saved from wrath

2009-09-21T00:23:00.001-05:00

Priority of Prayer and THE MEDIATOR

2009-07-22T14:22:00.002-05:00

On Sunday, I got the privilege of preaching my fourth sermon from the book of 1 Timothy. Here it is.

Cultivating Missional Community

2009-05-26T13:53:00.002-05:00

As I pray about certain changes that are on the horizon for my family, I certainly learned a lot from this post. Paul Tripp provides an answer to "What Hinders Community?" It is a great read. My favorite quote from the post is:

"You can't fit God's dream (if I can use that language) for his church inside of the American dream and have it work. It's a radically different lifestyle. It just won't squeeze into the available spaces of the time and energy that's left over."

Read the entire post here.

Tim Keller: We Need Missional Churches

2009-04-29T14:20:00.000-05:00

Back in 2001 Tim Keller wrote these words about why we need "missional" churches:

"In conservative regions, it is possible to see people profess faith and the church grow without becoming 'missional.' Most traditional evangelical churches still can only win people to Christ who are temperamentally traditional and conservative. But....this is a "shrinking market." And eventually evangelical churches ensconced in the declining, remaining enclaves of "Christendom" will have to learn how to become 'missional.' If it does not do that it will decline or die. We don't simply need evangelistic churches, but rather 'missional' churches."

In the days to come. I would like to discuss the eleven marks that Mark Driscoll gives in Vintage Church as being those that identify themselves as "missional" churches stay tuned.......

MMA to the Glory of God

2009-04-22T12:59:00.000-05:00

"Brett, do you really need another sport to follow?" These were the words of my wife about 8 months ago when I specifically started following MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) closely. "I mean wasn't basketball, football, baseball, college hockey, golf, nascar (I follow just to know the numbers of the cars - to give a bad time to Steve Pederson and others) - isn't that enough????" To complicate matters I was watching a fight and my 2 year old daughter went up and kicked the television and tried to fight a one Joe Stevenson at UFC 95. Aunika no longer watches with me and I have not tuned into fights when my girls (all three of them) are around.

So, the question comes up, Can a Christian watching the UFC, do so to the glory of God? - as I believe we do all things for the fame and glory of our Creator. Here is how I answer that question.

MMA is a sport, in my mind, just like any other. It is about competition and respect. The sport has come a long ways and has a long list of rules . Many people do not know that rules exist - because MMA used to not have any. I believe some of the more important rules are no strikes to the spine or the back of the head, no strikes to the trachea or neck area, and no head butting. Not one single death has occurred in the UFC and their have been zero life threatening or career ending injuries. The NFL has at least 2-3 of those a year.
Contextualization - contextualization is a missional concept that says "Christians should be aware of the cultural context in which lost people around them live, and they should make every effort to bring the love and truth of Jesus in word and deed and be all things to all people" (Vintage Church, p. 228). I have relationships with two guys that I ref in a city league volleyball league that has developed and started with conversations surrounding the UFC. If I wouldn't have had any knowledge of a sport that they were interested in - I possibly would not have these relationships. The nice thing about knowing these guys is - they come back every week. I see them every week. Now are these guys saved - no, but relationships are formed and God may be using MMA as a bridge to the Gospel - we can't question that. There actually are many Christian men that are Mixed Martial Artists and a ministry has been started to minister to others within this culture.
MEN - the former chairman of our church board is a fan as is a 29 year old single dude who works in the world of computers as a young professional. The fact is that MMA is the fastest growing sport in America and MEN - specifically young men (18-35) love MMA. If I want to teach, mentor, and train men I probably should have a working knowledge of what they are into (besides just the knowledge that men struggle with porn). The days of giving men crappy books by Max Lucado and John Eldredge and telling them to live "Wild at Heart" are over.
Enjoyment and Entertainment - I can honestly say that MMA doesn't cause me to sin. I enjoy the sport aspect and am entertained by the personalities of some of the fighters.

The truth is that this sport has issues with people stereotyping it. A bunch of thugs, who are pierced, tatted up, cuss like sailors, and participate in what John McCain once called "human cockfighting". That is what the fundamental sectarianist would say. These would simply be the same people who would argue that Jesus went too far in culture. They would view Jesus' actions and involvement in culture as sinful as they falsely accused him of being a glutton, a drunk, and a supporter of sin (Matt. 11:19).

