Pickin' Pete's Brain

Parable #5

2011-05-18T17:25:00.004-06:00

By Marta, Kelsey, Eleanor, Alex, Paul, Ben, Sarah and Kayley

The man felt the smooth stone underneath his fingertips. The slick, cool marble caused his hand to slowly glide down the surface. Within the courtyard, the crowds gathered, whispering and snickering; their stares sent shivers down his spine as did the beautiful coolness of the colored marble laying before him. Their worst fears came true as he slowly pulled a chisel out of his pocket, effectively silencing the crowd. The bystanders felt their own hearts being chiseled as well. The perfect rectangle block of marble was ruined - shards of shining rock fell to the ground. It would never be the same. As the days went on, he continued to chip away at their prized marble, and the tensions continued to rise. But perhaps a great beauty was held in this block; only the sculptor could envision the final figure held here in this courtyard.
Finally the day came and the people could see that their beloved marble had become a statue of surpassing beauty - such that could never be achieved by a slab of marble alone.
Just as you view the lives, including your own, of the world and don not believe that there is a plan, or that God believes in your life, yet He truly does. So the crowds did not believe.
Yet through the trials, miracles became visible... and that is the ultimate plan of God for our lives.

Parable #4

2011-05-18T15:19:00.004-06:00

By: Kirsti, G.E.P., Karissa, Madison, Alexandra, Hannah and Skyler

One student has nowhere to go after school because the funding for the after school program is gone. But his/her mom is a single parent working several jobs to make ends meet. When his/her friend found out that he/she was going home all alone after school, the friend asked him/her to come hang out after school. The single mom was so grateful that her child didn't have to go home alone in a not-so-great neighborhood. Later that school year the single mom became very ill and unable to work. Her child's friend found out and told his/her parents. They weren't rich or anything, but they always had food on the table and a roof over their head. So they invited the single mom and her child to come live with them. The single mom was so happy that this family had so much love for her and she hardly knew them. When she passed away she knew them. When she passed away she knew her child would be alright, because the family her child was now with had so much love in their hearts.

Parable #3

2011-05-18T15:14:00.004-06:00

By: Clara, Megan, Natalie, Anna, Elise, Jianna, Meghan and Marta

One day a woman was walking her dog in a city community garden. She was enjoying the smell of the spring flowers and the sun shining on her face, while her dog ran free in the wild flowers. As she was walking she started thinking, "Why is the sky getting darker?" She then realized she had exited the garden and now the sun was being blocked by the skyscrapers. She began noticing the lack of color and even saw a flower drooping as it attempted to survive growing in a crack in the cement. She looked up to the small piece of sky she could see and asked God, "What happened to all the flowers and colors of nature?"
*POOF* Jesus appeared to her and she realized she was the only one who could see Him. "I feel your pain," said Jesus as He pet her dog. "But look what you have done to Our creation. I wish you hadn't torn down the forests to build cities and highways, but I know that if you recycle and live with what you have, your living differently will make a big difference for the earth."

Parable #2

2011-05-18T15:09:00.003-06:00

High School Group:

Forgiveness

Brandon was pumped, he just got his license and his parents gave him the keys to their brand new Chevy Equinox to go and meet his friends at McDonalds. He knew it was wrong for him to be texting and driving, but this was a big day! And he only needed to send a few texts.

As he was replying to his friend Micahel's text he looked up and barely had enough reaction time to see a little girl run out in front of his vehicle. Brandon slammed on the brakes but heard and felt the thud. This stomach turned and he felt sick.

It turns out that the girl didn't survive and Brandon was arrested and taken to trial. After a guilty plea, Brandon fell into a heap with his hands holding his face. He didn't mean to hit her, but it still happened. What is his life now going to look like?

Then he felt it, a hand was on his sobbing back. As he turned to see who was touching him, he saw her. The little girl's mother was touching him. In her face, covered with tears, she showed compassion. She walked across the aisle to reach out. And as Brandon looked back he could barely make out what her lips were saying over and over again.
"I forgive you."

Parables

2011-05-18T14:57:00.003-06:00

We talked about Parables at Youth Group a month or so ago and did an exercise of writing a "Modern Parable" that tells a truth about God. SO... I am going to post these parables here the next couple of weeks...

Parable 1 by Middle School Boys:

Journal Entry of a Middle School Student

I woke up this morning , 7 am is just too early, and got up to take a shower but the water wasn't hot enough because Mom was running the dishwasher. On my way to school I found a quarter in the street. I decided to pick it up, but it's just a quarter, I'll probably lose it anyway.

School was normal today, but lunch was horrible! Hamburgers again! I think I saw dust in mine! I did manage to get Gatorade, but I didn't finish it because I like orange, not purple.

On my way home I found a bunch of trash on the street. A random blanket, who loses a blanket? And a bunch of newspapers, which I had fun kicking around. They really need to clean up a bit around here!

I tried to do my homework tonight so I could watch Big Bang Theory, but a stupid storm came in and knocked out all of the power. Man my life stinks!

Journal Entry of a Homeless Man:

I woke up today feeling stuck to the bench I slept on last night. My stomach was growling and I found 1/2 a granola bar in my bag. This will have to do for now. Another guy told me about a place giving out free showers. I heard they are cold, but better than nothing! So I headed over to the showers.

