He sat in her salon. As she was cutting his hair, the conversation turned to the topic of family. His story was not a pretty one. It was a story of brokenness and estrangement from his grown children. This normally strong and gruff man now seemed sad and small as he expressed his regrets. Tonya, then shared her story. It too was a story of estrangement from her dad, but one to which God has brought healing. She then said to the man, my husband and I would love you to spend Christmas Eve with us. She handed him an invitation. If you would like to come to worship with us, we'll even pick you up.
Bud came to me with a big smile on his face and full of praise to God. "Everybody I have put on the wreath has told me they will come to the Christmas Eve service with me." He was so excited to see God working first-hand in the lives of those he loves.
Rose said, "My friend does not go to church. I told her I would come and pick her up." Her friend said, "Yes."
Brenda used Facebook as her invitation. She invited one who said that he was not good enough to come to church. She assured him that at LH you did not need to clean up before you can come. He sent her a message back saying he would be there.
Sometimes I think we underestimate the power of a simple, but personal invitation. Even if the person we invite turns us down, the invitation still shows that we thought enough of them to invite them. Furthermore, personal invitations removes barriers that would otherwise not be overcome. Think about it...all of the people who have been invited to the Christmas Eve services would not have a reason to come with out an invitation. An invitation is not as much about a Christmas Eve service as it is about relationship. When people respond to a personal invitation out of a personal relationship with us, it opens the door to a personal relationship with Christ.
On the first Christmas, God sent an Angel to invite shepherds to come and see the Savior born in the city of David lying in a manger. The shepherds would have never have felt comfortable to go into the presence of the Savior without an invitation. But once they received the invitation and saw the Christ-child, they then went to the streets inviting others to come and see the one they had seen.
Never underestimate the power of an invitation. When we invite people to share with us in our faith journey, we do not go it alone. God is right there in the midst of that invitation because he is the one who seeks and saves that which is lost.
This week we continue praying for the names you have placed on the wreath and we invite you to keep inviting your friends and family to be with you for the Christmas Eve services.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
"Holy Interruptions"
I'm not a big fan of interruptions. I have a personality that appreciates schedules, order and tasks. I do not like surprises unless I have helped plan them. My idea of spontaneous is planning to do something that is different than my normal routine. (Yes, I know that you with opposite personality traits are thinking of less positive words to define what I have described, but before you voice them, please know that people in my camp have our negative words to describe you. Let's both just leave it alone :-). Needless to say, I do not typically value interruptions. However, if I am to experience anything of value during Christmas, then I must be willing to embrace interruptions as holy.
The 1st Christmas story is a litany of Holy interruptions:
Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth had settled into the twilight years, having long-since accepted they would never have children. It may not be what they planned, but by this time in life they are planning on nothing more. Suddenly, an Angel appears and interrupts their plans with God's plan--you will have a son and call him John. He will be the one who the Prophet Isaiah said would prepare the way for the Lord.
Mary is preparing for her wedding day. She has been arranged for marriage with a really good guy. She and Joseph will have a simple, uneventful, but nice life together. Suddenly, an Angel appears and announces that God has a different plan. Mary will conceive by the Holy Spirit and carry the Son of God in her womb.
Then there is Joseph and the Shepherds and the Magi all of whom experience the 1st Christ-coming as an interruption to their lives. The 1st Christmas story is all about God breaking into our world with a different plan. His plan was such an interruption that there was no room, for indifference. Either you allowed the interruption and went with God's new plan for your life or you resisted and did whatever you could to put this new plan of God to death. That is what the religious leaders of Jesus day did. They put the Interruption of God to death. But then, praise God, life interrupted death with Resurrection.
Holy Interruptions...that is the story of Christ's birth, death and resurrection. Why should I think that God would do anything different this Christmas? Will I let God interrupt my plans this Christmas with his plan? Will you?
The 1st Christmas story is a litany of Holy interruptions:
Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth had settled into the twilight years, having long-since accepted they would never have children. It may not be what they planned, but by this time in life they are planning on nothing more. Suddenly, an Angel appears and interrupts their plans with God's plan--you will have a son and call him John. He will be the one who the Prophet Isaiah said would prepare the way for the Lord.
Mary is preparing for her wedding day. She has been arranged for marriage with a really good guy. She and Joseph will have a simple, uneventful, but nice life together. Suddenly, an Angel appears and announces that God has a different plan. Mary will conceive by the Holy Spirit and carry the Son of God in her womb.
Then there is Joseph and the Shepherds and the Magi all of whom experience the 1st Christ-coming as an interruption to their lives. The 1st Christmas story is all about God breaking into our world with a different plan. His plan was such an interruption that there was no room, for indifference. Either you allowed the interruption and went with God's new plan for your life or you resisted and did whatever you could to put this new plan of God to death. That is what the religious leaders of Jesus day did. They put the Interruption of God to death. But then, praise God, life interrupted death with Resurrection.
Holy Interruptions...that is the story of Christ's birth, death and resurrection. Why should I think that God would do anything different this Christmas? Will I let God interrupt my plans this Christmas with his plan? Will you?
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
"Untapped Power"
Something weird is happening. Get this...my toaster refuses to toast without being plugged into the outlet. Yeah, I know, strange, right? The same thing with our microwave. It will not micro anything until it is plugged into the outlet. Isn't that odd? It is like all of our appliances are rebelling against us. Not one of them will go to work without electricity. You may call it a mutiny or a union strike, but from where we sit it is just down right spooky. Wait! Shhh! Why is the blender starring at me like that?
Before you organize an intervention, let me make my point. We would never expect our appliances to work without being plugged into the outlet. We understand that an appliance has now power in and of itself. It must receive power from another source if it is to carry out its designed function.
Why do we accept that reality for appliances, but not for ourselves? Why do we try to live as though we can power ourselves? Why do we live as though we do not believe that we only live out our design when we are tapped into the power of the One who designed us?
This is what we do when we make time for everything in our lives but prayer. A prayer less life is like an unplugged appliance. It has much potential, but with out power it is merely taking up space. You were made to do more than take up space. God wants you to live your life plugged into his power.
James 5:13-18 invite us to tap into the power: "13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."
I am looking for 20 people to tap into the power with me tonight at our 1st Wednesday Prayer Gathering, 7-8 PM, at LH, child care provided.
Before you organize an intervention, let me make my point. We would never expect our appliances to work without being plugged into the outlet. We understand that an appliance has now power in and of itself. It must receive power from another source if it is to carry out its designed function.
Why do we accept that reality for appliances, but not for ourselves? Why do we try to live as though we can power ourselves? Why do we live as though we do not believe that we only live out our design when we are tapped into the power of the One who designed us?
This is what we do when we make time for everything in our lives but prayer. A prayer less life is like an unplugged appliance. It has much potential, but with out power it is merely taking up space. You were made to do more than take up space. God wants you to live your life plugged into his power.
James 5:13-18 invite us to tap into the power: "13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."
I am looking for 20 people to tap into the power with me tonight at our 1st Wednesday Prayer Gathering, 7-8 PM, at LH, child care provided.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
"Mountains"
Do you ever have one of those days when you feel like you are trying to plow through a mountain with a sandbox shovel? Man...that is how I feel today. I feel like everything I have set out to do today has turned into a mountain because of my lack of motivation and focus.
As I was thinking about feeling like I was stuck this side of a mountain, I was reminded of something Jesus said about mountains. "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" Matthew 17:20.
I am struck by what Jesus did NOT say would move the mountain. He did not say my strength, motivation, focus, determination or will power would move the mountain. Nor did he say if my faith is big enough, I can see the mountain move. Rather he said that if my faith is as small as a mustard seed, which is about the smallest of the smallest seeds, then I can see mountains move. The reason the size of my faith is unimportant in moving a mountain is because it is not about me, but about Him. Its is not my faith, but the one in whom I put my faith that holds the power to say to this mountain move from here to there. Its about releasing self-reliance and becoming God-dependent. Its about me coming to the point where I throw down my sandbox shovel and say, "God I can't." And then looking up and saying, "But God, I believe you can." That is when, Jesus says, you experience that "Nothing will be impossible for you." Once again, Jesus turns my thinking upside down...or may be it is right side up...when I admit what is impossible for me, then nothing is impossible for me.
What about you? Standing on the wrong side of a mountain? I guess you can try to climb it, go around it, tunnel through it or just decide to live there. Or Jesus says you can climb on his shoulders and watch mountains move.
As I was thinking about feeling like I was stuck this side of a mountain, I was reminded of something Jesus said about mountains. "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" Matthew 17:20.
I am struck by what Jesus did NOT say would move the mountain. He did not say my strength, motivation, focus, determination or will power would move the mountain. Nor did he say if my faith is big enough, I can see the mountain move. Rather he said that if my faith is as small as a mustard seed, which is about the smallest of the smallest seeds, then I can see mountains move. The reason the size of my faith is unimportant in moving a mountain is because it is not about me, but about Him. Its is not my faith, but the one in whom I put my faith that holds the power to say to this mountain move from here to there. Its about releasing self-reliance and becoming God-dependent. Its about me coming to the point where I throw down my sandbox shovel and say, "God I can't." And then looking up and saying, "But God, I believe you can." That is when, Jesus says, you experience that "Nothing will be impossible for you." Once again, Jesus turns my thinking upside down...or may be it is right side up...when I admit what is impossible for me, then nothing is impossible for me.
What about you? Standing on the wrong side of a mountain? I guess you can try to climb it, go around it, tunnel through it or just decide to live there. Or Jesus says you can climb on his shoulders and watch mountains move.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
"Wipe Your Own Behind"
This a conversation I had with my three year old a while a go:
"Daddy, I am done going poopie," Seth called from the bathroom.
"That's great, Seth. Wipe your bottom, flush the toilet and wash your hands," I replied.
"I can't wipe my bottom. Daddy, can you do it?" Seth asks with the most pitiful voice he can muster.
I think to myself, "I can't blame the kid...why would he want to do the nasty business of wiping, if he has someone else willing to do the job?"
"Seth, you can do it, buddy."
"No, I don't want to. Pleeeeaaasssseee, Daddy."
"Seth, there comes a time in every big boy's life when he must learn to wipe his own behind. Today is that day for you," I said, followed by detailed instructions of which I will spare you.
The bathroom was quiet for a moment. Then I heard a flush of the toilet. Followed by a small, but very enthusiastic, "I did it, Daddy! I wiped my bottom all by myself!"
"Great, job, bud, I knew you could do it," followed by some applause and cheers on my part.
Church, there comes a time when every Follower of Jesus must wipe his or her own behind. It is called spiritual maturity. While it is much more pleasant for each of us to let other mature Followers of Jesus wipe our spiritual behinds, it is also spiritually deadly.
The Apostle Paul makes this clear in Ephesians 4:11-16. Here he offers a great encouragement to those who are willing to grow up in their faith:
"11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 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.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
I am thankful that you, my brothers and sister of Living Hope are willing to grow up in your faith. I was sharing in Living Hope 101 on Sunday that about a year ago a gentleman asked, "What are the perks of membership at Living Hope?" I am so glad he asked that tongue-in-cheek question. It has allowed me to directly state why we value membership at Living Hope.
Membership at Living Hope has only one perk and that is death. When you become a member of Living Hope you are making a commitment to die with us.
The members of Living Hope are committed to dying in being real. "Confess your sins one to another and you will be healed," James 5:16. To risk that kind of vulnerability requires a death to pride, fear and personal preference.
The members of Living Hope are committed to dying in being transformed. Romans 12:1-2 says, "Present you bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Giving your whole self to God so that he might change you from the inside out from now until the day you see him face to face requires a death. It requires a death to justification of sin and rationalization of selfishness.
The members of Living Hope are committed to dying in being connected. Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn." Connecting with the Body of Christ requires a death to expecting the Body to connect with me before I will connect to it. It is your and my responsibility to take the effort it requires to connect and stay connected. It requires a death to the lie that I can grow in my faith as a solo Christian.
The members of Living Hope are committed to dying in being poured out. In Matthew 25 Jesus makes it clear that one day we will be judged based upon whether or not we fed, clothed, cared for, visited the "least of these brothers and sister of mine." Jesus makes it clear that if we are unwilling to die in giving our time, money and effort to those in need, then we will one day die forever. We do not serve others to save ourselves, but if we are saved then we will serve those in need in following the example of our Master, Jesus Christ.
This Sunday we will welcome 12 new members who are willing to accept the only perk to membership we offer and that is death in being real, transformed, connected and poured out. I want to thank all of our members who faithfully live up to the commitment you made to dieing with us. If we ever reach a point in our faith in which we are unwilling to die in being real, transformed, connected and poured out, then we are nothing but dead weight to the Body of Christ that needs to be cut off.
So, thank you for being church that does not expect any one else to wipe your behind. "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ" Ephesians 4:15.
"Daddy, I am done going poopie," Seth called from the bathroom.
"That's great, Seth. Wipe your bottom, flush the toilet and wash your hands," I replied.
"I can't wipe my bottom. Daddy, can you do it?" Seth asks with the most pitiful voice he can muster.
I think to myself, "I can't blame the kid...why would he want to do the nasty business of wiping, if he has someone else willing to do the job?"
"Seth, you can do it, buddy."
"No, I don't want to. Pleeeeaaasssseee, Daddy."
"Seth, there comes a time in every big boy's life when he must learn to wipe his own behind. Today is that day for you," I said, followed by detailed instructions of which I will spare you.
The bathroom was quiet for a moment. Then I heard a flush of the toilet. Followed by a small, but very enthusiastic, "I did it, Daddy! I wiped my bottom all by myself!"
"Great, job, bud, I knew you could do it," followed by some applause and cheers on my part.
Church, there comes a time when every Follower of Jesus must wipe his or her own behind. It is called spiritual maturity. While it is much more pleasant for each of us to let other mature Followers of Jesus wipe our spiritual behinds, it is also spiritually deadly.
The Apostle Paul makes this clear in Ephesians 4:11-16. Here he offers a great encouragement to those who are willing to grow up in their faith:
"11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 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.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
I am thankful that you, my brothers and sister of Living Hope are willing to grow up in your faith. I was sharing in Living Hope 101 on Sunday that about a year ago a gentleman asked, "What are the perks of membership at Living Hope?" I am so glad he asked that tongue-in-cheek question. It has allowed me to directly state why we value membership at Living Hope.
Membership at Living Hope has only one perk and that is death. When you become a member of Living Hope you are making a commitment to die with us.
The members of Living Hope are committed to dying in being real. "Confess your sins one to another and you will be healed," James 5:16. To risk that kind of vulnerability requires a death to pride, fear and personal preference.
The members of Living Hope are committed to dying in being transformed. Romans 12:1-2 says, "Present you bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Giving your whole self to God so that he might change you from the inside out from now until the day you see him face to face requires a death. It requires a death to justification of sin and rationalization of selfishness.
The members of Living Hope are committed to dying in being connected. Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn." Connecting with the Body of Christ requires a death to expecting the Body to connect with me before I will connect to it. It is your and my responsibility to take the effort it requires to connect and stay connected. It requires a death to the lie that I can grow in my faith as a solo Christian.
The members of Living Hope are committed to dying in being poured out. In Matthew 25 Jesus makes it clear that one day we will be judged based upon whether or not we fed, clothed, cared for, visited the "least of these brothers and sister of mine." Jesus makes it clear that if we are unwilling to die in giving our time, money and effort to those in need, then we will one day die forever. We do not serve others to save ourselves, but if we are saved then we will serve those in need in following the example of our Master, Jesus Christ.
This Sunday we will welcome 12 new members who are willing to accept the only perk to membership we offer and that is death in being real, transformed, connected and poured out. I want to thank all of our members who faithfully live up to the commitment you made to dieing with us. If we ever reach a point in our faith in which we are unwilling to die in being real, transformed, connected and poured out, then we are nothing but dead weight to the Body of Christ that needs to be cut off.
