Thoughts and goals for the new year...

So as a takeoff from last years' post by Jason - What are some new-year's resolutions you definitely WILL keep this year? Not phony ones - not unrealistic ones - but truthful stuff that really means something to you. Be honest.

Here's my list:

1. Sleep in a lot more....... a lot more....definitely.
2. Go to church and be engaged and involved... not cause I have to (actually, this one sounds pretty good!) But because I really want to be there.
3. Seriously dig into the word - I want to study God's word for me more- not just cause I have to teach others.
4. Focus on becoming more physically healthy - I don't want to be obsessed with my weight or how I look - I just need to get more healthy, it's really sad...
5. Give 100% to whatever I am doing - this is a biggie for me. I tend to hold out and hold back - at work, in relationships, with my family.... it's pretty pathetic sometimes. I'm just really not all there lately.
6. Get my finances better under control & give more.
7. Use my camera more - carpe diem! My kids are growing up and I'm missing it! Aughghggh!
8. Take more quality time with my wife.
9. Write more worship songs! (How about "a" worship song for a change.....sheesh.)
10. Blog more often.

There, that wasn't so bad. Now it's your turn.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Merry Christmas from the Hughlett family!

Crushed by scripture - Vol. 1

Do you ever feel like you need a helmet when reading the word? I do. Every time I open it I usually don't come away feeling refreshed, but rather crushed.

I don't know what to say. I guess I could just stick to Psalms 23 and Phil. 4:13 but that feels dishonest and immature. I need to figure out Hebrew 6:1-6 and Matthew 7:13-14.

Lately these hard scriptures have been haunting me. When I'm honest about how I steward areas of my life I don't see anything to be really proud of. This can come across in my countenance and I continually have people exhort me to start living like "the King's kid" and to cheer up. I appreciate that, but I don't want to live in that dillusion. I think that produces mediocrity. A lack of responsibility. Like those spoiled royals we see in the tabloids that don't have to answer for anything because of who their blood lines.

So what do you do? I know the gospel. I know that I will never be made righteous by my works and good looks, but I also know that when I read the word, there is an expectation that believers "shine like stars" (phil 2:15) and most of the time I feel like a black hole...

What do you do with hard scripture? Do we say they are there to point us to our unrighteousness and need for Christ? Or do they signal how far we are from an authentic and real relationship with God?

I don't know, just being honest...

-Jason

8

8 years married.

Woo Hoo!!!

And it isn't even snowing this year...

I'm headed into the city tonight with my best friend and love of my life to get some great food, and stay in a hotel with a view.

-Jason

Advent week one

Since Steve never taught us about advent in youth group, I had to read up myself. ;)

Just kidding.

I am serious about utilizing this season to make the holidays more meaningful this year.

An song for the first week of Advent (Steve never played this song in youth group either...)

Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming
Lo how a rose e'er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung
Of Jesse's lineage coming
As seers of old have sung
It came a floweret bright
Amid the cold of winter
When half spent 'twas the night
Isaiah 'twas foretold it
This rose I have in mind
With Mary we behold it
The Virgins mother kind
To show His love so bright
She bore for us a Savior
In half spent was that night
O flower whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air
Dispel in Glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere
True man yet very God
From sin and death now save us
And share our human load

Who is like our God?

6 years ago, I woke up knowing something was wrong. It had been a picture perfect 9 months. No morning sickness, no problems what so ever. But on Nov. 26, 2002 Naomi woke up having one huge non-stop contraction. Pretty soon there were numerous doctors, nurses and others swarming into our hospital room fretting over the fetal heart monitor and shouting to get her into the Operation Room.

In a blur, family and medical personnel were all around us. Some were praying, some were trying to get us to sign release forms. A grouchy anesthesiologist didn't help matters with his attitude. Then in one of the most surreal moments of my life everyone disappeared. They took my wife into the OR and everyone else left the pre-op area to the waiting room. I was totally alone.

I'll never forget the question that was delivered into my heart from heaven. "Am I good even now?" "Yes Lord, even if it all ends up terrible for me today, and I lose everything, you are still good." I have never been so close to my Creator than I was at that moment. I can't describe it now and never will be able to. All of the sudden I was filled with fire to pray and intercede for my family.

Shortly thereafter, a nurse came and asked me to come into the Operating room with my wife. They were just pulling the baby out. I looked at my poor, scared wife and she asked my why the baby wasn't crying. I didn't know. Then I heard it again "Am I good?"... "Yes Lord, you are good and your love endures forever..." In what felt like an eternity, but was probably only 10-15 seconds, Noah finally yelped out a cry and the nurse brought him over to us in kind of a sitting up position. I remember my first though was "Where did he get that cleft chin?!?!"

Later on, people were asking what his middle name was. I had a hard time trying to figure it out actually. But it came to me when I realized the name Michael means "Who is like our God". It would be a memorial of meeting God in that place. Kind of like Jacob and Bethel. It was chosen so I would never forget that day. (It also helped that is his grand fathers name!)

So today, I remember God's goodness to us that day. His grace over our family. His sovereignty. I believe if things had been different, or if they become different and not as planned, He demonstrates His faithfulness to walk through the fire, pain and terror with us.

Happy birthday Son!

-Jason

Discipleship does not = Negotiation

I just thought I would throw out a passage that really stopped me in my tracks the other day.

Luke 17:7-10
“Will any one of you who has a servant​ plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly,​ and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants;​ we have only done what was our duty.’ ”

This passage once again opened my eyes to how I often use my obedience as a bargaining chip with God. I foolishly act and think in such a way that if I can just build up enough of my own righteousness that I will twist God's arm into blessing my desires. This is both foolish and wicked and sadly when I do this I do not experience the benefits and blessings promised to me in the gospel.

We sometimes sing a song in Church that is difficult and humbling for me to sing but helps counteract this harmful attitude. The second verse reads:

Take all my cravings for vain recognition
Fleshly indulgence and worldly ambition
I want so much Lord to make You the focus
To serve You in secret and never be noticed

I want to have a heart like this, and I know I do not get there by negotiating with God using my own works.

-Dave

Man this is so convicting.

My wife will crack up when she sees this. This is so... me.



HT:Crazy Christian Clips

-Jason

Brilliant wisdom.

I'm not even sure who this guy is but this is good stuff.

Influence part 3

I read this excellent post over at Matt Chandler's blog on inspiration & influence.

So I ask those who read and participate here:

What influences, deepens or inspires you in your relationship with Abba Father?

Or as Matt puts it, "what stirs your affections for Christ?"

Please comment, as I think we could all use some fresh ideas and perspective on this.

Ponder away.

Click on this link and let it blow your mind.

thanks Matt for the link.

Brilliant thoughts on the election.

Thank God for John Piper. I can honestly say he wrapped up a lot of my feelings in this short interview he did on the upcoming elections.



He touches on these topics...

1. Womanhood (the only one that I squirm a bit about...)
2. Race
3. Abortion
4. Prophetic perspective
5. Sovereignty of God
6. Gospel

HT- Justin Taylor, Between two worlds blog

Posted by: Jason_73

A mouth full...

Real life religious groups and organizations.

Not mocking, just observing...

Our Pentecostal friends:

"Fire baptized holiness church of the Americas"

"The house of God, which is the church of the Living God, the Pillar & the Ground of the Truth, inc."

