Jason Hayes

The Humor In Flying

I travel quite a bit and I'm always intrigued (and sometimes aggravated) by all the craziness that seems to go on in airports and airplanes.  Why does everyone act so ridiculous as soon as they step foot within these confines?  In my opinion, it is a social phenomenon.

You won't find anyone that illustrates the madness better than this guy.  I've introduced him to you in the past, but he's just too funny to not mention again.

So, without further ado, I present to you the funniest man on the planet ... Mr. Brian Regan.

You're welcome in advance.

Discussion On Small Groups

Michael Kelley (author and speaker) and I recently sat down to discuss  the challenge of leading a small group that has a broad range of spirituality.  I can't speak for anything that I said, but Michael has some insightful thoughts.  You can check it out HERE if so desired.

Believe The Impossible

I've been re-reading a great little book called, The Imagineering Way: Ideas To Ignite Your Creativity.  This book, written by "The Imagineers," is a must read in my opinion.  If you aren't familiar with these folks, you should check them out HERE.  In short, they are responsible for the creation and expansion of elements at the Disney Theme Parks and Resorts.  These are brilliant people who function within an even more brilliant hub of creativity and process. 

Here's a quote from the book that is resonating with me today about pushing through obstacles.

"We're frequently asked to invent things that have never been done before .  We approach every search with the attitude that what we seek exists somewhere - we only have to find it.  To believe the impossible is the first step toward doing the impossible."

I Need (???) More Than (???) Needs Me

Check this video out from my friends at Mocha Club.  I've talked in the past about all the good work they are doing in Africa.  But, this video offers an interesting thought.  It is as follows, "I need Africa more than Africa needs me."

HERE is the premise of the video. And you can experience it visually below.  Our church, Long Hollow, is in the middle of a great Missions series called, One: Eight. (Acts 1:8)  In our small group on Sunday night, I mentioned that I crave a greater personal commitment to serving and missions.  I mentioned that my motives were two-fold: First, I desire to reflect the love of Christ to people who need Him.  But, secondly, I also love the way the Lord teaches me and stretches me in these opportunities.  It almost seems selfish, but I don't want it to be.  It's just hard to NOT love how God works in these circumstances. 

Anyway, check out the video and share your thoughts. And, just ignore the sappy infomercial for t-shirts at the end with my buddy, Dave Barnes. (Unless you want one, of course)

What do you need more than it needs you?  Fill in the blanks.

Your Sunsphere Equivalent

Feeling nostalgic about Knoxville today.  Thinking of the sunsphere all while evaluating what I reflect to the world.  Check out my post at threadsmedia.com HERE.

Mentoring: If Not, Why Not?

Jesus’ earthy ministry had a very distinct and clear component to it—mentoring.  In Matthew 16 He says, “If anyone will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.”  In this passage, he connects a believer’s faith with submission to his leadership. 

In other passages, we also see how this affects a believer’s relationship with the rest of the world.  Jesus said in Matthew 28, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This is mentoring at its best—walking with Christ and introducing others to Him along the way.

We also see that Paul, the apostle, believed in and executed a mentoring leadership model.  In 1 Corinthians 11:1, he poignantly states, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.”  Wow.  This is it—the heartbeat of mentoring.  He continues on to say in Philippians 4:9, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.”  In other words, he’s establishing his life as one that can be modeled and looked upon as an example to follow.

But mentoring isn’t limited to the person of Jesus or even apostles like Paul.  We also see this modeled in the life of elders in the early church.  Peter urges these leaders, “be examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:4).  Next, Paul says to the elders at Ephesus in Acts, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you” and “in everything I did I showed you that by this kind of work we must help the weak.”  And though Paul is specifically addressing the need for responsibility to the afflicted in this passage, we also see a model of mentoring being clearly illustrated.  In short, Paul is telling the elders, “I set an example for you, now you do the same for them.”

Here's a couple of thoughts that come to mind:

Are you actively involved in mentoring relationships?  (If not, why not?)
Is your life actually worth modeling?  (If not, why not?)

Pushing Past Religion and Into Love

Blemished from threadsmedia on Vimeo. You can learn more HERE about Blemished: How The Message of Malachi Confronts Empty Religion.

Do I Hate People?

It's interesting in the Old Testament to see Jonah's rejection of Gentiles.  He was greatly angered by God's mercy on the people of Ninevah.  This response provides us insight into his original journey to Tarshish.  From the beginning, Jonah understood the character of God.  Although he had received pardon, he simply didn't want Ninevah to know this mercy, too. 

He says, "I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live." (Jonah 4:2-3)

This leads me to ask myself, "Why am I not always faithful in sharing the Gospel to my community and the world around me?"   Sadly, in the midst of all the other lame excuses, I can see that one primary reason permeates through it all. Simply, I don't love people enough.  I don't always hurt for the hurting.  My heart is not always broken for those that are far from God. I sure don't like to think of myself as having a hate-filled heart like Jonah.  But, I can't think of anything much more hateful than sitting silently and apathetically while the world around me needs Jesus. 

It's something to consider.

I'm praying that the Lord continues to break my heart for the lost and the hurting.  Won't you join me in doing this?  I'd also love to hear your thoughts on this topic.