WHAT WOULD YOU GUESS THE TOPIC IS?

Our camps were playing a game in Busch Stadium after a Cardinal/Astros game. Having been to so many camps, I had the honor of playing one inning with the Legends.

I was the catcher. Bob Gibson was the pitcher. This photo is of Gibson and me once the inning was over.

What would be the discussion?

I asked Bob before the game if his wife, Wendy, would be at the game. We had become friends along the way and I wanted to greet her.

Bob told me she would be along before the afternoon was over.

As he was facing a batter he yelled in, Hey Terry, Wendy just came in behind you. We were in the middle of the game. I'm trying to avoid making important mistakes. My focus is on catching what he's throwing.

Again he motions and calls out with a batter in the middle of a count, T-e-r-r-y! Wendy just came in behind you. Seemed weird to me. I'm trying to catch baseballs at the moment.

As soon as there were three outs I walked toward Gibson (the picture you see) and questioned, Bob, why did you keep yelling at me about Wendy when we are in the middle of an inning? Because Preach, he scowled, if you would have turned around to see her, I was going to hit you in the back!

Whew! Glad I didn't. But I never did see Wendy during that game.

BUMMED ABOUT YOUR LACK?

Do you ever say the wrong thing? How about the right thing at the wrong time? Or, how about the right thing at the right time the wrong way? There is so many ways we inferiors can mess up a well-intended conversation.

I do not speak of sinful matters which would call for repentance. I speak of hang-nail words and actions which erode our mentals and emotions...the little stuff that personalities like mine make way too big.

These mood breakers ruin the spirit of our days. Discouragement looms in the air. We find ourselves robbed of the day's riches for we cannot restore the yuck soup we just caused.

Oh, but yes we can. I learned a ways back a few helpful perspectives.

1. Everything will be okay.



2. Forgiveness toward ourselves is both possible and important. Drop it.



3. Drop the need to go around explaining and re-explaining. Learn to let it go.



4. Most of the time those on the other end are not even phased by what you would regard as social collapse.



5. Everything will be okay.



6. We insecure fret over matters the maturer dismiss. We needlessly torture ourselves.



7. The more we throw ourselves into the community filled with murders, cancers, and fatalities the more inclined we will be to give previous disturbing issues a shrug and move on.



8. Everything will be okay.

I wanted to write about the Cardinals terrific and historic comeback last night...but I feel led that some need the above much more.

(World Series: Cope 3 Rush 3)

THE FRUIT OF PATIENCE

Patience is an odd sort within and among us. Each of us severely needs it from all others. Yet, ours runs like many bank accounts....thin.

If ever there was a trait involving the gift of God toward us in order to be renewed day by day, it surely involves patience from Him and from all others. We are in a place to start life over because of patience.

It isn't a self-mustering patience, either. For that sort runs dry. We must have the fruit of the Holy Spirit to carry on in the kingdom with ones like me....and like you. We test each other. The tests get....testy.

Just as the Prodigal Father was quick to celebrate, I think this is what saves me among us. I am surrounded by Prodigal Fathers, Mothers, Brothers, and Sisters.

I so enjoy the kingdom life and its resurrection power. But my taking two steps forward and three steps back week after week leaves me in need of someones willingness to allow the Spirit fruit to pass through their veins.

The fruit of patience is a grand and glorious product of heaven alive on earth. We not only really need it, we really have it coming toward us.

Praise His name!

GAME #6 POSTPONED

Everything goes right for me!

Although the Cardinals were to play tonight, I was going to be at church.

Tonight's game is cancelled due to inclement weather. How strange. I am to be in class because it's Wednesday!

So I look forward---we can look forward---to a game tomorrow night.

I share this picture with Curt Flood and Tim McCarver. McCarver is the TV analyst, alongside Joe Buck, for the Series.

This is a picture taken when I was 34 years old at my very first Cardinal camp. McCarver was my team's coach. They made me a catcher because no one else wanted to do it. Some pitches hurt my thumb so badly that I wore a shoe horn inside my glove...until they found out!

Root for me....as I don't want Cope to win!

