nathan oates :: think theologically

The Silent Seduction of the Suburbs

2012-01-17T14:10:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I can feel the deadening, the hardening, the glazing of the eyes...

It's not a seduction of passion. There's no rush, no thrill.

Just predictable stability. Just the normal routine.

It can kill the soul. It can blunt the once raw edge of the spirit.

Thisis the silent seduction of the suburbs. But it can happen anywhere, because it happens within. Slowly, with detection, the oxygen is turned down, the morphine is turned up, and we exist in a mild state of mediocrity.

And, in time, our “Christianity” is nothing more than a “positivealternative”,

our prayers never reach beyond “keep us safe”,

and our ethic is reduced to “being nice.”

Dulled into lifelessness.

It's common, but it's counterfeit.

Don’t spendyour life on a spiritual couch holding aspiritual remote.

Today is a journey. It could be epic.

(What's keeping you from really living it?)

Common Grace

2012-01-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

What is it that turns a simple meal from something that fillsa stomach to something that fills a soul?

Why is it that sometimes after I eat, I feel like I can exist anotherfew hours, and other times, after I eat, I feel like I can change theworld?

What’s the variable thatchanges a meal from something that makes me feel full to something that makesme feel loved?

I think it’s community. It’s relationships. It’sothers.

You and I share the same basic need: we need calories. You and I share the same basic solution: food.

I think this is fascinating: you and I can individuallyaddress our same needs with the same solutions and have one kind ofexperience.

Or we can collectively address our same needs with the samesolutions together and have a completely different kind of experience.

You can say, man I’m hungry. I’m gonna eat a burger.

And I can say, man I’m hungry. I’m gonna eat a burger.

And we can go to different burger joints and in 30 minuteswe’ll both be full.

Or you can say, man I’m hungry. And I can say, man I’m hungry. And we can say, Let’s go get burgers together. And in 30 minutes something more thanjust the taking-in of fuel has happened. Community has happened.

And because of community we’ve at least opened up theopportunity for something more:

Instead of just existing, we’ve had a chance to make adifference.

Instead of feeling full, perhaps now we feel loved.

Instead of just feeding our stomachs, maybe we’ve also fed oursouls.

The Bible is just full of food. But it’s not really about the food.

I suggest it’s about Christian community: people of differentraces, different backgrounds, different experiences, all gathering togetherwith a common condition, with a common need, a common hunger, a common longing…all coming to the same place hoping to be filled – not just physically, butemotionally, spiritually, holistically: body, mind, soul.

Here’s the point:

People gather as a Christian community for something none of uscan get by ourselves. We come together for something we can only get from another. We gather for grace.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T16:28:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, Friends!

We're so grateful for this year. The highlight was the gift of a summer sabbatical. Over the three month break, we spent time at HoneyRock in Wisconsin, drove and camped across the country, and slowed way, way down on the beach in Nicaragua.

We'd love to share some pictures with you.

June at HoneyRock: sabbatical thoughts :: june

July Road Trip: sabbatical :: july

Augusto en Nicaragua: sabbatical :: august

Sienna is growing up, devours books, plays soccer, and has a pet rabbit named Trufflehunter.

Isaiah is strong, has been off chemo for over a year, and is gearing up for baseball.

Matthias is learning new words every day and occasionally pauses from his passionate pursuit of large-scale demolition.

May the grace of God and the hope of Resurrection fill your hearts and homes in 2012.

Love, Nathan & Carmen

At La Vida Education in San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua

More Than a Little Disturbed

2011-12-22T23:08:00.000-08:00

Magi from the east declare, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

"When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him." (Matthew 2)

Why was Jerusalem disturbed? What had they to lose?

Herod feared for his throne. But the people? Why weren't they celebrating the arrival of the Deliverer long-awaited, the Savior promised by prophets? Why were they troubled?

Because they had grown comfortable. And they feared the disturbance of their comfort.

John Chrysostom (4th Century) wrote this:
Although troubled, they nevertheless did not try to understand what was happening. They did not follow the wise men or even take any particular notice. To this extent were they both contentious and careless.

Contentious and careless.

They chose annoyance over adoration. Disdain over devotion.

Don't disrupt the status quo, Jesus. We like it as it is. We prefer bondage to a police state which tells us what to think/buy/feel. Don't mess with our comfort, Jesus.

Worship is too high a price to pay for freedom.

Learn to Slow Time this Christmas

2011-12-15T18:21:00.000-08:00

There probably isn’t a week in the year that’s more importantto make time for God than the week before Christmas. After all, this is the week we celebrate God coming to “bewith us.”

And yet there probably isn’t a week in the year that’s moredifficult to find time for God.

In her book, One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voscamp puts itthis way, “God gives us time. Andwho has time for God? Which makesno sense.”

This Sunday I’ll teach our community how to have moretime. This is not a timemanagement sermon, it’s a spirituality of time sermon. I’ll talk about the element of time wecannot control (no matter how hard we try) and the one part we can. I’ll share a Biblical view of therelationship between the significance of time and the significance ofthings. And I’ll share several practical ideas for slowing down time in your life this week, one of whichwe’ll practice together.

You need to be at Emmaus Church in Lincoln this Sunday. In fact, you don’t have time to missit.

Grandma D

2011-12-09T20:31:00.001-08:00

What would be a good day to die
(if you could choose these sorts of things)?

You might die on a Tuesday
Under August's sun
At summer's blurry end.

Marching time would kick-up the dust and
We'd remember it was warm
That day when the phone rang -
Sweaty hands -
Light on the floor beneath our feet.
We'd forget the day like words that
Sting then fly away.

Or, you could die on Thanksgiving Morning
Your place already set
At the table near rolls still rising.

Everyone gathered for the feast to come
With grateful hearts
Plates high with hope
We'd cheer for Resurrection
Savor life more slowly this time
Listen to the children playing castles of deliverance
Brides pursued and rescued home and welcomed to the banquet.

Grandma D
9/15/1922 - 11/24/2011

Am I Thankful?

2011-11-30T10:34:00.001-08:00

It’s remarkable: the power of gratitude.

Being thankful – full of thanks – canchange just about anything. Fromthe way we eat, to the way we work, to the way we die, so much of life comesdown to this question, “Are you thankful?”

Try this: go through the day thanking everyone you talk to for something.

Or try this: before you fall asleep, thank God for 10things.

In her book, One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voscamp argueseloquently that grace leads to gratitude and gratitude leads to joy.

God is graceful.

But I’m not often joyful.

Perhaps Ann is right (and Hannah Whitall Smith, The Christian's Secret to a Happy Life, before her, and The Apostle Paul long before her): maybe the secret to finding true joy ischoosing to give thanks.

Our community will be focusing on gratitude during this Adventseason. I’ll teach through a newseries called “Thank You Jesus.” Titles include, “The Thankful Live,” “Thankful When it All Falls Apart,”and “The Thankful Have More Time.”

You’re invited to join us for church in Lincoln, CA anySunday, but especially for our Christmas Morning gathering at 10 a.m. atFoskett Ranch Elementary School in Lincoln.

Have a thankful, joyful Christmas.

Godin

2011-10-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

I read three Seth Godin books this summer, including Tribes (which I read for the third time). Seth is definitely in my head. No one I'm reading is provoking me to think as much as Seth. And even more importantly, no one is provoking me to act as much as Seth.

Poke the Box served as the catalyst for two new ideas, both of which I'm actively pursuing.

And Linchpin is golden, clarifying, must read material for anyone interested in doing work that matters (which is the only work that will be rewarded, according to Godin, in the new/present economy). Many of Godin's core values, though presented in the contexts of business and art, resonates clearly with a Biblical worldview.

I found myself applying the book both to myself, as well as to my staff team, and, as a result of reading the book, am even more resolved to create and lead effective, creative, lasting, and truly valuable human connections.

Here's the matrix we'll use as we build our staff team over the next seven years. Much of this was directly inspired by Godin's Linchpin.

//
Build around Staff who Create Value.

We will hire and build around those with responsibility as a primarystrength. They will take ownershipbeyond their immediate ministry area and thrive on making improvements. They will act swiftly and freely to solveproblems.

Their passion fortransformed lives and communities will drive them. Creativity and freedom will characterize theirwork. They will willingly try new methods, even if theyrequire more effort, because of their lovefor people. They will let go of what isn’t working,grateful for the lessons that come from “failures.”

