10 Days – 10 Causes: CICM

CICM or better yet Central India Christian Mission is an organization that has been special to me throughout just about my entire life, although I’ve only been truly more knowledgeable about it over the last 5-6 years.

Brother Ajai & Sister Indu Lall began this amazing ministry back in 1982.  I originally met them when I was a very small child.  Ajai attended the same Bible College in North Carolina where my parents worked and many of our own family attended and/or graduated from.  My parents were some of the ones on staff that sort of “adopted” Ajai as he was so very many miles from home.  There are numerous stories of times

South Africa – here I come…

LORD WILLING!

I wanted to let you all in on a lil something something I believe God is cooking up for my life next year.

Pretty Graphic! (seriously be warned)

I know that I post a lot of things that are silly & stupid & funny and just sort of represent a lot of what goes on in my life.

BUT TODAY & RIGHT NOW that element could not be FURTHER from the truth.  What I am about to share with you is EXTREMELY SHOCKING & DISTURBING

7) Baby Jesus – Luke 2:1-20

Join me as I take a walk through the pages of Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John, (aka the “Gospels”) in a Chronological Order and try to grow closer to, and learn more about Jesus.  Feel free to go back and read the INTRO ABOUT THIS SERIES to understand where all this came from for me.

So today some friends of mine back in Virginia have just experienced the arrival of their new lil baby boy (in fact I got a text from them as I was writing this post – baby Isaac has arrived and both he and mom are healthy and doing well – PRAISE THE LORD) – I find this pretty ironic since today’s passage is about a story of a young couple expecting the birth of their first lil baby boy as well!  We will be looking at Luke 2:1-20 and the story of Baby Jesus!

Luke (being a physician and writing from an angle of giving proof to his readers that this whole story is true) gives us a lot of historical detail and background.  It is here that we find out the reason Joseph & Mary (who was WAY PREGGO at this point) had to travel from their hometown of Nazareth to the city of Bethlehem (which fulfilled some Old Testament prophecy of where Jesus was to be born).  They went there because a decree had been ordered by the Roman rulers that there needed to be a census taken, and everyone had to head back to their own hometown to be registered – since Joseph was in the line of David, he had to go back to Bethlehem.

Man what a crazy scene this would have been – Joseph leading Mary – who was in the final days of pregnancy – for the approximate 70-80 miles that it was from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  Then they arrive and we find from vs. 7 that there was no room for them in the inn – so they settled for an animal stable.  Talk about a big ole fat “WELCOME TO OUR WORLD SON OF GOD” – nothing says “Kingly” like being born in a stable, wrapped in some pieces of cloth and put to sleep in a manger (aka animal feeding trough), but this is exactly what we find happening in this story.

Some distance away some other craziness was going on – some shepherds (oh how the cool irony continues that shepherds were the first to be told of the good news – and later Jesus would be consider the GREAT SHEPHERD, one who cares for His flock/sheep).  These guys are just sitting around doing their thing – which I wonder if it was anything like what shepherds do nowadays with mad technology – WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, Angels showed up to tell them the great news.  I love it that vs. 10 says the angel told them “Do not be afraid” ha ha ha I’m sure afraid was the understatement of the year – there may have been some soiled robes going on in that gang.

In vs. 12 the angel told the shepherds that a sign of indication would be that this baby boy would be “wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (so I’m guessing that was the normal everyday routine then???)  Then a HUGE choir of angels showed up – did a lil mini-concert for the fellas and then were gone.

So the shepherds figured that they had to go check out this scene and they headed to the city.  Then I love what took place next – we find out that the shepherds became the FIRST EVER EVANGELISTS!  Check out verses 17-20:

¹⁷When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

They went and told anyone & everyone what they had seen and heard – and people were AMAZED, not hard to believe that aspect – I mean this is a pretty crazy story!  They not only told others, but they gave God all the praise & glory for what had taken place – man what a pretty cool scene going on here.

