Disqus - Latest Comments for Daniel

Re: Friday challenge: help somebody who’s struggling financially this week

Daniel — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:24:46 -0000

As someone on the receiving end, I'll tell you what it is for me. Pride. Yep that's right, too proud to accept help graciously. I hate that...

Re: Friday challenge: help somebody who’s struggling financially this week

Daniel — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:36:51 -0000

After dean's comment, I feel odd posting but I'm one of those that need the help too. My wife and I have been married for 8.5 years now and for whatever reason can never seem to get ahead. Mostly it is from stupid decisions on our part rather than some sort of life crisis. Right now we are helping out my wifes grandparents since her grandpa cannot work any more and that's hurting a lot.

Right now we are struggling to live on about 140 every 2 weeks. That's for gas and food for 5 people, plus dog food once a month. After a tank of gas were left with 80 for food. We try to drive as little as possible (I work at home so that helps) and walk/ride a bike as much as possible.

Guess right now, I'm just scared, I know God is going to take care of us but I'm scared. I keep praying that he will pay off a bill for us and he doesn't, that is hard me/us. Don't tell me I need to have more faith, I do, I know he will but he doesn't.

Ok, enough feeling sorry for myself.

Re: the apathy generator

Daniel — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:42:34 -0000

While we do have a TV in our house, the only thing we use it for is movies. I realized one day the extreme waste of time it was and we threw away the bunny ears. I refuse to pay for cable so that's not a temptation either. My in-laws have 1 HUGE TV and 1 medium TV in their house, one or the other is ALWAYS on, They are on their way to a divorce mainly because they do not communicate with each other on any level other than to talk about TV or food. It is very sad.

I do believe that on some level, TV is a tool used to distract us from our mission and purpose in life. If we are concentrating on our "programs" and what we absolutely must buy, we miss the relationships, and the conversations with real people about real needs and real hurts and real questions.

Re: the apathy generator

Daniel — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:42:34 -0000

Re: the apathy generator

Daniel — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:43:42 -0000

Oh yea, I love NPR!

Re: the apathy generator

Daniel — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:43:42 -0000

Oh yea, I love NPR!

Re: the Jesus Manifesto » Maintenance Mode

Daniel — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:08:07 -0000

Nathan,
I'm there too. I have the itch and it's real bad! I totally agree that, for me at least, I need a community behind me. The hardest thing for me was to realize the the ones I thought were this community, had become numb to the itch and no longer desired to scratch it.

If you find this community let me know. :)

Re: Momentum

Daniel — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:08:07 -0000

Re: How a Radical Jihadist Led Me to Jesus (part 3 of 3)

Daniel — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:43:23 -0000

Thank you for this story.

Re: How a Radical Jihadist Led Me to Jesus (part 3 of 3)

Daniel — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:43:23 -0000

Thank you for this story.

Re: the Jesus Manifesto » Maintenance Mode

Daniel — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:29:49 -0000

While I don't want to read into your motivation for posting this, it does feel a little like you want me to think about how horrible the Israelis are. One wonders how many times the tables have been turned? Understand that I think the violence on both sides is wrong, the Palestinian terror and Israels over the top retaliation.

Maybe I missed the point, But doesn't this happen daily there, is not the entire region held in fear because of the violence of a few?

All that aside I pray for the work and safety of the CPT workers. I think they are doing good things.

Re: Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinian Children, Internationals on Way Home from Summer Camp

Daniel — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:29:49 -0000

Re: the Jesus Manifesto » Maintenance Mode

Daniel — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:09:32 -0000

ok, that's cool. :) For some reason it just felt weird to me.

Re: Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinian Children, Internationals on Way Home from Summer Camp

Daniel — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:09:32 -0000

ok, that's cool. :) For some reason it just felt weird to me.

Re: the Jesus Manifesto » Maintenance Mode

Daniel — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:24:39 -0000

Mark, Stop being a jerk, seriously to say that I don't have the right to invoke the Jesus jerk attitude against those I perceive to be heretics is in it self heretical. :)

Really though, I absolutely love it when people like Driscoll or MacArthur say all these nice "Love him like a brother" or "i'm not trying to be mean and angry here" things but then proceed to say extremely hurtful things to and about people that believe different from them.

Sorry guys but I'll never be a TULIP toting reformed guy but I'll never be a extreme free-will guy on the other side either. I wonder if we stopped polarizing Christianity and just, like you said Mark, affirm the creeds, where would this world be?

Re: When is it ok to be a jerk?

Daniel — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:24:39 -0000

Mark, Stop being a jerk, seriously to say that I don't have the right to invoke the Jesus jerk attitude against those I perceive to be heretics is in it self heretical. :)

Really though, I absolutely love it when people like Driscoll or MacArthur say all these nice "Love him like a brother" or "i'm not trying to be mean and angry here" things but then proceed to say extremely hurtful things to and about people that believe different from them.
Sorry guys but I'll never be a TULIP toting reformed guy but I'll never be a extreme free-will guy on the other side either. I wonder if we stopped polarizing Christianity and just, like you said Mark, affirm the creeds, where would this world be?

