The Ramblings of Jeff Rogers

2010-10-18T11:45:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I asked the BVCC Family to take a little time each day this week to pray while meditating on the prayer found in Ephesians 3:16-19. To compliment that experience, I also wanted to share with you the following quote from Henri Nouwen:

To say with all that we have, think, feel, and are, "God exists" is the most world-shattering statement that a human being can make... Because when God exists, all that is flows from God... However, as soon as I say "God exists," my existence no longer can remain in the center, because the essence of the knowledge of God reveals my own existence is deriving its total being from God's. That is the true conversion experience. I no longer let the knowledge of my existence be the center from which I derive, project, deduct, or intuit the existence of God; I suddenly or slowly find my own existence revealed to me in and through the knowledge of God. Then it becomes real for me that I can love myself and my neighbor only because God has loved me first... The life-converting experience is not the discovery that I have choices to make that determine the way I live out my existence but the answer that my existence itself is not in the center. Once I "know" God, that is, once I experience God's love as the love in which all my human experiences are anchored, I can only desire one thing: to be in that love. "Being" anywhere else, then, is shown to be illusory and eventually lethal. (The Only Necessary Thing, p. 69)

Today may you know the love of God that surpasses all knowledge!

Vineyard Happenings

2009-03-21T10:09:00.001-04:00

Batesville Vineyard Family,

This week's happenings are late and to the point. That's because we've been working around the clock this week to get the building project completed. We've already had 17 volunteers log a total of more than 400 hours this week. Still more to be done today if you're around and available. Here are your Vineyard Happenings:

1. Reset All-Church Journey continues this Sunday. We are participating with about 50 other Cincinnati area churches for this series leading up to Easter. During this spiritual challenge we will investigate the life and teachings of Jesus. Whether you're just curious about Jesus, beginning to seek out answers, or you've followed him for decades, all you need to do is be open to resetting your assumptions, and discovering (or rediscovering) your own beliefs about the most influential person in history. As part of Reset we want everyone to participate in a Reset group. Consider inviting a friend to join you this Sunday!

2. Don't forget about Change-2-Change. Check it out at http://sites.google.com/site/change2changebvcc/. If you received a cup for this project, don't forget to bring your change to Connections on Sunday. In just two weeks we have collected $159.75!

3. Youth Scavenger Hunt - Saturday, March 21st from 6:30-9:00pm. Meet at BVCC before running around town looking for items. Bring a friend and have a blast! Contact Jeremy for more info (812.363.4650).

4. Newcomers' Orientation Dinner - Sunday, March 29th @ 6:30. If you are new to the Vineyard and would like to learn more, get to know some other new faces, and have a great time, plan to attend this event.

5. Water Baptism - April 12th during the Easter Celebration. If you would like to go public with your faith through Water Baptism, please let me know. ALSO, if you would like to be baptized, but Easter Sunday doesn't work for you, please see me to make other arrangements.

6. Day of Prayer - April 4 from 2:00-8:00pm. All-church day of prayer and worship. For more info contact Chuck or Pat Zuber @ 812.926.4514.

7. April is our month to cover the Batesville Area Food Pantry. We need volunteers to work on Wednesdays in April from 11:45am - 4:00pm. If are interested in serving at the Food Pantry, please stop by Connections on Sunday and sign up. For more info contact Ann Marie @ 932.1318.

8. Relay for Life - We are looking for just a few more people who are willing to walk during this outreach on June 20-21. If you are interested in walking, sponsoring, or donating, please stop by Connections or contact Kindra Schuler (812.614.3456) or Libby Werner (812.212.2115).

Grace and peace to you!

13 Vineyard Happenings for Friday the 13th

2009-03-13T12:33:00.001-04:00

Batesville Vineyard Family,

Here are 13 Vineyard Happenings for this Friday the 13th (you're not superstitious are you?):

1. Grub's Up Game Night for Adults - TOMORROW, March 14th @ 7pm. Come hang out, play games, and get to know each other. Bring along an appetizer or dessert to share. Sorry no childcare or youth at this event, but stay tuned for future family friendly events.

2. We plan to upgrade our lighting at BVCC next week. The cost comes to $150 per light. Please consider how you might contribute to the project. You can help by letting us know how many lights you would like to purchase and how you will be paying the pledge (one time or monthly payments, up to 12 months). You can participate by either filling out a pledge card on Sunday or online here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=2xaXg_2f8ECO71_2f978TQeXOg_3d_3d .

