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.
Drifting
04.05.10
Cultures tend to drift from truth and become polluted by worldly perspectives. In ancient Israel the prophets cried out for people to return to God. The people struggled to understand because they thought they were following God. I mean, outwardly they were doing lots of religious stuff. And therein lies the problem – the drift occurs internally and once it has occurred one is incapable of seeing that they are drifting externally. So, in Malachi 1 people say, “Hey, we’re offering sacrifices.” But God says, “…you bring blind animals for sacrifice…you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor!”
Christians in the surfing world need to awaken to how much the sirens of the surf culture have drawn our hearts from Jesus. Once we repent of this God can begin to use us as a catalyst for His glory among surfers.
Who do you offer your best to – God or surfing?
PS. Correction about the Flickr photos, if you have photos you would like to see used in the devo, email news@christiansurfers.com and we will download them to Flickr. Thanks!
Cultures tend to drift from truth and become polluted by worldly perspectives. In ancient Israel the prophets cried out for people to return to God. The people struggled to understand because they thought they were following God. I mean, outwardly they were doing lots of religious stuff. And therein lies the problem – the drift occurs internally and once it has occurred one is incapable of seeing that they are drifting externally. So, in Malachi 1 people say, “Hey, we’re offering sacrifices.” But God says, “…you bring blind animals for sacrifice…you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor!”
Christians in the surfing world need to awaken to how much the sirens of the surf culture have drawn our hearts from Jesus. Once we repent of this God can begin to use us as a catalyst for His glory among surfers.
Who do you offer your best to – God or surfing?
PS. Correction about the Flickr photos, if you have photos you would like to see used in the devo, email news@christiansurfers.com and we will download them to Flickr. Thanks!
South Korea
03.29.10
Not sure what you know about Christianity in South Korea but suffice it to say it’s a big deal. But, it wasn’t always that way. In 1905 it was estimated that there were 12,500 Christians in the country. By 1910, that number had grown to somewhere around 360,000. What happened?
Of course, the answer is – God showed up. Having said that, there are many people that have taken it upon themselves to study the details of movements of God like this and learn from them. When looking at the situation in Korea, there are several factors that stand out. When reading one paper on this I noticed a sentence buried deep in a paragraph. It stated that from the beginning new believers understood and were taught that the spreading of the Gospel was their responsibility not a missionary’s.
Two questions for you to meditate on:
Do you believe God could move like that among Surfers?
Who's responsibility is it to share the Gospel with Surfers?
Romans 10:14 How can they hear the Gospel without someone telling them?
Not sure what you know about Christianity in South Korea but suffice it to say it’s a big deal. But, it wasn’t always that way. In 1905 it was estimated that there were 12,500 Christians in the country. By 1910, that number had grown to somewhere around 360,000. What happened?
Of course, the answer is – God showed up. Having said that, there are many people that have taken it upon themselves to study the details of movements of God like this and learn from them. When looking at the situation in Korea, there are several factors that stand out. When reading one paper on this I noticed a sentence buried deep in a paragraph. It stated that from the beginning new believers understood and were taught that the spreading of the Gospel was their responsibility not a missionary’s.
Two questions for you to meditate on:
Do you believe God could move like that among Surfers?
Who's responsibility is it to share the Gospel with Surfers?
Romans 10:14 How can they hear the Gospel without someone telling them?
Verses
03.22.10
For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. For the wages of sin is death…The lake of fire is the second death.
BUT God demonstrates HIS own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring YOU to God. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according tot the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
JESUS answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
These are all verses taken straight from the Bible simply put together. See below for references in order of occurrence.
Romans 3:23, Isaiah 64:6, Romans 6:23A, Revelation 20:14B, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23, John 3:16, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, John 3:17, John 1:12, Romans 10:13, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6
For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. For the wages of sin is death…The lake of fire is the second death.
BUT God demonstrates HIS own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring YOU to God. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according tot the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
JESUS answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
These are all verses taken straight from the Bible simply put together. See below for references in order of occurrence.
Romans 3:23, Isaiah 64:6, Romans 6:23A, Revelation 20:14B, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23, John 3:16, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, John 3:17, John 1:12, Romans 10:13, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6
Monday, March 15, 2010
Balloons
03.15.10
Be sure to go to www.christiansurfers.com to see the website's new look!
Our trip to Guatemala is coming to an end. The men placed a new roof on the meeting building for the Church and the women are running a medical clinic. Many people lined up to have their ailments addressed but the one that drew my attention was a small boy, maybe 5 years old, being carried by his mother. I watched when they were called. His problem was obvious – a thorn had buried itself deep in his foot and been left unattended. By this point infection had set in and the doctor was clear that if they didn’t get it out the child was in danger of losing his foot or worse. They had to lance it. I watched as several adults and the mother tried to hold the child down and the doctor began to cut on the swollen foot with no medicine. As they began the child looked, with piercing eyes, at his mother and screamed. I couldn’t imagine the pain of that mother as she watched her child suffer. I didn’t even know the kid and my eyes were filled with tears. Suddenly my attention was diverted to the other side of the building. Blue tarps had been suspended to separate the waiting area from the place where patients were treated. Many children were in this waiting area and one of the missionaries had given them balloons. Like all children they were hitting the balloons into the air and trying to keep them from touching the ground. I was amazed at how oblivious they were to the screams of that small child as they played with the different colored balloons. It was as if they couldn’t even hear his cries of pain. They were so preoccupied with laughter and joy as they entertained themselves.
Then I began to think about my life. I thought about the spiritual emptiness of the individuals that live across the street, the surfers with deep wounds in their lives, the painful brokenness that exists globally. Oblivious to their cries I am busy swatting at balloons of entertainment, comfort, and pleasure. Once King David had an opportunity to offer a sacrifice to God for free. His response, “I will not offer to God that which costs me nothing!” What will we offer to God, time between balloon games or will we run to those cries across the street and around the world?
-An excerpt from Dean Plumlee’s journal. February 1999
Be sure to go to www.christiansurfers.com to see the website's new look!