Re: the Jesus Manifesto » Maintenance Mode

Daniel — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:53:37 -0000

Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm not sure I get it.
Are you talking about "give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day, teach a man to fish he'll start his own profitable fishing business?"

Re: The Man and The Couch

Daniel — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:53:37 -0000

Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm not sure I get it.
Are you talking about "give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day, teach a man to fish he'll start his own profitable fishing business?"

Re: Help - What is Doctrine?

Daniel — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:53:15 -0000

"I love Scripture. The Bible is one of the most influential books of my life. But isn’t grace about its simplicity, the cross, God’s unending love that we can’t earn, rather than about its complexity that we control."

I agree completely! The gospel is simple and I'm afraid that too many times we get so caught up in minor disputes about secondary issues (everything is secondary to the cross) that we forget the gospel.

I do think though that doctrine is very important. It helps us to know what we believe and the limits of our Christian liberty. Joe off the street should not care or even be aware maybe of our doctrinal differences but Joe out of the church should.

On the other hand I think of 2 men who were on opposite ends of the theological/doctrinal debate: John Calvin and John Wesley. Who's right, Who's wrong, it doesn't matter, God used them both in a great way to change the world.

Some schools of thought are harder to understand than others (I'll not get into it) , but the way I see it is that if you believe in the cross then you are ok in my book.

Re: Linkin Park Is The Emerging Generation

Daniel — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:53:07 -0000

I definitely ask myself that question a lot, Most of the time though, it just sounds like the scream at 2:25.

One disagreement though. I would not say that the emerging generation is only 25 and below. I'm 27 and would consider myself more a part of that than another generation.

Re: Linkin Park Is The Emerging Generation

Daniel — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:09:03 -0000

LP - What I've Done
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8sgycukafqQ

I think this is a great song! Just listen to the words.

Re: Jesus Was A Terrible Leader

Daniel — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:35:43 -0000

And you know the wonderful thing? Those 12 went out and started a religion that has had tremendous growth over the last 2000 years. I keep wondering more and more if that's not the role of a church planter or even our small/community/whatever you call it groups. Training leaders to go out and change the world rather than trying to train the world to change themselves.

Re: Top 50 Possible Reasons Why You’re Not Emergent

Daniel — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:16:59 -0000

I second number 29 & 7. I went to a (A29) church planting conference a while ago and it seemed that 9/10 of the guys there had both. One guy was so uber-cool that he had the black glasses, a soul patch, AND mutton chops!

Seriously what's up with the soul patch and black glasses?

As a side note I cannot grow a soul patch, I have not shaved under my lip for months and the 5 hairs that are there are maybe 1/8 inch long. But when I get new glasses here in a few months I will be getting the awesome black glasses. They'll make me look smart!

Re: Top 50 Possible Reasons Why You’re Not Emergent

Daniel — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:31:13 -0000

I missed the Apple one, That settles it, I cannot be Emergent! Well, that is unless we are talking about iPod/iPhone only...

Re: An Entertained People

Daniel — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:47:17 -0000

I know I'm probably being judgmental here and when I look at myself I realize that I have no place to be saying this but, I wonder how much of the millions (billions?) of charitable giving from this country comes from the people making the millions of dollars a year. I wonder what would happen if the Cameron Diaz's (not saying she doesn't I don't know) of this country put their wallet where their mouths usually are and stopped building gimongous houses for themselves and started using it for good. I think about Mark 8:36, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? my thoughts end at, Hollywood needs Jesus!

Re: Yes We Can

Daniel — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:40:41 -0000

Thanks for that, the other one here http://www.dipdive.com/ is pretty cool too.

I'll have you know that I'm a life long republican voter and would have never considered voting for a democrat until your post a while ago.

Why I'm voting for Obama? I'm sick and tired of all the McCain's and Clinton's and Bush's in politics. It's hard to vote for someone I don't completely agree with but I don't care any more. We need Obama.

Besides, I just cannot bring myself to vote for McCain...

Re: The Other Son

Daniel — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:02:19 -0000

Great thoughts. I have to think on the "Will we be surprised IF God chooses to restore all of His kingdom in the latter days?" question, It fits the story but I just don't know.

I'm reading a book by John MacArthur about Luke 15 right now and his take seems to be drastically different, that the older son was like a Pharisee. That John MacArthur, what'll he think of next...

Re: Which Side Do You See?

Daniel — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:11:55 -0000

To be honest, I think I tend to look for what is wrong rather than what is right. But other times I look for what is right. I think maybe for me, it's not "What do you do first?" but "What grabs your attention first?" I'm going to have a hard time looking at what is right when I walk into a church and they are singing "We love the son of God, Frank! Frank died for our sins." Pretty hard to see the glass half full there...

