The Unexpected: Reflecting on 15 Years in Ministry

May 23, 2004, I was licensed to be a minister of the gospel at Second Baptist Church in Bloomington, Indiana. In front of my family, friends, and fiancee, I committed myself to the Lord (See the quadruple alliteration? I'm definitely Baptist!).

I struggle with using the word anniversary. Ministry is joy and pain, but not in a singular celebratory way. That said, the time is worth marking... I have remained committed to God this long. When I first said I was called to ministry, Rev. Michael Brown, my mentor and father-figure, told me the first five years of ministry are extremely difficult.

He was right. When I was licensed, I could just legally drink (even though I never did) and I was entering jails preaching about eternity. Fifteen years later, I find myself reflecting on what I've learned so far...

1. I Need to be Different-iated

People who knew me 15 years ago will notice that I've changed in this time. I have grown and cut my hair. But I've also grown and cut my theology. Some things I used to believe I don't anymore. Other things I never knew, I now believe fiercely. Growth in ministry and in life requires continued transformation AND differentiation. 

The temptation in ministry is to become like everyone else - preach the same, believe the same, act the same. My work over the last 15 years has been to learn to gain more clarity on who I am. I'm different. I zig when others zag. I talk to myself - and answer myself. I find God in rap music, especially when it's explicit. I'd rather watch Game of Thrones than the Word Network. And I pray heavy prayers when I hear someone is going into the ministry.

I want to continue sharpening the picture of myself, for myself, that God might use... me.

2. I Need People

I believe I would not have entered the ministry those many years ago if it were not for Suzanne Faulk. I played bass guitar at Second Baptist and usually kept to myself. I was a typical bass player, unassuming, quiet, and steady (omit Bootsie Collins and Flea). One day in choir rehearsal, while I was sitting at the bass, Mama Suzanne looked at me from the soprano section and said "Jeremy, you should talk more". It felt like she had called me out of hiding. I began to say what I felt and what I believe God was saying and people listened! It was a miracle that she called out of me (read the example of Jesus at the wedding for the way a mother can call out a miracle in a child that the child doesn't know is there.)

Before I preached my first sermon, I had a dream about it. In my dream, I was wearing a specific tie. I called Ashley, my fiancee and now wife, described the tie and asked her if she could get it. She spent a whole day in and out of stores, sending me pictures (on old flip phones!) to get me the right tie - the one in the pic above. All because of my dream. Years later, she would leave her job and family in Indiana because I believed God was calling me to seminary. 

My Aunt Debra, Uncle Donnell and Uncle Freddy all encouraged me early in ministry and have died since that day. I often hear their admonitions now. Numerous others have prayed, affirmed, funded, and challenged me.* Recently, I wondered about future iterations of ministry for myself. I sat down with my daughter and talked with her. I was surprised by the clarity and direction I gained from her words. But I shouldn't have been (see below). People have been the catalyst for this entire journey.

3. I Need to Heed the Spirit

My "trial sermon" (a non-literal term used in the Baptist tradition) was titled "Obey God and Expect the Unexpected". It was a word to myself to stay with God and expect to be surprised.

It was also a doublespoken prayer.** It was a word to others and to myself. Spirit, please never stop giving me courage... Spirit, please don't let me leave you...

Real talk, there have been times in ministry where the God-stuff is too much - too legalistic, too formulaic, too hopeless. Being a "Minister" can be a colonization of the Spirit. If I'm not careful, the Spirit can become a casualty of the professionalization of ministry (the words "colonization" and "professionalization" being placeholders for white supremacy/patriarchy). The work I do now as a "Reverend" or "Certified Educator of Clinical Pastoral Education" is impotent without the Spirit. My preaching, teaching, writing, and loving are but gongs of vanity without the Spirit. 

But the green screen of the Spirit lets me sense God in a myriad of ways. I sense the Spirit when I see teenagers dancing at a lock-in.  I sense the Spirit when I hear the stories of grief and loss from students or patients. I sense the Spirit when I talk about my African ancestors' jubilance and perseverance. And that's what I still need in ministry - I need to heed the unorthodox, inconvenient movement of the Spirit. I need to put my Baptist finger up in the wind to see which way it is going. Fifteen years ago, I never imagined I would be who I am now. For at least another fifteen years, holy wind, sweet Spirit, please do the unexpected...










