Christmas: The rescue begins!

Merry Christmas to all! Today we celebrate a day on which our Rescuer was born. Jesus Christ. He is Savior, Lord, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Not many call him this, but I call Him Rescuer as well. I do so because HE came and saved me from myself, my sin, my pride, my flesh, Satan, death, and from a life of nothing. He was a wonderful man, and is an holy God. Let us all take today as a beginning. A beginning of daily thanksgiving for our rescue. It's wonderful to know that we are rescued, we are saved! We have eternal lives that we are living right now because of what He did so many years ago, and still does today. All from the time that we celebrate today to the Resurrection. God the Father released Him from Heaven to rescue, to restore, to atone, and to show us what love looks like. So love on your family today, your friends, and your enemies. We have all been rescued. Let's celebrate!

Rant part deux

Yes I think there are some folks a living out there that seem to have it all figured out. They are LIARS!!!! Some folks walk around thinking that they way THEY believe is the only way to believe when they should be concentrating on believing in the Way! There are folks that walk around shouting I am against abortion, I am against Islam, I am against Christians drinking or smoking. When they should just get up against the great I AM and allow Him to wrap His arms around them and show them how to really love one another. I say all this to make a point. The point is that as folks who follow the Way we should just focus on the Way and by doing that allow ourselves to be swept up by the Way and actually live a life indicative of our belief in the Way instead of trying to get our way from the Way as if the Way is some Holy Santa Claus. Yes it is a simple idea but not easily done. If it were then we would never have nitpicking over Christians who watch Family Guy or drink, or say ass (when NOT referring to a donkey). But hey here we are in this together how about we just say, screw it, lets just love each other like we are called to do by our Rescuer Jesus Christ! Is that possible? Absolutely it is! But I believe it begins with me! I must be willing to live my life in this way or shut the hell up! Any takers?

Rant Pt.1

Sometimes you gotta turn to a brother or sister in Christ and ask them............"what the hell is that about?" I say this because I have experienced and I'm sure I am not alone, how a closed mind has ended relationships, divided churches, families, and marriages. Now before I go any further let me define what I think a closed mind is. I believe it is when someone cannot get past their preconceived notions to allow for a paradigm change. I define it this way because I was once like that. I used to think that faith was one way. I am learning that it is another. Without getting into left or right, conservative or liberal I will simply say that to say that homosexuality is wrong and agree with capital punishment is messed up to say the least. Does Christ say kill your enemies? Does Christ say that homosexuality is fine as an alternative lifestyle? Does He say anything other than love your enemies, turn the other cheek, love your neighbor, and love Him with all your might. He does say that we should love one another, we should love Him, we should love our enemies. But is that only in a context in which they are straight or not Muslims? Because apparently homosexuals and Muslims are our sworn enemies. Right? Am I wrong to say that we have chosen to follow what works best for us and not what we are commanded to? Jesus loves Matthew Shepard, Jesus loves Osama Bin Laden, Jesus loves George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Barrack Obama, and you and I. Do you get what I am saying here? If we say that we believe that homosexuality is a disease that will eventually kill us all, or that Musims are all terrorists we fall into that close minded "BS" that makes us "Christians" so repulsive to a culture who is looking for authenticity . I believe Jesus had an open mind, he dined with whores, crooked tax collectors, he hung out with misfits, geeks, losers, He had twelve of the most average joes one could find and turned them into disciples. So am I less of a disciple if I reach out to homosexuals and try to understand them?, am I less of a Christian if I don't believe in capital punishment?, and am I a heretic if I reach out to the Muslim community and love them as Christ did? I don't think so. Do you?

God: Alpha and Omega, Lord of All,and a shape shifter??

Well folks it has been too stinkin long since my last post but so much has happened in my life since then I dare not document all of it here. Meet me at Starbucks sometime and we will discuss it. Anyway, as I last posted God is intentional. He is never aimless. That being said he is also a shape shifter. No He does not change from God to Willie Nelson or something like that. He changes us. He changes how we see life. In past blogs I have touched on how change is a good thing. I still believe that fo sho! However, sometimes I believe God changes our surroundings in order to get us to move, think,trust or love in ways we have never thought of before. I just recently spent time away from my wife and kids (3 dogs and two cats) and I had lots of time to think about why I am the way I am. By no means do I have it all figured out. I can tell you this. God created me this way for a reason, and in order to really be in sync with Him I need to be about what He is instilling in me through whatever situation I find myself in. But its not just me, its all of us. Remember, the lifeboat is gone. We are all in this together. So my two cents is this. In order for me to truly follow my rabbi I need to take his yolk upon me and live accordingly. No shocker there! So why is it so hard for me to pull off? I am hung up on how I think it should look, sound, taste, and work. If it does not follow my script then I get pissed and confused. So am I really following my rabbi if I live this way. Of course not. So the simple yet difficult task at hand is to toss away my way of thinking, and perceiving my journey and simply allow the dust of my rabbi to collect on me as I follow Him down the road. Through that dust I will learn more, live more, and grow more to be like my rabbi everyday. So folks, lets get dirty!

Intentional God: deliberance & transfention.

I love an intentional God. He carries out His will with deliberance. No that is not a misspelling. I just created a word. Call Webster! I say deliberance because what He does deliberately delivers us. He is all about His children. He allows us to fall on our faces in order for us to learn how to walk. He picks us up, shows us how to walk, repeatedly. Jesus went to the Cross with deliberance. I am so full right now its crazy. As I write this I feel the Holy Spirit wrapping His arms around my heart holding me so tight is almost hurts. God transforms with intention as well. God does not change but in order for us to continue to be more like Him we must.
Transfention. that is what we are to do as followers of Yahweh. If we pursue our God like He is our lifesaver (which He is) then we cannot help but transform with the intention to become more like our Father. Amen? I am a work in progress which I think we all are if we are honest. I used to be this close-minded person keeping God is a box shut so tight it hurt. It hurt because I realized that I was dictating what I thought God should do in MY life. When all the time I should allow Him to do what He wishes because the life I have is not mine but His because He gave it to me and I gave it back. Therefore, its not my life to dictate. Its the same way with the church. My church is going through a very scary/exciting time right now. I'm not sure of any other way to describe it. We are truly becoming what the church is supposed to be like illustrated for us in the book of Acts 2 & 15. It has not been a painless process but one that will bear the fruit of obedience when all is said and done this I pray.
Deliberance and Transfention two words that do not exist according to Webster, but should exist according to the Church. I cannot wait to see what will happen next. I know God has plans for us. But in order for us to truly see those plans we have to be willing to go through deliberance & transfention.

