Irreverent

I have been thinking a lot about the word "irreverent" lately. I honestly looked it up to see it's true meaning.

ir·rev·er·ent (ĭ-rěv'ər-ənt)

adj.

1. Lacking or exhibiting a lack of reverence; disrespectful.

I found it interesting that "disrespectful" is also involved with this word. Many times I have been told that what I am doing or saying is irreverent. Whether it be talking in church too loudly or saying something inappropriate I understood it was wrong and that I shouldn't do things like that because they are disrespectful.

More recently I catch a lot of grief over my appearance. Yes I have strange looking hair and holes in my ears. In no way do I think God loves me less because of this rather I say to you it has been a blessing to my life. Many people especially younger people and students are more comfortable around me because I don't fit the prim and proper stereotype of church people.

Some may say I am irreverent to look like such a "mess" in church. To be honest I take that statement as "you need to put on your church mask and act like you have it all together." And folks I'm sorry but I really DON"T have it all together so why should I pretend to. IT IS IRREVERENT TO PRETEND LIKE WE HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER WHEN WE DON'T. From my understanding of the scriptures we are to lay everything before God and let him take care of it according to his will. It doesn't stop there though!

So many times we forget our calling as believers to do what God has told us to do. How IRREVERENT are we when we only do the work of God when it is convenient to us and we can squeeze it in to our schedule? That is disrespect in the highest manner.

In closing I hope you don't read this as just another blog from another church-blogging guy rather I hope you take it to heart and reflect on your own life.

How IRREVERENT to God am I?

Drew

Sermon Outtake

Believe it or not there was more to the sermon on Sunday. But somehow it just seemed like the time to quit! Here's one thought from the Outtake file...

Over the last couple of weeks CBC has been racing toward the conclusion of a six-month sermon series over the Sermon on the Mount titled, "Red Letter Faith." In the last part of the 7th chapter of Matthew Jesus said some staggering things: "every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit." Then he said, "a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit." He summed up the idea with this, "by their fruit you will recognize them." But catch this--this is huge! Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." He continues, "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" Talk about a radical way to conclude a sermon.

Last week Jesus taught us that if we hear or read what the Bible says and don't do it we are like a foolish man who builds his house on the sand. Winds blow, rains fall, and floods rise and the house falls with a great crash because it's built on the sand. But then he reminds us that when we hear or read what the Bible says and we do it, we are like a wise man who builds house on the rock. Again, wind, rain, floods, but this time the house stands strong because it is built on the rock. That's what I want my life to be like.

When you put the two stories together it begins to teach us that true faith is built on the right foundation: a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Not going to church, reading the Bible, or giving money. A personal encounter with Jesus Christ. THEN that encounter informs all our thoughts, our feelings, our words, and our actions. James says that it is inconceivable that we could have a genuine encounter with Jesus and not do the things he did--in the manner in which he did them: in grace, in humility, with a view toward the expansion of the kingdom.

Here's the deal. God has given us His word. He is clear how he wants us to live. It's there, and in my Bible it's written in red. The issue is and I going to bring my life into conformity with what the Bible says. I ran across this story the other day:

Thomas Linacre was the King's physician to Henry VII and VIII. He was the founder of the Royal College of Physicians. He was a friend of some great Renaissance thinkers. Late in his life, he took Catholic orders, and he was given, for the first time, a copy of the gospel to read. You see, back in that time, there weren't copies of the Bible floating around--there were very few. So now that he was entering into his ministry orders with the Church he had a copy of the gospels. He read through the gospels. This was during one of the darkest hours of the Church, during the Papacy of Alexander VI- the Pope whose bribery, corruption,incest, and murder plumbed the depths of the annals of Church history and Christian shame.

Linacre read the gospels, and here was his response. "Either these are not the gospels, or WE are not Christians."

Read the Bible. They really are the gospels. That being true - are we really Christian?

Day One is over and Day two has begun!

Day one went well. Blessed travel, good lodging, adequate showers. Worship went good. Our speaker shared that his wife was just diagnosed with her fourth cancer battle. Doctors give her another 12 months. I found myself struggling with the thoughts of his struggle and the fear that Kelly could have the same thing happen to her. We finished the day with a good church group time, we were joined by a local Navajo pastor and his son.

Today is Sunday. Sunday is the day we get to meet our crews. My crew is the toenails. I have Richard Magallenes as my crew chief and Bekka Berryhill as my encourager. I also get to serve with Taylor Burks and Kayleigh Steward. I am very very excited about my crew.

More to come...

During our journey to Gallup today we received heartbreaking news, Calvary had lost a dear dear friend and Christ servant. Paul Trotter had passed away. A stunned silence came over our van as the 9 of us tried to come to grips with what we had just heard. The overwhelming sentiment was "I just cant believe it". As we slowly absorbed our new reality, silence gave way to reminiscing. Memories of Paul in the nursery and working with the children in VBS, Sunday school and many other times. My memory leaned more towards his selfless servant heart as he spent so many hours cleaning our worship center and many other areas of the building. Paul never complained, he just served. It was his ministry, it was his heart. Calvary has truly lost a part of its body today. One that could never be replaced. Our loss is Heaven's gain. Surely God's plan was fulfilled in Paul's life today. We could never fathom His "timing"all we can do is trust that Paul's time was complete. With his mission on this earth through he was welcomed by his Saviour with those words I oh, so long to hear someday "well done good and faithful servant". Until we see you again my brother in Christ, Calvary thanks you and I thank you for showing us all what it looks like to live as Christ.

Cory

Greatness

So yesterday was my "big day." I have to be honest though I feel kind of bad for Cory. My frame that hold my license is way bigger than his. He seems to be okay with it so I guess that's good.

Once again thanks to all who have supported me and continue to support me as well as the rest of our staff at Calvary. We really do appreciate you all so much!

After receiving my license I began to wonder if it really made me any different. After a long day of thinking about it I came to a conclusion...No. It doesn't make me any different. I am thankful that it happened but whether I have a license or not me living out my life for Christ will never end no matter what. Often times many of us think we aren't capable of such servanthood or maybe feel we are not worthy because we aren't called to vocational ministry. But I know that we are all called to be ministers to the world! 

Yes believe it or not we all have special gifts given to us from God! I love in when Paul is writing to the church in Corinth telling them how this is true and compares them to the human body. Yes some may be the arm and strong but some may be small like a little pinky toe but a human cannot balance themselves without that little toe! It is such a great way to describe the true body of Christ and I also like that the very next thing he addresses right after that is how faith, hope, and love will endure forever. Such a beautiful thing!

To sum it all up we are all called to greatness. I am not talking of the "Americanese" wealth and fame rather I am speaking of a Godly plan for our lives that is beyond what we can even imagine in our life right now. 

Dream big. Live large. Most of all love God. "...and the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

Hoosiers

I've been watching Hoosiers this afternoon. I'm not sure how many times I've seen the movie, but I know everytime it is on, I seem to be watching it. It drives Kenna nuts sometimes...

There's a lot to like about the movie; Gene Hackman for one. He plays a talented coach who is trying to escape his past. He moves to a small Indiana town as his last chance to coach basketball. Throughout the movie, strives to fit in with the small town life, struggles against his old nature, and does his best to be true to his calling. To me, it looks a lot like ministry. Maybe the best example I've seen outside of the Bible.

There is a lot of basketball played. That, after all, is why he was hired. There is the one class he has to teach as a part of his teacherly duties. There are all the things expected of a basketball coach in a small town. Then there are the other things.

He begins to get involved in the lives of his students. He's interested in their studies. He is looking towards their futures. He cares for their families. One young man's father is dealing with alcoholism. Hackman's character works towards helping him get cleaned up. He brings him on as an assistant coach. He gives him responsibility. He disciples him.

By the end of the movie, the tears in my eyes aren't because of the last second win. Mine are for the power of redemption I see in those lives. The father/son relationship which is being restored. The coach who realizes his calling and is able to step out of the shadow of who he was and be who he was called to be. The boys who work together as a team and lift each other to new heights.

There is a model of ministry there: relationships. We are surrounded by them and blessed by them. God gives passion and heart to those who would ask for it. There is opportunity for ministry all around us. We just have to be awake enough to hear the call...

A Quick Thought

So right now I am sitting at home watching sportscenter with my brother and looking at my laptop battery life dwindle down. It just turned red. That is usually a pretty good indication that you should plug it in to recharge.

So I began thinking about our spiritual life. Is it dwindling down? Has it turned red? Of course only you can answer these questions for yourself but I suggest you really take time to think about it. Is it time for you to plug yourself back in?

I better go...I need to plug a few things back in.....

Drew

Home from Catalyst

Well we are home from a whirlwind trip to Dallas for the Catalyst One Day Conference. We heard Andy Stanley (http://www.northpoint.org/) and Craig Groeschel (http://www.lifechurch.tv/) speak about momentum in the church. Momentum in the church? That kinda seems like an oxymoron to me. An easier topic might be comfort in the church or "how to stay happy right where you are" or even better "Change in the church? Not on my watch". I have always struggled with the fact that anywhere else on this Earth or even in our Universe change is constant, unless we are talking about "the church". It is said that the only thing in life that is "constant" is change. Except, in the church, where the only thing constant about change is our constant fight to try to make sure change can't happen. Silly us, if its constant everywhere then it will also be constant in the church. So, what the heck am I blogging about? Well, I am not exactly sure except to maybe tell you that I have spent the last couple of years trying to not only embrace change but to jump on board its big comet tail and ride it through God's perfect kingdom. Maybe its to tell you to grab hold of this comet and join me, join Dr Rush, join Nathan, join Damon, and even our newest licensed dude Drew as we navigate God's ever changing work as it impacts our community, our state, this country and our world for His "Greater Good". Oh, and don't worry! Even with all of us on board there is still more than enough room for you and whoever else wants to take the ride of their life!