* Thank you to all of the people who have loved on me, Ashley, Jocelyn and Jaelle in this time (if you know the acronym, you're probably part of that group, lol): our families near and far, friends, FBC, ABC, SBC, MLBC, MOF, IWG, KODI, DDS, DVAMC, CHS, REX, CPE, FMF, etc.

** Sensing, T. African American Preaching. Journal of American Academy of Ministry, 7. (http://blogs.acu.edu/sensingt/files/2010/10/Black-Preaching-JAAM-6-2000.pdf) Doublespeak is a preaching/speaking device used to obfuscate, multiply, or manipulate meaning. It is commonly used in African-American preaching to subvert "hegemonic powers". 

Blurred Lines, Pt. 2

This post is a continuation of a sermon about when it's ok to blur the lines and when it's not ok.  While it's ok to live in the grey areas regarding some things (GRIEF and PRESENTATION), sometimes it's important to have clear boundaries.  There are some things we should never blur the lines on.

1. DON'T blur the lines of FREEDOM –

Psalm 68:7-8 reminded the people that God was concerned about their freedom: ⁷ O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah: ⁸ The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

The psalm tells us that God went before the people as they marched and moved the mountain of Sinai.  This reminded me that this year is the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.  At the march, it felt like God went before the people.  What is painfully clear is that things haven't changed as much as we'd like them to.  During the march, people held signs that read: “End the War” “End Poverty”, “End Segregated Rules in Public Schools”, “We Demand Voting Rights Now”.   Sadly, we can still hold up similar signs today.

We’ve got to be careful not to blur the lines of freedom. Good enough is not good enough.  All schoolchildren should have textbooks that were written since they were born.  All citizens should have the right to vote.  Everyone should have access to food and water.  Freedom doesn't mean unbinding the hands and then binding the ankle.  We’ve got to stop blurring the lines on what freedom is.

Jesus giving His tip - Get Out!
Matthew 21:11-12

When it comes to freedom, God sees right and wrong, not blurred lines. It is wrong to hold back food from the hungry. It is wrong to withhold clothing from the naked.   It is wrong to tip the scales toward the side of the rich.   Can I remind you of Jesus in the temple? 

Jesus notices that the weights of the scales are being manipulated so that those in charge are receiving more than their fair share. Jesus snaps and has a moment made for reality TV. He tosses tables and calls people bad names. Jesus doesn’t see a grey area. Jesus doesn’t wait for an explanation from the swindlers. Jesus doesn’t wait for a press release.  He only sees right and wrong. 


In Jesus, it is clear which side of the issue God is on.  There are no blurred lines of freedom.  Justice can't be furloughed.  The psalmist tells us God has come to provide for the poor (v. 10) and to move mountains.  I believe God wants us to be concerned about freedom.  I believe God has come to move the American Mt. Rushmore of racism, sexism, classism and militarism.  I believe God will go before us as we bravely march into the beloved community that awaits us.




Lord, You are great.  You have never blurred the lines of Your love for us.  Please let us never blur the ways in which we love one another.  Grant us the courage and wisdom to pursue justice, not because it is convenient, but because it is right.  We trust Your Spirit goes before us and moves stones that feel unmoveable.  In the liberating name of Jesus, Amen.



Encouraged,
j.a.g.

 

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Matthew 21:12-1312 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

YGT: The B-Side of Christmas

Today is Christmas and for many it’s a time of great rejoicing. Our society celebrates because it’s a time of family and egg nog, cookies and music, taxable giving and end of year profits. In the church, we rejoice because this is the season our savior was born! However, there is another side of the Christmas story.

Back in the 80's-90's, people played entire records or single songs on cassette tapes (it felt sad saying that). On one side you have a popular song, the one that’s on the radio, the one everyone knows and can sing along with. On the B-side you have a song that’s a little less known and a little less popular. It doesn’t get the airplay at first, but there are plenty of B-side songs that have been redeemable ("I WIll Survive" by Gloria Gaynor and "All the Single Ladies" by Beyonce are two notable examples).


The triumphant narrative of Christmas is the A side, but the massacre at Bethlehem in Matthew 2 is the B side. After Jesus was born, Herod tried to kill him. The verses below tell us that Herod sent out the wise men to locate Jesus and after they didn’t return, Herod decided to kill every boy under the age of two in Bethlehem. Parents are screaming, blood is in the streets as toddlers are being killed. While Jesus is being heralded, children are dying.



In our country today, there is a B-side to all the celebrating and gift-opening. For a community in Conneticut, there has been a massacre. For citizens of major cities like Chicago*, there have been years of massacres. There is drear instead of cheer.  This may be the first Christmas...

• without a loved one
• without a job
• without a home
• since a divorce
• since a separation
• since a diagnosis
• since the sentencing
• since the deployment

These losses are what make this the time of year where suicide and depression rates surge.  The charge to us as believers is to remember those who are struggling during this holiday season.  To reach out, make a call, send a card or email to let someone know you are concerned.  As we rejoice, let's remember to be present with those facing the B-side of Christmas.

Lord, thank You for the witness of scripture.  Thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ and the gift of salvation.  For unto us has been born a Savior.  While we cheer Christ's birth, let us consider our brothers and sisters who are on the other side this Christmas.  Those who are sick, imprisoned, in war, or at funerals.  We're grateful for the reminder of the massacre at Bethlehem.  Please comfort the families of all who face this season with loss.  We have hope because of You.  In Christ's name, Amen.

Turning the tape,

j.a.g.

*Click link to see the murder statistics for the city of Chicago.  The city approaches 500 murders as the year ends.  In spite of the national media coverage,  gun restrictions have been a major issue in this country long before now.

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Matthew 2:11-16

11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,
15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

YGT: Sales Papers (John's Job)

This week will be one of the most important days of the year, a day when people will shout and cheer, run and rejoice, even debate and fight.  It's a day that has lived long in our country as a sign of our values and success.  Yes, you guessed it, it's Black Friday.  (God bless you if you were thinking Thanksgiving.)

Black Friday is the shopping climax of the year.  It's the day stores open in the middle of the night to welcome shoppers who can't wait to purchase gifts for Christmas   If you're unaware that Black Friday is coming, there's a surefire way to know.  Each year, this day is brought in by the arrival of sales papers in your mailbox.  Every day you will receive new papers with announcements on sales, discounts, and specials that all start on Friday.  They come for things you want but don't need or things you want but don't want to go into debt over.  The avalanche of sales papers can be informative but also overwhelming.

In the church, we are preparing for the season of Advent, or the time the church focuses on the coming birth of Christ.  Luke 3 tells us that Jesus Christ also had a sales paper (or maybe pauper).  His name was John.  John was to Jesus what Black Friday ads are for lego-dreaming children, purse-ogling women, and tech-obsessed men.  John was getting the people ready for the special of their lives.

Like a sales paper, his message was loud and clear (I imagine it in BOLD, BLUE FONT):  I know you want this and can't afford it.  But there is a day coming when you can have it.   There's going to be a deal that you can't resist and that you have to take.  Someone else has paid the price for you.  Don't worry, it's no money down.  Bad credit, good credit, no credit?  No problem, it's 100% off.  That's right, FREE.  Don't miss this special.  This is something that will change your life forever...

Whoever you are reading this, I pray there is an urgency in your spirit to trust in Jesus Christ.  If you know him already, I pray your faith increases in this season of advent.  If you desire to know him, I pray you connect with a sales person (Christian) who can share the gospel of Jesus Christ with you.  The day is coming when the sale will be over.  While we still have the chance, let us grab hold of the hope John so desperately promoted.  

-j.a.g.

Lord, thank You for Jesus.  And thank You for John.  Amen.

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Luke 3:2a-6

2 ...the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 

3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 

4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:


“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
5 Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’”

YGT: How does it feel to be Ordained?

I was ordained at Second Baptist Church in Bloomington, Indiana two weeks ago. Sidenote/apology: Between preparing for the ordination, spending time in Indiana, and beginning my final year at DDS, I haven't been able to post in over three weeks.  I'm sorry and will do better.


Since the ordination, I've been asked the same question over and over - How does it feel?  In essence, people are asking - Has there been any noticeable change?  *For those into the theological aspects of ordination, this is a major question - Is there an ontological change during ordination?  In other words, does it literally change who you are?

My response has been the same - no, I don't really feel much different.  There is definitely relief (it was an anxious process) and expectation (ordination is done for anticipated service). Admittedly, there is also something indescribably powerful that happens in the laying on of hands (can't name it, but it happens - Acts 8:18, I Timothy 1:6) .  But none of these feel extremely different than before.  This was better said in another post by a Jesuit priest - "If you're not a priest the day before ordination, you won't be one the day after."