The Big Valley

Hey readers! I am writing you in the midst of great change. Not only in the life of the body of believers I worship with but also within my life as well. I think change is necessary. However, sometimes change can take you through a valley of sorts. Change could take you through some difficult times. I can safely say that I am going through that now. Things are tough all over with the economy at its worst in decades, and everyone is feeling the crunch. My wife and I are feeling it big time. My current job is one that was supposed to lead to a promotion and more stability for my wife and I. Instead it has turned into a bit of a struggle. Basically, the position I was supposed to get is not open because the person vacating that position is not leaving. So now I am stuck. But........
I know this is said all too often. But it bears repeating. During this time, I feel closer to my Rescuer than I have ever felt. In Psalm 121 David tells us of how Christ is our help. He never leaves. sleeps, or allows us to stumble beyond rescue. So yea finances are tough, and yea its stressful. However, my Jesus has overcome the world. So I think He can handle my situation just fine. I am in a valley, a big one. But He who is in me is greater than this valley.
So with all the uncertainty we face these days I can say with confidence that I even though things look tough and the mountain is even higher while I am in the valley. My Jesus will get me through. I trust Him! I love Him. Nuff said!

Lifeboat

Hey I am reading this book by Donald Miller called "Searching for God Knows What." I love this author. His realism, along with his faith in Jesus inspires me to follow Christ as I have never followed Him before.
For example, he talks about having a "lifeboat syndrome" with our lives. What I mean by this is that we walk around trying to prove to everyone else we are worth keeping in the boat, and we do not deserve to be thrown into the drink. My interpretation of this is simply that even we who follow Jesus tend to try to "impress" those around us by what we do, wear, or drive. We also try to kiss a little behind in the process in order to keep dry. We are in constant "lifeboat" mode.
What does Jesus say about this? Well according to DM Christ eliminates the boat. How? Well to make this short will be a challenge but here it goes.
First, a holy perfect God creates us to enjoy Him. To have fellowship with Him. but we messed that up in the Garden and we have been in "LB" mode ever since. So God, loving us as He does, cannot stand to be separated from us so He sends Jesus to show us what we must do in order to love Him and one another. Then Jesus willing faces a gruesome, painful, humiliating death on the cross so that we may have fellowship with Him. In doing so we are now devoid of the need for a lifeboat in God's eyes. Everyone has value! I do mean everyone. Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Protestants, Catholics, Wiccans, you must understand that He died for the world. Jesus did not die for the Republican party, or the Democratic party, or the Green Party. Jesus did not die for just for Americans. Jesus died for EVERYONE!!!!!!!!
So with this being said. Why do we still feel the need to live in the "lifeboat?" We have extraordinary value in Christ Jesus. Therefore we need not try to impress, or validate ourselves to anyone. this also calls us to truly follow Christ and treat others like Christ treats us. therefore, no one else needs the "lifeboat" either. The fact that God took the time and create, love, sacrifice His only Son for, and return to claim us (us being the world) then we must rid ourselves of the "lifeboat" mentality and live as true disciples of the living God and love Him and love our neighbors period. When we are in the boat we are in the flesh, when we rid ourselves of the boat then we live through the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. How do you want to live?

Changing Seasons

Well as most of you may know I am in the middle of a change in my life. I recently left the arena of student ministry. It has been a part of my life for over 18 years now. And if you have been outside lately the weather is changing as well. And even if you do not follow politics as much as I do you would also know that we will elect a new President this November. My place of worship my also experience a change as well (details to follow).
In the book of Daniel chapter 2 we read:
"He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning."
I quote this to say that all change is in His hands. This brings me great comfort. I know I an headed into a stage of life that could literally take me anywhere. I could go into missions either domestically or foreign. I could go into collegiate ministry as well. I do not know, but God does and that works. I also take comfort in knowing that He will have whomever He determines as best in the White House next January when they take office. And my Lord knows just when to begin to cool things off a bit, and show us his artistic touch as the leaves begin to turn. The Ozark mountains are a great place to see this take place.
All this to say that God is indeed in control. He is a master at giving us exactly what we need when we need it. I needed this rest. I needed this time to just be. GSM needs a freshness that an old fart like me cannot give them. I know God has somebody lined up to take the reins that I put down. So I am looking forward to what God has planned for me, our nation, our environment, my church, and for GSM. Stay tuned for further updates. And please become a follower as my "Tigger" Jordan K did so I can communicate with you directly. Thanks kid!
Much Love
James
WD

Time to Hang them up

Well fellow bloggers I have to say I feel a bit odd. Only because I am about to leave something that I have been doing for a very long time. I feel as if it is time for me to leave the youth ministry arena. I am 37 years old. I have been involved in youth ministry in one fashion or another since 1989 when I was 19 years old. It has been something that has been brewing in my spirit for a few weeks now. Today I finally feel as if it is time. I have been blessed to be a part of some incredible ministries. I started at Elmdale Baptist Church in 1989 with Hug Radler. What started as a summer internship turned into a 5 year partnership in ministry. I learned tons from Hug and we are still good friends to this day. I then went on to Fellowship Bible Church of NWA. I was a cell group leader there. I was privileged to work along side Sam Hannon, Matt Archer, Derek Horn, Murray Williams, and Ben Hall. I learned a great deal from them and loved every minute of the time I spent working along side of them. As I was working at FBC I was visited by a man by the name of Don Carter. He pastors a church in Fayetteville by the name of Grace Church of NWA. He needed a Student Pastor. I was interviewed and offered the job. I began my work there on November 1 2002. I was their first student pastor. It was my first "official" position. As time passed I led mission trips, taught many times, and got us lost a few as well. All along I felt as if I could and would do this forever. But God has different ideas for me now. I have had a pleasure of working at Grace since 2002 (although I resigned my "position" in 2005) I just feel the Holy Spirit leading me to a different chapter in the book that is the life God gave me. I love the Lord and I look forward to seeking Him first and waiting to see where He leads me next. I will i miss Sunday nights at GSM but I do feel the next chapter will be equally special and I look forward to it. Peace I'm outta here!!

