7.10.2009

Road Block to an Authenticate Church

Why is it so hard for churches to have a authenticity that goes beyond a simple hour on Sunday?

This is one possible answer:

"Rather than being salt and light, we've become a theologically diverse community of powerless Pharisees, penetrating very little of society because we refuse to grapple honestly with the experience of life."
Dr Larry Crab
Inside Out

Some Things Don't Make Sense

Head over to Trey Morgan to read the entire list, but this one statement below is on the forefront of my mind as we take 7 teens to Youth with A Vision for Evangelism tomorrow in Portland.

"Why do some churches focus on everything BUT reaching the lost in their community?"

Over the next week we will be exploring how our story fits into the storyline of God's plan and what we do to reach our neighbors in their story. I pray it will not be just another week, but that when the teens return home the church, parents, and leaders will embrace their passion and step up with them to reach our Vegas valley.

7.09.2009

Christitan Worldview or Worldview

If you are a Christian, should you have a worldview or a Christian worldview?

Do you see where I am going?

I often make the mistake of categorizing our life. For example, have you hear one refer to your walk with God as your "spiritual life?" Life versus spiritual life? Are they not one in the same? We (I) should be slow to make categories to describe what Christians do or don't do?

As Christians we have a worldview that should be affected by knowing Jesus Christ. We don't have a Christian worldview we should have a worldview.

7.08.2009

Talking Points


I do not want to go on about the death of Michael Jackson, but I think we need to look at the cultural message and double standards that are being set. Bill O Reilly states it best and I look forward to watching online his interview with Al Sharpton and Peter King from this evening.

There are many lessons to be learned and I think this allows important questions to be asked of everyone in the States.

King of Pop or King of Kings

I have been preparing for two upcoming camps and the respective classes that I am teaching at both camps. In the midst of preparing for classes I ask God to pour out His Spirit so I will listen to His guidance that I may seek His word and apply the teachings to teens in a meaningful and relevant way.

One way I will be using culture and the Bible is through the movie Transformers which I have not seen, but possibly can find time to see.

The second point and relevant way to teach class and the reason for this brief post is through the death of Michael Jackson. I am sick and tired of hearing about Michael Jackson.

I was born in 1980, right in the midst of Michael's prime time. I listened to MJ. His music is great and still speaks today.

We need to be slow with our words in speaking about MJ because many Christians have been to busy casting stones and I am one of them. The day after MJ's death we were in Paris and I was listening to Ben Stein and he quoted the Bible in saying, "He who is without sin let him be the first to cast a stone." We are quick to judge MJ about the child abuse scandal. Which is wrong and sinful, both child abuse and judging. I do not want to throw any stones, because I have fallen short of the glory of God and I am only saved through the power of the Cross and having my sins washed away through the grace of Jesus Christ.

Although I do not want to throw stones in my head and heart I know I have because paying children and their families millions of dollars to be quiet is wrong and the list continues.

Here is the point:

He may be the King of Pop, but he is not the King of Kings.

I did not watch any of the memorial service yesterday, but I briefly heard about what Al Sharpton said and wanted to listen to his words myself.

This is for anyone who has put their trust in Al Sharpton's words and not the words of Jesus Christ.

(The words below, are a reference to Al Sharpton's speech at the memorial service.)

There is only one person who came to feed the hungry. There is only one person who brought Blacks, Whites, Asians, Latinos together. There is only one person who has showed the world love. There is only one person who the world needs to uphold his message.

And it is NOT Micheal Jackson

His name is Jesus Christ. The Prince of Peace. The King of Kings.

7.02.2009

Back to Live Blogging

Sorry for the delay friends. Some of you may not know, but Jess and I just returned last Saturday from an amazing vacation in Europe. We had stops in Amsterdam, Bacharach (Germany), Munich, Venice, Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Paris. We had this trip to celebrate an early 5 year wedding anniversary that we planned to take prior to us getting married. Needless to say long term planning and saving was perfect considering the rate of our dollar to the euro. When I do get back to regular blogging you will probably not hear about the trip. However, Jessica is doing an outstanding job on her blog updating everyone according to our stops. If you are curious about an amazing vacation I would highly recommend reading. If you are trying to plan a vacation to Europe I would plan on reading, especially if you want to do all the planning of the trip like we did. If you don't care then don't go read her blogs. Go on over and read because I may not have anything to say until the summer slows down. The rest of the summer entails great teen outings here in Las Vegas and three camp/mission trips to California, Portland, and Honduras. (If you know anything about Honduras and the political climate right now please be praying for God's will to be done and remeber "if God is for us, who can be against us."

