Pastor of Fishing

Day 1 Reading of Genesis 1:1-3:24

The recount of the Creation story always stirs my soul.  We see the intention of a purity started by God and set in motion that truly gives us this sense of wonder and awe.  Chapter 1 creates an image of an inventor in my mind.  God is inventing this whole experience before him.  Setting up all the items that need to be in place to keep Creation running.  It reminds me of setting up a fish tank and how you have to go in certain orders to make it all work right.  You can’t just put fish in without the water, and the plants, and the stones and the filter and all the other things in place for the fish to survive.  If you set up a tank right and with the right fish everything can just run on its own…very little maintenance.

The order and the method that God works for the start of creation is mind blowing to me.  All the attention to the detail in how it all will flow.  All the possibilities  accounted for in a sequence of events that will forever change the existence of Creation.  I can understand why scientists think there was a big bang…imagine the force that was unleashed into existence by the snapping of God’s fingers to create light?  The massive amount of energy that flowed out to start the universe would be cataclysmic.  It truly would be a big bang!

What about the day of rest?  This always has intrigued me.  God takes a day to rest…a time where He is not working just kicking back and doing what?  Enjoying Creation?  I wonder if He walked around like you do in Google Earth?  It would be interesting to see it in action.

As the serpent approaches Eve we get this very distinct image of just how harsh the next steps will be.  Every time I read this account I want to just cry out to Eve, “DON’T DO IT!”.  The slow motion of the , “NOOOOOO” just never works.  Adam and Eve lose their innocence.  So often with youth I see this happen.  It could be sexual interactions, drugs, alcohol, or whatever it may be that robs them of their innocence.  From then on they see the world with different eyes.

This story also shows how man tries to hide their sin from God.  How we think we aren’t being seen when we truly are.  Even now after all we have learned from God we still try to do this as man.  What we do sometimes in our feeble attempts instead of just living within the spirit.

It is interesting in Genesis 3:22  how man became like “them”.  Its interesting that through this knowledge we are no longer just an image but we are like.  We now have lost our purity…it all changed.

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Recently I have been asking the question to my personal self, “How is my relationship to God size up to the disciples and Christ?”  Asking this question can result in a variety of answers, but the one that I know is common is secure.  Chapter 5 delves into the concept of having a real relationship with God and specifically the Holy Spirit.    Chan points out very vividly the concept of being “known” by God as we see in Galatians 4:9. ( Galatians is a book that truly can rock your world if you choose to dig into it.)   The concept of having a relationship with God that is secure is very crucial in our existence as a human created in God’s image.

What does it mean to be known by God?  This is the theme we see in the beginning.  We see a deep picture of how God can know us and what that means to be His child.  This is very different than a slave as is pointed out.  This means that our toils in life are not to just be a “servant” of God but actually part of the family! How many times have I turned my faith into a works based attitude…instead of my works being the product of my relationship?

Do we view our faith as we live in exile in our own country?  The story of the South Korean missionary that was held hostage.  Do we have that zeal about our faith everyday?  I am starting to beg this question of my own life…can I truly look at each day in a way that is in relationship with God where the Holy Spirit is my life line?

Lately in life things have been hitting me and I have to deal with them on a daily basis.  The pastorate is one that is very misunderstood by many and frankly I am seeing it in a whole new light as well.  What will NEF look like in 5 years if the major attitude is to be Spirit lead…and we are truly not concerned about our security in heaven as much as knowing our God as He knows us!

Lets talk about the volume of life for a moment…I am finding more and more how I can focus my world and keep the volume low when it comes to the noise.  I am learning to be focussed and not get into the multitasking funk of life.  It is in this anxiety of “doing” that we lose our “being”.  Are we taking the time to relax and enjoy our lives as well?  Are we finding the peace within the noise?

One final point I really want to hit on…Do not let your baggage get in the way of your relationship with Christ!