Re: The Empire Strikes Back

Daniel — Tue, 06 May 2008 09:40:29 -0000

Finally got to see this today. Great stuff. Hillary Clinton makes me feel dirty, like I need re-saved, just because I listened to her. :)

Re: Obama Wins…

Daniel — Wed, 07 May 2008 08:17:39 -0000

I don't know much about the way delegates are counted but I think that is the RNC awarded delegates the same way the DNC did the race would look much different. in the Republican race I assume you can win a state (not all states are like this) by one vote and take all the delegates where in the Democrat race it's based on districts. I am probably wrong, so please feel free to correct me.

Re: The Golden Compass

Daniel — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:07:51 -0000

I have not seen it but I guess the problem is that the books are clearly anti-christian and so by watching the movie, kids will want to read the books. Cause we all know how much people read now days...

Could the ruckus just be a different form of legalism?

Re: What’s Right About Atheism

Daniel — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:32:22 -0000

[This is my opinion, since I don't really have any personal experience with atheists.]

I think a lot of times people claiming to be an atheist are not really atheists. They see the little gods we invent in our churches and the wimpy jesus preached from too many pulpits and they say, "There is no God, this is stupid."

If they were to see God as He is, not closed in a box, but a vast and eternal person who loves us, and Jesus as He is, a great savior, God With Us, come to rescue His creation & His people to Him, they might see things in a different way.

I don't know, Maybe I an just an idealist (I am) but I truly believe that is God and His Word are free to be God and His Word, change will happen.

This question reminds me of something I read by Dawkins about a year ago (in Newsweek I think). He said that, "If there is a God, He will be so much more than we ever imagined Him to be." I think about that a lot. Have I put God in a box, Have I made God into my god?

[I really need to start my own blog.]

Re: Who’s Your Tribe

Daniel — Thu, 22 May 2008 09:09:13 -0000

In light of a email our pastor sent about Rob Bell (re: these videos http://www.alittleleaven.com/2008/04/rob-bells-...) and Kens response to this post, I think John 15:35 is in order: :By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

We (Christians) need to stop hating one another, stop thinking we know better than God who is a follower, and who is not, and just love one another and support one another. In fact, is that not one of the points of the upper room discourse, "Father, help them to be in unity" (a paraphrase).

Ken, pastor guy, others, please kindly be quiet and pray that if what Jonathan or Rob bell (or you!) are wrong that God will correct them, not you.

Please note that I'm not saying a good Biblical theology is not needed, but come on, lets try to understand that the Bible allows room for interpretation. only one is correct but still.... Look at Wesley vs Calvin vs Luther vs the Anabaptist vs mother Teresa vs Graham, differing theologies but all used greatly by God.

Re: Stunning Viral Church Growth

Daniel — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:31:42 -0000

Thank you so much for this! I almost cried at the part about the sporting goods store guy.

Re: Builders vs. Busters

Daniel — Fri, 23 May 2008 12:26:56 -0000

I believe you forgot the link. Here's one with both today's and yesterdays video:
http://www.rca.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=3...

I noticed the builders vs busters part too. It got me thinking about the boomers vs my generation (am I a buster?) too. I think he touched on it at one point but we seem to be fighting against this "church service" mentality that the boomers have. It seems to me that a lot of times it's take take take, pay your bill (3% tithe) and come back next week. It seems that my generation wants the church to be the otherway arround, give give give, give your gift (some %), and leave to do church in the world.

I know I'm made a generalization here (I'm more of a give take, give type person still) but there are multiple shifts happening and I like it.

Do I make any sense at all?

Re: To Miss Out

Daniel — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:31:30 -0000

"I no longer want to miss out."

Neither do I.
For so long it's been, "when I get over this sin, I can help, do, stuff." But I've come to realize that it should be, "When God calls me to help, do, stuff, I go."
I like the sports analogy. Personally, I suck at sports, my hands and feet do not do what my brain and eyes tells them to do. I wonder if the real sin is not, like you said, "to miss the mark," but to wait for the recruiter to call you and ask you to join the team. If I wait for my pastor it will be after I learn to do x perfectly or once I learn y I can then do z.
I'm tired of sitting on the sidelines waiting for someone to "give me a chance" when God is calling me towards an opportunity now.

I, right now have this incredible burden to go and do. But every road I go down is a brick wall or another disappointment (people and their lack of a "God sized vision"). ........ I'm not going to finish this thought. I am falling apart on the inside, my soul is screaming for an outlet. if anyone want's to lend a shoulder for me to spill on, please email dwbyrd _@_ gmail _._ com

Re: To Miss Out

Daniel — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:10:33 -0000

That's a good point. Now that I think about it I can see that in my own pastor. He has a great God sized dream but He look s at the steps as battled WE have to win. He's got both my wife and I saying "hey, Let god use us to do this thing," but he for some reason is looking for that superstar 1st round pick ministry-ball guy that will come in and wow the world.

