This is an Angler Fish. It lives in the deep sea and uses a ‘lure’ attached to its head designed to draw smaller fish close enough to be eaten. I was having a conversation a little while ago with my daughters about the way of the Angler Fish.
A fish is hungry.
Fish sees something that looks like lunch.
Fish becomes lunch.
Life and the enemy present similar opportunities.
We have a hunger in our soul.
God wants us to satisfy our hunger with us going to Him.
But we are then presented by our enemy with attractive, albeit destructive alternatives.
We take a look at the pretty thing, and take a small nibble.
Then…SNAP!
We are in the middle of something that we didn’t expect.
A something that is inconvienent, painful, and very costly.
“Learn to pause…or nothing worthwhile will catch up to you.”
-Doug King, poet
Let’s remember to take the time in this CRAZYURGENT-24/7/365-WIRELESS-ALWAYS-CONNECTED world that we live in, to discover a new idea, have a little fun, and listen to God.
He speaks much more than we think, but we don’t notice because we are too busy to listen.
Sister Barbara Hance spent the last years of her life helping find work and creative ways to build income for the poor. She headed efforts to establish a homeless shelter in a nearby town, when most people of the town’s government and business establishment were against it.
There was one local businessman that led the opposition. As time went on, the odds against the shelter were long, but in the idea’s darkest moments Sister Barbara had one piece of advice for her colleagues: “After we win, we must make Mr. X (the guy who opposed the efforts) a supporter.”
One of my favorite video games when I was a kid in the ’80’s was ‘Dig Dug’. It was a popular game based on a simple concept: Dig deeper and blow up the monsters as you do. While I was driving today I was thinking about the challenges this life gives us as we go through it.
Some monsters are small, and like low hurdles we can leap over them without much effort. But there are some monsters that are Godzilla sized, appearring as tall as skyscrapers, above and below ground.
No matter what, in the words of a young Michael Jackson; “..it’s too high to get over, too low to get under”.
It seems that we are STUCK.
But in that case, we can’t stay STUCK, we have to start digging.
Start digging in prayer.
Digging in worship.
Digging in the scriptures.
Digging in discipline.
Going deeper in God.
The foundations of God are much deeper than any problem we will ever face.
This picture was taken at a Chi Alpha College Retreat I spoke at earlier in the year. This was the opening night where I was talking about love and extreme devotion to Jesus. The reason I like this picture so much has nothing to do with me being cute (even though the lighting is cool). The reason I like this picture is because of what is happening in it. I am one of the MAIN SPEAKERS at a college weekend.
Over the years, I had always wanted to be one of the speakers at a college conference, retreat, advance, etc. I had attended many over the years, and always wished and desired that God would let me do something like that.
I don’t even think I made that request known to anyone. I don’t think I had ever even spoken it out loud.
But God was listening anyway.
The secret desires, requests, and dreams that we have on the inside of us matter to God.
“There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his home.”
Ken Olsen, CEO of DEC in 1977
Can you think of how our lives would be different if Mr. Olsen was right? I am sure he had many good reasons to believe that he had the right perspective, but didn’t have the imagination to see a different future.
Is there a different future out there that you are supposed to create, but don’t have the imagination to see it?
Hey Dreamers. I turn 35 today (wow!). I wanted to let you know that, but also I am now eligible to become President of the United States. Because of my newfound eligibility, I have decided to run for President.
My Presidential campaign will begin this weekend. You can now vote for ‘The Man that Can, Julian Newman!’. I have chosen Tiffany Newman as my running mate. Watch out McCain. Watch out Obama.
Once upon a time the church was more movement than monument, more dream than distant memory. Families, communities, heads of state, and entire nations were shaken with the life of God — found in His humble adventurers. Unfortunately as the years passed, we began to create churches designed to be spiritual havens of security and safety, rather than communities of faith, risk, and adventure. But though we have seen the revolution fizzle, we can catch the momentum of the Holy Spirit again. There is a hunger growing deep in the hearts of God’s people for the true, authentic church of His original intention.
I just started a series called ‘The Renaissance Church‘ that examines the phenomenon of the Early Church and how we can move forward by looking back. With this retro-futuristic perspective, we can rediscover our mission as renaissance men and women, carrying life and hope to a desperate and dying planet.
You can download it to your computer by clicking ‘Get Podcast’ icon on the left.
‘Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.’
-Hebrews 12:27
“…and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts.”
