This Blog has moved...

The blog goes on, but it's been transferred over to WordPress.

You can find it here (and I encourage you to do that right now - go ahead, just click the link)

jasonebeling.com

All the posts, history and archives have been transferred too so you'll find everything you're looking for right there. Thanks.

Closed for Renovations

In case you hadn't noticed, my blog has been inactive and it will remained closed through the end of the year while I work to either redesign it or struggle with the decision to close it for good.

Perhaps we'll see you in January!?

Fame Hurts

Sometimes I think I'd like to be famous....then I see something like this and realize I'm better off being anonymous. Can't help but laugh.

MEssy People, MEssy Problems

I haven't blogged much since my last rant - on purpose. I'm still frustrated and angry with various people and situations - MEssy people and MEssy problems. And even though I'm not responsible for what's happening, lately, you'll find ME in the midst of a MEss. I don't like that part of my job.

Sure, I'm aware of the fact that I can't clean up other people's messes (and when I do I'm probably not helping as much as I think) but sometimes, praying, hoping and waiting for God to do what only He can do is not as easy as it sounds. It's a sick person who enjoys watching others suffer, make mistakes and regularly choose the wrong path. It's even worse when you care about people.

I've determined that I'm staying in the MEss that others have made because I care. I'm called to be both a prophet and a priest to those who've created these MEssy situations. A prophet who points out what's wrong and refuses to ignore it and a priest who cares for and intercedes on their behalf. I'm hanging out on the front row of God's workshop, but right now, from my limited perspective, I just see the MEss and not what this MEss is going to become.

And I'm OK with that. It's not about ME anyhow.

What The Heck Are They Thinking?

Someone please help me understand. More and more I'm seeing people (and now whole "religious" organizations and denominations) invent ways to keep from calling people engaged in certain behaviors "sinners" and telling them that their behavior is wrong. The latest perfect example is the ELCA's vote on gay clergy. Read more HERE

In the past that would have been considered an oxymoron: gay + clergy = incompatible. But apparently we would rather have people feel good about themselves in their sin, than feel good about themselves because they've struggled with and avoided sinful behavior.

But it's not just homosexuality.

We often do the same with divorce, pre-marital and extra-marital sex and even gossip. I know few people that would argue that God's ideal is for any of those kinds of behavior. (I'm sure they're out there, but I don't know many) Yet when these kinds of sinful behaviors happen, we not only ignore it, now people are starting to embrace it!

Wake up people! There is no right way to incorporate a wrong thing. If homosexual behavior is wrong - don't try to figure out a way to make it right because some people struggle with it. If pornography, pre-marital sex, extra-marital sex, gossip, lying or even gluttony is wrong - don't try to make that kind of behavior acceptable and moral just because a bunch of people struggle with it (or flat out embrace it). There's nothing wrong with the struggle. We're all sinful people so we should expect to struggle (and fight against whatever temptations we encounter).

When people choose sin, I'm saddened. When people celebrate their sin, I get pissed. Not at them, but at the attitude that says, "God wants me to be happy and this is how I plan on doing it." If that's you, what the heck are you thinking?

Serving Others

I just got back from helping with the ECU move-in (along with about 20+ other Discovery Church people) and I just wanted to brag and thank them. In addition, REimage church was there with probably 30+, as was the Campus Christian Fellowship group and our relief came from Integrity Church. I'm sure there were other churches there, but today I have to say, I was proud to be part of the Body of Christ. We worked and we worked together to serve students and parents.

And isn't that part of what the church should be doing? Shouldn't we be out serving others? Helping them when they need it and taking opportunities (if/when they present themselves) to begin building relationships and pointing people to Christ (and to a Christ centered church). Jesus didn't come to be served, but to serve. For those that came out today to sweat and work and serve others....thanks for being the hands and feet of Jesus on a campus where plenty of people need to see Him.

And for all those who didn't make it out, I hope you served someone today too. Maybe it wasn't by hauling 100 pound pieces of luggage, but if you found a way to meet a need - you're on the right track. Serving is an individual responsibility, but often a joint effort. Discovery can do more for this community when we work together so one more time....Thanks for helping out today.

Clarity

Ever tried to use a steamed up mirror in the bathroom or see out your car window when the defrost doesn't work well or just see 10 feet ahead of you in thick fog? You can see, but not clearly. Something is blurring your vision and keeping you from seeing clearly. When it comes to leading anything from a family to a church, clarity is something we should be willing to pay a high price for.

We allow so many things to cloud our vision - details, people, circumstances. But I'm becoming more and more convinced that we can work through the blurry clouds, mist and distractions IF we know where we're going. As a husband, I want my wife to know she's loved, be protected and provided for and be served and honored by me. As a father, I desire that my children will know and live a life where they follow Jesus Christ's lead. As a pastor, I want to see Discovery create environments where people can genuinely connect with Christ and serve others.

Knowing where you're going, what you're trying to accomplish and why - that by itself creates clarity, energy, motion and momentum. That way, when people, details or circumstances inevitably interfere and distract - I'm ready to focus on the important priorities with clarity and not get bogged down in the questions, critiques and criticisms. Of course, that doesn't mean you ignore them, but you'll never be able to satisfy everyone and there will always be opposition. Get used to it. Be proactive, not reactive. Know what you're trying to accomplish and why.

So I'm wondering - why do you do what you do (at work, at home, in life)? What are you trying to accomplish?