More Than Words
It seems like God is hitting me over the head with a message recently. Following Christ and sharing His love is so much more than words – knowing words, memorizing words, and studying words.
While I think it’s important to read, study, and understand the Bible, I think it’s so much more important to put these teachings into action – into following Christ with our hands and feet. This message has been hammered home in a few different but obvious mediums.
First, I was catching up on my blog reading on Saturday morning when I came across this video in a blog post by Ryan Tate at Discipulus. In the video, Francis Chan shares some simple but obvious thoughts about discipleship – what it is and what it is not.
Next, I was finishing up Love Does by Bob Goff on Sunday morning (I shared about this book on my blog yesterday). Towards the end of the book, Bob offers his thoughts on Bible study:
What’s up with equating “Bible study” with knowing God anyway? Wouldn’t it be a horrible thing if we studies the ones we loved instead of bonding in deeper ways by doing things with them? I’d never want to get married to a girl no matter how much I studied her. I’d rather take her sailing or fishing or eat cotton candy with her on a Ferris wheel. I don’t think knowing what her name means in Greek is going to help me love her more. In fact, they have a name for guys who just study things about a person they like but don’t do anything about it – they’re called bachelors.
So I started getting together with the same guys each week and instead of calling it a Bible study, we call it a “Bible doing.” We’ve been at it for fifteen years now, and I’ve found there’s a big difference between the two. At our Bible doing, we read what God has to say and then focus all of our attention on what we are going to do about it. Just agreeing isn’t enough. I can’t think of a single time where Jesus asked His friends to just agree with Him.
Finally, I was in church on Sunday morning when our guest pastor, Paul Williams, asked the question in his sermon – “What if we loved our neighbor as ourselves?” In Paul’s sermon, he used the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) to point out that anyone and everyone is our neighbor. Then he used the story of the Rich Young Man (Matthew 19:16-30) to remind us that we’re to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and part of this is learning to love ourselves. Finally, Paul turned to Matthew 22:15-40. In this passage, the Pharisees and Sadducees are having a conversation with Jesus. (These men were known to have the Bible (The Old Testament) memorized knowing every single law that was supposed to be followed. At the end of this passage, Jesus answers questions thrown out with a famous passage, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” It’s that simple. It doesn’t matter how much we know about the Bible if we’re not loving God and loving others with all we’ve got.
Bam! Bam! Bam!
Three times nailed over the head in a matter of 24 hours. Do you think God was trying to tell me something?
The truth is I grew up in a pastor’s family. I was known as the Bible geek in my freshman English class for knowing all the answers to the Bible questions. I’ve even prided myself on the knowledge I’ve gained and retained along the way. Knowledge is okay (and is important for maintaining a sound doctrine and for reminding us of Biblical truths and standards), but action is even more important. James states it well:
Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17
I get so tired of all the political back and forth at this time of the year. One side is trying to find the candidate who is the most Christian. The other side is trying to find a government who will fix everything and create programs for our neighbors. Wouldn’t it be a different world if Christians actually stepped up and loved their neighbors with action and not just words. I think this is a challenge for all of us – including me. And that’s how I’m being stretched right now! I want my faith to be more than words.
How about you? How are you loving your neighbor? Is your faith and love for others based on words or based on action?
Breaking the Cycle – Sometimes It’s Healthy to Get Out of Your Routine
I know that this post goes against my nature and against things I may have posted in the past. I still stand by my comfort level in having a dependable routine, and I still believe that routines are important for establishing healthy patterns that need to be repeated. Routines can also help to put an end to bad habits.
But sometimes the reverse is true. Sometimes it’s healthy to get out of your routine.
My recent trip to Guatemala was certainly a change from my typical schedule and way of doing things. This was good in opening my eyes, ears, and heart to the new things that God had to show me.
This week my routine is once again compromised while our kids are away at “Camp Grammy and Pappap”. This has meant taking the dogs out and taking them for walks instead of heading out for my morning run. It’s meant taking the trash down to the street and other chores that the kids have picked up over the past few years. But it’s also been a welcome change in the evenings as it has provided for one-on-one time with my wife. We’ve gone on a picnic, played tennis, and enjoyed dinner together. In this case, the change in routine has been great for our marriage, and I think it will ultimately benefit our parenting when our kids return later this week.
