Is YOUR Check Engine Light On?

For anybody that’s driven a car, we all know that there are certain symbols on our dash that light up if something is wrong.  There's a symbol of a thermometer indicating that your engine is running too hot, a symbol of a circle with the letter ABS in the center indicting that the anti-lock brake system is engaged or has a problem, and the ever dreaded engine symbol of a small engine indicating that there is something wrong with the engine or an engine related component.

 

Depending on the type of person that you are, you will either get the problem diagnosed and corrected, or, if you can’t really tell that there is an issue, will continue driving the vehicle.  Nowadays, most modern cars have a socket where you can plug in a code reader to determine what the issue is and how you can remedy it. 

 

Unfortunately, these code readers also have an option to erase the code, giving you a false sense of security until the condition triggers the code to alert you of the problem again.  Now the problem may be minor and only affecting your gas mileage and nothing else, or it could be an indicator of a much more serious issue in the works.  Sometimes we will keep driving even if other signs that there is a significant problem emerge, but we ignore them because we don’t have the time and/or money to deal with them right now and will get to it later. 

 

Inevitably, later comes too late after having your car break down in heavy traffic on your way to or from work or other important appointment, having to spend money to get it towed to a mechanic with the diagnosis (and the cost) being significantly higher than it would have been had you addressed the problem when the Check Engine light went on.  At this point you're angry, frustrated and disillusioned so much that you begin to contemplate if the car is even worth putting any more money into it.

 

How often has something happened in our lives, whether it’s the loss of a friend or loved one, rejection, disappointment, or something that causes us to not operate the way God meant us to?  Of those times, how often have we pressed on through the check engine light without stopping to take the problem to God for wisdom and guidance...the tune up we need to carry on? 

 

In our fast paced world, we tend to suppress a lot of those issues and feelings because society says, suck it up and press on.  Quit being weak!  So we do and we are still functioning, but not at 100 percent and we start to suffer - whether it be that we are always stressed, depressed, lethargic, lacking motivation or enthusiasm, it affects us and who we are.  Over time the problem consumes you and you lose confidence in yourself and others, lose all motivation and enthusiasm, and become distant to your friends, coworkers and loved ones.  Worst off, you’ve been putting off stopping for a visit with God so long, you're afraid of what he'll say or do because you’ve neglected maintaining what he's given you.

 

Finally you hit a wall and it takes you out-physically and/or emotionally.  You’re so far gone in your emotions and/or relationships that you begin to contemplate if its worth trying to repair that now terribly damaged relationship or situation and whether its worth to even do anything more with that car?  In some cases, the car is not the relationship, but the person and can end up with suicidal tendencies.

 

God loved us enough to have His only begotten son die for us, long before we were ever conceived in anybody’s mind, so that we may be free and free in Him.  God wants us to stop in, not just for daily maintenance, but for conversation.  He’s like a shady tree mechanic but with the highest certifications available.  He wants to walk you through what’s wrong and what he recommends you do to fix it, but also enjoy your company.  Some of my friends know that I have an affinity for doing minor repairs on automobiles, and they’ll ask for help from time to time.  I don’t charge them, all I ask is that they come buy early and bring the parts they need for me to do the repair.  The conversation is mostly around the problem itself, but we also talk about our lives and share what’s going on within them.  Sometimes we pray for each other or offer Godly wisdom from similar situations in the others life.  Its more than just about the physical repair, it’s about the person.

 

 

The “Broken” Church

My son, who is four years old, has an affinity at trying to figure out how things work.  That said, I come home many a night to have to reassemble things he’s taken apart.  He does come about it honestly, though, as I too had the same inquisitive nature when I was growing up.  Recently I’ve started getting him into proper LEGOs (graduating from Mega Blocks and Duplo).  He exhibits more imaginative play with these and has started “modifying” the cars and trucks that I build for him.  Even more recently, I’ve started having him build the vehicles following the instructions.  Given that the other thing he really likes to do is make puzzles, this seemed to be a good fit.  I have noticed that when I present the pieces before him, he always says, “Oh no! Dad, it’s broken, it’s broken…”  Any adult would say that it’s not broken, rather that it just needs to be put together.  All it takes is matching the right pieces together such that they form a car/truck/building that looks like the picture the instruction manual portrays.

First, let me define the Church as followers of Jesus Christ, not a certain denomination or congregation.  The world sees today’s Church as being broken.  It’s too divided in its views, doctrine and what they truly believe in.  When you see people leaving churches because of differing views/opinions/perceptions as to how a congregation worships, the style of a pastor’s delivery of a sermon, even because they disagree with the way the church leadership dresses!  It’s sad to see this division, but it’s there and it’s happening. 

