Molly & Lilly

Saw a glimpse of God's heart tonight as mom and her four month old daughter smiled, swayed, twirled and danced together while listening to His music filling the air...

Just Another Way to Make a Difference...

God Is Not A White Man ~ Michael Gungor Band lyrics

God is not a man, God is not a white man
God is not a man sitting on a cloud
God cannot be bought, God will not be boxed in
God will not be owned by religion

God is love, God is love
And He loves everyone

God is not a man, God is not an old man
God does not belong to Republicans

God is not a flag, not even American
God does not depend on a government
God is good, God is good, and He loves everyone

Atheists and charlatans, Communists and lesbians
And even ol’ Pat Roberston, Oh God He loves us all
Catholic or protestant, Terrorist or president
Everybody, everybody
Love, love, love, love

Honor, A Blog by Gungor

Honor

I heard a sermon this last weekend about honor, and it has stuck with me more than a usual sermon would. This preacher was talking about honoring people and how honoring those in authority over us, even when they are wrong or annoying or whatever else, is really honoring God.
This is a difficult thing for me because one of my favorite things in life is sticking it to the man. When that ignorant and power hungry flight attendant tells me that I’m not allowed to bring my guitar on the plane as thought this is the first flight that I’ve ever taken with a guitar, I take great joy in smiling, saying “ok, thanks” and then marching the guitar straight into the plane, and watching it fit perfectly into that overhead bin. When that weird conservative church person says that we probably shouldn’t sing a song with “lesbian” in it (God is not a white man), I enjoy making sure that if there is one song on our set list that night, God is not a White Man is on it.
This might sound just bad and rebellious, especially if you are a nice and honoring person… But there is a good side at to standing up against the powers and/or the oppressors as well at times. After all, what great human leader, including Jesus himself, did not make a stand against the powers that be and the status quo at some point? Jesus didn’t just always go with the flow, or they wouldn’t have killed him… People like Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi, Nelson Mandela..etc These people didn’t do the amazing things they did without having something in them that was unafraid of bucking the system and doing what was right. But, of course there’s quite a difference between something like standing up for something like the oppression of the poor and something like wearing jeans on the platform on Sunday morning… There’s a difference between not bowing your knee to Nebuchadnezzar and sticking it to the TSA agent who tells you to move to the longer, slower line.
I want to learn how to tell the difference between righteous protest and immature rebellion. I want to learn how to honor people well without turning into a doormat or a coward.
What do you think? How do you distinguish the important issues worth protesting from the silly ones that you should just go with the flow with when they both feel unjust and make you angry? For the time being, I’ll probably get in the longer line if they ask me to, but I’m still bringing my freaking guitar on the plane no matter what that crazy flight attendant says.

No Excuses

So often we go through life with such a narrow focus that kingdom opportunities are missed. Once in a while it's good to be shaken from our sheltered slumber and awakened to the dire needs of our fellow man; here where we live or other places around the world. This week ABC World News recapped on several humanitarian stories covered this past year and shared how many compassionate viewers got involved to make a difference in the lives of numerous struggling individuals. CNN just introduced their top ten "Hero's" (submitted and voted on by viewers) for 2011 and provided their "Hero of the Year" substantial finances to support her passion to help others. As I listened to the stories of struggles, tragedies, and triumph, I asked myself why I'd never known about the plight of so many people in need. Why did I allow myself to be so isolated and uncaring? A changed life should be about what we are commanded to do ~ "See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God." (Micah 6:8 CEV) Once something hits hard at your heart (a prompting by the Holy Spirit), start right then and make a change for eternity. If you let time pass, it won't take long to convince yourself not to do anything. Let's not make excuses but become examples for others to follow and see Jesus! Do something now!

For or Against

Defining ourselves by what we are against rather than what we are for is a seductive and often destructive practice. - from Becoming Fire

Appetites

I was listening to a talk by Andy Stanley a while back. He was talking about appetites. He gave the following truths about appetites. I think he was dead on with his observations.

1. God created them and sin distorted them.

2. Appetites are never fully and finally satisfied.

3. Appetites always whisper now, and not later.

Worship with a Hummingbird!

I’m patiently waiting and then I hear it. The sound of its wings beating so fast it takes my breath away. We are eye-to-eye checking each other out to make sure it’s safe. It’s close enough to my hand that, although it isn’t touching me, I can feel its wings. As I watch it drink of the red, sweet liquid, I’m awestruck by the nectar dripping off its beak and the close proximity. And then the moment is a memory. As it flies away, I whisper, “Come back! You’re safe with me.” Isn’t it just like God to remind me of that! I worship and delight in Him for his sweet gift of a hummingbird!

