Thursday, July 31, 2003
Monday, July 28, 2003
Heather and I are thinking about going to school. Heather has a couple of things she is looking at. But me? I'm just not sure. I know I want to serve the Lord full time, but that doesn't mean I want to work at a church. I love the Lord. My family. And my only other interests would be with computers, but I have no idea what I would want to do.
What does he want us to do? Hmm.
I think taking up a tech job of some form and working and using that in some ministry would be ideal for me. I think.
How do we both go to school, work, and take care of our family? We could use your prayers on this. Advice. Ideas.
Everyone email Heather and suggest she start blogging. I would like this to be a family affair.
What does he want us to do? Hmm.
I think taking up a tech job of some form and working and using that in some ministry would be ideal for me. I think.
How do we both go to school, work, and take care of our family? We could use your prayers on this. Advice. Ideas.
Everyone email Heather and suggest she start blogging. I would like this to be a family affair.
The Millers are going to intentionally enter into relationships with other Christians. Not going to ’join’ this church or that church, but ’be’ Church WITH other Christians in our community and let Christ lead.
Us being Church along the way. Living as an example. A testimony. Something will come of this. I pray that we do not settle for a “stand up, sit down, turn around”, “Sunday-Centric” idea of church. We are choosing to live this. Not go to it and then not grow in relationship with Christ for years, just sitting in the same pew week after week-year after year and never seeing the Kingdom grow in all its glory. Because we kept it in our buildings and our programs and lessons.
No one sees the Church outside of the building on Sunday. They see it on television pushing gays out the front and back doors. They see the Priests with the children. (you shouldn’t have to think of what you thought about after reading that sentence.) They see us separate from the world and go into our buildings and do things that no one else does and then they see us, as Church, walk out the doors not to be ’Church’ again until Sunday or maybe Wednesday for a couple of hours. What we have…what we are should be making a difference in the world. It should be visible and known as the ’Church’ doing it.
We ask the question, “where would Jesus be if he were here today?” After we come up with some answers we realize, for the most part, it would not be in our buildings. Second, we should realize how silly it is to say, “IF He were here”….
If the world does not see Him at work and play in these places….it is our fault. What if Jesus hadn’t gone into those places? What if it wasn’t brought to the Gentiles? Where would you be? Jesus didn’t separate the “secular” from the “sacred”. His life (heart-body-mind-time), the “secular”, was his teaching ….His ministry…The Gospel…The “sacred”. Our lives shouldn’t be separated into either/or. Jesus’ life was both/and. …
I intend for this to be my last rant about what the church is not or is for a while. Hopefully this space will be about us ’being’ Church. Our life. Our journey. Our relationships. You.
Us being Church along the way. Living as an example. A testimony. Something will come of this. I pray that we do not settle for a “stand up, sit down, turn around”, “Sunday-Centric” idea of church. We are choosing to live this. Not go to it and then not grow in relationship with Christ for years, just sitting in the same pew week after week-year after year and never seeing the Kingdom grow in all its glory. Because we kept it in our buildings and our programs and lessons.
No one sees the Church outside of the building on Sunday. They see it on television pushing gays out the front and back doors. They see the Priests with the children. (you shouldn’t have to think of what you thought about after reading that sentence.) They see us separate from the world and go into our buildings and do things that no one else does and then they see us, as Church, walk out the doors not to be ’Church’ again until Sunday or maybe Wednesday for a couple of hours. What we have…what we are should be making a difference in the world. It should be visible and known as the ’Church’ doing it.
We ask the question, “where would Jesus be if he were here today?” After we come up with some answers we realize, for the most part, it would not be in our buildings. Second, we should realize how silly it is to say, “IF He were here”….
If the world does not see Him at work and play in these places….it is our fault. What if Jesus hadn’t gone into those places? What if it wasn’t brought to the Gentiles? Where would you be? Jesus didn’t separate the “secular” from the “sacred”. His life (heart-body-mind-time), the “secular”, was his teaching ….His ministry…The Gospel…The “sacred”. Our lives shouldn’t be separated into either/or. Jesus’ life was both/and. …
I intend for this to be my last rant about what the church is not or is for a while. Hopefully this space will be about us ’being’ Church. Our life. Our journey. Our relationships. You.
Question about the idea of “cell” churches or “cell” groups-smaller churches within the larger.
Should these cell groups have to go to, say the committee of the larger church to get ‘permission’ for this bible study, that trip to wherever, or sending money or people to such-in-such a missionary or organization? Etc.