On my way I saw a quarter on the street. This is awesome! I am 25 cents closer to food in my stomach! It must be my lucky day because I found a 1/2 bottle of Gatorade on the street! I drank it all and kept the bottle for water later.

My day turned a little when I realized I left my blanket at the bench that I had slept at. I guess I will be cold tonight. I did find some newspapers with some good coupons in it. And this will help for covering tonight too!

It's getting dark, so I better go. It sure seems like it is going to rain tonight. I hope it doesn't because I am outside, unprepared, without a blanket, all night. Now I'm going to be really cold, but at least I am alive!

Which one of these two is truly grateful for what they have?
Which one of these two do you relate to?

Global Hope

2010-03-25T15:50:00.004-06:00

One of the great things in youth ministry here at Broomfield Untied Methodist Church is it’s location next to Broomfield High School. Due to this convenient location and “open” lunches for all of the students we have a great opportunity for ministry. One thing that we do, and have done for years now, is that of Jesus Pizza. But with the revamping of the Youth Room we have been able to expand the ministry at BUMC to be more than just on Wednesdays for lunch. So, we have started a new program that sells a la carte lunch items to the BHS high school students. We offer burritos from Burritos to Go (a local establishment), chips, candy and pop.

This has been a great way for me to meet the students of BHS. On a daily basis we see around 120 kids coming through the Youth Room doors, most of which stay to talk and socialize. This allows me to get to know so many new faces and to try and get them plugged into the youth group at church. Another great benefit is that we are able to use the profits made from the youth room sales of food to support a Global Hope teen from Romania named Ioana. Most weeks we are able to donate $200 to Ioana in Romania. In the last quarter we have raised $1,400 that will be going to help Ioana in support of food, housing, education and basic needs. I just see it as such a great way to have a global impact through a local ministry. And the teens are getting onboard too. Offering their change to help with Ioana’s support, hopefully teaching that they can make a difference in someone’s life who lives ½ way around the world.

Rock and Roll Worship Roadshow

2010-03-25T15:50:00.003-06:00

This past Sunday night we loaded up almost 40 people to head down to Colorado Springs for a crazy night of concerts. The Rock and Worship Roadshow was coming through Colorado and we wanted to be a part of it! For just $10 the Roadshow was offering 7 bands performing in one night. When we got down there, we discovered a line that was at least 300 yards long of people waiting to get into the concert. When we got in we were wowed by the music and atmosphere of people wanting to know God and live a life that was honoring to Him. There were many bands playing, such as Family Force 5, Francesca Batistelli, Fee, Mercy Me and my favorite; David Crowder Band.

It was a great night of music and worship, crammed into 3 hours time! David Crowder Band was great, as usual! Another band that I enjoyed was the band named Fee. They write some great worship songs with great music and meaning. Check out Fee and David Crowder Band sometime. We are already looking forward to next year’s Roadshow Tour!

24 Hour Retreat 2010

2010-03-25T15:49:00.001-06:00

Just a few weeks ago a group of 13 teens embarked on a crazy adventure of learning, discussing and fasting. Our yearly 24 Hour Retreat was a tradition started last Spring and was carried on this Spring as well. This year our focus was on the issue of Poverty. We participated in a 24 hour fast in solidarity with those in the world who go hungry for extended periods of time, not by choice, but because that is their current situation. We were able to change our focus from ourselves and focus on those who are less fortunate than we are. Some of the biggest realizations that we made were that poverty is not just what we see on tv in foreign countries or on the streets in downtown Denver. But that poverty is something that these teens may come into contact with on a daily basis. In Broomfield or at their high schools. Poverty is something that is real and pertinent in each of our lives now.

We talked about the phenomenon called “The Cycle of Poverty”, which is the fact that poverty begets poverty. There are many issues that people in poverty face and these things are ones that are hard to break. Such as education, working at an early age to support the family and a few other issues. These are things that can be addressed, but are essential issues to address. We also looked at what the Bible has to say about poverty. We read about the early church in Acts and how they took care of the people in need. And how God called His followers to support those in need through various things such as the Year of Jubilee and that farmers need to let their fields “rest” every seven years for those in poverty to pick from. God has a heart for all people and asks us to help those in need.

We also went around the city of Broomfield on a scavenger hunt, trying to gather various items for Nelson Ministries. Nelson Ministries is a ministry based in Broomfield that collects various items for homeless men and women in Denver. They then go down two times a month to hand out these items to those in need. As a group, we were able to collect many great items for those in need in Denver.

The weekend was a great one and ended with a morning of church and a great breakfast at Village Inn. We had a couple of big tables with hungry teens and they sure ate their worth in eggs and bacon. It was a great success and I am already looking forward to next year’s retreat!

Star Trek Bible Study Notes - Episode: Symbiosis (Star Trek: The Next Generation, 1988)

2010-02-18T13:44:00.001-07:00

Summary: Captain Picard and the gang running the Enterprise-D answer a distress call from an alien ship in trouble. Four aliens are rescued, two each from different planets in the same system. When their ship disintegrated they were in the middle of a transaction of some very valuable cargo from one planet to the other: a year’s supply of a drug which keeps symptoms of a planet-wide plague under control. With a bit of investigation, it turns out that the drug is not medicine, but a highly addictive narcotic; the “producer” planet (Planet Pusher?) manufactures only this one product, and has kept the “plague” planet (Planet Addict?) in pharmaceutical bondage for generations. Without getting too far into established Star Trek lore and/or giving away the ending, Captain Picard must face the dilemma of letting the situation alone and thus letting the Pushers continue to exploit the Addicts, or “doing something about it.” (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbiosis_(Star_Trek:_The_Next_Generation))

Clips to show: Addicts' reaction to drug, Picard confronting the Pushers, Picard's refusal to give them the crucial part for repairs.

