Andy Darnell’s Mindmap

Out of the gate, I have to admit that it has been a LONG time since I have listened to Todd Friel. I used to listen to The Way of the Master podcast  just about every day. Somewhere along the way, perhaps between computers or iPods, I ceased to listen. Nothing against Todd. In fact, I liked Todd’s humor and wit.  A bit extreme in my book, but a brother none the less with a heart for the lost and strong Biblical theology. Anyway, the point is… I lost track of the podcast/program and had occasionally wondered what happened to it. I’ve been following Ray Comfort on Twitter, but not really following any of the other folks.

For months, I have been receiving the “Wretched” email newsletters in my in box. Not entirely sure how I got subscribed to it, but I do know that I have had no idea until today that this newsletter had anything to do with Todd. I didn’t know that somewhere along the way, The Way of the Master Radio Show got killed canceled and the show/ministry became Wretched Radio. Until now, I’ve been hitting the big ‘ole delete button each month on these newsletters.

Luckily, before I completely unsubscribed, meaning I would have never known the source of the content… I actually decided to download the pictures contained in the newsletter. This is when I saw Todd’s Freakishly Tall Figure grinning back at me.

So, I didn’t unsubscribe. In fact I’m gonna head on over and try to subscribe to the audio podcast. It was always informative and entertaining. If you’re like me and have missed out on this somehow… now you know.

Here’s a little more Information about Wretched with Todd Friel.

Reading in Isaiah 20 this morning. It is a short chapter in which God asks his prophet Isaiah to “Loose the sackcloth from your waist and take off your sandals from your feet.” Isaiah did so and walked around naked and barefoot.

This wasn’t some cosmic truth or dare either. Look at verse 3. God says, “My servant Isaiah has walked around naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and a portent against Egypt…”

God had a message that he wanted to convey to various people groups. Isaiah was going to be the voice of this message. However, he was asked to give the message in a creative way. Let’s face it, walking around naked for three years is going to draw a little attention. Isaiah isn’t going to have a pulpit to hide behind. He is full Monty as he proclaims God’s truth and pending judgment.

There is another truth that I get out of this story. While the Word of God is living and active, profitable, able to divide, a sword and true, I think that it is our responsibility to “get naked” every once in a while so that we can present it in a creative and crazy manner.

I think you can say the same thing of Jesus. What was crazy about Jesus was the environments in which he taught. The environmental backdrops that he stood at when he spoke truth, whether to a mass of people or one on one were greatly creative. Check out a few of these backdrops.

• Peter’s boat to a large gathering of people. Had to push the boat off shore so that people could see and hear.
• Woman at the well talking about living water.
• On a hillside with thousands and thousands on hand to listen to whatever word he would utter.
• Upper room with the disciples before his arrest.
• The Cross. Where no one would listen, but every one would hear.

The message is the same and does not change. The delivery vehicle and the creativity behind the message is able to change.  We may not have been called to strip our clothes down and walk around naked for 3 years, but I believe you can find truth in the Bible that commands us to strip down of our concept of religion and just speak the simple and naked truth of Jesus.

I read a quote recently on Dave Ferguson‘s site from Perry Noble regarding the difference between his entrepreneurial drive and prompting from the Holy Spirit.

1. “Make sure it is an idea you can’t get away from.” – See if the idea sticks around and continues to surface in your imagination and conversation. If you can’t get away from the idea, it may be from God.
2. “Give it time.” – Don’t think you have to act on every dream. Do what Moses told God’s people do, “wait”. Wait for other people to confirm. Wait to see it is confirmed in scripture. Wait for it to be confirmed in prayer. If it is confirmed, it may be from God.
3. “If this fire is from God, He will pour gasoline on it.” – Ask God to help you see the world the way he sees the world. This can be painful, but it can also open your eyes to what God really wants. If the spark turns into a flame, it may be from God.

Point three is what sticks out to me. The times that I have seen God move in areas around me, there was accelerant poured all over the situation.  This is why we should be looking for areas that God is already at work and joining Him there. This was the takeaway that I remember having when I read Henry Blackaby’s book Experiencing God several years ago. God is always at work around us, we just need to get involved in His work where He is.

OK, Christian. If you’re not reading Stuff Christians Like, <sarcasm>you’re missing out on how to have life and have it to the full.</sarcasm>

How surprised was I to see this tweet from Jonathan Acuff today:

Click here to read the entire article from John that was on CNN’s website.

Point number 2 is classic SCL.

2. We’re pretty sure Fox News is baptizing people in their lobby.

I’ve never been to their station, but I have to believe that Fox News has a lobby fountain that they dunk people in. And Bill O’Reilly makes each guest take communion. And “Fox” is actually a Hebrew word that means, “Station that cares more about redemption than ratings.” Not really, but in Christian culture, it’s clear which side we tend to side with. And even though I’m a conservative guy who digs Fox, they’re a news station just like CNN. They’re not a ministry. Glenn Beck isn’t a priest and watching “Fox & Friends” isn’t like “tithing your time.”

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I find point #2 funny, because it is soooooo true. So many Christians that I know have this view of Fox News. I’ve not had a very high view of them lately. I can’t stand Sean Hanity. His voice is like fingers on the chalkboard. His “You’re a Great American… No You’re a Great American… BARF!” I understand what he’s trying to do, but shut-up!

And have you seen Fox News’ website? Josh brought this to my attention once. They tout themselves as the conservative choice. Everyday, This kinda crap is on their homepage. (This was from today)

Really Fox News, Really. Do you think that this is fair and balanced?

So… Jonathan Acuff. I salute you. As Normal, you hit it right on the head. You’re one Great American.

I’m excited about the upcoming release of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Can I judge this “book” by its “cover?” It appears that the series will be returning to the look of the original movie in the series. I saw the poster today and thought “Intense and Soft.”

I personally thought that Caspian didn’t hit the same target as The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. I can be hopeful that on December 10th it will have hit the mark.

Time to pull out the books again and remind myself of the story.