctant to do so. Partly because I often times find blogs annoying and I don’t want to add to the immense amount of irritating material in the blogosphere. In fact, that word is really annoying and I promise to never use it again. Anyway, I have noticed, on the other hand, that there are a few blogs out there that I actually find useful, informative, and even entertaining. I would like this to be one of those. That’s where it gets tricky, though. You see, I don’t want to have an annoying blog, I want to have a great blog…but doesn’t everybody? Does anybody start off their blogging career by saying, “I am going to create the most useless, dull, boring, and annoying blog ever?” Of course not, because we all think we have something to contribute. I think I have something to contribute. But, do I? Who knows?
The one thing I do know is that the blogs that I find to be great are the blogs that have a purpose. They are the blogs that are informing their readers about events that are important for one reason or another. They are blogs that are keeping concerned people up to date about topics that mean something. They are blogs that are honest – sometimes funny and sometimes serious – but always honest. They are blogs that are telling a story of some kind. They are following a journey. These are the blogs that I think are contributing positively to the…um…place where blogs are posted and float around.
So, that’s what I hope this blog will be. I would like to promise to you, the reader, exciting stories, humorous anecdotes, spirit lifting tales, and impeccable grammar. Actually, I can’t really promise any of those things on a consistent basis. I do hope that you enjoy visiting here, though. And, if you get completely annoyed with this blog, please move on to something better. I would if I were you. And, I will even give you links to blogs that aren’t annoying. How considerate of me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
