tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305347532024-03-07T07:49:09.034-08:00REFLECTIONSthoughts & conversation about what God might be doing in our world and in our livesScott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.comBlogger422125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-3662309990328763432016-01-12T23:02:00.001-08:002016-01-12T23:02:08.274-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-currency-font-family: Cambria; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Cambria; mso-default-font-family: Cambria; mso-greek-font-family: Cambria; mso-hebrew-font-family: Cambria; mso-latin-font-family: Cambria; mso-latinext-font-family: Cambria; mso-ligatures: none;">Did you make any resolutions or commitments for 2016?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-currency-font-family: Cambria; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Cambria; mso-default-font-family: Cambria; mso-greek-font-family: Cambria; mso-hebrew-font-family: Cambria; mso-latin-font-family: Cambria; mso-latinext-font-family: Cambria; mso-ligatures: none;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-currency-font-family: Cambria; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Cambria; mso-default-font-family: Cambria; mso-greek-font-family: Cambria; mso-hebrew-font-family: Cambria; mso-latin-font-family: Cambria; mso-latinext-font-family: Cambria; mso-ligatures: none;">How are you doing?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-currency-font-family: Cambria; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Cambria; mso-default-font-family: Cambria; mso-greek-font-family: Cambria; mso-hebrew-font-family: Cambria; mso-latin-font-family: Cambria; mso-latinext-font-family: Cambria; mso-ligatures: none;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-currency-font-family: Cambria; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Cambria; mso-default-font-family: Cambria; mso-greek-font-family: Cambria; mso-hebrew-font-family: Cambria; mso-latin-font-family: Cambria; mso-latinext-font-family: Cambria; mso-ligatures: none;">What would it take for us to talk over a cup of coffee next December and in answer to my question about how the year went for you, you replied “I think I just lived the best year of my life.”?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-currency-font-family: Cambria; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Cambria; mso-default-font-family: Cambria; mso-greek-font-family: Cambria; mso-hebrew-font-family: Cambria; mso-latin-font-family: Cambria; mso-latinext-font-family: Cambria; mso-ligatures: none;">Such a response would not be based upon circumstances playing out well for you but rather how you experienced God and what He effectively did in you, maybe in spite of your circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-currency-font-family: Cambria; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Cambria; mso-default-font-family: Cambria; mso-greek-font-family: Cambria; mso-hebrew-font-family: Cambria; mso-latin-font-family: Cambria; mso-latinext-font-family: Cambria; mso-ligatures: none;">Maybe you were hurt but forgave well. Maybe you had a significant loss but you persevered well. Maybe you had a fearsome situation but you trusted God well. Get the picture?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-currency-font-family: Cambria; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Cambria; mso-default-font-family: Cambria; mso-greek-font-family: Cambria; mso-hebrew-font-family: Cambria; mso-latin-font-family: Cambria; mso-latinext-font-family: Cambria; mso-ligatures: none;">Let’s walk together this year, with Christ, for all He purposes to do.</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-currency-font-family: Cambria; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Cambria; mso-default-font-family: Cambria; mso-greek-font-family: Cambria; mso-hebrew-font-family: Cambria; mso-latin-font-family: Cambria; mso-latinext-font-family: Cambria; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-769740153988818292015-03-16T20:41:00.001-07:002015-03-17T12:05:34.170-07:00There’s More to Patrick Than Parades and Green Beer<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-fzdq2RgZPRVx_8SkcLrZ3Wub47z9mecD287viMX_V3VCnU7GG8OpL9_blcyTu8rwlfre3H1APGqO-iPd7TtegTOv2mY4MPKK7sePbzMyuTnC-ONaDvCUbXrnX3UvSURnuT39g/s1600/st-patrick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-fzdq2RgZPRVx_8SkcLrZ3Wub47z9mecD287viMX_V3VCnU7GG8OpL9_blcyTu8rwlfre3H1APGqO-iPd7TtegTOv2mY4MPKK7sePbzMyuTnC-ONaDvCUbXrnX3UvSURnuT39g/s1600/st-patrick.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the 5<sup>th</sup> century barbarians began invading and
overthrowing the fading Western Roman Empire. Roman civilization was destroyed
and replaced by small kingdoms ruled by illiterate, barbaric warrior-kings.
Some have referred to this as the Dark Age.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was at this same time that Patricius, a British boy was
seized and kidnapped and enslaved by a group of Irish slave traders. Patricius
had given up on the religious ways of his parents but during the 6 years of his
enslavement he began to pray.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One night he was awakened by a voice that said, “Your ship
is ready. Though unsure of the voice or exactly what it meant Patricius set out
for the sea. Two hundred miles later he found a ship bound for England and
escaped back to his family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In time Patricius fully came to faith in Jesus and sometime
later felt called to return to Ireland as a missionary named Patrick.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To shorten an inspiring story, within Patrick’s lifetime,
barbaric warriors cast aside their swords of battle and the slave trade ended.
The culture was transformed into one that cared for the poor, the oppressed and
the illiterate. A culture of compassion and education was developed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Irish monasteries became centers for not only copying the
Bible but many other works of literature. Much of the literary work of Europe
during this age was preserved by the monasteries which also taught Latin, music
and painting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the early 7<sup>th</sup> century there were about 700
monastic communities across Great Britain so that some historians contend that
the Irish saved civilization. The monastery became the center of culture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The late Chuck Colson contended that this is how
Christianity is meant to function in society-not just as a private faith but as
a creative force in the culture. The inner life of faith must shape our actions
out in the world. In every choice and decision we make, we either help to
overcome the forces of barbarism—whether medieval or modern—or acquiesce to
those forces; we either help build a life-giving, peace-loving ethos, or fan
the flames of egoism and destruction.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For a fun, 2 minute history of Patrick check out this video--</span></span></span></div>
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Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-10617672909566551092015-01-20T13:57:00.000-08:002015-01-20T13:57:47.849-08:00Prayer as Intercession to God
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIgwx3J_IpNN7JM-KUUvhhDZ4HrvUN9kEL9DuqonspwuBTs36j0AlXZ9CCEuEILslsjPZdj2Xsi7b4Bm0Hpoc6CXWjbgr_aSRBWyV6wL5txxO3L1kgO5QLo_CXu64fFTS3F6hLA/s1600/intercession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIgwx3J_IpNN7JM-KUUvhhDZ4HrvUN9kEL9DuqonspwuBTs36j0AlXZ9CCEuEILslsjPZdj2Xsi7b4Bm0Hpoc6CXWjbgr_aSRBWyV6wL5txxO3L1kgO5QLo_CXu64fFTS3F6hLA/s1600/intercession.jpg" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In all of our praying the most
important aspect is listening to God. This is especially true when it comes to
intercessory prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the prior four posts we have
focused on speaking to or with God regarding WHO God is (Praise), WHAT God does
(Thanksgiving), and HOW God has determined life is to be lived (Confession).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Intercession is praying on
behalf of others, calling upon God to intervene in the lives and circumstances
of others. This immediately raises two questions—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. How do I know what to pray on behalf of another?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If they are sick should I pray for their healing or for God’s grace to help them suffer the ordeal well? If
they are experiencing poverty do I pray for God to supply their needs or to
deepen their faith as they know God to be their true treasure?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some would just say, “Pray that
God blesses them and leave it up to Him as to how He wants to bless them.”
That’s not a bad way to pray. I have prayed that way often.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, there are those other
times where God is looking to speak into our lives so that we join Him in His
work in others. In other words, sometimes God wants us to not pray generally,
“God bless him” but to pray specifically as God informs us to pray.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve prayed for people to be
healed. I’ve prayed for people to die and for Jesus to receive them into
heaven. The reason I prayed so specifically was because I was “impressed” by
God’s Spirit how to pray. Thus, listening is crucial for prayers of
intercession.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are many things already
revealed to us in Scripture that we know to pray for others and thus we do well
to pray consistently what we know. I prayed for my sons to come to saving faith
in Jesus, I prayed for God to mightily contend with their hearts through
adolescence for right living and I prayed for their courting and marriage to
their future wives, not only through the years of their lives but even before
they were born.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do I know what to pray for
others? God tells us through Scripture and through prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. Why do we intercede when God can do whatever He wants?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God involves us in His work in
the lives of others because it is part of His discipleship plan for us. Paul
Billheimer said it this way: “Prayer is God’s on-the-job training for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Training for what? Billheimer
contends that God is developing us as priests who will make a difference in the
lives of others here and now, and God is developing us as His “bride” who will
co-rule and co-reign with Him throughout eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Intercession is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>worship</u></b> (demonstrating our
confidence in the goodness and greatness of God), <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>work</u></b> (joining God in His mission), and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>warfare</u></b> (participating in God’s defeat of evil and the evil
one).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How is it going for you three
weeks into a new year of deepening your connection with God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-32218146199708880062015-01-13T00:33:00.000-08:002015-01-13T00:34:37.379-08:00Prayer as Confession to God<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WDKg2yZ7rTfvjcP1Sdkv0fioRs1D7GrRb8CGBTYtTj02nUHzBr5mIrXhOe55AfztvC1VU6HTuk7CCDboX-CsghtG6jybifG7UAhAoUiujtpvkSydDwd8x0GbDx9RW1vphMu0rg/s1600/Esther+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WDKg2yZ7rTfvjcP1Sdkv0fioRs1D7GrRb8CGBTYtTj02nUHzBr5mIrXhOe55AfztvC1VU6HTuk7CCDboX-CsghtG6jybifG7UAhAoUiujtpvkSydDwd8x0GbDx9RW1vphMu0rg/s1600/Esther+4.jpg" height="133" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Confessions are often associated with something negative.