"Neat Christian Guy" vs. "Godly Man"

2009-04-21T14:26:00.000-05:00

When I was in high school I remember a 40 year old farmer suggest that I attend Northwestern Bible College. He suggested I attend because there were many good-looking girls there that were looking for a "neat Christian guy" like me. As I listened to a recent interview by Matt Chandler - this idea came up of a "neat Christian guy" vs. a "Godly man". Matt was talking about complementarianism in the church. As I have reflected on the matter at one time being labeled a "neat Christian guy" (NCG) - my hope is that I have moved on from the fluff of that part of my life to be a "Godly man"(GM).

So, what separates the two. Here are my list of suggestions

A NCG is liked by everybody while a GM has offended someone because the GM hasn't wavered on the truth of Scripture. A GM has hills to die on and will follow through with standing on core theological truths.
A NCG will be pursued by the ladies (most of the time these women have a low view of what they are looking for in a man) while the GM pursues a woman because God has told him too. For the record - my pre-marriage performance falls into the NCG on this one....although my wife did know what she was looking for in a man.
A NCG is the guy who cries at summer camp every year while a GM repents and owns up to his sin as "his" fault.
A NCG carries his Bible (along with his highlighter and other items that make everyone think he knows what he is doing) or relies on the Scripture being up on the screen while the GM carries his Bible and actually reads it.
A NCG provides for his family financially and calls it a day. A GM provides for his family financially and realizes that it doesn't stop there. A GM most importanly, leads and pastors his family.
A NCG many times grew up in a "Christian" home and might not even really have a regenerated heart while a GM many times grew up with stories of grace - and can actually tell you about those stories.
And finally NCG's are bored dudes who see going to church as a duty - while GM become elders, pastors, deacons, and LEADERS in the church.

The goal is to be a "Godly Man" - that means in my mind responsibility, courage, accountability, and repentence. As I look back and as I examine parts of my life that would be classified as "neat and Christian" - I almost want to throw up. Our tendency at times is to

Want all the benefits of everything, but take NO responsibility
Stand down and not fight for truth - at times we have NO courage
Lie to ourselves and think we need no one around us to call us out - we want NO accoutability
Fail to say, "It is what it is" - and I am a dirty sinner - we NEVER repent and confess our sins

My prayer is that "Godly Men" would rise up and would lead. Women will follow, good husbands and good fathers will come about, and most importantly Jesus will be glorified as he made men to be men - not "neat" with potential.

Easter Weekend 2009 - Evidences of God's Grace

2009-04-13T14:46:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was a great chance for me to observe God's grace in my life within the context of my family and my church. Here are some examples of God's grace that I observed

Friday night - we had a great night of worship, contemplation, and meditation on the cross. A first year teacher, a Christian radio host, and a bio-chemist shared and boasted in the cross. I got to speak to the substitutionary sacrifice of the atoning work of Jesus being our high priest. In the words of Martin Luther, our "true contemplation of the cross is that were we think of our sin and we are crushed". A great design and backdrop for our service was created from a great blogger over at Thorns.
Saturday - had a great trip to the Red River Zoo with my "girls". What a great time holding Aunika up on the railings and hearing her say "hi" and then yelling at the animals. Also it was an encouraging time as the temperature cracked 50.
Saturday night date night - Shannon gave me the gift of going out to one of my favorite resaraunts - HuHot - and then we went to Home Depot and Shannon got ideas for some home improvement project.
Sunday morning - we got up early and got the girls all dressed up for church and gave them their Easter baskets. What a joy to jump in the car and go to church together to celebrate!
Had a great Easter breakfast at the church where I got to observe many men serving and giving of themselves to serve as they made rock star french toach, sausage, eggs, and orange juice.
The tomb is EMPTY! We had a great day of worship and celebration as Jesus is ALIVE! During our service I observed a song written by two of our people that was shared and was a great ministry to others. I led a rousing and passionate rendition of Victory in Jesus to conclude our time together.

Driscoll Talking To Men

2009-04-03T09:18:00.000-05:00

The tone here is to men.

Destructor: One way or another!

2009-03-25T13:48:00.000-05:00

As I peruse facebook status updates and look at the local newspaper website - I get the feeling that some in Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo are tired and sickened by what some are calling a flood-blizzard day. The Red River is on pace to crest at a record level Saturday morning. The crest will last 2 to 3 days. The town has been in a crazy mode of sandbagging all week - and today we woke up to 6 to 8 inches of snow.

