A Sweet Story

Years ago, my future-wife-to-be and I would be walking through the food court of the mall, where we would often find ourselves drawn to the smell of the freshly baked cinnamon rolls at Cinnabon®. Soon, we would mysteriously find ourselves waiting in line to purchase a $6 dollar cinnamon roll that was bigger than 'a bean bag chair'*. We'd soon be found kindling our new romance, sharing the delights of the Cinnabon® Classic.

mmmmm... instant gratification.
Cinnabon®. How sweet is that? (literally)

after consuming said sticky bun, we'd no doubt feel instant shame - in need of a moist towelette to clean off the stickiness on our hands and face.

the funny thing is, most people waiting in line for a Cinnabon probably pray that there is no line. they don't want to be seen purchasing 12 thousand calories of sticky mess. Jim Gaffigan* talks about this. [view clip here] Perhaps they could have some sort of dark curtain to hide those who seek such an indulgence.

the point is, Cinnabon's are sticky... and it's certainly hard to get rid of it's aura. hands and mouth are all syrupy. the smell gets onto your skin and clothes. and then there's your newly expanded waste line. It covers you.

Kind of like sin. Some often refer to desserts and comfort foods as 'sinfully delicious'. i could go down the cheesy route and rechristen Cinnabon as 'Sin-abon' but i fear that might show up on some church sign. i can see it now: 'Nothing is more sticky than a Sin-abon' [see my church sign creation here].

You get my point, though.

Sin is sticky... messy... hard to clean off... at least by our own measures it is. We can't hide our sin. We try... really hard - but sooner or later our sins find us [Numbers 32:23], bind us and blind us. Mankind has been hiding in shame of their sins since the beginning. Adam and Eve hid after they disobeyed. Remember?

We seemed to have learned this at an early age. How many of us had secret hiding spots - under a bed; in the basement; in a closet or whatever - that we would hide in when we knew we were in trouble with mom or dad? We hide. That's what we do. We try our best to hide the stickyness... the shame... but no matter, the residue of sin is still upon us.

Remember Fun Dip? As a kid we'd all devour those packets of colored, flavored sugar. The dipping stick would be long gone before the good stuff ran out... so it'd wind up all over us - on our fingers, faces... all over. The residue of Fun Dip covered us.

But that was not what we were designed to be. Covered with sticky shame? Not God's plan.

Ephesians 1 states 'the plan'... that we might be one with the Father through Jesus Christ.
⁴For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

Chosen and designed to be blameless.
So we have been chosen - but it is ultimately our choice to accept this chosen-ness - and to then reciprocate the message of the Cross. What is the message of the Cross? Read on.

⁶to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. ⁷In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.

Through Christ - we receive grace... we don't get what we deserve. We deserve death. Sin = death. Work hard at sinning and your payment is death. [Romans 6:23] We get freedom from sin. (but we have to repent... a verb... to feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin).

What are things we redeem? Coupons. Gift cards. etc.

I got an iTunes gift card for christmas. $25 worth. I logged on to the website - entered the code on the back of the card and REDEEMED my reward. Bought and paid for by someone else - i reaped the benefit. it was a wonderful gift (that's why they call it a gift card, duh!)

Christ loves us - no matter what we do. As the late Rich Mullins once wrote "There is nothing you can do to make God love you more and there is nothing you can do to make Him love you less." Love is freely given to us.

Because of that unconditional love, when we repent, our sins are traded in; cashed in - to the detriment of Jesus - for our benefit. With His sacrificial gift we redeem the gift of life... new life. Full life. [John 10:10] That is the plan! No more stickiness. No more mess. No more sin-residue. Freedom. Cleanliness. Washed whiter than snow. [Psalm 51:7]

and now, instead of sticky, smelly, sin and death - your aura is soft and smooth love and life. and there's certainly no shame in that.

Redemption. How sweet is that?







parts of this post were preached at Breakfast Club - Feb 7, 2010 titled "Sticky". Breakfast Club is a youth worship service. www.alienuth.com

used with Nooma 10: Lump
















sponsored by: Little Chocolate Donuts

Book Review: Forgotten God

The Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
this book got substantially better as i read it. i made a note on page 74 - when Chan begins to breakdown and dissect the active work of the Holy Spirit - and i took many more notes from then on til the end.

Forgotten God is a book about the one forgotten or neglected aspect of God in the western church: the Holy Spirit. it was a book that i didn't realize i needed to read until i started reading it. it really opened my eyes to a vital, living part of the Godhead that i've obviously known about but have rarely even thought about connecting with.