I do not think that the Church is broken (but if we continue on our current track it will be).  I think of it as my son’s LEGO toys – waiting to be put together.  The Church comprises the pieces, the Bible is our instruction manual, and God is the Creator trying to assemble the pieces.  Like my son, god is having a hard time putting the pieces together to make up the finished work, the bride of Christ.  The difference is that, unlike my son who lacks the intricate aptitude to connect the pieces on the pages of the manual (you know, the ones that hide behind other pieces), God is fighting to connect the pieces together because they are resisting to be one body, one being, to come together under one banner – His son.

There are those that speak against the Church, calling it organized religion that is ineffective and routine at best.  These people may think that they are helping to unify the pieces, but what they are actually doing is further dividing the Church and demonstrating to the world that we are NOT together in one accord, are weak and easy to break. 

We need to come together as one, as the enemy is and continues to do so. Let us be the complete bride of Christ, one body, one mind, one spirit.

When I finish helping my son reassemble his LEGOs, he exclaims, “It’s fixed!  It’s fixed! Thank you dad, you’re welcome dad.”  Let us be thankful to our Father, but also do our part to let his kingdom come.  The only thing that stands between God and His plan for our lives and the Church is us. 

Captain America is dead

So, I read this past weekend that Marvel Comics killed off Captain America. I really liked Captain America, because he represented all the good stuff that America stood for. I found this comment on a blog discussing his death:

The Cap stood for something: A strong moral compass, and the fortitude to follow it.And tiny Baby Jesus knows we need all of that we can get these days.When Marvel killed him-regardless of the reasons-it was as if Marvel was saying that Captain America represented something that isn’t relevant any more.And that’s tragic.

Captain America, like many comic heroes, led by example-battling the forces of oppression, corruption, and evil that threatened the free world. We no longer live in a world of leaders leading by example, but by delegation.

In talking with a friend of mine about this, he told me of a book that talks about how to climb the corporate ladder. Though its meant as a joke, the book says that those climbing the corporate ladder did it not by taking risks and reaping the rewards, but by not making decisions. After all, who will get blamed when something goes wrong...the person that made the decision. If it's someone below the boss, he'll get the heat and the boss will still be spotless, most likely getting promoted.

I hate that kind of leadership. I believe a leader should lead by example. No motivation can just come from telling someone to just DO something! I lead my project teams by example, taking the time to make sure they understand the tasks that I'm asking them to complete, showing them if they don't, and making myself available to ask questions if they still need help. I will never ask anybody to do anything that I myself haven't done before.

Funny, Christ led by example, too. He did ask the disciples to do things out of the ordinary, but He never asked them to have any more faith than he would have Himself. He lived a life that He expected us to follow in. The disciples too lived the life that they preached to the Romans, Corinthinans, Thessalonians, and Ephesians. They knew that one could not expect change if they themselves did not live that change themselves.

Captain America is dead, but I patiently wait for his ressurrection. A time will come when we shall have to lead by example in a world that will persecute us.

The Many Face of Rolando

So I started thinking today...who really knows me? I realize that many people know me a little bit, but few if any know me as a whole. There are quite a few Rolands that dwell within:

Rolando: The male born almost 29 years ago, of Mexican descent, raised to work hard and excel, because he should not expect anybody to hand him anything in life. He was always the nerd through school, fairly sheltered, never allowed to have too many friends, but always managed to be lovestruck by girls whose names started with A…(never understood it either!) He acquired his love for music, song, and poetry in his later years.

Roland (BS degree): Fairly quiet and reserved, his friends were the friends of friends. He tried many different things in his time, made many acquaintances, but very few if any real friends. Everywhere he tried to fit in he could only linger in. He learned to just blend and observe the environment around him. Roland worked hard and multiple jobs at once. He had his first romantic relationships here, but they fizzled out quickly. Towards the end he suffered through great depression, but made it out by the Grace of God and the friends and family He placed around him.

Roland (MS degree): much like his predecessor, but no longer driven to excel for his father, but himself. By this time he was becoming a more accomplished bass player, had closer friends and friends whom he saw as family. He had a few more relationships, but all burned down to the ground. Again, this Roland fell through depression at the end of his time, mostly through the insecurity of his future.

