Book Review: Jesus Manifesto by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola
Jesus Christ is not a cause to get behind or a rallying point for political parties. He is the creator of the universe. He is God in flesh. He allows us to stand before a holy God without fear of condemnation. Many have lost sight of this and have focused on lesser pursuits.
I found this book engaging. Intellectually I understand many of the topics but I do not put them into action. I try to imitate Jesus without allowing his power to work through me. Then I become frustrated when I fail to be more like Christ. The chapter on narcissism struck a chord as well. So often I treat Jesus like my own personal genie. I want him to make me happy and comfortable. But his desire is to display his glory through me and use me to bring others into the same fellowship. The chapter on community also resonated with me. I do not want to rely on others or need help. However, as the authors point out, the church is how Christ expresses himself. Submission to Christ includes giving up my desire to be self-sufficient. I would highly recommend this book but it will probably take several readings for all of it to sink in.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Book Review: Friendships for Grown-ups by Lisa Whelchel
Whelchel covers developing friendships that encourage and strenghten each party. She takes the reader through the mountains and valleys of her journey. Whelchel discusses her struggle with self-sufficiency and the coping mechanisms she developed to hold her friends at a distance. There are times when it is ok to be needy but you also need to make sure you choose the people you confide in wisely. Each person in the friendship must be willing to be vulnerable and be willing to deal with conflict when it arises.
Much of this book is geared toward friendship among women but there are nuggets of truth applicable to everyone. Despite the differences in our upbringings and life experiences, I found similarities in our dysfunctional behaviors. Whelchel weaves in quotes from other authors and Bible verses which place her experiences in a larger context.
And for someone who likes lists, Whelchel gives discussion questions and conversation starters to use as you work to deepen your own friendships. I enjoyed this book and it made me evaluate how I relate to my friends. In the end, that is the whole point of this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
A Follower or a Disciple?
The sun is at its highest and borders on unbearable. I can feel the heat of the sun seeping through my clothing. My lips are dry and all I taste is dust. That same dust hangs in the air from the crowd moving in front of me.
I don’t know why I’ve been following this man around. He came through Jericho a few weeks ago and was teaching and healing people. I’ve never seen anything like it. The leaders in the synagogue don’t teach like this. They just give us rules and condemnation. This man, they call him Jesus, even speaks against the Pharisees. He claims to be the son of Man and I believe it.
Some of his teachings are encouraging. He teaches that I should not be anxious. God takes care of the birds and the flowers and He loves me so much more, so He will take care of my needs. On the other side he teaches about repentance and perishing if I don’t.
Today was some of the hardest teachings I’ve ever heard. He told us that if we don’t hate our family, our parents, and even our own lives, then we can’t be his disciples. He said I have to bear my cross daily. I have to renounce all that I have to be his disciple.
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Winter, Snowfall & Memories
I woke up this morning and it was snowing. I walked around while at work today and it was snowing. I just came inside from playing in the snow. And it was still snowing. It looks like there is at least a half a foot of snow on the ground. I drove to and from work and I wasn’t worried or complaining about being out in this. I was actually enjoying it. I guess it reminds me of my childhood. Also seeing your everyday landscape instantly transformed by a blanket of snow just affects your perspective. Read more
Leadership Summit 2009 Takeaways
I’ve had the privilege of attending the Willow Creek Leadership Summit the last two years. Last year, I didn’t really know what to expect. This year, with my upcoming field study, I had a sense of anticipation. There were a lot of great speakers and this year there were a lot of small statements that spoke directly to me. They were convicting and I’m still working to live these out. Here are a few of the statements that stood out to me. Read more
Cambodia 2009 Recap
People have asked me what I liked about Cambodia or what I learned. It’s been hard to synthesize my thoughts because in part I was adjusting to being back in the states and also the stress of looking for a job.
The biggest thing that stands out in my mind is the sense of family and community. You’ve got a group of people that come from various nationalities and backgrounds yet have a common bond in Jesus Christ. Despite the cultural and language differences, they are a family. Our idea of family in the states has been skewed because of our frantic schedules and our geographic dispersion. This group in Cambodia eats together, works together, worships together and plays together. They care for each other and serve each other. This just stirred a longing in me for the same kind of community here. Read more
Book Review: Life Together
I had to write a book digest for my Adult Small Groups class and decided I would go ahead and post it. Part of the assignment was to come up with a guiding principle from each chapter. These principles would be used by those starting small groups.
Bonhoeffer wrote this book while working at an underground seminary living with 25 students. He is very systematic and prescriptive in this book. He begins by looking at what Christian community is and is not. He then moves on to discuss how the community is to fellowship at various points of the day. Following this, he looks at how the individual is to go about their individual devotions which in turn will strengthen the community. Bonhoeffer concludes the book by looking at the ministries that the community is to perform for one another and how confession and communion are to occur within the community.
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Exercise and Learning Discipline
I’ve never been one for exercise. I was on the track team in high school but I was a discus thrower. We tried to avoid running whenever possible. I’d have spurts in college where I’d lift weights and ride the exercise bike but nothing that serious. Also I never considered what I ate. Read more
Triggering Old Memories
I went out for a drive this afternoon. I needed to clear my head after a day of reading about the Synoptic Problem. I enjoyed watching the sky change hues as the sun slipped beyond the horizon. Later I caught a hint of wood smoke in the air. That smell combined with the crispness of the air, conjured up old memories. It reminded me of home. Read more
30 Years in Review
I turned 30 yesterday. In light of this milestone, it caused me to reflect on the last 30 years. I have lived in six states. I have lost my father and two grandparents. I have traveled to four different continents. I started a business and watched it fail. I graduated college and now I am in seminary. I have been a janitor, pizza delivery driver, roofer, entrepreneur, and computer programmer. I have experienced the joy of great friends gathered in fellowship. I have experienced the bitterness of watching my life fall apart and being impotent to do anything about it.
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