We're All Excons!

Dan Stevers can clearly be seen as a leading minister. Really though, he's not a Charles Stanley, Rick Warren or T.D. Jakes. No, you may not see him directly picking up a microphone speaking/preaching to hundreds at your next leadership conference. Nor will you hear melodious worship come from his vocals in song on your city's leading Gospel or contemporary Christian music (CCM) radio station. He's not some recognized television or radio preacher with a massive church attendance of 1,000s. But Dan is still definitely a minister, a leading one at that.

He ministers in multiple churches, conferences and events without ever stepping one foot in their buildings. He's ministering even now, all over the world. Simply put, Dan Stevers is a Christian video maker with astonding production skills. Some refer to him as, "a stunning visual effects artist." Many have been passionately touched, strongly impacted, and even truly saved by his videos---in other words, ministered to. 

One of his latest works is a video clip called The Cell. It captures the inner struggle we all face in relation to the stronghold of sin. Yes, I understand that Jesus has made us free from sin's power.

Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:34-36) NKJV

But the devil (that's right; the devil) doesn't want you to accept that freedom, the freedom that is indeed and definite. The freedom that gives you another option, a way out from sin. You don't have to stay in your prison cell; I don't have to stay in mine. We can both come out from the cells of addiction, lying, homosexuality, greed, hatred, jealousy, rage, depression, pornography, doubt, fear, and any other bondage.

"We're all bond by something, and we are all prisoners. But God is pushing for all of us to become excons."

Like the board game Monopoly, we all have a get-out-of-jail-free card which is offered to us. But we must go before God to receive it, and continually follow His lead to properly use it---staying out of jail. Surprisingly, even if we happen to go back in, the offer still stands.

Stevers' video above will show the ministry of this scenario in a clearer depiction. Check it out...

Also, check his entire ministry out at this link: http://www.danstevers.com/ 

A Picture's Worth...!

Many of us have often heard the phrase, "A picture's worth 1,000 words." Famed comedic director, writer and actor Eddie Murphy stars in A Thousand Words which is a film that trys to express this phrase in movie form. The plot is based on Murphy only being able to speak 1,000 words before his untimely death.

"Some may not know the vast significance of that statement..."

But here are some photos that may explain that sentiment in a more obvious manner, one that film may not be able to properly express. There are 7 pictures below that may get you thinking more sharply about what you tend to see displayed before you.

See if you can guess all of their hidden meanings:

Answers:

1.) AMERICA---an Honorable Superpower?
2.) Kicking the Bucket
3.) Less is More
4.) Read Between the Lines of a Life
5.) Jihad doesn't Save the Children
6.) The Prosperity Gospel
7.) Let's Build a Vision Together
   

Jeremy Who?

By now, anyone with a computer, smart phone, televison, radio, newspaper or sports pulse should know about point guard Jeremy Lin. Tonight, he received a rude awakening. He had a dismal basketball performance against the Miami Heat, my hometown team. He went 1 for 11 shooting and had 8 points in the game, only just 2 points the entire first half. 

Some may ask, "What happened?" Simply put, LINSANITY was shut down! A defense-savvy team like the Heat wasn't having it, not on their home court. His pattern down the court was missed shot, blocked shot and turn over, for 4 action-packed quarters.

Now, to be fair, Jeremy Lin is a pretty decent basketball player. I would even go as far to say, "He's pretty good!" But let's not over-do-it. To date, his competition, outside of 3 games, (LA, Dallas & Miami) wasn't that stellar. These upcoming games will test him like never before, with much harder competition.

But this blog post is NOT about Jeremy Lin the basketball player; it's about Jeremy the person. During his recent rise to fame, Jeremy has stunned the media world with his character:

"Genuine Godly humilty was something highlighted instead of selfish pride."

Jeremy has no problem seriously honoring Jesus Christ, even at the apex of his fame. Many have even discouraged him from being so fanatical with his faith in God, but he still keeps on lifting up the name of Jesus, anyway. And this stout boldness is shown even in an area like New York City; a place that doesn't necessarily pride itself on evangelical Christianity.

