We were 2-dimmensional objects but a 3-dimmensional God entered humanity. We used the words and expressions to talk about Him that were available to us, but they couldn’t really describe him. What words would a circle use to describe a sphere?

• We need to experience poverty & need so that we can relate to the poor. Only then can we give dignity to those who are poor.

• “The poor are Jesus in his distressing disguise.” ~ Mother Teresa ~

• God doesn’t call us to safety. He calls us to follow.

• Too often, we are willing to connect with others in ministries, but not in their daily lives. Ministries bring protective boundaries and expectations. Daily life can be messy, scary, depressing & draining.

Love isn’t fast.

It isn’t efficient.

It doesn’t matter.

Love doesn’t care.

Love is more like a marinade…

…and less like a microwave.

I talk a lot about God. And – since you’re reading this – I’m guessing that you do as well.

I talk a lot about God.

But to Him? Sometimes.

Far less than I talk about Him.

And what sucks about this is that I HATE HATE HATE that quality in others.

beauty is truth

simplicity leads to truth

complexity muddles

contemplate your existence

see the grass

see the design

know the designer

know that knowing isn’t knowing

embrace and pursue forever

Last week at Current, I challenged teenagers to spend time every evening reflecting on this question:

Where was God in your day today? Where was God at work?

As I was challenging our teens, I realized that I need to look at that.

• What people am I surrounded with? What is God doing there?
• What books have caught my interest lately? What is God doing there?
• What has frustrated me lately? What is God doing there?

I believe that God is real, God is active, God is powerful and God loves. Those 4 assumptions lead to this idea: God is always at work in our lives. Thus, if we don’t see God, we aren’t looking in the right place.

Where have you noticed God at your life? What would you guess God is doing in your life?

If you’re a leader, you’re probably challenging your followers with some tough ideas. Hopefully you’re not just letting your tribe passively remain where they are, but you’re loving pushing them forward.

If you’re doing that, you’re going to run into opposition. Here are 3 ways you can react when people oppose your ideas.

1. Attack

You can go nuts. Puff up your chest. Yell.

You get offended that another person would challenge you. Ticked at their lack of thinking and passion, you start to assume that the one opposing your ideas has a few less brain cells than the average human.

2. Conform

You can shrink down. Back-pedal. Fill with fear. Massage the other’s ego.

You’re frustrated with their opposition, but you keep it all inside. While silently despising the opposer, you coddle to their words. You pull back without much challenge. You’re afraid that if you challenge them, you’ll lose them.

3. Stand

Don’t conform, but don’t attack. You’re not on the offensive, nor the defensive. Remain.

You’re secure and sure in this third approach. You’re opposition can lash out at you, but you don’t mind: their anger is their problem. Opposers can abandon the cause, that’s their choice. You’re simply going to hold the position that God has given you. You’re neither fearful, nor hostile. You’re content and steadfast.

How do you tend to react to opposition?

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” ~Jesus~

Jesus didn’t say it was hard for a person to chase after both money and God, he said “YOU CANNOT.”

Jesus didn’t say that it was really simple for financially sound individuals to understand His kingdom. Actually, Jesus taught that it is easier for a donkey to go through the eye of a needle.

So when you wake up in the morning to head to work, quesiton what you’re serving. Wrestle with the reality you live in. Sit in the tension that, though you may treasure Christ dearly, you CANNOT serve both him and the mighty dollar.

You and I both know that getting in creative ruts is one of the most frustrating pieces of ministry. You’d love to pull off something new and fresh, but you just can’t seem to muster it. Stephen Brewster shares 14 reasons you might be in that funk.

Sometimes the best way to move forward is to start questioning some things that just go unquestioned. Over at Creative Theology, Sam questions whether biblical community would be easier without a weekly corporate gathering. Wow.

What if your church could be a truly local expression of faith in your community? What if your music, art, building, ministries & sermons all held the local flavor of your community?

For some of your church leader types, the Bible has become boring. Admit it. You’ve read it so many times throughout your life, you feel like you don’t even need to read it again. Sometimes I feel this way and THE VOICE has helped refresh the powerful, ancient Scriptures for me.

Just subscribed for a year’s worth of themes for our youth ministry from ROOM 1228. Their art is the best art I’ve seen coming out of a ministry. Costs $500 for a year, which comes down to less than $10 a week for small group curriculum, large group teachings & incredible video, posters, promotion, shirt design and more. Awesome.