In a State of Spiritual Flux

I heart contests!!!

2008-12-15T11:02:00.002-05:00

Go check out the Kingdom People Christmas Giveaway to find out how you can win some great books. Personally, I realy want that study Bible. So if I don't win, you know what to get me for Chistmas :).

Avoid all extremes save one...

2008-11-07T10:10:00.003-05:00

Food for thought courtesy of Wormwood in The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis:

"I had not forgotten my promise to consider whether we should make the patient an extreme patriot or an extreme pacifist. All extremes, except extreme devotion to the Enemy [God], are to be encouraged."

The Jar Glove

2008-09-14T17:45:00.003-04:00

There's got to be a better way...

Abortion Is About God

2008-08-30T19:47:00.000-04:00

Here's a phenomenal video by John Piper about abortion.

Just a quote

2008-08-08T11:47:00.002-04:00

Found this unattributed quote on the sign of a tire shop of all places, but I think it's very true of life - especially the spiritual part.

"If you find a road without obstacles, it probably doesn't lead
anywhere."

Couldn't have said it better...

2008-08-06T18:30:00.003-04:00

This showed up in my feeds from Parchment and Pen a few days ago, but now the link to the specific post is gone (but I still have it preserved in my feed-reader - muhaha). I don't think I could say the following any better. And I love the fact the source is an elderly woman. Anyways, here's the post made by Dan Wallace over at P&P:

Politics and Evangelicals: An Email From My Mom

via Parchment and Pen by Dan Wallace on 7/22/08

N.B. RMMers, this email is something that my little old gray-haired mother sent to a long-time friend recently. Many of you can relate to the bombardment of factoids on your computer from well-meaning friends and conservative spam-generators. You may not agree with Nayda Wallace about her viewpoints, but I trust that you’ll see some good wisdom here nonetheless. I have found her missive to be a very articulate statement about how conservatives (both politically and religiously) should integrate politics with Christian beliefs. There is a priority scheme here that focuses on kingdom ethics and on Christ Jesus. Mom, thanks for your continued wisdom and sage advice that you have shown now for more than five decades of my life.
Dear _________,

Whereas I usually agree politically with most of what you say, I don’t always agree that we must repeat the message to our liberal loved ones. Here’s why (choose whichever reason you prefer): 1) I have a stronger message for them (especially if they don’t know it already), and that is that Jesus loves them. 2) As Joe Aldrich used to say, “when love is felt, the message is heard.” 3) If # 2 is true the message will not be heard if it is mixed with capitalized Obama factoids (some of which are highly suspect as to being fact). 4) I don’t believe that the conservatives are the good guys and the liberals are the bad guys. However, I do believe that some of the strong points of each party are worth merit and many of each party are not worth merit. And I do agree with more of the conservative basics than the liberal ones. 5) I don’t believe we live in a black and white world except in matters of faith. And even then, I have reduced my matters of faith to just what I believe the Bible teaches absolutely! I like the way Dan explains it and it is thus: “The older I get and the more I study, I find I believe less and less but that which I do believe, I believe more and more.” (Apologies to Dan as I paraphrased from memory.) (In other words, no arguments about “dunking or sprinkling,” which version of the Bible was the one Paul used, and whether I would stake my life on post-trib or pre-trib rapture—either way, I want to be there!) 6) I don’t believe Jesus died for a political party, but for sinners…including Democrats, Republicans, Muslims, and HORRORS, even Nazis! I do believe that conservatives are frequently arrogant about that fact. 7) Hence, although I read what you send, and digest it, and frequently save it on my computer, I seldom send it on because I want my relationship with these loved ones based on my love for them which is only possible because I’m forgiven. Having said all that, I admit to storing little bits of political trivia in my ancient brain to recall at moments of opportunity. Always couched in the greater truth that the body politic is not the end-all, be-all in God’s kingdom. And having said all that, I nevertheless really enjoyed the ad the conservative businessman placed in the paper. It took guts and conviction, traits which are frequently in short supply. And so for it’s worth, your passion is admirable. Your consistency is …well…consistent! And even though I commented that I might have enough guts to forward certain items on, I actually knew I wouldn’t. I will, however, store it away as a possible topic of conversation at the rare opportune moment. End of sermon for the day.

