Moria

Pimped by Diffusion of Regeneration

2006-12-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

This will be my last post on this blog. I have pimped by my friend Kendall. I hate trying to design and keep up with the blog up keep, but I don't mind writing. My friend kendall asked me to be a writer on his blog, so I accepted.

So if you have any desire to hear what I am thinking you can catch me at www.wtwesley.com/wordpress

Peace Out!

Jim Bakker on Leadership

2006-09-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

In the introduction to Jim Bakker's redemptive biography titled I Was Wrong, he says something very profound and insightful...

"For most of my life I believed that my understanding of God and how He wants us to live was not only correct but worth exporting to the world. One reason I have risked putting my heart into print is to tell you my previous philosophy of life, out of which my attitudes and actions flowed, was fundamentally flawed. God does not promise that we will all be rich and prosperous, as I onced preached. When I really studied the Bible while in prison, it became clear to me that not one man or woman--not even prophets of God--led a life without pain. God does promise that He will never leave us or forsake us, no matter what trial or pain we must go through...Whether it is loss of reputation, loss of position or power, financial calamity, addiction, separation, divorce, or imprisonment."

Basic leadership development always start with the foundation. Bakker uses the phrase "philosophy of life" (others uses phrases like, philosophy of ministry and practice of ministry) which deals primarily with those operational beliefs that manifest themselves in attitudes and actions. In other words, Bakker's foundational belief system ultimately lead him to a place of deep suffering and loss.

My point is not to focus on Bakker's shortcomings or his ultimate redemption--but to clearly point out that it matters what our fundamental and foundational beliefs are because those beliefs ultimately create the foundational and operational beginning point for our life and ministry in the world.

I had a professor constantly say "bad theology, produces bad God." Taking this a little further, bad belief, produces bad attitudes and bad actions. For Jim Bakker his operational beliefs lead him to some very difficult places. I wonder what Jim Bakker's legacy would have been if his operational beliefs and character would have been more complete?

Beliefs matter and so does character...What kind of legacy do you what for your life?

God thank you for the great lessons we are able to learn from both good and bad examples of good men and women trying to live as ambassadors of Christ in the difficult world.

Thought's on Calvin

2006-09-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

"Calvin's chief doctrine, which he emphasized over and over throughout his work, was that God is the sole author of all goodness and humanity is completely blinded by sin, unable, apart from grace, to ever know God."

Is this really so radical of an idea for the average follower of Jesus? If a Wesleyan was truly functioning in his heritage they would have no problem with this statement, but I wonder if Wesleyans sometimes forget what Wesley actually believed and preached?

I think sometimes Wesleyans can rely a little to much on free choice and forget that God is the author of all goodness and that God is completely sovereign and that his sovereignty is not, and cannot, be contingent, on any human choice or action.

I am a Wesleyan, but I find great insight for living in Calvin's Institutes.

Power

2006-09-09T06:24:00.000-07:00

I was listening to a Hillsong worship CD the other day and in one of the verses of the song there it says, "I don't want the promise without the power." I remember hearing this the first time and was floored by the verse. Have you ever had one of those experience were all the ideas and thought that have been going through your head are brought together in a single phrase. It is really a neat experience when that happens.

This statement, "promise without the power" really captures the Christian life in so many ways. We not only are given the promises of God when we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, savior of the World, but we are also given the ability to live in those promises with power. The very nature of God will not allow these promises of God not to be true or empowered. A promise that has no chance of being true is no promise at all. When God says he will do something he will. When God says we can do something we can through him.

So the question becomes why is it that so many Christians seems to live powerless lives? I absolutely believe it is because something is missing and that something, or better yet, someone is the Holy Spirit. I think there are a variety reason why this is but I don't really feel like writing about them right now; however, I would encourage you to read the book of Acts and while reading notice importance placed upon the Holy Spirit. There are even a few times when Christian are encountered, but seem to be living powerless lives. And the question asked to them is have you received the Holy Spirit.

I have a friend that always says, "the answer to the how question is always the Holy Spirit." Do you believe that? I do. If you are living a powerless life in Jesus, then something is wrong. God gives us not only the promises of God, but also the power through the Holy Spirit.