Beyond this, they will increasingly create value in the community by initiating and developing strong relational connections others. Ministry, for our staff, will be a personal, not merely professional commitment.

blessed to bless

2011-10-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

On Sunday morning I experienced one of the most powerful moments in my 7+ years of pastoral ministry at Emmaus: I got to represent Christ and speak words of blessing over some of the outstanding men of our community.

While each blessing was unique, and while each wife and child we named has their own story, this was the core of what I was led to pray over each man:

"I anoint you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to fulfill the ministry God has given to you: to be a Christian husband/father/son.

May you receive the blessing of God to be a blessing to your home.

May you willingly sacrifice for your family:

May you intentionally speak words of blessing and affirmation over your family:

And may you faithfully pray for your family:

May you take ownership of your household.

May you fight for those God has entrusted to you.

May you be a good shepherd.

In Christ's Name,

Amen."

sabbatical :: august

2011-10-05T16:15:00.000-07:00

We spent the third and final month of our sabbatical in Nicaragua. This was the month when life really slowed down. This was the place where we discovered a whole new depth of stillness. It was here - with the quiet pre-dawn risings, the warm early mornings, the clear, wild ocean, and the cleansing evening rains - that we prayed long, slept deep, and laughed and laughed. We tasted new flavors, explored new places, read good books, and played.

We played.

We didn't systematically work through the pain of the past, as we planned. But healing welled up within as the five of us swam in the ocean, chased sand crabs, and spent day after slow long day together.

And we feel full. We feel quiet inside. An old stillness long pushed aside by urgency and sadness returned and made itself comfortable again.

We're really, really thankful. And we're super excited to begin another long season of sharing life and discovering Jesus with our community at Emmaus.

a prayer for this point of the journey

2011-09-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
Renew my life according to your word.
Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.

- The 119th Psalm, verses 33-38

Sabbath Well

2011-09-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

Sabbath is a gift. You receive it. You don't earn it or work it. You just receive it and embrace it.

Unless you don't. Unless you just miss it.

Whether it's an every-seven-year sabbatical or an every-seven-day sabbath, there's a choice that must be made with passionate intention: it's the choice to receive and hold the gift.

I wrote this as the sun rose on Playa de Coco in Nicaragua with just over two weeks of our sabbatical remaining. I hope it challenges and encourages you to pay attention and take in the fullness of this day.

Peace.

A Thought on Sabbatical

When you actively plan something for more than a year...
When those you care about most are giving, sacrificing, taking-on extra responsibility to enable you to rest...
When your children are growing up - rapidly! - before your very eyes...
When there's a back-log of important conversations - and just the experience of conversing - that needs to happen with your wife...
When you know - you can't ever really forget it - that the swift pace of crowded days and all the demands of your regular work and schedule are awaiting your return...

...there's a sharp sense that
you better get this right,
you better receive the fullness of this gift,
you better seize every moment and be present to the life given in every experience,
you better hear God's voice - not to preach it - but for your own soul,
you better breathe deep,
look hard,
think clearly,
pray,
love,

love.

sabbatical :: july

2011-09-21T15:34:00.000-07:00

In early July we said a teary good-bye to HoneyRock (northern Wisconsin) and embarked on a three-week drive westward.

Here are some of the highlights. (I'd love to show you about 3000 more pictures, and I know you'd love to see them if you just had time, but...)

The Badlands in South Dakota. Isaiah loved this place. Something like 85% of the dinosaur bones found the the US were found here. But we didn't find any.

In Wyoming we refreshed ourselves in the beautiful, ice-cold, and best-named-creek in the country: Crazy Woman Creek.

No sight of the crazy woman.

We reached Yellowstone National Park where we camped for 4 or 5 days. The "park" was massive and breath-taking. These shots are of Yellowstone River.

Carm and the big kids getting soaked by the Pink Cone geyser.

We ate, slept, and escaped from wildly aggressive mosquitos here.

We spent a wonderful afternoon swimming in the Fire Hole River - still in Yellowstone. Then we made peanut better sandwiches and laughed while Matthias identified each passing vehicle: "Bi-eek"(motorcycle), "Broom- Broom" (car), (lower voice) "Biiiig Broom-Broom...Whoa!" (truck/motorhome).

It's the simple memories of times like these that we cherish the most.

Here's Matthy in Montana.

One of my favorite moments of the whole summer was driving through South-Eastern Montana, in the early morning, along the Madison River which was just full of fly fishermen. I wish I could have captured it with a picture. It was such a wide and expansive scene.

Carmen in Bandon, OR.

Best camping spot: Cape Blanco, OR.

The kids loved the road trip. But they really missed their friends and cousins. They were excited to join the annual Oates family Beach Week in Santa Cruz at month's end.

[Next: August in Nicaragua!]

sabbatical thoughts :: june

2011-09-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

"How was your sabbatical?"

That is the question. And we really appreciate the interest.

Here's the first of three brief reflections on our summer break...

We began by driving as fast as we could to Northern Wisconsin. We drove/ate/screamed in our minivan all day and slept in our little tent trailer at night. It was cramped and cozy, intense and fun, long and hard and sweet.

We arrived at HoneyRock Camp on a Saturday. The next morning I preached and began two weeks of ministry to the 80-90 college students and full time staff who run what I consider to be the most effective camp in the country.

Sienna and Isaiah participated in a one week residential camp for the first time and absolutely loved it. They're saving their allowance and hope to return next summer.

I taught almost every day on the temptations of Christ. One of the results was a steady stream of meetings with college students wanting to confess sin, be honest about their temptations, and do the hard work of real, lasting spiritual formation. It was wonderful, exhilarating work. I experienced powerful times of prayer where God would lead me to speak specific words of direction to the people for whom I was praying. I've rarely experienced this kind of depth of insight in prayer. It was powerful. It was exhausting. Three weeks into our sabbatical I hit a low point and felt a nearly overwhelming need to just stop talking.

I looked like this.

The next two weeks we spent almost totally alone in a cozy cabin on the end of a lake. We ate on the deck overlooking the water. We watched bald eagles snag fish and painted turtles sun themselves on old mossy logs. We slept a lot. We read. We canoed and kayaked every day. It was wonderful.

We loved every minute and wondered how we could return to this very spot someday.

I spent several early mornings on the water watching the sun rise through thick mist and listening to the sounds of the forest waking up all around me. These were mystical, memorable mornings when time seemed to stand still.

We're so grateful for this gift.

[next: July: road trip!]

I Should Just Stick with Theology

2011-09-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

I bought it for the title: In Fifty Years We'll All Be Chicks.
I bought it on a whim.

I was driving, listening to a conservative, Jewish talk show host who thinks and speaks with remarkable clarity, and was, for reasons I do not understand, interviewing Adam Carolla.

The Adam Carolla who has the most-listened-to podcast in the world.

The interview was funny - Adam has a remarkable ability to observe human behavior and point out the inherent humor in it. I love this kind of work.

And I happen to agree with Adam's basic concern about the increasing feminization (Adam uses another term) of American men. I actually think it's a real and serious problem.

But I should have just stopped with the title. The content that followed (at least for the next 30 pages - I put it down and took a bath after that) was so thoroughly soaked in verbal sewage that I failed to notice the humor and human insight. I was too busy trying to rescue my mind from the wretched imagery evoked in nearly every sentence.

I truly appreciate accurate language, so occasionally a colorful phrase is simply the best one to choose (in my opinion). Mostly, poor language is simply laziness. You're not willing to put forth the effort to express yourself precisely, so you just choose from about six words and make it a noun, verb, or adjective - whatever fits.

Adam writes with such vulgarity that if the publisher were to censor the profanity this book would be reduced to a pamphlet.

Should have spent my $12 on something else - anything else - beets, even.

I Made Breakfast in Rye Patch

2011-09-01T17:23:00.000-07:00

There's something good and right about a dad making breakfast for his family on a camping trip. Don't you agree?

Guys who don't cook...
Guys who can't find the milk in the fridge...
Ever.

Will wake up at dawn, before anyone else stirs, and create a four-course feast over a Coleman - and will love it - on a camping trip.

Something gets accessed -
Maybe its the smell of the coffee and bacon.
Maybe it's the outdoors.
Maybe it the fact he's wearing boots.

Or maybe its the simple goodness of providing for those he loves.

What Matters Most?

