To Remember...Celebrate...& Learn

St. Patrick's Day...ah yes indeed...I love this holiday...one of the best holidays of the year in my opinion. March 17th is a day to remember, celebrate & learn from.  Now it's not only my favorite because I am Irish. My parents were raised in Ireland, and yes most of my relatives live there. In fact my family visited the summer a few years back, for the very first time. Wow, what a great experience! Seeing where my parents grew up, tracing family roots, visiting extended family (many I've never met before, face to face). But also gaining a greater understanding of my Irish history and a great appreciation of the most famous of Irishmen...St. Patrick! I know most of us in America see March 17th as a holiday full of drunk folks pretending to be Irish as they drink green beer, eat corned beef and cabbage, and wear a variety of embarrassing green accessories. But you see, St. Patrick's Day is much more significant when you know the true story. First, St. Patrick wasn't even Irish. He was captured and enslaved by Irish men and forced to work for them in Ireland. After years of slave labor he received a vision/dream from God. God directed him to take a certain escape route that would lead to a harbor where a man in a boat would be waiting for him, and that man would take him safely back to his family. Sure enough, Patrick did as directed and there was a man with a boat waiting. Shortly after, he was indeed a free man reunited with his loved ones. Patrick soon came to know God personally and became very devote, even training for the priesthood. After seminary, he was serving as a priest with the usual "churchy duties", when he received another vision/dream from God. This time the vision was a picture of the Irish men who had enslaved him begging him to return to Ireland to tell them about Jesus. Patrick humbly said "yes" and returned to the very people who had hurt him, used him, abused him & cruelly took him from those he loved. Patrick was used by God to bring the truth of Jesus to the barbaric Celtic tribes warring throughout Ireland. Due to his willingness and God's grace, St. Patrick's legacy is responsible for Christianizing the nation of Ireland! That is why the Irish celebrate St. Patrick. He is the patron saint of a nation, that is responsible for millions of people sharing in the blessings of the Kingdom of God for generations. I don't know about you, but that story motivates me. To think a humble man, simply being willing to do as God directed, could be part of such a miracle! Wow, I want to be like that dude! Were the Irish just "lucky"? Right place, right time? Coincidence? Heck no, they were blessed by God intentionally through a man that said, "yes, I hear their cry, and I'll go do something about it...personally!" You see, Patrick probably was real uncomfortable going back to Ireland. He probably hated the Irish for what they did to him. He probably feared for his safety, feared for his life even. Yet he trusted God, and went anyway...to a people most of the church establishment in his day thought was a lost cause. I love that...God does miracles in the midst of lost causes! God loves to transform lost causes! Our prayer is that FRIENDS would be a church that is willing to go to people that the "church establishment" may see as lost causes. Our prayer is that we can be a part of "lost cause miracles!" Our prayer is that we would be willing to be uncomfortable...hang with those we usually don't...reach out to those we may even fear...or don't understand...or maybe don't even "like"...and learn to love them as Jesus does. Because somehow in the midst of that, God's love grows inside us and spills out on those people around us, as we learn to "love others as we love ourselves". As we serve people, with tangible expressions of God's love, grace & compassion, God shows up in us and through us! Because no one should be left out. I love that! It's God's heart, His desire...that no one should be left out! I see that in the life story of St. Patrick...and I feel its a great example to us of what a church can be...an ECHO of God's love from generation to generation! Because God's heart is that no one should be left out...can you hear the ECHO...

be God's!
Brian O
ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

Hey Dude, Don't Mess With My Wife!