Some are asking - "when will this ever stop?" Some are calling it "BLIZZFLOOD-'09"

This points me directly to God and His Glory and reminds me that God will have His glory one way or another. God has been doing whatever He wants, whenever He wants from the beginning of time - and this trial in F-M will continue to bring God glory! See the words below from one of my favorite songs of all time called "Destructor" - also a great meditation on the upcoming Good Friday we will observe

Verse 1
From the first time You flooded the earth
To the last time You burned off the curse
To the way that You hated Your Son
When you hung all the sins of the world
Bridge
Holy, Holy
Chorus
Heaven will disappear with a roar
And the host of God will come to destroy
Sin is a declaration of war
God will have HIS GLORY ONE WAY OR ANOTHER
Verse 2
In reverence we'll come to Your throne
Indebted to Your Holy son
The ripe vine of the earth will be crushed
And Your light will shine over the world

OT Thriller: An Epic Classic

2009-03-13T01:03:00.001-05:00

Fargo, ND is a buzz lately about the NDSU Bison making the NCAA tournament and what a game they played on Tuesday evening beating the Golden Grizzles of Oakland University to secure their automatic bid to the NCAA tourney. Fargonians are kind of in a box right now - loving their Bison, but one game washed away all my thoughts of how entertaining the Bison game was the other night - and that came in the manner of a 6 OT thriller on Thursday night between my #4 UCONN Huskies going down to #20 Syracuse 127-117 in yes 6 OT's. The game ended at 12:30ish a.m. and 1:30 a.m. NYC time. This is when the Yankee playoff games seem to end - not games at Madison Square Garden in the Big East Tourney.

UCONN showed heart down the stretch in regulation coming back to tie the game after being down 6 with 3 minutes to play. UCONN was in control of all the overtime periods except period number 6......the only period they didn't get the tip (since Hasheem Thabeet had fouled out) - and they surrendered a three right away on Syracuse's first possession that seeminly started the road to the end for the Huskies on this night. UCONN had many opportunities to slam the door on Syracuse during the first 5 OT's. What a disappointment not to get the job done.

AJ Price was great, Stanley Robinson was insane. Other than that - no one for UCONN showed up offensively, although both teams showed tons of heart and class (w/the exception of Erik Devendorf - who proved that he is one of the cockiest players in college basketball - taunting AJ Price after making threes a couple of different times- and standing on the scores table after hitting an improbable game winner that was reviewed and was eventually taken away from Syracuse).

I am somewhat glad UCONN lost this game and will get some rest the rest of the weekend. I seem to remember a past national champion - North Carolina - who lost early in the ACC tourney a couple of years ago - only to win their next 6 in a row and claim the National Championship.....Let's hope the Huskies can pull that feet off as well.

On a final note - I scrolled the TV lineup that this game was competing with at 12 midnight only to find TBS airing the movie Doom as well as various channels carrying different male enhancement ads - It's a pretty good bet ESPN ratings did just fine after midnight on this night. And last Jim Calhoun's press conference was classic, as usual, when he made a statment about the Big East and asked people to "Do The Math....Everyone is wondering why everyone in our league can't be 15-3 - well someone has to lose games....Do the math and you'll find that this is the best and deepest conference in America."

Top Ten Sports Rivalries

2009-02-11T10:14:00.000-06:00

A sports rivalry is an intense competition between athletic teams or athletes. This pressure of competition is felt by players, coaches, and management, but is perhaps felt strongest by the fans.

With tonight's upcoming Duke - UNC college basketball game I thought it would be interesting to list my top 10 rivalries that come to mind when I think of the preceding definition. For the record, I will be cheering for UNC tonight as Duke is very easy to dislike for me. 1) My UCONN Huskies recorded two of their biggest wins in school history against Coach K and his floor slapping defenders in the 1999 NCAA Championship game and in the 2004 National Semifinal game (en route to another title) - so they pretty much annoy me and 2) My great friend Nick Schmidt is a Tar Heel fanatic - and our mutual friend John Sayler loves Duke - so it is easy to gang up on him and hate the Blue Devils.

Top Ten

10. Cowboys - Redskins - an NFC East rivalry that seems to always have Troy Aikman and Joe Buck ecstatic even though the game sometimes sucks.

9. BJ Penn vs. Georges St. Pierre - a recent rivalry created in the UFC. St. Pierre has won both matches. The first by a controversial split decision and the second one recently with a 4th round corner stoppage. The fight was won by St. Pierre, but controversy again lingered as there is now an investigation into if St. Pierre cheated using Vaseline on his back.