So, thank you for being church that does not expect any one else to wipe your behind. "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ" Ephesians 4:15.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
"Making Leaves Fall"
Yesterday, when we were taking a walk, we passed a lady who was pulling the leaves off of a tree in her yard. Apparently, the leaves were not falling fast enough for her. I assume she wanted to be done with raking. So, she figured, yesterday was the last day she would rake even if it meant her hand pulling every remaining leaf off of her tree. Seeing her make the leaves fall faster, made me laugh, shake my head and say, "What's the hurry?"
Of course, anyone could ask me the same question. Why do I tend to treat my kids bath time like a race? I often use the words, "Hurry up and get your clothes off so we can get you bath so you can have a snack before bed time." When I read books, I am a notorious skimmer and even skipper as I constantly look for what I deem important in a book. When I watch TV, I am a flipper...I watch 2 or 3 shows at the same time...flipping back and forth...drives Kimberly crazy. I have even been known to spend more time thinking about what needs to be done tomorrow, than appreciating today. I too have a tendency to try to make leaves fall faster. Any body else out there relate?
The question is why? Why do we try to make leaves fall faster? Why do we rush through today? Why do we focus on tomorrow before it is here? Why? So we can get to our casket sooner? I mean, really, why do we do this? What is our hurry? All we have is today and we are pulling leaves off the trees of life trying to make life pass more quickly? Are we crazy?
King Solomon was considered the wisest man in the world and yet he reflected on his life and realized that trying to make leaves fall faster makes life meaningless. He concluded that rather than make leaves fall faster, the one who lives with meaning is the one who comes to accept that,
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build up, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw a way, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace" Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
In this poem, Solomon reveals great wisdom from hard, learned experience. Rather than rush through the good or bad of life, take the time to walk through it all, learning from it all everything that one needs to live a well, meaning-filled life. Solomon is saying, "If we are not careful, we will try to make leaves fall faster and miss how good the good of life can be or we miss how beneficial, albeit painful, the difficulties of life can be."
This is my prayer for you and me today: "Father, help me to trust you enough to let the leaves fall at their own pace. Shape me in your contentment so that I may be able to appreciate the beauty of this life until the last leaf falls. Shape me in peace so that I may be able learn from every mess life gives me to rake up. But whatever, happens, Lord, please give me the wisdom not to make leaves fall faster, because life goes fast enough as it is. Thank you for the gift of today. Whatever it holds...positive or negative, in and through your love I can discover value and meaning."
Of course, anyone could ask me the same question. Why do I tend to treat my kids bath time like a race? I often use the words, "Hurry up and get your clothes off so we can get you bath so you can have a snack before bed time." When I read books, I am a notorious skimmer and even skipper as I constantly look for what I deem important in a book. When I watch TV, I am a flipper...I watch 2 or 3 shows at the same time...flipping back and forth...drives Kimberly crazy. I have even been known to spend more time thinking about what needs to be done tomorrow, than appreciating today. I too have a tendency to try to make leaves fall faster. Any body else out there relate?
The question is why? Why do we try to make leaves fall faster? Why do we rush through today? Why do we focus on tomorrow before it is here? Why? So we can get to our casket sooner? I mean, really, why do we do this? What is our hurry? All we have is today and we are pulling leaves off the trees of life trying to make life pass more quickly? Are we crazy?
King Solomon was considered the wisest man in the world and yet he reflected on his life and realized that trying to make leaves fall faster makes life meaningless. He concluded that rather than make leaves fall faster, the one who lives with meaning is the one who comes to accept that,
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build up, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw a way, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace" Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
In this poem, Solomon reveals great wisdom from hard, learned experience. Rather than rush through the good or bad of life, take the time to walk through it all, learning from it all everything that one needs to live a well, meaning-filled life. Solomon is saying, "If we are not careful, we will try to make leaves fall faster and miss how good the good of life can be or we miss how beneficial, albeit painful, the difficulties of life can be."
This is my prayer for you and me today: "Father, help me to trust you enough to let the leaves fall at their own pace. Shape me in your contentment so that I may be able to appreciate the beauty of this life until the last leaf falls. Shape me in peace so that I may be able learn from every mess life gives me to rake up. But whatever, happens, Lord, please give me the wisdom not to make leaves fall faster, because life goes fast enough as it is. Thank you for the gift of today. Whatever it holds...positive or negative, in and through your love I can discover value and meaning."
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
"Today"
"This is the day the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it," Psalm 118:24.
This is the first Bible verse we taught our children. Just about every morning we say it together because it reminds us of some important things about this day we call today.
"This is the day." Yesterday is gone. For good or bad, what happened yesterday is now part of the past. Tomorrow may or may not be. I must be careful not to be so focused on what is to come that I miss what is come. Will I live in this day?
"The Lord has made." Today is a gift from God. No matter what will or will not happen today, this day holds within it something that God wants me to see, hear or know from him. Even the worst of today need not be a waste when we see it in the hands of the one who promises to take all things and make them good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Ro. 8:28). Will I approach this day as a gift?
"Let us." It does not say, "Let me." This idea of embracing today as a gift from God is not something we are to do alone, but something we as Followers of Christ are to do together. In the context of real Christian community we find accountability, encouragement, challenge and support to make a choice to live this day as a gift from God. If we are struggling, then the question we are asked to confront is, are we going it alone or are we walking, intentionally and openly with other Followers of Christ?
"Rejoice and be glad." This is not a suggestion, but a command. Our culture lies to us and says we cannot do what we do not feel. The Bible reveals the truth our culture does not what us to hear. The truth is sometimes the only way to feel anything is to first act. Action invites feeling. If I will choose to rejoice, I can expect to then be glad. Will I make a choice to rejoice whether I feel like it or not?
"In it." In what? Today. If today presents you the mundane or the insane, celebration or tribulation...the "it" of today is not the determining factor of the value of your today. Rather the one who gave you this day is the one in whom you find value regardless of what "it" this day is made. The one whose love is the same yesterday, today and forever, is the one from whom we find a gift of love every day for which we have reason to rejoice and be glad.
Perhaps you say, "Wow! Chad, must be having a good day to write such words." The truth is this is my annual Random Thoughts dedicated to those who struggle with seasonal depression. I have once again entered into this time of seasonal blues. I will continue to watch my eating, exercise daily and take some vitamin supplements. However, with all that I must put my focus where this Psalm commands. My focus once again this year, during this time, with this struggle, must be on one...HIM...the one who gave me this day and gave gave me others with whom to walk through this day. And because He gave me this day it means there is a gift to unwrap which means I have reason to rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the first Bible verse we taught our children. Just about every morning we say it together because it reminds us of some important things about this day we call today.
"This is the day." Yesterday is gone. For good or bad, what happened yesterday is now part of the past. Tomorrow may or may not be. I must be careful not to be so focused on what is to come that I miss what is come. Will I live in this day?
"The Lord has made." Today is a gift from God. No matter what will or will not happen today, this day holds within it something that God wants me to see, hear or know from him. Even the worst of today need not be a waste when we see it in the hands of the one who promises to take all things and make them good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Ro. 8:28). Will I approach this day as a gift?
"Let us." It does not say, "Let me." This idea of embracing today as a gift from God is not something we are to do alone, but something we as Followers of Christ are to do together. In the context of real Christian community we find accountability, encouragement, challenge and support to make a choice to live this day as a gift from God. If we are struggling, then the question we are asked to confront is, are we going it alone or are we walking, intentionally and openly with other Followers of Christ?
"Rejoice and be glad." This is not a suggestion, but a command. Our culture lies to us and says we cannot do what we do not feel. The Bible reveals the truth our culture does not what us to hear. The truth is sometimes the only way to feel anything is to first act. Action invites feeling. If I will choose to rejoice, I can expect to then be glad. Will I make a choice to rejoice whether I feel like it or not?
"In it." In what? Today. If today presents you the mundane or the insane, celebration or tribulation...the "it" of today is not the determining factor of the value of your today. Rather the one who gave you this day is the one in whom you find value regardless of what "it" this day is made. The one whose love is the same yesterday, today and forever, is the one from whom we find a gift of love every day for which we have reason to rejoice and be glad.
Perhaps you say, "Wow! Chad, must be having a good day to write such words." The truth is this is my annual Random Thoughts dedicated to those who struggle with seasonal depression. I have once again entered into this time of seasonal blues. I will continue to watch my eating, exercise daily and take some vitamin supplements. However, with all that I must put my focus where this Psalm commands. My focus once again this year, during this time, with this struggle, must be on one...HIM...the one who gave me this day and gave gave me others with whom to walk through this day. And because He gave me this day it means there is a gift to unwrap which means I have reason to rejoice and be glad in it.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Good Medicine
Our three year old son, Seth, often requests me to sing "Twinkle Little Star" to him at bed time. The reason he asks me to sing it is because I can never remember the lyrics. Rather than try to remember, I simply make up words to the song that are silly.
The other night, I was doing this and Seth giggled so hard I thought he might pee himself. His giggling then made me laugh. Then he asked me to sing again, so I made up another silly line and he about fell off the bed in laughter. Then he saw me laughing and decided to get in on the action. He made up a silly line to the song, which made me laugh out loud. We just laid there in his bed and belly-laughed for a good 5 minutes. When I walked out of his room, he shouted, "I Wove you, dad." "I love you, too," I said back.
As I closed his door, I said, "Thank you, Father." I have no doubt that my Father in heaven used my son to lift me up. You see it had been one of those days all day long. I was feeling discouraged and beaten up by some circumstances. Through a silly song with my son, God gave me exactly the medicine I needed. It is the medicine the Bible talks about in Proverbs: "A cheerful heart is good medicine." How true? A cheerful heart allows you to release stress, see things from a fresh perspective and to be reminded of all you have for which to be thankful.
That is one of the reasons I am so excited for this Sunday's celebration! It will be good medicine to rejoice with parents and help them bless their children. It will be good medicine to clap and cheer with brothers and sisters in Christ who will share their fresh stories of God's love and life-change. It will be good medicine to share a meal together and know that by eating some chili or PB&J we will be helping our teens serve Native Americans in need. It will be good medicine to hear the laughter of children as they play in bouncers, have their faces painted and play games. It will be a day of good medicine!
I don't know about you, but I could use some good medicine like that. Who do you know that could use a dose of that? Invite them to join you. Who knows, it may just save their life.
The other night, I was doing this and Seth giggled so hard I thought he might pee himself. His giggling then made me laugh. Then he asked me to sing again, so I made up another silly line and he about fell off the bed in laughter. Then he saw me laughing and decided to get in on the action. He made up a silly line to the song, which made me laugh out loud. We just laid there in his bed and belly-laughed for a good 5 minutes. When I walked out of his room, he shouted, "I Wove you, dad." "I love you, too," I said back.
As I closed his door, I said, "Thank you, Father." I have no doubt that my Father in heaven used my son to lift me up. You see it had been one of those days all day long. I was feeling discouraged and beaten up by some circumstances. Through a silly song with my son, God gave me exactly the medicine I needed. It is the medicine the Bible talks about in Proverbs: "A cheerful heart is good medicine." How true? A cheerful heart allows you to release stress, see things from a fresh perspective and to be reminded of all you have for which to be thankful.
That is one of the reasons I am so excited for this Sunday's celebration! It will be good medicine to rejoice with parents and help them bless their children. It will be good medicine to clap and cheer with brothers and sisters in Christ who will share their fresh stories of God's love and life-change. It will be good medicine to share a meal together and know that by eating some chili or PB&J we will be helping our teens serve Native Americans in need. It will be good medicine to hear the laughter of children as they play in bouncers, have their faces painted and play games. It will be a day of good medicine!
I don't know about you, but I could use some good medicine like that. Who do you know that could use a dose of that? Invite them to join you. Who knows, it may just save their life.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
"Do you Believe what you Believe?"
This week, I was writing in my prayer journal. It was the start of a day that had a somewhat stressful looking to-do list. I was already beginning to feel the weight and anxiety. I simply wrote, "Father, I need you to do what I can't today."
No sooner had I penned those words, then I heard this scripture in my mind, "Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world."
Then a question entered my mind. "Do you believe that?"
"Yes," I wrote, "I believe that you are greater than anything I will face today."
"Do you really believe that?"
"Yes, I really believe that you are greater."
"Will you live like you believe that?"
I paused. I had to think about that. Now, God was asking this not just to be a verse I have memorized, but a truth by which I would live. What does it mean to live like "Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world"?
It means that I will face the day with hope rather than dread. It means I will look away form the negative what ifs and worries and looks to the God for whom nothing is impossible. It means I choose to rejoice to in the day God has given me knowing that my security is in him and not in what did or did not happen that day. It means I choose to put my faith in what God can do rather than what I or others can do. It means I choose to find my worth in him and not in what I accomplish.
It means I have to figure out if I believe what I believe? Do you believe what you believe?
No sooner had I penned those words, then I heard this scripture in my mind, "Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world."
Then a question entered my mind. "Do you believe that?"
"Yes," I wrote, "I believe that you are greater than anything I will face today."
"Do you really believe that?"
"Yes, I really believe that you are greater."
"Will you live like you believe that?"
I paused. I had to think about that. Now, God was asking this not just to be a verse I have memorized, but a truth by which I would live. What does it mean to live like "Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world"?
It means that I will face the day with hope rather than dread. It means I will look away form the negative what ifs and worries and looks to the God for whom nothing is impossible. It means I choose to rejoice to in the day God has given me knowing that my security is in him and not in what did or did not happen that day. It means I choose to put my faith in what God can do rather than what I or others can do. It means I choose to find my worth in him and not in what I accomplish.
It means I have to figure out if I believe what I believe? Do you believe what you believe?
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
"Failure Isn't Final"
The people of Israel wanted a king like all the other nations had. The prophet Samuel warned the people that they did not want a king. A king would tax them, take their land and force them to serve him, warned Samuel. But the people insisted and so God told Samuel to give them what they wanted. God even told Samuel who to choose as the first king of Israel; a man named Saul.
Saul started out serving God as king, but ended up serving himself. It got so bad that God rejected Saul as king. It is at this point in the story that we pick up in 1 Samuel 16:1, "God addressed Samuel:'So, how long are you going to mope over Saul? You know I've rejected him as king over Israel, Fill your flask with anointing oil and get going. I'm sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I've spotted the very king I want among his sons."
Samuel was moping over the failure. He had done what God told him to do and it it failed. Saul had a free will. His will led him to act contrary to God's will. The "King Saul plan" failed and Samuel was sick over it.
Been there? I have. Just because we do what God asks of us does not mean we will reap success. Sometimes we can be doing everything right and yet still nothing goes right. Some people (we call them Fundamentalists in theological terms) are offended by this. They back peddle and say in order for God to be sovereign he has to determine all that happens in this world--the good and the bad. The truth is other world religions believe this about their God, but we don't. We believe that God has a will, but that our will can divert or detour God's will. That is what Samuel was experiencing as he mourned the failed "king Saul plan".
But God said, enough will the moping, "get going." There is a time to mourn the failure and a time to get up and get going. Just because the will of people can divert and detour God's will does not mean God cannot redeem and reroute all things, even failures, back in line with his good and perfect will. Now that is the power of sovereignty--God allowing free will to ruin his plan and yet God being able to use even what we have ruined to accomplish his will.
I wonder if anyone reading this needs permission to quit mopping and get moving forward from failure. I can relate to that? How about you? The message of God to Samuel and to us is the same, failure is never final where we let God give us permission to quit moping and get going!
Well, enough of this...I am going to get going...
