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."

.

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

Grace

Grace

by U2

Grace, she takes the blame

She covers the shame

Removes the stain

It could be her name

Grace, it's a name for a girl

It's also a thought that changed the world

And when she walks on the street

You can hear the strings

Grace finds goodness in everything

Grace, she's got the walk

Not on a ramp or on chalk

She's got the time to talk

She travels outside of karma

She travels outside of karma

When she goes to work

You can hear her strings

Grace finds beauty in everything

Grace, she carries a world on her hips

No champagne flute for her lips

No twirls or skips between her fingertips

She carries a pearl in perfect condition

What once was hurt

What once was friction

What left a mark

No longer stings

Because grace makes beauty

Out of ugly things

Grace makes beauty out of ugly things

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

Belong

In a world where we all crave to "belong", we try so hard to find "our spot". Some people take on the persona of those they want to be accepted by...others change their clothing style, haircuts, the way they talk, the music they listen to, even the food they eat...just to "fit in." In our vain attempts to find "our place", we often become less of who we really are, so that others will accept us...ironic isn't it? Perhaps that is why one of the coolest messages that Christmas screams to us is that "you belong!" God loved us enough that He reached down to each of us, through His Son Jesus, to let us know personally that we are invited. He could have sat up in His heavenlies, kickin back on His throne, watching us peons try to figure this thing out...and maybe, just maybe some of us may "do good enough" to make it into His presence. But instead, He came to earth as one of us, to show us the way. A personal invitation, if you will. In the flesh, He humbled Himself, not only in teaching us personally about the Kingdom of God...but He also made a way for everyone to get there! The bible says "there is no greater love than this, that a person lay down His life for another". Think about it...God sacrificed Himself...so that we can be with Him...because we belong. We were designed by God to spend eternity in relationship with Him. In His great love He layed down His life in the flesh and died, paying the price for each of us. The bible says, "the wages of sin is death"...and Jesus made sure we didn't have to pay that price! God chose to submit to His own penalty, on our behalf, because we belong with Him...not apart from Him. Now the only choice for each of us is...do you trust enough to enter into a relationship with the God who loves you and has made a way. The key to belonging is being willing to belong. The key to finding your place is trusting the One who knows the way. We each have that choice, to take our rightful place... because of Jesus. And that wonderful truth...the fantastic story of the baby in a manger...is where it all begins. And that is worth celebrating! For the bible also says, "that God wills that no one should perish, but would have eternal life". So God's heart is evident in His words and His actions...that we all belong! We belong in eternal relationship with the One who is Love. We belong eternally in a place where there is no more sin, pain, tears or brokenness. We belong at the table...we belong to the family...we have a place. As a hand fits perfectly into the sand, so you fit perfectly in your place that God has prepared for you, in His Kingdom. At ECHO, we hope to create an environment that makes room for everyone...because you "belong." That's God's heart...and it should be ours as well. This isn't just a Christmas thing...it should be an everyday thing...because you do belong...and we are so glad for that!

Merry Jesus Birthday...where your story begins...

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude
ECHO

God Talk

Prayer is really just talking with God. Whether it is done within the heart silently, or out loud, or in written word, it is quite simply, communicating what's on your mind with the God who loves you enough to listen. At ECHO we realize prayer is quite powerful, yet mysterious. If God knows our hearts, our motives, and why we do what we do...then why tell Him about it? If God knows our past, present & future...then why hash it out with Him? These are legitimate questions...but I believe they are answered in God's motivation for "relationship". We often make it some kind of mystical, intimidating, boring exercise of faith...but it really is more practical and essential than we make it. You see, for example, I often know what my kids have on their minds, or want to ask me for...but I usually wait for them to speak it, whenever they are ready...so that the time may be right...and it may be an opportunity of trust in conversation that is another building block in our ongoing relationship. With every question they ask me, or every concern they share with me, or every dream they are brave enough to tell me...I love them even more. It is extra glue to our relationship...I see their soul a bit...I enter their world a bit...and it is so cool that they invite me into it as well. I think that is how God feels towards us. As we ask the questions...lay out our concerns...pray through our dreams...His heart is moved towards us...and our hearts are moved trustingly towards Him...and that's a good thing. I don't know how all this prayer thing works...but I know it moves my heart towards Him...so that's gotta be good. I don't always get the answer I want, but it takes more of me to trust...when the answer is a "no"...than when it's a "yes". I suppose I deepen my relationship more in those times...rather than a "Sugar Daddy god" or a "Parachute god"...I find a loving Father, who knows whats best...and often whats best is "wait"...or even a "no". If I can trust Him in those prayer moments...then I know my relationship is deepening...and I will grow. If the truth be said..."Faith is trusting God even when it doesn't make sense."