Or…do they function as Christians - the Church? And with the maintained relationships-if there is any question about something being “biblical” or whatever, accountability can happen that way. Through the relationships.
I mean, if Church is the people and therefore its functionality based on loving, Christ centered relationships…shouldn’t that be the way it is maintained? As apposed to committees and programs.
It seems that it would give room for more people to be better discipled - ’doing’ - making ’Christian’ decisions - easier to be involved…not so complicated, so much red tape, so BIG that it scares folks away.
Involvement in and as Church rather than participation during an event on Sunday.
If folks don’t want to be involved in classes or whatever - let’s let them be involved in just being ’Church’…being Christians….Fellowship….Relationships.
Let’s just ’be’ church together instead of let’s ’go’ to Church together. I think more folks will cry out, “I long to see you” “I long to be close to you Lord”
People being discipled-not entertained. Not stopping at the cross and the resurrection, but moving forward into the Life of the Living Christ. Into a relationship and a life with Him who is still at work.
When He said, “It is finished” He didn’t mean we were done growing or learning or…evolving, if you will. He still says you must “take up your cross”. Not just the individual, but I think this goes for the Church as well.
Should these cell groups have to go to, say the committee of the larger church to get ‘permission’ for this bible study, that trip to wherever, or sending money or people to such-in-such a missionary or organization? Etc.
Or…do they function as Christians - the Church? And with the maintained relationships-if there is any question about something being “biblical” or whatever, accountability can happen that way. Through the relationships.
I mean, if Church is the people and therefore its functionality based on loving, Christ centered relationships…shouldn’t that be the way it is maintained? As apposed to committees and programs.
It seems that it would give room for more people to be better discipled - ’doing’ - making ’Christian’ decisions - easier to be involved…not so complicated, so much red tape, so BIG that it scares folks away.
Involvement in and as Church rather than participation during an event on Sunday.
If folks don’t want to be involved in classes or whatever - let’s let them be involved in just being ’Church’…being Christians….Fellowship….Relationships.
Let’s just ’be’ church together instead of let’s ’go’ to Church together. I think more folks will cry out, “I long to see you” “I long to be close to you Lord”
People being discipled-not entertained. Not stopping at the cross and the resurrection, but moving forward into the Life of the Living Christ. Into a relationship and a life with Him who is still at work.
When He said, “It is finished” He didn’t mean we were done growing or learning or…evolving, if you will. He still says you must “take up your cross”. Not just the individual, but I think this goes for the Church as well.
Thursday, July 24, 2003
I've begun reading Tozer's "Pursuit of God".
His prayer is my own,
"O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, that so I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, ‘Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.’ Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
Where he leads us-we don't know, but bea reminded me that "his plans for you are perfect and they will not harm you. He has cleansed you from all your sin so that you can enter into intimate relationship with him and run with boldness into his throne room and jump up on his lap." Doesn't mean it will be easy, but...here we go.....
His prayer is my own,
"O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, that so I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, ‘Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.’ Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
Where he leads us-we don't know, but bea reminded me that "his plans for you are perfect and they will not harm you. He has cleansed you from all your sin so that you can enter into intimate relationship with him and run with boldness into his throne room and jump up on his lap." Doesn't mean it will be easy, but...here we go.....
Over the last 48 hours our family has become much happier than they have been in a while and it is because the "Church" came to our aid and Christ touched us. Thank you all. You will be blessed.
I'm content with being on a journey now. Not having all the answers. But know that we will never stop seeking him.
Heather and I are closer.
Little things from each of ya made me realize the obvious-we need to begin it in the home...Simplicity. A wise man told me, "maybe you should just focus on BEING the church to others and letting others Be the church to you." Ha! It does just come down to that doesn't it?
I'm content with being on a journey now. Not having all the answers. But know that we will never stop seeking him.
Heather and I are closer.
Little things from each of ya made me realize the obvious-we need to begin it in the home...Simplicity. A wise man told me, "maybe you should just focus on BEING the church to others and letting others Be the church to you." Ha! It does just come down to that doesn't it?
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
I've grown up 'going' to Church. Why do I feel so lost and confused about how to live out my faith?
At the end of the day...I've just never done it before. At least in the Acts 2:42-47 way. No closeness. No community. Just the "stand up, sit down, turn around" kinda church.