PS I want to thank Dr. Doug Van Nest for sharing these thoughts with a group of pastors today. I know God used it to speak to me.
Saul started out serving God as king, but ended up serving himself. It got so bad that God rejected Saul as king. It is at this point in the story that we pick up in 1 Samuel 16:1, "God addressed Samuel:'So, how long are you going to mope over Saul? You know I've rejected him as king over Israel, Fill your flask with anointing oil and get going. I'm sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I've spotted the very king I want among his sons."
Samuel was moping over the failure. He had done what God told him to do and it it failed. Saul had a free will. His will led him to act contrary to God's will. The "King Saul plan" failed and Samuel was sick over it.
Been there? I have. Just because we do what God asks of us does not mean we will reap success. Sometimes we can be doing everything right and yet still nothing goes right. Some people (we call them Fundamentalists in theological terms) are offended by this. They back peddle and say in order for God to be sovereign he has to determine all that happens in this world--the good and the bad. The truth is other world religions believe this about their God, but we don't. We believe that God has a will, but that our will can divert or detour God's will. That is what Samuel was experiencing as he mourned the failed "king Saul plan".
But God said, enough will the moping, "get going." There is a time to mourn the failure and a time to get up and get going. Just because the will of people can divert and detour God's will does not mean God cannot redeem and reroute all things, even failures, back in line with his good and perfect will. Now that is the power of sovereignty--God allowing free will to ruin his plan and yet God being able to use even what we have ruined to accomplish his will.
I wonder if anyone reading this needs permission to quit mopping and get moving forward from failure. I can relate to that? How about you? The message of God to Samuel and to us is the same, failure is never final where we let God give us permission to quit moping and get going!
Well, enough of this...I am going to get going...
PS I want to thank Dr. Doug Van Nest for sharing these thoughts with a group of pastors today. I know God used it to speak to me.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
"Blessed are the merciful..."
This Sunday, through your actions during our "Don't Go to Church, be the Church Day," you will preach the message on Jesus' 5th beatitude: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
Jesus explains what is meant by this beatitude in the story he shares found in Matthew 18:21-35:
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a]
23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold[b] was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.[c] He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’
30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Those who do not show mercy have either never asked for forgiveness and so have not experienced mercy or they have forgotten all the times God and others have shown them mercy and so in their forgetfulness they do not extend mercy to others.
Mercy is not giving one what they deserve. That is called justice. Mercy is about being offered forgiveness and love even though you do not deserve it.
My wife, my kids, my friends and above all else my God have shown me mercy of which I have no right to claim, but for which I am eternally grateful. In view of the mercy I have been shown, how can I not offer mercy to others?
Sunday morning you will be participants in mercy. Whether what you give is appreciated or in your opinion deserved, give out of a heart of love. As you work along one another perhaps someone will say or do something that rubs you the wrong way, instead of taking offense make a choice to show him or her mercy.
As you choose to act out of a heart of mercy, this Sunday will turn into one of the most meaningful worship experiences you have ever experienced and you will understand why Jesus said "Blessed are the merciful..."
Thank you for being the church!
Jesus explains what is meant by this beatitude in the story he shares found in Matthew 18:21-35:
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a]
23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold[b] was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.[c] He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’
30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Those who do not show mercy have either never asked for forgiveness and so have not experienced mercy or they have forgotten all the times God and others have shown them mercy and so in their forgetfulness they do not extend mercy to others.
Mercy is not giving one what they deserve. That is called justice. Mercy is about being offered forgiveness and love even though you do not deserve it.
My wife, my kids, my friends and above all else my God have shown me mercy of which I have no right to claim, but for which I am eternally grateful. In view of the mercy I have been shown, how can I not offer mercy to others?
Sunday morning you will be participants in mercy. Whether what you give is appreciated or in your opinion deserved, give out of a heart of love. As you work along one another perhaps someone will say or do something that rubs you the wrong way, instead of taking offense make a choice to show him or her mercy.
As you choose to act out of a heart of mercy, this Sunday will turn into one of the most meaningful worship experiences you have ever experienced and you will understand why Jesus said "Blessed are the merciful..."
Thank you for being the church!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
"One Slow Bagel"
On Tuesday, I had a breakfast meeting at Tim Horton's. I meet at this particular Tim Horton's regularly and have come to know the owner on a first name basis. I always compliment him on how smoothly his team handles the crowds that pull through the restaurant in the morning. However, this Tuesday I just kept my comments to my self because there was nothing smooth happening.
I was there when the problem occurred. Right after my order a new trainee started working the bagel station. Apparently, the newbie got the order wrong. Then in trying to figure out was wrong and make the order right, he fell several orders behind. Then in trying to catch up he messed up more orders causing him to fall farther behind. I felt for him.
Actually, I can do more than feel for him, I can relate. It is very easy in life to mess up, fall behind and before you know what has happened stuff has piled up higher than you feel like you can dig your way out. Do I need to make up examples or can you insert your own? I know i can insert my own. Whether it is in relationships, finances, health, spiritual vitality...all it takes is a little mess up and the next thing you know stuff starts piling up fast.
The look of panic on the poor guys face made me want to climb over the counter and try to help. Fortunately, the owner stepped up. He did not yell or criticize, he simply started helping the new guy out. Did the new guy say, "No, I got this" and refuse the help? No way! With a look of great relief, he let the owner help him.
Will we humble ourselves and let God help us through others? Isn't that what James 5:16 is all about. I have mentioned Scripture enough that by now, you probably know what it is. If not, I encourage you to revisit it. Come on...what are you waiting on...stuff is piling up this minute and help is available in James 5:16.
I was there when the problem occurred. Right after my order a new trainee started working the bagel station. Apparently, the newbie got the order wrong. Then in trying to figure out was wrong and make the order right, he fell several orders behind. Then in trying to catch up he messed up more orders causing him to fall farther behind. I felt for him.
Actually, I can do more than feel for him, I can relate. It is very easy in life to mess up, fall behind and before you know what has happened stuff has piled up higher than you feel like you can dig your way out. Do I need to make up examples or can you insert your own? I know i can insert my own. Whether it is in relationships, finances, health, spiritual vitality...all it takes is a little mess up and the next thing you know stuff starts piling up fast.
The look of panic on the poor guys face made me want to climb over the counter and try to help. Fortunately, the owner stepped up. He did not yell or criticize, he simply started helping the new guy out. Did the new guy say, "No, I got this" and refuse the help? No way! With a look of great relief, he let the owner help him.
Will we humble ourselves and let God help us through others? Isn't that what James 5:16 is all about. I have mentioned Scripture enough that by now, you probably know what it is. If not, I encourage you to revisit it. Come on...what are you waiting on...stuff is piling up this minute and help is available in James 5:16.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
"Spinning"
Our kids love rides that spin. We climb in, sit in the circle shaped capsule and then it is, "Faster, Daddy, spin us faster!" With all my strength, I spin us round and round as Anna and Seth scream and giggle in enjoyment.
There is only one problem...these rides make me sick. Seeing the world spinning faster than my eyes can keep up with makes my stomach feel like I have chugged a gallon of sour milk and my head feels like someone is hitting it with a hammer. However, since this is my kids favorite ride I had to figure out a way to enjoy the ride with them while not becoming sick for the rest of the day.
Of course, the solution was simple: I can ride this ride, spin as fast as possible and not get sick, by simply keeping my eyes fixed on what is inside the ride and avoiding, at all costs, even peeking at what is spinning outside.
I found the same to be true on this ride we call life. I don't know about you, but most of the time I feel like life is spinning faster and faster than with which I can keep up.
When you look outside and see life spinning faster than you can focus on it is easy to become overwhelmed, discouraged and just ...well... get sick. I am convinced the fast speed spin of our daily lives is why so many of us experience the consequences of spiritual, emotional and physical illness. We have spun ourselves into a whirlwind that is impossible to keep up with and it literally makes us sick in one way or the other.
So, what do we do? Some decide to simply get off the ride. These folks shut down spiritually, emotionally or physically. They can't keep up, so they figure the only way to survive its to get off the ride. However, this option back fires. Instead of saving us, when we shut down, it actually kills us.
How many relationships have been killed because one or both people have gotten off the ride and simply shut down? How many people have fallen into complete financial ruin simply because it was less overwhelming to do nothing with their failing finances than to try to do something? How many people have invited otherwise preventable health problems simply because they decided to stop taking care of their bodies and let whatever happens happens? How many people have gotten distracted by the things of this world that won't matter past tomorrow and have run after them while leaving behind their faith in Christ? Yes, getting off the ride...shutting down...is an option, but instead of giving us relief from a life that is spinning out of control it actually makes chaos spin faster and the symptoms of its related sickness turn fatal. However, there is another option.
When the world is spinning faster than you can keep up with, the best thing to do is take your eyes off what is spinning and focus on the One that is the same today, yesterday and forever. The writer of the book of Hebrews in the Bible understood this and wrote the letter with an urgent plea to the church to not get off the ride called faith in the face of persecution. Many in the church at that time had had their property confiscated, been imprisoned, beaten and even killed all because of their faith in Christ. Persecution was spinning around them, some had jumped ship and many more were considering that as their only option. But, the writer to Hebrews reminds them that they and we have another option.
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for
the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at
the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition
from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" Hebrews
12:2-3.
When we try to focus on what is spinning, we will get sick. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we do not grow weary and lose heart. To those who would say, "If only it were that simple", I would push back and say, "Why do we make it more complicated than that?" If the ride called life is spinning faster than you can keep up with, then the worst place to try to focus on is what is spinning and the best place to focus on is what is constant. Not only will such focus keep us from puking our guts out, it will even let us enjoy the ride.
Can I share something from my heart with you as my brothers and sisters in Christ? That is why we do the "Don't Go to Church, Be the Church" day each year. It is a way of both reminding us of where our focus as a church needs to be and measuring whether or not our focus as a church is actually where it needs to be.
Are we a church of people who go to church on Sunday or are we a church of people who go from church services on Sunday to be the Church every day? Right now, we have 110 people signed up for "Don't Go to Church, Be the Church Day" (Thank you to you who have led the way!). In the next two weeks, we are asking at least 200 more of you to help us get our focus where it needs to be on Jesus who said all that matters hinges on loving God by loving others.
Each year, this "Don't Go to Church, Be the Church day" becomes more and more important as it is a litmus test of where our focus lies. If we as a church have our focus on what is spinning we will fight over things that do not matter, we will become self-righteous and judgmental and we will be more interested in being fed than feeding others. But if we will get our eyes off what is spinning, and that includes ourselves, and on to what is constant, and that is Jesus who lived, died and rose again to show us what it means to love God and others,then we will never grow weary and lose heart...who knows you may even find yourself screaming and giggling, "Faster, Daddy, faster!"
It will be great to be back with you this Sunday!
There is only one problem...these rides make me sick. Seeing the world spinning faster than my eyes can keep up with makes my stomach feel like I have chugged a gallon of sour milk and my head feels like someone is hitting it with a hammer. However, since this is my kids favorite ride I had to figure out a way to enjoy the ride with them while not becoming sick for the rest of the day.
Of course, the solution was simple: I can ride this ride, spin as fast as possible and not get sick, by simply keeping my eyes fixed on what is inside the ride and avoiding, at all costs, even peeking at what is spinning outside.
I found the same to be true on this ride we call life. I don't know about you, but most of the time I feel like life is spinning faster and faster than with which I can keep up.
When you look outside and see life spinning faster than you can focus on it is easy to become overwhelmed, discouraged and just ...well... get sick. I am convinced the fast speed spin of our daily lives is why so many of us experience the consequences of spiritual, emotional and physical illness. We have spun ourselves into a whirlwind that is impossible to keep up with and it literally makes us sick in one way or the other.
So, what do we do? Some decide to simply get off the ride. These folks shut down spiritually, emotionally or physically. They can't keep up, so they figure the only way to survive its to get off the ride. However, this option back fires. Instead of saving us, when we shut down, it actually kills us.
How many relationships have been killed because one or both people have gotten off the ride and simply shut down? How many people have fallen into complete financial ruin simply because it was less overwhelming to do nothing with their failing finances than to try to do something? How many people have invited otherwise preventable health problems simply because they decided to stop taking care of their bodies and let whatever happens happens? How many people have gotten distracted by the things of this world that won't matter past tomorrow and have run after them while leaving behind their faith in Christ? Yes, getting off the ride...shutting down...is an option, but instead of giving us relief from a life that is spinning out of control it actually makes chaos spin faster and the symptoms of its related sickness turn fatal. However, there is another option.
When the world is spinning faster than you can keep up with, the best thing to do is take your eyes off what is spinning and focus on the One that is the same today, yesterday and forever. The writer of the book of Hebrews in the Bible understood this and wrote the letter with an urgent plea to the church to not get off the ride called faith in the face of persecution. Many in the church at that time had had their property confiscated, been imprisoned, beaten and even killed all because of their faith in Christ. Persecution was spinning around them, some had jumped ship and many more were considering that as their only option. But, the writer to Hebrews reminds them that they and we have another option.
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for
the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at
the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition
from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" Hebrews
12:2-3.
When we try to focus on what is spinning, we will get sick. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we do not grow weary and lose heart. To those who would say, "If only it were that simple", I would push back and say, "Why do we make it more complicated than that?" If the ride called life is spinning faster than you can keep up with, then the worst place to try to focus on is what is spinning and the best place to focus on is what is constant. Not only will such focus keep us from puking our guts out, it will even let us enjoy the ride.
Can I share something from my heart with you as my brothers and sisters in Christ? That is why we do the "Don't Go to Church, Be the Church" day each year. It is a way of both reminding us of where our focus as a church needs to be and measuring whether or not our focus as a church is actually where it needs to be.
Are we a church of people who go to church on Sunday or are we a church of people who go from church services on Sunday to be the Church every day? Right now, we have 110 people signed up for "Don't Go to Church, Be the Church Day" (Thank you to you who have led the way!). In the next two weeks, we are asking at least 200 more of you to help us get our focus where it needs to be on Jesus who said all that matters hinges on loving God by loving others.
Each year, this "Don't Go to Church, Be the Church day" becomes more and more important as it is a litmus test of where our focus lies. If we as a church have our focus on what is spinning we will fight over things that do not matter, we will become self-righteous and judgmental and we will be more interested in being fed than feeding others. But if we will get our eyes off what is spinning, and that includes ourselves, and on to what is constant, and that is Jesus who lived, died and rose again to show us what it means to love God and others,then we will never grow weary and lose heart...who knows you may even find yourself screaming and giggling, "Faster, Daddy, faster!"
It will be great to be back with you this Sunday!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
"Cowards Wanted"
Recently, I was reading the story of Gideon in the Bible in Judges 6-7. I encourage you to take some time to read this account. Gideon was...well..there is no kind way to say it...he was a coward. Yellow-bellied, no spine, mouse of a man...pick your metaphor, Gideon, was the poster child for cowards.
In his cowardliness, even when he heard God speak, he needed confirmation after confirmation, to even have the courage to believe he heard God in the first place. And it was this coward named Gideon, that God called to be a warrior. Isn't that great! When God goes looking for a warrior, he finds a coward. Why? For one thing a real, warrior would have been more convinced of his strength than God's. God did not need someone who believed in themselves but someone who believed in him. By the way, that principle still remains. The self-help call to "just believe in yourself and you can do anything" may give warm fuzzies, but it is a complete lie.
Gideon was just a coward enough to know that without God's strength he would never stand a chance on the battlefield. So, with confidence in God, Gideon raises up an army of 32,000. But God says, "That's too many. If you win, the army will brag on itself." So, God grew the army down to 10,000, but He said that is still too many. Long story short, Gideon ended up with only 300 soldiers. Here is another valuable principle to keep in mind: What does not add up to us, makes perfect sense in God's mathematical equation.
