interacting with culture '09

John 8:28 (nlt) --- So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I Am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me."

I have to say that this verse and others like it may have been the ones that made me stop in my tracks when I first became a pastor. Lots to think about. Huge shoes to fill or to follow. God, who has so much more in store for His church and for me, has my attention. Does He have yours?

We have to get honest. There are times when I live as though life is all about me and not about God. Can we get that honest with each other? Living like it is all about God is where I want to be, where I want to lead to and from, and it is the place where life change, mine and others, will occur. Think about it.

"The worst thing we could do is follow that familiar advice to 'pray as if it all depended on God, and work as if it all depended on you.' Rather, we need to become people who work as if it all depends on God - because it does, and because that is the best possible news." Andy Crouch , Culture Making page 12

Just started this book, and I am asking some questions that maybe some of you ask from time to time. I especially want these answers or at least to understand how to impact the people I encounter for Jesus in a more powerful way. Understanding culture is a huge thing. There is not a magic process or easy steps, Crouch says, but as we come to have some understanding, we will be able to leave more people thinking about our Jesus.

Here is another quote from the book and an idea that I have long had trouble with:

"Our new regained cultural awareness means that we are not satisfied, as earlier generations might have been, with separating our faith from our "worldly" activities. We want our lives - our whole lives - to matter for the Gospel." - Andy Crouch , Culture Making page 10

If life depends on us, we are up the preverbal creek without a paddle. Life is all about God.

So, as we enter a new year with all kinds of new possibilities may we be certain about one thing and seeking to impact people for that one thing.

John 12:32 (nlt) --- And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself. (Jesus said)

My choice ... interacting with culture in '09 ... to impact the world and those I am honored to meet for Jesus!

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!

wash feet, sharing hope

John 13:4-5,14 NLT So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him… 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. Jesus set the example we follow. He served. He valued and gave value to others. That is why we choose to serve. For 18 years our church has shared an outreach called back2school, and for 16 of those years we have chosen to give students brand new shoes and socks as well as washing their feet. It is one of the most important parts of this event. Washing feet is a humbling experience where both the give and the receiver learn how to share some moments that might change their lives. Jesus said we should do this. See the verse above. Follow His example, do what He did, and give far more than you will ever know....

Have you heard of EDITH BURNS?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her. Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you ...

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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