C.T. Studd, a daring twentieth century missionary, said, "Some want to live within the sound of a church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell."

This quote really grabbed hold of me this morning when I read it. It comes from Mark Batterson's book Wild Goose Chase. The Celtic Christians referred to the Holy Spirit as "The Wild Goose." They recognized that the Holy Spirit is unpredictable, uncontainable and unexpected. Batterson writes that we are not to "run wildly and aimlessly" but we are to chase the Holy Spirit. This can sometimes look like we are running wildly but there is a key difference. The difference is that we chase the Holy Spirit - whether it looks normal or erratic.

Do you ever feel uncomfortable in a Christian environment that feels way to safe? Way to predictable? With no possible adventure?
If you stay there for too long will your passion for Jesus remain, or will it become subdued?

I'll be honest, I'd rather go to Barnes & Noble instead of Mardel. (Mardel is a Christian bookstore/music store/office store in Tulsa.) Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for Mardel. I've purchased many things there that have benefited our church and me personally. But if I have a choice, I'd rather browse B & N.

I don't think that B & N is "within a yard of hell" (with the exception of their row of Gnostic books), but I love knowing that I might run into Gordon. He likes me because I have a Macbook Pro & he always tells me about the latest Apple products. He also says that, "A church would have no place for a guy like me."

And I like knowing that I can talk to several of the people at their cafe whom I've gotten to know (B & N is my office away from my office).

I like knowing that I might run into someone who might strike up a conversation with me about culture, charity or spirituality. I like knowing that I might have the opportunity to make an eternal difference.

Batterson asks, "I wonder if our churches do to people what zoos do to animals?"

I have a few opportunities in my life that are giving me passion. They are adventures. I have no idea where they will lead. And I think that is good. I think I need that. I think I was made for it. And I think I need to pursue them.

One last thought: I appreciate my friends who are pushing towards this and challenging me. I desperately need that too.