I need a "Strategery" for faith

Sometimes I believe I need a new "Strategery" for my faith. To make a long story short I see a lot of holes in my faith, but I don't know which ones to address. I would love to address them all, but it doesn't seem possible. Often the thing that is important to me isn't always important to someone else. The temptation in this world is to be ok with our differences and accept it as individual faith, but that seems anthetical to true community. So I can't take that route. 

So what am I to do, maybe having a "Strategery" isn't the answer. It didn't work so well for the other guy.

God please rescue me!

From the San Antonio Spurs and that horrible brand of basketball...

Now I have to root for Kobie and Lakers, it is like choosing between Bush and Kerry in 2004. No winners!

Pray that the Celtics, I can't believe I just said that...the Celtics make the finals. Other wise for the 3rd time in this Century, which is only 8 years old we'll suffer through another Spurs/Pistons series.

Survivor Frustration

I admit it...I watch Survivor. I am a loyal follower since the reruns of season one during those first summer months. I guess we all have our guilty pleasures. For some it is chocolate, for others egomaniacal foreign policy and still others it is a stupid T.V. show under the reality tag where most of plot is unscripted fiction.

Why am I frustrated? Simple. I never believe the person who wins should win. It started in Season 2 with Colby and Tina, it continued last night. There is little reason for how the departed survivors vote during the final tribal council. One season all the departed are bitter at the masterful power player in the final two or three and they give the million dollars to the hanger on who just got lucky and went for a ride. Other seasons the departed seem to look beyond their bitterness and see the strategy and skill in the more ruthless player of the final group, so they give the million dollars to that person.

Last night it was Parv, a ding bat Georgia fan. They are TRASH! Sorry, my Auburn colors coming out a bit. I must give her credit she crafted an all womens allaince and held it together. This was a first for Survivor. The ladies normally turn on each other. Without a doubt she played a skillful game and made quick and decisive decisions. Well, done! 

Her counter part, Amanda, played this game with as much integrity as possible. She didn't lie to anyone out right and she was punished because she seemed to sincerely struggle over the decision of Cirie vs. Parv. Though her tribal council break down was a bit much! 

All in all, it came down to the departed. Next season Amanda in the same role might win because everyone in the role Ozzie, Jason, Alexis, etc...(the people with a knife in their back)would be mad that Parv stuck that knife in their back. This season however, Parv got the million. The departed seemed to appreciate her style and awarded her a handsome check for her efforts.

Amanda, my only thought is sometimes it is best not to show the world your inner turmoil. It was a tough decision, but come on now. You did have immunity!

Beach Baptism/Why?

Sometimes this ministry thing is a real privilege...

Yesterday I had the opportunity to baptize eight of our students off Wrightsville Beach. These students come from different socio-economic backgrounds; they attend six different schools and run with five or six different crowds. For some this baptism was a long time coming, a life spent seeking God. For a couple it was decision made in the last few days and for one it was a decision made at the beach. Though God has undoubtedly been at work in their lives as well.  

I mentioned the privilege part as it concerns me...it is a privilege. I have been walking along side most of these students for the last four or five years, a few of them have only been a part of our group for a year or two, but our relationships are strong. I always say two things to people asking about being baptized.

1) You do go to heaven when we accept Christ into our hearts.

2) Following God is about more than that, much more.

For me baptism is about showing the world that it is your desire to walk through life with God. It is a public acknowledgement that we will seek out Christian community and look for ways to serve this world with our lives. In a nutshell the Great Commandments... We love God by loving others. 

The people I have baptized have no idea what they are getting themselves into. They don't fully comprehend the breadth or depth of following God. They have no idea the difficult times or the times where they will feel distant from God. They just know they want to follow God. Praise God, because that is enough! I have been do'n this God thing for some time now. I still don't know what I have gotten myself into. :)

I have little doubt these eight young people will struggle in their lives. Some of them might loose their way for a bit, some of them might forget for a time that they wanted only to follow God. My prayer for each of them will be that we as their friends, family and church will walk along side them and disciple them. Jesus showed us the game plan for this! 

Following God isn't about getting into heaven and stay'n out of hell. It is about joining the "Missio Dei" (The Mission of God) and living life in a community (Church/Christian Fellowship) and serving the world (with our lives).

Sold the house

Thanks to everyone for their prayers of support. We sold our house! The close date isn't until May 23, but the inspection is done and it looks pretty good at this point. God really kicked open another door. Now to find a home in Billings, figure out what God is doing and join Him. We can't wait!

Prayer Request:

Pray for us as we choose our home. We know God is at work everywhere, it is our desire to join in and help. We will build this church on deep biblical Acts 2:42-45 community. "Loving God by Living Community and Serving the World" We hope to start with our own neighborhood.