8. Michigan - Ohio St. - clearly a football rivalry that has been dominated recently by the Buckeyes. Michigan on the other hand has been losing to Appalachian State, but keeps on rolling over the Minnesota Gophers in the Big Ten.

7. Leeds High School vs. Minnewauken High School - Separated by 25 miles these two schools used to dislike everything about each other on the basketball floor (now they co-op). For years they co-oped as a football team as North Central Benson - but on the basketball floor all bets were off - and more than likely Leeds came out victorious - and usually went to the state tournament. 6x's in the 90's (winning a state title and finishing runner-up twice).

6. Vikings - Packers - Cheese Heads have had their days with Brett Favre - it is now time for Jared Allen to have his way with Aaron Rodgers for years to come.

5. Sioux - Gophers Hockey - This video should say it all - when you can't get through a handshake (the most respectable part of hockey) - it is a safe bet that you don't like each other at all.

4. Twins - White Sox - Coming off a 1 game playoff last year for the AL Central crown these two teams have combined to win 6 out of the last 7 titles (Twins - 4, White Sox - 2). The Sox got the biggest prize though winning the 2005 World Series w/stinky AJ.

3. Celtics - Lakers - a rivalry that is coming back with Boston's Big Three and the Lakers w/Kobe. This rivalry hopefully can be carried through as the aging superstars retire (KG, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kobe Bryant). Hopefully Rajon Rondo and Andrew Bynum can carry the torch so this rivalry doesn't die as it did after Magic and Bird.

2. Yankees - Red Sox - when a construction worker tries to bury a David Ortiz Jersey in the new Yankee stadium to curse you - I think a pretty big rivalry exists. Nothing was better than the 2004 title the Sox won as they came back in the ALCS (down 3 games to 0) to defeat the Yanks.

1. Duke - UNC - Nothing says it better than Roy Williams when he referred to Duke as "them guys over there" - When you don't even want to utter the words of your opponent - I don't think there is much love.

Link-O-Rama

2009-02-05T09:46:00.001-06:00

Mark Dever on Evangelism @ DG conference Message 1, Message 2, Message 3

The Church: A Gospel Centered Community - Part 1, Part 2

Last 5 books I've bought: Vintage Church, Breaking the missional Code, We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry, Porn-Again Christian, and Showing The Spirit: A Theological Exposition of 1 Cor. 12-14

C.J. Mahaney on Michale Phelps's Bong

10 countries listed as the world’s worst persecutor of Christians

Rick Reilly describes what it is like on the field at halftime being a crazy Bruce S. fan

Videos of Interest

2009-01-29T10:14:00.000-06:00

John Piper encouraging President Obama to be courageous on the issue of abortion

Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill recently featured on ABC's Nightline. Thorns makes a good point on this interview

And finally, have you ever seen a coach in hockey try and sit in the penalty box? Well at UND last weekend it seemed that the Denver University coach was trying to do just that.

Celebrating Life and Death

2009-01-21T11:43:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was an interesting day for our family. We had the opportunity to celebrate physical life and physical death on the same day.

Aunika turns 2
Two years ago Shannon and I welcomed an undeserved blessing into our lives. We celebrated this day with forgetting the rules, buying a $9 balloon (that actually was about 5 balloons attached together - hence the price), going to Culvers and eating burgers, fries, ice cream, and allowing her to drink caffeine. We finished the night with allowing Aunika to stay up until 10 watching her Pooh DVD, and then to bed where I read her 3 books compared to the normal 1. We concluded our day with prayer - thanking the Lord for Aunika's life and praying for her someday to make a commitment to Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

Shannon's Grandmother Passes
At 11 a.m. (Pacific Time) - Shannon's grandmother Jackie Ellingburg passed away in Las Vegas, NV. Jackie had been battling cancer that was recently discovered in the fall. We celebrate because Jackie was a daughter of the Lord Most High. She was a women that was following Jesus and we are joyful that today she is with Jesus. Shannon had the opporunity to be with her in December and had the priviledge of caring for her as well as special times of reading her Scripture. The words of Chris Tomlin and the song I Will Rise are especially true and near to my heart and mind today

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise I will rise

Through the power of the resurrection - Jackie did rise

We Are Freaks

2009-01-15T13:32:00.000-06:00

My Grandfather: My family and my friend Pt. 2

2009-01-09T08:55:00.000-06:00

Proverbs 22:6 commands parents to: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." My grandfather, Oscar Moser (a.k.a. Ozzie), trained my father, Larry to raise me a certain way, to teach me, to put up with me and to ultimately love me despite my faults, disobedience, and times of disrespect growing up.

