Don’t miss the Journey Group leaders celebration! Tell stories from this year, get the summer and fall calendar information and hear the vision from Lead Pastor Mark Ashton. This celebration is open to current and potential Journey group leaders. Please turn in apprentice and referral names and contact information to Deb Beck at 938-1580 or debb@cccomaha.org

I hit “send” with mixed emotions as this email traveled to hit your inbox.

Over the last couple of months Jaci and I have been leaning into Jesus in deep and fresh ways. As a follower of Christ, as a husband, as a father, and as a pastor I want to consistently be living my life in great obedience to God and his pathway for my personal transformation and the transformation of those that I lead and shepherd. As a result of that long obedience, I have accepted a position at Coram Deo (www.cdomaha.org) Church, where I will be leading the discipleship movement with a Gospel-centered focus on spiritual formation and mission. I will be developing many things in this context: premarital and marital approaches, small group communities, counseling situations, and more.

As my Pastoral efforts transition, I echo the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:2-5, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.”

Thank you again for your partnership in the Gospel and for allowing me to serve you.

A married man, Noel Biderman, who admittedly says that he would be devistated to see his own wife shopping on it, has created an online business (ashley madison) marketing infidelity. We all know that the pornography industry has raped many minds, but for some reason this took it to whole new disturbing level for me. Noel Biderman claims that, “we were all created with DNA, and in our DNA we were created non-monogamous.” A person doesn’t have to get too far beyond the table of contents of their Bible to realize that we were created monogamous and that sin entered the world to reek havoc on God’s intent.

The slogan is blatant, “life is short, have an affair.” The entire target audience is for married folks who want to date – ON PURPOSE! What?!?!

According to the news story that I heard last night, this crazy thing was created in 2007, it is currently boasting approxiamately five million accounts and of course, just like the rest of our world’s sin patterns – growing.

Of those 5 million accounts, here is the local heart-breakdown:

• 27, 874 accounts in Nebraska
  
• 8,479 women in Nebraska
  
• 19,375 men in Nebraska
  
• an increase of 110% from last year

Of those interviewed, some of the gals said that it is obvious that some of these (men) are looking to get caught so that they have an excuse for divorce. I don’t know why I’m surprised, but this isn’t ok. This just gives me another war cry for men to “man up!” Instead of getting the quick fix via the affair option, the world and the church desperately need men to put in the hard work that restoration requires. “Getting caught” so that you can have “license for divorce” is the opposite of leadership, husbandship, and hard work. Marriage is work – not boring (therefore, an affair). Come on!

Maybe this is old news to some of you since this entreprenuer endeavor was created in 2007, but I’m not stomaching it very well in 2010 and going into the future. Here are a few reasons why…

Before diving into some principles on marriage, the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthian church to FLEE sexual immorality. “The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body” 1 Cor. 6:13. Later on, in 1 Cor. 7:4, “For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.”

In Colossians 3:5 we’re told to “put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passions…” At the top of a long list, sexual immorality is at the top.

In Ephesians 5 there is a tall order for husbands and wives. The leadership and to do list for the husband is a bit longer for the husband, contrary to the higher stats for Nebraska male accounts on the ridiculous website. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of wather in the word…”

NOWHERE in Scripture does it say, “if you get bored in your marriage, find a website, create an account, find someone else who can relate, and create an affair.”

Although the news is new, the war cry is the same – the world needs Jesus! Only the sanctifying work of God can turn such statistics and intents upside down. Only the Spirit, all powerful as He is, can do His work in people. Jesus Christ can be the Redeemer for a world lost in infidelity, and for the entrepeuners creating more accounts for it. Jesus also needs husbands, not men who happen to be married. There is a big difference. Husbands ask, “what does my marriage need today and how do I need to lead my wife in the sanctifying love of Christ.” Men who happened to be married don’t ask these types of questions and websites of infidelity target them. Such sites are stealing the marriage bed. And according to the recent stats, they are winning.

Pastors and counselors will stack up one appointment after the next to try and sort through these issues, but the reality is, with businesses and internet access into the future, the church is losing ground and the power doesn’t come with man, but with God. My hope is that you can’t stomach this well either and that something in your soul causes you to pray and intercede.

I’m not against entrepruners. I’m against infidelity – especially when dudes are shopping for it.

In order for our cars to optimally perform for the duration of their design, we need to periodically give them a tune up.  For many of us who began our group in the fall, we have arrived at the mid point of the year.  Just like our car, our group may be ready for a “tune up.”

Among the many ways you could “tune up” your group, there is one you cannot ignore. Relationships are very important to the depth of disciple making that occurs in Journey Groups.  Our lives are extremely busy and full, yet we need to encourage the kind of relationships that help foster spiritual growth and transformation.  Advancements in technology encourage many of our relationships to be based on 140 characters or less.  It is much easier to invest in shallow relationships than in deeper ones.

Take the three question assessment to see if you are in need of a relational tune up this year:

How easy is it for you to name (first and last) every member in your group without looking at a list?