This past week in particular I have talked to a few people where their pasts were holding them back from their future.  God loves to recycle our junk and make beautiful ornate creations…so let Him!  We didn’t call Him the creator for nothing.  I can’t stress enough how our pasts can drag us down unless we just give it up and move on!  We have so much to enjoy with the Lord if we just let go of the past and fly on!

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I found this chapter to be very compelling within my own being.  More and more as I begin to dig into the concept of the Spirit I am reminded at the vastness and how just sometimes it does make me wonder how much do I want Him?  Is the He leading me?  I am going to process a couple spots in this chapter because I feel they need to be highlighted and looked at with some more pointed scrutiny.

 Loving the church
 His thought that he posed, “How much do you love the church?  As you look around at your brothers and sisters do you think to yourself,  I love these people so much I pray God empowers me in some way to encourage these people toward a deeper walk with Him “  Wow!  I am finding myself more and saying this prayer.  Why?  I am in love with the church, and yes some days more than others.  Recently it has been harder for me to “love” but I am.  Consistently going to prayer for empowerment is a deep process that is becoming more and more apparent as my days continue.  The other day I caught myself wanting to go to heaven for the shear purpose of leaving this rock of a planet and enjoy the peace of being with God…yet am I not here to create the Kingdom on earth?  Wow talk about a revelation!  It definitely was the kick this war horse needed to be spurred on.

 So what does it look like for us to take interest in what God is doing in others?  It boils down to asking questions about people’s lives.  This is why I have been so bent in the Sunday school class to get people to share about what is happening.  The Spirit is working among us and I so want to hear how!  I want to seek the Spirit for the right reasons…to create the Kingdom here on earth.

 Miracles
I have heard recently (past 2 weeks) a few people say where are the miracles of the bible happening around me.  The theme is they want to see the miracles as they played out in the bible happen to them in their world.  I tend to see a danger in this as the Chan points out.  The “miracle hunting” that is happening more and more within the postmodern church.  I am seeing this hunger to see this happen, yet the lack of how is God to use me now?  This miracle hunting has created a misguided pursuit in priorities.  Emphasizing how we enter into the presence of God and know that He is the one that is calling the shots is rather important…hmmm what does this mean for how I pray?

 Followers or Leaders
 So did the Spirit lead me into the pastorate or myself?  That is the question asked to me with this chapter.  Digging into who I am and how I am walking with God at this point is important to me.  Having two weeks to prep for this Sunday’s sermon has really gotten me into the mindset of being vital in ministry.  God wants me and He wants you!  WOW could this be the key to why we serve?  Not out of obedience but out of our hearts to be wanted and loved?  What does it look like if we are find our being loved through experiencing the Kingdom? Hmmmmm more ponderings on this one.

 Esther…did he have to put her in the book?
These are stories that do not move me anymore…they ache me instead.  Reading these types of accounts tend to make my heart pain.  How easy do we have it?  Yes we, not just I but we.  We have a life that is so simple and safe.  Daily we take for granted that we could have been born into a world like Esther, instead we get this nice cushy life here in America.  We do not understand just how good we have it, yet we forget how much God is doing in our world.

 Conclusion of it all
Basically this chapter has summed up how the Spirit is in my life.  Daily manifestations of the Spirit are being seen, but are we noticing and acknowledging them.  Seeing people being focused on the wrong things and not asking for the empowerment and listening has become the norm.  This Sunday as I prep for the sermon I am continually digging into the concept that it is through our prayers and the interactions with the Spirit and the church that we will see the glory of God!

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When hearing someone’s take on the Holy Spirit I usually end up cringing at first.  It seems that lately everybody has an opinion on what or who the Holy Spirit is…even me!  As I read this chapter it echoed the words of the Scripture.  The concept of grieving over my injustices and rejoicing over my loving actions.  What is that truly like?

This chapter really pushed me to start asking the questions to my Lord how do I communicate with God and particularly the Holy Spirit.  It has pushed my prayer life into more than just a one time a day, or a moment in time that I focus, but into more of a checking in throughout the day.  A txt msg conversation with the Holy Spirit of sorts.

