On Wed. night we returned to Montrose Street Reach in Houston, a service for the homeless and less-fortunate in the area (you can read about it here) to help out with their Thanksgiving feast. The plans were to set up tables, decorate them, and have the people sit at them while we all ministered and served (literally) them. There was Turkey, ham, dressing, gravy, macaroni and cheese, and deserts just to name some of the food. The tables were set, the candles were lit, the people were seated, and the rain came. Not just a drizzle or sprinkle; it poured. Thunder clashed while lightening danced across the sky. We scrambled to cover the food and save the equipment and figure out what to do. Out of over seven years of doing this they said it was the first time they have been rained on.

You may be thinking “disaster”, “end of the night”, etc. but that was not the case. What happened? Music played, people danced, people praised, people laughed, and people sang. Right there in the middle of Houston in a parking lot with a monsoon coming through their was joy and worship. It was a sight to behold. My kids joined in as I watched them do the same. My son danced like he has never danced before. My fatherly instinct was to cover them up, run for shelter, and keep them as far away from the elements as possible but I didn’t. Maybe any normal parent would but I never claimed to be normal (normal is boring anyway). I held back and watched and thanked God for what I was taking in.

The rain, thunder, and lightning came and went bringing with it a 20 degree drop in temperature but it was dry once again so we had the feast. With it now cold we did end up giving in to rational and my wife took the kids, dried them off, and kept them in the car with the heater while I stayed and helped. I carried plates, got some refills for people, picked up trash, gave lonely people a listening ear, it was great. I had the time of my life.

As I was just standing there watching everyone eat to they couldn’t eat anymore I noticed I was smiling. It wasn’t intentional or forced, it was just there. I then began to pay attention to what I was feeling and there was a warmth, a love, a joy, and a peace inside that you don’t experience (at least I don’t) everyday.

God is doing something in my heart and in my wife’s heart. Not only ours but in the hearts of some others we have had the privilege of encountering in one way or another. It’s a stirring inside to be different, to be a part of something different, to make a difference! My wife and I were talking about it yesterday…We don’t want to be something or someone big for God, we want to be a part of something big for God; something bigger than ourselves.

I truly think God is going to oblige. I say “Bring the rain, God, I am ready to dance!”

I read this quote by Theodore Roosevelt today and wanted to share it with you.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; who does actually try to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” - Theodore Roosevelt

There you go my dear friends and co-laborers. Press on and keep striving to make a difference. Others will have plenty to say; (some good, some bad) but it will be you experiencing life and making the difference. Remember, difference makers are different!

Let’s be different.

I recently wrote a post called “Outside The Walls: Taking God’s House To The Streets”. Well last night we decided to go beyond being intrigued and we sought to experience. Shane Claiborne in his book, Irresistible Revolution, talked about a time when He spoke with Mother Theresa about her work in Calcutta India and she told him to come see for himself.

After reading the article in the Houston Chronicle (mentioned in the original post and linked for you to view) we were intrigued and interested about what actually went on at these services for the homeless in downtown Houston so I called Martin and Kim Dale of YWAM Houston. We had a great conversation where we talked about God, ministry, our hearts for others, etc. It ended with an invitation, “Come and see for yourself.” So last night we did (actually we tried last week but I wrote down the wrong street name and we never found it…shhhh…don’t tell anyone). We even took our 2 kids with us. It is our desire for them to experience ministry too and to see what it means to Love God, Love People (even those deemed unlovable).

So what did we see? We saw cross-dressers, addicts, prostitutes, homeless, gang members, and more. Most importantly, we saw God’s love.  There were games for the crowd to get involved in and even have a chance to win some essentials, there was singing, worship, an illusionist, a message, and after the services food.  There was clothes for them to take. There was free toothpaste and soap. There were opportunities for help getting rehab and getting off of the streets. There were opportunities for help in getting a job.

When the people there were looked at it wasn’t with eyes of disgust or condemnation, it wasn’t with eyes that looked down upon them or despised them, it was eyes full of love and compassion. When Jesus looked out upon the multitudes He was moved with compassion. Shouldn’t we be moved as well?

Anyway, next Wed. (November 21) at 6pm you will find us in downtown Houston helping set up tables and chairs getting ready for a Thanksgiving dinner prepared just for them. Most of these people have never experienced real genuine love before. They can at this service where the “unlovable” are loved.

If you are ever in the Houston area on a Wed. night I suggest you go check it out.

Why does God allow evil? 

If God is good, why is there so much evil in the world? 

Why do we have war and murder, violence after violence, famine after famine? 

Why do innocent children die at the hands of cruel men? 

Why do things like pornography, alcohol, and drugs tear families apart? 

Why this?  Why that?  Why do we suffer needlessly?  Why? 

How many of you have ever asked that question? 

I have been asked this question numerous times.  And while I don’t pretend to know everything there is to know about this, I will at least attempt to give us some direction in our thinking about this issue.

My hope is that we will have a clearer perspective not only about the problem of evil and suffering, but more importantly, a clearer perspective of the sovereignty or power of God. 

So, Why does God allow evil?

There is a line of reasoning that goes something like this:

• A good God would destroy evil.
• An all-powerful God could destroy evil.
• Evil is not destroyed.
• Therefore, there cannot possibly be such a good and powerful God.

On the surface, to someone not grounded in Scripture who has experienced some form of tragedy, this would seem logical.  After all, if God were good and all-powerful, wouldn’t it stand to reason that He would destroy the evil that plagues our world? 

Then why doesn’t He?  Could it be that He is really not a good God?  Look at Psalm 34:8

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. 

Could it be that He is not all-powerful?  I don’t think so.  Look at Isaiah 40: 25-26

“To whom will you compare Me? Or who is My equal?”  says the Holy One.  Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: who created all of these?  He brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name.  Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

I would definitely have to say that the Creator of the Universe is plenty powerful! 

But, there are some things He cannot do! 

1^st, God cannot lie – Numbers 23:19

2^nd, James tells us that God cannot be tempted, nor can He tempt people to sin. 

In other words, God cannot do anything out of His character.  The reason God cannot lie is because He is truth.  He cannot tempt to sin because He is pure and holy. 

He also can’t undo the past, create a square triangle, or make what is false true. 

So what do we make of this?  God is good and He is all-powerful to perform any and all things within His character, and yet we have evil. 

I want you to listen closely.  This is a little theological so hang with me… 

God could not eliminate evil without eliminating the possibility of accomplishing other goals that are important to Him. God created humans in His own image, capable of having and sustaining a personal relationship with Him.  But to really be in His image, they have to be capable of freely loving Him and following His will without being forced. 

And, creatures who are free to love God must also be free to hate or ignore Him.  And when people act in ways outside the will of God, great evil and suffering is the ultimate result. God is capable of destroying evil – but not without destroying human freedom. 

A professor by the name of Norman Geisler says this about it.  “The free choice of humans is the source of evil.”  He used the analogy of rust.  “Rust does not exist on its own; it’s a part of the metal.  The same is true with evil.  It does not exist on its own; it is part of our make-up as a result of the fall.”

The reason God doesn’t destroy evil is because He would have to destroy us as well.

I know this only scratches the surface but there is only so much you can put in a blog. This is the basics as to why a loving and all-powerful God would allow evil. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them…

Taking God’s house to the streets…I read an article today in the Houston Chronicle (yes, I do read the paper and sometimes sections other than the sports and comics). As I was pilfering through the different sections the headline Taking God’s house to the streets caught my attention. I want to genuinely be Christ to others and I love to hear about others who are doing it, not doing “religion”, not playing “church”, but being Christ. So to say the least I was drawn by this heading. I wanted to hear more; know more. Who are they? What are they doing out there? Are they making a difference? If so, what can I do?

I long to be inspired by those living their faith out in a tangible way and loving God, loving people. Those who are willing to go beyond the pew, outside the walls, and into the world that needs love, compassion, and light. “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” -Jesus.

I definitely believe in the local church and its ministry. I believe in discipleship, worship, fellowship, ministry, and evangelism but when we can take those things to those in needs instead of always waiting for them to come to us, great things seem to happen.

Anyway, sorry for the rabbit trail and back to the article…7 years ago, Joe Williams of Joe Williams Ministries, began Street Reach, a ministry geared to reaching out to the homeless youth on the streets of Houston, America’s 4th largest city. He ministers to those who are too often forgotten and forsaken; those who we would rather look the other way than reach out to ourselves and show them the love of Christ. YWAM shortly joined in the efforts and partnered with Williams.

“This is church. We don’t have pews or stained-glass windows, but this is the house of God.” says Williams. “It is the house of God in a Montrose parking lot, open to those who live on the streets, in cheap hotel rooms, and abandoned buildings.” -Houston Chronicle.

Are they making a difference? I would dare to say so. So would Jason Healy who the Chronicle reports has been a regular at the street church operated by Montrose Street Reach since he lived at Covenant House, a shelter for homeless youth, five years ago. His wife, Elizebeth, was homeless when they met at the Street Reach. Healy has a job now, and the couple lives in an apartment with their 15 month old daughter. So would Carilyn Mallet. She is 21 and 8 months pregnant and living in a shelter. On Wednesday evenings she is able to let her guard down. “I don’t have to worry about being judged here,” she says. WOW! How many times have you heard someone in her position say that about church or Christians?

They are not alone. Kim Dale, who is with YWAM, estimates that Street Reach has helped at least 220 people leave the streets. “Some returned to their families, while others have entered rehab, job training or other programs,” she states.

Their purpose? “We try to make them see that we care about them as people, and that God cares about them. We try to show them Jesus in practical ways,” says Dale.

There is a quote from a minister who has helped in the effort that reads, “True Christianity is the front-line thing where you’re getting out there and getting your hands dirty.” Something to think about.

Are you willing to get your hands dirty? I am! Who knows, if you go to Montrose on a Wednesday night you just may find me and my bride there!

For more information on this ministry you can read more about it here.

Yesterday morning we decided to visit Houston’s First Baptist. We really enjoyed the services but that is not what I want to talk about. What I want to briefly discuss is the power of God that is able to tear down strongholds and break the chains of bondage. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.”

There was a man who was baptized who had been addicted to cocaine for 20 years. He was introduced to Christ and has been set free from his addiction. You should have seen the smile on his face displaying the joy of the Lord and the joy of freedom. It was refreshing to see and to be honest I was moved deeply. The services continued and I happened to look over right as this same man is being ushered to the area where his family and friends were and there was a celebration party going on for him right in the middle of the service. It was great. Tears, hugs, smiles…I couldn’t help but stare. There was a woman who may have been his wife; when he got to her they embraced tightly and my heart was lifted and I thanked God for His redemptive power.

I may not have been addicted to cocaine but I too have been set free by my daddy God! Strongholds have been broken by the power and love of my God. I thank Him and praise Him for this wonderful gift that I do not deserve.

What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ and what does that look like? When a Rabbi called out to a Talmadim to follow him as his disciple what he was in essence saying was that he felt that the Talmadim could be like him and do what he did. So when Jesus called the smelly fishermen and the crooked tax collector and us to follow him he was telling us we could be like him. Try to truly wrap your mind around that! Christ believed that we can be like Him.

Rob Bell did a great job explaining this in his video “Dust”. He also talked about how the new disciple would follow so close to the Rabbi that they would get covered in the dust of their Rabbi that was kicked up from the ground as they walked. Because of this there was a saying, “May you covered in the dust of your Rabbi”.

I recently read The Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus and that coupled with Rob Bell’s video began to make me think…

If we truly followed Christ so close that we were covered in His dust, then where would that lead us? Christ went to the garden where He prayed so intently that His sweat was like blood and He cried out to God, “Let this cup pass from me, BUT IF NOT, not my will but yours be done.” Then He went to the cross and died. 10 out of the remaining 11 disciples all died a martyrs death. The 11th was exciled on the Island of Patmus .

That’s where following Christ got them. Here’s the crazy thing…they were glad to do it. Peter once even said, “I count it a blessing to be persecuted for Christ.”

Are you willing to follow Christ there? Am I? He may not lead us there, but He may. Are you willing? Do you really have what it takes to be covered in the dust of Christ? We need to be. Are you willing to say like Christ, “not my will but yours”?

If you want to truly be a disciple of Christ you need to be so willing. Christ didn’t say, “Pick up your Lazy Boy and follow me.” He said, “Pick up your CROSS and follow me.”

I had to truly ask myself if I would be willing to follow Him there? Are you willing?

It all started back about 8 months ago. My wife was reading through different blogs and stuff and came along a picture of Islande, a beautiful little Haitian girl. Her parents had died and her uncle couldn’t raise her for some reason. That picture stole our hearts. My wife made some inquiries about possibly adopting her and found that her uncle didn’t want her to leave Haiti. We began to read about Haiti and the need there. My wife also reads a blog from some missionaries over there. We began to pray about adopting from there and got all of the paperwork and began to go through it. Unfortunately things in our lives began to also change at that time and we found out that we would soon have to be moving which meant we wouldn’t have our own house for a little while and would be in between jobs. For obvious reasons you can’t adopt if you don’t have your own house or a steady job so we had to put the adoption process on hold.

We have been keeping up with kids who are need of love and care in Haiti through another blog from a rescue center there. We see the kids there and the way they come in all malnourished and then are brought to health again (sometimes). We keep up with them and pray for them. Our kids really like one named Ronel.

Anyway, my dad comes to me out of nowhere and says, “Guess where I am going.” “I don’t know, where?” He told me he was going to be going to Haiti for a missions trip. He was invited by Mission of Hope, Haiti. I was envious to say the least. He recently returned and told of the conditions the nation was in and how there was a constant stench in the air from the trash being burned and the lack of sanitary means. His heart was touched though as he spoke of the people and the kids. He was able to come home; they are still there in those conditions.

We have people we know that are now adopting a child from Haiti. You can help or read more about it here.

Then, as we were at the Song of Solomon conference, a man from Compassion International gets up to speak and tells a story of when he went to Haiti and how it forever changed his life. Once again there was Haiti so I went to talk to him about it. As we talked we realized we shared some of the same feelings and passions. His name was Josh Finklea. He showed me pictures of his 2 beautiful children, both adopted from Haiti. Crazy!

I don’t know…but we will definitely be praying for Haiti and those over there. And hopefully one day we will be able to go over there ourselves. Maybe one day it will be to pick up our new son or daughter…

Friday-

Finally…familiar friendly faces! Friday night our good friends Reagan and Caleb
from San Antonio came into town to go with us to the Song of Solomon’s Everlasting Love Tour at the Fellowship of the Woodlands. Matt Chandler was the speaker and he did a great job taking a beautiful book and revealing the treasure within. Hanging with friends was a breath of fresh air! We even had an added bonus…during one of the breaks during the conference I received a phone call from some other friends of ours, Ron and Susan, who are missionaries to New York City. They just happened to be going to Houston at the same time the conference was over and traveling the same hwy that would take them right where we were. We were able to see the whole family. We haven’t been able to see Susan and the kids for 5 years. God is awesome. He knew how much we needed some normalcy and a break from our present reality. IHOP until1:30am…good stuff!

Saturday-

Got up early and returned to the 2nd half of the conference. When it was over we went to eat at Johnny
Rockets and walked around the Woodlands Market Street. We then headed home and relaxed and just hung out with Caleb and Reagan and fell asleep watching college football. At 5:30 we had to head over to Atascocita. My beautiful wife had a photo shoot. Caleb actually owns my wife’s “dream camera” and he allowed her to use it for her shoot. She had a blast and I love to see her smile like she was. That night we returned to FOTW for the Saturday evening service.

Sunday-

Slept in a little. My mom bought my kids some little Lowe’s home project kits so while everyone else was still in bed the kids an I went out on the back porch and spent time together building their little projects. The girl made a napkin holder and the boy made a picture frame. I taught them how to use a hammer and they both did their own work. It was very fulfilling. I love my kids and spending time with them. They ate up every minute of it. Everyone else got up, we ate pancakes, and after all taking showers (1 at a time) and getting ready the guys started to grill, cooked some steaks, and watched the crappiest example of an NFL game I ever witnessed. Why do I even like watching it anyway? (this is not a sign that I will stop watching it anytime soon…sorry Debra) spent the evening watching the Disney Channel with the boy while the girl was at a kids rally.

It was a good weekend…

It started this morning when my dad called me and invited me to go the Administaff Small Business Classic at Augusta Pines in the Woodlands. I like to attempt to play golf when I get a chance but I am absolutely no good and I refuse to spend the time and money on it that it would take to get good. I also have to admit that the idea of watching golf rather than playing it isn’t that compelling to me but it was a chance to spend some time with my dad and do something I had never done before. Today was the Pro-Am so it was more casual than it will be the next 3 days when the actual Senior’s tour competition begins. When we got there I was taken back by the grandness of it all. We really didn’t know who was where or where we should go so we just went to the closest group of players that were teeing off. As we approached the tee box we noticed it was none other than Arnold Palmer. I don’t know much about professional golf but Arnold is like one of its icons.

We decided to just take it easy and follow that group for a while. As we were watching a guy came walking up and as I looked I noticed he looked familiar. It was Roger Clemens (AKA The Rocket) who is a pitching icon of the MLB. I have to admit that I always have admired his talent but my feelings were hurt when he left the Astros to return to play for the Yankees. And for some reason he always seemed like someone who would be arrogant and unapproachable. I really don’t know why I had that perception but I did. I will be the first to admit that I was wrong. He was very approachable and very nice. I was completely impressed by him and his actions today. He was talking to people like they were old friends (some may have been). He even showed me his World Series Championship ring from NY…unbelievable! It is probably worth more than my house. The same was true for Arnold. Very friendly and very approachable. I didn’t get any for me but my dad had me getting autographs for him. Unfortunately we didn’t take our camera because we thought they weren’t allowed…we found out that rule didn’t go into effect until tomorrow when the actual tournament begins. When it was time to go we finished it off with good ol’ Texas Bar-B-Q. It was a good time.

Then to finish the day off I had the privilege and joy of going to my sons little league game. I love to watch him play. At this stage in his life baseball is just about everything. He asks every day for me to go play ball with him. Sometimes the whole family goes out there and we play “Parker Baseball”. Good times; good memories. We lost the game 8-4 but my son threw 3 guys out a 1st, 2 at 2nd, and made some plays himself at 2nd. Not only that but he was 3 for 4 batting and had an awesome slide into home plate for the first score for our team. That’s my boy!!! (I’m not proud or anything)

Anyways, that was my day. Sadly it was much better than the day people in Cabaret Haiti had. Please pray for Haiti as they had severe flooding causing damages and deaths. Good night!