Chan isn't pointing out anything i haven't already heard or read - but at least he is writing about it... he seems to have his finger on the pulse of the church in America... a church that largely has neglected the Holy Spirit and all that it does and can do in our lives.

Seriously, the second half of this book is tremendously good. (good seems to be a weak adjective - but it's true). i am excited now after reading it.


View all my reviews >>

Ten Years of Youth Ministry

(re:post: written for church newsletter - jan 2010)

Ten Years: WHAT A DECADE.

It’s been ten years since I took on the role as Director of Youth Ministries. I’ve seen a lot happen in those ten years. 10 mission trips. 10 CYF camps. 10 Junior High camps. 24 Winter Jam weekends. 11 Atwood Retreats. 300+ Youth Focus meetings. 550+ Bible studies. 50+ Breakfast Clubs. Plus an assortment of other camping trips, game nights, worship events, swim parties, and discipleship and leadership training events. Over the years our youth ministry has gone through many changes. In the midst of our busyness we’ve tried our best to give students opportunities to connect with a living God, to help them discover their gifts and to help them see God’s divine purpose and plan for their lives. As it is with ministry, some got it… some didn’t. Regardless, the ministry constantly adapted to meet the needs of youth.

In ten years, we’ve witnessed tragedies in our community, in our nation and in the world. We’ve watched the world change with the evolution of our culture, our technology, our media communication and the like. We’ve welcomed 24 hour news. Reality TV. Hybrid cars. YouTube. Facebook. Twitter. Cell phones. Texting. Google. iPods. Digital this and that. $3 mochas. Super Wal Mart’s. Environmental awareness. Do-nothing politicians. Cultural clashes. Terrorist scares. Economic collapse. Etc. whatever.

In the midst of such global change and new inventions, ministries and churches were shown new ways to spread the Gospel of Christ. Some got it. Some didn’t. Unfortunately, not all churches or Christians have embraced the reality of the changes upon us.

Some may have said ‘let’s go back to the way it used to be – when things were better.’ I say ‘let’s embrace the newness and see how God is working through it all’. Paul reminds us in 1 Cor. 9:24-27 to ‘keep our eyes on the prize.’ Folks, the prize is in front of us, not behind us. The Gospel is the same, yesterday, today and forever – but our approach to ministry and reaching those who need the love of Jesus most is not. It needs to change as society changes… or else, before too long, Christianity will be an after thought… more than it already is now. We don’t need to go back – we need to go forward, and blaze a trail of righteousness, loving the unlovable, serving the unservable, and reaching the unreachable. This can happen if we embrace change and understand that God is guiding us. We need to trust the Spirit. It’s difficult to follow when we’re comfortably seated on our couches or in our pews.

It’s going to be hard work. It takes discipline. Or else we run the risk of being ‘disqualified’ as Paul writes (vs. 27). For those of you lacking energy? We will carry you. For those of you discouraged? We will walk beside you.

I once saw a picture of a beggar on a street corner. He held a sign that said ‘forget your coins, I want change!’ You see, the world no longer needs a handout. The world needs change, meaningful, life-altering change. And if we, the church, are not willing to ‘be the change we want to see in the world’ then what’s the point in trying? Together, we can do it. We can be it. We can show it. I know this because the Holy Spirit promises to be our comforter, advisor, encourager and strength. (Psalm 143:10, Acts 9:31, etc)

Where will this church be in 10 years? Will the world care about our message? I hope and pray that we have the courage to ‘run this race with our eyes on the prize’ which is Christ Jesus.

Tim Beck

Director of Youth Ministries (Nov. ’99-present)

the party

the party from Tim Beck on Vimeo.

prov. 3:7-10. Are we giving our firstfruits to God? are we giving Him the best? or are we giving Him the crumbs... the scraps...

I'm for Coco

An open letter to JEFF GASPIN - Chairman, NBC Universal Television Entertainment
and JEFF ZUCKER - President and CEO of NBC Universal Television Entertainment

I am writing to show my support for Conan O'Brien. It is shameful how NBC is treating him. Just admit it: Jay Leno @ 10PM was a bad idea... I can't believe you guys are going backwards rather than forwards. Me and my family have been strong supporters of NBC and its programming, even through these years of dismal ratings. Conan represents the future. Leno represents the past.

Way to go. Smooth move. Fact is, Leno said he was going to retire - then he wanted to come back - or you wanted him to come back. So you gave him a new time slot in prime time. As a result - his show ruined your 10 pm slot - the late local news - and then Conan's Tonight Show gig.

I hope you let Conan go - so that he may go on to other, better things. But you look like an organization with ZERO class. You promise a guy something. You give it to him. He moves his crew and their families across the country - and then after 7 months - you screw him over.