In the context of sin confession has to do with admitting guilt or admitting
wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Confessions are also associated with something positive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For example, one confession that I frequently state for
myself is that of three Hebrew young men who lived in the Babylonian empire of
the 6<sup>th</sup> century BC. When refusing to compromise their faith and
their commitment to God for the sake of appeasing King Nebuchadnezzar they were
sentenced to die in a fiery furnace. You may remember that the king offered
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego a second chance to compromise their faith and
offered to change their sentence from death to life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The 3 Hebrews replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we don’t need a
second chance. Our God is well able to deliver us from your fiery furnace. But
even if He does not we are not going to compromise our faith.” (Daniel 3:18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve had health challenges. I know that God is able to
make me well. But even if He doesn’t I’ll not quit trusting Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve had financial challenges. I know that God is able to
meet every financial need I have. But even if He doesn’t I’ll not quit trusting
Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve had opportunistic challenges. I know that God is
able to help me seize and succeed in the opportunity. But even if He doesn’t
I’ll not quit trusting Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What’s the “fiery” ordeal in your life? Do you know that
God can handle it? Do you know that in His wisdom He might not? Can you still
trust Him even when God doesn’t come through for you in ways that you want Him
to?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another confession that has become a constant refrain for
my life is from the ancient Queen Esther. Remarkably, miraculously, in the 5<sup>th</sup>
century BC a Jewish peasant girl living in exile in Persia was elevated to
queen of Persia. Was this a matter of just being the luckiest girl on earth or
was there some divine purpose behind it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Reading the story shows that God is at work because the
entire Jewish race is threatened with total extinction. God has been at work so
that Esther would become queen and intercede on the behalf of her people.
However, even though God is at work that doesn’t mean that Esther is without
risk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At one point in the story Esther’s cousin Mordecai tells
her that she must approach the king and plead the case of the Jews so that her
people might be delivered. Mordecai says, “This is why God has made you queen.”
Esther replies, “It’s not that easy Mordecai. I’ve not even seen the king in a
month. He has hundreds of women in his harem. If I try to see the king without
the king having summoned me then he can have me executed. Mordecai tells Esther
it is a risk that she has to take.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Esther prays about it, senses that it is what God wants
her to do and confesses, “If I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16) Now there is a
“happy ending” to her story. The king does receive her, hears her request and
delivers the Jews from annihilation. But she doesn’t know how the story is
going to finish. However, she was willing to take a life risk and trust God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you felt God call upon you to take a stand at work
that could cost you a promotion or even cost you your job and you pressed
forward confessing, “If I perish, I perish”?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you felt God call upon you to take a stand in your
social circle concerning a moral or ethical position that could result in
ridicule or loss of friendship and you pressed forward confessing, “If I
perish, I perish”?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some of you have taken a stand about your faith within
your extended family that had different beliefs and it resulted in you losing
favor with your family or even being cut off from your family. You were
confessing, “If I perish, I perish.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">As
you deepen your connection and communication with God, prayer as confession to
God will be key. What kind of confession are you impressed to make today?</span></div>
Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-27605557927128324122015-01-06T23:48:00.000-08:002015-01-06T23:48:10.813-08:00Prayer as Thanksgiving to God
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGt_P1dy0al1m5oYiI0qynKb96RQQ-ilaSlbVRd1wrMeIQ6GaNnS5cUQc3DlySW4xNHy-1ZDFw6xSn9o3LZe564cjlFv3reYmPUZmiHuxNjSFaimhdojFSfFz3rX68d9f4cl38A/s1600/Mt+Rainier.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGt_P1dy0al1m5oYiI0qynKb96RQQ-ilaSlbVRd1wrMeIQ6GaNnS5cUQc3DlySW4xNHy-1ZDFw6xSn9o3LZe564cjlFv3reYmPUZmiHuxNjSFaimhdojFSfFz3rX68d9f4cl38A/s1600/Mt+Rainier.gif" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some of us were taught as
children to pray—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>“God is great. God is good. Let
us thank Him for our food.”<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is much wisdom in that
simple prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Praying thanksgiving is a key
means of knowing God and communicating with God. But thanksgiving is more than
superficially saying, “Thank you”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most of us were also taught as
children the obligation of giving thanks. Aunt Susie gives you a birthday
present and even if it was officially weird, your mother would ask you, “What
do you say?” with an expectation of hearing you utter the magic words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If we do an obligatory
statement of appreciation to God we risk missing the experience of knowing Him.
Go back to the “child’s” prayer above. Is God really great? Is God really good?
How do you know?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When our thanksgiving is
birthed out of awe we have a keen sense of His presence, the fullness of His
Person, and in contrast the unworthiness of our receiving benefits or favor
from God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But we live in an “awe-killing”
world. The recent movie on Moses went to great lengths to give naturalistic
explanations for awesome works of God. We take for granted the awesome splendor
of snow-capped mountains, powerful rushing rivers and the stunning beauty of
sunsets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If God is Creator then we learn
something of Him when we examine and reflect on creation. God is an artist who
loves beauty and shares the joy of His artistry with His friends. And if we
notice God’s handiwork we’ve just been nudged by His Spirit to take it in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I drive across the
floating bridge and squint because the sun is glimmering over Lake Washington
with a majestic Mt. Rainier in the backdrop I have to whisper, “Thank you God
for letting me live in the Northwest and having eyes to behold this sight and a
heart that is alive to Your activity around me.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In that prayer/conversation I’m
not just communicating with God; I’m communing with God; I’m enjoying God; I’m
celebrating God. And the marvelous outcome of praying thanksgiving is that the
more I do, the more I know and experience God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In this day, let us practice
noticing God, acknowledging God and responding to God with praise and
thanksgiving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-79670559663964898852015-01-04T21:55:00.003-08:002015-01-04T21:55:48.100-08:00Prayer as Praise to God
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nan70ur2v09O7p3Scn1yf9cBrq-RS6lIm4w7gGiyHWCCDZBGH9d7_tiD-_r6O82ZB9du59pyx8VRZR1OYYOHb4WaLXNKK_Jyw7W3nhO0UFMaDVuPtigoWIhz9FVj0SGVMnEGUA/s1600/praisegod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nan70ur2v09O7p3Scn1yf9cBrq-RS6lIm4w7gGiyHWCCDZBGH9d7_tiD-_r6O82ZB9du59pyx8VRZR1OYYOHb4WaLXNKK_Jyw7W3nhO0UFMaDVuPtigoWIhz9FVj0SGVMnEGUA/s1600/praisegod.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prayer is communicating or
conversing with God. When you communicate with other people you make use of a
variety of types of communication, sometimes asking questions, sometimes
encouraging or challenging or even correcting others. So it is as we
communicate with God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are 5 major types of
communication or prayer we express:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Praise</b>
is honoring or celebrating God for WHO He is.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thanksgiving</b>
is recognizing God for WHAT He does.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Confession </b>is agreeing with God about
what is right or wrong with your life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Intercession</b>
is calling upon God to help in the need of someone else.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Petition</b>
is calling upon God to help with your personal needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Additionally and most
importantly the remaining part of communication with God is LISTENING (more
about that in a future post).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many of us have familiarity
with petition or even intercession, where we are asking God for things. There’s
nothing wrong with that and in fact God invites us to ask Him for things (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+11%3A24&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Mark11:24</a>). Deepening our communication with God will require that we grow in our
ability to pray in additional ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today I’m encouraging you to
focus on praying praise, that is, reflecting on the wonderful nature of God and
telling Him what you think and believe about Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, don’t mistakenly think
that God needs us to praise Him as if He were someone trying to do His best and
we’re tasked with lifting His esteem. God doesn’t need our praise or our
worship or our honor (see <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+17%3A24-25&version=NLT" target="_blank">Acts 17:24-25</a>). <u><em>We need</em></u> to praise and worship God. It
does something to us and for us to rightly recognize God or celebrate God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I play basketball at a local
YMCA. Recently a new guy showed up and wanted to play and it was obvious that
he had seldom played the game. Within a short time I found myself irritated
because I felt he was ruining the game. In my frustration I sensed God nudging
me to encourage and affirm this guy when he did something right. When I began
to praise him for doing something well my heart was becoming open to him;
praising someone was undoing the hardening that a critical spirit was forming
in me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rightly praising God softens my
heart, redirects my focus from the irritating things to the Indescribable One
and moves me from “huffing and puffing” an existence to freshly breathing in
Life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we journey together today,
with every few steps speak aloud or in your heart words of praise toward our
great God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-38693945458199991202015-01-02T17:39:00.001-08:002015-01-02T17:39:56.101-08:00Deepening My Communication with God
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Assuming that you would like to
be able to sense God’s presence and with your heart “see” and “hear” His
movement and activity around you better in the coming year, where would you
begin?</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My recommendation would be to
deepen your ability to communicate with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When my communication with my
wife or with friends is significantly good, I also seem to gain a capacity to
sense what’s going on with them and thereby gain more intimacy with them. The same
is true with my relationship with God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where is God leading you in
2015?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What aspect of your character
is God prioritizing for greater development?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who is it that God knows you to
be?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why does God have you in this
world?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How are you to live so that at
the end of life you hear from God, “Well done”?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These questions may seem
intimidating or for some even impossible. Yet these are the kinds of things
that God is pleased to speak into our minds and hearts (thoughts and feelings).