2011-03-11T12:43:00.000-08:00

Traditionally the ashes used at Ash Wednesday gatherings come from the palm branches from the previous year’s palm Sunday. It’s a unique, dramatic reminder that the "triumphs of the past are consumed by the grief of the present."*

No matter how great our “past triumphs”, when faced with grief, difficulty, our own limitations we always find ourselves in need of God here and now. It didn’t matter how great Israel had been in the past, all the prophets we read speak of a fresh need for God’s mercy.

In other words, our “great accomplishments” really don’t end up being all that important.

I won a few awards when I was younger, I had a trophy shelf in my room, these pieces of wood and plastic were important to me…then. I’d arrange them shortest to tallest, oldest to newest, I’d categorize them by sport. Today they’re in a box in the garage. Most people don’t even keep their high school trophies because at some point they realize: they really don’t matter.

Some of these accomplishments make for good stories, but my kids don’t care if I was MVP of this team, it really doesn’t matter to my wife that I was most-improved of that team, God is almost certainly not impressed that I was captain of that team. In fact those who truly love me don’t care about most of my “accomplishments.” It’s not that the accomplishments don’t matter – it’s that they are not what matter most.

What really matters? What matters most?

To my kids, to my family, to my church, to my real friends, to God, it’s who I am. It’s what kind of husband I am, who I am as a dad. What matters most is who Jesus has created me to be and how whole-heartedly I’m becoming that person.

In receiving ashes on our foreheads at the beginning of Lent, we’re saying this: All my accomplishments – or my lack of accomplishments - are really ashes in comparison to being marked by the cross of Christ.

What really matters is being His. What matters most is being marked and shaped by his love and his mission to love others.

*this is a quote from Dr. David McDonald's new book on Lent

start strong: affirm the good

2011-01-17T16:09:00.000-08:00

It's somewhat surprising to read that Mary and Joseph "did everything required by the law of the Lord" (Luke 2:39).

They could have said, “Our situation is different. We’re going to do our own thing. We know what's best for our family."

But they don’t.

If ever there was an exception to the rule it was Mary and Joseph. But rather than do things their own way, they still submit to the wisdom of their tradition. They affirm the good.

We tend to lean the other way – toward discovering a new way, a new secret, a hidden code,

an-only-just-discovered book. And as we lean toward the new, we lean away from the traditional and the historically-informed, and the time-tested.

The new way is exciting, well-marketed, young and sexy. People sell books about new things. Until they’re not new anymore. Then the trend fades and nobody seems to be doing the Atkins diet anymore. You start seeing Tae-bo vhs tapes at garage sales.

What if the best way forward is to embrace the traditions and the rhythms of the historic Christian faith?

The world-wide, historic Christian community has sung a song of worship and devotion to Jesus. By valuing the traditions of our faith we join in that anthem. We, too, affirm the good.

To neglect the wisdom of those who have gone before us, to think, “I know better than Paul and Peter and Mary and Anna and countless other faithful Christians, to insist on re-creating the wheel of spiritual development instead of building on the wisdom of those who have started strong and lived well is, frankly, arrogant and foolish.

start strong: wait well

2011-01-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

Most of us have only been taught one kind of waiting: the passive, do nothing, watch-daytime-TV-while-they-repair-my-car kind of waiting. This view sees waiting as the non-thing which happens before the important stuff begins.

This is not the kind of waiting demonstrated by those who have waited well.

For them, waiting is active. It's expectant, anticipatory, longing, sometimes desperate, always hopeful, active waiting. It is the wonder-filled, often difficult becoming season that enables a person to receive what is yet to come. This view sees waiting as an essential part of the important stuff. The important stuff has already begun in the waiting.

The direction and assurance we're longing for does not come in 3 minute prayers. It comes in the waiting.

why most of us are like the nine

2010-12-27T17:16:00.000-08:00

Luke records the story (chapter 17) of a meeting between 10 lepers and Jesus on an edge-of-town road. They plead for pity. He sends them to the priests. "As they went," Luke writes, "they were cleansed."

All ten of them. As they obey the word of Jesus they receive full healing which would have paved the way back to "normal life."

What's most memorable, however, about this scene is what happens next: one of the ten returns to Jesus. This one "throws himself at the feet of Jesus," thanking him and praising God.

I am more like the nine.

I am so grateful for the gift of healing that I run back to normal life. I have thanked Jesus with a wave, but mostly I've sighed with enormous relief because I've dodged the bullet. We're all better now. It's back to normal life again. And we like normal.

But I want to be more like the one.

The difference? Nine are grateful for the gift. One is grateful for the Giver. When a person is not just grateful for, but is grateful to, it changes everything.

Life can never truly go back to normal.

why go to church?

2010-10-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

I realized it while on the beach this summer: most of the Christians I know don't know how their faith is connected to their involvement in their church.

In other words, Christians who go to church don't know why they do.

And the Christians who don't go to church don't know why they should.

So I spent some time thinking about this, and we ended up teaching a series on the question in September. Here's the 90 minutes boiled down to 30 seconds:

Christians go to church to be formed. The consistent practice of regular, intentional, historically-informed worship shapes us.
Christians go to church to encourage others. It's other's needs, other's pain, other's hopes, other's lives that get us out of bed in the morning. Not our own. I may not feel like going to church. But my feelings are not the point.
Christians go to church to encounter God and then, to respond. The God of the Bible has invited us to be with him always, everywhere. But His pattern is to reveal his love/presence/direction to us especially when we gather with others to worship Him. We meet with God and then things change.

why endure suffering?

2010-08-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

The question all suffering ultimately causes us to ask is, “Why should I endure this?” “Why not quit? Why not walk away? Why not cover this up or drink till I can’t feel it anymore?”

The Apostle Paul gives two good reasons for enduring pain. The first has to do with me, with my character, my hope for the future, etc. We hear about that reason a lot.

The second reason he gives (see Phillipians 1:14, 28-30 and 1 Thessalonians 3:7) has nothing to do with me at all. We rarely, if ever, hear this reason.

Paul says the reason to endure pain, suffering, the difficulties and challenges we face is for the sake of others.

This is a radical, beautiful, world-changing approach to suffering. And it’s difficult.

Enduring suffering for the sake of others requires

. an understanding that life is not all about me. In my suffering I may feel like the world is ending, but it’s actually not. Life is continuing all around me.

. a recognition that I am connected to others. Others are watching me. My children are observing me. And they’re wondering NOT “will he make it through his pain”, but “will I make it through mine?”

. a willingness to allow God to use all of me…even my suffering. Long ago I told God “Use my skills! Use my strengths! Use my leadership!” It never even crossed my mind to say, “God, if you want it, you can use my suffering too.”

Enduring my own suffering for the sake of others declares to all who are watching, “This suffering will not prevail! Even if it kills me, I will be saved by God. And the God of life can save you too!”

wisdom lived :: rock

2010-07-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

She lost her brother in an accident, her father to suicide, her teenage daughter to an undetected genetic disease. All within a few years. And yet she is radiant – overflowing with life and profoundly sincere in her love for Jesus.

He lost his job and he’s devastated. His faith is gone. He imagines ending his life.

Question: why do some emerge from tragedies standing strong while others fall, overwhelmed?

Jesus answers this question directly and simply. (My modern mind protests, “It must be more complicated than that!”)

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." - Jesus, (Matthew 7:24)

"In referring to rain, floods and winds Jesus is speaking about all those human circumstances and misfortunes, such as false accusations, plots, bereavements, deaths, loss of family members, insults from others, and all the horrid things in life about which one could speak. Jesus says that a soul that pursues the way of excellence does not give in to any of these potential disasters." - John Chrystostom, 4^th Century

Who stands?

The one who puts Jesus’ teachings into practice.

Against what does she stand?

The storm.

She survives the storm.

behind it all

2010-06-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

He's not oversimplifying things. And he’s not denying the complexities of real life decisions. But Paul is revealing the root of it all: There is light. And there is darkness.

Ultimately, we must recognize that it comes down to this.

If I’m keeping something secret, why is that?

If I’m hesitant to reveal a habit, what’s behind that?

If I don’t tell the whole story, what’s really going on there?

If I turn from helping a neighbor, why?

Is it goodness? Right relationships? Truth? Or is it something else…something dark?

“Two Ways there are, the way of Life and the way of Death. And there is a great difference between the Two Ways.” – The Didache

“Therefore, do not be foolish, but recognize what the Lord’s will is.” - Paul

truthful compassion

2010-06-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Do I say it like it is? Or do I just try to help?