"International church of the Foursquare gospel..." Just kidding Steve... Kind of...

"Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God "

"Praise All Day Church of the Redeemer Christ Our Everlasting King"

Their name says it all, kind of...

"True Jesus Church"

"The Christadelphians"

"The Exclusive Brethren"

Their site says "The Exclusive Brethren practice separation from evil, recognising this as God's principle of unity. They shun the conduits of evil communications: television, the radio, and the Internet. Their charter is 2 Timothy 2:19 "The Lord knows those that are his; and, Let every one who names the name of the Lord withdraw from iniquity."

And this is awesome! From a website dedicated to the Amish:

"Why is this site in black and white?

The Amish are known as the "Plain People" because they shun bright colors. Since this web page is about the "Plain People", it is also plain. You will find no javascript, brightly colored icons or anything else that would give these pages a gaudy appearance"

Then there are the "maybe we need a committee to think up something new" group:

Boring United Methodist Church, Boring, MD

Black Jack Missionary Baptist Church in Gore Springs, MS

And we end with Cowboy churches

Cowboy Church On Fire; Iraan, TX

Why not?

I just posted a little Halloween thingy at my blog here. I thought I'd bless you all with one of my all-time favorites cause I can. Enjoy!

Is it wrong that this made me laugh?

Bird watchers in Chicago coaxed a burrowing owl from its home, only to see it immediately eaten by a hawk. The birder who first spotted the owl said, "The sad truth is that we birders may very well have been responsible for the demise of the burrowing owl."

HT: Relevant Magazine

It's late.

I'm awake late tonight. Can't sleep. This rarely happens to me. Usually I'm blessed to sleep like a baby. Not tonight.

Anyway, I've been thinking... I do want to get this blog back to it's original intent. A forum to post theological questions and have some discussion.

I really, really like a good, healthy back and forth chat around a topic. I hate bickering and finger pointing though. However, I would like to try and get back to that.

To help accomplish that, I think I'll go back and delete some more of my personal posts and move them over to a personal blog I want to get up and running.

Then I'd like to come up with some ideas for creating discussions. It may work, it may not. But it's still something that interests me.

To bad I'm not sleeping though and thinking about this nonsense!

Some stuff I am thinking about right now...

1. How hard it is to get back into the blogging rhythm after missing a few days.

2. This funny link that Steve sent me Go Obama/Palin 08!

3. Luke 14. It's amazing how Jesus had no problem making a big crowd smaller.

4. The movie Iron Man. It was good. For some reason my wife and I are suddenly into purchasing DVD's. Not sure why. But we are.

5. Why gas prices are not falling in Canada at the rate they are in the states. That and Canadians pay the highest cell phone rates in the industrialized world, AND we're taxed like nuts too.

6. About the tussle over whether or not to allow homosexual couples to marry in California. California is definitely a post-Christian, non new testament following society. What do people expect? Seriously though, like Dan Kimball is talking about, if it's just about love why not allow polygamy? But then again, the sanctity of marriage was lost a long time ago. How many marriages occur totally outside the Judeo-Christian spectrum already by allowing Elvis impersonators to marry drugged out celebrities for 20 day marriages. Nobody was up in arms over that... Who knows?

7. Thinking about how my wife says I've been too negative on the old blog lately... I guess that's what happens when your in the down cycle of ones bi-polar lifestyle... ;)

8. Also thinking about heading back to my old blog. I know, I know. This has become kind of like my blog, but that wasn't the point when I started and I still feel weird posting personal stuff here... What do you think...?

Minutia

Here are a few things that have come across my desk at TP! HQ:

• Matt Chandler has a blog. That may not excite many of, if any of, you. But to me, he is my favorite person in the world outside my wife and son (and a few others too). He is the pastor at the Village church in Texas. His sermons blow me away and challenge me whenever I listen to them. I'm not kidding. Not even a little bit. If you have a second, download "the great gospel" or any of his recent sermons from the Luke series. You will not be sorry.

You can download them here. Or just use iTunes. Do it. Really, do it.

• The world series is happening. The Dodgers are not involved. Therefore I do not care.
• I watched a really interesting documentary on public TV about William Tyndale last night. I was just flipping through the channels when I came across it. I don't really think I've fully appreciated his enormous impact on western Christianity. The shame is he was kidnapped from Belgium and returned to England where he was burned at the stake only a few months short of King Henry the 8th creating the church of England so he could divorce his wives. That's crazy too, Protestant Christianity and the freedom to read the bible in English came about largely because a guy wanted a boy child.
  

Every day is like Sunday.

What a day.

Tired. Drained. Restless.

I lead the musical form of worship this morning with my acoustic guitar and friend Jessisca singing with me. It was strange. We have been without accompanying musicians for awhile now, and I really thought I was used to it but it was kind of missing an element today. Not sure. It might have been my choice of songs, and their order... Hmmm. There was some other weird distractions before we started. Must be a trend. I've now gone like 3 out of the last 4 weeks with a something going a-miss at church, some sort of scuffle or confrontation.

I need a break. But there isn't really anyone else to step in, so I carry on. I don't necessarily need a break from the music. Just the drama that is associated with it.

Then at the end of the time I kind went all stream of conscience on everyone and blabbed and cried about the persecuted church and my own short comings. Not sure if it was appropriate. People are used to me being transparent and stuff, but the weird thing is I don't have a normal relationship with anyone where I can share this stuff so I do it in public, from the stage or from the blog. I'm not really sure that is the healthiest way.

Then after church we had a pot-blessing, (or whatever we're calling them these days...) and then we came home as my wife had to work this evening. After she left I was tempted to veg on the couch for the rest of the day but felt like I should head over to our Lifeline feeding ministry in town where we hand out groceries and soup and stuff from a converted blue school bus. So Noah and I headed over there and it was a big crowd. Really big. Noah seemed to fit in with the crowd of mostly homeless and recovery folks. He was a bit of a spaz though and I had to kind of chase him around. He'd help for a second, then try to climb all over everything. In the middle of it, I kind of misplaced him for a second to find that he had cut into the food lineup and went to window so he could get a cup of juice. It was kind of cute, he could have just asked one of the volunteers but he just assumed you had to get in line like everyone else.

Another touching moment that I will probably remember for the rest of my life made our trip there totally worth it. It's hard to explain but put it this way, Noah is active. I spend most my time wrangling the kid like a steer. He kind of invades folks space so I have to watch him. Well, I noticed he was sitting at the rear of the bus and a lot of the people we were serving try to cut back there as to bypass the line up. This one lady was doing that, and I saw Noah start to talk to her and kind of start his "space invading". I started over there and he was suddenly giving this lady a huge hug. I picked up my pace thinking this person may not want this attention. As I got there I noticed he was trying to touch her face, I looked and saw she was wearing sunglasses with a big bandage beneath them. Then he did something I've never have seen him do, he asked if he could pray for her, and as she kind of started to object, my 5 year old ignored her and prayed "Jesus, please make this ladies eye feel better, amen". Then he got all spazzy did a flying leap off the back of the bus and I had to chase after him again. It all happened so quick, and he prayed like it was the most natural thing he's ever done. It was a precious and bizarre moment all wrapped up into one. We pray for him when he's hurt so I guess he thinks that's what you do!