I don't think that guy exists but I know there are a bunch of not-stars, cannot even make it to the draft people with a variety of abilities ready and willing but relegated to the sidelines because they... whatever.

Don't get me wrong, he's a great pastor, but some times I wish he would just let God do His thing with the 5 loaves and 2 fishes we have at our church.

Re: Losing Someone You Can’t Replace

Daniel — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:19:03 -0000

Chad,
"I love secular music because so much of it is people screaming for relationship with God but they just can’t make that connection."

Do you ever drive around and look at people while they are driving? I was thinking on your comment today on my way from the bank and saw a girl that looked like she met Hopelessness and he decided to move in with her.

She was probably screaming for Hope and his close friends Grace and Mercy but but they weren't there because she doesn't really think they exist.

Where is the Body of Christ in this country? All I could do was pray that God would put someone before her that would not judge but listen and love her, introducing her to Hope, Grace, and Mercy.

BTW, I love listening to secular music for the same reason. Plus, a lot of christian music sucks...

Re: To Miss Out

Daniel — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:38:42 -0000

The sadder thing is I think he thinks that is want he is doing.

Re: A Must Read

Daniel — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:39:18 -0000

I'm going to say that I'm in the gospel camp. The gospel to me is the perfect collision if the Grace, Kingdom, and Grace of Christ. God's holiness is satisfied by the combination of all 3.

My old family crest says "Crucis spes mea" (My hope is in the cross) I've decided to change that to "crucis, venia, Regnum Sarcalogos spes mea." I may not have that translated quite right but I'm going for "My hope is in the cross, grace, and Kingdom of Christ Jesus."

Re: I Dare You To Watch This

Daniel — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:05:35 -0000

I actually watched this yesterday. What a very good speech. He gets it, egh?

Re: Emerging Missional Converts

Daniel — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:06:09 -0000

I guess what I see in the Bible is Jesus calling us to make disciples. He does not say go into all the world and get converts to put in church services, nor does he say to go and convert converts. He calls us to make disciples plain and simple. So how do we do that, I'm not sure but I'm pretty sure that disciples are not made in multi-site-mega-video-venue-churches that Driscoll seems to encourage. I think disciples are made when they see the "master" at work. When they see us on the mission of God.
So it is hard to have initial converts in the post-modern expressions and hard to make disciples in the mega-church setting. Wonder if it is possible to combine the 2 in some unity (ya know, like Jesus wanted) and work together on the Mission of God. As sick as some of Driscoll's comments make me, I'm equally sickened by the same type of comments back at him.

Let's work together dammit!

Re: The Role of Pastor

Daniel — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:02:14 -0000

San Jose? You never by chance met a guy by the name of John Byrd did you? He may have even been the pastor at a baptist church there but probably before even your time. (I don't know crap about my family history...) Died some time in the mid '80s.

As for my opinion on the role of the pastor, and/or church leaders, I agree with Jimbo's pastor, he may not be a Shepherd. But someone better be. I'm of the same mind as Alan Hirsch, that a church needs 5 gifted men (women?), one in each area: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, teacher. These roles do overlap but all 5 are needed.

For example, I'm a ATSPE.

Re: NT Wright On Women

Daniel — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:45:11 -0000

The Case for Easter by Lee Strobel explains this very well.

I think we need to remember that Paul's also leaves out many other appearances. He is making a case for the resurrection and women not being credible witnesses would not benefit the case.

I take offense to Wrights supposition that since Paul does not mention women that the gospels are not credible. That just seems like an huge jump to me...

Re: NT Wright On Women

Daniel — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:55:05 -0000

Ahhh, I hate when that happens!

Re: Straight From The Horses Mouth

Daniel — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:57:50 -0000

I'm not exactly sure what this means.

Re: A Social Gospel???

Daniel — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:53:26 -0000

I agree. Jesus uses signs and miracles to show who he was. I think our work should always show who he is.

Re: One Buttock Christianity

Daniel — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:34:44 -0000

I was really struck by the question, "Who am I being that my [players][childs] eyes are not shining?".

Does it work the same as, "Who am I being that their eyes are not turned to the cross?"?

Re: One Of My Favorite Bands

Daniel — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:26:14 -0000

I guess if I had to pick only one favorite, I'd have to say I absolutely love Nightwish. Choosing one is so hardsince I like a lot of bands in a lot of genres. S(ee my iLike page in Facebook.)

Re: Your Favorite Pick Me Up Tune

Daniel — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:59:57 -0000

David Crowder Band. Anything, but I really like "Everything Glorious"

Re: What Are You Reading?

