A note came to a few of us from a dear friend who had been hurt by another. A struggle ensued of frustration, disappointment, and even retreat. His words called for help; and help we must and can. So what would you say?
I share my note back simply for the purpose that you may find similar times where you are called to minister to one hurting over sinful deeds coming in their direction. If the following words help....then good.
Friend,
I read your words with the pain intended. While I am sorry for your struggle; yet I am proud of you in it. You are a good man.
Here’s how I get through this kind of thing…for it is very much a part of our walk; intentionally so. I would direct you to II Pet. 2:21-25….read about Jesus dying from the cross to save us….and then (since it was written that we catch our purpose)….read it again by putting your name everywhere Jesus name goes and putting the offender’s name everywhere our name first went. You will discover, again, the cross is for such a time as this. Jesus healed us and we, in turn, heal others….both healings take place from the cross. The world of sinners cannot get well without the perpetual dying on the cross by those indwelled by Jesus.
Rejection and offense are the style of the cross and it is at that point we tend to want to abandon. Don’t. Rather do the impossible as did Jesus….forgive. Don’t just forgive and forget….but by your forgiving you make the offender well. He/she cannot get well until a savior (us following in his steps) releases others of their shameful error.
You are a hero to me, my friend. It means a lot to me you would reach to us.
Blessings and love to a very good man,
Terry
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
THE MAGIC OF MAGIC MARKERS
Lately I have had a bit of trouble with my garb. I've lost 20 pounds so I'm in the process of having my shirts and pants altered. Last week I decided to wear to church a pair of pants yet to be adjusted. I was miserable and expressed such to the congregation. I felt like I was wearing curtains; the pants were so big.
Today?
Well, I thought I had it all lined out. I chose a pair of slacks I particularly like; sort of a gray and black tweed. With my white shirt, tie, and blue blazer....well I look pretty sharp!
I came into the office and sat down at my computer. It was then I noticed I had a patch of white frosting on my pants. Odd, I thought, I had toast for breakfast.
It was not frosting, folks. It was a large hole where the moths had held a barbeque. Do I change or not change? No...I'll wear them anyway. And then I had a sufficient idea! Why not take a black pen and dot the white spot to fit into the pattern. Wa-la! Looks good for a bad situation.
Magic markers....really are magic!
Today?
Well, I thought I had it all lined out. I chose a pair of slacks I particularly like; sort of a gray and black tweed. With my white shirt, tie, and blue blazer....well I look pretty sharp!
I came into the office and sat down at my computer. It was then I noticed I had a patch of white frosting on my pants. Odd, I thought, I had toast for breakfast.
It was not frosting, folks. It was a large hole where the moths had held a barbeque. Do I change or not change? No...I'll wear them anyway. And then I had a sufficient idea! Why not take a black pen and dot the white spot to fit into the pattern. Wa-la! Looks good for a bad situation.
Magic markers....really are magic!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO BE A PREACHER?
To begin, the above title is far too skimpy. The truer title needs to be, Why Would Anyone Want to be a Preacher or a Youth Minister or an Outreach Minister or a Children's Minister or an Involvement Minister or a Missionary; Full-Time or Part-Time?....But I felt the Title Bar wouldn't hold so many words!
The fundamental question is why would anyone subject themselves to full-time or part-time roles in the church. The answer is simple; it's the greatest, most exciting, most challenging work on earth! That's why!
I passed through our huge complex of a snaggled building early this morning to check on progress of the Christmas decor of the auditorium. I love December, Christmas, and our team that decorates our place.
As I was meandering along I had that surge of gratitude strike once again of "I actually get to be here and do this." I live a dream which has come super-true.
Upon reflection I realized a part of this walk which may need to serve as a reminder for some. I regretfully wonder how many don't get to live their super-true dreams because they gave up far too soon. There is something to be said about the value of challenge and endurance.
Therefore for any who are about to toss in the towel after wiping your hands of one frustration after another, I tell you two things:
Why would anyone want to be a preacher? Well, I think it would be because some covet the over-joy of being crazy about life!
The fundamental question is why would anyone subject themselves to full-time or part-time roles in the church. The answer is simple; it's the greatest, most exciting, most challenging work on earth! That's why!
I passed through our huge complex of a snaggled building early this morning to check on progress of the Christmas decor of the auditorium. I love December, Christmas, and our team that decorates our place.
As I was meandering along I had that surge of gratitude strike once again of "I actually get to be here and do this." I live a dream which has come super-true.
