Meditations on Faith after reading Colossians chapter 1
-Chris Gonzalez
A little faith is worth something, spotted and tattered as it may be. It is worth something because it exists. There is no better case against the forces of Evil than the existence of faith…faith in any condition or size.
Evil has a no tolerance policy on faith and therefore any little scrap of it is an affront. A little quivering, gelatinous splotch of faith is all that is needed to thrown Evil into a four-alarm emergency. Faith is so much a threat to Evil that it cannot justifiably and comfortably exist if even one person has one ounce of it. The threat that faith poses to Evil is so striking and so profound that it is like a giant lumbering through a land of tiny, tiny people. It could crush evil, even without trying. Faith, its mere presence, even in its weakest form, keeps Evil awake at night, mind racing, fearful of what to do about the problem. Frantic, manic and paranoid, Evil scurries about for solutions to this impossible problem of Faith.
What lie can be told to diminish faith?
What distraction can be concocted to have faith forgotten, even for a minute?
And yet, all Evil can do is defensively try to put out fires, all the while perplexed and frustrated as to how it is that these fires keep starting.
Evil’s endless movement to extinguish faith is merely a desperate attempt to justify its own existence. One instance of faith pronounces all of evil for all time irrelevant and meaningless. Evil loses when Faith exists. It is all or nothing. Faith may be beaten and bloodied by the wild and reckless flailing attacks of Evil, but Evil is constantly playing defense. Faith assaults Evil by existing. Faith does not have to actually do anything but exist in order to do damage to Evil. Faith with a sense of volition and agency sends Evil into a frenzied rush for the nuclear button. Faith in action takes Evil by the throat.
Oh ye of little faith, you wield a mighty power.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Diversity
Diversity
I always thougth diversity just happened.
I always thought that diversity was easy.
I always thought that diversity was someone else's job.
I knew that diversity is beautiful.
I knew that diversity is a sign of Christ.
I knew that diveristy fires us up.
I knew that diveristy fires us up.
I didn't know that diversity is intentional.
I didn't know that diversity is easiest when we start over.
I didn't know that diveristy means we change who we are.
Then I watched our praise team Sunday morning.
I realized that diversity is a gift of God.
How wonderful it is to preach for a church that is reflecting the diversity of our city.
How wonderful it is to be in a church that is more like our children's culture than mine.
How wonderful it is to have the chance to start over.
How wonderful it is to be in a church that is more like our children's culture than mine.
How wonderful it is to have the chance to start over.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Reflections on Being A Dad
Today is my son's 17th birthday. What a joy it has been to see him grow in our home.
However, this post is probably more about me than him, and I guess I should begin by stating that. You can read on if you want, however as parents we do self reflection on our kids' important days at times.
However, this post is probably more about me than him, and I guess I should begin by stating that. You can read on if you want, however as parents we do self reflection on our kids' important days at times.
I had a dad who was emotionally distant and didn't connect well with me or my brother. He was an atheist and had been a B-52 pilot in the Airforce. He was physically abused as a kid and I think in light of that he did a good job. However, he never missed our birthdays (except when he did a tour in Vietnam). He was at least present. Of course, as usuall I took my toys and went off to play with my friends. Didn't interact with him much. I always wondered if he felt it was a waste of his time to sacrifice a day to see me maybe 1 hour.
I guess I figured in my attempts to be a better dad and as a Christian, that was the least I could do.
I've so far been able to maintain that tradition. I think over the years that it wasn't hard. It is the right thing to do but I've met a lot of men who admit to not being consistent in their families.
Nathan's birthday comes in August when there are opportunities to speak at Family conferences. I remember last year backing out of a conference because they scheduled me to speak on his birthday, when I specifically said I would return home the night before. The secretary said, "Sorry, you'll have to miss," the director said, "No, we will change the date for you." It worked out. I actually met men at the conference who shared that they had missed their kid's birthday for a conference in the past. When I was working on my doctorate I missed the first day of a couple classes because I wanted to be there for his birthday. It really was a sacrifice and I had to work my tail off to catch up. Well--no more of a sacrifice than my dad was willing to make for me.