Commitment=Community

Its funny how commitment and community sound alike isn't it? I truly feel that the two are related because you cannot have one without the other. Yet some people say yea I am enjoying this community yet when its time to commit to something within the community they run scared. As a member of an awesome community myself I see this and I get confused as to how I "should" feel. I know how it makes me me naturally. It pisses me off. The rest of the community is heading this direction and a select few decide its not convenient for them so they do not. So does that make what we have a pseudo-community? I try to ask myself how did Jesus react to this. He had to deal with it too. I have not figured that one out yet.
I am not saying that a community has to agree all the time. But when something is happening and it is important to everyone (whether your for it or against it) and a select few just lolly gag around apathetically infecting the community with their indifference. When we do say enough and expel those who just do not seem to care? Is it apathy alone? Could also be selfishness? I am not sure but I can say this it makes me want to show them the door. Is that wrong?
Now I am not saying they do not belong in the family of God. But maybe just not our community. Now, is that wrong?

Family.................true family.

Well as many of my fellow bloggers who have read my blog know my wife and I have had a very rough month. We are healing (once again) and we are looking towards what God has planned for her and I. I have received many emails & facebook chats with encouraging words of prayer and support. For those I wish to thank all of you. Family.......that word means a lot of different things especially in our fragmented society where divorce devastates families in and out of the church body. But wait, aren't we all His children? So we should all be in the body of Christ( I like to call it a family, with God as my Dad alongside my earthly dad who passed two years ago) so the church has much work to do in order to reach out to those folks who do not know what real family feels like. I am blessed because I do know what that feels like. They laughed with me when I got out students lost on the way to Ft. Smith (thanks Brandon.. love ya damie), and they cried with me when my earthly father passed away. They came to his funeral and hugged me until a I soaked their shoulders with my tears. They are some of the greatest people I know. The Cornetts, Carters, Traviss, Baughs, Halls, Greens,Skinner, Whitlocks, Holts, Ramseys, I mean the list could go on and fill another blog entry. I just might do that for the next one. My own little genealogy. I say genealogy because those folks are my family. Mi familia! (for you Julie). They all love my wife and I unconditionally. And that is a chore with me, not so much with my wife she is easy to love, me I can be a lover one minute and a fighter the next and a goofball all the way through out. All this is to say that family (church body) is a place where being real is finally being accepted. One of my incredible pastors just read my last blog where I wrote words like, ass & pissed. So if you are reading this blog and do not have a family? We have room for you in mine. holla at me at jselvey@gracechurchnwa.org and I will show ya my family.

Anger Justified

I am pissed off and fed up. Not too long ago my wife and I were asked if we would be interested in adopting two girls from some "friends" of mine who are their legal guardians. We were apprehensive at first (with good reason) but grew to be a bit fond of the girls. Today we were told that the people keeping them are now unsure that they want to give them up for adoption (after a month of meetings). I got a call from my wife who was and still is upset about it. This is the second time that something like this has happened. If this some cosmic joke I am not freakin laughing. So my struggle now is how angry I am. I do not like being angry but cannot help the fact that sometimes I when I get angry I want to annihilate those who have perpetrated the act that sent me into rage. I am beginning to lose faith in the goodness of people. I am beginning recognize that as a good thing. People suck! They lie, cheat, steal, kill, manipulate, and act selfishly. Now am I on a soapbox?That would be an emphatic no. I am in that category(although I have never killed anyone...yet) and often kick my own ass when the need arises. But because I am a loser does that mean I have to out up with epic stupidity? I do not think so. If so just stack that on top of everything else I will never be good at. So there I ranted, vented, and I feel no better than when I began this blog. I want to take my wife and I far away from all of this BS and head somewhere new and not here. Any suggestions?? I was thinking Alaska or Colorado!

Losing it

This has been a month like no other for me. God is really messing with my head. When I believe I have things figured out, I don't. When I think I know the direction I need to go I get lost. I really feel as if I am on a train flying down the tracks out of control. The trip to NYC was amazing. I can't seem to get past it though. I think about it everyday. But I really do not have a desire to leave Fayetteville. My wife (songbirdtiff) and I want to adopt. We meet some kids and we are not sure they are the ones we are suppose to adopt. I get a job that I like and is really flexible, but I feel as if I may have to head somewhere else. None of these things are difficult or unpleasant. However, I feel as if someone is about to jump out of the shadows and get me.
I know Christ said," that whomever loses his life will find it in Me." And He also said that "if we try to find out life we will lose it." I think I am losing it. I feel like an unmade bed. It is like when you travel and then return and the first few days are strange. Ya know what I mean? So what does this mean?
I think God is about to do something that will turn everything I know upside down, or I am going insane. One of the two. I am really needing prayer right now. To be clear I am neither sad, worried, or anxious about anything. So I am praying that God would clear some things up. Can you do the same? Much thanks and love!
J

The Hardest Thing

I love history. I love to read about it, study it, and watch documentaries about it. I have been fascinated lately with the Jihadists and their Islamic roots. I know that the fundamental Islamic tribes early on hated the monarchy's friendship with the west. So why did they not go after their own monarchy instead of us? Now, do not take the word fascinated as a form of fondness. On the contrary I believe that Islam is a false religion, and is full of contradictory statements. I hear all the time that Islam is a "peaceful" religion. I see absolutely no evidence of that whatsoever. In fact I see the contrary, I see violence and death. Osama Bin Laden himself was quoted saying, "the biggest difference between us and the United States is that you love life, we love death." OBL is a practicing Muslim. I can go on and on, The USS Cole attack, the Khobai towers attack, and nobody will or should forget September 11, 2001. I see all of these things and all I want to do is exact punishment on them. Swift and very severe. Yet Christ tells me to love my enemies. That is indeed the hardest thing for me. I am a patriot. I love my country and would go and serve at the drop of a hat if given the opportunity. So when I see cowardly attacks on our soldiers by these jihadist nancy boys. I get angry. Very angry! They do not fight with honor, or bravery. So what do I do? How do I love these people who are so full of hate? I know I at one time was an enemy of Christ due to my sin and through Jesus' blood I have been adopted into the family of God fully redeemed, cleansed by the blood of the lamb. So I ask the question once more. How do I love my enemies?

