Church, Why Bother?

I'm really excited to discuss this topic today at our Theology on Tap here at Fort Bragg.  Phillip Yancey's book, Church, Why Bother? was a powerful read.  In a culture that says not to talk about politics and religion at gatherings, because they are individual issues, we've created the idea that a relationship with God is conducted in isolation, and the church is a place for those "holier than thou" folks. 

In a conversation with a Senior leader several years ago I was asked, "Chaplain, do you think I need to go to church to be a good Christian?"  My first thought was, you don't go to church, you are part of the church as a follower of Jesus.  Since we were in the military context I asked him if he thought he could take his weapon, go downrange and win the war on his own.  When he agreed that he could not, but needed a team, I immediately shared that my understanding of the church was much the same...a team of folks all seeking the same objective, with different roles and responsibilities, working together and encouraging one another along the way.  Church, Why Bother?  Because - if you choose not to be a part you are cutting yourself off from the team that you need and needs you. 

Enjoy the journey!
Scot

Quick to Listen

I'm a talker.  In fact, that might be an understatement.  At times I blame my deviated septum, saying that I talk so much because I have to breathe through my mouth.  However, the truth is I love to talk and share my thoughts, feelings and opinions...kinda like blogging!

As I've spent time reading the first chapter of the book of James this week, the following words have leaped out at me time and again, "Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."  James writes this as he is encouraging people to be careful when they are tested and tried in the situations of life. 

Wouldn't it be great if in the midst of our stress rather than lashing out we just stopped and listened?  Imagine how it might change us and our perspective.

This quick talker is hoping to learn to be quick to listen in the days to come...I hope you'll do the same!

Enjoy the journey!
Scot

Ice and Egypt

I called an Army office today seeking some information and got a recording: "We're sorry that our telephone hotline is closed today due to severe weather.  Please call back later in the week."  Then I headed to the gym and saw more headlines on both the storm and the uprising in Egypt.  While I've followed both of these stories briefly in recent days, today was the first time I'd been personally effected by either one.  Yesterday I saw the headline, Egypt and Oil, and was saddened that the only interest folks seemed to have in this major human outcry was whether or not the price of gasoline was going to rise.  Whether it's the Ice storm or Egyptian uprising it's amazing how most of us don't seem to really care unless it's impacting us personally.  I wonder, though, if that's how God views it?  I'm guessing that He sees His children in those areas and longs for them to call to Him for help.  Today, as many batten down the hatches bracing for the storm, and others across the sea protest for change, I'm going to call out to God on their behalf, and I hope you will too!