Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Why this title for a blog? Why another blog?

The Lord hit me a like a brick wall today. I have been, over the last 6 weeks or so (maybe more), in a strange walk with Jesus. My wife, Jenn, told me about a book several weeks back entitled Velvet Elvis, authored by Rob Bell. I have been reading it over the last 3 days and man has it hit right where I am. This book along with a lot of discussions with several of my brothers around tables and campfires is blowing me away.
Quick testimony - I have been a follower of Jesus Christ for a long while now, but I had become extremely legalistic in my way of thinking. My definition of this meaning, I felt there were things I had to do and things I could do to help my faith. I felt I had to be involved for this whole Christianity thing to work. Now I am getting smoked by realizing there is nothing I can do! God loves me and I cannot change that! Whether I believe I can hurt his love or gain more of his love - it does not happen! He loves me! I just have to be obedient.
Now back to where I am right now. My family attended and was very involved in a church for around 6 years. We have left this church and have been attending another one. However, for the first time ever in writing I wanted to share my heart. That is the answer to the second question I asked - why another blog!
I am not sure where or why God has me here right now - but I know I have to realize that I am in the way of what He has been trying to accomplish in me and maybe through me. I have to kill me (my superman - not that I am superman - far from it, but all that I see myself to be) and allow Him to be all of me - a relentless pursuit. I am praying through this whole thing right now as I type. I have been stuck in a rut for quite a while. I have been non- compassionate, showing a lack of patience, and short fused. I am confessing these things now and asking God to continue to reveal in me His desires not mine.
Now for what He is birthing in me (no not that - something good- if you don't get the birthing thing its OK, you will as you get to know me) - drum roll please, drum roll. I want to start a "House Church".
What does this mean? I do not have a fat clue! Over the next posts I will hammer out what I think and I look for feedback! A few things it means to me; I want to do church together with families. I know that some of you that are reading this right now feel the exact same way I do because we have talked about it. I am tired of church - the way we have made it. I want to experience church in such a way that we are all in it (life) together. Living life together. Men helping other men live the life we are called to live - warriors for Christ, letting each man and growing man (a.k.a. boy) know they have what it takes. Families living life with other families so that on family goes through troubles alone (spiritual, health, financial, etc). True discipleship and mentorship. Children seeing their parents excited and chasing after a living God so they can see how to do it. Also seeing it is OK to struggle. Wow I put all of that out on "paper"!
I need prayer on this as I enter into this relentless pursuit of who God made me to be. I want you to please pray as to how God wants you to be involved with this. I want to lead my family the way He designed it. I want to do church the way He wants it. All of this is a blank canvas He is just now starting to draw on. I want to be where He wants and I want to do what He desires. This blog will help me to put thoughts down (ramblings). I do not care if what I am trying to do is "successful", I just have to be obedient to what He is showing and teaching me. I will see you on the trail.

7 comments:

Jenn said...

Wow...oh me...love the chewy pic & coffee snob comment. You're just too sweet goose & I so so love you & believe Jesus will guide our steps & set a lamp post in the perfect place for His perfect will. Sooooooooo...my chewy, welcome to blogging and rest & know that I, too, am praying & I am so blessed to walk this short journey on earth hand in hand w/ a tall, cool, nerdy, book, coffee, running, Jesus & family lover freak:)

me & you is like peas & carrots!

Jenn said...

"Superman"...how very simple, yet deep. I love seeing, reading, pondering your thoughts in writing.

Journeying together amidst life, death, 2 brown eyed boys, & excellent coffee (hey, you just bought me the Southern Home brand...ummmm...well...I'll let you "fix" this one...lol:)

little oose

nanatofive said...

Shane, I have never commented on a blog before, but here goes. First, I want to tell you how proud of you (as a parent, I can say that)I am for listening to what God is telling you. I too have been wanting to see church different. What I mean by that is that I am tired of the rituals and the politics of church. I just want to praise and worship the Lord and be free to express that through however the Lord directs. I want the "church" to take care of their own. I want the pastors to get rid of the pride and really be sold out for the Lord. In all fairness to our pastor, Harry Walls, I have been seeing his heart a lot more now than before. I want people to be real and feel that if they are having a bad day that they can express that without being judged. I want to beable to cry when God is touching my heart when I am bubbling over with thanksgiving and people not think that I am struggling with something. I too, will be praying for direction for you and God's wisdom. I too am praying for protection from Satan as he will want to discourage you every step of the way. God does love each of His children just the way we are. I love you and will be praying for you. Mom

MJ said...

I love you bro. Thank you for being obedient. I know of 2 home churches that are doing it right, keeping it true to the word and keeping it simple. Call me and I'll get you in touch with the leaders.

Chris A. Gillespie said...

Dude, read your blog and couldn't agree with you more. Churches have hurt me. Churches have ridiculed me. Churches have run amuck with ego. Real worship happens when you least expect it. It happens on your long runs. It happens when you spend time with your wife and kids. It happens when you care and share and love others without condition. God bless you for who you are and what you stand for. I need you and so do others. You da man that God made you to be.

Shannon said...

wow, bro, i am proud of you. i love hearing your heart. i don't ever get to :( i'm glad that this will be a way for you to release what you are thinking and feeling and have people pray for you. as far as church goes, that is exactly what bryan and i are struggling with. we want to be on fire for Christ and truly be in His Word and living for Him in all we do... not "do church" on sundays and perform our "duties" we are supposed to do. know i love you and praying for you ....

Ronda said...

I want you to know that you are being prayed for. What an amazing journey to be going through and I know that God has great plans for your family. I can't wait to see what they are! I miss you already and am so happy that you are blogging now too. Love ya!