A Convergence of Life and Faith...

A New Season of Lent

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:45:27 -0500

This week begins the season of Lent. Lent is a period of 40 days (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter where we, as Christ followers, fast/sacrifice in some way to experience wilderness as Christ experienced wilderness. Most years, I consider something to sacrifice for the 40 days (food, coffee, tv, etc.) and spend more intentional time with Jesus in prayer. This year, however, as I meditate on Isaiah 58, I’m thinking upon how I can give my life as a sacrifice. In Isaiah 58, God calls us out and expresses a true fast:

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

What if we engaged in a season of Lent by offering ours lives as a sacrifice instead of considering what we might sacrifice? What if we were to engage in tangibly serving widows, orphans, the poor, and foreigners? God promises that as we offer our lives as a living sacrifice, we will be awakened to the life and light of God. We will call upon His name and He will answer us! Light will shine in darkness!

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear;then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

the five-ten: Are you really Linspired? Were you really a Tebow-maniac?

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:04:06 -0500

the five-ten: Are you really Linspired? Were you really a Tebow-maniac?:

jumpmonger23:

Being an Asian-American Christian, I’ve read my fair share of Jeremy Lin and Tim Tebow articles, for different reasons.

Sometimes I’m reading out of genuine interest, sometimes it’s just my Facebook feed blowing up with a particular article.

You know it: ”OMG, So inspiring” (insert whatever the…

Joy and Pain

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:40:18 -0500

As I’ve been reading, praying, and wrestling with life and ministry, I keep coming back to the same and simple conclusion… Love God the most and follow Him always. I know that this sounds simple. Maybe it even sounds trite. But, it has been significantly impacting me.

In life and in ministry people have said, “you should enjoy what you do.” ”If your not enjoying what you do or finding energy, excitement, and/or fulfillment in what your doing then maybe you’re in the wrong place.” This sounded good to me. This even sounded right. But when I think about loving God the most and following Him always, I don’t always think it’s to a place of enjoyment. I think of Jonah who did not enjoy God’s call up until the very end when an entire nation of his enemies repented before God. God’s call to Jonah was to go to his enemy and, in mercy, proclaim repentance before God. I do not see the joy or enjoyment of that. Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell all of his possessions and give the proceeds to the poor. There was so little enjoyment in it that he chose to not do it and walk away.

When we love God the most, we are finding our deepest sense of joy, enjoyment, and fulfillment in Him. When we are completely satisfied in Christ, we can courageously go where He calls us to go and serve where He calls us to serve when we don’t feel like it or even when it is painful.

Let Christ be our first love! Let Christ be our satisfaction! Let Christ be our joy!

As this becomes more and more the reality of our lives, I believe the church will engage with people and go to places that it never considered or imagined…

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. - Philippians 1: 20-21

Listening

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:27:21 -0500

I’ve been in preparation mode for an Elder Team retreat that we’re having this weekend. As I have been reading, praying, and studying, one thing that I’ve come to realize is the necessity of my heart to be in a posture of listening. I need to be listening as I read, listening as I pray, and listening as I study.

Now, I know that we all listen. In fact, I think that we’re listening all the time. I’m actually listening to a worship song (You are My King) as I’m writing this. I listen to my wife, I listen to my kids, I listen to my friends, I listen to the news, I listen to my Facebook timeline, I listen to my Twitter feed… I think you get my point. We’re always listening to something or someone. But, how attentive are we to God’s voice? How intentional are we of sitting and listening to Him? And, how are doing at living out what we’re hearing?

I remember when I was a kid, my mom would tell me to do something (mostly cleaning up my room) and I would quickly respond with an, “ok!” About 10 minutes later, she would have to tell me the same thing over again. This would happen a few times before I actually ‘listened’ and cleaned my room. I feel like this is how we are with God sometimes. We hear, but we don’t always listen. And, a lot of times, it’s because our attention is elsewhere.

I want to encourage you to carve out some time to sit still and listen to God’s voice. I want to encourage you to make His voice the priority in your lives. I want to also challenge you to respond to His voice in action and obedience.

I believe that listening to God can change us to change the world!!!

The Tension of Freedom

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:53:48 -0500

I have always viewed freedom as “bliss” or some kind of feeling of elation. The picture in my mind is that of the many movies I’ve seen where the adrenaline-filled protagonist screams out “Freedom!!!” as they march on to victory. It’s usually a victory from some kind of tyranny so freedom is more obvious and more naturally feels great and liberating.

I realize, however, that most of what we are trying to find liberation from in our “real” lives is actually tempting and appealing to us. If I were to present a picture of this (from a movie. and yes, I probably watch too many movies…), I would choose the Matrix. There, freedom is messy, simple, uncomfortable, but real. It’s being unplugged from the materialism and consumerism that seems to dominate our lives. It’s a struggle because when we’re “plugged in” to the system, we feel comfortable and when we’re “unplugged” and liberated, we feel uncomfortable. Ok, I know it sounds incredibly simple when I write it, and the reality is that it is a simple concept. Living out our freedom, however, is not about complexity as much as it is about courage. There’s one scene in particular where Cypher (one who has been free for years) admittedly knows that the steak before him isn’t real, but wants it anyway. He doesn’t want to embrace his freedom and humanity any longer because the temptation of comfort and pleasure in the matrix is so overwhelming. I don’t know about you, but that sounds more like my struggle for freedom today.

