Scathing Article

Wow. Here's a scathing article about mega-churches to follow up with my thoughts from the other day. Difference here is this guy (I think) is definitely a non-believer. In fact, I think he's scared of those who are! Anyway, interesting read that continues to give insight that the world is watching, and they don't always like what they see as it relates to the church. There is much here to disagree about, some that makes sense, and a lot that makes you go "hmmmmm". The article is titled "Huge Crowds, Rabid Devotees & Mick Jagger Nowhere To Be Seen." He has some interesting links, particularly the one to Forbes article (see pastor-CEO-huckster-salesman). To say the guy has issues is an understatement. I'll even avoid any references to the obvious facts that he writes on the "left" coast (I only mention since he openly bashes the "right"), and for a San Francisco paper (whatever that means...just an observation). Enjoy...I think...

PS - I've said a lot lately about "mega-churches" and such; it isn't my intent to talk only about that topic, it just keeps popping up! Oh, and after reading this guy, I'm going to try to be a lot less scathing. I don't want to come off sounding anything like him (a kinder, gentler me).

The Funniest Man I Know

I've been privileged to know and be friends with some extremely gifted, brilliant, engaging, and fun to be around people in my life. OK, so not many hit ALL of those traits (save for my trusty 7-or-so on again, off again blog readers!). But I've been fortunate to have people in my life that I enjoy, and that I think enjoy my company as well.

I met Tony Johnson many years ago. My dad coached the East Ward Greenwave football team, and Tony and I probably met as 5th graders. He actually attended East Ward school; I went elsewhere, but could play for the mighty Greenwave only because my dad was the coach. Tony and I got to know each other from that experience, and a small group of us hung out together off & on throughout Jr. High and High School. And he's always been the funniest man I've ever met.

Granted, its been since approx. 1986 since we've talked. I did attempt to find him once (go ahead, try Googling "Tony Johnson" and see just how many come up), but lost track. Last week, we both managed to make it to our 20th High School Reunion. It was a lot of fun, and I'm glad I went and reconnected with that great group of people.

I didn't realize the Kramer-esque life that my friend Tony had led for the last 20 years, many of those spent as a college student! I knew he was nuts, I just assumed he probably had left some of that behind and moved on with his professional life (which turns out to be an oral surgeon).

Well, he has moved on with the aforementioned professional life, but he's still nuts. And still the funniest man I know.

When time permits, I will attempt to tell his story that started with this line: "Then there was the time my mom tried to poison the Japanese guys." It's a true story that could easily have happened in the apartment across the hall from Jerry Seinfeld. My jaws still hurt from laughing!
As for the reunion itself, it was fun. It was my first such event, having missed the previous one at 11 years (please, no Kentucky jokes...there were reasons for having it year 11, some of which have to do with the aforementioned friend who didn't realize he was class president and didn't pursue reunion plans...), and have had conflicts with the college reunions. So I was skeptical as most people are, but very impressed with our class (at least with the 30 or so who could come), and very glad I went.

I can't say that I've burned bridges with those from my past, but I didn't do so hot at keeping them active. I have lost track with many from HS and college, and wish now that I had done better. I'll make some efforts to keep communication lines open with these newly-discovered friends, and look for opportunities to "touch base" more often. Life is meant to be lived in community with others, so I'll do that better!

Polarizing People 101

I've come to the conclusion that the easiest way to completely polarize people is to become the pastor of a mega-church. OK, so the "becoming a pastor of the mega-church" is admittedly difficult. But it appears that once you're there, you become a lightning rod of criticism. Not from the secular media or those on the outiside (though they do tend to look for faults), but mostly from the Christian community.

I suppose its the "if you're growing, you must be doing something wrong" mindset. I've heard more than a few make this arguement over the years. That these churches must be compromising truth in some way to explain such growth.

I'm not saying that there isn't some validity to those concerns. I sat and watched Mr. Osteen in the inaugural session for his church in the former Compaq Center in Houston, and still have concerns. He's a solid motivational speaker, says some awfully happy things, might reference scripture once in a sermon (only if it backs up his point...not the other way around...and only if its a 'happy' scripture...none of this suffering for the cause stuff), but I can't help but feel he's trying to persuade me to go for the sports car with the bucket seats and finance it through GMAC. After all, no time like right now for my best life, right?