This passage had a new light shed on it when I travelled to India back in 2006 – myself and some other minister friends went to work with a group called Central India Christian Mission.  They were hosting a huge youth conference and we were invited to help lead & teach at some of the sessions.

While there we heard about a massive movement of people coming to know Christ that was happening in some areas there in India.  Basically there is this “class” of people (in India the class or caste system is huge and is a very strict thing)  In this setup there is a class of shepherds that are sort of on the lower wrung of the ladder.  They are considered untouchables.  The crazy thing is that this is where the movement for Christ had begun.  The missionaries there were intrigued by this and went to meet some of the leaders and to find out how & why this was taking place.  When they met with the leaders of this group (by the way this class of people is one of the larger ones in all of the caste system and could be a major key in a spiritual revolution for these people) they asked how they had come to know about Jesus and what was going on.  As the story unfolded the missionaries found out that some people from a church in the area had reached out to this shepherd class – (these untouchables that people were not supposed to talk and hang out with) and told them about Jesus.  HERE IS THE REALLY COOL PART

The church people shared with the shepherd’s the story of Jesus’ birth – and they told them that the ANGELS came directly to the shepherds of that day and time – told them FIRST about Jesus – and then that God used those shepherds to PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS of Jesus’ birth.  This group of modern day Indian Shepherds were amazed (“amazed at what they heard” – sound familiar?) and got excited.  They wanted to know more about this God who cared about them and loved them and would not see them as outcast or sub-human.  They wanted to know more about this story that had used Shepherds as the main storytellers so many years ago.

HOW AWESOME IS THAT?  WHAT AN AMAZING NEW LIGHT WAS SHINED ON THIS PASSAGE FOR ME!

God’s word is powerful – and it does change lives – it is not simply a “cute little book of stories” about a lil Baby named Jesus which no longer applies to our world today.  So I am excited and encouraged once again by the newness of the story of this lil Savior – Baby Jesus!  

Thanks God for being SO WISE as to know how this story would continue to affect people for thousands of years and throughout many countries!

33 Things @ 33

Today I bring to you a gift – that’s right a gift for each one of you on this day – May 29th, 2009 – My Birthday – but for each of you a gift.  This gift is a list of 33 random things about me @ 33 years of age.  (Obviously this isn’t original to me – I have some other friends that have done this sort of thing and I thought it was cool).  So bear with me on the length of this post – but if you dig through it all I am ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN you will find some things you might have never known about me.  And just a heads up – I didn’t even throw in the most obvious fact about my “Shakyhands Syndrome” of which I have no answer for!

So here they are – in no real particular order – well except for the first few, which are about the most important things to me!

1) I believe that Jesus IS the Christ (Messiah, Annointed One) and He IS the Son of the living God and I have taken Him as my Lord (leader & guide of my life) and Savior (the only one that can forgive my sins and save me to spend FOREVER with Him in Heaven)!!!

I don’t always do a good job of living as though He is Lord in my life, and definitely am more willing to accept the Savior part – but I’m gonna keep striving to do better in the first area.

2) I LOVE my parents – (Phil Alligood & Ora Jane Alligood) and I know that I don’t do a very good job of showing/telling them that as I probably should.  I am very grateful for their influence and guidance in my life and being tremendous examples of godly people, parents, and ministers to others.  They are by no means perfect, but are true role models of truth & love as well as diligence in work and being sacrificial servants and great stewards of God’s resources.  I could never thank them enough for all they have blessed my life and upbringing with – first above and beyond all others in showing me the Love of Christ and introducing me into that saving relationship with Jesus.

3) I love my sister and her family and feel very fortunate to spend this season of my life with them ministering alongside of them in this area outside of Atlanta.  We were not always that close growing up (not that we didn’t get along – typical brother – sister stuff), but we do get closer I think as the years go on.

4) My cousin Tara and I probably have a closer relationship than most siblings.  We have always been “joined at the hip” since we were little and will probably always share a special connection.  Many people believe we are the male/female version of one another.  I would and will always be willing to do anything for her.

