Gimme Some Christmas

Christmas has become such a selfish endeavor. It all gets started with our "lists", doesn't it? These lists are full of our overly optimistic hopes that someone will invest a ton of money in satisfying our "wants". Now kids are known for quite the optimistic lists...but I've seen adults of all ages fall prey to the very same illusion. I know, I know...its all part of the fun. Make your lists...dream and hope you get the stuff...send it off to "Santa"...and maybe you will get a few...and be disappointed in a few that were missed. But somehow in that "fun" we've lost focus. With all the lights, decorations, yummy food and shopping malls taking priority...are we missing something? Christmas was never about "getting stuff", was it? Yet most of us experience it primarily at that level. That's too bad. Though gift giving and receiving is central to how we celebrate, its not the main point. Ya, I know...this is where a bunch of you go..."oh no, here comes the Christmas is about Jesus birthday guilt trip". "Way to ruin our fun dude!" You may be pleasantly surprised to know that's "not" where this is going (though of course it is Jesus birthday). Even bigger than it being Jesus "birthday"...we should ask why did Jesus choose to be born as a baby in the first place? I believe its because of God's heart for relationship with us. In fact, the bible tells us He would be called "Emmanuel"..."God with us". That tells us something very intregal to the Christmas story. It tells us something central to God's heart in all this. You see Christmas is not "getting" ...but "being with." As a matter of fact, its always been about God "being with" us...and in turn us "being with" others! Simply put...love is best manifested by "being with" someone. Christmas is God's love expressed in its best form...God with us...in the person of Jesus. So as ECHO, we hope to be a people that as we celebrate Christmas in the future may we always remember, Christmas isn't about "getting stuff"...its about "being with". God with us...and us being with others. In this the heart of Christmas is best expressed. Perhaps beginning with this year... "being with" can be our focus...in the midst of all the fun :)

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

The Why?

Have you ever been around young kids...especially pre-schoolers or early grade school kids? They do something that many of us have forgotten to do. They do something that we often don't like...yet it is so healthy. They do something that we often discourage, yet, I believe Jesus would encourage. You see, Jesus said that we needed to become like little children to enter into the Kingdom of God. Perhaps this is one area he was referring to. I'm speaking of young kids tendency to ask "why?" What a great word! They ask it over and over...and we sometimes answer...but mostly we don't. Unfortunately, we teach them that their "why" questions are not important...or at least not worth our time to answer. What a shame. The older we get, it seems we ask less "why" questions...we seem to acclimate to our surroundings and "go with the flow", so to speak. Whether at home, at work, at church or in our culture...we often do stuff without ever asking why? Which begs a big question...Why? What a shame we have stopped asking this important question. Why questions, when honestly pursued, will often take you to the core...the central truth... the foundation...if you dare to ask of it...and if you dare explore its depths. Often in church circles we do stuff...lots of stuff...lots of churchy stuff...lots of "good" stuff" even...but we never ask why? Shouldn't we? If, as followers of Jesus...Who is Truth...shouldn't we be the biggest askers of "why"? Shouldn't we be the biggest pursuers of "truth"? Unfortunately we often are not... because we fail to ask...why? For example...when asked, why do churches even exist...some would say "to worship God". Now, though this is partially correct, wouldn't a "why" fit in well here? Why is church conducive to worshipping God? Why is church necessary in the worshipping God equation? Why is that the method of choice? Another common answer to why churches exist, some would say, "is to go into all the world and preach the gospel" (known as the "Great Commission" in church circles). Wouldn't this be a good place to ask, "why"? Why do we need to "go"? Why do we need to preach the gospel, and what is "the gospel" by the way, that we are preaching? Though both of these common answers are partially correct...they are not. A simple "why" will take you deeper...to the "foundation" as to why we do these things at all. Why do we worship God together? Why is the Great Commission a big deal? And are these 2 things the "most important" thing followers of Jesus are about? Dare I say..."no!" Why, do I say that? Simple...Jesus was asked very directly what was "most important"...and he answered very directly...and simply...Jesus said "everything" (as in all things...as in even church things...as in life things...as in every single thing!) ..."everything" hung on this (as in hanging like a picture on a nail...i.e. "completely dependent on") ...Everything hung on this..."love God with your whole heart, mind and flesh...and love others as you love yourself". If you ask "why" long enough...and dig deep enough...you'll end up at this central... foundational truth...that EVERYTHING HANGS ON! Why do we gather to worship together? Because we are created to love God AND love each other...and gathering together is very conducive to doing just that. (it should be noted that "if" your gathering together is "not" conducive to worshipping God and loving each other well...then some serious adjustments need to happen...it may begin with a "why" not question?) Gathering ALONE...seperately...may allow you to worship God...but it hinders the second half of Jesus emphasis...the loving people part. Can we gather in mass and not love each other well? Sure...many churches do...sadly, they are missing a key component of what Jesus calls His "church" (His people) to be. But being alone ensures you fail on the loving people thing...cause their ain't no people around for you to love on! Why is the Great Commission so important? Because if you really do love God with all you got...His love will grow in you and you'll naturally want to share that love with others. As you love them, the Great Commission happens...its a natural flow out from your life, as you love God and allow His love to flow through you to others. So what's the danger of not asking "why"? Well, you may gather...or not gather in worship...without fully understanding why. Too many gather because "you should" without knowing "why". Knowing "why" gives you greater motivation...and a more natural flow into worship... rather than it becoming some stale ritual you do, because you are "supposed to". The same can happen with the Great Commission. Too many "do" the preaching the gospel thing...without living it. The result...people are repelled by the gospel...not attracted to it. Without love as its motivation, even evangelism and outreach, can become an exercise in ritual...without the heart to it that Jesus intended. People sniff it out quickly too. People know when you really care and love them...and when they are some project for you...some notch in your church belt...somebody you need for your agenda. May God forgive us for not asking "why". May God forgive us for doing so much churchy stuff...without even knowing why...without even having Jesus heart at the core of what we live. At ECHO, our challenge is to become a group of Jesus followers who will always ask "why"...and not be afraid of the answer. If the answer takes us nowhere...then perhaps what we're doing is not rooted in Jesus truth. If that's so, then we need to adjust. If we ask "why" and it takes us back to what Jesus said "it all hangs on"...then we know we are on the right track... motivated by whats right...God's love for us, flowing through us, to those around us...and in that the Kingdom of God will be expanded...because we dared to ask "why?"

