-May 5--My precious son was born. Being there for the birth was one of the greatest spiritual experiences of my life.-San Fran and Yosemite. I love traveling with my wife.
-Got to hang out with Troy and Bonnie twice. They are no longer best friends; they are family.
-Great family vacation to Lake Conroe. My family draws me closer to Jesus every time I am with them.
-Kayci keynoted the West Texas Girls Conference AGAIN--her 3rd time. This time, I was there. (Graves, I'm still trying to get her to allow me to send out that DVD)
-I was honored to speak at some great events--retreats, youth rally's, ACU, an interdenominational conference, Wednesday nights, a gospel meeting, and some Sunday mornings. I was the one that was fed!
-We took a trip to San Antonio with a few of our best friends here in H-Town. Watching Truitt and Reese together was adorable.
-The Zoe Conference was one of the best confereneces I've been to in a while. Great speakers. Awesome worship.
-Luke and Lindsay continue to be two of our greatest friends.
-BST and I grow closer every week. Glad to have you as a friend.
-Josh and Kara Graves are two people that Kayci and I want more time with. We loved hanging with them at Zoe. If we didn't live so far away--H-Town to Detroit!
-Kevin and Sarah have been an amazing gift to us. There is never a dull moment when we're together.
-Sarge and Chel's are great partners in ministry.
-The Cornhuskers...ummm...
-The Mavs...ummm...
-How about them Cowboys!
-I continue to love my work at SWC! Many challenges, but God is present with us in evident ways. Thank you, SWC, for letting me join you on this journey.
-The 30th year anniversary of the Sandifer's at SWC was memorable. They have been a mighty, steadfast rock in this church.
-We buried over a dozen people from SWC this year. We will continue to be a church in mourning, yet we hang our hats on the empty tomb.
-In 2007, I have fallen in love with Nelson Mandela & Desmond Tutu.
-My boy, Will Smith, continues to put out great movies.
-I am grateful for professors that are now my good friends--Jack, Chainsaw Charlie, David Wray, and Randy. My mentor, Cope, continues to inspire me.
This list could go on, but I'll stop there.
Blessings to all!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
West Houston Church of Christ
Tomorrow I am preaching at West Houston Church of Christ. Their preacher, Matt Soper, is on a vacation with his family in NY. Immediately following the 2nd service, I will jump in my car, set the cruise on 75, and make my way back up to Decatur. I miss my wife and son. I don't do well without them.
I am preaching on Luke 4-5. Over the past 3 years, these 2 chapters have shaped me, challenged me, and have compelled me in my faith more than any other piece of Scripture. (More to come on these 3 stories later)
The basic gist of the message is this--if we were to truly embrace the LIFE of Jesus, is it really good news?
I am preaching on Luke 4-5. Over the past 3 years, these 2 chapters have shaped me, challenged me, and have compelled me in my faith more than any other piece of Scripture. (More to come on these 3 stories later)
The basic gist of the message is this--if we were to truly embrace the LIFE of Jesus, is it really good news?
Friday, December 28, 2007
Pepperdine University
I have the privilege of speaking at the Pepperdine lectures next May. I've always wanted to go to Pepperdine, but it has never worked out. As a student, the lectures were always during finals week. Last year, the conference was held May 1-3; Truitt came on the 5th. I thought it would be best to stay at home with Kayci. :)
My title is, "Jesus--The Great Companion and the Annoying Nuisance." Throughout the past 3 years, I have danced numerous dances with Jesus in the gospel of Luke. Every chapter draws me into a deeper love. At the same time, there are many moments when I don't "like" Jesus. I love him, but I don't like him. He bids me to follow him into places I am not sure I want to go.
The title of the 4 gospels should be--"Enter at Your Own Risk!"
My title is, "Jesus--The Great Companion and the Annoying Nuisance." Throughout the past 3 years, I have danced numerous dances with Jesus in the gospel of Luke. Every chapter draws me into a deeper love. At the same time, there are many moments when I don't "like" Jesus. I love him, but I don't like him. He bids me to follow him into places I am not sure I want to go.
The title of the 4 gospels should be--"Enter at Your Own Risk!"
Thursday, December 27, 2007
From Family Life to Bachelor
Life as minister has its challenges. One of the greatest challenges is spending time with family. A commitment that I have made is that Kayci and Truitt will always be my first church. They deserve the best of me. Truitt is my mission field. So much of how he will think about Jesus, faith, and life will come from Kayci and me. I'm grateful to be on this faith journey with a woman that is so committed to following Jesus.
A greater challenge that I face is being in a family that is full of ministers. My dad is entering into his 20th year of preaching. My little bro is a full-time worship minister. It is hard enough for 1 minister to find a weekend to worship with his family. It is rare for 3 ministers to find the same Sunday to take off. Well, this past Sunday evening, we were all at church together: dad, mom, older sis, her husband and kid, little bro, his wife and kid, Kayci and Truitt. It was the first time that we have all been at church together since January 2005.
The last few days have been fantastic.
Now, I am back in Houston as a Bachelor for a few days. Kayci and Truitt are still with my parents. I have to work today and tomorrow, and then I preach at West Houston Church of Christ on Sunday morning. Over the next 3 days I plan to read, write, watch the Godfather (I still haven't seen it), and play a game or two of X-Box. As for food...umm...
A greater challenge that I face is being in a family that is full of ministers. My dad is entering into his 20th year of preaching. My little bro is a full-time worship minister. It is hard enough for 1 minister to find a weekend to worship with his family. It is rare for 3 ministers to find the same Sunday to take off. Well, this past Sunday evening, we were all at church together: dad, mom, older sis, her husband and kid, little bro, his wife and kid, Kayci and Truitt. It was the first time that we have all been at church together since January 2005.
The last few days have been fantastic.
Now, I am back in Houston as a Bachelor for a few days. Kayci and Truitt are still with my parents. I have to work today and tomorrow, and then I preach at West Houston Church of Christ on Sunday morning. Over the next 3 days I plan to read, write, watch the Godfather (I still haven't seen it), and play a game or two of X-Box. As for food...umm...
Monday, December 24, 2007
God-in-Flesh
He came into a world of pain, fever, disease, betrayal, and sin. He came to change existence. And...he continues to come!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The Table
In Churches of Christ, we are more like a brotherhood than a franchise (to steal the image from my partner Steve Sandifer). This wasn't true 30+ years ago. If you were miles away on a vacation, but needed your 6:00pm-service-fix, you could step into a C of C and everything would look just like the home church--2 songs...prayer (which you could almost quote verbatum)...song...sermon...then, the Lord's Table was taken either one of two ways:
1) People were asked to raise their hand if they weren't there to participate at the am service. These were the hunters and "immature" Christians. How sad was the evening if you were the only one? A person would pray and bring the bread. Another would pray and bring the cup. Then, another prayer by the same person that prayed for the bread (because the rhythm of 1-2-1 is better than 1-2-2) who would bless the offering. You felt obligated to at least put in a dollar or two.
2) Or, those that weren't there in the morning were asked to exit the auditorium where they would be led to Room C. Again, the eyes would glaze over the not-so-serious-Christians.
In January, I plan to begin a sermon series on The Lord's Table. I have been heavily influenced by John Mark Hick's book Come to the Table.
It is common for bloggers to ask for feedback, but today I am passionately requesting your stories. Feel free to respond here or email me at joshross@swcentral.org. Here is what I want to know:
-What would be the ideal way to participate in the Lord's Table? Silence? Conversation? Home? Church? (There is no wrong answer. I am asking for your preference.)
-Is there an experience around the table that has greatly impacted you? Please share.
-If you have studied this formative topic--what books, articles, or sermons would you suggest?