I do know many who beat these guys up, and have made some observations...

• often, its pastors themselves who are the ones being critical...and often, their churches aren't large or influential or noticed
• usually, their basis of criticism is based on news reports or other Christian-slanted publications that help them decide what they think, not any personal experience
• many of the Christian critics have never visited these churches, talked to a member, or read a book from the author/pastor in question

Suppose we should be a little less critical? If we do choose to speak up (it is America, we should hold each other accountable, etc.), think maybe doing our homework a little might be in order? Actually find out what Willow, Saddleback, Southeast Christian and Lakewood (easiest - they're on 3 of my 9 TV stations...) are all about first?

Here are a couple of fascinating articles if you have the time. The first one is rather lengthy. Rick Warren speaks to a bunch of journalists about myths regarding the mega church. A couple of others are on the panel, and then they field questions. It's long, but interesting. Here's a guy who's legitimately making some things happen. But he is extremely polarizing! Before you click to read the rest of the article, read a few of the "responses" at the end. People seem awfully mad at Rick (perhaps they're jealous...my theory). Hey, if my book sales were such that I could pay the church back for all of the salary they've given me, and could work salary free, and could live off 10% of my book income and give 90% of it away, I would do it too (or would I?) Anyway, read this if you have time at Rick Warren on Myths of the Mega Church (and other things); they print a little of the article, and you have to hit a link to go to the rest. Interesting thoughts nonetheless.

The second article that floated through this week regarding the 50 Most Influential Churches. A much shorter read, but full of interesting stuff, and plenty of pastors who "polarize" pretty well. Enjoy; interested to know what you think!

112

I played in a tennis tournament Sunday, the first one in my life. I almost died.

A little background...I was visiting my family in KY for the weekend, and had gotten home late (1:00 am) on Saturday night from my 20-year HS reunion (much, much more to come on that topic). We got up really early, hit the road and drove straight home to get my son and wife packed for a work camp in Missouri that pulled out at 2:30 that afternoon.

I had signed up for the annual city tennis tourney the week before, and had put on my application that I would be gone the Friday and Saturday that the tourney was to begin, and asked if there was any possibility I could be scheduled to play another time.

I checked the tourney draw before leaving town, and sure enough, I was scheduled for Friday night. I made a call, asked for consideration in rescheduling, and was told they would do what they could do and call me back.

Well, no one called me back. I arrived home at approx. 12:00 on Sunday, and thought I should pull up the ol' tourney draw on the Internet and see if, by chance, there was a change.

Much to my surprise, I was scheduled to play at one-freaking-thirty! Yikes! I hadn't touched a tennis racquet in about 5 days, I just drove 5 hours, my wife and son were leaving town, and most importantly, we were in the beginning stages of ONE OF THE WORST HEAT WAVES IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND. Or at least that's what I'm calling it.

Needless to say, I was unprepared. I took water, but not enough - it was gone somewhere after the 4th game. Didn't even think of Gatorade. Probably should have eaten some lunch (I did have a bananna and a power-bar-type thing). Oh, and that 30-40 pounds I oughta lose? I didn't lose that, either. It was excruciating for all involved, mostly for those who were watching me try to play tennis. And avoid dying.

All in all, I did well. I won the first set, after going up 5-0 and letting my opponent, a nice kid named Jason who was my younger by approx. 15 years, come back and tie the set. I won the tie-breaker.

The next set was impossible. I didn't even want to win it. My strategy was to hit only the balls came my way, and to exert only the necessary energy to look like I was playing tennis. And to make Jason run and chase balls. If he wins the set, we're tied, and we get to play a 10-point tiebreaker. My strategy was to store up a little something extra for the tiebreaker.

Sure enough, the second set was Jason's @ 6-3. It was all I could do not to just let him have the victory and retreat to my air-conditioned car. But I was close, and thought 10 points were within reach.

Did I mention the heat index was 112 at 3:00 on Sunday afternoon?

I had it. Victory was within reach. My first victory in my first competitive tennis match ever was in sight. Winning in Round 1 of the "Men's C" division in the city tournament was a mere couple of points away. Hey, its no Lance Armstrong achievement, but considering my lackluster athletic pursuits, this was something.