If you were paying the slightest attention to the National Football League (NFL) recently, heading into the playoffs, you would have said, "It seems like I've seen this story before, haven't I?" Yes, this looks extremely similar to the Tim Tebow saga in Denver. Another athlete who surprised the sports world with his uncanny ability in clutch time, on a pro-level. It's also no surprise that Jeremy's favorite athlete is Tim Tebow, not even a former basketball legend like Jordan, Bird or Magic.

Jeremy is so impressed with Tim's passion for his sport, but he's overwhelmingly taken in by Tim's unashamed passion for Jesus. As a Christian, even if you're not a Broncos or Knicks fan; you should consider championing these 2 athletes because you're a Jesus fan. All they're doing is constantly shining selflessly, being a strong testimony to the sports world and the culture at large.  

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) NIV

They Really, Really...Like Me!

Unfortunately, there's going to be those 10 people that can't stand you. The 8 individuals who wished you'd just shut up. Those 5 critics who usually speak about you in a negative light. And the 1 friend or family member who would rather not hear about Jesus, especially from you.

"Likability is overrated!"

Let's face it; people just don't want to hear the truth, even the tactful, loving and gentle truth. But they would prefer, "Just tell me what I want to hear...and be done with it! Or, if you entertain me a lot; I might come back to hear more!" Many churches today have very selective audiences that rarely want to be challenged. So don't be surprised or become shocked when everyone doesn't love you. When they could care less about what you're telling them, no matter how life transforming it may be.

Speak the Word boldly, obey God and be the best you that you can be. People are responsible for their own actions; what they choose to or not to believe is their decision. So if they intentionally choose POOR DECISIONS after hearing truth, that's on them not you. Don't always feel like people are rejecting you when they're actually rejecting God. Remember, God is the One keeping score.

"Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God." (1 John 3:19) NLT

Pastor, Christian leader or Jesus follower your confidence shouldn't rely on people but rather on God. So instead of focusing on the hand few of people that rejected you; your attention can be more focused on the many that didn't. The ones that are being truly ministered to by the voice of God. The ones who are having their minds renewed, hearts touched. Keep letting God use you for His glory, not yours. 

Again, everyone doesn't love you! And everyone doesn't like you! Matter of fact, everyone doesn't even care for God! Let's realize that on a continual basis and stay away from approval addiction. A great sign of a growing follower or good leader is when they fully start to understand:

"Life doesn't revolve around me!"

Joyce Meyer's book Approval Addiction brings many of these points home. Check it out here:

Continual Mimicking

mimicking - present participle of mim·ic (Verb)Verb:

1. Imitate (someone or their actions or words), typically in order to entertain or ridicule.

2. (of an animal or plant) Resemble or imitate (another animal or plant), esp. to deter predators or for camouflage.

Merriman- Webster has defined mimicking by the definitions above. And it's often been said, "Mimicking isn't nice!" When a child makes fun of another child; we won't them to stop, stop immediately! Cruel jokes do absolutely nothing but hurt individuals and seemingly reveal just how cold children can be. The old adage is "Hurting people hurt people." It's just that simple. "And healed people usually heal people." Not to mention the fact, there are a lot of angry and hurting children in this world.

While observing some of these dynamics in the classroom, while enrolled in a Practicum program. I began to notice how the ridicule changed the student's entire day. What's more, it even distorted their attitude and perspective on life.

I child interested in behaving politely and eagerly participating in class, all of a sudden was no longer interested. They went from model student one hour, to joining in with the class clown the next hour. They went from excited about learning one moment, to silence and depression moments later. All of this was simply started from mimicking behavior.

Well, this is not just a problem with children in grade school. This is also an issue with adults in the school of life. They want to be accepted and achieve great things, not made fun of. Even Christian adults take it a step further. They want to serve God faithfully, love Him passionately and represent Him rightly.

