meanderings of a restless wanderer

As promised, below you will find the videos from our Murder Mystery Volunteer Appreciation Night. The staff of Revolution had a ton of fun putting this together and our volunteers appeared to have a blast. Thanks to Dave Gaw as always for the video editing. i will be posting a slide show of pictures sometime soon.

The first video is the fake newsreel.

The second real is the actual silent movie.

The third video is our thank you.

Enjoy!

Next weekend is our Ministry Appreciation Dinner.  This years theme is a murder mystery and it’s going to be awesome!  The setting is a 1927 silent movie premier…of course that means we had to make a silent movie.  Here, are a few pictures from the Movie starring Jenny Platt, Devon Delozier, and stunt double Christina Walker.  After we premier the film I will make sure to post here on my blog for the world to see.

So here I sit watching “Idol Gives Back” and I am dealing with a barrage of thoughts. I struggle. Not because of the awareness being brought to the forefront or the millions of dollars being raised to make a difference in lives around the globe…but because I can’t help but ask..where is the church?

I am so glad that God is doing such amazing things through the generosity and creativity of people around the world. I am inspired by those individuals, organizations, and churches that are leading the charge in meeting the needs of those around them. At the same time…I still ask the question…where is the church as a whole?

Now I know there are those Christians, there are those churches that are actively involved with changing the world. I know there are those Christians those churches that are in the mud - cleaning wounds - touching the untouchable - providing for those in need - sharing love and encouragement - and serving in whatever way that they can. However, the reality is - in the fallen world in which we live the need is overwhelming and instead of leading the charge in taking care of those in need…we somehow focus our attention on us. On our stuff, on our needs, on filling our buildings, and starting programs that benefit us.

The sad reality is that most Christians watching “Idol Gives Back” will be more moved and excited that they closed the evening with “Shout to the Lord”, then the need and opportunity that the show was bringing to light.

It’s as if we are blinded.

I hope that those that watched or will watch “Idol Gives Back” will give and give generously…But I also hope that people will be willing to not only give money but they would be willing to step up and go.

In the next 12 months what will you do to make a difference?

Don’t know where to start…well let me be a resource. Here are just a few of the things I am connected to;

Long Beach Rescue Mission

Trips to India

A new orphanage and ministry in Kenya

Missions in Russia

Wrapped in Love

Adopt a Block

Rebuild New Orleans

Metro State Hospital

Long Beach AIDS walk and awareness

Home building in Mexico

Christian Outreach in Action

Tutoring

TESOL

Local Home Renovation

Medical Missions in Haiti

Bellflower Convalescent Home

Royal Family Kids Camp

and several others…

The time is now. The opportunities are everywhere. The people are waiting. What will you do?

It’s time to take off the blindfold.

I’m still tired.

As I sit here in my office listening to music I can’t escape the odd silence that surrounds me. It’s a contradiction really. Music playing, but I here nothing…time standing still as I sit and ponder the realities I am involved in. As I look back at what has transpired these past few days my brain fumbles…Friday seems like it was weeks ago. Sunday came and never in my life did I think that I would have to stand in front of people and share the kind of news that was given. They don’t really teach you about how to handle things like that in Bible College.

As I watched the shock give way to confusion, the confusion give way to anger, and the anger give way to sadness - I realized something…God is still God. It seems like a simple statement, but the truth is it’s a deeper concept than any of us can fully grasp. The reality is, what has happened does not change who God is. What has happened does not change who Jesus is. What it does change is us…and what that change entails is determined by how we handle this painful time.

It would be easy to rest in anger, pain, guilt, hate, irritation, hopelessness, and sadness…and believe me it is OK to feel all of those things…but when we rest in those things…when we give in to the negative we slowly become hardened. We become mere memories of our former selves…and we loose sight of the truth that is right before our eyes.

Romans 5:4-5 says, “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because We know that suffering produces endurance; endurance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given to us.”

I believe in hope. I believe it does not disappoint us. I believe it is a gift from God. I believe that in this time we have a unique opportunity to be honest with our spouses and friends about our feelings, thoughts, struggles, and weaknesses. I believe we have an opportunity to bless particular families in ways they could have never expected. I believe we have a chance to learn from the mistakes of others. I believe we have a chance to rise above and show how beautiful the bride of Christ really is. I believe that it is in this hope that we are able to see the church at it’s best.

Satan has not won…and I will not stop fighting.

Although the future is unclear, I believe more than ever that God is calling me to be a person of hope, compassion, truth, and love. And I know it is in those things that I am able to surrender and trust God to lead me through the battles. Let our attention not be on those that have caused the pain, but on those that are wounded by it. We have to keep singing. Let us crawl into the lap of God and weep…let his compassion wash over us and give us strength…allow him to sing over us…as he prepares us for the celebration of victory that is Easter. I refuse to let Satan steal that from us.

My friends…my hope and prayer is that we find time to rest, that we are honest with how we feel and wise in how we share it, that we are realistic in that all of this can’t be fixed in a week, month, or even a year…my hope and prayer is that those that have been affected by all that has happened will be willing to show patience to each other, that we can love one another and serve one another, that we can wash each others feet, that we can help one another up out of the mud and allow God to lead us forward…together as one body…united…broken but beautiful.

I don’t know when this silence will break…or when confusion will give way to clarity…or even when anger will give way to peace…What I do know is that there will come a day when we will begin to hear something faintly around us…it will be a sweet sound, one of celebration…one of victory…until that time comes however, know that I will keep fighting…I will keep pursuing…I will rest in hope and trust God to lead me through the battles…and I hope you will join me in the journey.