He is more committed to our transformation than we. What becomes essential is
that I grow in my ability to understand and experience God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Lord gives us the grace for
our personal growth. What is our part?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the next several days I
will be posting some of my experience and practical ideas that I believe will
offer a little boost to you moving forward in your relationship with Jesus. I
invite you to join me in a journey and conversation; think of us walking and
talking together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 140.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope you’ll join me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-48602857967364008632014-05-22T10:11:00.000-07:002014-05-22T10:13:11.592-07:00A Great Spouse Still Makes a Poor GodI've just completed a series of Sunday teachings on marriage and family and I'm currently leading a small group that is focused on the same subject. I've been learning and been reminded of many great truths and principles that contribute to the flourishing of relationships.<br />
<br />
Today a friend sent a link to me of a timely post by Lysa Terkeurst that I'm linking <a href="http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=f63562b3be485ea0ae33acf18&id=d32e34a510&e=d2923af536" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Here are a few nuggets from her thoughtful blog--<br />
<br />
1. If a spouse could meet my every need, then I'd have no need for God.<br />
2. Instead of focusing on finding the right partner, let God work in your heart to help you become the right partner.<br />
3. Getting married doesn't make you selfless...it makes you realize how selfish you can be.<br />
4. Getting married doesn't make you feel loved...it makes you realize that love is more of a decision you make than a feeling you feel.<br />
5. Getting married doesn't take away loneliness...it makes you realize that true companionship comes not when you demand it, but rather when you give it to another person.<br />
<br />
May we continue to seek God and become the person that God designed and thereby better enjoy the relationships He has given us.Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-13135402721169615862013-02-14T10:04:00.001-08:002013-02-14T10:06:00.267-08:00Use Lent as a Season of Deepening Relationship with God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJAjhWmD11k1GbnrTcbr7mUvJBkoETJJJrXzLkT_8Rny7x70GTqj4cnwxuMfbJ8v32-dtxMV6tG1IXt4OYePCCeV36svN9qQgSgoJxDL1dcdtxS1neMCq1cq8soDD8fl9Nb-t3A/s1600/Lent.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJAjhWmD11k1GbnrTcbr7mUvJBkoETJJJrXzLkT_8Rny7x70GTqj4cnwxuMfbJ8v32-dtxMV6tG1IXt4OYePCCeV36svN9qQgSgoJxDL1dcdtxS1neMCq1cq8soDD8fl9Nb-t3A/s320/Lent.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The 6 week
period preceding Easter called Lent can be a time set apart for focused
attention on deepening your relationship with God. This year I’ve created a plan
that is designed to assist me with addressing specific areas of my life as I
relate to God. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Maybe you
have had experiences in times past around Lent and Easter that felt negative to
you or full of guilt-inducing “shoulds”. I’ve prepared my plan because I “want”
to grow in Christ. I share the plan with you in case you’d like to similarly
engage these weeks in what I expect to be a powerful season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’m going to
prayerfully respond to the items below by making fresh commitments to Christ,
asking for His transforming power, and then I’m going share those commitments
with trusted others with whom I do regular accountability.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Describe your sense of connection with
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you feel close or far away?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have meaningful conversation with God
or are your prayers dry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is God pleased
with you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you pleased with God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Describe your sense of connection with your
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there closeness or distance?
Is communication strong or lacking?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are
you enjoying one another or are you strained?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Describe your sense of connection and
involvement with your church family. What is fun and/or exciting to you about
your involvement?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In what ways is your
small group meaningful to you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does
the Sunday gathering provide a quality worship experience and study of the
Bible for you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you understand your spiritual gifting
to be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In what ways are you using your
spiritual gifting to serve God and His church?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is your service satisfying and energizing?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you estimate your financial giving to be
below, at, or above the 10% tithe that the Bible teaches?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does this reflect growth in giving?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does this reflect generosity in giving?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does this reflect faith in giving?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you believe that God is pleased with your
giving?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Describe how you are building relationships
with non-churched friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In what ways
have you been able to share your faith?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have you had influence or impact upon a friend in the last year so that
they chose to also follow Christ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
what ways are you discipling and/or mentoring another believer?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Galatians 5:22-26 teach what the "fruit
of the Spirit" are and how a believer lives when bearing fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In what area of Christlikeness have you been
especially "fruitful"?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
what area of Christlikeness have you especially struggled?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-86690828865680118652012-11-21T15:34:00.000-08:002012-11-21T15:34:49.559-08:00Go to Jail or Go to Church, Your Choice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjabZE2UGAhhONsUMjFpbeIqRCB9A6BZN9Q-1vUHsKjfjwzzRVaC-PUGQNPADzMhG0coUfGLz_JAozTfJMWk2bQ5Dyo8TVNen4Ievvux8w0wlH6FnESSzgUzsjX3ip91qgZ3-wlw/s1600/Tyler+Alred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjabZE2UGAhhONsUMjFpbeIqRCB9A6BZN9Q-1vUHsKjfjwzzRVaC-PUGQNPADzMhG0coUfGLz_JAozTfJMWk2bQ5Dyo8TVNen4Ievvux8w0wlH6FnESSzgUzsjX3ip91qgZ3-wlw/s320/Tyler+Alred.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Tyler Alred
was 16 years old, he got behind the wheel of his truck after drinking alcohol.
In the seat next to him was his friend John Luke Dum. They crashed and Dum was
killed. Alred was charged with manslaughter and pled guilty.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oklahoma District
Court Judge Mike Norman could have sent Alred to jail, but instead, taking into
account his clean criminal and school records, sentenced him to wear a drug and
alcohol bracelet, participate in counseling groups and attend a church of his
choosing—weekly. He must graduate from high school.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To avoid jail
time, Norman gave Alred a maximum 10-year deferred sentence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is not the
first time that Norman has sentenced someone to attend church. You can read more
about this story at the <a href="http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/oklahoma-judge-sentences-teen-church-10-years-204920227--abc-news-topstories.html" target="_blank">ABC News blog</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever
heard of such a thing? I have but it has been a long time. About 25 years ago
when I served another church in another state a judge specifically sentenced a
man to attend my church. I knew the judge. I knew the man and cared about his
plight. The judge called me before sentencing, told me his idea and asked if I
was willing to be involved in the man’s life along with some drug and alcohol
rehab programs. I was and the man was sentenced to a creative program that
included attending my church with the hope that his life could be rescued and
not lost in the prison system.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This of course
raises several questions about a judge’s legal right to order such sentencing
and the ABC News blog already has many comments on both sides.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, my reflection
is about the value of attending church. Obviously if a judge sentences a
troubled person to attend church rather than go to jail that judge holds an
opinion that something worthwhile will happen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In contrast
recent polling has indicated that in the USA the number one fastest growing group
of people regarding religion is “none”; that is, people who have no preference
regarding religion or faith. In other words, millions have concluded that
attending church is a waste of time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Which is it? Does
going to church contribute to life transformation or to boredom and a waste of
time? The answer is YES. The answer is mostly dependent upon the person and it
is also dependent upon the church.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Walking in a
door, sitting in a pew or chair, enduring religious music, rituals and talk,
does little if anything to change or help anyone. But if a person has a hunger
for God, gathers with people of faith who passionately worship God and do life
with God, then that person may with God’s help experience a life revolution and
transformation that cannot take place any other way. That is my experience and
I’ve witnessed it happen with hundreds of others through the years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I pray that Alred
finds forgiveness, redemption, restoration and life purpose in Christ. I pray
that Dum’s family receives the grace and comfort that only God can give in
light of their terrible loss.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-11919039080885868462012-10-12T19:03:00.000-07:002012-10-12T19:03:12.297-07:00Creating Needed Space<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBdZPqx5JtkI_8wzWd8lGQcg8UEgwSJbYSSoDg9OIghigJ9fIhM7AkcT_VGV4OVVhHVkHcg6YxcWl5DxnKYdjKeEzFbeb9bcO7dh1MTAmbEsZQBQ4IxHnrOnTYJb1fR5_wzL4rA/s1600/Hometown+Bakery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBdZPqx5JtkI_8wzWd8lGQcg8UEgwSJbYSSoDg9OIghigJ9fIhM7AkcT_VGV4OVVhHVkHcg6YxcWl5DxnKYdjKeEzFbeb9bcO7dh1MTAmbEsZQBQ4IxHnrOnTYJb1fR5_wzL4rA/s320/Hometown+Bakery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do you create
space in your life?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My life is a
story, as is yours. I love stories. They are powerful to me. Stories inspire,
challenge, provoke laughs and stir tears.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I believe that
God uses His story and ours to impact and change the lives of people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently my story
has become dull and uninteresting. I think it is reflected in how little I’ve
been able to blog lately. What’s going on? There are too many “words” on the
page.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you notice
when reading a book, the publisher has been careful to have margins on each
page. There is “white space”. That margin helps us to read and take in the
page. The more words and less space on a page make us work harder to get the
story.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For around two
years I’ve had too much stuff going on in my life. It is good stuff; important
and eternal stuff. Often it is life and death stuff. But if I don’t intentional
keep margin on the pages it becomes too much stuff and the story is bogged down.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s where I
am. What should I do?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve sensed God
inviting me to slow down and create some space with the experience of solitude.