Roland (work): Give all he can, then give some more, willing to do anything and everything set before him, and to do it well. He loves to work but often times hates the work, but does it to the best of his abilities. He strives to make the lives of those around him better, easier, and happier, even within his own misery. He’s known as the office prankster, but also as a reliable and knowledgeable individual that you can come to vent to, just talk, or come to for aid – even at the eleventh hour.

Roland (bass): drafted into the position he has today, he learned to play guitar long before bass. His style is a variation of jazz, funk, and blues. Told once by a friend that he was “a disgruntled guitar player stuck playing bass” for his use of the entire fretboard, he does not limit the instrument to a support instrument but makes it a soloist. He tries to play skillfully, yet tastefully. He strives to be one with his percussionist and make a seamless unison in beat.

Roland (church and outside friends): Known as a fairly upbeat individual, he prefers small groups to get to know people over large groups, making himself available for whatever is needed of him, and being a servant to those that need to be served. He has a desire to increase the intimacy of his relationship with god, while striving to live a Christ-like life (despite the many stumbles). For the most part a semi-mature individual, he admittedly has not given up his childish ways of speeding.

The real Roland is an introverted individual who seeks to be in relationship, to have companionship, friendship, and closeness with another human being in life. He enjoys trying to serve those close to him. He longs to find a partner to spend time with, get to know mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, to cook for, to rest and relax with, to listen to when they need to vent, to hold when they need a hug, to just be there when they need love. He wants somebody to grow with in Christ, who shares the desires of God’s heart with them, somebody to grow old together with. Roland seeks happiness, not financial, nor through social status, but happiness in all areas of his life. Though potentially a complex individual, his basic need is to love.

Now if a certain someone could see that and give the real Roland a chance, the complexity may finally be resolved.

A Midget amongst Giants

For those of you who know me, this may be the last thing you may have thought of me. Standing at a little over 6'1", I tower over most people on a daily basis. My friend Elizabeth, who is also vertically gifted, made the comment one night that there are only two people in our young adults group that she looks literally up to - Seth and myself.

I went to Wal-Mart (the place where I'm "zen" again) as I typically do a few times a week, looking for random little knick knacks, new items, and just to be around people. For the first time in many years though, I felt tiny. I felt so small amongst the mass of people. For just about anybody else, this would seeem like a cry for pity. I felt like a a baby tuna in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

For somebody who has stuck out from the crowd over half of his life, this was a comfort and a new experience. I've always tried to excel, to be the best at all I do, to be known. The very meaning of my full name is 'Man famed throughout the land". Still, I don't want fame...not that kind.

I don't want to be known for some great invention, for a new technique I develop, for great financial success, for my prowness with women (like THAT would ever happen!), for amazing musicianship, nor skill with the written word. All those things will fade one day.

I want to be known for the lives of the common man that I touched. I want to be remembered by the guy I gave 10 bucks to for gas when he ran out, by the cyclist that I offered a ride to when his tire went flat, to the guy I helped change his flat tire on his bike at the park, the lady that I helped change her flat tire on her car, the man I offered food to, the person whom I got the can of some food for from the top shelf, the many a friend I was there for when a loved one passed away, the friend that I gave up part of my day for just to listen to her talk, and so on.

This means more to me than any other fame that I may gain on this earth. I don't expect a great reward in heaven, nor to be thanked buy God Himseelf for it. Its not about that. Its about being the "insignificant" from 6.6 billion people showing, kindness, mercy, compassion and love to another "insignificant". Suddenly there is more significance to the insignificant, and a greater joy in the world - the kind God wanted all of us to receive.

I don't want scholars, thinkers, beaurocrats, politicians, brokers, celebrities and dignitaries at my funeral. I want those people I mentioned, the ones who received a small part of what dwelled within me, that which God put within me that i imparted to them. In them is where my inheritance dwells.

Battle of mind, soul, and spirit

I’ve recently found myself in a struggle. It’s an inner struggle between my mind, soul and spirit. In the natural state, my mind, I find myself looking inward, drawing into myself, pulling away from others. I find myself reverting back to my introverted state. In this introverted state I find myself focusing on the negative, on the failures, the lack of hope, and all things positive.

Facing this dark and dreary foe on the grassy battlefield stands my spirit. My spirit comes out with great strength and fervor in worship, when its strength is greatest and mind’s is weakest. In worship and prayer, mind is dominated. Nothing on earth can stop my heart from crying out to God, loving him, praising him, lifting his name over all creation.