Way to go. You stay classy NBC. No wonder you're in 4th place.

With regards,

Tim _______

P.s What will you do when Leno's return to late night fails to get the ratings he used to? He's yesterday's news.



----


side note: I have always been a fan of late night television. over the years I've watched Johnny Carson, Letterman, Leno, O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon and even on occasion, Carson Daly (i'm a night owl). I even gave Leno's new 10pm show a chance - but frankly, it was horrible. really horrible. REgardless, I respected Leno and thought he was o.k. But now I'm thinking his ego is just too big.

I kind of thought Leno would do the respectable thing and tell NBC that he would not pursue the Tonight Show - but according to reports, He's getting that chair back.

So Conan's getting the shaft. Too bad for him. He's a creative guy with a fresh perspective. At least he's taking the high road:

Last Thursday, NBC executives told me they intended to move the Tonight Show to 12:05 to accommodate the Jay Leno Show at 11:35. For 60 years the Tonight Show has aired immediately following the late local news. I sincerely believe that delaying the Tonight Show into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting. The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn’t the Tonight Show. Also, if I accept this move I will be knocking the Late Night show, which I inherited from David Letterman and passed on to Jimmy Fallon, out of its long-held time slot. That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love, and it would be unfair to Jimmy.

So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of The Tonight Show. But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn’t matter. But with the Tonight Show, I believe nothing could matter more.

There has been speculation about my going to another network but, to set the record straight, I currently have no other offer and honestly have no idea what happens next. My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work.

Have a great day and, for the record, I am truly sorry about my hair; it’s always been that way.

Yours,

Conan

Review: The Way of the Heart

The Way of the Heart by Henri J.M. Nouwen


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
solitude. silence. and prayer. thus is the way of to be shaped by the Spirit, not by the world. Nouwen challenges us to live these three practices - and he outlines why and how with great detail - so as to become one with God, to have our heart melted and molded into the very heart of God.

life is full of busyness and chaos. i desperately desire times of solitude, silence and prayer. i think that is why i was drawn to this book.

some profound headers found in this book:
Solitude: the furnace of transformation
Silence teaches us to speak
Prayer of mind
Prayer of heart
Prayer of ministry: short prayers; unceasing prayers

etc.

Nouwen shows how simple faith should be and how we muddy the waters with our own ideas that are not God ideas (more often than not).

View all my reviews >>

best of 2009: top 20 cd releases

20: Anchor and Braille - Felt
19: Calamateur - Jesus is for Losers
18: Siriusmo - The Uninvited Guest (Bonus Track Version)
17: The Swell Session - Strict Joy
16: David Crowder Band - Church Music
15: Jonsi and Alex - Riceboy Sleeps
14: Bear in Heaven - Beast Rest Forth Mouth
13: Mos Def - The Ecstatic
12: Howling Bells - Radio Wars
11. Dubh - Fractured Broken and Beautiful
10: Muse - The Resistance
9. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
8. U2 - No Line on the Horizon
7. Manic Street Preachers - Journal for Plague Lovers
6. Engineers - Three Fact Fader
5. Derek Webb - Stockholm Syndrome
4. The xx - xx
3. The Boxer Rebellion - Union
2. Gnawledge - Granada Doaba
1. The Appleseed Cast - Sagarmatha




top song: The Uprising by Muse

I read 27 books.

I saw 158 movies.


here is a recap of top albums from years past:

My Top Albums: 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

moments in time: 2009

Books I Read in 2009

In 2009 i set new goals for myself: to read more. and so through the beauty of Good Reads I was able to track them all.

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life Miller, Donald

Still Waters and Skyscrapers: The 23rd Psalm for the 21st Century Tomlinson, Dave

Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living Job, Reuben P.

Pagan Christianity: Exposing the Roots of Our Church Practices Viola, Frank

Downtime: Helping Teenagers Pray Yaconelli, Mark

Drops Like Stars: A Few Thoughts on Creativity and Suffering Bell, Rob

10 Most Common Mistakes Made by Church Starts Griffith, Jim

The World as I Remember It: Through the Eyes of a Ragamuffin Mullins, Rich

The Orthodox Heretic And Other Impossible Tales Rollins, Peter

Night Wiesel, Elie

Al Capone Does My Shirts Choldenko, Gennifer

The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical Claiborne, Shane

The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture: How Media Shapes Faith, the Gospel, and Church Hipps, Shane

Rejesus: A Wild Messiah for a Missional Church Frost, Michael

Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices McLaren, Brian D.

Making Ripples Breaux, Mike

A Generous Orthodoxy McLaren, Brian D.