A couple of side notes:

I have found that most people have horrible listening skills. This is the question I have heard the most over the last month about our vacation; "So where are you going?" My response was typcially to tell them about everystop starting with Amsterdam. Well, I would get no further than Munich and that person was already asking me another question about our trip. This has not happened once or twice, but several times. My response now is, "We did a horseshoe in Europe starting in Amsterdam ending in Paris." If you want to know more, ask questions and listen.

My sister-in-law is living with us for the summer and needless to say I am learning a lot about her and myself. Jessica and her are having a great time and I just sit back and watch.

Today is Jessica's birthday, she turns 26. She thought when she was younger that she would have a kid by the time she was 25. Well, 25 has come and gone with no kid. I will break the news, possibly a kid by 27.

When I got home Saturday my Facebook was full and Google Reader hadover 500 blogs to read. I have only been on Facebook a few times and have marked all my GooReaders as "read" and I am trying to find the simplicity of being disconnected. Because 17 days of that without that stuff you quickly realize that maybe it is not adding anything to my life or others. I am working on establishing boundaries around all this Internet stuff. For example, trying to only check Facebook, GooReaders, etc twice a day or less. I have not even Tweeted since I have been home. I have even tossed the idea around of deleting my blog and more, but not today.

Oh, the DTV tranistion happened while we were gone. Well, come to find out the DTV switch that our government has spent billions of dollars on is really just a hoax, scheme, and conspirarcy for antenna users to start buying cable. We have the worst reception ever with that stupid little box. I hate it! No really, we are having to debate about getting cable (very standard $10 a month) because you cannot even watch TV. If we walk in the wrong direction in the house the recpetion gets bad. If we sit on the wrong part of the sofa the reception falls off the radar. So much for this great DTV stuff. I have not had cable since I moved out my parents house in 1999. (Yea, kids teens, (parents)...you are supposed to move out of your parents house.) But reflecting on the whole Internet thing, maybe we should throw the TV out for the garbage man. There is so much filth on TV, including the depressing news.

My sister was talking about going back to teaching. For the amazing schedule and the impact you have on peoples life. I could not agree more! If I was a teacher today I would still be on vacation. What was I thinking?

Would love to hear from all two of you who read my blog so drop me a comment and let me know what has happened for you during the first part of the summer.

Until next time continue walking with God!

6.23.2009

Blog Post You Should Read

The New Goodnight Kiss

How to Keep Your Minister From Quitting

7 Keys to Starting a Movement

New Creation (video/song)

6.19.2009

Are you pursuing your calling?

One of my dearest friends who I visited in Brazil in August of 2002 is now doing what God has been preparing him for over the last several years?

He knew that he was going to plant a church in Brazil one day, but was not sure when or how it would happen. There has been many setbacks to finally arriving in Brazil and at one point I am sure there was a question of faith if this is what God had planned for his life.

However, he and his wife are not serving and working diligently to plant a church to a unreached group who does not know the restoring power of Jesus Christ.

Go visit him and drop him a line of encouragement.

Sometimes we must remain faithful to the dream God has given us because there will be hardship and trails as Satan tries to knock you off course.

Keep pursuing your calling and listening to God.

6.16.2009

Are you open minded?

Or are you like the Pharisees and the religious leaders of Jesus day who were not open minded?

This is something we all need to think long and hard about.

Because we may be missing a relationship with Jesus Christ just as the religious leaders missed out on the most important relationship in history.

6.14.2009

Great Blogs

Looking for something good to read?

Check out my shared items from my Google Reader.

There are some great things that I have starred from other bloggers over the last several months, hope you enjoy.

6.12.2009

Life Changing Trip

My first international mission trip experience came in the spring of 2001. I did not know that I was going to the Dominican Republic until the phone call came only a few days prior to leaving on the trip. The trip was paid in full and a person had to drop out. I was the blessed person to be able to fill that spot.

This was God's design from the beginning. I have no doubt God intended for me to go on that trip. This was the first time I saw real poverty, not our tainted view of North America poverty, but real disease ridden poverty.