I feel so frustrated...with church....with myself. I had a conversation with my Dad last night and I really came out of it feeling really...lost. I've gone to the same Church all my life. I don't know any other way of doing it. But I know-for me and my family at least-we need to do it differently. My Dad thanks that to stray from the main-line denominations would be to stray into dangerous territory. I don't think so. I don't know what we're looking for for sure, but I know I can't seem to find it in this little town in Indiana. I need a mentor and we need to be discipled. I want to know the Lord better. I want to help others to do the same. I didn't realize how angry, hurt, and frustrated I was about all of this until I spoke to Dad. I feel so alone and Heather is so new in the faith. I want to be a witness to the world and serve the Kingdom of God, but ....it shouldn't be this difficult.
Angry because I was looking for approval and/or encouragement and I didn't get it. Lost because I "would rather be a part of a small, committed order or team on a journey than be an attender in a large, impersonal worship service", and as I said before I've just never done it. God is telling me he wants more from me. Me, a member of His Church. He wants me to live it 24/7. My whole life has changed the past few years dew only to Christ working in my life. I'm a good father. I hope a good husband. I'm clean. I'm sober. But our Christian walk...our following him...our being church has been mediocre at best though. I have knelt....I have touched the robe of Jesus....I have been healed, but now it is time to go back to the world as a healed follower of Jesus Christ. I have grown up going to church. I can't remember a time where I didn't believe in Jesus Christ and in his death and resurrection and in it all being for me. And you. I became a Christian when I was 15. When I was seventeen I started smoking dope. Out of the Church partying until my son was born. I have since grown closer and closer with the Lord. But it is time to give him more than some of my attention, some of my time and some of my money. It's time to give him my body-all of me. Romans 12 says this is "pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship." It's time to live a whole lot more holistically. Because if I don't...what am I saying to Him? What am I saying to the world that needs Him? And no, I don't think my Dad would disagree with this. He's worried about his son leaving the safety of the walls. I also realized I can honor my father and mother, but I don't have to agree with them. God is calling my family to his service. WE WILL GO. And how is this not good for Heather, who is a new Christian? She may be a new Christian, but I envy her. She's been trying to walk it from the beginning. I wish half of us had the heart she has.
As far as "it shouldn't have to be so difficult." No. No one said it was going to be easy.
Just like the church. I am a work in progress. I need all of you to keep me going. I hope to be of service to you all some day. God has truly blessed me by all of you being in my life. You heard my call for help and you came typing and praying to this struggling traveler. Thank you from all of my being. And I hope to meet all of you along the way.
At the end of the day...I've just never done it before. At least in the Acts 2:42-47 way. No closeness. No community. Just the "stand up, sit down, turn around" kinda church.
I feel so frustrated...with church....with myself. I had a conversation with my Dad last night and I really came out of it feeling really...lost. I've gone to the same Church all my life. I don't know any other way of doing it. But I know-for me and my family at least-we need to do it differently. My Dad thanks that to stray from the main-line denominations would be to stray into dangerous territory. I don't think so. I don't know what we're looking for for sure, but I know I can't seem to find it in this little town in Indiana. I need a mentor and we need to be discipled. I want to know the Lord better. I want to help others to do the same. I didn't realize how angry, hurt, and frustrated I was about all of this until I spoke to Dad. I feel so alone and Heather is so new in the faith. I want to be a witness to the world and serve the Kingdom of God, but ....it shouldn't be this difficult.
Angry because I was looking for approval and/or encouragement and I didn't get it. Lost because I "would rather be a part of a small, committed order or team on a journey than be an attender in a large, impersonal worship service", and as I said before I've just never done it. God is telling me he wants more from me. Me, a member of His Church. He wants me to live it 24/7. My whole life has changed the past few years dew only to Christ working in my life. I'm a good father. I hope a good husband. I'm clean. I'm sober. But our Christian walk...our following him...our being church has been mediocre at best though. I have knelt....I have touched the robe of Jesus....I have been healed, but now it is time to go back to the world as a healed follower of Jesus Christ. I have grown up going to church. I can't remember a time where I didn't believe in Jesus Christ and in his death and resurrection and in it all being for me. And you. I became a Christian when I was 15. When I was seventeen I started smoking dope. Out of the Church partying until my son was born. I have since grown closer and closer with the Lord. But it is time to give him more than some of my attention, some of my time and some of my money. It's time to give him my body-all of me. Romans 12 says this is "pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship." It's time to live a whole lot more holistically. Because if I don't...what am I saying to Him? What am I saying to the world that needs Him? And no, I don't think my Dad would disagree with this. He's worried about his son leaving the safety of the walls. I also realized I can honor my father and mother, but I don't have to agree with them. God is calling my family to his service. WE WILL GO. And how is this not good for Heather, who is a new Christian? She may be a new Christian, but I envy her. She's been trying to walk it from the beginning. I wish half of us had the heart she has.
