Saturday, July 04, 2009

Help, The Anointing Has Lifted and I Can’t Make It To My Limo!

Note: This is a very rough draft of one chapter of a book I am writing called "For Real, Being Real in an Unreal Church". It is, like the rest of the book, unfinished. I wanted to post this because this is what is going on in my head right now.


Shortly after we were saved, after the glory cloud lifted and we started seeing that even though they were in church, people were still people; we had the chance to see the inner workings of a real life, not too sure how biblical, pastor search committee. During this time we saw a variety of “preachers” come to audition. It was during this time that I realized that a majority of preachers and pastors are full of themselves, especially the self proclaimed bishops, evangelists prophets.

After one such “audition” the prospective pastor, an over the top spitting, screaming towel carrying man o’God called the worship team to play during the altar call. Somewhere between then and the mad rush to Applebee’s this guy ducked out the side door into the office across the hall. As we, the guardians of truth and all that is holy, known as the search committee filed into the office we saw this guy with head in hands looking as if he ran a marathon. When asked how he was his rely was, “The anointing really takes it out of me.” Being a new Christian at the tome, I didn’t read too much into it. But his words stuck with me.

From Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary one form of anointing “was also an act of hospitality (Luke 7:38, 46). It was the custom of the Jews in like manner to anoint themselves with oil, as a means of refreshing or invigorating their bodies (Deut. 28:40; Ruth 3:3; 2 Sam. 14:2; Ps. 104:15, etc.). This custom is continued among the Arabians to the present day. (emphasis mine)


As I look back I realized that this guy was more about his power, and not too much about God. If this man were truly anointed he would have the energy to do what God set before him. I’m pretty sure that hiding from the people after service was not part of God’s plan for this man.

I read an article from J. Lee Grady recently titled Reality Check: The Case For Relational Christianity. The following is an excerpt from that article.


A friend in Alabama recently told me about a preacher who came to his city in unusual style. The man arrived at a church in a limousine and was whisked into a private waiting room behind the stage area. The evangelist gave specific instructions to leave his limousine's engine running (I guess he wasn't concerned about rising gas prices) so that the temperature inside his car would remain constant.

This evangelist then preached to a waiting crowd, took up his own offering and retired to the waiting room for some refreshments. Then he left the church with his entourage without even speaking to the host pastor.
Reality Check: The Case for Relational Christianity June 23, 2009


It was the combination of my encounter with the anointed pastor and J. Lee Grady’s article that gave me the title, and got me to thinking (again) about the absurd heights we place church leaders.

We have created a cult of personality within the church. We have taken 1 Samuel 26:9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD’s anointed, and be guiltless?” (New King James Version) and let charlatans and wolves into our churches, all the while living in fear that hail the size of VW Bugs and lightning will hit us if we dare question anything, cause you know there is that part in the bible where David had the chance to kill Saul, but didn’t, so somehow that applies to the new covenant. (There is also 1 Chronicles 16:22 and Psalm 105:15 that really have no connection to today’s modern church) This gives these leaders carte blanche to do whatever they please without any fear of real consequence in this life.

Another thing that happens to these untouchables is sad and regrettably avoidable if there were such a thing as accountability, and that's sin. A result of placing these people into these elevated celebrity status is that they are left alone, to their own devices and eventually end up in some sort of sin that shocks us and makes us recoil in disbelief saying, “But aren’t they God’s anointed?”

We have heard countless stories of pastors having marriage problems, infidelity issues, porn addiction, runaway children, etc. These issues, and countless others have kept leaders isolated felling like they can’t tell anyone they are human and they need help because, after all, aren’t they God’s anointed?

We need, as J. Lee Grady puts it, a reality check

Help, The Anointing Has Lifted and I Can’t Make It To My Limo!

Note: This is a very rough draft of one chapter of a book I am writing called "For Real, Being Real in an Unreal Church". It is, like the rest of the book, unfinished. I wanted to post this because this is what is going on in my head right now.


Shortly after we were saved, after the glory cloud lifted and we started seeing that even though they were in church, people were still people; we had the chance to see the inner workings of a real life, not too sure how biblical, pastor search committee. During this time we saw a variety of “preachers” come to audition. It was during this time that I realized that a majority of preachers and pastors are full of themselves, especially the self proclaimed bishops, evangelists prophets.