3. Due to next week's renovations, the following groups will be meeting at the Batesville Library instead of BVCC:

Koster Reset Group - Monday, March 16 @ 7pm

Pat's Reset Group - Tuesday, March 17 @ 9am

Prayer Group - Wednesday, March 18 @ 6:30pm

4. Reset All-Church Journey continues this Sunday. We are participating with about 50 other Cincinnati area churches for this series leading up to Easter. During this spiritual challenge we will investigate the life and teachings of Jesus. Whether you're just curious about Jesus, beginning to seek out answers, or you've followed him for decades, all you need to do is be open to resetting your assumptions, and discovering (or rediscovering) your own beliefs about the most influential person in history. As part of Reset we want everyone to participate in a Reset group. Consider inviting a friend to join you this Sunday!

5. Job Search Work Group Workshop - Saturday, March 21st from 9:00am-4:00pm. Contact Christopher Aune (812.933.5902) for details. Check out the website at www.jobsearchworkgroup.org.

6. Don't forget about Change-2-Change. Check it out at http://sites.google.com/site/change2changebvcc/. If you received a cup for this project, don't forget to bring your change to Connections on Sunday.

7. Youth Scavenger Hunt - Saturday, March 21st from 6:30-9:00pm. Meet at BVCC before running around town looking for items. Bring a friend and have a blast! Contact Jeremy for more info (812.363.4650).

8. Newcomers' Orientation Dinner - Sunday, March 29th @ 6:30. If you are new to the Vineyard and would like to learn more, get to know some other new faces, and have a great time, plan to attend this event.

9. Water Baptism - April 12th during the Easter Celebration. If you would like to go public with your faith through Water Baptism, please let me know.

10. Day of Prayer - April 4 from 2:00-8:00pm. All-church day of prayer and worship. For more info contact Chuck or Pat Zuber @ 812.926.4514.

11. April is our month to cover the Batesville Area Food Pantry. We need volunteers to work on Wednesdays in April from 11:45am - 4:00pm. If are interested in serving at the Food Pantry, please stop by Connections on Sunday and sign up. For more info contact Ann Marie @ 932.1318.

12. Relay for Life - We are looking for at least 15 people willing to walk during this outreach on June 20-21. If you are interested in walking, sponsoring, or donating, please stop by Connections or contact Kindra Schuler (812.614.3456) or Libby Werner (812.212.2115).

13. Jeremy and Shannon Smith (our youth and children's pastors) have new phone numbers. You can contact them by phone or text at: Jeremy (812.363.4650) and Shannon (812.363.4649).

Grace and peace to you!

Vineyard Happenings

2009-03-05T16:18:00.000-05:00

Hello Vineyard Family!

Thanks again to everyone who helped make our transition to two Sunday Celebrations a success. You guys are great! Here are a few of the things happening at BVCC:

1. We plan to upgrade our lighting at BVCC very soon. The cost comes to $150 per light. Please consider how you might contribute to the project. You can help by letting us know how many lights you would like to purchase and how you will be paying the pledge (one time or monthly payments, up to 12 months). You can participate by either filling out a pledge card on Sunday or online here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=2xaXg_2f8ECO71_2f978TQeXOg_3d_3d .

2. Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed this Saturday. Nevertheless, if you forget to move your clock forward, we do have two options now for you to worship on Sunday mornings. The Celebrations are at 9am and 10:45am each Sunday. Children's ministry will be available both Celebrations, but Club 45 will only meet during the 9am Celebration.

3. Reset All-Church Journey continues this Sunday. We are participating with about 50 other Cincinnati area churches for this series leading up to Easter. During this spiritual challenge we will investigate the life and teachings of Jesus. Whether you're just curious about Jesus, beginning to seek out answers, or you've followed him for decades, all you need to do is be open to resetting your assumptions, and discovering (or rediscovering) your own beliefs about the most influential person in history. As part of Reset we want everyone to participate in a Reset group. Here are a list of the groups:

Children's - The children up through 5th grade will be participating in the Reset Journey with their own material on Sunday mornings.

Youth - Both Middle School and High School groups will meet every week during this journey. Both groups will meet each Sunday, 6pm at BVCC.

Engstrom Group - 222 Winding Way in Batesville, Sundays @ 6pm

Koster Group - Meeting at BVCC, Mondays @ 7pm

Deak's Group - 230 Winding Way in Batesville, Mondays @ 7pm

Pat's Group - Meeting at BVCC, Tuesdays @ 9am

Rogers' Group - 11 Bridlewood Trace in Batesville, Wednesdays @ 7pm

Life Group @ West Pearl - 611 W. Pearl St. in Batesville, Wednesdays @ 7pm

Rivera's Group - SR 129 in Osgood, Thursdays @ 7pm

Zuber's Group - SR 48 in Manchester, Fridays @ 7pm

Hudnall's Group - Meeting at BVCC, Fridays @ 7pm!