It's interesting the conversations you have with people once you decide to call yourself "a church for people who don't like church." I've spoken with friends and new acquaintances alike who often take that statement a variety of ways. At FRIENDS we have intentionally labeled ourself that way for a very specific purpose...one we believe is consistent with the heart of God. Many seem "to get it" and rapidly embrace the concept and the spirit behind it. Others, usually Christians, sometimes are confused by the statement. A friend recently said, "it's like you telling me you don't like my wife...well that would tick me off." In context he was referring to how God may view the statement "a church for people who don't like church." In the bible it defines the "church" as those that are true followers of Jesus. It also calls the "church", the "bride" of Jesus. Hence the logic of his statement. But let's unpack this a bit first. A simple Christian take may lead you to that conclusion, but an examination of it would show why it's confusing to some Christians...yet makes sense to the "not-yet-believers". Biblically the "church" is defined as the true followers of Jesus. The bible makes it clear that not all who claim to be followers of Jesus are "true". In fact in the last judgement it says many will come and say they did all sorts of "churchy things" (serving, preaching, give money, praying, healing, miracles etc...) and yet Jesus responds to them "go away for I never knew you". The key to a "true follower" is not what he/she does, but who their relationship is with...it's in "knowing Jesus" and "being known by Him". Balance that view of the biblical "church" versus what we in our culture call "church". Churches to us are organizations, denominational systems, institutions etc... Within "churches" there surely are "true followers of Jesus", but its safe to assume that there also is some "doing churchy things" that are not truly in relationship with Jesus. Their motivation for being "in church" maybe be for a host of things: friends, family, guilt relief, assistance, the cool music, the status, business connections etc... But let's not confuse our institutions called "churches" with what Jesus calls His church. It's a very key distinction. As the old saying goes, "standing in a garage does not make you a car", and so it goes with church. Attending one does not necessarily make you a true follower of Jesus. Now with that understanding let's be honest and say that many things we do "in church" are not biblical. They are man made creations, systems and preferences. Some are biblical and point towards Jesus...other things are hindrances and push people away from Jesus (or at least push them away from the people that represent Him). When a "not-yet-believer" says "I don't like church" they are usually referring to our man made institutions and systems that we call "church". They don't like our representation of Jesus and the clumsy way we often present the Good News of God's love, grace & mercy. So they stay away...untrusting...suspicious...hurt...and confused. When most people say they "don't like church" they are not dissing Jesus' bride (as my friend implied). In fact most "not-yet-believers" do not even grasp the theological concept of the "church being the bride of Christ". To them the concept is foreign. I will also venture to say that when they say they "don't like church" they are not even bashing those "true followers of Jesus" out there...in fact most wish they saw more of that "true Jesus follower stuff" evident in our lives. So let's be fair and say they have a point when they say "they don't like church"... because we often give them enough ammo to criticize what we call "church". Even some "true followers of Jesus" would join them in saying the same thing! At FRIENDS we hope to be a church that represents Jesus simply, accurately, and in love. It's a big responsibility, one we don't take lightly. We recognize the pain of those hurt, rejected or confused by the "church" and desire to reach out without the trappings of modern church culture and present Jesus in such a way that anyone can safely explore who He is...as we journey with you and "all your stuff"...praying and encouraging you, as God reveals Himself to you... so that you can experience Him for yourself!


be God's!
Brian O
ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

ECHO of LOVE

Tis the season...love is in the air...or so they say. Funny thing about Valentine's Day...it is one of the many holidays we celebrate that have roots in Christianity, yet most of us don't know it. In fact, some other countries realize it more than we Americans do. In India and the Middle East right now, there are protests, and intentional political and religious efforts to halt people from participating in any semblance of celebrating Valentine's Day...even banning the sale of "red" gifts and things with "hearts" on them, during the month of February. To many in these countries it is seen as a Christian celebration, and thus forbidden in Hindu & Muslim lands. It's been formally known as St. Valentine's Day for centuries. To us in the United States we seem to enjoy celebrating the legend of love without knowing the truth behind it. You see St. Valentine was a martyr in the 3rd century. According to early church records there were possibly 3 saints named "Valentine". Two of these mentions appear to be the same man...a priest serving in Rome during Emperor Claudius' rule...he died approximately 270 AD a martyr...and both accounts name the same burial location. So it is believed with all these similarities, that two of the accounts of Valentine, refer to the same man. Not a lot is known of him...but apparently Emperor Claudius was so concerned with having a strong & focused army that he forbade young men from marrying. St. Valentine, believing that love was a gift from God, and that marriage was one of its best expressions, secretly married young couples without Emperor Claudius being aware. Once it was found out, he was jailed and eventually martyred. Some say that Valentine fell in love with his jailer's daughter who would visit him in prison. His last correspondence to her closed with the phrase "from your Valentine"...an expression still used by many people today! It is interesting to see where these legends and customs come from isn't it? Behind every legend, there usually is a truth...and this one centers on a man named Valentine. The story of St. Valentine spread and by the Middle Ages it was commonly celebrated in England & France. Common beliefs were added to the celebration, as a matter of fact. In this era, it was commonly believed that February 14th was the beginning of mating season for the birds of the region...so the date was easily associated with romance. Of course, that concept fit in quite nicely...as did many others over time. Over the years the giving of expressions of love, called Valentine cards or gifts, has become a common celebration in the United States, Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, New Zealand and Australia. Valentine's Day is the second most popular "card giving" day of the year, right behind Christmas! Today the celebration of love on Valentine's Day is even making inroads in India, the Middle East and China (as seen in the picture below of the Chinese army in formation on February 14th, 2009). It is so interesting to see how a follower of Jesus, a man named Valentine, in the 3rd century...who believed in the God who defines Himself as Love...and believed in it so much...that he would lay his life down to defend it...and somehow that cause still lives on. At ECHO we can't help but see the parallels between Jesus & Valentine...in a sense, Valentine is an "echo"...a reminder...a continuing whisper of God's love throughout the centuries. May we, also, celebrate as we carry on the "echo" of God's love to each and every generation...



