I Don't Like Mondays

The challenge we all have is not what we learned on Sunday...but what we live out on Monday. All too often we confuse "knowledge" or "more information" with somehow growing more into the people God desires. Yet in reality the bible is clear that if "we are hearers" only but not "doers"...then we are fooling ourselves. I don't think the problem is a lack of information. Rationally, we are the most educated generation ever. We have more access to biblical knowledge than ever before...in books...media...and through the internet. There are churches of every "flavor" in almost any city in America...yet the true test comes on Monday. For too many, we feel our Sunday attendance is all God requires...when in actuality, He requires the trusting application of His truth in how we live. God is more concerned with "who we are" than in "what we know". We discover "who we are" on Mondays (and all throughout the week as well). How do you react to stress at home? How do you react to the insensitive customer? How do you react to the intentional harm done to you? How do you react to the temptations that come your way? Do you choose "selfishness" or "selfless-ness"? When the opportunities for "self-sacrifice" happen, do you accept? When persecution or offense comes, how do you react? When an opportunity to serve someone else comes across your path, do you joyfully step forward? When a need is before you and you can give...do you? In many ways, these questions let us know "who we are"...they can gage where we are on the journey of becoming more Jesus-like. Most people who are not yet followers of Jesus see the disconnect. Do we? They see how we "learn" stuff on Sunday...but we don't "live" it on Monday. Most of them, in a sense, don't like Mondays...it reminds them that this "hope of transformation" promised in Jesus, isn't real. Or at least it appears to not be real...on Mondays. I remember a song from the Irish punk group, the Boomtown Rats, called "I Don't Like Mondays". The lead vocalist, Bob Geldof, has become famous for relief efforts in Africa since his Boomtown Rats days...but this song was one of their most well known. Sadly, it is well known because of tragedy. You see, the song speaks of a shooting in which the young man who killed classmates was asked why he did it...his stoic answer was "I don't like Mondays". The huge disconnect between the feeling of "not liking Mondays" and the action of killing innocent people, was haunting...as was the song. It's hard to comprehend. Much as it is hard to comprehend people who say they follow Jesus...but do not do as He teaches. Sadly, many people observe our non-action to Jesus words and hopelessly conclude... "it's not real". In many ways it kills the hope so many are looking for. In a world desperately looking for hope...not just speeches about hope...but hope that transforms and impacts. A world that is desperately looking for that "redeemer", that "one" who will save them, that "one" who can make things as they should be, the "one" who knows the way, the "one" who knows the truth...the "one" who is love...they often come to a place of doubting it really exists. How sad is that? In many ways most people don't like Mondays. Many Christians don't like leaving the safety of "their" Sundays, as they enter the real world on Mondays...it's too hard. Many not-yet-christians don't like Mondays because its when they see those who claim to "follow Jesus" act like they aren't. And most importantly...maybe God doesn't like these Mondays...as it often stands as a barrier to so many... keeping them from knowing & trusting Him. So many "hear" but don't "live" His truth. So many seeking truth are disillusioned by those who claim to "know" Him. God feels strongly about this...He says that those who "know Him" will "hear His words" and "will obey them" and "live them" out. He says those that are His will "let their light shine before men" so that people will get a glimpse of who God is. He also strongly warns those who "stumble" others of His severe judgement towards their inactions and false action...especially, if it keeps people from Him. God values us "loving Him", not in just word, but in lifestyle...He values it because it reflects His love in our "love of other people"...and that He takes seriously... very seriously. At ECHO, we take serious what God takes serious. The challenge to not just fill up our heads with bible knowledge...but to live it out authentically...which should be so obvious in our lives that it affects those around us...perhaps even drawing them toward God also. If we say "we love God, but don't do what he says, we are a liar", the bible says. Whoa! That's pretty blunt. That's pretty straight-forward. That's what God thinks...and so should we. If we take our "Sundays" as serious as God does...then our Mondays should just be another opportunity to shine God's love...to be a part of His transforming power...as we live as examples of His saving grace...to a world desperate to find it.