Youth Ministry 3.0 Oestreicher, Mark

A Christianity Worth Believing Pagitt, Doug

Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations Shirky, Clay

Jesus Wants to Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile Bell, Rob

A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God Shawchuck, Norman

Visioneering: God's Blueprint for Developing and Maintaining Personal Vision Stanley, Andy

The Christian Culture Survival Guide: The Misadventures of an Outsider on the Inside Turner, Matthew Paul

Doing Church As A Team Cordeiro, Wayne

Different Seasons King, Stephen

The New Conspirators: Creating the Future One Mustard Seed at a Time Sine, Tom


My favs were: Night, A Gen. Orthodoxy, ReJesus, The Irresistible Revolution (i read it on the beach) and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.

the year that was: 2009

2009 was a tumultuous year. full of excitement and bitterness. joy and pain. things happened. things didn't. it was cold at times. it rained the whole month of may, i think. the summer was mild but nice and very busy... october turned cold quick and then back to warm... changes came and went. time passed by. this a recap of a few random things.

one of the best things to happen in '09 was the Steelers winning the Super Bowl in February. it was a great game with an awesome finish and their victory completed one of the greatest seasons in history - playing the toughest schedule ever.

the biggest change in our lives appeared on the scene on april 27th. Silas Andrew was born and his birth brought a forgotten joy to our family. as an added bonus, Silas brought the gift that keeps on giving - spit up. for the first 7 months he spit up... a lot... on chairs, beds, floors... you name it. but he still grew... 23lbs as of today (he is 8 months old now). he is a genuinely happy baby and full of life.

the summer was busier than ever - and in some regard was something i was not looking forward too (because it was so busy). but in the midst of that, great things happened. i took the youth group on a trip to Washington DC to the DCLA 2009 event. i think 5,000 people attended that conference. it was a great experience but was bittersweet as it was the first time in my 9 years of marriage that i was away from my wife and kids. while there we went to the Holocaust museum. this reignited a passion to learn and discover more about the Holocaust. since then, Jen and i have Netflix'd many holocaust movies. it still seems almost unbelievable that something like that could ever have happened - a certain stain on the garment of human history... but we should never forget and the stories should be told.

this fall was filled with sickness and the fear that comes with it. jen had strep throat 2x; micah and addie had the swine flu (mild in comparison from the scare tactics told in the media); micah, addie and myself each had a bout with the stomach flu; i've had numerous colds; silas had an ear infect, etc. fun fun!

this year i grew to love coffee more and more... in the spring we got our first coffee maker... now Starbucks coffee is brewed almost daily.

i had chances to express creativity through a new worship service we've started called Kaleidoscope. As a part of Kscope, i began to make more videos under the title 'ceative kerygma' (kerygma is greek, meaning 'proclamation')

i even finished up my course of study as part of the New Church Start Academy and was able to use such knowledge in the development of Kscope.

My fascination with soccer continued. for the second year in a row i coached Micah's soccer team. i really enjoyed it. this year it was a U-8 team. we finished with 4 wins 5 losses and 1 tie. the highlight was when we knocked off the the lone undefeated team late in the season.

i celebrated my 10th anniversary of being a youth pastor. honestly, it has flown by. i feel blessed to have a job that i still love. although there are times when i feel close to burnout, i wouldn't trade it for anything. lately i have a desire to learn about a slowed down, contemplative approach to youth ministry and am excitedly exploring that more. this year, we are embracing community, through love, creativity, sharing stories and responding to God's call.

so there is a brief review of the year that was: 2009. i look forward to a great 2010 with jen and the kids and the ministry, etc.

somewhere a knife.

I
somewhere a sharp knife cuts into the side of an orange.
somewhere the song of a piano plays an unrecognizable chorus.
somewhere someone is looking for something but can't find it.
somewhere questions are left unanswered.

snow falls on the trees and blankets the ground.
it resembles a peacefulness that is strangely unobtainable to many.

the blanket of peace comes up short and my feet are cold.

doesn't it make you feel good? to be lost? and cold? and without answers?


II
somewhere a dull knife splits an apple; core and seeds now exposed.
somewhere the frosting has been licked off of the cupcake.
somewhere an instrument is being tuned to the wrong key.
somewhere a truck passes by on the interstate; as does life.

there is no time for rest. no slowing down.
the snow does not stop coming down - while discontent and frustration freezes the soil.

the blanket of chaos dulls the luster and smothers the fire of life.

doesn't it make you feel good? to be lost? and dreary? and without answers?