After one such “audition” the prospective pastor, an over the top spitting, screaming towel carrying man o’God called the worship team to play during the altar call. Somewhere between then and the mad rush to Applebee’s this guy ducked out the side door into the office across the hall. As we, the guardians of truth and all that is holy, known as the search committee filed into the office we saw this guy with head in hands looking as if he ran a marathon. When asked how he was his rely was, “The anointing really takes it out of me.” Being a new Christian at the tome, I didn’t read too much into it. But his words stuck with me.

From Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary one form of anointing “was also an act of hospitality (Luke 7:38, 46). It was the custom of the Jews in like manner to anoint themselves with oil, as a means of refreshing or invigorating their bodies (Deut. 28:40; Ruth 3:3; 2 Sam. 14:2; Ps. 104:15, etc.). This custom is continued among the Arabians to the present day. (emphasis mine)


As I look back I realized that this guy was more about his power, and not too much about God. If this man were truly anointed he would have the energy to do what God set before him. I’m pretty sure that hiding from the people after service was not part of God’s plan for this man.

I read an article from J. Lee Grady recently titled Reality Check: The Case For Relational Christianity. The following is an excerpt from that article.


A friend in Alabama recently told me about a preacher who came to his city in unusual style. The man arrived at a church in a limousine and was whisked into a private waiting room behind the stage area. The evangelist gave specific instructions to leave his limousine's engine running (I guess he wasn't concerned about rising gas prices) so that the temperature inside his car would remain constant.

This evangelist then preached to a waiting crowd, took up his own offering and retired to the waiting room for some refreshments. Then he left the church with his entourage without even speaking to the host pastor.
Reality Check: The Case for Relational Christianity June 23, 2009


It was the combination of my encounter with the anointed pastor and J. Lee Grady’s article that gave me the title, and got me to thinking (again) about the absurd heights we place church leaders.

We have created a cult of personality within the church. We have taken 1 Samuel 26:9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD’s anointed, and be guiltless?” (New King James Version) and let charlatans and wolves into our churches, all the while living in fear that hail the size of VW Bugs and lightning will hit us if we dare question anything, cause you know there is that part in the bible where David had the chance to kill Saul, but didn’t, so somehow that applies to the new covenant. (There is also 1 Chronicles 16:22 and Psalm 105:15 that really have no connection to today’s modern church) This gives these leaders carte blanche to do whatever they please without any fear of real consequence in this life.

Another thing that happens to these untouchables is sad and regrettably avoidable if there were such a thing as accountability, and that's sin. A result of placing these people into these elevated celebrity status is that they are left alone, to their own devices and eventually end up in some sort of sin that shocks us and makes us recoil in disbelief saying, “But aren’t they God’s anointed?”

We have heard countless stories of pastors having marriage problems, infidelity issues, porn addiction, runaway children, etc. These issues, and countless others have kept leaders isolated felling like they can’t tell anyone they are human and they need help because, after all, aren’t they God’s anointed?

We need, as J. Lee Grady puts it, a reality check

Friday, July 25, 2008

Stuff Breaks

So, the other day my truck broke. No big deal other than I am using our car to go to work. That is not that bad either seeing that I am closing shop here and I won't have the awkwardness of pulling up to a customers house in a 1998 Buick Regal. Nothing instills confidence in your general contractor like him pulling up in a car.

My truck goes in the shop on Thursday. My van is disabled and going to be sold on Monday. Our computer crashed for the last time, but that is ok, the library is a couple of blocks away, and I have a smart phone.(Now if the owner of the smart phone were smart enough to use it) My laptop is about to give up the ghost, and our can opener is junk.

All of this would make most people think I am cursed. Yet upon further investigation I can sum it up with: Old stuff breaks.

My truck is nine years old and has 125,000 miles on it.
My van is a 1980 E150.
My computer is six years old.
My laptop is just as old.
My can opener came from Dollar General.

So let me rephrase that: Old stuff and crap breaks. It is a curse to be sure. It is the same curse that we are all under. Beating our heads whenever something fails is not only senseless, it's stupid. Ain't no Charlie Brown woe is me going on here. I will just wade through the muck and mire to come out victorious, praising God.

Time out-let's get something clear
I speak-more truth than you want to hear
Scapegoat-to cover up your fear, you can't bring me

You ain't-never seen so much might
Fight for-what I know is right
What up-you got yourself a fight, you can't bring me

Stand up-we'll all sing along
Together-ain't nothin' as strong
Won't quit-we ain't in the wrong, you can't bring me

You...can't...bring...me...down!

Bring me down-you can't bring me down!
Bring me down-you can't bring me down, no!
Bring me down-you can't bring me down!
Bring me down-you can't bring me
down, you can't bring me down!