4. Grub's Up Game Night for Adults - Saturday, March 14th @ 7pm. Come hang out, play games, and get to know each other. Bring along an appetizer or dessert to share. Sorry no childcare or youth at this event, but stay tuned for future family friendly events.

5. Job Search Work Group Workshop - Saturday, March 21st from 9:30am-3:30pm. Contact Christopher Aune (812.933.5902) for details.

6. Youth Scavenger Hunt - Saturday, March 21st from 6:30-9:00pm. Meet at BVCC before running around town looking for items. Bring a friend and have a blast! Contact Jeremy for more info (812.363.4650).

7. Batesville Area Lenten Vesper Services will be held the next 4 Sundays, 7pm, at area churches. A schedule is available at Connections. Members of our worship team will be playing this Sunday & I will be speaking at the March 22nd service.

9. Water Baptism - April 12th during the Easter Celebration. If you would like to go public with your faith through Water Baptism, please let me know.

10. Day of Prayer - April 4 from 2:00-8:00pm. All-church day of prayer and worship. For more info contact Chuck or Pat Zuber @ 812.926.4514.

13. Jeremy and Shannon Smith (our youth and children's pastors) have new phone numbers. You can contact them by phone or text at: Jeremy (812.363.4650) and Shannon (812.363.4649).

I hope to see you all on Sunday. Consider inviting someone to join you this Sunday for "Reset".

Peace,

Vineyard Happenings

2009-02-27T17:08:00.003-05:00

Hello Vineyard Family!

This is it! We've got a BIG weekend planned with the transition to two celebrations and the start of the "Reset" Journey. Here are a few of the things happening at BVCC:

1. We are hoping to upgrade our lighting at BVCC very soon. The cost comes to $150 per light. Please consider how you might contribute to the project. You can help by letting us know how many lights you would like to purchase and how you will be paying the pledge (one time or monthly payments, up to 12 months). You can participate by either filling out a pledge card on Sunday or online here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=2xaXg_2f8ECO71_2f978TQeXOg_3d_3d . Thanks to everyone who pledged the last week, we've reached about 45% of the goal in just two weeks!

2. Teacher Appreciation Dinner TONIGHT! @ BVCC, 6pm - If you help with nursery, children's church, Club 45 or youth, please join us for a dinner and special thanks. The contact is Shannon Smith - shannon@batesvillevineyard.com.

3. Two Sunday Celebrations beginning THIS SUNDAY! Don't forget that we will begin having Celebrations at 9am and 10:45am each Sunday. Children's ministry will be available both Celebrations, but Club 45 will only meet during the 9am Celebration. This Sunday, March 1st will be Family Sunday (nursery only).

4. Reset All-Church Journey - THIS SUNDAY we will begin this 6-week All-Church Journey. We are participating with about 50 other Cincinnati area churches for this series leading up to Easter. During this spiritual challenge we will investigate the life and teachings of Jesus. Whether you're just curious about Jesus, beginning to seek out answers, or you've followed him for decades, all you need to do is be open to resetting your assumptions, and discovering (or rediscovering) your own beliefs about the most influential person in history. As part of Reset we want everyone to participate in a Reset group. Here are a list of the groups:

Children's - The children up through 5th grade will be participating in the Reset Journey with their own material on Sunday mornings.

Youth - Both Middle School and High School groups will meet every week during this journey. Both groups will meet each Sunday, 6pm at BVCC.

Engstrom Group - 222 Winding Way in Batesville, Sundays @ 6pm

Koster Group - Meeting at BVCC, Mondays @ 7pm

Deak Group - 230 Winding Way in Batesville, Mondays @ 7pm

Pat's Group - Meeting at BVCC, Tuesdays @ 9am

Rogers Group - 11 Bridlewood Trace in Batesville, Wednesdays @ 7pm

Life Group @ West Pearl - 611 W. Pearl St. in Batesville, Wednesdays @ 7pm

Rivera's Group - SR 129 in Osgood, Thursdays @ 7pm

Zuber's Group - SR 48 in Manchester, Fridays @ 7pm

Hudnall's Group - Meeting at BVCC, Fridays @ 7pm

Notice that there is something for all ages, almost any day of the week, and even one group during the weekday. All groups are open to men and women.