If you struggle, this is the place to begin.  Make it your goal immediately to memorize their names and facts about them.   You don’t want to be the one who spends nine months in a group and not know everyone’s name.

Okay, a little more challenging one.

Do you spend time with each other outside your group time?  When was the last time you did something “fun” with someone from your group?

It is okay to hang out every once in a while with a person from your group.  Obviously, it best for guys to do something with guys and gals with gals.  But if the only time we spend with each other is in your group time, you miss out on developing the kind of relationships that involve the mutual exchange of knowledge, kindness, service and celebration.

Lastly, what do you talk about when you are with each other?  Is it all about news, weather and sports?

The single best tool for helping move relationships beyond a superficial level is the asking of carefully thought-out questions and receiving honest, sincere answers.  Here are some examples of the type of questions a RISKS taking follower of Jesus would ask.  Give them a try next time you hang out with somebody you know by name from your group.

R – RELIES ON GOD
Where are you in your spiritual journey?
What are you talking to God about lately?
Who in your life are you close enough to that you can share your spiritual questions with?  (Be honest with – no ambiguity)

I – INITIATES INTEREST
How do you move intentionally towards spiritual conversations?
How are you praying specifically for non-believers?
When is the last time you had a non-believer in your home?

S – SERVES PEOPLE
How do you see yourself using your spiritual gifts?
What area of service do you feel pulled towards?
Where are you currently serving?  Do you sense that is a good fit for you?

K – KINGDOM INVESTOR
If time and money were not an issue what would you do?
Do you think investment of finances or time is the most difficult?
How do you think you can leverage your talents for God’s Kingdom?

S- SHAPED INTO CHRIST-LIKENESS
How is your life reflective of how Jesus lived out his life?
What does being shaped by Christ look like?
How are you living out your faith with others?

Here are the latest details:

• only a few of our team members have had stomach issues but nothing major
• we have laid tile, hung a ceiling, hauled tons of sand by hand, mixed concrete with homeade shovels, cut every board by hand, etc. etc.
• we survived a boat ride on the Niger River – the boats were definitely sketchy and we bailed water over the edge the entire ride
• finished the project we set out to do on time or one day ahead of schedule
• we’ve gained weight instead of losing it because Americanized missionaries treat us well
• ate a Malian dinner with our hands – 9 or so people around a big bowl of rice and peanut sauce
• were hosted by Dusty and Julia Reynolds at their dinner table
• toured the Sababu manufacturing company site and spent some time praying on the Sababu grounds
• I (Dusty White) drove the van today through the Malian streets – oh yes, bring on NYC now!
• have consumed lots of Coca-Cola via the good ol glass bottle with real sugar
• fixed a missionaries trailer (new bearings, grease, etc)
• bartered at the Malian Artisan and bought stuff
• visited, took notes, and strategized with missionaries for a pig farm project
• AND MANY MORE!

We’re headed to church tomorrow, dinner with missionaries and we’re off on Air France at night. Mail – Paris – Chicago – and home! And no, the 100 degree weather hasn’t helped us prep for snow in the midwest.

Started the day with a focus on Ephesians chapter 1 – Chad Swanson led us into the Word (quite well I might add!) Each of our team members will be leading the team through Ephesians at some point over the next few days.

We hit the road and held on tight to any of the handles that we could find. The “traffic control” is…uncontrolled. Many of our first-time-out-of-country-team-members are going to be trusting Jesus a lot on the roads. The van rides are definitely crazy.

Today we dove into the construction project and made quite a bit of progress considering the tools and materials that we were handed, brought, and using. CAMA services has hired a painter, a mason, and a carpenter to work alongside of us as we lay tile, paint, finish a ceiling, and do a lot of other things. Wait a minute here, we’re working alongside of them because the Malians can work circles around us! We’re mixin cement by hand, “sizing” all of our ceiling lumber because measurements won’t do (can’t explain).

Tomorrow we’ll finish the ceiling, visit a pig/hog project somewhere in the bush, and then speak at a new church plant in Bamako. Three of our seven team members are farmers so Shawn McCabe (CAMA/ODES) is hoping that our team can bring some hope to the hog project.

As we move ahead we have about 800ish square feet to tile, and lots of stairs and hallway not included. Painting and finish work to follow that.

Please continue to pray for our team-the health, the project, the spiritual transformation, and everything in between. So far so good.

dwhite

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We all know that fitness/health/gym clubs make the majority of their money during the month of January. Everyone has good intentions, throws their money at it, and gives it their best shot. Some go a few times. Some go a few weeks or months. Some don’t even know where the locker room is. In the end, intentions and new membership cards don’t create fitness for anyone. I don’t know why I’m using this fitness analogy because I’m one of the most inconsistent gym dudes around, but I didn’t buy my membership in January so I’m writing with a clear conscience.

So what will your 2010 New Year’s resolution be? Although fitness isn’t a bad idea (since I just ate fish and chips at Brazen Head) allow me to challenge you beyond purchasing a new gym membership. Instead of creating a New Year’s fleshly-based resolution, what if you implemented a Spirit-filled discipline for your spiritual journey? Followers of Jesus have to lead the way in things that matter most. Among these would be ideas around frugality, solitude, sacrifice, study, prayer, service, and much more. Let’s let the world buy up the well-intended gym memberships.