Revolution vs. Reformation Pt. 2

Well this book by Shane Clairborne "Irresistible Revolution" is a challenging book to say the least. Now I know a lot of folks say that about books they have read. But in this case I say the book is challenging me because it is making me look at why I have not acted when I should have, and why I did not stand up for somebody who could not stand for themselves. Honestly. I only thought of the military in that way. But as I read this book I am reminded of ways Christ stood for those who could not stand ( hello the Cross!) and how He was a revolutionary. He went against the Pharisees, Sanhedrin, and the established law and re-wrote it. So what does that look like for us here in the 21rst century? Get involved. Feed the homeless, clothe the naked, stand up for those who are abused, hurt, neglected, cast off, and for those who have no idea that long ago Jesus paid for their sins. SHOW them this love that Jesus has for them by being that love. Any fool with a mouth and any vocabulary can talk. But the person of action is the one who truly shares Christ with the world. Jesus taught a lot, and He also bathed the dirty, healed the sick, clothed the naked, loved the unlovable, fellowshipped with those whom society casts off. So yea the military does ( in some cases) stand up for those who cannot do so for themselves. But why should they have all the fun? So pray for me as I pray that my Rescuer will show me where and how I need to act like a "Irresistible Revolutionary."!!!!

Journey: The begining

No its not about the rock band that tore up the airwaves in the 70's and 80's. I have been contemplating this for while and I think now is the time. I will begin a journey that will be difficult, possibly painful, but will be rewarding when I reach the end. I need to do this for my wife, for the kids the Lord will soon be blessing us with, and for myself. By now you are asking, "what is he going to do?" Well simply put, I will embark on a fast/feed. Now that sounds a bit contradictory doesn't it? But hear me out. I have been over weight for a while now. But I have also been spiritually out of shape as well. A lack of prayer in my life and a lack of (non study prep) time in God's Word have made me spiritually anemic. So my plan, what the Holy Spirit has laid on my heart is this. When I feel the urge to eat junk like candy, or drink lots of soda I will praise God for His eternal grace and mercy. I will also pray for my relationships that they may honor God and benefit the person I am praying for. I will not be in prayer for myself if only to gather strength from Him who sustains all life. Then I will spend time with Jesus and the Word He left for us. Thats part one. The other part is to take better care of the Holy Spirit's temple by eating less junk and exercising. Now this is not so I can look good naked or run a marathon. The physical aspect is mainly to honor God with the gifts He has given me and I can do that better by being in better shape. I also wish to be able to have the energy to be whatever is needed. At times it could be a mover, counselor, teacher, landscaper, missionary, daddy, drummer, or a listener. My inspiration is of course Christ, but also the apostle Paul, he tried to be all things to all people. He made tents with tent makers, fished with fishermen, and I want to be a better husband, and a great dad when that time comes. So there it is. It will be a journey for sure. I do need some advice. Should I allow myself one day a month to eat what I want? Or not? I am thinking yea I should. But I am not certain as of right now. Thoughts?

IR part 2

So here I am reading this book about being a real Christian. I can see from what I am reading that S.C. is living his life sort of like a Christian activist. Honestly, that really interests me. I just read where he and other college buddies found out that a group of homeless people who were staying in a old run down church were being told to leave by the very church that "owns" the building. Wow a church kicking out homeless people. Does that sound totally bassackwards to anyone else? Shane also went on to sat that Jesus was homeless. I would agree to a certain extent. While He was here (physically) He traveled extensively and never really settled. Now He was from Nazareth but it is not like He returned there after a ministry trek with His disciples. So I sort of agree with that. Back to the homeless folks. Shane and his buddies found out that the church authorities gave them 48 hours to leave or they would be arrested for trespassing. Well long story short those people got to stay thanks the God of the universe who cares for a small group of folks in south Philly who needed a home and needed Him. He showed up in the form of Shane and his buddies, a couple of Firefighters, and the media. Moral of this blog is that ministry takes many forms. Activism is one of them. As I prepare to leave my home and all of my furry kids (3 dogs and two cats) and go to NYC I feel a small sense of activism stirring in my heart and spirit. (Thanks Shane and Scott!!) I am not sure what that looks like now but when I find out I will keep you all posted! Keep reading folks, this book will lead you to action!

Revolution vs. Reformation

I love history, politics, military history, and archaeological study. I have often wondered which better shaped our history. Revolutions or Reformations? We all can name a few of both. I mention this because I began to read a book called "Irresistible Revolution." So as I begin who has this book? And have you begun to read yet? If not or if you just started lets discuss this book through blogging. Any takers?

Play it LOUD!

I am a drummer, a husband, employee, minister, Packer fan, Red Sox fan, Razorback fan, Naturals fan, and I love animals, and LOUD rock n roll. Now all of that out of the way for my first blog I can say this. I am also full of crap, angry some times, doubt myself constantly, and sometimes hate myself. WOW you say...... well welcome to REAL Christianity. Not what you see on TV or when you visit your local church. Now I do want to say I love my church by church I mean the people that know I am full of it and love me anyway, and we all worship God and love Jesus together. Play it LOUD to me means be who God made you, be true, real & authentic. Jesus never claimed to be something He was not. Nor should we who love and serve Him. Its ok for Christians to have a crappy day and feel like crap sometimes. It is called life. But in spite of all of that we should love with abandon. No matter how it may look, or how it may feel (especially loving those who annoy the hell out of you). We are not a bunch of Holy barbie dolls walking around with a fake smile, and demeanor. I love Jesus more than I can say but I still screw up (a lot). I love my wife more than anyone else (on this earth). But I still manage to piss her off occasionally. Sometimes I am brilliant, sometimes I am epically moronic. But to honor my rescuer I MUST play it LOUD and be 100% real, and that is what freedom in Christ is in that I can do all of this and He still loves me and cherishes me. The rest is just fire insurance.

Whats so funny 'bout peace, love, and understanding??