1) People were asked to raise their hand if they weren't there to participate at the am service. These were the hunters and "immature" Christians. How sad was the evening if you were the only one? A person would pray and bring the bread. Another would pray and bring the cup. Then, another prayer by the same person that prayed for the bread (because the rhythm of 1-2-1 is better than 1-2-2) who would bless the offering. You felt obligated to at least put in a dollar or two.
2) Or, those that weren't there in the morning were asked to exit the auditorium where they would be led to Room C. Again, the eyes would glaze over the not-so-serious-Christians.
In January, I plan to begin a sermon series on The Lord's Table. I have been heavily influenced by John Mark Hick's book Come to the Table.
It is common for bloggers to ask for feedback, but today I am passionately requesting your stories. Feel free to respond here or email me at joshross@swcentral.org. Here is what I want to know:
-What would be the ideal way to participate in the Lord's Table? Silence? Conversation? Home? Church? (There is no wrong answer. I am asking for your preference.)
-Is there an experience around the table that has greatly impacted you? Please share.
-If you have studied this formative topic--what books, articles, or sermons would you suggest?
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Lord's Supper and Sex
Below is a story about a couple that attends Farmers Branch Church. I first heard this story while listening to Charlton Taylor's lecture on baptism at the ACU lectures. (Listen to it! Charlton explodes the idea of how baptism transforms our daily existence.) Last week, Chris Seidman, the Senior Minister at Farmers Branch (The Branch), called me at my office, and later in the conversation I asked if this story was true. He said, "Every bit of it." Below is what he wrote and shared with his faith community.
I know of a couple here at the Branch who faced the greatest challenge to their marriage earlier this year. He was an influential executive working for a corporation who had to travel out of town for a week on business. The corporation sent a new female executive with him.
They wound up working late into the evening alone and as often happens in that kind of context their relationship quickly became personal. They wound up embracing before he got a hold of himself and the situation and quickly retreated. The woman was embarrassed herself and quickly left.
It was a sleepless night for the man who was under great conviction and guilt for what had happened. The next morning he called his wife and confessed, breaking her heart. He then quickly called some of her closest sisters in Christ simply telling them his wife needed them right now. Later his wife called and said, “Finish your work and get home as soon as you can.”
After he flew into DFW, he went to the parking garage to get his car and as he was pulling out of the garage there was his wife and their small children standing at the exit of that parking garage. The kids were holding a sign – “Welcome home daddy.” Needless to say, he was completely broken by that.
They went to a restaurant and had a family meal. Then after coming home and putting the kids down, she said they needed to talk, obviously. When he came into the living room there was wine and bread set out by his wife. She told him how hurt she was and that they had some work to do on their relationship, but that after all that God had forgiven her of, how could she not forgive him. They prayed, wept, took communion together, and then she took him into the marriage bed that night.
I know of a couple here at the Branch who faced the greatest challenge to their marriage earlier this year. He was an influential executive working for a corporation who had to travel out of town for a week on business. The corporation sent a new female executive with him.
They wound up working late into the evening alone and as often happens in that kind of context their relationship quickly became personal. They wound up embracing before he got a hold of himself and the situation and quickly retreated. The woman was embarrassed herself and quickly left.
It was a sleepless night for the man who was under great conviction and guilt for what had happened. The next morning he called his wife and confessed, breaking her heart. He then quickly called some of her closest sisters in Christ simply telling them his wife needed them right now. Later his wife called and said, “Finish your work and get home as soon as you can.”
After he flew into DFW, he went to the parking garage to get his car and as he was pulling out of the garage there was his wife and their small children standing at the exit of that parking garage. The kids were holding a sign – “Welcome home daddy.” Needless to say, he was completely broken by that.
They went to a restaurant and had a family meal. Then after coming home and putting the kids down, she said they needed to talk, obviously. When he came into the living room there was wine and bread set out by his wife. She told him how hurt she was and that they had some work to do on their relationship, but that after all that God had forgiven her of, how could she not forgive him. They prayed, wept, took communion together, and then she took him into the marriage bed that night.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Novelene's Confession
Yesterday, I preached on Genesis 45 and reconciliation. In Genesis 45, Joseph gets creation right. He gets us back to Genesis 1-2. The overarching theme of Genesis is this--God created creation to live in relationship with God and with each other. Joseph had every right to respond with an eye-for-an-eye and tooth-for-a-tooth mentality. He had the power. He had the authority. But instead, Joseph wept and reconciled.
There were a few responses to the sermon. A young wife and mother confessed in tears that her relationship with her in-laws is rocky right now. We laid hands on her prayed. Another woman wanted our prayers for her sick nephew. But it was Novelene's request that melted my heart. She said that she has a sister that she hasn't talked to in years. She felt compelled to attempt to call her yesterday to try to make things right. Yesterday was her sister's birthday. She also cried, as she verbally confessed to not loving Narcine (the woman I talked about last week) the way that a Christian should. Many of us held our heads in shame. She was speaking for us all.
God was present. God was active.
Last night, I sat in a room of people that have been walking lives of faith for decades, yet they spoke with great conviction about their journey to find disciplines that draw them nearer to the heart of God.
Needless to say, I went home a blessed man. This is a great church! More than that, God is doing some amazing things in our midst.
There were a few responses to the sermon. A young wife and mother confessed in tears that her relationship with her in-laws is rocky right now. We laid hands on her prayed. Another woman wanted our prayers for her sick nephew. But it was Novelene's request that melted my heart. She said that she has a sister that she hasn't talked to in years. She felt compelled to attempt to call her yesterday to try to make things right. Yesterday was her sister's birthday. She also cried, as she verbally confessed to not loving Narcine (the woman I talked about last week) the way that a Christian should. Many of us held our heads in shame. She was speaking for us all.
God was present. God was active.
Last night, I sat in a room of people that have been walking lives of faith for decades, yet they spoke with great conviction about their journey to find disciplines that draw them nearer to the heart of God.
Needless to say, I went home a blessed man. This is a great church! More than that, God is doing some amazing things in our midst.
***************
Any testimonies/stories of God working yesterday?
Monday, December 10, 2007
Better Story Line?
Which is the better story line:
-Pats 13-0 or the Dolphins 0-13 (and they play next Sunday)
-Bonds indicted or Vick sentenced
-Pat Robertson endorsing Rudy or Oprah endorsing Obama
-Detroit having weather in the single digits or Houston enjoying the 80's (IN DEC.!!!)
You asked for our hands that you might use them for your purpose,
We gave them for a moment then withdrew them for the work was hard.
You asked for our mouths to speak out against injustice,
We have given you a whisper that we might not be accused.
You asked for our eyes to see the pain of poverty,
We closed them for we did not want to see.
You asked for our ears, that we might hear the cries of the oppressed.
We did not listen for it was too hard.
You asked for our lives that you might work through us.
We gave a small part that we might not get too involved.
Forgive us for the times we have washed our hands of people, walked away when they needed us, offered half measure,
O God, our Father, forgive us.
We believe in one God, author of life, Creator of the universe.
We believe in the Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who came into the world to seek the lost and to redeem the whole of creation.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Giver of Life, who renews us and helps us grow in the likeness of Christ.
We believe we are created to be faithful servants who will not waver or be crushed, who, by praying, working, and standing together can bring justice and truth to the whole earth.
-Pats 13-0 or the Dolphins 0-13 (and they play next Sunday)
-Bonds indicted or Vick sentenced
-Pat Robertson endorsing Rudy or Oprah endorsing Obama
-Detroit having weather in the single digits or Houston enjoying the 80's (IN DEC.!!!)
****************
A Confessional PrayerYou asked for our hands that you might use them for your purpose,
We gave them for a moment then withdrew them for the work was hard.
You asked for our mouths to speak out against injustice,
We have given you a whisper that we might not be accused.
You asked for our eyes to see the pain of poverty,
We closed them for we did not want to see.