I believe that Christ sets us free (John 8:31-32). What I also believe is that we are learning and struggling to live into that freedom. I think that freedom today feels like tension because as we are being liberated in Christ and to Christ, we are simultaneously dying to what has held us captive. We are dying to the consumerism, materialism, lust, greed, etc. that has dominated our lives. We’re dying to a system that places ourselves (our desires, our comforts, and our pleasures) at the center and are learning what it means to live FOR CHRIST, WITH CHRIST, and IN CHRIST. Our struggle is not to attain freedom, but rather to live it…

Everyday Spiritual Warfare

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:29:26 -0500

I have to admit that when I think about spiritual warfare, what usually comes to mind is exorcism or some intense prayer meeting where the face of evil is obviously present. I rarely think about the subtle ways in which we face spiritual warfare in our everyday lives… Until this past Monday.

This past Monday, I was recovering from physical sickness and stuck in traffic on my way to tutor at MLK, Jr Elementary School. While I was in my car, the little thought that came into my mind was: “why don’t you just skip this week? It’s only a one hour session and you might be late anyway because of this traffic. And, you’re recovering from sickness so everyone will understand. It’s one hour. It’s not going to make that big of a difference. It’s ok. You don’t have to go.”
I was so close to not going. I forced myself to keep heading in the direction of the school. I pulled in and told myself that I would not think about it anymore and resolved to go. When I showed up, the Director of Faith Network told me that a couple of tutors couldn’t make it that day and was thankful that I was there and ready to tutor.

The reality is that none of us know the ultimate consequences of our actions. Showing up to tutor for one hour could potentially change a child’s life. Maybe it won’t. But, the truth and reality is that this is something that we cannot know And, the outcome is not what is meant to drive our decisions to love and serve. We fight this fight of spiritual warfare in the knowledge and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We live out what has been done for us by Jesus Christ. As we struggle for meaning in our service, we must realize that Christ is the one who has given us meaning and purpose in light of His life, death, and resurrection.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. - Ephesians 6: 10-12

davidgreco: Singer/songwriter David Greco talks about how...

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:10:17 -0500

davidgreco:

Singer/songwriter David Greco talks about how Christmas, for him, has gone from busy to beautiful. A feature of Rethink Monthly Magazine. rethinkmonthly.com

davidgreco: Last night I played a concert in my friend,...

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:34:33 -0500

davidgreco:

Last night I played a concert in my friend, Allison’s living room. A bunch of people who had no idea who I was (and some people who hadn’t seen me since jr. high) came to hear acoustic music. It was so much fun.

Where are we going?

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:10:41 -0400

As I reflect on our journey thus far as a church, I have been asking myself the question: where are we going? Innately, I feel like I’m driven by a passion for “more and bigger.” More people, bigger church. But that still doesn’t answer the question.

As I wrestle with this I think of the vision I believe that God gave me. I have a vision for a covenant community that inspires, encourages, and challenges one another to live in surrender to the Kingdom of God. When God’s Kingdom converges with our lives, I believe that everything about us and around us changes. More and more I’m learning that who we are becoming is the real question and that the destination is but a means to refine our character and identity as the people of God in Christ. So, I want to encourage you to join us in this journey of becoming who God intended us to be… His…

Thinking Beyond Me...

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:25:36 -0400

When we first began our ministry, the majority of our congregation was homeless. I have to admit that other than a few visits to homeless shelters to serve food or pack food, I hadn’t had much exposure to people on the street. So, every week as we gathered and ate together, I learned and began to see so many things in life differently. I remember one particular winter night when we got the first rain of the season. People typically feel great because it means ski season is around the corner and California can always use more rain. But, for the first time, I looked out my window and prayed for all the guys I had gotten to know realizing that the rain that brings some people joy brings others pain.

I share this because I think we, at times, can get so caught up in the tunnel vision of our lives that we lose sight of those around us in need. I was encouragingly reminded of this as one of our life groups went out in the rain this past Tuesday night to serve and connect with people on the streets of Oakland and discovered themselves changed by it all. You can read more about it here: http://bit.ly/lff2mU

the five-ten: Tumbles like a tumbleweed

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 03:44:19 -0400

the five-ten: Tumbles like a tumbleweed:

jumpmonger23:

Yesterday, as I was preparing for our church’s life group meeting in the evening, I felt dissonance. Incongruence.

We’ve been slowly going through the the book “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan, and much of what we had studied up to now has focused on diagnosing our lives, and trying to make sense of…

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb."

Tue, 24 May 2011 13:21:04 -0400

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.”

- God

Judgment Day in the Park!!!