Option A: “He’s using you. He doesn’t love you. Move out.” (truth)

Option B: “I know it’s hard. We love you. You can call us anytime.” (compassion)

Option A: “You’re addicted. You’ve lost control.” (truth)

Option B: “Here’s some money. Take care, OK?” (compassion)

Somehow, we’ve come to see it as an either/or issue. Tell the truth OR be compassionate. But the Apostle Paul’s challenge (Ephesians 4) is to grow up and recognize that it’s actually both/and.

Real compassion is always truthful AND loving.

Truth with no love is rarely heard.

Love with no truth rarely helps.

Jesus: total truth AND real love. Together.

Some of the most pivotal moments in my life came when someone spoke the truth to me with love. Those who changed my life demonstrated a lifestyle of truth-filled compassion.

salvation and work

2010-06-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

How is compassion linked to salvation?

In other words, what has Christ done? For what purpose?

What can I do? For what purpose?

What did Jesus’ work accomplish? Vs. What does my work accomplish?

In his letter to the Ephesians (chapter 2), Paul articulates a distinctly Christian understanding of the relationship between works and salvation.

He says this:

Our works don't bring us to God, or even close to God. Salvation is a gift. It is given. Completely. It can only be received. It is not earned.

One translation puts vs. 8 like this: "You had nothing to do with it."

But then Paul immediately moves to the purpose of salvation: "to do good works."

So we might summarize Paul's argument like this: We are saved, not by works (v.9), but for works (v.10).

I'd draw it like this:

Christ's work affects me. My work doesn't affect Him, but it does affect others. Christ's gospel is communicated or extended to others through me.

And, in reality, the gospel was communicated to me through others, like this:

The question isn’t “should you do good works?”

Of course you should.

The question is “who are the good works for?”

Answer: For others. For your neighbor.

matthias at 8 months

2010-05-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

god on the job

2010-05-10T20:29:00.000-07:00

Recently, at Emmaus, we've been exploring a Christian approach to work. Here are some of the highlights:

What Do You Do?
Many of us have built (or reinforced) walls between the parts of our lives which seem to be spiritual and the parts that don't. Consequently, we often don't expect God to relate to our work, or our work to be relevant to our faith. We opperate according to one paradigm at church, and another at work, thinking we can divide our lives into parts. But in the end, its not our lives, but we, ourselves, who become divided.

It's Not About What You Do, part 1:
It's about who you are. Production doesn't define us. God does. "Pharaoh" calls us brickmakers. Our value is determined solely by how much we make. But God calls us children.

It's Not About What You Do, part 2:
It's about how you do it. Nearly anything can be done in a way that honors God. (Who you are - not what you're doing - determines how you do it.) The Christ-follower will put her whole heart into whatever she does.

Finding Meaning in the Mundane
Work is complex because it's so closely linked to creation (Gen. 1:1, 1:27, 2:2-3), but it's also tied to the curse (Gen. 3). So sometimes work is life-giving; sometimes it's drudgery. But even in the most mundane, there is meaning: 1. God is in the routine. He most-often communicates his good presence in patterns (not in the exception to patterns). 2. Our character is developed in the routine. It's our choices in the mundane that shape us. If we will pay attention, be alert, live in the moment, and recognize that God is everywhere, the mundane fills with meaning. There are no ordinary days.

relentless pursuit

2010-04-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

I'm in awe of the resurrected Christ. Feeling so full today...

A recap of Sunday's message on Luke 24:13-end.

... ... ...

Have you allowed yourself to hope, only to have those hopes dashed? Are you grieving unmet expectations? Are you disappointed? With God? With the Church? With others?

In their severe disappointment, the Emmaus travelers leave. They just walk away. Like we do. When God doesn't perform we look to other lovers. We're "prone to wander, prone to leave..."

And this is what's so tragic about leaving: When we leave we miss what God is doing and we miss what he wants to do next. We walk away from redemption and try to create our own destiny. We say "God hasn't worked for me, I'll take it from here."

But here's the good news: God's pursuit of leavers is relentless. It's as if God says to us:
You were walking away from me, you couldn’t see me with you, you didn't see what I was doing, you were ready to write your own future. But I pursued you, revealed myself to you, and I still have plans for your life.

You are my witness.

You will tell this story of my loving, relentless pursuit.

You will live this story of resurrection.

applause

2010-03-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

I confess: I love applause. I find comfort in the approval of others.

Applause can be a good thing if that which is being approved or cheered is true.

But applause can be also be deceitful, it can woo us into doing not what is right or true, but only what the crowd will cheer for, only what others will find acceptable – whether true or not.

There's a lot of cheering going on in the final days of Jesus' life on earth. Some are cheering for the truth. Some are cheering for a lie. Thing is, you can't tell by the cheering alone. The cheering sounds the same either way.

But Jesus isn't swayed by the cheering. Or the jeering. It's like he doesn't hear it.

Instead his ear is tuned to just one voice. Jesus knows whose he is. Therefore Jesus knows who he is. And others' approval (or lack thereof) fades...

It's possible to meet a lot of expectations but totally miss the truth.

intimacy

2010-03-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

Prevailing view on sex (in 1^st C. Corinth and 21^st C. U.S.A.):

Body: Doesn’t matter. Do with it what you want: if you’re hungry, eat; if you want sex, have sex. We’re all going to die soon anyway.

Intimacy: It’s about gratifying my physical and emotional needs. Maintaining my independence in the process is important (if I don’t want to get hurt). It’s casual.

The Apostle Paul’s view on sex:

Body: It matters! It was created for God. It will be resurrected by God. It is the temple of God.

Intimacy: It unifies. Two become one. It’s designed to be a full surrender of my independence to another. It’s more powerful than we realize.

What fuels Paul’s view of sex is his understanding that this life is not all there in to life (I Cor. 7:2-31). Therefore human relationships are, at least in part, designed to teach us about the ultimate relationship: that between God and humanity. Marriage is ultimately designed to teach us about God. And so is singleness.

Relationships are not neutral. They are either helping us know God or hindering our knowledge of God.

If you remove God/eternal life from the picture, intimacy is all about gratification and my body becomes a tool. And all that really matters is physical appearance, sex, and the romantic pursuit. Because that’s as close as I can get to heaven.

(But my soul knows better and longs for more, whether my mind is willing to acknowledge God or not.)

lent: noise

2010-03-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

God has a soft voice. You have to be quiet if you want to hear him speak. And that's the problem: we're so rarely quiet. We're almost never still. And our world is even noisier and busier than we are.

In our culture, communication is a competition. If you want a share of people's limited attention, you must talk more loudly, be more dramatic, flash more shiny things, promise more benefits, make more noise more often... That's the game we play.

But here's the thing: God's not playing.

In a world of hurricane winds, rock-splitting earthquakes, and raging infernos, God speaks in the thin whisper, in the resonate silence. (See 1 Kings 19).

My world and my mind are noisy places. Are yours?

Is all this noise keeping you from hearing?

[ hear the entire teaching at www.emmausteachings.org ]

lent: the comfort tension

2010-03-11T11:10:00.000-08:00

[Un]comfort[able]. adj.

The word means : causing discomfort. Like: that’s the most uncomfortable couch.

But recently I’ve been thinking about how the word may also be a description of me, of us, of our culture…that many of us are – to some degree – uncomfortable. Like: I am un able to be comforted.

And of course the great irony here is that most of us live in such comfort.

I was away, praying, thinking, reflecting on my deep need to be comforted by God.

(I am not alone in this need –

many of us are carrying sorrow,

some of us physical pain,

a sense of dread about the future, etc.)

Many of us are aware of our need for God’s comfort.

So as I was praying about this: my need for comfort from God, I was simultaneously aware of the fact that I have nearly every earthly comfort available to me at any time:

if I’m hungry there’s usually something to eat,

if I’m cold, there’s wood for the fire or a sweatshirt,

if I’m lonely, I have people to talk to,

if I’m feeling useless, I have ways to feel useful…

And I became aware of this tension- like a tight wire between two poles:

I need God’s comfort, and I’m so easily comforted.

I’m so easily comforted, but I still need God’s comfort.

And then this thought landed in my mind like a bird on the wire:

Are your comforts keeping you from being comforted?