You asked for our ears, that we might hear the cries of the oppressed.
We did not listen for it was too hard.
You asked for our lives that you might work through us.
We gave a small part that we might not get too involved.
Forgive us for the times we have washed our hands of people, walked away when they needed us, offered half measure,
O God, our Father, forgive us.
We believe in one God, author of life, Creator of the universe.
We believe in the Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who came into the world to seek the lost and to redeem the whole of creation.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Giver of Life, who renews us and helps us grow in the likeness of Christ.
We believe we are created to be faithful servants who will not waver or be crushed, who, by praying, working, and standing together can bring justice and truth to the whole earth.
Narcene
Below is a short piece I wrote about a friend of ours at Southwest Central. Her name was Narcene. We received a phone call this morning that Narcene passed away on September 5th in a nearby hotel called Tweeties. She enjoyed staying at Tweeties periodically because it was the only affordable place that had a handicap bathtub that she could fit in. It was probably the only place that she would bathe.
I'm at a loss for words this morning. I'm glad that God sent Narcene our way. Sometimes I wonder if people like Narcene are sent to us for us to help, or to help us. We will miss her.
I was sitting in my office wrestling with Luke 5, brainstorming how I can get "my people" into this story. How can I tell this story in a way that captures the imagination and calls us to follow Christ into the crevices in life where exilic people abound? As I was engaged in the sermon process of wrestling scripture with a pad on the desk and a pen in the hand, a doorbell sounded. Benevolent cases are routine around our place, but this day it was Narcene—a heavy set woman who lives across town in a compressed, one-room motel. Narcene rarely showers. She wears the same sweatpants and sweatshirt until she can’t wear them anymore. She disposes of them only to put on the next pair which will last a few weeks. Needless to say, when you are within a 20 foot radius of Narcene, all 5 senses suffer. Put her in your car, and you’ll smell her for a few days. This particular day, she visited us because she was hungry. I invited her to walk with me—while keeping my distance—to the convenient store to purchase a bottle of water and a few items to eat. In times of giving, I seek to speak redemptively, wanting people to know that giving is in the name of Jesus. As I was blessing her, Luke 5 wouldn’t let me go. This story of Jesus kept nagging me. God-in-flesh touched the leper, and this text was calling me to touch her. I refused, bargaining with God for a possible “dap” or a rubbing of the elbow. Yet, this text compelled me. So, I put my hand on her shoulder and I blessed her in the name of Jesus. A smile came across her face that hadn’t appeared before. It had been weeks since she had been touched. My eyes were opened to see that I was in Luke 5. I could see Jesus, the leper, and the crowd. I could smell the Judean countryside. I was in its space. That day, God used Narcene to host me in this redemptive narrative.
I'm at a loss for words this morning. I'm glad that God sent Narcene our way. Sometimes I wonder if people like Narcene are sent to us for us to help, or to help us. We will miss her.
I was sitting in my office wrestling with Luke 5, brainstorming how I can get "my people" into this story. How can I tell this story in a way that captures the imagination and calls us to follow Christ into the crevices in life where exilic people abound? As I was engaged in the sermon process of wrestling scripture with a pad on the desk and a pen in the hand, a doorbell sounded. Benevolent cases are routine around our place, but this day it was Narcene—a heavy set woman who lives across town in a compressed, one-room motel. Narcene rarely showers. She wears the same sweatpants and sweatshirt until she can’t wear them anymore. She disposes of them only to put on the next pair which will last a few weeks. Needless to say, when you are within a 20 foot radius of Narcene, all 5 senses suffer. Put her in your car, and you’ll smell her for a few days. This particular day, she visited us because she was hungry. I invited her to walk with me—while keeping my distance—to the convenient store to purchase a bottle of water and a few items to eat. In times of giving, I seek to speak redemptively, wanting people to know that giving is in the name of Jesus. As I was blessing her, Luke 5 wouldn’t let me go. This story of Jesus kept nagging me. God-in-flesh touched the leper, and this text was calling me to touch her. I refused, bargaining with God for a possible “dap” or a rubbing of the elbow. Yet, this text compelled me. So, I put my hand on her shoulder and I blessed her in the name of Jesus. A smile came across her face that hadn’t appeared before. It had been weeks since she had been touched. My eyes were opened to see that I was in Luke 5. I could see Jesus, the leper, and the crowd. I could smell the Judean countryside. I was in its space. That day, God used Narcene to host me in this redemptive narrative.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Should Christian Churches be multiracial?
Or does it matter?
Multiracial churches are defined as congregations in which no one racial group is 80% or more of the congregation. So, if you have one African-American family or one Hispanic family--most likely you do not qualify. The authors of the prophetic book United by Faith state that only 7.5% of over 300,000 "religious" congregation in the US are racially mixed. In "Christian" congregations, the percentage drops to 5.5%. Is this disturbing to you? Should we care?
We have all heard the statement, "Christian worship is the most segregated hour in the US!" Okay. But it is time for us to move beyond this statement.
A few observations:
-This is at the heart of the gospel. You cannot read the NT without acknowledging that the good news of Jesus came to break down existing walls between people--Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, male and female. The baptismal waters compel us to enter into relationships with people that do not look like us, live like us, or dress like us.
-The "white" churches were decades behind the integration laws of the 60's. Forgive me for finger pointing, but the "white" congregations should have been pleading for forgiveness while living as people with a mission to embrace the essence of Gal.3:27-28.
-It is "nearly" impossible for homogeneous, "white" churches to transition out of the mold in order to become multiracial. It can happen, but there are MANY obstacles to climb over. Though we should be striving to unite as faith communities, I believe that multiracial churches are going to have to be birthed by church plants. Unification must be in their DNA from birth. This means while churches dream of planting black churches and Hispanic church, they also need to be dreaming of how to be intentional in planting multiracial churches.
-To get minorities into a church building is not the goal of being multiracial. You can get people of all different ethnicity's into the same building, yet still be just as segregated. The goal needs to be to form a new kind of community--one where people of different ethnicity's can sit on the same pew handing the bread and cup to one another...one where different "groups" join with one another for Sunday lunches...one where people can join one another during the week around tables. When this happens, know this, the Kingdom of God has come.
-"White" churches cannot strive to be multiracial while insisting on doing church the "white" way. To become multiracial is not just about people of different shades of skin, it is about embracing different cultures. It is about embracing different worship styles. It is about learning to pray differently. This calls for great humility!
Your thoughts?
Multiracial churches are defined as congregations in which no one racial group is 80% or more of the congregation. So, if you have one African-American family or one Hispanic family--most likely you do not qualify. The authors of the prophetic book United by Faith state that only 7.5% of over 300,000 "religious" congregation in the US are racially mixed. In "Christian" congregations, the percentage drops to 5.5%. Is this disturbing to you? Should we care?
We have all heard the statement, "Christian worship is the most segregated hour in the US!" Okay. But it is time for us to move beyond this statement.
A few observations:
-This is at the heart of the gospel. You cannot read the NT without acknowledging that the good news of Jesus came to break down existing walls between people--Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, male and female. The baptismal waters compel us to enter into relationships with people that do not look like us, live like us, or dress like us.
-The "white" churches were decades behind the integration laws of the 60's. Forgive me for finger pointing, but the "white" congregations should have been pleading for forgiveness while living as people with a mission to embrace the essence of Gal.3:27-28.
-It is "nearly" impossible for homogeneous, "white" churches to transition out of the mold in order to become multiracial. It can happen, but there are MANY obstacles to climb over. Though we should be striving to unite as faith communities, I believe that multiracial churches are going to have to be birthed by church plants. Unification must be in their DNA from birth. This means while churches dream of planting black churches and Hispanic church, they also need to be dreaming of how to be intentional in planting multiracial churches.
