Let's rethink church

This is the intro of a series where I'm looking at how we do church, why we do church the way we do it, and more importantly talk about what we can change to be the hands and feet of Jesus to more people.

Don't read this and think I'm down on the church because I know the church is how God speaks to people. I don't see a lot of people asking why or what's the purpose of what we're doing.

I'll be looking at different things we and others do at church, examining if we should be doing that, and then discuss different ways we can change what and how we do things if needed.

I welcome any comments or ideas on how these things could be changed. Let's discuss this and make the church a brighter lighthouse for those that need Him.

God Rocks, JTW

Tinker bell & my 2 year old

My daughter is 2 years old. This means that I unfortunately have to watch Disney things. Most of them are frustrating but sometimes I hear things & God teaches me right then & there. We were watching a Tinker bell movie today & tinker bell fixed some holes in a roof so a little girl could spend more rime with her dad. There was a long, complicated process through which tinker bell did this involving hoses and boots. It was very inventive and she went to a lot of work just to make sure this little girl could spend time with her very busy father.

It was at this moment that I asked myself if I do this for God? Do I go out of my way to help others so they can get to see & experience God? The little girl so wanted her father, & honestly I wish we all had such furor for God (our Father) as this little girl had. Maybe if had a love for Our Father & a willingness to change people's lives then we'd spend less time trying to convince people of God & more time being the example they'd desperately want to be!

Just my little thoughts on How Tinker bell can influence our life for Christ!

What have we come to without love for one another?

John 13:34-35

34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.

35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Where have we come as a Christian nation when caring and loving on others as Christ did is now legislated? Today I find myself confused. Has God ever put a passion for helping others in your heart? Well I have that and my passion is leading students to learn more about what it means to be a Generation that wants to change the world for Christ. Well one thing I believe is that they must learn to care for others and serve. Well I've learned that sometimes giving to others involves sacrifice, but it's never more than we can bare.

Today I learned that we've come to a place as a Christian nation that I thought I'd never see. I saw that passion become legislated. This is what I mean; you give your time, effort, all that you have to help others and others from the outside complain. At what point should intentions and the fear of others overshadow serving?

Christ's work was overshadowed by the legalistic people of the day and their fear put on his intentions. It lead him to the Cross, but it did not stop his message. Has our nation come to the place where we're so in fear of what people will think or what we do that we can't allow Christ's followers to serve and to give as Christ did?

What do we do? Do we sit back and wait for God's greater plan to work out while Christians are afraid to share their faith, give to others, or even carry a Bible because someone might see their intentions and bring harm to them? I don't know and that makes me afraid. What should I be willing to give up? At some point where do Christians say enough is enough?

Would you do it?

I have a quick question that will take you a long time to answer. The question is...would you do something if you were sure that God was telling you to do it? It seems like a no-brainer for sure, but it deeply disturbs me. Here's why, I think about what that would mean. I've made leaps and jumps for God in my life without knowing if He would be there, but he always has been.

Recently I was faced with something that I know God was asking of me. I was posed with this question and it become a very hard one. Would you do something if you knew God was telling you to do it. Most Christians I think would say yes without question; at least until they find out more information. What if it meant you would give up your life. Some people would be lost right there, but others are willing to give up life for God's service. What if it were more day to day than this though. What if you had to give up your job? What if you had to give up your family? What if you had to give up your spouse? What if you had to give up your home? What if you had to give up your reputation? What if you had to say yes when even those that walk daily with Christ told you they wouldn't do it? When it comes to the day to day this fundamental question gets very hard.

I've been a Christ follower since 1993 and would never go back. I'm also a student pastor and love sharing God's word and God's truth with this generation. Recently when I was posed this question I had to make a choice. I decided to sit back and wait. I let the situation that I knew God was saying for me to jump on, just walk away. I don't know if I was just wanting the easy way or if I wasn't ready to stand against the things I may have to give up for that thing.

Here's what I decided and what i'm doing. If anyone ever reads this and finds themselves in this situation, then I hope this helps. Every day since the day I let it happen I've been sad and angry at myself. I understand if you're reading this, you know what I mean. I've decided to keep my eye on what God has asked me to do from a distance. I have multiplied my prayers in this situation and have added this situation to every prayer i have right now. I've not decided to pray that God put me in the situation, but instead for God to change either me or those around me to make it happen. Have I given up? NO! There might be a day really soon where God decides to make this happen and give me a chance to redeem myself. If not I'll be happy knowing that God changed my heart to let me know what I should do now.

Keep me in your prayers for this situation is very hard on me!