Daniel — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:08:55 -0000

Currently I'm reading:
J.I Packer - "Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God" (I know, Ugh...)
Jack London - "White Fang"
A HUGE collection of short stories by O. Henry

I need to go through my Amazon wishlist and decide on what to read next. Any suggestions?

Re: Finding Interdependence

Daniel — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:24:48 -0000

Interesting. I think this is what my wife and I are doing right now. We have disengaged to focus on us and our kids, but our excuse is that the community is disengaged from us. I think this experience is showing us things we need to change about ourselves before we can ever expect to be fully immersed in an interdependent community.

Re: How Are You Finding Restoration?

Daniel — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:48:10 -0000

Thank you for sharing pops, great story. Look forward to hearing more about how God is working through you and your wife in SA.

Re: Carlin On Religion

Daniel — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:14:12 -0000

Sad that that's what people see God as. The video gives me a weird mixture of emotions joy (it is funny), saddness (that people believe like he describes and that that's how people see my God), and anger (at myself, at the church).

Re: The Funniest Video

Daniel — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:50:17 -0000

That is pure awesome.

I know exactly what:
You lean in close and say something sexy like " I might go to bed I've
got work in the morning." I know what you're trying to say baby.
You're tryin to say "Ooh yeah, it's business time, it's business time."
Means.

Re: Much Love To Mark Driscoll

Daniel — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:17:39 -0000

I read that this morning too. All I could think was, "Wow, Driscoll is growing up."

I love the quote from the first paragraph. It is me. I struggle with pride all the time, especially when it comes to letting people see the real powerless me. Today I am a proud man pursuing humility by the grace of God. ('cause without the Grace of God I am only a proud man.)

Re: Rollins On Theology

Daniel — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:18:10 -0000

I think I can agree too. I get so tired of people trying to put God in a box of -ists. Sometimes I just want to throw it all out but other times want to keep it all so I can take pride in how I speak of God.

Re: The Cleaner

Daniel — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:39:12 -0000

Ok, That was great! I just watched the whole thing online. I love how Willie is not the perfect superstar that is portrayed in a lot of shows/movies. He has problems, is a broken human just like the rest of us.

Hopefully A&E puts it online so I can watch.

Thanks for sharing.

Re: A Question On Scripture

Daniel — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:09:34 -0000

I think you have to define scripture, if you mean the Word of God then it is equally easy to say that it is true and perfect. But if you mean the written word that we call the Bible then I have to say that it is harder to call it perfect. Human ideas, mistakes, imperfections, whatever creep in over the years an in the translations.

It being true, yes, it's true.

Re: When A Pastor Repents

Daniel — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:34:37 -0000

One of the things I cannot complain about my pastor on is his transparency in his brokenness. (does that sentence make any sense? I cannot figure out how to say it better) He regularly confesses that he has done something the he should not have and he has even repented to me personally at one time. One sunday morning he broke down after a sermon he was more preaching to himself than the congregation, I will remember that and try my best to emulate that.

Re: A One Year Reflection

Daniel — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:25:57 -0000

Jon, thank you for writing this blog. I don't remember how I got here or what it was that I read first, but I've been here ever sense. If you've only been doing this for a year, then I must have got here close to the beginning.

One thing I've noticed though, Since you are so open and honest about things, I really feel that I know you better than any of the people that are supposed to be part of our "community Group."

Re: The Most Important Moment

Daniel — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:05:17 -0000

For me it was leaving our church of 8 years. It hurt and it hurt the people we left but I wouldn't be the person I an today if we were still there. Went from a faith of rules and regulations and opinions, being "afraid" of God to a life of Jesus, to a life with the freedom to love people even if they went to a different church or no church at all (I know, sacrilegious:)

Re: Your Church Experience

Daniel — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:41:51 -0000

I didn't go to "church", but resting, reading, and playing with my kids on an unseasonably cool and clear midwestern Sunday, was more "church" than I've had in a long time.

Re: Was Jesus An Idealist?

Daniel — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:24:56 -0000

I'd have to say he was a realist. Reality was/is that we suck at life and need someone else (him).

I'm an idealist and that gets me into trouble. a lot.

Re: Wholeness

Daniel — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:08:05 -0000

I have to disagree. I'm a broken person, period. Of course Jesus has my soul whole. I've been reconciled to God and that whole bit. But physically, mentally, emotionally, etc-ally, I'm still broken. Yea I cruse along feeling whole and loving life and others but all of the sudden something happens and I'm crushed again. My spirit is broken and I'm certainly not whole.

I do see your point though, My family and I have gone through times were others may have just quit but I think because of the measure of wholeness we have with Christ we were able to live in a state of wholeness even though the world was crashing down.

I guess it all depends on the definition of wholeness. If we define wholeness as a state where we continue to live as if we were whole even though we feel broken then sure wholeness is atainable now. But I would rather define wholeness as a state where we are free from the brokenness. Think new heavens/earth type freedom.

