Missional Heart

Traveling: 11 days fundraising campaign day 1, Part2

Today is Wednesday.

Earlier this morning I helped my buddy Dewitt Harrison on and off a plane in Charlotte because the airline said that he couldn't fly if he was not assisted in flight and US Airways couldn't be liable for him in case of emergencies.

I loved getting to know this aged soul. He's seen and heard great things throughout history. I hope he gets well and can move back in to his apartment at 88th and CPW in Manhattan.

Now, I got lunch with Dr. Jerry Sutton of Two Rivers Baptist in Nashville at the Aquarium and told him our vision of patience and longevity in NYC. I hope he reads this and his church is compelled to give to the project financially. Jerry, you know how to reach me. Dr. Sutton was with me when I accepted Christ back in 1996. you can read the blogpost about that HERE.

We went back to the church and I was introduced to some of the staff that I was at one time contemporaries with. What is it about those that work in denominations, that feel the need to stay in them, when they constantly make quips and comments about how its so trite or needs to change..( more on that thought in a later post).

I finished the night early and crashed at 7.

More tomorrow.

One day, One Chapter #4 - Matthew 4

Matthew 4

Scripture - From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of God is near."

Observation - Jesus was the man! He had the ability to stand up to the tempter without fail. The course of events in chapter 4 were interesting. Jesus is guided by the Spirit to be tested by the devil. Then triumphs the testing and gets to move hometowns, walking the shoreline calling others to become his pupils and then healing everyone, making them whole physically and spiritually. Crazy. I want to study more about this chapter and see if this course of events is similar to that of others. Surrender to God, tests, reward, calling others to follow.

Also, it seems this chapter couldn't come any sooner. when people seem to give their lives to Jesus, often the enemy attacks them the hardest to create doubt and shame. But the same happened to Jesus, not to mention the quick mention of John, who just baptized Jesus a chapter before.

Application - I want to be able to stand up to my desires that I know do not help me become the man I desperately need to be. The more I read daily the scriptures the more I am beginning to see the intentionality of them from God to his people.

Prayer - Lord, give me the strength to face my trials; to withstand those things that hinder my walk with you. I am sorry for caving in when times seem tough. Thank you for modeling the right approach to my temptations. To keep the word in my heart and to use it as reference for how to live. Please help me do this. Amen

One day, One Chapter #3 - Matthew 3

Matthew 3

Scripture - But Jesus said, " It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires." So John agreed to baptize him.

Observation - Jesus knew he had a mission and a purpose, and even the friends and others closest to him didn't deter his plan. Through out this chapter 3 I can see that life for God is not perceived the most comfortable of lives. John the Baptist could have had so much more in terms of the everyday life in Jerusalem. His father was a priest, a well respected one. However John chose to live another way, calling people to a better life, that didn't actually provide him with many would consider the best of lives in his day and ours. I wonder how many people, including myself, are afraid to call others, hold accountable others and compel others to better lives? At what time is it ok to ask people to own up to what God has in store for them?

I want to know if the idea that we need a relationship with people to talk to them about God has left many people speechless and with tons of friends who are not reconnected with Jesus.

Application - I want to make sure that my life is built upon calling people to "eat the Body, and drink the Blood." With no compromise to what I think all Christ-followers should be doing, loving one another. I want to know love that is accountable, a love that is founded on the idea that sometimes we have to love one another by correction, rebuke and straightening. For myself, I think we live in a time where we are afraid to love in a godly way because we will be loved back in a godly way.

Prayer - Jesus, let your people love in radical ways, and mold us to crave a love from one another that is radical with accountability. I do not have it all together and need help to walk through my daily with you. I pray for security of identity that I may not be swayed to think that a love without accountability is true love. Thank you for a wife that has nagged me to be a better man, rather than letting me just be. Shape me to be your model for this generation as you did John in the day of Jesus. Continue to recall these thoughts for me to flesh out in the daily.

One day, One Chapter #2 - Matthew 2

Matthew 2

Scripture - About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him." King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.

Observation - There was a new thing coming into place in the midst of a current tyranny within Jerusalem. Why did some wise men coming into town disturb everyone? It seems that those who were profiting from the systems and programs in place under King Herod were taken aback by a newborn King. Here is a baby who the stars obey, King Herod builds monuntains and palaces with the sweat of his people, and a new baby is born into King's robes with no counsel to Herod, or Caesar. This wise men, were not Jews, yet they were coming to bow down before this "newborn king." Should that have been disturbing to everyone? What does that even mean, "everyone was disturbed?"

Herod seemed to be insecure about his king title. He was shaken by the birth of a baby... it also seems to illustrate that those with visible insecurities are more likely to make visible wrong decisions.

Application - I can understand the insecurities and the actions that follow from living within my insecurities. I have been around that block before. I want to make sure that I can be more present and acknowledgeable of the things that God is doing around me and using me for.