Are the very things which promise to ease your pain – and, to some degree, do – keeping you from receiving truer, deeper, comfort from God’s Spirit, whom Jesus calls “The Comforter”?

I'm fascinated by these words from the prophet Zechariah (chapter 10):

1 Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime;

it is the LORD who sends the thunder-storms.

He gives showers of rain to all people,

and plants of the field to everyone.

2 The idols speak deceit,  

diviners see visions that lie;  

they tell dreams that are false,  

they give comfort in vain.  

Therefore the people wander like sheep

oppressed for lack of a shepherd.

lent: critical for the comfortable

2010-03-08T21:14:00.000-08:00

Some push back on the idea of observing Lent because “the early church didn’t observe Lent.” Which is true. The season of Lent wasn’t introduced to the typical Christian experience until almost 400 years after Christ.

But another thing that wasn’t introduced to the typical Christian experience until almost 400 years after Christ was the phenomenal season of physical, economic, and political comfort which began to characterize the Christian community.

For the first 300 years, the Christian community was under nearly constant persecution. Political abuse and violence were constant realities. Killing Christians became a sport.

And yet, somewhat ironically to our way of thinking, instead of crushing the church this severe discomfort seemed to make the church grow.

Finally an emperor of Rome named Constantine claimed to convert to Christianity. Shortly thereafter the Roman state, rather than crushing house church communities, began building beautiful church buildings. And the bishops (overseers) of the church, instead of being killed as examples of Rome’s power, were given political power within the Roman government.

For a few generations, the Christian faith enjoyed unprecedented comfort.

Isn't it interesting that it was at this time that the church fathers formalized the church calendar which included a season called Lent?

I wonder if, in their wisdom, the church fathers recognized that in the relative state of comfort the church was enjoying they were beginning to lose something of the power of the resurrection.

I wonder if in their comfort, the church’s need for God to comfort them became less intense. In other words: the message that Jesus saves is only good news to those who are aware that they need a savior. The message that God is a comforter in times of trouble makes little difference for those who aren’t in trouble.

If you’re comfortable you don’t need a Comforter.

............

I've seen this play out a dozen times: a person lives a very comfortable life – and it may even include God on a comfortable level. Except that God is never really looked to for comfort – He isn’t needed there; other things are doing the comforting.

Then life happens and some of the key “other comforts” – some are good things – get washed away. And the person, who has known God at some level for years, has no idea how to go to God for comfort because they’ve never done that before.

............

So I think it’s fascinating that near the end of the 4th century, the church essentially said, “Things have changed for us. We’re much more comfortable than we’ve ever been. We should take a season of several weeks to remind ourselves that we are in need of grace. We need to remember that we need a savior and that without the resurrection we are completely lost. Our only hope is not the government which now says they’re on our side but Jesus himself. We have some human comforts but we still need spiritual comfort. We must recognize that our bodies are more comfortable which historically has always led to the neglect of the soul.”

compassion thinks

2010-02-25T11:11:00.000-08:00

If there's a difference between the occasional act of charity and the lifestyle of compassion, how does the compassionate person think?

Compassion thinks long-term vs. quick fix. Quick fixes usually don't. Band-aid solutions are typically engaged in an effort to justify oneself; they don't spring from a deep value for all people.
Compassion thinks today vs. someday. Those who postpone serving others usually end up doing so indefinitely. There's never quite enough.
Compassion thinks people vs. price. Multiple factors affect every purchase decision. Compassion views the purchase's impact on people as the real cost.
Compassion thinks deeply. It does the research. It finds the creative solution.

Think deeply about long-term solutions that begin today and value people. Got it? (Now stop thinking and act).

lent:water #1 uncomfortable

2010-02-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

One week into Lent ’10 and I’m feeling it. As I have a couple times in the past, I’m observing Lent by fasting all liquids except water. While this specific fast has consistently served as an effective, constant reminder of my primary need for Jesus, I don’t remember it being this uncomfortable.

I’ve realized, this past week, how often I drink and how comforting drinking is for me. I typically drink 2 – 4 cups of tea and 2 – 3 glasses of juice every day. And I enjoy an occasional non-fat, decaf mocha.

I’m feeling uncomfortable, which is an uncommon feeling for me.

compassion values

2010-02-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

What’s the difference between an occasional act of charity and a lifestyle of compassion?

I think it comes down to one core conviction which has it's roots in the first five words of the Bible: In the beginning God created… And a few sentences later (v. 27): God created people in His image.

Thousands of years later Jesus puts this core conviction into practice by affirming that all of scripture boils down to loving God and people. He then stresses that "people" actually means all people by telling a confrontational story about a man who is beaten and left to die but rescued by an unlikely hero. A compassionate man. A man who values all people as created in God’s image.

There's the guy who chips-in for the occasional charity golf game. And then there's the guy whose whole life is characterized by compassion.

One guy is looking for justification. The other values all people as created in the image of God.

family

2010-02-05T18:20:00.000-08:00

Took some family shots today. Time to send out our Christmas New Year Valentine's Day Letter.

built to sing

2010-01-26T13:06:00.000-08:00

Singing together.

A bit weird, isn’t it? We almost never do it anymore: kids’ birthday parties, at a good concert, karaoke maybe. In normal life it just doesn’t happen.

Except at church. It happens every week at church.

Why? Why do we sing?

1. We sing for God. Scripture instructs us to sing (see Psalms), Jesus says if we don’t inanimate objects will (see triumphal entry), and singing is perpetually happening around Christ’s throne (see Rev. 5). God will be worshipped. We sing for him.

2. We sing for others. Singing as part of a group is incredibly unifying. When you’re lonely, when you’re weak, when you’re confused – hearing the truth sung by others around you says, “You’re not alone” like nothing else. Paul and Silas in jail… Dr. Martin Luther King and others marching arm-in-arm… their courage sustained through singing.

3. We sing for ourselves. Beliefs become fortified through profession. Truths access the soul as they’re declared. What we say affects us.

In worship we respond to Truth, we declare Truth, and we are transformed by Truth. We are built to sing.

flying squirrel

2010-01-23T11:34:00.000-08:00

There are always more games to be discovered when there's a baby in the house! This is a new one we're laughing about. We're calling it "flying squirrel."

we have no choir here

2010-01-18T22:57:00.000-08:00

One-third of our community’s weekly worship time is committed to preaching. That’s a lot. And if we understand its purpose, it can make a significant impact.

Four thoughts about preaching at Emmaus:

1. 1. It’s not the most important thing. (It’s just one of many tools to be used in working toward the most important thing: the maturity of the church. Eph. 4:11-13)

2. 2. But it’s really important. (Because it’s God’s Word for us.)

3. 3. It’s designed to disturb. (It should provoke, stir things up, make you think, leave you with more questions than answers. See the parables of Jesus.)

4. 4. And it’s designed to direct. (It’s supposed to point you in the right direction. It’s not supposed to answer all your questions. But it is supposed to clarify things. Again, see Jesus’ parables.)

Bottom line: The answer to the question, “How was the sermon?” should have more to do with what the hearer does with the sermon than whether or not he “likes” it.

A friend once characterized my job as “preaching to the choir,” meaning, I guess, that we’re of no consequence.

Truth is, we’re way more provocative then a choir. We’re the Church. And we’re making a difference.

love the word

2010-01-05T11:32:00.000-08:00

What does it take for something to truly change your life? What takes something from being a New Year’s resolution to a personal revolution?

Lots of things claim to “change your life.” Few things do.

There’s a reason the things that change our lives do. And there’s a reason the things that don’t, don’t.

It’s love.

The things we love change us.

The Church spends a lot of time talking about change – a change in thinking and a change in living – a change to a way of being found in the pages of the Bible which we believe is God’s Word.

At least we say we believe it.

We don’t often actually believe it. Truth is, even though we own God’s very words, we rarely read them. We don’t really know them. We don’t love them.

David’s 119^th Psalm is a shockingly confrontational testimony of devotion to God’s Word. Read it with caution. David’s passion will astound you.

Many of us truly want to be changed by God’s Word. We want His peace to fill us. We want His wisdom and strength to characterize our lives. We want his love to inform us, to affect us. We want the things that God says to make a practical difference.

So may we truly love His Word. May it change our lives.

i hope you feel full

2009-12-28T22:45:00.000-08:00

How do you feel…now that Christmas is over? You should think about that.

Four thoughts:

There’s a thief. He comes only to take and never to give. He’s sneaky. Most of the time we don’t even realize he's robbing from us.

There’s a good shepherd. He comes to give full life. He even gives of himself so that we can fully live.

There’s a beaver. I often run past a tree he’s killing. Never seen the beaver. But I know he’s there. His destruction never sleeps. Even when I’m sleeping, he’s busy… destroying. Like those who, in their greed, teach things that are not true.

There’s a paradox: Some who have everything are actually very empty. Others who have almost nothing are very full.

How do you feel? If you’ve bought-in to the deceptive, destructive cultural message which is only amplified at Christmas, you’re probably surrounded by lots of things. But I wonder if there’s a haunting sense of emptiness to it all. If, instead, you’re choosing a better story: one about loving, serving, and giving, then you probably have less stuff, but I bet you feel full.

(John 1:1-4, 3:16, 10:10, 17:13, and 2 Peter 3)

matthias

2009-12-03T21:13:00.000-08:00

Holy Spirit, Holy Suffering, part 2

2009-11-23T18:26:00.001-08:00

We'd rather not accept it. Something deep inside us resists it. God and pain, together. The Holy Spirit and suffering, at the same time. This is not the message that sells books. It's far too difficult. Far too uncomfortable. It's sobering.

We typically prefer to stay buzzed on cheap, sentimental, spiritual niceties.

But here's the kicker: pain always comes. Suffering happens to everyone.

And so we have a choice: We can accept the radical biblical idea that God meets us in our pain (and experience union with Him, even in our darkest days), or we can avoid pain at all costs (and miss the Power that is perfected in weakness).

Accept it and experience revolution-quality solidarity with others. Reject it and slide quietly into lonely isolation.

With the strength of a whole community, she says she'd go through cancer a third time. Why? "Because God was so near to me in that hospital room."

Holy Spirit, Holy Suffering, part 1

2009-11-15T21:35:00.000-08:00

Like the green spot we missed when painting our bedroom baby blue... Like the 3 or 4 rock chips in my windshield... Like the sound of the train rolling though town... There are some things that are always there, so you hardly notice them.

But if you approach the familiar at face value and take it all in with new eyes, suddenly, it’s conspicuous.

Two themes in Acts that have existed quietly in the background of nearly every story but jump off the page if you’re honest: The Holy Spirit and suffering.

God's Spirit is everywhere - interacting with people as the main character of the story.

And everywhere - Christians are suffering.

At the same time.

Holy Spirit and suffering.

I have to re-read whole pages because I'm surprised at how often the two go together. Makes me wonder: are they connected?

This I know: we don't suffer much as a direct result of our faith today. But neither are we especially spiritually empowered.

And I know this: The Holy Spirit draws near in times of suffering. So near, sometimes, that suffering can feel…holy.

Because God is there.

Our Story Changes :: Acts 21

2009-11-09T11:34:00.000-08:00

Paul knew it: there was trouble ahead. Everywhere he went he heard God Himself warning him. Trouble’s comin’.

Others sensed it too. Not just a gut feeling; God Himself told them. It’s going to get rough for Paul.

And then this prophet named Agabus walks up to Paul and shows him how he’ll be arrested. Just in case Paul needs details.

At this everyone - even Paul’s companions – lose it. “Don’t go!” they say, their eyes big and earnest.

Paul’s response silences them: “Why are you breaking my heart? I’m ready to be bound or to die...”

How do you get to this place? How do you come face-to-face with the fact that you’re going to get hurt but keep moving forward?

You embrace a Bigger Story as your own. You take your personal story with your pain and your death and you surrender it to God’s Story. You let your story become part of that Story.

Because God’s story is about resurrection. And when resurrection meets our life, our story changes.

Resurrection Spirituality :: Acts 18

2009-11-01T07:45:00.000-08:00

3 short stories about relationships with Jesus:

1 educated man. He’s studied for years about God and the coming Messiah. He’s passionate, articulate, and good at what he does. As far as that goes. But when an uneducated women who knows more than he hears him, she gracefully explains things more completely.

12 committed disciples. They’ve been solid, go-to guys for years. They work hard. As hard as they can. But then they meet Paul, who introduces them to the Source of strength. And they’re filled.

7 sons of a priest. They’re intrigued by the name “Jesus” which seems to work well for others. They decide to try it. Interested in a casual association, they name-drop and watch what happens. They’re nearly killed. Now intrigue sees more clearly and fears.

When our spirituality is resurrected there is always more: more information to learn, more power to experience, more holiness to revere. Always. More.

Resurrection Religion :: Acts 18

2009-10-24T06:32:00.000-07:00

After years of trying to convince his own people that Jesus is the One they’ve been waiting for, and after being repeatedly yelled-at, beat-up, rioted-against, and run out of town, Paul finally snaps.v6

He leaves the synagogue.

And moves next door.v7

And those more captivated by resurrection than religion follow. Even those who have a lot to lose.v8 Because, ultimately, religion cannot bring new life. But resurrection can.

Religion is good when it supports life, when it reminds us of what’s true, when it keeps us focused, when it serves the new life God wants to continually bring.

Religion is bad when it becomes fixed, rigid, thick-walled, defensive, cold-hearted, when it forgets the passion that birthed it in the first place, when it becomes the master of truth instead of its servant.

When religion no longer has room for resurrection, we must lay it down. If there’s no room for life in our religious habits or traditions, we must find a place where the windows are not bolted shut and the light of life shines in.

Religion must always serve Resurrection.

Resurrection Culture :: Acts 17

2009-10-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

While chilling in Athens, waiting for his crew, Paul sees some things that disturb him deeply. Some say he was “irked.” These Athens-folk were not a little bit off. This was one messed up culture.

If Paul were a separatist, he may have thrown up his hands and snipped, “Ah, to hell with them.” But Paul was no separatist.

If Paul’s hope was rooted in military might or political power, he might have snapped some inflammatory photos with his phone and thought up some pithy slogans that would fit will on picket signs and make for good rally chants. But Paul’s hope was in something far greater.

Paul was a resurrection preacher. He knew that bad things, sick things, mean things, heck, even dead things could be filled with new life. Things that were really messed up could be restored and made whole again - like they were created by God to be.

So, Paul took all the broken things that irked him so and made him sad and mad and wonder, “What the heck is wrong with these people?” and used these very things to tell them about Jesus.

Not in an “I’ll show you how stupid you are” way. But in a way that was both totally truthful and also, somehow, affirming.

Instead of saying “you’re so bad.” He said, “You know, you’re on to something here…”

And even in this really messed up culture, “a few” believed and decided to follow Paul and, of course, Jesus.

Paul engaged culture with resurrection. We might call this Resurrection Culture.

[ see/hear the whole teaching at www.emmausteachings.org ]

theological musings...

2009-10-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

take a back seat to experiencing God's goodness...

more matthias pics

2009-09-27T21:52:00.000-07:00

Matthias and Grandma

Matthias in a traditional Nicaraguan baby thing which he peed on (but not before mom snapped this picture)

Matthias and Bita

Matthias' beautiful big sister and aging dad

intrigued

2009-09-22T10:49:00.001-07:00

2009-09-18T18:09:00.001-07:00

We've had a great week together as a family at home. This time to get to know Matthias, care for Carmen, and love the "big" kids has been so valuable.

pics:

..mid-day nap (making up for the 3 a.m. - 5 a.m. fussies).

..Oates men break it down.

..holding his head up at 3 days, baby.

..post-nursing contentment (life is good)

be a better pastor: observe a midwife

2009-09-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

I'm enjoying a week at home with my family following the birth of our son, Matthias. Between diaper changes and naps I've felt a need to write about the pastoring clinic I just experienced in my own home...

We decided early in the pregnancy to have a home birth. In the months leading up to the birth, and especially during the birth itself, I became fascinated by our midwives. Between the two of them, they have "attended" over 1000 births. These are labor and birth experts - though they would never use that word. It didn't take long for me to realize that, as a Christian pastor, I could learn a whole lot from these women. So I hit the pause on the never-ending noise from "church experts" that crosses my desk and started taking notes from those who actually usher-in new life.

1. Listen.

When we met our midwives they were remarkably quiet. As a talker, I started peppering them with questions, which they answered calmly. Mostly, they listened. They listened well. They listened long. They listened with their eyes. Sadly, we have rarely experienced this posture from medical professionals. They major on giving advice, not listening. Tragically, so do most pastors.