NAILED PREACHERS MUST RISE FROM THE GRAVE

To preach or not to preach? Or....to preach or quit preaching? These are the questions for many. Shall I go into preaching? is the question for some at the moment. Shall I get out of preaching? is the flip side of the questioning coin.

The correct answer is based on the call of God. If you are looking for a 9 to5 job with security, maybe not. If you have a fire in your bones that won't let up, then absolutely set your eyes on the privilege of preaching.

Should one get out? Answer the questions above.

But there is one element I would ask you to ponder. In the line of preaching, do you really understand the many will try to beat the crap out of you and some will succeed? This cross thing isn't a point for a flannel-graph nor a power-point. It is a way of life.

Look at the guys from our tribe who are making the biggest impact and building the powerful churches. All of them have one thing in common; they are beaten to death by the brotherhood at large. The good news is they had/have it coming because of who they follow.

If you want to preach and believe you will escape the deep scars from brotherhood beatings, you need to rethink the call.

Ask Max Lucado or Rick Atchley if they have very many bad days, evil reports, or dreaded nights of private tears? I guarantee you they have been run through the grave and that's what every soldier of Christ's must face. If one tells you this doesn't need to happen, treat them as Jesus did Peter upon receiving that exact advice.

Right now I am reading a most fascinating book by Don Finto. Does anyone remember Don Finto? When I was in preaching school in the early '70s, Don Finto was the man we Pharisees mocked the most. He was a hippie who did things way out of our CoC rigidity. He was growing a church unlike the ways we did (or would if we had a church that would grow).

But I learned from being necessarily beaten by the brotherhood, we've got it coming. We are set up; not for failure, but for success by appearing as failures due to the dog-yipping streams of bad press. The good news is that this, too, is a part of our job descriptions.

Wanna preach? Check on whether you are called. And if called, you won't ever want to quit. Tears will come. Disorientation will stalk. Life in Him will always be the reward of every threatening moment.

My word to you young guys? Don't quit. And don't even think about pacifying the segment of our brotherhood who is in it for the pride of being the only ones' right. These will shoot at you and some will hit the heart with their printing presses and their Preachers' Luncheon gossip.

Do not be afraid. Do not to worry. These are the footprints of Jesus. Pain in preaching? We have it coming. The cross insists.

OUR SUNDAY WAS SO SPECIAL

God keeps blessing.

It seems that several factors continue to position us for God to bless our assemblies.

We are learning to love God from the heart instead of officially. There is a difference.

We still want to know what the Bible says. Surely we are stuck on some doctrinal claims as if the Word teaches it when it really doesn't. But even this has such a deep call to continue in search of the Scriptures.

Our confidence is in the Spirit and not in ourselves; a specific Word admonition.

One of our recent homeless visitors brought a homeless guest. Three homeless were sitting among us Sunday and I love it that we don't talk about the noble concept but actually get to receive the blessings of their presence.

God gave us one very special Sunday. The place was moved by His presence. I am privileged to watch such a scene. Our people are special as we watch for God to do things for us (and with us) we cannot design nor manipulate.

What is it about your place of service where you see Father pouring out His blessings due to His presence?

COPE UP 3-2

Mike Cope's Rangers pulled ahead of my Cardinals last night.

I'm not worried. We are in the World Series. Plus, my waitresses' name whom I met before the series began is "Destiny"!

It is a big thrill to win the World Series. It is also a huge thrill just to be there.

And, about you, this is something we need to work on. It must be emphasized as a reminder to be sure to enjoy the presence of the moment. Today's schedule, with its agonies and strains, can cause us to miss out on the beauty of the moment.

Like right now. The game continues. Don't lose sight of the fact that your eyes see (what a thrill), your ears hear (same joy) and your lungs breathe without a machine.

Try not to get so wrapped up in winning that you forget the privilege of having your own uniform.

A word to Cope.....MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS!

WHAT TO SAY BEYOND THE SMALL TALK

I just returned from a quick trip to Dallas to watch my Cardinals get beat last night (Sunday) by the Texas Rangers. As of now, the victories stand at Cope 2-Rush 2.

In traveling I watch for opportunities to connect with whomever God places in my path. I do the usual, Where's home for you? What do you do for a living, etc. Once I learn some surface things, I try to leave each person with some sort of meaningful thought to the extent that God might use me...or one of us...well down the road.

