Love and Respect....

Most of us change the oil in our automobiles every 3-6,000 miles.  We mow the lawn each week and make sure to pick up around the house.  The dishes may sit in the sink a day, but we don't like it and we get them into the washer right away.  We go to work, attend training sessions, and try to perform as well as we can.  Some of us even go back to school, working to expand our career opportunities and provide a better life for our families.  We hope and pray our kids get into the best schools and send them to camps and retreats to strengthen their moral and intellectual character.  We sign them up for dance or soccer or football or baseball, run them to every practice, game and tournament.   We do all these things because we believe they are important.  But how much time, effort or education do we put into the most important relationship we have on this earth, our marriages?  Is it about 3/4's as much?  Or maybe 1/2?  Or is it more like 1/5 or 1/10?  Do you cringe when you hear marriage workshop or marriage counseling?  Why is that?  Why in the world are we willing to put more time and effort into every other inferior relationship we have in this life?  Take a look at this website (http://loveandrespect.com), we'll talk about it Sunday.

One last thought before class tomorrow...

I want to throw this out and get your thoughts and I want to just stick to these verses here in Matthew 25:14-30.  I believe this verse is saying, quite simply, that when Christ comes back, he's expecting a return.  He's expecting that we've done more than just "no harm."  Now that's the easy part.  The part that I want your feedback on is this.... What if there had been a fourth servant who had gone out, invested the talents in what seemed like a sure-fire winner, and completely unexpectedly and without any fault on his/her part, lost it all.... what would the master have said to him or her?

Abundance?

     In Matthew 25:29, the verse for this week, Christ says that to those who have, more will be given so that he will have "abundance", and to those who have not, even what they have will be taken away.  Is this the same Christ of the beatitudes?  It sounds like a winner-takes-all scenario, which is great if you're the winner, but not so good if.... How does this tie into stewardship?  We so often think about being a good steward as caring for things, protecting things, being frugal, but is that all there is to it?  In fact, if you read the parable leading up to this verse, punishment is dealt hard to the one who did no harm.  He didn't loose anything, in fact he preserved and protected the master's investment, doing no harm and letting no harm come to it.  And what was his reward?  Banishment, loss of all he had protected.   
     John Wesley said when describing the preceding parable: "It is true he had not done good.  But neither is he charged with doing any harm....[yet] He is pronounced a wicked, because he was slothful, an unprofitable servant.  So mere harmlessness, on which many build their hope of salvation, was the cause of his damnation!"
What is Christ saying here?  What is He trying to tell us that our "Master" wants?  Look at Matthew 13:12.  What are we to do?

Defining Unity...

In light of our scripture for this week (Matt. 22:36-40 for those of you who have forgotten), I wanted to get your thoughts on "Unity."  There is a great deal of talk these days in the churches around the world, not just COC's, about the need for unity.  The question that I have is how does it actually play out?  Let's take a fictional congregation called "The Way."   Suppose for generations that "The Church" only sang out of hymn books.  One day, a fire burned down a local sister church "The Light," and all the congregants had to meet together at "The Way."  The problem was, "The Light" church always used overheads and felt that hymn books kept them from really expressing themselves.  Now both of these groups were under the same roof, one having a tradition of hymn books, the other a tradition of overheads.  Although neither side could find a support that "proved" they're belief was scriptural, they both felt very strongly about their tradition.  In light of Matt. 22:36-40, and with unity in mind, how should they worship on Saturday (Saturday Sabbath being a tradition they both shared)?  Don't tell me this isn't really a big deal, because to these people it is... So what should they do?  Does unity mean the hymn bookers win because they were there first, so we don't want to rock the boat?  Or does Matt 22 tell us that the over headers should win because they're the neighbors?   Your thoughts please....

And the tallest is....

Curtis Brunson won in an overwhelming landslide... well, maybe an underwhelming landslide... but regardless it was a victory with 8 votes.  David Berry was in second with 3 and Henry and Mark had a dismal "0" votes each... Sorry guys, but hey, if we learned anything last week from The Story, its that we're all created in God's image... even if some are just a little shorter version of that image ;-)

So what?

