Friday Fodder

Today, I'd really like to hear your thoughts on knowledge - particularly different types of knowledge. For example:

1. Is there a difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge?

2. Explain what it means to KNOW GOD, rather than KNOWING ABOUT GOD. Chances are, you've heard those cliches as I have and maybe even used them.

3. Can a historian "know" a person through a book or does one have to "do life" with someone else to gain knowledge?

4. What about pictures? Do they reveal who we are? Can I know someone else or myself through a picture?

5. What can I KNOW about someone or myself, by listening to life experiences of others (stories)?

A Letter of Apology

Dear Confused,

You have likely seen my "name changes" over the last few days. As you know, when posting a comment, one is required to have some sort of moniker. "Mike" was fine for me - that is, until I saw how many other Mikes there were. I then changed my name to "The Other Mike." Before I was berated by friends in the blogosphere about how corny the new name was, I changed it to "The Crow."

Yeah! That was it. It was an old nickname. The blog is As The Crow Flies. Everything seemed to fit. And then I remembered a dark film called The Crow from the 90s. I've never seen the movie but the photos allude to a "darkness." Is that really what I want my friends to think when they see The Crow respond to their blog? I think not. I've settled on "crowm". Speak now or forever hold your peace. Do you know of a problem with crowm?

Throughout Scripture, a child's name alluded to her/his destiny. The name "Michael" means "one who is like God." Joshua means "a savior of his people." The followers of Jesus were called "Christians" in Antioch - Christian meaning one who is like Christ.

My wife and I thought for several months about our son's name. We settled on Christian. We want him to know what his name means and how important it was for us to give him that name.

So what's the big deal? Does a name "make" or "break" a person? What's in a name?

Sincerely,
Mike, The Crow, crowm

P.S. I apologize to those of you who have felt like I've had some sort of identity crisis. Hopefully, it's over now.

Is it good to grow?

On 4/18, I posted a question that was asked of me. The question: What's holding you back? My close friend inquired due to being concerned about my spiritual growth. I didn't get much response then (okay, no response), so I thought I would ask again.

What's holding you back? Is it poor choices you make? Is it social injustice? Is it something else? What about future generations? Is there a connection between this discussion and how at times we slow our kids down so that others can catch up?

Have you seen this? This, of course, is physical. How much more important is the question when we consider spirituality? Do I slow down so that others can catch up?

What are your thoughts?

A Hodgepodge of Thoughts

* Alright, this is not the time or place to weigh in on the DNC convention. Although I enjoy watching and studying politics, I'll leave my comments for elsewhere.

** I'm approximately halfway through The Shack. Uhhh, interesting. I'll plan on a review by the end of the week.

*** The Blue Parakeet has yet to arrive. I was really looking forward to the review. I guess I didn't make Zondervan's "cut." It looks like I'll have to splurge in November when the book is released.

**** Part of my study for the Romans class has led me to Roger Olson's Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities. Olson is a Baptist professor at Baylor but a self-proclaimed Arminian. Although I've read it before, it was more of a cursory read. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in the Arminian/Calvinist discussion.

***** Football season is just around the corner. High School and college teams begin playing this week. The professionals start the following week. Fans will have great aspirations for their teams. For many the aspirations will wane by halftime. For others, their hope will last the entire season. It's what hope does to people.

Don't you hate a hodgepodge of whatever?

Friday Fodder

Friendship has always been a prayer for my life. I don't mean acquantainces or relationships we have that never seem to move from the shallow end of the pool into something a lot more dangerous. The relationships I think of include transparency, honesty, accountability, etc. These are people who laugh with you and cry with you. They know much about you and love you anyway. Most people believe those relationships to be few and far between.

I've even been told those relationships should be counted on one hand. They're that special. A few people mention their relationship with their spouse being this way. They're blessed. My wife and I have a great relationship. We share many things. However, I'm thinking of men challenging men to be spiritual leaders. Relationships that entail women challenging other women to provide spiritual nourishment for the home.

If God created us to encourage and challenge one another, shouldn't this deep relationship be a huge part of our lives? Is this something we should pray for?

The Next Challenge

I'm between blogging on books. Hopefully, McKnight's The Blue Parakeet will arrive soon and I can weigh in. For the time being, I've finally (after much prompting) picked up The Shack and will post a few times about the work.

The next challenge is teaching a small group through the book of Romans. I've been told many times, "If you want everyone to know what you believe, teach Romans. There will be no doubt." I've done this a few times and have been encouraged each and every time. My faith has become stronger and I pray others have grown closer to Christ as well.

So what about it? Some of you have actually studied the letter with me. What's your take? For those of you preparing, what's the apprehension? For the teachers/preachers in the blogosphere, what's your advice?

The Paraclete (Relationship #12)

Sweet leaves the best for last. Traveling toward the crucifixion, Jesus promised His followers of a paraclete - a comforter, helper, and guide. Upon receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we receive the Holy Spirit (cf Acts 2). Wherever we go, whatever we do, God's presence lives within us.

He guides in the sense of letting our conscience know the difference between right and wrong. He brings conviction when and where its needed. Our prayer should be the same as John. "He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).

The paraclete also is a friend who comes along side us in life. God has said, "I will never leave you nor will I forsake you" (Dt. 31:6,8; Josh. 1:5). Even though the the Peters, Rhodas, Judas', and Jethros of our lives will let us down, the paraclete (God with us) will never be unfaithful.

Finally, the paraclete is our comforter - not in the sense that He's our slave providing a cold drink, a warm blanket, or a pillow for our weary head. The presence of God in our lives comforts us in that He goes before and behind. He protects us and provides providence. As the Apostle Paul said, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31)

Scripture calls Abraham a friend of God (Is. 41:8). The Gospel is exactly that message. Each one of us can be a friend of God. As Sweet says, "The secret of a happy life is friendship with God" (219).

Too many people believe God to be a standoffish, powerful ogre, just waiting for someone to mess up so that He can make the record straight. When we understand this most important relationship with that of the Paraclete/Holy Spirit, it reidentifies our lives in Christ. God is still all-powerful and holy. That's what makes His offer of being His friend (the Gospel message) so amazing.

Friday Fodder

Etymology is the study of words and how they evolve into meanings different than the original. The meaning of words can also remain constant but how we choose to use them in language might change. For example, does the word "commitment" mean something different than it did fifty years ago? 20 years ago? What about the word "loyalty"? Any change in meaning or how we choose to use that word?

Recently, I've thought much about commitment and loyalty. It seems in present day society, we're only commited to what seems to be convenient for us. One might consider the divorce rate and how the number has seen a sharp incline over recent decates.

Loyalty seems to have changed recently as well. While growing up, I was taught to fulfill your obligations, persevere to the end, and support the small business man who is just trying to make a living. Twenty years later, our society has welcomed commercialization. The small business man has closed shop for the mega store(s).

Many times our attitudes have become "I'll be committed as long as its convenient. I'll persevere until it gets to uncomfortable. I'm loyal until someone or something better comes along." What will societies view of commitment and loyalty look like 20years or 50 years from now? In other words, what are our future generations learning from us today?

When I think about the Bride of Christ, sadly I see no difference than the above. The divorce rate among Christians is similar to that of unbelievers. Church hopping seems to be at an all-time high. Too many believers live with an attitude of "que sara sara - what will be will be". We act like we're in first grade by taking our toys and going home, just because things didn't go our way.

So how 'bout it? Am I making too much of this? Or is something we should be concerned about? Thoughts?

A Place To Serve (Relationship #11)

"What place represents holiness in your life? What place exists that would cause you to say no to a dream job?" (Sweet, 199)

Sweet turns his attention from relationships with people in previous chapters to the place of service - a place he calls Jerusalem. According to Sweet, not only is it important to surround yourself with people who lead you to your destiny, it's also important to recognize the place to which God has called you. In other words, the particular bush from which God called Moses was his Jerusalem. Later it was Egypt and finally in the desert leading the Israelites.

When I was in Bible College, I recall a professor asking, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" One after another said they saw themselves in a major ministry (large numbers) because that's the situation from which they came. The professor then turned his attention to the old man (I was ten years senior most classmates.) and awaited my response. "I see myself preaching in a small town church where many people don't consider going to minister. The church isn't small in mentality but only small on the map. It's not going to be the next mega-church. But those people need Christ as well".

My Jerusalem would be the small church. My "holy place" is where I can spend time with disciples of Christ and encourage them to grow in Christ. It's also where I'm challenged to be the person Christ intends me to be.

It's important to note not everyone appreciates your Jerusalem. Many of my friends can't understand why would someone go to a place with no trees, no water, hot summers, too many tumbleweeds, etc. But for some of us, that's what Jerusalem looks like. It's not any better or worse than other Jerusalems. God calls some to mountains and others to flat land. He calls some to retail jobs, some to public service, and others to ventures with minimal contact with others.

What's your Jerusalem?

VIP (Relationship #10)

Sweet shows the difference between being a "giver" and a "receiver" in a relationship. Many times, we feel the need to give. However, we can become uncomfortable when someone wants to give to us. The biggest problem seems to be our pride.

In this weeks Christian Standard, www.unstats.un.org displays the disparity between those of us in the USA ($41,768 GDP per capita per year) compared to those in Rwanda ($234 GDP per capita per year). The Internal Revenue Service records people in upper, middle, and lower classes of the economic ladder. Even those categories have subcategories. It seems to me that whatever "bowl" you find yourself in, you are comparatively rich.

When we understand how blessed we are, our hearts prompt us to give to those less fortunate. Sweet uses the example of Lydia - a believer using the resources she had to benefit others. Instead of hording her wealth and saving for a rainy day, Lydia chose to bless those less fortunate.