1. Re: the woman who came onto the plane and sat beside me going to Dallas. I shared with her that sometimes life gets a bit tedious. I gave her my bubble gum (business) card. If that should happen and she needs a listening ear, keep my card for that moment. I've already received an email from her.

2. Re: the very pretty woman who sat beside me in the airport as we awaited our flight to return to Tulsa. I asked her, since she was obviously attractive, if she ever encountered feeling insecure and inferior. I don't believe she had ever been asked such a thought. Her affirmative answer let me sow kingdom seed as to His "yes" world.

3. Re: the woman who later came along and sat beside me on the plane. After the small talk I found that this 50-ish year old had lost her husband to cancer last month. A very delightful lady she is. Upon asking her how she was coping, I told her where my office is and that if the burden becomes over-the-top that I am one who would be happy to encourage.

4: Re: the soldier that sat with me on the plane when Mary and I were traveling to Richmond in March. Upon learning that he was headed to Afghanistan while leaving behind a wife and three little boys, I inquired as to what church would help his family back here should they encounter struggles. He said they had none.

I gave him my card and told him that first they should find such a church. Too, that he is welcome to email me if anything should arise while he is gone. I would contact a church in Richmond to help.

Within the next month the soldier wrote me that he, his wife, and three boys were attending a local church.

We simply sow seed. We move beyond the small talk where we can. Usually the door opens when the topic is how we might offer encouragement.

ON HOLD FOR HEAVEN?

The 5-step Restoration Movement has inadvertently created a doctrine which reduces global outreach. Somewhere along the way baptism became such an arguable matter in communities that our people picked up the drift that the main thing about life is to be baptized so one can go to heaven.

The least in the church know this doctrine. You have to be baptized to go to heaven.

The result, however, has been detrimental in that it has put much of the Church of Christ over the years on hold. Baptized. Heaven. Baptized. Heaven.

What about the life in between?

For too many it seems the goal has been to avoid anything which might disrupt the admission into heaven. This is a grand error which has been swallowed hook, line, and sinker.

We are to be buried in Jesus to walk a new life; a life of shining, of interacting, and of maturing.

The church has come to a virtual stand-still in too many regions because it prides itself in its teaching on baptism when, in reality, it may have slowed down the evangelism process by missing the abundant life in the Spirit which was immediately and perpetually to follow.

THE PROTEST

I just spent 30 minutes writing a post which was seriously challenging in the offering of hope to overcome the root cause of church deadness globally. It was right on target as it so cut to the real cause of lethargy and proposed a curing movement.

It would not post. I do not believe it was because God did not want it; but because dark forces intervened. I will give it another shot down the road.

For now I want you to know why there is not a new writing awaiting you this morning.

Not discouraged...but convinced....I had something for you today.

(Of course when I tried to post this one....it worked the first time.)

HOW TO ACCOMPLISH MAJOR THINGS

From early childhood, boys and girls dress up; dreaming of becoming....becoming outstanding, the best, famous, unique, heralded, accomplished. Some of these eventually become real and outstanding stars. I wouldn't know what percentage but I would guestimate maybe 10?

This is one of my favorite kingdom thoughts because I always wanted to do big; not movie star big or President big....but meaningful and important.

God wonderfully changed the locks on this ambition. He is the One big and no one else. Yet, our dreams can be/are fulfilled in Him.

How?

From Spirit perspective we reverse our mode of operation. We still dream of the major coming from us. The key is "coming from us" like in II Cor. 3:4 where we are never adequate but the Spirit is adequate within us.

The childish "to be big" views the world of opportunity from the wrong end of the telescope. Believers aren't called to have a vision for grand accomplishment but rather an insight on the value of seed. God's system moves us from the major to the smallest minor...seed.

We plant seed. We water seed. God causes the big. Never us. Yet, we are in on it from the ground floor and are satisfied beyond "personal stardom". We have confidence in seed life; placing a needed phone call, delivering a pie to a neighbor, greeting strangers with kindness, praying with no evidence of results except invisible faith, and reacting with grace to criticism.

