Guest Blog: EDC | The Essentials

*The following is a guest post by Jonah Riley. Jonah is a missionary in the RGV, local EMT, and minimalist; valuing Everyday Carry--enjoy! 

What are Daily Essentials? Ever hear of Every Day Carry (EDC)? EDC are the daily essentials to help you do life better. Everyone's EDC is different.  For some, it’s the watch that was handed down from their father and one day be handed down to their son. For others, it’s the cigar cutter that gets put in the same pocket everyday and placed on their night stand every night. (cough, cough, Marco). For myself, I like to take the minimalist approach and only carry what is needed for everyday tasks.

To help you build your personal EDC, here are my top 3 EDC Essentials, excluding items that go without saying (phone, keys, wallet, etc.)

1. A KNIFE

Plain and simple, I am a firm believer that every man should carry a knife. A knife can be used for a number of things: self defense, opening boxes/packages, or simply cutting an apple for you and your wife to share. It’s a tool that was in every pocket of everyone’s grandfather.

Above is the beautiful Spyderco Tenacious. A budget friendly item that is sure to tackle anything you put it through.

2. POCKET NOTEBOOK

My addiction to notebooks like Field Notes is strong. I use mine for everything: to-do lists (honey-do), sermon notes, journal entries, rough calculations, and a place for my chicken scratch to end up.

Field Notes pocket note books are visually appealing, weather well, and fit in your back pocket.

3. A PEN

Tactical or not, it’s always good to have a pen on hand. Don't be that guy that always asks for a pen, just carry one.

Above is the Smith and Wesson Tactical Pen: a machined aircraft aluminum with screw cap design and a sturdy pocket clip.

“A tactical pen is a deadly survival weapon in the right set of hands. In the wrong set of hands, it’s a harmless writing utensil.”                       -Will Brendza

Again, everyone's EDC is going to be different; that's what makes them fun and unique. What are some of the items you carry on the daily? I'd love to hear them in the comments below!

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Reclaiming "Quiet Time" | An Introduction

Last week I had some great conversation with dear friends about "quiet time." A time that's devoted to solitude, prayer, and God's word--I suppose that for many, it's a time spent in the morning, at least it is for me. As we began to nerd out on the type of notebooks or journals we prefer, it quickly led to a place of conviction in our conversation as we realized we engaged in quiet time for the wrong reasons or simply not engage in it at all. To begin, I want to say (or type) that I am by no means awesome at having consistent quiet time. Additionally, as a pastor I often get asked about my thoughts on quiet time or how to best approach it. So, I decided to write a short series on quiet time mainly to reclaim this time of devotion because I think many, including myself, often miss the mark.

In order to reclaim this time, we must first define what this time doesn't do--that's a good place to start. The time you spend in the morning journaling, praying, and reading God's word is not the measure of your spiritual life; it's not a status. Often, I think we over spiritualize this formative discipline and see it as a metric to evaluate our standing before God. Our confidence in who we are doesn't lie in how many pages we journal or how early we're waking up, but in the finished work of Christ alone. Through Jesus, we have been reconciled to the Father; sonship. Quiet time isn't about performance but worship. Performance is the result of pride that's a false sense of confidence in Jesus.

On the flip side, reclaiming quiet time is not necessarily because we view ourselves as having "arrived," but quite the opposite. This is where I fall into. Quiet time is only approached until I have "cleaned up first" before approaching God in anything. In other words, I believe I need to be cleansed through works in order to approach this time with God. This is not a dependence on the grace of God rather a dependence through seeking righteousness in our works rather than the finished work of Jesus. 

Your time that is spent alone with God should be intentional and for the purpose of worship; that is, a worship of who He is, what He's done, and how we are in need of Him. Time alone with God is an awareness of our need for Him because of our weakness and need for Jesus in everything. Your time that is spent alone with God does not promote you to a higher standard with God nor does it mean you need to be "clean," rather this time should humble us to boast in Christ alone. 