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Context For Living

Life is so diverse. Depending on where you live geographically, economically, relationally, politically, emotionally and spiritually...it can really make a huge difference in how one lives and how they see life. The context of one's life speaks volumes in understanding it. For instance, I am of Irish descent, 100% Irish as a matter of fact. Both my mom & dad were raised in Ireland. As it so happens, one of my favorite bands is the Irish rock band U2...I have followed them since they began almost 30 years ago! I often hear people in the U.S. comment on Bono (the lead singer & song writer for U2) and his views on the church, the bible & Jesus. Some don't think he is a follower of Jesus...others think he is...some don't care either way. But I often hear Americans comment on Bono's views of the "church" as if he was speaking about the American church that most of us have experienced. This "assumption" that he is speaking about what "you think" leads you to some very incorrect views on what Bono has said. In proper context, realize Bono is Irish...so the "church" he is referring to is not the American model of church. Bono is referring to the "church" he knows. In Ireland, that is the Irish Catholic Church and the Anglican (British) Protestant Church. Those same entities fought and killed each other for years...in Bono's lifetime. He has lived in a country that has terrorized and brutalized each other for years...under the label of the "Catholics" versus the "Protestants". Though the battle is really an Independent Ireland versus British rule...it has been labeled religiously, primarily because the British national church is the Anglican church, and the Irish have traditionally and primarily been Catholic. So when Bono speaks critically of the "church", he is speaking of misuse of the institutional church he grew up around. But don't be mistaken...he is not against the "church" as the bible defines it...but he is against the "church" as his culture defined it. The bible defines the "church" as any of those people who are authentic followers of Jesus...and for this Bono has been a big advocate, whether Catholic or Protestant, he has always been an advocate of followers authentically walking in Jesus footsteps biblically...not the missteps of corrupt politics nor institutions nor the powers that be. In fact, Bono met the Edge (U2's guitar player) in an experimental school, in Ireland, that allowed both Catholics and Protestants to attend together. This was a rare and advant gard thing in those days, and obviously has influenced their view of the "biblical church" and their music. My dad told me when he grew up in Ireland, he remembered seeing Catholic Priests and Protestant ministers refusing to look each other in the eye as they passed each other on the sidewalk...he even saw them walk to the other side of the road to avoid contact with each other! Now that is the hostile environment the Irish "church" lived within. That is the context Bono speaks from...not from an "American who has gotten disillusioned to church" perspective. Yet, we all too often will look at "Bono's words" as if he is speaking from "our context"...and that takes us to a place of flawed conclusions. The same goes for how one reads the bible. It is so easy to grab bible passages "out of context" and misapply them to our lives...all the while not recognizing the "context" in which it was written, the people to whom it was written to, and the circumstances of that time. Without understanding the context it is too easy to misapply it to my current viewpoint, culture or bias. I see this very obviously in Philippians chapter 4. In this chapter are several examples of scripture passages that are often "used and applied" incorrectly, because they are taken out of their "context". The one that seems to most often be "misused" is Philippians 4:13, "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." I think I even saw Tim Tebow, quarterback of the Florida Gators, wearing that scripture in the SEC championship game. All too often we use that verse in ways that it wasn't intended. I know of college students who have "claimed" that verse in prayer as they enter a biology test that they have not studied for. Huh? As if God will let them supernaturally get an "A", even though they didn't deserve one, because of this verse? I think we are missing something here? In proper context, Philippians 4:13, is in the midst of a passage that is speaking about "contentment". Paul has just outlined some practical ways he has learned Godly contentment in his life...and he has just said, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether I am well fed or hungry, whether I live in plenty or in need." Immediately following this, he says, "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me". Notice the context...Paul has said, since he has learned how to live content regardless of his circumstances...he can do everything through Christ who strengthens him! That's not a strength to run marathons...or pass tests...or win football games...it is a strength that comes from learning Godly contentment. That is not a strength that leads to personal success or accomplishment, so to speak...but a strength that allows one to be content regardless of circumstance! That is quite a shift of context isn't it? Too often we read the bible and try to inject it into our lifes context...verse by verse...when in reality God desires we learn His way, within His context. At ECHO, we want to correctly read and apply the Bible to our lives...in proper context...so that we can live a life that loves God and others properly. That can only happen when my life lines up with God's context...not the other way around...

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Faith...?

"Faith is trusting God even when it doesn't make sense."