That night they came upon the enemies camp. The enemy had thousands in his army. Gideon divided the army into three companies, gave each trumpets and empty jars and torches. At the signal, three companies from the distance blew trumpets, shouted, broke the jars and waved the torches. The enemy awoke in panic and began killing one another in confusion thinking the enemy was numerous and among them. Guess who would try a tactic like that? Yes...a coward. A brave man would have went in with an army of 32,000 fighting as any good warrior would. But the coward, Gideon, didn't enter the battlefield and won the day.
That's what God can do with cowards. He can take their lack of confidence in themselves and turn it into a huge confidence in Him that can defeat an army. Got any enemies threatening you? Got any armies camped just over the hill? That is the perfect opportunity for you and me to find out what God can do with cowards.
"Father, let me be the first to admit that often I have more fear than courage. I have more doubt than faith. I have more questions than answers. You give me a sign and look for two more. God I am weak. I am a coward. So, with no confidence in myself and all confidence in you, I pray be my strength...be my courage...let your power fill me so I can see how your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Through you the battle is already one. Amen."
In his cowardliness, even when he heard God speak, he needed confirmation after confirmation, to even have the courage to believe he heard God in the first place. And it was this coward named Gideon, that God called to be a warrior. Isn't that great! When God goes looking for a warrior, he finds a coward. Why? For one thing a real, warrior would have been more convinced of his strength than God's. God did not need someone who believed in themselves but someone who believed in him. By the way, that principle still remains. The self-help call to "just believe in yourself and you can do anything" may give warm fuzzies, but it is a complete lie.
Gideon was just a coward enough to know that without God's strength he would never stand a chance on the battlefield. So, with confidence in God, Gideon raises up an army of 32,000. But God says, "That's too many. If you win, the army will brag on itself." So, God grew the army down to 10,000, but He said that is still too many. Long story short, Gideon ended up with only 300 soldiers. Here is another valuable principle to keep in mind: What does not add up to us, makes perfect sense in God's mathematical equation.
That night they came upon the enemies camp. The enemy had thousands in his army. Gideon divided the army into three companies, gave each trumpets and empty jars and torches. At the signal, three companies from the distance blew trumpets, shouted, broke the jars and waved the torches. The enemy awoke in panic and began killing one another in confusion thinking the enemy was numerous and among them. Guess who would try a tactic like that? Yes...a coward. A brave man would have went in with an army of 32,000 fighting as any good warrior would. But the coward, Gideon, didn't enter the battlefield and won the day.
That's what God can do with cowards. He can take their lack of confidence in themselves and turn it into a huge confidence in Him that can defeat an army. Got any enemies threatening you? Got any armies camped just over the hill? That is the perfect opportunity for you and me to find out what God can do with cowards.
"Father, let me be the first to admit that often I have more fear than courage. I have more doubt than faith. I have more questions than answers. You give me a sign and look for two more. God I am weak. I am a coward. So, with no confidence in myself and all confidence in you, I pray be my strength...be my courage...let your power fill me so I can see how your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Through you the battle is already one. Amen."
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
"Saving Worms"
We watch a lot of PBS cartoons in our house. One of my kid's favorite shows is the Kratz brothers--Two guys that now have an animation to help kids learn all about animals. In a recent episode, the brothers talked about worms and the important role they play on earth. They then showed them talking to real kids as they showed worms coming to the surface after a big rain. They showed 100's of worms stranded on the sidewalk in the sun. The brothers said,"Somebody has got to save these worms. Hurry...rescue the worms by picking them up and setting them on the grass so they can dig back into the ground before they dry out and die." I thought to myself, "My kids are afraid of worms. They would just let the poor things die." However, a few weeks later, we were outside after a rain. Sure enough the worms worked their way to the surface and many were stranded on the sidewalk. I remembered the show and jokingly shouted, "Somebody save the worms!" To my surprise, my kids overcome their fears through compassion and started rescuing the worms. "Come on, Daddy," they shouted. The next thing I knew I was saving worms too.
I suppose there is a lot of fear and prejudice when it comes to human trafficking. I have heard some say they just don't believe that it is a problem in Ohio even though government and independent studies all agree that 1800 American-born and immigrant children are enslaved in Ohio each year. I have heard some say that prostitutes make a choice for this lifestyle so they have to live what they choose. Of course, I doubt that most people know that the average entry age to prostitution in the US is age 13. In light of that, how many prostitutes really had a choice in the matter? I have heard Christians say, "Why are we talking about this? It is not like we can change it?" This is most bothersome, considering Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Others say I do not want to get involved so I can protect my kids. Even though we know that it is our suburban kids who are in as much danger for this modern day slavery as anyone and to do nothing puts our kids in more danger, not less.
I have had thoughts such as those run through my mind in the years leading up to this series. But Jesus has come to exchange my/your/our fears and prejudices for compassion.
Romans 5:8 says, "God demonstrated his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners (might we say, worms?), Christ died for us." He was not afraid of being dirtied or offended by our sin. He took it on. He let it pierce him because he knew "by his wounds we would be healed". He did not hold our choice to sin over us. He came to forgive us and to set us free. He came down from heaven, picked me up, even a worm like me and Jesus saved me. Jesus is saving me!
The writer of the hymn, Amazing Grace, was a former Slave Ship Captain before he was found by God. He then became a preacher. At the end of his life, he began to loose his memory, but he would say, "One thing I always remember: I am a great sinner, but Christ is a greater Savior."
Living Hope Church...let fear and prejudice be turned to compassion not for worms on a sidewalk, but for boys and girls, men and women---27 million of them-- who are dying in modern day slavery today. Register today for the Human Trafficking Awareness Event on August 27 at www.elivinghope.com. Tell some body else about the event. And the next thing you know, you will look around and see people every where saving something of much greater value than worms.
I suppose there is a lot of fear and prejudice when it comes to human trafficking. I have heard some say they just don't believe that it is a problem in Ohio even though government and independent studies all agree that 1800 American-born and immigrant children are enslaved in Ohio each year. I have heard some say that prostitutes make a choice for this lifestyle so they have to live what they choose. Of course, I doubt that most people know that the average entry age to prostitution in the US is age 13. In light of that, how many prostitutes really had a choice in the matter? I have heard Christians say, "Why are we talking about this? It is not like we can change it?" This is most bothersome, considering Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Others say I do not want to get involved so I can protect my kids. Even though we know that it is our suburban kids who are in as much danger for this modern day slavery as anyone and to do nothing puts our kids in more danger, not less.
I have had thoughts such as those run through my mind in the years leading up to this series. But Jesus has come to exchange my/your/our fears and prejudices for compassion.
Romans 5:8 says, "God demonstrated his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners (might we say, worms?), Christ died for us." He was not afraid of being dirtied or offended by our sin. He took it on. He let it pierce him because he knew "by his wounds we would be healed". He did not hold our choice to sin over us. He came to forgive us and to set us free. He came down from heaven, picked me up, even a worm like me and Jesus saved me. Jesus is saving me!
The writer of the hymn, Amazing Grace, was a former Slave Ship Captain before he was found by God. He then became a preacher. At the end of his life, he began to loose his memory, but he would say, "One thing I always remember: I am a great sinner, but Christ is a greater Savior."
Living Hope Church...let fear and prejudice be turned to compassion not for worms on a sidewalk, but for boys and girls, men and women---27 million of them-- who are dying in modern day slavery today. Register today for the Human Trafficking Awareness Event on August 27 at www.elivinghope.com. Tell some body else about the event. And the next thing you know, you will look around and see people every where saving something of much greater value than worms.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
"No Fear"
My kids are often confused about what to and not to fear. For instance, both of my kids use to be terrified of flies. I would tell them, "A fly will not hurt you. It may bug the heck out of you, but it cannot devour you." But still they were afraid. On the other hand, they are not afraid of cars in a parking lot. In the past, both of them have taken their turn darting off with no fear of being hit by a car. They now stay close by, but I am convinced they do not really think there is anything to fear in the parking lot.
The truth is we adults also struggle with fearing the wrong things and not fearing the right things. For example, evil is very good at deceiving us into fearing the truth. Why are we so afraid of the truth? Its true...people are terrified of the truth.
This week I was told that "there are people in our church" who are uncomfortable with having me, their pastor, openly talk about my past sin of pornography. Of course, I do not know who "these people in our church" are or I would be happy to address this with them. But I do not get address this directly because these folks (for all I know it may only be one person) are afraid of the truth. Being afraid to speak the truth is being afraid of the truth.
Guess what? Hell wants us to be afraid of the truth. Because if we are afraid to hear and speak the truth to one another then we will not be real before God and others. And if Hell can keep us afraid of being real before God and each other then Hell knows it will keep us enslaved. The number one way Hell keeps us imprisoned in past hurts, present addictions, pet sins, destructive habits, lies about ourselves, God and the world is by convincing us to fear the truth.
However, God tells us the truth about truth and that is you never have to be afraid of the truth. The truth may not always be fun or easy, but it never need be feared. Here are just a few truths about truth from God's Word:
"Confess your sins one to another and you will be healed" James 5:16. I openly share my past sin of pornography and present issues God reveals to me about myself because confession leads to healing and it invites others to have permission to confess their sins so they can be free.
"Jesus said,'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32. This is why we need not fear truth...the truth always sets us free...where we receive and speak truth we discover freedom!
"Your truth always protects me." Psalm 40:11. We think we are protecting ourselves and others when we lie. Jesus says Satan is the Father of Lies. So when we lie we are working with Satan. And Jesus said Satan's self-imposed purpose in this world is to "Steal, kill and destroy." Therefore, when we use a lie to protect ourselves or others we are actually joining with Satan to kill, steal and destroy. The truth is what protects us, not lies.
I encourage you Living Hope Church family never be afraid of the truth because the Bible says where there is truth there is healing, freedom and protection! After all, it was Jesus who said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life."
The truth is we adults also struggle with fearing the wrong things and not fearing the right things. For example, evil is very good at deceiving us into fearing the truth. Why are we so afraid of the truth? Its true...people are terrified of the truth.
This week I was told that "there are people in our church" who are uncomfortable with having me, their pastor, openly talk about my past sin of pornography. Of course, I do not know who "these people in our church" are or I would be happy to address this with them. But I do not get address this directly because these folks (for all I know it may only be one person) are afraid of the truth. Being afraid to speak the truth is being afraid of the truth.
Guess what? Hell wants us to be afraid of the truth. Because if we are afraid to hear and speak the truth to one another then we will not be real before God and others. And if Hell can keep us afraid of being real before God and each other then Hell knows it will keep us enslaved. The number one way Hell keeps us imprisoned in past hurts, present addictions, pet sins, destructive habits, lies about ourselves, God and the world is by convincing us to fear the truth.
However, God tells us the truth about truth and that is you never have to be afraid of the truth. The truth may not always be fun or easy, but it never need be feared. Here are just a few truths about truth from God's Word:
"Confess your sins one to another and you will be healed" James 5:16. I openly share my past sin of pornography and present issues God reveals to me about myself because confession leads to healing and it invites others to have permission to confess their sins so they can be free.
"Jesus said,'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32. This is why we need not fear truth...the truth always sets us free...where we receive and speak truth we discover freedom!
"Your truth always protects me." Psalm 40:11. We think we are protecting ourselves and others when we lie. Jesus says Satan is the Father of Lies. So when we lie we are working with Satan. And Jesus said Satan's self-imposed purpose in this world is to "Steal, kill and destroy." Therefore, when we use a lie to protect ourselves or others we are actually joining with Satan to kill, steal and destroy. The truth is what protects us, not lies.
I encourage you Living Hope Church family never be afraid of the truth because the Bible says where there is truth there is healing, freedom and protection! After all, it was Jesus who said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life."
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
"The Race"
My wife Kimberly is one among many here who are are training for races in the fall. I will admit that I do not understand the appeal of running. I take a brisk walk every evening and greatly enjoy it, but I tell our kids the only way I run is if something is chasing me that could kill me. As Whether you value running or not, the Bible uses the race as a metaphor for our faith in Christ.
At the end of his life, as he sit imprisoned awaiting his martyrdom, the Apostle Paul wrote, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day--and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Whenever I am feeling weary in my faith, when I am tempted to run off to my own ways and whims, when I feel like I would rather just indulge in what the world says isimportant rather than what God says is important, this passage of Scripture comes to mind. I actually think of the words of one of my seminary professors, Dr. Weigelt. He was genius of a man who some time in mid-life had a major mental breakdown. He openly shared his past mental collapse and his ongoing recovery. The man I knew was far from unstable. In fact, he was an example of one who had come to find complete peace with himself and his God. Perhaps it was his example in this way that made his words stand out all the more. One day in class he said, "The reward of our faith is not for those who start the race. Many start running this race, but somewhere along the way become weary or distracted. They sit down. They give up. They walk off in a different direction. The reward of faith is not for those who start the race, but for those who finish the race. The reward is not for those who run the fastest or for those who run and never stumble. The reward of our faith is for those how finish the race--be it fast or slow. The reward of our faith is for those who finish the race no matter how many the obstacle nor how many times they stumble and must get back up to their feet again. The reward of our faith is what makes the race worth it. But that reward is only for those who finish the race."
Probably the hardest things for me as Follower of Christ is to watch brothers and sisters in Christ who had once started the race, to quit running. Its funny...as much as we all like to say going to church does not make us a Christian (which is very true), but we forget that staying in our faith has very much to do with being the church and you can't be the church alone on the couch at home. I've yet to see a follower of Christ start missing coming together with the Body for worship and transformation to ever finish the race alone. Most likely, the folks to whom I am referring will never read this post. If by chance you are reading, please know that your church family is not here to kick you while you are down, but to help you on your feet again so you can finish the race.
There is a much greater chance that someone is reading today and you feel like giving up...temptation is pounding on your door or the mountains seem too big for you to overcome...I know...I've been there...it feels like it would be easier to give up than to finish the race. The truth is, it would be easier. It is always easier to give up. But before you give up, I urge you to remember that it is better to run while it is hard now and get the reward forever, than to give up because it is easier now and miss the reward forever. I urge you, I beg you, brothers and sisters...finish the race!
At the end of his life, as he sit imprisoned awaiting his martyrdom, the Apostle Paul wrote, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day--and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Whenever I am feeling weary in my faith, when I am tempted to run off to my own ways and whims, when I feel like I would rather just indulge in what the world says isimportant rather than what God says is important, this passage of Scripture comes to mind. I actually think of the words of one of my seminary professors, Dr. Weigelt. He was genius of a man who some time in mid-life had a major mental breakdown. He openly shared his past mental collapse and his ongoing recovery. The man I knew was far from unstable. In fact, he was an example of one who had come to find complete peace with himself and his God. Perhaps it was his example in this way that made his words stand out all the more. One day in class he said, "The reward of our faith is not for those who start the race. Many start running this race, but somewhere along the way become weary or distracted. They sit down. They give up. They walk off in a different direction. The reward of faith is not for those who start the race, but for those who finish the race. The reward is not for those who run the fastest or for those who run and never stumble. The reward of our faith is for those how finish the race--be it fast or slow. The reward of our faith is for those who finish the race no matter how many the obstacle nor how many times they stumble and must get back up to their feet again. The reward of our faith is what makes the race worth it. But that reward is only for those who finish the race."
Probably the hardest things for me as Follower of Christ is to watch brothers and sisters in Christ who had once started the race, to quit running. Its funny...as much as we all like to say going to church does not make us a Christian (which is very true), but we forget that staying in our faith has very much to do with being the church and you can't be the church alone on the couch at home. I've yet to see a follower of Christ start missing coming together with the Body for worship and transformation to ever finish the race alone. Most likely, the folks to whom I am referring will never read this post. If by chance you are reading, please know that your church family is not here to kick you while you are down, but to help you on your feet again so you can finish the race.