S.T. You Can't Bring Me Down

Stuff Breaks

So, the other day my truck broke. No big deal other than I am using our car to go to work. That is not that bad either seeing that I am closing shop here and I won't have the awkwardness of pulling up to a customers house in a 1998 Buick Regal. Nothing instills confidence in your general contractor like him pulling up in a car.

My truck goes in the shop on Thursday. My van is disabled and going to be sold on Monday. Our computer crashed for the last time, but that is ok, the library is a couple of blocks away, and I have a smart phone.(Now if the owner of the smart phone were smart enough to use it) My laptop is about to give up the ghost, and our can opener is junk.

All of this would make most people think I am cursed. Yet upon further investigation I can sum it up with: Old stuff breaks.

My truck is nine years old and has 125,000 miles on it.
My van is a 1980 E150.
My computer is six years old.
My laptop is just as old.
My can opener came from Dollar General.

So let me rephrase that: Old stuff and crap breaks. It is a curse to be sure. It is the same curse that we are all under. Beating our heads whenever something fails is not only senseless, it's stupid. Ain't no Charlie Brown woe is me going on here. I will just wade through the muck and mire to come out victorious, praising God.

Time out-let's get something clear
I speak-more truth than you want to hear
Scapegoat-to cover up your fear, you can't bring me

You ain't-never seen so much might
Fight for-what I know is right
What up-you got yourself a fight, you can't bring me

Stand up-we'll all sing along
Together-ain't nothin' as strong
Won't quit-we ain't in the wrong, you can't bring me

You...can't...bring...me...down!

Bring me down-you can't bring me down!
Bring me down-you can't bring me down, no!
Bring me down-you can't bring me down!
Bring me down-you can't bring me
down, you can't bring me down!

S.T. You Can't Bring Me Down

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

I like Mike.. Mitt's a loon, and I can prove it

It appears that Mike Huckabee is taking a heat round for his comments about Mormonism. You can read the story here. I fully agree with Mike in that they, (the Mormons) are a huge flippin' cult. Any religion that makes you wear funny undergarments, and doesn't believe that the Bible is the final authority is a cult.

Over the years we have had our fair share of nut cases coming to our door in pairs with their backpacks and squeaky clean dress, trying to sell us a bill of goods that will literally burn in Hell. They have stopped coming by. I think that they have our picture on the wall of those who will try and turn you away from us. I miss the company. I really like hitting a brick wall in conversation. I equally enjoy asking the hard questions that make them squirm in their funny underwear. In all seriousness though, I like planting the seed of truth.

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't have anything other than the fact that they are wrong, against the Mormons. Back in the day I was known to watch the Donnie and Marie show. I just can't take a grown man seriously when I know that he is wearing his special underwear.

Now, before it gets out, I would like to admit to having a pair of special underwear. The reason they are special to me is that my children bought them for me. They are a pair of boxers with a tool belt and tools printed on them. Along the waistband there is "Mr. Fixit" written in white letters on a black background. The only time I wear them happens when I have absolutely no others clean.

Somehow it's not the same...

I like Mike.. Mitt's a loon, and I can prove it

It appears that Mike Huckabee is taking a heat round for his comments about Mormonism. You can read the story here. I fully agree with Mike in that they, (the Mormons) are a huge flippin' cult. Any religion that makes you wear funny undergarments, and doesn't believe that the Bible is the final authority is a cult.

Over the years we have had our fair share of nut cases coming to our door in pairs with their backpacks and squeaky clean dress, trying to sell us a bill of goods that will literally burn in Hell. They have stopped coming by. I think that they have our picture on the wall of those who will try and turn you away from us. I miss the company. I really like hitting a brick wall in conversation. I equally enjoy asking the hard questions that make them squirm in their funny underwear. In all seriousness though, I like planting the seed of truth.

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't have anything other than the fact that they are wrong, against the Mormons. Back in the day I was known to watch the Donnie and Marie show. I just can't take a grown man seriously when I know that he is wearing his special underwear.

Now, before it gets out, I would like to admit to having a pair of special underwear. The reason they are special to me is that my children bought them for me. They are a pair of boxers with a tool belt and tools printed on them. Along the waistband there is "Mr. Fixit" written in white letters on a black background. The only time I wear them happens when I have absolutely no others clean.

Somehow it's not the same...

