Passion: You know it when you have it and when you don't

For some, it is difficult to pin down a definition of passion.  Gordon MacDonald in his book, Renewing Your Spiritual Passion, says it's hard to measure and difficult to pin down.  But he goes on to say, "But you know when you have it, and you are quite aware when you don't.  So, I often return to this book...its a good read and one that I "go to" annually.

Why you might ask?  It's easy...I have to work to retain a balance in my life; I learned that many years ago, so I always ready Renewing and also Ordering Your Private World each year.  I've mentioned this before in my blogs.  Simply, I do not want to drift away even a little bit from being passionate about being a Jesus Follower...not any more. 

So I ask you.  What's driving you these days?  Is it passion?  Or is it habit?  If it's habit, may I recommend that you check out TeamLoft's newest blog, JavaTalk.  It's purpose to to help us understand the importance of eight precepts that will keep us Jesus Followers on track. 

Let me give you one example, if I may.  I try to ask myself at least weekly a simple question---When am I at with God right now?  I've come to realize that if I drift a little away from being passionate about God, I will become restless and, frankly, a little bored.  I know that I'm at risk saying this to my friends...but I'm being honest.

So, Lofters....what's driving you these days?  Is it passion?  Or is it habit?  I'd love to hear from you.

Selah
For more information about The Loft and the mission of www.teamloft.com, visit our web site.

The Bermuda Triangle

It hit like the Bermuda Triangle. First, Hurricane Gustav barreling down on the Gulf; second, a Facebook note I received from Radu Pop in Romania; third, chaos at Walmart. Before you think I’ve totally lost it (my wife already knows that I have), let me ‘plain.

People are beginning to panic again in the Gulf Region...we just don’t like the sound of Hurricanes a coming. I can relate; Hurricane Alicia did about $70,000 damage to my home in 1983. So, it begins again...the hustle bustle; filling up the automobiles; buying staples, goodies and the like; hording water; the sense of urgency; calling relatives that live “way up” North in Dallas....the list is endless. Yet, I still have a little time on my hands, so...I scribble...and try to find some deeper meaning that we can find together from all this panic.

Enter the note from Radu, the young History Maker in Fagaras, Romania, that goes like this “I forget to tell you about my father who is not Christian, we are all happy because last week he was with as to a man conference made by our church from Fagaras. It was nice and we are happy that our father listening the word of God there. I wanted to share you our joy family. If you remember please pray for him.” (this is a direct quote from him)


One of the things I brought back from Romania was a grateful heart that in that Post-Christian country, the remnant was alive and well. They are deeply committed men and women of prayer and faith and are totally sold out to Jesus. I can recall vividly at least twenty times I prayed specifically for family members and friends of these young friends. I have to confess that I don’t know that I have twenty friends or family members who aren’t Christians.


I guess this is my Bermuda Triangle....O’ God, give me the same sense of urgency for the lost that come my way as for Gustav. How about you? “Father God, send them our way.”

Selah

For more information about The Loft Church and the mission of TeamLoft, visit our web site.

Tell me about yourself

Hello Jesus Followers,

I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of folks for the first time over the past couple of months in the Houston area, at church, and in Europe.  I remember reading a book a number of years ago about some of the cultural differences between Americans and Europeans---and there are many. 

One, however, really became apparent these past couple of months.  Simply put, in Europe one when greeting you will ask the question, "tell me about yourself."  In American, it's usually "what do you do" or "where do you live."  Europeans would feel that they insulted another by "checking them out--status or job wise."  Now...before you scribble me a note in haste, let me add that I also often fall into the same mode while in Houston.

Last week I attended a men's conference called "Men at the Cross."  It was terrific and I'm glad I was able to attend.  Lofters own Brandon Health was the guest worship artist on Friday evening.  It was pretty neat when we TWUMC'ers gave a shout out when he asked from the stage if anyone there was from The Woodlands.  During the event, I bought a Stephen Artherburn book titled Midlife Manual for Men.  I'm always interested in reading new perspectives about finishing strong (for obvious reasons if you know me).

Artherburn wrote about the same European/American cultural difference.  In Chapter 5, called Provider, he details a conversations he had with a guy from France who said, "You know, in Europe, when you begin a conversation with someone yhou've just met, you ask them how they are doing, how they are feeling, or what is going on just then in their lives.  But here in America, you ask each other something entirely different...what you do for a living.  In Europe, a person is defined by who there are.  In America, a person is defined by what they do."

Artherburn goes on to challenge us Jesus Followers  to rid outselves of "defining yourself by whatever's written on your business card."  I want us to drill down a little on this thought for a moment.
First, consider who Jesus hung out with....generally not a very impressive lot with hope for senior level management in the empire. Second, think of your own personal relationships...both with Jesus Fellowers and in the community as a whole and not just your "close friends."  Are most of those you hang with all cut from the same mold---socially, economically, interests, education, etc.?   Third, take some time to muse about what you really know about those you call friend.  Is it only what they do or where they live.  When was the last time you asked themselves what is going on just then in their lives?  (ouch)

Gordon MacDonald has written that he and his wife meet regularly with a small group of friends (every month or so) just to catch up.  They don't talk business, ministry or church life;  they just meet to find out what is really going on in their lives.  He often writes that these are the people that he wants at his memorial/celebration service because they knew him best.

Sage advice from Arthurburn and MacDonald.  Let's practice it.  Don't be concerned when I see you again and just ask what's going on in your life, or how you are really feeling, or how are they feeling....I'm very European and, as Martha Stewart says, that's a good thing...come to think about it a little more...it's a Jesus thing.


Just some scribbles for thought---I've got to go and call a friend.

Selah

For more information about The Loft and the mission of TeamLoft, visit our web site.

Proud Papa

Hey Gang,

On August 31st, my son-is-law will be ordained into the ministry at his church, Grandview Fellowship Church.  I'll be there instead at The Loft playing the proud papa and grandpa role.  Scott and Amy, along with other Jesus Fellowers recently responded to a call from Jehovah to plant a new church in Sugar Land.  For the past 9-10 years they have contributed much at the North Campus of a large church (hint: the largest SBC church in America).  But recently the Lord called the campus pastor and a team of others to "expand their territory/boundary and begin afresh and they heeded Jabez' Prayer call.

 You'll hear more about their journey at A Lofters Life.  The church's grand celebration opening is September 14th, but God is already blessing them...they expect about 150 at this preview service Sunday.

And get this....these guys are Lofters at heart if not in name.  They sense a cause beyond themselves; they embody a "go and tell spirit" (have already had a mission trip to Latvia and several local missions ministries in place all in the past 10 weeks) and they are serious about being Jesus Followers.

So....yes, I'm the proud Papa this Sunday....Selah

Community and Prayer

Hey...

I received an urgent prayer request this morning from dear long time friends and members at TWUMC. A mutual acquaintance at our former church of ours youngest son was in a boating accident at Lake Conroe on Saturday night and was in surgery at Hermann Hospital.

Although I hadn't seen the Macons in over four years, I immediately thought of their need. Isn't community so important....at all times during our journey together. Later today, I received an updated report that Taylor was doing well after surgery although he would probably have several more surgeries. Taylor had told his pastor that "he thought he was going to die when he say the other boat racing toward their pontoon. God is good.

Selah

Welcome to Scribbles

Hey Gang,

Welcome to Scribbles...another Uncle Bob blog. This one details my journey as a Jesus Follower. As with all of us, there will be some highs and lows...keep me grounded, will you, with comments! Until later, Selah.