5. Leadership Community Meeting - March 1st @ 4pm. Everyone is invited!

6. Grub's Up Game Night for Adults - Saturday, March 14th @ 7pm.

7. Job Search Work Group Workshop - Saturday, March 21st from 9:30am-3:30pm. Contact Christopher Aune (812.933.5902) for details.

8. Youth Scavenger Hunt - Saturday, March 21st from 6:30-9:00pm.

9. Batesville Area Lenten Vesper Services will be held the next 5 Sundays, 7pm, at area churches. A schedule is available at Connections. Our very own Dan Steffen will be speaking this Sunday. Members of our worship team will be playing on March 8th & I will be speaking at the March 22nd service.

10. PRAYER NEEDS:

* Holly Hooten will have surgery on Monday, March 2nd to remove her gallbladder.

* Continue to pray for Tom Waechter's heel injury and the recent skin graph to repair it.

* Dan Steffen will be on a mission trip to Bolivia beginning March 20th to teach local pastors how to study and teach the New Testament.

* Dan & Jane Steffen recently accepted a position of Senior Pastor at a church in Tucson, AZ. Pray for this transition and the speedy sale of their house in Sunman.

* Pray for people to encounter Jesus in new and powerful ways during the Reset Journey.

IF YOU HAVE PRAYER REQUESTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE IN NEXT WEEK'S VINEYARD HAPPENINGS, PLEASE EMAIL ME.

I hope to see you all on Sunday. Consider inviting someone to join you this Sunday for "Reset".

Peace.

I Didn't Bite the Nurse

2008-11-14T10:02:00.002-05:00

I just had my blood drawn at a free health screening. When I was finished, I had to call my mom and let her know I didn't bite the nurse. Unfortunately, that was not the case when I was six-years-old and about to have my tonsils out.

My blood pressure was a little high and I suspect my cholesterol is as well. Of course they handed me a paper that tells me how to help correct this. Standard stuff... lose weight, eat heart-healthy foods, and be active. Why is it that I'm more likely to continue on my present course until there is a crisis?

This is how many of us are spiritually as well. We may know the course of action needed to be healthy spiritually, but who's got the time? So, we continue with our lack of spiritual discipline until a crisis hits. Well, here's to preventative physical and spiritual health. Draw close to God today and He'll draw close to you. Resist the devil and he will flee... and put down that cheese danish.

Living Acts 4 Without Drinking the Koolaid

2008-11-13T09:34:00.003-05:00

Last night at my Life Group, we discussed this passage from Acts 4...

32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

In light of the current economic crisis and the 30 year anniversary of Jonestown, is this passage a model or a principle? I'm wondering if we could proclaim as a community of faith that there will be no needy persons among us.

So, what do you think? Is Acts 4 a model or a principle? What would it take for church communities to say, "There will be no needy people among us!"?... Of course by that I mean not that we won't allow people who are in need, but that we will share in such a way that no one goes without.

What Are You Doing?

2008-11-12T17:29:00.002-05:00

This simple question is changing how I and many of the people I know are doing life. "What are you doing?". My friend Jonathan has worked hard to finally bring me into the world of Twitter. I've been on Facebook for a while now, but seldom give updates. I like looking into the lives of others, but am a little timid about keeping people constantly updated on what I'm doing. Maybe a better question is, "Why do people care?". Nevertheless, Jonathan has convinced me that people really care to know, so I'm giving it a shot. So, here's to new commitments to stay connected through Facebook, Twitter, and blogging. What are you doing?

We won!

2008-07-28T09:27:00.001-04:00

The Batesville Vineyard softball game won its first game of the season yesterday. We came from behind in the bottom of the 7th inning to beat St. John's Catholic Church. Way to go team!

The Game of Life

2008-03-18T10:46:00.002-04:00

Recently Hannah planned a party for the family in our basement. There was popcorn, pizza, pretzels, sweet tea (the nectar of the gods), karaoke, and a movie. We also played "The Game of Life" or "Life". Afterwards, we talked for a minute about how real life isn't really like the game. The "How to Win" section reads, "After all players have retired, all players at Millionaire Estates count their money... The player with the highest total value wins!". Fun game, faulty principle.

Today I've reflected on some ways in which real life is like "The Game of Life", and others in which it is not.

1. Life is not a game to be won or lost. Not that I don't live as though it were most of the time, but deep inside I know that's not the the way it's supposed to be. Our lives are stories to be told, not games to be played. I went through picking up a house, a career (actually two), and plenty of money (oh yeah I kicked butt :), but where were the stories. Why didn't I have kids? Why did I choose to jump into a career, instead of going to college? Did I regret that decision? If we live as though our lives are a game to be won, then the other blue and pink people in our lives just become pieces that gain or cost us ground in the game.