Have you ever been to a dump (landfill) to feed people? Have you ever seen the face of a child digging through garbage just to find a small piece of bread?

Have you ever mixed cement for hours to build a bathroom? They called it a bathroom, but it was nothing more than a few cinder blocks with a hole in the ground, some call it an outhouse.

When was the last time you walked in the slums of shacks and one room homes for a entire family?

These experiences changed my worldview forever.

6.09.2009

Paid Ministers

Had a deep conversation today with a great friend about our struggle as paid ministers?

This is something I have wrestled with prior to becoming a paid minister.

Instead of trying to recap our conversation check out what this church planter wrote about in his personal struggle as being a paid minister.

There are pros and cons to everything in life and we must ask ourselves and be honest with ourselves about our struggles.

Not sure there is a right or a wrong to being a paid minister, but I think there is a balance we need to strive for. Just as the church planter, I have more questions than answers right now.

One question to help get you started; what is the operation expense percentage of your local church versus ministry expenses? (Loans, bills, salaries, copy machine, etc.) These may be necessary, but this will point towards the heart of your church. Either inward focused or outward focused.

6.06.2009

University of Phoenix Invocation 2009

This is the prayer I lead this morning at graduation.

Father God, the Creator of the universe, we approach you in prayer this morning because you created today, created us, created this moment, not for our glory, but for your glory which points towards your beauty the Creator of all good things. Thank you for creating today.

Today is a moment of celebration of our story of momentary success. Guide us into the future as we pause to celebrate our past. You have allowed us to come this far on our journey not by our strength, but by the strength of those around. The strength of our relationship with You, the encouragement of a spouse, the tender hug of a child, the courage passed on by grandparents, the constant support of a parent, the knowledge passed on from our professors, and the vital truth and wisdom from friends.

As we reflect on the relationships of our journey may we pass on these elements to those around us to pursue their dreams. Today may be about receiving a diploma, but may we be the ones to have the energy to give. As your truth states, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” May we empower others by our relational presence.

Today is a catalyst into the future for us all. Please give us eyes to see and ears to hear the discerning voices of good and evil. We will be hard pressed on every side to take a short term gain that may destroy our long term destiny. Help us to avoid greed, envy, and the gains of a material world. As you open our eyes and ears may we be transformed into your likeness of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

We are thankful for our men and women who are in battle for a free country and the world. Without out soldiers of the past and present we would not have the chance of the future. May we not forget to pray for our enemies across the seas or our enemies next door, but allow us to seek ways to heal the wounds of evil.

Father we end this prayer in reflection of your son the crucified Messiah Jesus Christ who gives us a hope and a real future and we are reminded of His prayer that leads us closer to You.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever.

Amen

6.04.2009

Out of Coffee

Small dilemma.

I ran out of coffee beans this morning and I am not sure if I should go get some tonight or if I should use this as an excuse to go to Starbucks in the morning.

Honestly, I would rather go to Starbucks in the morning, but we have been cracking down on our expenses in the last couple of weeks that way we will have a few extra bucks for some European treats.

How do people afford to go to Starbucks everyday or three times a week? Do you realize the amount of money you could be saving? Oh well, I will opt for my whole bean coffee and save my money for trips like Europe.

If you would like to support a good cause head over to Mission Lazarus and get some of the finest coffee from Honduras. Mission Lazarus is the organization that is focused on the mind, body, and soul who we will be teaming up with for our mission trip in August.

What is your favorite whole bean coffee?

6.02.2009

This Hurt


Have you had a Holy Spirit moment lately?

God is always working on me, but this hit me hard and I wanted to share.

"If you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors. But God isn't so easily diverted. He sees right through all such smoke screens and holds you to what you've done."

Romans 2:1-2 The Message

This hurt because I often come to conclusions and criticize people and their choices without knowing his or her story. This is not right and I need to make right.

Maybe its just me, but do you struggle with judging others?

Pointing fingers?

Criticizing choices of others?

Fathered by God Book Review


In 2001 I read a book that changed my life forever and possibly sent me into this desire to read books that will lead me closer to God and enrich my life and others along the way. John Eldredge wrote Wild at Heart which was the catalyst in my life and this book has transformed many lives since its debut. Eldredge has several other books out but the essence of all his books rest in his best work of Wild at Heart.
I have recommended Wild at Heart to all my friends and in several counseling sessions. If you have not read Wild at Heart you need to read that one first before you dive into Fathered by God.

