The God of Each Generation

Recently one of my classmates wrote, "My Dad said that he believes that the Lord has prepared each generation for the challenges that they will face, knowing that they will need to withstand more than we did."

I believe this is a profound concept, and I have thought about it many times. As I look at how I view God, how my parents view God, and how my grandparents view God, we each have a different characteristic we value. It's not that God has changed in any way (He is the same yesterday, today, and forever) but that He reveals Himself differently to each generation. He knows what each generation will need. In other words, my generation has experienced broken homes like never before. At the same time, most of my friends truly see God as a loving Father, one who they can be intimate and real with. My grandfather's generation tends to view God as just, righteous, and strong. That is exactly what they needed Him to be as they went through the depression, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Cold War and other catastrophes. I hope this makes sense. I am in awe of God's desire to reach us right where we are as individuals and as a generation.

Yellow

Why do my grandparents answer the phone "Yellow?" I find this perplexing. Perhaps next time they answer that way, I should say "Red" or "Mellow." By the way, what ever happened to Mellow Yellow?

The Vicious Cycle

Here is some food for thought that I have been processing lately.

A big factor in consumer behavior is income. However, income levels are becoming less of a factor than they once were. Take, for example, people driving up to a school in a decked out Escalade while their kid receives a free lunch at school (paid for by you and I)…something is terribly wrong with that and my wife sees it over and over at her school. Recently I have been thinking about how the role of credit has changed the U.S. and consumer spending (I know...kind of strange to let this thought fester for long, but it has). The overwhelming majority of Americans live beyond their means (averaging over $6,000 in debt). It really bothers me that as credit has increased, product pricing has become over inflated because companies know the consumer will buy the product because they can simply charge it. It is an ugly cycle of credit and price inflation. Sooner or later, the deck of (charge) cards is going to come crashing down and we will experience what our grandparents wish they never had...the depression (part II). Perhaps I am overreacting, and I hope I am, but something needs to be done to stop the vicious cycle of overspending.

By the way...Happy New Year!

Revolution (Part II)

Many Christians are flocking to the non-traditional, church because they desire something fresh...not because they want an experience, but because they want to see that the power of Jesus is real in our lives. You know, even if those people do want an experience, is there something wrong with that? Isn't a relationship with Jesus an experience? Doesn't it fluctuate between crying one moment because you suddenly sense the burden Jesus carries for the lost, to rejoicing the next moment because you just received a revelation about the power of Christ's resurrection? Why have we become scared of the word "experience" when it is associated with Christianity?

Revolution (Part I)

I was recently told by a fellow classmate that her father, who is a Christian, doesn't go to church. She said, "He [my father] just doesn't want to go to the [church] "building" because of his previous dealings with "hypocrites." My grandfather was a preacher, and forced my father to go to church every Sunday - no matter what. So, between the forcing and the hypocrites, my father will not go back into a church at this time." My father was a pastor. I admit, there were times I was forced to go to church. I would imagine her father's experiences have caused him to have a bad taste in his mouth like many Christians who no longer go to a church building on Sunday's and Wednesday nights (and often every other night the church can get them to volunteer). George Barna just came out with a new book called Revolution that I encourage anyone to read before they get into the debate of "Church...or not?" I work with over 230 pastors a year in my job and I offered a copy to all of them. I am pretty passionate about the subject of spirituality in America. While many Christians believe and are looking for America's spiritual awakening, I believe it is already here. However, it is not the way we want it or predicted it. Many are turning to so many different forms of spirituality because they have become disenfranchised with one "system." Unfortunately, the church has often responded with an "us against them" mentality, which alienates them even more.

I recently heard a passage from the Message translation of the Bible that truly resonates with me, especially on this subject: Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me [Jesus]. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Help

Here are a couple of things I need help with:

1) Can I put QT (Quick Time for the technically illiterate) video's on this blog? If so, how? And once I know how, can I start calling this a vlog?
2) How do I create a picture in my profile so when I post in the comments section my face can be seen by the world (Jason or Amy, please provide direction).
3) I recently purchased the Kodak EasyShare V550. It's a cool camera because it has advanced video features, but I am struggling with the picture quality. More like, what settings do I use and when. Any thoughts?