2. Go to their home.

Most of the care provided by our midwives happened in our home. They came to where our life happens. They became familiar with our kitchen, with our bathroom, with our space. Consequently, our time with them never felt like an "appointment." It felt like real life.

3. Take the low position.

While talking with my wife, they would kneel by our bed. During labor, they sat on the floor. We have plenty of chairs in our home, which I offered repeatedly. These women consistently took the low place. Their humility was convicting.

4. Submit to training and train others.

At nearly all of our meetings, and at the birth, there was a student midwife. She listened. She served. She cleaned. She set things up. She carried heavy loads. Recently I received a call from a major Christian university where our church attempted to place an ad for a position. They wouldn't even post it, I was told, pejoratively, by the head of the Christian Ministries department, because our position was part-time and the pay was too low. Their students, he chirped, had received an expensive education in order to take "major positions" at "top churches." God have mercy. Christian ministry doesn't look a thing like Jesus anymore. (But midwifery does.)

5. Receive what you're given.

New birth - whether physical or spiritual - happens when it will. I woke both of our midwives with pre-dawn phone calls. They arrived with only what they needed for the birth. No extra clothes. No food. With ease and quiet gratitude they ate what we fed them. Following the birth, one stayed to assure us and napped in the guest room. I kept thinking of Jesus' words to his disciples, "Take nothing for the journey - no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic..." There's a beautiful freedom in this kind of simple dependance.

6. Ask questions.

During the intensity of the actual birth, when it would be easiest to assume control, they mostly asked questions. They observed, they guided, they took careful notes. But their primary interaction with my wife came through a few, specific, carefully-timed questions.

7. Trust the process.

Against the backdrop of a culture which "manages" labor with monitors, drugs, and strict time tables, the midwives' calm trust of the mother's instincts and the birth process itself stood out as remarkably faithful. Not naive, just reverent. I was struck by the fact that they believed this process was normal, that it was meant to happen, and that it would happen. Over-engineering the process of birth (whether with Pitocin or with stiff "spiritual" formulae) reveals a foolishly anemic view of the Power driving the process.

8. Be amazed.

They've caught over 1000 babies. They do this all the time. And yet they're still amazed at the miracle of new life. They're still hushed by the wonder of the first breath. They still talk about the baby with a sense of awe. They participate in the same story week after week. But when they're in this moment, they're not working. They're amazed.

growing as worshippers of God

2009-09-08T10:00:00.001-07:00

Our community is discussing the value of transformation this week. We're considering ways to "grow as worshippers of God."

One of the ways I am most helped to grow is through relationships (with friends or home groups) which provide accountability.

Here are a couple great sets of questions which can be used in accountability relationships.

Chuck Swindoll's Pastoral Accountability Questions:

In his book, The Body, Chuck Colson lists the questions used by Chuck Swindoll.

1. Have you been with a woman anywhere this past week that might be seen as compromising?

2. Have any of your financial dealings lacked integrity?

3. Have you exposed yourself to any sexually explicit material?

4. Have you spent adequate time in Bible study and prayer?

5. Have you given priority time to your family?

6. Have you fulfilled the mandates of your calling?

7. Have you just lied to me?

 from Neil Cole:

1. What is the condition of your soul?

2. What sin do you need to confess?

3. What have you held back from God that you need to surrender?

4. Is there anything that has dampened your zeal for Christ?

5. Who have you talked with about Christ this week?

full family worship @ emmaus

2009-08-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

Team-taught with Kathryn today. She read and narrated from Acts 16 and I tried to draw pictures to illustrate. It was great having all the kids in with us for a back-to-school, full-family Sunday. Here's an excerpt from today's teaching. More at www.emmausteachings.org.

When we have a real relationship with Jesus (when resurrection meets our life) it changes (redefines) everything. It turns everything upside down and backwards.

Prison is no longer a prison…

in that it is the end of the line, the defeat of hope, the place where nothing is free/alive.

Foreclosure is no longer foreclosure…

in that it is the end of the line, the defeat of dreams, a “lost” situation, where no one is free/alive.

Losing your job is not just losing your job...

When resurrection meets life, every experience holds an opportunity for restoration.

Here's the question: What difference does Jesus make?

One of the most remarkable realities of this story is that Paul and Silas are experiencing the power of Jesus right where they are.

Resurrection is a here and now reality for them.

We usually don’t experience – or even expect to experience – the power of Jesus here and now.

We usually expect Jesus to make a difference at another time and in another place.

Which, tragically, is to render the Gospel of Jesus impotent for today. It’s to refuse to embrac

e the reality of resurrection meeting real life right here and right now.

What difference does Jesus make….right where I am? In the midst of this mess?

If resurrection is a here and now reality (which it is) then every experience holds an oppo

rtunity for new life. For life over death.

When resurrection meets life…It’s upside down and backwards.

When you’re powerless, that’s when you’re truly strong.

When you’re hurting, that’s when you’re able to bring healing to others.

When you’re in prison, you can sing.

the problem with "having" a relationship

2009-08-23T17:26:00.000-07:00

The following are excerpts from a teaching on Acts 16:6-10 about being in a real relationship with God. The full teaching will be at www.emmausteachings.org by Monday.

We talk a lot (in evangelical culture) about “having a personal relationship” with Jesus, which speaks to a beautiful reality.

But sometimes, I sense that we’re talking about "having a relationship with Jesus" like it’s something to possess or like it’s a qualifying event (for some future payoff).

We say, “it’s not about being good, it’s about having a relationship.”

We say, “It’s not about religion, it’s about having a relationship.”

And in a very subtle way, I wonder if “having a relationship” almost becomes like “having a ticket” to get in.

What’s important is not that you have a ticket.

What’s important is that you enter into real relationship with the living God.

God’s not going to ask you, “Do you have a ticket?” He’s going to ask you, “Do you love me? Is there anything real between us?”

Jesus warned about a time in the future when he will say to some, “Depart from me. I never knew you.”

It’s so critical that we recognize the remarkable wonder that we have been invited into a real relationship, not just a one time event.

This is why possession language – saying “I have a relationship” is potentially dangerous. It could lead to seeing this relationship as just a ticket to somewhere.

Real relationships are ongoing. We “enter into” relationship. And it’s the relationship itself that matters, not just the moment the relationship begins.

I think that’s why Jesus says one time “you must be born again.” But he says dozens of times, “Follow me.”

Because what Jesus invites us into is a relationship that’s progressive and ongoing… Not like a relationship with the girl at the ticket counter at the movie theater, but more like a marriage…

working for the restoration of the church

2009-08-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

For nearly a year, many in our community have been preparing for something that is truly counter-cultural: commitment... to a church.

We believe that in order to mature to a place of greater effectiveness, we need to invite one another to simply say, "This is my community. I'm here. I will grow here, embrace others here, and work as part of this team."

Many are excited about becoming a "Covenant Member" and signing the "Emmaus Covenant." For some, it's been a real and difficult challenge.

Here's a powerful reflection from someone in our community that is well-worth reading (published here with the author's permission):

Jaded.

I think that is a word that has been attributed to me from time to time. Sadly, this acquired attitude of mine is especially associated with the church. My relationship with the church is complicated to say the least. So now as I begin to embrace the aspect of forming a covenant with my church community, it is not something I have entered into lightly or even without some hesitation.

I have grown up in the church and while I would never say I was a part of an abusive church, I would say it was certainly an unhealthy environment. I became frustrated and alienated from the church early on. I did not realize it back then, but I quickly became someone who just went through the motions. I simply did what was expected of me. The irony of this is that in many ways the church I grew up in reflected the family I grew up in. Much like my church, my family was not abusive, but very unhealthy. I grew up in an atmosphere where I felt disconnected and simply misunderstood. It was like my family unit had started with good intentions, but had somehow lost its focus or meaning. I craved something more, but after a while, I simply stopped trying to be understood. I became numb to my environment. I did what was expected of me on an external level, but internally I began to construct walls in order to protect my heart.

As I got older, I had the chance to redefine my own image of God. It was not an easy process and I was forced to tear down a lot of walls. While this clearer image of Christ and his love had a healing effect, it also made me angry. I was angry at the damage I had suffered in the church. I was frustrated in the years that I felt I had wasted in just religion rather than a relationship with Christ. I am still working through the damage that was done. I know I am not alone in the feeling of being robbed by legalism and its traditions. I have so many friends who swear they will never be trapped in these outdated institutions, some even to the point of not attending church at all. And I get it. I totally understand it. I almost did it.