Hmmm. Who knows? Long day. I'm happy to report that I was able to veg on the couch for awhile this evening after returning home. Now I'm off to bed!

-Jason

Shalom Sabbath

To my persecuted friends in churches all over the world.
To my safe and consuming friends all over the world.
To those who are broken and those who are well.
To those who dream of heaven and those who fear hell.
To every age, under every sky,
who know all the songs and verses.
To those who think they are righteous, and those who think they are worthless.
There is only one who is worthy of praise,
only one to whom all the earth bows low

King Jesus.

Heart breaking

Grief and sadness.

Jeremiah 14 -

Today's bible reading (well last weeks, but I'm behind.) Honestly one of the saddest I've ever read. And the hardest. So, so, so hard. And I'm not even exaggerating.

There are times when the scriptures are crushing to me and nearly suffocate any hope I have out of me. Just being honest. God is so great, just and full of holy terror. I can't even whisper beneath the weight of his righteousness. It's good to be a casual Calvinist in times like these and hold on to the assurance of my salvation. Or it's better to look to Christ, the Hope of Salvation.

Then there is the ongoing struggles around the world. The persecution of believers in India and Iraq. And a lot of other places. There is the apathy most have towards it, the apathy I battle to maintain. So much of me want to ignore and insulate all over again. What do I do to maintain?

There is a mother of little ones in our church who was just transferred to hospice care. Horrible and sad.

In our little church over the last two years we've had way too many battles with cancer. The odds are not fair.

I miss being on vacation. That seems trite amidst everything else. The sun, the family, the beach. Being with my family all the time and not driving back and forth to work and hour each way. Not getting home after 6 each night. Wondering who we're going to find to babysit my kid each day after school since the original plan fell through.

I hate sucking. I have sucked at life this week. Embarrassingly poorly. Ashamed at my laziness and futile attempts at following Jesus. I don't know how else to put it. I suck.

I hate that I'm struggling even though none of this directly affects me or my family in any serious manner like it does so many others.

Just all together it's too heavy to bear.

Posted by Jason_73

The Cross and the Crown

The current financial crisis has been a blessing for me. It has worked to reveal some of my own idols and helped me to see the gospel a little more clearly.

As I survey the landscape of current evangelicalism and the depths of my own heart, I am convinced that I want the crown without the cross. You see the church and I are often plagued with wanting the blessings of glory, while not understanding the fellowship of His suffering. We have a over-realized eschatology. We want to live in the fullness of his kingdom right now, and we are not so interested in the not yet. Instead of being a witness through daily suffering for the glory of Christ we want our best life now.

Yes I want to experience the miraculous, healings, the tangible presence of God, and lives radically transformed. But, that stuff is becoming increasingly dull to me. I don't know how to put it any other way. I am becoming more and more disinterested in what we might narrowly call "the supernatural" and am finding real excitement in watching others make Christ look great in the midst of their suffering. I am encouraged and provoked when Christians live in what Eugene Peterson called "a long obedience in the same direction."

Besides the financial crisis bringing clarity to this a new book by John Piper has helped me with this. It is not your typical Piper book, but it is a poetic and illustrated book based on the life of Job. This book has pierced me with many uncomfortable questions: Could I suffer like Job and still not curse God? Do I love God more than my wealth and health? If I want to follow Jesus do I realize that he was crucified? .....and many more similar questions. Anyway, I if you are interested in previewing the book you can watch the trailer below. Also I would love to hear your thoughts....

-Dave

Obama and Harper....?

Last night Canada elected it's second conservative government, and at the same time the U.S. is about to elect it's most liberal government in history. Our we losing our stereotypical identities? Are Canada and the U.S. trading places?

- Dave

Crazy.

This election is crazy. I think I need to head back to my observer status and keep my mouth shut. The word "politics" just seems like it's becoming another term for "manipulation". This whole Obama as terrorist thing is out-of-control. Right winged whackos calling for his death at campaign stops with Palin. I am thinking after further review that McCain could have been a whole lot stronger with his comeback on the video below actually. A lot stronger. And they could have been a bit more careful in their rhetoric not to insight it in the first place.

This is the last time I comment about the election. Probably for the rest of my life.

How 'bout them Dodgers!

Or how 'bout that persecution of believers in India!

posted by: Jason

+100 points for John McCain in my book.

Ya'll should watch this. Some people I hung out with during my vacation should watch this.

America is a freaking polarized place right now. John McCain gets mad props from me for this little nugget.

Posted by: Jason

HT: Longbrake

We need your help!

Give us a caption!

Hostile Takeover...

During Jason's absence I thought I'd entertain you with a little......? (I don't know what you call it but I love this song...)

Going to California.

So we leave today to the states for a couple of weeks. Maybe we'll buy a credit union or two while we're there. Either that or go to legoland. It's a toss up. I will be eating some genuine, authentic mexican food. You can count on that one.

My latest painting.

Confessions

One of those nights. Put my kid to bed and saw that innocent look on his face. Saw the naive way he was trying to read words too big to pronunciate. Saw his big smile of love like I'm the greatest guy in the world and his hero. Saw him for every bit the 5 year old boy that he is. Little, impressionable, vulnerable, sweet...

And my stomach just collapses. It was such a rough day. He got scolded by someone at church. The guy grabbed him by his wrist and snapped at him. Right in front of me. 

I must have hauled him out of the room ten times to "take care" of father and son business. I'm not the parent that sits there and let's his kid fool around with a dumb, absent grin on his face. trust me on that one. I'm the hardest one of them all. 

Another guy quasi-snapped at him when my kid kept interupting our conversation. Then someone called him "trouble" later on. 

Another guy carried on this bad joke with him WAAAAAAY to long about how he had heard from others "what a bad kid" he is. 

My son had to face consequences for his disobedience all day long. He also had to face a dad who was over-compensating and embarrassed with him when he was acting out. Probably because he was set up for failure in the first place. At the church, (where he used to have free reign of the place day in and day out when I worked there), with a meeting going on, with no one to pay attention to him... He's a high energy and strong willed kid to begin with.

Set up to fail, and he did. So did I. 

Now I look in on him now when he's sleeping. So perfect and calm. So little. So 5 years old. I want to cry. I want to "confront" the guy that scolded him. I never want to step into another church building if it means I'm setting him up to fail. I want everyone that judges my kid to dare say it to my face. I want him only to interact with the few that "get" him. That love him unconditionally, that have never ending patients with him and like spending time with him.

I know that's a fantasy world too. I just want it to start with me. Let me be all of those things, so when he does have to deal with that nonsense he can always see Christ and His Daddy in heaven through me. 

And I failed today. Big time. There he is, still looking at me like a hero. Crushing my soul.

Influence part 2

A couple of months ago, I was at a para-church meeting when the speaker, a good friend and somewhat a mentor and inspiration to me quoted an obscure verse from Psalms that had to do with Free-will/Armenian theology and took a little rabbit trail into his free-will point of view.

I remember thinking, "Wow, I didn't know he was a free-will guy? Oh wait, he was raised in the Pentecostal church so that makes sense..."  *

That has lead me to think a few things:

A) How much do I believe, because it was the first thing I was taught... 

B) Am I invested in certain theology/thoughts about God for sentimental reasons more than a mature biblical revelation from God?

or put another way:

      B.1)How much do I support/defend/advocate for certain doctrines/teachings because of I have an emotional attachment to defend the integrity/reliability/spiritual orthodoxy of friends, loved ones, mentors...