Quote from the Kid

2006-07-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

I asked my little girl the other day--"what would you like to be when you grow up?"

She responded, "a cactus!"

She is hilarious!

I Love Coffee and Art

2006-07-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

What is better than coffee art?

In order to waste less coffee--since I am the only one who drinks it in my house--I decided to buy a small 4oz. French press. I have had coffee from a French press before, but there is something about grinding the beans, measuring the grind, pouring in the hot water, and eventually pressing the grind--that produces a great cup of coffee.

I am not real happy right now with the French because of the extreme liberalism and behavior in the World Cup. However, I am truly thankful for the French press and all the joy it brings to my life. Once you taste coffee from a French press you will never go back. Once you go press you never go back! One of the reason coffee is so good from the French press is because the oil from the coffee bean is allowed to say in the water. In your typical coffee maker with paper filter the oil is absorbed into the paper and a lot of flavor is lost. Even with a 14 karat gold filter some of the flavor is lost--plus the grind is not allowed to simmer in the water--which reduces flavor.

You can pick a French press up for $7:00.

United States Soccer

2006-06-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

I realize that most Americans think the game of soccer is boring and dumb, etc. And quite frankly I think they are boring and dumb.

On a different note--I was so excited for the 2006 World Cup and I really wanted to be in Germany to support the USA, but after yesterday's game against the Czech Republic I would have been embarassed by the crack kicking we received. It was awful. It would have been better for us not to have even played the game.

I still love soccer and I still love my country--but we better get our crap together or we are in deep trouble. It is not a mistake that they are calling our Group--the Group of Death. We must beat Italy--and to do that we better be ready to play!

We will know the heart and passion of this team come Saturday!

Go Team USA!

Gainfully Employed

2006-05-17T07:05:00.000-07:00

I was offered the Young Adult Pastor position at La Croix United Methodist in Cape Girardeau, MO. I officially accepted the position on Tuesday. We are excited about this new ministry assignment!

www.lacroixchurch.org

On another note--I really think we should put storm troopers on the border or maybe even alligators. I here those Florida gators are pretty mean.

Interview

2006-05-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

I am interviewing for a job in MO. I am there right now. This is the third interview and I hope the final one. We should know something soon!

I Be Having A Job

2006-03-02T15:04:00.000-08:00

I got a job. I am officially a cashier at a local grocery store. I have finally arrived. I knew there was a reason for all those books I read and papers I wrote in school.

In all seriousness I am extremely thankful for this job. It will help keep us out of the poor house. In the meantime I will continue looking for ministry work. I hope something comes soon.

Food for Thought: Money is really not all that important until you don't have any.

This whole experience has been humbling. I know God has a plan for us and He also has the perfect job for me. It is just that sometimes His time schedule is different than mine. I guess that is why patience is a virtue. Virtues are those things that are hard to acquire. Having patience is extremely hard most of the time. I guess I just don't like waiting all that much.

Peace in the Middle East--well I just we can hope--right?

Dick Shot His Friend

2006-03-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

So what? Does the nation really need to spend anymore time on this story? Do we really need to have 24/7 coverage of this story?

I can't stand the media sometimes. They absolutely drive me nutts. Of coarse Dick did not alert the media first about him shooting his friend because he knew how it would be blown completely out of scope. I mean the media actually tried to make it sound like he did it on purpose. They would say "he shot his friend while hunting", not "he accidently shot his friend while hunting".

This is not the only time the media has done this it is just one of the latest times.

If I was Dick I would have told the media what they could do with their piss-poor reporting! This is probably one of the many reason why I will never be VP.

God Bless America--and please humble the American Media!

Prophets Wanted!

2006-02-04T13:20:00.000-08:00

The church needs more prophets. I realize that prophets make people very uncomfortable, but without them the church becomes "soft". God's church was never intended to be "soft". God's church was intended to advance forcefully--but if the only message coming from the church is "be nice" then we are in serious trouble.

[I would highly recommend a book I am reading right now entitled Why Men Hate Going to Church. The research is sound and the thesis extremely challenging to all. I would encourage both men and women to read it.]

We need more prophets who are students of God's Word. We need people who will bring challenge to the status quo--and I am not just talking about social justice issues. I am talking about calling a spade a spade. I don't care if you don't believe in truth. Truth is not contingent on your belief. The only standard that is trustworthy is God's Word and the only way God's Word is revealed is through the Holy Spirit.