All that said, I received the best follow up to this question yesterday from my friend, Duane Cole, who made me aware of another reality. He said that usually after you take a major step in your faith, the enemy attacks you.  This is similar to Jesus being tempted by Satan after His baptism.  After God publicly approved of Jesus ("thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased" - Luke 3:22), the Spirit sent Him to be tempted.  Jesus overcame the enemy's attempts and was ministered to by angels (Mark 1:9-12).

I love Jesus.  He shows us that being set aside for service doesn't make you more special, it makes you more of an opponent.  In a way, once we take a step for God, we make ourselves a bigger target for the enemy.  All those who submit and follow God are asking for a confrontation with the enemy.  You can't have a superhero without a super-villain.    If we're faithful to our calling and indeed our ordination, we should expect to feel targeted, to feel destitute, and to witness God's provision.  

Lord, thank You for the blessing and curse of ministry; the blessing to love Your creation and the curse to be enlisted for battle.  Remind us of the priesthood of all believers, of our universal call to serve.  Please separate us as You desire for faithful obedience.  In your separation, please sanctify and empower.  We need You.  In Christ's name, Amen.

Expecting,

j.a.g.

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Acts 8:18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money


I Timothy 1:6-76 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 

Luke 3:22
and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Mark 1:9-13

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 

11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son,whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 

13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

YGT: Jesus, the Alpha Male

Picture this: 

You're at work. 

A grown man walks through the hallway preaching. 

He comes up to you and says "Follow me". 

What do you do?

Its hard to imagine quitting your job because some prophet walked by, but this is precisely what happened in Matthew 4.  Christ's first disciples were summoned by two words.  When compared to our opening scenario, this sounds completely implausible.  What was it about Jesus' personality that allowed Him to convince these men to follow Him?  Did He threaten them?  Did He bribe them?  Did He share His resume?  No, Jesus had confidence because He was the Son of God. 


This gives us a glimpse into Christ's leadership style . Like an alpha male, he led a pack of followers. Yet, He had a servant's heart. He didn't lead by fighting or using flowery words.  No, He simply walked in His anointing, others saw it, and followed Him.  


What a lesson in leadership for us today!  We don't have to convince others that we are worth following.  We don't have to list our achievements and qualifications.  We need to know ourselves in a way that places value in who sent us rather than in who follows us.  Through Christ, we see that being a strong leader is less about one's intimidation and more about one's self-awareness and confidence in God.  




Lord, please let us lead others as You have led us.  Thank You for the example of Jesus.  He could have came and summoned us with a sword, but He did it with His love.  Please teach us that the only qualification we have comes from You.  You are our great God, our Lord, and our Redeemer.  Amen.




Howling,
j.a.g.

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Matthew 4:18-22

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peterand his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 

20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 

22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

YGT: What's more Disgusting than a Wet Willy?

In Mark 7, Jesus Christ shows that he wasn't very concerned with keeping himself clean.  At the beginning of the chapter, Jesus' disciples don't wash their hands.  He scolds the Pharisees for being consumed with the cleanliness of their hands over their hearts.  At the end of the chapter, Jesus dirties his hands by healing a man who was deaf and mute.

This man needed a miracle.  Jesus obliged by sticking his fingers in the man's ear - possibly the first (un)wet willy in recorded history!  What's worse than a wet willy? Well, what if the person who put their fingers in your ear then put their finger on your tongue?!?!? That's precisely what Jesus did.

33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. 

 (Pardon me while I take a shot of Peptol Bismol) Jesus, that's nasty!  Why does Jesus defile himself and this man (touching the tongue of another person)?  Why wasn't this a pristine healing where Jesus just touched him on the forehead or spoke a divine word?  

Jesus may have been establishing a pattern with this healing.  This isn't the first time Jesus uses the disgusting to heal us.   Jesus spits on a man's eyes in the next chapter, an act that immediately defiled people in biblical times.  Later, after a brutal beating and being spit on himself, Jesus used his mangled body to save our souls.  God knew this would make us queasy, but He chose this death anyway.  