Nathan's birthday comes in August when there are opportunities to speak at Family conferences. I remember last year backing out of a conference because they scheduled me to speak on his birthday, when I specifically said I would return home the night before. The secretary said, "Sorry, you'll have to miss," the director said, "No, we will change the date for you." It worked out. I actually met men at the conference who shared that they had missed their kid's birthday for a conference in the past. When I was working on my doctorate I missed the first day of a couple classes because I wanted to be there for his birthday. It really was a sacrifice and I had to work my tail off to catch up. Well--no more of a sacrifice than my dad was willing to make for me.
Hunter's birthday comes during one of the biggest national Biblical Scholar's conferences in the country. I make it 4 out of 8 years. I enjoy the conference. I also have many men tell me that they miss their kid's birthdays for the conference.
Caleb's comes one week after Lori's birthday, so there's never been a problem. Course, he's only four. I wonder what is coming down the pike.
It may seem like I am bragging and I don't mean to. I guess blogs are the place to talk about ourselves. I think how easy it is to say yes to speaking engagements. How easy it is to manipulate our kids and spouses by telling them "this is important," or by saying, "I'll make it up to you by doing..." However, I wonder if it is ever really worth the sacrifice. Jesus said, "What good will it be for a someone if they gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can a one give in exchange for their soul?" (Matt. 16:26) I wonder what would happen if we substituted family for sour (maybe made it plural instead of singular)?
Would it ever be worth the sacrifice?
Its not been that hard to say no the more I have done it. In actuality, I am fine and the opportunity to speak has always come around at a better and more convenient time. Even more, I have not ever wrestled with guilt when I have been gone and am preparing to speak or listen.
While this is self reflection I am hoping that some of you will at least take this to heart. Maybe your dad or parents weren't there for your special days. It doesn't matter that you understood (or were expected to understand). How did you feel? How would you have felt if they would have been there?
Maybe you have been there and are struggling to "be there." I hope this helps you. I hope you ask yourself and your families if it has been worth it. I hope you see what you have been missing.
You can change the future. You can be there. You can start a new tradition. Your kids will never criticize you for being there.
No one has left this life regretting being there for their families!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
What is justice?
What does the word justice bring to mind? What did justice mean to Jesus?
I think of the words "fairness" and "equity" and "dignity" among others.
Today we're hosting Paul Kent from Habitat for Humanity Tulsa at the Green Country Event Center. We'll get his input on how our land or resources can be used to bring justice to those without adequate or affordable housing in Tulsa.
We're also hosting Linda Williamson, Chairman of the Board of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Tulsa. She is bringing her team and we'll also get their input on how we can participate in justice for Hispanic people in Tulsa.
I think of the words "fairness" and "equity" and "dignity" among others.
Today we're hosting Paul Kent from Habitat for Humanity Tulsa at the Green Country Event Center. We'll get his input on how our land or resources can be used to bring justice to those without adequate or affordable housing in Tulsa.
We're also hosting Linda Williamson, Chairman of the Board of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Tulsa. She is bringing her team and we'll also get their input on how we can participate in justice for Hispanic people in Tulsa.
Friday, May 01, 2009
As many of you know today is our monthly Friday prayer and fast day. I am cramming a handful of Lays potato chips in my mouth in preparation.
The Vice Principle at Reynolds High School has recently challenged me to be praying about our work to develop boys groups in the high school. She has also been leading a committee to do a Human Trafficking conference in May at the school. She asked me point blank if I had a team, as she does in her church, who will be on their knees about this. Basically, she said Satan dominates in this area and will protect his territory. It is exciting to see that we have good people and people of faith fighting for our kids in the public school. It is humbling as a dad of one of their students, to be convicted as to what I should already be doing.
It made me think about our abuse, human trafficking, and recovery ministries. We have people breaking free and trying to stay clean. Some stumble, others relapse, but all are putting their heads down and pushing forward. They daily say no to Satan, or at the least they give it their best shot.
And I forget to pray for them.