If only I could have gotten to 10 before Jason did. I had him 8-4, and couldn't put it to bed. He crushed me 10-8. I retreated to my car with my free bottled water and my complimentary T-shirt between my legs, happier than you can imagine that I wouldn't have to play in round 2, a little over 24 hours away.

I learned a couple of things. First, I wasn't prepared. I was Gatorade-less, tight, and just not ready. Second, it was really a little dangerous to be out there in the first place. There's a time and a place for everything, and quite frankly the heat was scary (even the pros struggle, i.e. the final match of the RCA Championship in Indianapolis on the same day....dude quit in the middle because of the heat.) There certainly are more important things. There's something to be said for retreating and recouperating when you're taking a beating, to perhaps come out swinging rested and better prepared.

I'll leave it to you, all 7 of my on-again, off-again readers, to make your own spiritual applications.

Ten Degrees Below Mitchum

Over the years I have performed what might be considered a non-scientific survey regarding a few commonplace toiletry items. It seems that over time, my body develops some sort of immunity to certain hygenic items if I stick with the same brand for too long. Their effectiveness wanes, and a swith (albeit temporary at times) is in order. The three culprits seem to include shampoo, deodorant, and tootpaste.

Tonight it was time to change deodorant. The timing was perfect - I was completely out of my "regular" kind, which I was starting to lose confidence in anyway. I had used a replacement brand a couple of times that I bought on sale. Sometimes, maybe things are on sale for a reason. This was an Arm & Hammer brand. I'm thinking it might work better sitting in the back of my fridge than it was working in my armpits. I vowed not to use it again, so a new anti-perspirant was in order.

Lucky for me, there was a coupon for Mitchum in the Sunday paper. OK, so I'm a coupon nerd. I prefer to think of it as good stewardship, stretching my dollar, etc. The coupon was in my pocket in case I had opportunity to stop in to my friendly neighborhood grocery store.

I was out late and on my way home at approx. 11:15 pm when I stopped to get deodorant and postage stamps at the 24-hour grocer. Perfect time to shop - very few people in sight. I proceeded to the checkout area where one solitary employee was stationed as though monitoring the entire store. I put my Mitchum down on the conveyor belt, laid the coupon next to it and my grocery savings card, and started to shuffle through my wallet looking for payment.

I had seen the cashier before. She is probably in her mid to late 50's. Friendly enough, and usually there on the late crew. Her name is Alma, though I had never noticed her nametag before. But tonight, we bonded. In a weird way. The following is a re-enactment of our brief conversation. A= Alma; M= Me.

A: I'm wearing Mitchum tonight. I bought some today with that same coupon from Sunday's paper.
M: Hmmmmm....
A: Do you find that you have to change deodorants every once in a while?
M: As a matter of fact, I do. This is a new one for me.
A: Yes, it just seems like they stop working after awhile, and you have to try a different brand.
M: Yeah, I've thought the same thing.
A: I usually use Degree, but now I'm wearing Mitchum.
M: That's odd, I'm just coming off of a Degree cycle as well.
A: Yeah, I really like Arrid and Sure, but I like to change it up a little.
M: Seems like a good idea.
A: Well, this Mitchum is so good you only need it every two or three days.
M: I'm sort of an every day guy. Sometimes more than that.
A: Well, me too. I'm just saying, you could go a couple of days...

Admittedly, I'm not sure what else happened after that. I was on deo-overload. I did notice the nametag, somewhat on purpose. Alma and I shared the immunity of anti-perspirants, both just finished using Degree, and both are starting anew with Mitchum. And as bizarre as that converasation is at 11:15 in a giant grocery store between two strangers, I feel like I know Alma. Will we chat again, perhaps sharing opinions about toothpaste, tuna fish brands, or hair gels? Time will tell. But once you've shared your deodorant brand choice with others, you've bonded. No longer is she just the teller scanning my grocery cart contents. She's a real person. With a real name. And real armpits.

I can't wait to stop at Speedway to buy gas in the morning. Wonder where that conversation might go?

(PS - If you look at a container of Mitchum, their byline is "So Effective You Could Skip A Day" - seems Alma is on to something...)

Napoleon Figurines Coming Soon!

