iman serna

...been thinking

Why do I blog?
Why do I twitter?
Why do I facebook?

Are my opinions, thoughts, ideas or point of view THAT important? Important enough for the World Wide Web to know?

I get the whole "this is MY way of journaling or capturing and encapsulating my thoughts" angle...I really do. But if it's TRULY just for you to record your history...why publish it for all to see?

There are TONS of "blogstars" and "twittelebrities" out there who have TONS of "subscribers" and "followers"...and yet they are virtually unknown. What does this tell us about our society...our culture as a whole?

...

Why do YOU blog?
Why do YOU twitter?
Why do YOU facebook?

...seriously...I want to know.

21 day fast

It's been 21 days since I gave up Twitter and Facebook.

Every time I felt like Twittering I, instead, prayed for wisdom and direction, for our nation to turn to God and for the lost and the exiled to return to God.

Every time I felt like checking my Facebook I, instead, prayed for wisdom and direction, for our nation to turn to God and for the lost and the exiled to return to God.

At first it was very difficult. Then it became annoying. But then on the 5th or 6th day it became a battle cry!

Why was I even complaining about my being "inconvenienced"?

Right now, thousands of names are on our church's walls. Those names represent people that need freedom from addictions, freedom from bondage and more importantly...people that desperately need a Savior.

My 21 days of inconvenience in exchange for, at the very least, ONE of those names to come home?...

...I need to get over myself more often.

Tony Morgan

On December 30th I received an email that @tonymorganlive is following me on Twitter...HOLY FISHNICKETY! Tony FRIGGIN' Morgan is following me...ME!

In the past I have expressed my "man crush" on Tony...here's a post. Needless to say I was "twitterpated" when I found out that he decided to follow little ole' me on twitter.

Then on January 4th I found out that he's following everyone...EVERYONE that's following him on twitter...EVERYONE! (post)

*SIGH - for a second there I thought I was special - SIGH*

THEN I read Relevant Magazine's article written by Brett McCracken called "Pulse: The Problem of Pride in the Age of Twitter"...in which Los over at ragamuffinsoul.com wrote about as well.

Why am I so obsessed with what the world thinks of me or what my "virtual" social status is?

Why is it so important for me to be "imporant" or "special"?

Anyone out there who has a blog/twitter/virb/facebook/myspace/whatever that goes through the same thing as I do?

Why?

Blissful State

Have you ever noticed that the people who have the strongest or loudest opinions about "anything" are usually the ones who aren't doing or haven't done "anything"?

They are usually the ones who are also grossly misinformed, uninformed or both and yet claims to be an authority of the aforementioned "anything".

The same people will also, for the most part, shove "share" their opinions on to others whether or not they've been asked to.

It's always easy to be an arm chair quarterback on Monday nights when you don't have a few 300lb linemen wanting to crush you...when you don't have the pressure of time and timing hovering over your head...when you don't hear 70,000 fans screaming their guts out all at once...when you don't have to lose your job or answer to anyone if you throw an interception...when you don't have the perspective of the quarterback himself...when you're not in the game.

It's easy to say "you know, if I was driving this car I'd do a better job than that driver" while sitting in the backseat...not having the drivers perspective or seeing what the driver sees.

It's easy to take pot shots at a target that's already big, growing and moving...specially when you're small, stagnant and static.

Whatever happened to the old adage "walk a mile in someone's shoes..."? Passing judgment and ridiculing someone seems to be the norm nowadays.

I guess it's easier to complain and bellyache about someone or something rather than actually doing something about it. It's easier to proclaim loudly "this is the key to success" when you haven't even located the "door".

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion" right? Right...but being entitled to an opinion doesn't make that opinion right, good or true! Opinions are like armpits...everyone has a couple of them and it usually stinks.

"Ignorance is Bliss"
I don't ever want to attain that level of "bliss" simply because I chose to be "ignorant".

...I choose wisdom...

...I choose love...

 

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is not absent,
       but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Proverbs 11:12
A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor,
       but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
       and discerning if he holds his tongue.

tired of it...

INTEGRITY, HONOR and HONESTY are all synonyms of each other if you check Merriam-Webster's online dictionary.

These are also words that are often used, misused and strewn about in the "Christian" vernacular.

The best I've heard the word "INTEGRITY" been described is this..."Integrity is one's character or how one acts when no one is watching".

Can integrity exist without Godly wisdom?

Can integrity exist outside of truth?

Can anyone truly call themselves a follower of Christ if integrity is grossly invisible from their character?

I ask these questions because I'm tired of the games WE play as Christ's followers. Tired of the facade that WE put on and yet the world easily sees through! Tired of not being able to be "all that we can be" as God's redeemed. Tired of seeing the body of Christ consistently fragmented by our lack of integrity.

We need to look to the root of this epidemic in order for us to find the cure. I believe that PRIDE and ARROGANCE are the 2 key factors that shuns integrity. Pride says "I AM a "christian" henceforth I HAVE integrity." Arrogance declares "I HAVE integrity and neither wisdom nor ANYONE can tell me otherwise!"

I believe INTEGRITY and WISDOM are inseparable!

Integrity is closely accompanied, guided, guarded and fueled by wisdom. Remove wisdom from this equation and all you have is foolish pride and wicked intent.

1. Proverbs 10:9
   The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
   
   
2. Proverbs 11:3
   The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
   
   
3. Proverbs 13:6
   Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

WE all are works in progress...WE all are in a journey...WE all are in desperate need of a loving, merciful and gracious Savior...WE all need to constantly and consistently examine our attitudes, our intentions and our hearts.

Psalm 139:23-24
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

"Healer" by Mike Guglielmucci

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease

I trust in You
I trust in You

I believe You're my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my Portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need

My Healer, You're my Healer

Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands

It's been in the news...

It's been talked about...

It's been blogged about...

Everyone has their opinion...this is mine.

The Word, is the Word...is the Word. Truth coming from a liar's mouth makes it no less than what it is...it's still the truth. King David was a thief, an adulterer, a murderer...a liar. Yet his words are still touching and changing people's lives to this very day. Why? Because the Truth is the Truth is the TRUTH.

God's words will NOT return back to Him empty.

My good friend Nick, a talented and gifted worship leader and song writer, posted this on his blog...I couldn't agree more.

Just tonight I read an article from theworshipcommunity.com called "When Vessels Break (Mike Gulielmucci and Healer)" that Karen pointed out to me. What caught my attention was the verse that the writer used in his article...it was perfect!

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, …

Philippians 1:15-18 (NIV)

I love how “The Message” translation covers verses 18-19:

 18 So how am I to respond? I’ve decided that I really don’t care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on! And I’m going to keep that celebration going 19 because I know how it’s going to turn out.

Don't be persuaded by the glitz and the glam or be discouraged by the dirt and the grime. Search your heart...make it personal between you and God. God listens to YOUR HEART and not to your mouth singing a version of someone else's song.

Pray for Mike Guglielmucci and his family. Pray for the people that have been negatively affected by this. Pray for wisdom and understanding.

The song "Healer" will ALWAYS have a very special place in my heart.

"Pastor Iman" - back story

"I will never, EVER be a pastor" is a promise I made to myself a long time ago.

Ever since I could understand what it meant to be a pastor I knew that I did not want to be one.

...my dad is a church planter...

"I don't want my family to live in abject poverty!" is a promise I made to myself a long time ago.

He was called to be a church planter to some of the poorest parts of Quezon City, Philippines. Needless to say he wasn't compensated "very well". There were times that our meals would consist of only rice and coffee.

...my dad is a minister of the gospel...

"I want to be able to spend quality time with my family" is a promise I made to myself a long time ago.

Most people thought that he only worked on Sundays and Wednesdays. They never saw the numerous times he was called in all hours of the night to mediate because a husband is beating on his wife, a son went to jail or a loved one is sick. The numerous bible studies he conducted in different homes through out the week. The camps, retreats, conferences, evangelistic meetings and other special speaking engagements he spoke at. He kept pretty busy.

...my dad is a pastor...

"I will not be disrespected" is a promise I made to myself a long time ago.

I saw how the church members, who called him their "pastor", treated him...some with respect, others with contempt and disdain. I can't even begin to tell you the venom and poison that people spewed at him.

...my dad is a man - he IS human...

"I will never be like my dad" is a promise I made to myself a long time ago.

A very arrogant and self righteous statement...I know. But the older I get the more I understand that beyond being a pastor, my dad was and is just as human as I am. In my mind I tied a cape around his neck and drew a big "S" on his chest. Looking back at my child hood I can probably pinpoint all his faults and foibles as a father, husband, pastor...man. But that's just it...with Christ in his heart and a title to his name he still is a man.

Please understand that not all of my experiences growing up as a pastor's kid were bad. I do have fond memories. But I also know that the title "pastor" bear so much responsibility! I would never in a million years have guessed that I would willingly become one.

to be continued...

Mind Melt

A few of my thoughts in bullet points A.K.A. "what's ruminating in my noggin at the moment".

• I get really tired after our creative meetings.
• I get really, REALLY tired after 5hrs of creative meeting.
• My wife never cease to surprise me...she likes "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium".
• I love peanut butter and home made strawberry jelly on toast.
• After all these years...ice cold Ovaltine still ROCKS!
• My son is still brootiful even when he's teething and cranky.
• I think "naps" are steadily taking over "sleep's" coveted spot.
• My wife's brootiful.

These are just my personal thoughts people...care to share yours?

Christ's Appendix

Romans 12:5
so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

1 Corinthians 12:12
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-13
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Do you consider yourself a "Christian", a "follower of Christ", a "believer"?

If so, then YOU are a part of the body of Christ...CONGRATULATIONS!

Are you a FUNCTIONING, CONTRIBUTING and EFFECTIVE part of Christ's body?

Or are you as "USEFUL" as an appendix or a tonsil?

Or are you a body part that is useful like an arm or a leg but refuses to function as such?

I sincerely hope you're not a body part that hurts other body parts.

These are questions I constantly ask myself as well!

     We are called to be ONE BODY and I for one am tired of hearing these disturbing statistics. "20% of the people in church do 80% of the work" - "20% of the people give 80% of the income". Are you OK with that? Are we ALL OK with that? I'm not just talking about the local church, I'm also talking about THE church as a whole.
     Christ is coming back to a "Bride", the "Church, the "Body" who is without spot or wrinkle (Eph. 5:27). From my limited perspective we are EONS away from being that bride. We NEED everyone to join in and do their part! Are WE doing our best to fulfill the part that God has specifically given to us as the body of Christ?

     Start now, start somewhere, start somehow...volunteer at church, mow the neighbor's lawn, give time/money to some charity...do SOMETHING. I haven't figured it all out myself but what I do know is the more I do what I know the more I know what to do next.

I KNOW, I BELIEVE AND I HAVE FAITH THAT WE CAN ALL DO THIS TOGETHER!...ONE BODY...

Speaking the "Truth"

Why is it that people, myself included, have a hard time "saying what they mean and meaning what they say"? I'm the type of person that would try his hardest to be tactful whenever situations arise that requires sensitivity. But sometimes my "tactfulness" is just a lame excuse to peter out of an awkward circumstance that desperately needs the painful truth.

I DO understand the importance of civility, sensitivity, tactfulness, diplomacy, graciousness and love...but...more often than not the TRUTH gets lost within those layers and the message is not properly given nor received. Whatever happened to Proverbs 27:5-6? Why can't we all be "grown" and speak/accept the truth in love?

What REALLY bugs me is the frivolous "dance" that christians do when it comes to confronting issues and speaking the truth! They do a LOT of talking but for some reason nothing gets clearly communicated. Why do we wait and wait until the pot boils over and when it's time to really talk hurt and frustration speaks louder than love and truth?  Is it due to fear? Is it pride? Is it false humility? Is it insecurity?

I'm not trying to say that we just go around speaking whatever comes to our mind sans the grace and love filter. On the contrary, I believe that if there was a need to address an issue by stating the "truth" then prayer, wise counsel and love are key components.

I've been in situations where many "loving" words flowed back and forth and in the end nobody knew what exactly was said. I didn't know if resolution was achieved, if questions were answered. I was more confused about what the truth was afterwards!

So this is the challenge I'm issuing myself (maybe you'll do it to):

• I will be open and gracious to those that I give permission to speak the truth to my life. No matter how painful I may perceive it to be.
• I will prayerfully, graciously and lovingly practice speaking the truth to those I love and respect. And I will say it in a timely manner (so as not to let confusion and unrest fester then turns into strife).

Thoughts?