Real. Simple.

How Good is Good Enough?

In How Good is Good Enough?, Andy Stanley presents a C. S. Lewis-style argument for the truth of Christianity. He addresses the belief that many (including many regular church attenders) hold that good people go to heaven. That seems so plausible and reasonable and... fair. But, as Stanley points out, where's the cutoff point? How good is good enough? And, which standards do we use to measure someone's goodness? The laws of the Koran? The laws of the Old Testament? Only the 10 commandments?

Stanley does a great job of addressing the difficult questions that many are asking, and coming at those questions from an honest standpoint. As a matter of fact, he's so honest at points, I wondered if some who are scared to let their faith be tested would be offended and set the book down. Andy Stanley has a wonderful, conversational tone in all of his books, and this one probably more than most. The ultimately relevant topic, combined with the brevity of the book itself (only 92 pages, and short pages at that), and the readability factor, will hopefully prompt many to read through this book. It will provide Christ followers with a great explanation of why they believe what they believe and will provide those who have previously rejected Christ's teachings with some serious food for thought.

(note: I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for purposes of this review).

empty seats

In a day and age when everything - including churches - is measured for success by the externals, I had a profound experience Sunday. For a pastor, December is a mixed blessing. There's Christmas, which is a wonderful time to be with family and a great opportunity to share about the mind blowing gift of Jesus humbling himself, stepping out of his position of glory and power to become a man so that we might have a restored relationship with God. But, it's also a month where you could have a pretty empty church building on any given Sunday, which is a bit of a downer (again, for pastors... probably no one else really notices or cares).

So this past Sunday I was standing in the back as we were worshiping, enjoying the driving guitar and the pounding rhythm of the drums, turning my focus and attention on God, when I noticed how many people were missing that morning, glaringly marked by empty seats. 

But then, rather than noticing the empty seats, I noticed the two who were a few rows in front of me. They have recently gone through a terrible tragedy and God was their source of strength and comfort through it all. Their lives were profoundly changed by the love and power of God.

And then I saw the couple whose marriage was on the ropes a few years ago. They began connecting with our church family, learning what God has to say about healthy relationships, getting good counsel and support and encouragement, and now they are so happy together and have an incredible family.

There was the young guy who's just started his spiritual journey with God. He's been surrounded by loving, encouraging mentors and life coaches. He's been challenged, taught, loved and accepted. He has meaning and purpose in his life and joy radiates from his face.

I could go on and on, person after person, story after story of lives that have been turned around, enriched, strengthened because of their time spent with us, eternities affected. I was so excited, encouraged, fulfilled when I began looking past the empty chairs to see the ones that were filled.

Rise Up!

My sweetheart spoke at the First Wednesday celebration this month and knocked it out of the park. We have already handed out around 50 copies of her teaching from that night. It's a great word (and she's so stinkin' funny!) Abigail listened to the teaching and said, "Wow, Mom... you're a much better preacher than Daddy!"

So, I thought I would post her teaching on my blog for you to enjoy...

Rise Up

This is amazing...

This kid makes an amazing shot. I especially love the look of the goalie after Oliver scores. He kind of looks around like, "Was I supposed to do something about that?!?!?!?"

transparency

I was reading Donald Miller's blog this morning (he's one of my all-time favorite authors, who wrote Blue Like Jazz among others) and the following quote really hit me..

"I heard an interview a long time ago with the folk singer David Wilcox, in which Wilcox was asked how he managed to be so vulnerable and open in his songwriting. Wilcox answered that, when he sits down to write a song, he tries to share something he is afraid to share, something that, to him, might be embarrassing. He does this, he said, because in giving the audience something they can use against him, they create a trusting relationship. It’s as though he is taking his pistol out and handing it to the person across the table. 

"I’ve applied this technique to my writing, and it is scary stuff, but it’s true, it does create a trusting relationship with your audience. 1 out of 100 people use it against you, and it does in fact hurt, but it’s worth the other 99 relationships that are authentic from the beginning."

After reading this quote I realized that many times I don't share what I'm really feeling or thinking - whether it's on my blog or my twitter or my facebook or even from the pulpit - because I guess I'm a little afraid of what others might do with that information. It's tough to be truly transparent. It's risky. I can do that with those closest to me, with those I've learned to deeply trust. But with others it's not quite so easy. Granted, Jesus had differing levels of intimacy. There were things he showed, taught, entrusted with James and John and Peter that he didn't with the multitudes, or even the other 9 disciples. And yet, he offered an amazing level of transparency even in large crowds. I guess when you know ahead of time that people are going to reject you it makes it easier to be open and honest on the front end?

Well, I guess I'll endeavor to be more transparent as I go forward... it might not do much for anyone else, but maybe it's what God is wanting to teach me for now.

one of those days

I don't know that anyone other than a pastor will really appreciate this post, but wow, yesterday was one of those days. Before church started we couldn't get any of the videos to work. The computer kept crashing, sound issues, etc.

Then I downloaded the wrong OnePrayer video (if you're not familiar with OnePrayer, check it out at 2009.oneprayer.com). As Craig Groeschel came on screen he says, "Happy Father's Day!!" My wife leaned over and said, "Oh, Carter... I'm so sorry. I didn't know today was father's day. I didn't plan anything!" I told her, "It's not." Then Craig proceeded to say things like, "Since it's father's day..." about 8 times, just to rub it in.

But, what I've found is that on days like yesterday is when God really shines. The baby dedications were so sweet, and I actually (not knowing it was a Father's Day message) felt like I was supposed to show the God is Father video, even though I thought I had already downloaded the God is Love video. I really felt that someone(s) needed to hear the God is Father message, and it was very powerful.

So, today I am choosing to rest in the reality that in my weakness God is shown strong, and even in the worst of situations, God can redeem and use the biggest mistakes. Speaking of God is... God is good!

new hobby

We have a new hobby in our house. We watch a movie and then as the music plays and the end credits roll the boys jump to their feet and begin dancing to the music. It is so entertaining that I'm going to start skipping the movie and just go to the end credits. The boys' dancing is usually better than the movie anyway. Where did they get these moves?!? So you can enjoy along with the family, I've included a little sample for you...

perseverance, part 2

Listen to the song first...

Then, listen to the story behind the song. Amazing...

perseverance, part 1

Sunday I talked about bulldog faith... that kind of persevering faith that continues regardless of how we feel, regardless of circumstances, that no-matter-what kind of faith (you can listen to it on itunes here: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=262026137).

This video illustrates the point so beautifully and powerfully. Check it out (and prepare to be moved and motivated)...

fly away

Okay, this is incredible... you've GOT to see this... I so want to do this! Not really... but really...

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1778399