As far as "it shouldn't have to be so difficult." No. No one said it was going to be easy.
Just like the church. I am a work in progress. I need all of you to keep me going. I hope to be of service to you all some day. God has truly blessed me by all of you being in my life. You heard my call for help and you came typing and praying to this struggling traveler. Thank you from all of my being. And I hope to meet all of you along the way.
Sunday, July 20, 2003
I want to thanks everyone for their emails and prayers.
I want to thank brad for pointing this post of nathan's out. It has let me know I am not alone in my struggles. Nathan definitely explains them better. The passage from Hebrews is priceless.
I am blessed to have all of you in my life. Even if I haven't actually met most of you.
I want to thank brad for pointing this post of nathan's out. It has let me know I am not alone in my struggles. Nathan definitely explains them better. The passage from Hebrews is priceless.
I am blessed to have all of you in my life. Even if I haven't actually met most of you.
Saturday, July 19, 2003
I've grown up 'going' to Church. Why do I feel so lost and confused about how to live out my faith? I feel so frustrated...with church....with myself. I had a conversation with my Dad last night and I really came out of it feeling really...lost.
I've gone to the same Church all my life. I don't know any other way of doing it. But I know-for me and my family at least-we need to do it differently. My Dad thanks that to stray from the main-line denominations would be to stray into dangerous territory. I don't think so. I don't know what we're looking for for sure, but I know I can't seem to find it in this little town in Indiana. I need a mentor and we need to be discipled. I want to know the Lord better. I want to help others to do the same. I didn't realize how angry, hurt, and frustrated I was about all of this until I spoke to Dad. I feel so alone and Heather is so new in the faith.
I want to be a witness to the world and serve the Kingdom of God, but ....it shouldn't be this difficult.
SOMEONE HELP ME PLEASE!
I've gone to the same Church all my life. I don't know any other way of doing it. But I know-for me and my family at least-we need to do it differently. My Dad thanks that to stray from the main-line denominations would be to stray into dangerous territory. I don't think so. I don't know what we're looking for for sure, but I know I can't seem to find it in this little town in Indiana. I need a mentor and we need to be discipled. I want to know the Lord better. I want to help others to do the same. I didn't realize how angry, hurt, and frustrated I was about all of this until I spoke to Dad. I feel so alone and Heather is so new in the faith.
I want to be a witness to the world and serve the Kingdom of God, but ....it shouldn't be this difficult.
SOMEONE HELP ME PLEASE!
Wednesday, July 16, 2003
Kristen says I should blog more-Yes I know. We have been without our own internet service for a couple of weeks and we don't have anyone besides family that we really talk to so we are limited in our access. Also I have been very frustrated with Church and I have not wanted to post things that would only cause anger and hurt. Some things are not for everyone to hear. A lot of my anger is wanting to be a part of a community rather than just the event on Sunday. I realized while speaking to people that I thought everyone should change the way they are doing church. Now, I don't think anyone is called to just hold the pew down for the 'church', but I think the traditional church is still important and needed for a lot of people. I have realized that my frustration has been in part due to being lead to feel that to serve the kingdom and the 'church' it must be in the context of the traditional church-Speaker, Teacher, Singer, Organizer of large projects with lots of people, ect.-I have realized that this is not so, but in wanting to be discipled there is no one who is or has done anything else that is around me. I want to be 'church' for those who are not going to come into the building.
In Mathew 9:11-13 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard this, he said, "those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means,’ I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."
And in John 4:19-26 His conversation with the woman at the well, "Sir" the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
Jesus declared, “Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship God the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now com when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth."
The woman said, "I know the Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."
We know that for the most part the early Church met in homes for 'worship and instruction'. We know that "They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:46-47
Studies are showing that our Churches are not growing. We have people coming in, but most of them are not unchurched folks. They are unsatisfied people from other Churches. And at the same time Churches are closing left and right around the country.