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

Authentic Thanksgiving

We love Thanksgiving in my house, don't you? Lots and lots of great food...turkey...stuffing...cranberry...carrots...yams...mashed potato...gravy...salads...pies...ice cream...hot cider...ahhhh good stuff! Lots of family and friends too...that makes it even better. We usually open up our home to whomever wants to join us. Being in a college town, often people can't get home for Thanksgiving...so we welcome whoever would like to join in the feast...the more the merrier. Then top it all off with lots and lots of football. Oh ya, just relax, laugh, tell stories and watch football till we slowly...drift off...to that "oh I ate too much"...nap...zzzzzzzzz. That's our Thanksgiving...sound familiar? Yep...its probably a lot like yours too. It seems that's the typical modern American Thanksgiving (barring a few minor variables). Yet the first Thanksgiving was quite different really. We seem to depict it as if it was almost like what we do today...except with a few Indians and pilgrims thrown in...but it wasn't. In 1621 life in America was very different. No grocery stores. No Walmart Super Centers with an abundance of cheap, affordable food. No wealth to speak of. No cities or established communities anywhere near what we have today. Life in 1621 was about survival. People farmed and hunted to survive. Remember people came to America to escape religious and government persecution. They desired freedom...and were willing to risk it all to have a shot at it. Not a guarantee of it...just a shot at it. Thankfully, for us, they succeeded. But for this first group of settlers, having enough of a harvest to survive the harsh winter was a big deal. Without it they die and the dream ends. But with the help of local Indians teaching them techniques to grow crops in this new land, along with the resources these settlers brought from Europe... together, the harvest was plentiful. Not plentiful, as in cook it all up and eat too much, till you fall asleep on the couch. But plentiful as in store the food after its been gathered...and be careful, even very moderate in using it properly...to ensure you make it through the winter. In fact, history tells us, this first Thanksgiving was not so much a "feast" of gluttonous proportions, as it was a day of quiet, thankful, worship to God. Most of the day was in prayerful solitude. These pilgrims knew without God's provision and protection they wouldn't survive. The cold, harsh winter would take its toll if their harvest wasn't sufficient. Their hearts were overwhelmed with gratitude. It wasn't a wild, loud party of celebrating till you puke. It was a day of prayer, worship and hearts of gratitude toward God...that happened to end in a meal...a modest meal...a meal of Thanksgiving. At ECHO, we know how easy it is look at history through the eyes of our current culture, and sometimes miss the essence of the moment. Isn't it weird how "our" Thanksgiving is a day of eat till you drop, over abundance...with a token prayer of thanksgiving thrown in. While the pilgrims Thanksgiving was a day of reflection, prayer and quiet gratefulness...with a moderate meal added in to seal the deal. Somehow we miss that part of "thanksgiving day". In America we do the same with most holidays. We can often miss the significance of Christmas, the 4th of July, Easter...and yes even Thanksgiving. Other cultures have faced the same dementia. The biblical era Hebrews often had celebrations to commemorate very significant things, usually tied to God and their nations history...yet often the scriptures tell us of their absent mindedness. Often the rituals of celebration had lost their meaning...and the party became the focus, rather than the celebration being about the significance and meaning they were reminded of in that moment...or holiday...or ritual. Unfortunately, we too often...do the same...I suppose its part of the human condition...this type of memory loss. But at ECHO, we hope to intentionally re-focus our minds and hearts on the foundational things God has done...and appropriately celebrate them! It's good to celebrate authentically. But not good to celebrate simply for the sake of the party. In that is a distinct hollowness...one that God would hope we would avoid. At ECHO, we hope to encourage all of us to avoid it also...because if we do...there is a lot to be thankful for!

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

Bigger, Better, Best

We live in a culture where the bigger something is, the better it is assumed to be? We see this in lots of things. Homes. Cars. Meals. Restaurants. Stadiums. Multi-Plex Theatres. Even churches. Now we know from practical experience that the place that serves that HUGE burrito...is not necessarily serving your cities "best" burrito. We know that the biggest truck or car, though eye catching and "impressive" initially...its not always the vehicle that is the best in drivability...maintence...gas mileage...and comfort. We know that the "best" home is not always the biggest. A huge home...with anxiety...stress...work overload...and an inability to manage it...can quickly crush your enthusiasm. The same goes in church circles. Biblically, does God like "big" churches? Well, He is definitely into as many people as possible being in relationship with Him as can be...millions...even billions. Clearly Jesus gathered crowds. Clearly heaven is full of angels and multitudes of people. So God is into "big"? Well, not necessarily. Sure God likes big and many, as long as its people gathered authentically, whose hearts are His...but not bigness for the sake of big...or for the sake of status or impressions. We often live like he does, but we have it all twisted and upside down. Look carefully at what God values most. Jesus said "everything" hangs on this..."everything" depends on this...in other words, He was making crystal clear what is of the MOST importance. What did He say? Build huge multi-million dollar churches? Gather large crowds no matter the cost? No...He said, "Love God with your whole heart...mind...and soul. And, love others, as you love yourself." So a huge "clue" into the heart of God is in this bold proclamation of what God thinks. Often we get it at a surface level...but we miss the essence of how important this is. God thinks people experiencing His love and trusting it in relationship with Him is of the highest priority. God thinks that as he teaches us what "authentic love" is...it should flow from one person to another, in real relationships. So the filter should be does "bigger" create the "best" environment for that to happen? Its a good one to ponder and consider. Let's face it, free pizza and beer can get a crowd. A great band and staging can attract a crowd. A funny, skilled speaker can draw a crowd. A knowledgeable marketing guy can suck many people in...to almost anything. But what creates an environment where God is authentically experienced on a personal level? Can that happen in a huge crowd? Sometimes. Sometimes, a very worshipful vibe is created by a mass of people centered in on God and giving Him free reign to touch their lives. More often than not, the large crowd allows people to be hidden, anonymous, impersonal, and if touched...its usually the emotion and hype of a well staged large group gathering. Too often we settle for this. God doesn't. What environment is conducive to people actually sharing their lives together...yes, even their mess...yet learning to love, forgive and persevere together? Can that happen in a large gathering of thousands? Can it happen in large group of even hundreds? Perhaps in isolated and rare occurrences... but most likely...not! The larger the group of people the harder it is to allow authentic relationships to flow as God intended...so we usually settle for surface...rather than whats real. Relationships are centered in trust. In revelation. In process. That doesn't happen in large gatherings of anonymity and hype. Most don't open up to another without knowing them for a while...and being known by them. That doesn't typically happen in a crowded room. In smaller, safer environments, its possible. As that natural process of revelation happens...trust grows...relationships grow...and become. Its the same with our relationship with God...as God reveals His heart to us...we begin a process of trusting His love...that grows as we journey in relationship with Him. At ECHO, we are not afraid to look closely at what God values...and not just glance at it on the surface and go chase after our tendency's which tell us, "bigger is better"...but to look beyond our western, cultural ways of looking at things...to look through that fog to the light of what God says is "best"! Now, that sounds easy...its not. Not as a church. Not as individuals desiring God's best. But at ECHO we want to encourage everyone...every not-yet-believer...every already convinced...every church leader...every church...to look through the fog of culture...yes, even church culture...to see God's best. That's the target. That's where our true value lies. That's where we discover the life that God says is "abundant". Perhaps the reason we don't experience it often enough is because we have settled for "bigger is better"...rather than what God says is "best!".

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

You Can Say That Again

satisfaction,
satisfaction.
'Cause I try and I try and I try and I try.
I can't get no, I can't get no.