Our trip to Guatemala is coming to an end. The men placed a new roof on the meeting building for the Church and the women are running a medical clinic. Many people lined up to have their ailments addressed but the one that drew my attention was a small boy, maybe 5 years old, being carried by his mother. I watched when they were called. His problem was obvious – a thorn had buried itself deep in his foot and been left unattended. By this point infection had set in and the doctor was clear that if they didn’t get it out the child was in danger of losing his foot or worse. They had to lance it. I watched as several adults and the mother tried to hold the child down and the doctor began to cut on the swollen foot with no medicine. As they began the child looked, with piercing eyes, at his mother and screamed. I couldn’t imagine the pain of that mother as she watched her child suffer. I didn’t even know the kid and my eyes were filled with tears. Suddenly my attention was diverted to the other side of the building. Blue tarps had been suspended to separate the waiting area from the place where patients were treated. Many children were in this waiting area and one of the missionaries had given them balloons. Like all children they were hitting the balloons into the air and trying to keep them from touching the ground. I was amazed at how oblivious they were to the screams of that small child as they played with the different colored balloons. It was as if they couldn’t even hear his cries of pain. They were so preoccupied with laughter and joy as they entertained themselves.
Then I began to think about my life. I thought about the spiritual emptiness of the individuals that live across the street, the surfers with deep wounds in their lives, the painful brokenness that exists globally. Oblivious to their cries I am busy swatting at balloons of entertainment, comfort, and pleasure. Once King David had an opportunity to offer a sacrifice to God for free. His response, “I will not offer to God that which costs me nothing!” What will we offer to God, time between balloon games or will we run to those cries across the street and around the world?
-An excerpt from Dean Plumlee’s journal. February 1999
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Getting Ready
03.08.10
Is the surf flat today where you live? If so, you can still keep the surf stoke going: grab a paddleboard and stroke away, hit the pool for some laps, go for a workout at the gym, or go “ironman status” and run underwater hugging a boulder! In each and any of these, what are you doing? Getting ready. Getting ready for that day to come when all the conditions of swell, wind, and tide come together. As you get ready, you look forward to that day. When conditions finally get epic, you’ll be able to say “yes.” Yes to the long paddle, yes to clawing over the ledge, yes to those power turns that set you up for position in the pit, or launch you off that ramp.
Once again, the surfing life parallels our spiritual life. God has prepared for us many epic days of knowing him and serving him deeply. Days where eternity is altered, and miracles happen. But there are also many more days, where we simply get ready. We prepare...prepare for the moments ahead. So we lean into our Bible reading, we soak up teaching and worship as we gather in churches, we do the hard work of living clean relationally with others. We overcome addictions, we steward our resources wisely and we gain skill in ways to serve. Why? So that when conditions get epic, when eternity is on the line, when God calls us as his agents of change at our local break or around the world, our answer can always be “Yes!” Yes Lord! Yes, I’m ready! Yes, use me! Yes!
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" --Isaiah 1:8
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. --I Corinthians 1:19-20
Is the surf flat today where you live? If so, you can still keep the surf stoke going: grab a paddleboard and stroke away, hit the pool for some laps, go for a workout at the gym, or go “ironman status” and run underwater hugging a boulder! In each and any of these, what are you doing? Getting ready. Getting ready for that day to come when all the conditions of swell, wind, and tide come together. As you get ready, you look forward to that day. When conditions finally get epic, you’ll be able to say “yes.” Yes to the long paddle, yes to clawing over the ledge, yes to those power turns that set you up for position in the pit, or launch you off that ramp.
Once again, the surfing life parallels our spiritual life. God has prepared for us many epic days of knowing him and serving him deeply. Days where eternity is altered, and miracles happen. But there are also many more days, where we simply get ready. We prepare...prepare for the moments ahead. So we lean into our Bible reading, we soak up teaching and worship as we gather in churches, we do the hard work of living clean relationally with others. We overcome addictions, we steward our resources wisely and we gain skill in ways to serve. Why? So that when conditions get epic, when eternity is on the line, when God calls us as his agents of change at our local break or around the world, our answer can always be “Yes!” Yes Lord! Yes, I’m ready! Yes, use me! Yes!
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" --Isaiah 1:8
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. --I Corinthians 1:19-20
Love Me extravagantly
02.22.10
In Luke 14 a large crowd is following Jesus. He stops and begins to talk to them. In short He says, you need to love me extravagantly. Love me more than anything. His comparisons revolve around family connections but end with our personal self-promoting nature, stating that we need to love Him more than ourselves.
A good question to meditate on today - Do you love Jesus more than surfing?
A good way to evaluate this is by taking a quick look at your checkbook and your calendar. They generally show what we are investing ourselves in.
BTW, the month of March lines up perfectly with our Feb Prayer Calendar – so, feel free to use it again.
See why we’re able to pray
In Luke 14 a large crowd is following Jesus. He stops and begins to talk to them. In short He says, you need to love me extravagantly. Love me more than anything. His comparisons revolve around family connections but end with our personal self-promoting nature, stating that we need to love Him more than ourselves.
A good question to meditate on today - Do you love Jesus more than surfing?
A good way to evaluate this is by taking a quick look at your checkbook and your calendar. They generally show what we are investing ourselves in.
BTW, the month of March lines up perfectly with our Feb Prayer Calendar – so, feel free to use it again.
See why we’re able to pray
Now What?
02.22.10
This year we are placing a greater emphasis on prayer. This month we have spent more time praying. But now what? What about the outcomes?
Allowing God to be in charge is a deep rooted struggle for humanity. Letting Him answer and respond to our conversations with Him as He wills is difficult. It requires us to trust Him to know and to do what is best. Often we are tempted to believe that He doesn’t grasp the intricacies of our situation and so His “advice” doesn’t apply. At other times we feel that He knows best but aren’t quite sure that He has our best interest in mind. The Bible is the authority on which our insecurities are propped up with clear answers to both these questions. So, how does God answer?
To over simplify, He gives three answers; yes, no and wait. In the mean time we are to continue spending time with Him believing that He is addressing the situation with an attentiveness that far exceeds our ability to understand.
So, watch for how He responds to what we’ve prayed about this month and continue to sit with Him – not to convince Him to do what you want. But, because, who wouldn’t want to sit with their loving Dad and just chat?
See why we’re able to pray
Get the calendar here.