What can we take away from this?  Jesus is at work in the disgusting moments.  Jesus didn't reveal Himself in sterile conditions.  Instead, he comes in the spit-up of the baby, the earwax of the elderly, and the bed pan of the hospitalized.  For every person who finds themselves ministering to a drunken friend or sweating uncontrollably in a foreign land or recovering from another wet willy, be encouraged.  Christ is with you.  

Lord, forgive us for our sterility.  Remind us that you came from a clean heaven to a dirty earth.  Your journey was a beautiful and disgusting one.  Lord, please strengthen every missionary, nurse, and caretaker.  They are shining symbols of Your glory.  We're grateful You got disgusting to come and get us.  In the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit, Amen.

Convicted,

j.a.g.

YGT: Jesus to His Followers - Be Cool!

I Peter 2:9 - But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar* people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

It can be a turn-off to meet Christians who believe they have to be completely churchy to be saved.  In my time, I'm learning that God is calling us to be pe-cool-iar. We should converse with sinners and saints, yet we should never fit neatly in either group. We can't be satisfied in our humanity - we're redeemed, but we can't take pride in our divinity - we sin.  That said, it's ok to know popular sayings and hold conversations outside of the church.  Christians can be cool!  Look at Jesus.  He was accepted in many places, but didn't fit in either...

Many non-believers (non-Jews) in the world considered Jesus to be awkward:

• He taught in the synagogue as a child
• He spoke of God as His Father
• He fasted and prayed often

Yet, Jesus was killed because the religious also thought he was weird:

• He criticized the leadership of the synagogue (calling them vipers)
• He became a wine supplier at a wedding
• He spent time with known sinners

Our Savior and example was neither overly religious nor worldly.  He was an amazing combination of the two (a concoction, if you will).  Jesus took time to be with people outside of the religious establishment.  He knew how to hang out and have a good time.  In my imagination, I can't see him being around people and not sharing in their stories and lives.  I just don't think Jesus was stuck up.  

Yet, He was the Son of God.  And He knew it.  If anyone could afford to be stuck up, it was Him.  Instead, He chose to share His message and His life.  He denounced false piety and yet called sinners into sanctification.  He was never unspiritual.

What kind of person should the Christian be?  We should be cool.  By cool I mean personable, approachable, and not stuffy. We should live in the space between heaven and earth (check out N.T. Wright's Simply Christian for great insights on this).  We are a people who should be able to speak to sinners and angels, always remembering we are the former and will one day be the latter.

Lord, please make these words plain.  As we seek balance in our lives, please give us the strength to be peculiar.  Help us to be comfortable challenging the status quo in religious and secular arenas.  Please give us hearts that can relate to the sinner and that strive for holiness.  As Your possession, we long to be in Your presence.  Until that day, please keep us in check.  In the name of Christ, we pray, Amen.  

Rebelling,

j.a.g.

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*The Greek term for peculiar from this verse, periousios, means to be selected as God's own possession.  That means we're not called to be belong to the religious or the worldly, but to God.  Almost.... like.... Jesus...


*Being cool doesn't mean being careless.  Jesus was careful with His witness, as was Paul and the other disciples.  All things are lawful (possible, doable), but not all things are expedient (upbuilding, edifying).  We shouldn't do EVERYthing everyone else does, then we aren't peculiar at all, just conforming.  Sorry for the soapbox, just wanted to clarify - coolness is not code for sin, it means to be comfortable in a variety of settings (and a bit abnormal  in each).

YGT: A Risen Lord (Mary's Baby, Joseph's Maybe)

An unwed mother,
a young father,
and a jealous baby-Daddy.

A crazy cousin,
flaky friends,
and demonic enemies.

A miracle worker,
a life changer,
a passionate introvert.

A broke taxpayer,
a welfare system*,
and a nomad's life.

False teachers,

money-hungry leaders,

and a gullible partner.

A crooked court,

a wavering judge,

and the death penalty...

A rugged cross,

a lonely funeral,

and hidden disciples.

A woman,

another woman,

and a track meet*...

A cloud of witnesses,
a miracle!
A triumphant re-entry!

A life well-lived,
a life well-died,
a promise kept*...

A Risen Lord!!!

Lord, thank You for sending Your Son and Yourself to us that we may have a right to the tree of life.  We are forever indebted to You for a gift we can never repay.  Please let us honor the life, legacy, and love of Jesus Christ.  We receive Him anew this Resurrection season.  He is our way, our truth, and our life... In the name of the Spirit, the Father, and the Son... Amen.