But here comes the the devil with his continual mimicking: "Who do you think you are, trying to live for God? What nerve of you seeking to walk in love all day long, having a good attitude... Here, look at these bills, your weight and all the other individuals doing better than you. You should look pitiful and be depressed, instead of happy! You should just check out mentally from your loved ones, focusing on your selfish wants and desires. Life's a party, drink it up. Again, why are you following Jesus, He's not really helping you with your problems? Christianity is nothing but a waste of time."

Instead of listening to his continual mimicking words, try operating in your own version of continual mimicking and mimic Jesus. Copy His attributes for living, attitude for dealing with problems and resolve in choosing to tune out the enemy's voice. Live life for God's purpose, regardless of anything telling you not to. Change your perspective and follow Jesus' influence, not the devil's. The video above is a scene from the hit film Real Steel. It'll give a much better depiction of what I'm implying.  

1-Hour Before Counting Sheep

When individuals who are new to the Christian faith attend church services that are evangelistic in nature (mostly preaching salvation messages), they become overwhelmed as it relates to growth (Spiritual formation & Christian disciplines). However, when individuals who are new to the Christian faith attend church services that are growth-related in nature, they become overwhelmed as it relates to evangelism.

Some note this delimma as being a Q&Q (quality & quantity issue). As it relates to evangelism and church disciplines combined, many Christian leaders stress quality over quantity. But in certain aspects, this is not always the case. Like for prayer and fasting, it's all about quality. But for the tithe (giving) and souls (salvation), quantity becomes the rule-of-thumb to follow after.

So what is it? Is it all about quaility? Or should our concern be solely focused on quantity?

Well, a proper balance between both of them should be the healthy solution. And it can be clearly summed up in the concept: "1-hour before counting sheep."

"Mark, have you losted it? What kind of concept is that? What does counting sheep have to do with a proper balance?" Actually, they matter more than you know! It's all spelled out in Matthew 26:36-46.

After revealing to His followers the sacrificial elements of His death, Jesus informed His disciples that He would be betrayed and die. This vital information must have went over their heads because they didn't understand His urgency. So He then took Peter, James and John away with Him and told them bluntly what He was feeling. He was looking for their support!

36) Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37) And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38) Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”

Unfortunately, they didn't get it. Not to mention, they were exhausted from all the endeavors of that day and were more concerned with handling this matter in the morning, after a good night of sleep. They could of thought, "He's just praying. He always comes here to pray while in this particular city."

Jesus went on ahead and prayed, even without their support, this famous prayer:

39) He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

But we need to pay close attention to what happened next!

40) Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me ONE HOUR? 41) Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

In the remaining 5 verses, Jesus repeated this process two more times and was then betrayed by Judas. Now, we may ask, "What was up with the disciples? Also, what was up with Jesus' harsh rebuke? And what was even up with the repetition of the prayer?"

The interesting thing that was up with all of that was a proper balance between quality and quantity. Note, it wasn't quality over quantity or vice versa. Jesus wanted the quality of their support at a daunting time, along with the quantity of having it for a full and explosively powerful hour. The disciples could have showed quantity and stayed awake, giving little to no supporting prayer interest into Jesus' ordeal. Or worse, they could've done what they actually did: They gave some minutes (possibly even upto 30 or so) of explosively fervent prayer support, eventually fading off at the end into counting sheep as they slept soundly. No, both were needed (quality & quantity)!

Jesus didn't just want their maximum TIME, but He wanted their maximum EFFORT as well!
Let's learn from their lesson and allow the willingness of our spirit to do the leading, not our flesh. I assure you; it'll make a world of difference!   

JESUS: "Bad for Business...?"

What are churches here for? "Churches are here to minister to people, right? Maybe, they're here to reach the lost for salvation? Okay, I got it; they're here to feed the poor and house the homeless, right?" Unfortunately, many of today's local churches are more focused on big business, like a McDonald's or Wal-Mart (going after that 'almighty dollar')! "What? Mark, no way, churches could care less about big business." I wish I was wrong, but sadly it's true.