OK, so the movie is a hit at our house. I'm close to quoting the whole thing. I predict these figurines will be the Christmas gift to get. Imagine a "Tickle Me Napoleon." How can I invest? Check out this article; you can get a glimpse of what the figures will look like, too! Also, check out this video clip of Napoleon doing the Top 10 Signs You're Not The Most Popular Guy In High School....

What Makes A Movie "Christian?"

Good question. Stumbled across a series of arguments from two Christians who happen to be filmakers. Both make good points. Hopefully, both have nothing to do with the majority of "Christian" films that have come along. But I enjoyed their debate, and you might too. Click HERE to get to this series of 4 emails...(I hear if you read these and pass them to 10 friends, you get a FREE copy of the Left Behind movie! Perfect for propping open that pesky screen door or giving to the neighborhood cat).

Movies That Expand My View I

I'm compiling a list of movies, shorts, etc. that help me, and hopefully others, see the world in a different way. Specifically, the way the world really is, as compared to how most Americans think the world really is. There are a ton, and two that I've seen recently (one as recent as late last night since I couldn't sleep!) are:

Beyond Borders starring Angelina Jolie and Clive Owen. Rated R for language and violence, but those pale in comparison to some of the images of famine, starvation, internal politics and guerrilla tactics that limit the ability of relief organizations to really help people in need. Very eye-opening and emotion-stirring, but not the kind of movie that wins any awards or is jumping off the Blockbuster shelves (that honor is apparently reserved for some cross-dressing dude in Diary Of A Mad Black Woman...) Critics ripped it and rightly so; however, you can't help but get something from it.

Other recent film that broadened my horizons was Hotel Rwanda with Don Cheadle. It's PG-13 for violence and disturbing images. Real disturbing, I might add. I had heard little about the film, and knew little about what had gone on in Rwanda (and what continues to happen in many other countries). Brian McLaren's article made me put it on my "must watch" list, and I'm glad I did. You should see this movie. And read McLaren's thoughts too.

Chasing Waterfalls

I get a daily email letter from Christianity Today, full of news items, articles, and stuff. I often scroll through the headlines, and one today sort of caught my attention. It said...

'With the Waterfalls, This Really Feels Like a Sanctuary'

So I was hooked! Hey, who wouldn't be impressed by waterfalls in a sanctuary? Oh, I don't know...maybe the several billion people around the world who would just like to eat tonight?

But that's just a thought. The article itself was about Joel Osteen-tatious and his new church facility, the Houston Rocket's former home, Compaq Arena. In fairness, the quote was from a random attender, not Osteen himself. And though I'm not one to beat up the mega-church movement, something about his theology just sort of makes me scratch my head a little. Sometimes, you just don't have "your best life...now" (Uh, try Job, the hundreds of thousands of Christian martyrs through the centuries, the religious oppression that goes on in 90% of the world that apparently isn't in Houston, etc.)

This quote from the article sort of sums it up for me:
Psychological well-being, for Osteen, seems to mean being positive. "The idea of suffering as a Christian virtue is not part of his worldview," said Lynn Mitchell, director of religious studies at the University of Houston. "Some call it Christianity Lite—you get all the benefits, but don't pay attention to the fact that Jesus called for suffering. He doesn't tackle many of the problems of the world."

For what its worth. Maybe I'm just jealous. If only I could be more positive.

Not Your Father's Church

For a number of years now, I've been aware of the ministry of XXXchurch.com and their efforts to highlight the destructive nature of pornography. To say that these guys are over the top is an understatement! They have Pete the Porno Puppet, Wally the Weiner, they drive a car called the Porn Mobile, and have a documentary that is currently hitting the film festival circuit entitled "Missionary Positions."

I know, I know, I'm still trying to get my conservative little brain around it all. I'm glad these guys are doing what they're doing - after all, how can you knock a couple of pastors who travel to conventions like Erotica LA (with permission from their wives) and set up a booth to tell porn stars & filmmakers that Jesus loves them? That's pretty radical. And exactly the kind of thing that the Church has fallen asleep on in the past 100 years.

Many don't see porn as a big problem. Think again. A few stats...