Well here I am just getting back from a high school graduation. Man do I feel old! These students that I watched graduate I have known for some time now. Some since they were middle schoolers. One of them (we will call him SAWDAWG) I have known since birth, in fact I changed a few of his diapers, and watched tons of cartoons with him, and now he is graduating. Man do I feel really old! Anyway, these folks are about to enter the "real world" No not the insanely stupid reality show on MTV. But life without being told you have to go to class, you have to study, you have to be home by 10. I heard a speech about how the world these grads are going into has a lot of gray in it as far as beliefs, and ideals go. I cannot agree more. However, I do not think this is something to be celebrated. In fact I think it is something to mourn. We have US citizens calling members of Al-Qaeda "freedom fighters," we have complete nutjobs running around saying 9/11 was an inside job, and how all we need is change. We have politics creeping into the church and churches taking over cites block by block. Churches that spend insane amounts of money to make the churches attractive. Attractive? Maybe to some folks who like three huge crosses outside their church. But not so attractive inside where it counts. When there are people in Burma who are starving and suffering we have our three huge crosses.
Basically I am ranting over the fact that there is way too much gray and not enough black and white. Too much wrong and not enough right. I could go on for days about this but I will simply say this. First,
churches are the people; not the buildings ,so quit freakin building such insanely huge building you idiots! (FBC/C@PH) How but sending a few thousand to the folks in Burma or China, or New Orleans (as long as you keep it away from their mayor Nagin)? I think Jesus would be turning over table like crazy in some churches around here. Second,
abortion is murder straight up no matter whether it is partial birth or early. But that does not give the church the right to be stupid.Third,
remember the terrorists started this war on terror not us they flew planes into buildings we did not. Simply talking to terrorists will not change their hatred for us whether you think it is justified or not. So quit trying (former President Carter... please shut up!!) And along these line terrorists do not need lawyers they needs executioners. Some may be shocked and or offended by that last one but nutjobs like the ACLU want to give terrorists lawyers. Sorry this is a war and so they should get military tribunals, not jury trials. Now this does not mean every Muslim, only the ones that want to kill my wife or friends just because she and they are Americans. Although I do believe Islam to be a false religion, and not at all peaceful like some Muslims claim it to be. As far as the Iraq war goes, it was mis-managed from the jump ( thanks Rummy! and W) but I think we were justified in going in because we had to enforce the sanctions we gave them when we drove them out of Kuwait in 1991. And they were allowing terrorists that were fighting us in Afghanistan to cross Iraq to get to Syria. So there will never be peace until Christ comes back, especially in the Middle East. Finally,
I am not a bitter or angry person. I just feel like speaking my mind sometimes. I do not wish to instigate conflict. This is my blog you can read it or not. Agree or not thats fine. I am not going to call you stupid if you disagree with me. So please understand that this world is jacked up beyond belief. But, through Christ we can make it a little better, and only He can heal it. So I will be the first to repent for the many sins I commit when I hear people tell me that there is not black or white anymore. So there you have it. I do love most people, I would be lying if I said I loved everyone. So love me if you want. But be careful, I do not sugar coat, or kiss anyones @#$ for any reason whatsoever. Being real is what will get folks interested in hearing about this Christ fellow. And being real is not a sin. Thanks for reading!

The latest happenings in the life of Me!

Hey blog readers happy Monday to you all. I know your out there and God bless ya for it. I just wanted to say that having REAL Godly people around you is stinkin awesome! Real meaning that they have the nerve to say what needs to be said right to your face and not flinch. These are the real folks! Not the pat you on the back when they see you, then mumble about how you suck when you leave type of folks. I had a great visit with a dear brother of mine this morning at Starbucks (our office if you will) and he and I had a great convo about being content and finishing strong. Long story short he came out and said, "when it gets rough you bail" (I paraphrased) and at first I was "What the Deuce man?" But then I listened to him w/o getting defensive and heard a lot of truth. (And Thanks bro! I know your going to read this.) He and I have a great relationship that allows for that to take place when it needs to. To me that is a lot of what true community is about. Folks who aren't afraid to stare you right in the face and say things that may or may not piss you off. Knowing that it may sound harsh, and cold but it still is the truth nonetheless. God never promised us the truth would be happy fluffy bunnies all the time. In fact in most cases truth is hard and difficult to bear. Again thanks bro!
Anyway, I have thought about that all day now, and have come up with some things ;here goes. My wife, Songbirdtiff, is real with me all the time and I do not give her enough credit for it. She has nerves of steel and a heart of pure gold, and I love that woman more than I could ever express. And yet when she gives me the truth about my epic stupidity I attack her as if she were Osama Bin Laden and I had a sniper rifle ready to fire! Why? because I am epically stupid! Aside from that it is mainly because I have done something that I know I should not have done and she is simply doing her best to hold me accountable for it. If I could kick my own ass I would have done it years ago! But thankfully ( and I mean this honestly) she is here along with my friends to do the ass kicking when necessary. And THANK GOD FOR THAT! So with this said I feel the winds of change blowing in my heart and in my life and with those people by my side I can move forward with confidence knowing that my incredibly beautiful, stunningly gorgeous, insanely brilliant, and crazy talented wife of mine,and my incredible friends and family are walking with me. But most of all I know My Savior is leading me all the way!
God knows me pretty well. He created me so that gives Him the inside track to knowing my innermost thoughts and fears. That being said He knows what my heart's desire is and sometimes it is not Him. Its what I want to do for Him. That my friends is an idol in every since of the word. Ministry can be an idol, wanting a family can become an idol. Basically everything that we put in front of out Creator is an idol period. So for so long I have sought out ways to serve Him whether it is through music ( I was in a band for over six years), or outdoor ministry ( I studied that at JBU and worked at New Life Ranch), or its student ministry ( I was a student pastor for over two years at the church I currently attend), basically I have put ministry in front of God in my life. So its no wonder I have been frustrated most of my life. So I feel that if I am going to be grounded in my faith and in my ministry I MUST give it all up to Him and allow Him to do His job and follow Him regardless as to where that may lead because He is my Lord and Master and I am His servant first and foremost. So that being said my new life verse, a verse that I will memorize and think of daily will be Matthew 6:33 which says:
"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." So there you have it boys and girls, a long blog indeed but sometimes it takes a long blog to get the truth out! God Bless!