For years I had the habit of going away to a cabin in the woods for a couple of
days, two to three times a year. In solitude I worship, read, sing, think and
write. I haven’t had meaningful solitude in about 16 months. I’m overdue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve placed on my
calendar a date for two days of solitude, soon. Meanwhile, Thursday looked like
the last decent day for weather as we move into the rainy Fall so I dropped
everything and went for a day long motorcycle ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I took a book and
my journal. I searched the net for a cool coffee/bakery type place as a
destination to hang out. And I plotted a course that I’d never driven that
looked like it would be picturesque with the colors of Fall.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The day didn’t
turn out as I hoped. The morning was cold, overcast and damp. After two hours
of riding I was chilled and tired. About ten miles from my bakery destination
the sun broke out and the colors began to pop. I thought, “This is more like
it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then I got to the
“bakery”. It was a little trailer at a spot in the road that I missed and had to turn around to find. When I walked into the empty room and asked "What's cooking?" they said they had “baked”
some pizza. It was not the haven I longed for but I knew where one was and I
mounted the bike for the hour or so ride to get there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The ride was on
the Mountain Loop from Darrington to Granite Falls. It was beautiful in a dozen
ways. I drank in the sun breaks, colors, streams and rivers and wildlife. Then suddenly
my dream ride ran out of pavement, seriously. The loop has a 15 mile stretch of
single lane, gravel road. My cruiser and I were not excited to navigate this
road as I had to cease drinking in the surrounding beauty and fix my gaze on
the hundreds of pot holes I was now dodging. Did I mention for 15 miles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvXURX3VTCzQihYR8r8i7bRWdwrrTc3h6LmYXjUVnHQRFVj1I-bmoCizIkOpsMhWRxol4tQna7CO4tc4K-o0Grhm-FKT_lCryORoifUrApF_HW4eM5S0j5P1lHmOgxHkY9QsK8w/s1600/bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvXURX3VTCzQihYR8r8i7bRWdwrrTc3h6LmYXjUVnHQRFVj1I-bmoCizIkOpsMhWRxol4tQna7CO4tc4K-o0Grhm-FKT_lCryORoifUrApF_HW4eM5S0j5P1lHmOgxHkY9QsK8w/s320/bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHrtB3gz4XICym0_2jm8XWAC5PYV_00fqbvFsbFFIcqqA7uQaORfY0nHGFlrgZChWZicXw4pDfoH30WMhR-oNC_QDiVIk2wqTWr6CK5alxIS5alkjrzO3syVzh9rBdCaC091Y4g/s1600/creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHrtB3gz4XICym0_2jm8XWAC5PYV_00fqbvFsbFFIcqqA7uQaORfY0nHGFlrgZChWZicXw4pDfoH30WMhR-oNC_QDiVIk2wqTWr6CK5alxIS5alkjrzO3syVzh9rBdCaC091Y4g/s320/creek.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally I hit pavement
again, enjoyed the ride for several miles, and then arrived at my warm coffee
shop with the overstuffed leather furniture, only to find it closed. Are you
kidding me?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m really tired
and cold after four hours of riding. I know another coffee rendezvous about an
hour away so I hit the road. I can’t wait to smell some roasted beans and pour
some hot coffee down my throat. But, about mid-way between the two towns,
literally in the middle of nowhere, I had a flat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRp_0Yu8QcclQkC828g7b_JqxrVBOahyui8Db4Qx8VzRnjE8EUn5g0-l6u8YV_rSZC3bIm9OV_af2eroxWfZV36KHj3_S5jXfKk63xCJwgr_hw4y3ilGDmKF-oINA5U2P5GM8xg/s1600/flat+tire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRp_0Yu8QcclQkC828g7b_JqxrVBOahyui8Db4Qx8VzRnjE8EUn5g0-l6u8YV_rSZC3bIm9OV_af2eroxWfZV36KHj3_S5jXfKk63xCJwgr_hw4y3ilGDmKF-oINA5U2P5GM8xg/s320/flat+tire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fortunately my
phone worked and I called AAA. They were quick to inform me that my “Plus”
membership didn’t include motorcycle service but they were glad to upgrade me
for a fee. I upgraded. They contacted a tow truck and dispatched him to my
location with the promise of a 45 minute wait.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You know where
this is going. The tow truck called me in 45 minutes to say they were not
coming because their truck broke down. AAA called another truck that was
already helping someone else. He said he could get to me in 90 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I sat on the
side of the road for two and a half hours I prayed. I wondered if God would
redeem this lost episode so that something meaningful would happen between me
and the truck driver, or some other driver that might stop, or the service tech
at the shop or anything else that God is capable of doing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No, there was no
magic to the day. No great story to tell. No productive thinking and writing.
At the end of the day I was simply a tired, hungry, cold rider with a flat.
Even as I write and read that last statement I think, “Yea, pitiful first world
whining.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But, it is where
my story is right now. And, I’m not satisfied with my story. I’m challenged to
create space and see my character engaged in more interesting, meaningful, and
Gospel mission engagement. It’s not like that is not happening right now. It’s
just that I’m not able to enjoy and engage it as I know it can be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How’s it going
with your story?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-75899834081687991182012-06-15T20:45:00.000-07:002012-06-15T20:45:02.400-07:00What Not to Say to Someone Who has Cancer<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyJVJi0x2aU5IzkjUjhAKY6HTctJGhbMgXBmbQC-u8uzIeK173pRuDI6gVaaFalrhXKxHT0j8AH4J7F4zX2nHNShPpuiZbq5tfvmltJ-ymNInlBr0JAliDkLWJ6VFgSF-3AzxZA/s1600/what+not+to+say.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyJVJi0x2aU5IzkjUjhAKY6HTctJGhbMgXBmbQC-u8uzIeK173pRuDI6gVaaFalrhXKxHT0j8AH4J7F4zX2nHNShPpuiZbq5tfvmltJ-ymNInlBr0JAliDkLWJ6VFgSF-3AzxZA/s320/what+not+to+say.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently I’ve
been praying for and seeking to support some friends who are battling cancer. I
discovered on <a href="http://www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/2012/06/what-not-to-say/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+stuffchristianslikeblog+%28Stuff+Christians+Like+-+Jon+Acuff%29">Jon
Acuff’s blog </a>a guest post by <a href="http://traceysolomon.wordpress.com/">Tracey Solomon
</a>that is spot on regarding what not to say to someone who has cancer.
Her comments are very helpful and deserve to be read and passed on to others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>What Not
to Say</b> by Tracey Solomon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We totally need a
Christian version of What Not To Wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Only it should be more holy and less about clothes. It should be called
What Not To Say. Since my husband’s diagnosis with prostate cancer this fall,
I’ve heard people say a lot of stuff that hasn’t been helpful. Maybe, that’s
partly because, for awhile, I had a bad case of Cancer Tourette’s. Cancer
Tourette’s is a condition where you randomly blurt out the diagnosis to
everyone who asks “How are you?” Including the chick ringing up your Target basket
and the 12-year-old boy putting your groceries in a bag. (FYI: 1) He doesn’t
know what a prostate is, and 2) is afraid of you, prostates, cancer and your
crying. Leave the poor kid alone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Actually, it’s
not always what people say that is hard…it’s how it sounds. Which could be
totally a problem with my hearing, and since my husband’s diagnosis, I’ve been
hearing things differently. It’s like I hear everything through a crazy morbid
mix-master’s cancer filter. I think the world is auto-tuned to upset me. And it
does.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But, I’m not the
only one. I’ve heard others talk about stuff Christians say when there is a bad
diagnosis, so I thought I’d ask Jon if I could give you guys a
behind-the-cancer listen to the things we say and how they sound. I gotta be honest:
Cancer (and any crummy diagnosis, really) is hard enough without having
well-meaning people say things to make it harder.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Things like:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>“You
gotta stay positive.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What it sounds
like: “If you keep being so negative, you’re going to kill your husband.”
