So I was watching Warren Buffett on an internet video. In case you didn’t know, he’s loaded. And accordingly folks want to envy him and give him all the social acclaim that comes with money. And I admit that my ears perk up anytime I hear news of WB. But what’s interesting to me of late is that he’s been on this whole philanthropy kick. Recently he, Bill Gates and Melinda Gates got together to challenge some billionaires to give a way half to all of their fortunes.
What’s interesting to me about all this is that it causes me to challenge the way I view money, it’s role and relationship with society, people and Christianity. I’m not saying that Buffett is or isn’t a super Christian, but it’s causing me to think about how I view money and what does it mean.
I believe in giving of your money, time, talents, etc to God and others. That can come in many forms, but I’m a simple person raised from childhood in the church. So I can easily translate that into, “Give the church 10% of my income.” Which that philosophy has good scriptural backing, but I do believe it’s an overly simple way of looking at this issue of giving.
Now if you think I’m going to go on about giving your time and talents you’re right. And if you think I’m going to down play the significance of giving money, you’re wrong. Give time, talents, love and all that stuff. But I want to harp for a second on money.
From what I hear, the younger generation is pretty crappy about giving money. So we need to get on the ball here. I’m not saying 10% to your local church, but I am saying a predetermined amount to “Jesus-work”. (Do you like how I just made up a word there?) It’s really hard for me to go to Southeast Asia every month to love people, but I can contribute every month to Jesus-work in Southeast Asia. And maybe 5 years down the road I can go there. I can’t spend 50-60 hours a week being a discipleship minister in downtown Little Rock, but I can give a portion of my income to help Betsy do that. So let me challenge you to set a predetermined amount, percentage, figure to give and find one, two, three organizations to give to and do it.
Now we all need to give of our time and talents. So just be sure you’re doing that. Maybe that can take the form of scheduling a time to give blood. Maybe you use your professional skills in a non-profit way like tutoring or volunteering at a non-profit. Or maybe we just take time to visit with someone who needs some social recognition and attention.
So in conclusion… Give in all aspects.
The End
JEE
Below is a post from our friend Richard. Check it out and checkout Richard’s blog.
There are stories about churches who have gone through hard times because of a pastor leaving the church. When I was a kid, I remember the first time I got to experience this. Growing up we went to PVBC. The pastor that was pastor of the church was asked to leave because he had become ineffective as a pastor.
So he left, and I remember a lot of people being angry and fighting in the church. One flat out cursed a blue streak saying he was going to “smack his blank all over the parking lot” to our worship leader. I remember going into the children’s areas and seeing writings from Revelation all over the wall.
For some of these people, it was a sense of entitlement. For some it was perhaps a belief of betrayal. I can remember people getting angry at one another because they couldn’t believe that they would dare take away the authority of the pastor. For some it is a sense of anger because they didn’t understand why this was happening. Why would someone ask this man to step down-after what he did for me?
It was awkward and uncomfortable to go through. I don’t know if it got to the point of the church splitting, but looking back, I know that it was close.
Some might say, we’ll that is just the ugly part of church life. That is normal. Really? The “ugly” part of church life is to be understood as a part of church. Is that what Christ expected? If you will, turn with me to John 17:20-23
John 17:20-26 (TNIV)
Jesus Prays for All Believers
(20) “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, (21) that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (22) I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— (23) I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
I. Being one with each other:
In regards to the church, what does Jesus ask for us to be, according to verse 21? Being one with each other. Now in the global type all believers in the world we are to be united. Shouldn’t matter if you’re a protestant or Catholic. Whether you are a Southern Baptist or Missionary Baptist. However, if you are a Methodist…..just kidding! What matters is not doctrine when it comes to eternity. What matters is whether or not you believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
On a local church level, what that means is that we are to work together, and put aside our differences. Let’s look and see what Paul says.
1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (TNIV)
[12] Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
[15] Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. [16] And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. [17] If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? [18] But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. [19] If they were all one part, where would the body be? [20] As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
[21] The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” [22] On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, [23] and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, [24] while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, [25] so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. [26] If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
[27] Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. [28] And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. [29] Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? [30] Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? [31] Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
What this means is that even though we are different, we are to value those differences. We are to value that we each have unique and amazing abilities. Not that one is better than the rest, for there is no better position. That is why Scriptures teach that if one is hurting in the church, they are not the only one. If one rejoices, they are not the only one.