I have been concerned about the girls who live across the street from me. While I was in the yard yesterday I asked her what I have been wanting to ask for weeks, “Are those boys treating you with respect? You know you can always talk to us if you feel you are in over your head.” She smiled and said yes, walked away, and stopped. Then she said, “Thanks,” and went in the house. Funny thing was I could feel Satan telling me over and over again I was too busy to talk to her, she didn’t care, I needed to go about my business. I had to ask for courage to do this one little thing.
How hard it must be for others to say no to something that grips their heart, soul, and mind. Those who are saying no to daily addictions have more courage than I can imagine.
How about tomorrow we pray for all our brothers, sisters, friends, enemies, ministry leaders, and Zak, Kathy, and Lori. As everyone seeks the God of order in a world of chaos can we pray, miss a meal or two, and ask God to help the weak, empower the strong, and protect all of them as they love others more than themselves. I will send this out to the missionaries I prayed for today and help this thing become global.
1 Cor. 10:13 God will not let you be tempted beyond your strength (God is keeping Satan at bay) but with the temptation will provide a way of escape (God is pulling for you and me).
Have a good day today.
Agape
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Earth Day Wednesday, April 22
This message is from Michael, co director of Alternatives for Simple Living www.simpleliving.org
How will you be spending Earth day? We hope you will be able to spend time enjoying creation and support efforts to encourage the wise stewardship of the planet earth.
A common comment these days is "Now is the time we need to start living more simply." Usually this comment is made in the context of the current economic situation, where people are losing their jobs and investment income.
That is a good reason, but I think the reason we need to live more simply is more than adapting to an economic downturn; it is about the survival of human life on earth. "Live simply so others
can simply live" says it clearly. We in the, so called, developed world cannot continue to consume in the fashion or amount we have grown accustomed to and expect that life on Earth will thrive let alone survive.
David Korten, in his new book, Agenda for a New Economy; From Phantom Wealth to Real Wealth writes, "Unless we are voluntary simplicity initiates, we are inclined to increase our consumption in tandem with growth in our income, placing an even greater burden on our planet. We often say with pride, "I can afford it," without asking whether Earth can afford it."
Earth Day asks if the planet can afford humankind's careless use of resources, particularly the extravagance of the richest third of the Earth's inhabitants. Our faith traditions ask whether we are being faithful managers or stewards of God's creation, and reflect back to us, that as we care for creation we are showing love to God and neighbor.
Have a great Earth Day,
Michael
How will you be spending Earth day? We hope you will be able to spend time enjoying creation and support efforts to encourage the wise stewardship of the planet earth.
A common comment these days is "Now is the time we need to start living more simply." Usually this comment is made in the context of the current economic situation, where people are losing their jobs and investment income.
That is a good reason, but I think the reason we need to live more simply is more than adapting to an economic downturn; it is about the survival of human life on earth. "Live simply so others
can simply live" says it clearly. We in the, so called, developed world cannot continue to consume in the fashion or amount we have grown accustomed to and expect that life on Earth will thrive let alone survive.
David Korten, in his new book, Agenda for a New Economy; From Phantom Wealth to Real Wealth writes, "Unless we are voluntary simplicity initiates, we are inclined to increase our consumption in tandem with growth in our income, placing an even greater burden on our planet. We often say with pride, "I can afford it," without asking whether Earth can afford it."
Earth Day asks if the planet can afford humankind's careless use of resources, particularly the extravagance of the richest third of the Earth's inhabitants. Our faith traditions ask whether we are being faithful managers or stewards of God's creation, and reflect back to us, that as we care for creation we are showing love to God and neighbor.
Have a great Earth Day,
Michael
Friday, March 06, 2009
Hello from Lubbock!
I'm staying with a high school friend and his family and enjoying reconnecting with them. I'm here for the ZOE Conference at the Monterey Church of Christ. I'm involved with ZOE because we help people break free from legalism and experience a new journey with Jesus Christ.