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be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

The Pursuit of Happiness

Who ever said life's goal was happiness? In reality, we all live as if that is true, don't we? We strive for the right job to make us happy...we strive for the right house, the right friends, the right experiences, the right stuff...in hopes it'll all end up taking us to that elusive goal..."happiness". Of course the ultimate is that place called, "a state of happiness"...somewhere down the dusty road of life we are to "arrive" in that place...that destination...that place...that "state of happiness". I think with that mindset, we set ourselves up to be disappointed, and with that our journey leaves us frustrated, unsatisfied and forever seeking happiness. Even Christians live in this mindset. Some came to begin their relationship with God under the guise that now everything in their life will finally "click"...no more bumps in the road. Unfortunately, too many quickly realize that a relationship with God doesn't guarantee "happiness"...so some get angry with God...or feel He is mad at them...or their faith is too weak...or even that maybe this "God thing" isn't even real. It's a shame, because we have set people up to be disappointed. Does God provide eternal life, and is heaven a place where all is provided and their are no more tears? Oh ya, definitely, but that's heaven, not earth. Too often we don't make that clear. The bible makes it clear "we only see things in part", as humans on earth, so it's hard to comprehend it all. People still die. Children contract horrible diseases and suffer. War exists. Tragedy's still occur. Couples still get divorce. Addictions still can ravage people's lives. Whether you are a Christian or not, life still hits you in face! Now if you believe that being "happy" is the goal... then many are bound to be disappointed. Some will point to the bible verse that says, God gives us, not just life "but life more abundant". That's true abundant life is promised, not just eternally, but also now in the present life. But what about the scriptures that say, "we are to take up our crosses daily", and others that speak of living a sacrificial life, where we willing lay down our lives for the sake of God's Kingdom and others? What about the road "being narrow and hard" not wide and easy? What about the greatest "being the servant?" What about Jesus promise that those who follow Him "will be persecuted" for it? This raises an important question: Maybe God's "abundant life" isn't what we think? Maybe God's "abundant life" doesn't equal our visions of "happiness?" Maybe "happy" isn't the goal at all. If you think about it, "us" being "happy" is really a very selfish, self-centered view of our relationship with God and life. Since when is the story about "us?" Last I checked the story was about God, and we are bit players in what "He is doing." If we don't understand that simple truth, then we live as if God is our "great vending machine in the sky" that's waiting around to meet our never ending list of wants and needs. There is this tension in most of our lives, where we seek after "what we don't have", rather than be content with "what we do have" each day. If we are always seeking that elusive "thing or person or experience" we don't have...then we live continually frustrated...which chokes out noticing all that we do have today. What we do have is "never good enough", which becomes our mindset...surely not an "abundant life" way of thinking. Philippians chapter 4 gives us a better picture, perhaps, of what God's abundant life is like. It speaks of "learning to be content whether I have a little or a lot". It speaks of not being anxious...but instead submitting to God all our concerns, wants and desires, in prayer and trusting Him in that...and instead thinking on what is good, right, pure, lovely etc... In other words, stop fretting over your vain attempts to be "happy" through whatever means you feel will get you there. Instead God suggests, that we learn the art of being "content", because in "contentment" we discover the "peace that surpasses all understanding" and we experience "the strength to do all things". Notice its centered in God not us. It's a very subtle but profound truth, but oh what a difference it makes. Life centered in "us" brings a lot of frustration and anxiety...cause the search for "happiness" is ever elusive. But life centered in a growing, trusting relationship with God... where we learn to think on the right things...submitting our concerns to God in prayer...well that brings a "peace" in the midst of the craziness of life, a peace that is supernatural. Not only that, but we experience a "strength" that sustains through whatever life throws at us. In that, we find a joy, that is beyond what we call "happiness". Somehow we need something to get us through life when we don't "feel happy". A joy centered in a God that wants to journey with each of us through life...through the darkest valleys...and to the most majestic mountain tops. GK Chesterton once said, "one sees great things from the valley; only small things from the peaks." We can never underestimate what God can do in and through us, regardless of life's circumstances. He desires for us to trust Him enough to allow Him to bring peace and strength when we need it...often in the midst of circumstances beyond our understanding and capabilities. I read where CS Lewis said it this way, "God loves us not because we are so lovable, but because He is love." At ECHO, we want to encourage a pursuit of this God...rather than a vain pursuit of happiness that is so elusive. Jesus said, "that if we seek Him, we will find Him". That's a pretty good place to start and a safe road to journey on... At ECHO we just want to point you in the right direction!