There is a much greater chance that someone is reading today and you feel like giving up...temptation is pounding on your door or the mountains seem too big for you to overcome...I know...I've been there...it feels like it would be easier to give up than to finish the race. The truth is, it would be easier. It is always easier to give up. But before you give up, I urge you to remember that it is better to run while it is hard now and get the reward forever, than to give up because it is easier now and miss the reward forever. I urge you, I beg you, brothers and sisters...finish the race!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Attractive or Effective?
Imagine...Your neighbor is in his driveway washing his newly purchased vintage 1967, mint condition, stingray Corvette. O, it is a beauty. It shines...it glistens...it looks too good not to be noticed. You go over to congratulate your neighbor on his new ride.
"That is one good looking car," you say as your neighbor finishes drying it.
"Thanks," says your neighbor. "Since you are here can you help me push it back into the garage?"
"Sure," you say, "Still has some work, huh?"
"Well, it doesn't run, if that is what you mean by work, but I do not plan to do any work to make it run again."
"What? Why not?" you ask.
"I bought this corvette for how it looks not to drive it."
"So, you are going to just look at this beautiful '67 Corvette...you aren't going to ever drive it?" you ask in astonishment.
"That's the plan," says the neighbor as he shuts the garage door.
And you walk away thinking its not just the car that is not running on all of its cylinders.
As ridiculous as that story sounds, the reality is we are encouraged every day to buy into what is attractive but not effective.
You have heard John Colegrove share the statistics on youth ministry in the U.S.--75% of church kids walk away from their faith after they graduate from high school never to return to Christ again. So, then why is the church at large still doing what does not work? Because, while the youth ministry that is producing these negative results is not effective, it is very attractive. It is attractive because it makes parents feel like someone else is taking care of their kids spirituality and because kids say it is fun.
Living Hope's leadership has decided we will not be satisfied with attractive. We want our ministry to teens to be effective. But, frankly, it does not matter what the leadership decides...what will truly decide if we will have an effective teen ministry is if every parent, teen and person God calls steps up by attending one of the three informational meetings, the first of which is tomorrow night at 7 PM at LH. The decision of having an attractive or effective teen ministry is now in your hands. And from where I sit, knowing the heart you have for the next generation, I know our teen ministry is in good hands.
Furthermore, every day, we are told as parents of young children to settle for what is attractive. We are told that as long as our kids are happy and entertained, then all is well. As we buy into this lie we find we have lots of children who are spoiled brats who throw fits every time they do not get their way, show disrespect toward anyone and everyone in authority and are so used to being served hand and foot that they have no sense of personal responsibility let alone any sense of God's call to serve rather than be served.
Can I be honest? (If your answer is no, please stop reading at once :-). If I hear one more parent say they will ask their child if he or she wants to participate in, for example, Vacation Bible School this weekend I think I may very well blow a gasket. Since when do we ask our kids if they want what is good for them now and for eternity? We give them what they need even if they do not want it (Interesting side note--we do not let our kids not go to school or not eat or not bathe, just because they do not want to, so why do we feel like what is good for their soul should be entirely their decision?). This is why we are doing Vacation Bible School in a new format. The old way was attractive for getting a big crowd here, but that crowd was mainly kids from other churches and it was primarily used as a babysitting service so parents could have a break. This new format allows our LH kids to be discipled and to invite unchurched friends (our neighbor and child are coming this weekend) and it requires parents to engage with their child in faith building activities.
As a parent, I know why we have settled for the attractive over effective parenting: it is easier. I did it last night. My daughter began to whine and I just gave in ...I even said to her, "Does it feel good to know you got what you wanted because you cried about it?" (By the way, that is why I am attending the Parenting on Purpose class tonight at LH, 7 PM, child care provided-- I need to learn to be more effective as a parent). You see it is easier to just keep your kid happy and entertained than to intentionally prepare your child for life.
Attractive or effective? It is a question that applies to all of life--work, education, church, health, relationships...everything...Jesus sums up the attractive vs. effective debate in one question. It is a question that cuts through all of our excuses, objections and so-called reasons. Jesus asked, "What does it profit a person to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his/her soul?"
This is my prayer for me today..."Jesus, I need to hear this today as much as anyone. As the urgent of this day demands my attention, give me the wisdom to make what is important most important. Give me permission to let the less than best take a distant second place. Give me the courage to go after what is effective even if it would be easier, with the rest of the world, to just be happy with what is attractive. Thank you, Jesus, that you lived, died and rose again to show me how to live for what matters now and forever. As it is written in your word, "These three remain: Faith, hope and love." Help me to make those three my priority today because that is where life becomes more than a pretty car to look at in the garage. Faith, hope and love are the engine that drives a life to effectiveness. Amen."
"That is one good looking car," you say as your neighbor finishes drying it.
"Thanks," says your neighbor. "Since you are here can you help me push it back into the garage?"
"Sure," you say, "Still has some work, huh?"
"Well, it doesn't run, if that is what you mean by work, but I do not plan to do any work to make it run again."
"What? Why not?" you ask.
"I bought this corvette for how it looks not to drive it."
"So, you are going to just look at this beautiful '67 Corvette...you aren't going to ever drive it?" you ask in astonishment.
"That's the plan," says the neighbor as he shuts the garage door.
And you walk away thinking its not just the car that is not running on all of its cylinders.
As ridiculous as that story sounds, the reality is we are encouraged every day to buy into what is attractive but not effective.
You have heard John Colegrove share the statistics on youth ministry in the U.S.--75% of church kids walk away from their faith after they graduate from high school never to return to Christ again. So, then why is the church at large still doing what does not work? Because, while the youth ministry that is producing these negative results is not effective, it is very attractive. It is attractive because it makes parents feel like someone else is taking care of their kids spirituality and because kids say it is fun.
Living Hope's leadership has decided we will not be satisfied with attractive. We want our ministry to teens to be effective. But, frankly, it does not matter what the leadership decides...what will truly decide if we will have an effective teen ministry is if every parent, teen and person God calls steps up by attending one of the three informational meetings, the first of which is tomorrow night at 7 PM at LH. The decision of having an attractive or effective teen ministry is now in your hands. And from where I sit, knowing the heart you have for the next generation, I know our teen ministry is in good hands.
Furthermore, every day, we are told as parents of young children to settle for what is attractive. We are told that as long as our kids are happy and entertained, then all is well. As we buy into this lie we find we have lots of children who are spoiled brats who throw fits every time they do not get their way, show disrespect toward anyone and everyone in authority and are so used to being served hand and foot that they have no sense of personal responsibility let alone any sense of God's call to serve rather than be served.
Can I be honest? (If your answer is no, please stop reading at once :-). If I hear one more parent say they will ask their child if he or she wants to participate in, for example, Vacation Bible School this weekend I think I may very well blow a gasket. Since when do we ask our kids if they want what is good for them now and for eternity? We give them what they need even if they do not want it (Interesting side note--we do not let our kids not go to school or not eat or not bathe, just because they do not want to, so why do we feel like what is good for their soul should be entirely their decision?). This is why we are doing Vacation Bible School in a new format. The old way was attractive for getting a big crowd here, but that crowd was mainly kids from other churches and it was primarily used as a babysitting service so parents could have a break. This new format allows our LH kids to be discipled and to invite unchurched friends (our neighbor and child are coming this weekend) and it requires parents to engage with their child in faith building activities.
As a parent, I know why we have settled for the attractive over effective parenting: it is easier. I did it last night. My daughter began to whine and I just gave in ...I even said to her, "Does it feel good to know you got what you wanted because you cried about it?" (By the way, that is why I am attending the Parenting on Purpose class tonight at LH, 7 PM, child care provided-- I need to learn to be more effective as a parent). You see it is easier to just keep your kid happy and entertained than to intentionally prepare your child for life.
Attractive or effective? It is a question that applies to all of life--work, education, church, health, relationships...everything...Jesus sums up the attractive vs. effective debate in one question. It is a question that cuts through all of our excuses, objections and so-called reasons. Jesus asked, "What does it profit a person to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his/her soul?"
This is my prayer for me today..."Jesus, I need to hear this today as much as anyone. As the urgent of this day demands my attention, give me the wisdom to make what is important most important. Give me permission to let the less than best take a distant second place. Give me the courage to go after what is effective even if it would be easier, with the rest of the world, to just be happy with what is attractive. Thank you, Jesus, that you lived, died and rose again to show me how to live for what matters now and forever. As it is written in your word, "These three remain: Faith, hope and love." Help me to make those three my priority today because that is where life becomes more than a pretty car to look at in the garage. Faith, hope and love are the engine that drives a life to effectiveness. Amen."
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
"Made for Danger"
What stands out to me about a circus is that most every act has a sense of danger. In a circus people don't just ride on horses, they stand on horses, a man is shot from a cannon across the stadium, the lion tamer puts his head in the mouth of a lion, Walking the tight rope without a safety net, getting elephants that could crush you to learn to step over you, the clowns choreographed falls, hits and spills...it all requires an element of danger. Isn't it that element of danger that keeps crowds coming back every generation?
As we approach, Father's day, I wonder if the reason that the church universal has more women than men is because we have robbed our faith of danger. We have worked so hard to make God out to be safe and secure that we forget that the Bible offers one true story after another in which men and women were required to follow God not away from, but through great, death-defying and some time, death-bringing danger.
Joseph was asked to trust God when his brothers sold him as a slave and told their father he was dead.
Moses was commanded by God to return to Egypt where he was wanted for murder and to tell the most powerful nation of the ancient world to let God's people go.
Joshua was asked to set aside what he had learned at the military academy and to march around the seemingly insurmountable walls of Jericho 7 times.
Esther was required to set aside self-preservation in an attempt to preserve her people by barging into the King's court without being invited as the Persian law required.
Nehemiah, a mere cup-bearer, was burdened to risk his job and life by requesting a foreign King to allow him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Peter, James and John were invited to leave behind their livelihood and trust that their needs would be provided for as they followed Jesus.
Jesus modeled the danger of following God as he was nailed to the cross.
The Apostle Paul was beaten, stoned, imprisoned, ship wrecked, bitten by a poisonous snake, falsely accused, imprisoned and martyred for his faith.
To follow Jesus, is not safe. To follow Jesus is to accept that I will be called to move outside my comfort zone and onto the battlefield. We are not guaranteed safety or survival. However, we are promised that in all things and at all times, if Christ is our Lord and Savior, then nothing shall separate us from him.
To all who accept that we are made for danger, Romans 8:31-39 gives us this promise, "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j]
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
As we approach, Father's day, I wonder if the reason that the church universal has more women than men is because we have robbed our faith of danger. We have worked so hard to make God out to be safe and secure that we forget that the Bible offers one true story after another in which men and women were required to follow God not away from, but through great, death-defying and some time, death-bringing danger.
Joseph was asked to trust God when his brothers sold him as a slave and told their father he was dead.
Moses was commanded by God to return to Egypt where he was wanted for murder and to tell the most powerful nation of the ancient world to let God's people go.
Joshua was asked to set aside what he had learned at the military academy and to march around the seemingly insurmountable walls of Jericho 7 times.
Esther was required to set aside self-preservation in an attempt to preserve her people by barging into the King's court without being invited as the Persian law required.
Nehemiah, a mere cup-bearer, was burdened to risk his job and life by requesting a foreign King to allow him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Peter, James and John were invited to leave behind their livelihood and trust that their needs would be provided for as they followed Jesus.
Jesus modeled the danger of following God as he was nailed to the cross.
The Apostle Paul was beaten, stoned, imprisoned, ship wrecked, bitten by a poisonous snake, falsely accused, imprisoned and martyred for his faith.
To follow Jesus, is not safe. To follow Jesus is to accept that I will be called to move outside my comfort zone and onto the battlefield. We are not guaranteed safety or survival. However, we are promised that in all things and at all times, if Christ is our Lord and Savior, then nothing shall separate us from him.
To all who accept that we are made for danger, Romans 8:31-39 gives us this promise, "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j]
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
"The End is the Beginning"
As you know, in January, I enrolled in Weight Watchers. Last month, I reached my goal, loosing 42 pounds (By the way, I want to give God praise. During this time of weight loss he has shown me in one more way how he can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves as we let him strengthen us through his Spirit and use others to hold us accountable--Thank you Kimberly, my Life Group and my accountability partner, Damon Price). Now that I am at the end, I have spent the last few weeks realizing, this is just the beginning of continuing to live and eat in a whole new way.
The Kingdom of God is like that--the end is always the beginning!
Baptism is not where our faith in Christ ends, but where it begins.
Dedicating ones child to the Lord was not an act that was done once and for all on Sunday, but a commitment that now begins to be lived out every day.
A Graduation is not an end, but a beginning of a new stage of life.
A wedding does not end a romance, but where a romance is truly to begin.
A funeral does not recognize the end of a life, but the beginning of eternal life for those who die in Christ.
The end of the world as we know it is not the end, but the beginning of the new heaven and the new earth that Jesus will make as one.
In the Kingdom of God the end is the beginning because the cross of Christ was followed by the empty tomb!
In Christ Jesus, we have this forever hope: The end is always the beginning! May God help us to live what we believe!
The Kingdom of God is like that--the end is always the beginning!
Baptism is not where our faith in Christ ends, but where it begins.
Dedicating ones child to the Lord was not an act that was done once and for all on Sunday, but a commitment that now begins to be lived out every day.
A Graduation is not an end, but a beginning of a new stage of life.
A wedding does not end a romance, but where a romance is truly to begin.
A funeral does not recognize the end of a life, but the beginning of eternal life for those who die in Christ.
The end of the world as we know it is not the end, but the beginning of the new heaven and the new earth that Jesus will make as one.
In the Kingdom of God the end is the beginning because the cross of Christ was followed by the empty tomb!
In Christ Jesus, we have this forever hope: The end is always the beginning! May God help us to live what we believe!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
"What did you like best?"
When we began our trip home from our small smoky mountain get-away last weekend, I asked the kids, "What did you like best about our trip?"
Seth shouted, "Swimming!"
Seth has become a dare devil in the pool. He cannot yet swim, but he has no fear...actually his lack of fear is somewhat scary for his mom and I. He likes to stay under water as long as he can...I guess, we should have warned his Grandma Kalbaugh about this. I fear she lost a few years off of her life when Seth jumped in the pool and did not come up quickly. (Sorry, Marianne, I admit I saw the panic in your face and I could have put your mind at ease, but some sick part of my sense of humor made me stay quiet and just watch).
"What did you like best, Anna?" I asked.
"Just being together in the mountains...just me, Seth, Mommy and Daddy," she replied.
What about the Hatfield/McCoy dinner theater? What about the momma bear and three cubs we saw in the wild? What about the Ski Lift and Alpine slide? What about the small fortune I wasted on that Pigeon Forge fun house? What about all the fun things we did?
For her the what was only as good as the who. I pray she never looses sight of that. I pray that she lives and dies knowing that the only thing that makes what we do matter is with whom we did what we did.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 encourages us to impress this upon our children: "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
That's what this Sunday is about...its about parents dedicating their children to God as a way of saying, the best thing we can give you is not what money can buy, but in who a heart can believe. Its about people making a public skeptical of their faith as a way of saying nothing I do matters if following Christ does not matter most. It about we as a church family being reminded that loving God and loving others is more important than anything else.
Because one day, our end will come and as Jesus takes our hand and walks us through the new heaven-earth he might just ask about our lives, "What did you like best?" And the only answer that will matter in eternity will be all about "who".
Seth shouted, "Swimming!"
