Just haven’t had much to say as of late. Lots going on, including the start of Little League baseball practices this weekend. Hopefully I will have some time in another day or so to write something of some value. Will be back shortly.
Mere hours before the premiere of the final season of “Lost”, I finished reading Chris Seay’s The Gospel According to Lost, which I had purchased to read via Amazon’s Kindle for the iPhone/iPod Touch (read it on my iPod Touch). It was the perfect read to get me primed for the premiere, as Seay covered Seasons 1 through 5.
In this book, Seay looks at the show’s characters, analyzing how each is emotionally and spiritually lost, from looking at the various “father” issues that they have, to the philosophical, literary, and spiritual themes that permeate the show, including redemption. With Seay being the pastor of a large church, many of these themes are viewed through a Christian lens, but Seay is quick to point out the scientific theories and philosophies that the writers address. He also uses the character studies as starting points to address questions and issues we may have in the real world, using the drama of “Lost” as parables for our lives today, with appropriate parallels in Scripture.
Seay has written a book that serves as a complement to the show. Being the superfan that he is, he also encourages us to enjoy this season of “Lost” in community with each other, and to allow the themes reflected in the show to challenge us on a deeper level. He writes:
Allow yourself to be moved emotionally, but take the time to contemplate the narrative on a deeper plane. If we truly allow ourselves to learn from this show, it will lead us to change some things. We may see that we are every bit as controlling as Benjamin Linus (God forbid) – but if this is true, we have many people waiting for an apology, so we should seek them out and start again with a tabula rasa (clean slate).
To close the book, he writes:
The truth is, our lives are filled with as much mystery as this show – none of us knows what happens next. We long to understand, but ultimately we are left with anticipation. Our future is as unknown as the time that Jesus will return to this earth to establish his kingdom; according to Jesus, only the Father knows the time his Son will enter this created order once again. But we are not aimless people stumbling in the dark. We are not lost. We know what it is that we are to do each day; Jesus called it the greatest commandment to love God and our neighbor. We have no answers in regard to the how or the when, but the question of what it is that we are to be doing was answered long ago.
So…on a deeper level, how “lost” are you? Yes, we have our questions about the show, but I suspect, if you’re like me (or Seay), the show has brought up questions about the issues in our lives that we need to address. I don’t have a clue as to how this final season will play out, but as the premiere tonight showed in what I’ll term (for now) the “reset”, had the passengers of Oceanic Flight 815 journeyed uneventfully to Los Angeles, it appears that their lives would have been arguably worse than that which they’ve had since the crash on the island. They likely would not have had the chance to experience the shot at redemption that each has had on the island, whether they admit it or not.
Given that…are you willing to experience a “crash” for a shot at redeeming some aspect of your life today?
I really didn’t think that “New Assignments” would be a multi-part blog series, but a post I read from my buddy Roy got me thinking about how God will throw us a curveball when it comes to the work He asks us to do.
Today Roy officially left the world of Facebook behind. It was a bold move, one done clearly with much prayer. I won’t restate his reasons (you can read them), but suffice to say, it’s clear that God has something else in mind for Roy since he recently completed a social media fast. In a world where Facebook is the standard bearer for social media connections, Roy has left the game. It’s unthinkable by 21st Century standards, but it’s an example of the obedience required when God speaks into one’s life. I have no doubt that my brother will embark on an amazing new assignment in which he will be used to touch even more lives than he did on Facebook. And I should remind you…this came about because of his fast.
Making a decision to obey Christ’s call on your life when it looks like you’re the fish swimming upstream isn’t easy…ask Grant Desme. But it’s a necessary step for spiritual growth, and like the many folks in the Bible who fasted, they undertook new assignments that they didn’t always want or thought made any sense.
It’s simply about being prepared and being willing. I know for me, a lot of ideas have popped into my head in recent days, none of which have elicited that “eureka” moment in me, but just because they haven’t now doesn’t mean that they won’t later.
That said…hold on. The adventure continues…
Been a long time since I’ve shared some cool linkage from some folks with some deep(er) thoughts than me. I really encourage you to check these out…maybe one or some or all might touch you in a special way today.
Mark Batterson has a great post about who we are really living for.
ZLamb writes about giving up everything for Christ.
Anne Jackson writes one of the best posts I’ve seen about forgiveness and reconciliation.
Roy writes about the gift of your need.