C) How does this affect my interpretation of scripture? Do I allow scripture to interpret me or do I read it in a way to confirm my biases?

      C.1) Often I have caught myself reading the bible saying "Aha! See this did happen here in scripture, and that proves my point that God moves that way, teaches this or that, is like this or that, and not like so and so teaches.

Any thoughts?

* I shouldn't assume that my friend was simply indoctrinated into his view points because he was raised in certain church or that he didn't come to conclusions after personal study and seeking God. It just made me think is all.

Posted by - Jason

Influence part 1

I've been listening to a really wonderful, candid interview with a prominent Christian pastor/writer. The person asked him who his influences were and he mentioned his father who was an traveling evangelist and his mother. One of the things he remembered was his parents principally reading the bible. Kind of a generic statement I guess, but then I thought:

"What will my son remember me doing (or how I spent my downtime)?"

a. Sitting behind a lap-top.
b. Sprawled out on the couch for hours watching meaningless TV.
c. Always clutching a sports magazine.
d. Always reading some book *
e. In God's word.

I really want to make it the latter.

* There is nothing wrong with any of these morally neutral activities. My point is how I want my son to remember what I spent my time doing.

Posted by: Jason

The drummer.

So some things that I am thinking about.

- 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

- This guy that showed up half-way through worship practice on Sunday who I have never seen before. He pulled out some drumsticks and asked if he could play. I was kind of taken aback and said maybe he could practice with us. Then I asked if he was a Christian. This question surprised him. He said he was. Then my back-up singer friend said his aftershave was too strong and that she was allergic to it. He said he'd go wash up and come back. He did, but it still bugged her so she apologized and told him. He seemed pretty put off by it and got in his car and left. Weird.

- Stay and pray or confront. I have been struggling for a bit. I have a few strong theological convictions that are being put to the test. There are a couple of people I really care about who are, in my opinion, off base on some stuff. I have been preaching the whole "Believe the best, pray the rest" thing for awhile. I really do want to find my greatest satisfaction in laying these concerns and issues at the feet of Christ and being content with that. I hate it when I do the alternative and I find myself murmuring/gossiping about them to my wife or other friends. I need to figure out what to do. I think the prayer thing can turn into a cop-out for never dealing with issues, never approaching a brother (or sister) to discuss differences, or perceived weaknesses or unbiblical theology. I pray for grace in this matter.

- Accountability and brotherhood. I think this may be the most under-rated aspect in Christianity. There is something unleashed in authentic, biblical relationship. Something in the power of confession, encouraging prayer. I think this is most appropriate when it is someone you worship alongside on a regular basis. I am desiring this, but have not made the appropriate connections with other guys in my church who are like minded, and are in a similar stage of life as me. Not that that is the be all - end all. Just kind of important. I don't think we were met to navigate this life alone.

- (warning, next segment is highly volatile and very immature in my thinking process) I also think the prosperity doctrine, mindset is a lot more than "health and wealth". I think it extends into our thinking on what we think God owes us in terms of  how he should be interacting with us. That there is some spiritual law of repricocity that God will fill our fantasies, and owes us a certain level of personal relationship. Maybe I shouldn't be projecting what God is revealing to me on everyone else though. It seems a majority of what I see  people prophesy or encourage each other in, is for abundance, prosperity, renewal, revival, big happenings and happy times. I don't know about this, it doesn't necessarily fit the major theme of scripture... again, just some thinking

- My wife is working like a mad women. She has been taking tons of double shifts at the hospital. She's doing another tonight, and then this weekend is working doubles on both Saturday and Sunday. We are leaving on Tuesday to California for 11 days so the thinking is, we can all rest then. Hopefully we make it to then. It's nuts, they just opened a new hospital that is like 30% larger but have the same staffing ratio. For instance, my wife works in maternity, and they went from have 12 beds to 30. And it seems the same amount of staff. There are currently 4 un-filled shifts that the regular staff are covering. My wife had worked the last two years waiting and dreaming about getting a shift like that and now they can't give them away. 

- Just blogging. Put the boy to bed, Went to his parent-teacher open house thingy tonight. It's a trip watching him interact with others. He's an independent soul. Doesn't really need others to entertain him. Kind of floats from one area to the next. Other kids are buddied up with others, but not the boy. He doesn't seem lonely though. His teacher seems to enjoy him. She gave me a glance of relief to know, that I know he's a busy, impulsive kid. He's a reader though. She said he is the class reader and she can't pull him away from books. She is kind of amazed at how well he does. So am I. He been reading everything since he was in kindergarten. Out of the blue he looked up from the table and asked what "caffeine" was after he read it on a can of pop. Pronounced it perfectly. He's a good kid. I hope I don't continue to provide bump in the road for him with my rookie dad mistakes...

- We had our TV turned back on last night after it being off for the summer. I am sad it is back on. Still full of crap. Really that isn't even an exaggeration. Crap. In the banal, profane, literal sense. Only this crap isn't redeemable in that it can be turned into fertilizer. We decided we would watch the first episode of "Heroes" and I got up in the middle and went to bed. Not good. But people like TV, and they are probably thinking I'm judging them. Sorry. Not trying to. 

- The last thing, and maybe this could be a post all in it's own... THE ABSOLUTELY WORST THING ABOUT THE US ELECTIONS IS HAVING TO HEAR PEOPLE LIKE LINDAY LOHAN SHARE THEIR POLITICAL VIEWS. as if anyone out there thinks, "Thank goodness I know where Lindsay and her girlfriend stand on the issues, now I can make an informed vote!"

Well, I've brain-dumped enough for today. That is all. Thanks for glancing at this long post and saying... "No thanks!"

Bible tool

So ya'all are much more educated than I in the bible.

I came across this open source bible reference tool and it seems pretty cool. I recognize some of the commentators on it but not all. 

Any shady heretic characters in the bunch? I would like to know so I don't learn something evil and burn.  I don't want to be learning from any liberal germans or anything.

Check it out here.

Posted by: Jason

Feed a kid!

This is kind of fun. I have donated 440 grains of rice, or 4 bowls with my vast knowledge of the English vocabulary. But I have to get back to work...

Posted by: Jason

A few things.

Here is a link to a blog following the happening in India

Orissaburning.blogspot.com

Pass it on!

Also, I found this clean, theme for the blog and like it. Just one thing I noticed is that it doesn't say who posted the blog. So I think for the sake of anyone reading it that doesn't know us, just write in the title or in the post somewhere who posted it.

Also, had a lazy weekend. More on that in another post. But for now, check out the Orissa site and inform your other brethren and sistren to do the same.

Posted by: Jason

More...

"The mob then hit him with crowbars and sticks. The beatings came like heavy rain."

There is a blog dedicated to stories from the persecution in Orissa, India.

Spread the news. 

The news world is ignoring this story. 

Mourn, weep and wail.

Something has gone off inside me. I am absolutely inspired to break down the appathetic attitude I may have had about what is happening in Orissa, India. 

I read Andrew's post a week ago, and it didn't even really register to me. I'm ashamed of myself. I used to force myself to read the weekly Voice of the Martyrs e-mail report. Then I started to skip over it. I'm ashamed of myself. 