In this short series, I want to write a little more about feeling like I/we need to "clean up" before approaching God during this time of devotion and I wish to write about what this time actually is--why it's important. Our theology on prayer and solitude or "quiet time" will fuel our philosophy which leads into our practice. I hope this short series encourages you; you're definitely not alone. I'll share a few suggestions and if you've learned anything along the way, whether through these posts or other resources, I'd love to hear them. 

RECOMMENDED READING: The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

The Church and Disciple Making

Last week, I was fortunate enough to get a few days in Dallas, both for an Acts 29 conference and a coaching cohort I'm a part of with some pretty astounding men; both were incredibly refreshing and encouraging. For my wiring, when I'm able to step out of my context for a brief moment and collaborate, not only are my mind wheels turning, but my thinking is much more clear. 

This season, in a word, has been intense. In a later post, I'll be sharing all that's been going on and why everything took off at 200mph. But until then, I simply wish to share an on-going conviction. Apart from preaching and teaching the word of God, my passions are to make disciples, develop leaders, and plant churches--all things that help to expand the Kingdom of God; not my own. What I'm most convicted and convinced by is that the primary way for the kingdom to be expanded is by making disciples that make disciples; multiplication. 

When we look at the great commission, Jesus said to "Go, therefore, and make disciples..." and at some point, the church cultivated a culture of the great commission being a building that says, "we've built this, therefore they will come..." Those are two incredibly different points of view on how to make disciples. For Jesus, the content and process of making disciples was immersing Himself into his culture and the people; sharing life with them; teaching them along the way. For many churches, the content and process of making disciples has become institutionalized through programs and really good music. 

When we commit to making disciples who make disciples, we not only participate in the great commission, but the kingdom is expanded where more and more come to hear and know the person and work of Jesus Christ. And before I continue, let me say this: nothing is wrong with great church programs or really good music, but that's not the priority of the church--it's to make disciples through cultural renewal (1 Peter 2:9-11) and missional engagement (John 1:14). While a church can have several marks that constitute it as a healthy church, I would first argue to say that if a church (the people) are not making disciples then they are not a church to begin with. 

We, the church, have been chosen by God to reveal his manifold wisdom; as a watching world looks in, they should be able to see glimpses of the Kingdom; existing to be a church that shows the beauty and glory of Jesus to the heart of our cities. 

Recommended Readings: On The Block: Developing a Biblical Picture for Missional Engagement by Doug Logan; A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission Around the Table by Tim Chester; Saturate: Being Disciples of Jesus in the Everyday Stuff of LIfe by Jeff Vanderstelt

Adopted: The Hands and Feet of Jesus

I remember when I knew that I was going to be a father. I was 27 years old, not married, and positive who my wife was to be--Rebecca. However, I wrestled with simultaneously becoming a husband and a father in the same breath. Rebecca had a 7-year old son, Seth, and I knew absolutely nothing about being a father. A friend asked me a profound question: are you defined as a child of God or as a father? 

Through the power of a Holy Spirit slap, I realized that I am defined as a child of God. God sent His son to rescue and adopt me into His family. And now, he calls me son. Immediately after saying that out loud, I knew that I was Seth's father even if he didn't know he was my son yet.  

The Bible teaches that God is a good father who pursues his children despite where they've been and what they've done. And if the church is called to mirror the love of Christ, what does this look like for the life of an orphan? 

The Call to Orphan Care

Let's fast forward to 3 years and some legal fees later. The legal process to adopt my son has been challenging and sanctifying because there's so much to know in order to provide a fair and smooth trial, but the constant reminder of God's pursuit is the fuel for our journey. For my family and I, we know this path is to satisfy our legal system and we will submit to that, but as for Chango and I, there's nothing that can separate me from my son. 

Part of God's identity is that he is a Father who pursues His children (Psalm 68:4-6) and is present in their lives. God, in His love, sent His son to die for our sins; reconciling us to the Father. In other words, because of the person and work of Jesus, we now have a relationship with the Father! As His children, we're called to reflect the same love that He has shown us so that others might come to know Him. 

