Chalo!

Prophets of a Future Not Our Own

Eric — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:28:01 +0000

My FB and Fuller friend Aly shared this with me, and as I read, I sensed the Lord reminding me of my role as pastor. It gave good perspective. This was written by Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador, who according to wikipedia, was murdered 24 March 1980.

Prophets of a Future Not Our Own
(The Romero Prayer)
Published: July 17, 2009

It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view.

The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,
it is even beyond our vision.

We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction
of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work.
Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying
that the kingdom always lies beyond us.
No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the church’s mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.

This is what we are about.
We plant the seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted,
knowing that they hold future promise.

We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.

We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation
in realizing that. This enables us to do something,
and to do it very well. It may be incomplete,
but it is a beginning, a step along the way,
an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest.

We may never see the end results, but that is the difference
between the master builder and the worker.

We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future not our own.
Amen.

The Empty Chair

Eric — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:02:40 +0000

Started a new teaching series yesterday at Lakeside. We did not use this clip, but it’s a good one, and goes well with yesterday’s message about the “Empty Chair.”

I am a chair from buckheadchurch on Vimeo.

Consumer Worship

Eric — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:30:14 +0000

This week’s teaching at Lakeside (7 Feb 2010) is titled “Consumer or Contributor.” Doing some research, I came across this video clip at Worship House Media. It’s fun, but won’t make it into the talk . . .

Realize the Value

Eric — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:07:49 +0000

To realize the value of a sister/brother
Ask someone who doesn’t have one.

To realize the value of ten years:
Ask a newly divorced couple.

To realize the value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realize the value of one year:
Ask a student who has failed a final exam.

To realize the value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize the value of one month:
Ask a mother who has given birth to
A premature baby.

To realize the value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one minute:
Ask a person who has missed the a train, bus or plane.

To realize the value of one-second:
Ask a person who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when
You can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:
LOSE ONE.

(source unknown)

Did You Know 4.0

Eric — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 19:44:50 +0000

This is the video clip I used in my talk this past Sunday morning at Lakeside.

News Clip: Jeanne Munos and Andy Yardy

Eric — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:43:05 +0000

Here’s a newsclip that references my friend Andy Yardy, who works for Free Methodist World Missions; it also shows the building where Katie Zook was trapped, along with Jack and Jeanne Munos.

Friday’s Cup – 08 January 2010

Eric — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 03:54:16 +0000

Friday’s Cup of Coffee – 08 January 2010: Americano from Eric Spangler on Vimeo.

Why We Must Pay Attention to Social Media (i.e. Twitter, Facebook)

Eric — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:01:32 +0000

Clay Shirky: “How Social Media Can Make History”

Bible Reading Plans

Eric — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:45:00 +0000

I’m using YouVersion, which provides 20 different plans to choose from and syncs with my iPhone. Way cool!

Online Bible and 20 Reading Plans: http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/all

Printable 1 Year Bible Reading Plan: http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf

Friday’s Cup – 01 January 2010

Eric — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:00:54 +0000

For those visiting, I’ve sent a weekly e-mail update to all of the members of my congregation for the last three years. I’m starting this year with a video version.

Friday’s Cup of Coffee – 01 January 2010 from Eric Spangler on Vimeo.