2. Real life is like the game, in that it often seems like we are where we are in life based on the luck of the spin. Most of the game, it didn't seem like I had much choice, but rather was at the mercy of the spin. Of course, from a theological perspective this isn't true. My life isn't the result of random acts, but a carefully ochestrated arrangement by Almighty God. Nevertheless, we often don't see from that perspective. The truth is, I'm not really in control (as much as I would like that to be different).

3. You don't have to wind up in Millionaire Estates to win. For instance, Caleb was the only one who retired in Countryside Acres (apparently leaving much to be desired in the retirement ammenities), but was very happy. He kept talking and talking about how much he really loved having twins. Unfortunately, one of the twins took a horrible fall off of a cliff (or basement bar stool). I guess there are some stories in the game. Anyway, joy is to be found in the everyday of life (family, jobs, recreation, worship, friends, etc.). I miss this point most of the time, missing the holy of the now, by gazing longingly to the future for Millionaire Estates.

Oh well. I guess the game isn't supposed to be thought about so deeply. Have a great day!

Free Yard Sale Video

2007-09-27T12:13:00.000-04:00

Check out this great video that Braidi Kase made of our annual free yard sale. Way to go Braidi!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usYqG59wQbA

Unbelievable! This is my home state.

2007-08-27T19:43:00.000-04:00

Check this out.

Living Water in a World of Puddles

2007-08-26T15:36:00.001-04:00

This morning I shared a message with our Batesville Vineyard family from Jeremiah 2:9-19. Verse 13 says, "my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me,
the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water." My challenge to our church family was that often things like money, relationships, success, etc. can all become things we look to for joy rather than God. I said that religion can easily become a way of using God as a means to attaining that which we really want (money, etc.) which is not God. Then, I came home and heard a preacher on TV telling people that it is OK to seek wealth as long as we do it God's way. WHAT?! Lord, save us from being satisfied with puddles when a fountain of living water is offered. Amen!

Tuesday

2007-05-09T11:29:00.000-04:00

Tuesday was really good here at the Vineyard Conference. In the morning session there was a discussion panel composed of some of the Vineyard's pastors who have been in the movement a long time. It was insightful to hear their perspective on the Vineyard's past, its challenges, and the way forward. When I have time to write more I'll includes some quotes.

In the afternoon there was a picnic for everyone on the soccer fields. It was almost 100 degrees! That's crazy! Anyway, it was fun to talk to old friends and meet some new ones. Then, I went to the Ampelon Press information meeting.

Last night Lance Pittlock, pastor of Anaheim Vineyard, spoke about the presence of God. Again, I'll share some quotes later, but it was right on. It challenged me to remember that the distinguishing mark of God's people is His presence. I can certainly get drawn into just doing my thing or running programs for the church. Thanks Lance for the reminder.

I'll write later, but have to get going to the first session for Wednesday. See ya!

We're Here!

2007-05-08T09:36:00.000-04:00

We made it safely to the Vineyard National Conference. Our flight left out of Indy at 6:50 a.m., so we got up at 3:15 a.m. and left Batesville at 4:30 a.m. Anaheim is beautiful! It was over 90 degrees yesterday. I thought I would keep you updated about the conference by taking notes and sharing a little after each session. Here's what went on last night during the opening session:

Monday evening was an time of worship. The speakers will come later, but they wanted to start out by simply singing to the Lord. Jeremy Riddle, Tony Sanchez, Nigel Briggs, and Sheri Carr led us in worship. It was a really sweet time. They also handed us a program that contained an articles by John Wimber, "Worship: Intimacy with God". Here are a few quotes from it:

"Worship, the act of freely giving love to God, forms and informs every activity of the Christian's life."
"We noticed that as our individual worship life deepened, when we came together there was a greater hunger toward God. So we learned that what happens when we are alone with the Lord determines how intimate and deep the worship will be when we come together."
"About that time we realized our worship blessed God, that it was for God alone and not just a vehicle of preparation for the pastor's sermon."
"A result of our worshiping and blessing God is being blessed by Him. We don't worship God in order to get blessed, but we are blessed as we worship Him. He visits His people with manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Thus worship has a twofold aspect: communication with God through the basic means of singing and praying, and communication from God through teaching and preaching the word, prophecy exhortation, etc. We lift Him up and exalt Him, and as a result are drawn into His presence where He speaks to us."
"But how should we worship God? There are various ways described in the Old and New Testaments: 1) Adoration: praising God simply for who He is - Lord of the universe; 2) Thanksgiving: giving thanks to God for what He has done, especially for His works of creation and salvation; 3) Confession: the acknowledgment of sin and guilt to a holy and righteous God."
"As Carol pointed out, worship involves not only our thought and intellect, but also our body."
"So we should always come to worship prepared for an audience with the King."
"The church must be quickened to the fact that the God of the universe will visit us if we but worship Him in spirit and in truth. Much of the time when Christians come together they don't expect God to do much But God is like an anxious bridegroom outside the bride's door. And we, as the bride, frequently forget what we are there for because we are scattered in our thoughts or preoccupied with concerns."

