Philosophical Ramblings
Jesus-lite
I’ve been drinking diet pop for a long time (that’s soda for you northerners, and the non descriptive, uber generic ‘Coke’ for you in the south).
I’ve been drinking it for so long, it not only tastes good, it tastes better than regular pop. I understand that the previous sentence is probably the single most controversial statement I have ever posted on this blog, but you will just need to deal with it.
It’s kind of a pattern for chronic dieters like myself:
You make the decision to go lite
You endure the transition
You get used to it
You get comfortable with it
It becomes normal
You can do this with almost any habit, whether its food, drink, entertainment, political affiliation and even… faith.
Yep, you can choose to go lite. It may feel awkward at first, but you’ll get used to it.
Jesus-lite is the new rage all around the world. All the love with none of the conviction. You can enjoy 100% of your daily requirement of feel good, with none of that commitment aftertaste.
Harvard University is a sterling example of embracing the Jesus-lite lifestyle.
The school motto is “Veritas,” the latin word for truth, but it wasn’t always that catchy little word. The University’s original motto was “Veritas pro Christo et ecclesia,” or “Truth for Christ and his Church.”
Hmmm…
Continue reading
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 who I knew and who knew me… in the cult of personality.
I could go on and on, but the examples from the latter half of my life are still a bit too fresh. Actually they’re still open wounds. Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
Twas the night…
Twas the night before Christmas and the service begun
The church was all decked out, for holiday fun!
Church members were nestled all snug in their pew
With wreaths and lights and poinsettias in view
The auditorium was warm to instill Christmas cheer
And singers were ready with carols near and dear
Then up at the front with sermon notes handy
A Christmas message, for sure, from old Pastor Andy
The music was great and the message…okay
But everyone’s thoughts were for the breaking of day
For morning would come with presents and joy
Mom getting clothes and Dad, of course, toys
When out on the parking lot there arose such a clatter
We sprang from our seats to see what’s the matter
Running out through the foyer and down the long hall
We stood in the doorway to watch, one and all
A few feet away was a broken down car
Dented and scratched, an eye-sore for sure
Then out stepped a man from this beat up ole caddy
And three youngsters inside, they each called him “Daddy!”
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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? Continue reading
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, ouch. Continue reading
Desperate prayers from blinded eyes
Today is going to be one of those days I will never forget.
It started more than 10 hours ago, but my heart is still racing. I think my chest hurts a little, no joke.
I take my boys to school every morning, so there’s always that last minute hustle to grab bags, sign journals to make sure lunches are packed. Today was like any other day of the thousand days in our household.
Once again, on the way out the door my youngest son said he’d forgotten to make his lunch for school. So, his plan was to run to the garage and pick up a snack pack out of our second refrigerator.
He asked me, “Dad, can you pick me up around back.”
I huffed a little because he was not prepared, as usual, but said, “Yes, I’ll meet you back there in a minute.”
So, Noah and I piled into the truck in front of the house and made our way around back where we idled and waited for Nathan to emerge. After several minutes, I sent his brother to go find him. He came back out and said Nathan wasn’t in there.
By the time I put the truck in park and ran in the back door, mom was running out alarmed by Noah looking for his brother.
She already had tears in her eyes, Nathan was not where he was supposed to be and Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
You call that worship?
The following video clip is a teaching/story I have been tellin for years (12 to be exact), but I have never got it on video.
A few nights ago I was asked to speak at the first ever CrossPoint Country worship/concert event. It was more than awesome and hope we can do it again soon.
It was the perfect time to share this thought and I hope it’s an encouragement to you. Continue reading
Intentionality
As a pastor, one of my greatest joys is watching people in the church get excited, grow and develop deeper and deeper passions for Jesus.
This is most clearly evident in the lives of people who are retuning from mission work. Excitement produced by a little fear mixed with complete dependance, wrapped up in abnormal relationships and fellowship, all against the contrast of our lives back home.
In 20+ years of ministry I have seen (and experienced) the “Just Got Back Home Blues” innumerable times. They are somewhat justified because the experience on the mission field was so real, so raw, so amazing that home by contrast seems fake, plastic or even irrelevant.
A couple of years ago I was on mission in Europe and Asia and new that I’d be hitting the blues in just a few days. So, as I wrestled with myself on the rollercoaster ride that so often is personal spirituality, and I stumbled a crossed a word that nailed me to the wall… intentionality.
So, whether you are coming back from a summer mission trip, heading out on one, or you are staying home and trying to realize that you live on a mission field already; please take time to view this short video and lets get intentional. Continue reading
My name is Andy Addis and I want to welcome you to the CrossEyedLife. I pastor a multisite church and love to speak and teach around the country and occasionally around the world.
Please read, watch and listen throughout these posts and then, contribute. I'd love for you to be in the discussion. Many blessings and I look forward to hearing from you.