III
somewhere a dirty knife penetrates the heart of a pomegranate as the full passion of life is discovered.
somewhere a solution is dancing wildly on the horizon.
somewhere a melody is filling the air with truth.
somewhere rescue is coming.

snow falls on cedars, compelling shelter to be sought.
the warmth of the fire within burns brightly and melts away frozen souls.

the blanket of hope comforts the whole.

doesn't it make you feel good? to be lost? and warm? and without answers?

waiting and hoping and seeking...

living a good story

recently - i finished reading Donald Miller's new book - A Million Miles and a Thousand Years. the essence of this book is 'story'. what kind of story are you living, am i living? the book is full of stories, basically, that discuss and look at what it might be like to re-write and edit one's own life story.

one chapter talked about risk and how overcoming risk makes for a great story. the wheels began to spin in my mind: what risks have i taken? what stories are memorable? here are a few things that came to mind... most of which my (or may not) be risky - but they are not what i would think of as normal... so thus maybe, perhaps they are good stories?

• Exploring and climbing into an abandoned barn - only to realize once inside i couldn't get out.
  
• sneaking out of billy's grandparents house by climbing out second story window - trying rope to bed
• Seeing George Brett play baseball up close and personal.
  
• riding around in the trunk of a car all night - returning to campus - only to go back out and drive all night around Lexington, KY with Jay Pope.
• Midnight impromptu dance party with friends in a field off the highway, as These Are the Days by 10,000 Maniacs played on the car stereo.
  
• Driving west and attending film school in Los Angeles.
• Successfully creating, pitching and producing a tv show.
• leaping into a new profession as Youth Director.
  
• Driving 6 hours to 'see about a girl'... a year and a half later, marrying that girl.
• My wife and i taking up running.
  
• Jen taking me to an Explosions in the Sky concert in ghetto Cleveland
• Taking the youth group on many trips and adventures: retreats, mission trips and the like.
  
• going with my parents on a makeshift family history tour - traveling to Randolph, NY + Crestline, Ohio and many places in between, interviewing people and videotaping the entire event.
  
• Family vacations @ Lakeside.
• Starting our own photography business.

these aren't examples of great stories - but they are just a glimpse of a few of my stories. some were risky... some were not so much. thinking about them compells me to make new ones.

Donald Miller - A Million Miles... review

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life by Donald Miller


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I cam upon this book at just the right time. I've been fascinated by the idea of 'story' as of late - and A Million Miles and a Thousand Years is about just that: story.

Donald Miller is a good story teller - in person and in word form.

Admittedly, i haven't read Blue Like Jazz - his most notable book - but this book seemed to grab my attention more.

Basically Miller lays out in creative form the need for 'story' in the lives of humans... and if given the chance - how many of us would change our very own story?

If we could all start over and give our lives a 're-write' how would things be different? I was whimsically challenged by this book... if nothing else - to take more risks... to make my story memorable (something you can't do while sitting on the couch).

It was an easy read and i could probably read it again. it's not that anything profound was really shared - lots of movie vs. real life comparisons - but it was gently inspiring.

Miller writes in a conversational tone which i enjoyed.

View all my reviews >>

wait.

After the seas are all cross'd, (as they seem already cross'd,)
After the great captains and engineers have accomplish'd their work,
After the noble inventors, after the scientists, the chemist, the
geologist, ethnologist,
Finally shall come the poet worthy that name,
The true son of God shall come singing his songs.
~from Walt Whitman :: a passage to india


wait.
[advent.]

Advent: Wait... the prince of peace is coming.

The Missing Peace from Tim Beck on Vimeo.

introducing: Creative Kerygma

i've been making videos for a while now. i've dabbled in making worship-related videos over the last few years as well. so i thought it was about time to start sharing my creations with others.

we recently started a new alternative worship service called Kaleidoscope. the idea behind the name is 'broken pieces made beautiful.' when you look through a k-scope, you'll see fragmented glass or plastic - that when turned and pointed towards the light, something beautiful is created and formed. it's kind of the same way with man and God: when our fragmented, broken selves meet the light of Christ, something beautiful is formed.

Kaleidoscope is a multi-sensory worship encounter - aimed at providing opportunities for people to connect with God in new and fresh ways.

K-scope will become a monthly alternative worship setting starting in January.

We've had two test runs. This last one had the theme: Satisfied? for that one, i created a short film that resembles a Rob Bell-Nooma video. i will admit, his style was an inspiration - but we wanted to do something original.

So now - i aim to make, on a regular basis, more worship related films under the name Creative Kerygma. Kerygma is greek for 'Proclamation.' These films are meant to be a creative proclamation of the Gospel, in some way, shape or form.

here are the first two Creative Kerygma short films. Sheep and Shepherd. Shepherd is adapted from Sheep - if you watch them both, you'll understand.

enjoy. leave feedback or use 'em in your worship. if you use them, let me know how you used them. Thanks!

sheep from Tim Beck on Vimeo.

shepherd (psalm 23) from Tim Beck on Vimeo.