Oprah's Church

Now I don't care for Oprah I have never really liked her show all that much. But I never really had anything against her until now. I have hard some very alarming things about her new undertaking with E. Tolley "The New Earth " class online. What I have heard disturbed me greatly. I heard things like "the man on the cross is an archetypal image" which denies the idea that God was fully man and fully God on the cross. Which He was by the way. Also, the idea of salvation. Tolley says that " my salvation comes from me." Take a look on Youtube.com under " Church of Oprah's Exposed." It also shows clips of her asking "why does Jesus have to be the only way?" Ummmmm because He said so maybe? I am not trying to tell anyone what to believe. I know what I believe. And I tell people how much Jesus has done for me and how He took all of my sin and shame to the cross so I would not have to because there is no possible way I could. HE is alive in me through the Holy Spirit, and I can talk to Him everyday, and I do most days but not all because I am a loser, but I am a forgiven loser and that makes all the difference. I know without doubt or reservation that Jesus Christ died for me, rescued me, and has for me a wonderful life here and in heaven, and He is the ONLY Way!
"I am the Way , the Truth, and the Life. no man can come to the Father except by me."-Jesus
Amen!

Missional Messiah

Hey all its Easter or Resurrection Day however you want to call it. I had a great day. But it was not necessarily while I was at church. Now don't get me wrong I loved our drama put on by our worship team. But I took this time to praise God and then I looked around to see others praise God which is something I like to do because it fills my heart with joy to see it. As we left our lunch with some friends my wife and I drove around. We must have driven for about an hour maybe more. It seemed that long anyway. As we drove we talked about tons of things. We drove around Fayetteville, we love this city. As I think about our drive I began to think about MY drive. What motivates me to be in ministry. For those of you who know me; ministry to students (Middle school through College experience wise) has been my mission since the tender age of 19 ( I'm 37 now). I came to the conclusion that my rescuer is my motivation. WOW now that's a revelation isn't it? Now hear me out. What I mean by that is that Christ never really settled in one building and said "ok everyone come to me, have some coffee, chat." HE WENT TO THEM!! Now I understand that in today's world we need logistical hubs to organize ourselves. However, why limit our ministry to those who swing by our building on Sundays? I'm am not talking about outreach, your still pulling them back into YOUR zone of safety and comfort. I am talking about going into the city provide a service for the folks living there and meet them where they are and meet their needs.To me that means a coffee house/church. People cannot come into the church at any hour and just hang out drink coffee and talk about Jesus. However, at a coffee house your out there in the city no steeple on your roof, no sign out from with a pastor's name on it. Just a place for folks to gather and hear about this Jesus guy. Now I am hearing things like well a coffee house is a building too? I realize that but the coffee house is just the hub, the real ministry is in what we do with those who come in. We go to their house help with repairs, or half of the band's cover can go to a operation a family needs for their child. It can be an avenue for other wise less vocal folks (not an issue with me, ha ha!!) can express their love for God and their fellow man through painting, or a softly read poem, or an instrumental offering. At this coffee house there is no worship pastor, no senior pastor, no youth pastor. Its those who God has called to lead leading, those who God called to sing singing, those who God called to write writing, those who God called to teach teaching, is my message coming out clear? Lets be real, lets play a song by David Crowder one minute and then have a Coldplay song played followed by a diddy from some guy named Bob who lives in town and is a recovering alcoholic and just found this Jesus guy, and he wants to sing about it. Jesus never sat and thought how do I get them here? He helped them, He loved them, He went to them, He healed them, He died for them, then He rose for them. Now are we going to have to die for them ?, maybe. Are we going to heal them? Sure with a hot cup of joe and a warm receptive heart. But lets lose the pretense, the suits, the marquee with the pastor's name and a corny "Christian" joke on it. Let have a service that consists of some Scripture, some coffee a trip to widow Jane's house to mow her yard, then we can eat and sing some songs. How can we do that? How can we follow the lead of our Missional Messiah?

God, friends, and family make life cool.

Man it seems the more I read the book of Acts the more God talks to me. I have been at my church for the past six years. I have been the student pastor, student volunteer, sound guy, drummer for the praise and worship band. I've done a lot there. Now I feel as if God is lighting another path for me at Grace Church. That path seems to be the path of college ministry. I am aware of the many college ministries on campus. But somehow I feel this will be different, not sure how yet, God has not told me that yet, and that is just fine with me I'm not going anywhere. A couple of months ago I had a friend ask me to perform his wedding ceremony. I thought this request odd because I have yet to be ordained, or licensed. But I agreed to do it, now I am about to begin my ordination process. I am excited to do it. I am also very humbled. I have a few friends that come over every Monday night for WWE Raw they are very dear people to me. When I think about them I get happy no matter what I am doing. I love them. I also have friends that I work with at church and at my regular job that make me smile, hold me accountable,laugh AT me as well as laugh with me. I also have wonderful family here. I married a breath-takingly beautiful woman, she has a sharp wit, an hour glass figure ( yea!), a voice that makes me think of deep oceans that are crystal blue and calm with its beauty taking breath from whomever see it. Her family loves me, my side of our family adores her, and we share three beautiful dogs, and two crazy cats. I say all of this to give testimony to how good my God is, even to someone like me who does not deserve a bit of it. Thanks God!

Closer

Well my last few posts have been more like rants from a soapbox. For that I apologize, that was not my intention. I have had some amazing conversations with some close friends, co-laborers in ministry, and family regarding my frustration with the church. I think its safe to say I am not alone. There are others that share in my frustration. Now, this being said, I want to move on from there and say that I believe God is stirring things up here in NWA. I want to be a part of that. I feel like I'm supposed to be a part of that. I feel like its time for the church to be missional in its ministry to NWA not just places like Honduras, Tibet, Mexico, China, etc. In the Matthew Jesus gives us our "marching orders" so to speak when tells us that, "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age." So ALL nations including this one. I love that we are so mission minded when it comes to the nations, but locally we have dropped the ball a bit. However, things are looking up. We have ministries like Lifesource International and Samaritan House that are being very deliberate in ministering to all the needs a family has not just their eternal destiny. I am happy to say I heard some awesome ideas when I had lunch with some folks from my church today. I was very encouraged, now we just have to have the faith to take that first step much like Indiana Jones did when he crossed the "Faith Bridge" I think it was called. He could not see where the post was but he knew it was there. Folks, I cannot see into the future but I know He is there!! And that makes the struggle worth it. I cannot wait to see what God is about to do with us here at GC of NWA!!!