-Haggai 2:7
We are living in crazy times. Natural calamity, financial and economic disaster, uncertain leadership, among other things. But we must remember that God is on the throne and still in charge. And in the middle of all the shaking, we must hold onto what can’t be moved.
A couple days ago Oprah Winfrey had a 16 year old singer of her show named Charice Pempengco. She has been singing since the age of 4 in the Philipines, living with her mother in challenging circumstances, be it their tough financial predicament, or the abuse their family endured at the hand of her father. Over the years she would make money singing at talent shows, while drawing pictures of her life goals and dreams. Through the buzz of her YOUTUBE video clips on the internet, she found herself on the Oprah Winfrey show twice (The following links contain both an appearance on Oprah and her conversation with Celine Dion.)
On the quirky talent show, ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ there was a 13 year old boy named Andrew Johnston (Click Here). He had been singing since her was 6 years old and was teased and mocked by school bullies because of his voice. But though he was forced to deal with constant harrassment, he continued to sing.
As I listened to these amazing young people, tears filled my eyes as I thought “these are divine gifts given by God!”. These kids are a part of a generation of children all over the world that been hurt, abused, neglected and mistreated. People that should have with love protected them became predators and perpetrators of evil, stealing their precious innocence.
But the story will not end there, because children have always been essential to God’s redemptive plan. From Seth, Isaac, and Moses, to John the Baptist and Jesus; God has consistently empowered children to signal a new season of spiritual awakening.
I believe with all of my heart that we are seeing and will continue to see children annointed by God, ultimately using their gifts to honor God and point the nations to Jesus. I am challenged to take my investment in children (my own and others) to the next level because of God’s great plans for them.
Let the children Lead.
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
-Mark 10:13-15
This is an Angler Fish. It lives in the deep sea and uses a ‘lure’ attached to its head designed to draw smaller fish close enough to be eaten. I was having a conversation a little while ago with my daughters about the way of the Angler Fish.
A fish is hungry.
Fish sees something that looks like lunch.
Fish becomes lunch.
Life and the enemy present similar opportunities.
We have a hunger in our soul.
God wants us to satisfy our hunger with us going to Him.
But we are then presented by our enemy with attractive, albeit destructive alternatives.
We take a look at the pretty thing, and take a small nibble.
Then…SNAP!
We are in the middle of something that we didn’t expect.
A something that is inconvienent, painful, and very costly.
What we planned to eat has eaten us.
A word of caution we all could use:
Don’t look.
And no nibbling.
It’s never worth it.
Posted in Uncategorized, The Future | No Comments »
“Learn to pause…or nothing worthwhile will catch up to you.”
-Doug King, poet
Let’s remember to take the time in this CRAZYURGENT-24/7/365-WIRELESS-ALWAYS-CONNECTED world that we live in, to discover a new idea, have a little fun, and listen to God.
He speaks much more than we think, but we don’t notice because we are too busy to listen.
Hit the ‘Pause Button’ sometimes.
Posted in Creativity/Innovation, Dream Awake, Transformation | 1 Comment »
“Show me a day when the world wasn’t new”
-Sister Barbara Hance (1928-1993)
Sister Barbara Hance spent the last years of her life helping find work and creative ways to build income for the poor. She headed efforts to establish a homeless shelter in a nearby town, when most people of the town’s government and business establishment were against it.
There was one local businessman that led the opposition. As time went on, the odds against the shelter were long, but in the idea’s darkest moments Sister Barbara had one piece of advice for her colleagues: “After we win, we must make Mr. X (the guy who opposed the efforts) a supporter.”
And they won.
And Mr. X got on board.
Posted in Leadership, Transformation | No Comments »
One of my favorite video games when I was a kid in the ’80’s was ‘Dig Dug’. It was a popular game based on a simple concept: Dig deeper and blow up the monsters as you do. While I was driving today I was thinking about the challenges this life gives us as we go through it.
Some monsters are small, and like low hurdles we can leap over them without much effort. But there are some monsters that are Godzilla sized, appearring as tall as skyscrapers, above and below ground.
No matter what, in the words of a young Michael Jackson; “..it’s too high to get over, too low to get under”.
It seems that we are STUCK.
But in that case, we can’t stay STUCK, we have to start digging.
Start digging in prayer.
Digging in worship.
Digging in the scriptures.
Digging in discipline.
Going deeper in God.
The foundations of God are much deeper than any problem we will ever face.