Fathered by God was not life changing or altering for me, but John laid out a well developed thesis of the stages of a holistic man. The book was first published as the Way of the Wild Heart, but he felt the book was not understood by his intended audience as he planned. He reworked the book and republished as the new title, Fathered by God. This book has allowed me to slow down and look at the big picture of my personal life and aspects of the journey cannot happen until a certain "phase" is completed or understood.

One aspect of John's book that I find myself getting jealous about and often upset at is his portrayal that you have to live in the mountains of Colorado in order to be a "man." I know this is not his intention, but he paints a picture from his own journey that unless you climb of fly fish than you may not be a manly man. I am not going to lie, I would love to live in the mountains of Colorado and be on a adventure everyday. There is a adventure to live anywhere you may live. You have to be intentional to create the adventure and get outdoors. In essence he is trying to direct men to get outdoors and his outdoor experience is based in Colorado.

To be totally transparent. I am jealous that I have not had similar adventures until recent. I have climbed mountains, repelled a 200 ft cliff, and find myself yearning to get out more often. So possibly I get upset because I wish I would have had these experiences earlier in life.

My Father is God and I know he has a plan for me. We are all on a journey and we have to allow Him to mold and shape us in His image.

5.31.2009

My Wife Writes About Life

Jessica does a great job writing about the personal aspect of our life. The following are a few good post to catch you up. 

This weekend has been a good weekend. My lovely wife did a great job writing about it, so there is no point for me to use unnecessary energy at this point to write a few words. 

Last weekend was a great weekend as well. I thought I would post about it, but maybe later. However, you can read about the Best Dam BBQ competition in Boulder City and our relaxing Memorial Day weekend. 

The other day I bought my first cookbook and I must admit the meal was very good. Or as some would say, Lantz=Gourmet Chef

5.30.2009

The Problem with Bing

If you have not heard about the new search engine Bing, you probably are not missing anything. The announcement came out a few days ago. I like change. Change is good. However, if you change something you need to make it a wow factor or have a story to talk about.

There is one fundamental problem that I see with Bing.

There is no wow factor or story to tell.

Have you heard of the company Microsoft? Great company, right?

Well, Microsoft are the creators of Bing. I am not sure, but possibly Microsoft is behind, have they not heard of Google? Or as Seth Godin says, "Many people do not see Google as broken."

I may be wrong once the site is available, but Google gets my search engine results done very nicely.

Remove the Microsoft name and possibly Bing might have a better chance.

I guess only time will tell.

5.27.2009

It's Really Not About the Garage


I have been wanting to organize the garage for a while, but shelves are too expensive and they are not worth the price. I created the shelves on the right using; particle board, 2x4's and Simpson Strong Tie Connector known as RTC-24. This is far more reasonable and will last a few generations compared to the plastic shelves that one would buy at Walmart. Did I mention all the wood was recycled from another home. Nothing like being green when building shelves and probably saved at least $100 for all the wood I did have. Not to mention I resold the wood that I did not use at my cost of $20. Not a bad investment; buy, use what you need, resell for the same price.


The DIY project reminded me of the good ole days of wood shop in high school and many familiar days renovating a 1906 house with my parents. I thoroughly enjoyed the project not because of the shelves or organizing the garage, but because of accomplishing something with my own hands and seeing the immediate work or gratification one can have when getting dirty.

As the saying goes; "Let's build something together." (Not to mention the excuses one can make to go to Home Depot or Lowe's when working on a DIY.)

I would tell you more about the project, but it is not nearly as fun writing about it as it is doing it.

5.23.2009

How to Attract People


So you remember the other day I killed our grass. I must admit I am really embarrassed to even allow you to see the mess I have made out of my ignorance.

There is a lesson to be learned from my mistake. If you want to attract people you must give them something to talk about.

Or guru Seth Godin states that building a tribe you need to lead people who are united around simple passionate goal and they will follow.

This is oh so true with my backyard. I spread out one bag of steer manure, which reminded me of my west Texas days and then in a matter of minutes it was if all the flies in Las Vegas were now in my backyard.

This is true of many applications in life. Give people something that they are attracted to and passionate about and you will quickly have a tribe of people that are passionate and moving forward. (For further reading on this topic read the short and powerful book by Seth titled Tribes. )

Flies are passionate about manure.

People are passionate about...