I know at first this may sound cheapened, like I am not making a ritual or having a reverence for my time, but more and more I am viewing it as being in battle.  I can’t help but view our walks as a piece of the greater battle.  Everyday I am constantly reminded of how fallen our world is and every step is moment where the Holy Spirit may have some insight/direction on my moves.  Intel as you may call it.

The reality is that all the schooling in the world will not prepare you for when the Holy Spirit needs you for a task.  Yes I said need and probably can throw in there want.  God has us as a piece of the battle, a force that He needs here on earth.  Sure I get the big picture and sometimes don’t have the details of it all, but I love when I have that direction, drive, and focus.

So what did these basic truths create for you?  Did you get stirred up a bit in your prayer life?  How you interact with God?

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Most of you know me already as a big anti-fear guy.  I am finding that the majority of the reasons things are not done by a church or an individual is the fear of the what-ifs.  This fear can be formed out of a variety of things.  As stated in the book, fear is normal…but is it a pattern that God wants from us when we read Scriptures?

This is something that is tough for me as I look to those around me.  I hate even when I don’t do something because I am a wuss and am afraid.  This chapter though focussed alot on are you ready to be open to the Spirit?  Are we ready to let our guard down?  Can we open our hearts to the Spirit and what He has for us?

Recently in my own walk I have been trying to be more obiedient not so much in the “rules” of the bible but more in how the Holy Spirit is teaching me.  Things from being more organized to setting down foundational spiritual disciplines…all of these are keys to a fuller life with Christ.  So what makes us afraid to tread into the deeper waters? 

Chan has a header that questions,  “What if God doesn’t come through?”.  I think many times this can be us or the concept that nothing happens so now what?  Fear of praying boldy is a difficult journey at times.  As Chan continues to write I notice he goes after our own compensation for the lack of answer from him. 

There is alot in this chapter…so I want to hear from all of you on what it is that you are afraid of?  What slows you down with the Spirit?

“Fear is faithless and Faith is fearless!” – Roth

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Well, in a nutshell today was an experience of a lifetime for me as a youth worker.  We left our quaint community of Schwenksville to hit the open road on a journey across state lines to Columbus Ohio to experience a week with the greater Mennonite body and the Holy Spirit all wrapped into one.  The theme for the week is Breathe and be filled.

Some of the basic items happend on the trip that are normal…pee breaks, food stops, and the occasional malfunction of a vehicle (nothing bad some warning lights came then disapeared (miraculous car healing?))  It was a great ride out and we ended up in Columbus around 3:00pm.  This is where my pateince was tested and my skills at dealing with the mistakes of my humaness.

Ahh the dratted screwed up hotel reservations…my fault of course I had us arriving a day earlier…sometimes I hate computers and the calendar entry stuff hahaha.  Needless to say Todd at the front desk was able to have us all together and actually the rooming situation turned out better than I had set it up previously…God covers my butt AGAIN!

Then we hit registration…now I will say it is my Rookie year and there is a lot to learn.  My buddy Jason went down to give moral support since I was pretty razzed after the long drive and the narrow parking garage (yeah 6’8 clearance in a rental 15 passenger van…not alot of headroom, found myself ducking inside as I drove).  Once we got down there we had some snafus with registration.  Nothing that wasn’t resolved and this time it wasn’t my fault…but hey Jason kept me calm and we worked through the issues.  God was good in all this cause I really was rather tired.

Well we got our stuff and worked out our logistics on how the night would go with the Youth.  We set up our boundries for the evening and poof…off to dinner and then worship.  Some ate Chinese, some had Italian…and others had Subway(nationality help?).  Great first meal the Chinese I had was EXCELLENT!

After dinner we rolled over to the Nationwide Arena…yes the Arena.  This place is a good sized indoor arena where the Youth Worship was taking place.  Mama spoke about getting the Holy Spirit to refresh us in our lives.  To give up the crap and get refreshment in our souls…it was very powerful.  Tonight at our small groups the reactions were inspiring to hear on the first night.  I thank God we were able to hear her in time…just was one of those late getting to it.

After worship the kids went off into the Convention Center for free time.  Ryan and I hit up a Youth Sponsor’s orientation and some of the Adults took in things for the “older” folk.  Slowly people trickled to bed and the contingent group that was left we walked back to our hotel.

I am giving you a brief overview of this time.  I am anxious for tomorrow to dig into some seminars and interact with others of faith here @ MCUSA09.  I highly encourage you to joing up on Twitter .  We are going to be hitting up it heavy with being out the door @ 6:30am…of course I am still up till lights out of 1:00am…the joys of being the “adult in charge”.

Overall thoughts are amazing…just amazing…its something everyone needs to experience in their life…just so powerful.  I am thankful my wife and son are on this trip to experience it first hand with me…a note of just thoughts…My wife was noticing another child around our son’s age and it hit her…in 16 years he could be interacting with her at Convention…so intriguing how the concept of generation discipling can happen.

My prayer for the night into tomorrow:  May God continue to breath into me as I am here this week.  May I be a vessel to exhale love to those around me and touch the lives  of those in my care.  May the group continue to build unity and let there not be a feeling of being left behind.  Thank you Lord for this opportunity.  Thank you Lord…thank you!

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One thing that gets me the most in my ministry is the DUH temptation. Let me explain. I frequently am finding myself saying, “DUH, why did they do that!?!”. I get very frustrated with various folks when they do stupid stuff. Its like Jesus saying, “DUH PETER, why did you lop off the ear?” I get this way from time to time. I find that it happens usually at a time when I am deep in something and feel like I am doing toomuch and others are doing too little. When in the end its my fault for not training them right. DUH MAN (yes I get DUH at me more than others!!!!   So it goes. There y’all go my one temptation of frustration with my ministry as a pastor here at my church, the congregation of believers that are just a little screwed up…but not as much as their pastors! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

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Ok, first I am going to use this as my definition of nation as per Wikipedia:
A nation is a cultural and social community. In as much as most members never meet each other, yet feel a common bond, it may be considered an imagined community. One of the most influential doctrines in Western Europe and the Western hemisphere since the late eighteenth century is that all humans are divided into groups called nations.[nb 1] Nationhood is an ethical and philosophical doctrine and is the starting point for the ideology of nationalism; a nation is a form of self-defined cultural and social community. Members of a “nation” share a common identity, and usually a common origin, in the sense of history, ancestry, parentage or descent. A nation extends across generations, and includes the dead as full members. Past events are framed in this context: for example, by referring to “our soldiers” in conflicts which took place hundreds of years ago. More vaguely, nations are assumed to include future generations.

Is America a Christian Nation? Part of me really wants to say yes just to throw down in the mix of it all. I read alot of things that makes me think we are…now do we do it well? No but it seems that our nation was founded on the concept of Christian principles. We created an acccepting nation that welcomes people in. We have a mentality and spirit of the Golden Rule. Governmental buildings used to have biblical speech on them as well as using the Bible to solidfy the concept of telling the truth.

80-85% of the nation align themselves with Christianity. This begins to make me think that it is an affiliation more than a belief. I feel that American is a more Christian biased nation. It is a place that Christians are much more accepted than others of faith. It is also a nation that Christians have created alienation to the other religions and fringe groups.

In the end America is overall affiliated and aligned with Christianity. We wouldn’t have this stereotype for nothing in the world. Do we really look like Christ? No. Not at all, but I think within the nation the people of our country do think that American is Christian. God Bless America? The song that just shows our Christian affiliation.

Our past has Christian roots, I don’t see other religions having such a cultural impact as I do Christianity. Only until recently did the Fundamentalists gain power and influence that showed the negative of Christianity. The alienation of people and a overall elitist attitude.

Today, our nation is changing to a spiritual nation of monotheism. We are acknowledging God and mostly affiliate with Christianity, but there is a greater gain of influence of other religions. As time goes on according of the definition of Nation we have to look at the past, present and future.

In the end I think American started out with this Christian alignment but now it is straying more and more, its stuck in this religious identity. It wants to use spritual influence within its ceremonies and laws, yet wants to be inclusive. In the end it could become the downfall to the nation? No identity with religion?

Eh, anyways that’s my two cents.

Oh, just another thought…did the capitalistic society of America align itself with Christianity because it sells well?  Just another thought…Saw that on another post somewhere…

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My church, a congregation that is a restart upon an existing congregation from a previous Mennonite church. We see this transition in a congregation that dates back to the late 1800′s. The replant created this open heart surgery of sorts to how the church operates. In some ways the improvements were good, and in some ways bad. I will let you into my world to see two examples of how we fight with the attitudes of modernity and post-modernism.

It was within the first few months of attending here that I saw a severe problem within the church body. It was this shallow form of friendship. People were not shallow themselves but rather were not engaging their spiritual walks with each other at a deeper level. Almost a sense of distrust to go deeper. I had seen it before growing up in the Mennonite church. The culture of being close at the time of need, but not on a daily basis. Remembering back from my childhood this was how my parents and their friends were. Even just recently I had a parent ask me if they should be truthful about their past sins if their children ask. Its almost a false sense of real.

Combating this type of problem took some radical behavior on my part. I stood up during a prayer and share time to introduce myself to the congregation and told a little bit about myself. In turn I invited any men that wanted to be my friend to see me after church. Two men came and to this day are good friends of mine. I had to break the mold and step outside the norm for that church to try and climb over “the wall”. The tearing down of structure and going to a more fluid church has had its negative effects. Now our church lacks structure and order amongst its ministries. With the move towards a more post-modern mindset we see this lack of structure and hierarchy to be very flawed. The modern church era hung its hat on the concepts of creating this elaborate ministry structure that ended up becoming such an institutional monster that it needed to be fed constantly. With big monsters come big waste and we see many volunteers get chewed up and spit out with burnout. At the same time the lack of structure creates this nebulous feeling of who’s in charge. Exceptions become hard to control because none are set.

These two examples show how there needs to be a balance between the two extremes. What is happening right now is my time is being taken up by tearing down this wall. Creating a structure that is similar to the church of Acts. A church that has expectations of its leadership yet flexible to handle the curve balls that are thrown. I am spending time just to meld the old and new into a cohesive force to be reckoned with. It seems to make sense why so many churches just close their doors. This transition is one that is difficult and harrowing at times. It is through all this that we will grow stronger and create a church that will have a generational impact on our town.

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“Globalization matters because it fundamentally changes the contexts in which we minister, the way people and cultures perceive each other, how people think, and the means available to reach them. We cannot dismiss the effects of globalization on ourselves as communicators of the gospel message. -Michael Pocock”

Ugh…I really don’t like this at all. I hate the concept of globalization because it means that I as a pastor have to make the church more aware. I had a discussion with someone at church pertaining to why we have no global mission focus as a church? We send our money and we get our reports from missionaries, but don’t know our missionaries at all…

The response was startling to me, “We have enough issues trying to get people to think about their neighbor how can we look at the rest of the world”. This person was a leader within our church and it made me cringe.

I then think of cultures…how many are around me? How many subcultures? I know just when I look at youth in my area there is about 10 major people groups from the jocks to the nerds, the emos to the punks, and so forth and so on. It becomes very clear to me that its here on my doorstep. I can’t ignore it thus the church can’t ignore it. In the end we have to look at who we are and how we are carrying out the assistance of the global church.

Man, I have some planning to do now…

My first thought is rethinking the concept of outreach. Should it be a missions group within in our church? Local, regional, national, global in focus? I don’t know yet, but it is something I would love feedback on. How do your churches handle this?

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