e r i c . s p a n g l e r

Another Great Dew Commercial

This one's not baaad.

One of My Favorites

This is why I'm not a cat person.

Driscoll et al and the Presence of Evil/Satan

Here's a link to the Nightline Face-Off about the existence evil and Satan in it's entirety.  Pastor Mark Driscoll, in my opinion, represented the faith admirably.  This is worth the watch.  Something that came to mind as 'truth' was debated:  "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned."  -1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV)   The point is that human wisdom will never fully comprehend the things of God apart from God's Holy Spirit providing understanding for us.  As followers of Jesus, we are citizens of what appears to the world as an 'upside down' Kingdom.  The last and the least are the first and the greatest, the one who serves is the one who receives honor . . . what appears to be 'wisdom' to man is really foolishness where God is concerned.  In fact, man's wisdom apart from God is often demonically inspired!  (See James 3:13-16)  The goal of watching this debate is not to see 'us win,' rather to become solidified in our convictions about God's truth, and learn how to defend our faith with integrity and without belligerance.  Check out the post here:  http://abcnews.go.com/nightline/faceoff

He Is Taunting Me.

Why Some Pastors Blog

Here are three of six good reasons why pastors blog... from John Piper at THIS LINK.  John suggests that pastors should blog...

1. …to write.
   If you’re a pastor, you probably already know the value writing has for thinking. Through writing, you delve into new ideas and new insights. If you strive to write well, you will at the same time be striving to think well. 
2. …to teach.
   Here is where a pastor has an outlet for whatever he didn’t get to say on Sunday. ... And more than just a catch-all for sermon spill-over, a blog is a perfect place for those 30-second nuggets of truth that come in your devotions or while you’re reading the newspaper.
3. …to recommend.
   With every counseling session or after-service conversation, a pastor is recommending something. Sometimes it’s a book or a charity. Maybe it’s a bed-and-breakfast for that couple he can tell really needs to get away. And sometimes it’s simply Jesus. 

The other three reasons and the full post can be found at Piper's Desiring God blog.  Click HERE.

The Sinking of the Evangelical Ship

A friend (Thanks Mike) sent me a link to an article that will really make you think.  Understand it is commentary, not research as the original author Michael Spencer at his blog InternetMonk makes clear.  It makes for some good reading none the less.  His original articles are HERE.  I'm posting some teasers here only to get you to consider reading the entire article and perhaps the three original posts; you can find the entire article HERE, at the Christian Science Monitor website.

Do you agree with the author's perspective?  Leave a comment.

"We are on the verge – within 10 years – of a major collapse of evangelical Christianity. This breakdown will follow the deterioration of the mainline Protestant world and it will fundamentally alter the religious and cultural environment in the West.   . . .

. . . This collapse will herald the arrival of an anti-Christian chapter of the post-Christian West. Intolerance of Christianity will rise to levels many of us have not believed possible in our lifetimes, and public policy will become hostile toward evangelical Christianity, seeing it as the opponent of the common good. . .

. . . The evangelical investment in moral, social, and political issues has depleted our resources and exposed our weaknesses. Being against gay marriage and being rhetorically pro-life will not make up for the fact that massive majorities of Evangelicals can't articulate the Gospel with any coherence. We fell for the trap of believing in a cause more than a faith. . . .

. . . We Evangelicals have failed to pass on to our young people an orthodox form of faith that can take root and survive the secular onslaught. Ironically, the billions of dollars we've spent on youth ministers, Christian music, publishing, and media has produced a culture of young Christians who know next to nothing about their own faith except how they feel about it. Our young people have deep beliefs about the culture war, but do not know why they should obey scripture, the essentials of theology, or the experience of spiritual discipline and community. Coming generations of Christians are going to be monumentally ignorant and unprepared for culture-wide pressures. . . .

. . . Expect a fragmented response to the culture war. Some Evangelicals will work to create their own countercultures, rather than try to change the culture at large. Some will continue to see conservatism and Christianity through one lens and will engage the culture war much as before – a status quo the media will be all too happy to perpetuate. A significant number, however, may give up political engagement for a discipleship of deeper impact. . . .

