Sword Battle

Ah, my boys playing swords in the backyard on a summer afternoon...watch and enjoy.

Natural History

I admit freely that I am in awe of natural history. This clip is one reason why.

Season Pass

Everyone has dreams of things that they would like to have or do. I am not a materialistic man, and I have never had any inate desire for worldly goods...except three things. 1. A ski-Boat with something to pull it with 2. To visit The Magic Castle 3. To be Disneyland Season Pass Holders. I have desired these strange things from my youth.

This year I was able to visit The Magic Castle (thanks to Jeff Lewis) and the RD's gave us season passes Disneyland. I have visited twice in the last two weeks...because we could. I have to admit...I realy like going to Disneyland with my family and friends.

My Best Man

Heidi and I celebrated our 10th wedding Anniversary on June 14th. It is surprising how we can look back with thanksgiving on all the Lord has done while shocked at how fast it has happened. I was reminded of the "vaporness" of life when we spent the day with the Spansel's (Mark was the Best Man at our wedding) and realized that none of these kids were born yet. I told Heidi that the next 10 years of marriage will be the most rich and fulfilling yet (she rolled her eyes and agreed). At my 20th anniversary who knows what this picture will look like.

CMD 4 Life

There is a former student of mine that has cmd4life as the prefix to his e-mail...and for good reason. There is one thing about TMC that can not be underestimated. The undisputed power of a good idea in the hands of Chapel Media to build TMC Spirit. They are in the business of making and mirroring college memories. Here is an old favorite of mine.

Why do we watch what we watch?

I believe that film is the number one platform for worldview conversation among college students. This is for good reason. Film is the most powerful platform for popular cultural and political commentary (music is second). An inconvenient truth proved it and Sicko is going to trying to and America is still not ready for Children of Men (I-Tunes profits will tell the rest of the story).

I listen in on the kinds of films being made and what the reviewed commentary are, and gain some insight into what form and what message is being preached. When I do watch a movie, it is well informed as to why and what I am engaged in. Sometimes I can fully understand a movie without ever watching it. I never watch a movie without its context.

Knocked-up is getting some incredible press. Some have labeled it a "era-defining comedy like little miss sunshine and when harry met sally." I have also gotten a good review from some well meaning Christians.

I was reading my WORLD Magazine and they reviewed the movie. Then I ran across the Rolling Stone interview of Judd Apatow. I believe that this movie could be an "era-defining comedy" and Apatow as its genius comic writer. Don't be deceived, this "mainstream form" of sophomoric and campy comedy has calloused the humor of Americans and the undiscerning christian. Knocked-up has the look of a clever comedy, but it is just a Trojan horse for the same kind of comedy found in Anchorman, Talledga Nights, and the 40 year old virgin...one of the mainstream platforms for the crass social commentary of Apatow. Movies like these give nothing to the thinking christian...they only take away.

What is funny? What is good humor? This era has not defined it well and the unwise christian is depicting it. What satisfies your appetite for laughter and humor? Why do you rent or watch the comedies that you do? What are you laughing at and why? What is funny today that was not funny 5 years ago, and in turn what is not funny today that made your side hurt last year?

Listen, I love to laugh...mostly at you. Those questions just bring warning and reflection on what the world values and what the Kingdom values and how that battles on the field of our heart. It also calls to account what dominates our worldview and why. Everything in life and art proclaim something in material what is true in the immaterial. Whether the tragedy and the shallow hopes of sin or the beauty of redemption in Christ alone.

So, know why you watch what your watch...and watch with a discerning eye and not a self-deceived heart.

Homosexuality

I have had the privilege of walking though this issue in the lives of several young men and this issue is gaining national recognition. I believe that homosexuality, gender identity, and bi-sexuality will be a core issue in the church in the next five years. I had lunch with a friend that is dealing with homosexual desires yesterday. I am thinking about how to bring some clear thinking about how men can disciple men through the issue of homosexual desires. You don't think that a christian man can struggle with homosexuality...that is exactly the mindset that should be investigated biblically. The only guy out there that is talking about it from a current perspective is Albert Mohler. I was reminded of this article and thought I would share it with you.