-To get minorities into a church building is not the goal of being multiracial. You can get people of all different ethnicity's into the same building, yet still be just as segregated. The goal needs to be to form a new kind of community--one where people of different ethnicity's can sit on the same pew handing the bread and cup to one another...one where different "groups" join with one another for Sunday lunches...one where people can join one another during the week around tables. When this happens, know this, the Kingdom of God has come.
-"White" churches cannot strive to be multiracial while insisting on doing church the "white" way. To become multiracial is not just about people of different shades of skin, it is about embracing different cultures. It is about embracing different worship styles. It is about learning to pray differently. This calls for great humility!
Your thoughts?
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Abilene
Abilene High beat Southlake Carroll 22-21 last Saturday. I don't know if I am more excited that Abilene High won or that Southlake lost.
Through my 4 years of undergraduate studies in Abilene, I couldn't wait to get out of that city. Yet, after 3 years of graduate work, I never wanted to leave. What happened? Well, let me see:
Things I don't miss about Abilene:
-29 degrees with a 29 mph wind
-Loved it when it would rain, but the meteorologists would come on every time basically having to describe what rain is. They interrupted some of my sporting events.
-The flat land.
-City with no Pappasitos/Pappadeaux
-Road construction on the south loop
-Dirt!
Things I terribly miss about Abilene:
-The people.
-NO TRAFFIC!!!
-Highland Church
-The ACU community
-Flag Football
-Los Arcos and Abuelos
-My mentors and good friends (Mike Cope, David Wray, Jack Reese, Randy Harris, Chainsaw Charlie Siburt, and Steve Hare)
Anything you would add?
Through my 4 years of undergraduate studies in Abilene, I couldn't wait to get out of that city. Yet, after 3 years of graduate work, I never wanted to leave. What happened? Well, let me see:
Things I don't miss about Abilene:
-29 degrees with a 29 mph wind
-Loved it when it would rain, but the meteorologists would come on every time basically having to describe what rain is. They interrupted some of my sporting events.
-The flat land.
-City with no Pappasitos/Pappadeaux
-Road construction on the south loop
-Dirt!
Things I terribly miss about Abilene:
-The people.
-NO TRAFFIC!!!
-Highland Church
-The ACU community
-Flag Football
-Los Arcos and Abuelos
-My mentors and good friends (Mike Cope, David Wray, Jack Reese, Randy Harris, Chainsaw Charlie Siburt, and Steve Hare)
Anything you would add?
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Redemption!!!
The University of Nebraska will experience redemption. The Huskers have hired Bo Pelini. He will redeem the "blackshirts." He will go down as one of the greatest coaches in Husker history. Mark my word.
"Planet Earth" portrays redemption. God is living in relationship with his creation. You can't watch this show without wanting to love, marvel, and immerse ourselves in God's creation.
"Extreme Makeover Home Addition" is a show of redemption. One can argue that it depicts that the way to redeem is to build big, but on the other hand, it is a show that inspires, compels, and moves us to think what we can do for our neighbors.
We experienced redemption this morning in our worship service. We engaged the text where God and Jacob wrestle. Jacob was touched by God and he was never the same again. We have been touched God. We struggle with life, and while struggling, God has met us there, and he has touched us. We provided a redeeming moment for people to express the stories of their lives when they had been touched by God. WOW!!!
Tonight was redeeming. We talked about spiritual disciplines. I challenged people to form a "Rule of Life" over the next 2 weeks. A 90-year-0ld woman came up to me afterwards ecstatic about this exercise.
May God work in redemptive ways in your life this week.
Any stories of redemption out there?
"Planet Earth" portrays redemption. God is living in relationship with his creation. You can't watch this show without wanting to love, marvel, and immerse ourselves in God's creation.
"Extreme Makeover Home Addition" is a show of redemption. One can argue that it depicts that the way to redeem is to build big, but on the other hand, it is a show that inspires, compels, and moves us to think what we can do for our neighbors.
We experienced redemption this morning in our worship service. We engaged the text where God and Jacob wrestle. Jacob was touched by God and he was never the same again. We have been touched God. We struggle with life, and while struggling, God has met us there, and he has touched us. We provided a redeeming moment for people to express the stories of their lives when they had been touched by God. WOW!!!
Tonight was redeeming. We talked about spiritual disciplines. I challenged people to form a "Rule of Life" over the next 2 weeks. A 90-year-0ld woman came up to me afterwards ecstatic about this exercise.
May God work in redemptive ways in your life this week.
Any stories of redemption out there?
Friday, November 30, 2007
I still get nervous...
I'm not afraid to admit it--I still get nervous every time I speak. I've been standing in front of people now for nearly 10 years, if you go back to high school when I frequently spoke at youth rally's, devotionals, church services, and FCA meetings. I've been preaching full-time for nearly 5 years. Yet, whether it is at my home church, youth rally's, other churches, retreats, lectureships, or church camps--I still get a feeling in my stomach. It's not the kind of nervousness that makes my knees shake or my hands sweat. Instead, it is a nervousness that comes from the responsibility that I have been given to stand before hungry people in order to declare a word from the Lord. It is a realization that I have been given responsibility to speak words into dark places, complacent hearts, desperate situations, "ruined" lives, hurting families, and broken spirits. I am called upon every week to speak pastorally and prophetically. Hungry and thirsty people come anticipating a word that will point them to something greater.
This nervousness gives birth to passion and excitement. This is my calling. This is my job. This is what I love to do.
I hope that feeling of responsibility never leaves me. If it does, I need to find another job.
This nervousness gives birth to passion and excitement. This is my calling. This is my job. This is what I love to do.
I hope that feeling of responsibility never leaves me. If it does, I need to find another job.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Healthy Politics
Is that an oxymoron? Does "healthy politics" belong in the same category as jumbo shrimp and organized government?
I try to keep my distance from politics, only wanting to stay close enough to know what is going on. Here is my question:
What are the 3 issues that are most important to you going into the 2008 election?
Please be nice. :)
I will post my 3 in the morning.
I try to keep my distance from politics, only wanting to stay close enough to know what is going on. Here is my question:
What are the 3 issues that are most important to you going into the 2008 election?
Please be nice. :)
I will post my 3 in the morning.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Follow Me!!!
These two words are inviting, yet terrifying. They are spoken with sincerity, yet they are a cause for great discomfort. These two words are at the essence of Christianity. More than "accepting Jesus" or "believing in Jesus"--these two words implore us to enter into the Christ- life. When Jesus calls people, he invites them by saying, "Follow Me!" In other words, "Watch me. Be me. Live in me. Do what I do. Say what I say."
It is interesting that the disciples show up in nearly every story in Luke's gospel, but Jesus doesn't ask them to do anything until Luke 9. For a few chapters, they are there watching what Jesus does. Then, he calls them to action.
Here is what I want to see happen--I want to see people take Jesus seriously.
There is a guy that I am mentoring/discipl-ing/befriending right now. He is on a journey of becoming a passionate Christ-follower. Here is his problem--he knows Jesus too well. Unlike many people who want Jesus for his blood--(Dallas Willard's image) meaning that they want Jesus because he is a ticket to heaven--my friend sees Jesus as one that changes existence; he calls people to a new life. Transformation, sacrifice, and compassion are at the heart of the Jesus-life. My friend has a better understanding of Jesus than many decade-long-church-goers do.
When we take Jesus seriously...well...you fill in the blank _______________.
It is interesting that the disciples show up in nearly every story in Luke's gospel, but Jesus doesn't ask them to do anything until Luke 9. For a few chapters, they are there watching what Jesus does. Then, he calls them to action.
Here is what I want to see happen--I want to see people take Jesus seriously.