. . . Will the coming collapse get Evangelicals past the pragmatism and shallowness that has brought about the loss of substance and power? Probably not. . . .

. . .  We need new evangelicalism that learns from the past and listens more carefully to what God says about being His people in the midst of a powerful, idolatrous culture. . . ."

(From Eric:  I hope this kindles your interest enough to go read the article at CSM, or even the original posts at internetmonk.com.)

Just 2 Make U Think

"How frightful a thing it is for the preacher when he becomes accustomed to his work, when his sense of wonder departs, when he gets used to the unusual, when he loses his solemn fear in the presence of the High and Holy One; when, to put it bluntly, he gets a little bored with God and heavenly things." ~ A.W Tozer

"There never has been a culture since this world began in which a New Testament Christian could feel at home." ~Vance Havner

"Satan is not fighting churches; he is joining them. He does more harm by
sowing tares than by pulling up wheat. He accomplishes more by imitation
than by outright opposition."  ~Vance Havner

"The preacher’s task is to cry, as did John the Baptist, 'Behold the Lamb of God;' not to attract attention to himself or to gather a clique around himself.” ~Erling C. Olsen

Why I Prefer to Use Lots of Scripture

I came across a post this morning that was both and encouragement and affirmation to me as a pastor.  I've long been committed to presenting God's Word in my teaching, and believe it is not only safer (keeps my own opinions at bay) but also offers as much opportunity as possible for the Holy Spirit to be at work.  Because we (pastors in general) so want to make a difference and see our churches grow, we're tempted to use all sorts of ideas to draw people in.  Of course some of those make sense, but the bottom line is that the most unique and important aspect to what we do in our gatherings on the weekend all revolves around the presence of the Lord of the Church and the presentation of God's Word.

Here's a portion of the post:

"Many times, churches all over the country will take a great idea and try to copy it, not realizing that they've taken the heart, soul, and purpose out of the original idea. I was reminded of this when reading a section of The Seven Habits of Highly Ineffective Churches by Ron Gladden. Ron writes:

'If you expect people to come to church just to hear your music, you'll be disappointed. If they want to hear music, they'll pop in a CD. It's better quality than you can do.

The unchurched will not crawl out of bed to watch your drama. They can get a lot better drama on television by watching a rerun of Seinfeld or Friends or whatever show is hot today.

If they want to sit around tables and talk, they'll go to Starbucks...

Present God's Word in a clear, compelling way with a deliberate sensitivity to those you're trying to reach, because the Word of God alone has the power to bring people to Christ and keep them there.'"

You can see the entire post HERE.

Hudson Emergency Landing Video

This is amazing.  Thank God for this pilot.

Part of Why I Go 2 India

Check out this newer video about India, mostly filmed in Mumbai.  (Click on THIS LINK or the image)  While India is growing economically and making many advances, the poverty and human need is still overwhelming.

Asialog: 18 Feb 2009

It is Wednesday night here in Hong Kong, the final 'non-travel' day of our trip.  Tomorrow afternoon we'll be at Hong Kong's impressive international airport to begin our last two flights home through San Francisco, then on to Seattle. --Here's a photo of the team (I'm taking the photo) on the Star Ferry today.

I’m writing from one of my favorite places in the world.  I’m in my room on the 20th floor of the BP International hotel, overlooking the lights of Hong Kong island and the harbor.  I’m not sure why it has become so meaningful to me, although I know in part it is because of the reflecting I’ve done here several times over the last 10 years or so.

The city represents the world.  As we've walked the streets, we've seen members of nearly every religion and race.

The lights (and they are spectacular in Hong Kong) especially at night represents life.  There are people along Nathan Road here in Kowloon, and they are drawn to the light where all the shops are --and for some of us another marvelous Light gives us life.

The sea water represents a world opened up to connection:  Hong Kong is a port city.  Today among the many vessels we saw two huge cruise ships that would dwarf one of our Washington State Ferries.  The sea makes me think of the great adventure of faith --may many more here in Asia be open to the flow of the Living water, connecting us across cultures.

