The Insomnia Chronicles

hmmm... 2

I think there's still more locked in the back room of my brain that is itchin' to come out.  Thanks for taking time to read this blatantly honest leap into the abyss of cyberland.  It's very therapeutic.

bubble boy

~ why is it that the church thinks that they can protect others from the dangers of 'the world' by creating a safe environment from all 'the snares'?  you know, create a list of everything wrong or dangerous - like r-rated movies, addictive substances, secular music, and of course, all non-Christians - then impose strict guidelines of how to avoid such menaces and SHAZAM, you're holy!  What?!!  Aren't we supposed to make the devil flee? "So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you" James 4:7.
... notice that those creating the bubble never add to the list 'sins' like:  debt, greed, gluttony, adultery or gossip... ugh.

brett favre

~ yeah, obviously, there's no rhyme or reason for the order of these random thoughts - ha! 

A note to the president of the Packers...  LET BRETT PLAY!  yes, he said he was done... yes, you said Rogers is now the #1 QB... who cares?!  Perhaps the greatest QB in NFL history, who by the way had an incredible season last year, changed his mind. You should be as giddy as a little school-girl!  But, your pride (and the fact that you're a pencil-necked, insecure millionaire that was picked last in every kickball game you ever attempted to play) won't allow you to let the legendary QB back in your good graces. Did I mention that in 13 straight seasons he never missed a game?  Ok, I'm done... Go Steelers!

planter's itch

~ tonight I met with a large group of young adults - 24/7 - for a night of Bible study, cultural discussion and vision casting.  this kind of stuff really pumps me up (especially with a little chocolate & coke zero)! I really feel like we're on the verge of adding another Real Church campus!  Woo-Hoo!  It will require crazy work, incredible faith and huge miracles - in other words, it can't be done without God - COOL! that's how we roll...  "If the Lord doesn't build the house, the builders are working for nothing" Psalm 127:1.

it's late

~ yep!  I need to get some sleep, get up & pray, then sleep some more.  Are you an Insomniac like me? Let's see...  IF you read this and leave a comment by or before 5am, I will send you a special (cool) gift! So, you've got 2 hours... the first one to comment in this time frame wins!

... by the way, I'm still not done venting.

 so, look for "hmmm...3" soon!

there's NO small miracle.

Last evening, several key guys from my church community got together to play a little basketball.  It was pretty ugly - enough bricks were shot to build a portion of the Great Wall of China... ouch!  But, we laughed a lot and got some much needed exercise.  We were playing on a public court that was packed with young people from our city: predominantly African-Americans and Arab-Americans... for those of you unaware, this can be a very volatile mix of cultures.  There is a lot of tension between these two groups of people... unfortunately.  Tonight was not an exception.

Near the end of our time at the courts, we were surrounded by several young kids that attend our amazing kids ministry - the UK. One of the young men has had a lot of trouble with his behavior, attitude and mouth when at Real Church.  He's actually been serving a 'time-away' from our weekly meeting due to his inability to attend without incident. He was riding 'his' bike on the court when all of the sudden he was confronted by an Arab-American mom (in full muslim attire) and several young people of various ages. She was certain he had stolen the bike from her son.  The next thing I know, we are surrounded by a sea of very loud and angry people - all pointing fingers - pulling on the bike - making threats ... very crazy! 

your CALL is ringing...

God didn't just call "us" ... HE CALLED YOU.  Many people today excuse themselves from applying and obeying God's orders - that's right, I called it ORDERS - you see, His call for the believer is NOT optional - or when it's convenient. In the New Testament the Greek verb to 'call' occurs about 150 times, and in most cases God is calling human beings...  and, you are  human, right?

In the Old Testament God called Moses, Samuel and the prophets; in the New Testament Jesus called the Twelve and later Saul of Tarsus.

Today, although we may be neither prophets nor apostles, He still calls us into His service.  It is a wonderful fact that God cares about us enough to call us personally and individually. In the end, we must realize it's not a person (pastor, priest, parent) who calls you, no, it is always God... it is 'He who called you' (e.g. Gal. 5:8; 1 Pet. 1:15); and we are not just called to do what we feel like - when we feel like it - no, we are 'called according to His purpose' (e.g. Rom. 8:28; Heb. 9:15).

Are you doing today, right now, what He has called YOU to do?  Is your current life's direction in agreement with Christ's purposes?  Do you live in an arena & atmosphere where you can fulfill the great commission (Mt. 28:19-20) on a daily/hourly basis? 

We, in Hamtramck/Detroit, are living in a culture & setting that can help you.  IF you're out of high school, young or older, and are seeking the adventure of living in His Calling & purpose, maybe you should get in touch with me...  it's not for everyone but it may be for YOU.  IF God talks to you about us, shoot me an email or leave a comment...

Either way, you've been CALLED - better get busy!

In pursuit, chilly

• God's called us ALL, right?
• To what/who is He calling you right now?
• Why, do you think, so many resist the call?
• Are you active in pursuing His call today?

dirt & dung.

As Spring teases us with flashes of sunshine and occasional warm breezes,  I've begun to think about my life becoming His garden.  I desire new life to push through the cold winter soil of my heart like tulips. Yes, to open my life towards the warm Son and produce a pure, beautiful rose-like aroma that touches the senses of my Lord.

I must prepare...  I must labor...  I must love.

Gone are the roots of bitterness!  Farewell to the weeds of compromise! I must burn the remnants of previous blossoms!

Sweep the ground of debris and cover it with waste...  Humility: Yes, I'm nothing more than rotten dirt & smelly dung.  Yet, as this horrible odor passes, something beneath the surface emerges.  Life. Beauty. Fragrance.

Labor has produced Life.  Humility has produced Hope.  Death has produced Destiny.

Now, I must tend this garden - for the enemy will never concede the loss. No, he will send the weeds, insects, and drought.  I must remain steadfast & strong.  The Spirit loves the garden even more than me, He will guide my efforts and empower my labors.

So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life. James 1:21

                                    trusting my Gardner, chilly

Rooftop Reflections

Last night my Tuesday night discipleship group (X-factor) met me at my 'secret study spot' - Steve's downtown condo - for a cool time in God's Word followed by an amazing time of prayer - ON THE ROOF - for Detroit, Hamtramck and beyond!  Steve has been in Vietnam for the last month and has welcomed me to use his home for personal study & renewal, as well as, prayer meetings, Bible studies, etc.  - it has become one of my favorite places to dwell.  God's presence always seems unique there...

So, around 20 of us prayed for over an hour with only the lights of the city skyscrapers to illuminate the air. What an awesome time.  Many received unique words from the Lord or renewed callings, burdens & visions. There's something so powerful about praying at the top of your lungs over a million people! Wow! This rooftop has become my mountaintop - a place I go for new perspective, powerful prayer time, closeness to God, and refined vision.  It's also a place of refreshment & renewal.  I'm grateful.

God is giving us the city & communities of Detroit! His word is ringin' in my head, "Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper" Jeremiah 29:7.

Whoa, that verse (and passage) simply rocks!  So powerful for a church-planting, pioneer like me (and you?)...

• Have you found your "mountain-top" where you live?
  • Please, tell me/us about it...
• How often do you get away (by yourself): to pray, dream, refresh?
• Any testimonies from this? ... or challenges?

                Thanks for reading my blog and contributing to my life, chilly

Easter Plans?

This is the second year we have done this event... last year was awesome with lots of visitors attending. We're praying that this year is even greater!  This is such a fun, cool and impacting event. This is one of those rare times that people may be open to checking out 'church' - I think it's vital we accommodate their curiosity & openness... we have handed out nearly 1000 personal invitations - this past Wednesday our college ministry, 24/7, visited our local University: Wayne State (35,000 students) and hung with students - inviting them to the U2Charist.  Can't wait to see who joins us this weekend... can't wait to introduce others to Christ!!  Wow...

My wife (with the assistance of Zoe & Maximus) baked tons of cookies today and decorated them with colorful sprinkles - they are delicious!  Later today they are visiting our neighbors with cookie bags & inviting them to church this Friday, Saturday or Sunday!  All of my family will be involved...

It's vital that we don't put it on our church, alone, to reach out this Easter.  We all have a part to play...

• Is your church doing anything unique this Easter?
• Are you, personally, doing anything?
• It's not too late, you know?!
• CHRIST HAS RISEN - proclaim it!!

church = me

Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 "It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be called a house of prayer,'but you are making it a 'den of robbers.'" 14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant. 16 "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read," 'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?" Matthew 21:12-16.

I've read this account many, many times.  I've imagined what it must have been like seeing Jesus kicking over tables and snapping a whip. "You Go Jesus!!" I've also pictured myself doing similar, yet far less spiritual, 'acts of purification' in various scenarios (like a ladies bake sale in the church lobby... pies flying everywhere!) - ha!  Unfortunately, at least for my imagination, such interpretation of this passage - although done often - is not really the intent behind this actual, historic, event.

It's easy to make church policy & procedures based on passages such as this. And, in truth, any form of spiritual corruption such as this should be confronted & corrected -- extorting people by requiring that they pay a fee/price in order to worship the Lord is wrong.  But, this story isn't really about selling coffee & bagels in the church cafe.  It may, however, at times apply to those seeking to profit from revelation God gave them (for free) as a blessing for His church. How many over-priced, over-hyped conferences, books, etc... fall into this category?  Ouch. 

Ok,ok, before I go off on a subject too complicated to touch on tonight, let's read this passage again... as we do, I think we have to admit that this event, has less to do with with greedy religious leaders, or selling stuff in church and more to do with me (and you).  After all, the Word makes it clear that we are the "temple"  (see: 1 Cor. 3:16 & 1 Pet. 2:5) and not buildings of brick, stone, stain glass & steeples.

So, with that in mind, what can we specifically glean from this provoking story?  I'm glad you asked! It says to me, that IF we're to be God's church, we must be:

• People of Prayer v. 13 - not just talking about it, doing it... all the time!
• People of Power v. 14 - yes, marked by a life of great faith and miracles!
• People of Praise v. 15 - far beyond songs - He wants a praising church not a singing church!

IF we could live these three simple principles that Jesus obviously desires for His Temple, our
lives will be incredibly blessed and the lost will find Christ through us more and more and MORE!

You're the church. The only one that some may EVER attend.

                ... so, how's that going?

NightLight media...

Here's a few pictures from this past Saturday night's kick-off...

Search lights lit up the skies over Detroit and Hamtramck. People said they could see them from miles & miles away...  our stage was illuminated with tons of candles as well as one solo 'night light' hanging down from ceiling ("night light").  It was such a great atmosphere for worship, community and truth.

This weekend we added 30-40 new people to Real Church by adding a 2nd service/church opportunity.  We also saw people come to know Christ as Lord and Savior in BOTH services.  It was awesome!

Please read post below for more thoughts from my heart and also check out the video. It's amazing!!

40DAZED!!

I can honestly say that the last 40 days have been the greatest 40DAZE of my life.  Our times of daily prayer, fasting and study of His Word have been miraculous. We read the Bible, outloud, continuously, cover-to-cover in 65 hours and 35 minutes (starting on Wednesday afternoon and ending early yesterday morning) - so powerful! And we just completed our first weekend with two services:  NightLight - Satrudays at 8pm, and the Awakening - Sundays at 11am. Wow!!  Just living by the simple PRAY FIRST lifestyle has really changed so many things in me and us...

You ever have one of those "good tired" feelings?  You know, when you're exhausted but so glad for the reason you're so torched. That's how I feel.  It's not just a physical thing because of the fasting or all the extra work (and sleeplessness) this weekend...  it's spiritual too.  It's like reaching a new mark in the weight room, yeah, I feel like I've lifted more than ever before in the spiritual realm.  That's so God! So, I embrace the tenderness from the workout because I know I'm getting stronger and doing things at a level that I have not been able to in the past...  more prayer is now required.

As promised, I want to share the opening video from last night's NightLight - so, here it is for your enjoyment - I think it's amazing & powerful... let me know what you think!

Lastly, I want to leave you with the quote of the day (for me, at least)... one of our faithful attenders, whose whole family is part of our church, walked into my office this afternoon and said, after being in both services:

                "Pastor, you did a "#@&*" good job!!"   ~ ha! Classic!  (edited per request)

It's GO time!

man, we are buzzing with joy, excitement, prayer and energy.  in less than 3 minutes, the smell of Starbucks coffee will consume the air, search lights will fill the skies over our building, crowds of new faces will pack the Refuge (our sancturary), and an amazing team of prayed-up servants will take their places... then, the lights will dim, and with nervous tension, our brand new video will begin and crescendo  into the Lord's Prayer. With loud praises, tears and worship; NightLight will begin!  I've seen it already in my prayers and dreams... and I now stand on the precipice of God's "next"... I have so many emotions...  I wish I could take you all back to my back porch, almost 4 years ago, when my family and 8 others sat and dreamed about planting Real Church.  And now, here we are, launching our second church/service.

Our incredible media team (Steve, Brendan, Zach and many others), produced an amazing opening video - mentioned above - that will be shown as NightLight begins this evening.  This video and the message will be available on iTunes later tonight - and I'll post it here as soon as it's available...

Thank you for praying for us!  We love you!