There is a guy that I am mentoring/discipl-ing/befriending right now. He is on a journey of becoming a passionate Christ-follower. Here is his problem--he knows Jesus too well. Unlike many people who want Jesus for his blood--(Dallas Willard's image) meaning that they want Jesus because he is a ticket to heaven--my friend sees Jesus as one that changes existence; he calls people to a new life. Transformation, sacrifice, and compassion are at the heart of the Jesus-life. My friend has a better understanding of Jesus than many decade-long-church-goers do.
When we take Jesus seriously...well...you fill in the blank _______________.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Thanksgiving without Football
Can it be done? Can you enjoy a Thanksgiving holiday without watching a minute of football?
Okay, so I exceeded 1 minute of football over the past few days. I have easily surpassed 20+hours, but aren't Thanksgiving and Football joined in holy matrimony? Didn't the pilgrims get off of the ships with a pigskin in one hand?
Don't get me wrong--Thanksgiving is about feasting with family, but it sure is good to sit back with the fam and watch men battle it out on the gridiron.
Okay, so I exceeded 1 minute of football over the past few days. I have easily surpassed 20+hours, but aren't Thanksgiving and Football joined in holy matrimony? Didn't the pilgrims get off of the ships with a pigskin in one hand?
Don't get me wrong--Thanksgiving is about feasting with family, but it sure is good to sit back with the fam and watch men battle it out on the gridiron.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thanksgiving
I have mixed emotions today, and here is why--Thanksgiving is a time to be with family, or so we say.
-So, tomorrow, families will gather from miles away and they will share a meal. Some families will experience great joy because relationships have been cultivated. Other families will experience tension and chaos because bitterness has seeped in, abuse (physically, emotionally, and/or verbal) has taken place, or an absent father has tainted relationships. Therefore, I pray for this to be a season of reconciliation, forgiveness, and cultivation.
-Tomorrow, many of us will eat until we can't eat anymore--turkey, ham, brisket, potatoes, stuffing, rolls, etc. However, I also realize that many of my friends here in Houston will be without a meal tomorrow. I went to lunch yesterday with Kevin--mid-30's, has spent a few years in prison, can't find a job, lives with his mom, has 44 tattoos--he won't have a big meal. Many people throughout this nation won't. I can't help but remember them.
-Tomorrow, I will sit with my wife's family. However, I know that many people are experiencing their first Thanksgiving without a dad, mom, brother, sister, child, grandmother, or grandpa. My heart goes out to them. I pray for comfort and an overwhelming sense of God's abiding presence.
I still love Thanksgiving. I love:
-Family
-Laughing
-Food
-Cowboys
-Huskers vs. Colorado
-UT vs. ATM
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
-So, tomorrow, families will gather from miles away and they will share a meal. Some families will experience great joy because relationships have been cultivated. Other families will experience tension and chaos because bitterness has seeped in, abuse (physically, emotionally, and/or verbal) has taken place, or an absent father has tainted relationships. Therefore, I pray for this to be a season of reconciliation, forgiveness, and cultivation.
-Tomorrow, many of us will eat until we can't eat anymore--turkey, ham, brisket, potatoes, stuffing, rolls, etc. However, I also realize that many of my friends here in Houston will be without a meal tomorrow. I went to lunch yesterday with Kevin--mid-30's, has spent a few years in prison, can't find a job, lives with his mom, has 44 tattoos--he won't have a big meal. Many people throughout this nation won't. I can't help but remember them.
-Tomorrow, I will sit with my wife's family. However, I know that many people are experiencing their first Thanksgiving without a dad, mom, brother, sister, child, grandmother, or grandpa. My heart goes out to them. I pray for comfort and an overwhelming sense of God's abiding presence.
I still love Thanksgiving. I love:
-Family
-Laughing
-Food
-Cowboys
-Huskers vs. Colorado
-UT vs. ATM
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Disturbing Passages
What is the most bizarre, or disturbing, passage that you find in Scripture?
Next to the sermon series on Luke that I preached last fall, I've never had more fun preaching than I am right now working through Genesis. This is a fascinating book, but it is filled with some shocking stories.
Yesterday, I preached the 2nd half of Genesis 25. Two words sum this text up--Jerry Springer. -The baby blessing is bizarre--it comes before the birth and states that "two nations are in the womb." Not exactly what a woman wants to hear.
-Jacob (heel-grabber) is holding the heal of Esau (little baby afro)--an image of what their relationship will be like.
-They have competing interests--Esau shops at Lowe's and Home Depot; Jacob likes Bed Bath and Beyond and Hobby Lobby.
-And last but not least, the parents choose favorites.
WOW!!! Simply stated, an overarching theme of Genesis 25-25 (The Jacob narrative) is this--God is faithful even in the midst of evil and deception. God can still do good with evil.
What about you? Shocking stories?
___________________________________________________________
Props to my Cowboys. Looking great!!!
Next to the sermon series on Luke that I preached last fall, I've never had more fun preaching than I am right now working through Genesis. This is a fascinating book, but it is filled with some shocking stories.
Yesterday, I preached the 2nd half of Genesis 25. Two words sum this text up--Jerry Springer. -The baby blessing is bizarre--it comes before the birth and states that "two nations are in the womb." Not exactly what a woman wants to hear.
-Jacob (heel-grabber) is holding the heal of Esau (little baby afro)--an image of what their relationship will be like.
-They have competing interests--Esau shops at Lowe's and Home Depot; Jacob likes Bed Bath and Beyond and Hobby Lobby.
-And last but not least, the parents choose favorites.
WOW!!! Simply stated, an overarching theme of Genesis 25-25 (The Jacob narrative) is this--God is faithful even in the midst of evil and deception. God can still do good with evil.
What about you? Shocking stories?
___________________________________________________________
Props to my Cowboys. Looking great!!!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Letter to ESPN
Dear ESPN,
I write to you today expressing my appreciation, which will be followed by two major concerns. You and I have been close now for over a decade. One of the loneliest eras of my life was living without Sportscenter as a newlywed for 10 months. I would wake up hearing the sound, "Da-da-na...da-da-na!!! That dry spell was broken on my first Valentine's Day as a married man. I came home from work to find the DISH truck in my front yard. My wife surprised me with something more than DISH Network, she supplied me with you--ESPN, ESPNews, and ESPN2. There have been moments that she has regretted that gracious gift, yet we have compromised so that I can only watch one Sportscenter show; I used to watch the re-runs. I feel compelled to quickly state the reasons I continue to pay $45 a month for sports:
1) Highlights and recaps.
2) Around the Horn and PTI. These guys have become my friends.
3) Your commercials are second to none.
Thank you for being you.
However, I also write with 2 major concerns and 2 requests. I cannot take anymore of pAy-Rod! Will you please quit making him the highlight of every evening, every show, and every homepage? His face keeps staring at me every time I click on http://www.espn.com/. If his face isn't there, an article is near by. I write on behalf of the majority of the American people--we don't like this guy. His stunt to opt out of his contract during the final game of the World Series was ardently nefarious. It was absolutely appalling. He defies what baseball is about. Baseball is about passion, family, and teamwork. He is about himself, money, and...money. Don't get me wrong, he can play the game, but he doesn't deserve the playing time that you are giving him. My friends on Around the Horn and PTI need to find other things to talk about. We all know how the conversations will go by now. Talk about golf, tennis, or even the recreational sport of Nascar for crying out loud, just get rid of the talk about the greediest person in sports. What's worse, a cheating man taking hold of the homerun crown, or a money hungry, selfish, egotistical, out-of-position 3rd baseman? Umm...
Secondly, citizens of the world agree with me that we can't take another trial. As much as we are appalled by how much playing time pAy-Rod, Paris, Spears, and Lohan get, we can't handle another OJ trial. Please send your legal experts to places where true oppression and liberation needs to take place. Give us reports of how Boys and Girls Clubs are giving people in poverty a chance to play sports. Give us reports of how soccer brings joy to media-less neighborhoods. Just please, no more OJ!