Church...or Not (Part II)

I keep reading comments on the great "Church on Christmas Day" debate, and I don't understand it. Who cares? How many of our "Christian convictions" are really cultural, not spiritual? Is a Christmas Day service biblical or cultural? Is a Sunday or Saturday service biblical or cultural? Is Sunday School biblical or cultural (wow, I know that will really rock some of you)? Is singing hymns biblical or cultural? Is the issue of ordaining gay priests biblical or cultural...just wanted to see if you were paying attention. If these convictions are cultural (which I believe they are, excluding the last one), then why are they such hot topics? And for those of you who have chosen to get on with the real business of the church (reaching the lost and discipleship) yes, some of the preceding issues are still hot topics. I was recently talking with a worship pastor who told me they just got PowerPoint approved. How long did it take them to approve it, you ask? Only a couple of years...no, this is not a joke. The media is having a field day with the church right now regarding the "Church on Christmas Day" debate, and guess who is going to get the blue ribbon? No, it is not the church that will have a service on Christmas Day, it is...Satan. I'm sorry (...wait, no I'm not) but many Christians need to get a life or get Jesus...one or the other. Even the local Christian radio station has gotten involved by having people call in and voice their opinions on whether or not a church should have a service on Christmas Day. Fortunately no pre-Christians listen to the station because it is so lame.

Christians are turning insignificant issues into ones of importance and labeling them as spiritual debates. I guess issues regarding porn, sexual abuse, and reaching the lost are to “sensitive or uncomfortable.” Maybe I am contributing to the debate by writing this post. If I am, please let me know and I will stop.

Church...or Not?

I have been reading many articles related to whether or not to have church on Christmas day, which conveniently falls on a Sunday. The last time this happened was in the mid 90's and the same debate arose. This year, however, the power of the mega church as been thrown in the mix. Honestly, I could care less if they opened their doors on Christmas day or not, because the church is not a building, and I do not need to worship with other Christians to enjoy the meaning of Christmas. One must take into consideration the logistics that are behind a service for many of these mega churches. On a normal Sunday, the average mega church has anywhere from 75 to over 300 staff and volunteers involved. Is it really right to ask that many people to give up time with their families on Christmas day to put on a service for a couple hundred people that might show up? I don't think so, considering we ask so much of them throughout the year. I respond from the standpoint of a member of a church of 4,000 and from having a brother on staff at a church of over 4,500. I want to enjoy the day with him because he lives in PA so I never get to see him. If they made him attend the service, I would be upset. Plus, many of these mega churches are putting a lot of time and effort into their Christmas Eve services, and some are even holding more services before Christmas day than they normally would (I know one church that is holding 16 services during the 2 days before Christmas). Most research proves that the overwhelming majority of non-Christians go to church on Christmas Eve rather than on Christmas day, and aren't those the people we should be focused on reaching? I think Rick Warren makes an appropriate comment that we should consider in this discussion:

"When you're small, they'll dismiss you; when you're growing, they'll criticize you; and when you're large, they'll resent you. So ignore 'them' and get on with whatever God has told you to do!"

If God has not convicted the staff of a mega church about closing their doors on Sunday, than so be it. If it is a conviction for you, then find a church and go on Sunday morning while I am cuddling with my wife by the tree. Better yet, here is a revolutionary thought (one that is uncomfortable for the majority of Christian families). If you are so concerned about not having a building to go to in order to have church on Christmas day, read a devotional as a family and sing to Jesus! Maybe you could even pray together!

"The church is a family--the Bible says that many times. And within a family there is freedom. Just because a church decides to handle things a certain way does NOT make it wrong when another church does not do it that way...and for a church to claim that they have everything right and other churches should be like them is--well--ARROGANT!" - Perry Noble (New Spring Church).


Jon Mitchell

Gifts...or Not

Do you give gifts at Christmas? I don't. By the way...I didn't blog the whole month of November. Oh, like you are really better at blogging than I am. By the way, I have updated the website of the week. Check out Church Marketing Sucks. I love the sight.

Where I've Been...

I discovered this cool little tool on someone else's blog to map out all the places I've been in the U.S.



create your own visited states map

Here are the countries I've been to. Wow, I have a lot of territory to cover before I die.



create your own visited countries map

Have I Really Become...

Have I really become a once a month blogger? Wow, that is sad. I am pathetic. I now notice that Blogger.com has added a new feature to blogging called "Recover Post." For those of you who have ever poured your heart and soul into a post only to have it vanish to the pits of hell before you are done, you are now set free!

