1 word

I just came from the gas station. It was time for an oil change which for me, 3000 miles comes well before 3 months is up. Wonder why gas is so high? Because I use it all. Just kidding, but I do drive a lot.

Because of this I am thinking of trading in my Exxon Valdez (Tahoe) and purchasing a more economical vehicle. (It’s hard to think about, because I love a V-8 motor). So last night I was looking up my vehicle’s value online and, and was surprised at how much the price was, I thought it was wrong. It seemed too high. It’s like being a Christian in a way. The price seems high, but it’s worth so much more than we think.

People, Americans, Christians, think in terms of cost a lot. We (including me) consider the cost of everything as it relates to us. Jesus asks us to deny ourselves in Luke 9:23. And in 9:24 says that we must lose our lives for Him in order to gain the real life. 1 word: Whoa. That’s a clear command. Lose my life? So I ask that question, how does that apply to you? For me it means I will use everything at my disposal (car, gasoline, phone, computer, time, energy, words, house, abilities, boat, time, vacation, and food) to be Christ’s ambassador and to teach others where the true and abundant life is found. I believe it to be found in Christ. My life will be like a thank you note back to God. Even though it may be expensive, tiring, stressful, confusing and inconvenient, the bottom line for me must be Christ. I hope you feel the same way.

The cost of following Christ is high, ask someone who has been a follower for a number of years. Ask an experienced pastor (I’m looking forward to hear about Christians in Russia this Sunday, because I know that we’ll hear about struggles that few will ever experience). I was reminded of this at camp last week listening to a pastor from Burma who had lost his brother, home, church, village, because he was a Christian. In his home country he preached a message the government didn’t like and they made him pay for it. It’s amazing to see his love for Christ. He is now in the U.S. hoping to start another church. He did mention that the U.S. is the 3rd largest mission field in the world now: Really? That’s our country. Not on the other side of the world, right here.

So we can stop squabbling now, I don't like church becuase of this, or that, he said, she said. There is so much at stake right here in our backyard.

Don't forget to remember

Camp last week was awesome. Nothing better than hanging out with some cool kids for the week. I came away definately encountering God, and being challenged to the max to be a mentor, leader, and better friend.

Some kids are living with so much pain and disappointment. While others seem to have it all together. It's hard to know the words to say. I found the some days it was best not to try and figure out the right words and just shut up and listen.

Don't forget to remember Jesus this week.