I hate change, but sometimes it is so worth it! Here are a few suggestions for playing with your routine this week:
- Drive a different way to or from work this week. If you’re like me, you could drive to work with your eyes closed (if it weren’t for the other cars and the traffic lights). Taking a different path could show you something new and different.
- Eat something new. I don’t like tomatoes despite the fact that we grow them in our garden. Last night, I actually tried a couple of pieces of tomato that my wife had prepared with fresh basil and mozzarella cheese. It wasn’t my favorite, but it also wasn’t as bad as I expected.
- Spend time with God in a new location. For those of us who have regular “quiet times” with God, we often go to the same location and have the same routine. This isn’t necessarily bad, but sometimes it can be refreshing to get with God somewhere new and to try a new routine. Perhaps this means going to a park and sitting by a lake or stream. Maybe it means exploring a new section of the Bible or praying in a different way. Whatever you decide to do, consider taking your journal along with you. Write down your thoughts on how God spoke to you through this change in routine.
Change isn’t always bad. Sometimes it can be a good thing to break the cycle of our routine.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
What other suggestions to you have for getting out of your routine? How have you broken the cycle of your own routines? Was that a good experience or not? Why?
3 Thumbs Up! August 11th, 2012
It’s been a while, but here are my 3 thumbs up for this week.
Thumbs Up Number 1: Chris Cannon Music. I met Chris on my recent trip to Guatemala. He was one of our team leaders who worked for AIM (Adventures in Missions). Each night, Chris lead our team in worship up on the roof of the compound where we stayed. For his last night in Xenacoj, Guatemala, he shared his story with our team. Part of Chris’s story includes a song that he wrote following the death of a friend. I’ve been listening to the song (Called Home) over and over again this week. As Chris heads back to the United States to finish up his schooling, he will also be working on an album that he hopes to release in the coming months. To get a taste of his music style, go to iTunes and purchase his song. Great stuff!
Thumbs Up Number 2: Adventures in Missions. This was the organization that our Guatemala team worked with during our time in Xenacoj. I was very impressed by the organization and the team of four leaders that led and served our group. While I was there, I learned that Adventures in Missions (A.I.M.) offers trips for youth groups, families, and young adults in the United States and all around the world. If you’re interested in pursuing a short-term trip from a week to a year, you should check out A.I.M. at adventures.org.
Thumbs Up Number 3: RobSorbo.com. Rob Sorbo blogs about missions every Wednesday. It’s appropriate that I would highlight Rob and his blog this week as I focus on missions and my recent trip to Guatemala. Rob grew up as an MK – Missionary Kid, so he has some experience to back up his writing. Go check out Rob’s blog to see what I’m talking about. Leave him a comment, and tell him that I sent you.
What else deserves a thumbs up this week?
Guest Post: When God Provides, You May Be Stretched By Tom Tarver
While I’m away in Guatemala, several people have stepped up to share their stretching stories with The Stretched Community. Today, I have the honor and privilege of presenting Tom Tarver. Tom blogs regularly at A Curious Band of Brothers, and he is a regular commenter here on the Stretched blog. Please check out Tom’s post and leave an answer to his question. Afterwards, go check out his blog. His contact information along with a short bio can be found at the end of the post. Thanks!
When God Provides, You May Be Stretched
I planned to be somewhere else other than Alaska this summer.
But God had other plans.
And His plans would stretch me for two weeks … to a point … of breaking.
My original plan. This summer I wanted to pedal from sea to shining sea. I had declined to join our church’s short-term mission team in July because of my cycling plans. Reggie, the organizer and team leader, knew this.
My plan failed to come to fruition. But Reggie didn’t know that.
God intervenes. On a Sunday morning two weeks before the team would leave for Two Rivers, Alaska, Reggie and I spoke for the first time in months about the trip, and for the first time he learned about my summer plan’s failure to launch.
Too bad we hadn’t spoken earlier. The team now overflowed with talented folks. They had no room for one more.
But God had plans for me, and through an unexpected illness, a spot opened up hours after our conversation. I hadn’t been on Reggie’s radar but I quickly moved to the top of his to-call list.
When Reggie phoned, he said, “Everything’s already paid for except you’ll need a ticket.”
How much?
Too much!
“Sorry, Reggie. On such short notice, I can’t come up with that kind of money.”
“But God has resources.”