I am currently working on a lecture entitled "I know homosexuality is a sin, so now what?" I want to develop some clear gates that every man dealing biblically with the issue of homosexuality should walk through. Hopefully, these gates will then become common vocabulary for spiritual men to help those dealing with this issue. I am prayerfully considering teaching this material at the TMC men's split chapel this fall.

"9Do you not know that the unrighteous^[b] will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,^[c] 10nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God
" I Corinthians 6:9-11

Best Sports Movies

Rotten Tomatoes has run some well informed "best of lists" and I like the sports one for summertime movie fun.

Sleeping with a 3 year old

I have been catching up with my family this week. Namely, camping and visiting the grandparents. This means that I have been sleeping next to Sam. This has been a great time to enjoy him and my family. It has also given me much appreciation to Heidi for what she does all day. I have also enjoyed the simple pleasures of being awakened by my son every morning.

Being in this stage of life with young kids places things into perspective. The christian life really is lived in small acts of faith in obedience. That rhythm being established into the heartbeat of the daily life. It is just as godly to listen to and serve my 3 year old as it is to preach a sermon. The same spirituality is required although the mechanism is the same.

Sanctifying the Common

A TMC Alumni sent me this Justin Taylor link about Martin Luther's take on changing diapers for the glory of God .

There is a false dichotomy between the sacred and the secular. To say that one activity is more "spiritual" than another is to regulate the dominion of Christ to particular arenas and not to give Him lordship over every area of life. It has always been about the heart attitude (Prov 4) employed toward a particular activity that validates its spiritual authenticity. To be sure, I am not talking about anything that is prohibited in the bible and clearly sinful...rather I am talking about redeeming the ordinary moments of life for the glory of God. It is the small acts of faith done in the everyday moments of life that creates a sanctifying ripple effect into all areas of the spiritual life. This is the practical expression of the christian worldview....not just that you can discern through humanistic rhetoric, but to discern what car to buy. The christian life is one that acquires biblical understanding and can practically apply it to everyday moments in everyday life.

Summer Jobs

Enjoy this article in the L.A. Times I read while getting my car washed yesterday....In honor of our beloved SCV "amusement" park, summer jobs, and Nate Busenitz who (as legend has it) also grew up while serving an over priced hamburger.

Practicing Our Positional Holiness

1 Peter 2:9-12 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Word or Worldly

In today’s postmodern “informationally saturated” global economy, people are looking for meaning beyond words. Deep down, people want to be engaged in a dialog not a debate. Authentic relationships that intersect with a person’s “story” create platforms for influence. So…what I do/how I live authenticates what I say I believe. How I live biblically in small moments fills in the dialog for the method and meaning of true significance.

I see many young leaders try to influence their peers more by spiritual propaganda and rhetoric than through the power of personal holiness. Paul understood the primacy of proclaiming Christ through his life that would validate the authenticity of his spiritual insights (II Corinthians 2:1-5).

The process of interpersonal discipleship or spiritual influence should be contextualized by culture (or “relevant” if you don’t think that’s a dirty word)…not as a goal unto itself, but as the means/method/process to personally deposit the unmitigated truth of the gospel. Relationships are central to communicating the rich truths of our faith. Relationship is the dynamic that is missing in today’s society and the one thing every human longs for.

On the pathway to authentic dialog, people can loose more than they gain when their life is described better in worldly terms than defined by the Word. The world is not something to be courted, but rather contrasted through a biblical worldview/lifestyle. I am convinced it is when Christians live according to the word and not the world it will display The Compelling Significance of this lifetime…and the one to come (I Peter 1:13-22).

In this thinking I started to highlight a contrasting list…in the end I always constrain/edit myself to ten.


The Word (I John 2:4-6)

Knowledge of God (Col 1:9-10)
Accountability (Heb 3:12-13)
Mortification (Col 3:1-3)
Suffering (Jms 1:2-7; Heb 12)
Known (I Thess 2:8)
Giver (I Tim 6:18; Acts 2:44-45)
Active (II Tim 2:1-15)
Selfless-Love (Phil 2; I Cor 13)
Driven by Christ (II Cor 5:14-15)
Perfection (Phil 3:12-13




Or Worldly (I John 2:15-17)

Knowledge of Things
Autonomy
Explanation
Comfort
Known About
Consumer
Apathetic
Self-Love
Driven by Cool
Performance

Through Prayer

Waiting vs. Anxiety.