The seed life lets all of us into the board room where we become major players. Where this has helped me mostly is in the area of envy and jealousy. I wanted to be among the big boys; whatever the big boy world was at the moment.

Today I am content; just a Paul mentioned in Philippians 4. I am content if it goes North or if it goes South. My retirement statement last quarter lost 20%. What should I do? Be content. Millions have no retirement account.

Sow seed. That's where the big stuff happens. Sow it for 15 and 45 years. God is faithful. Wonder results.

Wasn't it God who promised through Paul that He would do more than we could imagine or think? Then....let's get going!

WE WIN! WE WIN!

My Cardinals backed their way into the World Series. Beating out Atlanta on the last day, they have eeked out wins along the way to make it to the big stage.

The rest of the way is gravy. Nonetheless, they pulled off a victory last night over the mighty Rangers.

I pulled up one of my Legend's Camp pictures to give you a bit of flavor for what Swindoll told me was the best of both worlds; I get to preach and to play baseball.

Oh you know it is all in fun, but I have such a good time with the Cardinal camps. This picture shows legendary Bob Forsch seeking my autograph just before a game. (Of course he's being silly.) I try to treat the stars with kindness as not all of them get to hang out with me. I do what I can (sigh)!

My Cardinals won the first game of the series last night. I think any team that makes it to the World Series has already won...regardless of outcome. We win! We win!

And so it is with the spirit world. Because of all that Jesus did and does. The games were over at the empty grave. We win! We win!

MY MOST SERIOUS WORLD SERIES PREDICTION

I will say up front I am a very big Ron Washington and Texas Rangers fan.

I will not do as Mike Cope, though, and betray my Cardinals. Shame on Mike for converting. I am going to contact Joe Buck and ask him to not say hi to Mike during the entire series. (I'm not sure Pepperdine knew of this glaring glitch before replacing Jerry Rushford with him.)

I predict Theriot, Punto, and Craig will be key players.

What my guys will do to win is both distract and irritate the Texas Rangers. Punto, Theriot, and Craig will be key players that will catch the Rangers off guard.

I will be at game four to monitor the event.

Will we win? Why not? We've backed into all the rest of the playoffs. I predict the Cardinals will prevail in nine games.....maybe ten.

I'm just sayin'.

ECONOMY WISE? CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR ERA.

I want to say that I am about to address the greatest blind-spot in the church. But will not say it for I am sure God can see so many things to which I am yet completely blind. However, I do discuss a significant matter.

Giving.

Giving is what some believers and non-believers alike have come to regard as that six-letter church word. To the extent of it immediate social rejection, it should surely be given a double-take as to its absolute and profound God-muscle power.

Giving is the back-breaker to doubt. No doubter gives to God. The more we surrender our keeping power the more our spirits open to receiving power. And...receive we do!

The issue is the flat out dependence upon God. Nothing more...or less. Will God provide? Will He be there?

Giving works from a tree limb and a saw. The more we open our purses in abandon the more we receive in multiple-fold. God never returns dollar for dollar. He breaks the calculator!

I have learned to give over the years. My retirement account is not dependent upon headquarters in Ohio. It is kept in a vault in heaven.

I really don't know how my next 20 years go as far as income and provision. That is yet to be seen for I am confident in His supply. But I do know how my first 10,000 years go in heaven for I have been contributing to my ERA (Eternal Retirement Account) for about 40 years now.

Money matters. Giving it away is the call from above. Let's do it....better than ever before.

WHAT IS GOING ON AMONG US?

I care not to sound as some sort of prophet for I know nothing about being such. I do have senses; sometimes well-trained and sometimes far off of the mark. So know that I know it. All right?

I watch the world's turbulence. Protests of violence and others of threat are global. World economies are falling like dominoes. Political debate and religious unrest grab one major headline after another. This world is surely upset.

It makes me wonder if a major shake-up is on its way. And if it is, will we have the church prepared? Is Christian faith about to be taxed with a persecution out of proportion to our preparation?

This sounds terribly gloomy. However, the Word has always been more serious about disciplines in Jesus than I would ever truly grasp.