When I'm drivin' in my car
and a man comes on the radio
he's tellin' me more and more
about some useless information
supposed to fire my imagination.
I can't get no, oh no no no.
Hey hey hey, that's what I say.

I can't get no satisfaction,
I can't get no satisfaction.
'Cause I try and I try and I try and I try.
I can't get no, I can't get no...

lyric from "Satisfaction" by Mick Jagger & Keith Richards

You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You just might find
You get what you need
lyric from "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by Mick Jagger & Keith Richards

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

be God's!

Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Trick? or Treat?

My kids are always trying to sneak up on me and scare me. It's really quite funny, because they usually don't. First off the word "boo" isn't inherently scary...plus when they say it...I kinda know its their voice. I mean, who decided "boo" was scary? And why? I know its supposed to be what ghost say...but really, is that the best a ghost could come up with? Really? Boo, actually sounds like a fun word...a playful word... a silly word. That's why it doesn't scare me. It's no more scary than someone sneaking up behind me and saying "cheese!". OOOOhhh, I just have to laugh. Now in the Fall, we seem to like the playful and scary. Its all a part of the Halloween spirit I suppose. Goofy creatures that make silly sounds like "boo". And we sometimes jump in fear...other times we laugh in shock. Its all meant to be innocent fun, but often lost in the Halloween "fun" is the undercurrent of truth in this occasion. This night of the dead has roots back to the ancient Druid celebration of Samhain. Samhain marked the end of the season of life & light and the beginning of the season of darkness and death. The Druids had their year divided into these two primary seasons. Now it makes sense naturally...in the Fall, all the leaves drop from the trees and we are about to enter a season where nothing grows...Winter. Everything in nature goes into a hibernation of sorts until the season of life begins in the Spring! But to the Druids it was much more. It was also deeply spiritual. On this night of Samhain, the dead and evil spirits had free rein over the earth to create mischief. Now I'm not taking about stealing pumpkins kind of mischief...we're talking serious mischief...like curses, pillaging, and killing in retaliation. The Druid priests often would go home to home, farm to farm, and collect "treats" on behalf of the dead & evil spirits...if you failed to comply with their wishes then a "trick" was coming your way. These "treats" weren't just cute little candy treats...but food, children, maybe one of your livestock, whatever they asked for...the "trick" was the penalty if you did not comply. The "trick" may be burning down your barns, killing your horse, or kidnapping one of your family members. This was serious stuff...and we often don't realize it. In fact, the Irish legend of the Jack o' Lantern, tells of a man who sold his soul to the devil, and when he died he was not allowed into heaven. When he went to hell, Satan refused his entry, but gave him a small cinder from the fires of hell. Jack put this cinder in a turnip he had hollowed out, to give him a little light & warmth, to guide him for all eternity. A reject of both heaven & hell. How sad is that story. Yet we celebrate Jack 'o Lanterns, without knowing the cryptic background to such a tradition. Much of what we do at Halloween is like that. Unlike most other holiday occasions, Halloween is not centered in a Christian celebration. Its roots are dark, occultic, and pagan in its spirit. In fact, today, in the pacific northwest, its widely known that occult and witchcraft activity heightens at Halloween. Its considered a high feast, often accompanied with sacrifices and rituals, that are very real and serious in the spirit realm. As followers we should not be ignorant...nor fearful. Jesus is already victorious over any spiritual force, whether real or imagined. But as followers of Jesus we should also live with clear thinking regarding things of this sort. We should not be naive. Especially for our children, we should model whats spiritually healthy. At ECHO, we suggest you steer away from the dark imagery, the death, the evil and those traditions associated with such things. Does that mean we can't dress up and have fun? No, not at all...dress up (if you wish), have fun with family & friends, gather your candy, laugh and enjoy the good. But be aware and wise regarding the dark...the evil... the things that glorify death & deprivation. Those things are not godly and should not be "enjoyed"...they should be "diminished" as much as possible. "For God hasn't given you a spirit of fear...but of power... love...and a sound mind (or clear thinking)". Embrace the innocent fun...and steer away from that which too closely associated with the dark side of this time of year. As followers of Jesus, we at ECHO, would hope we would always point people towards the light... the good...the righteous...and help people steer away from the dark...the evil...and death. May you live everyday...even Halloween...in a spirit of truth...love...and hope!

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Shadows

Shadows

Life is full of light and shadow

O the joy and O the sorrow

O the sorrow

And yet will He bring

Dark to light

And yet will He bring

Day from night

When shadows fall on us

We will not fear

We will remember

When darkness falls on us

We will not fear

We will remember

When all seems lost

When we're thrown and we're tossed

We remember the cost

We rest in Him

Shadow of the cross

by David Crowder

be God's!

Brian O

Leader Pastor dude, ECHO

External Drive vs Internal Drive

I once visited Austin, Minnesota to visit a friend, and lo and behold I discovered the Spam Factory was there! What an interesting surprise. I knew of Spam...yes, even tasted it...but to now be in the shadows of the actual factory that produces the product...now that was something. What I discovered, was much like the old Oscar Meyer Wiener Mobile...Spam had its own vehicle...a box truck...shaped appropriately like a can of Spam. How cool is that? Interesting the promotional ideas companies come up with. Some brilliant. Some not so much. The Spam truck was cool...as was the factory. I remember being at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 2006 and seeing a Harley looking t-shirt that read "Austin, Minnesota, where all good hogs go to die", Spam Factory 2006. That was brilliant...I wanted one. They were only available at the Spam Factory. They were all sold out. Bummer! In spite of the brilliance of Spam's Sturgis t-shirt, and the Spam Mobile...it still doesn't change the biggest question. "What exactly is 'in' Spam?" In spite of the brilliance of the external marketing that peaked my interest...eventually I had to deal with... "what in the heck is this stuff?" and "Would I dare buy it and eat it?" It reminds me of how we often live in church circles and perhaps how we tend live as humans in general. We know that what's "inside" is of the most importance...yet we often gravitate to the "external". In church, the environment for people to experience God and to experience love from others in a godly way, is clearly the mandate scripturally. Yet we spend more time and energy and resources on "how things look". Most churches are mostly focused on where they are located...is it a high traffic area...is it in the "right" part of town...does it look impressive...etc? Most churches worry more about how long the service is...the style of music...the performance of said music...the length of sermon time...the lighting...the videos...the techie stuff to look cool...even stuff like coffee...artwork...dress codes etc...? The assumption is "if" we position ourselves properly and look good enough and perform well enough...people will pour in the doors. Huh? We are so driven by this external focus, we often miss whats most important, the internal. Do we spend as much time, energy and resources on cooperating with God's Spirit to have a spiritual environment where people can genuinely gather and experience God in community? Do we spend as much time, energy and resources on considering how we may be able to create an environment where people can actually connect relationally in an authentic way...so that the love of God may actually flow from one person to another? How often do we focus on and consider these "core" internal things that should drive our churches? I believe if people experienced an authentic encounter with God...and were surrounded by godly loving people that really would journey with them through life...I believe you could not keep people away from that church! Even if it was in an old dusty warehouse somewhere...people would be looking for that place! People would be enthusiastically bringing there friends and work associates and neighbors! Not bringing them because they hope they will be impressed by the "show" or the "building"...but because they knew the environment had so much God stuff going on that there was a good chance their friend may experience God and His love through His people gathering. Funny, we as individuals, tend to gravitate to the same thing. It seems we like to focus on the "external" aspects of who we are (or seem to be)...way more than we focus on the "internal" aspects of who "we really are". Its a human tendency I suppose. Its this thing in us to gravitate towards "performance" over "being". Its easier to look good, dress right, drive the right car and develop "status" ...than it is to be kind, forgiving, generous, sacrificial in serving others needs over your own and other godly qualities. The bible says that it is the "Spirit of God working in us" that produces these godly qualities...not what we do by self will. Yet we gravitate to what "we can do"...perform to impress or attract. As churches we do the same thing. Its easier to have an impressive building or put on a good "Sunday show" than it is to cooperate with God's Spirit in loving others in an authentic way. Its easier to have a tight hour and a half performance with God stuff sprinkled in...than it is to experience God's Spirit touching lives in a deeply personal way. Its easier to serve coffee, have a greeter open the door with a smile, and shake hands after the second song...than it is to actually share your life with another and journey with them through the messiness of life, as you build authentic relationship together. Why do we gravitate to the "external" so easily? Why do I do it too? Is it to avoid dealing with the "internal"? Is it because we feel like we can control the external? Is it because we fear surrendering the "internal" into God's control? Maybe we'd rather depend on us more than God? We hate trying to perform and be good enough...yet we tend to go that direction...as individuals...and as churches. At ECHO we realize how easy it is to "do church"...actually, to "do the mechanics of church"...yet often miss the core, essential, internal things that God desires His church...His people...to be. We gather to explore...and experience God together. We gather to share life...to really share life with each other. This requires patience, forgiveness, kindness, compassion, acceptance, and love. All things people crave. All things God desires His people to share. These are the internal things that drive people deeper into relationships with God...and with His people. Without it we may as well being selling Spam...cool factory building...cool truck... nothing of substance on the inside. Once people discover that...they won't be back for more. At ECHO, we hope to be a people of substance...godly substance...not settling for performance based church. But allowing God's Spirit to build within us something that truly is life transforming for us...and those we come in contact with! Trusting and cooperating with God's Spirit to do within us and through us...what we could not do on our own. Join with us on this journey...its a harder road...but well worth it...for everyone concerned :)

.

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Just For Fun

Recently I was reading some interesting rock history on a variety of bands that have come from Ireland. Being Irish, with 2 parents born and raised in Ireland...I am proud and amazed at how many great music artists have come from this island nation. What's most interesting is Ireland's historical embrace of artists, poets, and writers...along with a deep spiritual root that goes back to the late 470's when St. Patrick arrived on the scene. St. Patty was brilliant at weaving biblical themes into the arts and spiritual traditions of the not-yet-believing Irish. He was so successful at it, he is credited with 'Christianizing' the nation. That impact has emanated around the world...much of it through Irish art, poetry, music and writers. Ireland's deep Christian roots and embrace of the arts in all forms has led to some amazing musical artists, many of which have a uniquely spiritual foundation in their musical offerings. Not all of them do, of course. Some themes are your typical love songs, party songs, songs of various emotions, common to the human condition...that part isn't unusual. But the spiritual themes of hope, love, peace and healing... especially in the context of God as its source...that is uniquely prevalent. That's kinda cool. At ECHO we too embrace the arts, of all kinds, knowing that they can be great expressions of the soul and can deeply touch people in very relevant ways. Note some of these famous (and perhaps not so famous, at least in the USA) Irish bands. Think on some of their songs, their themes, the spirit in their music... How many times has God spoken to you through a 4 minute song?

Top Irish Bands
-U2
-Snow Patrol
-Van Morrison (his band was originally called "Them")
-The Cranberries
-Sinead O'Connor
-Thin Lizzy
-The Boomtown Rats (led by Bob Geldof of Live Aid fame)
-The Pogues
-The Undertones (led by Feargal Sharky)
-Rory Gallagher (a legend in slide-blues-rock guitar)
-Enya

To name a few!

Who is or was your favorite?

Who had the most impact on you?

What songs "spoke to you"?

May the ECHO of the songs that touched us, be a reminder of how our lives can ECHO God's love as well. Pass it on...

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

Grace Misunderstood

This past summer, as we were on vacation, we came upon 2 signs that seemed "opposite in spirit" yet "compatible" at the same time. As we drove from Arkansas into Texas, from the northeast near Texarkana, we saw a sign warning us "don't mess with Texas", with a huge $1,000 fine for littering (I think its $186 in Oregon for perspective). This sign didn't feel very welcoming... in fact some might think it was uninviting, to say the least. Right behind this sign, was a colorful sign with the Lone Star state's flag proudly declaring "Welcome to Texas". With a caption saying, in a friendly sort of way, "drive friendly...the Texas way". One sign seems to tell the visitor "don't screw up or you're toast". While the other says, "Hey, just work with me on this...trust me...it'll be OK". I love how those two signs are juxtaposed against each other... seemingly opposites...but in reality saying the same thing consistently, two different ways. Grace is much like that. The concept of "grace" as Jesus taught it and expressed it, is often seen as the opposite of much of what the scripture declares. It can almost seem as if "grace" says, "hey, forget that other stuff". But in reality grace is not a blanket dismissal of all the declarations of scripture, as some may assume. Some would suggest that all the law, wisdom, counsel and dictates of scripture have been set aside in favor of an age of grace. A grace that says, "that other stuff doesn't matter anymore, so don't sweat it". Some would say grace absolves our responsibility in many things scripture declares. In actuality grace may indeed be saying something very different than we realize. For instance, when looking at the teachings of Jesus, we actually see that grace broadens our response to God...rather than absolving us of it. The Law (of scripture) tells us we should not kill. Jesus tells us that when we have anger in our heart, we've committed murder. The Law tells us not to commit adultery...Jesus says when we lust in our heart, we already have committed sexual sin. The Law says we should give offerings of at least 10% (a tithe or tenth) to God's purposes...Jesus declares that "everything" is His, and we are given responsibility in how we use it...for our purposes or for God's purposes. The Old Testament had one day as the Lord's Day...Jesus let us know He wants our whole life, every day. You see, the Law of scripture may actually require less than Jesus asks. As you read Jesus' words carefully, you actually see He is asking for a much higher standard than the Law does. But how can that be? Wasn't Jesus all about delivering a message of "grace"? How do those two road signs fit together? They seem contradictory... not compatible? So what's the deal? There is one big difference in the mix. The Law required we met it by the letter, or else we were disqualified. We were bound by performance to the Laws requirement. It was a "Don't Mess With the Law" kind of feeling...and the penalty was much bigger than a $1,000 bucks...it was death! The result of messing up in following the Law meant the death penalty... sometimes literally...all the time spiritually. With Jesus He brings the "Drive Friendly" vibe...the Welcome mat is out...we call it "grace". Grace is that wonderful gift provided by Jesus, that covers us when we don't meet the demands of the Law. When we miss the letter of Law...the Spirit of grace leads the way. Jesus, motivated by love, invites us all through grace...by saying, "I've provided a way for all of you...if you trust Me. I know you will mess up and not be able to fulfill the Law. Your best won't cut it...but my grace will be enough for you regardless." That's why Jesus' message is called the "good news". No more performing to the letter of the Law. But Jesus didn't get rid of the Law's requirements...He actually expanded them because of grace! He actually lays down some stuff that's much harder to live out...like controlling anger, lust, selfishness and stuff like that. Things no one is immune to. It is as if Jesus is saying...now that grace covers when you fall short of my demands...lets take your performance off the table...and focus on what God desires to shape in you. Things that are much harder to be manifested in our lives. Can you imagine not ever getting angry? Never lusting? Always living as if your whole life "actually" belonged to God and not you? Living to the point of all you have is "actually" God's, for His Kingdom...not for your self interest? Wow, those are some radical demands...or shall I say...a rather high bar God is trying to get us to live out. But grace would remind us that "we" can't do it...only God in us can move us in that direction. A life of love...real love...God's love. Not something mustered up in human strength, but a love born of the Spirit of God in us and through us. Grace actually removes "performance" from the equation...but increases our "dependence" on God to make a more lofty set of ideals growing within our hearts and lives possible...and worth moving towards. At ECHO, we are so excited to share this "good news"...and the opportunity to learn to live life dependent on God at a deeper level. Not a level of legalistic check lists of "do's and don'ts"...but a life that is fully surrendered and cooperating with God...not only for His Kingdom's best interests...but ours as well. God's grace doesn't excuse us from what He desires...it actually expands what He desires from us. That is, indeed, an exciting, challenging, humbling and messy process in our journey of life. But it is one worth taking. Grace invites us to live a more daring life than the Law ever could. Grace says, "let it all hang out...give all of yourself... give all you got...go for it", in a radical dependence on the God who loves you...provides for you...guides and directs you...and ultimately empowers you to live as He desires! And know that His "grace" provides the "safety net"...when we fall short...when we can't...when we aren't in the mood...when we don't understand. In those moments may "grace" remind us, not only of the love seen in God's gift...but may it remind us of the invitation to depend on Him ...even for the impossible!