I tried to challenge you earlier this week to bring God's word into your daily lives. Have you been able to do that? What is the purpose of it? Do we really need to daily read the word of God? Is there any power or purpose in memorizing scripture. This is what we will be discussing tomorrow, but I'd love to hear some of your thoughts now. Oh yes, and be ready to recite your verses tomorrow.  One final question... does God expect us to study scripture or is just believing in Christ enough?

-Brice

Shema, Mezuzah, Tzitzit and You...

No, those aren't the names the Vilhauers are considering for their baby... although Shema Vilhauer does have a nice ring to it.  As most of you know, our verse for this week is Deut. 11:18-21 (have you memorized it yet?).  If you've read carefully, you see that God is calling upon us to keep his words in our hearts and our souls, in fact He says to fasten them to our bodies and our homes.  But what words?  Well, the Jews believed that those words were the Shema, or to you and I, Deut. 6:4-9; 11:13-21, and Numbers 15:37-41.  As scripture instructs ("when you lie down and when you rise"), these prayers were and are recited each morning and night.  They always begin with Deut. 6:4-5, and I love those verses:

     "Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord alone.  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and will all your soul and with all your might."

Every morning and every night they are reminded of God's covenant, his supremacy, and their relationship.  Christ reiterated this same language when he was asked what the greatest commandment was in Matt. 22 and Mark 12.  What a great way to focus the mind on things that are pure and excellent as Paul also instructed in Romans.  So that's the Shema, but what about those other two?

     If you have ever been to a Jewish home, you have probably seen a Mezuzah when you walked in the doorway.  Normally placed on the right side of the door frame, about 2/3 of the way up and tilting toward the home, the Mezuzah is a small box containing the Shema.  Again, following the instructions in Deut., the Jews put God's word on their doorposts.  A reminder as they come and go of God's covenant, and a blessing on the home.

     Finally the Tzitzit.  In Numbers, God tells Moses to command the Israelites to make fringes on the corners of their garments and to "put a blue cord on the fringe at each corner" so that:

      "when you see it, you will remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and not follow the lust of your heart and your own eyes.  So you shall remember and do all my commandments, and you shall be holy to your God."

    God instructed the Israelites do many things to keep His words in the forefront of their minds.  Why?  Is there a benefit to constantly reminding ourselves about the promises, blessings and commands of God?  Are there other ideas, commands or words that battle for that same space, reminding us daily of what we should do, who we are, what we need to be?  Does the word of God have any real power?  Think about these things and lets discuss it.

      So what about "You?"  Where do you fit in?  As I've read these scriptures and the significance of them to the ancestors of our Faith, I've been thinking of ways to bring it into my life.  Erin and I had to work out the specifics, but we've decided that we're going to place God's words on our doorpost.  I think we are going to write them on a ribbon and placing it above the door.  And as much as I like the whole tasseled fringe look of Orthodox Judaism (and to be honest my head could use a yarmulke about now if you know what I mean), I think I'm going to do something a little different, like maybe a simple blue piece of string or leather around my wrist, to remind of God's words ("Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad.": "Hear Oh Israel, The Lord is Our God, The Lord Alone.")  How about you?  I'm willing to share my blue bands if you want one... or maybe your a tassel kind of guy or gal....  Oh, one last question... why the blue?  Is that just God's favorite color or is there something more to it... let me know what you think.

May the Lord Shine His Face Upon You- Blessings,

Brice

One more introductory thought....

For those of you who weren't in my class this morning, the title of it is "The Psyche Effect: When less becomes more."  This Sunday I introduced the class and the foundational scripture, which is Romans 12:1-2.  The short of it is this: I'm hoping over the next few months that we can reconnect to God's will in our lives, that we can be "Transformed" by a renewing of our minds.  To do that, each week I'll introduce a new scripture and a new area of life that we can conform not to the world, but to God's word.  The more you meditate on this and apply small changes to your life, the greater your transformation will be.  I'm really excited about it and anyone who would like more information about it can email me.  Each Wednesday I'll be posting a few thoughts on our next class, possibly some challenges, and maybe ideas I have about applying God's word.  The verse for this week is Deuteronomy 11:18-21:

"You shall therefore impress[14][Lit put ] these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals[15][Lit frontlet bands ] on[16][Lit between your eyes ] your forehead.
"You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.
"You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,
so that your days and the days of your sons may be multiplied on the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, as long[17][Lit the days of the heavens ] as the heavens remain above the earth.

Please feel free to leave comments on this site...I'm hoping it will be a resource for discussion and growth.  

Blessing to you all...

-Brice 

The Psyche Effect

Well, if any of you just happen to be peeking at this site, yes, you've come to the right place. I'm working on my post for this week and I promise to have it here by Wednesday. I want to really thank all of you for showing up today, and I want you to know that I'm praying for you all, that God will touch you and work a renewal in you! I'm really excited about our class and I can't wait to see what God does in our lives. Blessings to you all.

-Brice

p.s..... you'll likely see some old stuff the further down on the blog you read. Much of it was from our time in LA. You can take it or leave it, but I just wanted you to know that it was "old stuff."

You've been duped...

Alexander the Great was talking to Diogenes and Diogenes asked him, essentially, what will you do next? "Conquer all of Greece," Alexander replies. "And then," Diogenes asks. "Conquer all of Asia Minor,"Alexander replies. "And then," Diogenes asks. "Conquer all of the world, " Alexander replies. "And after you've conquered all the world, what will you do then?" Alexander replies, "then I will relax like you." Diogenes responds, "why not save yourself the time and trouble and just relax now."

Does this sound like us? We work our whole lives so that we can "enjoy retirement" when we are no longer young enough to enjoy it. And really, does anyone want to just give up all meaningful activity for their remaining 30 years of life? I'm of the mindset that we should, one, never retire (at least not in the traditional sense), and two, start our retirement now. What is to prevent us from setting ourselves up to enjoy our retirement now, dispersed throughout our life rather than preserved for the end. Unfortunately debt may be what prevents us from being able to enjoy our retirement now, but we can change that. Commit today to living within your means, finding enjoyment in life without having to do it on credit, and work towards beginning your retirement soon.... oh yes, and never retire!

gratitude

is it just me or is it really easy to complain? i mean isn't easier to come up with reasons why things aren't perfect, why things could be better, why what we have is ok, but if we could have (fill in more expensive, flashy, fulfilling item here) then we wouldn't need another one... the funny thing is, even though i'm thinking about gratitude, i'm thinking about being grateful for what i had when i get it back rather than all the things i have now... i'll explain

as most of you know, a week ago i fell down the stairs in my condo... it was a trip or mis-step... something about our stairs caused me to fall... and i broke my ankle. well for those of you who have never broken an ankle, lets just say that it wasn't fun. all the while i was rolling on the floor at the bottom of the stairs, i kept trying to tell my family i was alright, i was fine, not to worry, but the problem was it hurt so d@#n bad that i couldn't get those words out... anyway, 6 or so hours later i was back from the emergency (now there's an oxymoron) room and had a splint and a broken ankle... word of advice, if you're going to break your ankle, make sure it's your left one or you're in serious trouble... i however broke my right, ergo, no walking and no driving! the first thing that you notice about crutches is that unless you are a master of the iron cross, they're not very helpful and not very comfortable... they are however, essential to your efficient movement, but that comes later... in the beginning you notice that the slightest pressure on your underarm and you want to collapse to the floor, like Spock using the Vulcan death grip... but after awhile the pain is just another dull sensation that takes turns grabbing your attention when your broken ankle isn't... ah yes, then, in an effort to be safer and remain mobile, you begin to crawl around the house, holding your ankle up behind you... yes, it is as graceful and dignified as it sounds... in fact you realize that this is even a step backward for your 2 year old, who has come to enjoy your company as you both slide down the stairs on your bum... "bum, bum, bum" and so it goes... of course the relief here is short lived because the body has a wonderful way of letting you know when you're overusing a particular part... it's called pain... so now, when you collapse from your aching pits you land on your raw knees and you look like you're in a struggle with some invisible force from Harry Potter, only to submit and go into the ever distinguished fetal position.... but i digress... i'll save you the drama, but lets just say that the palms of your hands, from holding the crutches, fair no better... nor does your good foot that must hop you around like a one legged kangaroo (think foot cramp) or your aforementioned bum that finds itself in the seated position for 90% of your day....

so yes, gratitude is what i was thinking of... but to explain my earlier thought, what i meant was is this: i'm thinking how grateful i am that unlike some, i actually can walk and run and that when i get that mobility back i will be so grateful!!!
but that's not the point you say, and here is where i agree.... i can be grateful, right now and in this state, that i have such a loving family that takes care of me in this trying time, grateful i can see, and hear and move and rest, grateful that i have friends, and an education and the hope of good employment, grateful i have a Faith and a home and a shower and food in the fridge even though i can't get there without dragging my 36 year old body across the floor like a wounded soldier in DaNang.... ooops... well, you get the point... grateful, for what we have....

Sunny and 74

Today it's sunny and 74 here in the Conejo Valley. Breakfast is being eaten, coffee made, and lunches packed. It's the beginning of another day and I have to say that it's not hard to wake up with weather like this! I see my daughters getting ready and it puts a smile on my face... of course there's the odd..."No Kaitie!" from the little general, but even that is a welcome sound. I hope everyone's day starts as nicely as mine... ooops, better run, I'm being directed by a 2 yr old with a bullhorn!

Happy Mother's Day

Just wanted to say thanks to all those moms that influence my life every day (Erin, Stephanie, Becky, Lane, Sarah, Taryan, Emma, Anne...)! Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day! And a special Happy Mother's Day to my wife, the best mom my daughters could have! God Bless you all!

WWJR?

It's really the question we've all been wanting to know... What Would Jesus Ride? Seriously, do you have any idea? I have a friend in Idaho (at least I think that's where he is) who would swear to you that, given the chance, Christ would love to roll up on a Harley, fully dressed, the next time He's in town. Now I love the thought of that Karl, but I'm going to have to go another way, sorry brother.
No, I think Christ is more of a bicycle kinda guy. Motorcycles are cool and all, but they're really impersonal. I think Christ wants to slow it down, cruise if you will. He appreciates the simple beauty of a bicycle. The lines, the craftsmanship, the wonderful efficiency of movement, and the low impact on mother earth are all things that I think Christ would dig about a bike. I'm pretty sure he's not the spandex type, no offense to our brothers on the Tour. But again, that's a high-speed, all-for-the-glory sort of event, and that's just not our Lord. Truth be told I think He might be riding a "townie," a city-bike with plenty of gears, light weight, and inconspicuous. Sort of the politically correct mode of transport. But, given the choice, if He could really just let His hair down and have it His way, I think He'd slip on his "slappies," his favorite concert-T, a well worn pair of old jeans, and cruise on down on something like this sick bike pictured. That's the kind of ride that Jesus would have. A bike that says, "hey, this is me, and I'm having fun today." Something that He could glide up to people on and just sort of "hang out." Yes, when I get to those pearly gates, I really look forward to seeing the Lord ambling up the street towards me, maybe dragging His feet to stop the cruiser, or better yet maybe catching a little speed and then hitting the coaster brake and gettin' a little skid as he swings around to welcome me Home. That's my Lord, and He rides a sweet streamride cruiser. Right on!...... or better yet, Ride On!

Thought for the day

Why regret tomorrow what we can prevent today?

Planting the seed... 

Good Day

Blog #1
A clean slate and little to say. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Thank you