• 25 million Americans visit cybersex sites between 1-10 hours per week (MSNBC Survey 2000)
• 9 in 10 kids 8-16 yrs. have viewed porn online, mostly accidentally while doing homework (UK News Telegraph, NOP Research Group, 1/07/02)
• According to the Justice Department, in 1998 there were 28,000 X-rated websites, generating $925 million in revenue. Now, only three years later, there are 280,000 X- rated websites, generating over $10-20 billion in revenue (The Wall Street Journal 26 Nov. 2001)

What really caught my attention today was a letter entitled "Porn Completely Destroyed Me" that came as a link from a newsletter. It happens to be on the XXXchurch site. The letter is interesting, and sad. The comments posted by others are worth the time, too.

Again, this sort of ministry framework is way outside my small town, conservative model. But I'm glad these guys are out there. The Internet has brought porn to a new level, and made it accessible to millions more. I applaud the XXXchurch guys for their efforts to minister in an extremely turbulent and tempting environment (they have a very tight accountability structure built around their ministry). They have some great tools to help us all, particularly their accountability software (free download) that lets your accountability partner(s) know on a monthly basis where you've "surfed." Over 150,000 have already downloaded the software and currently use it!

Now that's engaging the culture and making a difference in my book.

News articles about the XXXchurch guys:

Article from Press Enterprise

Fox News Story

New York Times story

Good Morning America interview

Cash Cow Part II

If you get a chance to grab the USA weekend edition dated July 15th, there's a "great" story on page 11A (it's a short read) about the Christian Retail Show going on this week in Denver. I admit, I was bothered on several accounts.
First thing that catches your attention is the picture that's used in the story. It's a display from the convention entitled "Scripture Candy: Reaching The World One Piece At A Time." I read this while eating lunch, and I almost saw my lunch again. This is about as embarassing as it gets, right up there with the whole Tammy Faye thing (fill in the blank with whatever part of the whole fiasco that is TF that suits your fancy), along with the Prayer of Jabez paperweights and boxers. Come on, do we really think candy will lead people to God? I guess the same people believe that who think non-Christians watch or listen to Christian media.

The remainder of the article highlights much of the "Jesus Junk" that is available at your local Christian bookstore. I am well aware that this stuff exists, since I visit these type of stores on occassion. But I also know that non-Christians DON'T usually visit these stores. It was my hope that we could all avoid some level of embarrassment if the average person didn't know about the wide array of Jesus Junk that is available. Now, millions who might pause and laugh at the Scripture Candy picture in their USA TODAY and who happen to read about some of the ludicrous products being hawked in the Christian subculture, well, they'll probably just laugh like they often do at the Christian community. I guess when you're in an industry that just grew to $4.34 billion in 2004, you don't care a lot about what others might think. Or the fact that we might just be able to take a couple of steps forward if it weren't for the giant leaps backward we inevitably manage to do.

Anybody got a Testa-mint? My breath is awful...

Why Is Most Christian T.V. Just Awful?

I'm usually embarrased by Christian television. I don't have cable, and though my trusty antennae picks up quite well and brings in the Big 3 crystal clear, most of what I get on the "upper" stations is classified as Christian TV. I'm happy to admit that I watch as little as possible - enough to be disgusted. I guess I'm glad I became a Christian before I knew about most of these folks. I can only hope that the vast majority of non-Christians are NOT watching this stuff, and that real Christians will get involved in their lives first before they stumble across some of these hairdos.

So there, my Monday morning rant. I could say more, but none of it would be nice. Trying to remember what my mom taught me. Here's a list of shows that would be much more entertaining, enlightening, and worth my time...

TOP 13 SUMMER TV REPLACEMENT SHOWS ON CHRISTIAN T.V. STATIONS By Dave Tippett
13. "My Big Fat Obnoxious Pastor"
12. "Nursery Fear Factor"
11. "Punked: Sitting in Gertrude's pew spot"
10. "The Simple Life with Davie and Goliath"
9. "Survivor: Little House on the Prairie"
8. "Pontiff for a Day"
7. "Gaithers: Extreme Makeover"
6. "CSI: Potluck"
5. "Pretty Much 'Left Behind': Still Not Sure Who's Going Where"
4. "Extreme Baptisms"
3. "COPS at VBS"
2. "Paul vs. Predator"
1. "8 Simple Rules for Dating my Theology"

Moonwalking with the Man in the Mirror

OK, I'm coming out of the closet. I actually have seen Michael Jackson in concert.

I'm not kidding.

It was 1984 or 85-ish, and he and his brothers were doing the Victory Tour. It was a really big deal. My first time for getting "frisked" and checked with a metal detector wand as I entered the venue - Michael at that time was very concerned about his image and didn't want it snapped into anyone's camera. (Funny, I don't think I ever entertained the thought that someone might bring in a weapon...they were making a really big deal about cameras for this tour, as though they posed some sort of risk to society). I also remember that button-fly jeans were a big hit back then, and the girl that went to the concert with me set off the metal detector!

Anyway, we drove to Knoxville, TN, where UT plays football. The aforementioned girl I was with liked Michael Jackson's music. Pepsi Cola was a big sponsor of this tour, and since I had some family in the Pepsi business, I got tickets. Really GOOD tickets - we were on row 14 in a stadium that probably had 70,000 people in attendance. The biggest tower of speakers I'll probably every witness - 14 rows from my seat, right in front of me. Up to that time, I didn't know that sound could make you physically shake like that. (Now, I have flashbacks every time I pull up to my local convenience station and some dude who has spent every dime of his last 5 paychecks on his sound system decides to leave it on 11 while he goes in to get a Slurpie. I guess he wants to hear his profanity-laced rantings over the hum of the cappuccino machine...in most cases, the sound system is the only thing holding his car together anyway...)

Two observations that I made that night at Neland Stadim remember to this day...

1. Though I'm not a fan, it was an unbelievable show. Lots of pyrotechnics and illusions and "wow factor" stuff. Probably happens in lots of shows (I'm sure Sting, Jagger and Bono have tigers and giant puppet-like figures that hover around the stage mimicing the actions of a frog drowning in a torrential rain, all the while sitting on the edge of the stage wiping tears with their hankies while singing "She's Out Of My Life..."). Up to that point, I hadn't been out of the house much, and I didn't hang with anyone like Michael in the foothills of Appalachia where I was raised. In fact, no one existed in Appalachia like Michael. So it was all new to me. I was impressed with the "show" part of the evening. And hey, Tito, Jermaine and the lesser-known Jackson boys were there too. Bonus.
2. As peculiar (believe me, there are lots of words I would like to use here, but I'm committed to being nice) as MJ is, nothing scares me more than his legion of followers. I witnessed that night (remember, row 14) young girls crying, screaming, knees buckling (and not just at the concession prices!), the likes of which I had only seen before on old clips of Elvis concerts. As a side note, the girl I took to the concert wasn't buying all that either - we both just sort of looked at each other with that "what's wrong with these people" look.

That brings me to today. Couple of random thoughts as I was somewhat forced to see and hear everything there was to see and hear about the Gloved One - only becuase it was everywhere. First, what's wrong with people? I'm not talking about MJ or the jury. But people out in the streets crying, fainting in jubilation, spending 4 weeks away from families (not to mention THEIR JOBS!) to camp out at the courthouse. I've racked my brain and honestly don't know for whom or what I would behave in similar fashion, outside of blood relatives. Second, I'm a big fan of our country and our justice system though sometimes, granted, it puzzles me. What struck me this morning is the obligatory jury interviews. I'm not saying anything here about whether I think MJ is guilty, innocent, or odd. OK, I take that back - he's odd. I know he was found "not guilty" by our system. But did you hear the jurors? I know, there are lots of angles to this, but its almost as though they decided that the accuser's mom was "guilty" of being a money-hungry opportunist - not to mention a little weird herself - and once they wrote her off, MJ was free. Couldn't she still be all of the aforementioned things and he still be guilty? Just a thought...

A couple of things to wrap up...

1. I can't believe I'm writing about this....
2. If you have high speed access, watch Letterman's Top 10 list about the Jackson verdict
3. As a Christian, I know we shouldn't judge. That doesn't mean we won't struggle with the temptation to do so. So I struggle, as do many. So if I have sounded judgmental at all, I'm sorry (was calling MJ "odd" judgmental? isn't that sort of like calling Shaq "tall?")
4. I'm sure the "average" MJ disciple/follower who cries and faints and knees buckle in his presence could follow me for a day and find things/people that I worship, adore, praise. My hope/prayer/goal is that they might see that for me, God gets most, if not all, of my energy. I want to be after His fame, not my own or anyone else's.

"Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; YOUR NAME and RENOWN are the desire of our hearts." - Isaiah 26:8

Roaring Lambs III

Guy named Dean Batali, who works in the Act One program that trains screenwriters for hollywood and TV. This interview is good. He has written for both Buffy and That 70's Show. I never watched Buffy. Interestingly enough, I make my kids turn the channel when That 70's Show is on. Two reasons, 1) I don't like it; 2) the only couple of episodes I did see involved themes my 8 & 10 year olds didn't need at the time (if ever). HOWEVER, just like the covert "salt & light" guys who write for the Simpsons, I'm glad they're in the spots they are in, and pray that even more like them will penetrate this important piece of our culture.

Blog No Evil?

monkeys
Originally uploaded by larzmarshall.

Thanks to my friend Kurt for sending this along.

Roaring Lambs II

OK, so I don't read much fiction. I guess I should, but when? I manage to get through a Grisham every now and then on vacation (I'm embarrassed to admit the last series of fiction books I read...more about that in the upcoming Cash Cow III). I did come across an article about a guy who writes fiction, and I read the article. Does that count? Anyway, his name is Brett Lott. His book Jewel was one of the first picked back in the late 90's for Oprah's Book Club, which most authors will tell you is the equivalent life change of a homeless man winning Powerball. Anyway, turns out Lott is highly respected, pretty good at what he does, and surprise surprise, a Christian! The article in Christianity Today tells more about him. You can get his books from lots of places (not sure about the Christian Bookstore - I sort of hope NOT...), but my favorite place for books is Books-A-Million (go ahead, join the Millionaire's Club and save even more - I just like saying I'm a member!) I hope scads of non-believers read people like Lott and find a connection with something bigger than themselves.

Where's My Helmet?

For some reason, out of nowhere, the seatbelt police are cracking down. I'm not sure if I missed a memo, or if some new law I didn't know about came into affect, but the seatbelt cops are everywhere.

A couple of days ago, I approached a popular intersection in my neck of the woods - one that I go through several times a day most days. There were 4 law enforcement officials with clipboards stationed around the intersection just waiting for people to pull up and stop. Those not strapped in would receive their obligatory seatbelt infraction ticket.

Before I proceed, two things you need to know....

1. I was wearing my seatbelt like a good soldier.
2. I have no problem with the seatbelt law; some people are stupid (as I'm about to describe) and need legislation to help them.

So I pull up to the intersection, notice the cop at my stop sign look into my car through his David Hasselfoff sunglasses, and sort of give me that nod that says "nice goin' pal - keep up the good work."

However, I couldn't help but notice directly across from me, at the opposite stop sign, a group of motorcyclists. Probably 8 motorcycles in all, with roughly 12 people total on for the ride. Not a helmet to be seen. None of the guys wearing shirts. As little clothing on males & females alike to take in as many rays of sun as possible. Oh, and no tickets being written, either.

Now, I'm in the trusty Buick. If I'm doing 39 mph and have a crash of any sort, many things could happen. Not the least of which is a steering wheel, an air bag, steel, etc. all of which should play a role at some level to keep me off the pavement. Not to mention the seat belt we already established I had firmly snapped into place. BUT, if I'm not buckled up, I get a $25 fine.

Perhaps its just me, but does this make any sense? The dude on the Yamaha? He has an accident of ANY kind at 39 mph, he's in a world of hurt. No protection. No padding. No airbags. Just sort of out there with seemingly nothing.

Its almost as though you're punished if you don't reach the pinnacle of safety (in your car with seatbelt engaged & airbags as a backup), yet rewarded for pushing the envelope of risk (bareback & helmet-free with nothing but sunglasses and a girlfriend holding on tight). I'm surprised the police officers didn't run over and give the motorcyclists high fives! "Way to go! Props to you for throwing caution to the wind! Keep livin' on the edge!"

I couldn't help but consider this as a snapshot of life. My life, at least. Particularly as it relates to being a Jesus-follower. It's easy - perhaps too easy - to take the simple way out. Follow the rules that are handed to us by others. Make sure your seatbelt is fastened when those that matter are looking. Clock in and clock out. Play it safe. Stay well within our comfort zone. And make sure that comfort zone only includes certain types of people. Never take a risk.

I assume that part of the attraction of the helmet-less motorcycle rider is the feeling of the air blowing through your hair and the sense of freedom and exhilaration that comes being somewhat suspended between earth and sky at breathtaking speeds. At least that's what my motorcycle-inclined friends tell me.

Unfortunately, I believe that the Creator God has that same sense of freedom & exhilaration in store for us all! Problem is, we've interpreted "freedom & exhilaration" as some form of cosmic uncertainty. Much better to create some rules. To put on some seat belts. To never take a risk.

I like how The Message states Hebrews 11:1-2 - "The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd." Of course, the entire chapter of Hebrews 11 goes on to describe these ancestors, for whom faith wasn't something you achieved like some sort of finish line or award then sit on for the rest of your existence. Rather, it was an ongoing pursuit that changed and shaped their lives. No seat belts allowed! But rather a life of risk, knowing that He who instigated the risk in the first place was who He said He was. So if you and I believe that God is who He says He is, then....

India Trip 2003

Ajai & Indu Lall
Originally uploaded by larzmarshall.

In the fall of 2003, I was privileged to travel to India with a group of pastors, sponsored by Christ In Youth. I spent some time today thinking about that experience, and how incredibly moved I was (and still am, though its frustrating how time can erode those feelings). Ajai Lall and his wife Indu are amazing. Their accounts of ministry and how God is working in and around them are humbling, exciting, and often breathtaking. Their vision of planting churches in central India is somewhat daunting - 80% of Indians are Hindu, 12% Muslim, and a meager 2.5 % Christian. Oh, and well over 1 billion people! But to spend a few minutes with Ajai, you walk away believing that he really could be a catalyst for God to change that nation. It's really incredible, and puts so much of our happy-go-lucky approach to Christianity into perspective. When I met pastors who had been beaten in public because they renounced their Hindu or Muslim beliefs to follow Jesus, that changes the way you think and approach ministry.
A note from my Operation World prayer calendar regarding India...
"Pray that the Church worldwide would rise to the challenge that India presents. India has the greatest number of unreached people and people groups in the world. An overwhelming number have no Christians, churches or Christian workers. Pray that Christians would embrace continued freedom to proclaim the Gospel in India despite intimidation and persecution."
Pray for me, too, as I 1) sort out how to integrate all of this into who I am and what I do, and 2) as I try to get to know the new gentleman from India who just started working at my neighborhood convenience store. He's on my heart at the moment...

(BTW, if you click on the photo above, you can go to a page and scroll through some additonal pics from my India trip. I promise they're worth your time!)

Here I Am

My focus isn't always that good. Often its downright helter skelter. On several occasions this past week, I've found myself praying, out loud, while driving to work or wherever I'm heading. I've followed that up with this song played very loud. A great way to start a day.

I lay myself at Your feet

Asking You won't You meet, Won't You meet me

I cannot do it on my own

I cannot do it all alone

Here I am, oh, tonight

With my arms open wide

Won't You come inside

Won't You come inside,

GodCome and fill this heart of mine

I'm in need of You

Of Your touch, of Your life, of Your love

I need You

I need You

Shawn McDonald is his name; the song is called "Here I Am." Its especially good on his "Live from Seattle" CD. If you're looking for some passionate worship & focus & devotion & thought-provoking stuff, that CD is a must-have.

God @ The Centre

"First, God. God is the subject of life. God is foundational for living. If we don't have a sense of the primacy of God, we will never get it right, get life right, get OUR lives right. Not God at the margins; not God as an option; not God on the weekends. God at center and circumference; God first and last; God, God, God." - Eugene Peterson, from "Introduction to Genesis,"

The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language

It's pretty easy to do the opposite, isn't it? To put God in the margins of our life, on the back burner, in the "on deck circle." Always at arms length and easy to grab when needed. But seldom the epicenter of all we are and all we do. It's a lot easier to figure out what MY will is for ME and then try to wrap God's will around that, rather than starting foundationally with God's Will and then grafting in the things of me. That's my prayer for today and every day. Three fleeting bullet points that sort of relate ...

• Jami Smith's song "Be The Centre" is resonating in my head and is my mantra for the day;
• "In the absence of any other proof, the thumb alone would convince me of God's existence" - Isaac Newton, English physicist, 1642-1727
• Brief interview with Lee Strobel, author of tons of stuff, but most recently The Case For A Creator; interview can be read by clicking here

For what its worth...