Upon reflection I realized a part of this walk which may need to serve as a reminder for some. I regretfully wonder how many don't get to live their super-true dreams because they gave up far too soon. There is something to be said about the value of challenge and endurance.
Therefore for any who are about to toss in the towel after wiping your hands of one frustration after another, I tell you two things:
- I don't blame you. This isn't easy. Yet it is the Enemy who targets us for quitability.
- Don't give up. I will testify that I spent far too many days not knowing up from down....but each was important to break me of me.
- (I know I said two things, but it's my blog and I've changed my mind.) In case you wonder what it is like in my shoes, here is the bottom line; I am the most nothing anyone could possibly be.
- God can and will use anyone who is willing to try and fail and try some more.
- Working in and with the church is a dream job.
- Don't give up. God does some of His most fantastic work when the armies and mountains have us cornered and the sea has us blocked in.
Why would anyone want to be a preacher? Well, I think it would be because some covet the over-joy of being crazy about life!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
A PERSONAL OBSERATION
I have noticed something significicant; sort of a benchmark realization. The more I don't understand how things work or work out, the more alive I seem to feel; the more exciting life seems to be.
In my early years I guess I thought I would eventually corner comprehension as well as a good bit of understanding. Not. The more clueless I seem to become about most things, the more I seem to be content with God's unexplainable mystery.
Go figure. I've made life way too difficult. I have learned over time to enjoy the simple things....like now.
For instance. Did you notice I misspelled observation in the title? Just wanted to for the fun of seeing if you caught it (and how did you like signficicant)!
Anyway...I like right now! Happy Thanksgiving!
In my early years I guess I thought I would eventually corner comprehension as well as a good bit of understanding. Not. The more clueless I seem to become about most things, the more I seem to be content with God's unexplainable mystery.
Go figure. I've made life way too difficult. I have learned over time to enjoy the simple things....like now.
For instance. Did you notice I misspelled observation in the title? Just wanted to for the fun of seeing if you caught it (and how did you like signficicant)!
Anyway...I like right now! Happy Thanksgiving!
THERE'S TALK. THEN THERE'S FRUIT
All through my years of ministry it is not unusual to find a few here and there who esteem themselves a few spiritual steps above the rest of us. Ah, one might find me there on occasion. Either way, it isn't a good thing.
In the bus ministry there were a handful who felt more devoted than the rest. They operated from constant criticism of the workers, the church leaders, and basically Christianity in its present form. Too, there were those who gathered in large conventions to discuss our discipleship failings....and their successes. Even today the exasperation of the church not being radical enough finds some pulling away for we are not good enough for their assumed faithful prowess.
A thread of clear irony runs through all of these moods. Dissatisfaction. Unhappiness. And eventually, if not immediately, far less fruit than those they criticize and abhor for their perceived lack of godly devotion.
I enjoy some of the things which accompanies discipleship as is also found in radicalism. Yet, Jesus is the maintained way for all who hover over truth. His fruit in spirit form is love, kindness, patience, etc. Irritation, frustration, and impatience are not a mark of commitment to the true gospel. It is the signal of the opposite.
I hear complaint of us not being in the community. That's odd. When I'm at the public school or in the businesses working into neighbors' lives or at the emergency room of a non-Christian or doing a funeral for such....I don't seem to ever run into the radicals who want us to be serving more like Jesus. Why is that?
Why are these who feel more devoted to the Master smiling less, cooperating less, and bearing fruit less? Could it be that all of us have to take our turns at eating crow? I surely have. I've been a religious idiot in the past over my self-nobility. What's scary is a fear such days aren't over.
There's a lot of spiritual talk. Oddly, there is an abundance of Holy Spirit fruit. Usually the latter doesn't proceed from the former. Granted, we all have much room for improvement. The code in such a statement is found in "all". I know of no one who has arrived. We really could use the support for one another. No one is exempt.
May we strive to develop hearts of compassion for the world and for each of us who try to serve Him from the avenue of faith....as weak and sorry as some may believe it to be.
In the bus ministry there were a handful who felt more devoted than the rest. They operated from constant criticism of the workers, the church leaders, and basically Christianity in its present form. Too, there were those who gathered in large conventions to discuss our discipleship failings....and their successes. Even today the exasperation of the church not being radical enough finds some pulling away for we are not good enough for their assumed faithful prowess.