Prayer - Lord, show me the heart of the wise men to understand what you are doing as it is taking place. I pray that I am close to your heart to see your next step for my family and I clearly. My securities paralyze me lots of times, especially during my tie of ministry to others. God, remind me that I am valued and loved. Remind me that my value and your grace and love for me doesn't come from my abilities, nor anything I do. I'm thankful to be reminded that everything is a stewardship and temporary. Let me know the best time and way to pass the torch. Amen

One day, One Chapter through the Gospels...

I am reading through the Gospels one chapter, every day and journaling my thoughts and prayers from them. I got the idea fro the book the Divine Mentor by Wayne Cordiero, which I think is a great book and fresh way for a new generation of Christ-followers to view reading the scriptures. So with out further a due:

Matthew 1

Scripture - Joseph, her fiance, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said to him, "do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit."

Observation - Joseph, before the sacrifice of our savior, was considered a good man. That's amazing to me. He followed the law because he knew that he needed to, but didn't do so legalistically. Joseph's heart was balanced to love and do right by the law. He didn't need the parading of his would be ex-fiance to make him more pious or secure. Also, he seemed to want to do right by Mary and the unborn baby. He knew what would happen if it was publicly broadcasts. She would be stoned to death. *** side note. Joseph had to wait longer than other newly wed men to have sex, it said they wed and they waited until Jesus was born, before they had sex. mad props to him...

Application - Who would do the opposite and make a spectacle of Mary and the situation? Most! People want to do right by religion and by man, but often seem to miss the point of God's view. I think the law in place was harsh, because the heart of the people was harsh. Today most people flee from the sinner, as they do the sin. Leaving both unredeemed and without hope. I think that as I walk through life holding to some of the harder, more straightforward claims of the christian life, that I am understanding that its a process and that those things are for christians to become more like Christ (growing in maturity), not actually making you a christian. in less than 5 verses, Joseph was a good man, trying to love God and love and protect Mary at the same time, was told to continue to love God, not be afraid of what the religion filled people of the day would say and to cling to Mary as only a husband can a wife. He does this and is brought further into the meta-narrative of God. Wow, the earthly father of Jesus, talk about accepting a small role... this guy's voice would always be second in the life of Jesus as DAD... tough one to accept. The resolve and security of this man has to be moving...

Prayer - Jesus, these are powerful thoughts that you have shown me. Please do not let them escape me, but make me write them down. I do want to know what causes one to be found as a good man in your story as you did Joseph. I want to know the balance of doing the right things for you and by others. I want to know love like this God, that you call us to your story to play our own little parts individually. Show me how to learn from Joseph's balanced heart to please you and to love others. Sometimes that seems in life contradictory. Show me what it means to care for others in a godly way, not in the way that religion or man seems it needs to be done. I want to be my own man of God, that encourages others to become their own as well. Amen.

Podcasts? Do you listen to them? What are they?

So, would you mind helping me pick out some great podcasts. They can be on anything, I just want to broaden my horizons on podcasts.

Nothing is to weird or bad. So please comment back with a list of 2-5 great podcast that you like and I'll check them out.

Leave your comments by clicking here.

Thanks,

Erick

The greatness of Story...

I watched Superman II tonight... what a great story!

There is something about a story that captures the heart of the masses. It grips those who watch it, gives them hope and despair. It reminds them of their mortality and their ability to dream great dreams– insurmountable dreams.

There is a thing about the concept of story that I am beginning to see more and more woven throughout the tapestry of time.

I think the more I am beginning to write the more it is making itself known to me. As I draw closer to understanding the beauty of story, I am noticing many differences throughout things I read and throughout the things I am watching play out in front of me on the street, on tv, in my mind. Fascinating enough to say I am noticing a rhythm to the thoughts of my mind. More interesting is the fact that the narrative of the story of God is being constantly written.

In the story of Superman II there is a hero/savior that walks and does life with those who are mortal. He lives the life of a normal man, combats everyday struggle with the right way of living, models it out to others and then performs miracles in the daily lives of others to give them hope. He falls in love with humanity so much that he strips his powers away to live with humanity, meanwhile evil attacks and the world is in shambles again. They forsake him and he is unable to help them, as they think they need to be helped. He realizes he is in hell and can not help those he loves most anymore, because of what happened to him with his powers. The hero goes to his Father for help forgiveness and redemption, crying out FATHER!!! He is restored to save those he was sent to... he does, delivers them from evil and strips evil of all its power.

The story in Superman II is not exactly the same, but my point is there are glimpses of similarities. I challenge us to ask how all the stories of hero/savior are penned through the psyche that God is trying to illuminate the main story, His meta-narrative. It constantly strikes me as I think through these ideas that the greatest of stories told are similar, at the foundational principles from start to finish.

Tell me what you think, or tell me a great story... HERE

Writing...

I'm back at it again. I'm rusty, but I have a new system that will let me crank out 5-10 pages a day if I'm disciplined enough.