be God's!
Brian O
ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

Tolerating Tolerance?

"Tolerance", according to Webster's, speaks of "sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own... the act of allowing something". In a sense it is a "making room for", even if you don't agree. Our culture seeks "tolerance at all costs", it seems to be a high value to many. In a world of “tolerance” many would love to see it extend towards religion also. Many say, "Well, they all are basicly the same... they are just different paths to the same goal", so we should be tolerant enough to allow this "religious smorgasboard". As I ponder this, I realize that perhaps all religions "are the same"...as some contend...let me explain. All religions acknowledge one central truth that seems universal to the human condition. Man is not “good enough”. Man has fallen short and needs to grow in His spiritual disciplines to be acceptable to god or even to become more in tune with god. All religions offer this concept as its core motivation. Apparently, humanity, at its deepest core, senses that we are out of favor with our Creator. We know we have sinned and come up short. Hindu’s, Buddhists, Muslims, Taoists, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, ancient Egyptians, ancient Greeks, American Indians, Wiccans, Jews and yes even Christians all agree. We are not who we should be, and we need to grow, get in tune, and become "more" than we are. What’s fascinating, is that each of the world’s religions, past, present, and I assume, any we’ll dream up in the future, realize this and are built around “how” we get beyond our fallen-ness, and our human-ness. If you examine them all, they all tend to say similar things about right & wrong, it's quite fascinating really! To summarize some of the common religious beliefs, according to CS Lewis, we all basically agree that:

“-we are to not do harm to others in what we do or say (Golden Rule);

-honor your father & mother;

-be kind to brothers, sisters, children & the elderly;

-do not have sex with another’s spouse;

-be honest (don’t steal);

-don’t lie;

-care for those weaker or less fortunate;

-dying to self is the path to life”

It’s uncanny that such a variety of religions, would all have a similar code of conduct, so to speak, as if we all have some built in sense of right or wrong within us. Actually, we commonly know this as our "conscience", and it appears to be alive and well in most religions. The bible would say, "God has written His moral law on the hearts of all men". It seems that virtually all religions say most of the same things, so they do agree on a lot, don't they? Yes, there is an element of common truth present. Basically, we all agree on what’s right & wrong, in general. We all agree that mankind has screwed up and that we need God or a higher spiritual ideal. All religions offer methods to try to “make up for” or “try to attain”…but only one gives a permanent solution not centered in “us”. The bible says we are saved by God’s grace…not by what "we do". Grace is a concept far more powerful than tolerance. Tolerance is kind of like "grace light"...it is grace without love. Tolerance makes "room for" what we don't like...grace embraces us as we are! Jesus, God in the flesh, entered our messed up world, as one of us. He came humbly to model love in its purest form, and then He sacrificially died for all sin, all wrong doing, and all failures. God Himself had the solution…He paid His own price…and made a way for everyone to know Him in true & authentic, everlasting relationship. The “wall of our failure to be what we should be” is gone. Now for all who "choose" to trust Jesus, a relationship is available. The question now is, who "trusts" what God has done? Who will step into that relationship? That is what separates the religions of the world. All of them seek to "fix" the human problem of falling short. Only one provides the solution...it is uniquely found in Jesus! Only one isn't centered on what "we do", but on what "God has done" for us. That is a significant difference. One worth considering...and exploring. At FRIENDS we hope to be a safe place for people to explore that very thing...and to experience it personally...in the hope they might express it to others also...

be God's!