Thu, 19 May 2011 15:24:37 -0400

So, as some people may know via internet news or billboards, this Saturday is ‘claimed’ by one person to be Judgment Day - when Christ returns and rapture occurs. Where will I be? I’ll be serving and playing with my W. Oakland community at our annual Day in the Park event! And, you are more than welcome to join us…:)

I may not agree with the fact that judgment day is this Saturday, but if I’m going to be doing anything on that day, I think I’d want to be serving and loving people in the name of Jesus. In fact, I think I’d want to be doing this every day of my life no matter when Christ returns.

If you know when He’s going to return, will that change what you do or when you do it? Or will the truth of the Gospel (Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection) be what informs every moment of your life? I choose the latter and I choose to live in that freedom!

Generosity doesn't begin when you have a lot.

Thu, 12 May 2011 13:51:45 -0400

Generosity doesn't begin when you have a lot.

the five-ten: Dumpster Conversation

Thu, 05 May 2011 16:05:42 -0400

the five-ten: Dumpster Conversation:

jumpmonger23:

The CCDA (Christian Community Development Association) is aptly named. It aims to develop under-resourced communities using a biblical approach.

At the core of CCDA’s principles is a guideline they call the “Three R’s”. One of CCDA’s “Three R’s” is “relocation”. By relocating into the actual…

On most days, I walk by this back entrance to the donut shop on...

Wed, 04 May 2011 13:47:20 -0400

On most days, I walk by this back entrance to the donut shop on lakeshore. There was this great graffiti piece that has been there for a little while now. But yesterday, as I was walking past, a man was painting over it to “clean it up.”

I had to take this pic to remind me that what took an artist time and energy to create was destroyed in two swipes of a paint roller. It reminds me that tearing down and criticizing is so much easier than creating. I choose to create!!! How about you???

Make the Most of Today...

Tue, 03 May 2011 14:18:50 -0400

I have to admit that I’m a procrastinator at heart. I put things off because I think I have all the time in the world. I wrestle with getting everything in order before I step into something versus just taking a step forward and working things out as I go. I also feel paralyzed sometimes when I face challenges, obstacles, and difficulties. In fact, I don’t move sometimes because I feel awkward and uncomfortable.

Imagine all that gets left undone because we live into our fears. Imagine all that is left unsaid because we’re unwilling to press into the awkward and uncomfortable.

I’m listening to “The Living Years” by Mike and Mechanics (yes, I’m sure this dates me a bit…:)) and find myself reminiscing on my relationship with my mom. I think about all that was unspoken and all of the life that I can’t share with her any longer. As I think about this, I realize how much I want to make the most of today. I don’t want to live life in fear, but in love and with a boldness. I want to hug my wife and kids and tell them how much I love them, I want to share Christ and the gospel with those around me, I want to love, serve and care for my church and community… Not tomorrow… Today…

Forgiveness and Love

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:34:56 -0400

I was meeting with my discipleship group last night and I closed our time with a thought on forgiveness and love.

In Luke 7, Jesus is reclining at the table in Simon the Pharisee’s house when a “woman of the city” wets his feet with her tears and washes his feet with her hair. Then she breaks the alabaster jar of ointment and to anoint his feet. Simon mumbles his disapproval of the whole thing under his breath. This is when Jesus responds with a question and a powerful teaching:

⁴¹“A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundreddenarii, and the other fifty. ⁴²When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” ⁴³Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.”⁴⁴Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, ”Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. ⁴⁵ You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. ⁴⁶ You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. ⁴⁷Therefore I tell you, her sins,which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” ⁴⁸And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

What do we learn in this moment? I think we lack love because deep down inside we think we’re better than other people. I may come before God and ask for forgiveness, but I may also feel better about myself because I don’t need to ask for as much forgiveness as someone else or as I did before. And, as I pride myself on my progress, I slowly lose my capacity for love. Why? Because I’m slowly losing my experience of undeserved grace and unconditional love. If we could be honest with who we are and embrace the fulness of God’s love and grace, then perhaps that love would begin to flow out of and through us like never before… Forgiven much, love much…

"Death is the last weapon of the tyrant. And the point of resurrection is that death has been..."

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 13:02:40 -0400

“Death is the last weapon of the tyrant. And the point of resurrection is that death has been defeated.”

- NT Wright

Remember Me...

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:24:04 -0400

It’s Good Friday today. Honestly, it’s hard for me to understand why it’s called “Good” sometimes. I get it and at the same time I wrestle with it. I’m spending some time today remembering and reflecting on the sacrifice and death of my Savior.

The night before is where Jesus shares the passover meal with His disciples and makes a statement of remembrance. He breaks the bread and says, “this is my body which is given for you. Do this to remember me…” Then He pours the wine and says, “this cup is the new covenant between God and His people - an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you…”

One of the key moments in this sacrament is the words “remember me…” It’s so easy for me to forget. It’s so easy for me to look past the body broken and the blood poured. It’s perhaps easier for me to see resurrection. However… more and more I realize that I can’t understand the truth of resurrection unless I really remember the truth of His sacrifice and death.

Today represents both our darkest hour and the initiation of eternal hope…