I read this recently, it's some thoughts on talking to God by Carolyn Arends, and I thought how much we all might relate, she writes: "I have prayed many types of prayers throughout my life, but my haphazard list of prayers is quite different from most. I have been a specialist in the "Let's Make a Deal" school of prayer: if you will only let me pass this test (for which I have not read the textbook), then I will spend the rest of my life earnestly studying in a convent somewhere. My years of frequent travel have also honed my "Turbulence Prayers." Typically whispered on airplanes that appear destined to crash, these prayers focus on achieving "meet my Maker readiness: God, if there's anything not right between us, I confess it now. I can also claim extensive experience with "Futility Prayers", prayers that seldom work, but are prayed passionately anyway. Please make my newborn sleep through the night, is one Futility Prayer. Another is: please don't let me throw up!

However theologically incorrect my prayers may be, I have discovered that whatever is in my heart must either be prayed out or left to fester. And so I dare to utter my petty, self-interested requests, trusting--praying--that the Holy Spirit will intercede on my behalf with groans my words (or lack thereof) cannot express, translating my impetuous, childish gibberish into communion with God.

When I read that if I ask God for bread, He will not give me a stone, I realize that He not only desires to give me what I need, but he also wants me to come to Him and ask for it. This to me is the greatest miracle, the deeper mystery--the God of the Universe wants me to speak with Him. Heaven knows I am not a great conversationalist--I talk too much, listen too little--but He desires my company anyway.

There is so much I want to learn about prayer. Can our requests change the course of history? Can we change the mind and will of God? Are the hand of fate and the hand of God locked in some sort of wrestling match that hinges on our prayers? I have received certain and dramatic answers to some of my prayers. To others I have been able to perceive nothing but the deafening roar of silence. In some cases I have eventually discovered why my prayers were answered with a "no" or a "not yet." In many others I remain bewildered. But I will study the Scriptures and I will wait on the Lord and I am hopeful that more will be revealed, as I learn to trust Him. Regardless, I will pray, because He asks me to, and understanding usually follows obedience, and because my life would not be worth living if I could not cry out to the God who gave it to me!

However uncertain I am about the way prayer changes the unfolding of events, I have been shown clearly that prayer changes me! When I begin to pray for an enemy, my heart like a fist clenched in anger, I am opened up until I can no longer hold the resentment and frustration. When I plead..."Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner", I travel a little deeper into the mercy of God. When I confess..."I believe, yet help my unbelief," my faith is made a little stronger.

And so I pray. Whether I am praying from a surrendered or stubborn heart, I speak with the God of Creation. I am ushered, sometimes reverent, sometimes willful, never worthy...into His presence. When the language is beyond me, it is spoken on my behalf. I pray for the wisdom to learn about prayer, and for the courage to pray the prayers that will change me..."

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

Paradox of Grace

"Give up trying to look like a saint," Brennan Manning's spiritual mentor once told him. "It'll be a lot better for everybody." If there is anything that ECHO hopes to contribute, it is this: we recognize that being a true follower of Jesus is not a matter of polishing ourselves up to make ourselves more presentable to God and others. But it is about being honest about how far we fall short of being the persons we know we should be and reaching out to accept the freely given, wild, crazy and untamed, scandalous grace of God. In an excerpt from The Ragamiffin Gospel, Brennan Manning says it best..."When I get honest, I admit I am a bundle of paradoxes. I believe and I doubt, I hope and I get discouraged, I love and I hate, I feel bad about feeling good, I feel guilty about not feeling guilty. I am trusting and suspicious. I am honest and I still play games. Aristotle said I am a rational animal; I say I am an angel with an incredible capacity for beer. To live by grace means to acknowledge my whole life's story, the light side and the dark. In admitting my shadow side, I learn who I am and what God's grace means. As Thomas Merton put it, "a saint is not someone who is good but is someone who experiences the goodness of God."