Praising,
j.a.g.




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* Feeding over 5000 people on 5 loaves and 2 fishes? Sounds like need-based support of the masses to me.  

*Peter's running to the tomb... What inside of Peter made him desire to confirm Christ's resurrection?  Was he still conflicted about his earlier denials of Jesus?  

*The Savior of the world was raised in three days, as he said.  And He lives today!

YGT: Does Church get in the way of Living like Jesus?

This week, I wanted to share a testimony of former pastor Edward G. Dobson.  The video describes his journey from being the pastor of a thriving church to his diagnosis with Lou Gehrig's disease.


At the 5:20 minute mark, Dobson shares that being so active in the church actually challenged his ability to live like Jesus.  This reminded me of an interpretation of the story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37 below).  When a man asked Jesus who was his neighbor, Jesus told him a story about a man who was hurting on the side of the road and people who passed him by.  The first person to pass was a priest.  The second, a Levite.  These two were each religious leaders in the Jewish community.  As the interpretation goes (the one here is by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), perhaps they didn't help the man because they were on their way to a religious meeting.  Being part of a religious community was actually preventing them from seeing their neighbors.  


Not surprisingly, Dobson is also good at recognizing his neighbor.  From an insightful article on his life...


The scraggly guy stood at Ed Dobson’s door, asking for money. He said he was a Vietnam vet and needed bus fare for a medical appointment in Lansing.

Problem: It was the same story the same guy told three months earlier, when Dobson gave him $15. Dobson figured he probably blew that on booze and would again.

Problem No. 2: Jesus said, “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”This time, Dobson gave him $20.

I wonder if he would have been as giving if he was pastoring...


Check out his book - The Year of Living Like Jesus.  Haven't read it, but looking forward to soon.  In the meantime, I'll try to follow what Jesus has shown us in scripture. Ed Dobson reminds us that it's not about how much you know, it's about how much you know that you're willing to act on.  Praise God for his witness.






Lord, please forgive us for desiring to be in church more than we desire to be in You.  Have mercy on us.  We look to Christ as our Savior, teacher, and intercessor.  In His matchless name, Amen.


Freed,
j.a.g.






*Btw, if you can, check out the article linked above.  Discusses why Dobson voted for Obama during his year of living like Jesus.  Hmmm... A compelling figure indeed.


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Luke 10:25-37
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

On Starting Over - Part 3: Living Like the Last Witness

This is the third of a three part series. These posts examine the idea of re-creating Christianity. In essence, how would we “start over”? For the introduction, visit Part 1.

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A man with an experience beats a man with knowledge every time.
- Pastor Dave Norris

Now that we understand that the world can know Christianity again through the Bible and the parables of others, it may seem that all is well. Things will fall into place, sinners will come to repentance, and Jesus will be Lord of the earth again. Yet, we are misled if we think this way. If we think that all people need is the Bible and some stories to live as a Christian, we are mistaken. In our past, I’m sure we can think of examples where people had a Bible, had some good stories, yet weren’t living like Christ. So, what else does it take?


It takes an example. This is the part that will keep the world from missing Jesus. If they never see Him they can never be Him. Not only do people need words and stories, they need LIVING epistles (II Corinthians 3:2-3 below). I can know the Word, but if I’m not living it, it helps no one.


In a Christ-less world, that means my example becomes even more important. If I am trying to re-create Christianity, the most effective way to do that is through my lifestyle! I must live a Spirit-filled life of joy, peace, love, patience, self-control, meekness, and gentleness. I must be a positive person in my environment. I must be Christ in the earth.

Will I be hurt? Yes. Will I suffer? Yes. Will I sin? Yes. But I must overcome. I must live in victory. I must live as if I am redeemed. Then, people will wonder, “what does he have that keeps him joyful and at peace?” At that moment, grounded in the word and armed with testimonies, I can begin to share my witness. Combined with my example, my witness will have power and a depth that reaches souls. And one by one, with each salvation, I can see a new world receiving Christ and reflecting his likeness across the earth. What an amazing sight to behold!

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Thank you for traveling through these thoughts with me for the last three months. I pray they have empowered you to be a better disciple. Let’s live our lives as if we are the last Christian on earth. Peace and love on the journey.