Growing Tired

Well I don't really know how to sugar coat things so I won't. I am growing very tired of church. Now among the gasps and the jaw dropping allow me to elaborate. It seems the church (global, that I have experienced) does a lot of talking, makes grand plans, and dreams big dreams, and then returns to business as usual. Business as usual. Was there anything usual about Christ? The Alpha and Omega being usual.Hmmmmmmm I don't think so. So why is His church? Well from what I gather, being a believer for over 18 years, I feel as if we lack the collective backbone to do otherwise. We also lack the imagination. I cannot tell you how many "services" I have been to at several different churches and yet they are all the same. WOW! Very convicting, or at least it is to me. The same old 3 song/sermon/two song/prayer/ dismissal formula is like chewing on dirt. God is such a creative God why are we (who are created in His image) stifling our creativity under the pressure of conformity. Now, does God get bored with that? I doubt it. However, His people do. "Well its not about you!" That is true but it about worshiping with joy, passion, reckless abandon, and an unadulterated zeal for the Man who rescued you from certain death is what more and more folks who are curious about this Jesus guy notice missing from our "services." I hear well He saved you, why aren't you happy about that? I think it is not that we are not happy to be free from sin's hold on us. But more of what I think is the major Achilles heel of the church and that is conformity. "Hey this is how so and so did it so we should too. "Or, "hey lets be different and do what the OTHER church is doing.
I am only ranting about this because we are in the age of Postmodernism, and if we do not accept that, and adapt to that more people are going to get so annoyed by the church that they will leave it. For example a church "service" could look like this; a group goes to an elderly woman's house on a Sunday or Wednesday, does not matter what day, and helps with repairs and remodeling after they have a little praise and worship and some Scripture truths being shared. Then they all eat together. Or maybe around Christmas time buying a tree for a family financially strapped, buying them FEW gifts, and providing food for their meal. That is a church service right there. See what I am getting at?
We serve a limitless God, but we put limits on Him in our lives because we do not believe this will work because we are safe within limits, we are comfortable within our own inner sanctum of the same ole same ole. And changing those limits will surely offend God. I think He is offended by our weak worship of Him. By us not being willing to jump just because He says so. Abraham had balls! He just went, because God told him to. He had the knife in his hands going towards his son's heart because God told him to, and God backed up everything He told Abe He would do. Anyway its late I'm tired so whomever reads this, post a comment agree or don't. More to come on what I feel could be the "how do we change this" later. Right now I need sleep!
May God's love be with you!
James

What to Do???

Well not too much to talk about this time around. I am approaching a career changing decision. I work for the world's largest retailer Wal-Mart. Now I know some may boo about that but they have created tons of economy for the NW Arkansas area let alone the world, and with that a lot of jobs so STEP OFF!! Just Kidding! Anyway, I have a few opportunities within the company staring me in the face come this spring. One management training, the other Asset Protection ( kind of like a Wal-Mart cop except I do not carry a weapon). I also am a part-time assistant student pastor at my church. So ministry is always on my mind. I am also having to deal with the often reoccurring thoughts of a long term missions in Honduras ( I spent a week there last summer and the experience really moved me). So there you go, not too much is it? So I guess any of you praying people who happen upon this post can pray for me. Thanks for reading!
Jamesamite

Citizens of Berkley CA. are Hypocrites!

The people of Berkley California that are supporting this movement to ban the U.S. Marine Corp. from parking in front of their recruiting office and also trying to get them out of town is the most hypocritical thing I have ever heard of in my life. What is going to happen when we get attacked? Who are they going to call? Not Ghost Busters, the U.S. military of which the Marine Corp proudly serves as one of our branches. Now, they have a right to voice their displeasure with the government all they want to. The Marines they are discriminating against fought and died to help make that happen. That is why the "Berkleyites" ( a combo of Berkley and hypocrites) are themselves hypocrites. Because when we get the next terrorist attack on our soil the Marines will be one of the first to go to fight. The fact that they are being called "brave" sickens me even more. The "Berkleyites" are about as brave as Chicken Little was. This is nothing but a bunch a left-wing nut jobs getting their jollies courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corp. A federal judge should step in and declare it unconstitutional and allow the Marines to park in front of their own offices. What a pathetic display!

Super Tuesday

Well here we are its Super Tuesday. I know there are some folks that could care less. But for me I love to debate and follow politics. And today I voted. I voted for Barrack Obama. I do not mind telling you this because I believe I voted for the right person. You can agree or disagree. But if your apathetic towards voting and our government then in my opinion you have no reason to complain about it. I say this because democracy was established " by the people, for the people." So if you want to change things, then vote! Now, some are asking why Obama, he is a Muslim? This is a case of people being ignorant. He is not a Muslim. He may have ancient family heritage that could be of a Islamic nature, but the man himself is a Christian. See a earlier post for proof on this. I also voted for Obama because I liked his response when he was asked about abortion. He said ( I am paraphrasing here) " I do not believe we ought to overturn Roe v Wade. That would cause women to go underground and get illegal abortions of which could be worse for the mother. What we need to do is find more and better alternatives to abortion like adoption. We need to make adoption less complicated, and less expensive." He was asked this in St. Louis when me walked up to a group protesting his speech. When he could have entered through the rear entrance of the buliding, he chose to walk right up to them and address their concerns. That folks is the kind of President I want in the White House. So there you go take it for what you will. God Bless you all!!

Barrack Obama NOT a muslim!!

DEBUNKED: Email Purporting to Be From Obama on Islam

In recent weeks a fraudulent email has circulated purporting to be from Senator Obama about Islam. Read the retraction The Muslim Observer wrote when they learned the letter wasn't true.

Obama Letter Retraction
January 23, 2008

Last week (Volume 10 Issue 4) we printed an article, supposedly a letter by Senator Barack Obama, which detailed his childhood and his relations with Muslims and Islam over the years. The letter had been sent to us by a trusted friend of TMO. The letter seemed to us perfectly attuned to the sensibilities of Muslims, even though it clearly declared his actually being a Christian and not a Muslim.