Spiritually, this is the battle-royal of my heart. Mine is the battle of waiting upon the Lord for insight, vision, and direction toward employing giftedness, personality, and circumstances that effectually reveal the will of God according to His word….or of retreating into anxious spiritual manipulation that accomplishes only my narrow view of success.

Yep, that’s me.

I am compelled to tell of my faith that has increased over the last several weeks as I have placed myself in the crossroads of spirituality. Placing my anxious heart, through prayer, before a sovereign God and waiting for Him to give grace to those in need….and I am desperately in need. Desiring above all that He would do beyond all that I could ask or think. My desire was/is not to get more than what I could ask, but that I would receive Spirit empowered insight that is infinitely different than the sum total of my finite thinking. This last month…there have been authentic moments in faith that has revealed God’s supernaturally orchestrated events and insights that have displayed His good grace to me. The best part is that His grace touches both small quiet moments and grand loud events.

The battle rages on, but my hope has been increased and my vision for divine things expanded.

Biblical Theology

I found this resource today. Mark Dever has a short booklist for biblical theology.

Book Worm

Scott Zeller asked if I would post this list…and as all things SZ I am honored to serve.

I know that the list is “one book”, but in some cases several books came to mind.


1. One book that changed your life: Future Grace by Piper; Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Tripp, A Call to Spiritual Reformation by D.A Carson

2. One book that you’ve read more than once: Minister as Shepherd Charles Jefferson, Most Jerry Bridges Books.

3. One book you’d want on a desert island: Systematic Theology: Wayne Grudem

4. One book that made you laugh: Letters from a Nut by Ted L. Nancy…I laughed out loud by myself.

5. One book that made you cry: I am more of a movie crier…but Where is the Mango Princess? By Cathy Crimmins is as close as I have gotten…unless you count my undergraduate transcripts.

6. One book you wish had been written: Autobiography of Walt Disney

7. One book you wish had never been written: The Koran

8. One book you’re currently reading: Spurgeon: A New Biography by Arnold A. Dallimore

9. One book you’ve been meaning to read: The Brothers Karamazov; His Excellency George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis

Mighty August

I will be away from my regular weekly post for the month of August. I will return to it after Labor Day.

Amazing Grace

In the economy of God’s grace there is a both common and specific expression. God’s common graces are those events and items that both the sinner and the saint can enjoy. God’s specific grace are reserved only for those who, though repentance and faith, are redeemed by the words and works of Jesus Christ.

The following is a list (in no particular order) my top five common graces:

A WORK OF FINE ART
From a sculpture to a watercolor…nothing captures God’s common grace like a hand crafted piece of fine art.

A WELL PREPARED AND PRESENTED MEAL:
There are few things in life that can compare to the finest ingredients prepared and plated to perfection.

Think of the many cultures and flavors that God has given to all peoples to enjoy.

A fine chocolate. A perfectly prepared steak. Fresh picked vegetables and fruits.

Now I am including the fact that where you eat this fine meal is essential. Pick your category. High-rise building at night or a crisp ocean balcony.

A SUFFICIENT REST
After working hard… to find the best spot and sleep until one is rested…but not oversleeping.

Air circulation is key…cool yet comfortable.

A KISS FROM YOUR TRUE LOVE
I am not talking your high school prom date…I mean true interpersonal intimacy.

A SWEET ROCK AND ROLL LYRIC
Nothing beats rock and roll to display (in a crooked mirror) an exact replication of the soul of man.

Nothing displays the view of something better than a song lyric, and nothing kicks like rock and roll…especially the infamous rock ballet.

There you have it…Now, I understand that some might argue for an expression of athletic mastery to be considered under the top five. I did not include my basket ball skills as one of the top five for a reason…. my basketball game falls in another theological category of God’s grace.

What Are You Listening To?