Before I go on any further; note, I love the church and am a grateful member of it. I've been involved in church ministry for nearly 20 years, highly involved in some leading churches/Christian organizations and see how far we've came. But also I'm not blind to much of what today's church has leaned toward following after. Let me give you some examples:

The McChurch Movement

Charles Colson's 1994 book The Body, which describes a McChurch that the author attended in Japan. The author also uses the term "Hot Tub Religion" to express the same sentiment.

Dan Schaeffer's article "McChurch" in the 2002 issue of the Christian-themed Plain Truth Magazine. Schaeffer states that many Christian churches have "gone Las Vegas" in order to grow their congregations.

Maine State Representative Stan Moody's 2006 book McChurched which describes a pervasive consumerism in the evangelical Christian community. Moody, a Democrat, attributes this sentiment to the incorporation of Republican pro-capitalist influence into the religious community.

The CEO Movement

Megachurches tend to have a powerful charismatic leader. They tend to be centralized, concentrating authority at the top. The founders’ tenures average over fifteen years and there is great dependence on their personalities. These leaders preside over large staffs of up to 250 full-time employees. The pastor of one mega-church had the following to say about the organizational structure of these mammoth churches, “These are not just churches; they are also corporations.” The pastors of many of these huge churches consider themselves CEOs. ("Multiplying in the Megachurch?"). Crossbooks.com. 2011-09-29. (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1462706703/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk.)

Megachurch services tend to be highly choreographed and music features prominently in services. "Given the congregation’s size, this service cannot be left to ‘the flow of the spirit,’ especially if there are multiple services on a Sunday morning …As a mega-church grows, worship becomes more professional and polished, but also more planned and structured.” ("Exploring the Megachurch Phenomena: Their characteristics and cultural context").  

The Seeker-friendly Movement

A common criticism of megachurches is that they draw members away from other churches. This has led to use of the derisive term, "big box churches". From a National Congregations Study from Cumalative Dataset, the majority of North American church-goers attend small churches of fewer than 200 members.

Critics of megachurches claim that such churches are more concerned with entertainment than religion (http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2006/sep/17/long-reach-of-a-big-church/). Al Sharpton has claimed that such churches focus on personal morality issues while ignoring social justice.

Businessweek reported---Critics have also raised issues with the application of secular business models, e.g., from Wal-Mart; a seeker-friendly approach, intensive market research, heavy reliance upon opinion polls, polished advertising targeted at affluent young professionals, unconventional worship styles and Eastern influences. ("Earthly Empire:How evangelical churches are borrowing from the business playbook")-Business Week.

Goodness, that was a mouthful! It's clear to see that the McChurch, CEO and seeker-friendly approaches have business written all over them. So when did the local church become a business? When did things become all about appeasing clientele, establishing corporations, adjusting profit-margins and recruiting numbers?

Now, I do realize, there is a balance to this equation. No one is indicating to not prepare for growth. Or, a church can't offset their fiscal woes with sound business practices. Just take out time to check out the many leading universities, prep-schools, charities, hospitals and (dare I say) businesses started and still run by churches. And many of these are doing a greater good for the nation and world as a whole. But still there just may be too much of a business focus implied. When we become more concerned about building our local church empire instead of surrendering to the Holy Spirit's leading, that's a problem!

God didn't call us to manipulate numbers, become advertising salesmen for our local church or sweet-talk new recruits into joining the ranks. Really, it's NOT about us (period). The sooner we get that, the better! Let me leave you with a last thought based on some Biblical approaches. (Mark 11:15-19, Luke 8:43-48, Acts 16:16-24) in each one of these scenarios, Jesus was bad for business. And He didn't mind business practices, until it started to become the primary focus. Keep business where it belongs, solely in the background and not leading the ministry God has so preciously graced you with.