We help people with stepping stones like articles on Wineskins.org, conference experiences in worship, great speakers such as Mike Cope, Jeff Walling, Randy Harris, Scot McKnight, music in CD and printed sheet music for fresh approaches to worship, and a Growing Deeper Spirituality program. Check all this out at www.wineskins.org and www.zoegroup.org
Plans are to return to Tulsa Saturday night, and I'll be preaching Sunday on Matthew 5:38-42.
May our love with God grow deeper and passion for our world go wider.
--Greg
P.S. Here are the small group questions for this week:
Small Group Questions
Read Matthew 5:38-39
Tell about an experience you've had in your family, work, church where you've seen someone living out Jesus teaching.
Have there been times when your punishment or "justice" exceeded the wrong done? For example, for parents: can you tell about a time when the punishment you gave your children inappropriately exceeded their wrongdoing?
How can we live this teaching out in our homes, work, church, neighborhood?
Read Matthew 5:40-42
Tell about an experience you've had in your family, work, church where you've seen someone living out Jesus teaching.
How can your small group give to those who ask, share your "two coats" with someone in need, go the "extra mile"?
How can we pray for you?
We help people with stepping stones like articles on Wineskins.org, conference experiences in worship, great speakers such as Mike Cope, Jeff Walling, Randy Harris, Scot McKnight, music in CD and printed sheet music for fresh approaches to worship, and a Growing Deeper Spirituality program. Check all this out at www.wineskins.org and www.zoegroup.org
Plans are to return to Tulsa Saturday night, and I'll be preaching Sunday on Matthew 5:38-42.
May our love with God grow deeper and passion for our world go wider.
--Greg
P.S. Here are the small group questions for this week:
Small Group Questions
Read Matthew 5:38-39
Tell about an experience you've had in your family, work, church where you've seen someone living out Jesus teaching.
Have there been times when your punishment or "justice" exceeded the wrong done? For example, for parents: can you tell about a time when the punishment you gave your children inappropriately exceeded their wrongdoing?
How can we live this teaching out in our homes, work, church, neighborhood?
Read Matthew 5:40-42
Tell about an experience you've had in your family, work, church where you've seen someone living out Jesus teaching.
How can your small group give to those who ask, share your "two coats" with someone in need, go the "extra mile"?
How can we pray for you?
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Daniel Mwaza Fast
During Lent I'm on a Daniel Fast. No, not Daniel in the Bible.
My friend, Daniel Mwaza, in Uganda told me how to lose weight . . . He said, "Stop eating so much."
So I'm eating half of the normal American calorie intake (which about matches intake of half the world), with about 4 oz of protein a day.
I lived seven years in Uganda, and this fast helps me remember those days when I saw children in villages eat their one meal for the day, a handful of beans and some cassava (yucca root).
Fasting can heighten your awareness of God, lead to deeper prayer and discernment. It can also lead to poor brain function. I could barely make it through a seekers Bible study last night after our Neighborhood Kitchens meal, but God gave me the power to finish when we discussed from Mark 3 the way the evil spirits bowed down in the presence of Jesus. We saw that nothing can prevail against God, nothing.
The last few weeks have been a bittersweet whirlwind with my move to lead minister of Garnett Church of Christ and the exit of my friend and co-worker, our former lead minister Wade Hodges.
I'm very happy to preach and help lead this church under the guidance of our shepherds, the teamwork of a great staff, and in partnership with an incredible congregation that is seeing before us the greatest opportunity in decades--probably since the bus ministry--to reach out to our neighbors through Neighborhood Kitchens, Angel Food, Food Pantry, where we see hundreds of guests and fellow servants seeking the Lord, community, life.
We're also looking for a full-time children's minister and rebuilding a great ministry to children as well as continuing an incredible student ministry that Lance Newsom and Deanie Johnson and a band of volunteers run so very well.
Last night, a Garnett teacher taught class, filled with both children from families currently at Garnett and children of adult guests who are checking out what this community is all about. She was headed home and said she was hungry. We had fed more than 200 guests and our beloved Chef Roy was not there to stretch food like he normally does (he was home recovering from surgery). So we ran out of food, and this teacher had been last in line. She was heading home with her boys, hungry but smiling, another kind of fast for the sake of the kingdom and the mission of this congregation.