The church needs more prophets so that her compass remains set to true north. Without prophets the church is destiny to mediocrity and "velet glove" Christianity. The church's main agenda should not just be to comfort the afflicted; but also afflict the comfortable. The church is called to shake things up. The church is called to challenge. The church is called to insight change. The church is called to advance and not retreat. Too many churches are retreating when they should be advancing. If a church is unwilling to advance then they should just close there doors--sell the property--and give the profits from the sale of the property to a church that is willing to take the hill.

I am sick of weak Christianity that cowers in the face of adversity. For Christ sake--let the church move forward! We need more prophets. We need people that will lead into the uncertain. We need prophetic leaders who will take a stand and uphold God's standard and at the same time cast a vision for the future that compels the hearts of men to action.

The church must advance! Please--God send us more prophets even if they make us uncomfortable. Be strong and courageous!

Sick

2006-02-04T13:16:00.000-08:00

I hate being sick. I absolutely hate it. Being sick is so distracting. I am not able to get anything done. My motivation level is so low. It really sucks!

Please join in my melancholy!

Wisdom from A.W. Tozer

2006-01-20T15:13:00.000-08:00

Personal Life: The Need for Solitude

And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.
--Matthew 14:23

Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. It wears us out by multiplying distractions and beats us down by destroying our solitude, where otherwise we might drink and renew our strength before going out to face the world again.

"The thoughtful soul to solitude retires," said the poet of other and quieter times; but where is the solitude to which we can retire today? Science, which has provided men with certain material comforts, has robbed them of their souls by surrounding them with a world hostile to their existence. "Commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still" is a wise and healing counsel, but how can it be followed in this day of the newspaper, the telephone, the radio and the television? These modern playthings, like pet tiger cubs, have grown so large and dangerous that they threaten to devour us all. What was intended to be a blessing has become a positive curse. No spot is now safe from the world's intrusion.
Of God and Men, 125.

Enjoy--I know I did!

Broke Back Mountain

2006-01-18T19:55:00.000-08:00

I don't get it! I mean I understand the deep desire for love and connection, but at what cost? Broke Back Mountain is a perfect example of how destructive unchecked passion can truly be. Two gay cowboys fall in love, but because society does not accept this kind of lifestyle they are forced to settled for women. Poor guys. On top of that--instead of just destroying their own lives they end up destroying the lives of just about everyone around them, and the interesting thing is that the fault doesn't really lie with them--it's the fault of the closed-minded society they are forced to live in.

Give me a break! Broke Back Mountain is simply a well written story put to film about human selfishness that ends with the destruction of many lives.

If you choose to view the film--ask this question "Who is at fault really?"

Maybe just maybe there is a reason society has maintained a fairly strict taboo about homosexuality. Maybe there are societal taboos that are necessary.

My beliefs clearly conflict with the agenda of this film. I believe the Bible is pretty clear on these matters. However, even if you are not a follower of Christ--how is it possible to walk away from this film and think what occurs on the screen is a good thing? These two gay cowboys--ruin the lives a many people--and yet it's not their fault it's societies, or it's the close minded-conservative, or whoever else you want to blame.

What next?

A morally relative society will reap the whirlwind! We are feeling the effect even now, but mark my words, it will get worse if we choose to deny the important of our God given moral compass. C.S. Lewis called them "universal truths".

Blessings!!!

Lost

2006-01-18T19:36:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel lost? I know I do sometimes.

Life can be confusing. Faith can also be confusing.

I am thankful for friends and for Christ. I don't know how people make it day in and day out without intimate relationships with other people and Christ. I cannot imagine life without the power of Christ and the power of His church.

I have been struggling with lack of directions lately. I desire to serve God with my life, but lately it seems like all the doors are closed. I know that God has a plan, but waiting can be hard.

There may be a light at the end of the tunnel, which is exciting. I have a meeting with a guy this Friday that could lead to some answers. I also have a job interview that I am not really that excited about. I guess that is kind of strange. I am suppose to be excited about a job interview--right? But, I am really not.

I hope to have some clarity by the end of the month.