Being vs. Doing

"The true expression of Christian character is not in good-doing, but in God-likeness. If the Spirit of God has transformed you within, you will exhibit divine characteristics in your life, not just good human characteristics. God's life in us expresses itself as God's life, not as human life trying to be godly. The secret of a Christian's life is that the supernatural becomes natural in him as a result of the grace of God, and the experience of this becomes evident in the practical, everyday details of life."

-from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

Facts of Fiction

"Child Killer Shirley heard voices of defeat. Suddenly he felt himself growing stronger. He turned toward the Third Heaven angel that was opposing him and spit death into his eyes. Blinded, the angel continued swinging his weapon, but the child killer laughed and stole away. He could always count on the soft ones -- they were always judging by their feelings. No feeling, no prayer -- he looked at the blinded angel still flailing with his blade -- no prayer, no power. The light was dimming around him, so he turned his good eye to see the soft one. She didn't know the power of her negative words -- power that was strengthening the attack against her mother. He nodded at her. He loved the unknowing allies -- the doubting people -- best." -- from Riding through Shadows by Sharon Foster

I just finished this fiction book that has fiercely reminded me of crucially important truths: we live each moment in a spiritual battle, the tongue holds the power of life and death, the importance of praying without ceasing and never forgetting that "the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."

This Morning

I enjoyed our time today visiting our homeless friends. It's very different not going to the camps, but that is okay. Different does not mean bad, it means different. I like having the extended times for visitation, and getting to know everyone.

Highlights for me today were:

• Seeing toothless Terry and his wheelchair, and hearing he will soon be receiving his prostetic half-leg
• Seeing Lorie back with us
• Seeing some of the ones with new homes looking refreshed

Not-so-much highlights for me today were:

• Finding out that Roy was in the hospital with congestive heart failure. Lord, please restore and heal him, and bring him back to us.
• MIA's - Jason, Donnie, all from Raymond's camp, Battle, Evelyn, Carl

All in all, it was a good time feeding and visiting with Jesus. There is no such thing as a typical Saturday morning. They are new every time. God is faithful to provide and sustain our friends.

Passionate Reflection

I found out this week my primary personality trigger is Passion. I was happy to find this out. Passionate expression is when I am most successful in getting my message across. I want to further His message? I know He doesn’t need assistance. He would prefer I do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him. When I do that with passion, His kingdom comes to the neighborhood. When Christ comes to the neighborhood things change. He wired me this way for a purpose. I must allow Him to shine His light upon me daily, that I might reflect it upon this broken neighborhood He has me in.

Serpentitus

I've been told that I have "serpentitus"! What in the world is that, you ask...it's not even a real word! That may be true, but I do have it and maybe you do too...

I enjoy running on trails. Lately I've discovered the wonderful levy tops that meander along the river. What a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature. One problem is that they don't get mowed down too often.  When that happens there's always the potential of coming across a "snake in the grass". If the snake can be seen in advance, it can be avoided and does not cause much alarm. When you can't see it and actually step on one while running, pandemonium breaks out!

After an encounter like that, you become more focused on avoiding a repeat occurrence. To do that, your steps are a bit higher and there are several quick jumps left and right to avoid anything resembling a sneaky serpent (curved sticks, coated wire, rope, etc...)! The once enjoyable journey is now a fear focused frolic that expends tons of energy on needless things ~ SERPENTITUS!

Perhaps it's just me, but I realized how often I live life that way too! Instead of enjoying the beauty of The Creator along the journey I focus on the probability of being surprised by the Serpent.

Feeling "whipped"? ~ Rejoice!

It's easy to become discouraged, disillusioned, and depressed when carrying the name of Jesus into the world, only to be beaten down and mocked for it. We are not alone! It's the norm for those who know Him and are motivated by passionate love to serve Him and proclaim the Name above all other Names among the nations! It is a GREAT privilege to be counted so worthy that we would be dishonored because of Jesus! This is a marathon journey. Hang in there. Take a moment to regroup; focus on Jesus Christ and what He has given you to do in bringing His love to the world. Drink a deep refreshing drink from the well that never runs dry. Face towards the goal and press on! We must learn to rejoice in the sufferings of Christ and rejoice ALWAYS in Him!

Let these words be an encouragement for you today. After a miraculous exit from jail the night before, the apostles are back in the Temple court teaching again after being told not to...