Lord, thank You for loving each of us as if we were Your only children. You have never given up on us, never left us, never dismissed us. You are our constant source of strength. Please be with those that don’t know You today. Help them see You. Please also help those of us who say we know You. Help us show the world Your goodness, grace, and mercy. God, bless us to care about souls enough to study the Word, appreciate stories, and live like Jesus. I love You. I keep finding out just how much You love me too. Thank You.

Living,
j.a.g.

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II Corinthians 3:2-3 (NKJV)
2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

On Starting Over - Part 2: Sharing New Parables

This is the second of a three part series. These posts examine the idea of re-creating Christianity. In essence, how would we “start over”? For the introduction, visit Part 1.

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Stories, stories! Though the Bible is critical in sustaining a spiritual life, it isn’t what most people use when relating spiritual truths. Most people use stories to prompt spiritual reflection, testify of God’s provision, or warn of moral consequences.

We can look at the example of Jesus to see the effectiveness of stories. In fact, Jesus was quite fond of telling stories (what He called parables). Rather than giving direct answers to questions, He would often share a story that held a significant message. Some of the most popular are the Prodigal Son, the Good Samaritan, and the parable of the talents. Jesus chose to use stories exclusively to share spiritual truths (Mark 4:33-34 below).

One reason (of many, I’m sure) for using parables is that they can be used with non-believers and believers alike. Parables or stories have a way of crossing lines in ways scripture can’t. Jesus knew this and spoke in a way that those who “had an ear could hear” (read Matthew 13:10-17 for more on why Jesus used parables). Simply put, stories are often pivotal in sharing our faith with others. While the Bible is important to read and remember, it is often the accounts of others that add depth and believability to the gospel message.

There are many parables today that can inform and strengthen us for a life of faith. These modern messages can also convince others of the greatness of God. Such stories include:
· Football great Kurt Warner’s improbable career and character.
· The humbling conversion of brilliant writer and former atheist Joy Davidman (wife of C.S. Lewis).
· The story of faith of the Brice family during the recent devastating earthquake in Haiti.



These witnesses remind us that the power of the gospel is not only in pages, it is at work in the lives of men and women. If we are to start over again, we need to keep the stories alive.






Lord, let me challenge myself to hear new parables. Please give me the wisdom and patience to reach beyond the Bible and see Your hand at work everyday. I trust that the world is Your sermon and we can hear it if we pay attention. Let this spirit rest on all of those who would dare be chosen to re-create the gospel message. Let the parables of Jesus guide our thoughts and actions. You are good – You are everything. I love You…









Hearing,
j.a.g.









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Mark 4:33-34 (NIV)

33With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.

34He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

On Brett Favre's Birthday

Yesterday, October 10, 2009, marked the birthday of three people who will forever be connected: My twin brother Jermaine, me (duh), and Brett Favre. Why us three, you ask? Because we have each tried not to let our ages hold us back from being excellent.

For those who know Jermaine and/or me, we just turned 27. After reading that, you may be thinking, “What’s the big deal? Twenty-seven is not old. Why are you tripping about that?” Well, to that I say, you’re right… kind of. Twenty-seven has not traditionally been considered old. But one recent study is beginning to change the way the aging process is viewed. According to Timothy Salthouse at the University of Virginia, old age ‘technically’ begins at 27. This study purports that mental abilities such as reasoning, speed of thought, and spatial visualization begin to decline at 27. Does that mean that a 27 year old should be worried about being slower at reasoning and thinking? To that, I say, kind of. This study was meant to be a call and challenge to all in their later 20’s or early 30’s. Personally, it was a wake up call that old age is nearer than I might think.

However, although old age is 'technically' nearing, that does not mean that I have to accept a decline in my abilities or expectations. This birthday, I have completely decided that 27 will not be the peak in my mental, physical, or spiritual life. After winning battles in the civil rights movement at a young age, Martin Luther King, Jr. once said (paraphrasing), any person who peaks at the age of 27 has a long life ahead of them. I am on a quest to continue improving, continue sharpening, continue rising. For help doing that, I need only look around me -


Jesus Christ did not begin his ministry until around the age of 30 (Luke 3:23 below). Although he knew he would only be on earth 33 years, he didn’t peak until most of his earthly life was over. He was being stretched emotionally and spiritually (such as in the Garden of Gethsemane) until the moment he died. He is an inspiration that I can grow spiritually stronger and deeper as long as I’m on earth.