Ben Reed has a great post about how life change can occur in small group ministry.
Will writes about gaining some clarity in his story, thanks to a few words from Donald Miller.
And finally, Donald Miller writes the best possible response to the callous words spoken about the earthquake in Haiti by that jerk who passes himself off as a pastor. (“Jerk” being my term for this individual, not Miller…)
Talk to you tomorrow…
Today was the final day of the 21 day fast that our church undertook to kick off the New Year. Regardless of the kind of fast (Daniel fast, meatless, or other types of food) that folks undertook, it’s pretty clear that significant changes have occurred in the spiritual life of many in our congregation – and some are continuing beyond the 21 days to do a full 40 days. In discussions with others it is becoming clear that new assignments are in the offing for many, whether in personal ministry, church ministry, other volunteer work, or even in their professional lives.
Jesus is in the business of handing out new assignments…right now.
For me, the new assignment (or assignments) is not yet clear. But I do know that He’s begun to clear the deck for me. How so?
My 7th season coaching Little League baseball will clearly be my last. I am at total peace with the decision. While I’m not pulling a Grant Desme, those of you who know me well know how much I love the game of baseball. In looking ahead, I know that from a practical standpoint, I’m not going to be able to offer the proper coaching to Hank that he needs should he continue playing – I know what I don’t know and am the first to admit it as related to higher levels of coaching within baseball. Yes, I’m experiencing a sense of exhaustion after giving up nearly 7 springs to coach a whole lot of boys (and some girls). But to say that burnout and lack of knowledge are the primary factors in stepping aside is not entirely true, either, because I can sense that there’s a new assignment for me that will take the place of coaching.
What that is, I don’t yet know, as I shared in a previous post. What I do know is that He’s making space in my life for something else, another way to be used by Christ to touch lives.
In the meantime, draft day is coming up, a new crop of boys will once again don baseball uniforms, and I am excited to take the field for one final season.
Play ball.
Headlining today’s local newspapers was the news that a top Oakland A’s baseball prospect, the # 8 ranked prospect in the organization according to Baseball America, had decided to retire at the age of 23 to enter seminary. If you haven’t read the article, check it out here or here (or both) then come back here.
Back?
From a simply logical perspective, it doesn’t make any sense. Here is a 30/30 guy (30 home runs, 30 stolen bases) at Double A ball, MVP of the Arizona Fall League, a likely major leaguer, who has chosen to obey God’s call on his life and give up a potential major league career for a life in professional ministry. As the articles indicated, Grant Desme has complete peace over the decision. Even more astounding, when asked if he considered going to seminary while playing ball he answered, “No. I want to give my life completely to God out of love because of everything he’s done for me.”
Jesus said in Luke 9:23-24: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.”
Reading of Desme’s obedience to God’s call on His life made me wonder, “Would I be willing to give it all up? Am I willing to take up my cross daily to follow Jesus? Would I be willing to do what Desme did and experience a radical change in my life’s path?”
There may very well be times in my life where God just might ask me to make a similarly radical change in my life. Or He might ask you to do something similar. But sometimes the call He places on us isn’t as radical, but definitely significant nonetheless. He asked me to preach a sermon a couple of months ago; working as an accountant full time doesn’t exactly give me a lot of time during the day to prepare, yet He gave me enough advance notice so that I could prepare over a period of a few weeks rather than over a few days. It was inconvenient, timewise, but I was at peace with it because God had asked me to do it.
Other times He has asked me to fast for a full day – no food, just liquids. Other times it might simply be to pay for the coffee of the person in line behind me.
I’m finding that in my journey, the key is to be willing to give it all up. Jesus will ask you to do things that are clearly out of your comfort zone, yet you will experience a sense of peace in the doing of said things.
Are you willing?
The deluge of Bay Area donations for Haiti has been overwhelming, but in a good way. Schools, churches, yoga studios, and individuals are all pitching in and offering to sort the massive stockpile of supplies for earthquake victims which we have accumulated in only three days of collecting. Imagine, 1000 square feet packed from floor to ceiling solid.
Almost everyone who donates thanks us for giving them an opportunity to do something. In this economic climate everyone is feeling pinched, and this offer of tangible support for others is very satisfying to people. It’s interesting to note that many, many donations are brand new items. People are buying things for people in Haiti because that is how they wish to give. From Haiti, Mesi. Thank you for everything you are giving and doing.