Many days we were asked about our new president.  People know that something different is happening in our country, both in crisis and in leadership.  We tell them that it is too early to see what difference will be made, but we are hopeful.  I long for more people to realize that something different is happening in me, in our church called Lakeside, in all of us so that we can point to a new, fresh realization of the presence of Jesus.  It's so good to be a part of such an incredible community of faith.

Tonight at dinner, I asked each member of the team to share with us one or two 'revelations' God had given to them during our past 17 days together.  The responses confirm again that God has been at work in us and through us.  One of the team members asked, "What about you, Eric?"  I shared a few thoughts, but one most precious to me is this:  Sometime last week I believe that Lord showed me that He has planted the same love in me for His church at Lakeside that He gave me for India.  And that is no insignficant thing . . .   :-)

Asialog Special: Photolog

The team in Hong Kong Tuesday night.

Asialog Special: Photolog

Getting my shoes shined this morning...

I've visited this man several times.  This time I learned that he is not doing well, and I think he may be ill.

Asialog Special: Photolog

Convergence of Transportation

Asialog Special: Photolog

Notice the light shining on the face of the boy praying . . .

Asialog Special: Photolog

Snapped this of the two sweet little girls just south of Yvatmal at the Shalom Center.

Asialog Special: Photolog

Check out the fish market.  Look in the background and you'll see the fish on the table.  In the far left of the photo you'll see the garbage... it is piled high and rotting right in the same place where they are selling food.  The equivalent of a market in a landfill.  The guy facing us is selling, and to his right is a knife that he uses to clean the fish once you purchase it.  There are a few fish in the large bowl in front of him.

Asialog Special: Photolog

Welcome aboard an Autorickshaw.  Kitna paisa lagenga?  (How much will it cost?)

Asialog: 14 Feb 2009

Several years ago one of my favorite albums was released: “Share the Well” by Caedmon’s Call. Much of it was recorded in India, and every time I come here I listen to some of the songs as they speak to me; they magnify the feelings I have when I’m in this incredible country.

We’ve seen the poorest of the poor. Yesterday (our Friday-see photo) we visited a slum DayCare that offers a little hope to Pavement Dweller’s children.  It was both unbelievable and magnificent.  I'm so glad the church here is trying to do something. I saw a ‘spark of the divine’ in the eyes, behind the dirty clothes and the filthy sweat and darkness of the city that hangs on like glue. When we were in Yvatmal we drove by the same group of tribal nomads that I saw a year ago. . . Seemingly living on the road in the same place. No place to live. No electricity. No water. Someone must share the well with them.

Share The Well by Caedmon’s Call
Share the well, share with your brother
Share the well my friend
It takes a deeper well to love one another
Share the well my friend

Do you think the water knows
Flowing down the mountain thaw
Finally to find repose
For any soul who cares to draw
Some kindred keepers of this Earth
On their way to join the flow
Are cast aside and left to thirst
Tell me know it is not so

Share the well, share with your brother
Share the well my friend
It takes a deeper well to love one another
Share the well my friend

All God's creatures share the water hole
The blessed day the monsoon comes
And in His image we are woven
Every likeness every one
From Kashmir to Kerala
Under every banyan tree
Mothers for their children cry
With empty jar and bended knee

Share the well, share with your brother
Share the well my friend
It takes a deeper well to love one another
Share the well my friend

You know I've heard good people say
There's nothing I can do
That's half a world away
Well maybe you've got money
Maybe you've got time
Maybe you've got the Living Well
That ain't ever running dry

Share the well, share with your brother
Share the well my friend
It takes a deeper well to love one another
Share the well my friend

Asialog Special: Photolog

Asialog: 12 Feb 2009

These days seem to go so fast . . . and yet being away from loved ones and the familiarity of home provides a tension that leaves be bouncing between the now and the not yet.

