Community...

Seriously, we're already 1/12 the way through 2012....that kinda makes me sad.  There has yet to even be a Winter in San Antonio.  Ah well, life goes on (true statement).  So it's been since early December since the last personal blog and I felt like it was time to say something again.  Honestly, right now in my life, I can't think of anything more exciting than community.  Not the TV show (not that there's anything wrong with that), but the real, genuine, community that occurs when believers get together for no other reason but to love on each other and be loved on with the grace of God.

Look people, if you don't have a community like this, you are seriously missing out on God's blessing.  We're designed to live out this idea of community.  It's engrained in the very scriptures that we (believers of Christ) hold so dear.  In our small group that meets on Monday nights we've been thumbing through and digging into the book of Romans.  Near the end, Paul says, "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; ..." (Rom. 12:3-13 ESV)


I've come to realize in this genuine community that God has so graciously provided that there are so many gifts that have been brought to the table for so many reasons, all for the glory of God.  Watching those gifts be utilized has been intense.  More than anything, it's encouraging to see God's hands and feet at work in and around our lives in San Antonio.

I would like to profess my gratitude and appreciation for all those who strive to live lives of genuine community, founded in the authentic love of Christ, with the humility to put others first, all for the glory of God.  It truly is that simple: Love God. Love people.  I just had a great conversation with a gentlemen who is part of a non-profit college ministry in College Station, Tx.  We were discussing at one point the difference it makes in the lives of the people around us when they experience genuine love. "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love." 1 Jn 4:4-8 (NASB)

You see, to live a life of love....true love....God-fearing, all-loving, unconditional love...is to truly be Christ to the world in which we live.  People who don't KNOW God don't KNOW love. (see last scripture reference)  Think about how incredible the feeling to first experience true love.  Not the garbage we "think" love is from television and media...but the real stuff.  How life-altering is it to experience this type of love?  I'll tell you how. Think about the people Jesus came in contact with...like the disciples.  "Come, follow me."  When living, breathing love calls to you...you have no choice but to be overwhelmed, drop what your doing, and answer.  Our calling (believers) is to be this type of community overflowing with this type of love, all for the purpose of blowing the minds of those who have yet to meet this Love.  I am a part of this community.  No, I'm not perfect, but I get stronger every day because of the hands and feet that surround me.  Community.  It's a good thing.

Love you people,
CHAD ><>

Christmas Time

So I've been doing a lot of thinking this Christmas.  I know, I know, Chad...thinking?!?  Yea it happens every now and again.  I feel like I've spent more time focusing on the purpose of Christ coming to earth, rather than the birthday itself.  Last Sunday morning before worship we sang "Born to Die" by Shane and Shane.  If you haven't heard it before, you should. It's EPIC.  It stresses that this cute, little, 6lb 8oz baby Jesus was born.....to die.  It puts a little different spin on the classic holiday tradition of watching the Christmas pageants and the wise men and shepherds and myrhh, etc.  It also makes you wonder.  Jesus as a baby.....now I'm no expert, but most babies don't know anything when they're born.  They don't know calculus, how to tie a sandal, or who Chad Ochocinco is.  But this was no ordinary baby.  This was God in human form.  Hmm....(sorry if I just wrecked your mind for a few minutes).

On a less confusing/philosophically-challenging note, we got to spend some time delivering gifts to some homes which may not have any other gifts coming this Christmas.  It's such a humbling reminder of how great most of us have it in our lives.  Getting to see these faces light up, and the tears rolling down the cheeks as we entered their home like Santa and the elves was just incredible.  These people have seen Jesus this year through wrapping paper and bows.  One home didn't have any Christmas tree to put the gifts under....  I felt so blessed to be a part of God's hands and feet in our own San Antonio community.  What was so great about this opportunity wasn't even so much that we were giving presents to a family in need of some love.  It was that we were opening the door to share the message about that little baby Jesus, who was born to die, that they may have life (John 10:10)

Remember someone this Christmas that needs to know the truth about the birth of Jesus.  And do whatever it takes to help them see it.

new...

Well, it has been a long while since I've posted on here, so it's time for an update.  I'm ridiculously excited about this next week!  I get to begin my new career in the fitness industry as a personal trainer on Monday. Today was my last day at the Depot, which was bittersweet.  I made a lot of good friends there, but I'm excited about this opportunity.  

God has been so good to open this door at this time, and I'm incredibly grateful.  I will hopefully be back on track, sharing updates in my life, what God has been doing, etc. real soon.  Quick heads up, if you are interested in the health and fitness arena, you can check out my other blog at chadhumphreyfitness.blogspot.com

wow....

It has been a very long while since I've written up a blog post.  It's been an interesting couple of days.  God's mercy and grace in my life have shone brighter than they ever have.  To be honest, it's rather painful.   I'm finding out that there are people in my life who have been strategically placed there for such a time as this.  I can't entirely see the tapestry of the Lord been woven in and around me, but I know I can hold on to the promise that He never lets go, and His will is "good, pleasing, and perfect" (Rom. 12:2)

I don't like being humbled.  I'd very much prefer to do the humbling myself, I've found it's much easier that way.  But none the less, when we consider the greatness of God, and the reality of our minuscule existence,  it's going to happen one way or the other.  But what's amazing is recognizing that His strength is perfected in our weakness, and His unending love and grace are greater than anything this world can throw at us.

Well, that's a good start for now.  I'll fill in with more later.
Love your faces :)

All I Have...

Tonight we sang:

Jesus all I have is You
You're the hope I'm holding to
I might weep but still my faith
rests in You
As the heavens hold the skies
It's Your hand that holds my life
And Your love will lead me on
When all else is gone


I don't know what it was about these words tonight, as opposed to the many other times they have been sung, but something in the midst of this confession made my heart feel secure.  We all have to deal with life every now and then, and it never seems to get any easier.  It never seems to come at you with any less aggression or hatred.  And sometimes we're not always ready for it.  It's an incredible feeling to know that it's okay to get knocked down, and it's okay to cry out in desperation...because on the other end of those cries there is a God anxiously waiting to prove His strength.  I've never been able to really deal with life on my own.  It's much more common for me to sweep it under the rug and be done with it. God has time after time lifted the corner of the rug, and made sure that I knew that wasn't good enough.  It wasn't good enough until I recognized that I don't have what it takes to make it through this life by myself.  I'm so thankful that I know even during the most intense trials of my life, I can cry out and my faith will only intensify.

Heh, I'm a die hard Cowboys fan...even if they're 1-5 this season and just lost their quarterback.  I can always hope that they'll pull it out in the next game.  Sure, they let me down from time to time, but I can still hope....right?
I'm glad that my hope in Christ doesn't work that way. That would be rather depressing, and the worst emotional roller coaster ever.  My hope in Christ is something that I hold on to because I know that every week, every day, every second.....the victory is His, the power and the glory are His.  He can't lose.  I'm so thankful that despite the severity of any situation I'll ever face, I'll always have Him as my hope I can hold on to.

I've recently had an opportunity to be there for one of my students in a serious time of need.  I think we all take our minds for granted.  They're so unique, so creative, so imaginative, so intricate.  Unfortunately, they can also be destructive, aggressive, and hostile.  This student of mine is an incredible young man.  He's been through the trenches of the teenager milieu.  His heart is for hurting people.  He genuinely desires to take care of people.  Unfortunately, his passion for compassion has been detrimental at times, consuming so much of his own mind and energy that there's not enough left for sanity.  It's a scary feeling, a scary thought, to imagine your own mind turning on you.  I can't fathom the level of vulnerability he must be feeling.  It hurts my heart just to know that he has to deal with this.  I know there's an answer, and I'm going to do everything I can to lower him through the roof, and hopefully right at the feet of Him.  Any and all prayers would be much appreciated in this process.  I pray that we will all remember, that when our friends are gone, our families are gone, our money is gone, all our securities are gone, even our own minds.....that His love will lead us on, and that all we have...is Jesus.

Discipleship...

Soooooooo, this whole thing called discipleship.  It's got me thinking.  How does it work?  What's the importance?  Is this a job for the professionals?   And so on and so on.  Of course I would get to thinking while reading.  This is kinda wierd, and dangerous.  I never really used to read anything in my "spare time".  I'm a terribly slow reader, so I get frustrated easily when reading longer (or what appear to be longer) books.  However, lately I've found a slew of reading material that has really peaked my interest.   I have no doubt that there has been some divine intervention in the discovering of said books, but I'm okay with that.  Most recently, I picked up a book I was encouraged to read by my buddy Jeff.  It's called "Radical", by David Platt.  I would only encourage you to read this book if you're serious about your faith and want to dial in the focus on your walk with Christ.  In Chapter 5, there is a wonderful subtitle, which says "Discipling or Disinfecting".  I find this section especially appealing because it hit home pretty hard.  Being that I lead people in ministry in the body of Christ, I was a little convicted to analyze my approach against the writing in this section of Platt's book.

I grew up in a conservative, Bible-believin', southern Baptist church.  Everything was structured so well, from children's ministry (Shoutout to my mom!), to students, and up on through the gray-haired folks.  Sunday mornings were very informative and to the point: I needed to live my life in a manner that is pleasing to Jesus.  I guess I always understood this as "don't do bad stuff" and "don't be a sinner".  Well, I've come to recognize that I'll always be a sinner here on earth, and I'll probably make some mistakes from time to time......sooo......bummer.  David Platt points out that there is so much more than that.  Despite that it is what most churched people feel they are taking home from "church", that's really not what Christ had in mind when it comes to changing the world.  Instead of taking all our time to make sure we're little angels, we should be mobilizing our hearts and minds, and infiltrating a world so desperately in need of Jesus.  There are too many people dying without the understanding of what it means to have a relationship with Christ.  

I guess my point is that it's time to analyze the way we do "church" as individuals.  Are we going to take the wisdom and knowledge we learn on Sundays and apply it to our everyday lives? Are we going to impart this wisdom with people around us, to offer hope, encouragement, and strength?  Are we going to  encourage others to take the wisdom we share with them, and share it with others?  Are we truly discipling others, or are we just pumping the hand sanitizer, only to go home and wait for next Sunday morning to come?

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" -Jesus

commUNITY

So as you know I've been on a "community" kick, and will likely be there for quite some time.  The more I read and the more I write about it, the deeper I want to dig.  Call me an emergent thinker if you must, but I think there's something really special behind the idea of community.  As a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure that Jesus thinks so too.

"My prayer is not for them alone.  I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.  May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.  I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:  I in them and you in me.  May the be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" -Jesus, John 17:20-23

I believe it all begins with our fundamental understanding that Jesus is exactly who He says He is.  He is God's son.  He sacrificed Himself that we may have a restored relationship with God the Father.  It is through Him alone that we may gain salvation.  Now we (the church) may have some conflicting views on things such as worship, baptism, communion, etc, but ultimately, Jesus is Lord and that's our message.  That's our gospel.  I find it rather interesting as I read that people invest so much time and thought into writing books and blogs in an effort to provide how-to's for churches around the world (ironically, most people are only writing concerning the American church).  I mean, is there really a cookie cutter pattern to follow to "reach the lost"?  Surely not, otherwise Paul would have had no need to say: "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.  To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.  To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.  To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law.  To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.  I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.  I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings." 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Paul didn't have any patterns to follow when it came to sharing the gospel.  His goal was to do whatever was necessary that people may come to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus.  Period.  He knew that what was most important was to first establish a relationship with Christ.

Rich Mullins once said "[other areas of the world] underline different parts of their Bibles than we do...but maybe there are some basic truths that are big enough that we can find unity in them...I'm not sure that truth is quite the way we understand it.  I'm not sure that truth has to do with statements of belief as it has to do with truth is alive, and that it is a person, and that person is Jesus."

Ultimately our focus must be on presenting the message of love and hope that is in Christ Jesus.  Let us be united in this fundamental belief that the world may know He is who He says He is...  After all, that's what He prayed for..


side note: In case you don't know anything about Rich Mullins, I'm sure soon I'll create an entire post (or series of posts) about him.