As a family we make sure that we eat breakfast together. Of course, with a seven year old and a four year old this is pretty easy. As we finish breakfast we read a passage or chapter from a book of the Bible. Then, starting with Julie and ending with me, each of us pray about the day.

And as a family we finish the day when the kids go to bed with me praying for the family and then me reading another passage or chapter from a book in the Bible.

Over the last few days we’ve been reading the Gospel of John, both in the morning and at bedtime. One of the things we’ve asked the kids to listen for is the things that Jesus says about himself. There’s no better way to understand Jesus than by understanding how he viewed himself. So far the kids have seen that Jesus refers to himself as:

• water
• bread
• light
• the good shepherd

By simply showing the kids these four things and talking through them our kids have a better understanding of the character of Jesus. Not complicated, not time consuming, but well worth it.

I read yesterday where John Stickley, in writing about the same topic, quoted the Apostle Paul who said,

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

That’s quite a resolution. But for the not-yet follower of Christ this type of resolution probably carries little weight. Even for the follower of Christ it needs to be unpacked a little.

I thought I would take a shot at unpacking it by talking about affection. Typically, our affections are stirred toward someone or something. It’s a general fondness or liking of someone (something). And when we have an affection towards someone (something) we are usually influenced by that person (thing). I’ve started thinking about what stirs my affections for Christ. This is not new, others have written about it before, but it’s a new way of thinking for me. So, what are those things in my life that stir my affections for Christ…those things that put my focus where it should be and result in a natural worship of God and an increased involvement in His mission. Here’s a short list of things that stir my affection for Christ. It’s not exhaustive, will probably change, and is no particular order:

• spending time with Julie
• the laughter of my children
• the book of Romans (the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Rome)
• anything by John Piper (sermons, books, podcasts)
• a good conversation with close friends
• most songs by U2

My encouragement to you in this new year…find those things that stir your affections for Christ and focus on them. Don’t resolve to be a “good” person or a “better” person. One, what is a “good” person anyway, and two, you won’t succeed. Instead, allow your affections for Christ to be stirred and you will be better for it.

Cheers.

[Worship Fully] [Spend Less] [Give More] [Love All]

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cheers to Amanda for initially pointing this out.

Jeff’s Article
Soma Church

Cheers.

Here are direct links to the first 2 posts.

http://mentanna.blogspot.com/2008/05/invitation-to-table-part-one.html
http://mentanna.blogspot.com/2008/05/invitation-to-table-part-two.html

Cheers.

In a nutshell the research shows that the nation is constantly shifting amid religious choices, unaware or unconcerned with doctrinal distinctions and that unbelief is on the rise. I guess much could be made of the research. But then again, it may not make that much of a ripple.

My perspective on the research is jaded by what I’ve seen and have been a part of over the last 2 years. I think I’ve mentioned in another post, that many believe that Western Europe is years ahead of the US when it comes to post-modernism and general views of the church. This is not necessarily a good thing, but it does give great insight into how things could conceivably start to evolve in the US. Much of Western Europe is considered to be post-Christian. The church and religion means little to the vast majority of people here. They see it as irrelevant and offering no real value to their lives.

This research is the first step (or one of the first steps) towards the same type of thinking in the US. I don’t have an opinion as to how long the transformation takes, but I do believe that those of you in the States are on the path to finding out what a truly post-modern, post-Christian culture looks like.

A very thoughtful look at how you do church needs to be taken. Without adjustments you may find that many of your “cathedrals” will be museums just like they are here.

Cheers.

It got me to thinking…what part have I or will I play in the stories of others? When my neighbors tell their life story what part will I play? Will I be the one that showed them what Jesus was like, or will I show them what hypocritical religion was like, or will I even be mentioned at all?

I hope that when others I know, or will come to know, tell their stories, that when I’m mentioned it will be because in me they saw and experienced the hands, feet, eyes, mouth, and ears of Jesus. Hopefully they will say that I pointed them to the throne of Christ.

To me, this is the heart of missional living.

Cheers.

Very rarely have I found someone that is able to articulate for me the thoughts swirling around in my head. Heck, I can’t even do it for myself. So, imagine my amazement when I listened to a couple of messages from Matt Chandler at the Village Church in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area when he absolutely nailed my thoughts on the church and living missionally. Of course, he says it much better than I ever could. Take time to listen to Matt’s short 3 message series entitled Salt and Light.

You can get them here (directly from The Village website) or use this link to subscribe through iTunes.

Cheers.

Anthony Bradley at TheResurgence.com asked the question earlier today, “Why does America have orphans if it has Christian churches?” It’s a very short article, well worth your time. And it’s just a fraction of what it means to be missional. Here’s the link.

Cheers.

Cheers.