My soul, however, fights a great struggle to not be overcome by my mind. My soul stands in the middle of the battlefield, trapped in a foxhole, trying to fight its way past mind, thinking (of all things) that it can conquer mind from within its headquarters where its general dwells. Little by little, soul’s troops are depleted, and end up returning to the foxholes. On occasion, spirit will send in reinforcements, as it can spare them, but soul always manages to go off on its own, getting more of its troops sent off as casualties and taking some of spirit’s troops down as well too.

My battle continues, but soul is losing, and the casualties are greater and rising. Spirit is still fighting, but taking more time treating the casualties.

I feel like I have worth where I’m at in Christ, but I see myself as a minor part, like an appendix or a gall bladder, that the body can function without. I see how the world can function without me, much like Ebenezer Scrooge in a Christmas Carol, and how it would go on without me.

This volley of arrows is being shot at by mind. Spirit is firing its own onslaught against mind, carrying the message of my worth in Christ, the purpose that I am serving in His body, in his temple, with my friends, and with my family.

The battle is still going, as the war has not yet begun. I need help and I cry out to God and the faithful around me that He has placed in my midst.

Am I a closet hippie?

Recently I went out to eat with some friends on mine and we started on the topic of hippies, or being hippie“ish”. One of my friends started naming some of the people within our circle of friends that we would consider hippie”ish” and he mentioned me! I was slightly take aback as I never considered myself to be a hippie. By definition, a hippie is:

A person who opposes and rejects many of the conventional standards and customs of society, especially one who advocates extreme liberalism in sociopolitical attitudes and lifestyles.

[websters unabridged] a person, esp. of the late 1960s, who rejected established institutions and values and sought spontaneity, direct personal relations expressing love, and expanded consciousness, often expressed externally in the wearing of casual, folksy clothing and of beads, headbands, used garments, etc.

[webster’s] a person who rejects the mores of established society (as by dressing unconventionally or favoring communal living and advocates a nonviolent ethic; broadly : a long-haired unconventionally dressed young person.

[webster’s world] a person who, in a state of alienation from conventional society, turned variously to mysticism, psychedelic drugs, communal living, etc.

[hyperdictionary] someone who rejects the established culture; advocates extreme liberalism in politics and lifestyle

[ wordreference.com] a person whose behavior, dress, use of drugs, etc., implied a rejection of conventional values (esp. during the 1960s)

[realdictionary.com] youth subculture (mostly from the middle class) originating in San Francisco in the 1960s; advocated universal love and peace and communes and long hair and soft drugs; favored acid rock and progressive rock music

[miscellaneous] a person who believes in peace, love, freedom and happiness.

By these definitions, I would say I am a little bit of a hippie. I do oppose many of the conventional standards. I dress in a way that I am comfortable, not following a fashion trend. I do believe in personal relations expressing love (God’s love) with an expanded consciousness (of the spiritual world around me). I do go against some of the normal “society” grains. I think of others and do my best to put their needs first, I give for the sake of making a difference in the world, I hold myself accountable for my actions, refusing to let others take the fall for me.

Most of all I believe in peace, love, freedom and happiness, though many people may never know it…so maybe I’m a closet hippie.

Relationships

The topic of tonight's sermon was relationships - how we relate with one another. In thinking about this I began to think of our worship team.

First off, we have a Scottsman for a worship leader. He has his preference of music, which I must say, most of us enjoy because it speaks the heart of God and often a great starting point to open up communication between us and God. Still he has his own flavor of music, which not all of us may agree with all the time. We then have the 70's and 80's rockers in the group, who have their trademark style of playing. One likes to play some really good blues licks. We then get into the late teen/early 20's group, whose style of playing is more influenced by today's style of playing - hard and loud. I fall somewhere in between the rockers and the early 20s, really enjoying syncopated rhythms and smooth walking bass lines. Then there's Joey. I love Joey - he's great (Go Petra!) When we add the vocalists, you have a very diverse blend of individuals whose own personal tastes, influences, even their ethnic backgrounds, would in most cases cause a clash.

Then we come together and begin to play the first song of the set list. All the things that make us different, that make our playing and/or singing styles unique, fade away. All the pieces fit together, all the note meld together, all the strums and percussive hits form a single note. For those 40 minutes to an hour, we act as one body, cognizant of what the other members are doing and responding to compliment each other. Like an orchestra, we strive to sound as one instrument, one voice.

What's more amazing is the drive that pushes us to reach this symbiotic relationship with each other in concert - to praise and worship God. None of us get paid for what we do, nor do we actively seek to be glorified by members of the congregation. We do it to help lead people into worship, communication with God.
We play for an audience of one. In doing this, people of different races, upbringings and musical tastes can relate with one of the greatest things we can experience - the presence of God.