Since I was last here Martha and I spent a wonderful time on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound with Erwin McManus and Leonard Sweet. For pictures and notes from that experience go toOrcas Island trip. I have come to greatly admire in the past year Erwin McManus and Brian McLaren. They offer wonderful models of being a disciple in these times. My two daugthers, Kate presently 12 and Molly presently 9 also offer me wonderful models of discipleship!

Also since I was last here, the "war" has begun. My heart aches deeply. I do not agree with the leadership of our country that chose this course. Yet, I am deeply concerned for and pray for the men and women from the U.S. military who are there, especially Matt Mathis from our church community. I am also deeply concerned for the men and women and children of Iraq who are killed, who are living in fear and as of now, those who are facing great deprivation due to the war. Today in our online Bible study we came to James chapter 4. This was not planned. This is the beginning of that chapter:


James 4 :: The Message (MSG)
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James 4


Get Serious
1Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. 2You lust for what you don't have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn't yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
You wouldn't think of just asking God for it, would you? 3And why not? Because you know you'd be asking for what you have no right to. You're spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
4You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. 5And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." 6And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble."
7So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. 8Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. 9Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. 10Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.
11Don't bad-mouth each other, friends. It's God's Word, his Message, his Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You're supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it. 12God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others?