Still Waters (book based on the 23rd Psalm)

Still Waters and Skyscrapers: The 23rd Psalm for the 21st Century by Dave Tomlinson


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Still Waters and Skyscrapers is a very gentle book that digs deeper into the most quoted Psalm of all, the 23rd Psalm.

It was refreshing to read and investigate deeply the power behind the 23rd Psalm. There are many parallels in scripture to Jesus being the Good Shepherd. the 23rd Psalm reminds us that we are not alone.

At the heart of it all, Psalm 23 is a story. Citations of the gentle shepherd bookend the low times of our lives so that we are reminded of God's caring, loving nature, through it all.

Still Waters was an easy read and an enjoyable read, as well.

View all my reviews >>

Three Simple Rules (book review)

Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living by Reuben P. Job


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Do Good.
Do No Harm.
Stay in Love with God.

Three Simple Rules. A small, but profoundly inspiring book by Rueben P. Job.

This one will be worth reading again and again from time to time.

based on the writings and teachings of John Wesley.

View all my reviews >>

Pagan Christianity (book review)

Pagan Christianity: Exposing the Roots of Our Church Practices by Frank Viola


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
i liked the historical documentation of the beginnings and traditions of the church. the book brought about some interesting conversations with others, as well. but by-and-large, this book sort of sucker-punches the church, brings it to its knees and then gets in its face and taunts it.

ok. maybe that was a harsh analogy, but Viola and Barna spare no punches.

what i value from this book is that it asks questions that nobody ever asks. questions like, why do pastors wear robes? and why do choirs sing? and why do we tithe? they then answer said questions with historical information. the end conclusion: there are a lot of things that we do that aren't in the scriptures. many Christian practices and traditions have 'secular' pagan roots. but in the end, how much of it really matters?

i actually found this to be an easy read and i finished it in a week. it tended to get me worked up over some of the things pointed out. then, after a few days, it just didn't matter that much.

View all my reviews >>

love create share respond

a few weeks back i was planning a youth worship service on the theme of Community. while doing research and prep - i stumbled across Ian Adams' blog (thank you Jonny Baker)

this post inspired me greatly.

When combined with ‘the big idea’ [see the previous 'ways into... no 3'] a good spirit can produce something truly creative - a community that in small ways begins to reshape us and the world around us for good. So it can be really helpful in beginning a new community to identify what we hope the spirit will be, describe it, and begin to try to live it.

As i thought about our youth community (i am a youth pastor) and what we aim to be - i began to think about what i/we hoped the spirit of our 'community' would be.

and out of that, an ethos was born:
love.
create.
share.
respond.

love God + people (matthew 22:38-40)

create + inspire others to connect with God. (made in the image of God - man can use creativity to inspire others and help others connect with God through interactive, out-of-the-box methods. because of creativity, we are made new.)

share your story + God's story. the Good news can be shared through words and actions. St. Francis said 'preach often. if necessary, use words.' whatever methods, we encourage people to be real and to share their stories with others and along the way to share God's story of love and redemption. the cool part is when people begin to see the connection between their story and God's story. may our stories inspire generosity + genuine community as we share the truth of Jesus. (matthew 10:7)

respond to the needs of others + to the call of Christ. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says 'pity a man who falls and has no one to help him up.' we want to be aware of the needs of others. remember that Jesus said 'whatever you have done to the least of these, you have done to me. and whatever you have not done to the least of these, you have not done to me.' we desire selfless, not selfish community.


now comes the challenge to 'live it out.'

below is the video that sums up our ethos.

love create share respond from Tim Beck on Vimeo.

prayer:

"Prayer makes us vulnerable to others. It's difficult to cling to our defenses, our prejudices, and even our anger at another person when we're praying for them. The more we pray for someone, even an enemy, the more God softens the heart toward that person -- the more that person changes from enemy to friend. Prayer makes it more likely that we can move from seeing someone as "garbage" to actually, seeing the person as a child of God."

~ Mark Yaconelli (from the book Downtime: Helping Teenagers Pray)

religiosity. pt. 2

from an interview with the Boston Globe:

Boston Globe: I’m struck by the fact that I don’t hear a lot of explicitly religious language, or mentions of Jesus, from you.