A couple of quotes I found in Leonard Sweet's "Soul Salsa"-
"The American public is sending a clear message to Christian leaders: Make Christianity accessible and practical or don't expect [our] participation." -George Barna
"If George Barna's research is to be believed, over half of all unchurched people say they want to find a closer, personal relationship with God. They just don't know how to find it. Barna's conclusion: 'These are not people who are anti-religion. These are people who believe for the most part in some kind of god or deity. They simply haven't been able to figure out, 'How do I make it real...in my life.'" -Leonard Sweet
And this is me, "It is a growing trend that postmodern spiritual seekers would rather be a part of a small, committed order or team on a journey than be an attender in a large, impersonal worship service." -Andrew Jones
We know that what we put our faith in is very much real and accessible to everyone. Why do we stay up inside of the "house on the hill" "telling it from the mountain top" and expecting people to climb the mountain to us. We are the ones who believe and have seen in our lives. We should be the ones making the trek. We are the temple. We should be calling people into our lives not our buildings. This is why Christ calls us to GO.
Lord Jesus I pray that it is not any agenda of my own that I aspire to. Your will be done. Please help me to get off of my butt and out into the world around me that you may touch lives. Help me to not hide it under a bushel or under a steeple. Please make yourself real and visible in my life that others may see. I can do nothing without you. Guide me Father for I feel so lost. Use us to go to those places and those people who are not being reached by the traditional Church. Please bring some people in to our lives that will guide us and challenge us to seek God. Help us to love 'em all. Even when they're as messed up as we are. Thanks for being here even when we're lookin' the other way.
In Mathew 9:11-13 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard this, he said, "those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means,’ I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."
And in John 4:19-26 His conversation with the woman at the well, "Sir" the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
Jesus declared, “Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship God the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now com when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth."
The woman said, "I know the Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."
We know that for the most part the early Church met in homes for 'worship and instruction'. We know that "They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:46-47
Studies are showing that our Churches are not growing. We have people coming in, but most of them are not unchurched folks. They are unsatisfied people from other Churches. And at the same time Churches are closing left and right around the country.
A couple of quotes I found in Leonard Sweet's "Soul Salsa"-
"The American public is sending a clear message to Christian leaders: Make Christianity accessible and practical or don't expect [our] participation." -George Barna
"If George Barna's research is to be believed, over half of all unchurched people say they want to find a closer, personal relationship with God. They just don't know how to find it. Barna's conclusion: 'These are not people who are anti-religion. These are people who believe for the most part in some kind of god or deity. They simply haven't been able to figure out, 'How do I make it real...in my life.'" -Leonard Sweet
And this is me, "It is a growing trend that postmodern spiritual seekers would rather be a part of a small, committed order or team on a journey than be an attender in a large, impersonal worship service." -Andrew Jones
We know that what we put our faith in is very much real and accessible to everyone. Why do we stay up inside of the "house on the hill" "telling it from the mountain top" and expecting people to climb the mountain to us. We are the ones who believe and have seen in our lives. We should be the ones making the trek. We are the temple. We should be calling people into our lives not our buildings. This is why Christ calls us to GO.
Lord Jesus I pray that it is not any agenda of my own that I aspire to. Your will be done. Please help me to get off of my butt and out into the world around me that you may touch lives. Help me to not hide it under a bushel or under a steeple. Please make yourself real and visible in my life that others may see. I can do nothing without you. Guide me Father for I feel so lost. Use us to go to those places and those people who are not being reached by the traditional Church. Please bring some people in to our lives that will guide us and challenge us to seek God. Help us to love 'em all. Even when they're as messed up as we are. Thanks for being here even when we're lookin' the other way.
Thursday, July 10, 2003
Yes. I'm still alive. Don't have our own internet access at the moment. Waiting to see if Arkansas is an open or closed door. Please pray for us.
Reading Job, Acts, and started thinking about Luke 10 after reading Andrew's post. Heather and I have begun to check out some other church gatherings in town. I have felt like a plant in a small pot that still had growth potential and needs to be transplanted into a larger one. Need roots to go deeper and we need to stretch out further. We are not leaving First Baptist. [like we are leaving one team to go to another-I don't want to be a skunk or a turtle] We are just going out to meet other people and looking to be discipled in more spiritual matters.
Reading Job, Acts, and started thinking about Luke 10 after reading Andrew's post. Heather and I have begun to check out some other church gatherings in town. I have felt like a plant in a small pot that still had growth potential and needs to be transplanted into a larger one. Need roots to go deeper and we need to stretch out further. We are not leaving First Baptist. [like we are leaving one team to go to another-I don't want to be a skunk or a turtle] We are just going out to meet other people and looking to be discipled in more spiritual matters.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)