I had the privilege recently of interviewing my Grandpa over the Christmas holiday. Enjoy.

Saved From Wrath (Brett): "I've noticed over the years that when we play cards - you often slam cards down on the table. What do you wish to accomplish with this tactic? What do you want to communicate to your opponents?"

Grandpa Moser: "I hope that it throws my opponents off base. I hope it keeps them in check. Sometimes I do it as a sign of frustration - and sometimes I do it as a sign of joy."

SFW: "I've heard this legendary story of you shooting a bunch of ducks with three shots - tell me that story"

GM: "One day Bob, Carl, and I went up to hunt by Chase Lake and there was a barley field that the ducks were feeding in. There was a NW wind so we went against the wind and came from the SE side. The ducks were on a side hill and there was going to be some crawling involved. Bob and Carl said, 'Na you can't do that'. I crawled down in a ravine and then belly crawled for a while until I got right on top of 'em. I finally got in position where I was right there. I stood up and yelled 'HEY' and shot three times. I ended up with 18 Drakes and 3 Hens for a total of 21."

SFW: "Didn't you get fined for shooting oh 16 more than the legal daily limit?"

GM: "I couldn't get fined cause at that time there was no limit."

SFW: "Your favorite sport is softball - you've played for over 40 years and you are now over 80 - do you plan to continue playing?"

GM: "It really depends on my ankle...but if my ankle is healthy I'll go, but I might have to have surgery for that ankle to go - but if I can't I will most definetely be managing as long as I can."

SFW: "Does it bother you that opposing teams bring the outfield in for your at-bats during softball games?"

GM: "Not really....actually I like it cause then I can hit it over their heads...ha...ha..ha!"

SFW: "You drove school bus for 40 years as well - what is one thing from that experience that you can share with me?"

GM: "I had to be firm with the kids. They needed to obey the rules or they were expelled from the bus."

SFW: "What is one of the mischievous moments from when you were young that you could share with me?"

GM: "Well one day we were hunting gophers with our sling-shots and rocks and we couldn't get this one so we decided that we were going to 'smoke him out' - We went and got some grass and matches and proceeded to try and 'smoke him out' - we had 3 different holes that we lit some grass on fire.......We ended up leaving and sometime later - we realized that we had burned down the pasture....there was a digger and plow that came so the fire wouldn't spread."

SFW: "Aside from knowing Jesus Christ what is your biggest accomplishment in life?"

GM: "Getting married and having 9 children."

SFW: "What was the best part of having 9 kids and what was the most challenging part?"

GM: "The best part was loving them all - and that they were all healthy. The most challenging part was startin' out with 2 daughters and then I went for the boys."

I am proud of my Grandfather because he is my family and he is my friend - along w/being one of the most joyful people I know. He laughs more than most - and lights matches more than most - as that's his version of an air freshener. He closed our interview with this, "Anytime you want to interview me again - just come on around!"

10 Questions for 2009

2009-01-07T11:34:00.001-06:00

I asked 10 questions as I opened my sermon on Sunday morning as I challenged our people to "Consider our ways" - based off of Haggai 1:5. These questions are from Don Whitney and an expanded list can be found here.

What's the single most important thing you could do to improve your family life this year?
In which Spiritual Discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?
What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?
What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church?
For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?
What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?
What's the single most important thing you do to improve the quality of your work life this year for the glory of God.
In what area of your life do you most need growth, and what will you do about it this year?
What's one thing you could do throughout this year to enrich the spiritual legacy you will leave to your children and grandchildren?
To what need or ministry will you try to give an unprecedented amount of time and energy to this year?

Vikings: One and Done

2009-01-05T08:34:00.000-06:00

I quit reviewing Vikings games after the Jacksonvile game and the Vikings proceeded to go on a season long run, winning the NFC North on the last day of the regular season. This will serve as a review of the playoff game w/the Eagles as well as a season in review.

Eagles 26 Vikings 14

Chris Berman summed it up like this on NFL primetime last night, "The Vikings are just goofy". Boomer was referring to their punt coverage, Matt Birk's snap to the feet of Jackson, and Brad Childress's wonderful clock managment at the end of the first half.