I humored him and allowed that, yes, God did have resources. I said, “I’ll pray about it, make some calls, and let you know tomorrow.”
Two calls the next morning netted the entire amount. In less than 24 hours I knew God wanted me on that team. I knew it!
What I didn’t know was why.
When I arrived in Alaska and settled into the rustic camp setting our team would call home, I knew I belonged there.
When I shivered through the first night, I knew I belonged there.
When I slapped the thousandth mosquito, I knew I belonged there.
When I pounded the concrete wall to break it apart, I knew I belonged there.
When I trotted to the outhouse for the third time during the night, I knew I belonged there.
But I still didn’t know why.
While others quickly found their parts in the project, I wandered around asking, “Do you need help?”
“Not now. Maybe later.”
For ten of the dozen days we were in Alaska, I said to a friend, “I don’t know why I’m here.”
Our last two days on the project, God began to grant me understanding, insight that surprised and troubled me.
Here’s what I learned, lessons that continue to stretch me.
I’m afraid of failure. With other people, I’ve shared over and over again the importance of embracing failure. Failure in attempting something great teaches some awesome lessons. To launch out, attempt a great thing, and fall short is better than remaining safe at home.
And I thought I did plenty of launching out.
But, as I spent time working with others, I discovered I shied away from making decisions. I let others handle the power drill or cut the boards. I didn’t want to make mistakes.
And I didn’t want others to discover how poor I was at building things. I could tear down stuff. I could clear up the debris. But after the destruction, I didn’t know how to construct.
Even on our fun day, I discovered my heart quaked at doing something new in front of an audience.
At the end of an Alaskan gold mine tour, we all ended up panning for gold. I needed help but wouldn’t ask for it. In the end, I was one of two people still panning because I worked so slow for fear of making a mistake. And this was supposed to be fun.
I crave action and grow impatient with planning. At the church where the team did a lot of renovating, I wandered around looking for the action. Because of impatience, I missed the opportunity to listen and plan with those who did know what they were doing. I moved on to the next place before I could understand the present project and before I could be available to help when needed.
So why was I in Alaska?
So God could stretch me, break me, and help me make needed changes in my life.
Question: What lessons has God taught you through His leading and provision?
About the Author
Tom’s a blogger and so much more. For an example of something other than his blog, follow this link. He’s written one novel with more in the works. He’s also been a two-time winner of MBT’s “Make Every Word Count Flash Fiction” contest as well as a 2011 semi-finalist (speculative fiction) in the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest. His novel, Dark Eyes, Deep Eyes, is available through WestBow Press, Amazon, BARNES & NOBLE, and other retail outlets.
Guest Post: The Choice was Mine… by TC Avey
While I’m away in Guatemala, several people have stepped up to share their stretching stories with The Stretched Community. Today, I have the honor and privilege of presenting TC Avey. TC blogs regularly at Wisdom of a Fool, and she has recently become a regular commenter here on the Stretched blog. Please check out TC’s post and leave an answer to her question. Afterwards, go check out her blog. Her contact information along with a short bio can be found at the end of the post. Thanks!
The Choice was Mine…
I hadn’t been out of High School long when reality set in – not everyone was tolerant of Christians.
Let’s go back to the 90’s.
I was 19 and a Freshman in College on full academic scholarship.
I had to maintain a high GPA or I would be forced to take out huge college loans (something I really didn’t want to do – but then again, who does?).
Things were going well. My classes were easy and I had no fear of NOT maintaining my GPA, until…
A professor challenged my resources for a speech.
I was trapped.
I had used the Bible as reference (I mean how can you argue Christianity is a major world religion without referencing the Bible?).
She informed me I could do my speech on Christianity, she had no problem with that. She simply did not feel the Bible was a credible resource. If I insisted upon using it – I would fail.
I was floored.
How was I to proceed?
I could change religions – a few others in the class did. I could opt to use books from theologians and ignore the foundation of Christianity being built upon the Bible – a few of the more devoted Christians were going this route.
Or I could stick with my original speech – founded upon the Bible.
I could choose to fail.
The choice was mine.
I thought about dropping the class, but I didn’t want to chicken out.
I thought about Peter denying Jesus three times. But I didn’t want to experience the guilt. True Jesus forgave him and would forgive me too…but He shouldn’t have to.
Besides, I couldn’t avoid confrontations my entire life. I was an adult. It was time to start acting like one.
I had a tough choice to make. No one could make it for me.
Though stuck between a rock and hard place, I knew what I had to do.
I knew what I was going to do!
I would proceed as planned and deal with the consequences.
I would stand firm in my faith. I would defend my belief and I would use the Bible as a reference.
Yet despite my conviction, I was nervous.
In the back of my mind I kept assuring myself she couldn’t really flunk me. I was sure it was an empty threat.
Just in case I was wrong, I looked up the numbers to many of the administrative staff. I was going to take this higher up if she did fail me. I wouldn’t go down without a fight!
I also spent hours praying, asking God to help me.
In the end, my worry was for nothing, God did help me.
While she wasn’t thrilled with my blatant disregard for her instructions, she didn’t fail me.
She didn’t even give me a horrible grade!
Looking back, I can’t even remember her giving me a hard time the rest of the semester.
If memory serves me correctly, our lives went on as normal.
She was the professor. I was the student.
End of Story.
Except I learned standing for my faith isn’t as hard as it first looked. I also learned the truth and power of 1 John 4:4 NIV, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
That speech class, and professor, taught me way more than the syllabus promised!
Praise God!
How has standing up for something related to your faith stretched you?
About the Author
TC Avey is a Christian blogger. She is an aspiring Author, avid reader, lover of history and enjoys politics. She has a passion for God and America. Her blog Wisdom of a Fool is dedicated to enlightening others about today’s current events from a Christian perspective. She also has a Monday series on “The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. She offers a monthly Newsletter. You can also follow her on Twitter.
Ice Breaker – Vacation Destination
This week has been a bit confusing with the holiday stuck right in the middle of the work week. Yesterday felt like a Monday despite the fact that it was really Thursday. Just to be clear, today is Friday. And you know what that means? It’s time for the weekly Stretched Ice Breaker. Ice breakers are questions designed to help us get to know each other. I ask a question and give you my answer. Then you answer the question by leaving a comment.
Since I’m heading out for a week of family vacation, this week’s question is related to vacation. Here goes!
Question:. Thinking back on your past vacations, what is one of your most favorite vacation destinations?
My Answer:. Hawaii was pretty incredible, but that was several years ago. One of my more recent favorites was Vermont. A couple of years ago, my family had the privilege of staying at Smugglers Notch. I’m assuming that this must be a pretty happening place during ski season. But we went during the summer, and we had a blast. We swam in the four or five different swimming pools, we hiked to the top of two of the three mountain peaks, and we road our bikes to Stowe. We also enjoyed factory tours of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream factory and Cabot cheese factory. Summer is a great time to visit Vermont!
Now, it’s your turn. Let’s hear your answer to this week’s ice breaker question. Leave your answer in the comments, so we can all enjoy!
Glasses
When I was a kid, I had to wear glasses. They were corrective lenses to help with my far-sighted vision. By sixth grade, I no longer needed the glasses. Since then, my vision has been perfect – often measuring better than 20/15 (which is better than 20/20 vision).
On Tuesday, I visited the eye doctor for the first time in a long time. I probably should have visited the eye doctor sooner, since glaucoma runs in my family. But I didn’t based on my past perfect vision and my general busyness.
You may recall that I have been battling headaches (including migraine headaches) for the past five or so months. One of the side effects of migraine headaches is temporary blurred vision. And supposedly, vision problems can sometimes be the root cause of migraine headaches. Based on this, I figured it was a good time to have my eyes checked.
So on Tuesday, the initial feedback was that I don’t have glaucoma and my vision is still pretty good. In fact, the nurse initially measured me at 20/20 vision. When the doctor came in, he agreed that my vision was indeed pretty good; however, I was getting to the “magic” age wear reading glasses may be a help.
So after some initial measurements with his fancy lenses, it was determined that I indeed need reading glasses. It was a bit of a blow, but I am game for trying them if they’ll help to keep the headaches away.
It was kind of amusing when he sent me into the office area to look at frames for my new glasses. He had just put drops in my eyes to dilate my pupils for the glaucoma test. I could hardly see a thing, and they wanted me to pick out new glasses! Thankfully, Leanne was 5 minutes away, and she was able to come to the office to pick out my new specs.