Rob Bell: I think we have enough religious people who are going around trying to convert people. My guard is up when somebody is trying to convert me to their thing. Are you talking to me because you actually are interested in this subject, because you care about me as a human, or am I one more possible conversion that will make you feel good about your religiosity? I don’t have any embarrassment about my religion, and it’s not that I’m too cool, but I would hope that the Jesus message would come through, hopefully through a full humanity.


my thoughts:
Christianity can't fit into a cookie cutter mold. yet we try and try to make it fit, perhaps because it makes us feel successful. but perhaps its not about success. perhaps its truly about discipleship and truly following Jesus.


there is a ministry at the edge of town that has a sign out front that reads '652 Salvation's' or something like that. everytime i see it i am reminded of McDonalds and how it would say 'over 1 billion served'. I don't like to think of 'salvation' as a fast food product that is bought and sold.

i know that God can and will reach people and save people through various methods - but i would feel a little uncomfortable using the 'used car salesman' approach to advancing God's kingdom.

i think i would rather spread the Good news of Jesus through relationships and conversations and actions that are consistent with the teachings of Jesus. Loving God first and Living all people next. Treating people with respect while showing them an example of the hope that is within me.

Salvation is not a commodity - and getting people 'saved' is not something i do so that i can get another notch on my belt.

i guess i look at it this way: if a man were drowning in a lake - and he cried out to be saved, the lifeguard would throw him a life preserver and thus salvation would be at hand.
but once out of the water - drowning man must then learn to swim before jumping back in the lake. the learning to swim is discipleship. learning the art of being like Jesus. the lifeguard - presumably would show drowning man the Way to life. (John 10:10)

if said life guard 'saves' drowning man but then moves on, how genuine was the saving? he saved only because it was his job - not because it was his passion for the drowning man to have life.

as a follower of Jesus - i want people to understand the saving grace of Jesus. but i want them to understand that and to SEE that through my love and my actions.

it is my prayer that there would be a genuine, consistency within me and that God would give me the boldness to proclaim the gospel to one and all - through word and deed. i hope that is your prayer, too.

Drops Like Stars review

Drops Like Stars: A Few Thoughts on Creativity and Suffering by Rob Bell


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Drops like Stars is not like many books on anyone's bookshelf. as a matter of fact - it's dimensions make it difficult to literally fit on my bookshelf. it's more of a coffee table type book.
filled with creative art and stunning photography with words sprinkled throughout, Drops Like Stars is author Rob Bell's attempt to connect creativity and suffering.

in fact, the tag line says that: A Few Thoughts on Creativity and Suffering.

that's just what it is... a few thoughts... stories... anecdotes... and what not that attempts (mildly successfully) to show the connection between man and God during difficult times and how that suffering can bring about a new perspective. the ability to see things that are often missed... those God moments, i'd call them.

in the end - we all suffer. and it is going to shape us.

as he writes: we'll be bitter or better...closed or open... more ignorant or more aware. etc.

in the midst of it all, Bell reminds us of how God connects through us - through our suffering - because his son suffered once and for all, so that we may live... a life to the full.

View all my reviews >>

religiosity. pt. 1

Rob Bell has his share of fans. he also has his share of enemies.
recently he was interviewed by the Boston Globe. you can read part of the article HERE. the 2nd page of the article from the BG website is from another BG article and so, sadly, the completed article is missing.

some people, like this guy have gone bananas over quotes from Bell from the BG article. based on the comments left on that guys page you'll see some very loving christian responses, too. sweet! Jesus must be so proud! i find it interesting that none who commented on their disdain for Bell seemed to have bothered to check the facts. "He doesn't mention the name of Jesus enough" they say. (kinda sounds like how Contemporary Christian Music used to keep track of JPM's in its music... JPM's = Jesus' Per Minute. The more JPM's the more likely your song would get made.) But alas, apparently Bell was largely misquoted or taken out of context in the BG article. this guys big stink is about Bell's quote on the word 'evangelism. others here are a little perturbed, too.

Bell's quote: "I embrace the term evangelical, if by that we mean a belief that we together can actually work for change in the world, caring for the environment, extending to the poor generosity and kindness, a hopeful outlook. That’s a beautiful sort of thing."

He didn't mention Jesus which got people upset.

from Christianity Today: Rob Bell has responded to the Globe interview on his Twitter account. He says that most of what he said was left out of the interview, and calls it "maddening." He also goes on to clarify the historical roots of the word "evangelical."

from Bell's twitter page: A bit of history: the word evangelical comes from the Roman Empire propaganda machine- it was an announcement proclaiming Caesar is Lord...The first Christians took the phrase and tweaked it, saying "Jesus is Lord." That, of course, could get you killed. No one challenges Caesar...To confess Jesus is Lord was to insist that peace does not come to earth through coercive violence but through sacrificial love...That is still the question, is it not? Whose way? Jesus or Caesar? Power and might and domination - or bloody, thirsty, hanging on a cross?

And so things were left out of the Boston Globe article.

it bothers me that some christians seem reluctant to give the benefit of the doubt. it is too easy to point the finger, i guess.

Jesus seemed to say something about that, though...

How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. ~Luke 6:42

maybe there are more important things for us to be focusing on right now. like giving up our inner pride, perhaps? or maybe taking care of our own business? Loving God and loving people? practicing empathy and humility?

carried through

many children have that special thing that serves as a pacifier of sorts. Linus from Peanuts© had his blanket. Andy from Toy Story© had Woody. when I was a child, I had this stuffed teddy bear who was dressed in a train engineer outfit... Blue stripped overalls. Red handkerchief. Train engineers hat. I called him Choo Choo Charlie.

One day, i was playing and decided "wouldn't it be cool if Choo Choo Charlie got into some sort of train accident? So i found in my sisters room some lipstick and i smeared it all over Choo Choo's face and arms - so as to resemble blood, i guess. (disturbing, I know). When i was done playing 'train accident' i discovered that said lipstick would not come off. His fur was permanently scarred. the bear was damaged goods.

But i didn't mind. despite his flaws, i loved that bear. over time it became even more flawed... ripped clothes, frayed fur, etc. by any stretch - it was broken; certainly less than perfect. but regardless, i still loved that bear. Why? because there was a bond. a connection. a shared comfort. i carried him proudly.

it was a part of me.

i think it's kind of the same with God. we have our cuts and bruises. some manufactured by us. some caused by others. but despite our flaws - our ripped souls and broken hearts - we are still loved by God. Why? because there is a bond. a connection. a shared comfort. God delights in us. believe that. we are his pride and joy.

and he carries us proudly.




When the water's too high
When the water's too high
I will carry you
I will carry you

When the night is too black
When the night is too black
I will carry you
I will carry you

Save Me O' God

what a disciple looks like

A Disciple:

One who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.
A follower of Jesus.
Disciplined.
A pupil.

It is enough for the student to be like his teacher. [a]

Do not live according to the sinful nature. Live according the Spirit.
A mind controlled by the Spirit brings a full life of peace.
The Spirit is powerful. Follow Christ, truly follow Him. Follow Jesus closely. Close enough that His dust covers your clothes. That dust will be the outward sign to the world that you are truly His disciple. Live like him.
Do not be a slave to fear. Share in his sufferings in order that you may also share in his glory. Be empathetic. [b]

United with fellow disciples.
Take care of others.
Share. Give freely. [c]

Lend a hand to the poor and weak. But not do bring glory to ourselves and not only when it is convenient. Ask "how can I help?"
Take on the troubles of the troubled, just like your mentor and example, Jesus.
Be in harmony with one another. No personal agendas.
Get along with others.
Be alert for what's on the horizon.
Remember: the personable God is dependable, steady and warm. May He develop maturity in us. [d]

Preach. Proclaim. Share the Gospel, the Good News.
Through words and actions. Not one without the other. Ever.
The Lord will confirm His truth in you when you obey.
Do not be discouraged. [e] [f]

Conduct yourself in ways that are not contradictory to the Good News Jesus proclaimed.
Live like a follower. No pretending.
Do not fear those that oppose you. And you will face opposition. if you don't, you may not be following Jesus as closely as you think. Perhaps.
Your courage, strength and unity will show those who oppose you what they are up against.
There is more to this life than trusting in Him. Suffer for Him, also.
Did He not suffer for you? [g]

Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Love life.
Keep your words pure.
Pursue peace. [h]

Be eager to do good.
If you suffer for what you do, you are blessed.
Make Christ Lord in your heart. Be cautious with your heart. The temptations to fill it with other things will be prominent.
Give a reason, to those who ask, for the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect.
Keep a clear conscience.
Remember: Christ died, once for all - for the righteous and the unrighteous so that all may be brought to God. Remember all of the truths of Christ: the living water. the blood sacrifice. the removal of our grime. the salvation He gives. The resurrection, as well. [i]

Obey.
Love.
Your actions are your response to God's amazing grace.
That grace accepts us, assures us, sustains us and embraces us with divine love.
Radical grace prompts a radical response.


[a] = Matthew 10:24-25
[b] = Romans 8:5-25
[c] = Acts 4:32-37
[d] = Romans 15:1-5
[e] = Mark 16:19-20
[f] = James 2:14-26
[g] = Philippians 1:27-30
[h] = 1 Peter 3:8-12
[i] = 1 Peter 3:13-22


inspired by: A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God by Shawchuck & Job