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Security Issues

In a world where personal security reigns supreme in our consciousness...the question remains, are we? I mean, isn’t the craving of personal security rooted in our insecurity? People fear the economy, losing their job, not having enough for retirement, if their home gets broken into, if someone should steal their car, if someone steals their identity, their physical health, what people think of them, if people respect them…heck, even if they respect themselves! This fear, on so many levels, creates this incredible anxiety in life that many find it hard to enjoy and appreciate life as they have it. Jesus tells us that “satan is the author of fear”. The bible tells us that “God has not given us a spirit of fear…but of power, love and a sound mind (i.e. clear thinking)”. So if this is so…then why do we struggle so much with our insecurities? They say anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications are some of the most in demand and abused drugs in America. Are we a people that is afraid to feel? Have our emotions become something we are to avoid? Has our insecurity created such a high anxiety level that we can no longer cope with the very feelings and emotions that make us human? Are not these very emotions and feelings a huge part of what makes us tick? Are they not part of God's design...perhaps it's a part that drives us toward Him. Why? Maybe in the midst of the struggle we realize we need help and maybe that is how it should be. Because God has a solution. Jesus promises a “peace that surpasses our understanding”. A peace that is beyond what we can humanly comprehend. Have you ever met people like that? Someone who is able to maintain a peace in the midst of chaos that is “other worldly”. Not only is that kind of peace miraculous…it is also very attractive…people notice and they want some too! I read today in the book of proverbs, chapter 3, verses 25 and 26…”have no fear of sudden disaster or the ruin that overtakes the ungodly, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep you from being snared”. Perhaps that’s the key. Our insecurity rests in a fear that “we are not in control”…that “we are not capable” of dealing with what may come our way. Yet proverbs reminds us that our confidence (or lack there of) should not be in ourselves…but that our confidence is securely resting in God…and that is where our security should lie…in Him…not ourselves…or other sources outside of God. It’s a simple, yet powerful truth, that we at ECHO hope to reinforce and encourage in all we are privileged to be in relationship with. May our source…our security…our confidence always be redirected and centered in the God who loves us and cares for each of us, more than we’ll ever know or realize. In that there is safety…peace…and security.

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

A Grateful Heart Is A Thankful Heart

Perspective. How often we lose perspective, especially in our culture of media, hype and self centeredness? I often remember an old Veggie Tale video my kids liked...it spoke of a "grateful heart"... Madame Blueberry I think it was? I love Veggie Tales. Anything that has talking vegetables & fruit characters with an off-the-wall sense of humor is alright by me. But I digress. The point was perspective and grateful hearts. Especially being Thanksgiving time, it would seem to be an appropriate time for both. You see, even though our economy is rocking, and the market is diving, and jobs are being lost...and for some the threat of losing their homes in foreclosure is real...but for most people its simply being fearful of "what may be". We hear about how bad it is on TV, on the radio and in the papers...so it creates this vibe of negativity...pessimism...and fear. Yet, even with all that, its not as bad as we might think. Just over 30 years ago during the Jimmy Carter years unemployment was 10%...inflation 13.5%...and interest rates were 21.5% on your home! And we had gas rationing...like you could only buy gas every other day, and the lines were blocks long, type of gas rationing! By comparison, today we have 6.5% unemployment, 3.7% inflation, 6% mortgage rates and $1.75 a gallon gas...every day! The media and politicians all cry "depression", but during the Depression unemployment was 25% (and women didn't work then, so a man loses his job, and the family has zero income). Unemployment didn't get under 10% until 1941 when World War 2 created tons of new jobs. More than half of the United States were living below minimum subsistence levels. There was no food stamps nor unemployment benefits. 40% of all the banks in the country failed! So when we talk of economic problems...and another "depression"... we don't have to look too far to see were not that bad off today in comparison. Perspective. While we're on the topic of perspective did you know that 2.7 billion people in our world today live on less than $2 a day! That's almost half the world's population living on less than $730 a year...people on unemployment here make more than that in a month! These people in third world countries live lives threatened by a lack of enough calories in their food to be healthy... a lack of clean water to drink without getting life threatening parasites...they lack shelter to protect them...they lack proper clothing to guard them from the elements...they don't even have simple health care to protect them from preventable disease...they don't have learning institutions like schools so they are illiterate...and their life expectancy is a fraction of ours due to these factors and more. Perspective. In the United States 46% of those in "poverty" own their own homes! Their homes "average" just over 1,000 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 1 and a half baths, with a garage. For perspective consider that people in third world countries dream of living in something like our garages! Even our homeless have clean water easily available. Even our homeless have free food, clothes, shelter and medical basics available in the United States. Third World people would see our "homeless" as wealthy people...consider that this Thanksgiving. Most Americans eat more calories in a day, than a person in a third world country may eat in a week. In our country we walk by pennies, as worthless, every day. In many other countries, they'd be thanking God for every one they found! You see perspective gives you a greater sense of gratitude. When you realize the blessings you have...rather than the "wants" you do NOT have...a thankful heart grows within us. In spite of what you may not "have"...you are far more fortunate than most of the world. At ECHO we want to be thankful for what we do have...for the blessing of God's provisions...and be ever mindful of the needs around us...here in Eugene & Springfield and the massive needs around the world. Jesus told us the poor would always be with us...but He constantly reminded us to serve the poor...the orphans...and the widows. It was a constant theme of Jesus. I think He emphasized it, not only because these are practical areas to serve those ever present needs in others...but also by constantly reminding us of what we do have, as we serve those without. May our Thanksgiving truly be a time when our grateful hearts cause us to thank God many times over for all He has done for you...and me! And may it motivate us to reach out a hand of love & care, to those with less. With the proper perspective, I think we can.