Discussion Points:

1.How do we know what we really need? In this very contrived example, Picard is “God” in that he is somewhat omniscient (surely an oxymoron!) and can see what is “really” best for the Addict Planet people, which is to get off the drug and beat the addiction.

2. What's the difference between a "need" and a "want?"

3. Ethics of Picard's decision?

4. God isn't Santa Claus. Just 'cause you want something doesn't mean you'll get it, and if you pray for something & don't get it that doesn't mean God didn't hear or answer your prayer. Sometimes the answer is "no," even when we can't understand why (ie, “Bruce Almighty” setting it up so everyone's prayers are answered).

Scripture to ponder:
Isaiah 55:1-2
Matthew 9:29
John 14:13-14
John 15:16
John 16:23-26

Ask anything IN HIS NAME & it will be given to you (emphasis added)—discuss what “in his name” means

Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 12:27-34 (Trust God to give us what we NEED)

Trick or Trunk 2009

2009-10-28T14:30:00.004-06:00

On Sunday night, October 25th, trick or treating overtook the BUMC Parking Lot once again. For the 4th year in a row we have had our annual Trick or Trunk outing and this was the biggest year to date. It all started 4 years ago with an event for the youth group and it has now grown into something that had people from all walks of life braving the cold to participate.

Despite the cold temperatures and the hinting of snow in the air, more than 200 people showed up, some in costumes and most in big coats, to trick or treat and socialize. We had 10-12 cars that were decorated and all that attended had a blast! I would like to send out a huge thank you to all that helped make this such a fun time on such a cold night!

Rob Bell – Drops Like Stars

2009-09-29T13:04:00.002-06:00

Rob Bell is a person who helps stretch me in my faith. Most of the time when I read what he writes or listen to his podcast I feel like he is helping to expose various aspects of my thinking and soul that I have not yet thought about. His perspective on religion is one that I feel is right on, in most parts, and has really helped me grow in my faith as well. Bell is a pastor at a large church in Michigan, but is also a well known author. He has written 4 books, with his most current one being Drops Like Stars.

When I first got Drops Like Stars in the mail I was shocked at the size of it. Bell’s books have had the same dimensions and style, physically, and this book looked like a Rob Bell book on steroids. But I was very anxious to crack it open and start reading into Bell’s mind and teachings once again. The entire book is based on the idea of why art happens, why we create. That suffering is a universal feeling we all can relate to and usually leads to great connections with people on many levels, including art.

This is not a deep and theological book. It is not a book, like his others, that will speak tons of truths into your life. But it is a book that will make you think, and for me helped me appreciate art in a different way, I am not an artsy type of guy. But now I do understand it in a deeper sense. This is also a book that will only take you 45 minutes or so to read, but I imagine a book that you will come back to again and pick it up.

The one downside to the book is that it is expensive. I got mine off Amazon for $20, but it was retailing for around $50… yikes… so my advice, is to hunt around and find it at a good price. I would also strongly suggest and recommend Bell’s other books; Velvet Elvis, Sex God and Jesus Wants to Save Christians… check out his podcasts too!

Derek Webb – Stockholm Syndrome

2009-09-29T13:02:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite singer/songwriters of all time has a new album out entitled Stockholm Syndrome. This is a release that was preceded by a fun and long process of a scavenger hunt mainly around the southern portion of the US. Actually a good friend of mine took place in the hunt and received a free album, concert tickets and other goodies. So, there was a lot of anticipation in the Smith household for this new release from Webb.

Derek Webb used to sing in a Christian group called Caedmon’s Call, but left back in the early 2000’s to pursue a solo career. He has released 5 albums so far, but he went a different way in his 5th album than he has in the previous 4. Some of these songs you just want to dance to, there is a more of a dance beat and electronics than in previous albums. And yet, this singer/songwriter, who seems most comfortable strumming chords behind an acoustic guitar, pulls it off.

Most of Webb’s albums have some sort of theme and meaning. His first was about the church, his fourth about politics and the most current one deals with the most current issue of pulling down the “normal” barriers of Christians and loving as Christ loved. Some have called Webb a prophet for this generation, which I believe to some extent as well.

The new album did receive some problems from the record label. One song, What Matters More, covers a very ‘hot’ topic of the day and is one that the record label did not feel right releasing, but I think it is poignant to the message that Webb is trying to portray.

His music is available on iTunes and at some Christian/Big Box retail stores. But to get the What Matters More song you will need to go to his website, www.derekwebb.com , and I believe it is available for a free download. I highly recommend any of Webb’s albums… he is a must have in your music collection!

Music Pick: Church Music by David Crowder Band

2009-09-29T13:02:00.001-06:00

A new album just hit the stores last week from the David Crowder Band ( http://www.davidcrowderband.com/churchmusic/ ). I was in high anticipation of this album, due to the fact that their last album, Remedy, was so well done and had such a great message within it as well. I was so excited that I even participated in a preorder package where I received the album, a few extra songs, some stickers, a poster, and the Vinyl (that means record album to those born after the 1980’s). I still haven’t cracked open the vinyl and played it on my record player, but I have listened to the new album quite a bit.