Thank you for considering my requests.
A Sports fan for Life,
Josh Ross
________________________________
Also want to give a shout out to my boy BST. Happy B-Day bro!
I write to you today expressing my appreciation, which will be followed by two major concerns. You and I have been close now for over a decade. One of the loneliest eras of my life was living without Sportscenter as a newlywed for 10 months. I would wake up hearing the sound, "Da-da-na...da-da-na!!! That dry spell was broken on my first Valentine's Day as a married man. I came home from work to find the DISH truck in my front yard. My wife surprised me with something more than DISH Network, she supplied me with you--ESPN, ESPNews, and ESPN2. There have been moments that she has regretted that gracious gift, yet we have compromised so that I can only watch one Sportscenter show; I used to watch the re-runs. I feel compelled to quickly state the reasons I continue to pay $45 a month for sports:
1) Highlights and recaps.
2) Around the Horn and PTI. These guys have become my friends.
3) Your commercials are second to none.
Thank you for being you.
However, I also write with 2 major concerns and 2 requests. I cannot take anymore of pAy-Rod! Will you please quit making him the highlight of every evening, every show, and every homepage? His face keeps staring at me every time I click on http://www.espn.com/. If his face isn't there, an article is near by. I write on behalf of the majority of the American people--we don't like this guy. His stunt to opt out of his contract during the final game of the World Series was ardently nefarious. It was absolutely appalling. He defies what baseball is about. Baseball is about passion, family, and teamwork. He is about himself, money, and...money. Don't get me wrong, he can play the game, but he doesn't deserve the playing time that you are giving him. My friends on Around the Horn and PTI need to find other things to talk about. We all know how the conversations will go by now. Talk about golf, tennis, or even the recreational sport of Nascar for crying out loud, just get rid of the talk about the greediest person in sports. What's worse, a cheating man taking hold of the homerun crown, or a money hungry, selfish, egotistical, out-of-position 3rd baseman? Umm...
Secondly, citizens of the world agree with me that we can't take another trial. As much as we are appalled by how much playing time pAy-Rod, Paris, Spears, and Lohan get, we can't handle another OJ trial. Please send your legal experts to places where true oppression and liberation needs to take place. Give us reports of how Boys and Girls Clubs are giving people in poverty a chance to play sports. Give us reports of how soccer brings joy to media-less neighborhoods. Just please, no more OJ!
Thank you for considering my requests.
A Sports fan for Life,
Josh Ross
________________________________
Also want to give a shout out to my boy BST. Happy B-Day bro!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Commuting
Robert Putnam suggests that every 10 minutes of commuting reduces the social life by 10 percent.
What affect does this have on our churches?
What challenges does this present for faith communities?
How will the rise in gas prices ($4 by next summer) continue to drive the statistics?
Is the "missional life" the greatest answer to this dilemma? (Read yesterday's post on missional church)
What affect does this have on our churches?
What challenges does this present for faith communities?
How will the rise in gas prices ($4 by next summer) continue to drive the statistics?
Is the "missional life" the greatest answer to this dilemma? (Read yesterday's post on missional church)
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Living Missionally
When you have a few minutes, check out this video from one of my good friends Josh Graves. I love the way Josh thinks and talks about Jesus, the Kingdom, and sports. This video will give you a peek into what God is doing in the Detroit area.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqDXDKiWWI4
I think, pray, preach, and seek to live missionally.
Missional church is defined by Roxburgh as “a community of God’s people who live into the imagination that they are, God’s missionary people living as a demonstration of what God plans to do in and for all of creation in Jesus Christ.”
Dan Kimball elaborates, “To be missional is more than just to evangelize:
·Being missional means that the church sees itself as being missionaries, rather than having a missions department, and that we see ourselves as missionaries right where we live.
·Being missional means that we see ourselves as representatives of Jesus “sent” into our communities, and that the church aligns everything it does with the mission of God.
·Being missional means we see the church not as a place we go only on Sunday, but as something we are throughout the week.
·Being missional means that we understand we don’t “bring Jesus” to people but that we realize Jesus is active in culture and we join him in what he is doing.
·Being missional means we are very much in the world and engaged in culture but are not conforming to the world.
·Being missional means we serve our communities, and that we build relationships with the people in them, rather than seeing them as evangelistic targets.
·Being missional means being all the more dependent on Jesus and the Spirit through prayer, the Scriptures, and each other in community.
Sparks the imagination, huh?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqDXDKiWWI4
I think, pray, preach, and seek to live missionally.
Missional church is defined by Roxburgh as “a community of God’s people who live into the imagination that they are, God’s missionary people living as a demonstration of what God plans to do in and for all of creation in Jesus Christ.”
Dan Kimball elaborates, “To be missional is more than just to evangelize:
·Being missional means that the church sees itself as being missionaries, rather than having a missions department, and that we see ourselves as missionaries right where we live.
·Being missional means that we see ourselves as representatives of Jesus “sent” into our communities, and that the church aligns everything it does with the mission of God.
·Being missional means we see the church not as a place we go only on Sunday, but as something we are throughout the week.
·Being missional means that we understand we don’t “bring Jesus” to people but that we realize Jesus is active in culture and we join him in what he is doing.
·Being missional means we are very much in the world and engaged in culture but are not conforming to the world.
·Being missional means we serve our communities, and that we build relationships with the people in them, rather than seeing them as evangelistic targets.
·Being missional means being all the more dependent on Jesus and the Spirit through prayer, the Scriptures, and each other in community.
Sparks the imagination, huh?
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Not the best preacher in the familiy
Well, this weekend solidified the fact that I am not the best preacher in the family. Some of you know what I'm talking about. A few of us men have the degrees, M-DIV's, and experience, but our wives are the theologians and pastors.
Kayci was the keynote speaker at the West Texas Girl's Conference. Over 600 teenage girls came from Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, DFW, Odessa, Midland, and even Memphis. For one weekend, I was the preacher's husband. Our roles were reversed as she spoke, and I sat as her biggest fan. She spoke straight to their hearts. There is absolutely no doubt that Kayci is extremely gifted, and she will have plenty of opportunities in the future to use her gifts.
This was her 3rd straight year to keynote this conference. (Do you think I'm a proud husband?)
For those of you that prayed for her, thank you!!!
Kayci was the keynote speaker at the West Texas Girl's Conference. Over 600 teenage girls came from Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, DFW, Odessa, Midland, and even Memphis. For one weekend, I was the preacher's husband. Our roles were reversed as she spoke, and I sat as her biggest fan. She spoke straight to their hearts. There is absolutely no doubt that Kayci is extremely gifted, and she will have plenty of opportunities in the future to use her gifts.
This was her 3rd straight year to keynote this conference. (Do you think I'm a proud husband?)
For those of you that prayed for her, thank you!!!
I always miss not being at my church on Sunday's, but there was no other place that I would have rather been this weekend than right here in Abilene.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Jesus Teaches Us to Live
Before our talented youth minister, Steve Sargent, and his wife joined us at SWC, I was teaching the teen class on Wednesday evenings. One night, I asked them, "Who in your life would you die for?"
Sam was the first to raise her hand saying that she would die for anyone.
Cami was quick to say that she would easily die for her sister Sylvia.
Mark Anthony said that he would die for his family--Mark Sr., Sabrina, Tashila, and Dahjila.
Then, I asked Terry, the senior in our youth group, the leader, if he would die for his best friend Markquill. He shrugged his shoulders, grinned, and said, "Josh, friends come and go." (Way to go, Terry :) ).
Often, to measure our love for someone we ask, "Would you die for them?" This is a good question. However, the 2nd question that I asked our teens that night, and the question that should receive just as much playing time as "who would you die for" is, "Do you love someone so much that you would live for them?"
