the church.

"According to the witness of the New Testament, the church is the city on the hill. Today it has to venture to live 'outside' in its own life in simple obedience. It has to discover grace in leaving everything, to receive it back again a hundred-fold here. Inner-worldliness is a comfort, but not a principle or a program. The community must suffer life Christ, without wonderment."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Lecture - "The Interpretation of the New Testament."

April 26, 1935.

These words are just as true, necessary, and important today as they were then.

love.

Self-love is misguided love that has rebelled against its source, love that does not need the help of others and thus is condemned to be unfruitful, love that is basically enmity toward God and one's neighbor because they could only disturb the immediate circle of myself. Both types of love actually have the same power, the same passion, the same exclusivity. The only thing that sets them apart is the tremendously different goal they each have - in one case, I myself, in the other, God and my neighbor.

- "The Unbelieving Way of Love," Testament to Freedom, 245-246

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

walking in Memphis

I wanted to give you a brief update on where I am. I am currently in Memphis, TN as part of a leadership cohort with Next Step Evangelism. It has been a great experience so far and I am looking forward to another great day and a half here. It is great to see what God is doing throughout the connection. There are some great people here with great ministries and stories to share.

Here is a thought for the day from Maxie Dunham: There is a special place in God's heart that only I can fill.

the times

These words have brought be great comfort. Below is part of the song from Tenth Avenue North's track called, 'The Times'. May they bring you healing and hope today.

well My love is over, it's underneath
it's inside, it's in between,

these times you're healing
and when your heart breaks
the times that you feel like you've fallen from grace
the times you're hurting
the times that you heal
the times you go hungry and are tempted to steal
in times of confusion and chaos and pain
I'm there in your sorrow under the weight of your shame
I'm there through your heartache
I'm there in the storm
My love I will keep you by My power alone
I dont care where you've fallen, where you have been
I'll never forsake you
My LOVE never ends, it never ends

Canadian Stephen Smith

The dorm at Wesley Biblical Seminary was not very big. So you can imagine how funny it was to have 2 Stephen Smith's in the same dorm. So the nickname 'Canadian Steve' just seemed to fit and it was as if Canadian was his first name. He fit right in with us. He was very bright and I think he used that to his advantage. Every time I saw him, he was hanging out, playing video games, or chilling in someone else's room. We had several classes together, but one I will never forget was Hebrew. It was me, Canadian Steve, and another student. He was a great help to me. It is little moments such as these that I will remember and think fondly upon. He always brought a smile to my face because he was quirky, weird, and funny. Stephen - you will be remembered not only for these traits, but for your love of Christ. A love that took you across the sea to spread the message of the Gospel. Your life was cut too short, but you went as one who was faithful to their calling.

Often when we hear about Missionaries who die on the field we only think of those in the past, or maybe those who are older in years. People are still giving their lives for the sake of Christ, even young people. See you on the other side Canadian Steve.

Below is a piece of writing that Stephen Smith left us with: This and so much more.

'Send me!'. Shall I go? Shall I dare to claim a faith that seems so high, so courageous? I have not the portfolio of Jeremiah nor the ascention of Isaiah. I'm not wet - like Jonah.

Shall I really dare to simply put one step in front of the other as if I, like some weathered patriarch, can claim the legacy of the ages, the mantle of service to the Most High? Shall I walk resolutely like they who endured the harshest tests and miraculous circumstances?

Who am I to claim divine sponsorship? Do I really believe I should be written (etched in stone!) in the annals of faith - me, a weak, failing student who is likely as not to bring the whole thing down on my own head? The arrogance! To claim such a heritage! I should rather go home and leave the work to those truly called, to those found in auspicious occasions!

But I can no more abandon this quest than Samuel could unhear the whisper. I know not why I should be chosen for this highest of honors, but I know nothing else but that I must say 'yes'.

Don't pencil me in with Isaiah or near Job. Please, if I must adhere to this calling, simply find room for me in the appendix, under 'those who tried their best, but were otherwise unremarkable'. I dare not hope for more.

But to dream of such faith! That I might open my eyes and see His truth laid out before me! That I might open my mouth and speak words that melt stubborn hearts! That I might extend my step in action and find my footing sure, not rocked by self-doubt. That would be a service worth commissioning.

If you would have me, Lord, I will do it. I aspire to your highest calling, because you demand it of me. Who am I to deny you who makes of man - even a man such as I - what you will?

brief update

Reflections from Vacation:

Even though I am out of state and have tried to unplug from some of the busyness and stress of ministry, I have found a great sense of renewal and understanding of the power of relationships in ministry. My heart echoes Paul's words... 'So while I am not with you in the flesh, I am with you in spirit'. I have been praying for many in our congregation who are particularly going through some tough times. You are remembered.

I have been able to rest and spend a great and wonderful time with my family and friends. Part of the renewal process is not just sitting on the couch and napping (even though I was able to do that, and it was GREAT). Renewal is about finding the parts of life and ministry that gives you energy. So even though I am on 'vacation' I have been working. For instance, I have attended an intensive class on nonviolence and social change (future posts on this to come). I have gone to a workshop presented on the '6 Faces of the Biblical Church'. I am leading an Affinity Night as part of the Natural Church Development process for a church in Indiana. I am still going to attend a discipleship event tomorrow as well. These things bring creativity and new life to me as well.

So how do you spend your Sabbath day? Is it just about resting or finding parts of our life where we can focus and see what brings life to us?

moment for music.

So now that I am on vacation and have a little bit of time to write and think about random things, I wanted to share some of my favorite parts of music. This is not so much about the genre, but more some of my favorite parts of songs. These are just some of my random musings and ideas so take them for what they are. Here are a few songs (in no particular order or or importance) that must be in your iPod.

1. Ruby Tuesday

- the beginning part of this song is the BEST! I like the chorus and all, but that is not what makes it what it is. It is the first few lines. If you don't believe me, then watch the Royal Tenenbaums. Wes Anderson uses this to introduce a dialogue between two characters and the power is seen in just the few seconds of its use.

2. Neil Young's Philadelphia

- what else is there to say about this. Absolutely beautiful. The vocals are eery, painful, and beautiful all at the same time. Piano is simplistic and you can just picture him sitting there playing it. Love the whole thing, but as promised here is my favorite part: when he says, 'sometimes I think that I know what love's all about'.

3. Layla

- forget the guitar riff, the best part is the end where the piano kicks in. The supposed story about this song is that Clapton wrote it as a way to express his love to the woman he loved. Unfortunately, I believe this woman was George Harrison's wife. For me, I like to picture that this was his way to say something without saying it. The lyrics of the song may have communicated something, the piano part communicates something much deeper for me.

4. Under Pressure

- forget the riff that was borrowed by Vanilla Ice for his hit. The best part of this song is the bridge where the guitar kicks in and they almost scream 'why can't we give love one more chance'! That's just great.

5. Fly by Nick Drake

- the cello haunts me still. You will hear it as the introduction to the piece. If that doesn't get you, then the first line is 'please, give me second grace.' Perfect.