Posted in Prayer, Media/Culture | No Comments »
This picture was taken at a Chi Alpha College Retreat I spoke at earlier in the year. This was the opening night where I was talking about love and extreme devotion to Jesus. The reason I like this picture so much has nothing to do with me being cute (even though the lighting is cool). The reason I like this picture is because of what is happening in it. I am one of the MAIN SPEAKERS at a college weekend.
Over the years, I had always wanted to be one of the speakers at a college conference, retreat, advance, etc. I had attended many over the years, and always wished and desired that God would let me do something like that.
I don’t even think I made that request known to anyone. I don’t think I had ever even spoken it out loud.
But God was listening anyway.
The secret desires, requests, and dreams that we have on the inside of us matter to God.
He listens.
Even when we are not speaking.
Posted in The Future, Dream Awake | No Comments »
Can anyone tell me where computer spam comes from? I hate it. Man what a pain. The spam universe loves this blog. Yeesh.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
“There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his home.”
Ken Olsen, CEO of DEC in 1977
Can you think of how our lives would be different if Mr. Olsen was right? I am sure he had many good reasons to believe that he had the right perspective, but didn’t have the imagination to see a different future.
Is there a different future out there that you are supposed to create, but don’t have the imagination to see it?
Posted in Media/Culture, The Future, Leadership, Dream Awake | No Comments »
Hey Dreamers. I turn 35 today (wow!). I wanted to let you know that, but also I am now eligible to become President of the United States. Because of my newfound eligibility, I have decided to run for President.
My Presidential campaign will begin this weekend. You can now vote for ‘The Man that Can, Julian Newman!’. I have chosen Tiffany Newman as my running mate. Watch out McCain. Watch out Obama.
Julian’s coming.
Posted in Uncategorized, The Future | 1 Comment »
Once upon a time the church was more movement than monument, more dream than distant memory. Families, communities, heads of state, and entire nations were shaken with the life of God — found in His humble adventurers. Unfortunately as the years passed, we began to create churches designed to be spiritual havens of security and safety, rather than communities of faith, risk, and adventure. But though we have seen the revolution fizzle, we can catch the momentum of the Holy Spirit again. There is a hunger growing deep in the hearts of God’s people for the true, authentic church of His original intention.
I just started a series called ‘The Renaissance Church‘ that examines the phenomenon of the Early Church and how we can move forward by looking back. With this retro-futuristic perspective, we can rediscover our mission as renaissance men and women, carrying life and hope to a desperate and dying planet.
You can download it to your computer by clicking ‘Get Podcast’ icon on the left.
Check it out.
Posted in The Church, The Future, Transformation | No Comments »
‘Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.’
-Hebrews 12:27
“…and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts.”
-Haggai 2:7
We are living in crazy times. Natural calamity, financial and economic disaster, uncertain leadership, among other things. But we must remember that God is on the throne and still in charge. And in the middle of all the shaking, we must hold onto what can’t be moved.
Have faith in God.
Posted in The Church, The Future, Leadership | No Comments »
“…and a little child will lead them.”
Isaiah 11:6
A couple days ago Oprah Winfrey had a 16 year old singer of her show named Charice Pempengco. She has been singing since the age of 4 in the Philipines, living with her mother in challenging circumstances, be it their tough financial predicament, or the abuse their family endured at the hand of her father. Over the years she would make money singing at talent shows, while drawing pictures of her life goals and dreams. Through the buzz of her YOUTUBE video clips on the internet, she found herself on the Oprah Winfrey show twice (The following links contain both an appearance on Oprah and her conversation with Celine Dion.)
On the quirky talent show, ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ there was a 13 year old boy named Andrew Johnston (Click Here). He had been singing since her was 6 years old and was teased and mocked by school bullies because of his voice. But though he was forced to deal with constant harrassment, he continued to sing.
As I listened to these amazing young people, tears filled my eyes as I thought “these are divine gifts given by God!”. These kids are a part of a generation of children all over the world that been hurt, abused, neglected and mistreated. People that should have with love protected them became predators and perpetrators of evil, stealing their precious innocence.
But the story will not end there, because children have always been essential to God’s redemptive plan. From Seth, Isaac, and Moses, to John the Baptist and Jesus; God has consistently empowered children to signal a new season of spiritual awakening.
I believe with all of my heart that we are seeing and will continue to see children annointed by God, ultimately using their gifts to honor God and point the nations to Jesus. I am challenged to take my investment in children (my own and others) to the next level because of God’s great plans for them.
Let the children Lead.
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
-Mark 10:13-15
Posted in The Church, Media/Culture, The Future, Creativity/Innovation, Dream Awake | No Comments »