Acts 5:29-42 (MSG) 
Peter and the apostles answered, "It's necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail."

When they heard that, they were furious and wanted to kill them on the spot. But one of the council members stood up, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of God's Law who was honored by everyone. He ordered the men taken out of the room for a short time, then said, "Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to these men. Not long ago Theudas made something of a splash, claiming to be somebody, and got about four hundred men to join him. He was killed, his followers dispersed, and nothing came of it. A little later, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and acquired a following. He also fizzled out and the people following him were scattered to the four winds. "So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it-and you better not be found fighting against God!"

That convinced them. They called the apostles back in. After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus' name and sent them off. The apostles went out of the High Council overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonored on account of the Name. Every day they were in the Temple and homes, teaching and preaching Christ Jesus, not letting up for a minute.

One Day at A Time

Wow! Has it really been 3 weeks since anything was posted? Where did the fire and passion go? I think we sometimes just have to sit back and let things settle a bit. It's not all bad. I know we all have intentions to be catalysts in our neighbor. Sometimes it's hard to realize that we really are making a difference right here and right now. Don't allow the "Liar" to get to you with his lies about how little you are making a difference. We should just take it one day at a time, just as our Jesus did. He was never in a huge hurry to change the whole world, and yet, He changed the world by seeing and fulfilling needs one at a time. Be encouraged and be of great courage my fellow OR's.

Mary Oliver's Poem "Praying"

It doesn’t have to be

The blue iris, it could be

Weeds in a vacant lot, or a few

Small stones; just

Pay attention, then patch

A few words together and don’t try

To make them elaborate, this isn’t

A contest but the doorway

Into thanks, and a silence in which

Another voice may speak.

A Gospel Jesus Would Preach

“A church that doesn’t provoke any crises, a gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a word of God that doesn’t get under anyone’s skin, a word of God that doesn’t touch the real sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed – what gospel is this?” - Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador

You're The Message!

I was reading in Paul’s first letter to the Christ followers at Thessalonica this morning. A couple of things jumped off the page at me. These followers were living out their faith with convictions of “steel”, which was put there by the Holy Spirit. I think that is very cool. I like the fact that God in us gives us that kind of strength and resolve to live our faith boldly in a society who for the most part does not get it. A conviction of steel would be difficult to break or destroy. It is very hard and does not give very much. With that, we can go boldly in the directions He leads us, knowing nothing is going to break us. I take comfort in that.

The second thing that I observed was the idea of the living message. In the first chapter, Paul tells these guys that he doesn’t even have to witness about this group anymore because they are living out their faith so powerfully that they have become the message (the gospel). They are the good news in their communities just by how they live their lives. The word is out. These guys are living out the love of Jesus daily, and that kind of living radiates outward from us, and spreads to others. What the others do with it is another topic. Our takeaway is to “be the message”.

So, how about it my brothers and sisters? How are we doing this day? Do we feel and believe with our convictions of steel? Are we running hard after Jesus? Do those around us sense and observe the living message in our lives?

Happy Sunday! Be the living message today, with your Holy Spirit created convictions of steel! Live Love Loud.

Blue Like Jazz ~ The Movie Official Trailer

THOU MUST SMILE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY UNTIL IT SURRENDERS.

You are wiser than most, once you realize that adversity is never the permanent condition of man. And yet this wisdom alone is not sufficient. Adversity and failure can destroy you while you wait patiently for your fortune to change. Deal with them in only one way.
Welcome them both, with open arms!
Since this injunction goes against all logic or reason, it is the most difficult to understand or master.
Let the tears you shed, over your misfortunes, cleanse thine eyes so that ye might see the truth. Realize that he who wrestles with you always strengthens your nerves and sharpens your skills. Your antagonist is always, in the end, your best helper.
Adversity is the rain in your life, cold, comfortless, and unfriendly. Yet from that season are born the lily, the rose, the date, and the pomegranate. Who can tell what great things you will bring forth after you have been parched by the heat of tribulation and drenched by the rains of affliction? Even the dessert blooms after a storm.
Adversity is also your greatest teacher. You will learn little from your victories but when you are pushed, tormented and defeated you will acquire great knowledge, for only then you will become acquainted with your true self since you are free, at last, from those who flatter thee. And who are your friends? When adversity engulfs you is the best time to count on them.
Remind thyself, in the darkest moments, that every failure is only a step toward success, every detection of what is false directs you toward what is true, every trial exhausts some tempting form of error, and every adversity will only hide, for a time, your path to peace and fulfillment.
- Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman in the World