If you're interested in writing a lengthy piece, try this program. It has several functions for most writing jobs. It also exports for specific publisher request and is plug-in friendly. It's called Scrivener
, it is only for the Mac OSX platform, so PC users I can't help you.

I think it's going to do some wonderful things for my productivity. Also, as I complete sections of the work. I will be faithful to posting them here for discussion and revision.

I'm in love with the idea of letting those interested use my thoughts now to help them along, and if at some time you want a bound copy, once it is done, e-mail me. Lastly, once the piece is done, I will take it down from the blog... I gotta entice people to help me feed my wife and put shelter over our heads some how.

Erick

Absolutely beat...

This weekend has been one thing after another. It's 446 am Monday morning and I'm still not to sleep.

Friday night we had our Leadership Community family meal, about 20 of us. We discussed what's taking place and what we want to see take place. I meet Mandy to ride the train towards the apt together. She went home and I went to Barnes and Noble at Lincoln Center to meet Adam Spooner for a perusal of books and a grande, 6-pump, no water-no-ice, iced chai. We also, went and had a quick steak dinner at Steakhouse on Fairway... I highly recommend it... topped the evening off with a little
Run, Fatboy, Run. It was decent. I bedded down around 4 am after sending an e-mail to my friend asking for 400k to help Mandy and I buy an apartment in the city so we can rinse and repeat for years to come.

Woke up Sat morning at 7 headed to Columbia U's Walk the Walk, Stop the Talk community service project. We took our missional community to paint fences and guerilla garden in Harlem till 2pm. It was a great time just being out in the midst of people wanting to serve and help the community. Both believers and non-believers. I can't wait to see how we can help later and use our contacts to really make a difference there.

I went to help a friend move from the Upper East Side to Brooklyn after that till 530 pm. I threw my back out caring a table, and it hates me now, but I'll survive. The cool thing was that this guy was moving during the day and getting engaged that night to his girlfriend. They are excited about starting a life together, and who can blame them... It's all up hill from here on out. We moved most of her stuff and they were going to move most of his later... I'm really excited for them. Best of all I got to help them move, serve them. They had a lot of people back out at the last minute and no-show on them, some for good reasons (Adam), others for lame ones (you know who you are)... Anyways. Kory's the man and Amanda an awesome person.

After helping them, I headed to the apt. parked the Pathfinder hurriedly to wash up and head to what I thought was going to be a great musical/play... man was I wrong. I couldn't have been more wrong than say taking a blind man to a silent movie. It was Sunday in the Park with George. It has won many awards, but I can't understand how, for the life of me.... More on that play later... dually noted, never see a play that has Sunday in its title, nor In the Park with George attached to it either. A major snorefest, as if I weren't already exhausted from painting, moving, parking, no sleep and man-dating it up on Friday night.

Lastly, Mandy and I topped the night off with a fist-pumping, "to hell with" South Beach late night Dessert run for a Nutella, strawberry stuffed crepe for her and a slice of original NYC cheesecake for moi (french for me). Hit the sack around 1am loaded to the gills with cheesecake and back meds. Up at 9, at Origins greeting by my lonesome self 200+ peeps with a smile/grimace coupled with a firm handshake that rattles my core and small of my back area, stealing my legs making me look overtly Pentecostal... Loved every minute of it. (grin)

Tyson, said some amazing things today that challenged me, and I'll post those later. We had a missional community leaders lunch meeting at Cafe con Leche and it went well. I was slightly not myself, overtly aggressive/passionate on some things. Well, i made it home with Mandy, who I hadn't really seen, nor will see till next weekend, because she is grading the State Math tests for a meager 40 dollars and hour on the side. An extra 1500 in a week and a half. She gets to keep it and use it for herself to pamper and primp (please do not misconstrue that as PIMP, there's an extra "R" in there). And we went to bed sleep till 8 pm. tonight and we had dinner and I went back down to Chelsea 107 blocks from home via $14 cab ride saw the movie Stop-loss with a friend whom I respect and serve unconditionally. He convinced me to walk home from the movies, 4 1/2 miles to my door!!! I can't say that I have had a more intellectual conversation, nor a challenging one. There are so many things I want to do here, and there are so many things I want to see done here, but feel I need to pay my dues first. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what my dues are. I do know the more I read the scriptures, the more I notice men, who are yes men, get entrusted with great things by God and others... So, I am trying to figure out what it means to be a YES man for Origins.

Resources...

A lot of you guys might not appreciate that which I am about to give you, but I hope that some of you will be able to appreciate the opportunity to be mentored by some dead, great thinkers of the Church.Christian Classics, Everyone is covered in this library. It's free too. Augustine, Bunyan, Edwards, a'Kempis Lawrence, Chesterton. I hope this is well received.
this link will take you to a site where you can peruse all of the great classics of the Church. I hope some will benefit greatly from these... let me know if you like it by commenting back.