When I last posted an entry, we were due to fly to Nagpur.  There Pastor Samuel and our friend Ashok met us, along with our favorite driver Sanjay (aka 'Gope').

If you have not seen the updates I've posted on Facebook, you've missed some fun moments!  We stopped first at MVM, short for Maharashtra Village Ministries, and had a cup of chai with some pastors and another Indian leader friend of mine, Pastor Kulo.  From there we left Nagpur and traveled south, stopping to visit Gandhi's ashram in Sevagram.  Then, on to Yvatmal where we stayed at Shanti Bhavan, the Free Methodist Mission in India's guesthouse.

Tuesday was a very full day for us.  We traveled about 60 kilometers to a very small village called Umri, where our denomination has a mission hospital, a childcare hostel, nursing school, and a number of other ministries.  We prayed for a local pastor in his church, as they are slowly rebuilding a new church around their current structure.  (Once the new one is completed, they will demolish the old on the inside and carry it away.)

Seeing the children is always a powerful experience for me.  I told them that we loved them, and that because Jesus reminded us all to be as children in our faith, that they had something special that we needed to learn from them.  Mickie shared a brief story, and then the children danced for us.  We'll see several other ministries for children here in Mumbai tomorrow (our Friday).

On Wednesday, we stopped first at YCLT (short for Yvatmal College of Leadership Training) where many pastors, evangelists, and other Christian leaders are trained.  In fact, this is where Pastor Samuel was trained and met Chhaya years ago.  The current director, Billy Graham (yes, you read correctly --his parents gave him that name after attending a crusade) showed us around the campus before we visited the Shalom Ministry center some 20 miles from the little city.  Here we were greeted by some original tribal dancing with singing about Jesus, and then had the privilege of speaking to and praying for the students being trained for village ministry.  There was a special sense of the Holy Spirit with us, as a few of the students were in tears, touched by the Lord as we prayed for them.  What a humbling honor!

From the Shalom Center we traveled northwest to the Dhamangaon train station.  After waiting over an hour past when it was due (it had traveled all the way from Calcutta) we finally boarded about 5:30pm for the overnight trip back to Mumbai.  One cannot fully appreciate India without a ride on the increidble railway system!  We arrived in Mumbai at Dadar station about 5am.

Then back to the Soverdia house for a bath and rest, and now we are preparing for a busy weekend of ministry before we begin our long journey back home next week.  Tonight we'll be at a home bible study, then tomorrow we'll visit Ambernath and Badlapur hostels and some DayCare centers that minister to slum children that are sponsored by our churches here in Mumbai.  Saturday evening we'll be with a larger youth gathering, and then Sunday I'll preach at Andheri FMC, and Bryan will preach in the north of the city.  Sunday night I'll speak to a gathering of FM pastors and their families, and the team will be seeking to be a prayerful encouragement to as many as possible.

We'd welcome your ongoing prayers for us . . .

Bryan's Asia Journal

Here's a little free publicity for Pastor Bryan's blog.  Be sure to read the comment on the post about Mumbai:

Adventures in Mumbai

Yesterday we went into the city of Mumbai. How to describe it in words is virtually impossible, but I shall try. We began the day eating some amazing dosa, a type of potato curry, and these miniature bananas that my kids would devour? Of course the day meal came with chai. It was a very light, but filling meal. ...

Click HERE to read the rest...

Asialog: 7 - 8 Feb 2009

As I write the first part of this post, I’m sitting in my room with my earphones in listening to praise music in part because there is a huge wedding just outside our building and the thumping and very loud music is quite distracting.  It’s also good to listen and center in on truth, hope, and Jesus . . .especially after the long, hard, but very good day we’ve had.

Because I don’t have internet here, this post will be a bit delayed.  More recent updates are found on Facebook as my iPhone allows me to update from here (of course AT&T charged me a nice little fee!)  Today my friend Girish (an Indian pastor friend I’ve known for a long time) and I took the team downtown to the gateway of India.  There we saw the Taj Mahal Hotel, where the terror strikes took place just a few months ago.