We'll that's about it for now. Last night was also a good time to see some folks we haven't seen for a while. Thanks to all who are praying for us on this trip. I'll write more soon.

See ya!

Life's a Trip!

2007-04-16T09:14:00.000-04:00

I began a new message series yesterday, "Life's a Trip! Who's Your Guide?". It's a look at Hebrews 12:1-2, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Yesterday I focused in on "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." I encouraged everyone to get in the race of following Jesus, not matter where they are on the course. Some are in the race and need encouragement. Others have quit, gone down the wrong road, or are simply watching from the sidelines.

However, one thing that I could have been more clear about, is what to do when you feel like you've gone down the wrong road so long and too many times? Can God still accept us back into the race for abundant life? The answer from the Bible is a resounding "Yes!". 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he (Jesus) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The Apostle Paul writes about himself, "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:12-14) Don't let guilt keep you from getting back in the race. Jesus, our coach, stands ready to forgive and welcome us back.

The upcoming messages in this series are:
April 22 - "Who's Your Guide? - Jesus as Coach"
April 29 - Kent Odor from Cincy Vineyard will be speaking about community
May 6 - "Pack Light - Setting Aside Every Hindrance"

24

2007-02-26T13:40:00.001-05:00

It's Monday! Every Monday evening, I gather with a few good friends in my basement and watch "24". I really enjoy it! We meet an hour before the show to fellowship and talk about the spiritual significance of "24". Actually, we end up talking about all kinds of subjects, until we realize it's 9:00 and have to run downstairs. Some of the people at our church have laughed at the idea, so I decided to give my "24" spiritual insight from last week's episode.

Phillip Bauer, Jack's dad, is a very intriguing character. He has already murdered one son, threatened the lives of the other son and a daughter-in-law, and kidnapped his grandson. In last week's episode, Phillip has his grandson trapped in a hotel room. As Josh, the grandson, is trying to escape, Phillip pulls a gun on him. Then, he says something like this: "No one's life is worth losing what I worked my whole life to build." A bit extreme? Well, it got me thinking about what we're willing to exchange for success (however we define it). When my desire for success, money, fame, pleasure, etc. becomes the focus of my life, then others become a pawn in my game. Broken relationships become the collateral damage of my pursuit.

If you bite and ravage each other, watch out - in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then? (Galatians 5:15 - The Message)

24

2007-02-26T13:35:00.000-05:00

If you bite and ravage each other, watch out - in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then? (Galatians 5:15 - The Message)

Teenage Resolutions

2007-02-22T10:18:00.000-05:00

At the close of my message on Sunday, I read "Teenage Resolutions in Honor of Mom and Dad" from John Piper's devotional, A Godward Life (Chapter 102). I promised that I would post them this week, so here they are:

