So, what’s with the Old Testament

It’s been one of those months. Everything I read, listen to and talk about seems to have a common theme.

I should be excited, because when that happens it’s almost always God trying to speak.

I guess it’s time to listen (c’mon McFly… McFly!).

Although there is a bit more depth to it than this, the nutshell idea from the Lord is simply this… it’s more about Jesus than you think.

Colossians 1:27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

My first conversation with a CrossPointer back in the states (vacation in Costa Rica, awesome, by the way) was Continue reading “So, what’s with the Old Testament”

Pardon me Lord may I have this seat

G.K. Beale has said, “Whatever your heart clings to or relies on for ultimate security is your object of worship.”

Most of my fellow churchgoers would not argue with this definition of worship. In fact, I have personally defined worship as anything that captures your attentions and affections.

What strikes me most though is the verb “clings” used by Beale. In my mind I can picture myself latching onto the thought of having a girlfriend in the 7th grade… I knew what I was worshiping.

I can vividly recall my almost sociopathic pursuit of great grades and accolades through high school… bowing low at the altar of achievement.

There’s no denying the idolatry of my early 20s when, even in ministry, I was worried about

Continue reading “Pardon me Lord may I have this seat”

The biggest moon ever

Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by an incredible moon rise, or moon set?

You know, one of those moments when your breath is taken away by the hugeness of the moon hanging low in the sky. You may have even thought, or said something like, “The moon is huge tonight!”

You might find it disturbing to know that your eyes are playing tricks on you. It’s still a beautiful moon and totally worthy of your pause and admiration of its Creator, but just so that you know… you’re wrong.

Wow, quit being so sensitive. I’m just trying to teach you something.

The truth is that what you see when the moon is “so big” is really an optical illusion in fact, the moon is always the same size in the sky. Let me give you a few Continue reading “The biggest moon ever”

Don’t kill time, it’s innocent

I heard a phrase last week that I haven’t heard in a long while… think tank.

I know that if you’re invited to be part of a think tank it is a compliment to your intelligence, experience or abilities. But, personally, I can’t think of much else I’d rather not do.

The thought of thinking about thoughts while discussing other peoples thoughts on their thoughts and your thoughts… wow… I think I could find other things to do. Maybe like doing, er, anything.

Don’t get uptight, I know there are a very legitimate and real needs for a think posse, and they probably accomplish much more than you and I could ever really appreciate. But, it’s definitely not a job for me.

Processing, thinking, mulling over, contemplating are all necessary, but I’m more of a “let’s get on it” guy. In fact here’s a few of my favorite phrases:

  • Just do it
  • Pull the trigger
  • Time to fish or cut bait
  • Get off the pot
  • Trial and error has begun!
  • It’s go time
  • Worth a shot
  • I’ll call you from the finish line

If think tanks represent one end of the spectrum (over processing), I find myself just as frustrated with the other end of the spectrum where some ignore/deny the issue (under processing).

If you are prone to the latter, you probably have apps on your phone that are great ‘time killers.’

Why would you even want to do that?

Don’t kill your time, release your parental rights, I’ll adopt it.

Maybe I  start a foundation for unwanted time, or at least write a book: “A Convenient Truth: You have the time”

Think tanks can represent active avoidance and denial can represent passive avoidance. I just want to get rid of the “avoi,” let’s “dance.”

Again, if your a thinker and love to process, many blessings on you.

If you love to loligag and your favorite sport is dodgeball, feel the love.

But, personally I’m the guy who’s leg is bouncing under the table just waiting for someone to say, “Ok, let’s give it a shot.”

Even though I really appreciate action I have to admit, sometimes taking steps is difficult.

In the book of Revelation, John sees multiple visions of things to come and in one small instance he is asked to do something odd.

Revelation 10:9 So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, “Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.”

While there are lots of possible applications for this verse related to John’s personal ministry, end times theology and all kinds of stuff I don’t understand (maybe I should start a think tank to figure it out), there is a simple, practical thought that blesses me.

Often it tastes good to learn something, but using it can be a foul experience.

Learning about the character of God in a Bible Study or worship experience is far from practicing the faith in real life. Making plans and dreaming about the future may be a sweet experience, but we feel the burn when the rubber hits the road.

Resolving to lose weight and workout, planning to get your budget under control, pledging to work out the relationship kinks are all fantastic thoughts. But, once you hit the gym, shut of the cable, and talk about/to the inlaws, things can start to leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

Still, this is what needs to happen.

Ideas are sweet, but application is good (but nasty) medicine.

So, whatever you have decided to do, do it. It will never get any easier and there will never be a better time.

The sweetness of the original idea may dissolve into some bitter disciplines, but have no fear.

Eat what’s on your plate. It’s good for you.

My Christmas List

It was a first for me. It was gentle, it was loving, it was sweet pillow talk, but it was definitely my very first Christmas scolding.

After a great night with my family filling our home, eating way too much (my wife can really rock the holiday turkey), and watching the kids tear into the presents, we collapsed into bed. That’s when the loving reprimand came my way.

“You haven’t told me anything you want for Christmas,” she said.

“I told you I wanted a harmonica,” I responded.

It’s at this point I can’t blog what happened next, I can’t even really describe it in person, but let’s just say my wife has learned to roll her eyes even when they’re closed.

It’s pretty impressive.

The problem is, she’s totally right. I have racked my brain trying to answer her question for weeks. There is just nothing that I want, let alone need, that I could put Continue reading “My Christmas List”

Thankful for the complaints

Happy Thanksgiving.

For most of us, plans are in full swing and expectations are high. Finishing a shortened work/school week leading into a day of over indulgence (fancy talk for pigging out) followed by even more decadence (another fancy word for waste) as we shop till we drop, we see why it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

At least, it better be, since we will be paying for it on the treadmill and out of the checkbook for months.

Still, Happy Thanksgiving!

If I asked most people what Thanksgiving was about, we’d get the standard three “F”s:
* Family
* Food
* Football

Then, once we got past all that honesty we’d remember that somewhere between the trip to Grandmas and the tryptophan coma, we’re supposed to be thankful for something, right?

So, what are we thankful for on Continue reading “Thankful for the complaints”

No Lukewarm Turkey, Please

Normally, I do not blog more than once a week, but in my personal devotional time today the Lord gave me a pre-Thanksgiving message today. Let me stress, this was given to me, which means it was for me. I have no idea if this is anything anyone else needs to hear, but I will publicly process this and if it’s a blessing to anyone else, so be it.

Revelation 3:14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. 15 “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”

 

 

In the book of Revelation, Jesus spoke directly to seven different church communities, and there was a pattern:

  • He introduced Himself
  • He commends the church
  • He rebukes the church
  • He offers a solution
  • He warns
  • He promises

Oddly, this last church on the list (Laodicea) is missing one of these elements… a commendation.

Ouch.

Apparently, what Jesus has to say to the church at Laodicea has to differ from the way He talked to others because He has nothing good to say about them.

Again, I say, Continue reading “No Lukewarm Turkey, Please”

Forgiveness

I have been on a mini-Sabatical for the last two weeks and I am looking forward to reconnecting with my fellow CrossPointers this weekend.

While I was away, I got to spend some time with people and in places that had significant meaning to me. The last spot I was in was Little Rock, Arkansas. My good friend and seminary buddy lives and ministers there.

While I was visiting, he asked me to speak on the issue of forgiveness at his church (Little Rock’s First Baptist Church). I was happy to do it… great people there in Arkansas.

Thought I’d share that teaching. Thanks for checking it out.

Forgiveness from Andy Addis on Vimeo.

I found your name in the Bible

Human beings have a horrible tendency to skim.

If we think we know something, or we have already covered it, then we barely give it a glance because we have already “put the effort in.”

Why reinvent the wheel, right?

My eldest is a master at this. In fact, we have decided that his Indian name is “Running Water” because whatever he is involved in he will always flow to the path of least resistance. I guess this makes him a naturally green individual because he conserves energy like nobody’s business!

Hmmm, I think we used to call that lazy, but today he’s an eco-hero! Yeah, Noah.

I shouldn’t tease, he takes after his dad. I like to find the easy way out myself, but this mindset of skimming often puts me at a disadvantage.

  • It causes me to assume, which usually leads to missing something.
  • It causes me to skip steps, which often stutters the process.
  • It causes me to see with my mind, and I miss what the eyes can tell me.

For example, have you ever Continue reading “I found your name in the Bible”

Where’s your happy button?

This is the time of year that I am usually giddy with anticipation. In fact, when I see Halloween decorations creeping out at Wal-Mart, feelings of joy start to gurgle up from deep down inside.

Nope.

You can cancel your plans for the letter explaining to me the evils of October 31st, that’s not what makes me gleeful. However, when you see the Trick O Treater gear clogging the aisles I do get a skip in my step because it means just one thing to me… The NBA season is almost here!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year….

For you ESPN addicts, you’ll be sure to note that owner/player talks may delay or even cancel this coming season.

Nope. Still not dismayed.

If the season starts late, or never even begins, I’ll be just fine. Why? Because

Continue reading “Where’s your happy button?”