A thread of clear irony runs through all of these moods. Dissatisfaction. Unhappiness. And eventually, if not immediately, far less fruit than those they criticize and abhor for their perceived lack of godly devotion.
I enjoy some of the things which accompanies discipleship as is also found in radicalism. Yet, Jesus is the maintained way for all who hover over truth. His fruit in spirit form is love, kindness, patience, etc. Irritation, frustration, and impatience are not a mark of commitment to the true gospel. It is the signal of the opposite.
I hear complaint of us not being in the community. That's odd. When I'm at the public school or in the businesses working into neighbors' lives or at the emergency room of a non-Christian or doing a funeral for such....I don't seem to ever run into the radicals who want us to be serving more like Jesus. Why is that?
Why are these who feel more devoted to the Master smiling less, cooperating less, and bearing fruit less? Could it be that all of us have to take our turns at eating crow? I surely have. I've been a religious idiot in the past over my self-nobility. What's scary is a fear such days aren't over.
There's a lot of spiritual talk. Oddly, there is an abundance of Holy Spirit fruit. Usually the latter doesn't proceed from the former. Granted, we all have much room for improvement. The code in such a statement is found in "all". I know of no one who has arrived. We really could use the support for one another. No one is exempt.
May we strive to develop hearts of compassion for the world and for each of us who try to serve Him from the avenue of faith....as weak and sorry as some may believe it to be.
IF THE WORLD WERE FALLING TO PIECES
My daily calendar has this quote today from Martin Luther; Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.
There seems to be a growing theme among us: daily.
Those freed from Egyptian slavery were to receive manna day after day. There is a reason.
Jesus taught the disciples to pray for daily bread. There is a reason
Paul wrote that we are to be renewed day by day. There is a reason.
Because man tends to shot-gun his telescope, he seldom works from right now. Right now--today--hardly has a chance for recognition unless it is a birthday or a holiday. We live with looks past now to the future. When this pattern completely develops we may well miss the daily relationship and provision Father wishes for us.
Yes, Thursday will be a super-special and important day of family celebration. But lest we miss it, may we celebrate the wonders of right now. And if the world should go to pieces tomorrow, at least we had a good time planting apple trees of love and hope and awe today!
There seems to be a growing theme among us: daily.
Those freed from Egyptian slavery were to receive manna day after day. There is a reason.
Jesus taught the disciples to pray for daily bread. There is a reason
Paul wrote that we are to be renewed day by day. There is a reason.
Because man tends to shot-gun his telescope, he seldom works from right now. Right now--today--hardly has a chance for recognition unless it is a birthday or a holiday. We live with looks past now to the future. When this pattern completely develops we may well miss the daily relationship and provision Father wishes for us.
Yes, Thursday will be a super-special and important day of family celebration. But lest we miss it, may we celebrate the wonders of right now. And if the world should go to pieces tomorrow, at least we had a good time planting apple trees of love and hope and awe today!
Monday, November 22, 2010
A THOUGHT ABOUT PREACHING AND TEACHING
I saw this quote yesterday. It sums up my approach to preaching and teaching. If it would help you....then awesome!
OVER PREPARE----then go with the flow.
OVER PREPARE----then go with the flow.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
HERO BROTHERS
At breakfast this morning I began to ponder two hero brothers of mine. They just occurred to me and I wasn't trying to match them or compare them against one another. I was simply reminiscing how I so love both of them....still.
The first was Curt Flood. Curt, an African-American, was a sensational center fielder of my beloved St. Louis Cardinals. At age 11 I began imitating him...to the best of my ability (which was always lacking). Through my baseball ministry, Curt and I became exceptionally close friends.
His mother already had six children and she "honorarily" adopted me. Our phone conversations always began by her saying in that smoky voice, Oh....my baby boy; for I was now the youngest of her seven children!
I flew to Oakland to meet her. I rang the bell and the door opened. There she stood. She looked me over from head to toe and studied me a bit before she spoke. Suddenly she threw her arms opened and declared for neighbors to hear, Oh....my baby boy! I always WANTED a little white boy!
When Laura Flood died, one of my new sisters called from Oakland and said, Terry, momma passed. Can you come? I did.....spoke at her funeral and rode in the funeral home's family car with my six African-American brothers and sisters. I had been adopted.
Last year I learned the whereabouts of one of Curt's daughters. I called her home in LA. When she answered, I told her my name. There was a very long pause then with great excitement Shelley blurted, Uncle Terry?