On the other hand, is the "receiver" in the relationship. Many times we think of the less fortunate as handicapped, socially inept, or unable to help themselves. But is it true? Are they incapable? inept? handicapped? or even less fortunate?

I know those with very little who give so much. They choose to bless others with what little they have. Many times they are rebuffed for attempting to give - especially by those who have more.

Sweet argues that we should be givers and receivers. There are times where giving seems to come naturally. However, most of us have trouble receiving from others. And yet that's what we're called to do.

When we fail to receive, we can't meet Christ. God has always been the giver. Mankind has been the receiver. It's only when we learn to receive that we can learn to give.

Thoughts?

"Why Blog?" Friday Fodder

I'm amazed at how many people tell me they read the blog but don't know how to respond, don't care to, or choose not to. After a few questions, it's clear that there are some readers in the blogosphere reading As The Crow Flies.

I pray that whoever you are, you find encouragement here and at other blogs as well. The flesh in me is tempted to give up, throw in the towel, take my toys and go home, etc. This attitude prevails just because very few comment.

After a few days, the feeling seems to pass. I've found that blogging about what's going on inside my head or reviewing my latest read has beneficial to me. For that reason, I'll keep at it.

Thanks to those of you who respond and to those who don't. Thanks for taking the time simply to read. Who knows? Maybe God will use something as screwed up as me to bless someone else. I know I've been blessed.

You Need A Little One (Relationship #9)

Rhoda was the first child to speak in Luke's Acts. Peter had been thrown in prison and the believers were concerned for his safety. They had gathered at a home to pray. Upon God's releasing of Peter, he traveled to the house and knocked on the door. Young Rhoda recognized Peter's voice and attempted to convince the others he was at the door. Despite her attempts, those praying believed it was Peter's "ghost."

Sweet points out the young girl's faith. He also alludes to other accounts of Jesus' interaction with children. The purity or innocence is normally discussed when those accounts are considered. However, Sweet maintains the importance of stories and how children live out stories. It's only when we "grow up" and forget the importance of stories we fail to really live life.

I really appreciated how Sweet distinguishes between "childish" and "childless." In other words, when things don't work out for us, many times we have a childish faith - an attitude of "I'm taking my toys and going home." What our attitude should be is that of Rhoda or others in Scripture, realizing they can't but Christ can.

We all need faith of a child. It's also important to influence those Rhodas God places in our path. Thoughts?

The Reject (Relationship #8)

Each community seems to have members who are marginalized. For whatever reason, be it a mental issue, a physical ailment, or any other reason, these individuals just don't seem to fit in. Maybe you're that person. Maybe not.

Sadly, many churches fail to reach the "misfits" of society. I've even seen church people - those who claim Jesus as Savior - turn and go the other way, when the marginalized approaches. I've been guilty myself. But isn't that who and what Jesus was about?

Sweet gives the example of Zacchaeus. Little Zach was up a tree literally and figuratively. He would definitely be considered marginalized by society. And that's exactly who Christ ministers to.

And because most churches and most church people are inward focused, we don't interact with the Zacchaeus(s) of our world. Is it too harsh to say most churches and most church people? I'm afraid not. Sweet maintains, "We have tried to 'live in' rather than 'live out' the gospel...The Christian church is too 'in here' and not enough 'out there'" (152).

Who's the Zacchaeus you minister to? Who do you go out of your way to serve when others are running the other way?

God Is Good!

Back to the Sweet "stuff" tomorrow. As for today's post, please allow me...

God is good. No really. I mean God is GOOD. I've been thinking the last few days about blessings in my life. Many of those things I take for granted - the food, the shelter, the clothes, the running water, the "job" I have (I can't believe I get paid to minister), the diversity of people that God places in my life, etc. I could go on and on.

On Sunday, our community of believers watched a video of those we recently sent to Mexico to build houses. When I use the word "houses" I really mean cinderblock structures - no office space, no bathroom, no running water, no lazy-boy or reading light. But those who received the building were extremely grateful to make this their home. Those reporting said, "Our lives will never be the same." Needless to say, there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

When I say "God is GOOD", I know that's nothing new. All good things originate with God. As the Psalmist records, "O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand" (Psalm 95:6-7 NRSV)

Sometimes it's good to just speak the truth simply. GOD IS GOOD!

Friday Fodder

I've been reading through The Ancient Practice Series. It's been a chance to understand Christian heritage and to ask important questions. Robert Benson writes the second book in the series entitled In Constant Prayer.

Benson suggests Christians should return to praying the divine office. In other words obtaining a prayer book and being liturgical in prayer (Lauds, Prime, Terce, None, Sext, Vespers, Compline). I'm really enjoying the book. However, because of the tradition in which I was raised, I've never prayed as Benson suggests.

Does God bless a certain way of prayer? Does the way we pray need to be changed from time to time? What are your experiences/thoughts?