Happy New Year

my family's traditional thanksgiving football game

Happy New Year! 09 was eventful... Quincy's in 10th, Shay's in 7th and Evan is in 3rd grade. They love soccer, basketball and football and lots of music! Johnna works and takes care of the home. Still loves the Cowboys. I can't do anything about that. Meanwhile, after a variety of jobs I've landed at Mountain Valley Church (www.mountainvalleychurch.org) here in Scottsdale, AZ. I'm the worship arts/teaching pastor. Slash is my official title. The whole family is looking forward to settling in there. God is faithful. I hope you've learned that! Peace, Jonathan

Why is God Silent?

I spoke recently on "Why would God be Quiet?"

If you're like me, you've gone through seasons where it seems as though God is distant or silent. Why would that be the case? This isn't definitive by any stretch. This is just what God is teaching me....

A - God is quiet to get my attention. A noisy God... a louder God doesn't get my attention but a quiet God might.

C - When he has my attention I realize I need to confess. It isn't the sole reason God doesn't seem to answer prayers but it's always something to look at: Is there any unconfessed issues in my life? They might be getting in the way from hearing from God.

D - As I confess I learn about my desire. You see, you can learn a lot about the light by being in the light. But you can learn a lot about the light by being in the dark as well. Namely, how bad do you want it? Are you searching after him like you would search for a hidden treasure? Often that's the only way to hear from God.

C - Ultimately this leads us all to the most important concept of all: Control. Who's going to have control in your life? God's silence is sometimes a defense against my attempts at controlling him. His silence reminds me I can't control much of anything! Sooner or later I have to surrender and give him control.

Secondary Gain

Therapists sometimes reference secondary gains when dealing with patients. A secondary gain is an unconscious or hidden motivation for a person to be ill. For example, a boy might become sick but he might get to stay home from school, watch his favorite movie and get loving attention from his mom. (all examples of secondary gains)

A person of doubt might have secondary gains as well. Maybe the secondary gain is being so sure of the absence of God that you write a book that makes a lot of money. Maybe the secondary gain is that you get to make fun of Christians. Maybe it get's you attention.

Or... maybe the secondary gain is that now that you don't believe in Him, God wont interfere with your life. Now you can live however you want, think whatever you want, do everything you want to do without conviction.

Anything is permissible if there is no God. - Dostoevsky

Of course, to be fair, faith has secondary gains as well. What might they be?