In conclusion, I don't know :) I guess I try to live as whole but then I'm always aware of the brokenness.

Re: My Church Experience 3

Daniel — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:36:34 -0000

Tired[not nearly enough sleep this weekend]. Hot and sweaty. Invigorated. Energized.

We (our church) didn't do normal "church" this week but instead started at the park at 9:00am with conversation then 30 mins of singing, prayer, and devotional.
Then we got to work, moved a few hundred wheelbarrows of mulch onto the trails through the woods in the park.

Best Sunday ever.

Re: The Point

Daniel — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:29:42 -0000

a year or so ago I would have said theologically correct, but today I don't know. Being theologically correct is all well and good, knowing how to better think and speak of God is a good thing. But I think you come to that point were it actually causes more harm than good, I'm talking denominations. I know a few people that will not have a relationship with other Christians because they don't go to the right kind of church.
Today, I think being relationally correct is more the point of this whole thing we call Christianity.

Re: Your Favorite Blog

Daniel — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:33:38 -0000

I'll second the recomendations for
NakedPastor and Letters from Kamp Krusty

I also like
Jesus Creed - some good conversation and thoughts there
Parables of a Prodigal World I just like this guys writing

When you get tired of reading, check out The Big PictureGreat photography.

Re: Your Favorite Blog

Daniel — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:35:48 -0000

hmmm, are all comments moderated now or just my first one with all the links for some reason?

Re: Freaking Awesome Song

Daniel — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:11:46 -0000

Love it. Thanks

reminds me of a story that is developing still with a friend of mine.

He was fully and completely lost. We both ended up in FL for my brothers wedding and through various conversations we learned that he was looking for something more to life, spending his paycheck at the bar was not what he wanted to be doing any more.

So we came back home and he started going to church and plugging into the community with us. I fully believe he was "saved."
Then he bought his truck. And returned to his previous life, beer and one-night-stands. None could get him on the phone.
Got a call out of the blue from him yesterday. He recked his truck, passed out while driving, crossed traffic. Thankfully he was not hurt. Ready for another try at it.

God didn't cut him down, but sure got his attention, maybe a warning.

Re: Freaking Awesome Song

Daniel — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:29:35 -0000

That is what we talked about last night. The best thing for him was to loose his wheels again. to wake up on the wrong side of the road, literally.

I'm praying for him, since that's all I can do other than be there for him Friday after work. and Saturday. and sunday morning. and Thursday night. and when ever he calls. :)

It would be so much easier to just dwell on my own issues..

Re: Failure vs. Surrender

Daniel — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:16:21 -0000

For me it always seems to come down to pride, Over and over again.

Re: Thinking Out Loud

Daniel — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:09:20 -0000

That makes sense.

Can I think out loud too?

I don't think the Anti-Christ is a person but us, when we claim to be followers of Christ but really are followers of our fallen image of Christ, our own idol if you will. When we love only if we get something in return, when we are full of pride in whatever way.

Is there more than one sin or is everything about pride?

Just some thoughts I've been having.

Re: Five Years From Now

Daniel — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:06:30 -0000

I think one thing that will change is that people will start being more aware of how much they waste and sustainability. I have started to hear normal people talk about how we need to stop being so wasteful and conserve etc.

Re: My Predictions for 2012

Daniel — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:10:27 -0000

I agree Jonathan, an Obama presidency will be a good thing.

Has any one read the Dobson thing? I am a weird mix of sad and angry after reading that. I want to fly to Colorado Springs and walk up to the FotF building and slap him in the face, saying "What is wrong with you, don't you know that people hate Jesus because of your words?" I also want to sit here and cry out to God for Dobson. Open his eyes Father!

Re: Say What You Need To Say

Daniel — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:42:33 -0000

[semi-annon]

In no particular order:

1. No, I will not give more just so that you can be secure in knowing your salary will continue to be paid. I have literally no food left in my house right now, so I will not be taking a turn to bring snacks to your house for the kids Thursday night. I'm sure you can afford it better than I can.

2. What is wrong with my wife that you and yours don't like her so much? Is it a personal jealousy thing (she too smoking hot for ya? :) or is there really a spiritual reason you don't think she should be leading this (non-church) study that's starting today?

3. Why did I take my family out of a unhealthy church situation to some place where we can be loved for who we are only to have the same issues crop up again?

4. Why, if you love us so much have we been hurt so much?We only desire to preach the Resurrection to those that don't know it, what is so wrong with that? Oh, I know, I'm not yet a perfect Timothy/Titus guy right? Any you are?

5. Do you realise that you saying I "bring nothing to the table" in regards to ministry hurts me more than you ever could know? So, what's your point?