Love, Nayda B.

Hope you enjoyed this, and Dan, I hope you don't mind me reproducing this here.

Coolness

2008-06-10T20:52:00.004-04:00

While we're at it:

HT: Noel

The Truth About Reality

2008-05-30T08:01:00.004-04:00

HT: Jonathan

Rich Astly would never:

2008-05-17T22:38:00.003-04:00

My New Favorites

2008-04-29T13:21:00.003-04:00

My new favorite blog: Stuff Christians Like
-Some of the funniest writing in the blogosphere. Especially if you have a "Christian upbringing".

My new favorite movie: King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters
-Hilarious, heartfelt, heartwarming, hijinxy, and um...I've been to Funspot.

My new favorite music: The Classic Crime
-Good stuff. Thanks, Ian.

My new favorite (free) software: Evernote
-Has the greatest potentional of all software ever known to man. Maybe not, but very close. But the coolest thing is that it somehow makes it possible to scan photos for text.

A not so tall order

2008-04-17T16:36:00.002-04:00

Aim lower, Think smaller, Give up, Go have a cup of coffee

I really like this video. It's not anything new or something I haven't heard before, and this message always pushes me to want big changes in the way we do things. But it always comes down to how? I like the advice given here - go have a cup of coffee with believers who aren't necessarily like you, and I think that's a great step. But I think the problem really is with my impatience. I want the change, and I want it now - whether it's personal or corporate. Anyways, go have that cup of coffee and take that first small step to some big changes.

HT to Adam via his shared Google Reader list.

How NOT to use Powerpoint

2008-04-13T23:49:00.000-04:00

Just a great line...

2008-04-03T09:17:00.004-04:00

This is a great line from the book "No Country for Old Men" that just stuck out at me:

"...who must think that he thought that they thought that he thought they were very dumb. He thought about that."

BTW, it's an excellent story that explores the corruption of all men. Not much resolution, but a good story doesn't necessarily have to resolve itself, IMHO.

Need Harmony

2008-04-01T22:00:00.003-04:00

by The Skit Guys

Listen for "that rhymes" in whisper. These guys are good.

A couple of great sermons

2008-03-31T09:47:00.004-04:00

Both links are for downloading the audio:

Matt Chandler's Easter Sermon

"My Deliverance" by Rob Bell

Listen with caution - you will be challenged.

Let the 30 Hours begin!

2008-03-21T08:00:00.001-04:00

Just started the fast! Please pray for spiritual breakthrough this weekend.

A couple of the videos we'll be showing:

Kick-off video:

Awareness video:

True Persistence

2008-03-18T09:43:00.002-04:00

"Persistence isn't using the same tactics over and over. That's just annoying.

Persistence is having the same goal over and over."

-Seth Godin

"Snap-load my power package"

2008-03-10T13:07:00.001-04:00

I know this is all a setup, but I just love this video. One of the reasons ESPN is so successful - none of them take themselves too seriously.

Gotta Love Matt Chandler

2008-02-19T19:06:00.009-05:00

I know I joke a lot about my so-called infatuation with this guy, but he is seriously one of my spiritual heroes. Hope you enjoy this video.

From here.

30-Hour Famine!

2008-02-10T19:57:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again - the 30 Hour Famine is coming up! The dates are March 21-22, 2008. I believe in this event so much so I just want to let you know how you can make a difference. If you don't know what the 30 Hour Famine is all about, click here. Basically, my teen group and I will be fasting for 30 hours to raise money and awareness for those in the world who face life-threatening challenges every day. If you want to see where some of the money goes, you can click here. The typical donation is $30, but you can give any amount that you can afford. If you're already sponsoring a teen, just disregard this post. Otherwise, you could contact me through the comments, and I'll let you know where to send your check. Or if you prefer, you could make a payment via PayPal to my email: teenquest (at) gmail (dot) com.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and thanks for your support.

