Let wonder replace worry

Inauguration

Calvin's Institutes begin with his prefatory address to King Francis. As I read through this a couple of weeks ago the theme I saw was Calvin trying to open the Kings' mind to hear his presentation of the Reformed Faith. In 1536 there had been so much slander against it that Calvin was concerned the King would not give it a fair reading. Through this you begin to get a glimpse of Calvin's grasp of Scripture and an introduction to the kind of biblical backing that he will provide for each doctrine that he discusses throughout the Institutes.

Leaving the theological world and entering the political- I was reminded of this preface as I watched the presidential inauguration this morning. Slander is very much alive today, as it was then. Both our outgoing and incoming Presidents have faced much slander. Many Americans who have placed too much of their trust in one politician or another have either gained or lost faith in their country today. This is unfortunate, for the virtue of the people of this nation far outshine the President- whomever it is.

I am proud of this country today. Not because of President Obama, but because of the reminder of the greatness of the infrastructure of our nation. The founding documents of the United States of America remain the greatest guiding hand for any nation in world history.

Barack Obama is a very smart man who has some very difficult challenges facing him. I'm sure I will disagree with many of the decisions he will make - and you will too. But watching the peaceful transfer of government power today only solidifies my belief that our nation is strong even in these turbulent times. Today I am in awe of the structure of our government.

John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion: A Year with the Institutes

 I've never been too big on New Year's resolutions. Not that I'm against them- I just strive to live the Christian story throughout the year. So for me New Years Day means Epiphany is approaching.

But this year is different. My New Year's resolutions for 2009 is to read through John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion. This is a monumental work that stands among the greatest of Christian theology.

I'll not be doing it alone. Princeton Theological Seminary will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth by leading an online community though the Institutes in 2009.

I love reading Calvin- but life and ministry keep me from staying committed enough to making this a habit. Not to mention the fact I have never read the Institutes all the way though. Certain parts many times- but never all the way though. Even if you theologically don't fall in line with Calvin- I bet if you were to give this a try you will gain a deep respect for his faith and logic. It will also make you think a lot without being too heavy.

If you are interested in coming along on the journey- here are some links.

Calvin 09- Read the Institutes

Subscribe to daily audio readings in iTunes

Buy the Institutes on Amazon: Institutes of the Christian Religion (2 Volume Set)

Let me know if you'll be doing this as well. I'll blog from time to time about what I am thinking and learning. Feel free to ask me how its going throughout the year. The accountability will be good for me

Apple's iPod Hype and Youth Ministry

Apple release a new line of iPods this morning along with iTunes 8. I was really excited to see what they had in store for the Christmas season, but it was late afternoon before I had a chance to get online and check it out. My response to everything was pretty apathetic. The new iPods are pretty, but nothing that we have not seen before. The new iTunes is pretty cool, I’ll be using the Genius playlists I’m sure, but I’m not overly excited about it.

I’ve been thinking about how Apple has managed to create hype around every product they release- and how on days like today that works against them. Companies like Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony release new products all the time and I’ve never just had to get online to check out any of their new or updated products.

Which leads me to think about ministry. Hype about the next big ministry event will always let someone down. Relationships based on acceptance, genuine interest, caring, and respect never will.

The hype is so much easier- the relationship so much more rewarding.

Matthew 11:28-30

Are you tired?

Worn out?

Burned out on religion?

Come to me. 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.

-Jesus of Nazareth

I forget how much I love Eugene Peterson's The Message. While writing bible studies tonight, I read this from Matthew and was blown away at how eloquently these verses are written. What an amazing lesson for society today. I think I might even read it at youth group on Wednesday.

I need to spend some more time reading, reflecting, sharing, and teaching from The Message.

Pictures from my week in Princeton

I had hash for the first time in the great Jersey Diner:

At the recommendation of the Food Network:

Princeton was beautiful this time of year. Just walking around downtown made me feel smarter.

Miller Chapel:

Perhaps my biggest complaint of the week. Why one of the finest theological schools in the world would still use such uncomfortable, outdated, counter-productive desks is a mystery to me. How in the world could these things encourage learning?

Tomorrow, pictures from Philadelphia- including the pew inside Christ Church that George Washington rented (that's right, they had to literally rent a seat at church) while serving as President.

Its Official

I am done with MySpace.

I am sick of the junk comments and the half clothed girls wanting to be my "friend." I have not deleted my profile yet, but I am planning on it.

So, I am going to be using Facebook exclusively from now on.

Do you Facebook? If so, let's be friends.

Romans: Lesson 1

My first lesson on Romans yesterday went really well. I think word will begin to spread about the new class and we will have new people showing up over the next few weeks.  I could tell that most people were not use to interactive studies. Preparing for next week will be easier since I have a better idea of what to expect.

Although the class went great and I am having fun leading it, I definitely prefer to teach teenagers.

This class does have huge potential though and I am excited to see what happens over the next few months.

Romans

I am starting a new (adult-20s & 30s) bible study tomorrow morning at church.

I have outlined 22 lessons that will take us through Romans.