Who do I think I am anyway?

Then yeaterday, Francis made mention of it in the sermon I was listening to on the way to work. There was an urgent video message from a pastor in India who has planted 1000's of churches for the persecuted believers in Orissa, India. Then another post update popped up from Tall Skinny Kiwi about Orissa, and a video.... Then I watched the video and it has destroyed me. I don't know what to do. 

I'm tired. I'm tired of being a lover of myself. I'm tired that the only thing that effects me is when my standard of livinig is challenged. While others are fighting for lives, I'm concerned about my standard of life. I'm ashamed of myself. 

So what to do? Pray and fast, and rally others to do the same. Then let God start to open the doors. I started a facebook group last night for prayer for the believers in India. I've asked everyone I know to join. Hopefully, illumination will come to some like it did to me. 

Thank you Lord for illuminating our hearts again and again when we don't deserve it. By your grace. 

What to do now. What will we do? What will you do? 

If it was someone we knew hiding in the forrest to escape mutilation and genocide we would move heaven and earth to rescue them.

Let's take a second out of our lives to pray and consider. And listen.

Please, Please, Please watch this video.

Latitudes and Platitudes

A busy week around the Hughlett household. Well for my wife anyway. She has been working tons of extra shifts, including a couple of insane doubles at the hospital. On top of that she is working a few evenings this week, has her class tomorrow and is decorating (she always goes large) for a ladies banquet at church. We miss her, but are looking forward to our vacation to California coming up in two weeks.

Two weeks! That is crazy. We already went once this year and now we're doing a second trip. That is not usually how we do things, jet-setting back and forth to So. Cal. But earlier this year I was in dire need of connecting with my kin folk and this time my little sister is getting married and we got some killer deals on tickets. So we're heading out soon. (the cool thing is the last time we went to Seaworld, the day pass they sell is good for a whole year, so when we go back we can use them again to get in for no cost)(and Seaworld is literally a block from my Mom's place in SD so that is good too.)

Other than that, I should mention for anyone that cares, and also to remind myself when I read these blogs again in the future that I heard back from the organization we were surveyed by last month, and we passed with flying colors. This is kind of a big deal in my micro world so that is a blessing. It took a lot of work, and having to jump over a few hurdles, but in the end it worked out good. I'm glad I could bless my boss with a good result. She deserves it. 

Well, it's late. I should head off to bed. It's been awhile since I blogged one of these "random-life" catch-up posts. It's good to capture these little moments. I'm glad the rest of the "team" allows such latitude. ;) I need to spend some time in my book. I'm reading Jerry Bridges "Pursuit of Holiness" and it is rocking my world. I am taking notes, so it is taking forever to get through but I don't mind. It's like eating a great meal that you never want to end. Very transformational. I look forward to reading it when I get the chance. So, I'm going to take the chance now. 

Also, one last thing. I picked up a CD last night (from iTunes) by a guy named Jonathan David Helser. Good stuff. I was blessed listening to it today at work. It was strangely comforting as I tried to digest the news out of India. More on that later. 

We interupt this broadcast

Thousands of Christians are becoming witnesses, "martyrs" right now in northern India. Homes, churches and believers are being burned to death. 

Now, let's get back to life as normal. 

Let me go find a funny internet video making fun of silly Christians or something.

The Emerging church.

It's funny a few years back... 2003 I believe, Dave and I flew down to attend the National Pastors Conference, that was occurring congruently with the second "Emergent" conference. Dave had gone to the first the year before and was excited enough to buy every Brian Mclaren book he could get his hands on. It was an interesting time. They had drum circles, DJ led worship, Peter Nevland was there and blew everyone away. We heard Dallas Willard, Tony Campolo, and a bunch of others. There was a panel with Robert Webber and Jack Caputo arguing about whether or not to call God "mother" or "father"...

My how things have changed. Dave's new favorite book is probably, "Why we're not emergent" and his favorite conference is "together for the gospel"...

Me, I'm a flaming liberal, emerging neo-orthodox whose favorite tape series is "highlights from the Jesus Seminar vol.1-15".

Just kidding.

But one of the good things that came the conference (besides prayer labrynths!) was connecting with the ministry of Dan Kimball. I think he is a guy that really gets it.
I've followed his blog for years now and have been impressed with his heart and ministry non-stop.

The guy actually wrote the book "the emerging church". He's been through all the issues, de-construction, burn out, trouble with church leadership, blah blah blah... and has kept his head on straight. You would think that a guy who helped coin the term "emerging church" would have some stock in trying to defend it. But it looks like he's actually disconnecting from it.

Largely from the amount of baggage and confusion it brings and some of the doctrines and teachings that he describes being totally opposed to that it is now associated with.

Wow. Good for you Dan. 

Here is a quote I pulled out of the article. Well-worth a read:

"I am not wedded to any term and I don't think most people are. I, like most others, am wedded to the gospel  and to Jesus' command of making new disciples - not a term to describe it. So I will be not using terms, as I want to get back to why I entered this whole discussion originally (evangelism)"

I have officially had my fill of this @#$%&...

I don't think I am alone in saying this stuff is ridiculous.

Sound off if you are fed up with this crap too.

Knock-Down Argument Against Dancing in Church

Thanks to: JT

An old video of my pal Steve on bass...

Just kidding but a classic the burning up the net lately...

What if...

So Condeleeza Rice is in Libya meeting with Moammar Gadafi, and I read this quote in the article,

 "Whether or not Gadhafi is sporting his trademark dark sunglasses and is flanked by his usual corps of female bodyguards, his meeting with Rice, whom he once called "Leeza, my darling black African woman," will be one to remember."

So now run with me in your imagination on this one. 

What if...

They hooked up. Condi was overwhelmed with Moammar's charm, she fell madly in love with him and decided to never come home. You have to get into a "Classic Hollywood Cinema" headspace for this, maybe a little Disney, a little late night Cinemax, but wouldn't that be like the biggest story ever? Would they get a celebrity name like "Moam-eeza" or something? Paparazi shots of them eating icecream together in an oil field somewhere... Condi jealous of one of the female body guards, dumps him, and ends up with John Mayer and they have twins...?

If only life took more bizarre turns like this I wouldn't have to use my imagination all the time.

Does your cup "runneth over"?

"If we give the impression that the main effect of Christianity is to make us miserable, then it is not surprising that ninety per cent of the people are outside the Christian church. 'Miserable Christians,' they say, 'look at them!' And they add that they have life, they have joy, they have fullness. Shame on us Christian people! But it is not merely a question of saying shame on us. What a terrible responsibility is ours if we are so misrepresenting this 'glorious gospel of the blessed God' (1 Timothy 1:11). We are meant to be witnesses to all people that we are filled to overflowing. We are meant to show the truth of the psalmist's words: 'My cup runneth over!' (Psalm 23:5)."

I can think of no greater way I have continually shipwrecked my walk but when I've built facades to try and "represent" how great it is to be a believer. However, I know that the above quote by the good Dr. MLJ is true. In what is truly a paradox wrapped in a puzzle, hidden in a mystery, I will spend my life trying to mortify my flesh, while at the same time living and demonstrating the Joy of the Lord.

Second short post of the week.

This post from Brant Hansen is hilarious and so true.

Chrome

Wow. Wow. wow. I love the new web browser from google. Google Chrome.