5) I feel extremely fortunate to have grown up with the rest of the “RBC STAFF KIDS” – now known as Mid Atlantic Christian University Staff Kids I guess!  Neal, Lisa, Tara, Eric, Kevin, Travis, Stephanie, Chris, Michael, Marcus, and Megan were quite the CREW!   Tara, Eric, Kevin, and Travis will forever be like extra brothers & sister to me.

6) I am not married, but contrary to popular belief, I can say that I desire at some point (now more than any other time up till now) to be married – the jury is still out on whether or not to have a family, but if I am being TOTALLY honest, I think I would make a great dad (not perfect – but ready to do a really good job)  — Maybe I can start an online video version of the Bachelor starring “yours truly” – I bet that would get CRAZY RATINGS!

7) I have been an usher or groomsman in 13 weddings (I’m actually gunning for the opportunity to star in my own movie called “27 Tuxedos” ha ha ha) and I have performed 7 weddings – even actually done pre-marital counseling for some couples – how crazy is that right??

8] Kim Moulden is one of my all-time GREATEST friends – she has always been someone I enjoy hanging out with and taking “road trips” with – she is a real encourager to me and I know we will always be friends no matter how much time/distance separates us.  Oh for the memories of the NC State Fair!

9) Connie Gibbs and I will FOREVER be “in a relationship” (HA HA HA HA HA – all my CCF facebook friends may know what that is about!) and yes I do LOVE her!!!

10) I will always have a special place in my heart for Campus Ministry – no matter what ministry doors God opens for me in other arenas – and I will always cherish those 7 years I spent in Raleigh!  Working with Campus Christian Fellowship @ NCSU was a tremendous experience and blessing in my life!

11) I will always have a special place in my heart for Mid-Atlantic Christian University – (Formerly known as Roanoke Bible College) – it was a VITAL part of shaping who I have become and am becoming.  I look forward to the exciting days ahead and a partnership for future years.

12) I have worked in Summer Church camps since I was just a teenager – for a few summers I worked 3 different High School weeks in 3 different camps.  I have done everything from camp nurse, to mail call guy, to evening worship speaker, to dorm dad, to team leader, to activities director, to dean, to rec director, to campfire speaker, to kitchen staff, to missions speaker – I think about the only 2 things I have NOT done is lifeguard and done Worship band leading (we are ALL thankful for that)

13) I really love to travel – I have been able to travel to a good number of places all over the United States and some international travel as well to Haiti, Venezuela (4 times), and India – and do expect that list to continue to grow.

14) I LOVE sports in general but my favorite to watch would be basketball, more specifically college basketball – my favorite to play would be volleyball – indoor or outdoor, but indoor is my preference.

15) I LOVE the North Carolina Tar Heels – most especially men’s basketball, but pretty much all things Tar Heels!  I have a goal to one year spend my Thanksgiving out in Hawaii watching my beloved UNC Tar Heels play in the Maui Classic.

16) I have another sports goal; to go out west at some point and spend a week in California visiting every Major League Baseball stadium and watching as many games in one week as possible!

17) I LOVE to preach/speak at events – and feel like it is a Gift that God has given me to use to bring him Honor & Glory and to challenge people.  It is something I get really passionate about and feel like I do a pretty good job of doing well when I get the opportunity.

18) It is one of my goals this year to enroll in a “Stand Up Comedy” class and learn some finer details of comedy, and hopefully open some doors – this is something I’ve always had an interest in attempting.

19) I was on and episode of “The Price Is Right” back in 1999 and actually got called down to “Contestants Row” to bid on an item – I didn’t win.

20) A few years ago I randomly signed up for the show “Survivor” just sort of goofing around with a  friend – then ended up getting called back and making it to the final 800 people.  The next round would have been for 48 to be chosen to try out in CALIFORNIA – man that would have been awesome, but I didn’t make it.

