Where's Waldo

Early in ministry I had a friend who was a high school youth minister at the church where I was the College Campus Minister. Jayson, I and a third amigo (the Children's Minister) would tease each other quite brutally. Our desks were in the same small room of a renovated house on the church property. One year, near Jayson's birthday, we decided to take him to Disneyland. Yet this was no ordinary trip to the Magic Kingdom. You see, Jayson looked a lot like Waldo from the Where's Waldo books. Because Jayson was a good sport and we promised to never ever refer to him again as Waldo, he let us disguise him as Waldo. We were not ten feet out of our car in the vast parking lot when a little boy ran up and said, "Look mom, there's Waldo." That's how much he looked like him. That afternoon I laughed so much my side ached for a week. There was even chatter on the security radios that linked the agents in the park. A friend of ours worked security and said that there was an unofficial contest to find Waldo.

It was a blast to have so many folks looking to find our friend, Jayson. But what about finding or pursuing God? I don't believe God is hiding or missing, though, He may often be in disguise. Sometimes God is hard to recognize if we do not have our eyes trained to see Him. The writer's of scripture and worship songs ask God to, "open my eyes."

My question today is: Where are you in relation to God? He is not hiding but are you seeking? My favorite description of the journey to full devotion to Jesus has three phases:

Faith - our initial belief in Jesus Christ and His forgiving and life giving work on the cross.
Conviction - our belief now forms our decisions and determines our values, actions and places to serve in our community.
Consecration - our conviction fully grown now saturates our life. In this phase we are so wholly surrendered to life in Christ that His purposes are ours.

So pause for a moment and ask God to open your eyes and help you see where you are in your faith journey. Where do you want to be found?

Grace and Peace,

Troy

One Life Together

Monologue or dialogue. It is a choice. Do we talk to others or with them? Do we speak and hear or share and listen?

Do you remember "show and tell" in kindergarten?

The first part was to bring something (or someone, favorite pet) and then to share about it with your class. But, most of us forget that the most fun part was getting the follow-up questions from our classmates... If you ever get a chance to experience a show and tell day in a local kindergarten. It will bring deep joy and true laughter to your soul.

That's what this blog is supposed to be. With this new beginning, I hope that this blog will be a collaborative environment for many in the One Life Church community. I invite all to write, share personal stories and uncompleted thoughts. The key element here will be grace. Permission to share without pious judgement and dogmatic argument. Please honor all those who share and comment as it is a courageous thing to participate. Also, for those of us who like to hear ourselves talk (or type). Be courteous and patient as not everyone can fill four web pages (front and back) without taking a breath. Each post will be reviewed for expressing the grace-filled tone and being family-rated.

Jesus Christ of Nazareth is our model. He spoke to all kindly and honestly, yet was never rude or hurtful. Even when speaking with the oppressive political elite or hypocritical religious leaders you almost hear his heart breaking. He said to many, "you are close to the Kingdom of God". Let's pray for one another to experience the revelation of a God who so out-loves every earthly example.

A new Grace and Peace,

Troy

Stumbling Toward God

A number of you requested the quote from Leo Tolstoy from yesterday's message. The context is that even though we are not perfect, sometimes hypocrites, often inconsistent in our living for Jesus, we can still point to the Way of Life that He modeled for us.

Attack me, I do this myself, but attack me rather than the path I follow and which I point out to anyone who asks me where I think it lies. If I know the way home and am walking along it drunkenly, is it any less the right way because I am staggering from side to side.
Leo Tolstoy

I found this reference in the recently released book, UnChristian.

Grace and Peace,

Troy

Trail Head

A few weeks ago I shared about envisioning a pathway for spiritual formation for our families. It is less about a formula and more about a shared road of God-experiences. This is not to say that we do not have a plan, its just that the plan is a beginning point. Like a trail head.

A few weeks back I have a week with two of my sons. We do this every few years. I spent the first half of the week with my middle son and then the latter half with the eldest. We went hiking a few days (a different trail with each boy). We found each trail head and started there. Sometime we stayed only on the trial, sometimes we ventured off a bit to get, what we thought, was a better view.