Please don't take me as a negative worry-wort...unless I truly am. It could be my age. Whatever the reason, I keep wondering if we have our people prepared to faithfully and enduringly believe in Jesus during the very rough spots; the likes of what we have never yet seen nor heard.

THE GREAT NEED THAT IS STILL THE GREAT NEED

Jesus is ever the issue for everything we are and do. It seems that once he was simply an endorsement like at the close of our prayers; his name tagged the pleas. Yet, we must continue to learn of him and grow into him.

Jesus is the difference-maker. His reality and his participation in our walk is essential. Our work is to believe him.

Some don't. Some believe in baptism with little real conviction that he is involved even remotely in our days. Yet, he surely is.

Jesus changes our salvation for we get it from his provision; not from our steps. Jesus changes our worship for until he is centered our songs and orders are humanistic while in church buildings. Jesus changes our dispositions. He turns every setback into kingdom promotion. He never fails.

Be encouraged. We have so much to take in; so much to develop. But all of us know the solution to this and any other challenge. It is Jesus. Not the lip-service of his name, but the very concrete certainty that he lives within us, through us, and among us.

May the church let go of its man-made fears and cut loose with a faith which would match the resurrection of the living Jesus.

PRIVILEGED TO PREACH AT MEMORIAL

I love the anticipation of our Sundays! Yesterday was as usual...fabulous!

What I like about Memorial is that what we once preached and talked, we now experience.

The place was packed; full of visitors. Two homeless men who have never met (individual bridges) were with us due to the compassion of sweet members. Two of our very poor from the food pantry were sitting in our midst.

What blessings.

It is extremely rewarding to sit among believers who get it best we can. And....we are still learning. If I were to choose to be someone, it would be me. I get to be with this church!

AN IDEA TO HELP THE "POOR ME"ERS AMONG US

A "poor me" personality seems to land ever-so-often among the flock. This person is never happy and seems to thrive on "neediness". The cry is extreme in sad face and sadder speech. By His grace there will always be a couple of compassionate souls who listen endlessly to the tales of woe.

I think there is a way to truly minister to such a person for we are all in need. It is just that this type hasn't realized what it is which will bring fulfillment. It seems they believe repeated and rehearsed sadnesses will draw sympathy.

Might these learn that one reaps what one sows? If attention is what one needs, sow it. Don't stand and ask for it.

These needy among us are accurate in that they have great need for acceptance and inclusion. God's way of getting it is to give it away. If these would but show interest and concern over others, their hunger would be immediately satisfied as well.

Anyone who wants to reverse their life can by sowing the seed of that which they have greatest need. In others words, give away the last drop of oil in the jar. Don't keep it for self. Give it away. Full jars will follow.

IF I SHOULD BECOME PRESIDENT

If I were running for President of the United States, I would lose.

But if I should by chance happen to win, I would step up to the microphone wearing my new tie at my Inaugural Address and I would say from my teleprompter; Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.............be nice, be humble, and be sure to pay for your own postage stamps.

I would then go with my Vice President to Arby's for a Coke.

I just thought you might wonder what I would say if I were President of the United States.

BRANDISHING FATAL WEAPONS

Yet another tragedy has rocked Tulsa. I sat with a family yesterday suffering from shock and trauma. Earlier this week their sister, 46, shot and killed her 12 year old daughter and then turned the gun on herself. That two-hour interview and counsel was exhausting for all of us.

The double funeral will be at Memorial Monday at 10:00.

Sympathy runs rampant for this family. Too, it is guided toward both the victim and the one who pulled the trigger. What to think? What to say? What to do?

I dare not suggest this development is anything other than ruinously devastating. I do draw our attention to guard against our own sighs of disbelief that one could do such a thing. I believe we pull the trigger day by day with the invisible ammunition which surely kills the heart...our words.

Words are either magic or deadly. We choose whether to use words to serve or to destroy. God is emphatic to mimic Him by using creative powers by speaking phrases which give grace for the need of the moment.

Yes, the momma aimed at her daughter and then herself. A question that I have is who took aim on the momma over the past few months by killing her with offensive words which destroyed her mind. Some words need to be kept in the cabinet for if the wrong person gets hold of them they can be fatal.

Take careful aim. Pierce hearts with approval and love. Speak life. Cause life.