Jeremy
Galatians 6:14

A rant from Gary Lamb

2008-02-03T18:03:00.000-05:00

This post from Gary Lamb is both convincing and convicting. I think it's what the American church needs to hear, and more personally what I need to hear. As I read his stories of people whose hearts aren't truly into reaching the outcast, I'm afraid I'm seeing a reflection of myself. With my ministry I hope and pray that God would help me to create "a place where [teens] can come with all their crap and feel loved and connected."

Preschool Precepts Part 3 - "Say I Forgive You"

2008-02-02T23:17:00.000-05:00

Intro: We’re going to talk about one of the most freeing actions that we can ever participate in or receive.

1. Forgiveness Removes
-1 John 1:9
-Psalms 103:11-12

2. Forgiveness Releases and Restores
-Romans 8:1-4
-Amish Forgiveness:

3. Forgiveness Doesn’t Remember
-Hebrews 10:17
-1 Corinthians 13:5

4. Forgiveness Remembers
-Matthew 18 – unforgiving servant
-Matthew 6:14-15

5. Forgiveness Is Relentless
-Matthew 18:21-22

6. Forgiveness Requires a Payment
-Forgiveness always costs the person who does the forgiving. What would it cost to forgive...

someone who owes you $100?
someone who borrowed your shirt and ripped it?
someone who insulted you?
someone who embarrassed you in front of your friends?
someone who spread lies about you?
someone who dented your car?
someone who hurt you physically?

-Forgiveness may cost the forgiver money or a material item, but it will always cost the forgiver vengeance or retribution or PRIDE. What did it cost God to forgive us?

-Heb 9:22

Conclusion:
The Heart of Christ: Luke 23:34

Shared files:
-Say I Forgive You Notes
-Say I Forgive You Powerpoint

Preschool Precepts Part 2 - "Say You're Sorry"

2008-02-02T22:46:00.000-05:00

Intro: It’s all in how we say it.

Definition: Repent – To feel such regret for past conduct as to change one's mind regarding it
-negative – contrition, heart-broken, remorse
-positive – change

Horizontally (between man and man)

Matthew 5:21-24

Vertically (between man and God)

Sorrow brings repentance - 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Repentance is an urgent matter - Isaiah 55:6-9

It's God's desire - 2 Peter 3:9

It delights all of heaven - Luke 15:7

Jesus preached repentance for salvation - Matthew 4:17

Concluding Quotes

True repentance hates the sin, and not merely the penalty; and it hates the sin most of all because it has discovered and felt God's love. –Taylor

Christ and we will never be one until we and our sin are two. -Spurgeon

Shared files:
Say You're Sorry Notes
Say You're Sorry Powerpoint

*Note: The Powerpoint is definitely barebones on this one, but it may be a good start for you.

When Numbers Matter

2008-01-20T16:04:00.000-05:00

Anyone involved in youth ministry (or any ministry for that matter) is familiar with the desire for numerical growth. Week after week we hope to see more seats filled and more kids to talk to, but in our gut we know this is not the ultimate purpose of our ministry. A full youth room is exciting, but there's a number that's more important than the weekly head count. We find a great story of a complete outnumbering in the book of 2 Kings.

2 Kings 6:15-17
15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?"
16 So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
17 And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
(NKJV)

Many times I get discouraged after being filled with hope as I go to our weekly meeting. It might be the hope to see some new faces or the hope to see a returning student who you had in mind as you prepared for the meeting. But when we actually get there we face a letdown. I still fight the temptation to say to the kids that ARE there, "Where is everybody?". But if we're on the Lord's side, there's a number that's infinitely more important than the number of kids present. That is the number of God's army. We have a great army that goes before us. We have an army that outnumbers any force that's working against us. And this produces hope. From the story in 2 Kings we see fear of men turned into a great confidence in God's strength. We see that when eyes are opened the earthly numbers fade in comparison to heavenly numbers. We have that same God working for us. We have some high hopes for this generation, and God is the only reason that those hopes are not in vain. Just think. You might be teaching the next Billy Graham or Elizabeth Elliot. We never know where God's providence will lead a particular student. And that's just one student. One student could be the catalyst for change in the world. That's an amazing thought. And God just might let you see exactly who's fighting for you some day.