Simply put the Vikings didn't win this game due to I believe three reasons

Eagles had McNabb - Vikings had T Jack - any football fan could see the superiority and calmness in McNabb's play on Sunday contrasted with Jackson's play that overall was shaky/and up and down. Both QB's threw interceptions - McNabb's gave the Vikes the ball deep in Eagles territory, while Jackson's interception was the pick 6 version.
Coaching - Schematically the Eagles dominated the Vikings. There was a 3rd and 1 in the 3rd quarter where Pederson and Tahi lined up in a Twins formation in the backfield. The Vikings have ran this play each of the last two weeks and ran Pederson off the right side for 2-3 yard gains. There was a couple of problems running this on Sunday. First, an amateur football mind could identify this play on TV...you'd think a team that watched tons of film on a team would be ready for this - and they were and forced the Vikes to punt on a drive where it looked like the Vikes could take a lead as the score was still 16-14. The second problem would be that the right side isn't exactly our best running side with Ryan Cook and Anthony Herrara. Also, Jim Johnson's blitzes dominated the Vikings and they virtually had no answer aside from a beautifully designed screen to Jim Kleinsasser. Now only if Jimmy's name was changed to Brian Westbrook - that play could've been bigger. The Vikings just weren't creative enough on offense to combat an Eagles blitz that was actually fun to watch - man they are so aggressive. And finally, I would've like to see more Chestor Taylor on Sunday. AP had one significant play, couldn't pick up the blitz, and dances behind the line of scrimmage way too much for me against a fast defense. That is a coaching move that Chilly failed to make.
Too many Benny Sapp and Tyrell Johnson Tackles - when Benny Sapp is making plays and I'm hearing his name called more than linebackers or Antoine Winfield - things aren't going to go well for the Vikings, eventually a big play will happen, which it did. Johnson was forced to play as Darren Sharper left with an injury to his ankle. Excuses due to injury are pretty lame, but it is worth noting that the Vikings D was without 4 starters on Sunday - Pat Williams, Ray Edwards, Darren Sharper, and E.J. Henderson. Although the D held up and I thought kept us in the game (practicing their bend but don't break philosophy well in the first half) - the D with these 4 starters in is noticeabely different.
I know I said only three - but Chris Kluwe (our punter) trying to tackle Deshawn Jackson (4.4 40) in the open field is never good.

Looking Ahead/Season Review

The Vikings enter the offseason again with doubts at the quarterback position. My thought is draft a QB in the first or second round and then let Jackson and the rookie battle it out in camp. We've seen this year what Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan could do as QB's surrounded by solid players and veterans.

Significant strides were made this year on D. Yes the Vikings led the NFL against the run again- but the big improvement comes in the area of pass D. We went from dead last (32nd) in the league last year in 2007 to 18th in the league in 2008. I attribute this to 1- Jared Allen. We've longed for a consistent pass rush for years and we finally got it in 2008. 2 - Madeue Williams was a significant upgrade at SS compared to something known as Dwight Smith.

Offensively this team's identity still is in running the football. I believe AP and Chestor are a great 1-2 punch, although AP's fumble issues need to be dealt with. The passing game had several big plays as Bernard Berrian, Bobby Wade, and V Schiancoe all had productive seasons. I think we need more out of Sidney Rice next year.

The Vikings hadn't been to the playoffs since 2004 and it was actually fun looking down on the Bears and Packers at the end of the year. Under Chilly the Vikings have made improvement 6-10, to 8-8, to 10-6 (0-1 in the playoffs)....we need to continue that trend and go 11-5 or 12-4 next year and at least to the NFC championship game for me to see vast improvement. Minnesota Vikings 2008 - DEAD!

Making Something Else Ultimate

2008-12-17T14:33:00.000-06:00

This thought was brought to my attention by one of my favorite pastors, Matt Chandler. Check out the church he pastors and his podcast if you would love to listen to some solid teaching

Look around and see if you see any of the following this Christmas season - The falsehood of the following statement, "The reason for the season is family and friends"

Directly or indirectly we often times make something else ultimate, rather than Jesus Christ. Now I agree with spending time with family and friends during Christmas and it is a great thing and a thing that should be pursued and planned for. What I don't agree with is making a bigger deal out of your time with family - than your time acknowledging the grace that has been given to us through Jesus Christ our Lord. When we acknowledge Christ as ultimate and make Him primary at Christmas and all through the year - our time with family and friends can be an extension and a reflection of that grace you have been given. When we fail to do this, I believe that we are drifting into the area of idolatry? I believe we can make anything an idol....a relationship, money, our comfort, and even family and friends. Anytime we exchange the truth about God for something else (Rom. 1:25) I believe idolatry is committed.