(Which I sometimes want to do, but that has nothing to do with cancer, it has
everything to do with hormones. Mostly.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How I want to
respond: ”I AM positive. I’m positive that cancer stinks. Also: Thanks. Now I’m
afraid that if I’m not positive enough my husband will die. It will be my
fault.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>The
truth:</i> ”Sometimes I need to get the negative out of the way so I can
get to the positive. I’m positive that God will get us through this, even if we
don’t like the outcome. Staying positive doesn’t mean living in denial. It
means accepting the truth and hoping for the best.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>“God
won’t give you more than you can handle.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What it sounds
like: “Buck up and deal. You can handle this, or God wouldn’t have allowed
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should be honored He thinks so
highly of you.” (No clue where the term “buck up” came from. Blame the cancer.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How I want to
respond: “God needs to have his head examined. (Does God even have a head?) Or,
he thinks way too highly of me. Has he not been paying attention to my
immaturity? Maybe he needs bifocals or something.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>The
truth:</i> God gives us things we don’t think we can handle and then he
works in and through us. (Which is good because otherwise he’d have to recall
my kids. And since two are in college, that would be really awkward.) It’s not
about US or what he thinks we can handle…. it’s about Him and what he can
handle. But cancer still sucks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>“Is
there sin in your life?”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Okay so no one
has actually said this to me, But I know they say it to others. That, or it’s a
Christian urban myth. Have you heard it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What it sounds
like: “Is there sin in your life? If so, sinner! You deserve this!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How I (would)
respond: “Of course there is. Duh. I’m human. Is there sin in your life? Cause,
either you lie or I think you just fell into the whole plank vs. splinter in
the eye thing which I’m pretty sure is sin and now you probably have cancer,
too.” (But, I really hope not, because, like I said, cancer sucks.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>“That’s
a good kind of cancer to have.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, “At
least they caught it early.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How it sounds: ”Like
you just said: “That’s a good kind of cancer to have. And at least they caught
it early.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A little cancer
secret: There is no good kind of cancer. Cancer is BAD, always bad. That’s why
we need to cure it. It’s also why we need God to help us through it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“My _______ had
______ cancer and they’re doing great. (Or they died. Either one.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m really glad
your loved one is doing well. Or really sorry they died…. but, right now? This
is about me. Let’s talk about me. (If there is ever a time to be selfish, it’s
when you’re facing cancer or the cancer diagnosis of a loved one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The bottom line
(s) –<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Please
don’t:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Minimize<i></i></b>:
Say things to make the issue smaller than it is. It may make you feel better
about the situation, but it makes the people involved feel like they’re crazy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Spiritualize<i></i></b>:
Say things that make a physical issue into a spiritual one. Which, while I
believe there is a spiritual aspect to everything, exactly what is really hard
to tell from a diagnosis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Traumatize<i></i></b>:
Now is not the time to share cancer horror stories.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If someone you
know is faced with a nasty diagnosis, please…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Listen more. Talk
less. Listen to how I feel, instead of telling me how I should feel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pray more. Preach
less. When I’m afraid, pray with me. Now. Not later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And really, the cancer center waiting room is
not the time to preach or argue doctrine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Bonus</b>:
When someone shares about a recent scary diagnosis, it’s probably not the time
to tell them how wonderful your experience with that illness was, or how much
you loved it. Or how it made God so real in your life and that you pooped
rainbows after treatment. It could be true, but this is probably not the time
to share. I may have threatened to stab the next person to do so. In love, of
course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(That has actually happened to
me a few times. Except for the pooping rainbows part. I made that up.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So have
Christians said weird things to you when you’ve faced a crisis? What did they
say? How did it sound? How did you wish you had responded?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would have helped?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Final note: Ha! I
said “prostate” on SCL! I think that’s a first.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Final, final
note: Never confuse “prostate” and “prostrate.” Not the same.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">PSA about PSA:
Dudes, I don’t care what the government says, get checked your prostate
checked. My husband is 45.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-355981474078110542012-03-21T11:04:00.003-07:002012-03-21T11:07:28.776-07:00Tim Tebow and Turning Pages<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jCG0-ut29xsbgIVIrdUUJ0Bm-El09T6EpsHaf82Si8S6kYCFz2s7e68X8XKlJ9widX1UHOrCVYt-LDKtYC8iAJCXSp7BSUNfzMJs3YlG20OgcrablWc4gCMWSucCKJklEXpSJg/s1600/Tebow-Manning.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jCG0-ut29xsbgIVIrdUUJ0Bm-El09T6EpsHaf82Si8S6kYCFz2s7e68X8XKlJ9widX1UHOrCVYt-LDKtYC8iAJCXSp7BSUNfzMJs3YlG20OgcrablWc4gCMWSucCKJklEXpSJg/s320/Tebow-Manning.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722413019808863330" /></a><br />I am a big-time fan of Peyton Manning. I was a big-time fan of his dad Archie. I have followed Peyton’s career throughout college and professional football. I falsely hoped when Indianapolis decided to let him go that Seattle might aggressively seek Peyton’s services. Alas, the Seahawks are another story.<br /><br />I’m also a big-time fan of Tim Tebow. Not only does his faith and life inspire me but his work ethic in the game excites me. The Broncos drive through the playoffs last fall was the most entertaining football I’ve seen in a long time.<br /><br />Now Peyton is becoming the Broncos starting quarterback. What will happen with Tebow? Will he be a backup to Manning and learn from one of the best? More likely I think Tebow will be traded. The Tebow mania in Denver could be too much for the business of football to happen effectively in the Broncos organization.<br /><br />A trade to another team is what I call a “turning of the page”. If God is the Author of life and each of our stories become a part of God’s metanarrative, then Tebow’s move to a new team will be the turning of a page into a new chapter in his life.<br /><br />AND, Tebow will be just fine. In fact I predict he will flourish. No, I don’t have an inside scoop on what team will pick up the Heisman Trophy winner. It really doesn’t matter. I hope that Tim will have success in the game wherever he goes but if he doesn’t it won’t matter. Since football is “A” passion of Tim’s and not “THE”Passion of his life he will be just fine wherever he is and whatever he does.<br /><br />Tim has made it clear that following Christ is his all-consuming first priority in life. Knowing Christ, serving Christ and seeing the difference that Christ makes all around his life won’t change. Just the city and team will change. AND, I predict that the graceful, classy way Tim handles the transition will likewise bring honor to Christ.<br /><br />I’m looking forward to the next chapter in Manning’s career. I’m especially looking forward to the next chapter in Tebow’s life.Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-30982338267275246912012-03-20T09:34:00.003-07:002012-03-20T09:40:17.065-07:00Is there such a thing as "Wrongful Birth"?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8Twb_sivP-hOJkIlBUBHKcxtPplmip_EisNWjUcLLM4f-_7doqPphGwaR7aogRPzFKZJ9mk6vCMKnLK6Wxr_8fQS9LPhWb8gWjCAHMPJzSBlO21nfsTv2HgV2Fa50TLGPuNbSA/s1600/Gavel.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8Twb_sivP-hOJkIlBUBHKcxtPplmip_EisNWjUcLLM4f-_7doqPphGwaR7aogRPzFKZJ9mk6vCMKnLK6Wxr_8fQS9LPhWb8gWjCAHMPJzSBlO21nfsTv2HgV2Fa50TLGPuNbSA/s320/Gavel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722019110070154306" /></a><br />A Portland area couple was recently awarded nearly $3 million because their daughter was born with Down syndrome. Around 13 weeks into her pregnancy the mother had gone into a clinic and received the chorionic villus sampling or CVS. The results showed that the child had a normal chromosomal profile. When the child was born it was then discovered that she did in fact have the chromosomal abnormality referred to as Down syndrome. Statistically the test has a 97.7% accuracy rate.<br /><br />The couple sued the clinic claiming that had the test been accurate and they knew that their child was Down syndrome they would have aborted her and thus never gone through the ordeal of raising a special needs child. <br /><br />The child is now 4 years old. The parents say that they love her. They simply want the clinic to pay for their error. If you’re interested in the specifics of the testing and trial you can read the story at the <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2012/03/jury_rules_in_portland-area_co.html">Oregonian</a>.<br /><br />The whole case is a reflection of our times and the questions that modern medical science is presenting to society. Upon what basis will we make such life and death decisions?<br /><br />The term “wrongful birth”, like other current euphemisms in the news such as “after-birth abortion” and “selective reduction”, sends a chilling message that many of us can be misled by the changing of language.<br /><br />Those of us who are guided by the Bible through the questions and values posed by contemporary culture have to see this crafting of words for what it is. Most of our society would not tolerate the murder of babies but would give little attention to someone preventing a “wrongful birth”.<br /><br />Yes, I’m aware that scientifically a sperm and egg unite and from that conception a developmental process is launched until there is a birth. Increasing numbers in our society are having to reject the notions about life beginning at some point of viability or at birth because science has convincingly demonstrated that life begins at conception.<br /><br />But theologically the Bible contends that life begins in the heart of God which precedes the uniting of sperm and egg. In the story of God’s call to Jeremiah to be a prophet, God informed Jeremiah,<br /><blockquote>“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)</blockquote><br /><br />The implication of this verse is clear. God conceives our lives and has determined the value of our lives and has plans for our lives before our parents even come into the picture.