Update:

• School is going well. I'm now in my third course...the infamous Managerial Accounting.
• We love our new home, but the couple we bought it from won't move out. Isn't there some legal action we can take?
• I did a wheelie on my new riding lawnmower. It was very cool, but I think I broke something.
• I recently had a battle with chiggers. These invisible pests drove me crazy for nights until I drugged myself with 4 Benadryl in 4 hours. I was late to work the next day.
• San Diego here I come. Next week I will be visiting the greatest zoo in the world.
  

Quote

I love spending time with my cousin Richard. He knows me better than anyone except my wife. It seems like God brings us together at the perfect moments to get serious with one another about life and spirituality. I walk away feeling energized and like I can conquer the world. Do you have someone like that? Anyways, I want share a quote by Marianne Williamson that he sent to me. I believe it is powerful. Let me know what you think.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Update

Wow...I almost didn't remember my password to get back into my Blogger account. Fortunately for you I remembered it was "maharshalahashbaz." Anyways, so much has happened since I last blogged. Karen and I found a house and will be moving to Trussville, AL Sept. 28th. We are pretty excited and anytime you would like to visit, just let me know (this invitation does not extend to anyone who may have randomly come across this site). Also, I have completed my first MBA course and got an A+ (much to the neglect of my wife). Now I am in my second course, trying to be more balanced...and it isn't working so far.

Also, since my last blog I found out that I am going to be an uncle! I am really excited for my brother and his wife, but unfortunately they live all the way up in PA so I will have to settle for becoming the distant uncle who sends $20 and a lollipop on birthdays. More thoughts to come on the devastation in the coastal south...

What Would You Write?

It's so late...school work is eating me up!

Anyways, I was just listening to a message by Rob Bell. He mentioned that there was a recent study – mass survey – where the question "What do you think of when you hear the word Christian?" was posed on a blank sheet of paper. Unfortunately, the majority of people wrote, "Hates Gays.”

Why didn't they write love, compassion, humility, creativity, innovation, etc? When we process all of the political events that have surrounded the last year, it's not hard to understand why someone would use the word "hate" to describe a Christian before anything else. Petitions, arguments and legislation have all been passed during the last year as Christians become more politically vocal. The question is, how are we coming across? I believe we should be politically active as Christians. However, I agree with Rob Bell when he went on to say "I’m sick and tired of people speaking for Jesus who I think have missed the point."

Update: I have updated the website of the week. This is an odd little site, and I can't be held responsible for its content. However, I am oddly drawn to the questions many of its writers are posting.

The Unveiling...

In my post Planting Time I promised that once my garden grew, I would give an update with before and after pics. Well, my friends, the time has come. I am so excited. The left photo is of the area that I planted in. This area actually looked rougher than what you see here. This was after putting in a drain and creating a wall with lawn timbers. I then filled that area with dirt. While maintaining the garden is harder than I ever expected, it is rewarding to see flowers and tomatoes grow right before my eyes. Karen and I used to look every morning to see what plants grew during the night. Here is what it looks like now:

Nature amazes me. Let me know what you think of the garden when you have a chance, and feel free to come over and weed when you have some spare time.

Weather

We have had some pretty bad weather in the Ham during the last 2 weeks. I was deep sea fishing on July 5th and found out that Dennis was coming up right behind us (Hurricane Dennis). I have been on the coast the day before a hurricane twice now...it is unsettling. While on our two hour boat ride to our first fishing hole in the Gulf, I had a revelation. These fishing trips would be SO much more exciting if the boat Captain let us ski off the back or at least parasail. Man, they could make a killing off the extra incentives they could offer on their deep sea fishing trips.

Yesterday we had another torrential down pour. I had to pull into a parking lot for at least 30 minutes. I have to admit, I was pretty freaked out. We got a total of 4 inches of rain in less than 45 minutes, and many areas around our house were flooded. I saw a dumpster picked up and moved and a parking lot erode away. That is pretty cool.

Random Thoughts About Spirituality (Part 4)

Here is an interesting statistic. Eighty percent of tithes given to U.S. churches today are through the Builder Generation. That astounds me and leads me to the question, what happens when they are gone? Why is the local church in a state of plateau or declining in every county in the U.S., while it is growing rapidly in countries like India, China, and Indonesia? How about this…maybe they have a model we need to adopt. Maybe they understand that a house church is valuable because it gives groups of people the ability to truly “do life” with each other. It promotes a healthy church, which in turn creates a growing church. Forget about focusing on church growth...let's focus on church health.

I had church on Saturday night. It was a little different than normal though. I was outside, sitting on the back porch of my cousin's house, watching a thunderstorm role by. The crowd wasn't huge...actually just four people (myself, my cous, my close friend, and Jesus). I was able to walk away feeling encouraged, strengthened, and provoked. I have spent a lot of time processing the whole idea of unconditional respect, which is a lot of what or conversational theme revolved around. I do a pretty crappy job of it. However, it has spurred some great conversations since Saturday. Anyways, I can’t wait to go back to that church!

Would the idea of house groups make too many Christians in the U.S. get out of their comfort zones? Would it make them have to become real? The real fear in being a Christian is not the title, it is the idea that God will single us out to be different. My greatest fear in being a Christian is that He won't single me out to do anything significant.

Two Issues

There are two issues I want to address. One is the new iTunes 4.9 which comes with Podcasting capability. If you have not upgraded or are not using iTunes as your MP3 manager, stop what you are doing and download by going to www.apple.com.

Two quotes I have read this week in TIME that have bothered me. The first is from Tom Cruise who was criticizing Matt Lauer after the Today show host questioned Cruise's earlier disapproval of Brook Shields for taking antidepressants: "You don't know the history of psychiatry. I do." I understand Tommy boy is all into Scientology, but give me a break. My brother posted on his blog, "If I were the Head Scientist (or whoever their Pope figure is), I would have a frank convo with Cruise and let him know in no uncertain terms that he is not longer allowed to don the lab coat. In other words he is out. Put up the beakers and move on Tom. Anything redemptive that movement had going for it, Cruise has officially destroyed."

The second quote is from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. She said "Nothing is to prevent the State from replacing any Motel 6 with a Ritz-Carlton, any home with a shopping mall, or any farm with a factory." TIME says she made the comment "in a dissenting opinion in the 5-4 ruling that local governments may force property owners to make way for private development when officials decide it would benefit the public, even if the property is not blighted and the project's success not guaranteed." Wow! (Thank you for your service Sandra, it is sad to see you are retiring). I am all for progression, but this decision on property rights seems harsh and that there is no choice in the matter of government seizure. If the government wants your house, it's theirs. Obviously they will buy it from you, but without your say in the matter. I find this extremely difficult to swallow. This decision could be on the same level as abortion. What do you think?

Hawaii Five-Noooo!

I saw a few funny incidents in my trip to Hawaii. Someone's sail boat was not sailing anymore. Apparently this captain didn't get the memo that you actually do have to pay attention to where you are sailing. Or maybe his curiosity of the little rubber stopper in the bottom of the boat finally got the best of him.




Can you figure out this math from the sign on the right? I have tried 100 different ways to see why I would be getting a better deal if I bought the six pack.









The infamous NeNe. Ironically this sign is posted where the most active volcanoe in the world resides. I don't think I would be concerned about them getting run over. I'm not sure if this picture on the right is a NeNe or not, but if it is, I fear that I killed it by feeding it Fruit Loops. Now there are only 999 left.



I actually saw a small earthquake happen as I was looking at the siesmograph. It freaked me out.

Hawaii Five-O

Well, I'm back. I just experienced a week long trip to Hawaii. It is quite an amazing place, and I encourage you to place it on your top ten. The beaches are very nice and so are the people.

We were on a cruise boat called The Pride of Aloha which took us around to 4 of the islands in Hawaii. I don't know how many of you have been on a cruise boat before, but this one was a little different. I made a few observations about the service on the boat that I found rather interesting. A few times while in a buffet line about to fix my salad, they insisted on doing this for me. Question 1: Who wants to be in a buffet line and have someone fix their salad for them? Doesn't this defeat the point? They could never know how many cucumbers I want (3) or how much salad dressing to put on (1/4 cup) or that I like raisins on it. One time I was in the buffet line and they wanted to fix my hotdog for me. I ended up with more sauerkraut than hotdog. Every time I went to get a drink at the drink station, they wanted to fix that for me also. So if I fixed my own, they would stand right beside me and watch. Can you say awkward? I wrote the Captain and said that instead of the crew staring at me while I fixed my own drink, maybe they should walk around to the tables and get drink orders...kind of like a normal restaurant.


Anyways, the boat was pretty cool...like a hotel that floats. It was crazy to think that there were 3,000 people all living within 900 feet of each other. Good thing I have gotten over being a germ freak. More to come later.