.

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

But What About Me?

Have you ever walked through city streets, only to hear a distant
phone booth ringing? Now in today's culture, phone booths are rare. With the advent of cell phones, who needs a public phone anymore? But when that rare time happens...as I hear that ring...as I'm passing by the phone...I can't help but wonder, "Is it for me?" Its weird, I admit, and maybe I've seen too many movies where the call is for the person walking by...and of course, something incredible happens "because they answered it!" I don't know, but am I the only one who thinks such things? Don't we all have a bit of "me" in our thinking. Ya know...they must be laughing at "me"...they must be talking about "me"...that call must be for "me". OK, maybe not, but in certain situations we all share the common thought of..."well that kinda of stuff only happens to them...but not me." But we sure wished it was for us too, don't we? I think we think that way often about God's interactions with people in scripture too. One of the most favorite stories of Jesus in scripture, has Him in a boat, with His disciples, cruising across the sea as He had instructed. As seems to happen when Jesus and His followers are in a boat...a storm breaks out. Apparently storms are not that unusual to fishermen (as many of the disciples were) who make a living enduring such things...but this storm scared them...and scared them a lot! What was a trip this time, Jesus was sound asleep! Picture this for a moment. These guys are screamin' for their lives thinking their gonna die...and Jesus is taking in a little nap time. How funny is this scene? Even funnier, is when you consider these same guys "screamin' in fear like little school girls", had seen Jesus do some pretty incredible things. They saw Jesus heal people...feed people...protect people...even tell the winds to be still...yet fear still gripped their souls? With Jesus "in the boat" with them...fear still overwhelmed them. Even though they saw Jesus "show up" multiple times in the past for others in their time of need...they doubted if He'd show up for them? Isn't that sadly funny. We've seen God doing amazing things for others...but when our butts are on the line we wonder, "but will He do it for me?" In their moment of fear, as irrational as it may seem, they did the right thing...they went to Jesus. When they woke Him up, His first words were about their lack of faith (or lack of trust in Him). Yet even in their fear...even in their lack of faith...Jesus still protected them and they survived. Isn't it good to know that God can put up with my "fear". That He is not gonna "shine me on" because of my lack of faith. That His love endures my "screamin' like a school girl"...even when He is right by my side. Even when He is in the boat with me, and I freak out...He is still there for me, and He'll get me through. I know my life has its share of scary and uncertain moments...some in which I wonder if I'll even survive. And yet, even though I know Jesus is with me, I allow fear to overtake my faith...yet Jesus still gets me through anyway. At ECHO, we are so glad Jesus loves you and me...like He does those fearful disciples in the boat. We are so glad these are not just stories in a"book", but something we can experience. We are so glad He is patient with our lack of faith...and those times we freak out and scream "but what about me?" It is so good to know personally...and to express to others...the incredibly good news of a God who not only "does stuff for others", but also "shows up for you too". The bible reminds us that "God is for us...not against us." It says Jesus promises, "He'll never leave us...or forsake us." I hope this is as reassuring to you...as it is to me!

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

CON (text)