Seth has become a dare devil in the pool. He cannot yet swim, but he has no fear...actually his lack of fear is somewhat scary for his mom and I. He likes to stay under water as long as he can...I guess, we should have warned his Grandma Kalbaugh about this. I fear she lost a few years off of her life when Seth jumped in the pool and did not come up quickly. (Sorry, Marianne, I admit I saw the panic in your face and I could have put your mind at ease, but some sick part of my sense of humor made me stay quiet and just watch).
"What did you like best, Anna?" I asked.
"Just being together in the mountains...just me, Seth, Mommy and Daddy," she replied.
What about the Hatfield/McCoy dinner theater? What about the momma bear and three cubs we saw in the wild? What about the Ski Lift and Alpine slide? What about the small fortune I wasted on that Pigeon Forge fun house? What about all the fun things we did?
For her the what was only as good as the who. I pray she never looses sight of that. I pray that she lives and dies knowing that the only thing that makes what we do matter is with whom we did what we did.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 encourages us to impress this upon our children: "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
That's what this Sunday is about...its about parents dedicating their children to God as a way of saying, the best thing we can give you is not what money can buy, but in who a heart can believe. Its about people making a public skeptical of their faith as a way of saying nothing I do matters if following Christ does not matter most. It about we as a church family being reminded that loving God and loving others is more important than anything else.
Because one day, our end will come and as Jesus takes our hand and walks us through the new heaven-earth he might just ask about our lives, "What did you like best?" And the only answer that will matter in eternity will be all about "who".
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
"Credit Where Credit is Due"
Each year, the Church of the Nazarene asks its pastor's to write a report to give account for the past year of ministry. Our church year ends on May 31 so I just submitted the report for Living Hope. I want to share with you what I reported because this is your report, but also because we need to give credit where credit is due. All praise and glory be to Him from whom all of this has come!
•99 people made commitments to Christ.
•64% were involved in small groups.
• About 154 children were fed every week in our community who would have
otherwise gone hungry on the weekends through our Food 2 Go.
• About 20 at-risk children were mentored every Thursday through our Bloc 25.
•Elderly we were loved, houses were repaired, specials needs children were
served and much more on our “Don’t Go to Church, Be the Church” Sunday.
•Over 100,000 meals packaged through Kids Against Hunger.
•We have partnered with 10 others Nazarene Churches to partner in ministry and
share in mission through the “Synergy Network.”
•One mission team was sent to Ukraine and 24 orphans were sponsored all year
through an on-going partnership with World Light Foundation.
•30 people fully surrendered themselves to Christ to be transformed by the
renewal of their minds.
•We partnered with “30 Days Homeless” to raise awareness and money for aged-out
foster kids who are now homeless in Montgomery County.
•We gave 100% of our offering away to help families in need one Sunday in
January.
•People are finding real transformation through Celebrate Recovery, The Prayer
Ministry for Inner Healing and Freedom From Anger for Women.
•People in our church family have been responding to God’s call and finding
their own mission in the world such as nursing home ministry, working with an
Indian Reservation in South Dakota, providing housing for the homeless, Dayton
Street Ministry, school supplies for children in need, encouraging our
military and much, much more.
In these first ten years we have found what I believe will also be true for the next: "For nothing is impossible with God!" (Luke 1:37). Thank you for being a church that is real, transformed, connected and poured out!
•99 people made commitments to Christ.
•64% were involved in small groups.
• About 154 children were fed every week in our community who would have
otherwise gone hungry on the weekends through our Food 2 Go.
• About 20 at-risk children were mentored every Thursday through our Bloc 25.
•Elderly we were loved, houses were repaired, specials needs children were
served and much more on our “Don’t Go to Church, Be the Church” Sunday.
•Over 100,000 meals packaged through Kids Against Hunger.
•We have partnered with 10 others Nazarene Churches to partner in ministry and
share in mission through the “Synergy Network.”
•One mission team was sent to Ukraine and 24 orphans were sponsored all year
through an on-going partnership with World Light Foundation.
•30 people fully surrendered themselves to Christ to be transformed by the
renewal of their minds.
•We partnered with “30 Days Homeless” to raise awareness and money for aged-out
foster kids who are now homeless in Montgomery County.
•We gave 100% of our offering away to help families in need one Sunday in
January.
•People are finding real transformation through Celebrate Recovery, The Prayer
Ministry for Inner Healing and Freedom From Anger for Women.
•People in our church family have been responding to God’s call and finding
their own mission in the world such as nursing home ministry, working with an
Indian Reservation in South Dakota, providing housing for the homeless, Dayton
Street Ministry, school supplies for children in need, encouraging our
military and much, much more.
In these first ten years we have found what I believe will also be true for the next: "For nothing is impossible with God!" (Luke 1:37). Thank you for being a church that is real, transformed, connected and poured out!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
"We Understand in Part"
Yesterday, our dog, Butterball was neutered. It was funny and some what scary to hear Anna try to figure out exactly what was being done to him. Before his surgery, I over heard her comforting Butterball with these words, "Butterball, this is a big day for you ("If only Butterball knew how big of a day it was," I thought.) You are going to have surgery. They are going to cut you so they can take something out. I don't know what they are going to take out, but it really needs to come out so they can fix you. You want to be fixed don't you? It will be OK."
Then she turned to me and I thought, "O, Lord, please don't let her ask me what I think she is going to ask me."
God denied my prayer.
"Daddy," she asked, "What does Butterball need fixed?" I replied, "Sweetie, sometimes we just need certain things fixed and that is what Butterball needs."
Finally, God came through for me and she was satisfied with my answer.
As adults it is hard for us to see that next to an all-knowing God, we seem like kids trying to figure out life. We try to make sense of what does not make sense in this life. But the Bible urges us to get honest with ourselves about the reality that this side of heaven we can only see in part.
I Corinthians 13 explains: "8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
As much as we want to understand all things here and now, the Bible asks us to acknowledge that we can't...we won't. Can I accept that? Can you? Can I live in the tension of trusting God's love while not yet understanding his ways?
Then she turned to me and I thought, "O, Lord, please don't let her ask me what I think she is going to ask me."
God denied my prayer.
"Daddy," she asked, "What does Butterball need fixed?" I replied, "Sweetie, sometimes we just need certain things fixed and that is what Butterball needs."
Finally, God came through for me and she was satisfied with my answer.
As adults it is hard for us to see that next to an all-knowing God, we seem like kids trying to figure out life. We try to make sense of what does not make sense in this life. But the Bible urges us to get honest with ourselves about the reality that this side of heaven we can only see in part.
I Corinthians 13 explains: "8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
As much as we want to understand all things here and now, the Bible asks us to acknowledge that we can't...we won't. Can I accept that? Can you? Can I live in the tension of trusting God's love while not yet understanding his ways?
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
"The Kingdom of God is like..."
The Kingdom of God is like people taking the bread and cup of Christ to others. These are your stories...
Christ to one who did not feel worthy:
"When they passed out the communion packs on Easter Sunday the friend I invited didn't take one because she said it wouldn't be right because she wasn't living right. I told her that she was exactly who Jesus had in mind when his body was broken and his blood was shed. When I dropped her off at home we took communion in my van in her driveway. We didn't know all the right words to say but for me it was the most powerful communion I've ever experienced."
Christ to the lonely:
"Today I stepped way out of my comfort zone. When I accepted the communion packet Sunday I kind of had an idea who I would share it with. Needless to say...God had someone else in mind. I had thought i would share it with a friend of mine. I figured she has seemed a little down for awhile and could use a boost. Well, today i woke up with the image of my elderly neighbor in my mind. He lives alone and never has visitors and we try to keep an eye on him since he is alone. Throughout the day i had about 4 or 5 moments where out of the blue he would pop in my mind. I kept saying "no way...that will make him uncomfortable and besides I don't even know his beliefs." Well finally at about 2:10 I decided to put my shoes on and peek over in his back yard. He was on his little fenced in patio. Well i grabbed the packet and walked to the fence and after a minute or two i said "OK God...I am not gonna yell for him so if this is you then let him see me over here" Just then he lifted his head and looked over the privacy fence he was behind and waved and yelled hello. When he came out of his gate he began talking about how muddy the yards were and I said "yes...its just awful...but i have a question for you." I told him about the communion and he said "Oh no! I'm not Catholic!" I laughed and said "Well that's ok cause neither am I! We do this because we love Jesus and its to remember His body and blood that he shed for our sins." His face actually lit up and he practically yelled "Well I WILL do that!" So right there in the mud and muck we stood over a rusty chain link fence and shared communion. After we were done he told me how much he loves us and how much it means to him to be cared for. He wanted to repay us for all the help we have given him over the years and i told him there is no need to give us a thing. He said " Its the caring...isn't it." and I said "yes...that's what its all about!" In 20 years of living beside this man he was finally comfortable taking my hand in his and patting it with the other he said "I love you guys and thank you". He left the fence with tears in his eyes."
Christ to the troubled marriage:
"I think this story started a week or two ago. I was speaking with a friend that is going through a divorce and he told me he was depressed. After we talked for a little bit I told him God does everything for a reason, he never said it was going to be easy. But this could make him grow in another direction he don't even see yet or another plan. I said I know it doesn't help much now but listen to him (meaning God) and he will lead you. My friend said back to me I wish I had your faith. I replied the cool thing is you can. So when you said to take the communion to some one I thought of him. I did not take communion with this person though, at first it was to help him through his divorce to try and give him peace. Then when I went to talk to him about communion he told me that his wife contacted him and she want to try counseling one more time. (They have been through counseling two or three other times.) So I told him to take it and split it with her before they started counseling so that they could have the best shot to get through this rough time. And I am not going to lie I also told him not to think I was crazy for giving it to him."
Christ to the widow:
"I brought mine home and on Sunday evening I gave it to my Mom. She was really tired from the day and she set it aside. I wondered if she heard me say that we were supposed to break bread together and share this communion. The next day when I talked with her, she had already taken the communion. She chose to take communion alone with her memories of my Dad and their unfailing trust in Jesus Christ. She shared that moment with God. Mom really appreciated the fact that communion was brought to her when she could not attend church."
Christ to the dying:
"I do want to tell you about taking the communion to one of my hospice patients in a nursing home. When I entered the nursing home I saw the family in the lobby. I went to them and asked their permission to give communion to her.(Her son in law who was there is a minister and I had no idea how he may have felt about it.) They graciously gave their permission and their blessing for me to do this.After talking to the nurse hoping there would not be any dietary restrictions, I was on my way to her room. She is a devout christian so she knew exactly what I had brought to her. But it was also very meaningful to her because Sun. was her 90+ birthday. I can not tell you how appreciative she was that someone would do this for her on Easter. Even though she was in bed when I left her room her hands were raised and she was praying aloud."
Christ to the elderly:
"I took the to go containers to the nursing home yesterday. I shared why we do it and invited Loretta, My Mom and two other residents, Rolland and June to join with me , they were eager to take part.. I prayed and asked for the Holy spirit to fill them as they took in the body and blood of Jesus. Afterward, Junes son, who was there visiting his Mother (probably late teens, early 20's) asked if he could also take communion. He said, I have never done this but I like what you said,and since you have it , I will do it too! Loretta was very happy but she wanted me to put the head of her bed down first so she could see the picture of Jesus hanging above her head. She let me put the wafer on her tongue after I dipped it in the juice, she had a beautiful smile on her face and my Mom closed her eyes, I think she was praying, and then she cried. It was a very moving and spiritual experience!"
Christ to a mother with cancer:
"Mom was unable to attend worship on Easter because she is too weak from cancer. When I came home from worship, I gave shared communion with her. She wept as she received this gift."
Christ to the discouraged:
"I have a friend who I invited to Easter services. He has been so discouraged that he did not come. I took the bread and cup to his house after the service, but he would not even open the door. I put it at his door with a note. Later that day he sent me a text saying he had received communion and how much it meant to him."
Christ to the neighbor:
"For five years, I have lived across the street from a good neighbor. He is always friendly. Easter Sunday, he came to mind. I knocked on the door. When I told him why I had come to share the bread and cup of Christ, he invited me inside. This was the first time in all theses years I was invited into his home. We shared communion together and then sat and talked for some time."
Christ to the homeless:
"Last night during the Dayton Street Ministry, I took my two cups and was looking for the opportunity. During the rain and as darkness fell I came across Mark Anderson. Mark was panhandling at STRT48 and the east bound entrance ramp to I-35, with a cardboard sign, I just caught a glimpse of the word “homeless” and couldn’t read what he wrote. A college girl in a compact car rolls down her window hands Mark a can of Mt Dew, and he thanks her. As he puts the can w/ his belongings the college girl mouths “Thank you “ to me. Mark sees us and asked us to give him a moment while the cars clear, as Mark didn’t want to miss any opportunity for charity. Once the cars cleared he stepped away from his perch where he had positioned cardboard to protect his feet from the saturated ground. He had long white hair, unshaven, thin, a blue ball cap to keep the rain off of him and wore a “smile”. I offer him a couple bottles of water which at first he refuses because he has Mt. Dew to drink. After some casual conversation, Mark accepts 2 bottles of water and a couple burrito’s/pudding cups Charlene Karacia had made and donated to tonight’s event. Mark was focused on us now and not the cars waiting for the light to turn green. Mark put the food and water with his other belongings and thanked us. Mark’s willingness and accepting was so warm, gentle and appreciative I recognized Marks needs we’re greater than what we had seen in this ministry before. God spoke and I moved. I offered him some dry clothes (t-shirt, a polo and a pair of sweat pants), which I carry for just these God moments. A lady with us gave him a plastic Kroger bag to keep the clothes dry, which Mark tied up and placed on the wet ground. We asked if we could pray with him as a group and he gladly accepted. This was the time when we would leave and find our next “customer”, but God spoke again and I moved. I have something for you, I said. I peeled back the wrapper and exposed the wafer. Mark then said … “I KNOW WHAT THIS IS … THANK YOU!!” He ate the wafer and then I opened the cup which he took and drank. I then told him “Jesus’ body was broken and his blood spilled so you may have ever lasting life. I pray for your health, shelter and nourishment my brother”. He then took the cup, as not to trouble me and said “I’ll throw this away”. As we left and waved good-bye Mark returned to his post, perched on the curb standing on cardboard in the rain hoping some motorists would provide him some food or spare change."
This is the kingdom of God...a network of Christ touching people who in turn touch others who are in turn touched by Christ who in turn touch others who...
Christ to one who did not feel worthy:
"When they passed out the communion packs on Easter Sunday the friend I invited didn't take one because she said it wouldn't be right because she wasn't living right. I told her that she was exactly who Jesus had in mind when his body was broken and his blood was shed. When I dropped her off at home we took communion in my van in her driveway. We didn't know all the right words to say but for me it was the most powerful communion I've ever experienced."
Christ to the lonely:
"Today I stepped way out of my comfort zone. When I accepted the communion packet Sunday I kind of had an idea who I would share it with. Needless to say...God had someone else in mind. I had thought i would share it with a friend of mine. I figured she has seemed a little down for awhile and could use a boost. Well, today i woke up with the image of my elderly neighbor in my mind. He lives alone and never has visitors and we try to keep an eye on him since he is alone. Throughout the day i had about 4 or 5 moments where out of the blue he would pop in my mind. I kept saying "no way...that will make him uncomfortable and besides I don't even know his beliefs." Well finally at about 2:10 I decided to put my shoes on and peek over in his back yard. He was on his little fenced in patio. Well i grabbed the packet and walked to the fence and after a minute or two i said "OK God...I am not gonna yell for him so if this is you then let him see me over here" Just then he lifted his head and looked over the privacy fence he was behind and waved and yelled hello. When he came out of his gate he began talking about how muddy the yards were and I said "yes...its just awful...but i have a question for you." I told him about the communion and he said "Oh no! I'm not Catholic!" I laughed and said "Well that's ok cause neither am I! We do this because we love Jesus and its to remember His body and blood that he shed for our sins." His face actually lit up and he practically yelled "Well I WILL do that!" So right there in the mud and muck we stood over a rusty chain link fence and shared communion. After we were done he told me how much he loves us and how much it means to him to be cared for. He wanted to repay us for all the help we have given him over the years and i told him there is no need to give us a thing. He said " Its the caring...isn't it." and I said "yes...that's what its all about!" In 20 years of living beside this man he was finally comfortable taking my hand in his and patting it with the other he said "I love you guys and thank you". He left the fence with tears in his eyes."