My friend, Daniel Mwaza, in Uganda told me how to lose weight . . . He said, "Stop eating so much."
So I'm eating half of the normal American calorie intake (which about matches intake of half the world), with about 4 oz of protein a day.
I lived seven years in Uganda, and this fast helps me remember those days when I saw children in villages eat their one meal for the day, a handful of beans and some cassava (yucca root).
Fasting can heighten your awareness of God, lead to deeper prayer and discernment. It can also lead to poor brain function. I could barely make it through a seekers Bible study last night after our Neighborhood Kitchens meal, but God gave me the power to finish when we discussed from Mark 3 the way the evil spirits bowed down in the presence of Jesus. We saw that nothing can prevail against God, nothing.
The last few weeks have been a bittersweet whirlwind with my move to lead minister of Garnett Church of Christ and the exit of my friend and co-worker, our former lead minister Wade Hodges.
I'm very happy to preach and help lead this church under the guidance of our shepherds, the teamwork of a great staff, and in partnership with an incredible congregation that is seeing before us the greatest opportunity in decades--probably since the bus ministry--to reach out to our neighbors through Neighborhood Kitchens, Angel Food, Food Pantry, where we see hundreds of guests and fellow servants seeking the Lord, community, life.
We're also looking for a full-time children's minister and rebuilding a great ministry to children as well as continuing an incredible student ministry that Lance Newsom and Deanie Johnson and a band of volunteers run so very well.
Last night, a Garnett teacher taught class, filled with both children from families currently at Garnett and children of adult guests who are checking out what this community is all about. She was headed home and said she was hungry. We had fed more than 200 guests and our beloved Chef Roy was not there to stretch food like he normally does (he was home recovering from surgery). So we ran out of food, and this teacher had been last in line. She was heading home with her boys, hungry but smiling, another kind of fast for the sake of the kingdom and the mission of this congregation.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
SPACE FOR GRACE
I walked past a van parked in front of a handicapped children's center recently. The symbol of a wheelchair was on a sticker on the window of the sliding door. It read, "Please, Leave Extra Room." Knowing that the people on board that van need extra space enables me to give it to them.
If, somehow, we could look into each other's heart, and if we then realized that everyone wears a sticker on the inside with a wheelchair and the message, "Please, Leave Extra Room." Wouldn't it be easy to give more space? And wouldn't we all be better neighbors, and employees, and husbands, and friends, and even enemies?
"Come to me," Jesus said, "All of you who have wheelchairs, and hang ups, and handicaps, and issues, and problems, and are outcast for whatever reasons.....I'll give you extra room."
That's grace...and we all need it. Today. Be gracious; leave extra room.
DO YOU FACEBOOK? JOIN MY GROUP "1st MONDAY" AND UNITE WITH US IN PRAYER.
If, somehow, we could look into each other's heart, and if we then realized that everyone wears a sticker on the inside with a wheelchair and the message, "Please, Leave Extra Room." Wouldn't it be easy to give more space? And wouldn't we all be better neighbors, and employees, and husbands, and friends, and even enemies?
"Come to me," Jesus said, "All of you who have wheelchairs, and hang ups, and handicaps, and issues, and problems, and are outcast for whatever reasons.....I'll give you extra room."
That's grace...and we all need it. Today. Be gracious; leave extra room.
DO YOU FACEBOOK? JOIN MY GROUP "1st MONDAY" AND UNITE WITH US IN PRAYER.
Friday, January 02, 2009
What will 2009 bring?
Could you have imagined one year ago what 2008 would bring? Can you imagine what events will happen in your life in 2009, what will happen internationally?
What can you do in 2009 to be ready for the changes that will occur in your life and in the world? Since I was a child I have made personal goals at the beginning of each year. I no longer make personal goals but try to think about the communities I'm in and what our community goals will be.