<br /><br />Was there a wrongful birth of this little girl 4 years ago? No. Were it known that she would be born with Down syndrome should there have been a selective reduction? God forbid. Within minutes of her birth when her condition was discovered should there have been an after-birth abortion? Are we insane?<br /><br />Changing the language does not change the fact that we are “playing God” when we make decisions for death instead of life.Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-74795069946473634452012-02-11T08:59:00.001-08:002012-02-11T09:13:17.725-08:00When God Works in Unique Ways<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXar1LoJku4QfUR4RHu7CqLvLV5uGVd1JomMfkQ0-91Xg5x0HBoCxIZxwDQjWFJU7uOpgRvHR7jxX1tmR2hTIjhTlTJ2wCqLpXqGkt02pVxqkxnY3kid2yVhp7py84hb5xHeHMA/s1600/IMG_0647.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXar1LoJku4QfUR4RHu7CqLvLV5uGVd1JomMfkQ0-91Xg5x0HBoCxIZxwDQjWFJU7uOpgRvHR7jxX1tmR2hTIjhTlTJ2wCqLpXqGkt02pVxqkxnY3kid2yVhp7py84hb5xHeHMA/s320/IMG_0647.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707924037068440482" /></a><br />About a week ago I had the privilege and unique opportunity to travel to Nicaragua as a part of a service team for a newly established village. While in the village our team of 16 served alongside the members of the community harvesting and planting crops, building friendship, offering support and sharing life.<br /><br />I use the word “unique” because of several factors. First, the trip was planned by my <a href="http://sammamishrotary.org/">Rotary Club in Sammamish</a>, not by my church. Some months ago Charlotte, the chairperson of the international committee of our club discovered a Seattle based non-profit ministry called <a href="http://agros.org/">Agros</a>. She was impressed with their model of offering help to the poor in ways that empower them to bring about change in their lives (more about that later) and she led our club to partner with Agros in a multiyear commitment of several thousand dollars. As far as we can tell this partnership between Rotary and Agros is a first.<br /><br />Regarding the uniqueness of partnership, for this trip Sammamish Rotary was teamed up with church members from three churches in Spokane. Though Rotary holds many values and goals that are common in churches, Rotary is also careful to not embrace Christianity over any other religion but mutually respect all. In my estimation the partnerships with Agros and the churches was terrific.<br /><br />Second, God was a work in a unique way by sending me on the team. Yes, I’ve been on international mission teams before but my participation has been around my skills and abilities. I’ve done teaching and leadership training for church leaders and various outreach efforts. But those that know me laughed or smiled broadly when they learned that I was going to go do work on a farm. I’m about as unhandy as a guy can be when it comes to working with my hands but there I was milking a cow, picking peppers and watermelons and cutting plantains.<br /><br />Third, my experience was unique because of the way the events of the week unfolded for me. Most of the team from Spokane did not know that I was a minister and none in the village did. Though our team had devotions and prayer together and we experienced chapel services with the people in the village, I never led a meeting, led a prayer, or led a devotional time. I didn’t facilitate any of the debriefing sessions in the evenings. These are the kinds of things that I do all the time but in the first part of the week my role was simply servant and friend. It was refreshing for me and I enjoyed watching others do a great job leading. I love being led well by others.<br /><br />But midway through the week the Spokane friends had hoped that our team might be able to have a communion service with our friends in the village. The leadership council kindly said that this would not be possible without an ordained minister to oversee such a service. At that point someone mentioned that I was an ordained minister. After I sat down with the leadership council and we discussed various issues of difference between the Catholics and Protestants in the village we were able to have the Lord’s Supper together in our Thursday afternoon chapel service. It was one of the most special communion services that I’ve officiated.<br /><br />Now that I was “outed” as a minister various villagers asked me to pray blessings on their homes and families and crops. In my last hours there I was privileged to serve with the gifts and abilities that God has given me.<br /><br />During my time in Nicaragua God spoke into my heart and addressed several lessons for my life that I’ll share in the next couple of posts.<br /><br />I’ve been following Christ for over 35 years. I still marvel at the new and unique things that He does in and around my life.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmW9_O7FO_Er8oMl6rDnZcBle8hyphenhyphenAH9BoNOtSw4OYLLEn9C6lU9jeukR6TQPVJbR_9_RUK6fXjqEVdc0z9V4ZmBiw50qjad1litPGUay3qcYc0UaPCnUqAKTlM9HOyCfKuGu6j9g/s1600/IMG_0603.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmW9_O7FO_Er8oMl6rDnZcBle8hyphenhyphenAH9BoNOtSw4OYLLEn9C6lU9jeukR6TQPVJbR_9_RUK6fXjqEVdc0z9V4ZmBiw50qjad1litPGUay3qcYc0UaPCnUqAKTlM9HOyCfKuGu6j9g/s320/IMG_0603.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707924712575771330" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6uUedXICuMMONR10epYpdymQTIAnh5iZqRoWC3iumUjisUWdAYYO8PlSnlbONRZwrsGEzr7KXTO3qJs4r5KZ7N2FOBBWgm5FGJ8KjQZMfvDPmPZJtfkigbbOfeY3KyZDVJUZ1g/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6uUedXICuMMONR10epYpdymQTIAnh5iZqRoWC3iumUjisUWdAYYO8PlSnlbONRZwrsGEzr7KXTO3qJs4r5KZ7N2FOBBWgm5FGJ8KjQZMfvDPmPZJtfkigbbOfeY3KyZDVJUZ1g/s320/IMG_0629.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707925661136414690" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcZ0SLovceoborAyI7ZLm-7ZcGQ8fk6XDAq5hAYRN_Tbnatit2LYpBWNnOvItU2fcJW0b3hs4dN15OIdLePsQZ7qMCYw47RJ36ymj3vcMRlNpOmABQ5Tbp-kUVq7_oX1GTTcMBQ/s1600/IMG_0650.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcZ0SLovceoborAyI7ZLm-7ZcGQ8fk6XDAq5hAYRN_Tbnatit2LYpBWNnOvItU2fcJW0b3hs4dN15OIdLePsQZ7qMCYw47RJ36ymj3vcMRlNpOmABQ5Tbp-kUVq7_oX1GTTcMBQ/s320/IMG_0650.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707926296355305298" /></a>Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-46979393818151067472012-01-22T23:39:00.000-08:002012-01-22T23:43:05.798-08:00Finishing Well: A Reminder from Joe Paterno<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5SHqWtSOXqxeyZV7FLBHV9GrO8PArd_p0HICBWf2GTq9fXsD5iWqg81i5C_5gMxsM3f0QpX8SaQNXuKFjlxxSfUz50rXua-2y-dANpV4XRKVWv24HSC8sQAcGoz_vNtsSso24A/s1600/Joe_Paterno.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5SHqWtSOXqxeyZV7FLBHV9GrO8PArd_p0HICBWf2GTq9fXsD5iWqg81i5C_5gMxsM3f0QpX8SaQNXuKFjlxxSfUz50rXua-2y-dANpV4XRKVWv24HSC8sQAcGoz_vNtsSso24A/s320/Joe_Paterno.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700729116610028994" /></a><br />Sunday Joe Paterno, the all-time winningest college football coach died after a battle with cancer at the age of 85. He coached the Penn State Nitanny Lions for 61 years (46 as head coach) winning 409 games, playing in 37 bowl games and winning two national championships.<br /><br />Paterno will most likely be remembered as a man of determination and dedication to the sport, the University, his family and friends. Paterno will also be remembered for failing to do more in the protection of children that were allegedly abused by one of the members of his coaching staff. For all of his accomplishments and respect in the world of football, Paterno will also be remembered for being fired by the University for the child sexual abuse scandal.<br /><br />It is hard to live life well and finish life well.<br /><br />My family and friends began a journey January 1 of reading through the entire Bible in 2012. In these first few weeks several have commented to me, “I didn’t realize that the people in the Bible who did great things for God also committed such awful sins.”<br /><br />It’s true. I tend to look at Moses and David as heroes in the faith. God used them in powerful and eternal ways. But they also committed terrible sins and finished life poorly.<br /><br />For over a couple of decades now I’ve intentionally concerned myself with the challenge of how to live lovingly, adventurously, generously, holy and also finish well so that when I breathe my last I’ve not been an embarrassment to God, my family or my church. I’m not talking about sinless perfection but rather a consistent godliness that honors the Lord and encourages others.<br /><br />I regularly meet with some men with the same heart. We’ve made a commitment to each other to be accountable. We confess our sins to each other. We pray for each other. We call each other whenever we think the needle on our heart-gauge is getting in the red zone of danger. We regularly exhort one another, “Let’s finish well.”<br /><br />As a fan of college football I’ve admired Paterno for years and with respect to the game I probably will never forget him. I’ll also not forget the final few months of his life.Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-40933381936433582502012-01-17T23:15:00.000-08:002012-01-17T23:30:44.320-08:00What Is Your Experience In Church?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFSFr5Bv35MntNc9lCy-umt48HQlIsn4WWvsoom2G0_zQ4eBTEBAm0HSrxfnwggucAwyqDi6WoqBWmR4bU8Y_jAqhNEG_E62UJ-fyYjkUQ-VFnhHXiEaNCp-jUowhUCSZIJlAXQ/s1600/church+interior.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFSFr5Bv35MntNc9lCy-umt48HQlIsn4WWvsoom2G0_zQ4eBTEBAm0HSrxfnwggucAwyqDi6WoqBWmR4bU8Y_jAqhNEG_E62UJ-fyYjkUQ-VFnhHXiEaNCp-jUowhUCSZIJlAXQ/s320/church+interior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698868137721544434" /></a><br />Do you attend church? If so why? If not, why not?<br /><br />Recently the Barna organization surveyed Americans who have attended church sometime in the past and discovered what they say about their experiences.<br /><br /><strong>1. Connecting with God </strong>was most important. Around 66% said they have had a personal connection with God when attending a church. That would mean that roughly a third would say that they haven’t connected with God when attending a church. What’s more, those who said they have connected with God when in a congregational setting describe the encounter as rare.<br /><br />What about you. How frequently do you connect with God when attending a church? What helps or hinders?<br /><br /><strong>2. Experiencing Transformation</strong> or that life had been “greatly affected” by attending church was said by 26%. Another 25% said attending church had been “somewhat influential”. The other half said that their lives had not been changed at all by attending church.<br /><br />This is an interesting factor. One of my passions is life transformation. I pray and serve people with the hope of seeing transformation. However I would probably say that I’ve experienced little if any transformation by attending church. I can be inspired, informed, encouraged, and equipped but the life change really comes when I put into practice the things I feel stirred about. Obedience to God changes my life.<br /><br /><strong>3. Gaining New Insights</strong> was a disappointing factor in the survey. Asked to describe what insight they gained the last time they attended church 61% could not remember anything of significance related to faith.<br /><br />This of course is one of the frustrating and perplexing realities to those who speak in church every week. I’ll typically spend a dozen hours preparing for a 25 minute talk which is similar to a lot of other pastors. Yet we know that many of the people listening attentively in the moment will not remember 95% of what they hear because they are not writing any notes or deciding on any action steps to take in light of what they have heard.