I don’t have to wear them unless I’m reading, so you may not see me wearing glasses very often. But don’t be surprised if you see someone looking like Clark Kent reading the paper, working on his blog, or with his nose stuck in a book. It just might be me.
As for the headaches, the last two weeks have actually been getting better. I stopped drinking caffeine which wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. And the doctor changed around a medication. I am so thankful that the migraines have been non-existent over the past two weeks, and I have had very few regular headaches those of which could probably be attributed to caffeine withdrawal.
Unfortunately, my vision will continue to get worse as I get older. These are the facts of life. The reality is that my vision has never been truly perfect despite what the eye doctors have said along the way. As a matter of fact, your vision hasn’t been perfect either. In the book of I Corinthians, Paul talks about the fact that we can’t see completely yet. But there will be a time when our vision is made perfect – when we see face to face the love of God.
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. I Corinthians 13:12
And so as I start the journey of wearing glasses, I now have a daily reminder of what I have to look forward to – the day when I’ll see my Savior face to face. I won’t need glasses, contact lenses, or lasik eye surgery. Everything will be perfectly clear. I can’t wait!
Do you wear glasses or contact lenses? Have you ever had surgery on your eyes?
Happy 4th of July!
The Skippack 4th of July Parade 2011
I’ll be spending the day with my family grateful for the country we live in. Hope you and your family have a great holiday.
What’s your favorite thing about today?
The Famous One
Over the weekend, I visited friends in my hometown of Mount Holly, NJ. It was such a wonderful experience to see old friends, to enjoy great picnic food, and to catch up on happenings of our families.
When I arrived at the picnic, one of my friends immediately greeted me as the “famous author”. I’m guessing he was partially joking around with me, but the more we talked the more I could tell he was curious about the blog and he was serious about his admiration for my blogging. The was more than flattering coming from a guy who is the CEO of a medical technology company and who graduated from an ivy league school.
Fame. (I want to live forever, I want to learn how to fly… sorry for that TV reference. If you didn’t get it…nevermind.)
I guess if we’re honest, we all want to be known for something. We want to be famous. I want to be known as a writer, an author, and a blogger. I want to be known as a husband, a dad, and a son. I want to be recognized as a leader. I want this kind of fame.
I’m sure that you want to be famous also.
It’s flattering. It feels good. It’s nice to be recognized.
But there’s a fame I strive for way more than my own.
I want to make God’s name famous. Whether I’m writing, leading, or just plain living, I want my words, my actions, and all that I do to bring fame to my God.
Lord, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.
Repeat them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.
Habakkuk 3:2
And so, I appreciate the kind words of my friend. But it means so much more to me if my writing brings fame and glory to God. Have you heard of His fame?
What are you famous for?
Ten New Olympic Event Ideas
Last night, I caught the last twenty minutes of the U. S. Olympic Swimming Trials that were televised on NBC. I love the Olympics. Four years ago, I made the mistake of committing to a no TV for a month challenge that just so happened to coincide with the summer Olympics in China. This time around, I’ll miss the first week or so while I’m in Guatemala. Oh well.
As I was thinking more about it, I was thinking how much fun it would be fun to come up with ten new Olympic events for this year’s summer games in London. Here’s what I came up with:
1. Texas Hold ‘Em – This popular card game gets serious as “athletes” from around the world compete for the some real gold.
2. Horseshoes – Can’t you see this catching on? It’s better than hand grenades.
3. Lawn Darts – If curling can make it during the winter Olympics, lawn darts could become the rage of the 2012 summer games.
4. Checkers – Imagine the commentary… “Svenson from Sweden double jumps Hernandez from Mexico for the king.” Talk about exciting!
5. Words with Friends – You know you’d watch this “sport.” The only problem is the language barrier.
6. Hot Dog Eating – Sponsored by Nathan’s and Oscar Mayer…Jimmy Chestnut is the early favorite to take the gold.
7. Geocaching – Our family enjoys this “sport”. I’m sure it would be quite popular with the Brits.
8. Texting – Fifteen year old Samantha “Quick Fingers” Smith is the promising entry from the United States team.
9. Wii Bowling – Medals are given out in four categories: men, women, children, and families.
10. Dutch Oven Cooking – Sony teams up with Cabela’s to sponsor this event. Sony uses the sponsorship as an opportunity to demonstrate their new smell technology television sets.
Sounds like fun! What other ideas do you have for new Olympic events?