Friends this Christmas season and all the year through - please make Jesus Christ ultimate and by making Him ultimate extensions of your life such as family, friends, vacations, work, money, comfort, Christmas parties - will then be seen as grace rather than replacing it (grace).

Blizzard to the Glory of God

2008-12-14T09:36:00.000-06:00

Today God is showing His power, His timing, and His plans with gusts of wind, frigid temps, and snow that is falling and blowing. As is with everything I believe God wants His glory more than anything and this is just another directing me to that thought.

Every church in our city has called off services today. One may ask - how can God glorify Himself when all the doors of the church are closed? I would respond with saying that the church isn't limited to a building or a time. As we are all stuck inside today - we still can have sabbath and time that honors the Lord. The key is to make sure that that happens for you.

This morning we laid in bed and got the girls and had a couple hours of watching TV and sleepin' in together. It was a good relaxing time of family time that we rarely ever get due to work.

One thing I think about is the fact of going to work vs. going to church. Would people venture to work today if this was a normal business day? My guess would be yes or maybe? Would people venture to church today -absolutely not - what is the difference? I guess it would be priority at first thought. There is some worth and value for families to be at home together on a day like this.

Since many of you will read this today since you will be at home and won't have anything else to do but veg out, watch movies, watch football, or surf the net - I urge you to find some time for sabbath today.

Rick Warren: Just Give Jesus a Try???

2008-12-05T08:48:00.000-06:00

The other night I was laying in bed watching my hospital TV before I fell asleep. At 11 pm I usually watch the nights previous episode of Hannity and Colmes on Fox News. Rick Warren just happened to be on this night discussing issues related to Christianity, Christmas, his new book The Purpose of Christmas, and politics.

Here is the dialogue between Alan Colmes and Warren. One section was particularly interesting. If you don't have a garbage can nearby - you may want to get one - cause this could make you throw up.

COLMES: What about — what does it say for all those people who do not accept Christ as their personal savior?

WARREN: I'm saying that this is the perfect time to open their life, to give it a chance. I'd say give him a 60-day trial.

(CROSSTALK)

COLMES: Like the Book of the Month Club.

WARREN: Give him a trial. See if he'll change your life. I dare you to try trusting Jesus for 60 days. Or your money guaranteed back.

You have got to be kidding me. One of the leading voices in Evangelicalism put Jesus Christ into the category of exercise equipment infomercials??? You don't give Jesus a try? I dare you to give Jesus a chance?? That sounds similar to statements I heard in elementary school growing up - "Brett I dare you to put those boulders and other marbles in the pot - and I'll play you for them." Or, "I double dare you, Brett." (they apparently watched too much Double Dare on Nickelodeon). You don't dare people when talking about Jesus Christ.

God, in His Sovereignty, by the power of the Holy Spirit - buys us - purchases us - by shedding His blood on the Cross as a ransom - a payment for sin - so that we can be reconciled to God.

The rest of the interview had some issues as well, but nothing compared to this catastrophe. Rick Warren has a lot of talent and gifts and is pastoring a large congregation. He has sold more books than I will ever buy in my lifetime. He obviously has been blessed and God has used his books to reach people, but these comments speak to the truth of how Warren perceives the Christian life. How committed can anyone be to something they can just return for a money back guarantee? The sad truth is that people buy this message - They try out church - They try out mormonism - They try out etc....and nothing works because God, in His Sovereignty, is in charge period.

The Peasant Princess: Top Ten

2008-12-03T11:02:00.000-06:00

The past couple of months I have been blessed by Mars Hill Seattle's series entitled The Peasant Princess based of the book of Song of Solomon. I have watched every sermon and during the process have been taught and challenged on every level as a Christian husband and father. For some silly reason we think that pre-married counseling is an end all discussion when talking about our marriage - when really it should be the start of continually examining your marriage while always striving to learn more and more about your spouse and how you can serve he/she better. Here are my Top Ten quotes or ideas that I remember as I reflect on this great teaching series. Some are practical personally, others are just great observations of culture and can be used as I Pastor and do marital counseling.