The tricky part though is that I have no idea how this class is going to go over. It has been along time since someone has offered a bible study series to this age group of our church. I have no idea how many people to expect. I sent out a newsletter on Thursday to 38 families. I have no idea how many of those families might be interested. Including Nicole, I'm thinking I'll have at least 3, but 50+ could show up.  As far as materials go, I am ready for about 25. I'm just splitting the difference, hoping that as people learn about the class they will join us in the future.

These lessons are going to be very similar to how I run Sr. High Youth Group. They will be thought provoking, challenging, interactive, experiential, and a lot of fun. I'm definitely not going to be standing up front lecturing for 45 minutes. That is what they have had in the past and would be use to.

So, we will see how this goes.

I have made the announcements and contacts...

I have childcare lined up...

Snacks, cokes, and coffee...

And a lesson written.

If this were youth group, I'd never be starting something unless I knew there was a need for it and a group would show up. With this group though, the only way to know how much interest there is will be tomorrow morning.

I'll post tomorrow night with an update on how lesson 1 went.

Tammy Faye

As I have written about before, Doctors have stopped treating Tammy Faye Messner's cancer and she has began her journey home.

While I am far from charismatic, I have nothing but respect for this woman. She is loved more in non-Christian circles than she is in many Christian circles, and that is impressive.

Just a couple of days ago, she posted yet another message from her deathbed. This message, in its entirety, has appeared on several celebrity blogs in the past few days. It's kinda sad when people who gossip for a living have nicer things to say about someone than many people in the church. The beautiful thing is that the tens of thousands of people who read those celebrity blogs everyday, spent a couple of minutes reading about a dying woman giving praise to Jesus.

That makes me smile.

Her message:

July 16, 2007

My Dear Friends,

It has been such a long time since I've written and I am so sorry for the long delay. I have been in bed for almost a year now. I have times when I feel good and times when I feel really bad. But, I have learned one thing about feelings. They have NOTHING TO DO WITH FAITH IN GOD!! He is the SAME yesterday, today and forever. He NEVER changes. That is what the Bible says and God's word does not lie EVER!

There have been many days when I felt so terrible with my back and stomach, that I have hardly been able to breath. I cry out to the Lord knowing that many of you are praying for me. In spite of it all, I get dressed and go out to eat. I may only be able to eat one bite, or sometimes ten bites, but I swallow each bite in "faith believing". There are MANY times it doesn't stay with me long at all, but I keep trying and HE helps me.

My daughter is here a lot of the times to give me my medications and to make sure I don't forget. When I got sick, she literally moved in and gave me hugs and kisses that are so needful during this period of ones life. She said, "I want to take care of my Mom". I gave her the last couple weeks off to go home and spend time with her children, James and John. They are well taken care of while Sissy is gone. My girlfriend, Deborah has been staying with me for the past 3 weeks. We have been friends for thirty years, so we know each other well! She gave Tammy Sue some much needed rest and she has taken up where Sissy left off. She will be here for two more weeks. How grateful I am to have such strong, loving, support around me. Then of course, there is my wonderful husband! We moved from Charlotte, N.C. to Kansas City, Missouri. He came here every weekend to build me a new house and when I got here, it was ready to move into, bed and all!! They had it beautiful and it is the most beautiful home I have ever seen. He has wanted to build me a house for 13 years, and I finally let him! His children and grandchildren have come every weekend to visit us, and it is so much fun! Someone I cannot forget is a friend named Daina. She worked so hard, I thought she was going to get sick. Bless her heart. I have to have help eating, bathing, doing my hair, taking my medicine, and help just getting comfortable, which is really hard for me to do.

I try really hard to eat and keep the food down, but sometimes, it is like my throat would just shut down on me, and the food comes right back up. So through all the prayers, I have finally gained some weight. I have gone from 60 pounds, to 65, for which I am very thankful.

I ask in great humbleness that you pray that I will be able to eat without it coming back up. I crave hamburgers and french fries with LOTS of ketchup! When I can eat that again, it will be a day of victory!

In closing, I want you to know that I am praying for you and your loved ones and I am believing God for complete healing. God is a healer of EVERYTHING!

I will let you know when I get to eat my hamburger! HA!

Love,

Princeton: Thursday

What an incredible experience. I had a guy tell me the week before I came that I would hate it. He said that it would be just a bunch of people talking about youth ministry who have not been in youth ministry for 20 years. He was wrong. Not even close to being right.

I'll definitely plan on coming again. I have even been accepted into Princeton's continuing education program. After attending 3 forums and a Capstone Retreat, I'll be certified in Youth Ministry though Princeton.

There are 2 YM Forums sponsored by Princeton's Institute of Youth Ministry. The first one each year takes place in a different part of the country. This year was Nashville, but it has also been to St. Louis and Seattle recently. The second one is always at Princeton, this time of the year. If you are interested in continuing education in youth ministry, I'd encourage you to attend.

It is much different than the National Youth Workers contention. Instead of going to concerts, you listen to theologians lecture. You also are not going to get any great ideas or new games to try out. What you do receive is 4 years of approaching youth ministry from a theological perspective.

5 1/2 years ago (when I started my job) I needed the ideas. Now I felt like I needed to rethink my approach to ministry, that is exactly what this forum did for me. So, it really depends on where you are and what your needs in ministry are at the time.

I did really enjoy the experience and would recommend it to anyone.