21) In middle school I played basketball for a small private Christian school – on a high school team – the first 3 pointer I ever hit was at the buzzer against our arch rivals to send the game into overtime – we ended up losing in triple overtime, but was still a pretty cool moment.

22) I coached a basketball team for the small Christian College that I graduated from (Mid Atlantic Christian University) and during my first year we played in a tournament in Philadelphia, PA against some “way out of our league” competition – we lost the first game by 75 points and the game the next day by 97 points – not one of my more enjoyable weekends.

23) I blew out my knee back in 1999 playing pick-up basketball and finished tearing it up playing volleyball a couple months later.  Never had surgery but the doctor feels pretty certain at some point I will need to do that – ending my streak of never having any sort of surgery to this point in my life.

24) The friends of mine back in Raleigh – will always remain very near and dear to me as the first group of people I really got to know as I branched out in life and moved away from where I had been for 25 years – it was my first venture into being totally “on my own” and I will always be thankful for God placing them in my life!

25) I really do miss my Orange Xterra (not so much the car payment or lower gas mileage) and would one day like to be back in some sort of an SUV.  I really like the color Orange, but will probably tell you my favorite color is Blue

26) In my freshman year of college on Fall Break I ended up in the hospital with a  Kidney Stone – the only bout I’ve ever had with them (and hopefully the only one I EVER have)

27) I definitely would much prefer living at the beach than living in the mountains – would prefer living in the big city as opposed to living in the country – am pretty certain I will always be content at wherever God leads me to live, but these would definitely be my preferences.  I enjoy warmer weather way more than colder weather.

28) Growing up I had a best friend named J.J. – I always thought it was cool to have “Initials” for a name and wanted to have that too.  Guess I sort of got my wish when working at RBC/MACU and President Griffin referred to me as NOA (pronounced Noah) – J.J.’s birthday was on May 27^th so it was cool that we were born 2 days apart and celebrated some birthdays together.

29) For someone that has not had any type of Math class since High School – have a great mind for math and numbers – I can do lots of math in my head and figure numbers quickly (not like Rain Man counting toothpicks on the floor type stuff – but some pretty goofy stuff)  I enjoy numbers and statistic type stuff.

30) I have NEVER taken any course whatsoever in any sort of foreign language (had a study hall during a French class in High School but that doesn’t count) but have always thought I should probably learn a foreign language – maybe I should give those “Rosetta Stone” videos a shot??

31) I would say I have “Loved and Lost” and am not so certain that it really is better than “to have never loved at all” – well I guess it is, but sometimes I’m not so sure, but it’s a catchy saying so I’ll stick with it!

32) #34 was one of my favorite numbers for sports – it is the # I wore in college for basketball – I loved Nolan Ryan and he wore #34, George Lynch @ UNC wore #34 and was one of my all-time favorites.

33) Larry Bird is one of the most famous Athletes to ever wear the # 33 – but I hated Larry Bird – I do admit he was a TREMENDOUS player, but was one of those I loved to hate, no real explanation but that’s the great thing about sports – there doesn’t have to be a legit reason!

And that’s it people – hope you enjoyed your lovely gift – now it’s OVER & OUT from the DIRTY SOUTH!

Convertible Theology????

So I have some good friends from back in NC – Doug & Bonnie.  This couple has always been a huge encouragement & help in my life and ministry (more than they will probably ever know).  I love hanging out with them cause they both have an extreme love for the Lord, each other, their family & friends, God’s Church, and just life in general.  

If you have ever met Doug & Bonnie you also know that they are unique individuals (especially Doug, not sure if there is anyone else like him ha ha ha – may be good may be bad – you can decide)  They are exactly who they claim to be and just enjoy life to the fullest.  I bring all this up because I started thinking about this idea of “convertible theology” because of Bonnie’s love for driving her convertible.  She LOVES that thing, so much so that when she was devastated after wrecking one she found another almost exactly like it – it was great.  Doug & I always pick on her cause I fully believe she feels like driving around with the top down can make ANY DAY better.  I think she would (and has done so) drive that thing with top down in about any weather.  Just to feel the wind blowing through her hair (Doug loves the feeling of the wind chapping his scalp ha ha sorry Doug) and smiling and loving life.