This year we are placing a greater emphasis on prayer. This month we have spent more time praying. But now what? What about the outcomes?
Allowing God to be in charge is a deep rooted struggle for humanity. Letting Him answer and respond to our conversations with Him as He wills is difficult. It requires us to trust Him to know and to do what is best. Often we are tempted to believe that He doesn’t grasp the intricacies of our situation and so His “advice” doesn’t apply. At other times we feel that He knows best but aren’t quite sure that He has our best interest in mind. The Bible is the authority on which our insecurities are propped up with clear answers to both these questions. So, how does God answer?
To over simplify, He gives three answers; yes, no and wait. In the mean time we are to continue spending time with Him believing that He is addressing the situation with an attentiveness that far exceeds our ability to understand.
So, watch for how He responds to what we’ve prayed about this month and continue to sit with Him – not to convince Him to do what you want. But, because, who wouldn’t want to sit with their loving Dad and just chat?
See why we’re able to pray
Get the calendar here.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Let's do It...
02.15.10
Jesus modeled it… Luke 5:16 “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
Paul Practiced it… Phillipians 1:4 “…I always pray with joy.”
The Bible teaches it… 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”
Let’s do it…PRAY
See why we’re able to pray
Get the calendar here.
Jesus modeled it… Luke 5:16 “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
Paul Practiced it… Phillipians 1:4 “…I always pray with joy.”
The Bible teaches it… 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”
Let’s do it…PRAY
See why we’re able to pray
Get the calendar here.
Holiness and Prayer
02.08.10
What hinders God from answering our prayers for Him to rescue lost surfers?
One clear item is SIN. In Psalm 66:18 we read, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” This same idea is repeated elsewhere in Scripture. Sin interferes with our relationship with God. This is why God offers us the solution of confession. In 1 John 1:9 it states that, “If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us…”
The idea is simple: as long as we argue with God about our being right and HIM being wrong, prayer is silly. But, when we agree with God that we are wrong and of course have a change of mind about it, now God can resolve the problem. God cannot relationally forgive that which we deny as wrong, because we are not asking for forgiveness but rather arguing with God that we’re right.
So, in our prayer movement to see God do the unimaginable among surfers there is a need for holiness. If you are living in known sin I challenge you to stop arguing with God that what you have is better than what He wants to offer you. Admit you’re wrong and He is right. Let your actions align with this new thinking. And then run to your Heavenly Daddy and ask Him to move in the hearts of surfers to free them the same way He just freed you.
Get the calendar here.
What hinders God from answering our prayers for Him to rescue lost surfers?
One clear item is SIN. In Psalm 66:18 we read, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” This same idea is repeated elsewhere in Scripture. Sin interferes with our relationship with God. This is why God offers us the solution of confession. In 1 John 1:9 it states that, “If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us…”
The idea is simple: as long as we argue with God about our being right and HIM being wrong, prayer is silly. But, when we agree with God that we are wrong and of course have a change of mind about it, now God can resolve the problem. God cannot relationally forgive that which we deny as wrong, because we are not asking for forgiveness but rather arguing with God that we’re right.
So, in our prayer movement to see God do the unimaginable among surfers there is a need for holiness. If you are living in known sin I challenge you to stop arguing with God that what you have is better than what He wants to offer you. Admit you’re wrong and He is right. Let your actions align with this new thinking. And then run to your Heavenly Daddy and ask Him to move in the hearts of surfers to free them the same way He just freed you.
Get the calendar here.
What IF?
02.01.10
What if God was capable of something miraculous, like transforming surfers?
Luke 2:37 “For nothing is impossible with God.”
What if God wanted to rescue surfer’s souls?
2 Peter 3:9 “…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
What if God was waiting on you to ask Him to move among surfers?
Matthew 7:8 “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
What if we stopped being so busy and started spending time with God talking about surfers?
Luke 10:42 “Martha, Martha,” the LORD answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed, Mary has chosen what is better…” –Mary had chosen to sit at Jesus’ feet.
What if we prayed everyday for the month of February about surfers? What would happen? There’s only one way to find out. Do it!
Get the calendar here.
What if God was capable of something miraculous, like transforming surfers?
Luke 2:37 “For nothing is impossible with God.”
What if God wanted to rescue surfer’s souls?
2 Peter 3:9 “…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
What if God was waiting on you to ask Him to move among surfers?
Matthew 7:8 “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
What if we stopped being so busy and started spending time with God talking about surfers?
Luke 10:42 “Martha, Martha,” the LORD answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed, Mary has chosen what is better…” –Mary had chosen to sit at Jesus’ feet.
What if we prayed everyday for the month of February about surfers? What would happen? There’s only one way to find out. Do it!
Get the calendar here.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Pray in February!
01.25.10
“Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength… But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD…” - Jeremiah 17:5 & 7
The culture and individuals of surfing will not metamorphosis because we become members of CS, or plant a chapter or take action in our local lineups. All these things are wonderful but are rooted in simple obedience to God’s leading as He unfolds His plan. A plan where it is HE, thru His power and in the context of relationship with Him, that transforms surfer’s lives and hence the culture at large.
During the month of February we will express our dependence on God not by executing some great outreach plan but rather by sitting quietly, with no fanfare, and asking the creator of the universe to move in the hearts of His children and the lost that we have been sent to recover.
I would challenge you to two things today. One: commit to pray daily during February and use the prayer calendar. Two: challenge one other person to do the same two things.
I eagerly await the stories of what God does in the next month.
Click the Calendar image on the CS Website to dowload the Prayer Calendar
“Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength… But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD…” - Jeremiah 17:5 & 7
The culture and individuals of surfing will not metamorphosis because we become members of CS, or plant a chapter or take action in our local lineups. All these things are wonderful but are rooted in simple obedience to God’s leading as He unfolds His plan. A plan where it is HE, thru His power and in the context of relationship with Him, that transforms surfer’s lives and hence the culture at large.
During the month of February we will express our dependence on God not by executing some great outreach plan but rather by sitting quietly, with no fanfare, and asking the creator of the universe to move in the hearts of His children and the lost that we have been sent to recover.
I would challenge you to two things today. One: commit to pray daily during February and use the prayer calendar. Two: challenge one other person to do the same two things.