Dirty Tricks

2005-10-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

I recently had a friend play a dirty little trick on me. Playing a prank on someone else is always much better than having a prank played on you.

My so called friend Greg (who you see below in the TV evangelist suit)

Decided to have one of his friend--the webmaster at his church--send me an email stating that if I posted another comment on Greg's blog, which is apart of the churches web site he would notify the FBI internet divsion and have them come after me. I realize that for some of you this might sound a little ridiculous--but not really knowing how these things work I was a little unsettled by this email.

Now I do need to say that I had posted a playful post to one of his blogs--saying something like "this guys doesn't know what he is talking about--he is like 60 or something". I realize in some ways I brought this on myself--but come on the FBI.

I was a little unnerved by the whole thing which I suppose was justice since I really started it. I think the reason I was so unsettled was that I thought that I might have acted impulsively and caused some type of problem at the church that my friend served. I guess that created a great environment for them to pull this dirty little trick.

If my friend ever reads this blog I hope he feel really bad for freaking me out. However, I think I have learned a valuable lesson--think before you act--especially when your dealing with a joker.

Erwin

2005-10-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

I went to a gathering with Erwin McManus the other day. He brought a ton of people with him. He brought dancers, artist, actors, and communicators. They did some really creative dances and skits--and of coarse Erwin was amazing.

When I hear him speak I am truly engaged by his passion for Christ. He not only speaks about Jesus based out of his deep love for Christ, but he acts in that love. Mosaic is doing great things for the kingdom.

The other day I was reading something on the internet and I stumbled upon a web article telling everyone, basically, all the reasons why Erwin is a heretic. I guess in my own ignorance I just assumed that everyone was for Erwin and the ministry he was doing. I mean, I knew there were some that did not like what he was doing, stylistically, but to call him a heretic seems a bit harsh.

Erwin is orthodox and to say something different is an ignorant statement based on bad research. It is a perfect example of someone majoring in the minors. There is no doubt that Erwin is an out-of-the-box type thinker, but that doesn't make him a heretic. When it come to the majors (those things that are at the heart of Christianity) he is true.

One of the criticisms is that Erwin takes a more philosophically eastern approach to communicating the gospel. So? What's wrong with taking a more eastern approach to Christianity? I am pretty sure Jesus was not a westerner and for the church to suggest he was--or that Christianity must submit herself to western thought is a gross injustice to the universality of the gospel. If this person criticizing Erwin really did their research they would have found that 40% of Erwin's congregation is Asian. The gospel must be communicated in ways people understand--even in the west. There is an expectation in the west that a "alien" or "non-native" must conform to our western society and in a lot ways this is true. However, when it comes to the gospel--I don't think this is true. There are all kinds of people living in the west--that are not going to receive the gospel because we are unwilling to remove certain western philosophical "sacred cows".

OK--I am done venting. I just like Erwin a whole big bunch and I just happen to think that the gospel is for everyone.

Daniel

Cattle

2005-10-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

I was listening to Derek Webb's newest CD today on my way to a meeting and I did not have time to check the song title but was struck by a line in the song. It went something like "if the cattle on a thousands hills is not enough to pay my bills". I was again reminded that God is more than enough and his promises are true. In my attempt to be practical I lose simple trust in God. If God says he will take care of us and that he will provide for us, then why is it that we struggle so much? The cattle on a thousand hills is more than enough to pay my bills...Thanks Derek for the reminder!

I still love His music...Daniel

Foolishness

2005-10-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 1:18 says, "The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

I named my site Moria, which is greek for foolishness or absurdity. The life Jesus calls us to is a life that seems so foolish and absurd. It doesn't make since at all. We are taught the more pleasure, power, and security we aquire the better our life will be--however, Jesus says something completely different. He says that in order to find our life we must lose our life. He says laydown everything and everyone that distracts you from me and my mission in this world. He says he must increase and you must decrease. He says pleasure, power, and security will never satisfy.

I have been reading a book entitled The Importance of Being Foolish by Brennan Manning which has brought up a lot of thoughts and emotions. I would like to write about them right now but my wife is calling me to dinner.

I will leave you with this:

Jesus entered our world as the music man, but the world was disturbed by his song."

-Brennan Manning

I love His music...Daniel