Grade 1

One of the funny little different idiom's between Canada and the U.S. that you notice. Here is it's grade 1, grade 2, where in the states your starting the 1rst grade or the second grade.

Noah started grade 1. He's not in class number__, he's in division 8... ??? Whatever. The other weird thing, which I think might be chocked up to organization is that he won't know what class he's in till probably Thursday afternoon. They spend this week registering new kids and other stuff and in the mean time he's in a temp class with kids that probably won't end up being his class mates. Weird.

It's amazing to watch him grow up though. My little guy.

Ferry embarrassment

So yesterday after the funeral I decided to take the ferry across the river to get to work. This isn't my usual route, but it was the quickest way to one of the group homes from my church and it's free. It's a little ferry that holds about 25 or so cars and will soon be replaced by a bridge. As luck would have it I missed getting on the ferry by just a couple of spots so I would have to wait to the next one. When the next one came I was on first and took the coveted lead car spot. All cars behind me. When we got to the other side (Like a 5 minute trip) I went to start my car and leave and nothing. No response. The first time my car has ever done that. It was horribly embarrassing and the guy kept signaling me to go. Finally after what seemed an eternity of holding everyone up they came out with a battery charger and started me up. 

Not a very exciting story for some. Just an embarrassing moment for me. 

Rest in peace dear friend.

So tomorrow I have the joy of marrying two of my dearest friends. Today I am celebrating another who is now with Jesus. Funny how life kind of brings things in pairs. 

My friend Dave P., passed away this last week. He made it to a ripe old age so I rejoice in that. However, I grieve with his family who will miss him dearly. A few weeks ago, he made it to church which surprised me do to his state. He had just been in serious condition at the hospital. While he was there we took time to honor him. It was an easy thing to do. He was very honorable. The salt of the earth and pure gold. That isn't hyperbole. I read somewhere that great men are all around, but truly outstanding men are not as frequent. He was an outstanding, Godly man. 

Our church has seen it's share of difficulties. Three big shifts/splits/episodes over the last 30 years. Many people have come and gone. Many people have gotten really emotional and so forth. My friend and his wife had been here from the beginning and stayed faithful and godly through it all. Never bringing attention to themselves, never causing a scene. Just faithful and praying. Doing their part. Even though their friends, pastors and family would leave, they never did. The amazement of that fact can't be under stated. 

They were always there: teaching Sunday school to future pastors and missionaries, serving in the some-times thankless role of deacon, cutting the huge lawn week after week, and leading the missions ministry for years and years (Plus a lot more). The only time I saw him fired up is when there were proposals to cut funding or trim giving to missions.

I really can't explain or put into words what a quality example of Christ-likeness  he was. A wonderful man. That may be telling. When words can't be used to describe someone, it reveals the splendor and mystery of God using the life of such a quiet, humble, dignified man to speak louder than what is common in the over-produced, attention mongering and self-worshipping world we live in. 

I want to grow up to be like my friend Dave.

Bitter-sweet

If you bump a glass of sweet water, sweet water will spill,

if you bump a glass of bitter water, bitter water will spill.

- Amy Carmichael

Monday morning joy.

This picture makes me happy. I don't know how to describe it to folks who don't have kids but sometimes you love them so much for no real reason. Noah came to work with me last Friday when the baby sitter called in sick at the last second. He really thought he was helping me do my job when in reality it was a bit tougher :)

As is his custom, he likes to crawl up on my lap and demand that I stop what I'm doing on my computer and go on youtube to watch Marvin the Martian videos. I'm still not sure how that tradition started btw... A few hours later he drew this picture. As I was tidying up my office I came across it and my heart just filled up with happiness and pride. I started thinking about him and how much I love him. Not for what he can do, just for who he is. Weird and generic sounding but true.

Monday morning blues.

Man. Sakes. Alive.

Not sure why, but I woke up this morning embarrassed and feeling kind of weak. I sat there recounting my message/sermon/spiel from yesterday word of word, phrase by phrase and I was practically paralyzed in bed. I wanted to pull the covers over my face and hide. Not sure why. Nobody said anything to me. No negative feedback. But all these peoples faces from the crowd, the congregation staring at me. Wierd. Not sure why it happens like that.

Update. Recap. Whatever.

So I just got done playing Risk for the first time ever. And won.
1-0. I am retiring. Undefeated.

Also preached sermon 2 of sermons 1 and 2. I was unbelievably nervous this week for some reason. Got up there and spilled my guts again. I think it was received well.

Phew. Now I just have to do a wedding this weekend and then I can retire from this gig as well.

Just kidding.

Sunday morning. Feeling fine.

Silly me. Will I ever learn?

I couldn't find the "word" until I started to focus on THE WORD.

It's here. Early on Sunday morning.

It's going to be ok.

Took me 20 minutes to put all the info together and type out my notes after I finally got it.

It's a wonder what a couple hours of sleep will do for you.

Saturday night. Struggling.

So I'm preaching again tomorrow and struggling for "the word". I have lots of stuff I can talk about, a bunch of notes, but I haven't found the "word" yet. Sometimes it doesn't come till I'm about to come up front. Sometimes it comes a week before and I have to keep it stoked all week. Who knows. Maybe I'll just call in sick. Maybe I'll suggest "prayer and testimony" time.

It's times like these I remember that I'm glad I don't have to struggle like this all week every week anymore. Then I kind of feel like a wuss for thinking that way. Oh well, after tomorrow it's back to the low-down for awhile. What was I thinking of telling Paul that I would take both weeks...?

Paul: Jason, I was wondering if you'ld take the pulpit for one of the two Sundays while I"m gone...

Me: Sure Paul, mind if I take them both...?

Paul: Uh... sure...that would be great!

Me: No problem-o...

Me: (Two weeks later...) @^%&#%#!!!!

Oh well. I had this funny thought of just preaching out of the most random book in the bible, like Nahum or Obadiah. Just to keep folks on their toes. Then I did some research on Nahum and found it interesting. Just haven't got the "word" yet...

My latest painting

I just finished this tonight. I'm not sure its perfect for our living room or not but that's where it is right now.

The Todd-shaped hole

Over the past 30 days I've been in Lakeland and various other prophetic watering holes doing my best at a documentary on the whole outpouring move. It's been an honor to talk to people associated with the movement, especially the ones that were healed, saved or renewed by the ministry of ignited and fresh fire.

And what a time to do this in, right when the controversy breaks.

I'm not into divulging secrets or stirring up controversy, really. What I have seen here and there is how the church is pulling together in this mess, and how people are pressing in and not giving up, the church wants to see people saved and healed in spite of what has happened with Todd.

Revival, outpouring, renewal, whatever you want to call it, is going to continue. We charismatics would be lost without a good meetin', ya hear. There will be other outpourings, other revivals and lots of good kingdom stuff to occur very soon.

I was interviewing a really cool worship leader the other night, and she said something that really surprised me:

"I miss Todd. Todd should be back here."

This was different from the dozen or so interviews I've conducted since the reports. I've heard one too many times that "this is not about Todd, it's about God" and yeah that is true, but still.. I mean, how many healing evangelists are out there that appeal to such a wide variety of people?

I looked back at all the early youtube films that were so exciting: raw, real, powerful and most of all hopeful: the Gift of Healing had returned, and the guy leading us into it was just as raw and powerful as the Gift itself. It wasn't religious, it wasn't controlled, and there was a high entertainment value that went along with the miracles, signs, wonders.