Preschool Precepts Part 1 - "Say Thank You"

2008-01-19T17:46:00.000-05:00

Here is the first lesson in the 8-week series "Preschool Precepts". The idea behind this series is that there is a spiritual basis or foundation for some of the rules we were given as children. Drawing from Mark 10:15, we will be examining how we need to return to the mindset of children in our faith while displaying the surprising simplicity of following Jesus. Each week we will discuss a rule. The first week is based on the rule of saying thank you which displays the theme of thankfulness.

--------------------------

Intro:

-2 Timothy 3:1-2

1. What is thankfulness?
-gratitude, grateful, appreciation
-more than those - it's an expression

2. To Whom do we give thanks?
-Ephesians 5:20

3. For What do we give thanks?
-1 Thessalonians 5:18

4. When should we give thanks?
-Hebrews 13:15

5. Why should we give thanks?
-Psalms 92:1
-Psalms 35:18
-Psalms 75:1

Examples:

1. Luke 17:11-19
2. “I thank God for my handicaps, for, through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God.” – Helen Keller

Conclusion:
-True thankfulness is a sign of true humility.
-We can be thankful in all things because of what Christ has done for us.

Shared files:
Say Thank You Notes
Say Thank You Powerpoint

A Bit of Brevity

2008-01-15T17:25:00.000-05:00

I discovered Tim Hawkins the other day, and I'd be remiss to not share the funny. He's a Christian comedian that, I believe, could hold his own against anyone in the comedy scene. His website is timhawkins.net. Here are some videos that I found funny:

Cletus Take the Reel - This one may not hit everyone's funny bone since it is a parody, but I thought it was pretty good.

Hedge of Protection - If you've ever heard this in prayer or prayed this, this is for you.

On Products

GPS

I Don't Drink Beer - Another parody. If you've ever heard "I Will Be Here", check this out.

Just search the guy on YouTube for more great clips.

Parents who need to be de-parented #1

2008-01-02T21:04:00.000-05:00

Lately, I've had way too many conversations about incompetent parents, and as a youth leader (and a somewhat competent parent, I think) these stories can start to chip away at my confidence for the coming generation of kids.

This story I came across (HT to Idolator) is a prime example. I'm guessing the mother prodded her 6-year old daughter to write the fabricated story to get the Hannah Montana tickets, but you never know. No matter if the daughter or mother came up with it, the mother still showed a huge amount of incompetence by confirming the lie that her husband had died in Iraq. Disgusting. Please revoke her parenting card. Please, please, please...

We do live in a broken world so this stuff is expected, but this does tempt me to lose hope in our children. I thank God that He never loses hope in people (and that goes for myself, too). Sometimes, my only encouragement to myself as I deal with teens is that you never know what's going on inside their heads and hearts and that it is possible to overcome the blunders our parents have made.

As I come across similar stories, I'll keep the series of "Parents who need to be de-parented" going. I am hoping I'll run out of fodder, but I'm not holding my breath.

Overwhelmed

2007-12-28T23:37:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, I get overwhelmed.

I get overwhelmed by how challenging it is to be a good father.

I get overwhelmed by how amazing watching your kids grow up can be.

I get overwhelmed by how tough it is to be a loving husband.

I get overwhelmed at how rewarding a marriage can be.

I get overwhelmed at how inconsistent my walk with God is.

I get overwhelmed by God's unbelievable consistency.

I get overwhelmed by the burden's of everyday life.

I get overwhelmed by the light burden of Christ.

I get overwhelmed by the weakness of my faith and belief.

I get overwhelmed by the grace and love of God.

Sometimes, I get overwhelmed.

What overwhelms you?

Mustache...

2007-12-28T23:03:00.001-05:00

A video clip that makes me laugh just about every time I see it.

Switching (again)

2007-12-28T22:43:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm going back to Blogger. If you'd like to visit my "archived" blog posts, go to spiritualflux.wordpress.com. You might find something you like. Maybe not. I don't care. Do whatever you want. Hopefully, there will be copious posts to come here. So check in often. Or don't. Whatever. Talk to you soon.

Jeremy