The other night I was watching Punk’d, you know that Ashton Kutcher show where he sets up his celebrity friends to be put “on the spot”, in awkward situations. Often he places them in situations that seem innocent enough, until the weird twist happens, and then while they are uncomfortably facing the situation, he secretly films them. He basically plays pranks on them…totally setting em up to make fools of themselves for all the world to see. Fortunately, at the end of each episode Kutcher shows up laughing, letting his “victim” know its all a joke and they’ve just been “punk’d”. It’s funny how a normal day to day situation can go so haywire, when something twisted drops into its context. Its funny to watch a prank...but not when its regarding something important like when it happens in how scripture is presented. All too often scriptural “ideas” are presented as “fact”, when in actuality they’ve been oh so subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) taken out of context. Many "not-yet-believers" and believers alike, see this discrepancy and feel like some big "con" is going on. The result is a lack of trust in the one delivering the message, and in some cases a lack of trust in the very book being used. Ya know, they are right...you have to admit that we often are sloppy and mis-represent what scripture says. Often "our ideas" take precedent over God's...and it should not be. Sadder yet, is presenting "our concepts or preferences" as if they are God's...that's wrong...very wrong. One of the first basic rules of proper reading of “anything” is to read the sentence or passage in “context”. In other words, read it, taking into consideration the full environment in which it was being spoken. Read not just the line you are highlighting...but the paragraph before and after is a good start. Sometimes there is a back story to the context, as in why was this being written, and to whom. Too often, one phrase is pulled out and used as a “stand alone” statement, and becomes distorted in its meaning. The listener has been “punk’d”…the “con” is on…they’ve been misled (whether un-intentional or deliberate). We often see this in politics or news sound bites…but it happens in day to day living as well…even in how scripture is taught and understood. It’s quite one thing to say he said, “that’s dope”…but the context means everything. Was he pulling a bag of pot out of his pocket when he said that? Or was he looking at a cool car with a custom paint job? Or was he pointing at you? The context helps you understand what was being said. It is of particular importance when we read scripture. Too often people believe things based on a statement in scripture taken out of context. For example, some would suggest the early church met in homes, not large church gatherings…so, they would say, we should do the same today. Some would say that meeting in large groups in “church” is not even biblical and that meeting in “homes” is the only biblical way to gather. Out of context, yes the bible says they met in homes. But in context, it also says they “met in homes AND gathered in the Temple courts”. In context, meeting in homes (in smaller gatherings) was to go hand in hand with the large gatherings in the Temple courts (and these gatherings involved thousands by the way). Unfortunately many will speak the “they met in homes” out of context and lead people astray in understanding it properly. It should also be noted that the early church was radically persecuted by the Roman Empire and in 70AD the Temple was destroyed…so the gathering in homes in those early centuries was as much out of necessity, as it was out of community. That is part of the context as well. When the Roman Empire became friendly to Christianity about 400 years later, churches began to be built as gathering places for the masses. So understanding context gives you a more accurate glimpse into what a sentence or passage means. It is vital, or we’ll get “punk’d”…so to speak. Another example puts me "at risk". It involves one of Jesus' favorite topics...money! You see as a pastor who has been paid full time...part-time...and even volunteer...over the years...talking about money is a quick way to get people defensive. "You're only talking about it cause you're a pastor who wants to be paid!", they'll say. That's the normal assumption. But its funny how two of Jesus' most commonly taught subjects make us real uncomfortable...money... and...hell. Pastors who address either get "targets" painted on their backs...but teaching on Jesus' top subjects should be rather safe territory, don't cha think? Oh well. I'll go for it anyway. Consider this "money" passage. It is one of the typical and glaring "out of context truths", that people throw around. Perhaps you've heard it mentioned? It is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 9. This is a passage that has Paul, the apostle, speaking about how he is a tent maker, a working man paying his own way, and how he preaches for free, cause the gospel is a free gift. People love to mention that Paul was a “tent maker” to justify why pastors should not be paid…even suggesting that pastors who get paid are even un-biblical. It’s usually a way for a believer to get around their responsibility to “tithe” or financially give to the church they attend etc… but I digress. What is fascinating about 1 Corinthians chapter 9, is that Paul actually lists many reasons why pastors should be paid. In verse 3 through 6, he is saying, ‘hey don’t I have a right to eat? Don’t we have a right to take our wives with us? Or is it only me and Barnabas who must work?” Now that doesn’t sound like a guy saying “pastors shouldn’t get paid”…in fact it would suggest that it is perfectly appropriate to pay pastors. In fact, it almost sounds as if Paul is protesting a bit when he says, “hey why am I the guy who’s got to work?” He goes on in verses 7 through 10, “Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk? Do I say this merely from a human point of view? For it is written in the Law of Moses: ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is trending out the grain’. Is it about oxen God is concerned? Surely He says this for us, doesn’t He?” Paul is saying, hey its perfectly appropriate to pay people…its appropriate that the worker share in the benefit of his labor…even an ox, he says shouldn’t be muzzled. The idea there is if a muzzled ox can’t eat while he works, he’ll eventually get hungry…weak…even frustrated…and eventually lose energy and stamina…and won’t work as effective. The same thing happens with people. But most amazing is in verse 14 where Paul says, “the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” What? This isn’t a man made scam to get money? You mean Jesus, the Lord, COMMANDED that those who preach & teach scripture, should be paid? Amazing how the context of this chapter has changed the discussion. It isn’t so much about Paul working so he can preach for free…its that he chose to in this circumstance with the Corinthian church, to further the spreading of the gospel…even though it is perfectly appropriate that he get paid for it! There may be various reasons why. Maybe this church had not matured to the point of faithful giving yet? Maybe their giving wasn't sufficient? But Paul kept serving them...even though, they could not pay him...as they should. His tent making on the side was necessary for this church, in this season of time. Would Paul have accepted their offerings? Well lets look at another passage. In fact, Philippians 4:18, the same Paul, the apostle thanks the Philippine church, for their generous support. “I received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied…now that I have received the gifts you sent.” So why did Paul contradict himself (assuming pastors are not to be paid?). It appears Paul did live off offerings at times. At other times he worked to survive. It may even be the Corinthian church was the unique exception...not the rule. But he makes it clear that it is appropriate…even a command from Jesus Himself, that those who teach the scripture should be paid. Paul says it’s “an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God”. Isn’t it amazing how “context” makes the picture clearer. At ECHO, we do not want to “con” anyone by presenting scripture out of context…we’re not here to “punk” people into some personal opinion on the Kingdom of God. Our goal is to properly look at scripture, in context, as best we can…so we can learn God’s ways…His way…so we can try to live it out together in proper context with God…and with each other!

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

Complex Simplicity

It is amazing to me how we often make the simplest things in life so complex. I suppose its human nature, where we think we "know so much", so we devise these elaborate schemes for the simplest of things. Perhaps its pride in some form, where we need to think we are smart, so we have to show it off, with some maze of logic that leads us to the obvious. With road work everywhere in Eugene...especially this summer of stimulus...I am shocked at the ludicrous detours some guy at the ODOT offices come up with. I had to take one the other day that had to be 2 miles long, in order to get one block around the corner? The weird thing is, with a little foresight, the "detour" could have begun 1 block sooner, and saved us all a heep of driving. But no, some genius over thought the obvious, and we end up taking a mini tour of Eugene to drive around the corner. Why? Why do we complicate the basic things of life? We do the same in spiritual things...we come up with doctrines, traditions, practices, laws, rules, and procedures so complicated that most people feel completely inadequate. They think they need to have a PhD in Theology to have a chance. Why have we made it so complicated? Human nature? Pride of self? Control? Whats amazing is that the very scriptures we try to codify, doctrinize, and memorize would tell us something remarkably simple...yet we "over think" it and surmise it must be more complicated than that. Yet Jesus summed it up quite succinctly...He said all scripture, all the prophets...hung on this..."Love God with your whole heart, mind & flesh (everything you got)...and love others as you love yourself". That's it. That is what "it" all hangs on? Yep, all those scriptures we try to memorize...all those doctrines we're trying to figure out...all those traditions and practices we prefer...they all "hang on" those two things! Simple. When Jesus said it, He meant it...so why don't we live as if it all depends on this? Oh, sure, some churches focus on aspects of "loving God"...like worship...or prayer...or chasing spiritual things...or teaching the scripture. But what about that "love others as yourself stuff"? Too often our complicated spiritual detours lead us away from the simplicity of loving God and others...genuinely. We're on a spiritual tour through the countryside of some sort...and we're missing the obvious. Jesus said "if we have not love...we are not His followers". Scripture says, if you have miracles etc...but not love... your missing the point entirely. We get caught up in the complexity of religion and miss the simplicity of relationship. Relationship with God...and learning to have loving relationship with each other. That's it. That's what it all hangs on...its simple. Let's take Jesus at His own words regarding "His Word". At ECHO we realize that living with each other is complex enough...so we try not make it harder than it needs to be...isn't that what Jesus was trying to say?

