Don't You Dare Laugh At This Guy's $50,000 iPod

Check out this article and then read on.


This is not going where you think it is...


This is a warning not against materialism or a jab at a boxer's stewardship.  It is a confession of my punch drunk thinking.


This article made me think of one thing: "Man, I wish he would've given that money to Bara!"


That is lame.


Yes, would $50k totally bless Bara Church big time right about now? Of course. But I believe that God desires to provide for us through people that know Kim and I and believe in us and Bara's vision.  How much more biblical is it for people to give to the vision/need of the local church/church planter...being compelled only by the Holy Spirit as opposed to the church planter "wishing" for a boxer he's never met to send in a fat check?


God is using the Bara body to be His hands and feet in big, bold and beautiful ways.  He knows our needs and he will provide at the exact time we need it.


I know it!


But if he wants to use you to help...praise God!  In fact, here is a link for you to do just that.


And if you don't click that link above and give to Bara, I'm going to tell Floyd you think his iPod is girly, his hat is dumb, and Floyd is a stupid name!


Kidding!

Pastors Aren't Superheroes

I know this article (below) was totally in jest but it got me to thinking about how western Christianity has pushed some pastors into a spotlight that was never meant to shine on them but rather on the one that sent them!


It reminds me of the scene in John 6:15 where the crowd wants to "force" Jesus to be king. Jesus doesn't let them. How he handles the situation is telling.  He withdraws away from the crowds and gets alone and presses into his Father's presence.  


Whenever we feel ourselves being pushed onto a throne that is not ours to occupy, we must go bow before the true King and come back to the people even more passionate about boasting of His kingdom and more mindful that it never has been about building our kingdom!  


This week I worked a horrible suicide in my town and ministered to a crushed and confused family late into the night. Yesterday the fire chief praised and thanked me for my efforts.  My reply was, "it's what we do."


I'm not the king of the kingdom.
I'm not the head of the church.
And I'm definitely not a superhero.


#325. The superhero guide to famous pastors. � Stuff Christians Like – Jon Acuff

All Things To All Men or Just One Thing To All Men?

When Paul said he would literally change his approach attitude, and aim for the single, never changing purpose of saving just one person, he was on to something!

Unfortunately, some of our churches are stuck in a time warp, unwilling to change a thing! No wonder we don't see people changing either!

The church could take a lesson from business because apparently, business has taken a lesson from the Bible!

Seth's Blog: The art of seduction: "http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451b31569e2013480860882970c"

There are no magic words that open every heart. We must prayerfully, carefully, and strategically try to reach people individually!

And if we do that, we will be doing it biblically!

Unlock Your Inner Edison

The past few days, God has really been stirring my spirit to wade back out into the waters of innovation and creativity. Lately I've found the dry land of status quo quite disturbing at best and down right depressing at worst.

Obviously, God is the greatest source of inspiration when it comes to creating. That being said, Edison isn't a bad model when it comes to intentionally innovating either.

Check out this article on America's Greatest Inventor

Blogging Innovation � Unlock Your Inner Edison

Facebook's Future and My Leadership

I just read a good article about Facebook's future here.

This quote caught my eye and made me asks some questions regarding my own leadership:

"But as with all visionaries, there is always the danger that in his attempt to lead his flock to the land of milk and honey, there will come a moment where he steps too far ahead, and the flock abandons the frontier for the pasture, leaving him alone and howling in the wilderness."

I pray for the wisdom to know when leave the pasture for the frontier and when to stay put for a bit. I pray that I would also love God more than I love the approval of the flock (crowd), love myself, or love the comfort of the pasture.

Because sometimes you have to go to the wilderness all alone to find out what is next for your people.

It just might be great news!