6. I'll never fully subscribe to reformed theology. I think God is bigger than that and loves in a way that we don't understand. To Elect one to not be saved means God does not love that person therefore God's love is not perfect.

7. There's so much more but I think this is a start...

Re: Your Sunday Experience

Daniel — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:19:31 -0000

After sleeping in way too late we got up and I fixed a really good lunch (tried out the new balsamic vinaigrette recipe I got last week) then we played around the yard for a few hours before taking a drive through the country and dreaming. Got to see 2 deer chasing each other through the empty corn fields and a beautiful sunset. Headed over to our favorite park so the kids could play for a while and then came home to a quick dinner and a movie with the family.

Truly one of the best Sundays in a long time, so much better than sitting in a building all morning.

Re: A Pastor Abandons His Church

Daniel — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:07:44 -0000

Jonathan,

I. Want. This.

But I know zero others that do...

Re: A Pastor Abandons His Church

Daniel — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:20:35 -0000

Thanks Tracy, but I mean people here, in Central Illinois. (Johnathan, I'm working on my story for you still, It's just hard to write your story when your story keeps happening making you look at pieces differently. Plus my time is stretched sinfully thin ):

Scott, where in the Central Valley? I grew up in Porterville.

Sam, Thankfully I'm not a pastor :) I was on my way though 1.5 years at Liberty (Distance Learning) I was going to go all the way, MDiv then a Sr pastor position, awesome things like that. God stopped me.

For now it seems, Roads go ever on

Re: Transform Your Christmas…Give Well

Daniel — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:35:25 -0000

We'll definitely be participating.

Thanks for putting this together.

Re: New Blog Design

Daniel — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:51:07 -0000

Looks great, clean, simple navigation. My type of site! :)

Re: Your Sunday Experience

Daniel — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:55:37 -0000

Actually went to church and liked it this week. It was just me and my daughter but we had a good time. I think I've discovered what's wrong with me finally and I'm excited as to what will change now. Just got back from a cold 14 mile ride with one of my pastors where we talked about what I need to do to change the way things are going. The gospel was real for me today.

Today was good.

Re: When Fastion Betrays

Daniel — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:15:15 -0000

Just got a whole bag of fashionable jeans from my wife's cousin a few days ago. Now I get to be cool for free!

Re: A Stunning Song

Daniel — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:39:10 -0000

That was really good Jonathan. Thanks!

Re: A Sunday In Review

Daniel — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:45:53 -0000

You used this: "Hot and sweaty. Invigorated. Energized. (Daniel)" Really? That's not a very good sentence out of context...

Re: A New Year

Daniel — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:18:46 -0000

I will TRY to trust God as a loving father as a provider and as my Lord. I have said I do this but I really have not in the past. I'm so excited about what this means.

Re: Hello World

Daniel — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:21:40 -0000

Well, hi Jonathan.

This is me at 9:14 am, Tues Jan 6th.

I will never be the same, I long to rest in the arms and love of my God, my Father, my Lord. I long to grow in the grace an knowledge of Jesus; to know my father - my daddy - and show my children such love.

Hi there!

Re: Hello World

Daniel — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:26:31 -0000

It's my office!
By time the heat travels through the basement duct work all the way out here it's not all that heated anymore. I have a space heater but it is loud and sometimes I don't feel like hearing it so I layer up.

Re: You Must Think Like Me

Daniel — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:05:55 -0000

Simple answer? Pride.

Also, I think it is because we know there is Truth. We just cannot fully grasp it in our simple broken minds. We get a piece of truth and we think we've got the whole Truth.

Aside from pride I do think we try to change others minds because we are looking out for them. We want them to have what we have.
Kind of like the guy that likes sushi and the guy that doesn't. A will tell B all about the sushi and try to convince him that it is good, but B will still look at it as raw fish and try to convince A of how nasty that is.
Sort of anti-coveting.

Re: The Homeless Garden

Daniel — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:19:26 -0000

My wife and I are just now starting to explore the possibility of doing something like this in our city. Awesome that this is happening in other places too.

Re: What’s the Worth of a Heavenly Earth?

Daniel — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:12:47 -0000

Honestly, God and His re-perfected creation sound pretty dang good. Just doesn't get any better than that (as long as I can bring my wife). The pearly-gate, wingy stuff doesn't do much for me especially since I'm not sure it's too biblical.

Re: Imprisoned for Assualt?

Daniel — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:59:05 -0000

ALL the time! I hate to admit it because it means I suck at being a good Christian but sometimes those thoughts aren't only about me. I incur a ton of God's <del>wrath and judgment</del> grace and love daily.

Re: Christians Aren’t Perfect . . .

Daniel — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:31:10 -0000

On the bumpersticker theme, "When the trumpet blows, I'm out of here."