Today, I finished the book Listening to Prozac by Peter D. Kramer. The following is an excerpt of my interaction with the material:
The argument is made in every case study that there are clear biological influences that impact a particular mood or personality. Personality is a delicate balance of biological dispositions and acquired self-revelation. Neural structures are impacted by the thoughts and desires of an individual. Particular medications (Prozac) have helped redirect/rebuild the neural structures through serotonin enhanced actions that enable heightened awareness of improved self. Kramer makes the point (p.127) that maybe psychotherapy affects the neural structures as well. This is an interesting theory. Biblically we understand that there is a unity of the inner and outer man (Proverbs 27:19; Matt 26:41). Authentic change comes from the “heart” and is reflected in the actions of the outer man (Matt 12:33-37). I believe that eventually the counseling movement will gain insight as to the biological evidence of change. Observable higher levels of serotonin in a hopeful heart submitted to Christ is not beyond medical plausibility. However, Kramer’s premise is fundamentally flawed. The “animal” or “physical” part of man does not dictate man. The body can influence the choices of the soul, but it can not dictate it. Being physically burdened does influence thoughts and actions, but it never overpowers personal choice. We are no longer slaves to our sin and the effects therein (Romans 6). Raising or lowering the serotonin levels (or dopamine) in an individual will have a greater influence physically, but will never make a choice for an individual spiritually. Divine revelation and not medically guided self-revelation is the true pathway to authentic change (Psalm 119:105). I do however agree with Kramer’s theory. Because of the unity of the inner and outer man, authentic change should yield observable biologically reconstructed neural structures in individuals. I believe that is why Kramer is so hesitant to embrace the change he sees in patients on Prozac. It short cuts the process of change. The “work” of change (authentic view of self in view of the Divine) is not experienced but the benefits of it (purpose and peace) are through re-engineering the brain. The fragile state of this kind medical change is evidenced when the patient is off the drug or the prescriptions are altered. We should patiently and thoughtfully navigate through our medicated subculture, but never underestimate the transformational power of Divine Revelation.

Alone for Others

“Let him who cannot be alone be aware of community…Let him who is not in community beware of being alone….”

“Each by itself (personal solitude and community fellowship) has profound pitfalls and perils. One who wants fellowship without solitude plunges into the void of words and feelings, and the one who seeks solitude without fellowship perishes in the abyss of vanity, self infatuation, and despair.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer Life Together pp.77-78

What place should spiritual solitude and the church small group picnic have in the prioritization of the spiritual disciplines? I am balanced by the words and works of our Lord “Love God, Love People” (Matt 22:36-40) is a catch phrase that is easy to remember and daily to develop. Ultimately, no one can have intimacy with Christ without intimacy in fellowship because you forsake one by over indulging the other. Humanly speaking, individuals are prone to side predominately on one side of this spiritual equilibrium. Either they are addicted to people and neglect personal intersession with Christ, or they love divine intersession but pridefully navigate through life only from their perspective. Christ calibrates for the Christian a divine equilibrium in Loving God to Love others for His glory. Understanding that both knowledge and wisdom are required of the children of God, how can one pursue one without seemingly forsaking the other?

It light of that…let’s think about spiritual solitude.

I am becoming more convinced that the purpose and design for solitude is to develop the Christian for fellowship in community (first Christian then secular)….not for some personally exclusive spiritual health. Solitude in Word and prayer empowers the Christian to be Christian. Acquiring doctrine can not be the end goal, the applying doctrine is. I enter solitude to center the desires of my heart on the unfolding plan of redemption with the purpose of then participating in it (I Peter 1-2; I John 4:11-12). It is from these times of regular personal interaction with the Word and Spirit that I can, with Christ-centered boldness, navigate life and community.

One can observe this modeled in the life of Christ. Frequently, he goes away for solitude especially before and after times of intentional and intense fellowship and engaging community. If the point of solitude was designed exclusively to progress in personal consecration why would Christ desire it/need it? Rather, we see Christ engage his heart in divine fellowship with the Father empowered to present the kingdom to others in both word and deed.

Let us remind ourselves these questions:

Why am I not pursuing regular spiritual solitude? Am I proactively looking for ways to apply biblical truth? Which is easier…solitude or community? How can I bring my solitude to community? Why am I going to solitude?