Resolved: I will obey your instructions and do what I know you expect of me, even when it is not mentioned. I will not force you into repeated reminders, which I sometimes call nagging.
Resolved: I will not grumble or complain when I do my chores but remember what a great thing it is to have a family, a home, clothes, food, running water, electric lights, and central heating in a world where millions of teenagers have none of these.
Resolved: When I think your demands are unfair, I will move to do them first, and after showing an obedient attitude, I will ask if we can talk. Then I will explain my side and try to understand yours.
Resolved: I will not stonewall you and give you the silent treatment, which I dislike when my friends to do me. If I am depressed and want to be left alone, I will say, “I’m sorry, I don’t feel like talking now. Can we talk later? I’m not mad. I just need to be alone.”
Resolved: When I do something wrong and let you down, I will apologize sincerely with words that you can hear. Something like, “Mom, I’m sorry I didn’t pick up the pile of clothes.”
Resolved: I will call you be affectionate family titles like “Mommy,” “Daddy,” “Mom,” or “Dad.” I won’t let other kids pressure me into calling you nothing or calling you something disrespectful as though true affection were embarrassing or childish.
Resolved: I will say thank you again and again for the ordinary things you do for me. I will not take them for granted as though you were my slave.
Resolved: I will talk about my feelings. Both the positive ones (like happiness, pity, excitement, and sympathy) and the negative ones (like anger, fear, grief, loneliness, and discouragement). I will remember that unshared feelings lead to estrangement, coldness, and even more loneliness and discouragement.
Resolved: I will laugh with the family and not at the family. I will especially laugh when my little brother or sister tells a simple joke with expectant excitement.
Resolved: I will give two compliments for every criticism. And every criticism will aim to help someone improve, not just belittle or cut down.
Resolved: I will enter into family devotions and treat Bible reading and prayer with respect and do my part to help others in the family enjoy them. When I don’t feel spiritually strong, I will pray about this as a personal need rather than pouring it on others as a glass of cold water. I will remember that confessed weakness knit hearts together.
Resolved: I will not return evil for evil to try to justify my meanness because somebody treated me meanly first.
Resolved: I will read my Bible and pray every day, even if it is only a verse and a brief call for help. I know that teens cannot live by bread alone but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.
Resolved: I will come home at the time we agreed on. If something happens to stop me, I will call and explain and ask your guidance.
Resolved: I will greet our guests with courtesy and respect and try to make them glad they came.
Resolved: I will always tell the truth so that you can trust me and give me more and more freedom as I get older.
Resolved: I will pray for you as long as I live, that we will be united in faith and love, not only in this world, but for all of eternity in the kingdom of God.

Mr. Holland's Opus

2007-02-17T22:43:00.000-05:00

I always forget how much I love the movie, Mr. Holland's Opus, until I see it again. What a really good movie! I was reminded of this tonight, while attending the Cincy Vineyard. They played a clip, with this great quote:

"Mr. Holland had a profound influence on my life and on a lot of lives I know. But I have a feeling that he considers a great part of his own life misspent. Rumor had it he was always working on this symphony of his. And this was going to make him famous, rich, probably both. But Mr. Holland isn't rich and he isn't famous, at least not outside of our little town. So it might be easy for him to think himself a failure. But he would be wrong, because I think that he's achieved a success far beyond riches and fame. Look around you. There is not a life in this room that you have not touched, and each of us is a better person because of you. We are your symphony Mr. Holland. We are the melodies and the notes of your opus. We are the music of your life."

That gets me every time. I have to admit that there were tears flowing when I saw this clip tonight. It reminds me of a statement by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church, "But the only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves! Your lives are a letter written in our hearts, and everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you" (2 Corinthians 3:2 - NLT).

It's in seeing Mr. Holland's Opus, or reading this line from the Apostle that I realize this is really what I want for my life. At least that's what I want sometimes. The truth is that most of the time I just want "riches and fame" or "a letter of recommendation". However, on nights like tonight I'm reminded that what I would like to hear at the end of my life, besides "Well done, good and faithful servant", is "We are the melodies and the notes of your opus. We are the music of your life." I have a feeling that this will come to pass to the degree that I stop seeing others as pawns in my game of riches and fame, and instead offer myself in seeing them reach their potential. No life spent serving others is ever misspent!

Anna Nicole Smith

2007-02-15T16:08:00.000-05:00

Am I the only who thinks it's weird that the death of Anna Nicole Smith is getting so much pub? What may be even more curious, is that someone whose contributions to society are naked pics, a drunken rant at an awards show, and marrying a rich man old enough to be her great-grandfather can dominate our inquiring minds. What's the deal?

It is probably a mixture of our society's fascination with celebrities and every man's obsession with naked women. Either way, it speaks our our ability to objectify people. Rob Bell will be releasing his new book, Sex God, soon. I can't wait to read the whole thing, but until then we can read the first chapter here: http://www.zondervan.com/media/samples/pdf/0310263468_samptxt.pdf

Here are a couple of quotes from Sex God:

"Picture a group of high school boys standing by their lockers when a girl walks by. One of the boys asks, “How do you rate that?” They then take turns assigning numerical values to the various parts of her anatomy, discussing in great detail how they evaluate her physical attributes. This scenario happens all the time, all over the world, every day. It’s a pastime for some. There are television shows and websites and endless discussions all devoted to deciding who’s hot and who’s not. It’s an industry, a form of entertainment, a culture. And it’s everywhere. The problem is that “that” is actually a “she.” A person. A woman. With a name, a history, with feelings. It seems harmless until you’re that girl – and then it hurts. It’s degrading. It’s violating. It does something to a person’s soul."

"We don’t respect the divine image in others just because we want to uphold their humanity. It isn’t just about them. It’s about us. It’s about our humanity as well."

"The new humanity is about seeing people as God sees them."

