05.31.10
“Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.”
Do you ever get frustrated with beginners in the water? I don’t mean full on kooks, but people that are just new to surfing. It’s easy to forget that we were each once a newbie. It’s so easy to become prideful and be frustrated with others and how they act or surf. But, God says that before we came to Jesus we were His enemies. In fact, He says that we were really bad off, sometimes, even worse than the people we’re mad at. He had to remind Israel to treat people fairly because they had quickly forgotten how bad it was to be taken advantage of. We tend to forget pretty quickly, too. This week take time to remember that God has freed us from slavery to sin. In remembering, see if it doesn’t cause you to be a bit more patient with those around you that might not be free, yet.
CLICK HERE to download the June Prayer Calendar!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Pray for Workers
05.24.10
When you look at the world, the first question is, what do you see? Is it a compassionate view of God’s creation stolen and marred (I am speaking of people)? Do you see the pains of rebellion among surfers, the brokenness of sin, the symptoms of a broken world in a little child’s face? When God looked down we are told, “For God so loved the world…” the start to the most famous verse in the Bible – John 3:16.
But, the second question is, what is your reaction? What is the solution? Do we activate for awareness? Do we mobilize to action? Do we rally others? Where do we begin – another 501(c)3, fund raising, grass roots work, what to do?
In Luke chapter 10 Jesus looked at the crowds, the wounded and hurting crowds. In light of their deep needs, both the needs they were aware of and the ones they had not yet realized, He said that the harvest was ready. There is work to be done and people are ready for that work. So He spoke these words, “PRAY the Lord of the harvest to send out workers.” His reaction was to Pray – to talk to the Father about something very specific. God, please send workers.
What is our reaction? Maybe we should adjust whatever it is and begin by addressing the Father and asking for HIM to raise workers. But, beware – HE may send YOU.
In June we will be publishing another monthly prayer calendar. Please consider participating in prayer with us for the month of June.
When you look at the world, the first question is, what do you see? Is it a compassionate view of God’s creation stolen and marred (I am speaking of people)? Do you see the pains of rebellion among surfers, the brokenness of sin, the symptoms of a broken world in a little child’s face? When God looked down we are told, “For God so loved the world…” the start to the most famous verse in the Bible – John 3:16.
But, the second question is, what is your reaction? What is the solution? Do we activate for awareness? Do we mobilize to action? Do we rally others? Where do we begin – another 501(c)3, fund raising, grass roots work, what to do?
In Luke chapter 10 Jesus looked at the crowds, the wounded and hurting crowds. In light of their deep needs, both the needs they were aware of and the ones they had not yet realized, He said that the harvest was ready. There is work to be done and people are ready for that work. So He spoke these words, “PRAY the Lord of the harvest to send out workers.” His reaction was to Pray – to talk to the Father about something very specific. God, please send workers.
What is our reaction? Maybe we should adjust whatever it is and begin by addressing the Father and asking for HIM to raise workers. But, beware – HE may send YOU.
In June we will be publishing another monthly prayer calendar. Please consider participating in prayer with us for the month of June.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Everyday Commission
05.17.10
Last week we looked at living in light of eternity, but what does that mean? Should you quit your job and stand on the corner preaching? Should you shave your head and go live alone in the forest spending 24 hours a day in prayer? What does it mean to “Fix our minds on things above”?
Throughout the New Testament is a principle of living our ordinary everyday lives in the context of God’s Kingdom. So, what does that mean? Well, do you see the people in your lineup as Kooks and Rippers or do you see all people as creations of God, loved by God, hopelessly lost without God and deeply hungry to know God? Do you give 50% at your job because the boss is a jerk and no one really cares or do you give 110% because you believe that ultimately you don’t work for a person or a paycheck but for God and that your efforts show how much you value HIM? Do you, like Jason Bourne, see yourself as a secret agent placed in everyday circumstances for a greater purpose? Are you eagerly awaiting “assignments” from God Almighty for how to do life in a way that will matter forever? Do you rejoice in the hard times because you know that your loving heavenly Dad is in control?
When Jesus gave us the “Great Commission” it wasn’t really “Great”. It was for everyday people in everyday living. As Dann Spader says, maybe we should re-label it the “Everyday Commission”. In fact, the passage in Matt 28 begins (in a better translation) “Going, make disciples…” The idea was that in our everyday lives we are the connection between the temporal and the eternal.
I challenge you today to see the details of your day in the light of eternity. God is working an eternal plan in and through you today right there sitting on your surfboard
Last week we looked at living in light of eternity, but what does that mean? Should you quit your job and stand on the corner preaching? Should you shave your head and go live alone in the forest spending 24 hours a day in prayer? What does it mean to “Fix our minds on things above”?
Throughout the New Testament is a principle of living our ordinary everyday lives in the context of God’s Kingdom. So, what does that mean? Well, do you see the people in your lineup as Kooks and Rippers or do you see all people as creations of God, loved by God, hopelessly lost without God and deeply hungry to know God? Do you give 50% at your job because the boss is a jerk and no one really cares or do you give 110% because you believe that ultimately you don’t work for a person or a paycheck but for God and that your efforts show how much you value HIM? Do you, like Jason Bourne, see yourself as a secret agent placed in everyday circumstances for a greater purpose? Are you eagerly awaiting “assignments” from God Almighty for how to do life in a way that will matter forever? Do you rejoice in the hard times because you know that your loving heavenly Dad is in control?
When Jesus gave us the “Great Commission” it wasn’t really “Great”. It was for everyday people in everyday living. As Dann Spader says, maybe we should re-label it the “Everyday Commission”. In fact, the passage in Matt 28 begins (in a better translation) “Going, make disciples…” The idea was that in our everyday lives we are the connection between the temporal and the eternal.
I challenge you today to see the details of your day in the light of eternity. God is working an eternal plan in and through you today right there sitting on your surfboard
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Emily Haager
05.10.10
Emily Haager went home to be with the LORD on May 1st. May 8th we celebrated her life. She once told a friend that a lot of people live at 80% for the Lord and she wanted to strive for 100%. That’s how she invested her life. She allowed Jesus to shine thru her so much that everyone that met her loved her (see Transworld Surf’s tribute) I doubt that she has any regrets about that now. She reminded me what’s important, that life is short, each day a gift and I must be intentional how I INVEST it. At times like these we remember what is real.
2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
So, where are you investing your life today? Don’t feel guilty, don’t grumble, don’t start comparing how you’re doing better than so and so. Just fix your eyes – change your focus and then allow Jesus to change your life.
Emily was meditating on these verses this year.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
Our June newsletter will be highlighting Em as a model of a CS leader.
Emily Haager
Emily Haager went home to be with the LORD on May 1st. May 8th we celebrated her life. She once told a friend that a lot of people live at 80% for the Lord and she wanted to strive for 100%. That’s how she invested her life. She allowed Jesus to shine thru her so much that everyone that met her loved her (see Transworld Surf’s tribute) I doubt that she has any regrets about that now. She reminded me what’s important, that life is short, each day a gift and I must be intentional how I INVEST it. At times like these we remember what is real.
2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
So, where are you investing your life today? Don’t feel guilty, don’t grumble, don’t start comparing how you’re doing better than so and so. Just fix your eyes – change your focus and then allow Jesus to change your life.
Emily was meditating on these verses this year.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
Our June newsletter will be highlighting Em as a model of a CS leader.
Emily Haager
Noah's Ark
05.03.10
Well, did you see the news this week? Noah’s Ark is back in the headlines. Let me say right off the bat – I have no idea if this is the Noah’s Ark. So, why does this matter? In a total oversimplification the logic goes like this; if it is Noah’s Ark than the Bible is true and everyone will turn to Jesus and the world will become utopia. Or, it isn’t the Ark hence proving that the story is ridiculous and proving that the Bible isn’t true and ridding the world of Christianity.
But that doesn’t match what Jesus taught us. In Luke 16:19-31 Jesus tells a story of a rich man that dies and goes to torment. Dialogue takes place and ends with the man asking that someone would go and tell his brothers so that they would not come to this place of torment. Then verse 31 happens: “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”
The reality is that people do not believe in Jesus or reject him based on facts. Don’t get me wrong, truth is very important. But, there are plenty of “facts” to support the Bible, Jesus and His resurrection. The fact is that God asks us to trust HIM. That is a decision. People choose to believe or not believe for reasons unrelated to the facts. Reasons like pain in life, disappointment, anger, pride and the list goes on. It’s the same with questions: People ask questions for two reasons, 1. They want answers 2. They want excuses to do as they please.
So, here’s a question to ask your friends, “If you get answers to your questions are you prepared to lay your life down at the feet of Jesus and follow Him?” The problem may not be intellect and a lack of information, it may have more to do with the will.
Well, did you see the news this week? Noah’s Ark is back in the headlines. Let me say right off the bat – I have no idea if this is the Noah’s Ark. So, why does this matter? In a total oversimplification the logic goes like this; if it is Noah’s Ark than the Bible is true and everyone will turn to Jesus and the world will become utopia. Or, it isn’t the Ark hence proving that the story is ridiculous and proving that the Bible isn’t true and ridding the world of Christianity.
But that doesn’t match what Jesus taught us. In Luke 16:19-31 Jesus tells a story of a rich man that dies and goes to torment. Dialogue takes place and ends with the man asking that someone would go and tell his brothers so that they would not come to this place of torment. Then verse 31 happens: “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”
The reality is that people do not believe in Jesus or reject him based on facts. Don’t get me wrong, truth is very important. But, there are plenty of “facts” to support the Bible, Jesus and His resurrection. The fact is that God asks us to trust HIM. That is a decision. People choose to believe or not believe for reasons unrelated to the facts. Reasons like pain in life, disappointment, anger, pride and the list goes on. It’s the same with questions: People ask questions for two reasons, 1. They want answers 2. They want excuses to do as they please.
So, here’s a question to ask your friends, “If you get answers to your questions are you prepared to lay your life down at the feet of Jesus and follow Him?” The problem may not be intellect and a lack of information, it may have more to do with the will.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
First Wave, First Love
04.19.10
Do you remember your first wave? It felt like you stood there forever even though it was only 1.3 seconds. Remember how stoked you were on the ocean and surfing. It didn’t matter the size or wind direction. You were on it any chance you had. A couple years later, you may find yourself complaining about how bad the waves are. The wind always seems to be wrong or you wish there was a point-break nearby. Or worse, maybe you live in front of the spot we all dream of and yet you are still not satisfied.
Remember when you first met Jesus. You couldn’t believe that HE would love you. That HE paid so you could be forgiven. Too good to be true and yet you knew in your heart that it was. After time you may find yourself complaining because God didn’t do this or that. Mad because HE allowed something to happen. Maybe you ask questions like, “Doesn’t HE understand that this is all about me?”
Revelation 2:4 poses an interesting question: Have we left our first love? Have we become so enamored with ourselves that, like Narcissus, we starve ourselves of real life by staring at our own reflection? Have we forgotten the beauty and goodness of the Jesus we fell in love with? Has our world ceased to revolve around the Son and been pulled into the gravitational field of selfishness? Has grace ceased to be amazing and all that captures my heart is temporary?
It’s time for us to paddle back out with that innocent freshness and just enjoy the gift. It may also be time for us to fall back in love with the God that has never wavered on HIS passion for us. “Who do you surf for?”
Do you remember your first wave? It felt like you stood there forever even though it was only 1.3 seconds. Remember how stoked you were on the ocean and surfing. It didn’t matter the size or wind direction. You were on it any chance you had. A couple years later, you may find yourself complaining about how bad the waves are. The wind always seems to be wrong or you wish there was a point-break nearby. Or worse, maybe you live in front of the spot we all dream of and yet you are still not satisfied.
Remember when you first met Jesus. You couldn’t believe that HE would love you. That HE paid so you could be forgiven. Too good to be true and yet you knew in your heart that it was. After time you may find yourself complaining because God didn’t do this or that. Mad because HE allowed something to happen. Maybe you ask questions like, “Doesn’t HE understand that this is all about me?”
Revelation 2:4 poses an interesting question: Have we left our first love? Have we become so enamored with ourselves that, like Narcissus, we starve ourselves of real life by staring at our own reflection? Have we forgotten the beauty and goodness of the Jesus we fell in love with? Has our world ceased to revolve around the Son and been pulled into the gravitational field of selfishness? Has grace ceased to be amazing and all that captures my heart is temporary?
It’s time for us to paddle back out with that innocent freshness and just enjoy the gift. It may also be time for us to fall back in love with the God that has never wavered on HIS passion for us. “Who do you surf for?”
Focus
04.12.10
"If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this." - C. S. Lewis
I have a terrible habit of planning for surf trips. Dreaming every day. Doing Google Earth research. Looking at photos and videos of the spot. And then the day comes and I arrive and ... I'm just not that into it. I surf, but not the 8 hour noodle arm sessions that I do at home when it's good. Then I return home and kick myself with regret. I sit, in depression, and wonder why didn't I take advantage of my time? Why didn't we travel to that firing break the day it went flat at our spot?
The Christian life can be that way. We gather as the church and talk and dream and get fired up. But then, like the parable of the soils, life chokes it out. We get focused on money, stuff, surf, fun, etc. Instead of living every moment to it's fullest in light of eternity, we get distracted. On a surf trip we must never neglect what we can't do once it's over. Let's not neglect the things we can't do once this life is over either - the eternal things.
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." - Colossians 3:2
What is your mind SET on?
BTW, this shot wasn't staged. Casey just came over the dunes and found this CS member with his Bible, setting his mind on things above. Maybe we should each take some time today to do the same.
"If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this." - C. S. Lewis
I have a terrible habit of planning for surf trips. Dreaming every day. Doing Google Earth research. Looking at photos and videos of the spot. And then the day comes and I arrive and ... I'm just not that into it. I surf, but not the 8 hour noodle arm sessions that I do at home when it's good. Then I return home and kick myself with regret. I sit, in depression, and wonder why didn't I take advantage of my time? Why didn't we travel to that firing break the day it went flat at our spot?
The Christian life can be that way. We gather as the church and talk and dream and get fired up. But then, like the parable of the soils, life chokes it out. We get focused on money, stuff, surf, fun, etc. Instead of living every moment to it's fullest in light of eternity, we get distracted. On a surf trip we must never neglect what we can't do once it's over. Let's not neglect the things we can't do once this life is over either - the eternal things.
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." - Colossians 3:2
What is your mind SET on?
BTW, this shot wasn't staged. Casey just came over the dunes and found this CS member with his Bible, setting his mind on things above. Maybe we should each take some time today to do the same.
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