My Wife = My Standard of Beauty. When my standard of beauty changes - that is when marriages start falling apart. Replacement of your wife being the standard of beauty - can lead to a trainwreck of a marriage. This is obviously an issue as the cultural standard of beauty is sold/advertised/marketed/placed in front of us at all times.
In my marriage I am after INTERDEPENDENCE, not INDEPENDENCE.
Date Night = PRIORITY. With two kids (22 months and 1 month) - my wife and I need 1 time a week to go out on a date. Why? To connect, to talk, to get to know each other better - so we don't get to be empty nesters w/ nothing to talk about. The past 5 weeks we have had date night each week no matter what - and it has been awesome!
Before I touch my wife physically - I need to touch her mind, her heart, and her soul.
Selfishness - In a marriage - research shows that it takes 9 years to remove oneself from all selfishness within. The worst part about this is people get divorced and then repeat the worst years.
Cohabitation Quote = "Cohabitation includes - Hook up, Shake up, Break up."
Dudes - In our culture guys typically want all the benefits, but want/take no responsibility.
Pornography Quote = "Just cause we are thirsty - doesn't mean we drink from the toilet."
Divorce Quote = "So many Christian couples are divorced in every way, but the paperwork - and they ridiculously pat themselves on the back for not getting a divorce."
Childhood = A lot of what happens in one's childhood - greatly affects how they define, think about, and behave when they are married.

You can watch all the sermons here. Driscoll has produced a free online book available to help those struggling with pornography. You can download that here.

I feel like in church we don't talk about marriage, sex, and parenting enough. We have at times failed to deal with real issues that the Bible addresses. I am glad that Driscoll steps out and talks on these issues, and that Mars Hill shares this content for free. Please check it out if you are married or preparing for marriage.

Farewell song written to President Bush

2008-12-03T10:54:00.001-06:00

My first tape that I received in 1991 was Steven Curtis Chapman's For The Sake of the Call. 17 years later Chapman is still making music and his most recent contribution was to write a farewell/thank you song for President Bush. Chapman has had a difficult year w/the death of his daughter. His writing this song is part of his testimony that he is truly thankful for all that God has ordained. You can check out the song here.

Vikings Week 12: Gifts From the Jags

2008-11-26T10:07:00.000-06:00

The Vikings 30-12 win on Sunday seemed to be an early gift to the Vikings as the holidays approach. Jacksonville gave the Vikings 4 total turnovers and missed 2 field goals on Sunday. The key to these turnovers was that 2 of them occurred early and scored on both to take a 14-0 lead. The Vikings D gave up a ton of yards in the pass game, but allowed only 35 yards rushing. The offense was so-so - especially concerning was the amount of hits that Gus took.

This game was especially nice because the Vikings seemed to have the game in control with about 10 minutes to go. In a time of thanksgiving the Vikings should send a card, an email, a text-message, or a couple of wrapped gifts to Mike Tice, Jack Del Rio, Brian Williams, and Troy Williamson for their sucky coaching, play, trash-talking, and the good gifts they gave the Vikes on Sunday.

My Grandfather: My family and my friend pt. 1

2008-11-20T16:18:00.000-06:00

Proverbs 22:6 commands parents to: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." My grandfather, Marlin Kusler, trained my mother, Sheila to raise me a certain way, to teach me, to put up with me and to ultimately love me despite my faults, disobedience, and times of disrespect growing up.

I had the privilege of spending a weekend around my grandpa last weekend, while deer/pheasant hunting. My grandpa got the opportunity to hang out with his great-grand daughters, which was truly a blessing. I got the chance to interview my grandpa and ask him some questions about growing up and living in one place for his entire life.

Saved From Wrath (Brett): "You were born in 1932 and spent your childhood growing up amongst the Great Depression: what is one of your memories of that time?"

Grandpa Kusler: "One thing I remember on the farm was sleeping in a grain bin for an extneded period of time. My parents were building the home on the farmstead and we kids sleep on top of the grain in the wooden bin on mattresses."

SFW: "What are some of the things you did for fun growing up on the farm?"

GK: "Well....we really didn't have any toys or anything so we had to make our own fun. I remember when mom and dad had people over we would sometimes find dired cow pies and stick them on the running boards of the model T's in the driveway."

SFW: "Grandpa....you haved lived in this town for 76 years and have never moved (aside from moving from the farm into town, but still spending all your time on the farm).....what have been the best and worst parts of that."

GK: "The best thing has been that we've never had a crop failure. We have been blessed. God has overseen the land we've been farming as a family for generations. I guess the worst thing is that i've never lived anywhere else, so I don't know if it would really be any better."

I am proud of my Grandfather because he is my family and he is my friend - along with a slow, but effective player at any card game. Stay tuned for part two when an interview will be coming with the one and only Oscar (aka "Ozzie") Moser.