Brian O

ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

Boxing Day?

OK, in the aftermath of Christmas bliss, does anyone know what's up with "Boxing Day"? How weird...they celebrate "boxing" the day after Christmas? Well, at least in Canada and the British Commonwealth they do. Why is the sport of "boxing" glorified...and if so...why the day after Jesus birthday? Now I'm not a sporting prude of any kind...I get the sport of boxing, as violent as it is to some...so I'm not saying, "boxing sucks"...but why the holiday? Are those beer swilling, hockey brawling Canadians that desperate for another day off work? Whats up with that, and who signed off on it? So I checked a bit on why...and guess what "Boxing Day" ain't what most of us think it is. It's not about "boxing" the sport at all...though we often joke and refer to it as such. It's actually a day firmly rooted in the Great Commandment...in the true Spirit of Christmas. "Boxing Day" was a tradition that took place the day after Christmas...it was a day to give gifts to those less fortunate than you. The more fortunate gave to the less fortunate. Often those items were very practical... clothes, food, tools, cash... usually based on the families needs you were giving to....and they were often put in boxes to be given to those families. Hence the term "boxing day". It was a "loving others as you love yourself" kind of day. After being showered with gifts on Christmas by those that love you...you in turn, took December 26th to give to those with less than you. Wow, how'd we miss this holiday in America? In our churches? It's quite the cool thing really...this "Boxing Day". Somehow we missed the point. It reminds me of how we often miss the point in church circles. Too often we get caught up in building our kingdoms... our churches...our ministries...our legacy...but we miss the main point. Jesus summed it up for us...love God with all you got...and love others as you love yourself...the "point" is relationship...with God and with others. Real, authentic relationships of love, grace, forgiveness, compassion...of being known and of knowing...of doing life together. But somehow we box ourselves into what "church is"...its 2 fast songs and 3 slow songs... announcements and a message...its cool, state of the art performances that are as slick as slick can be (even timed to the minute)...its Walmart greeter type people at the doors saying "hi", but never knowing or caring to really know me...its programs that dazzle...its events that attract the biggest crowds...its buildings built to impress...its eye catching marketing to draw people in...oh ya, and of course we need to work in some kind of small group thing, cause that 'community' thing is popular these days. What? Have we boxed ourselves in? How closed in are we? Because that's what others "do"... are we to do the same? Is that what Jesus really asked us to do? Have we missed the point entirely? "Community" isn't a cool trendy word to put on your website...its the goal. Relationships are not "one of" our programs to attract more people...it is THE "point". It is emphasized throughout scripture...over and over...without love you are not God's...even miracles done without love are meaningless (even annoying)...and lest we forget...even churchey stuff done super well, if done without love, Jesus says, "go away I never knew you". Relationships...real authentic, relationships as God designed...is the point...not a peripheral add on or option. All we do at ECHO gets filtered through this...does it enhance a persons growth in their relationship with Jesus?...and does it create an environment where love grows person to person?...if not, we don't do it. It simply is not what its all about. Some of that stuff can be helpful...but without relationship...it is a waste. So why waste time thinking church is about something it isn't. In the end we look foolish...completely ignorant of the obvious...yet our boxed in viewpoints limit our perspective. Jesus would challenge us to look to the source...look to what He says is vital...if you do, you'll be able to step out of those boxes of "church-ianity" and begin to live life as God intended...a process of loving Him more and more...of receiving His love at a deeper level...and of passing that love on to others, as His Spirit teaches you. At FRIENDS, we love getting out of the box...how about you?


be God's!
Brian O
ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

Talking With God

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
ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

Be-longing

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 Friends, 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
ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

If You Wanna Be a Rebel

Talk is cheap

What kind of mess do we have here?

Right is wrong and right just isn't clear

Where's the compassion in people's lives today?

We want to bring them in, but we push them all away

Should we stand for mediocrity?

What do we mean by Christianity?

We throw our words around thinking we're doing great

Love is what we need, it goes against the grain it goes!

Against the grain!
 

With all we think we know

I would rather go!!!

Against the grain!!!

Some say screaming is all you have to do

But I say that's a lie that I can see right thru

Words mean nothing until you show you care

Look them in the eye, You know there's something there

What kind of mess do we have here?

Wrong is right and right just isn't clear

If you want to be a rebel, well maybe now's the time

To understand the truth and throw down all the lies

And go

Against the grain!!!

words and music by Mike Stand and Ric Alba

"Against the Grain"

be God's!

BrianO

ECHO

Lead Pastor dude

Friends Community Church

Tyler, Texas

Great Full Perspective

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 over 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 9.2% unemployment, less than 3% inflation, 5% mortgage rates and gasoline available...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 we're 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 FRIENDS 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 Tyler, Texas 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 and care, to those with less. With the proper perspective, I think we can.

be God's!

Brian O
ECHO

Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

Is It a Trick or a 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 FRIENDS, 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
ECHO

Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits

I wonder if perhaps we, the church, the followers of Jesus, have focused on & mis-taught "sin"?  For many, "sin" is some arbitrary rules the Great Guy in the sky has given us, so we'd better stay in line or else. But I would suggest that is very inaccurate, and yet a fairly common way for people to perceive God/sin. I would suggest that since God defines Himself as "Love", then He is, at His core, a relational being. And since 'we' are created in His image, then we too are relational beings. We read in the scripture, the "first" time God said something was "not good", was not sin, BUT that "man should not be alone"...once again suggesting our relational nature. And man was not alone in His relationship with God, man walked and talked with God in the Garden, "yet it was not good that he was alone"...he was in fact without another human. Sin enters the picture after this. Perhaps if we see sin as the outcome or result of "aloneness" we may get a more accurate picture. Sin are the "relationship busters" of our existence, both our relationship with God & with each other. Have you ever noticed that most of the commands focus on how people should treat people? Nothing damages relationships like "lies"..."stealing from each other"..."taking your neighbors wife"...or "envying each others stuff". Maybe when God says He hates sin, what He is really saying is "I hate anything that damages your relationships...both with Me...and with those around you." Maybe God sees sin as those things that damage a relational people deeply. I know, for me personally, you can cut off my arm...or take my stuff...but losing a valued relationship due to death or divorce or bitter argument, is some of the deepest pain we feel as humans. Perhaps a relational God knows this...and it hurts His heart to see His relational people struggle through life with broken relationships.  This is not as it should be. Perhaps since God is relational, He knows this pain all too deeply. Perhaps if we taught "sin" more in this light, people may begin to see a God of Love, who knows and cares for them deeply...and the people around them. In that, Jesus words summing up the commands makes much more sense..."to love God with your whole heart...and to love others as yourself"...which He said, "sums up all the commands".  Perhaps what we have seen simply as 'vices' & 'sins' are actually behaviors, attitudes and habits that short circuit the relationships around us?  And maybe, just maybe, God isn't just arbitrarily laying down the law, to see if we can measure up...but instead, the God of all relationships, who designed us for relationships, is trying to protect and preserve those relationships He made us to enjoy.  Perhaps that picture is more consistent with the God who defines Himself as Love!  At Friends, we hope to express this heart of God...

be God's!
BrianO
ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

Tasty...Now That Hits the Spot

I was in the shower the other day...I know that seems like an unnecessary detail and perhaps a bit creepy to consider but... after working in the yard all day with my family, mowing lawns, and hauling a bunch of crap off to dump in the trash...it seems refreshing to mention 'I was in the shower'. Anyway, as I was 'refreshing' (ya now that sounds better don't it?) I began to consider what the bible calls the "fruit" of the Spirit. It's aspects and characteristics are listed in Galatians 5:22 and 23; "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." As I ponder these characteristics, I thought, "wow, those are attractive qualities to find in someone". Then I began to honestly look at most who call themselves Christian and asked, "Are we known for those qualities?" Ouch. Then I looked at myself...ugggghhh, double ouch!! Like a friend of mine said recently, "I'm trying to be a Christian". I think I like that, it sounds more like a process...a journey...a desire...even though I haven't got it all figured out yet. Ya, I got some growing to do...how 'bout you? You see, the fruit of the Spirit is what grows in us and through us, as we grow more and more like God and His love is evident in us. Unlike the gifts of the Spirit, the fruit is nurtured and can be developed in us. Spiritual gifts are given by God, our only choice is to accept them or not, like any gift in the natural, like a birthday gift, for example. But the fruit of the Spirit can be nurtured, fertilized, watered, cared for and intentionally grown in our lives. Yes the source is God, His love birthed in us, but these characteristics are the out-flow of His love in us to others. You see the fruit, the characteristics listed in Galatians are best expressed relationally, one person to another. Oh you can be at peace all by yourself. But what has a greater impact is when others see and experience the peace you have. It's interesting as you look at each characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit, how they all are best experienced and expressed in relationship with others. I think that's by God's design. He is relational by nature, and desires us to be also. As we love Him with all we got, His love grows in us and flows out to others...often evidenced in these very characteristics...these fruit. Fruit that is attractive, draws people and is tasty to experience. It has an impact on others, which is what God has always designed His love to do! When we look at some of these, we often miss, or even don't know what they are. For example, God's peace, is not an absence of conflict as we often think peace should be...its the ability to have peace in the midst of turmoil and chaos. That peace that surpasses all understanding! Now that's attractive. That's noticeable to others. That's something we all desire, and know it when we see it. In a world that does not see Jesus followers walking in very many of these qualities, is it any wonder they are not attracted? But if...if we did allow God to grow these aspects of His love in us...if we could seek to develop these things...if we intentionally desired to live a life that oozes these characteristics...do you think people may be drawn towards the Jesus in us? You bet...that's when, as in the book of Acts, people say stuff like..."we can see how much you love..." God pours out some incredible things by His Spirit as we walk in the fruit of that same Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. In fact, many believers seek after miracles and powerful demonstrations of the gifts of the Spirit, in hopes that it will spark some revival in them and the community they live in...yet history tells us a different story. Throughout history, authentic spiritual revivals or awakenings, were not centered in miracles and powerful gifts manifested...it was centered in a deep pursuit of God's best and an exponential growth in the manifestations of the "fruit" of God's Spirit in those that follow Him. It was the fruit of God's Spirit that drew people... touched people...changed people...and fanned the flames of what God was doing. It's a lesson we often forget. I suppose it seems "more God like" for the "big show"...the big miracle...but for whatever reason God more often uses imperfect people like you and me...in relationship. Now that's harder...it takes more of me. More of me in cooperation with God. It takes more of me to invest in another. Yet somehow, someway, God uses it and when he does...wow, we get blessed...and so does the one we reach out to! At FRIENDS we want to be "tasty" people. We desire to be the kind of people that has folks saying, "what's up with you guys, you're different?" We want to be refreshingly different...on purpose! Join us as we grow in God's love personally and in expressing it authentically to others!


May God's love be yours and flow through you to others!

Brian O
ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

Wired To Connect

They say the human heart has a "void" that we all are trying to fill throughout our life's journey. I think we all realize it at some deep down level within each of us. CS Lewis often alludes to a "God-shaped hole". Augustine points to it in his writings. Blaise Pascal implied it when he stated, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person, and it can never be filled by any created thing. It can only be filled by God, made known through Jesus Christ.” Philosopher's and theologians alike have often determined that this "void" is never filled with anything but what it was designed to accommodate. The Master Designer in His desire to draw us towards Himself has made each of us with a "hole" that only He can fill. A remarkably ingenius way to allow us humans to crave a knowing of their Creator. It's like a relational magnet within our spirit that draws us. I read an interesting report from the Commission on Children at Risk that seems to validate this very concept and more. Our culture is plagued with what's known as "at risk children". It's not a new thing...in fact many "at risk kids" are now grown into adults and are now having their own "at risk children". At risk children are the effects of divorce, broken homes, single parent households, latch key environments, drug abuse, workaholism and various other disintegration factors of the traditional stable family environment. The number one cause of this crisis? The conclusion in this study says that as human beings we have been designed to be "connected". They term it as humans are "hardwired to connect". To quote the study, "In large measure, what's causing this crisis of American childhood is a lack of connectedness. We mean two kinds of connectedness---close connections to other people, and deep connections to moral & spiritual meaning." Jesus stated something very similar when He was asked what the greatest commandment was, He replied, "Love God with your whole heart, whole mind and whole soul. And... love others as you love yourself." Jesus tells us that God's desire is for us to live in connected relationship with God and with other people. We've been "hardwired" that way by our Creator. In a sense we have 2 relational holes within our soul that God has put within us...a void that yearns to know God in authentic relationship and a void that yearns to know others in a loving, genuine relationship. God said it was "not good for us to be alone" in Genesis, He said it from the beginning. Now as humans perhaps we are beginning to understand the value of "connectedness"...and the destructive outcomes of "aloneness". This study goes on to say we have learned to be experts in medicating & pyscho-analyzing our lack of "connectedness" but we have failed miserably as a culture in learning how to "connect". Yet, God has the pursuit of the answer hard-wired within each of us. God in His mercy desires us to be in right relationship with Him and in right relationship with each other. He's made us to crave it, to discover it, and to thrive within it. At FRIENDS we strive to create a safe environment for each of us to explore this craving...to discover it's significance... and to thrive in it's embrace. Join us as we learn to connect with God and with each other in authentic, genuine relationships...as we were "hardwired" to experience...from the beginning!

be God's!
Brian O
ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

Breathe Deep

Breathe Deep
by the Lost Dogs

Politicians, morticians, Philistines, homophobes

Skinheads, Dead heads, tax evaders, street kids

Alcoholics, workaholics, wise guys, dim wits

Blue collars, white collars, war mongers, peace nicks

Breathe deep

Breathe deep the Breath of God

Breathe deep

Breathe deep the Breath of God

Suicidals, rock idols, shut-ins, drop outs

Friendless, homeless, penniless and depressed

Presidents, residents, foreigners and aliens

Dissidents, feminists, xenophobes and chauvinists

Evolutionists, creationists, perverts, slum lords

Dead-beats, athletes, Protestants and Catholics

Housewives, neophytes, pro-choice, pro-life

Misogynists, monogamists, philanthropists, blacks and whites

Police, obese, lawyers, and government

Sex offenders, tax collectors, war vets, rejects

Atheists, Scientists, racists, sadists

Photographers, biographers, artists, pornographers

Gays and lesbians, demagogues and thespians

The disabled, preachers, doctors and teachers

Meat eaters, wife beaters, judges and juries

Long hair, no hair, everybody everywhere!


Breathe deep

Breathe deep the Breath of God

Breathe deep

Breathe deep the Breath of God

be God's!

BrianO

ECHO

Lead Pastor dude

Friends Community Church

Tyler, Texas

Independence Day?

Independence, hmmm? Well, as we have all celebrated the 4th of July with assorted BBQ's, weekend getaways to the beach or mountains, along with lots of fireworks and oodles of fun...I've been pondering the concept of "independence". Now I realize that "Independence Day" celebrates our nations beginnings, and especially our breaking away from British rule. It marks a time when a group of people from all over Europe and beyond, declared an "independence" from rulers, taxation, religious persecution and a host of other undue burdens. It's cool how our nation even declares that people are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights". Yet in that, our nation oozes a spirit of independence, and I wonder how biblical all that may be? We love the rebel...the outlaw...the non-conformist...the cowboy...the rugged individualist. We pride ourselves on being "self made men", "pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps", and being "lone rangers" & "mavericks". Some would even declare that us Americans have a favorite bible verse, "God helps them who help themselves". The most famous "bible verse" not found in the bible! To the contrary, in light of what the bible tells us consistently, it would appear that our "independence" is the key to our problems in life. This isn't just an American problem, independence is a human problem. The idea that we can do it on our own. The idea we can work it all out ourselves. The idea that we know whats best. The idea that we don't need anybody else. I would suggest that "idea" is the core root of our human dilemma. Our striving for "independence" cuts to our sin nature...our selfish nature...our self centered world views...the world revolving around us. When in fact God continually says we should live lives of dependence. Lives dependent on relationship with Him and lives dependent on relationships with other people. This flies in the face of what most of us believe and especially in the face of our core American value...independence. God would remind us that our independence is what causes our relational pain and the chaos in the world we live within. He would suggest that as we deepen our relationship with Him & other people, in dependent trust, the chaos becomes more manageable. At FRIENDS we desire to be people who learn the art of graceful, trusting dependence on the God whose crazy about us. It's a journey away from independence, yet one worth taking, together! In this world we will always have trouble, and the trouble is our independence from God. What a struggle that is, isn't it? God has designed us to be a people of dependence...we need God...and we need relationship with others. We crave these things from the depths of our soul, don't we? In the end its our way (independence) or His way (trusting dependence). For each of us, we hear the cry to, "choose you this day". Which one will you embrace? Join us on the journey of dependence...together!


be God's!
Brian O
ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas