Jesus, the traveler Part 2

Continuing from the last post...God doesn't desire that we cut ourselves off from the world, but He does want us to give Him priority over everything else. Jesus' humble life only re-enforces what He constantly taught in scripture... Man cannot serve both God and money. Let's look at the American church for instance. I think that America is one of the most difficult places for God to work. Why?... Because we have so many other things that take our attention and allegiance. The Church in China is flourishing. Why? Because Christ is all that they have to cling to. We are so blessed to live in a nation where we are free to worship and I love this Nation with all my heart. That's why I am so passionate about church planting. I truly believe that we have got to plant churches to reach this Nation for Christ. Has God called me to live such an uninhibited life as Christ did? I hope not, because if He has then I've missed my call. I have in my possession on this earth more than I think Christ ever had, most all of us do, and yet, we are not nearly as effective at spreading the gospel. Should we all sell everything that we have and start traveling around, preaching wherever we can find? I doubt that He is calling all of us to do that...but I do know that if we ever did do that, we'd be called freaks... Just makes me wonder how long it would take us to crucify Christ if he were preaching today... my guess is that it would not take too long.

Jesus, the traveler

first off, I'm typing this on my phone so there may be many typoes and it may have to be shorter than I would like. The question posed by phillip in the comments of my last blog was why do I think Jesus came to earth in such humble circumstances and then chose to remain in the same humble state? Well, I think that the qustion answers the question. Jesus humbled himself to show His love for us and to teach us how to act...with humility. So #1 to be the ultimate example. Also, there is some scripture that talks about a camel, a needle and a rich man. The fact is, the easiest way, maybe even the best way to keep your motives pure is to do without... Without what you ask? Well...Anything. Anything that may take your focus off of God. That's where a monks logic makes sense, but what a monk doesn't take into account is that God has designed us for fellowship, not seclusion. I must continue this when I am near a computer. Any thoughts so far?

Jesus...

So, I wonder why we think Christianity has to be so civilized. I mean, many times it seems to me that we have been satisfied to label someone Christian simply if they dress well, act good and eat healthy...oh wait, we never really pay attention to what we eat as a spiritual issue. Anyway,...So I wonder if we ever think about the fact that Jesus many times slept w/out a roof over his head. As He said, "The Son of man has no place which He can lay His head." From what I understand, if we follow Jesus, we may not sleep on the same pillow two nights in a row. It just amazes me how we don't like to think about the truth. Here is one for example...I don't think that Jesus always smelt very good. I mean think about it, I take a shower every day and put on deodorant every day...nether of which Jesus did. Does it make you uncomfortable to think about the fact that Jesus was musty quite often...I know that it makes me a little uncomfortable. We should never ever dumb Christianity down to simply dress well and act good and tell people about Jesus. I think I want to write a book... I'll title it "Untamed Christianity" Oh wait maybe that one has already been written... Barbarian way...Erwin McManus...check it out if you get a chance. Comment some thoughts if you get some time...

Much Apology

Many of you know that right now I teach music...I had to get a job...I do love music though. Anyway, the reason that I am writting is to tell every teacher that I ever had that I AM SO SORRY FOR BEING SUCH A JERK IN SCHOOL TO YOU!!... Not that I have any kids that remind me of myself years ago... It's amazing what Christ can do in someone's life... if you don't believe me then just come to school with me one day and I'll point out some kids that are just like I was in school. God has done a miracle in my life... If you've never given your life over to Christ, you need to know that He wants to do a miracle in your life too.

We have a staff meeting tomorrow night. I always look forward to spending time with my staff. they are awesome guys.

Blog Attempt Take 2

So I feel like I haven't been doing to well with blogging...I don't know why, I mean I blog at least once every 4 weeks.... So anyway, I'm going to try it again. I'm going to try to blog more often, but much shorter blogs. So here is the first. Today some of the core team visited North Point Church lead by Andy Stanley. I must say that it was a wonderful experience to hear Andy speak about God's desire to be glorified in each of our lives and God's willingness to do whatever it takes to get our attention. I am so excited about what God has instore for OC!