I eagerly await the stories of what God does in the next month.
Click the Calendar image on the CS Website to dowload the Prayer Calendar
God specializes in the Impossible
01.18.10
Let me begin by saying I am not discouraged, merely desperate.
CS just spent 3 days at a major surf tradeshow. On the evening of the second day I reflected on the conversations and experiences of the day. Suddenly I had an overwhelming sense that what we are attempting (bringing the Gospel to the surfing community) is IMPOSSIBLE. One guy’s tattoo summed things up – “My Life, My Way”. Spend some time meditating on all the ways that this is corrupted thinking.
Satan has pulled the wool over surfer’s eyes in so many ways. Surfer’s hearts have been so hardened by personal sin and collective sin as a people group. I left the show realizing in a new way that there is nothing we can do or say that would change this. We are truly facing an impossible task. BUT…
Moses, with the Egyptian army behind him and the Red Sea in front – faces an impossible situation.
Mary, a virgin about to give birth – the impossible.
The Christ, dead in a borrowed tomb and the disciples hopes just as dead – impossibility.
God seems to specialize in the impossible. He “shows up” at those times and we are at one of those times in the history of the world. We are attempting to present Jesus to a savage, pagan tribe that hates the exclusivity of Jesus.
This is why we are focusing on Prayer in 2010, because of deep need and desperation. We need GOD!
Please commit to pray with us everyday in February. Prayer calendars will be available next week.
This week pray that God would use the 1,000 Gospels of John, we distributed at the trade show, to draw people to HIMSELF.
Post the Good News on your facebook or Twitter, Blog or Web Page (Click Here for Link)
Let me begin by saying I am not discouraged, merely desperate.
CS just spent 3 days at a major surf tradeshow. On the evening of the second day I reflected on the conversations and experiences of the day. Suddenly I had an overwhelming sense that what we are attempting (bringing the Gospel to the surfing community) is IMPOSSIBLE. One guy’s tattoo summed things up – “My Life, My Way”. Spend some time meditating on all the ways that this is corrupted thinking.
Satan has pulled the wool over surfer’s eyes in so many ways. Surfer’s hearts have been so hardened by personal sin and collective sin as a people group. I left the show realizing in a new way that there is nothing we can do or say that would change this. We are truly facing an impossible task. BUT…
Moses, with the Egyptian army behind him and the Red Sea in front – faces an impossible situation.
Mary, a virgin about to give birth – the impossible.
The Christ, dead in a borrowed tomb and the disciples hopes just as dead – impossibility.
God seems to specialize in the impossible. He “shows up” at those times and we are at one of those times in the history of the world. We are attempting to present Jesus to a savage, pagan tribe that hates the exclusivity of Jesus.
This is why we are focusing on Prayer in 2010, because of deep need and desperation. We need GOD!
Please commit to pray with us everyday in February. Prayer calendars will be available next week.
This week pray that God would use the 1,000 Gospels of John, we distributed at the trade show, to draw people to HIMSELF.
Post the Good News on your facebook or Twitter, Blog or Web Page (Click Here for Link)
February Prayer Opportunity Pt. 2
01.11.10
I send the text and within a minute I receive a text back, all the way from Australia (you know it’s tomorrow there…). How crazy is that? Sometimes I pause and think about all that is occurring with my cell and Bluetooth earpiece and WiFi and all the other stuff that I can’t see. Mind boggling.
One of the reasons that we don’t pray is because we forget about all the things that are occurring that we can’t see. The Devil really does exist.
“In its simplest meaning prayer has to do with a conflict. Rightly understood it is the deciding factor in a spirit conflict. The scene of the conflict is the earth. The purpose of the conflict is to decide the control of the earth and its inhabitants. The conflict runs back into the misty age of the creation time.” - S.D. Gordon
Recognizing the raging battle that is occurring in and over the souls of surfers CSUS is committing to remembering the unseen and to engaging in the battle through prayer. We are remembering that gnarly locals are not the enemy, they are merely held hostage by the enemy. Our prayers will play a part in their freedom. Will you commit to join with us in 2010 to greater discipline in prayer for surfers?
In February we will be making a daily calendar available to guide us in prayer.
See why Jesus was born!
I send the text and within a minute I receive a text back, all the way from Australia (you know it’s tomorrow there…). How crazy is that? Sometimes I pause and think about all that is occurring with my cell and Bluetooth earpiece and WiFi and all the other stuff that I can’t see. Mind boggling.
One of the reasons that we don’t pray is because we forget about all the things that are occurring that we can’t see. The Devil really does exist.
“In its simplest meaning prayer has to do with a conflict. Rightly understood it is the deciding factor in a spirit conflict. The scene of the conflict is the earth. The purpose of the conflict is to decide the control of the earth and its inhabitants. The conflict runs back into the misty age of the creation time.” - S.D. Gordon
Recognizing the raging battle that is occurring in and over the souls of surfers CSUS is committing to remembering the unseen and to engaging in the battle through prayer. We are remembering that gnarly locals are not the enemy, they are merely held hostage by the enemy. Our prayers will play a part in their freedom. Will you commit to join with us in 2010 to greater discipline in prayer for surfers?
In February we will be making a daily calendar available to guide us in prayer.
See why Jesus was born!
Monday, January 4, 2010
February Prayer Opportunity
01.04.10
Luke 5:16 (New International Version)
16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
What can we gather from this verse and what’s that got to do with your life in 2010?
1. It’s Jesus we’re talking – Son of God, come to earth to model real life to us and rescue us.
2. Often – this is a habit. Something that is natural in the rhythm of His life.
3. Withdrew – Paintings of Jesus walking ever so calmly among his followers only further our thinking that He can’t relate to our busy lives. But this isn’t accurate. Other places we see the crowds, not gingerly listening but violently pressing in on Him. At least one occasion, along the waters edge, they crowd him off land and into the water. At other points we see him unable to stop and eat or even enter towns because of the crowds. So, He intentionally separates from the hectic life to sit with His Father.
4. Lonely Places – It’s hard to listen closely and have conversation in a crowd. So, He purposely isolated Himself in order to have uninterrupted conversation with the Father.
5. And Prayed – It is hyper critical that we not miss the point of it all. It wasn’t for rest that He got away (though there were times that He did this), it wasn’t to get important work done (though we see Him slip away for this as well) – It was because He was so aware of His need for our Father and so in love with our Father that it drove Him to get alone (very much like I find time for date nights with my wife).
In 2010 what role will Prayer play in your life? CSUS is excited about seeking to facilitate more prayer in and for this ministry. In fact, we are calling everyone to commit to daily prayer during the month of February. Please consider taking the challenge.
See why Jesus was born!
Luke 5:16 (New International Version)
16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
What can we gather from this verse and what’s that got to do with your life in 2010?
1. It’s Jesus we’re talking – Son of God, come to earth to model real life to us and rescue us.
2. Often – this is a habit. Something that is natural in the rhythm of His life.
3. Withdrew – Paintings of Jesus walking ever so calmly among his followers only further our thinking that He can’t relate to our busy lives. But this isn’t accurate. Other places we see the crowds, not gingerly listening but violently pressing in on Him. At least one occasion, along the waters edge, they crowd him off land and into the water. At other points we see him unable to stop and eat or even enter towns because of the crowds. So, He intentionally separates from the hectic life to sit with His Father.
4. Lonely Places – It’s hard to listen closely and have conversation in a crowd. So, He purposely isolated Himself in order to have uninterrupted conversation with the Father.
5. And Prayed – It is hyper critical that we not miss the point of it all. It wasn’t for rest that He got away (though there were times that He did this), it wasn’t to get important work done (though we see Him slip away for this as well) – It was because He was so aware of His need for our Father and so in love with our Father that it drove Him to get alone (very much like I find time for date nights with my wife).
In 2010 what role will Prayer play in your life? CSUS is excited about seeking to facilitate more prayer in and for this ministry. In fact, we are calling everyone to commit to daily prayer during the month of February. Please consider taking the challenge.
See why Jesus was born!
Micah Ramsey's Message
12.28.09
Another New Year is around the corner. In 2010 what will be your focus? Where will your priorities lie? Take your lead from 15 year old Micah Ramsey (who takes his lead from Jesus). Micah has been battling Ewing’s Sarcoma – a rare and aggressive cancer. His words were published on the front page of his local paper and are repeated here.
“We as Human beings were created by God to worship and glorify HIM. It is what we are designed to do. God also has had a plan for us since before we were born. Apparently one of His plans for my life is that I am to fight cancer. This is so that I can glorify and serve Him in some way. I don’t know what this way is. What He is doing, I’m sure, my simple mind cannot fathom. God is all-knowing and I am not. He is going to be GREATLY glorified through me fighting cancer. Not because I’m some great person, but because He is a great, mighty, and totally awesome God. God has my life in His hands, and He can do whatever He thinks best. I know this sounds like the best “churchy” answer, but I want you to know that this came straight from my heart.
Yes, I am not comfortable, I hurt, I’m not sleeping very well, but God is doing what He needs to do through my life. People are being drawn closer to God through this; His will is being done. That is the most important thing right now. I will endure pain for Him; He has endured the ultimate for me. The Lord is working through all this and HE WILL BE GREATLY GLORIFIED!!!!”
-On Dec 10 Christian Surfers sent an email to Micah to encourage him that his story would be going around the world through CS and that it would bless and challenge many. His Dad said that it put a huge smile on his face and he said, "I told you God was going to use this cancer for His glory." That was the last email he read. On Dec 12 Micah went home to be with his Savior.
-Please consider sending an email to Micah’s family via his Youth Pastor to encourage them.
Make an end of year donation to Christian Surfers US!
Find a new life in the New Year!
Another New Year is around the corner. In 2010 what will be your focus? Where will your priorities lie? Take your lead from 15 year old Micah Ramsey (who takes his lead from Jesus). Micah has been battling Ewing’s Sarcoma – a rare and aggressive cancer. His words were published on the front page of his local paper and are repeated here.
“We as Human beings were created by God to worship and glorify HIM. It is what we are designed to do. God also has had a plan for us since before we were born. Apparently one of His plans for my life is that I am to fight cancer. This is so that I can glorify and serve Him in some way. I don’t know what this way is. What He is doing, I’m sure, my simple mind cannot fathom. God is all-knowing and I am not. He is going to be GREATLY glorified through me fighting cancer. Not because I’m some great person, but because He is a great, mighty, and totally awesome God. God has my life in His hands, and He can do whatever He thinks best. I know this sounds like the best “churchy” answer, but I want you to know that this came straight from my heart.
Yes, I am not comfortable, I hurt, I’m not sleeping very well, but God is doing what He needs to do through my life. People are being drawn closer to God through this; His will is being done. That is the most important thing right now. I will endure pain for Him; He has endured the ultimate for me. The Lord is working through all this and HE WILL BE GREATLY GLORIFIED!!!!”
-On Dec 10 Christian Surfers sent an email to Micah to encourage him that his story would be going around the world through CS and that it would bless and challenge many. His Dad said that it put a huge smile on his face and he said, "I told you God was going to use this cancer for His glory." That was the last email he read. On Dec 12 Micah went home to be with his Savior.
-Please consider sending an email to Micah’s family via his Youth Pastor to encourage them.
Make an end of year donation to Christian Surfers US!
Find a new life in the New Year!
Advent Devo Pt. 4 "Re-Capture Christmas!"
12.24.09
**Christian Surfers would like to invite you to celebrate Christmas for not just a day or two, but for an entire month by entering into an ancient church worship season called advent.
Surfing is a “soulful” pursuit…or so we surfers claim. We all know the sheer joy of riding waves, so it offends us that people would ever dare to capitalize on the surfing experience: our waves, our offshore days, our naps on a sandy beach after a four hour super session, our fires on the beach after a winter go-out, and riding our bikes on the boardwalk to check the surf. All are acts that are so pure, and so ready to be blown into larger than life posters to be placed in the store windows at the mall or a “Surf and Sport” near you.
Christmas suffers the same in our culture. It’s become commercialized. And because it comes year after year, it’s become common. More “ho-hum” than “ho, ho, ho!” And as we surfers seek to return to our roots and recapture our ‘counter-cultural’ ways, so too, we re-capture Christmas anew. Though the Christmas story is as old and well-known as any, our hearts can follow Mary’s example. On that first Christmas night with all that happened there in Bethlehem—those explosions in the night sky, those unannounced visitors, those waves of contractions that brought Jesus into the world—Mary’s reflections are this: She “kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often” (Luke 2:19).
What greater and better example for us to follow, as we take today to ponder all that Christmas was and is? The birth of our Savior, Messiah, King and Hero may feel different year to year, person to person. Yet Jesus is there in it all, showing his salvation as sufficient for all people, at all times, in all places.”
“Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.”
--Hebrews 3:1
Jesus has come! Merry Christmas to you!
From all of us at Christian Surfers United States
Make an end of year donation to Christian Surfers US!
Learn the reason behind the season!
**Christian Surfers would like to invite you to celebrate Christmas for not just a day or two, but for an entire month by entering into an ancient church worship season called advent.
Surfing is a “soulful” pursuit…or so we surfers claim. We all know the sheer joy of riding waves, so it offends us that people would ever dare to capitalize on the surfing experience: our waves, our offshore days, our naps on a sandy beach after a four hour super session, our fires on the beach after a winter go-out, and riding our bikes on the boardwalk to check the surf. All are acts that are so pure, and so ready to be blown into larger than life posters to be placed in the store windows at the mall or a “Surf and Sport” near you.
Christmas suffers the same in our culture. It’s become commercialized. And because it comes year after year, it’s become common. More “ho-hum” than “ho, ho, ho!” And as we surfers seek to return to our roots and recapture our ‘counter-cultural’ ways, so too, we re-capture Christmas anew. Though the Christmas story is as old and well-known as any, our hearts can follow Mary’s example. On that first Christmas night with all that happened there in Bethlehem—those explosions in the night sky, those unannounced visitors, those waves of contractions that brought Jesus into the world—Mary’s reflections are this: She “kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often” (Luke 2:19).
What greater and better example for us to follow, as we take today to ponder all that Christmas was and is? The birth of our Savior, Messiah, King and Hero may feel different year to year, person to person. Yet Jesus is there in it all, showing his salvation as sufficient for all people, at all times, in all places.”
“Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.”
--Hebrews 3:1
Jesus has come! Merry Christmas to you!
From all of us at Christian Surfers United States
Make an end of year donation to Christian Surfers US!
Learn the reason behind the season!
Advent Devo Pt. 3 "The Now"
12.21.09
**Christian Surfers would like to invite you to celebrate Christmas for not just a day or two, but for an entire month by entering into an ancient church worship season called advent.
A huge part of our surfing experience is awaiting that next good session. Just moments after we exit the water, peel off that suit, load that board back in its bag, and lean over to get the surprise of a “post-nasal gushing”, our thoughts quickly rush to when we can do it all again. When will the next session be? What will the waves be like, and who can we get to join us out there in the line up? Will we catch better waves than this last session? Will we experience some sort of breakthrough in our surfing, increasing our skill-set by performing some yet to be mastered turn or maneuver?
Advent is this worship practice that tunes our heart to the “awaiting” part of our faith. Just as faithful God seekers were on the edge of their seats waiting for God to come to this earth and rescue us, so we also await Jesus. Jesus has come to earth and we say “Merry Christmas!” Jesus is coming again, and we say “Maranatha!” Lord Jesus, come! So we remember the past while we long for the future… and both of them? All about Jesus!
Between past and future, we find ourselves in the Now. This is where we do well to recognize that Jesus is here today. His body is very much around! Yes, the body of Christ—all around the world, everywhere two of three gather and seek Jesus! The now is the perfect time to remember Jesus who came to into our world long ago, and also the time to get really excited about the approaching Jesus, who is one day closer to His return!
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth, right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
--Romans 8:22-25
Make an end of year donation to support Christian Surfers US!
Learn the real meaning of Christmas!
**Christian Surfers would like to invite you to celebrate Christmas for not just a day or two, but for an entire month by entering into an ancient church worship season called advent.
A huge part of our surfing experience is awaiting that next good session. Just moments after we exit the water, peel off that suit, load that board back in its bag, and lean over to get the surprise of a “post-nasal gushing”, our thoughts quickly rush to when we can do it all again. When will the next session be? What will the waves be like, and who can we get to join us out there in the line up? Will we catch better waves than this last session? Will we experience some sort of breakthrough in our surfing, increasing our skill-set by performing some yet to be mastered turn or maneuver?
Advent is this worship practice that tunes our heart to the “awaiting” part of our faith. Just as faithful God seekers were on the edge of their seats waiting for God to come to this earth and rescue us, so we also await Jesus. Jesus has come to earth and we say “Merry Christmas!” Jesus is coming again, and we say “Maranatha!” Lord Jesus, come! So we remember the past while we long for the future… and both of them? All about Jesus!
Between past and future, we find ourselves in the Now. This is where we do well to recognize that Jesus is here today. His body is very much around! Yes, the body of Christ—all around the world, everywhere two of three gather and seek Jesus! The now is the perfect time to remember Jesus who came to into our world long ago, and also the time to get really excited about the approaching Jesus, who is one day closer to His return!
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth, right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
--Romans 8:22-25
Make an end of year donation to support Christian Surfers US!
Learn the real meaning of Christmas!
Advent Devo Pt. 2 "What is His Name?"
12.14.09
**Christian Surfers would like to invite you to celebrate Christmas for not just a day or two, but for an entire month by entering into an ancient church worship season called advent.
It would seem that second only to the pleasure of riding waves is the pleasure surfers receive from naming things. We do this with our breaks: indicators, boneyard, bombora, inlet, bay, insides, outsides, leftovers, right-overs, and more. We do this with ourselves: Flea, Buffalo, Rabbit, Midget, Gidget, Simpo, Kong, Twiggy, Dingo, Kanga, Sea Bass, and the list goes on and on.
As we celebrate advent, as we wait for our King and Hero who is coming, who is approaching, at the top of our list of questions is ‘What is his name?” “What do we call him?” The prophet Isaiah informs…
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” --Isaiah 9:6-7
For all who have suffered from bad advice. For all who feel exhausted by the constant demands of life. For all who feel abandoned and unloved, even orphaned. For all who face frustration and turmoil for the better part of their days. For all of us…Christmas is coming! It has come. It is coming. And it is coming again.