I have seen many parents that would easily take a bullet for their children, but they aren't making decisions to live for them. They are too committed to jobs and hobbies.
Husbands would die for their spouse but they aren't living for them.
Here is what I'm getting at--JESUS TEACHES US HOW TO LIVE! Before Jesus died, Jesus taught us how to live.
My main hang-up with The Apostles' Creed is that it goes straight from "born of the virgin Mary" to "suffered under Pontius Pilate." Umm...this leaves out Matthew 3-25, Mark 1-14, Luke 4-22, and John 1-17.
Before Jesus chose to die, He chose to live.
Luke 4:18-19 tells us what the life of Jesus will consist of. Jesus quotes from Isaiah saying, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor...TODAY THIS SCRIPTURE HAS BEEN FULFILLED IN YOUR HEARING."
This is the thesis for Luke and Acts. This is "how" Jesus will live, and this is the mission that he hands to the apostles and to the church. Jesus teaches us how to live as people full of love, compassion, mercy, and justice. He establishes a new community where all are welcome, and calls us to do the same. He speaks out against sin, but he is quick to embrace and love the sinner--he even eats in their homes. He truly is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
Sam was the first to raise her hand saying that she would die for anyone.
Cami was quick to say that she would easily die for her sister Sylvia.
Mark Anthony said that he would die for his family--Mark Sr., Sabrina, Tashila, and Dahjila.
Then, I asked Terry, the senior in our youth group, the leader, if he would die for his best friend Markquill. He shrugged his shoulders, grinned, and said, "Josh, friends come and go." (Way to go, Terry :) ).
Often, to measure our love for someone we ask, "Would you die for them?" This is a good question. However, the 2nd question that I asked our teens that night, and the question that should receive just as much playing time as "who would you die for" is, "Do you love someone so much that you would live for them?"
I have seen many parents that would easily take a bullet for their children, but they aren't making decisions to live for them. They are too committed to jobs and hobbies.
Husbands would die for their spouse but they aren't living for them.
Here is what I'm getting at--JESUS TEACHES US HOW TO LIVE! Before Jesus died, Jesus taught us how to live.
My main hang-up with The Apostles' Creed is that it goes straight from "born of the virgin Mary" to "suffered under Pontius Pilate." Umm...this leaves out Matthew 3-25, Mark 1-14, Luke 4-22, and John 1-17.
Before Jesus chose to die, He chose to live.
Luke 4:18-19 tells us what the life of Jesus will consist of. Jesus quotes from Isaiah saying, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor...TODAY THIS SCRIPTURE HAS BEEN FULFILLED IN YOUR HEARING."
This is the thesis for Luke and Acts. This is "how" Jesus will live, and this is the mission that he hands to the apostles and to the church. Jesus teaches us how to live as people full of love, compassion, mercy, and justice. He establishes a new community where all are welcome, and calls us to do the same. He speaks out against sin, but he is quick to embrace and love the sinner--he even eats in their homes. He truly is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Prayer, Kayci, and Pat Robertson
My prayer for God's people today is for discomfort, anger, tears, and foolishness.
A Franciscan Prayer:
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
A-MEN!
______________________________________________________________
This weekend, I have the privilege of being the preacher's husband. For the 3rd straight year, Kayci will be keynoting the West Texas Girl's Conference. She has poured countless hours into the 3 talks that she will give. I have heard them, and I will soon steal the material to use on Sunday's in the future. :)
I am asking a favor, (and she is going to kill me for this), will you please take a moment today to email her at kayci.ross@gmail.com? Let her know that you are praying for her.
______________________________________________________________
Pat Robertson is endorsing Giuliani. I never saw that one coming.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21669328/
A Franciscan Prayer:
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
A-MEN!
______________________________________________________________
This weekend, I have the privilege of being the preacher's husband. For the 3rd straight year, Kayci will be keynoting the West Texas Girl's Conference. She has poured countless hours into the 3 talks that she will give. I have heard them, and I will soon steal the material to use on Sunday's in the future. :)
I am asking a favor, (and she is going to kill me for this), will you please take a moment today to email her at kayci.ross@gmail.com? Let her know that you are praying for her.
______________________________________________________________
Pat Robertson is endorsing Giuliani. I never saw that one coming.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21669328/
Monday, November 5, 2007
Why Such a Deep Love for Sports?
It isn’t true that every man loves sports, just like it isn’t true that every woman loves shopping. But I know many people who spend hours a week glued to ESPN, and whose Saturday is spent watching 3 consecutive college football games. (Yes, I’m one of them).
Why is it?
My dad taught me to love sports. Some of my first memories with him were times when we would throw the baseball in the front yard, sit in left field watching the Astros, and read the box scores in the morning newspaper.
For over a decade, sports have been a part of me. My parents stood firm with all 3 of their children that if we wanted a car, we had to have the necessary funds to pay for the car, insurance and gas. In order to have the bling-bling, we had to get something called a job. For me, I didn’t have my own “ride” in high school because I didn’t have time for a job. Monday-Friday I would be in the field house lifting weights, throwing routes, and watching film. Twelve months a year, at least five days a week—this was a huge part of my life.
Today, I still love sports. I love following the Huskers, even when they have an atrocious season. J I always know what is going on in recruiting. I plan my Saturday’s around kickoff. On game day, I shower with a red towel, wear red boxer-briefs (tmi—sorry), wear red shorts and a Husker t-shirt.
My love for the Mavericks runs just as deep. Back in Abilene, I used to get together with one of my best friends to watch the Mavs (I won’t say his name, but he is married to a youth minister named Sarah and works for ACU). However, we had to cut back on our regular routine because we would get so upset after loses that we would lose sleep. It had an effect on our entire demeanor.
I also love the Cowboys, Rangers, Astros, and Tiger Woods.
Why is it? Why do some of us love sports so much that it can influence our mood? If our team wins, we can’t get sleep because we’re too ecstatic. If our team loses, we can’t get sleep because that one fumble, interception, strikeout, or missed free throw won’t get out of our head.
Here’s why I think we love sports:
1) We love competition. There is nothing more thrilling than finding yourself or your favorite player one-on-one with a linebacker, or standing wide open on the three-point line, or facing an ace in the bottom of the last inning with the game on the line.
2) We love rivalries—good vs. evil. Kayci and I went to Boston with two of our best friends, and it is hard to NOT cheer for the Red Sox after that. I like the Red Sox, but my love for the Red Sox stems more out of my hatred for the Yankees than a genuine love for the Sox. I cannot bring myself to cheer for the Rockets even though I live in Houston. I hate the Buffalos of Colorado, the Tigers from Missouri, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Phoenix Suns. They are all from the dark side.
3) Sports can be absolutely thrilling. We love the Super Bowl, Saturday’s and Sunday’s in the fall, March Madness, New Year’s bowl games, baseball in October, Major’s in golf, and NBA playoffs.
4) Most importantly, it is in sporting moments that relationships are cultivated. My dad and I bonded at baseball games and sporting events. My brother and I can talk about sports long into the night. My best friend Troy and I have traveled to San Francisco, Boston, San Antonio, and Dallas to watch games. Even Kayci enjoys going to sporting events with me.
Here is the question that I have found myself asking lately, “How do I bring my love for sports under the authority and Lordship of Jesus?” I will always love sports. I can’t wait to toss the ball with Truitt, but I don’t want my love for sports to have control over my attitude for it can have an effect on the husband, father, and friend that I am.
I don’t know who wrote this prayer, but I like it. It fits for crazy fans like me:
God, let me play well but fairly.
Let competition make me strong but never hostile.
Forbid me to rejoice in the adversity of others.
See me not when I am cheered, but when I bend to help my opponent up.