Christ to the troubled marriage:
"I think this story started a week or two ago. I was speaking with a friend that is going through a divorce and he told me he was depressed. After we talked for a little bit I told him God does everything for a reason, he never said it was going to be easy. But this could make him grow in another direction he don't even see yet or another plan. I said I know it doesn't help much now but listen to him (meaning God) and he will lead you. My friend said back to me I wish I had your faith. I replied the cool thing is you can. So when you said to take the communion to some one I thought of him. I did not take communion with this person though, at first it was to help him through his divorce to try and give him peace. Then when I went to talk to him about communion he told me that his wife contacted him and she want to try counseling one more time. (They have been through counseling two or three other times.) So I told him to take it and split it with her before they started counseling so that they could have the best shot to get through this rough time. And I am not going to lie I also told him not to think I was crazy for giving it to him."
Christ to the widow:
"I brought mine home and on Sunday evening I gave it to my Mom. She was really tired from the day and she set it aside. I wondered if she heard me say that we were supposed to break bread together and share this communion. The next day when I talked with her, she had already taken the communion. She chose to take communion alone with her memories of my Dad and their unfailing trust in Jesus Christ. She shared that moment with God. Mom really appreciated the fact that communion was brought to her when she could not attend church."
Christ to the dying:
"I do want to tell you about taking the communion to one of my hospice patients in a nursing home. When I entered the nursing home I saw the family in the lobby. I went to them and asked their permission to give communion to her.(Her son in law who was there is a minister and I had no idea how he may have felt about it.) They graciously gave their permission and their blessing for me to do this.After talking to the nurse hoping there would not be any dietary restrictions, I was on my way to her room. She is a devout christian so she knew exactly what I had brought to her. But it was also very meaningful to her because Sun. was her 90+ birthday. I can not tell you how appreciative she was that someone would do this for her on Easter. Even though she was in bed when I left her room her hands were raised and she was praying aloud."
Christ to the elderly:
"I took the to go containers to the nursing home yesterday. I shared why we do it and invited Loretta, My Mom and two other residents, Rolland and June to join with me , they were eager to take part.. I prayed and asked for the Holy spirit to fill them as they took in the body and blood of Jesus. Afterward, Junes son, who was there visiting his Mother (probably late teens, early 20's) asked if he could also take communion. He said, I have never done this but I like what you said,and since you have it , I will do it too! Loretta was very happy but she wanted me to put the head of her bed down first so she could see the picture of Jesus hanging above her head. She let me put the wafer on her tongue after I dipped it in the juice, she had a beautiful smile on her face and my Mom closed her eyes, I think she was praying, and then she cried. It was a very moving and spiritual experience!"
Christ to a mother with cancer:
"Mom was unable to attend worship on Easter because she is too weak from cancer. When I came home from worship, I gave shared communion with her. She wept as she received this gift."
Christ to the discouraged:
"I have a friend who I invited to Easter services. He has been so discouraged that he did not come. I took the bread and cup to his house after the service, but he would not even open the door. I put it at his door with a note. Later that day he sent me a text saying he had received communion and how much it meant to him."
Christ to the neighbor:
"For five years, I have lived across the street from a good neighbor. He is always friendly. Easter Sunday, he came to mind. I knocked on the door. When I told him why I had come to share the bread and cup of Christ, he invited me inside. This was the first time in all theses years I was invited into his home. We shared communion together and then sat and talked for some time."
Christ to the homeless:
"Last night during the Dayton Street Ministry, I took my two cups and was looking for the opportunity. During the rain and as darkness fell I came across Mark Anderson. Mark was panhandling at STRT48 and the east bound entrance ramp to I-35, with a cardboard sign, I just caught a glimpse of the word “homeless” and couldn’t read what he wrote. A college girl in a compact car rolls down her window hands Mark a can of Mt Dew, and he thanks her. As he puts the can w/ his belongings the college girl mouths “Thank you “ to me. Mark sees us and asked us to give him a moment while the cars clear, as Mark didn’t want to miss any opportunity for charity. Once the cars cleared he stepped away from his perch where he had positioned cardboard to protect his feet from the saturated ground. He had long white hair, unshaven, thin, a blue ball cap to keep the rain off of him and wore a “smile”. I offer him a couple bottles of water which at first he refuses because he has Mt. Dew to drink. After some casual conversation, Mark accepts 2 bottles of water and a couple burrito’s/pudding cups Charlene Karacia had made and donated to tonight’s event. Mark was focused on us now and not the cars waiting for the light to turn green. Mark put the food and water with his other belongings and thanked us. Mark’s willingness and accepting was so warm, gentle and appreciative I recognized Marks needs we’re greater than what we had seen in this ministry before. God spoke and I moved. I offered him some dry clothes (t-shirt, a polo and a pair of sweat pants), which I carry for just these God moments. A lady with us gave him a plastic Kroger bag to keep the clothes dry, which Mark tied up and placed on the wet ground. We asked if we could pray with him as a group and he gladly accepted. This was the time when we would leave and find our next “customer”, but God spoke again and I moved. I have something for you, I said. I peeled back the wrapper and exposed the wafer. Mark then said … “I KNOW WHAT THIS IS … THANK YOU!!” He ate the wafer and then I opened the cup which he took and drank. I then told him “Jesus’ body was broken and his blood spilled so you may have ever lasting life. I pray for your health, shelter and nourishment my brother”. He then took the cup, as not to trouble me and said “I’ll throw this away”. As we left and waved good-bye Mark returned to his post, perched on the curb standing on cardboard in the rain hoping some motorists would provide him some food or spare change."
This is the kingdom of God...a network of Christ touching people who in turn touch others who are in turn touched by Christ who in turn touch others who...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
"Easter isn't Over"
This week, I caught myself saying, "Well, another Easter has come and gone."
I could not have made a more inaccurate statement. Easter isn't over!
Jesus' Resurrection started something that will never end! Easter is not about a holiday; it is about every day! New life, fresh starts, forgiveness, freedom, hope...it is available through the resurrected Christ every day. On the days when it is easy to sing and on the days when it is hard not to cry...every day...Jesus Resurrection has changed everything for all time.
1 Peter 1:3-9:
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Are you you receiving what Jesus overcoming death has made possible for you and our world? Receive and you will discover that Easter isn't over.
I could not have made a more inaccurate statement. Easter isn't over!
Jesus' Resurrection started something that will never end! Easter is not about a holiday; it is about every day! New life, fresh starts, forgiveness, freedom, hope...it is available through the resurrected Christ every day. On the days when it is easy to sing and on the days when it is hard not to cry...every day...Jesus Resurrection has changed everything for all time.
1 Peter 1:3-9:
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Are you you receiving what Jesus overcoming death has made possible for you and our world? Receive and you will discover that Easter isn't over.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
"Themes of Lent: Love"
As we walk through this Holy Week, we look back and reflect on the themes of Lent we have explored so far--commitment, obedience, purpose, sacrifice and trust. Jesus is our example for each and he shows us the motivation for each.
It is His motivation that it would seem many fear. And yet, the Bible said when this is our motivation for commitment, obedience, purpose, sacrifice and trust all fear is cast out. So, what is this motivation that many fear and, yet, has the power to dispel all fear? The motivation is LOVE. All of the other themes of Lent are empty of meaning and power if they are not fueled by love.
The Bible explains, "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. Love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The man or woman who fears is not made perfect in love" 1 John 4:16-18.
It goes back to what we talked about on Sunday. Why do want a "Warrior" image of God? Why do we say, "God is not just love" and then reference God's judgment as though it is some how separated from His love. No...No...again, NO! The Bible says, "God is love." End of statement. Period. Any addition to God's nature is our addition, but it is not biblical. God is love! Why do we resist this? Why do so many fear this? Why do we hesitate to simply and humbly receive that God is love. Because God is love, he is just. Because God is love, he will judge the living and the dead. Because he is love, he will discipline us as a parent disciplines his or her child. All that God does flows out of who God is--love!
"There is no fear in love." How much of your relationship with God is driven by fear and its comrades, guilt and shame? Jesus suffered, died and rose again to free you of that not enslave you in it. Perfect love drives out fear. What is it going to take for you to have fear driven out of your view of God and how you relate to him?
Jesus' answer to that question was three words, "It is accomplished", which he punctuated with the cross. Will you receive his answer? His death has accomplished fear being chased away by love. Will you let what what his love has already accomplished be accomplished in you? If you will, then commitment, obedience, purpose, sacrifice, trust...it all becomes about his love.
His love is what we reflect on this Friday as we force ourselves to stare at his blood. His love is what we celebrate this Sunday as we stare into an empty tomb. Brother and Sister in Christ, will you--not the unbeliever--but will you, receive his offer of perfect love that casts out all fear?
It is His motivation that it would seem many fear. And yet, the Bible said when this is our motivation for commitment, obedience, purpose, sacrifice and trust all fear is cast out. So, what is this motivation that many fear and, yet, has the power to dispel all fear? The motivation is LOVE. All of the other themes of Lent are empty of meaning and power if they are not fueled by love.
The Bible explains, "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. Love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The man or woman who fears is not made perfect in love" 1 John 4:16-18.
It goes back to what we talked about on Sunday. Why do want a "Warrior" image of God? Why do we say, "God is not just love" and then reference God's judgment as though it is some how separated from His love. No...No...again, NO! The Bible says, "God is love." End of statement. Period. Any addition to God's nature is our addition, but it is not biblical. God is love! Why do we resist this? Why do so many fear this? Why do we hesitate to simply and humbly receive that God is love. Because God is love, he is just. Because God is love, he will judge the living and the dead. Because he is love, he will discipline us as a parent disciplines his or her child. All that God does flows out of who God is--love!
"There is no fear in love." How much of your relationship with God is driven by fear and its comrades, guilt and shame? Jesus suffered, died and rose again to free you of that not enslave you in it. Perfect love drives out fear. What is it going to take for you to have fear driven out of your view of God and how you relate to him?
Jesus' answer to that question was three words, "It is accomplished", which he punctuated with the cross. Will you receive his answer? His death has accomplished fear being chased away by love. Will you let what what his love has already accomplished be accomplished in you? If you will, then commitment, obedience, purpose, sacrifice, trust...it all becomes about his love.
His love is what we reflect on this Friday as we force ourselves to stare at his blood. His love is what we celebrate this Sunday as we stare into an empty tomb. Brother and Sister in Christ, will you--not the unbeliever--but will you, receive his offer of perfect love that casts out all fear?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
"Themes of Lent: Trust"
Our Son Seth (3 years old) sometimes will stand up on a chair and shout, "Daddy!" and jump! No warning. He just jumps and expects me to catch him whether I am right next to him or across the room. He scares me to death when he does that and, yet, I am so thankful he trusts me to catch him. However, I know what he will one day learn that even a dad who loves you will sometimes let you down.
It is there that many of us get stuck. Don't we? The person we counted on catching us lets us fall. Sometimes it is an accident...we know that...but it still hurts. Other times the person we trusted, lets us fall on purpose. We jumped and with cold, mean hearts they watch us hit the ground and do not even offer us a hand to help us up. That breaking of trust cuts very, very deep.
How many people...how many of us are stuck in broken trust? People who are stuck in broken trust are people are willing to give help, but not receive help. People who are stuck in broken trust are chained by hurt or bitterness or both. People who are stuck in trust only let people get so close. People who are stuck in trust don't just apply their suspicion to other people, but also to God.
The themes of lent we have discussed these last several weeks--commitment, sacrifice, obedience, perseverance, purpose--flow in and out of trust in Christ. Trust is the key that unlocks the door to them all. Without trust commitment is to be feared. Without trust sacrifice becomes abuse. Without trust obedience is a burden. Without trust perseverance is a punishment. Without trust purpose is pointless. With trust all these themes of lent unlock the door called blessedness in our lives. Blessedness is a state of being prosperous in happiness. Are you prosperous in happiness? Do you want to be? Then may be it is time to have a good, honest talk with Jesus about when and why you got stuck in broken trust. Ask Jesus to free you from projecting your distrust of others onto him.
Hours before Jesus' trust was broken by Judas, Jesus said, "Trust in God; trust also in me...I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:1&6). Will you trust Jesus today?
It is there that many of us get stuck. Don't we? The person we counted on catching us lets us fall. Sometimes it is an accident...we know that...but it still hurts. Other times the person we trusted, lets us fall on purpose. We jumped and with cold, mean hearts they watch us hit the ground and do not even offer us a hand to help us up. That breaking of trust cuts very, very deep.
How many people...how many of us are stuck in broken trust? People who are stuck in broken trust are people are willing to give help, but not receive help. People who are stuck in broken trust are chained by hurt or bitterness or both. People who are stuck in trust only let people get so close. People who are stuck in trust don't just apply their suspicion to other people, but also to God.
The themes of lent we have discussed these last several weeks--commitment, sacrifice, obedience, perseverance, purpose--flow in and out of trust in Christ. Trust is the key that unlocks the door to them all. Without trust commitment is to be feared. Without trust sacrifice becomes abuse. Without trust obedience is a burden. Without trust perseverance is a punishment. Without trust purpose is pointless. With trust all these themes of lent unlock the door called blessedness in our lives. Blessedness is a state of being prosperous in happiness. Are you prosperous in happiness? Do you want to be? Then may be it is time to have a good, honest talk with Jesus about when and why you got stuck in broken trust. Ask Jesus to free you from projecting your distrust of others onto him.
Hours before Jesus' trust was broken by Judas, Jesus said, "Trust in God; trust also in me...I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:1&6). Will you trust Jesus today?
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
"Themes of Lent: Purpose"
Is your life driven by necessity or by purpose?
Are your priorities arranged according to the urgent or according to what is important?
Are you making a living or making a life?
Are you investing your time and money in anything that makes someone other than your own life better?
Do you get up every day to do what you have to do or what you want to do?
Would you know what you would want to do if every day you could get up and do it?
Is life more about frustration or fulfillment for you?
Why did God give you life today?
These are the questions of Lent because this season asks us to take an honest inventory of where we are going and why.
Matthew 16:21 records how Jesus answered that question: "From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."
Are your priorities arranged according to the urgent or according to what is important?
Are you making a living or making a life?
Are you investing your time and money in anything that makes someone other than your own life better?
Do you get up every day to do what you have to do or what you want to do?
Would you know what you would want to do if every day you could get up and do it?
Is life more about frustration or fulfillment for you?
Why did God give you life today?
These are the questions of Lent because this season asks us to take an honest inventory of where we are going and why.
Matthew 16:21 records how Jesus answered that question: "From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Themes of Lent: Perseverance"
As I sit here in my office with a space heater warming me as I see snow falling outside my window, I can't help but think, "Are you serious? You've got to be kidding me! It is suppose to be spring, not winter the sequel! AAAAHHHH!" You may say I am overreacting, but to a guy who struggles with seasonal depression, it is no joke. I want sunshine! I need sunshine! Come on, Spring, don't let me down! Well, now that I have gotten that out of my system, let me use my whining for something productive.