It came to our attention shortly after our mass emailing last week that the letter was a fraud, actually written by a blogger named Umar Lee. The letter was widely circulated after being written by Mr. Lee, becoming "viral" in the emails of Muslims and this in fact is the way we received it. By the time we received it the letter did not have Umar Lee's signature at the bottom; the email said in fact that the letter had been sent to CAIR as an explanation of Obama's background.

We wish to print some statement on the issue from the Obama campaign. Therefore, we have made approximately 10 calls to different offices of the Obama campaign since Monday morning; we have left our contact information on every voicemail; we spoke at length with one volunteer for the campaign (who is not authorized to speak on behalf of the campaign) who explained that he thought the campaign staff might consider it unwise to respond on such an issue. We left two voice messages with Michael Ortiz, Senator Obama’s federal press secretary, and left one message with his campaign press office. But as of this writing, we have heard nothing from the campaign.

We at TMO are deeply embarrassed by what has happened, and because of this event we will implement changes in our policies regarding verification of outside submissions. Since we have limited staff and time for verification, we will be forced to rely more on our own paid writers and our subscription to news services rather than outside submissions.

Kicking your own @#$

I wish I could kick my own @#$. I am one of those types that can't seem to say the right things when I am angry, aggravated, or acting just plain stupid. I said some things today(actually yesterday, because it is 12:20am Wednesday) to some one I love more than anything on this earth that if said by a different person I would have certainly gone off and pummeled the guy who said those things. Yet here I sit wishing I was either smart enough not to say those things or that I could kick my own #$@ so that maybe then I would get the point. I am thick headed, stubborn, sometimes egotistical (for no good reason), and often hostile towards those who love me the most when they don't hop on my bandwagon and say "yes your right, lets go!" Maybe I have the self-esteem of a pile of crap and if somebody does not agree with me I take it personally and then I get mad and I say stupid things. So what do I do about my angry driven turret's? Am I doomed? No I do not thing so. Because if I stop and think about what love is I find the love is patient, kind, not self-serving, keeps no record of wrongs, and so on you get the picture. All those things that I am not when I fly off the handle, so maybe thats the problem.Whoever reads this mindless dribble, if your praying people pray that I can and will see the way God has for me in dealing with my anger and stubbornness.
Muchos Gracias!
James "the jackass"

Posting

When nobody reads your blogs should you continue or just forget it? It does not seem as if anyone gives a rip about my blog so I am thinking about shutting it down. If I do not hear from someone soon that is what I will do.

My email to Westboro Baptist Church

I cannot believe you call yourselves a church. You twist Scripture, manipulate theology, and hurt those whom Christ died to save. You say; "God loves everyone is the biggest lie ever told." Have you forgotten John 3:16 perhaps the most quoted passages in Scripture? The world means the world. Not just your church, or those misguided souls that agree with your hatefulness. I see no theological proof or basis for your statements. And your picketing of funerals is so far removed from the compassion Christ showed during His time here its ridiculous. Do you not remember the time Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead?, before He did so He wept for his family, and for Lazarus. You talk a lot of about God the judge. He is our judge, but you however are not. "Judge not lest ye be judged."He is judging your lack of compassion, your lies, your hypocrisies, just like He is judging mine. But He also loves you and me for He created us just as he created Pat Tillman, Heath Ledger whose memorial service you plan to picket . You think you re enlighted? You believe you are special? Christ died so that we may live. He removes our sin, we are washed by His blood. Not just once, but forever. I will pray that you will see the truth about Jesus and His love for all mankind. And I will pray that I can get past the disgust I have for you and your church, and that your are teaching your lies to youth and children as well. May God forgive you! For those who do not know. These folks are the "God Hates Fags" people, and they also believe "God Hates America" as well. So these folks are misguided in so many ways I could write several pages as to how. See ya!

Control?

Do we really have control over our lives? Do we get to decide where we go in life, what we do in life and how we do those things in our lives? As a man who follows Jesus Christ "I" would say NO! I gave control over to Jesus the minute I asked Him to be Lord of my life. The term lord meaning "a person who has authority, control, or power over others; a master, chief, or ruler." I told Him I would submit to His control over my life because I trust Him and I love Him. Now, that being said, why do I still do things that I know may not be right? Because I am not Jesus' puppet. He does not want people to blindly follow. "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Is one Scripture that comes to mind. But isn't He Lord? If so then how am I making choices? Two things, free will and submission. Jesus gave me free will in order for me to taste and see that the Lord is good, and then follow Him forever. Because of that revelation I am willing to submit to what HE leads me to do by the Holy Spirit which He left us according to the gospel of Matthew among others. Then enter the word submission, "a legal agreement to submit to the decision of arbitrators," or "the condition of being submissive, humble, or compliant." Jesus being my arbitrator with the Father for me so that I am led, cared for, loved, forgiven, shown mercy, disciplined, and finally shown to the light of truth in Jesus from the Father. So no I chose not to be in control, most of the time anyway.

Me

Hey all this is my first blog post. Yea for me! Anyway, I just wanted to get into a little more detail about who I am. I am a apprentice of Jesus Christ. I do not like the term "Christian" so much because I believe it has been abused. I listen to people who claim to be Christians leave less than a 2% tip on the table next to where my wife and I were sitting. Christians who do not associate with "those people" by those people I mean addicts, thieves, gay/lesbian, atheist, and anyone else that has been shunned by the "church." Jesus came to heal the sick, He came to love the unloved, He came to clean up the dirty, and to save the unsaveable. The church's responsibility is to do as He did. Not how we think it should be done, but how He did it. What I mean by this is to love those who hate you, give to those who need WITHOUT looking for recognition or for something in return. I will admit I do not have all of this down in my own life. I am striving to make that so. My poor wife has to put up with my rants, my opinions, and my idiosyncrasies. But I love her with a love that can only come from someone who has experienced what love really is. And I have in Jesus Christ. I do not mean to preach. Although at times I cannot help it. This is just a little more about who I am. I love to listen to R.E.M., and David Crowder Band, and Toby Kieth all in the same car ride to wherever I am going. so there you go. I hope to get to know some folks in this blogosphere of sorts so let the games begin. Grace and Peace!