Now as much fun and as great as that mindset is for cars and the enjoyment of life.  My fear is that too many of us that claim to be “Christians” and way too many that take up residence in the church live in a detrimental state of “convertible theology” – we feel as though life IS BETTER lived with “top-down” decisions being made for us.  Let me explain.

I think there are too many of us out there relying on SOMEONE else to raise us up, challenge us, teach us, change us in our Faith.  We try to rely on decisions about morality and what we “should” or “should not” do to be made by someone else and handed down to us.  While I believe firmly that God has given some more of an ability to lead and shepherd and guide, I also believe that we are EACH as INDIVIDUALS responsible for being in a close relationship with Him through Jesus, and through that will bring growth and knowledge and a deeper understanding and love of Him.  It is time we EACH take it upon ourselves (granted this is best done in community where we interact WITH others and DO LIFE together, but not allowing our growth to HAVE TO ATTEMPT to come from someone else) to experience that growth with God.

I liken this to the political term that seemed to be thrown around a lot during the Reagan years of “Trickle-Down Economics” where financial & economic decisions and plans were put in place at the top and then it eventually trickled down to affect people on lower levels.  My fear is that often times we do the same thing in church – we wait for someone else to introduce a “trickle-down spiritual economics”.

Some of this has been brought on also by a recent study through the book of Daniel (our church is doing a series on it during the month of November).  I have watched how both King Nebuchadnezzar and King Darius each had moments after doubting the power of the TRUE God and getting people to worship themselves only, to see the one TRUE GOD show up – they then would declare “decrees” for people to only worship this TRUE GOD of Daniel and his fellow friends.  (See Daniel 2:46-49; 3:28-30; 4:33-37; 6:25-28 )  Each time though, this “DECREE” (from Top-Down decision making) did not last long and we find another episode of these kings turning away back to their old, power-struggle pride-filled lives.  Then something big happens and they return and then make another decree, it was this vicious cycle.

I see this playing out in our lives, so often we just want so bad to have “Christian Leaders” take over our nation.  We see battles waging and venomous arguments between Christians over which candidate is a “man or woman of God” and will restore all things to where they need to be.  Now please understand that I do feel it is very important for leaders to be Christians, but as much as I feel it is important to understand that everyone has a soul that God loves, and has redeemed through His Son Jesus.  God desires that NO ONE SHOULD PERISH.  So sometimes I believe we have “bought into” this same “convertible theology” of life being better with the TOP DOWN decisions being made for us in the spiritual realm.  When instead I believe that God wants us to help promote the change of this world from the bottom up.  I think that is why we see it say in 2 Chronicles 7:14

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

It doesn’t say – well if we can ONLY get a Godly King, President, House, Senate, etc then the land will be healed.  No I believe it is up to each of us, to start from the bottom up – from getting face-down, humbled, ready to seek HIS FACE, turning from our wicked ways – then God brings the healing.

I think we can look at some of the countries today that are experiencing the greatest movements of God in His church – places like India and China, places that are also experiencing government and leaders that have NO DESIRE for the things of God.  These people in these places are not relying on a “convertible theology” to make decisions from the top that will “trickle-down” and allow them to be “better Christ-followers” – they are humbled, broken, sold-out, servants of the MOST HIGH GOD – committed to Him and to His WILL – whatever it takes and whatever may come.  It is through that mentality that God is doing a great work and is growing His Church and moving HIs people to do mighty things.

So yeah – maybe riding around in life in a convertible does make your physical day a better one and brings a lil more joy to this life, let me beg you, challenge you, encourage you to not fall into the trap of “CONVERTIBLE THEOLOGY” as we look to live our lives for the ONE TRUE LORD!