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Royal Order of the Lamb's Ear (or, What Kids Do Without TV)

Some time ago we made a decision to have only one TV. We also decided to never again buy cable or satellite service. Since we decided to make such a drastic lifestyle change (how does TV become a lifestyle?) we figured that we should go all the way and have the smallest TV we could all watch without getting headaches. We opted for a 13 inch TV/ VCR combo that my dad bought the kids when he lived with us. Dad loved TV and really thought that everyone should as well.

Now, when you make such decisions you must also limit the use of it. That part is easy to do around these here parts. You should consider yourself blessed(?) if you can get a good signal from one of five stations (2 of which are PBS. hee hee). It becomes a case of why bother, when sitting down to watch a show. You will find yourself getting up a few times to adjust the antenna. This aggravates kids as well, so they will invariably end up doing one of 2 things.

1. Beat the tar out of each other.
2. make stuff with common building materials and your neighbor's plants.

After Mom sends them outside for #1, they are left to their own devices, and Dad's shed of stuff.

For the last week I have come home to various forms of unique weapons of no destruction sitting on my back patio. One particularly ingenious item is the shield that Noah has been sporting for the last couple of days. It is made from cardboard, packing tape, duct tape and our neighbor's lamb's ear plant.

When I asked Noah about the plant on his shield he told me that it was for his new club. "What club is that?" I ask.

"The Royal Order of the Lamb's Ear."

Should have known.


2 Valiant Warriors


Hunting Dragons (no doubt)


Lamb's Ear Plunder

Royal Order of the Lamb's Ear (or, What Kids Do Without TV)

Some time ago we made a decision to have only one TV. We also decided to never again buy cable or satellite service. Since we decided to make such a drastic lifestyle change (how does TV become a lifestyle?) we figured that we should go all the way and have the smallest TV we could all watch without getting headaches. We opted for a 13 inch TV/ VCR combo that my dad bought the kids when he lived with us. Dad loved TV and really thought that everyone should as well.

Now, when you make such decisions you must also limit the use of it. That part is easy to do around these here parts. You should consider yourself blessed(?) if you can get a good signal from one of five stations (2 of which are PBS. hee hee). It becomes a case of why bother, when sitting down to watch a show. You will find yourself getting up a few times to adjust the antenna. This aggravates kids as well, so they will invariably end up doing one of 2 things.

1. Beat the tar out of each other.
2. make stuff with common building materials and your neighbor's plants.

After Mom sends them outside for #1, they are left to their own devices, and Dad's shed of stuff.

For the last week I have come home to various forms of unique weapons of no destruction sitting on my back patio. One particularly ingenious item is the shield that Noah has been sporting for the last couple of days. It is made from cardboard, packing tape, duct tape and our neighbor's lamb's ear plant.

When I asked Noah about the plant on his shield he told me that it was for his new club. "What club is that?" I ask.

"The Royal Order of the Lamb's Ear."

Should have known.


2 Valiant Warriors


Hunting Dragons (no doubt)


Lamb's Ear Plunder

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Legislated Morality

With the recent passing of Jerry Falwell, I find myself thinking about the state of our country and how far we have fallen into sin. I agree with the Moral Majority (and the Moral Majority Coalition) in saying that America has turned from God. However, that is where we part ways. More and more I find myself seeing the futility of trying to legislate morality. We cannot tell people how to live. When we do we come of as arrogant wind bags who come off as caring less, and showing a tainted picture of Christ to those perishing.

I do believe that we can voice our opinion. Although we also need to seek God, and not political leaders. Only God can change the hearts of those in leadership, and ultimately, everybody else. The answer is fasting and prayer. Our lobby is with God.

In the next week we will be starting a 40 day fast which will culminate in a massive gathering of intercessors in Nashville. The Call. It is my prayer that millions of Christians will stop trying to get the attention of politicians, and petition the Lord.

This is a call to action!

Monday, May 15, 2006
































Josiah went to the Thill's house a few days ago. When he came back he had this really cool sword made from old pallets. This thing has splinters and tetnus written all over it. I am going to make a dumpster deposit as I leave in the morning. He and his friends get an A for creativity, and a C+ in health.

There was a picture here of a blue betta. I had to remove it because apparently there was a copyright infringement of some sort. Sorry to those who have the copyright. It really is a nice picture though.
Fish Update:Myah and I went to Petco to get a fish. I must have had dolt written accross my forehead because no sooner had I asked the sales associate to get a fish I was bombarded with questions like, "what kind of tank do you have?", "Sir, what kind of commitment are you willing to make?". I told the guy about our Oscar fiasco the day before and, after laughing, he showed me to the Beta fish. I remebered that Chastity had a Beta while we were dating that she had neglected. I had no idea there was a fish in the bowl because the water had not been changed in 100 years or so. Sewage treatment plants have better water clarity than that bowl did. So, a Beta it is. This thing should live for a few decades. Not even the Scott family can kill this thing.

Some Beta facts:
They are sometimes refered to as Japanese Fighting Fish. I am guessing this is the Japanese equivalent of a cock fight. The males look like some kind of Bantum rooster. Don't ask how I know what a Bantum rooster looks like.

Betas don't like to look at themselves in the mirror. This makes it economical to train them for the big fight, not that I am going to hit the circuit or anything like that.

I found out that you can buy special Beta tanks that have dividers. There is a special tinted insert to keep the fiesty little filet o' fishys from going at it.When you pull out the tinted divider it's Beta time.

All we have is a fish bowl, and I don't think that Myah has any aspirations toward fish fighting glory. I don't have the energy to become the Don King of the aquatic world. I'll be good to feed it.




































Josiah went to the Thill's house a few days ago. When he came back he had this really cool sword made from old pallets. This thing has splinters and tetnus written all over it. I am going to make a dumpster deposit as I leave in the morning. He and his friends get an A for creativity, and a C+ in health.

There was a picture here of a blue betta. I had to remove it because apparently there was a copyright infringement of some sort. Sorry to those who have the copyright. It really is a nice picture though.
Fish Update:Myah and I went to Petco to get a fish. I must have had dolt written accross my forehead because no sooner had I asked the sales associate to get a fish I was bombarded with questions like, "what kind of tank do you have?", "Sir, what kind of commitment are you willing to make?". I told the guy about our Oscar fiasco the day before and, after laughing, he showed me to the Beta fish. I remebered that Chastity had a Beta while we were dating that she had neglected. I had no idea there was a fish in the bowl because the water had not been changed in 100 years or so. Sewage treatment plants have better water clarity than that bowl did. So, a Beta it is. This thing should live for a few decades. Not even the Scott family can kill this thing.

Some Beta facts:
They are sometimes refered to as Japanese Fighting Fish. I am guessing this is the Japanese equivalent of a cock fight. The males look like some kind of Bantum rooster. Don't ask how I know what a Bantum rooster looks like.

Betas don't like to look at themselves in the mirror. This makes it economical to train them for the big fight, not that I am going to hit the circuit or anything like that.

I found out that you can buy special Beta tanks that have dividers. There is a special tinted insert to keep the fiesty little filet o' fishys from going at it.When you pull out the tinted divider it's Beta time.

All we have is a fish bowl, and I don't think that Myah has any aspirations toward fish fighting glory. I don't have the energy to become the Don King of the aquatic world. I'll be good to feed it.





Friday, March 10, 2006






This is a book that I am reading right now. I have taken the advice of Randy and picked a biography. Revolutionaries still appeal to me after all of these years. I just want to know what makes them tick. My favorite revolutionary, Jesus. He has been changing lives for over 2000 years.









I am going to go watch this movie and go to bed...





This is a book that I am reading right now. I have taken the advice of Randy and picked a biography. Revolutionaries still appeal to me after all of these years. I just want to know what makes them tick. My favorite revolutionary, Jesus. He has been changing lives for over 2000 years.









I am going to go watch this movie and go to bed...

Sunday, March 05, 2006

Socialist


92%

Anarchism


67%

Communism


67%

Democrat


58%

Green


33%

Republican


17%

Nazi


0%

Fascism


0%


Dare you to take this one .

Be Honest....

Socialist


92%

Anarchism


67%

Communism


67%

Democrat


58%

Green


33%

Republican


17%

Nazi


0%

Fascism


0%


Dare you to take this one .

Be Honest....

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Watched part of Motorcycle Diaries last night. I fell asleep about 3/4 into the movie. I liked what I did watch. As some of you may know, I have a fondness for Latin America. That is me Mestizo . I also have a fondness for politics. That would be my mother and father in me. Freakin' rebels that they were. More dad than mom. Che has always been somewhat of an inspiration to me. I admire people that can stick to their convictions (even if they are wrong). That is something that you don't see too much in people these days. Mostly people will line up with a cause because it looks cool. Case in point, Paul McCartney wearing a white Make Poverty History band. If he wanted to make poverty history he would give it away, give it away give it away now..He would also ask Micahel Jackson for the rights to his old Beatles songs..

I am done ranting for now. I will leave with this request.

Buy me a goat!

chuck