Is This Really Happening?

So I guess I will try this blog thing out second. Here I go!

The past few weeks of my life have been absolutely crazy. I just completed my second year as a college student a couple weeks ago and as of this past Sunday night I am a licensed minister. It kind of seems like I am in a dream really. I feel so undeserving of everything I have however I also feel extremely blessed by God who has given me everything I have now.

I became a christian at the age of 12.  I am now a "whopping" 19 year old. If you were to tell me back then that in 7 years I would be a licensed minister and be working along side one of the greatest church staffs God has ever put together I probably would have laughed in your face. WOW! What a journey this has been for me! I would just like to take some time and let the blog-nation know and read some words I have for some of my best friends a.k.a. the church staff.

Cory- I am still wondering how you were able to reach out to me. I was so quiet and now...not so much really. I have loved serving with you so much and really appreciate everything you have shown/taught me. I love that we share an office and get to laugh everyday with each other. There is no way I would be where I am at today without all of you help and guidance.

Damon- I know it has only been a couple of months of knowing each other but I also thank God for placing you in my life. I love how one minute we are throwing pens at each other or taping office doors shut then an instant later we are discussing some serious matters or problem solving little details of everyday church work. I am blessed to call you friend.

Nathan- Although you have only officially been on staff for a month I still feel close to you. I remember thinking you were God's gift to earth when I was 12 at our DNOW. Even though there were a few years between then and now where we never spoke or saw each other I love the fact that we really just picked up where we left off. Once again I am pinching myself wondering if this is really happening.

Richard- You already know that I like you the most (wink). But really you have been a blessing in all of our lives and I am truly thankful for that. You allowed me to be part of the church staff team and I am so grateful for that. You completely changed my view towards older generations(and yes I know you are not old). I thank God simply because you care about all of us. Thank you Pastor.

Well I hope everyone enjoyed my lil blurb on here. These truly are some great men that I get to work along side with. I love each and every one of them. Blog world if you run into them stop and tell them thank you and that you appreciate them. They deserve it!

Drew

Well, I guess this is a blog?

I have been in church since the day I was born, you know the kind...born in the nursery. My life was full of Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, VBS, etc. When I was young we attended a very small church and I remember us taking our turn to clean the building and mow the yard on a Saturday. Its just what we did. Everyday brings me a little closer to the big 4-0. Lately I have spent a lot of time self-evaluating. I had heard it was a good thing to do, not sure who came up with it but I would like to punch him in the neck! My self evaluation has led me to also evaluate the way I was raised both in the home and in the church building. I will focus now on my early thoughts about my church life.



My earliest memories of church are all about learning what not to do. All the "sins" I was not to commit. Don't drink, cuss, smoke, or chew and don't hang out with the girls that do... That pretty much sums up my early Christian education. Don't do this, don't do that. But, one memory always has stood out from the rest...it was a poster hanging on the door in our children's Sunday school class. It was a picture of some strange man with a hinged skull. Kind of like a hatch for easy access to the brain. Well lemons are just pouring out of the sky and into the trap door in this guys head. Then out of his mouth flows a fountain of the tart yellow stuff and I am sure you have guessed the quote on the poster: "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade". Wow! Deep stuff huh?



One problem, no one ever told me what these life lemons were and if they are good are bad. Also, they never told me what to do with this lemonade when I get done making it. You see, when all you are ever told is what not to do then you tend to be limited in the what to do area.



Now the only reason I talk about this now is because I have not seen a lot of change in the church even to this day. Church is known in our culture by what it stands against and almost never what it stands for. Most recently, the majority of the churches of Lubbock have let it be known that they are against expanding alcohol sales. Other times we are known for being against abortion, against homosexuals, against dancing, Mormons, Muslims, etc. Maybe you are saying "what's wrong with that?" While questioning my Christian raising I decided to read the words of Christ and His ministry on Earth. What I found might surprise you! He was "for" way more stuff than he was "against". I would like to cover more of that a little later. But, for now I encourage you to read the gospels and spend some time listening to the words of Jesus. Warning: to do so you will probably have to put out of your head a lot of what you have been told while growing up in church. Just empty your head and heart and let Jesus' own words fill them back up. Warning #2: It is pretty heavy and awesome stuff. Way better than lemons and lemonade.