So many churches forget this. They divide into cliques or they outcast someone in the church who is different. They won’t take the time to know them, and the person leaves.
Jesus calls us to a life away from that. He says may we be one. What part of your body is the most important? Can you function normally without your eyes? I use to not like mine-Superman has blue eyes, I have brown. But, Chrystal likes them so I guess they are okay. Now I know that people can live “normal” lives without some body parts, but do you get the point. My body is only complete when it all works together. That is how we need to be: One with each other.
Be One with God
Not only are we to be one with each other, we are to be one with God. Look back at John 17:21. Notice what it says about us and Jesus, and God. That we may be one with them. What does this mean?
What does it mean to be one with God and Christ as they are one with each other? It means that we are to be doing the things that God wants us to do. That we are doing the will of the Father.
How do we know the will of the Father? Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) says, “[13] You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” When we do the things that God wants us to do, we are seeking his will and that is seeking God with our whole heart.
These are the things: helping the poor, outcast, the hurt, the oppressed, the needy, the disadvantage, anyone who does not know Christ. Bringing hope to the hopeless, Showing redemption to the unredemptive of society.
So That the World may know.
(22) I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— (23) I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
We are to be one with each other and one with God. Because it is the world that needs it. It is the world that depends on it.
What is the Gospel for you? May you be blessed to be one with each other. May you find joy in those differences and may you be blessed to be one in celebration with God. As you do that, you will find the direction that God has for you.
On Thursday we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of some folks with special needs simply by hanging out, playing Bingo and dishing up ice cream. We’ll be at the Albert Pike (right next door to 2BC) from 6-8pm on Thursday, August 5th. Most of these folks have mental or physical disabilities and giving of your time simply to come and sit with them, get to know them a little and play Bingo makes there day! Hope you’ll be able to join us.
Let’s get ready to have a boat party! It may not include T.C. and ice cream cones, but it’ll be a close second!
I wanted to go ahead and give you a head’s up on the Restore boat party that we’re having Saturday, July 24th. I won’t throw out all the details yet (also because I haven’t ironed them all out), but keep your calendars open for that day! Later that evening for anyone who wants to continue hanging out, we’ll head on over to Betsy’s casa!
If you’re interested in the boat party, shoot me an e-mail and let me know: djones@crewsfs.com. We’re planning on all pitching in for gas. I’ll provide the water, but it’ll be bring your own snacks and refreshments. It should be a fun, cheap lake day for us! Keep a look out on your e-mails for the final plans!
To me and to many others the word Evangelism often conjures of cheap one-sided conversation with someone pointing a finger. Check out this article from Relevant magazine which examines a new way of talking about faith. This is some ‘Evangelism’ that I (and i bet many others) can get behind.
In case you didn’t know, Movies in the Park starts this Wednesday (after Sweet Justice). It happens at Riverfront Amphitheater every Wednesday through August 4th. Flicks start at sundown so I’m suggesting you go watch some movies.
2010 Schedule:
June 9 – Back to the Future
June 16 – The Blind Side
June 23 – Kung Fu Panda
June 30 – The Dark Knight
July 7 – Sixteen Candles
July 14 – Over the Hedge
July 21 – Wedding Crashers
July 28 – The Wizard of Oz
August 4 – Twilight
Tags: Little Rock, Movies, Parks, Riverfront Park, Summer
The following is a post from our good friend Richard Ball. He has a really cool blog that you can find here.
I can’t sleep. It is 1am and I have to teach in the morning and I cannot sleep. You see, I have been thinking about my calling. In the fall of 1997, God called me to be involved in pastoral ministry it wasn’t some voice or anything, it was that feeling that you get when you know that God is calling you to do something specific (I promise that I am not crazy). Mine was a calling that preachers tend to call it “surrender to the ministry.” So, I went to school to become a Youth Minister. Graduated in 5 years from Ouachita Baptist with a degree in Biblical Studies. Through the years of college, I had steadily been involved in various church activities and held all sorts of church titles, thinking that I was building experience.
I leave the church where I was at doing all sorts of things because I moved to Little Rock and married the most beautiful girl in the world. She was about to take a job at a school and shortly thereafter, I got a job teaching in the same school. I had thought that God had called me to bi-vocational ministry, because the church where I was at didn’t pay because they couldn’t. All the while I still felt God calling me to church ministry. I was gonna have it all.
Shortly after taking my job at the school with my lovely wife, I discover that there is a church opening for a Youth Pastor. Thinking that this was the hand of God, I immediately threw my name in the ring. And I got the job! Things were amazing! So, I thought. What followed was a 9 month period of fighting, defending my job, pain, and heartache. Every two weeks I was defending my job and every other month I was having to deal with issues that were already dealt with in the previous month. I was lied about, undermined, and literally ambushed. One time I went to meet a parent and a couple of kids to discuss some of their concerns. I walked into the room to find that there were about three deacons and 8 parents with the entire youth all looking at me, voicing their “concerns.” I felt like I was about to be shot. Then the church ran into some financial problems and stated that me, and the children’s minister could no longer be paid. The constant lack of leadership and in-fighting in the church which seemed to be directed constantly at me began to take its toll, and in June of that year, I left the church. Crushed, feeling that God is not calling me to ministry in a traditional church.
A year or so later, I become Chapel Pastor at my school. Finally, I thought, this is what God wanted me to do. To be a non-traditional pastor, and for 3 years, I was doing what I felt God calling me to do. This was the beginning of new things. But, after 3 years, it was time for me to step down. And it seemed that God was silent. I would pray for what to do next, and he would not respond. But then he started guiding me to something that I felt He was not calling me to do. Over this past year, I have gotten to do pulpit supply (fill in for a vacant preacher) and speak at a revival. I’ve gotten to be involved in some amazing ministries (creating a CBF of Arkansas group page, blogging for you guys and girls from time to time, making connections, etc.), as well as give help to a new pastor, and wanting to work with him to help grow his church. But through it all, God has shown me that He is directing me back to pastoral ministry.
And this is where it gets kind of frustrating. I don’t really know where to begin. I’m looking at schools to pursue graduate work, but I don’t know where to connect to get my name out there to churches. At times I feel that God is holding back and I feel that I’m ready. But I don’t want to rush it, but I want to know! So this is where I’m at-God calling me to be a pastor but not knowing where to go or what to do.
Have you ever felt God call you to do something specific, and you’re not sure where to begin? Do you ever get frustrated with God? Impatient? If you don’t mind, leave a comment and let me know whether I’m crazy, or that I’m not the only one who feels this way sometimes. Also, please pray for me as God guides my footsteps that I will have understanding when God doesn’t move as fast as I want.
Tags: Calling, Employment, Jobs, Ministry, Richard
Ok so it’s time for a technology break from me… I’m kind of a nerd and enjoy most computer stuff so I thought I would share the new “buzz” concept coming forth in the technology world. It’s been around for a long time, but it’s just now taking fire because our abilities in technology is catching up with the idea. The idea is called Cloud Computing.
Cloud Computing is essentially moving the software and files that you keep stored on your local computer and moving it to the “Cloud” or internet. There’s a good chance that you already have participated in cloud computing in the past, but you didn’t know it was “Cloud Computing.” So here’s the example. Have you ever checked email or seen some one check email on Microsoft Outlook or Mac Mail? (I hope so because the example is hinged on the answer being “Yes.”) It’s a simple icon on a computer. It’s clicked and email appears. Compare that to accessing email via Gmail.com, Yahoo! Mail, Hotmail or any other of a number of web-based email services. When you access email through a website, you are essentially performing cloud computing. You don’t need a program or application dedicated to accessing your email files. (Yes each email message is a file.) And can you point to a specific computer where your emails are stored on Gmail? They are stored on the “Cloud.”
So anyway this type of computing is moving from email and simpler applications to bigger stuff. Here are some fun examples.
Documents (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentations, etc)
Google Docs was launched back in 2005 or 06 (whatever). Anyway, you essentially don’t need programs such as Microsoft Office, Word, Powerpoint, Excel and all that for simpler uses. But most of us don’t really use too complex functions with any of these programs anyway.
Microsoft is responding with Docs.com. It’s essentially MS Office for free online. It’s in the Beta stages.
Photos
There are many websites that allow you to store images online. Flickr, Photobucket, Picasa are all examples. Editors such as Picnik, Fotoflexer, LunaPic are popping up.
Games
You can play a plethora of games online. Only the most complex ones are required to be stored on a computer or gaming system. And I would wager that many of our games on XBOX, Wii and PlayStation could be simplified for online use.
So there are some great things about cloud computing.
- Software is cheaper. Most all of these services are free for personal use.
- Easy collaboration. If you’re working on a document with a team, you can all easily access and share a document on the cloud.
- Backup. Since a document or software program is stored on the cloud, you won’t lose it due to a crash of your home computer.
- Simpler home computers. If you don’t have to keep software up to date or install it, that means your computer runs faster and is easier to maintain.
There are also some disadvantages.
- Privacy. When you store a document, email, picture, whatever on a cloud, the cloud owner can probably access it or at least sell information based on that. If you use online email you can already see this happen. If your reading an email about music, you might see an advertisement for a new MP3 player.
- Connection Speed. Since everything is accessed through the internet, everything will be governed by the speed at which you can access the programs and files. So if you have a slow connection you might be out of luck. Also, getting a faster connection can be difficult, and I’m not talking about switching from Dial-Up to Cable Internet. New infrastructure is expensive. The next wave is probably wireless or satellite connectivity. But right now if you live in the sticks and don’t have access to broadband internet, you might be out of luck when it comes to cloud computing.
- Dependence on the cloud. So when you give Google, Microsoft, Yahoo! or whoever all your info then you become dependent on that company. So (hypothetically) if everyone knows that your address is MightyMightyBosstoneFan@gmail.com then you’re stuck with whatever Gmail does. So if they decided to shut down the service, you’re out of luck. If they sell out to Communist China, your out of luck. Or if you allow them to hold all your pictures and then they make them accessible to anyone. There’s not much you can do about it.
The Future…
As I mentioned, software will get cheaper. Since it’s stored on the cloud, what you will mainly need is a means to access the internet. Google is already responding. About a year ago they introduced Google Chrome OS and it will be released to the public in the second half of 2010. It’s an operating system like Windows or Macintosh, but it’s very simple. It essentially runs only an internet browser that will give you immediate access to the internet and the cloud. Google is saying that it’s mainly for use by the individual that only uses computers for internet browsing and word processing. This will undoubtedly make all computers cheaper as they introduce competition and it will place pressure on software developers to make software cloud accessible and cheaper or free.
So I hope this explains the new concept of cloud computing. Get ready. It’s coming. If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to post them.
Tags: Apple, Cloud Computing, Documents, Email, Google, Microsoft, Yahoo
I’m a fairly avid peruser of the Huffington Post, and I was checking out today when I found a story by Sean Aiken where he was in search of a job he was passionate about. He spent 1 week at a new job for 52 weeks. It’s a really neat story and he’s had some crazy and cool jobs, but I think he brings up a more serious point behind the wackiness of the story.
“Are you doing what you’re passionate about?”
I have to admit, I don’t like that phrasing. I don’t truly believe in extreme passion for most everyone. I think there are a few people out there that do have a passion for something, but I like to think most of us can do pretty much anything and get worn out pretty quick.
I’d like to ask, “Why are you doing what you’re doing?”
Are you in your line of work for money, security, comfort, passion? Are you serving someone else’s desires, like your parents, spouse, friend or boss? Does your job fall in sync with your political, social and religious beliefs?
If you’re not happy, consider a change. I’d like to encourage everyone to find something they enjoy and do that. Think about what you spend your free time thinking about, talking about or doing. Your passion probably lies somewhere in that. What constructive things to you do for free? There’s a good chance you can find a job out there that will pay you for it.