Along the way we saw what has become so familiar to me --the contrasts of India.  Little girls carried babies to our car window and motioned toward their mouths hoping we’d give them some money.  A man came up to my side on crutches, as I looked at him, he said “Please sir,” and showed me his stump, right where his leg was amputated just about at the knee.  I opened my window and put a coin in his hand.  As we finished our lunch, another little girl --couldn't have been more than 10-- held a little baby as she asked us for money; a little boy fought with her over the right to ask for money from the Americans, and followed us for several blocks until someone in our party gave a few rupees.  Over 450 million of India’s 1.1 billion live on less than one dollar a day.  According to the World Bank, one third of the world’s poor live in India.  In Mumbai alone, there are 35,000 that are called ‘pavement dwellers.’  We saw some today.

To be honest, sometimes I’d like to be released from the heart I carry for India. Of course that has nothing to do with the people I've come to love... more about the pain of seeing the suffering and not being able to do anything about it.  I’ve often thought it was just a romantic fascination, and that each trip would be my last.  But every time I come here I’m reminded by the Father that He expects us all not only to be passionate about His Word, but also to be mindful of His world, and His work that remains.  I mean, if one of my four children were missing, I know that I could count on many of you to do an all out search for him or her.  Can He count on me to do as much for the many of his missing children?

Being here in India always renews my passion for my work at home too.  In fact, I’m convinced it puts ‘dry wood on my fire.’  I feel joyfully and urgently compelled to give myself completely to Jesus and His work through His church.

Today we’ve all been to two services.  The first was an English speaking Indian church in a Mumbai suburb called Andheri, the second a Hindi speaking new congregation in an area called Goregaon.  I'm uploading this post from the Ahaleys. Pastor Shirish, Ujwala, Karuna, and Abishek have been my dear friends for a long time, and they are graciously hosting us for lunch.  (And, they have broadband internet!)

Tomorrow morning (Monday am, about 6pm Sunday Seattle time) we'll board a flight for Nagpur and move to central India for a few days.

Asialog: 6 Feb 2009

As I write, we're all at the Hong Kong International Airport, better known as Chek Lap Kok.  In a few hours we'll board a Cathy flight that will take us to Mumbai, via a quick stop in Bangkok (Oh how I wish we could stop a bit in Thailand and get some fried bananas . . . )

It is fun to see the way the team is wanting to be connected with many of you via Facebook, e-mail, etc.  You are such a special part of us; and I'm convinced it is important for us to communicate as much as possible, and at least to a small extent, to take you along with us...

Asialog: 5 Feb 2009

My friend Zack 'Facebooked' me and asked me about the future.  Hong Kong is 16 hours ahead of PST in Washington.  So as I write, we're two thirds done with our Thursday and it is late Friday night at home.  Zack, the future looks just fine.

We've had a good first day in Asia.  Tonight, while most of you sleep, I'll take the team to the night market on Temple Street in Kowloon.  This city of 7 million does get quiet, but not until well after midnight.

It was a good rest stop after a 15 hour flight from San Francisco that seemed to last forever.  After walking through Kowloon Park, we stopped at Starbucks for a coffee and continued on down to Tsim Sha Tsui, where we took the Star Ferry over to Hong Kong island.  While mostly filled with Chinese people, there is definately an international feel; western influence, many different people representing other world countries.  We walked by a mosque, several churches, and then headed for the tram to the top of Victoria Peak, where this shot was taken.

It's nice and warm here today, I'd guess in the lower to mid 70's.  A bit hazy, but otherwise beautiful.  We spent some time walking through streets, just trying to get the feel for this important Asian world city and its culture.  We've had some good prayer and sharing time together, and look forward to entering India tomorrow.

BTW:  several of the team members wanted an authentic lunch experience, so we looked and looked, finally finding a restaurant where Mickie, Cathy, and I had noodle soup; while Bryan and Ron had some Malaysian curry.  Thanks so much for praying for us!

We're at the tail end of the Chinese New Year celebration.  At the top of the mountain, we found a display, and Ron posed to peek at the peak.