Last night my family sat down to a beautifully prepared meal my wife made. Pork tenderloin wrapped around spinach and provolone cheese, sauteed peas, mushrooms, carrots, salad, and potatoes. Jill offered the children a copy of our family's one year Bible to read personally and suggested we read it together as well. We talked about what the year would bring, we discussed how we were getting our house in order individually and collectively.
Next week our church will have these discussions, sitting around meals, in offices, in coffee shops. I'll have these conversations with various ministry leaders, shepherds, fellow ministers at Garnett. I'll talk to Eric, Keith, Lara, and others on the ZOE team and we'll discern what God is leading us to in 2009. I'll meet with Jeff Krisman and talk about what will happen with Neighborhood Kitchens/Wednesday night meals at Garnett.
To begin this year, I'll also talk with Leonard Allen about what's going on with Leafwood/ACU Press that I can help with. We have a few cool things up our sleeves in all these areas. I'll check in with Clint Davis about Kibo's goals--he and I met yesterday in his yard, but for a different purpose: to cut a pesky tree that was damaging his house. I'm glad I'm down off that roof and the limb is safely down without breaking windows. We were proud of ourselves!
January is really about conversations of direction and purpose in the communities I live in. We don't make goals as much as we prepare ourselves for what could come, for what God is doing in the world. Will we be ready to face challenges that come, and what do we need to do and be to be ready? That question is more important than the goals we make. Are we shaped in the image of Christ? How do we do that so we're ready for opportunities and challenges that life and God bring our way?
So our exercise fitness, the way we eat, the way we daily pray, fast (or not), enter in Scripture and thought of fellow Christ followers, all serves the purpose of the communities of Christ followers I live in. For many years my goals were about fitness and Bible reading and books to get through and degrees to obtain, but those things all serve the end of my life becoming shaped into the image of Christ in the communities I'm in.
What communities do you need to talk to about what 2009 will look like? Enjoy talking and acting on those conversations.
May God bless those talks. Happy New Year 2009.
What can you do in 2009 to be ready for the changes that will occur in your life and in the world? Since I was a child I have made personal goals at the beginning of each year. I no longer make personal goals but try to think about the communities I'm in and what our community goals will be.
Last night my family sat down to a beautifully prepared meal my wife made. Pork tenderloin wrapped around spinach and provolone cheese, sauteed peas, mushrooms, carrots, salad, and potatoes. Jill offered the children a copy of our family's one year Bible to read personally and suggested we read it together as well. We talked about what the year would bring, we discussed how we were getting our house in order individually and collectively.
Next week our church will have these discussions, sitting around meals, in offices, in coffee shops. I'll have these conversations with various ministry leaders, shepherds, fellow ministers at Garnett. I'll talk to Eric, Keith, Lara, and others on the ZOE team and we'll discern what God is leading us to in 2009. I'll meet with Jeff Krisman and talk about what will happen with Neighborhood Kitchens/Wednesday night meals at Garnett.
To begin this year, I'll also talk with Leonard Allen about what's going on with Leafwood/ACU Press that I can help with. We have a few cool things up our sleeves in all these areas. I'll check in with Clint Davis about Kibo's goals--he and I met yesterday in his yard, but for a different purpose: to cut a pesky tree that was damaging his house. I'm glad I'm down off that roof and the limb is safely down without breaking windows. We were proud of ourselves!
January is really about conversations of direction and purpose in the communities I live in. We don't make goals as much as we prepare ourselves for what could come, for what God is doing in the world. Will we be ready to face challenges that come, and what do we need to do and be to be ready? That question is more important than the goals we make. Are we shaped in the image of Christ? How do we do that so we're ready for opportunities and challenges that life and God bring our way?
So our exercise fitness, the way we eat, the way we daily pray, fast (or not), enter in Scripture and thought of fellow Christ followers, all serves the purpose of the communities of Christ followers I live in. For many years my goals were about fitness and Bible reading and books to get through and degrees to obtain, but those things all serve the end of my life becoming shaped into the image of Christ in the communities I'm in.
What communities do you need to talk to about what 2009 will look like? Enjoy talking and acting on those conversations.
May God bless those talks. Happy New Year 2009.
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