And I'm not saying that Todd should be back when there are unresolved issues in his life to the extent that has been revealed, but when one very prominent and radical leader is taken out, it stings.

Yes we need to pray for Todd, yes hopefully he will be back, restored and well once again. But in the meantime the Todd-shaped hole needs to be filled with believers who can stir up the pot just as much. I think we need to be the ones taking the torch on and generating tangible healing radicalness, causing the world to see God is real.

Favorite olympic athlete

Dong Dong

The sovereignty of God and a 5 year old.

Tonight Noah and I went to the US OF A where cheese and breakfast cereal are way cheaper. Gas was even $3.59 a gallon. A bit better than the 5 something we pay here in Canada. On the way home out of nowhere he mentioned he is not thankful for things that don't make him happy.

Me: Well, God wants us to be thankful for everything... He still has control in hard times and can make them good.

Noah: So he's a controlling God?

Me: uh... I guess... Kind of...

Noah: and it's like my car I got for Christmas... God has a remote control...a controller, you know?

Me: uh...
Me (thinking): Only if your a hard-core Calvinist...

Lectures and listening

So I've been blogging a little "stream of conscience" lately. Kind of a tricky proposition. Kind of dangerous. Maybe not responsible. My old blog was called "thinking out loud" with purpose. I really am just thinking out loud most of the time, working through different thoughts and feelings. I assume the only folks reading this are Steve, Dave, Roy and maybe my wife. Oh yeah and Phil. So your safe right?!?!

So know that I'm not a total nut job and that I really never come to many firm conclusions on much in spite of what my tone in a post on here might suggest. I have a few disorders, and one of them is that I have to get stuff off my chest. It can make for a some boring one-sided conversations/lectures for a few of my friends. But they are generally gracious in listening which I appreciate. I've almost got this theology thing nailed down. A few more months and I'll write a book about it.

So thanks for grace...

Cole eating guacamole.

Just being the life if the party and showing folks how to blog from my phone.

Well. I preached.

People didn't shake their fists at me in anger so that's good. Then again, maybe not...

In response... "How the mighty have fallen"

In response to Jason's post - this is a little longer than a just a comment.

I remember participating in similar issues and contoversy (doctrinal) regarding Benny Hinn. Hinn is very likable, God has done some miraculous stuff in and around his ministry - and it is true, the guy has preached some VERY wacky stuff. So what can you do?

Paul in I Cor. talks about how some believers said, "I follow Paul..." others said, "I follow Apollos" - to which Paul said, "I follow Christ!"

As for Bentley? I personally don't know what to do with the guy. I have chosen to remain on the sidelines throughout this whole thing. I have been neutral.

I am the same way with Benny Hinn- neutral. I used to vehemently argue against his doctrine. Then, I went to a crusade (I was literally forced to go by my former Pastor - and boss). He (Hinn) spent a few minutes teaching some pretty basic innocous stuff. Then he led worship. It was an AWESOME time of worship. Then people started popping up shouting and dancing all around the room - made their way up front and starting giving testimonies of what God had just done. My mind changed instantly about his ministry. He was no longer trying to be a revolutionary Bible teacher digging for "hidden" truths. He was just up there leading worship and hearing from the Lord. Awesome! Do I "follow" the guy? NO. But I am now much less critical.
As for Todd Bentley, I am grieved. I am grieved in the same way I am with anybody who "falls" or whose mistakes, miss-steps or sin are revealed in the public eye (heck, even John Edwards for that matter). I still haven't read that much about any of the details - though it doesn't matter much. The fact is, we can all fall prey to the same kinds of things, especially in ministry. It is too easy to get our lives out of balance in the name of ministry.

King David was able to say of his former enemy -"Oh, how the mighty have fallen!" He could have rejoiced that he had been vindicated through Saul's death - and now he was out of danger and able to ascend the throne of Israel. Instead, he mourned the loss of someone "great" - WOW! I hope the story is still being written with Todd Bentley. I will admit, I was personally a bit turned off (as I usually am) by all the hype and hoopla. But I chose to remain neutral. I pray that he submits to authority, that he is teachable, humble - that his wife and kids are o.k. and that he is restored. We'll have to wait and see. I do believe we should be grieved. How the mighty have fallen!

Up late.

I'm up kind of late. It has been a lazy-ish couple of days as I am in de-compression mode after the big deal thingy I had at work. My body is demanding I slow down a bit.

And I've been kind of rocked by the whole Bentley thing.

I don't know what it is, but at some point I've taken it on as my mandate to stick up for the guy. I'm not really sure why... Maybe it's the local boy made good thing as he is from our town. Not that he is a favorite son. There have been a spat or two around here over the years due to his ministry and such. I once wrote a post about him (fairly positive) that received tons of traffic (fairly negative) on the old blog. That kind of provoked me to stick up for him even when I wasn't sure why. I've been to a few of his conferences, and really could have taken or left it (meant as harmless as possible). The funny thing is God always spoke deeply to my heart through another speaker or I met someone while there. Most fondly was my friend Peter Moyo from Zimbabwe.

Over time I've gone about my own business and such and Todd has grown in some renown I suppose. The folks that stuck around our church after the "troubles of 06-7" tended to be the lot that appreciate Todd and Freshfire. We still have a bunch that either came from the church they planted, Global Harvest or attended his ministry school. They are honestly fantastic, wonderful people. One had a word for me a few weeks ago that was right on the money and very affirming. That's the part that gets me. I have a tough, real tough time with some of the stuff Todd teaches, the hype, certain experiences and so forth. Some of it makes me cringe in fact. But I know a lot of people that are very connected to those guys and they are golden, salt of the earth. People that I love and trust deeply. Therein lies the rub. And I've chosen to concentrate more on what I know through them than what I don't understand in the way of the theological stuff. God is good, and if these good people who know him and love him a lot more that I can stand up for him, then I just believe the best and pray the rest as Francis always said.

And then this whole mess that has come up in the last few days. The first thing my fleshly heart thought was "oh great, I've been sticking up for the guy and now I have egg on my face". Awesome heh? My heart=selfish. But then I thought, "oh man... it is going to hit the fan", and sure enough it is.

I think that's why I've kind of found myself defending the guy. I can't stand the other team. Almost why I'll vote for any team playing against the San Fransisco Giants, I don't like them. I've never really stood up for Todd's doctrine as much as I've stood up against these blind, ignorant, vicious attacks on people. Man, some of the stuff that is out there is sickening. I don't understand what they think they are going to accomplish. Are they going to succeed in keeping people from believing God might want to heal people, save people, deliver people...?

I mean it's always been there I guess... but if people want to travel and listen to a guy, and they are coming away blessed and transformed, encouraged, hopeful, pumped-up, inspired to minister, and have a greater heart for lost people then whats the deal? These same people leaving church and going to the park just to find people to pray for, going onto the streets feeling empowered to bless and encourage and looking to bring the kingdom. Moving to Africa to start orphanages. Good stuff. Yet, there are these critics who have this sloppy, lazy caricature of these same people as mindless zombies who just open up their wallets and heads and dump the contents in the offering basket.