And the verdict is that David Crowder Band has recorded another great album. It took a few listens to like this new endeavor, but it did start to speak to me in cool and exciting ways. They had an idea to create an album that could be played from end to end without stops, and then the Church Music Album was born.

Many of you may know a lot more David Crowder Band music than you think. Some Sundays at church it seems like we sing 2-3 of their songs, which I am not complaining about at all. We actually have already sung a new song off the album, and potentially my favorite song from the entire new album. That song is How He Loves and is a great look at the love God has for us. My favorite line is “if grace is an ocean, we are surely drowning”.

So, in my opinion, if you were going to one David Crowder album, get Remedy, if you were going to own a few pick up Church Music and give it a few listens.

Pete's Pick: Mute Math

2009-09-17T15:51:00.000-06:00

Back in March of 2005 I read about a new band in one of my favorite magazines, Relevant Magazine (www.relevantmagazine.com), that sounded very interesting. Their upcoming album at the time was withheld for some reason or another, but I was able to locate an EP (an album with less tracks on it) at a local record store and loved the sounds that came from the speakers. A highly energetic and eerily Police-sounding music was what I heard from this new band Mute Math.

This band has a special place in my music collection. I have enjoyed their music from that first cd I listened to in 2005, I have attended at least 4 concerts as they have come through Denver, and one of their songs is what my wife walked down the aisle to at our wedding. They have also had songs that appeared on a few big movie soundtracks, "Transformers" and "Twilight. " And they have a new album that just came out a few weeks back.

A thing that I like most about this band is that they are a group of Christians who are choosing to live their lives in the mainline music industry. They even fought hard to not be put on a Christian music label; in my head I like to think that is because they desire to have their ministry be one that reaches people in bars and mainline radio. To me, this is pretty cool and difficult. To live in the world but not be of the world. I almost think this is something that we all, as believers and followers of Christ, are called to do in our daily lives. To reach out to this hurting world and provide a light that points to our God, our Savior.

So check out their new album, "Armistice," or their other albums such as their self-titled debut, the "Reset" EP (the album I mentioned earlier), or their "Spotlight" EP. This is a Grammy-nominated band that puts out solid music, with solid lyrics (not so sold on Armistice’s lyrics yet) and are striving to live out the Great Commission. Follow the link to a great video of their new single, "Spotlight." And feel free to surf around Youtube to find other great performances by a great band.

pete

The Commitment of God

2009-03-17T16:31:00.001-06:00

Romans 8:38-39 say “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” But what does this mean? Does this mean that we are always connected with God?
What happens when we don’t feel God’s connection, His presence? What happens when we feel alone and out in the cold? Is God still there? And if so, why can’t we feel Him?
There are times in everyone’s lives when these questions arise. Over and over again we are told that God is with us at all times but moments in life (some longer than others) we just don’t know if that is true.
I have a few friends that seem to be going through this very thing right now. They are wondering if God has left them, if He even cares. And I am reminded of Marta, my wife. One thing that I have learned through marriage is that love is not a feeling, love is a commitment. I know that even when Marta and I have a disagreement, that we still love each other, even if our actions or words sometimes don’t show it. We are connected by this commitment of love.
And each of us are connected by a commitment of love to God as well, and God is connected by this commitment too. So, even though we might not see eye-to-eye with God sometimes. Or we are angry with Him. Or we wonder why He would allow something to happen, we are still connected by this deeper commitment. This love that is more than just surface level, but it is in the core of our being.
So know this, even though it may feel that God isn’t there, He is. And He is committed to you and wants to know you are committed to Him as well. Each day I choose to put Marta first. I choose to lose my own selfish desires for Marta’s desires. And God does this with us as well. To the extent that He sent His son to die for us. Are you choosing God daily? Are you committed to Him or are you just at surface-level with your love? Because God definitely wants to go deeper.

Mystery Post - Highlight to View

2009-02-19T13:07:00.001-07:00

I just heard of a guy named Ken Mink, and if you want to see something spectacular, check him out on Youtube. Ken is a 73 year old college sophomore who is also on the school basketball team. You see, Ken played ball when he was in college, but due to getting wrongfully accused of a prank he was kicked out of school and missed his chance of being able to play a second year of ball. This haunted him for over 50 years, til one day he decided to give it another try. He enrolled at Roane State Community College and joined the basketball team. He has even played in a game or two, but practices everyday with kids 50 years younger than him, his nickname? Medicare Man!

Now if this isn’t an amazing story of someone who is doing something unbelievable, unthinkable, unimaginable, I don’t know what is. He is breaking the previous age record of someone playing college basketball by 20+ years! What an example to us in our Christian walk. You see, Paul talks about this in his letter to the Philippians. He tells them that we are capable of great things because we have Jesus on our team. More specifically he wrote, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13.

From the strength of God we are able to do all things. Jesus speaks about faith a lot throughout his 3 years of ministry. That faith the size of a mustard seed could move a mountain. Do you have the faith that you can do all things because of Christ?

Our lives here on earth are dirty and messy. Things happen all of the time where you may think that you cannot overcome. But we can do all things through the strength of Christ.
You might feel inadequate of doing something. But remember, God says ALL things, as long as we are doing it for His glory.

What are things that you are avoiding or resisting? Or are there things that you should be resisting and you aren’t?

How can you live a life of faith in knowing that God has your back and that ALL things are possible?

How can we look at 73 year old Ken Mink and see God’s love and compassion and faithfulness in what he is doing?

Do you have faith the size of a mustard seed?

2009-02-12T12:47:00.005-07:00

Last month two members of our church went to an orphanage in Africa for children who have HIV and those who have lost their parents to the virus as well. There were over 20 kids staying at this particular orphanage, which was started by a woman who adopted her nephew after his parents died from Aids and she wanted to help others in the same circumstances.

We were asked to help participate in this trip in a great way. No, not by going to Africa, but by helping to raise shoes, socks, medicine and games/toys for these children. We filled at least one big suitcase, if not two with all kinds of goodies! And it seems as if the kids loved their treats!

This reminds me of a teaching from Jesus about loving all people. He says in Matthew 5:42 "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." And this is what we are called to do daily in our lives.

The youth group has also "adopted" a girl name Ioana. She is affiliated with Global Hope and lives in Romania at an orphanage. The proceeds that we get from selling food in the youth room go to help support Ioana, but we could always use more money. If you can help, please, we will take whatever you can give.

There are many opportunities that we have where we get to give to others who are less fortunate in necessities than we are. We just need to see these moments and seize these moments. That is the message Jesus taught and as followers of Christ we are called to action.

2009-02-03T12:19:00.002-07:00

For me the Super Bowl is best for it's commercials. And this year there were a few good ones, but the one that I was the most excited for was the one in 3-D. Which, if you saw it, was a disappointment. Chuck on Monday night was a little better, but I was expecting to be wowed with the 3-D technology.
I guess nothing ever compares to the real thing. Usually generic cola doesn't quite taste like Pepsi. Or paper suckers aren't quite as sweet as real suckers (that one was made up). But you know what I mean. The orignal is always the best.
In Romans chapter 6 Paul speaks to us about the real thing. "1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
You see, there are things in life that we try to put our hope in. Friends, boyfriend/girlfriend, grades, sports, music... the list could go on and on. But the only real thing that we are able to put our hope in is the Son of God, Jesus. We have been baptized into Christ and we no longer live. Instead Christ lives in us. Jesus is the Real Thing. We are the real thing with Jesus.
Are you living like you are the real thing, or are you living generically? Trying to fit in with this world, or bringing God's world to people?
I think we should stop trying to live for 3-D that always disappoints and instead live for Reality, bringing God to others.

Texting Craziness

2009-01-23T16:53:00.001-07:00

How many of you text? I would also include myself in this group of textors, although I am a light-weight. Last week I read an article
about a girl who sent 14,528 texts ( http://www.nypost.com/seven/01112009/news/nationalnews/this_kids_a_text_maniac_149614.htm) . Now I know what you are thinking; “That is nothing. I send more than that in a year.” Ah, but this
wasn’t in a year, this was in one month! This works out to 484 texts a day or about one text message every two minutes (according to the
NY Post). Now I feel rather hypocritical saying this, because I also text and feel that there are a lot of advantages to this technology,
Marta (my wife) disagrees. But this is a little extreme. What is happening with our society? Are we becoming to detached from real
interaction?
In the book of Acts it talks about the acts of the early church, hence the title Acts (did you know that one?) This book is a book about
community, togetherness, interaction and people. This book is not about texting and the internet. It is not about anonymity but instead it
is about being known. There is a rather odd story found in Acts 5 about two people, Ananias and Sapphira. This married couple wanted
to follow what others were doing, and sell some land to give the money to the community. This was a time where people were caring for
each other, they were together and interacted as one. Many people were selling their personal possessions for the better good of their
friends and their community. No longer did they seek privacy and being unconnected, but instead sold what they had in order to connect
better.
So, this couple, Ananias and Sapphira, sold land but withheld some of the money, even though they claimed to be giving the full amount.
They talked about being united, yet they stayed anonymous. Unfortunately the story goes that they both were struck dead for their lies,
but that is not the main point. They tried to stay apart from people. They tried to care in words but not in deeds. They tried to live a lie
and they ended up getting pushed further away from the community.
Texting can be the same way. Are you avoiding someone when you text? Are you trying to stay secluded? Who can you interact with
today? Who can you be “God with skin on” to?

Pete's Summer Reading List

2008-06-03T13:55:00.002-06:00

School is out... the pool is open and the Rockies are losing. All signs of summer approaching.

Here are a list of books I suggest giving a read this summer:
Blue Like Jazz - by Donald Miller - A great book that will make you rethink how you think.
Through Painted Deserts - by Donald Miller
Searching for God Knows What - by Donald Miller - The sequel to Blue Like Jazz
To Own A Dragon - by Donald Miller - A must read for all males!
The Irresistible Revolution - by Shane Claiborne - Only read this book if you want to change.
Velvet Elvis - Rob Bell - WOW, that is all I can say!
The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis - one of my all-time favorite books
The Screwtape Letters - by C.S. Lewis - Opened my eyes to Spiritual Warfare
Mere Christianity - by C.S. Lewis - a deep/in-depth look at Christianity
The Narnia Series - by C.S. Lewis - give them another read, they really speak of God's love
UnChristian - by Kinnamon and Lyons - a book about Christian stereotypes and what we can do to over come them.
The Practice of the Presence of God - by Brother Lawrence - wow, this dude was cool

Books I want to read this summer:

Jesus for President - by Shane Claiborne - just seems appropriate with the election soon approaching.
The Science of God - by Schroeder
New Seeds of Contemplation - by Thomas Merton
A Grief Observed - by C.S. Lewis - gotta read some Lewis this summer
Orthodoxy - by G.K. Chesterton

Enjoy this summer and pick up a book! If you need to borrow, let me know!

Connection

2008-05-29T16:34:00.002-06:00

I was listening to an album that I haven't listened to for a while, Switchfoot's Nothing is Sound. This song made me start to think about our society and what we spend our money on.

If you have watched tv in the past 5 years, I am sure that you have noticed a trend of using lust to sell products. Why do we do this? Why do we use something that God has created as beautiful and "in His image" (Gen. 1:6)?

Why? I think that it is because people are lonely. Jon Foreman, the lead singer of Switchfoot, puts it best in the song with; "Everyone's been scared to death of dying here alone."

We are striving to connect to whatever we can. The internet, cell phones, reality television; whatever medium you use. The main goal is to connect with someone else.

We are starving for community. We are hungry for connectedness. And to try and feel connected, we sometimes seek it out in the wrong places.

Where are you connecting? Are you feeling connected at church? Are you feeling connected with your family? How can I help you connect to the right things?

Faith without Works is Dead

2008-05-21T15:53:00.003-06:00

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Matthew 25:34-36

This parable, as told by Jesus, is one that has been speaking to me more and more the last couple of years. For the longest time I thought that my faith was something that was personal to me, but it is more than just my faith that is important. It goes beyond my singular existence. It goes on to how I treat others on a daily basis.

As I said, over the past couple of years I have been learning that my faith is not really about me. It is about God and others. In Matthew 25, Jesus was telling a story about people's saving faith and what it looks like. And the crux of it is in the above 3 verses. It looks like service to God and others. Not service to yourself.

That is why I am so excited for this summer. We are going to be starting on some new service options on a weekly or monthly basis. It is our way to reach out to people for God's glory and I hope that you are with me to do this.

We will be heading to Urban Peak, www.urbanpeak.org , to help serve lunch to homeless teens. We will also be going to Food Bank of the Rockies, www.foodbankoftherockies.org , to help sort food for non-profits around Denver. And we will be heading back to Elmshaven Nursing Home to help with Bingo on Wednesdays.

Keep an eye on the calendar and let's start working on making our faiths more than just about us.

Our Neighbor

2008-05-15T16:11:00.003-06:00

When I was a little guy, I loved Mr. Rogers. I loved him so much that I even wanted a "Mr Rogers Haircut" when I went to get a trim. I was obsessed.

One of his favorite phrases was "Hello, neighbor". He was seeking all of us to feel connected, like neighbors. Revolutionary thought. Or was it?

After hearing of the horrible things that have happened in Myanmar (the cyclone) and China (severe earthquake) I think of what it means to be neighbors.

A friend of mine pointed out today that we are called to look at what we consider our neighbors and expand that out. These hurting people in Myanmar and China are our neighbors just like the family living next door to me is my neighbor.

Sometimes it is so easy to desensitize ourselves from the world because it doesn't affect our lives, but try thinking about a neighbor as being someone more than the person next door.

In Matthew 19:19, Jesus reminds us that we are to "love our neighbor as ourselves". This is a big commandment. Are you following it?

Last weekend was Marta's and my first anniversary and we spent it in Colorado Springs. At one point we were walking to a coffee shop to play some Cribbage when we were asked for some money for food from someone sitting on the street. Instead of giving money, we invited Joan to come and join us at the coffee shop.

She came and we talked for an hour. I would like to say that we blessed her life, but she truly blessed us more than we blessed her. It was one of the many highlights of our 1st Anniversary trip.

Who can you bless? What neighbor can you treat as you would treat yourself?

Try it out today!

Going Green... Not New Technology

2008-04-17T12:05:00.002-06:00

There is a new trend of "Going Green". Companies are making millions of dollars on this new idea and technology of "green". I think that this is great, but I also think that this is not some new fad, but something that we, as Christians, have been called to do since creation.

We are currently looking at the topics of Heaven and Hell in youth group and amongst my studies/research, I have seen how God loves the earth. And that in Genesis we too are called to show God's love of the earth to the earth.

I know this sounds a little cheesy, but seriously in Genesis 1 we see the Creation Story and get to watch as God creates. What is the point of the story? If you remember, after each day, God sat back and looked at it and said that it was "good".

Well the very last verse of chapter 1 in Genesis is a little different than the other days, it says; "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good..." (Gen. 1:31a).

Very Good! God cares for his creation, do you? We are called to live a life that is caring for the creation that God made and saw as Very Good. This may mean life changes toward the environment or towards other people.

Try and live today with the attitude that God saw His creation as Very Good. Post your experience here on the blog so that we can see how God is working through you.

Living Sacrifice

2008-04-02T14:00:00.004-06:00

Baseball season is in full swing, pun very much intended, and I am so very excited. Growing up and being from Iowa I was a fan of the Chicago Cubs (even though I feel a bit of nostalgia towards the Cubbies still) but now I am a die-hard Rockies fan. Now I know what you are thinking, but I was a fan 2 years ago when I moved out here, not just 6 months ago when Rocktober hit. I just can't wait to get out to a few games and cheer on the Rockies to victory.

One thing in baseball that I really think applies to the Bible as well is the sacrifice fly. Now in this situation, you have a man in scoring position with none or one out. The next person up to bat's goal is to pop one up to the deep outfield in order to let the person in scoring position safely make it to home plate. In doing so, the batter is most likely going to sacrfice himself in the meantime (and by sacrifice himself I mean give himself up for an out).

What a cool thought. For the betterment of the team, someone is willing to intentionally give himself up. This is exactly what Christ did for us and we celebrated this past Easter.

A sacrifice during Jesus' time did not deal with pop flys and baseball, but instead with animals and grains. You see, anytime that someone broke a law of Moses (10 Commandments and beyond), they were required to offer a sacrifice to God as a way of atonement (making up for). When they would offer this sacrifice, it wasn't just their moldy grain or old sheep, but they were required to give the best of what they had. Why? Because this way you will know the severity of what you have done.

In Mark 12:28-34 we encounter Jesus being asked about what the greatest commandment is and he replies that it is to 1) Love God with all of your heart, soul and mind and 2) Love your neighbor as yourself. After the guy who asked Jesus about this heard what Jesus said, he proclaimed that these two things are more important than any sacrifice that you can give... why?

Paul, in Romans 12:1 talks a little more about this. He says that we are to offer our bodies as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" as our "spiritual act of worship". So we are called to follow these two important commandments as a sacrifice to God. WOW!

This is a hard task, it means that we are called to love others, even if we don't like them or want to love them. We are called to treat others with respect, which means not to talk badly about them behind their back and to look out for their general good interest. And we are called to love God more than anything. More than your cell phone, more than your car, more than the new shoes you got, or whatever else you have that you really like. God is to be #1.

Are you offering yourself as a "Living Sacrifice"? If not, what can you do to start?

Hope: Exit 32

2008-03-27T16:26:00.002-06:00

Growing up in Iowa one of our main areas of entertainment, besides cow tipping, were concerts in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On the way up to Minneapolis, on Interstate 35, at exit 32 is a town called Hope. But what is Hope, other than a town in Minnesota?

Hope is defined as Absolute Certainty, which is pretty cool because we are called to have hope in Christ's death and resurection. We just celebrated Easter, and even froze our fingers off trying to play guitar in 26 degree weather in the 6 am darkness of the morning. After getting warm again, it was a great day to remember Christ and his sacrifice.

The last section of Radical Renovation, a study book written by James A. Harnish, we look at the end of Mark. Now, if you go to your Bible and look up the end of Mark there are actually 2 endings. One is the more obvious one, the end of the paragraph, and the other you have to do a little reading for. I guess most early manuscripts have Mark end at verse 8 instead of verse 20. Cool huh?

But as Harnish points out, it is a rather awkward ending to the book, it just leaves off with a couple of Marys, looking for Jesus' tomb, scared and speachless.

But the best part is what comes just before that in verse 7, where they are told to go and tell the disciples that Jesus is alive and that he is ahead of you waiting.

Cool, eh? Harnish makes a huge point about this pointing out that this is left open-ended not just for the disciples and Marys but also for us. It includes us in the story of Christ.

Christ is ahead of us and waiting in our daily lives too. We are called to live our lives so that we are proclaiming Christ in all we say and do. We are called to be walking constantly with God in all we say and do. But to know that Christ is waiting for us. He has paved the way, shown us which direction to go, and now it is your turn to walk. Who are you following or are you just walking blindly on your own?

It finally makes sense... kinda

2008-03-20T11:41:00.004-06:00

I have always been a little confused about the story of the woman who washed Jesus' feet and poured perfume on his head. For some reason I always related to the Disciples who were curious why the lady didn't sell the expensive perfume and give it to the poor instead.

But after reading this week in the Radical Renovation Lenten Study Book, I think that I have a little better idea on what this story means.

This event happened just before Passover, which means that it was just before the Last Supper as well as just before Jesus' death. And the enlightenment that I received from the story is that even though this was a costly bottle of perfume, this was a sacrifice that this woman wanted to make.

Jesus was just about to make an even bigger sacrifice, his life for our sins. But this story helps put into perspective what Jesus did for us on the cross and what we are called to do daily in our lives for Him. Jesus' death on the cross was one that required great sacrifice and love, but that means nothing to you unless you are living your life for him. Being willing to sacrifice anything in your life so that Christ may be glorified. We are called "to offer ourselves the way this woman in the Gospels offered her gift, in unrestrained, extravagant obedience to Jesus Christ." (Radical Renovation. James A. Harnish, 49)

Are you doing this? Are you offering yourself like this woman did, with unrestricted love? If not, do you feel like you should? What would this look like?

The New Humanity

2008-03-12T09:42:00.003-06:00

In my life I have experienced comfort and have gone to great lengths to keep that comfort. Whether it is avoiding people so that I can have more time with friends of family. Or if it is selfishly thinking of myself first instead of putting others in front of me. I will at times go to extreme ends to keep myself from feeling discomfort.

There were also times when I would use Christianity as a barrier to other people. Thinking that I was more holy or that others had no hope helped build up these walls of comfort for myself. This is something that I am ashamed of and wish that I had not done, but the past is past. Now I am looking onto the future and how I can tear down these walls.

Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians talked about these religious walls as well. He stated, "In Christ Jesus you who were once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us... that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross." (Ephesians 2:13-16)

Paul hit it right on the head, through Christ's death on the cross the walls have been torn down. We, as Christians, are called to show love, not hate. We are called to be caring not careless. We are called to build friendships not enemies.

Are you doing this? James Harnish in his book "Radical Renovation" states it pretty well, I think. "The walls can come down, and a new humanity can be born." (Harnish, pg. 43).

Are you helping a new humanity come to this earth? If not, what walls need to be broken down so that we can help carry out the mission of the cross?

That's The Power of Love

2008-03-05T14:21:00.003-07:00

For the longest time I have enjoyed the part in Mark 12 where Jesus is asked what the greatest commandment is. His reply was simple in the statement, but very difficult in what he said. He said that we are to 'love the Lord your God with all of your heart and soul and mind and to love others as you love yourself.'

What I thought was great about this is that Jesus wasn't inventing something totally new and radical, instead he was referring to what was taught for ages from the Old Testament. But obviously people sometimes get things confused and jumbled when it comes to the idea of love.
Imagine putting God and other people before your needs, is that possible?

How do we put God and others first? In this weeks Lent devotional a great quote by Martin Luther King Jr. was used to help describe love. "To meet hate with retaliatory hate would do nothing but intensify the existence of evil in the universe. Hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets a greater toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love." (A Testament of Hope, page 17)

So are you begetting more hate? Are you making things tougher than they were before? Or are you using the power of love to eliminate hate?

Our world is full of foes. It is so easy to hate someone and it is hard to love someone. We are called as followers of Christ to love others; no matter who they are or what they have done.

Who in your life do you need to show some love to? What kind of hate do you need to overcome in your life?

Amazing Grace

2008-02-26T14:31:00.002-07:00

One of my favorite hymns/song is Amazing Grace. No matter how many times that I hear this song, it always speaks to my soul. It just speaks so well to my heart, the idea of being lost but now being able to see. John Newton wrote this song after a huge change in his life from being a slave ship captain to a follower of Christ.

What a huge thing to turn from, the degradation of human beings to wanting to follow Christ with his life.

There are times when we are asked to change how we live or something that we truly love so that we are able to focus more fully on Christ. In Luke 18 and 19 are two great stories that were drawn to my attention from the Radical Renovation study that we are doing at BUMC during Lent.

We have all heard of the Rich Young Ruler and Zacchaeus in Luke, but a great connection was made to me this past week while thinking of these two men. Both of them had a bunch of money, although one was seen as good (the Rich Young Ruler) and the other as bad (Zacchaeus the tax collector). Both desired to know God, but only one was able to do it.

When asked to part with his posessions, the Rich Young Ruler refused and walked away from Jesus. But when Zacchaeus met Jesus, he realized the Amazing Grace that comes from Christ and sold 1/2 of his stuff for the poor as well as paid back all people that wronged him 4 times the amount.

WOW!

This makes me wonder if I am holding onto anything too tightly. Are there things in my life that are keeping me from Christ? Is there something in my life that would make me want to belt out Amazing Grace?

How about you?

Radical Renovation: Lenten Study: Definition of Greatness

2008-02-14T11:40:00.003-07:00

A few years back I was introduced to this artist named Keith Green. And by introduced I mean I heard of him, since he died way back in 1982. But I read his biography and was totally blown away. He was someone who strived to know God more fully and live his life showing this. He also wrote some pretty good songs (although to today's tastes are very cheesy). But you should check him out.

"It's time to quit playing church and start being the Church (Matt. 18:20)" — Keith Green

What I like about this quote is the fact that he is calling us to action. It is so easy for us to live our lives like Christ didn't matter at all, but that is not what we are called to do.

In Radical Renovation (the book that we are going through during Lent) we are looking at Mark9:33-37. During this time, as the disciples and Jesus are walking to Jesus' death on the cross, they disciples are arguing about who is the best of them. Who does Jesus like most?

I have always wondered why the disciples said and did so many dumb things, but then I realize that I do things that are even worse than what they are doing and saying. As a society we are seeking greatness as well. We like winning things or obtaining things or looking cool. We are no better than the disciples.

But what does Jesus tell them? He throws all of what we believe as greatness out and comes up with his own definition. He tells them that if you want to be great, you need to make yourself a servant to all. He says that the first shall be last and the last shall be first. And that is what we are called to do/be as followers of Christ.

Are you choosing to be servant or to be served? What in your life are you doing to put others first? Or are you living like our society tells us to live and looking out for numero uno? We are called to serve and be the church to the world, not just let the world serve us.

It is time to be great in Christ's eyes and not our own. Are you up to the challenge?

Joining History

2008-02-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

Just like our Founding Fathers, Shakespeare and The 3 Stooges I too am breaking out into the world to get my message across.

Don't really have much to say at the moment, but this will be a great place to see what is going on with the Uth Group as well as any other random thing that I am thinking about or find on the internet.

So keep coming back and checking it out.

Here is a little something for you, if you have ever wanted to become a Simpsons character, go to this site: http://simpsonizeme.com