There's a myth among Christians that caring for orphans is reserved only for the "elite." However, I wish to submit to you that not only is that myth unbiblical, but the call to care for orphans is a command from the Scriptures (James 1:27).  You and I know what it looks like to be rejected, broken, uncared for, unvalued, homeless, hurt, and in struggle. Yet, God in his grace, mercy, and love threw Himself into the chaos of our lives, rescuing us.

Earlier and in the same chapter, James writes to be doers of the Word not hearers only (James 1:22) and my observation is that the church equates pew attendance and Amen's to action. Church, we're deceiving ourselves if we consider hearing doing.

The question isn't whether or not you're called to participate in this restoration, but how you can get involved. 

The Gospel

In the great state of Texas there are over 30,000 kids in foster care. Over 40% of kids in Hidalgo county are in foster care and the need for families to come in and provide homes for these kids or temporary relief for foster parents (such as date nights) are increasing every year. 

The opportunity to become involved in orphan care is numerous as one can start by simply getting informed, becoming respite or babysitter certified, or taking the big step toward fostering and perhaps adopting a child. 

All of this is not meant to guilt you, but it is meant to challenge you. Our first evaluation must be that of the gospel and who God is and what He has done for us. We can only move forward if the gospel is the foundation of our walk--otherwise, we will move forward to satisfy a moral checklist. But the call of the believer is founded under the work of the Gospel in our lives, for we, church, are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a dying world. 

The question isn't whether or not you're called to participate in this restoration, but how you can get involved.

As we move into the new year, our goal at Logos Community Church is to start a new ministry where we engage in the restoration of the children in our cities. Our goal is to provide resources, help, and pathways for you to get involved. I would ask that you pray for us in the initial stages of this call and if you're considering foster care or adoption, please feel free to contact me. 

Recommended Reading: Adoption: What Joseph of Nazareth Can Teach Us About this Countercultural Choice and Adopted for Life by Russell Moore; ALL IN Orphan Care by Jason Johnson 

Acts 29: West Texas Regional Conference

It is currently 68 degrees and I'm outside my AirBNB house in Lubbock, TX smoking a great tasting cigar and can't stop thinking about tomorrow or the kindness of God (Romans 2:4). We're attending the Acts 29 West Texas conference that you see pictured above and it's my first time bringing a small team with me as opposed to me being a part of a team or bringing a few of my guys along with some of the other pastors. 

I'm excited for this week because we're walking through one of my favorite topics: discipleship in the context of leadership development over a multitude of areas. Apart from that, it's a time where I get to introduce my interns to other men who I look up to, have built relationships with, and a time to be poured into from a network that is very dear to me.

My prayer for this week is that we wouldn't simply walk away with a better understanding of systems and overall discipleship and development, but more of Jesus; a bigger picture of the Gospel; a greater love for Jesus; and as a result, going back home to disciple, invest, and pour into our people and community. 

I'm excited to hear what everyone else is encountering in their city; so that I may learn from and/or encourage them as they continue the good fight. It's things like these that make the 7 hour drive worth it. It's getting to see my interns' light bulb go off and take ownership of their ministries for the sake of the Gospel. Additionally, these conferences serve as a great opportunity to process everything that is going on in the midst of our learning; taking a step back to evaluate not just our responsibilities, but hearts. 

For 3 short days, I'm hanging out and living with two other dudes. During this time, we're going to share not only what we're learning, but where the Holy Spirit is convicting and comforting us. My hope is that in this short retreat, Jesus would use other men to speak into our lives so that we may correct things in our life for the glory of HIs name; so that I may be a little more transparent; and that I may worship openly and freely rather than think about logistics. 

If you're not too familiar with Acts 29 then I suggest you check out our network. Additionally, if you've gotten this far in this short blog, would you please pray for our time? Pray for my interns--it's their first Acts29 conference (Pilot and Nathanael) and they're excited and nervous. Pray that we would come home refreshed with the Gospel and renewed to continue with what we have been commissioned by from Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20).