Do I have concerns around some issues? Sure. Some who were not healed when they might have thought they were, some who are immature and put too much hope and stock in a man other than Jesus, some who aren't connected with a local body. Their are certainly many things within the Charismatic realm that need an overhaul. I'm praying it'll happen. That God may use this latest news to propel some of that. But I believe that God is able and interested in keeping people and protecting them. Just like the baby believers Paul left behind every time he was kicked out of a town, just like the believers who were flirting with bad doctrine and bad character that he would write his letters to, God kept and protected them. He also challenged and rebuked them too. But a loving father chastises those he loves.

I'll be praying for these guys. I have a way that I hope it will go. It might not. But I'll pray none the less. I wish my first response would have been grief and a challenge to pray for the kids and the family... the important stuff.

Bentley?

Well, I thought somebody would have to post on Bentley since the blogsphere is buzzing like a rock in a hornets nest. Not much to say but I did read an interesting article over at Charisma Magazine. You can check it out here.

Most of all in this craziness remember to pray for the marriage of Todd and his wife and hopefully their reconciliation.

my brain in over drive.

Since my little rant yesterday that was kind of stream of conscience, I've been thinking about it.

One clarification. I'm speaking to myself here BTW... (And to anyone reading that I might be confusing) (I should just write in a stinking journal!)

I don't care what my community thinks about a lot of things that I used to think were important but no longer do. And things that I can't control. The end-all/be-all isn't whether or not my church goes out of business tomorrow. It's just a building and a bunch of statements, and some traditions. I do care about the people within it, how we love one another. How people can know and see God from that. I do care. 99.99999999% of people have it wrong anyway. Why do we get so worked up about that? What they think? I don't understand.

When God opens up doors for real, meaningful relationship that His Spirit is working in, then all our fleshly wrong stuff starts to get worked through... That is what we should care about... Those kind of relationships, and everything else will work itself out.

We care a lot!

So as not to tread in the vague mystery of cynicism and hyperbole too long and cast the wrong impression, I do care.

I do care about my community.

I do care about being a fragrant aroma to the world.

I do care about contextualizing my faith in a way that brings clarity to the gospel for someone and doesn't allow man-made traditions to be worshiped.

I do care about truth.

I do care that God's people have a reputation that honors and brings glory to His name.

I do care about reaching marginalized people with the saving freedom of the new covenant God has made with His creation.

I do care about God's beautiful order, and how that looks a lot different than most North Americans perception of order.

I do care about people not being abused in, or by the church or people pretending to be God's church.

I do care about being an ambassador of reconciliation for Christ.

I do care about breaking down facades in my life and heart.

I do care about blessing and not cursing.

I do care about cutting through the garbage of self-deception and hearing hard truth.

I do care about a lot of things.

I do care about faith, hope and love.

I do care about a lot.

I am a parodox.

I don't care!

I just read a quote from this blog that said something to the effect, "If your church closed down tomorrow would your community care...?"

Hmmm.

I don't really care what my community would think.

AGHAST!

How dare I say that... I am treading in sacrosanct territory here for some people.

Whatever.

I don't care what you think about our church sign, our church's mission statement, the color of our pews, the fact we have pews, that we're a small church, that some Sundays all we have is a guy leading with an acoustic guitar. That sometimes our projector isn't working. I don't care what you think about our church's logo, whether there are ugly people or beautiful people that go here, what you think about my pastor's message or his delivery. Whether you think we are unusual and "Charis-maniacs". I don't care what you think about our church.

I don't really kind-of care if the "World" (you know, non-Christians) think my building is cool, or our programs are relevant, Or that we don't really have programs... or if they think I'm an intellectual midget, or if the people in my church are unusual and make them feel uneasy. We are unusual. And weird.

The reality is we have a reputation out there that we can't control anyway. Sinners gossip to one another and spread half-truths and lies, and un-informed information. Or they spread the actual truth about us. It may not be flattering. But it's true. We're sinners too in the process of redemption and sanctification. If you want to keep me in that box that's your problem. God's sanctifying us that's all I care about.

I don't care if people know that I am reformed in some regards and free-will in others. I don't really care if you know that I am intrigued by Obama. That I shop at Wal-mart and eat bacon. I don't despise Joel Osteen. Or Todd Bentley. Or John Piper. Or hardly anyone else any more. Who cares?

I also like the New Living Translation.

I used to think all that stuff was so important. I worried so much about how others saw me and what they thought.

And you know what? Now that I don't care and invest all my emotional energy into it, I'm free. It's all going to burn someday. Only a few things will remain. Faith, Hope and Love. If I trust in that, and find my satisfaction in God, everything else will work itself out.

When I left pastoring I thought I failed in a lot of these regards. That we were doomed cause we didn't finish up the logo.

And you know what? People are still coming. Broken people who don't care as well. And they are great and wonderful and sent by God. He is re-building it and I'm sitting on the side-lines watching with wonder. It's awesome.

Sitting in bed.

That's right. I have finally reached the pinnacle of loser-dom by blogging from bed. I intended to bring my computer to bed to take notes for a sermon that I am preparing for this Sunday. But I have been checking out Dodger info instead. Oh well. My wife is out tonight doing some girl thing and would probably break something on purpose if she saw me right now!

Today my company finally finished that review that I had kind of mentioned. It's kind of weird, having prepared for it for a year and it being over with. Not that that is bad... I am quite pleased we don't have to deal with it for awhile, just weird that I'm not having to getting ready for something big so to speak.

In other news like I mentioned, I am preaching this weekend for the first time in over a year. I will actually preach this Sunday and the next one too while Paul is out of town. I honestly wasn't sure I ever would again but I got the invite and said "yes". It feels kind of natural and I'm not nervous yet. Who knows if I will be? To complete the "brief return to pastor-type" trifecta I will be marrying my friends in a couple of weeks. What do you know... maybe I was just on sabbatical and didn't realize it! I am preaching (at least I plan to) on paths to idolotry. The subject has fascinated me for years and I happen to be reading through 2 Chronicles right now so I thought I'd take a shot at it. Then week two I want to explore Idolotry vs. a culture of honor. We'll see though... Maybe I'll over prepare like always and have a 15 week series out of it.

Any thoughts on idolatry? Quotes, revelation on it that you may have had and want to share? I picked up some good reference books from Dave's today. Brought back memories of lugging around tons of commentaries back in the day. I love that part. I just need to remember where to turn it off and rely on the word, and the Word.

Pray for me if you think about it. That I will deliver God's appropriate word for the congregation, whatever that may be in a spirit of humility and grace. Dealing with topics around sin, I don't want to manipulative and condemning, yet filled with the redeeming gospel.

I'm babbling. I just so excited to be done with this test at work I'm losing all sense of what I should be blogging.

And I'm blogging from bed. That is pretty exciting too..

Seriously though, I want your thoughts of the stuff I mentioned!

Death by Love.

One of the craziest sermons I've ever heard has been turned into a book. And a short movie.

Look out for the feature length.

What's going on...

Unfortunately, I am Here this week.

I was supposed to be here: At a cabin, overlooking Lake Barkley, KY.

Not Here.

Here.

Beth's folks both had medical issues this week. They were at separate hospitals for two nights. They are both fine now - and we're glad we stayed home for them. They're just not getting any younger, which is kind of hard. Sigh,

As for vacation - well, perhaps we'll get a break in a week or two.