<br /><br />The rest of the story is that many of us don’t grow in our ability to communicate. Means of communication are exploding all around us yet the Sunday message can often be a talking head that seems to drone “blah, blah, blah, blah.”<br /><br /><strong>4. Feeling Cared For</strong> measured whether church attenders felt significantly connected to other people at church. Around 68% said they feel like they are a part of the group. Another 23% opined that being at church feels “like a group of people sharing the same space in a public event but who were not connected in a real way.”<br /><br />If a church has over 100 people and regularly has new guests showing up it’s difficult for everyone to connect with everyone. This is one of the reasons that I’m a strong proponent of small groups. When I have meaningful connections in my small group of a dozen people I then have a capacity to reach out to and connect with several people on Sunday. I don’t feel as great a need regarding who, if anyone is attempting to connect with me.<br /><br /><strong>5. Helping the Poor</strong> was the final factor measured by the survey. The question was whether you believed your church prioritizes caring for the poor outside of the congregation. Adults who attended a church said their church cared a lot (44%) or somewhat (33%).<br /><br />What’s your opinion about the way your church cares for the poor? What part do you play in caring for the poor?<br /><br />The survey addressed additional influences on the above factors like church size, age of participants, and denominational affiliation that you can read about <a href="http://www.barna.org/congregations-articles/556-what-people-experience-in-churches">here</a>.<br /><br />I’ve served the church for 35 years. I’m very acquainted with how churches fall short of God’s calling and I’ve been blessed to experience the church at her best. Many find healing and hope through the church while others find it boring and irrelevant. Some have even been abused by the church.<br /><br />Nevertheless, the church is a primary expression and experience of God in our world. I’m committed to see the church as a people and place that glorify God and edify people. I’m convinced that sacrificing my life on behalf of God’s work in and through the church is worth it.<br /><br />What about you?Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-84974013372069332282012-01-03T16:25:00.001-08:002012-01-03T16:28:48.628-08:00A Dead Duck and a Lesson in Forgiveness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWm18vEfX8V3ICLPcb1e_tsRtEMijuYldwnJ9RoEHkfFbcPLlT9TylOEoK2_B7qAlHQdfzkCTz2APxBT79VO2OxIXxrUmtVTAjCvBFaqPkvXCziZG_ayU36s6GOVenwAOBrvurw/s1600/Dead+Duck.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWm18vEfX8V3ICLPcb1e_tsRtEMijuYldwnJ9RoEHkfFbcPLlT9TylOEoK2_B7qAlHQdfzkCTz2APxBT79VO2OxIXxrUmtVTAjCvBFaqPkvXCziZG_ayU36s6GOVenwAOBrvurw/s320/Dead+Duck.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693566563868785314" /></a><br />We’ve launched into a New Year. Are you ready?<br /><br />Like many others you may be taking up new commitments and resolutions, things that you’re going to add to your life. Of course we can only carry “so much” in life’s journey and the question becomes, “What are you going to let go of in order to take up the new things?”<br /><br />Life is a series of trades. I trade in late night television so that I can rise early to pray or exercise. I trade in junk food for healthy food. I trade in careless spending for thoughtful stewardship.<br /><br />How about trading in a little guilt and experiencing forgiveness?<br /><br />There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods; but he couldn't hit any target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. On impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved!<br /><br />In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his sister watching. Sally had seen it all--but she said nothing.<br /><br />After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But Sally replied, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes.<br /><br />Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally just smiled and said, "Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help, didn't you Johnny?" She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny helped Grandma.<br /><br />After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's, he couldn't stand it any longer. He finally went to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.<br /><br />Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. I was wondering how long you would let Sally make you her slave. I love you. I forgive you."<br /><br />You know that God has seen and known all that you have done. Do you also know that He loves you and is ready to forgive you? Today would be a great day to pray, confess your sins to God, experience His love and forgiveness and trade in your guilt for a fresh start, not just on the year but in your journey with God.Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-2864917631824653252011-10-05T23:51:00.000-07:002011-10-05T23:58:48.972-07:00Steve Jobs: Living As If You're Dying<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt04rSvG0-oYhNSuRoxLk-yb8Ryh09eoAkdLIsbBozuHVDp4_hyV2iWkdfSGvrthRhyphenhyphen5g3k6pZCuUbyHbBhN-hkWXhaa-AzE2TajIy5IGECrrJcEX1SaV1oqUKk70oTQ0TZ10k-g/s1600/Steve+Jobs.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt04rSvG0-oYhNSuRoxLk-yb8Ryh09eoAkdLIsbBozuHVDp4_hyV2iWkdfSGvrthRhyphenhyphen5g3k6pZCuUbyHbBhN-hkWXhaa-AzE2TajIy5IGECrrJcEX1SaV1oqUKk70oTQ0TZ10k-g/s320/Steve+Jobs.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660268662748440482" /></a><br />October 5, 2011 Steve Jobs breathed his last in this world. Succumbing to pancreatic cancer the technological pioneer finally saw his last day that he had anticipated since being diagnosed in 2004.<br /><br />Jobs was first told a very grim prognosis; six months to live. Later it was discovered that his form of cancer was responsive to treatment and thus Jobs lived a few more years.<br /><br />At age 56 Jobs’ death strikes close to home since I’m only a year behind him and prompts me to once again reflect on my own mortality. Jobs gave a memorable commencement speech at Stanford in 2005 which is one of my favorite <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/steve_jobs_how_to_live_before_you_die.html">Ted Talks</a>. In light of his diagnosis Jobs challenged the graduates to live before they die. Among his helpful comments he said…<br /><br /><blockquote>Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.</blockquote><br /><br />Without a fatal diagnosis is it possible to live as if you are dying? The fact of the matter is that we are all dying but most of us have the presumption that it will be far into the future.<br /><br />If I lived as if I was dying I think I would give more generously, love more freely, forgive more quickly, make amends thoroughly, enjoy friendship daily, frequently kiss, hug, cry, laugh and know and worship God as deeply as possible.<br /><br />What about you? What would be different if you lived as if you were dying?Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-25131543815015856802011-09-30T11:11:00.000-07:002011-09-30T11:19:26.378-07:00Gambling on Life, Death and Faith<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnucwIbKwte3tvNB5I46BwtSVooSHXjKqHpx-vSQfcuQGoITovq68B2gW9-C7kHiH3nJGE0w6GD2GpVn9siGMeeroYczeEbFJYJv6binSUcmkzbC14iPDpej0uy8SqJg4SmjIf6w/s1600/roger-ebert-two-thumbs-up.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnucwIbKwte3tvNB5I46BwtSVooSHXjKqHpx-vSQfcuQGoITovq68B2gW9-C7kHiH3nJGE0w6GD2GpVn9siGMeeroYczeEbFJYJv6binSUcmkzbC14iPDpej0uy8SqJg4SmjIf6w/s320/roger-ebert-two-thumbs-up.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658217328565287202" /></a><br />Recently I read an update on film critic Roger Ebert that prompted the following reflections.<br /><br />Most of you know who Roger Ebert is. For years he has been one of the more popular film critics and was the long time co-host of “At The Movies” with Gene Siskel and later Richard Roeper.<br /><br />In 2002 Ebert was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He has endured years of treatment and surgery, including the removal of his jaw in 2006.<br /><br />In his memoir, “Life Itself”, Ebert speaks of his impending death—<br /><blockquote>I know it is coming, and I do not fear it, because I believe there is nothing on the other side of death to fear.<br /><br />Many readers have informed me that it is a tragic and dreary business to go into death without faith. I don't feel that way. "Faith" is neutral. All depends on what is believed in. I have no desire to live forever. <br /><br />What I expect to happen is that my body will fail, my mind will cease to function and that will be that.</blockquote> <br />Mr. Ebert has made a bet. He is betting that there is no Creator God who has given life to each person with an expectation on how that life will be lived and for which there will be accountability and possible judgment.<br /><br />If Mr. Ebert is correct then it truly doesn’t matter that he hasn’t lived with a view of having a relationship with God or attempting to please God. If he is wrong then death will be a very undesirable experience.<br /><br />This has led many to philosophically and theologically conclude: “If I bet that there is a God and live that way, then die and find out I was wrong, it is no big loss. However, if I bet there is not a God and live that way, then die and find out I was wrong, it is the all-time biggest loss.”<br /><br />Of course most of that thinking is around the notion of spending forever either in heaven or hell. I’m sympathetic to the rationale and the concern for people to go to heaven when they die.<br /><br />Of greater concern to me is this: If God is real (all powerful, all knowing, etc.), and if God has invited us to know Him (forgiveness of sin, justification, redemption and reconciliation), then not knowing God and experiencing His gracious gift of life would be the all-time greatest loss.<br /><br />So here’s my challenge for Mr. Ebert and everyone else who shares his thinking: Don’t make a blind bet. Investigate, explore, and search regarding whether the claims about God and life with God are true. Don’t settle for a few superficial caricatures of faith based living that are weird, cheesy, flaky or a turn off (and there are many).<br /><br />Investigate Jesus and Christianity as thoughtfully and carefully as you examine movies. If you do so, <strong>I bet </strong>that you reach a different conclusion.Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-15700493700078324142011-08-19T09:25:00.000-07:002011-08-19T09:33:05.091-07:00Reflections on the Cross<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1Bhym1HFa2PsdVdLkzClaM88fz04zaYL2HDUjhh6SpjVYiOqrSr7AGLOCmYVbuvpbWzg22bavRaQzIhaMTN972cbpFBndrGtNJgFIXpMQdv0FjJPvYzyB_N340aLwRsN7H6f_A/s1600/9-11+Cross.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1Bhym1HFa2PsdVdLkzClaM88fz04zaYL2HDUjhh6SpjVYiOqrSr7AGLOCmYVbuvpbWzg22bavRaQzIhaMTN972cbpFBndrGtNJgFIXpMQdv0FjJPvYzyB_N340aLwRsN7H6f_A/s200/9-11+Cross.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642604404838219586" /></a>
<br />Ryan Holladay is pastor of Lower Manhattan Community Church which meets two blocks from the World Trade Center site. His article in Christianity Today, “<a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/augustweb-only/911crossshouldoffend.html">Why The 9/11 Cross Should Offend All of Us</a>” is worth a few moments of your reflection.
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<br />A cross is on display at the memorial site and this is literally making some atheists sick. The atheists claim that the presence of the cross has caused them to suffer “dyspepsia, symptoms of depression, headaches, anxiety and mental pain and anguish”. Though many are not finding the atheists’ claims to be credible Holladay wonders if the atheists are taking the cross more seriously than do most believers.