If I know victory, allow me to be happy;if I am denied, keep me from envy.
Remind me that sports are just games.
Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over.
And if through athletics I set an example, let it be a good one.
Why is it?
My dad taught me to love sports. Some of my first memories with him were times when we would throw the baseball in the front yard, sit in left field watching the Astros, and read the box scores in the morning newspaper.
For over a decade, sports have been a part of me. My parents stood firm with all 3 of their children that if we wanted a car, we had to have the necessary funds to pay for the car, insurance and gas. In order to have the bling-bling, we had to get something called a job. For me, I didn’t have my own “ride” in high school because I didn’t have time for a job. Monday-Friday I would be in the field house lifting weights, throwing routes, and watching film. Twelve months a year, at least five days a week—this was a huge part of my life.
Today, I still love sports. I love following the Huskers, even when they have an atrocious season. J I always know what is going on in recruiting. I plan my Saturday’s around kickoff. On game day, I shower with a red towel, wear red boxer-briefs (tmi—sorry), wear red shorts and a Husker t-shirt.
My love for the Mavericks runs just as deep. Back in Abilene, I used to get together with one of my best friends to watch the Mavs (I won’t say his name, but he is married to a youth minister named Sarah and works for ACU). However, we had to cut back on our regular routine because we would get so upset after loses that we would lose sleep. It had an effect on our entire demeanor.
I also love the Cowboys, Rangers, Astros, and Tiger Woods.
Why is it? Why do some of us love sports so much that it can influence our mood? If our team wins, we can’t get sleep because we’re too ecstatic. If our team loses, we can’t get sleep because that one fumble, interception, strikeout, or missed free throw won’t get out of our head.
Here’s why I think we love sports:
1) We love competition. There is nothing more thrilling than finding yourself or your favorite player one-on-one with a linebacker, or standing wide open on the three-point line, or facing an ace in the bottom of the last inning with the game on the line.
2) We love rivalries—good vs. evil. Kayci and I went to Boston with two of our best friends, and it is hard to NOT cheer for the Red Sox after that. I like the Red Sox, but my love for the Red Sox stems more out of my hatred for the Yankees than a genuine love for the Sox. I cannot bring myself to cheer for the Rockets even though I live in Houston. I hate the Buffalos of Colorado, the Tigers from Missouri, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Phoenix Suns. They are all from the dark side.
3) Sports can be absolutely thrilling. We love the Super Bowl, Saturday’s and Sunday’s in the fall, March Madness, New Year’s bowl games, baseball in October, Major’s in golf, and NBA playoffs.
4) Most importantly, it is in sporting moments that relationships are cultivated. My dad and I bonded at baseball games and sporting events. My brother and I can talk about sports long into the night. My best friend Troy and I have traveled to San Francisco, Boston, San Antonio, and Dallas to watch games. Even Kayci enjoys going to sporting events with me.
Here is the question that I have found myself asking lately, “How do I bring my love for sports under the authority and Lordship of Jesus?” I will always love sports. I can’t wait to toss the ball with Truitt, but I don’t want my love for sports to have control over my attitude for it can have an effect on the husband, father, and friend that I am.
I don’t know who wrote this prayer, but I like it. It fits for crazy fans like me:
God, let me play well but fairly.
Let competition make me strong but never hostile.
Forbid me to rejoice in the adversity of others.
See me not when I am cheered, but when I bend to help my opponent up.
If I know victory, allow me to be happy;if I am denied, keep me from envy.
Remind me that sports are just games.
Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over.
And if through athletics I set an example, let it be a good one.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Abraham and Isaac (Gen.22)
Without a doubt, this is one of the most scandalous, surprising, disturbing, and shocking passages in all of Scripture. God asks Abraham to straight up murder the son that was born after a 25-year-old promise was finally fulfilled.
This was the passage that I preached on Sunday. I wrestle with Scripture every week--actually, Scripture wrestles with me--but this week this text got the best of me. The difficulty is that we are not allowed to read Scripture as bystanders. We can't peek into Scripture as we peek out of windows. We don't read Scripture as a history book. Instead, we are invited to put it on...get into the story...live into the moment. However, this is one text that I struggled to get in on.
Here's how I preached it. Let me know what you think:
-One way to read this story is to see Abraham as a man that is fully present. In 22:1, 22:7, and 22:11, Abraham responds, "Here I am." This is his response to God, to Isaac, and to the angel of the Lord. Abraham is fully present. He is fully attentive. This is one of the greatest gifts that we can give to God and to our fellow human beings.
-God takes faith very, very seriously.
-An untested faith cannot be strengthened.
-This story doesn't allow Abraham to be the hero. This story is not about the faithfulness of Abraham; this is a story about the faithfulness of God.
-The statement, "God provides," is scandalous. We live in a society that says that bank accounts provide. It says that reason, logic, and greater knowledge provides. However, we are the people of God that hang our hats on the fact that God provides.
This text got the best of me.
Are there pieces of Scripture that have gotten the best of you?
This was the passage that I preached on Sunday. I wrestle with Scripture every week--actually, Scripture wrestles with me--but this week this text got the best of me. The difficulty is that we are not allowed to read Scripture as bystanders. We can't peek into Scripture as we peek out of windows. We don't read Scripture as a history book. Instead, we are invited to put it on...get into the story...live into the moment. However, this is one text that I struggled to get in on.
Here's how I preached it. Let me know what you think:
-One way to read this story is to see Abraham as a man that is fully present. In 22:1, 22:7, and 22:11, Abraham responds, "Here I am." This is his response to God, to Isaac, and to the angel of the Lord. Abraham is fully present. He is fully attentive. This is one of the greatest gifts that we can give to God and to our fellow human beings.
-God takes faith very, very seriously.
-An untested faith cannot be strengthened.
-This story doesn't allow Abraham to be the hero. This story is not about the faithfulness of Abraham; this is a story about the faithfulness of God.
-The statement, "God provides," is scandalous. We live in a society that says that bank accounts provide. It says that reason, logic, and greater knowledge provides. However, we are the people of God that hang our hats on the fact that God provides.
This text got the best of me.
Are there pieces of Scripture that have gotten the best of you?
Friday, November 2, 2007
The blog has launched!
Alright, I'm jumping into this blogging thing.
I'm hesitant, because I must be responsible.
I'm excited, because I enjoy putting my experiences into words, phrases, images, and stories.
I'm hesitant, because this whole blog thing has exploded.
I'm excited, because I hope that God uses these words to inspire, compel, invite, and create.
I'm hesitant, because this blog will give people a peek into my life. That can be scary. I'm excited, because those peeks lead to connections.
What you can expect:
-New blogs on a regular basis
-Stories from Southwest Central Church
-Stories about Kayci and Truitt
-Questions and comments about faith
-Ramblings about the Mavs, Huskers, Cowboys, and Tiger Woods
What I expect:
-To create an atmosphere conducive to healthy, spirit-filled conversations
I'm hesitant, because I must be responsible.
I'm excited, because I enjoy putting my experiences into words, phrases, images, and stories.
I'm hesitant, because this whole blog thing has exploded.
I'm excited, because I hope that God uses these words to inspire, compel, invite, and create.
I'm hesitant, because this blog will give people a peek into my life. That can be scary. I'm excited, because those peeks lead to connections.
What you can expect:
-New blogs on a regular basis
-Stories from Southwest Central Church
-Stories about Kayci and Truitt
-Questions and comments about faith
-Ramblings about the Mavs, Huskers, Cowboys, and Tiger Woods
What I expect:
-To create an atmosphere conducive to healthy, spirit-filled conversations
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
First post
This blog has been created as a place where I can express my adventure to learn what it means to live. Everyday, I am more and more convinced that life is found in Jesus. This is a journey. I hope that you will drop in occasionally.
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