And yet, it comes back to family. I had the same frustrations, the same hurt directed towards my upbringing, but instead of simply staying single or never having children, I wanted a family, but I also knew I wanted a different definition of family. I was not always sure what it would look like, but I knew what I did not want it to look like. I know I am not a perfect parent, but at the same time I try to be sensitive to the needs of my children through my own pain. It is not always easy, but I think about the love I would be missing if I did not embrace it.

For those same reasons I am going to embrace this new covenant. And while it may sound like it fits the same criteria of church membership, it is as completely different in definition as an unhealthy family versus a healthy family. I know that no church is perfect however; I do have hope for the health that our community offers. I have seen the sickness of the church and I am thankful for a community that is alive and well. I know I am going out on a limb here, but like most things in life that are worthwhile, I know I need to put myself out there and be vulnerable. To be honest, my heart is already with our community; the covenant will only acknowledge that truth.

- Anonymous

a wife's wisdom

2009-08-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, I'm surprised by who reads this blog. For instance, I was contacted by someone yesterday from a southern state in which I've never lived who "found [me] online" and is interested in talking more about becoming part of the community we lead here in Lincoln. Crazy! And I'm not even on Facebook!

Anyway, after reading the piece I just finished about "one of the most personally disturbing comments I've heard in months" my wise wife encouraged me not to post it just in case - for some amazingly crazy reason - the person who made the comment were to read it and - by some chance - take offense to what I wrote.

I care for this person, and I'd never want them to be hurt, especially by my words.

To be clear (because I know this is sounding much juicier than it really is), this comment was personally disturbing because of what it revealed about the Church. And I love the Church. I wrote nothing that criticized the person. Their comment just spun me into a hurricane of reflection that touched-down on some sensitive areas. And I had to write about it.

I still think it's well-worth reading. :) If you're still interested, follow the clues and email me [nathan(at)nathanoates(dot)com] and I'll pass it on...maybe. ha ha!

a church or a circus?

2009-06-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

Every few years we go to a circus.

I always enjoy the trapeze stunts – that’s usually pretty amazing.

I hate the clowns. I could totally skip the clowns.

And the part that always makes me sad is the lions:

They roll them out in their train of cages, walking so slowly, doing their tricks, jumping through hoops, standing on balls, swatting at insignificant little batons, opening their huge jaws but not using their teeth, walking around in circles, putting on a show. Some people clap. Most people yawn. (Something inside us knows: this isn’t what God had in mind when he made lions).

A few years ago two famous “lion tamers” who performed in Vegas were doing their regular act when one of these giant cats (I think they were actually Siberian tigers) just snapped. It mauled and nearly killed one of the men in the cage. (I’m not trying to be unsympathetic. If you’re a fan, I’m sorry. No offense intended. I know it was a real tragedy.) But when I read about that, something inside me said, It’s about time. There’s a lion who remembered who he was created to be. You’re a lion! Be a lion! You weren’t meant to walk around in silly circles and jump through insignificant hoops. If some dude with tight pants and a whip sticks his head in your mouth, you ought to rip it off.

The church has become like caged lions. We’re doing our tricks, jumping through hoops, swatting at insignificant little batons, arguing about and fighting over things that don’t really matter, opening our mouths but not using our teeth. We’re worried about putting on a show. Some people clap. Most yawn. (Something inside us knows: this isn’t what God had in mind when he made the Church).

I long for us to be free again. To be un-caged. To be fierce in our passion and wild in our compassion. To be an undeniable presence in our city…because we’re making a difference for good. And to press hard into real relationships with one another, to have real conversations with each other, where maybe we get a little bloodied but we’re grateful because it made us better – because we spoke the truth in love. And we kept on loving. I long for the church to be the church… to be a movement of healing…to be a community of hope… called out ones, united together, rushing into the hells of this earth to rescue the suffering, blessed to be a blessing to the whole world…

26.2

2009-05-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

The Avenue of the Giants

Race report

It’s been a couple weeks since I ran my first marathon. I wanted to write down a few thoughts before they fade…

Training

I felt very well prepared. The distance that had once seemed completely out of the question slowly moved into the realm of possibility as, over six months, I finished the Stinson Beach 25K, the Sequoia 30K, a couple 20 mile training runs, and lots of early morning miles. I received solid counsel and encouragement from ultra-marathoners Jeffery Johnston and Tony Overbay and long-time friend Steve Henning (who ran The Ave this year as well).

Set Backs

I think I hit my peak 4 or 5 weeks early. During the last month before the marathon I missed a week of training due to a bad cold and another with an Achilles issue. I also spent most of the week prior to the run in the hospital with my son.

Mind Set

Ironically, rather than distracting me from the run, a week of living on the 6^th floor of Sutter Memorial brought a whole new perspective to this previously-unimaginable goal. I was surprised at how totally relaxed I was at the start. I wasn’t even a little bit nervous. As recently as 36 hours before the marathon I was thinking I’d probably have to miss it. So as the sun began to break through the clouds and awaken the redwoods and I kissed my kids and wife, I walked to the start just grateful for life and God’s goodness.

The Run

My plan was to start slowly – I wanted to run the first 6.5 miles at a 10 minute pace. I felt great and made the first turnaround at 1:04 – right on target.

I found a sweet spot from miles 7 – 13. I felt strong and slipped down to between 9 and 9:25 miles.

I got to see the kids and Carm at the halfway point, which was a great boost. They handed me a Payday which I consumed during the next mile.

I started “feeling it” for the first time just prior to mile 17. My left knee began to stiffen and I stopped to stretch. Even though I’d been drinking a lot up till now, at mile 19 I started drinking a water bottle every two miles.

By mile 20 I’d slowed considerably to the low 11s. And I slipped to a 12 minute mile at 21 and at 23. I was walking about 20 seconds each mile from 17 – 24. My lungs felt fine but my legs were really beginning to hurt.

At 24 I realized that I would have to run the last two miles in just over 10 minute pace (a full minute faster than I’d run the last 5 miles) in order to finish under 4:30. Though I hadn’t actually set a time goal before the race, for some reason finishing over 4:30 felt totally unacceptable to me at this point. So I resolved to do what it took to make that goal.

The Payoff

In the final 20 minutes I reached a place physically and mentally that I haven’t experienced for 18 years. I was totally out of gas but found more. It's an surreal experience: your body is screaming for mercy but your mind is refusing to listen and - somehow - winning the battle. Both body and mind crossed the line at 4:29:22.

Retrospect

While completing this marathon was the accomplishment of one of my few identified “life goals,” and I’m feeling a real sense of accomplishment, I’m surprised at how much smaller this goal appears in retrospect.

I’m also impressed by how significantly the other much-more-real challenges of my life motivated me in training and especially in the run itself. The strength and courage exhibited by my son and others, who don’t have the choice of slowing down or quitting, renders any race a mere illustration of the greater challenges and truths of life.

The Splits

Avenue of the Giants Marathon
3-May-09

Nate's first marathon

mile	mile time	total
1	10.05	0.10.05
2	9.5	0.19.55
3	9.34	0.29.3
4	9.46
5	9.48	0.49.03
6	10.2	0.59.23
7	9.15	1.08.39
8	9.02	1.17.41
9	9.16
10	9.16
11	9.16	1.45.32
12	9.24	1.54.57
13	9.15	2.04.13
14	10.13	2.14.26
15	9.3	2.23.56
16	9.44	2.33.41
17	10.44	2.44.25
18	10.13	2.54.39
19	11.3	3.06.09
20	11.2	3.17.3
21	12.19	3.29.5
22	11.28	3.41.19
23	12.14	3.53.33
24	11.38	4.05.12
25	11.31	4.16.44
26	10.37	4.27.22
0.2	2	4.29.22

finding the way

2009-03-17T14:53:00.001-07:00

unrelenting

2009-01-30T07:33:00.000-08:00

God of unrelenting love

Open my heart

To receive

Strength beyond my brokenness and fear

Hope of every nation

Chase the darkness from my soul

Fill me with

Strength beyond my brokenness and fear

And I would be stouthearted

And surefooted

And free

I would be stouthearted

And surefooted

And free

prayer at Aptos, July '08, Psalm 138