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<br />Holladay reminds us that the cross “tells the world’s strangest story in an image.” The Apostle Paul said that the cross is to some a scandal and to others a joke (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%201:23,&version=NIV">1 Cor. 1:23</a>). Simultaneously and paradoxically the cross declares that mankind is sinful and condemned AND that God is merciful and full of grace.
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<br />When the Apostle Peter preached this dual message of condemnation and salvation in the cross the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%202:37&version=NIV">Bible </a>says that “when the people heard this, they were cut to the heart.” Kind of sounds like the first century audience was at the same time sickened and hopeful.
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<br />Holladay opines, “The atheist litigants have called the 9/11 cross an ‘ugly piece of wreckage,’ arguing that it speaks of ‘horror and death.’ On the basis of the New Testament, these statements are difficult to contradict.”
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<br />How should one respond to the cross? Peter advised, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” The Book of Acts reports that thousands of people believed Peter’s message, responded with repentance and faith and their lives were changed forever and their lives changed our world.
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<br />In conclusion Holladay ponders, “Suppose God Himself has suffered and died at the hands of evil men. Suppose God Himself has shown the capacity for taking what was intended for harm and using it for good. Might this affect the way we ourselves face evil and suffering?”
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<br />Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-24032449686711447552011-07-04T08:58:00.000-07:002011-07-04T09:05:53.649-07:00Five Vows Worth Repeating<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2p1AXkKeBqXara67DDvq_bon7odpjKOBnhzNI7oXrYi0ghX8rx4TV8f_geAcYB5n9A029B6ntAz4ir82XWEXEEJ80WCW-mO-4w4w0SS3IX5IEAeAgtKdyqXtN6WX0nwkuEQEq4w/s1600/Ray+Ortland.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2p1AXkKeBqXara67DDvq_bon7odpjKOBnhzNI7oXrYi0ghX8rx4TV8f_geAcYB5n9A029B6ntAz4ir82XWEXEEJ80WCW-mO-4w4w0SS3IX5IEAeAgtKdyqXtN6WX0nwkuEQEq4w/s200/Ray+Ortland.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625527480461265362" /></a><br />Ray Orlund, the late and longtime former pastor of Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, California, made the following vows to God that are worth our reflection and emulating.<br /><br />1. Vow to give God all the glory in all your success.<br />2. Vow to confess your sins and do a thorough job of repentance.<br />3. Vow never to say anything slanderous or destructive against any of God’s children.<br />4. Vow not to own anything. Leave all ownership to God.<br />5. Vow that while you live you will seek to live with enthusiasm and joy by the Holy Spirit.<br /><br />Psalm 56:12<br />“I am under vows to you, O God.”Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-30828413726283832362011-06-02T15:48:00.000-07:002011-06-02T16:25:16.630-07:00God's Sovereignty: Painful, Powerful, Purifying<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeSBuu57QSVQEDoPPsoSyNom0594oZ1dTn3aJnKimVY-s1I9q60fjvIn-5mvAg_hFWTM4D-7PoMcVjLMXAxao882NHLgpBi-kvdpcq4OQztaGeEpZZagf_-oDQiWt09C8K1aXSg/s1600/Sovereignty.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeSBuu57QSVQEDoPPsoSyNom0594oZ1dTn3aJnKimVY-s1I9q60fjvIn-5mvAg_hFWTM4D-7PoMcVjLMXAxao882NHLgpBi-kvdpcq4OQztaGeEpZZagf_-oDQiWt09C8K1aXSg/s320/Sovereignty.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613761454895720610" /></a><br />Some of you won’t be ready to read and consider this post. I pray that you’ll bookmark it for another day.<br /><br />God’s sovereignty is a glorious and painful subject. Glorious because when we think about or see a life event or circumstance rightly (biblically) we behold something great and grand about God. When we are unable or unwilling to see rightly we can be consumed and destroyed by disappointment, anger, resentment and grief.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%209:1-4&version=NIV">John 9</a> tells the story of a man who was born blind. One day Jesus’ disciples notice him and they inquire, “Was this man born blind because his parents sinned or because of his own sin?” Jesus replied that neither speculation was correct. Rather, the man was born blind so that “the works of God might be displayed in him.” (9:3)<br /><br />Jesus is basically saying that God, in His sovereign will, caused this man to be born blind and did so in order that God might be glorified because of it. The implications of that text are extremely difficult for many of us. When you apply the theology of that text to your own circumstance it can be very difficult to comprehend and accept.<br /><br />Did God intend and cause your cancer or bodily defect or disability for His glory? Is God capricious, unkind or cruel?<br /><br />I’ve wrestled with these questions through the years and feel like I’ve been able to land at a biblical conclusion but rather than sharing my musings allow me to introduce you to John Knight.<br /><br />In the video below John Knight, a member of <a href="http://www.hopeingod.org/">Bethlehem Baptist Church </a>in Minneapolis is interviewed by his pastor, <a href="http://www.hopeingod.org/person/john-piper">John Piper</a>. Knight is the father of a son who was born without eyes. Knight’s testimony may be the clearest biblical articulation I’ve heard on God’s sovereignty and it is totally authentic as his words and inflections drip with pain of his journey.<br /><br />As you view the video (those viewing through a reader may need to click through to the <a href="http://scottebrewer.blogspot.com/2011/06/gods-sovereignty-painful-powerful.html">web site</a>) prayerfully seek the Lord, asking Him to speak into your heart and reveal His ways to you. There is a reason connected to God’s sovereignty that you saw this post and that you’re reflecting on this subject.<br /><br /><script src="http://www.desiringgod.org/player.js?embedCode=kxZzVoMjrpNj44HxJnDWmRE5mIN7Elns&height=298&deepLinkEmbedCode=kxZzVoMjrpNj44HxJnDWmRE5mIN7Elns&video_pcode=M5NmE6ZYB0PramgRtR1EDFp03Mxp&width=530"></script>Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-86891645441063636982011-05-30T11:24:00.000-07:002011-05-30T11:34:45.323-07:00Wrestling With an Angel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PZ2UF8KPbL4xuFWXpnE5UmNppcNdtyLgECul9RzCxf3_Kt6waOlLCoT3fmhw9y9sp4ytCVwoRORqwEPbwj6LwrknC0YhdTTkugaq9xK4I3apiYPtVoRnmf21yZX-mMIjmjqqmw/s1600/Greg_Lucas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 212px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612577712011584626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PZ2UF8KPbL4xuFWXpnE5UmNppcNdtyLgECul9RzCxf3_Kt6waOlLCoT3fmhw9y9sp4ytCVwoRORqwEPbwj6LwrknC0YhdTTkugaq9xK4I3apiYPtVoRnmf21yZX-mMIjmjqqmw/s320/Greg_Lucas.jpg" /></a><br />Greg Lucas is a police officer, husband, father, Christ-follower and now an author. For some time I’ve read his <a href="http://sheepdogger.blogspot.com/">blog</a>, which describes Greg’s awakening to and experience of God while providing care for a special needs child with cerebral palsy, autism and a variety of other challenges. Now Greg has a book by the same title as his blog, “<a href="http://cruciformpress.com/our-books/wrestling-with-an-angel/">Wrestling With an Angel</a>”.<br /><br />When you have 5 minutes check out the video (those viewing through a reader may need to click through to the <a href="http://scottebrewer.blogspot.com/2011/05/wrestling-with-angel.html">web site</a>) and reflect on the grace of God while listening to Greg’s testimony.<br /><br /><iframe height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/24147969?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" frameborder="0" width="400"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/24147969">Wrestling With An Angel</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3248851">Brian Patton</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30534753.post-14830289282395721512011-04-15T12:15:00.000-07:002011-04-15T12:34:16.289-07:00Easter: Exalting Christ, Removing Idols<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVVNFebWlvKHakQNpdNc5Vu_AL-o28muhAwa3cr6ZiaLjclK62Mnn3LHv_RerHpi-p6kjGYsyU4NMMqocGI8gUUgTk_JCQf1RmRELXUq13biYyKN6GMQXb7dEtz87FabJDwa6Uw/s1600/seeing-with-new-eyes.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVVNFebWlvKHakQNpdNc5Vu_AL-o28muhAwa3cr6ZiaLjclK62Mnn3LHv_RerHpi-p6kjGYsyU4NMMqocGI8gUUgTk_JCQf1RmRELXUq13biYyKN6GMQXb7dEtz87FabJDwa6Uw/s320/seeing-with-new-eyes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595895721126227474" /></a><br />As we approach the Easter celebration of the resurrection of Christ let us exalt Jesus by removing our idols. David Powlison's list of questions in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seeing-New-Eyes-Counseling-Condition/dp/087552608X">Seeing With New Eyes</a> are good for a diagnostic test on our lives now and again to help us identify idols.<br /><br />1. What do I worry about most? <br /><br />2. What, if I failed or lost it, would cause me to feel that I did not even want to live? <br /><br />3. What do I use to comfort myself when things go bad or get difficult? <br /><br />4. What do I do to cope? What are my release valves? What do I do to feel better? <br /><br />5. What preoccupies me? What do I daydream about? <br /><br />6. What makes me feel the most self-worth? Of what am I the proudest? For what do I want to be known? <br /><br />7. What do I lead with in conversations? <br /><br />8. Early on what do I want to make sure that people know about me? <br /><br />9. What prayer, unanswered, would make me seriously think about turning away from God? <br /><br />10. What do I really want and expect out of life? What would really make me happy? <br /><br />11. What is my hope for the future?Scott Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090809236682750662noreply@blogger.com0