Lent is a season that asks us to stare in the face of our Springtime that will not come. Have you ever felt stuck in a winter? May be you are there right now. Stuck in a winter is...the teenager that feels very much alone, but who is also too shy to take the step that is required to make friends...Its the couple waiting and praying that this month they will discover they are pregnant...its the woman who is begging God for her husband to become hungry for God...its trying to force yourself to pound the pavement another day when yesterday was full of rejections...Stuck in a winter feels cold, long, tiring, frustrating, gloomy, hopeless...what words would you use to describe how it feels to be stuck in a winter?
I keep seeing Mel Gibson's portrayal of the Passion of Christ in my mind's eye. Jesus' back torn open, flesh mangled, blood splattering. The soldiers mock him and spit in his face. The long walk to the place of his crscifixion as the cross burdens his shoulders. The nails pounded in his writsts and feet. The hours of struggling to breath on the cross as those he came to love hurl insults at him one last time. It only lasted hours, but the depth and length of that winter cannot be denied as we hear our Savior cry out in winter's agony, "My God, my God why have you forsaken me?"
Winter is dark...it is evil...it is painful...it breaks one's heart...it crushes one's mind...it smothers one's spirit...flowers don't bloom in the winter...grass does not grow in the winter...winter is a time when things die. Have you ever been stuck in a winter?
What do you do when you find yourself stuck in a winter? Before you give your answer, will you let Jesus give his?
What is all the blood and gore of the crucifixion about? Is it it about Jesus love? Yes. Is it about his mercy? Yes. Is it about his suffering with us? Yes. But it is also about something more...it is about something we all need when we find ourselves stuck in a winter. This something we need for winter is not glamorous or appealing, but it is the only way to get to spring. Jesus in his humanness shows us how to walk through a long, cold winter in our humanness. The blood and gore of the crucifixion is about perseverance.
Friends, it still may be cold, gray and snowy outside, but be that as it may, Spring is coming! Warmer, brighter days lie ahead! Winter can kill a lot, but it can't stop Spring's new life!
Lent is a season of facing our "stuck in a winter" places and leaning into the hard, but, o, so hopeful lesson of perseverance. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" James 1:2-4.
Lent is a season that asks us to stare in the face of our Springtime that will not come. Have you ever felt stuck in a winter? May be you are there right now. Stuck in a winter is...the teenager that feels very much alone, but who is also too shy to take the step that is required to make friends...Its the couple waiting and praying that this month they will discover they are pregnant...its the woman who is begging God for her husband to become hungry for God...its trying to force yourself to pound the pavement another day when yesterday was full of rejections...Stuck in a winter feels cold, long, tiring, frustrating, gloomy, hopeless...what words would you use to describe how it feels to be stuck in a winter?
I keep seeing Mel Gibson's portrayal of the Passion of Christ in my mind's eye. Jesus' back torn open, flesh mangled, blood splattering. The soldiers mock him and spit in his face. The long walk to the place of his crscifixion as the cross burdens his shoulders. The nails pounded in his writsts and feet. The hours of struggling to breath on the cross as those he came to love hurl insults at him one last time. It only lasted hours, but the depth and length of that winter cannot be denied as we hear our Savior cry out in winter's agony, "My God, my God why have you forsaken me?"
Winter is dark...it is evil...it is painful...it breaks one's heart...it crushes one's mind...it smothers one's spirit...flowers don't bloom in the winter...grass does not grow in the winter...winter is a time when things die. Have you ever been stuck in a winter?
What do you do when you find yourself stuck in a winter? Before you give your answer, will you let Jesus give his?
What is all the blood and gore of the crucifixion about? Is it it about Jesus love? Yes. Is it about his mercy? Yes. Is it about his suffering with us? Yes. But it is also about something more...it is about something we all need when we find ourselves stuck in a winter. This something we need for winter is not glamorous or appealing, but it is the only way to get to spring. Jesus in his humanness shows us how to walk through a long, cold winter in our humanness. The blood and gore of the crucifixion is about perseverance.
Friends, it still may be cold, gray and snowy outside, but be that as it may, Spring is coming! Warmer, brighter days lie ahead! Winter can kill a lot, but it can't stop Spring's new life!
Lent is a season of facing our "stuck in a winter" places and leaning into the hard, but, o, so hopeful lesson of perseverance. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" James 1:2-4.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
"Themes of Lent: Obedience"
We have signed up to take our dog to obedience school. On the application form the question was asked, "Are there any particular problems you hope to see addressed in obedience school?" I wrote, "Biting and poops in dinning room." I get the biting--I mean, I suppose (though I have never had a dog before, so I may be I am assuming wrong) that all puppy's like to bite and chew--but I do not get the pooping in the dining room. It is the weirdest thing, the puppy goes to the door to tell us he needs to potty, but if he gets any where near the Dinning room its as though pooping becomes involuntary. I am very curious to see what obedience school has to teach us about dining room pooping.
I can say that I think the $80 bucks we are paying is every bit worth learning how to train your dog in obedience. Like, I said, this whole dog thing is new to me (By the way, I really do not want to receive 100 emails telling me dog raising tips; I'll save that energy for obedience school :-). But I know enough to know I want an obedient dog. How nice to have something called obedience school. Heck, I'm even open to seeing if what I learn for my dog applies to my kids :-)! Of course, God could say the same thing about me--I too could use obedience school.
One thing is for sure, the reason me, my kids and my dog need obedience school is because obedience does not come to us naturally. Disobedience...doing what I want, my way...now that comes as naturally as breathing; but obedience, well, that seems as foreign as breathing under water. However, maturity is about accepting that obedience does not withhold the good life from us, but opens us to the good life. I tell my kids all the time, "When you listen to me and your mom, life is a lot more fun." No sooner do I tell my kids that, then I open the Bible and hear Jesus telling me the same thing. We read it on Sunday in John 15:10-11, "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." Obedience is not God's kill joy, it is God's invitation to having your joy made complete.
However, the truth still remains that obedience is not natural. Obedience must be learned. The problem is there is obedience school for dogs, but not for us. On second thought, that is not true. The Bible explains there is an obedience school that we are invited to allow God to enroll us in.
Look at Hebrews 12: 7-11: "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
The word discipline does not mean punishment, but all that goes into raising a child to be healthy. We are invited to "endure hardship" as our obedience school. In other words, rather than let the hardships of life come and go with out any lasting benefit, learn to let God train you in and through hard times. No one says that is easy, but the harvest it produces is worth it.
Well, our dog, Butterball, is signed up for obedience school regardless of whether or not he wants to be enrolled. God, on the other hand, will not require any one to sign up for obedience school. He leaves that up to you and me?
I can say that I think the $80 bucks we are paying is every bit worth learning how to train your dog in obedience. Like, I said, this whole dog thing is new to me (By the way, I really do not want to receive 100 emails telling me dog raising tips; I'll save that energy for obedience school :-). But I know enough to know I want an obedient dog. How nice to have something called obedience school. Heck, I'm even open to seeing if what I learn for my dog applies to my kids :-)! Of course, God could say the same thing about me--I too could use obedience school.
One thing is for sure, the reason me, my kids and my dog need obedience school is because obedience does not come to us naturally. Disobedience...doing what I want, my way...now that comes as naturally as breathing; but obedience, well, that seems as foreign as breathing under water. However, maturity is about accepting that obedience does not withhold the good life from us, but opens us to the good life. I tell my kids all the time, "When you listen to me and your mom, life is a lot more fun." No sooner do I tell my kids that, then I open the Bible and hear Jesus telling me the same thing. We read it on Sunday in John 15:10-11, "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." Obedience is not God's kill joy, it is God's invitation to having your joy made complete.
However, the truth still remains that obedience is not natural. Obedience must be learned. The problem is there is obedience school for dogs, but not for us. On second thought, that is not true. The Bible explains there is an obedience school that we are invited to allow God to enroll us in.
Look at Hebrews 12: 7-11: "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
The word discipline does not mean punishment, but all that goes into raising a child to be healthy. We are invited to "endure hardship" as our obedience school. In other words, rather than let the hardships of life come and go with out any lasting benefit, learn to let God train you in and through hard times. No one says that is easy, but the harvest it produces is worth it.
Well, our dog, Butterball, is signed up for obedience school regardless of whether or not he wants to be enrolled. God, on the other hand, will not require any one to sign up for obedience school. He leaves that up to you and me?
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
"Themes of Lent: Sacrifice"
The couple I have in mind are here every Sunday at the 11 AM worship experience. The only time they miss is when they are out of town. Then, every week, they sneak into the building and make their way to the Food 2 Go room to stock the shelves and take inventory. In spite of their faithfulness, they are not known by many people. It is not because they do not have warm personalities, but simply because they have the personality type that is quite content not being noticed. However, I cannot help but notice them because yesterday they taught me a lesson on a theme of Lent I would just as soon forget. Yet Jesus make sit clear that this lesson is par for the course in following him. The couple taught me a lesson on sacrifice.
Jesus said, "If any one would come after me he/she must deny him/herself and take up his/her cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his/her life will lose it, but whoever loses his/her life for me will find it" (Matthew 16:24 & 25). Let's be honest...we want to follow Jesus, but we don't want to make the sacrifice. But Jesus is honest when he says that no following of Him happens without sacrifice.
To follow Jesus means we will let him show us what of ourselves must be set aside. What of you is Jesus asking you to deny? I don't know about you but regularly, Jesus is showing me that I need to deny myself of my comfort zone, convenience, my time, my money, my personal preferences, my right to be angry, my permission to be negative (I can be really good at that)...the point is, to follow Jesus means sacrifice--small or big. Of course, verse 25 reminds us to keep the sacrifice in context of the promise. Those who loose for him...well, they don't loose...they gain...they gain more than all they could have ever held onto in this life time or the next. Those who lose for Jesus gain life...life to the full now and forever!
That takes me back to the couple in our church family. You see the wife has one kidney that has stopped functioning and another that is failing. She has a portion of her brain that has stopped working and the doctors cannot explain why, but it does explain why her neck involuntarily and painfully turns to the left. She talked about how challenging that makes it for her to read the Bible every morning. On top of that her blood count is off which has the doctors concerned of other, to this point, undiagnosed illnesses. And as if that is not enough, she has severe chronic pain caused by inflammation of her joints. Because of her kidney condition the only over the counter relief she can take is Tylenol. All the while, her husband watches her go through this every day, stands by her side, supports her, encourages her and yet carries the burden of not being able to fix this for her.
And what are they doing? They are gathering with other believers for worship every Sunday? Do you think she feels like being here very Sunday? Don't you think it would be easier for both of them to stay at home? Would anyone blame them? I wouldn't. Believe me, I know plenty of other folks that consider corporate worship an option they can only choose if all the planets in the universe are in perfect alignment. So, why is this couple with legitimate excuse here to worship with other believers every Sunday? The Bible calls it a "sacrifice of praise" in Hebrews 13:15. It is sacrifice that the Bible says God honors in delight. God forgive us for being tempted to make our time of set aside worship together as something that is only important if it is convenient and if it serves our preferences and needs. A sacrifice of praise is beautiful to heaven.
But this couple does not just make a sacrifice of praise on Sunday, they live out the rest of the verse. Hebrews 13:15-16 reads, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
This couple could very easily say, "Well, we made it to worship on Sunday. There... we did our part. God understands our physical problems. We'll let the healthy serve others." We might think that for them or for ourselves, but they do not think that. You see, they understand that to follow Jesus involves sacrifice. And the sacrifice that makes God smile is when we "do good and share with others." Every week, they make their way to the Food 2 Go room to do good and share with children who would otherwise go hungry on the weekends in our community. Not only to do they do what God has called them to do to help hungry children, but they do it with a smile and an attitude of joy.
So, I want to thank James and Diane Van Nest and all of you who week after week make a sacrifice of praise as you gather for corporate worship on Sunday and then make what you do on Sunday matter by making a sacrifice of doing good and sharing with others. I hope you never forget the words of Jesus, which are his promise to you as you deny yourself: "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." Sacrifice will only cost you, but when done for the sake of Christ, it will always gain you a life worth living! Thank you for your sacrifices of time, talent and treasure!
By the way, wouldn't it be great if we showered James and Diane with cards of encouragements this week? Whether you know them or not, why not send them a card? Their address is:
Van Nest
658 Loxwood
Centerville, OH 45458
Jesus said, "If any one would come after me he/she must deny him/herself and take up his/her cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his/her life will lose it, but whoever loses his/her life for me will find it" (Matthew 16:24 & 25). Let's be honest...we want to follow Jesus, but we don't want to make the sacrifice. But Jesus is honest when he says that no following of Him happens without sacrifice.
To follow Jesus means we will let him show us what of ourselves must be set aside. What of you is Jesus asking you to deny? I don't know about you but regularly, Jesus is showing me that I need to deny myself of my comfort zone, convenience, my time, my money, my personal preferences, my right to be angry, my permission to be negative (I can be really good at that)...the point is, to follow Jesus means sacrifice--small or big. Of course, verse 25 reminds us to keep the sacrifice in context of the promise. Those who loose for him...well, they don't loose...they gain...they gain more than all they could have ever held onto in this life time or the next. Those who lose for Jesus gain life...life to the full now and forever!
That takes me back to the couple in our church family. You see the wife has one kidney that has stopped functioning and another that is failing. She has a portion of her brain that has stopped working and the doctors cannot explain why, but it does explain why her neck involuntarily and painfully turns to the left. She talked about how challenging that makes it for her to read the Bible every morning. On top of that her blood count is off which has the doctors concerned of other, to this point, undiagnosed illnesses. And as if that is not enough, she has severe chronic pain caused by inflammation of her joints. Because of her kidney condition the only over the counter relief she can take is Tylenol. All the while, her husband watches her go through this every day, stands by her side, supports her, encourages her and yet carries the burden of not being able to fix this for her.
And what are they doing? They are gathering with other believers for worship every Sunday? Do you think she feels like being here very Sunday? Don't you think it would be easier for both of them to stay at home? Would anyone blame them? I wouldn't. Believe me, I know plenty of other folks that consider corporate worship an option they can only choose if all the planets in the universe are in perfect alignment. So, why is this couple with legitimate excuse here to worship with other believers every Sunday? The Bible calls it a "sacrifice of praise" in Hebrews 13:15. It is sacrifice that the Bible says God honors in delight. God forgive us for being tempted to make our time of set aside worship together as something that is only important if it is convenient and if it serves our preferences and needs. A sacrifice of praise is beautiful to heaven.
But this couple does not just make a sacrifice of praise on Sunday, they live out the rest of the verse. Hebrews 13:15-16 reads, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
This couple could very easily say, "Well, we made it to worship on Sunday. There... we did our part. God understands our physical problems. We'll let the healthy serve others." We might think that for them or for ourselves, but they do not think that. You see, they understand that to follow Jesus involves sacrifice. And the sacrifice that makes God smile is when we "do good and share with others." Every week, they make their way to the Food 2 Go room to do good and share with children who would otherwise go hungry on the weekends in our community. Not only to do they do what God has called them to do to help hungry children, but they do it with a smile and an attitude of joy.
So, I want to thank James and Diane Van Nest and all of you who week after week make a sacrifice of praise as you gather for corporate worship on Sunday and then make what you do on Sunday matter by making a sacrifice of doing good and sharing with others. I hope you never forget the words of Jesus, which are his promise to you as you deny yourself: "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." Sacrifice will only cost you, but when done for the sake of Christ, it will always gain you a life worth living! Thank you for your sacrifices of time, talent and treasure!
By the way, wouldn't it be great if we showered James and Diane with cards of encouragements this week? Whether you know them or not, why not send them a card? Their address is:
Van Nest
658 Loxwood
Centerville, OH 45458
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