Awhile back I assessed the spiritual disciplines in my life. I examined the things that come naturally. I looked at the things that I really gain life and energy from. I looked at the things that I’ve done or not done periodically, but would like to do more. My findings on my personal life were very interesting (to me).

Dallas Willard, in his work The Spirit of the Disciplines, defines a spiritual discipline as follows: “A discipline for the spiritual life is an activity undertaken to bring us into more effective cooperation with Christ and his kingdom. These activities give Jesus greater access to the “closed rooms” within our hearts. They make us capable of receiving more of his life and power without harm to others or ourselves.”

Willard goes on to explain disciplines of “abstinence” and disciplines of “engagement.” This is where it got really interesting to me as I assessed my own life. Check out these lists:

As I used these lists that Willard breaks down, I was challenged to realize that most of my spiritual disciplines are in the engagement category. Most of the things that I naturally do, or like to do, are things that “I go and do.” For instance, it is much easier for me to study the Bible than it is to fast from food or drink. It is natural for me to serve and engage in prayer, whereas being silent is pretty tough for me. I was convicted to realize that I don’t “stop doing” things well (on the abstienence list). Although I enjoy it when I slide away from the everyday pace of things and escape into solitude, those disciplined moments aren’t consistently on my calendar.

So before you go and make some New Year’s resolutions, ask yourself – are these flesh-based, or Spirit-based? Also ask, what spiritual discipline(s) should I be implementing into my life as I dive into a new calendar year? Don’t sink yourself before you start. Pray. After praying and seeking Jesus, implement only one or two into your current life. Keep in mind, these things won’t become habits overnight. They will need more than a swipe or scan of your membership card. If you stay in the love of God, and in the grip of His grace, and walk in the power of the Spirit you will be able to turn a discipline into a lifestyle.

The world is full of good intentions, but as one of my friends says, “people go to hell with good intentions.” We (followers of Jesus) MUST live differently and to do so it will take some hard work of both abstinence and engagement.

Bring on 2010,
dusty white

Today at church, our Lead Pastor, Mark Ashton, allowed some wiggle room in his sermon – room for the Spirit. Although things were on par, planned, and ready to be executed, he folded up his notes and took things in a different direction – the right direction.

After poking and prodding through a sermon on “legacy,” influence, the next generation, and so on, Mark took to the Spirit and decided to spend the rest of our worshipful time together CREATING legacy.

After a few moments of personal reflection time, he had all of the single mothers (that were in the service) come forward. After listenting to some personal, “stay in the game,” encouraging words from the pulpit, all of the moms turned around so that the rest of the church in that particular service could see them. Then, moved by the Spirit, droves of people came up with cash, gift cards, checks, and whatever else they deemed necessary and blessed them. Kids came. High schoolers came. There were tears, hugs, and lots of selfless givers.

AND THIS is where God really got a hold of me today. Here’s what I mean…

Most of my giving is pretty planned out. Occasionally Jaci and I can afford to go up and beyond on “whims of the Spirit” and we find a lot of joy in doing so. But for the most part, our finances are budgeted and our giving is regularly planned. Regardless of how we give of our resources, let me challenge you to consider 2 things: 1) does your life allow promptings from the Spirit and are those promtings welcomed?, and 2) how tightly are you holding onto things you could be giving to people (ie: single moms) in need?

I want to live my life as a good steward of my time, talents, and treasures, but also allow wiggle room for the Spirit . It’s also crucial to be “praying in the Spirit on all occasions” (Jude 6). Stewardship and Spirit have to collide to create the kingdom. What does that look like? I think its actually easier than we might think. You have to be willing to fold up your agenda (your sermon notes) and act on whispers from the Spirit. This coming week I’m going to pay attention to the things around me that I typically walk past or ignore. I’m also going to make sure that my family and I come to a conclusion on how to do this as a family. Whether you’re 4 years old, 6 years old, or in your 30s – we have to be acting on whispers from the Spirit.

I want to live my life as a sacrificial giver and receiver. God, in Christ Jesus, gave up everything for humanity – me. How then could I hold tightly to anything of earthly value? What does that look like? Well, today, since I was sitting close to the front for my pastoral/stage duties in the Access service, I saw something that I’ll never forget. I saw moms overwhelmed with the church BEING the church. The most moving thing however, was not just the Spirit moving in His church, but what happened at the conclusion to the entire movement (and this is the part I’ll never forget). One of the receiving mothers had a “wad” of cash and gifts in her hand. Before returning to her seat with the rest of the mothers, she grabbed two of the other moms standing beside her, and split her wad among them. Now THAT is sacrifical receiving…and giving. Oh to live my life like that single mom.

What will you do this Christmas season to give beyond your normal situation – the deep sacrificial giving?

Is there room for the Spirit to prompt you towards the unplanned? Are you willing to respond?

Moved by the church BEING the church,
dwhite