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Get In The Game

Last month I had the privilege to be in Austin, Texas the weekend of the “Big River Shoot Out”. This football rivalry game is huge between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners. It was a huge game as always, but this year both teams were ranked in the Top 5…so it was even bigger. The game is played in Dallas at a neutral field for both teams, about equal distance from both schools. Now Texas won the game this year, and we happened to be in Austin Saturday night…on historic 6th Street…a short distance from the University of Texas campus. Wow, what a party was goin on there…the place was packed with Longhorn fans…what a sight to see! Now 6th Street in Austin is the historic music scene…reputed to be the best music scene in the country…where countless famous artists have performed in many of the music clubs lining the streets. 6th Street is usually party central, as you might imagine, but tonight, after this game, it was rockin at a whole nother level. It’s funny how crazy fans are for their teams. I know, I do it too. I love the Oregon Ducks, the San Diego Chargers, the Lakers, the Blazers, the Dodgers and the Angels, to name a few obsessions. It’s weird how we cheering fans are living through our “teams”. We seem to vicariously be living through our favorite team or players…but we never really participate in the action, do we? Oh, we like to think we do…but really we’re just enthusiastically watching the players do all the work. We pay a few bucks, scream like they can hear us, celebrate the good plays, and mourn the mistakes…but its nothing like the guys on the field. They're the one’s sweating, training, performing, executing the plays, making the impact and ultimately deciding the games outcome. In many ways it can be like that in church… where we become fans of those “up front”, “on stage”, and we cheer them on, and support them in doing what we “only wish we could do”. But really, they do it…and we watch em do it…hoping they are successful…so we feel successful too! But is that the way God intended His church to be? Holy spectators? Are His people supposed to just show up, watch, and cheer on the one’s “doing something”? Are we on the right "track" or are we a on a long train to nowhere? The bible actually teaches us something quite different than how "church" usually is. In fact, the bible actually teaches us that church leaders and pastors are to “equip people” so that they can do the “work of the church”. The work of the “church” is another way of saying the “work of God’s people”. If Jesus said we should love God with all we are and love others as He designed…then pastors and church leaders are supposed to “equip” people to do those very things. Yet, far too often, church can be a “come and see” type of occasion…rather than a training to “go and be” in lifestyle. Perhaps this is why so many see attending church as meaningless…because it seems that we’re passively watching others “do the work of the church”. It seems kinda senseless really. But it’s quite a different thing when each person joins in the things God has planned. Each person feels valued in their uniqueness. Each person feels they are a part. Each person is able to contribute. Each person is able to be shaped by God as He uses them to touch others. There is really nothing quite so meaningful and transforming as experiencing God using you uniquely to touch other lives. At ECHO we intentionally desire to create an environment where each person can uniquely experience God and God using them. Join with us as we learn to “do life” God’s way…not just live life as spectators. It’s a powerful thing…one we hope you can experience…because it sure beats sitting in the stands watching "life as God intended", slip by without you!

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

Beautiful Letdown

"Beautiful Letdown"

by Switchfoot

It was a beautiful let down

When I crashed and burned

When I found myself alone unknown and hurt

It was a beautiful let down

The day I knew

That all the riches this world had to offer me

Would never do

In a world full of bitter pain and bitter doubt

I was trying so hard to fit in, fit in,

Until I found out

I don't belong here

I don't belong here

I will carry a cross and a song where I don't belong

But I don't belong

It was a beautiful let down

When you found me here

Yeah for once in a rare blue moon I see everything clear

I'll be a beautiful let down

That's what I'll forever be

And though it may cost my soul

I'll sing for free

We're still chasin our tails and the rising sun

And our dark water planet's

Still spinning in a race

Where no one wins and no one's one

I don't belong here

I don't belong here

I'm gonna set sight and set sail for the kingdom come

I will carry a cross and a song where I don't belong

But i don't belong

I don't belong here

I don't belong here

Kingdom come

Your kingdom come

Won't you let me down yeah

Let my foolish pride

Forever let me down

Easy living, not much like your name

Easy dying, you look just about the same

Won't you please take me off your list

Easy living please come on and let me down

We are a beautiful let down,

Painfully uncool,

The church of the dropouts

The losers, the sinners, the failures and the fools

Oh what a beautiful let down

Are we salt in the wound

Let us sing one true tune

I don't belong here

I don't belong here

I don't belong here

Feels like I don't belong here

Let me down

Let me down

Feels like I'm let down

Let me down.

Cuz I don't belong here

Please

Won't you let me down?

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Identity Theft

I saw a dude on TV recently who had one of the crazy stories I'd ever heard. Now this guy didn't know it but when he was a kid, is estranged dad had been living it up...buying homes...business... cars... trips...etc... on his social security number. Well when he grew up, not knowing what "good ol' dad" had been doing all these years...he was shocked to discover he couldn't get a credit card. He was in college, good student, with a good job...BUT he discovered when he tried for his first credit card that... "he" had a prison record, a bankruptcy, several default loans, lots of bad debt...the list went on and on. His identity had been stolen, and his life had become hell because of it! I often think of us humans...how often life seems like hell to us. So many struggle with what life is about? Why am I here? Is this "rat race" all life is meant to be? One of the keys to life is knowing "who you are"...your identity. Yet so many have had their "identity" stolen by so many things...their past...their families...their political party...their church denomination...their school...their economic status...their business. Yet none of those things define who we are...they do give a glimpse into "what we do" or perhaps "why we do what we do", but they do not define our identity. Jesus made it clear that we were created with a unique identity...one centered in God's image. We have an identity summed up in the word "relationship". We have not been created to live life alone. Jesus said that all of the commandments, God's Law, all the prophets, everything hung on 2 essential things: we were created to love God with our whole heart, mind & soul...AND to love others as we love ourselves. Our identity, created by God, in His likeness, is for "relationship"...with Him and with others! Our identity in life is to be a lover of God and people! As we love God, He deposits more and more of Himself into us (God is love, the bible says) ...and that love should in turn become more and more of who we are, and flow out of us to those around us. This is so vital Jesus said "everything else" hangs on it. So often we are defined by "what we do"...often forgetting "who we are". That is why the bible says that if we do even miracles...without love...it is a noisy gong and a clanging cymbal (annoying really). That is why we need to guard against allowing "what we do" to become our "identity"...if we do we'll be frustrated...and those very things will become hell to us. But when we center in on our God given "identity"...a person created to love God and allow His love to flow through you to others in authentic relationship...then "what you do" makes more sense, and now it has a "purpose". After all isn't that the two big questions of life: Who am I? and Why am I here? Many have discovered that God's "identity" and "purpose" for us makes it all clearer and more meaningful. Don't allow your "identity" to be stolen...discover it through your Creator. At ECHO we believe He has created you "on purpose"..."for a purpose!" Those of us who make up ECHO, we want to create an environment where you can discover that for yourself...so that you may live in it... and express it to others yourself!

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

Graffiti On The Walls of Heaven

A Terrible Prayer

by Mike Yaconelli

I have always been terrible at praying

I forget

My mind wanders

I fall asleep

I don't pray enough

I don't understand what prayer is

Or what prayer does.

If prayer were school...

I would flunk praying.

But prayer isn't school.

It is mystery.

Maybe the mystery is...

Jesus loves terrible prayers.

Maybe...

When I can't think of anything to say,

He says what I can't say.

When I talk too much,

He cherishes my too-many words.

When I fall asleep,

He holds me in His lap and caresses my weary soul.

When I am overwhelmed with guilt

at my inconsistent, inadequate praying

He whispers, "Your name is always on My lips."

I am filled with gratitude, my soul overflows with thankfulness and I...

I...find myself saying over and over again, "Thank You."

Praying the mystery.

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