Yearly Archives: 2011

I was listening today to a video on working with other people.  The point was made that the idea is great, the option is a good idea, but the actual implementation is often unfulfilled.  We see it as an option, wanted but not necessarily needed.

My question is often the prior question.  Why are we collaborating with others?  In the Scripture of Christians the point is made that we will be known as Christians by their love for one another.  Presumably this means that we work together. 

Gabe Lyons points out in his book called “The Next Christians” that choosing embodiment and not division will be one of the distinguishing marks of the Christian in this generation.  Other generations had certain areas of emphases – some regarding slavery, others regarding child labor.  These were proper concerns – and still remain as justice concerns within our society.  But, we must step back and look at a North American Christian community that has often become indistinguishable from the society around us.  When that happens, the grounds for credibility when we call for change become less than compelling.

How are we to be a separate people and yet part of the current society?  That must be determined, not with superficial answers but with foundational principles that are worked out in daily life.  Gabe Lyons brings five daily life activities into view (immersed in Scripture – not entertainment; observing the sabbath – not productivity; fasting in simplicity – not consumerism; embodiment – not division; and postured in prayer – not power).  They come from the principles of engagement over condemnation; grace over judgment; courage over comfort and faithfulness over reputation.

Of course, this is in short-hand.  The main focus will always start with Jesus.  From there – I’m still working this through, but I sense there is a definite kernel of truth to much of what Lyons says.

Prevent Alcohol and Risk related Trauma in Youth – a program that is hands on to get high school youth to see the result of poor choices!  Tomorrow I will go with a group of youth as they progress through the day.  Each step, from a mock crash to trying to eat lunch with a “handicap”, is designed to impress on them the need to stay away from drunkenness and making poor choices.

I’m not sure all that will entail – there was some training but the actual day is often full of surprises.  So, surprise, I’m off to bed soon in order to be up fresh and ready in the morning.  Should be a good experience – we’ll see how it goes!!

There comes some days when things that are happening just happen.  You can’t title or categorize or sequentialize the happenings. 

I would like to!

Then things would be in my control.  I am in charge.

But I’m not! 

As a Christian I’m still learning what it means to surrender.  I am crucified with Christ.  What a strange statement.  And yet liberating.  Because I go first to God.

Maybe we need to start a “Surrender First” movement.  Would that work?

A week or so ago, April 27, 2011, David Wilkerson died. The cause was a car crash in Texas.

For those of you who haven’t run across this name let me give you some background. In the 1970’s a book was in vogue amongst church goers. Called the Cross and the Switchblade, it talked about gangs and drug addicts, and the changeover that can happen when Christ affects members lives. Wilkerson wrote this book about Nicki Cruz. He later formed a rehab center/network called TEEN CHALLENGE. We have one just down the road in a town called Allen, Saskatchewan (OK, it’s over two hours away, but in Saskatchewan that’s not that far!). A loss to family and friends, but he certainly birthed in the lives of many others a Christianity that survives the worst to bring the best!