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

Foundational

My family and I had a vacation together recently. We flew in to Dallas, Texas... got the rental car and headed to Waco, Texas. After a night of relaxation we visited UBC, a church in Waco where David Crowder leads music and worship. It was a great visit to a unique & impacting church. We had fun in Waco which also involved a visit to the Dr. Pepper museum. Yes, Dr. Pepper was invented in Waco...who knew? Then later that afternoon our travels took us to Austin, Texas...one of our favorite cities in the US of A. We hung out by the river downtown, had fun and saw the bats fly out from the Congress Street bridge at sundown...1.5 million of them they say! What a trip eh? My kids loved it! We swam in the pool and visited friends as we gathered for Church reDefined in Austin for 3 days. Its a pastors network we're in for the past 2 years and we meet every 2 months...its an awesome time of relationship and support with pastors from all over the country, from a variety of denominations...some in established churches...some in brand new start ups. Its always a refreshing & encouraging time when we hangout together. After Church reDefined wrapped up on Wednesday, after lunch, my family and I hopped into the old PT Cruiser and headed northeast...destination...Bella Vista, Arkansas! Why you ask? Because its there! LOL. Actually, because a man who has impacted my life more than any other has retired there... my "pastor". It was worth the long drive through Texas and Oklahoma to reach the northwest corner of Arkansas to be with him and his wife for a few days. Was it a detour from our next destination at Lifepoint Church in Longview, Texas that following weekend? Yep, but it was worth it...every moment...every mile. You see Pastor Paul, he's now 78, so a time like this is rare for my family and I to "be with" him...and I want my wife and kids to get a sense of why he has impacted my life so much...as they were "with" him also. We visited other friends in the Bentonville area and had fun...but this was a trip to "be with" Pastor Paul and his wife Bev... and we are so glad we did take the time. Foundational people in life are rare and are to be appreciated as much as possible. This was one of those people and one of those times. I say this to say that life often has "road marks" or "mile posts" or "markers" that we never forget. Much like our vacation trip had road signs, road markers, key signs of remembrance and photo opportunities that made our trip memorable...so does our journey of life. Its amazing how often those "life markers" are manifest in people we have met along the way. In my case...Pastor Paul. Think about it...think about those things that God has used to impact your life the most. Now the "spiritual" among us might say the "churchey" answer...the bible, scripture, God's Word, of course. The "mystical" among us may say in a rather holy tone...its been through prayer and meditation... when I've heard the voice of God whisper. Now I must admit, God does reveal Himself through scripture and prayer...of course He does...but more often than not, the greatest impact on our life has come through another person! A person of faith who was Jesus like. They loved us, encouraged us, pointed us in the right direction, as we journeyed through life...even when the journey was messy. Now those times often felt like God encounters of the real kind. Those are more often than not, foundational to our journey of faith. The impact of one life upon another...when God showed up in the flesh and bones of another...when God's love was manifested to us in a very real way. Think on these things...my hunch is, the greatest impact on your life was a "person"...not a sermon...not a worship song...but the loving, caring, compassionate life of another person rubbing up against your life. In church circles we usually emphasize scripture (as we should) and prayer (as we should)...but we often diminish or even "poo-poo" the impact of relationships...of doing life together. At ECHO we recognize the frequency and impact of doing life together...and how God has used it to touch our lives... and now He desires us to pass it on in a real and tangible way. Jesus with skin on. God's love in the flesh. Grace and mercy experienced in the midst of the messiness of our lives. At ECHO we want to learn to love this way...to trust God this way...to live this way. Its a journey worth taking, lets take it together!

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

He Gives Us All His Love

We were visiting a church in Texas as a guest musician led us in this song...Seth is the lead musician/worship leader for Mosaic in Austin... he is an interesting guy who is also in the bands "Zookeeper", as well as the "Sad Accordions". But as Seth led this song it sounded oh so familiar, yet appropriate. Now I know why. The song was written by Randy Newman (the same guy who gave us "Short People" and the catchy "I Love L.A." and countless other soundtracks). It was released around 1972. I had the album back in the day, and it always struck my heart, as it resonated God's heart to mine. Perhaps, today, it'll do the same for you too!

He gives us all His love

He gives us all His love

He's smiling down on us

From up above

And He's giving us all His love

He knows how hard we're trying

He hears the babies crying

He sees the old folks dying

And He gives us all His love

If you need someone to talk to

You can always talk to Him

And if you need someone to lean on

You can lean on Him

He give us all His love

He gives us all His love

He's smiling down on us

From up above

And He's giving us all His love

He's smiling down on us

From up above

He gives us all his love

lyrics by Randy Newman

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

WOW!

It is quite a powerful thing to get a glimpse of what God is doing...it is quite another to share in the experience. Since ECHO began this blog as an attempt to open up discussions that are challenging...helpful... stretching...even bothersome...we have seen many people join in. Our hope is our discussions open us up to the heart of God and how it may be experienced personally and expressed to others authenticly. With the ECHOblog approaching 7,000 hits shortly, we have had communication from all over the United States and Canada. We literally have heard from every continent (except Antarctica... apparently penguins are not computer literate yet...and those few guys working the weather station down there haven't heard of us yet). But we have heard from Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, South America and throughout North America...WOW! It is quite humbling to speak with other pastors who identify with ECHO in places like Australia, Brazil and Holland. It is powerful to have had some impact on lives in South Korea, Japan, China, Thailand and India. To hear from South Africa and Malawi...then Ireland...then Panama...then Israel...then Russia? It is humbling, and a glimpse at what God's Spirit can do...even through our simple ramblings, on a blog called ECHO. We rejoice and remain in awe that folks all over the provinces of Canada are willing to search out Jesus in the midst of our posts. To hear from churches in Massachusetts, Florida, Washington,Texas, Missouri, Indiana, Colorado, Arkansas, Wisconsin, South Carolina, California and New Jersey and beyond...is baffling, yet encouraging at the same time. Some "get" what ECHO is doing...some "don't" and that's OK. The bible says, "let us reason together from the scripture"... so thats reasonable to us, which makes those discussions valid and worth the time & effort. When we hear from a searching teenager in Winnipeg...or the rock n roller caught in life's fog in Michigan...or the Buddhist interested in Jesus, but not so sure He's for real...or the artist in Seoul, South Korea who is inspired by our thoughts and musings to consider the deeper spiritual depths of her soul...or the missionary in Africa feeling alone...these are those for whom we are available. These are the ones we hope God will speak to. These are the ones this blog serves. Its a varied bunch, with circumstances and backgrounds far beyond our comprehension...yet God allows us to speak into their lives anyway. It really is a miraculous thing. Though ECHO may only be able to reach some face to face...God's Spirit can reach far more...much further away. To that, all we can say is...WOW!

