Transformers

This is not a review of the upcoming movie "Transformers". Thought, the title does catch my attention. It should be the title of our collective "autobiography" as followers of Jesus. We are engaged in a a constant journey of transformation. The New Testament says that we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Even though we have a natural tendency to resist change, it is unavoidable. The Apostle Paul makes it clear that we will either be changed by the influences of this world or we will be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The choice is not whether or not we will change but whether we will choose the correct path of change. So how is your mind renewal going? Also, are you sharpening your ability to detect the changes that the world around you offers to your character? Hint: they are not always good. OK by now you're wishing this was a movie review of "Transformers". I'll close with this thought. What goes on in your mind will matter today. Renew!

vacation bible school

What a name. Vacation Bible School is no vacation. I guess Evening Labor Camp for Adults isn't a very appealing name. Seriously, I am a huge fan of VBS. It's great to see so many people working so hard and having so much fun. When I look around it is a reminder of what is possible when we unleash our creativity and energy for God. My favorite moment thus far was watching some preschoolers lift their hands up in the air during a worship song last night. They don't understand all of the theological principles involved in worship. Nor do they care. But they do enjoy reaching up toward heaven and reaching out for God's embrace. The simplicity and purity of their actions is inspiring.

A.S.K.

This morning I was reflecting on the words of Jesus. He said to ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find and knock and it will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7). While this message from Jesus holds great promise it is also packed with deliberate responsibility. What kind of questions will you ask today? Will you ask for things that will benefit others? Will you ask to see God at work today? Will you ask for Him to help you know Him. To see Him at work? To recognize His will and purpose? What are you seeking? Upon which doors will you knock? The door of someone in need? In the book The Question behind the Question, John Miller suggests that we can get into the habit of making better choices by asking better questions. Asking better questions can lead to a more productive and accountable life. Certainly, God wants us to live more productive and accountable lives. We tend to ask questions that fuel our uncertainty rather than those that pave the way for development. For example, we would rather ask "why?" than "how can I grow through this situation?".

What the tin man knew

Most of us remember the words of the tin man. He lamented the loss of his heart. In the real world losing heart is not the result of the enchanting spell of wicked witch. Typically, it is our own doing. It happens slowly and we don't want to admit it. Two of my favorite leadership authors say it so well...No one looks in the mirror and sees a cynical, arrogant, and callous self-image. We dress up these defenses, give them principled and virtuous names. Cynicism is called realism, arrogance masquerades as authoritative knowledge, and callousness becomes the thick skin of wisdom and experience. (Leadership on the Line, Ron Heifetz and Marty Linsky). Heifetz and Linsky move beyond the diagnosis and provide some practical encouragement for recovering heart. Why not try it today? They suggest, the virtue of a sacred heart lies in the courage to maintain your innocence and wonder, your doubt and curiosity, and your compassion and love even through your darkest and most difficult moments.

Buried Treasure - part two

I've been thinking some more about the comments of Jesus: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also". There are two dangers for to guard against. The one, that I mentioned earlier, has to do with a tendency to invest our hearts in things that are in the "here and now" as opposed to things that really matter from an eternal perspective. We live in a materialistic world that pulls at our hearts on a daily basis. It serves to distract us from cultivating a heart that God can use for His purposes. The second danger pops up from the other extreme. It is a tendency to view the Kingdom of God from a "somewhere out there" perspective as if God's kingdom is a buried treasure that can only be accessed after we die. When that happens we view life as though we are making deposits in heaven during this life and will reap those rewards only when we arrive in heaven. While this protects us from materialism, it also insulates us from the material world around us. When our hearts belong to God we have the ability to share what it means to live under the reign and lordship of God.

Buried Treasure

Jesus said "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19). What if you were able to review your day? What if at the end of Thursday, June 21 you could sit down and read through an "executive summary" of your actions and thoughts? It would show a recap of your investments today. How will you invest yourself during this finite 24 hours that we are given today? Today will reveal something about the condition of my heart. Jesus said that my "investments" each day show where my heart belongs. Does my heart belong to God? It's really not that difficult to know the answer.

Potential

After the successful season for the Tennessee men's basketball team last year, expectations are high. For the first time I can remember, sports radio show hosts are talking about basketball in the summer. Usually the topic of conversation is all about player "potential". Potential is a slippery word. There are so many variables that come into play. At this point we hear a lot about athleticism and talent. But along with those qualities other questions are raised. What about academic eligibility? How will the player develop? Will they apply themselves in practice? How will they fit with the team? As I listen to this discussion, I can't help but think about our "potential" as followers of Jesus. What if we had this discussion about our development? Would we be ruled ineligible due to a failure to show up for class? (God holds class everyday - we are supposed to be listening and learning). Would we be dismissed from the team because we didn't practice? (How's your prayer life? Is your bible dusty?) How do we rate as team players? (How would other Christians rate you as a team member?)