Here's a gem from David Meurer via New Man Magazine.
Think about: does the chase of coolness prevent us from being humble?
Think about: does the chase of coolness prevent us from being humble?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Reflection.
10:00
Unknown
Couple of things on my mind, that may or may not make you throw rocks at me:
- I admit I have to get myself in shape, even as I squarely place the blame on people like Cass and Jen... people I blame for not yelling at me.
- One of my players called me a softie. This angers me, because it goes against my self-described street rep. It also angers me because she might be right. Drat.
- I can barely beat my 7 yr-old and 4 yr-old in Wii baseball anymore, and, in any case, I then feel like I need Tommy John surgery.
- I was the oldest attendant at my brother's wedding last week. Hurray for getting old.
- Yes, I admit it openly. I like Tim Tebow.
- My wife says I am getting crankier in my old] age, and that makes me cranky.
- I think one of my youth may be hitting the Bible more than me, and this shames me.
- The next time I see my kid brother flaunt his Android-powered HTC EVO (a phone which I am waiting on, I will take it and bash him over the head with it. So there.
- I find myself referring to "urban dictionaries" more often.
- I googled myself last month. Twice.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Prosperity preaching... for the church.
10:00
Unknown
How do you sell prosperity in an economic downturn? No, doing crusades in third-world countries is not an option.It has been tough for churches. As a church-worker, I can tell you that straight up. When the jobs go, so does the giving. It's the man-made Circle of Life.
The obvious casualties are less programming and reduced spending. Pastoral staffers all around are rethinking priorities, and churches are having to make due with much less. The newsreels last week were dominated by one particular well known mega-church filing for bankruptcy (this church is also tightening it's belt to cut costs).
It's never fun when the church struggles.
So, what are we to do with weightier duties and lighter collection plates?
We need to go old-school: let's pray.
The re-examination of priorities is not a bad thing. Longevity and growth sometimes cloak disadvantageous bloat and waste. It is SO easy to justify foolishness with a "spiritual" stamp of approval, especially during times of plenty.
I think it is also important to understand that our duties to serve do not stop because our physical support does. In fact, more people need help. We may not be able to fill every fiscal gap, but we sure can do a Peter: let's give what we do have.
All in all, this time will pass, and negative as it seems, I believe it is an opportunity for the church to snatch back some relevance. Surreptitiously slipping in tithing material in the church program may get you temporary reprieve, but focusing on the God of Psalm 23 may be wiser.
Stay blessed.