Make an end of year donation to support Christian Surfers US!
See why Jesus was born!
**Christian Surfers would like to invite you to celebrate Christmas for not just a day or two, but for an entire month by entering into an ancient church worship season called advent.
It would seem that second only to the pleasure of riding waves is the pleasure surfers receive from naming things. We do this with our breaks: indicators, boneyard, bombora, inlet, bay, insides, outsides, leftovers, right-overs, and more. We do this with ourselves: Flea, Buffalo, Rabbit, Midget, Gidget, Simpo, Kong, Twiggy, Dingo, Kanga, Sea Bass, and the list goes on and on.
As we celebrate advent, as we wait for our King and Hero who is coming, who is approaching, at the top of our list of questions is ‘What is his name?” “What do we call him?” The prophet Isaiah informs…
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” --Isaiah 9:6-7
For all who have suffered from bad advice. For all who feel exhausted by the constant demands of life. For all who feel abandoned and unloved, even orphaned. For all who face frustration and turmoil for the better part of their days. For all of us…Christmas is coming! It has come. It is coming. And it is coming again.
Make an end of year donation to support Christian Surfers US!
See why Jesus was born!
Advent Devo Pt. 1 "The Approach"
12.07.09
**Christian Surfers would like to invite you to celebrate Christmas for not just a day or two, but for an entire month by entering into an ancient church worship season called advent.
“20 feet from the NW 295 degrees @ 17 second intervals”
In our present surfing era, the above statement pumps blood into a surfer’s veins. Through our high tech storm tracking tools, we’re able to know about storms generated thousands of miles from our home breaks. We can know about these storms speed and intensity, the size of the seas it kicks up, and then we can predict how many days from now that waves will hit our reefs, sandbars, and points. Knowing this, we begin to arrange our life obligations (school, work, family, etc.) not to interfere with the coming swell event. We also prep boards and use surf dvd’s to mentally prepare. In some cases, we’ll book a flight or arrange a road trip to that spot which we know will unfold the swell’s full potential. While all this is going on, we log onto websites that give us buoy readings, telling us of the event that is yet to be. Something is out there. It’s wave energy. And it’s coming.
For centuries (beginning at least by the middle of the sixth century), followers of Jesus have entered into a worship season called Advent. During advent, God’s people are encouraged to go back in time to what it would be like to wait in breathless anticipation for Messiah to finally appear onto the scene, and into our lives.
The word advent is derived for the Latin adventus, which means “the approach.” There’s something coming—rather, someone coming, who will be a mighty force. He is approaching. He is coming. Our King is coming. The one who will rescue us from all that is wrong with this world, and all that is wrong with us. Our Hero is coming--one who would perform the most daring of rescues—snatching us from the hell we deserved. Yes, He is coming! That one! Jesus.
And our hearts can thrill to that in ways that out-strip our thrill of that long awaiting swell. Because something greater that waves is on the approach. The creator of such waves is on the approach. He is master of these natural forces, and therefore more than able to rule over whatever challenge, whatever disappointment, or whatever failure you may face today.
“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.
Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory.”
--Psalm 24:1-2, 7, 10
Guest Author: Lyle Castellaw
See what's new on the CSUS website!
Hear the Good News and share it!
**Christian Surfers would like to invite you to celebrate Christmas for not just a day or two, but for an entire month by entering into an ancient church worship season called advent.
“20 feet from the NW 295 degrees @ 17 second intervals”
In our present surfing era, the above statement pumps blood into a surfer’s veins. Through our high tech storm tracking tools, we’re able to know about storms generated thousands of miles from our home breaks. We can know about these storms speed and intensity, the size of the seas it kicks up, and then we can predict how many days from now that waves will hit our reefs, sandbars, and points. Knowing this, we begin to arrange our life obligations (school, work, family, etc.) not to interfere with the coming swell event. We also prep boards and use surf dvd’s to mentally prepare. In some cases, we’ll book a flight or arrange a road trip to that spot which we know will unfold the swell’s full potential. While all this is going on, we log onto websites that give us buoy readings, telling us of the event that is yet to be. Something is out there. It’s wave energy. And it’s coming.
For centuries (beginning at least by the middle of the sixth century), followers of Jesus have entered into a worship season called Advent. During advent, God’s people are encouraged to go back in time to what it would be like to wait in breathless anticipation for Messiah to finally appear onto the scene, and into our lives.
The word advent is derived for the Latin adventus, which means “the approach.” There’s something coming—rather, someone coming, who will be a mighty force. He is approaching. He is coming. Our King is coming. The one who will rescue us from all that is wrong with this world, and all that is wrong with us. Our Hero is coming--one who would perform the most daring of rescues—snatching us from the hell we deserved. Yes, He is coming! That one! Jesus.
And our hearts can thrill to that in ways that out-strip our thrill of that long awaiting swell. Because something greater that waves is on the approach. The creator of such waves is on the approach. He is master of these natural forces, and therefore more than able to rule over whatever challenge, whatever disappointment, or whatever failure you may face today.
“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.
Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory.”
--Psalm 24:1-2, 7, 10
Guest Author: Lyle Castellaw
See what's new on the CSUS website!
Hear the Good News and share it!
Not About Me, Pt. 4
11.30.09
We’ve learned that my salvation is not solely about me but first about God’s glory and than about fellow believers. So is this week about me? – Nope.
Colossians 4:3 NIV “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” Did you catch that last part – “I am in chains.” Paul is not in a comfortable situation. But, didn’t God save me so I could be comfortable and happy? Are there things more important than my comfort in this world?
What is at the forefront of Paul’s mind in this situation? There are people that are lost and God wants them to be found. Paul doesn’t ask for prayer that his chains be removed but something of greater importance – that the Good News of Jesus as the only Savior of the world be proclaimed.
Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Paul was human and enjoyed comfort just as much as the next guy. But, he realizes that the spreading of the cure for sin is more important than our temporary comfort for two reasons:
1. Because we have a limited amount of time to spread the cure.
2. Because the celebration, in eternity, over the spreading of His cure will be exceedingly greater than any discomfort that we could experience in the spreading of it.