We are getting lots of request for the drop’s location and hours. Below are both. Thank you, everyone who contributes in any way, to help the people of Haiti. As we move beyond the emergency response our items will be delivered through the networks of Haitians to as many organizations as we can support with our donations. The Coast Guard will take it to our Haitian contacts and they will handle and be accountable for distribution. This is not going to be a dump in Port au Prince, that’s what I want to convey. Schools, orphanages and communities will receive the help they need to re-start their lives due to the efforts of people here in the Bay Area. It’s a magical thing to be a part of in the midst of such devastation.
Drop Location/Hours
Sirona Cares is accepting donations at 190 King Street in San Francisco. There is no signage on that address to avoid a “dumping” issue for the building owners. 188 is clearly marked, and the sorting room is directly across from the Willy Mayes Gate at the Giant’s stadium. Hours are M-F (9-9) and Sat. (12-8). If the door is locked, the security guard at 188 King Street will let you in. Please bring a friend and sort as long as you like, it’s easy, and the directions should be posted in the room. Many hands make light work! Tax receipts are available, all donations are tax deductible. Thanks in advance for offering not only your donations, but your time, for the people of Haiti.
If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area and want to help with ongoing Haiti relief work, this is a great way to do it. Check out the drop location and hours above.
6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?Isaiah 58:6-7 NIV
I’m not surprised to hear stories from folks who are doing some kind of fast to start 2010 that they are being set free from chains that have held them back in their spiritual journey. I hear stories of folks who are being convicted of where they will be serving within the Church this year, of changes in their professional lives, or of changes in their personal lives – all for the better!
Yet as we experience these changes during our fast (which for me and my family, has been from meat, poultry and pork), we are now face-to-face with people who really are hungry, who need shelter, who need clothing, and are our flesh and blood. We see the images on TV and know that we are to care for God’s children, our brothers and sisters, in Haiti.
This is where faith moves from the spiritual realm to the physical. This is where the freedom that we have in Christ is reflected in our actions to help our friends in Haiti during this time of distress. Our faith should spur us to action, and in turn, those actions will strengthen our faith.
The Apostle James writes:
2 Dear brothers and sisters,when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
James 1:2-4 NLT
Our faith is being tested right now, but we need to embrace the test. Our faith will grow as a result of these tests, so let’s face them head on. We should relish in any opportunity to grow in Christ. I know…it’s easier said than done. I’ve been a pessimist for a good chunk of my life, and that’s certainly not how I want to live my life going forward. I want to face my troubles head on. I want to face this Haitian crisis head on and be part of the solution. I don’t want to be the person whom James warns about; rather, I want to be the person who serves Christ with joy in times of trouble.
19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. 27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
James 1:19-27 NLT
I think we all can think of someone who didn’t control his tongue this week. I’m not going to give him the dignity of any mention of his name here. Rather, I’m proud of the way the Christian community, in conjunction with so many other humanitarian efforts, are stepping up to care for orphans and widows in their distress.
If you want to care for orphans and widows, here’s a link to Sirona Cares, which now is leading the Bay Area humanitarian relief effort. To make a financial contribution, click here.
Let’s continue to pray for Haiti, and be spurred to action as a result of our prayers.
Sirona Cares: Sirona Heading San Francisco Bay Area Relief Coordination Effort for Haiti
Somehow Sirona has been blessed with the privilege of coordinating humanitarian aid going to Haiti along with a massive food shipment aboard a C100 Coast Guard Cutter. The details are not finalized, but we are not waiting to collect, sort and pack supplies for earthquake survivors in Haiti. If you can get any of the following to me, I will get them to Haiti:What I need, aside from financial support, is:
- Summer weight clothing, including new or used underwear, for all ages. It would be incredibly helpful if these donations could be separated (babies, small children, large children, women & men’s clothes).
- Shoes, all sizes
- Medical Supplies: Gauze, Tape, Neosporin, Tylenol/Advil (Generics OK)
- Towels and Sheets
- Plastic Storage Boxes (Large) for packing, shipping and giving Haitians something to store their personal effects in.
Believe me when I say that I have cried more today than I have since the earthquake, the response has been gloriously overwhelming. Please contact me via e-mail if you have a donation ready for delivery. On behalf of the Haitian people, MECI!
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and want to make an immediate impact, please consider supporting Sirona Cares!