Jermaine has recently been accepted to college now that he’s finished the Navy. He also was just offered a new job and begins this week. He also has an opportunity to travel to Florida for a possible career option. Best of all, he and his wife just had their first child, Isaiah Allen Gilmore (pictured w/me to the right - he was born exactly a week after our Jocelyn!). Jermaine is one of the most driven individuals I know. He is destined to continue rising.

Brett Favre… yes, Brett Favre. Favre is enjoying one of the best stretches of his career at the age of 40. He is back in the NFL (he kinda never left) and playing at an exceptional level. He is proof that you can’t allow yourself to be limited or accept complacency due to your age.

These figures help me see that while Salthouse's study may say I should be declining, I can combat that. In fact, there are countless ways we can all fend off noticeable declines in our mental abilities. Reading books, doing math equations, and challenging ourselves with complex problems, all strengthen our minds to continue rising. I look forward to further growth and one day, far from now, reaching my cognitive peak.


To close...
So how do I feel about this birthday? At 27, I feel good. Jesus, forever my Savior, has risen and urges me to continue peaking… Jermaine, at 27, is still hopeful and rising everyday… And Brett Favre, at 40, rose once, then rose again, and is now throwing 50 yard touchdowns on Sunday afternoons. Lol. They have eached reached new peaks over and over again. To that, I say, thanks for the example and pass me the ball.




Lord, You are incredible. Thank You for the gift of a mind. Please let this mind be in us that was also in Christ Jesus. Let it be a mind that will continue improving as we age. Please allow us to be diligent about keeping ourselves fresh and sharp. Let us not become complacent or satisfied in reaching our peak at an early age. Remind us that there are many years left and that the best is yet to come. Thank You for friends and family who celebrated my birthday with me yesterday. Thank You for every phone call, kind word, and Facebook message. I am grateful for the village You have placed me in. I love You.

Upward,

j.a.g.

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Luke 3:23a
Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.

On Losing Bob and Gaining Insight

Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.

- St. Francis of Assisi

Last week, the world lost a special person. Bob Vantine, a friend, mentor, and colleague of mine died after a long bout of illness. I met Bob in my position at Indiana University as an academic advisor. He was the assistant director of the program and was the epitome of a people-person. He loved reaching out to students and watching them become successful. He was also very well read. Nearly once a week, he would suggest a new educational model or text that was a "must read". I was always amazed at how he was able to read so much after being so busy.


What I gleaned from Bob the most however, was not his position in our program or his expansive reading lists. What I learned most from him is how much one can embody something without ever saying it. Confused?... Let me use a reference in scripture to explain...

In the book of Esther in the Bible, the words "God" or "Lord" are never mentioned. It has been said that this is the one book where God is not named. However, this one book displays so much of God's character. In it, Esther goes from rags to riches and becomes the queen of the kingdom. She then witnesses a plot to kill all those in her bloodline (Jews). Finally, she gathers enough courage and faith to overthrow the plot and save the Jewish people! (a great book in the Bible to study; there's also a pretty good movie on it - One Night With the King) How could she have done all this without God???

You see, Bob and I never talked much explicitly about faith or God. But I believe he knew God and believed in Christ. Much like the book of Esther, I could not always tell that from listening to him, but I could see it in his actions. In the tireless way he supported students, I saw Christ's love of children (Matthew 19:13-15; scriptures below). In the vigor of his defense of standards and order, I saw Christ's lack of patience with foolishness (Matthew 21:11-13). In the selfless way he spent his final months of diminishing health giving to others, I saw Christ's mission of sacrifice (Matthew 16:21).


Although Bob never openly talked about God with me, he lived his life as if he was being watched all along. As if, in his dealings with others, someone was watching and taking note. In looking at his life, I now see this more than ever. I truly believe that Bob is now away with the Maker, thanking Him for life, asking that He watch over the young, and, undoubtedly, suggesting a good book.




Gaining,
Jeremy







Lord, thank You for Bob. He was such an amazing person. Thank You for his example to me of what faithful service to youth should look like. God, thank You also for the wisdom of living a life that displays You. Let us all live out our purposes with the humble integrity, passion, and excellence you embody. Remind us that in doing this, we are truly "living witnesses".

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Matthew 19:13-15

13Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
14But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
15And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

Matthew 21:11-13

12And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
13And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Matthew 16:21

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.