Jesus is often called a revolutionary. He asked people to completely change the way they thought. He asked them to rise up and fight against the powers that be. Of course His methods of fighting were loving your enemies, doing good to those who hurt you, healing the sick, loving the outcast, hanging out with kids, being generous, following the laws of the land w/o becoming just like them, and picking up your own personal cross and suffering with Him. No one has said or insinuated anything close to that. I’m beginning to not use the word Easter so much because of it’s connotations – so much of the package is not Jesus-focused at all and that’s the whole point of this time of year. Jesus died but is now alive. So, Uprising has many meanings: Jesus rising from the dead, Jesus gathering a kingdom of people to turn the tide of sin and death in the world, being forgiven and finding new life, purpose and hope.
Filed under: focus
I’ve never been too excited or “into” politics knowing that no candidate is perfect and a president only has so much power anyway. Probably the most power they have is as the “face of the nation.” Their life gets lived in a fishbowl so to say and we see or find out about all their junk. This has been a very divisive and (to some) exciting election campaign so far. But what I’m seeing from Jesus-people is that issues, even if they are important, are causing division among us. People are getting angry with other Christians who even think of voting for (fill in the blank). Some will pull for one candidate b/c they are pro-life while others will pull for the other b/c they are anti-war (pro-life from a different perspective??). Some will pull for one candidate b/c they want healthcare for the poor while others will pull for another one for trying to create jobs (both are pro-life views?, yes). Here’s the deal, until Christ is commander in chief we Christians will still need to pray for our leaders, love our enemies (who is our enemy?), and keep on truckin’ …all the while putting love in the forefront.
In Acts 10 Peter had a few moments to share about Jesus and he said this: 34Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. 36You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
Basically he summarized Jesus’ life as one spent meeting needs of whomever he came into contact. Whomever comes into your gravitational pull, in your way, in your conversations, in your aisle at the store, at your bank window, on your street…determine to and ask for Jesus’ eyes to see them and do good.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Taking breaks is a good part of anyone’s rhythm. God built a sabbath rest into the ancient Jewish rhythm and we continue that today by resting at various times. I take breaks from speaking on Sundays…which is both hard for me and a nice change. This past Sunday I taught the 5-10 year olds instead of speaking to the grown-folks. Yay. It’s good for me and I actually had a good time. The lesson was on “patience” – what a great topic for 5-10 yr olds. By taking a break from your daily routine you are able to get a different perspective, get some needed rest, recharge, or let someone else take a chance. By taking a break you are saying “the world doesn’t need me every blessed minute and God is bigger than mysl
Filed under: rhythm
I’m so tired but maybe this afternoon will help. My rhythm is off. I didn’t sleep well Wed or Friday night and was a little more active with stuff to do. A lot is on my mind also. I just finished a good nap, which is amazing on a Saturday afternoon. I have to be careful also because my mood can tend to dictate the mood in the house (not in a “I rule the house” type of way but you know what I mean). I also need to be careful not to counter being tired with artificial energy…I didn’t drink a pot of coffee like in the picture. But I’m not going ANYWHERE today unless there’s an emergency. I did sit outside a while and watch my kid play in the yard with the dogs. I will build a campfire in my backyard tonight and stare at it. I will get a good night’s sleep. 