This doesn't necessarily cast a shadow on Jesus, maybe just freaks people out, but I've always had a problem with the whole asking someone "If you were to die right now...?". I don't know how others feel about it but to me if you came to my door in a suit in the middle of summer and asked me that all I would think is, "Crap, I've got a crazy at my door asking me if I'm going to Heaven or Hell, cause he's going to kill me!"
Has anyone else has that thought?

Re: Attic Blog: Ever Dreamed?

Daniel — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:15:23 -0000

Thanks for this. I dream and then cry the tears of the dreamer.

I thought of this song. One of my favorites from one of my favorite bands.

Re: Are Children’s Stories Parables in Disguise?

Daniel — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:38:34 -0000

When the Lord comes calling make sure you're a puppy. :)

Seriously though Made me think of Good and Evil as in sometimes we consider something evil cause it's not what we want it to be but really it is good, or the other way around.

The main character wanted a pet and ended up with a cute, cuddly puppy that...
will pee everywhere, chew everything, and grow up to be a big slobbery monster (I'm assuming they sent a st. Bernard)

Could have had a(n):

. . . Elephant. He was too big!! — I sent him back.
but loyal and easy to find if it get's out of the yard
. . . Giraffe. He was too tall!! — I sent him back.
but could trim the branches of that tree that you just cannot get too that shades your garden
. . . Lion. He was too fierce!! — I sent him back.
Never pay for an alarm system again
. . . Camel. He was too grumpy!! — I sent him back.
Gas, we don't need no stinkin' gas
. . . Snake. He was too scary!! — I sent him back.
I don't know snakes are gross, maybe it's good for rodents
. . . Monkey. He was too naughty!! — I sent him back.
but so smart
. . . Frog. He was too jumpy!! — I sent him back.
bye bye bugs

I know some of those are a stretch but That's what I think of...

Re: Belief and Seeing

Daniel — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:08:41 -0000

Reminds me of a verse I ponder on from time to time.
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105
A lot of the time it seems that we preach that the Bible is the path and even our mode of transportation.
This seems to say that it is the way in which we see the way to go and what to do once we are there.

Re: When a Building Becomes an Injustice

Daniel — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:32:50 -0000

In addition, when a particular churches budget here in the states pays 90-some-odd% of it's giving income towards salary and building/office rental, something is wrong. When the pastor is taking 90-some-odd% of that 90-some-odd% for salary and insurance, something is really wrong. Especially when there are certain families in that church that can barely get through a month with food in the fridge.

This issue bugs the hell out of me and I pray every day that "church" leaders would see the light and quit this insanity. Or maybe better would be if "church" not-leaders would see the light...

Re: Weekend Movie: Acapella + John Williams + Star Wars = This Guy

Daniel — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:54:22 -0000

thank you! That made my night!

Re: Oops

Daniel — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:48:47 -0000

Not all is lost! I still see you favicon.
http://deltachurch.net/images/ms_favicon.png

Re: Catastrophe Avoided

Daniel — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:41:16 -0000

Welcome back. The design looks good.

Re: Attic Blog: The “Great Spirit”…God?

Daniel — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:11:46 -0000

nu'uh, (sp?) They're all pagan heathens bound for hell fire and damnation.

Seriously, good thoughts. It always makes me cringe when a people group is judged because of their understanding of general revelation. Why can't we just tell them about Jesus without telling them they need to start a church that looks exactly like our church?

Re: Merry Christmas (elf style) From the Johnsons

Daniel — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:14:02 -0000

wow! Blue eyes! Beautiful kids Jeromy

Re: God’s Pronoun…He or She? I Say Neither

Daniel — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:32:06 -0000

Oh Jeromy, I'm going to stop reading your blog! :) You point out too many things wrong with my "God Box" and the cracks are starting to show. I need to think this one over also.

I agree that trying to tie God to a specific gender is problematic especially when considering that both male and female are created in The Creator's image.

I wonder though instead of trying to find a gender neutral pronoun or using they/them wording is the best?

Thinking about the Old Testament we are given many names for God most specifically, I AM.
I wonder if that is our answer: "I AM loves us and I AM want us to trust I AM."

Also there are names like JEHOVAH-JIREH - Rather than "He/She will provide" you would say "JEHOVAH-JIREH will provide" Etc...

http://ldolphin.org/Names.html

Maybe we should use the personal names we are given for God rather than trying to come up with inclusive gender neutral words. Thoughts?

Re: God’s Pronoun…He or She? I Say Neither

Daniel — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:20:38 -0000

Just thinking through some thoughts. Still chewing on the War is Over one.

Re: God’s Pronoun…He or She? I Say Neither

Daniel — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:50:16 -0000

I had another thought. Along the lines of the sex post as well.

If "knowing" God and "knowing" your spouse carry the same meaning, this close intimacy, then specifically calling God a He is maybe a reason many men are put off by church/Jesus etc. If being a Christian means I have to be intimate with some non-descript Jewish guy or an bearded old guy then no thanks!