In our consumer and sex driven nation, it is easy to objectify people. Businesses see people as consumers to be sold a product. Men see women as sex objects to be lusted after. Churches see the community as potential parishioners. Could all of this be destroying our humanity? God save us!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-14T10:42:00.001-05:00

"Love is in the air, everywhere I look around. Love is in the air, every sight and every sound." - John Paul Young

When I was searching for these lyrics for Valentine's Day, I saw this ad:
Who is Your Valentine? - Calculate Exactly, Down To The Name Who Your Valentine Lover Is...

Ann Marie told me last night that I should blog about the idea of a soul mate today. She doesn't seem to like my take on the subject, but she gets a kick out of how passionately I make my point. I think the idea of a soul mate is foolish. Maybe its because the people I've heard use the word, have been some of the most flaky people I know. People like the twice divorced lady who meets a new soul mate every six months. What about Sting (of the Police, not wrestling) who says that Trudie Styler is his soul mate. Never mind that he was still married to Frances Tomelty when he began a relationship (even conceived a child) with Trudie.

Is it a faulty idea to believe that there is one person out there for each of us? Here are my list of problems with the idea of soul mate or finding "the one":

1. What if you're like Sting (already married when you meet your soul mate)? Does that give you the right to leave the soul mismatch for the soul mate? I don't think so!

2. We overemphasize "finding the right one" to singles and under emphasize developing their relationship skills. The truth is that having a healthy marriage is a lot less about "finding the one" and a lot more about learning healthy relationship skills.

3. It isn't a cross-cultural principle. If the teachings in the Bible about marriage are true, then they must be able to transcend time and place. What about cultures in which marriages are arranged? What are cultures without online matching services to do? The biblical principles of loving sacrificially, seeking the best for others above ourselves, etc. can revolutionize any relationship in any place at any time.

The truth is, that love takes work. I love Ann Marie with all of my heart. Honestly, I can't imagine living my life with anyone else. But, it is that way more because we've worked really hard at it (Ann Marie more than me quite often) than us being "soul mates". We decided to hold on through the rough first year and the seven year itch. Our relationship is better because of it. So, on this Valentine's Day, worry less about meeting Mr. or Mrs. Right and think more about how to develop yourself into Mr. or Mrs. Right.

Utopia Lost

2007-02-13T14:05:00.000-05:00

"One of the seductions that bedevils Christian formation is the construction of utopias, ideal places where we can live totally and without inhibition or interference the good and blessed and righteous life. The imagining and then attempted construction of such utopias is an old habit of our kind. Sometimes we attempt it politically in communities, sometimes socially in communes, sometimes religiously in churches. It never comes to anything but grief. Utopia is literally, 'no-place.' But we can live our lives only in actual place, not in an imagined or fantasized or artificially fashioned place." (Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places - Eugene Peterson, p. 73)

I've been thinking about this quote a lot lately. So much of my religious experience has been focused on something out there (heaven, a move of the Spirit, church unity, etc.), rather than considering that God may be working in the middle of my current space, circumstance, and even mess. Peterson writes again, "It is so easy to get excited and enthusiastic about the gospel outside our gardens. But it is in our gardens that we have been placed."

A little over a year ago, I was talking with some friends in a small group meeting about how difficult life seemed at times. As we shared our struggles, it occurred to me that these difficulties were actually the grace of God in our lives, not its absence. My statement went something like this, "Isn't it gracious of God that He has withheld from us what we thought we wanted so badly. Because, in doing so, He has shown us what we desired apart from Him. It would have been God's judgment in our lives to give us what we thought we wanted, but withhold Himself."

So, how does that relate to my garden? I often find myself (and others) getting offended at one another. This leads to any number of vices (gossip, blame, hatred, self-pity, unforgiveness, etc.). However, I think our temptation is to think that what God wants to give us is the ability to not be offended (and for others not to be offended by us). Sounds almost "Utopian". You know, kind of a Chip and Dale relationship (not the dancers, but the cartoon characters). "No, no! I insist. You first". Anyway, so I've been thinking that maybe God doesn't want to give us an Utopian inability to be offended or offend, but rather something better. What would that look like?

"walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:1b-2)

So, it seems that what God wants for us (what we are called to) is humility, gentleness, patience, and learning to bear with one another. All that requires being offended. You have to get on my nerves for me to learn how to bear with you. You have to push me to the limit, so that I learn gentle patience. So, be offended. It's good for you. How else are you going to grow in humility, gentleness, patience, and love?

Welcome!

2006-11-08T14:17:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my first attempt at blogging. I hope you enjoy my ramblings.