The passage that serves as inspiration is Deut. 6:1-9. It is a picture of a whole life filled by God's good presence, experienced throughout each day in the most ordinary ways. A few of you asked for the short prayer we shared together. Is it simple way to begin each morning individually or as a family. It again finds the inspiration from Deuteronomy:

[4] Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. [5] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. [6] These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. [7] Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

As you rise, we God and others in your home, join in a prayer of receiving the day:

Thank you God, for this day. I receive it as a gift. This is a one-time opportunity. Help me to live it well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Grace and Peace,

Troy

The Vocabulary of Worship

Some of you have commented that even though you've been around "church" or "God" for a while, you've never really understood some of the language. So, this past Sunday we spoke about some of the words we say but often do not know what they mean...

Hallelujah - Boasts of the Lord and His attributes (Hebrew)
Only found in Revelation regarding the worship of God in heaven. Translated “Praise the LORD” in Psalms.

Rev. 19:1 (NIV)
After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:
"Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,…


Abba – Intimate and Relational (Aramaic)
Literally, “da-da” as the first sounds a baby usually makes.

Mark 14:35-36 (NLT)
He went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. [36] "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine."

Galatians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." [7] So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.


Hosanna – Declaration or a cry for triumphant deliverance (Hebrew)
Asking “Save us” or “help us”: “we pray”. Welcoming the rescue of God from our current trial.

Matthew 21:9 (NIV)
The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
"Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Hosanna in the highest!"

Maranatha – Celebrates Christ's coming, His coming again or His Kingdom (Aramaic)
“Come, O LORD” Inviting the Lord to be present and take up the space left by those who are rejecting Him.

1 Cor. 16:22 (NIV)
If anyone does not love the Lord--a curse be on him. Come, O Lord!

1 Cor. 16:22 (Message)
If anyone won't love the Master, throw him out. Make room for the Master!

Amen – Centered on Communion, the Cross, and/or the finished work of Jesus (Hebrew)
“So be it” – “Go for it God!” We agree, believe, and join in Your work.

1 Cor. 16:24 (NIV)
My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Rev. 19:4 (NIV)
The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried:

"Amen, Hallelujah!"

Grace and Peace,

Troy

Saying "later on"

One of my favorite lines from Kung Fu Panda (yes, I do have 3 boys), is when Panda is making an excuse as to why his abilities may not be up to snuff in front of his highly acclaimed peers. He says, looking at the training dummy he is about to hit, "I just ate, so my Kung Fu may not be as good as... later on." We often do think things will get better "later on."

Jess and Paul are moving to Texas and their imprint on our lives will be long remembered and felt. Yet, we do not have to say, "good bye, forever." We simply say, "later on."

The amazing part about today's technology is that we can actually stay somewhat connected across distances. Even though, its not as real as eating a Carolina's California Burrito together it can be a way to still journey by hearing and reading our current stories. Check out the column to the right or click here for Paul's blog. Check here for pictures of their last Sunday Celebration.

Whether its blogging or Facebook or Twitter, we can stay current, though my favorite is iChat. Yes, I am part geek!

Followers of Jesus deeply believe that at some point in the future we will get to be reunited with friends and family we have been separated from through out life. Because there is so much to still do, I pray that it is, "much later on."

Grace and Peace,

Troy

Sacred Marriage

Today I was a part of an on-line conference discussing the recent law and issues surrounding same-sex marriage. What

#5 I don't agree with. Who we are to elect.. Christians only... Political system...

#7 there is nothing that is not spiritual...

#9 Who established the marriage concept?

Matthew 21:33

Comfort or Challenge

I have to be honest, I do not do well with "working out" at the gym. I've played sports most of my life and I totally enjoy athletics.

As a side note, I think I found my second calling. One of my sons was playing baseball on the minor league field last Friday and they asked if anyone wanted to announce the players. I said yes, because this team is AAA and they only get a couple of games on the "big field." I had so much fun introducing the batters and giving them nicknames (a boy name a Chris became "C-Rod"). The players had so much fun hearing their name and the parents cheered loudly when each was announced. I hope this is a part of my chazown!

All of that is to say, that my "in shape-ness" comes primarily when I am challenged on a field or in an arena, not from a gym. I need others to challenge me to do my best, to give it my all and to have a prize at the end of the battle. There does not even need to be a score kept (not any longer) but that prize can simply be to have done my best and have a few exploits to be proud of. I realize that I need others to push and sharpen me along the way or I can get lethargic and rely on my past performance.

What we have been discussing the past few weeks, is like that. If we are to pursue God's best, His "chazown" or vision for life, then we will need others to challenge and inspire us. We need others to live boldly and take risks so that we do not remain where we are but stretch and reach as God directs. Each week, be sure to take advantage of the journal page each and use it to discover the way God has shaped you for your unique chazown. He is leading and challenging you to pursue it with your best! This can be one of the most inspiring and fulfilling seasons of your life. You can find the message notes and Chazown journal page here.

"I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity." C. S. Lewis, God in the Dock

Grace and peace,

Troy

BTW, this series is inspired by the book Chazown, by pastor and author Craig Groeschel. You can find his book here.

Re-create me

This past Sunday we spoke about the challenge of navigating life not in a total sleep deprived, just get me through this, almost-empty-gas-tank-red-light-on-the-dash-board, way. But, how can we? A recent article observed that Americans are trying to cram 31 hours of living into 24 hours. Anyone remember the square peg and round hole problem?

I know I can be as guilty as others on this one... pastor, husband, dad of three boys (all on separate little league teams), community volunteer, trying to keep in shape (preferrably not an avocado shape)... I can definitely push the edge of my time and energy levels to try to get it all in... yet, a few years back I began to get a sense of what helped me stay focused, energized and fully present to those I was with. I call these my core practices or re-creation rituals. They help to re-create God's life in me. When I get these right, I can see a dramatic difference in my capacity for life and ministry. I pray and hope these can be a help to you as you discover your recreation rituals:

1. Sit somewhere quiet - spend intentional time in stilling my soul with God (can include scripture meditation and listening prayer. Anyplace near water works for me (river, stream, lake, pond, ocean).
2. Read something fun - take time to read a magazine, novel, or site that is fully for fun. No need for research or preparation for teaching. WIRED is one of my current favorite periodicals.
3. Fix something up - actually fix something that needs repair or replace something broken or assemble something new. Ministry is about people and you do not 'fix' people. Believe it or not, they actually resist it if they think you are trying to! Cleaning the garage or installing a closet organizer is therapeutic to me.
4. Sweat something out - the need for athletic activity and physical fitness is core to my being. Riding 20 miles in the Tour de Lincoln, playing in a pick up game of soccer, or throwing a baseball with my boys really goes miles in refilling my tank.

What are your re-creation rituals? How are you more ready for God's work because you've taken the time to re-fuel?

Grace and Peace,

Troy

Best of days

How much better does it get than this as a dad? My two oldest decide on their own to choose to be baptized as followers of Jesus. They state their desires and convictions to receive Him and follow His way. As I was praying for the gathering that morning, It struck me what these young hearts were choosing to do. I am humbled that through my inconsistent and often contrary life they still see Jesus well. Here's their words and sacred moment:

T-

Life Steps

Too many weeks without an entry... busyness never ceases to pursue us... Ouch! Thanks to so many of you for the positive and kind words about this past Sundays conversation. Here's some "other" thoughts.

The unique "chazown" (Hebrew for "vision") of One Life Church is a longing, a yearning and a leaning/leading more than a mission objective. I has to come to us and engage us and draw us from a deeper well than simply an intellectual and cognitive agreement or persuasion. It begins with an "aha moment" or a few of them that reveal to us that there is something missing, something amiss, or even worse, a dis-ease that is affecting us and others. When we are still enough to be aware, we see that the whole world has been infected. The long-term prognosis does not look good. What can we do? Is there anyone bright enough or brave enough to lead the way? Do they have a viable and real solution?

There is One who was bright enough to see the real problem and prescribe the ultimate way for healing and health. He is One who brings hope and help. Jesus of Nazareth lived as the Truth, the Way and the Life before all who witnessed his beautiful and rescuing life.

What "way" did He live, model and boldly proclaim? Three words that describe this way: re-creation, communitas, and missio dei.
They are taught and injected into the disciples (read "apprentices") in the book of John in chapter 15. This "way" is simple, uncluttered and vast. Yet, is left unexplored by most, even those who claim to follow the Way. How hungry are you? How deep your longing? Do you yearn for a better and healthier way? Pursue Him will all you have.

Grace and Peace,

Troy

Prayer of Interruption

Many of you have asked for a copy of the prayer we shared together on Sunday. It is a dangerous prayer as it invites God to interrupt our life with His Life. 1 Timothy 6:19

I believe this day is a gift from God:
I receive it as unique, strategic and life-forming

I believe I have been given this one life, fixed in time:
It can not be repeated, re-done, or re-lived

I believe God is good and speaks today:
Through the Spirit, His unchanging Word, and other pilgrims

I respond to this sacred moment:
Interrupt me.
Teach me.
Change me!

In name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Grace and Peace,

Troy

Eyes yet seeing

My observation & confession. Most of us need things told to us straight. Explained a fully as possible. And even a second or third time. It is a rare time that I see the subtley of a truth clothed in a some common way. I probably miss much of what God is doing in and around me because of my own self-imposed blinders. I have tunnel vision for my own agenda. Because of this I miss the interconnectedness of God's Kingdom work.

Example: I tried something yesterday in our Sunday service. The message was open ended. Not 5 steps to freedom. Or a simple next step application. Not an easy tied together ending. Rather a question: Do you have a chazown (vision) from God that pulls you into life with Him and His Kingdom reality. Do you (we) live each day pursuing and engaging in that purposeful and soul-satisfying adventure?

The natural question I have is, "What does it look like?" The obvious answer is, "Jesus". When we examine and watch his life as recorded in the Gospel accounts, we find a life that is beautiful, challenging and tragic. How could a human live this way so intently and consistently. There is a mystery and open-ended-ness to the Way of Jesus. It is simple but not simplistic. Jesus invited those to really see what He was inviting us into, yet not so explicitly. It was somewhat enigmatic, cryptic, and cloaked.

But here's what we did see yesterday is our gathering was two examples of what it can look like:
First, the personal story of a young adult who went from home schooled Christian family to meth-addict and intravenous drug user to clean and sober Christ follower again. A real miracle and testimony to the work of God in our darkness and most self-destructive times. True Life redeemed and restored.

Second, a family offering and committing themselves and their child to God. Its picture of open hands and a hope-filled imagination for the future. Its a vision of what can be. Yet, in the first picture there was likely the same offering and commitment from the parents of the young adult. See the mystery? Can we hold the quandary and puzzle and the promise and hope in the same hand? I suspect it is a part of the 'chazown'.

Grace and peace,

Troy

A long passionate obedience in the same direction

There is a book written by Eugene Peterson called, 'a long obedience in the same direction'. I admit to having only read the first couple of chapters. It was written almost 20 years ago and, yet, could have been written yesterday. Here's a favorite exerpt:

It is not difficult in [our] world to get a person interested in the message of the gospel; it is terribly difficult to sustain interest... There is a great market for religious experience in our world; there is little enthusiasm for the patient acquisition of virtue, little inclination to sign up for a long apprenticeship in what earlier generations of Christians called holiness. (pg. 12)

So, life this side of Easter... Take a moment. A deep breath. Let it out slowly. A quick pause. Sit still. A silent minute. Slow your breathing pattern. Close your eyes. Ok, you have to open them the read the rest... No, really, go ahead and practice the last few bold face sentences, you are just sitting in front of a computer screen... capture the space for this to really sink in.

Now, imagine life this side of Easter. Death has lost its sting. Sin has been rendered powerless. Grace flows in huge waves. Faith is sustained by deep wells. Joy is a constant friend. Courage comes quickly and when needed. The new life of resurrection is real, authentic and today. It is a genuine return to the garden scene of Eden. We get to re-live with God the life He originally imagined, created and intended. This is true and a reality promised by God, through Christ, in the Holy Spirit.

What's missing? Is there perhaps a quality of life that is conspicuously absent in your life now? It there perhaps a conspiracy (II do believe a few real ones exist) that is being waged against such a life described above. That's the tension I want to address for the 40 plus days (our Easter 8 are already past). Hint: part of the answer is hidden in the word, "chazown".

Grace and peace,

Troy

The days after Easter

Wow, spring break really go to me. I totally got out of the rhythm of writing. So I'll do two this week. 1) for Easter reflections 2) for this week and the upcoming series. So here's numero uno:

Resurrection Sunday is supposed to be this huge crescendo in our communal celebration of the passion of Christ. I don;t know how many of you saw the movie created by Mel Gibson a number of years ago. I saw it early on in its release to the theaters. I watched with a big crowd of others in silence, tears and sometimes in horror as Jesus of Nazareth was falsely arrested, paraded from crooked politicians to ill-religious leaders for their own agenda. Yet, on this past Good Friday we spent time experiencing the stations of the cross where we take personal responsibility for the sacrificial death of Christ. It may have been the conspiracy of the Romans and Pharisees that in reality put Jesus on that torturous cross, but it was our sin that lead Him and motivated Him to fulfill the law and extend forgiveness and live eternal for a sinner like me.

Back to Resurrection Sunday... According to Biblical scholars Easter was celebrated for another 8 days after Resurrection Sunday. Yet, for most of us we walk through the season of Lent and crescendo with Easter then... nothing. The truth is that we should revel in the amazing new life we are offered in Christ's victory over the grave. Also, after 8 crazy days of Easter, the church continued the festive attitude for another 42 days until the celebration of Pentecost (Acts 1).

I still want and earnestly desire to live not only free from the power of sin, but more radically in newness of life. What does a post resurrection life in Christ really look like, feel like, move like? I think I have touched the hem of His garment at times (a thimble full). But, yet, I have not experienced that consistent and constant, "faucet wide open" flow of the living water from my deepest inner being. My suggestion: let's continue in an attitude of awe and joy through the next 50 days and see if the power and freedom of Easter will soak deep into our hearts and minds. Kind of an Easter marinade (OK that was corny).

That is what I am obsessing about, this side of this particular Easter. That is what I want to investigate and chase after for the next 50 or so days.

Grace and Peace,

Troy

Pain, real pain

Hey All-- I am writing this blog not so much as extras this week but as an apology (if that's appropriate). I spoke this past Sunday on the challenge of suffering, difficulty and pain that we navigate through in life. It was a lot of content and even with the interview with Jess (way to go Jess!), it may have come across too unrealistic. A young woman emailed in response that it had some gaps and missed being real about the grief, loss and emotional pain that can accompany the tragic experiences in this life. I in no way wanted to gloss over and ignore those very real emotions in the midst of loss. I know in my life that depression, guilt and confusion have all been my companions at times. I was concerned that I would not be able to teach the content on the redemptive side of pain and adequately address the sometimes dark journey of pain and loss. I am sorry to not also include that part of the journey. We have spoken about that in the past and will not fail to in the future.

In addition, I know that if any of you need someone to simply share with about the reoccurring and unrelenting pain or sorrow that in a promised part to this life (Ecclesiates 3), that there are those who would lovingly and gently sit with you. Please do not hesitate to call or ask. I also know that Jesus himself cares and can bring comfort when nothing or no one else can. He is available and ready to listen.

Thank you to those of you who honesty and courageously shared the very real pain that you have experienced in this life and how God has held, sustained and even deepened your faith in the midst. Thank you for all the encouraging words and challenge that is a part of being a community of faith together.

Grace and peace,

Troy

Jesus, the Ace

There are always presuppositions in our thinking. We always begin with some sort of data, concept, or opinion. We may hold these loosely at times or they may hold us so strongly we can not even recognize them. The key to wisdom and good scholarship (especially in handling the Bible, accurately) is to be aware of our own and ask for wisdom from God to discern from others, theirs.

For many, statements like these could be a key to understanding their presuppositions (in parenthesis):
• The Bible is the Word of God (to be taken literally at all times)
• The Bible is the Word of God (to be studied and understood in its original authors context)
• The Bible is the Word of God (as a historical document and handled as a literary text)
• The Bible is the Word of God (it is mysterious and holy and can only be understood with divine guidance)
• The Bible is the Word of God (it is God's letter of love to me and the world)

The Bible can be some or most of these things. Yet, I have to admit my particular presupposition. Jesus is the Word of God made visible and real. My own preference to approaching the Bible as God's revelation is that it points to a true north as a compass is designed to do. Jesus becomes the lens or filter through which we understand and interpret scripture. There are many passages to quote for this stance but the first chapter of John is by far my favorite. No matter what I think scripture is teaching I have to first filter it through the life and teaching of Christ. I may not understand a specific teaching or command from Paul until I do the hard work of weighing it upon the very real example that Jesus gave us in his life. Jesus' ace high trumps Paul's king high hand every time (even though when we study Paul, I see more and more how he is just underscoring Jesus ).

Here's the bonus, and very vulnerable confession: I believe a lot of what Jesus was doing in his teaching and embodying the Kingdom of God was unhooking us (and those of his day) from our own finely held presuppositions that did not reflect what He was here to ultimately do. (two examples: Matthew 13:13-16 & Matthew 15:1-20 & Matthew 16:19-30) They had (and we still do) create tidy boxes in which God is to live and operate. Jesus was by far the most extraordinary person to ever live and also the most controversial and dangerous (for our theologies). Jesus was constantly creating discontinuity in the minds of His hearers.

The best I can do is to submit my ideas to Him and His life. "Lord, help me to let go and trust in your manifold wisdom revealed in your Son, was and is the Way, the Truth and the Life." Amen.

Grace and Peace,

Troy

On hearing God's voice

Today we looked at a passage (Matthew 17:1-8) that revealed how Jesus receives the baton from Moses and Elijah (the Law and Prophets) as God's central redeeming and guiding force. As Jesus is transformed his eternal and divine identity is revealed in front of his three closest students, God's voice from heaven is audible and profound. It is not often that God's speaks so that all around can hear his voice during Jesus' life on earth. So, wouldn't it be nice if we would get to hear God's voice audibly, publicly, at crucial times in our life? God does speak and He is able to be heard. He declares on that day in front of Peter, John and James, that His desire is that we "listen to Him". Yet, there does seem to be much confusion around hearing God's voice and following His direction.

So, here's some observations (from Dallas Willard's book, Hearing God) that can clear up misperceptions around hearing the voice of God.

1) Message-a-Minute. In this misperception, God is telling us at each moment what we are to do each step of the way. Many speak as if God is always talking to them, almost without break. Scripture does not support this picture. While many of his leaders and apostles did have a deep sense of mission and purpose, and at times hear directly from an encounter with God, we do not find them receiving constant communications from God.

2) Its' All in the Bible. This misunderstanding says that all we need to know is in the Bible. While much guidance is there, the Bible was not intended to give you the answer to everyday questions, like what hour to get up in the morning or whom to marry. With that said, we do have the necessary principles to live a life like Jesus. Contrary to what some may believe, I do not receive direct revelation from God on every topic and message to teach. I simply listen for God's direction as I read, interact with others in our church and local community, commit to time in prayer, and then share what I have come to believe is what's most helpful and life forming. God's will is clear on many issues in scripture and those general principles are to be applied by personal divine guidance in the unique circumstances we find ourselves in today.

3) Whatever Comes. This view incorrectly asserts that every circumstance as guidance from God. Unfortunately, even if it seems like we are trusting fully in God's sovereign leadership, we miss out on His personal interaction with us. Many things that happen in this life are not the will of God. He can do no evil or injustice. His heart breaks at much of what happens to those without power and resources in our world. It is, though, God's will that his people do not sit idly by and watch others suffer cruelty or abuse. We have a crucial part to play in His Kingdom work being experienced.

Dallas ends these observations with a helpful illustration. I will share it from my own experience. I get to be the dad of three amazing, energetic and bright boys. These guys remind me that God is gracious, generous and patient with me. Parenting if you get to participate, is indeed intended for our spiritual formation. That's for another blog. But, I try as best as I can, through God's guidance and my personality to share direction and wisdom with my boys. They are young still and I give them tons of advice and direction (perhaps too much). They are good guys and listen and respond well most of the time. But, I know that the true test of their understanding and reception of my leadership will be later in life when I am not there personally to say what to do next. Maturity, then, will not be linked to my present and direct speaking but how they now apply the teaching and guidance I have tried to share along the way. The true measure will be when I do not speak, am silent and not within ear shot.

I know this is a long one. Thanks for hanging in there and finishing. If I have been unclear on any of these points, I would like the opportunity to clarify. Or better yet, pick up a copy of Willard's book and read it in the proper context. Please receive, reflect and come to your convictions regarding these observations. As always, if you have any comments, questions or additional insights, send them along.

Grace and Peace,
Troy

Walk with...

Overlooked. Avoided. Ignored. Shut-out. How would you feel if most of your life you were treated that way. Often in an America that emphasis success and financial strength we avoid anything or anyone that reminds us that resources are not distributed equally. The way of Jesus is not a look-out for number one and take care of self to the exclusion of others. Rather it is a life that understands what we have is to be managed or stewarded for not just our sake but also for the sake of others. It is a way of life that is "rich toward God". In Luke 12:13-21, we find strong words toward a financially successful business man who holds and hoards his wealth for himself. God calls this foolish. Here are my questions:

• What does it look like to be "rich toward God"?
• How would you know if someone was "rich toward God"?
• If our giving is supposed to be "done in secret" (Matt. 6:1-4) then how do we encourage others or be a model for living different in a "fools" world.
• Is there a balance between taking care of our families and being generous toward the less-resourced?
• Jesus commends a servant who "invests" his talent (form of currency), so is investing for the future OK?
• How much is too much to hoard versus investing for the future or in His Kingdom work?
• At what point am I holding onto resources too long that need to be leveraged for others, especially the poor?
• If I give away resources that can be multiplied (by being invested or grown), am I missing a strategic opportunity in the Kingdom?
• What if we became a community that began to walk with those who are less-resourced?
• What if we stopped avoiding but actually engaged in helping those on the margins of our society financially?

Who are those who are most on God's heart? Check out Deut. 24:19-22 and James 1:27.

Share your thoughts, your questions and your next steps.

Grace and Peace,
Troy

Ruined by disturbing grace

This past Sunday we looked at two passages: Phil 3:7-11 and John 8:2-12. We will look more at the Philippians passage in coming weeks. The John passage shares the story of the religious leaders of Jesus' day trying to trap him in a theological maze and ruin his reputation as a good teacher. They are also hoping to dislodge him as the central prophet role he is holding at that time. A woman is caught in the very act of adultery and paraded in front of Jesus to determine her fate.

Should she be stoned (thrown rocks at until she is dead) as the Law of Moses declares?
Or should she be released (some zealous God-honoring prophet Jesus would be if he is easy on sin)?

The thinking I have from my study comes mostly as questions. here are a few for you to ponder, struggle with and find other interpretations on:

• Where is the man who was also caught in adultery?
• Who caught her and what were they doing spying (voyeur) on them?
• When was the last time someone was publicly stoned in this town?
• What does Jesus write in the sand/ground?
• Is it the same thing each time or does he change his scribbling?
• Why does the crowd not react the first time around to the scribbling?
• What would Jesus write that is in line with his character and teaching and manner of dealing with sin that we've already seen in scripture?
• Why do the oldest leave first?
• What would I have done if I were in the crowd? Why?
• What does Jesus treatment of this woman say about God's heart and what grace truly means?
• How am I disturbed by this extension of grace to someone who obviously chose to sin?
• What does Jesus' words, "leave your life of sin", say about grace?
• Why does he not say, "stop your adultery"?

I'll leave those questions for you to ponder and meditate on.

Grace and peace,
Troy

Lenten Series

Bloggin' again. This revived blog will follow our Lenten teaching series: Ruined. I will share thoughts, Biblical passages and miscellaneous insights from prayer, research and writing. Here's the series introduction (the same can be found at our church's web site):

I’ve always loved pizza. I call it the perfect food. All 5 food groups are represented in a pepperoni pizza! Growing up any pizza would do; Pizza Hut, Shakey’s or Domino’s. But something changed in High School. I started working at an Italian restaurant called Brooklyn Pizza Works. It was voted the best pizza in Orange County for three years while I was there. The secret was in the crust. Big Vinnie (owner) ruined me. He ruined me by exposing me to a pizza of such high quality, every other pizza paled in comparison. I could no longer go back and eat the other guys’ pizzas with any enjoyment. I had been ruined on something better. The writers of scripture describe the same thing with Jesus Christ. Having been introduced to another way of living life with God, having experienced life with Jesus and walking with Him through the Holy Spirit, every other pursuit in life seemed like garbage. They were ruined on any other version of religion. Compared with knowing Jesus and experiencing life with Him, everything else simply would not do. Why would we go back to living and feasting on a cheap substitute? Yet, we still do. This Lenten series will help us re-examine and reflect on what we have been luxuriously given in Jesus. Let’s be ruined together.

Peace be with you,

Troy