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

Amazing

Ah, summer...beaches... convertibles... sun...cool breezes...ice cold drinks...it can be an amazing time. But it all makes too much sense usually. I mean you don't drive a convertible in the rain or when its 28 degrees, do ya? Ice cold drinks in sub zero weather seem out of place. We like it when it all seems to fit...it all works as it should...and maybe that's why we like summer and all that is "supposed" to go with it. In our world, as humans, that's how we like it I suppose...yet in God's Kingdom, it ain't as tidy as we often like. It is amazing to consider how God uses the foolish things... to make eternal impact. Hilarious, when you think of the imperfect bozos who often lead the way...in our time...in past generations...and all through out scripture as well. What a rag-tag bunch we are. It makes me bust a gut laughing. Sometimes it makes me cry from the depths of my soul. Sometimes it makes me clench-fisted angry. But mostly...it amazes me! God in His baffling brilliance has chosen to entrust His message of hope to a bunch of goober brains like you & me? Now why? Why not just do one of those God things...and reveal yourself to us all...you know, overwhelm us with your God-ness! Then, this whole thing is done...settled...you're in or you're out...and off to the eternal new heaven & new earth stuff where we can finally live without pain, without brokeness, with total provision, in perfect love, and in perfect peace! Hey, isn't that what we all crave... believer and not-yet-believer alike? Yet the process God chose is... slow... sloppy...messy...seemingly imperfect, if you will...YET completely brilliant at the same time. To us, it don't make sense. Yet doesn't it paint a wonderful picture. It clearly reminds us that God's ways are not like ours...and it also screams out HOPE! It clearly screams out that God doesn't need perfect people to accomplish His perfect will...He can truly turn all things around for good, for those who will trust Him, in spite of themselves...and in that get us & our world to God's intended destination! Now we all have seen people and wondered... how did God ever use a moron like him (or her)? We see them in the bible...we see them in church history...we see them in churches we've been in or read about...perhaps we've even seen it in ourselves, in the mirror. Yet this random, messy journey God has us on reminds us that its not about being perfect and having it all together... but it is about Who you trust in living it all out. Somehow, someway, God's Kingdom has been and will be expanded by buffoons... and I love it! That means I'm eligible to be a part of it all. As much as it frustrates me sometimes, it also encourages me to press on, to get back up, to keep moving in a Jesus led direction...cause somehow He can use my mess...my sloppiness...my wayward heart...my rough edges...and still, by His Spirit, accomplish His purpose through my fragile life. Wow, at ECHO, we consider that a song of hope...a message to be embraced and shared. Yes, even a message to be screamed from the rooftops and down the alley ways. Let it ECHO...Guess what, God loves you so much, He ain't gonna give up on you, and He'll use your imperfect self to accomplish perfect Kingdom things...if you trust Him! That is something amazing... something to be celebrated...something to pass on...so embrace it and enjoy!

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

Lest We Forget

My wife & I were on an early morning drive to the Portland Airport a few months ago, as we were catching a flight to Austin, Texas. As it were, the flight was so early, it was dark for most of our drive. Now I'm definitely a night person, not a morning person...but I've found the early pre-dawn hours to be quite amazing, on occasion. It's quiet... peaceful...usually no traffic...kind of relaxing...provided you are awake for the drive with coffee in hand. Now this morning, I "was awake", and my wife & I caught a rare surprise. As the sun rose we caught the amazing sight of Mt. Hood silhouetted against the morning sunrise... WOW! It was awesome. We stopped and had to take a picture. Sometimes life catches you off guard. Sometimes when you least expect it...BAM...a surprise...a memory...an unexpected event. Extra cool if you got a camera to record it. We did...and we did! It makes me think of heaven. Not just the beauty of the moment... but the surprise...the unexpected...the WOW! I am sure we will all be surprised when we get to heaven, in many different ways. One of the craziest things we'll experience is who else is there! As the world mourns the death of several celebrities & sports stars...the "biggest" being Michael Jackson, it seems...I often hear & read of Christians debating whether or not so and so is in heaven? Weird huh? At least I think so. First off...even a casual glance at the bible would tell us the one doing the decision making regarding the after-life ain't you or me...its Jesus! So entering the debate kinda usurps the Decision Maker Himself...so that seems rather bold. But the idea we know what is going on in the heart and soul of anyone is quite bizarre also. I was shocked to see people glad Michael Jackson was dead because he was a sicko, bizarre, weird guy who was a pedophile. Some seemed almost angry at the possibility that MJ may have gotten his life straighten out with God before he died. The facts are, we do not know him...only the cartoon, tabloid characterization of him. He was surrounded by many good believers over the years, and he clearly was a hurting dude, who was spiritually searching for years. You may believe or not believe the rumors. But since when are sicko, bizarre, weird guys... even pedophiles excluded from God's grace? I know it is hard to agree with...but scripture does say it is possible. "Whoever should call on the name of Jesus will be saved." Not whoever is good enough... or normal enough...or sinless enough. If we are to believe in God's canopy of grace that is available to each of us...then anyone is eligible, whether we like it or not. The bible is full of "offenders" who most of us expect to see inside the "Pearly Gates". A lot of messy lives will be covered by God's grace, so get ready. Noah got drunk and slept with his daughters and impregnated them. Moses killed a man. Abraham slept with another woman who was not his wife, and got her pregnant. David not only stole another man's wife, but he had the man killed to cover it up. Isaiah walked through the city streets naked. Hosea married a known prostitute, who continued to ply her "trade". Peter had one heck of a temper problem. Paul was known for aiding and abetting multiple murders. The thief on the cross, who was in his last breaths of execution, was assured by Jesus, he'd be with Him in Paradise. The list goes on and on. God's grace is sufficient for their failings...anyone's failings... even yours and mine. The bible reminds us more than once that "we" (followers of Jesus) were liars, thieves, sexual perverts, idolaters, prideful, adulterers, gossips and the like. It appears that many of us will be "surprised" who our neighbors will be in the Kingdom of God. Many will be there that we never thought "could be"...and many will not be there, that we sure thought "would be". In the end, Jesus is only One making those decisions...so get ready to be amazed... cause His ways are not our ways...thankfully! At ECHO we are so glad God chose to show us multiple people in scripture who were "His" in spite of the stupid, selfish, disgusting, sinful things they did. God in His love, makes His grace available to all who will trust Him...even the "Michael Jackson's" of the world. Even you & me...and that is "good news". May we not be a people that spend more time ridiculing others than we do praying for them. May we not be people that spend more energy in revealing anothers faults and weaknesses, than we do on loving and caring for them. May we spend more time modeling grace than gossip.

May we not forget...His grace is sufficient for us...and them!
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be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO