Divergence

Just found out about another Adventist offshoot group that is in the news. It’s called, “The Lord Our Righteousness Church” and they are led by a man named Michael Travesser who claims to be the son of God. On their website they share a bit of their history:

During the 1980’s, a Seventh-day Adventist minister by the name of Wayne Curtis Bent created and conducted a seminar called LifeSupports. The intent of these seminars was to present practical illustrations and training of how the laws of life function, and how individuals create their lives to be precisely what they are. The seminar was based on Scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White, a founder and prophet of the Adventist church.

In 1987 Bent and a number of people who were associated with him through his ministry formally separated from the Seventh-day Adventist church, founding the aforementioned The Lord Our Righteousness, using the Scriptural authority found in Jeremiah 33:16: “… and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our righteousness.”

The group became known among Adventists as the L.O.R. or more pejoratively as “LOR-ites”, and were widely regarded as an off-shoot of Adventism. Members of the L.O.R. view the Seventh-day Adventist denomination as one of the daughters of the great harlot of Revelation 17, exhibiting the worldly corruption pervasively found in other Christian denominations that constitute Babylon.

They are in the news because the leader apparently was called by God to lay with 7 virgins. Apparently he did this and there is some concern about inappropriate acivity with minors. According to one of the seven virgins, they simply laid naked together but never consummated physically even though all 7 women apparently wanted to. You can read the girl’s chilling testimony here. You can watch a video one of the other virgins made HERE. The legal authorities recenty took the only three minors living there–two girls and a boy–away from the compound they all live on in New Mexico. You can read the story HERE.

I’ve often wondered what draws people to these cultic groups which unite around a leader who claims to be messianic. It just seems so strange to me but clearly there are a lot of groups out there that attract quite a following. Unfortunately, there have been several that have sprung from the Adventist church, most notably David Koresh and the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas.

I love the library and went there today for a few hours to do some work. The library provides a good change of pace for me and I’m usually very productive there. One thing has been bothering me though. Is there no longer the rule that you’re supposed to be quiet in the library?

A few weeks ago a group of three older women were in the magazine section just chatting away. They weren’t reading magazines and just happened to start a conversation but appeared to be there to talk, and that’s it. It was their hangout spot and they weren’t trying to be quiet at all.

Today, a woman sat down a few tables down from me and read a book to her young daughter.

I think people are confusing the library with Barnes and Noble. If you’re at B&N, by all means read to your kids, hang out, and have a good time. In the library, please be quiet.

I Tivo the “Today Show” and watch the stories that interest me during breakfast. This morning Ann Curry was doing the headlines and sent it back to, “Matt, Al, and Katie.”

Oops.

She immediately apologized and said she wasn’t herself this morning and Meredith said no problem but still, that’s not good. I like Meredith but Katie was better and most would probably agree (Maybe she’ll be back soon since it looks like the new anchor thing hasn’t worked out too well). When it came time to do the 8 o’clock news recap, Ann was gone because “she went early to interview Clinton and Obama which they will air tomorrow.” Sounds fishy to me.

Poor Ann. I really like her but she definitely had something else on her mind. We all have bad days but when you’re on national TV, the whole nation notices.

Just finished reading, The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs and I highly recommend it. In this book, Jacobs chronicles his year-long experiment of trying to literally obey all the rules in the Bible. Going into it, he wasn’t a religious person at all, although he is Jewish, but he decided it would be an interesting experiment and the chronicles his journey with tales that are funny as well as thought provoking.

On his website, he has a list of the rules he kept (and regularly broke) with some commentary.  The first section he titled, “MOST UNEXPECTEDLY WISE AND LIFE-ENHANCING RULES.” At the top of the list he wrote this:

Keep the sabbath. As a workaholic (I check my emails in the middle of movies), I learned the beauty of an enforced pause in the week. No cell phones, no messages, no thinking about deadlines. It was a bizarre and glorious feeling. As one famous rabbi called it, the sabbath is a “sanctuary in time.” 

Every morning I scan the web looking at a variety of news and sports websites checking out the top stories so I can be informed about the world. I don’t end up reading many articles but just scan the headlines and if a story sounds interesting enough I’ll check it out.

It got me thinking: Headline writers are incredibly powerful people. I’m sure I’m not the only one that does scanning with little reading so I often rely on the headline to tell me what’s happening. Take for example, two of the headlines from the Democratic debate that I didn’t watch last night.

“Clinton Uses Sharp Attacks in Tense Debate” 

 ”Clinton Changes Course on Obama’s Electability”

The first headline from NYT seems to suggest Clinton was on the attack and probably won. The second focuses on the fact that Clinton said Obama could definitely win in November which would seem like a stunning admission and great night for Obama.

As much as I despise “sound bite” politics, I definitely fall into it with my headline scanning. Guess there’s no way to avoid it but I’m definitely more aware that I shouldn’t let headline writers determine my views on the world.

In John 1:29-34, John the Baptist exclaims that Jesus is the “lamb of God.” The next day he was with a couple of his disciples when he sees Jesus pass by and tells them to look at the lamb of God. They start following Jesus who eventually turns around asks them what they want. They ask, “Rabbi, where are you staying?”

Jesus could have responded with, “At the corner of Wilson Lane and Jefferson St,” and be done with it. Instead, he says, “Come, and you will see.” The disciples end up spending the entire day with Jesus and when they leave, Andrew goes immediately to tell his brother Simon (who Jesus would re-name Peter) about Jesus and bring him to spend time with him as well. The rest is history.

This story is indicative of the way Jesus started his revolution of faith: through inviting people to follow him and experience first-hand what the kingdom was all about. Jesus could have had a discussion with the disciples in which he told them where he was staying, talk about the weather, talk about the kingdom some, and then move on. Instead, he invited them to spend the day with him, experiencing what he was all about and they immediately became disciples and then brought others to experience the same adventure of following Jesus.

The most effective witness is inviting someone to experience the way of Jesus. Invite them to join you as you serve in the community and discuss why this is important to God. Spend time with them in the daily routines of your life and show how viewing your whole life as an act of worship gives a new perspective. Let them experience a heart-felt worship service where they see the value of living in community.

Most witnessing paradigms are based on convincing people to believe the right theological concepts and once you get that settled they are ready to experience God and engage in His work. Jesus models a different way in which he invites people to follow him, to experience the way of Jesus, and in the process the theological framework will come into focus.

Thought I’d share a few of the books I’ve read recently and recommend.

1. The Appeal by John Grisham. Grisham goes back to his legal thriller roots with this one and really did an excellent job. He has a great way of pulling you into the story and making you root for the underdog. It seems to be a common theme in his books and he’s masterful.

2. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Didn’t know what to expect after a great debut book with Kite Runner but thi book is just as powerful but with less tragedy and heartache.

3. When All You’ve Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough by Harold Kushner. Kushner is such a profound writer and this book really has challenged me to think about the meaning of life in new ways. Definitely a book that was timely for me to read.

4. unChristian by David Kinnamon and Gabe Lyons. This book is a must read for all pastors and Christians hoping to make an impact in their communities, especially with 16-29 year olds. The research is startling and shows how Christians have a lot of work to do if they want to be effective in sharing the Gospel.

Is it just me or does there seem to be a lack of quality customer service? Over the last few weeks I’ve personally had, or seen, some terrible customer service. The rundown.

1. A company I was purchasing some items from had a $35 minimum purchase in order to ship the items. I called the week before with what I wanted that was just under the minimum but the woman said it was close enough. Called back a few days later and got a guy who ranted and raved about how he can’t give exceptions to one because then he has to do it for others. Basically told me, look at the website and call back when you figure it out.

2. Went out to eat with some friends at a favorite restaurant. Server didn’t come to us for probably 20 minutes. Then took about 10 minutes to bring drinks. A lot of us ordered salads and those didn’t come out for at least 30 minutes. We finally complained and all of a sudden he was serving us quickly and doing what he should have done from the start.

3. Was in a retail store waiting to purchase some items. A woman came in to return something and they told her to get in the regular line. She got in line and then asked again if she had to wait in it because there was only one line open with another worker just standing around at in the cashier area basically doing nothing. The cashier went on to make fun of her for asking again.

Here’s the thing, I’m not asking for much, just common respect and decency. Bring our food in an orderly fashion. Don’t whine about other customers to me, and certainly don’t make fun of someone that is helping your business. I guess the sad part is there was really nothing I could do. In all three cases I still used their services but I felt like protesting somehow. So, I guess this is part of my protest.

I’ve never gotten on the Peeps bandwagon but plenty of people sure have. The Washington Post had their second annual Peeps diorama contest where people created scenes with Peeps as the stars. They received 800 entries and the 37 they show are all amazing. Lots of creativity out there.

CHECK IT OUT.  

Also, for all you chocolate lovers now is the time to go to the grocery store. All the Easter candy is at least 50% off at stores so you can stock up at a great price.  Who cares if they’re all egg-shaped. Chocolate is chocolate.

Make sure you watch the speech Barack Obama gave on race this morning. It was a speech that the nation needed to hear and I can’t think of anyone more qualified to make an honest, yet inspirational speech on race. His own racial background and experiences make him uniquely qualified to address the issue and he did an excellent job.

Many people are decrying the fact that the Obama-Clinton battle has raised the issues of race and gender to the forefront and are tired of hearing about it. I believe the alternative is worse. Would it be better to not have to deal with those issues and instead have a couple of white males to choose from like it’s always been? Even if John McCain becomes the President, Obama and Clinton have “won” becuase they have made us confront the prejudices we have regarding race and gender. The discussion and debate their candidacies have provoked are helping America take another step in the direction towards equality and unity.

This may sound funny, but I spent a few minutes in prayer for Obama this morning. I didn’t pray that he’d win the presidency or that this would put him over the hump in Pennsylvania. I prayed that this speech might help unite a country still divided across racial lines. I prayed that he would have the courage to address the heart of the issues in a way that encouraged growth and change. I prayed that all who watch the speech might have more goodwill towards those of different races.

I believe Obama did his part, what we’ll do with ours is the question still waiting to be answered.

Right now I should be excited about the NCAA Tournament, checking out the brackets,  trying to figure out the upsets, and getting ready for a Thursday and Friday full of basketball.

I’m not.

I’ve never been less interested in the tournament. A lot of it probably has to do with the terribly play and complete choking by the Maryland Terrapins that has left all Terp fans disillusioned. Their name should have been called last night if it weren’t for some incredibly gutless, weak performances the entire year but especially down the stretch. At least Georgetown has a good shot of winning it all which will provide some interest.

I’ll still fill out some brackets and see what happens. That’s a ritual no one should ever miss out on. I’ll watch some games here and there but it’s not going to be a priority. As you can see, no exclamation points for this post.

I ranted a few days ago about some bloggers who use way too many exclamation points. The exclamation point has forever been ruined and really isn’t even an option for me anymore.

I just read a blog post that contained 27 sentences. What would you say an extreme number of sentences ending in an exclamation point would be for a 27 sentence post? I’d say maybe 5 or 6 but even that is probably way too high.

The post I read? 19!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe something wierd is happening because 19 is my favorite number. Maybe the exclamation point is trying to woo me back (Perhaps an exclamation point was acceptable there but I refuse and will come across as dull and boring with my periods).

Do you pay attention to how people talk? Particularly certain phrases or words they repeat regularly.  One of the things I’ve noticed about my own communication is that I tend to imitate the communication patterns of people I talk to a lot. We all do it but it feels like I’m particulary prone to imitation. There have been times when a friend and I will talk about a phrase both of us regularly use and wonder who said it first.

Anyways, there’s one “bad” habit that I can’t seem to get over but seems to be a nationwide phenomenon. I’ve noticed many people say it that I talk to regularly but also saw an interview on TV today where the person did it too.

What is it? Starting sentences with “You know . . .” No matter how hard I try I can’t stop it. Perhaps it’s not really a big deal but I’d like it to stop.

I had a flashback to life in Berrien Springs, Michigan this weekend. Two elders and I went to Camp Blue Ridge for the Elders Retreat. It was a great weekend of presentations and preaching but the weather couldn’t have been worse.

It rained the entire drive to the camp and there was a lot of fog so we couldn’t enjoy the view from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Sabbath was a wild day. Rain in the morning and then it cleared up a little bit. During lunch the heavens opened and the sleet came down. It ended up turning to snow and then finally the precipitation stopped. That’s when the temperature really dropped and the wind started blowing. Until we left on Sunday afternoon, it was bitterly cold with strong wind. It was as bad as anything I experienced in Michigan. I thought I’d left that weather behind but it reared it’s ugly head again.

Spring, please come.

Thought I’d share some of the favorite things I’ve been listening to recently. No links, just open up iTunes and put the name in the search window.

Music:

1. David Crowder Band — “A Collision” and “Remedy.” I got “Remedy” first and really liked it so I decided to get “A Collision” as well (which is older) and I love that album (I’d put an exclamation point there if I hadn’t ranted against them yesterday). It’s basically the only music I’m listening to right now. It’s a great album that has a depth in lyrics that few other Christian albums have.

2. Switchfoot — Always go back to them on a regular basis. Any album will do.

Podcasts:

1. NPR: Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me — This is a hilarious news quiz show that has a host and three comedians making fun of the big news stories. Really funny.

2. NPR: Car Talk — These guys are hilarious and it’s helping me learn more about cars which I know very little about. Entertaining and informative all in one.

3. LSAT Logic in Everyday Life — They apply the logic tested on the LSAT to current events and show how most arguments used are illogical.

4. Mars Hill Bible Church — Rob Bell is a great communicator.

5. TED Talks — A yearly conference which brings together great innovators to give 20 minute talks on issues they are passionate about.

6. Community Praise Center — Great sermons by my homiletics professor Henry Wright.

7. Get-It-Done Guy’s Quick and Dirty Tips to Work Less and Do More — Good insights on how to be more productive.

Been a while since I posted so thought I’d put up some random thoughts.

1. I’m not sure why I don’t post more often. I think of stuff to write but then don’t follow through. I feel a strong sense that my productivity is nowhere near where it should be. Not posting is just a symptom of that.

2. Just finished watching Maryland choke big time and lose a game that probably would have cemented a spot in March Madness. They’ve really made it difficult for themselves now. They were up by 20 points midway through the 2nd half and still lost. They don’t deserve a spot in the tournament.

3. I’ve been playing basketball at Richmond Academy on Sunday’s for the last few months. It’s been good exercise and fun overall. Today, I played TERRIBLY. I mean it was embarrassing and discouraging. I somewhat redeemed myself in the last game by hitting three 3’s (which count as 2 points in our games) but we still lost. The team I played on was 0-5 tonight. Pathetic.

4. The disastrous head coaching search for the Redskins ended by hiring a guy whose never even been a coordinator in the league. We hired him to be our offensive coordinator then decided to make him the head coach. Crazy thing is I’m not totally upset about it. Give a new guy a shot is my attitude. We’re showing good restraint in free agency and not acting so rashly. Maybe better days are ahead for the Skins.

5. Shari had minor foot surgery on Monday. It went well but she’s been hobbling around all week. She goes back to work tomorrow and the toe is healing well. Still, it was a long week having to take care of her but was a good experience. She sacrifices so much for me all the time so it was nice to return the favor for a few days.

6. I use Google Reader which allows me to scan the blogosphere quickly and easily. I’m subscribed to 160 blogs but don’t read too much. Just scan headlines and read what seems interesting. However, one thing that really annoys me are people who have a bunch of exclamation points in every post. I don’t know, maybe I’m just not as happy and excited about life as I should be but it just really gets on my nerves. On a certain level I appreciate the excitement and passion that it conveys but let’s take it easy on them. Reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine breaks up with her boyfriend because he didn’t use exclamation points when he’d take phone messages for her. That episode was really funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7. I love ice cream sandwiches. I got a pack of Neapolitan flavored ones and man are they good.

8. Laughter is good for the soul. Sometime soon (maybe) I’ll post a list of the podcasts I’m subscribed to. There are some really good, funny ones out there.

9. I was part of a group of academy students who went to the Sacred Heart Center to paint a room. It’s always good to help out organizations who are doing great things for the community. It only took a couple hours and it’s amazing how a simple coat of a paint can make a room look so much better.

10. I started a sermon series on the book of Philippians yesterday. It’s one of my favorite books in the Bible and I’m really looking forward to it. The overall title I’ve given it is “Journey of Joy” and it should be good for me and the church. Topical sermons are okay, but it’s important to really get into specific texts and allow them to dictate the sermon content.

11. I like numbered lists. They help me process information and categorize information in my mind.

12. I wonder when I’ll post again. I really enjoy doing it. Maybe tomorrow.

Last weekend was an experience of contrasting emotions. We had a memorial service for my grandmother who passed away the week before Christmas. Obviously, an emotional, difficult experience filled with tears. However, it was tempered by the joy of all the Osborn’s getting together and having some fun. It’s especially exciting to play with the newest additions to the family: Nathan (2 years), Rianna (6 months), and Ainsley (4 1/2 months).

You can see some of the fun at: http://youtube.com/user/trevano

GREAT OUTCOME! GREAT GAME! CHEATERS NEVER PROSPER!

I can’t wait until this summer when all the evidence comes out about how badly the Patriots were cheating when they won their previous Super Bowl’s. Thank you Giants!

As a huge football fan, today is supposed to be a great celebration of all that is great about football. Unfortunately, I’m reluctantly watching the game today. The worst possible matchup would have been Cowboys vs Patriots. I was ecstatic to watch the Cowboys lose to the Giants, sure that the Packers would beat the Giants the following week. Unfortunately, I now have to deal with the second worst possible matchup: Giants vs Patriots. The Giants are one of my hated enemies since I’m a Redskins fan but the Patriots are a greater evil. Can’t stand them.

Is there any way both teams can lose the Super Bowl? I’m hoping the game goes into an endless overtime until both teams are so tired and annoyed of playing they both forfeit and lose the game. Sounds good right?

If the Patriots win, we’ll need to add an asterisk next to it just like the previous wins because of the evidence they have long been engaged in illegal taping of other teams’ signals and practices. They don’t care about integrity in sports but will do anything just to win. In my book, it’s all tainted and hope the Giants beat them today. Even if the Pats win, it’s asterisk time.

Just finished reading a fantastic book which I highly recommend. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini will keep you turning the pages as you’re caught up in a compelling story filled with guilt, anger, love, fear, shame, and redemption.

It’s just been made into a movie which I’ve heard is pretty good. My advice: read the book first, then consider watching the movie.

I wanted to share one quote about forgiveness towards the end that was profound:

“I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night”