When men fall we weep…but never forget that hope endures.

Sadness and disappointment fill my head, as my heart breaks at the reality of it all. Not understanding adds a confusion I’ve never had before and in the process anger rears it’s ugly head. But I will still trust….I will still believe…I will still have faith…and I will lead with conviction, love, grace, hope, passion, balance, boundaries, boldness, and humility. For the bride of Christ may weep and the dress may be a bit soiled…she is still beautiful and radiant even amidst the pain and brokenness.

Yesterday Revolution held their Christmas services at 2 different locations welcoming over 900 adults and children.  In the 8 years I have been active in ministry I have never been  apart of such a unique Christmas service.  For those of you that came, you know exactly what I mean.

It was awesome!  The people that came to both campuses were challenged, entertained, and had a whole bunch of fun as they watched a 30 minute production a 15 minute teaching film and some rocking music.

The production that was written and directed by my friend Evan was intense to say the least.  At times it was like watching Trainspotting.  For 30 minutes you see this guy, who has basically lost his marbles, kidnap 3 different individuals to find out the truth of Jesus was.  There was rope, gags, blindfolds, screaming, gunshots…yeah not your typical Christmas production…but it all served a beautiful purpose and ending.

Next week we finish up our Christmas series “He Will Be Called” and I again am lucky enough to be able to do the teaching film.  Then in January we begin our brand new series QT: Learning to Slow Down in a Frantic World.  I am looking forward to this message series a great deal and I think it is the perfect way to kick off the New Year.

All that said…I hope everyone out there has a great Christmas.  God Bless.

So David, Leanne, Nitro, and I went to go see Rob Bell speak on his “The gods aren’t angry” tour.

Rob Bell is…well…brilliant.

I may not always connect or agree with what he is saying but the man is incredibly gifted in his ability to convey information, feeling, stories, biblical truth, and unique mysticism. It was a great time all around. Starting with a crazy Chinese dinner, hangin out in the Wiltern, and finishing off the night with a shake form Carls Jr.

Thanks David for the invite. And if you are not familiar with Rob Bell, you should be, he is good peeps with lots of great things to share.

Chapter 1 - The opening

The morning began with men on stilts, a cow throwing t-shirts, a rock wall, a rapper, pancake corn dogs, and cannons that shot streamers. Then we went inside. The theme this year is “reverb” and in the spirit of this theme the opening experience was incredible. It began with an orchestra on stage while a conductor (not a real one) led them through some classical music and then the fun really began. The conductor began to wave his wand out into the audience and a spotlight followed, when the light finally came to rest it lit up a man in a tux way up high and he began to sing opera. Next the light went to a guy playing the didgeridoo, followed by a guy playing bag pipes, followed by some Japanese drummers, followed by some dueling banjos…and then a guy on guitar began playing Back in Black, then the orchestra played Back in Black, then the guy on guitar played Walk this Way, followed by the Orchestra playing Walk this Way…finally combining and playing a little Sweet Home Alabama. And the transition into the worship set was the coolest thing ever! The orchestra began to play Bittersweet Symphony and melded it into How Great is our God!

Chapter 2 - Speakers

Andy Stanley - What can I say? There are very few communicators that when I listen to them I completely feel the presence of God challenging me to my core…Andy Stanley is one of those communicators.

Patrick Lencioni - This is the author of “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team”. I have never seen a more sporadic speaker in my life…that being said, he was great! He leveraged his apparent ADD and humor to great benefit for all who were listening.

Shane Claiborne - Interesting cat. Likes to push buttons, he embraces who he is, and above else has a desire to see peace throughout the world and the least of these taken care of.

Francis Chan - Although I love Andy Stanley I must say that Francis moved me. His heart, passion, vulnerability, humility and confidence challenged me to think in brand new ways. I will take much away from him…but above all things I will take away that God is doing something supernatural through me. It reminded me that I am the slave and He is the master…and even if I fail God will still be glorified and spread His Kingdom.

Rick Warren - I have to be honest, I’m not the biggest Rick Warren fan. I’m not a hater or anything I just don’t connect with his style. However, there is no denying the impact God has had through him. I respect the man immensely for his dreams, investment in leaders, and his willingness to allow God to use his influence throughout the world.

Chapter 3 - Angels and Demons

While I was in college I had many mentors. Today I ran in to two of them and let me just say one word…AWKWARD! One of them was and is like a father figure to me. He has always been my wise council and I hope he will continue to be. The other person…well, let’s just say that our relationship ended with me wanting to punch him hard in the neck. It was just an awkward encounter with him…but the other one was, as always, a huge blessing. I do wish the other guy well, and I am glad that God is using in him in some pretty incredible ways…but it was still awkward.

Chapter 4 - Cracker Barrel

We have eaten there twice in less than 24 hours. We don’t have them in California…which is a crying shame cause it is definitely good eats.

Chapter 5 - Reflections

In the ongoing journey that is my life I have found that the moment I allow myself to get away, God fills me with huge dreams and big ideas. This trip is no different. My heart longs to love people. My soul longs to make a global impact. There is this fire that burns so intensely within me that I can’t help but dream, and pursue the impossible. I am filled with a humble confidence knowing that God is leading me and doing amazing through me. I know that I am His, and that He will use me in ways that I can not even comprehend. I know that the dreams he is giving me are the dreams he has for my life…and I embrace them with anticipation. It is time to listen. Listen to his calling, direction, and rebuke. I am an unfinished wanderer who has given his life to change the world…and I have only just begun.

Until next time…