Last Sunday during the message I said that I was tired of American Christianity and I meant it.  Why would I say something like that?
Please don't read more into this than there really is.  I'm not mad or upset at anyone particular.  I'm just mad with the way Americans treat Jesus and his church.  Here are some of the things I'm talking about:
* So many people use Jesus as their personal genie.  Rub the lamp when they need something.
* Use Jesus as their get out of hell ticket.  No relationship.
* Sick on Sunday morning but miracously healed by that afternoon and work the next day.
* If the sun shines or it rains, can't come to church.  Need a so so day and then I'll grace the church with my presence.
* Do not ask me to serve anything or anybody but myself.
* And you better not ask me to give any of MY money.  Giving is nothing but a heart thing.
* So many church people are mean.  Such a bad witness.
* The majority of church people won't tip the waitress.
* No electricity at home, sure can't come to church.  Can't look good enough.  Who and what is Sunday worship about?
  No electricity on Monday morning and the kids are headed to school. 
* Could care less if the people around you are headed to hell.
* We live in the wealthiest nation in the world and all we want is more!
* The thought of helping our neighbor never enters our mind.
Everything on this list is so true and so UNBIBLICAL!

I am leaving in 5 weeks to Africa.  I'm praying for God to rip my heart out and change me.  I want to see people with a real hunger for Jesus.  Here are some pictures of a church som people in Africa meet in.







Can you see Americans worshiping Jesus Christ in this type building?  I am laughing out loud as I write this.  No comfortable seating, no AC, music wouldn't be just right, have to walk too far, its too crowded, bugs, etc. etc. etc.

My hearts desire for myself and our church is that we become so hungry for Jesus that we would be willing to meet in the parking lot if the Colony Theater fell down.  That we wouldn't care about anything but lifting up the name of Jesus. 

Some other thoughts:
* Leaving this afternoon with staff on weekend retreat.  Probably won't blog again until Monday.
* Pray for God to speak to each of us about how to reach this city for Jesus.
* Doing a series this summer we're calling Dean's thoughts.  I know, scary title.  It will be random messages God is brewing inside
   of me.  Let me worn you. It will probably piss some people off.  But, we have grown way too comfortable when it comes to Jesus.
* Please make sure you invite a friend this week.  Doesn't matter if they missed first two weeks of Messy.  I will recap at beginning 
   of message.  I promise you, your gonna be challenged to let go of the paint brush.
* I'm starving! 
* Really looking forward to getting started with new home group Sunday after next.
* Found out that a new engine for Deb's jeep will cost $4,000.  While most have car payments looks like I'll have engine payment.
* Please pray for the Sunday's two worship services.  Begging God for God sized things to happen.
* Let me be honest, begging God for CHURCHED people to get saved!
* I want to pray for the weekend myself so gotta go!  See you Sunday.