Finally, one last shot of Hong Kong from above.  What does Jesus see when He looks down on this city?

Asia '09 -- Day 1

Good morning! We're here at SeaTac, a few moments from boarding for SanFran. We had a minor crisis this morning -- as we were checking in at the Alaska counter, Mickie realized that her passport was missing. Thankfully, after a frantc search, I called our hotel and learned that security had found it! Whew.

Keep us in prayer, OK? I'll keep you updated.

Pretty Pumped.

Tomorrow (Monday, 2 Feb) is the official start of our trip.  Four incredible Lakesiders and I will leave for SeaTac, and then for Hong Kong and India.  SO looking forward to taking you along for the ride!

You can follow updates here, and also at my Facebook page.

 

Fruitcake Disrespect

 Hey I love the stuff --what can I say?  Still, my closest friends and even family make fun of me for liking it.  So, for ONE day, I'm joining in on the disrespect.  There's actually a page dedicated to how to recycle your holiday fruitcake.  Here are a couple of ideas:

• Strap them on your shoes for Ice Skating
• Put one in the trunk of your car to aid with traction
• Use fruitcake next time you need to put your car up on blocks
• Hollow out to make a festive picture frame
• It comes in handy with a wobbly table or chair. Slice off as much as you need and put it under the short leg.
• Use as speed bumps to foil the neighborhood drag racers.
• We'll bet you didn't know fruitcake makes a handy hammer.
• Kids can use fruitcake to make an indestructible fort. We're waiting for someone to build a house out of fruitcake.
• You could use fruitcake as the weights on a grandfather clock
• Fruitcake makes a colorful sail boat ballast
• It would even be useful as a counterbalance weight on a cantilever crane

So there you are:  you can see the entire post at this link.

BTW, there's one other great way to get rid of your holiday fruitcake:  Drop it by my office.  :)

Speaking of Peace

We're celebrating the Prince of Peace this week ... with hopes of carrying His presence with us on into the new year.  It's the presence of Jesus that brings peace.

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."-- E. Scrooge (Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol)

As followers of Jesus, we're aware of many who do not know peace in this world:  physical wars and conflicts worldwide; the war against the unborn, the innocent; war against human dignity; there’s poverty, oppression, slavery, human trafficking: as it has been said, there can be no peace without justice.

It was not so intended by Jesus.

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9 NLT).  He was not simply calling for us to be peaceful people, but to bring God's shalom to the earth following His example.  Jesus is the model peacemaker.  He spoke out against injustice.  He confronted the powers of His day non-violently.  He lived and died for peace.  His death and subsequent resurrection not only authenticated His nonviolent resistance, but brought peace between God and man (Romans 5:1); the same peace spoken of by the angel over the fields of Bethlehem on the night of His birth (Luke 2:1-20).

Perhaps most significantly, in addition to the call in Matthew quoted above, Jesus commissioned every one of His followers to the same kind of mission of making peace (John 20:19-21ff).

It's our desire serve others according to the model of Jesus in our own faith journey.  If peacemaking is foundational to Jesus' way and His missional mandate for His church, what can be done to incarnate peace in the world?  How can we become agents of peace, and carry the message of Christmas peace in the days ahead?

A Sense of His Timing

O God of all seasons and senses, grant us the sense of your timing
to submit gracefully and rejoice quietly in the turn of the seasons.

In this season of short days and long nights, of grey and white and cold,
        teach us the lessons of endings;
            children growing,  friends leaving,
                    loved ones dying, grieving over,
                        grudges over, blaming over, excuses over.
            O God, grant us a sense of your timing.

In this season of short days and long nights, of grey and white and cold,
            teach us the lessons of beginnings;
                    that such waitings and endings may be the starting place,
                    a planting of seeds which bring to birth
                            what is ready to be born--
                                    something right and just and different,
                                        a new song, a deeper relationship, a fuller love--
                                             in the fullness of your time.
                 O God, grant us the sense of your timing.
                                Ted Yoder, Guerrillas of Grace