Lately, God has been dealing with many of the opinions and methods I've grown to trust in within myself. I have my ways of doing things and my attitudes toward certain issues. In some cases, I'm pretty well-versed on the subject and I've worked hard for the knowledge I have about it. Therefore, my opinion (in my opinion) is a valuable one and I'm probably right.

Yet, so many times (especially lately), I've had to submit my thoughts or my assumptions to the Lord and ask Him to show me the truth. This is, of course, after I've admitted my opinion isn't always the truth...

The person who tells one side of a story seems right, until someone else comes and asks questions. Proverbs 18:17 NCV

I think I'm the first person in this proverb - the one telling their side of the story. And much of the time, it's the Holy Spirit (often in the form of a person who cares for and loves me) who comes and asks questions revealing the error in my thinking and ultimately the truth. Am I okay with this? Because if I can get used to it (probably the wrong choice of words), then I can grow and know the truth.

It's cool to have an opinion. It's important to study and do your research. But it's better (even after you've done the work) to hear from God and trust Him enough to say, "Your way. Not mine." You may never be able to toe the party line as well as you'd like or fit neatly into the categories we all like to define (as if we were still in high school divided up into cliques again) but one great thing about the Holy Spirit is how He forces us to really think and honestly weigh the motives of our heart. When I'm telling my side of the story, I'm usually piggy-backing on someone else's research or someone else's opinion - there's nothing original or creative about it and I can scarcely say I own it - it just sounds right. But the Holy Spirit guides me to the truth and it's the truth we can own and truly live if we will let the examination be more than a test and obey what we learn.

I'm humbled to serve and know a God who will hear us out and then rock our world with His reality and truth. Let it happen.

Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? Acts 10:47

If God were to break all the rules, would I be okay with it? By rules I mean the kind I put in place or deem necessary. Is He (the Lord of Heaven and Earth, the Creator, the King of the Kingdom of God) permitted to color outside the lines? Absolutely.

That said, will you (or I) respond like Peter - with discernment and real trust in God. I don't think I always recognize the work of God in someone else's life. I jump to the wrong conclusions and say something is when it really isn't (or the other way around). What I have to remember as I serve and disciple those God gives me is this: they are His disciples, not mine. Regardless of experience or position, both the teacher and the student must receive training from the Master. This changes everything about leadership. Instead of you (or me) leading them, it's really always the Holy Spirit leading us. And it works best when we all remain soft and moist and pliable in the hands of the Lord instead of becoming solidly formed entities.

We've all served under or known a leader who decided when far enough was far enough. They had just enough of God and still just enough of them-self left to stay comfortable. Jesus has to break the rules to do His own will in a life like that.

Commit, with me, to stay fluid instead of solid about what God can do and to become less for when Jesus becomes more.

It's hard for me to let other people help me. Most of the time, when I do receive help, I do my best to pay for it in some way whether it's by actually paying money, giving a huge "Thank You" until I hear "You're welcome", or trying to return the favor before they even leave my presence. Honestly, this can be a sin. Why? Because I'm not always concerned with making the helper feel appreciated but just trying to come out of it looking like I gave them something. Lame.

I love how Samuel's recreation of Hamtramck (his favorite city) includes a big sign saying "God is faithful."

The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:35-36

We are free because Jesus remains forever! He released us from our sin and the old slavemaster can never make a claim against us again. Yet, so many who could be free today still live as slaves. Their sin is a master without any rights to them if they'll just go to the Son for their freedom. This is my job (and yours too if you're free!) to tell people still under slavery that freedom is here. It's for all of us but only some of us will leave the shackles behind. Fear must not stop us. Because of Jesus, the weight of sin can become nothing more than straw waiting to be shaken off our backs if we'll just get up off the ground and stand up straight.

Jesus, I must become more like you because everyday my son is becoming more like me. You've sent me to make disciples and to make men and to be a strong friend to the children I serve. Don't let me take this for granted. Jesus, you are the definition of true manhood, leadership, and servanthood. You've healed me of weakness with your strength.

In our city (Hamtramck) there are plenty of chances to meet people. All you have to do is walk down the street and you're likely to run into a few folks. Every weekend at REAL Church we have plenty of visitors to meet. If you're the friendly type, you may even learn a few names.

Tonight, as Ruth, the kids, and me took a walk around the city I looked across the street and saw someone whose name I knew. I had run into him during a jog once and learned his name. Then, we continued on our way...

I thought about how many people I claim to know in this community. Then, I realized many of them I know by name only. Nothing more. Just a name and a face and an encounter. This is, of course, a good thing. It's important to meet new people and learning names is important. But there's a temptation in this: instead of pursuing people and searching for ways to serve them, help them, love them - lead them to Christ... we may be satisfied with a name. Driving down the road we pass by someone and tell someone else (or tweet) how we know _____. We explain how we ran into them once and we "name-drop" as if knowing a name equates to really knowing someone and helping their situation.

Obviously, we can't have a deep conversation and ongoing relationship with everyone we meet. I'm challenged, though, to look for ways to go further and display Jesus to the people I meet. It makes us sound cool when we know someone's name. We have a claim to something and it shows we were paying attention. But these people need Jesus. If their name needs to be known anywhere, it's in heaven.

So... quit your name-dropping! You know their name for a reason.

We were all over the place tonight. I loved showing him around the city.

Thank you Jesus for making me a dad.