My salvation is so much deeper and richer than just how it affects me. It is about showing God’s majesty to the world. It is about me now being able to love other Christians. It is about awakening to the need for every human on earth to hear the great news that a rescuer has come for them in their disease of sin.
Go into the lineup this week with your eyes up on God and out on others and not simply on self and getting your waves. And pray for me to do the same.
See what's new on the CSUS website!
Hear the Good News and share it!
We’ve learned that my salvation is not solely about me but first about God’s glory and than about fellow believers. So is this week about me? – Nope.
Colossians 4:3 NIV “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” Did you catch that last part – “I am in chains.” Paul is not in a comfortable situation. But, didn’t God save me so I could be comfortable and happy? Are there things more important than my comfort in this world?
What is at the forefront of Paul’s mind in this situation? There are people that are lost and God wants them to be found. Paul doesn’t ask for prayer that his chains be removed but something of greater importance – that the Good News of Jesus as the only Savior of the world be proclaimed.
Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Paul was human and enjoyed comfort just as much as the next guy. But, he realizes that the spreading of the cure for sin is more important than our temporary comfort for two reasons:
1. Because we have a limited amount of time to spread the cure.
2. Because the celebration, in eternity, over the spreading of His cure will be exceedingly greater than any discomfort that we could experience in the spreading of it.
My salvation is so much deeper and richer than just how it affects me. It is about showing God’s majesty to the world. It is about me now being able to love other Christians. It is about awakening to the need for every human on earth to hear the great news that a rescuer has come for them in their disease of sin.
Go into the lineup this week with your eyes up on God and out on others and not simply on self and getting your waves. And pray for me to do the same.
See what's new on the CSUS website!
Hear the Good News and share it!
Not About Me? Pt. 3
11.23.09
Not About Me? Pt. 3
Last week we saw that my salvation is not solely about me but is first about God being shown as great. So what else is it about?
Phillipians 2:3-4 NIV “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Often we are concerned about fellow Christians but preoccupied with ourselves. I’d love to sit and listen to you or give you a hand with that problem but the winds are offshore right now.
Paul is consumed with love for brothers and sisters in Christ and quickly sacrifices his own pleasures for their benefit. In Romans 14 and 15 Paul says radical things like if what he is doing causes a Christian to slip into sin he’ll stop, even if it isn’t wrong. In 15:1 he says to bear with others failings “and not to please ourselves.”
So, what does this say about statements like, “got to look out for number one” or “I have to be true to myself”?
Jesus modeled putting other’s needs before His own, loving them more than His own rest or pleasure, sacrificing self for what was best for others. You may be saying, “Wait a second, this is radical stuff. I mean where do you draw the line?” Good! Now you’re getting it.
Your salvation is not solely about you but about God’s glory and loving fellow believers.
Galatians 6:10 NIV “…let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
See what's new on the CSUS website!
Hear the Good News and share it!
Not About Me? Pt. 3
Last week we saw that my salvation is not solely about me but is first about God being shown as great. So what else is it about?
Phillipians 2:3-4 NIV “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Often we are concerned about fellow Christians but preoccupied with ourselves. I’d love to sit and listen to you or give you a hand with that problem but the winds are offshore right now.
Paul is consumed with love for brothers and sisters in Christ and quickly sacrifices his own pleasures for their benefit. In Romans 14 and 15 Paul says radical things like if what he is doing causes a Christian to slip into sin he’ll stop, even if it isn’t wrong. In 15:1 he says to bear with others failings “and not to please ourselves.”
So, what does this say about statements like, “got to look out for number one” or “I have to be true to myself”?
Jesus modeled putting other’s needs before His own, loving them more than His own rest or pleasure, sacrificing self for what was best for others. You may be saying, “Wait a second, this is radical stuff. I mean where do you draw the line?” Good! Now you’re getting it.
Your salvation is not solely about you but about God’s glory and loving fellow believers.
Galatians 6:10 NIV “…let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
See what's new on the CSUS website!
Hear the Good News and share it!
Not About ME, Pt. 2
11.16.09
Not About Me? Pt. 2
OK, if it’s not about me than what is it about? Let’s take a look at Jesus.
Matthew 26:39 –NIV - “Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will but as you will.”
This is the evening that Jesus is going to be betrayed. Through His study of the Word Jesus knew what was coming and it wasn’t about HIS earthly desires. He didn’t want to hang on a cross and be beaten. But it’s about God the Father’s will. It’s about God’s greatness being shown in providing salvation for all mankind. It’s about God and HIS Glory.
Isaiah 43:21 – NIV – “I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.”
Why were we formed? For HIM in order to proclaim HIS praise. Did people experience joy as God provided their needs? Oh yeah! Because when God is glorified people find joy. So we should pursue our joy in glorifying God. The problem is, we make it about us and pursue our joy in glorifying ourselves and that doesn’t work.
My salvation is not solely about me. It is first about God and Him showing His greatness by saving me from His wrath. To Jesus, God’s glory was more important than His own agenda. How about you?
Who do you surf for?
See what's new on the CSUS website!
Hear the Good News and share it!
Not About Me? Pt. 2
OK, if it’s not about me than what is it about? Let’s take a look at Jesus.
Matthew 26:39 –NIV - “Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will but as you will.”
This is the evening that Jesus is going to be betrayed. Through His study of the Word Jesus knew what was coming and it wasn’t about HIS earthly desires. He didn’t want to hang on a cross and be beaten. But it’s about God the Father’s will. It’s about God’s greatness being shown in providing salvation for all mankind. It’s about God and HIS Glory.
Isaiah 43:21 – NIV – “I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.”
Why were we formed? For HIM in order to proclaim HIS praise. Did people experience joy as God provided their needs? Oh yeah! Because when God is glorified people find joy. So we should pursue our joy in glorifying God. The problem is, we make it about us and pursue our joy in glorifying ourselves and that doesn’t work.
My salvation is not solely about me. It is first about God and Him showing His greatness by saving me from His wrath. To Jesus, God’s glory was more important than His own agenda. How about you?
Who do you surf for?
See what's new on the CSUS website!
Hear the Good News and share it!
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