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude
ECHO

Deep Thoughts

"I have felt pain in my own life and am acutely aware of the suffering of people around me. I have seen struggles and setbacks were not always due to sinfulness but were simply a part of the human existence. People get sick and die. Cars crash. Children contract diseases and never recover. Friends betray one another. Couples fight and divorce. Sometimes it's hard to believe life is good. It's not always pleasant, but life is a gift, and your job as a human being is to go out there and live it the best you can. Christianity doesn't answer all my questions or make me comfortable and happy. What it does is give me a context for living."

-rich mullins

"Earth's crammed with heaven; and every common bush afire with God; but only he who sees, takes off his shoes...the rest sit around it and pluck blackberries."

-elizabeth barrett browning

"The best moments any of us have as human beings are those moments when for a while it is possible to escape the squirrel-cage of being me... into the landscape of being us."

-frederick buechner

"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal...lock it up safe in the coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket...it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable... The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell. For love is not there."

-cs lewis

"The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost."

-gk chesterton

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Opportunity Knocks

Oh, the New Year is upon us...2009 has arrived! With all the parties, late night laughter, toasts and watching the "ball drop." It's all behind us now as we move into the uncharted territory of 2009. Going where no man has gone before! As most of us do, we usually start strong... with good intentions...but our New Year's "resolutions" soon become New Year's "reservations". I mean, we meant those "resolutions" to change our New Year for the better, right? But they have now become the things we will have "reservations" about for the year...the one's that got away from us, so to speak. While "resolutions", in and of themselves, are noble attempts...that's all they usually become... "noble attempts". We look for the "thing we won't do", the "habit we'll finally break", the "new behavior we'll start"...all with the intent of changing our life for the better. They usually don't, do they? In many ways, it is very similar to how many people read the bible...looking for "the rules to obey", the "command" to follow, the "promise" to claim, and the "behavior" to begin. For many of us, reading the bible is like how we approach our New Year's "resolutions". It is as if God was only concerned with rules, commands and behaviors? I wonder if we're missing something very vital with that mindset? Is God really that concerned with our performance? Doesn't the bible tell us, we are saved by God's "grace, not by works, so that no one can boast"? Yet we often live "as if" God and our eternal destiny is all about what we "do" and what we "don't do". Though we live "as if" we're scoring points for the afterlife...that is not what Jesus taught. In fact Jesus cautioned us that on Judgement Day many will come to Him and tell Him all about their great deeds...feeding the poor...miracles...and other churchy stuff...yet Jesus responds, "go away for I never knew you". Hmmm, apparently relationship with Him is more important? In the book of Corinthians it tells us that if I speak in tongues of angels...give all I have away to the poor...and do lots of churchy things...but do it without "love"... then "their is no benefit to us". Hmmm, this love & relationship stuff is taken pretty seriously by God, apparently? Wow, notice the diminishing of "doing things" for God...and the emphasis on "knowing God" and out of that "loving others" in what we do. Without that, those "things" we do are meaningless...or rather of no benefit "to us". Now it benefits the poor family you bought groceries for, but in a sense, it gets you no credit or benefit. But God does honor the things done as acts of love, motivated by God's Spirit. Our relationship with Him is central and the goal...not what we "do". Who we "are" in relationship with the "One who is Love"...is of greater concern in God's economy. This becomes a great opportunity for each of us. Instead of reading our bibles looking for the "thou shalt not's"...or the next behavior to acquire...to add to our check lists...we get to look for the heart of God! We have the opportunity to get to know the "One who is Love", better...and learn what true love is supposed to look like! It's quite a freeing thing to go from a legalistic rule oriented, performance based thing with God...to a relational journey of trust and opportunity. At ECHO, we want to continually equip people with a correct biblical view of God...the One who wants us to know Him...to trust Him...to journey through life with Him...through the good, bad and the ugly. The One who knows us better than we know ourselves, yet loves us anyway! The One who says His grace is sufficient for each of us...Lord knows we all don't have it together...so isn't it cool to be free enough to enjoy the daily opportunity of experiencing this God of Love personally! Even better to allow His love to flow through us to others! At ECHO that is an opportunity we embrace, experience, enjoy, express and explore...together!

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO