However, it is acceptable to invade another nation if…
HT to Tripp Fuller for the video links.
Well I’ve finished my copy of Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson (In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day). Started the book on Saturday and wrapped it up today at lunch. It was a great easy read at 174 pages.
This is one of those books I’m sure my friends and family hate me reading — because I’m constantly stumbling upon great thoughts/quotes/ideas and dropping them txt messages or Tweets throughout the day to share those same thoughts.
As previously mentioned, the idea/title of the book comes from the name the Celtic Christians had for the Holy Spirit – an Geadh-Glas or “the Wild Goose.” It may seem strange calling the Holy Spirit “The Wild Goose” – especially when you consider what we typically mean when we say, “a wild goose chase” (in fact I’ve already gotten an e-mail from someone who doesn’t like the “double entendre”) — but to me I definitely identify with this image of the Holy Spirit.
When you’re following God’s plan for your life, I’ve found that it’s very rare for you to know exactly where you’re heading. And at times the path you’re heading down may seem pointless “but rest assured, God is working His plan.”
Throughout the book Batterson gives examples of six different cages we find ourselves in that keep us from truly chasing The Wild Goose. I found myself identifying with pieces of each one – but primarily the cage of responsibility.
I often find myself thinking, “I could do this – but I have other responsibilities I’m tied to.” I also find myself wanting, as Batterson puts it, for “God to provide miraculous signs before I come out of my cage.” I want God to part the river before I get my feet wet. Yet if we live our faith out this way — is it really faith?
Batterson points out that Mark concludes his witness of Jesus Christ by writing, “They went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” If we get moving, God will confirm our direction along the way. That’s probably a good reason why Batterson will frequently make note on his blog that when it comes to his ministry and church, “everything’s an experiment.” We can’t simply wait for God to show us each and every step we should take. Sometimes you just have to stop praying and actually act by stepping out on to the water.
I also love Batterson’s point about the call for Christians to react in a way that’s counter to the world’s way of reacting. Throughout this year I’ve been challenged over and over again by authors like Brian McLaren and Shane Claiborne to be a true follower of Christ’s “third-way.” Batterson summarizes and explains it simply when he says, “it is much easier to act like a Christian than it is to react like one.”
Most of us are good actors — we can play the part. But our reactions reveal who we really are. And maybe that is why Jesus focused so much of His teaching on reconditioning reflexes.
Pray for those who persecute you.
Love your enemies.
Bless those who curse you.
If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.… the supernatural reaction is both counterintuitive and counterreactive. Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek. Think of it as spiritual aikido. We absorb the energy of others and convert it into a righteous response. So persecution becomes a catalyst for prayer. Hatred inspires love. And we convert curses into blessings.
Finally I was amused to re-read some of the stories Batterson’s been sharing on his blog the last year and a half. After subscribing to his blog a year or so back I often felt like I was reading a letter or a book from an old friend who’s re-telling some of the great stories of his life and laying them out as perfect illustrations for God’s love and guidance.
Skimming back through the book it seems like every page is marked to some extent. Maybe its just because this book comes at one of those points in my life where I’m feeling caught up in many of my own crazy wild goose chases, or it may just be that good of a book… you’ll just have to read it and find out for yourself.
The book drops at bookstores around the country next Tuesday – August 19th or you can pre-order it from Amazon.com via the link here in this post.
related ::
ChasetheGoose.com
Mark Batterson’s blog
SSL :: the wild goose chase
Just listened to this story again via the Church Basement Roadshow. It’s a great reminder of those we’re called to serve and love.
Take some time to read it, or enjoy Mark’s reading of it via the Church Basement Roadshow.
Love those who least expect it and love those who least deserve it.
SOUL GRAFFITI
Chapter Four: Experiments in Truth
By Mark Scandrette
It is bittersweet to recall the first few years that our family lived in San Francisco. We had moved to the city with a dream: to form a community of people who would take Jesus seriously as the teacher and revolutionary he intended to be. Our new neighbors and acquaintances were quick to point out that people who called themselves “Christians†were responsible for the inquisitions, religious wars, and homophobia—not to mention the historic use of scripture to justify slavery, the massacre of native peoples, aggressive foreign policy, and the destruction of the Earth’s resources. I had to agree that there was tremendous dissonance between the dominant reputation of Christianity and the life of Christ and the early church. We desperately wanted to be people who embodied the revolution of the kingdom of love—offering an apologetic for the authenticity of the Way of Jesus as an alternative to mainstream Christianity.
Continue reading Soul Graffiti :: Experiments in Truth
For those of you who missed it (or want to see it again – like myself) – video of the Church Basement Roadshow is now available online.
The video comes from the Church Basement Roadshow stop at Disciples Fellowship in Birmingham, Alabama.
Church Basement Roadshow from Steve Knight on Vimeo.
HT :: Emergent Village
related ::
church basement roadshow
emergent village
Friday night Laurie and turned off the Olympic opening ceremonies (yes I know a cardinal sin) and watched the Bucket List. I loved it. She wasn’t as impressed.
The idea behind the movie is two men are dying of cancer and are only expected to have six months to live, so they make a list of all the things they want to do before they “kick the bucket.”
The movie reminded me of the “life goal list” Mark Batterson challenges folks to create in his first book, “In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day.” Basically a list of 100 things that you want to do/accomplish before your life is over.
Been thinking through some of my goals (especially realizing that I only a little more than have 4 full months left to complete my goals for 2008). Looks like I’ve blown one of them already – the take a photo each day of me in 2008. I think I lost focus/motivation after folks said they were getting bored with my photo selection in mid-April. Hopefully I’ll pick it back up next year – but maybe just take a photo a day – rather than a photo of me each day.
So far I did finish rebuilding a new encounter website as well as rebuilding the CasadeBlundell.com website (with a lot of great help and insight from my life).
I think I’ll easily meet my reading goal for the year. I’ve completed 10, almost finished with #11 and just received #12 and have #13-15 currently being shipped from Amazon.com.
My last goals that I’m still worried about/shooting for are:
So… all that said – what about my Bucket List? Well, I’m still thinking it though. I’ll give you one of them though… bungee jumping.
Now how about you? What’s on your Bucket List?
related ::
IMDB :: the bucket list
SSL :: goals for 2008
the “new” casadeblundell.com
the “new” encounterthis.com
Scott Hodge shares a video with some recent testimonies from folks in his tribe.
Two folks share their testimony and why they want to follow Christ and show the world publicly that they’re ready to follow Christ through baptism.