I will never reach the skill level of Curt; but it means so much to me that he claimed me as his little brother.
The second of my hero brothers is Jesus. I find myself thinking about him as I do Curt; often in the same thought framework. I dream of interacting with society after his pattern. Jesus was sensational on the streets where people hurt and in the quiet of gardens where he dealt with his own agony. I mostly love trying to imitate how it was he would notice the slightest drop of hope within every down-and-out person. No one could move in on the heart of the unsuspecting like Jesus.
While his family was already pretty good sized, his father adopted me. In this case, it wasn't honorary but truly authentic. As hard as I try to emulate this hero-brother I never get close to being of the same talent. He remains to me the epitome of wonder and grace. Oh, if I could become half as non-judgmental and non-condemning to the sinners as he. I will forever strive from my child-heart to reach to the level of his relationship artistry. I'll never get there; yet he will openly claim me as little brother.
As I was contemplating these two special hero-brothers, it dawned on me that one of the things lacking in the church may be that Jesus simply isn't regarded as heroic. Is he more legal or official or expected to be named? We love heroes. We don't necessarily love names associated with rules and regulations....but we adoringly love heroes.
Elvis? John F? Oprah? Madonna? Michael J? Oh, how these and others are worshipped along the way...for they remain heroes to some. But Jesus? I think it time we evaluate whether he is a hero to our hearts or merely legal representation to escape punishment after death.
Curt Flood and Jesus---Curt would never have guessed one was so like the other---both have so much in common. They will always be my brother heroes.
The first was Curt Flood. Curt, an African-American, was a sensational center fielder of my beloved St. Louis Cardinals. At age 11 I began imitating him...to the best of my ability (which was always lacking). Through my baseball ministry, Curt and I became exceptionally close friends.
His mother already had six children and she "honorarily" adopted me. Our phone conversations always began by her saying in that smoky voice, Oh....my baby boy; for I was now the youngest of her seven children!
I flew to Oakland to meet her. I rang the bell and the door opened. There she stood. She looked me over from head to toe and studied me a bit before she spoke. Suddenly she threw her arms opened and declared for neighbors to hear, Oh....my baby boy! I always WANTED a little white boy!
When Laura Flood died, one of my new sisters called from Oakland and said, Terry, momma passed. Can you come? I did.....spoke at her funeral and rode in the funeral home's family car with my six African-American brothers and sisters. I had been adopted.
Last year I learned the whereabouts of one of Curt's daughters. I called her home in LA. When she answered, I told her my name. There was a very long pause then with great excitement Shelley blurted, Uncle Terry?
I will never reach the skill level of Curt; but it means so much to me that he claimed me as his little brother.
The second of my hero brothers is Jesus. I find myself thinking about him as I do Curt; often in the same thought framework. I dream of interacting with society after his pattern. Jesus was sensational on the streets where people hurt and in the quiet of gardens where he dealt with his own agony. I mostly love trying to imitate how it was he would notice the slightest drop of hope within every down-and-out person. No one could move in on the heart of the unsuspecting like Jesus.
While his family was already pretty good sized, his father adopted me. In this case, it wasn't honorary but truly authentic. As hard as I try to emulate this hero-brother I never get close to being of the same talent. He remains to me the epitome of wonder and grace. Oh, if I could become half as non-judgmental and non-condemning to the sinners as he. I will forever strive from my child-heart to reach to the level of his relationship artistry. I'll never get there; yet he will openly claim me as little brother.
As I was contemplating these two special hero-brothers, it dawned on me that one of the things lacking in the church may be that Jesus simply isn't regarded as heroic. Is he more legal or official or expected to be named? We love heroes. We don't necessarily love names associated with rules and regulations....but we adoringly love heroes.
Elvis? John F? Oprah? Madonna? Michael J? Oh, how these and others are worshipped along the way...for they remain heroes to some. But Jesus? I think it time we evaluate whether he is a hero to our hearts or merely legal representation to escape punishment after death.
Curt Flood and Jesus---Curt would never have guessed one was so like the other---both have so much in common. They will always be my brother heroes.
Friday, November 19, 2010
GOD
What about God?
Don't you get it? I write as if I know stuff. I don't. I love God and you. Therefore, I say stuff.
As I first drive through the Tulsa streets early each morning, I pray for many things expressing thanksgiving and seeking vision. I talk with Him in apology for so many of us ripping up and down the highways without a thought toward Him. I pray for those at the bus stops and others at the gas stations, telling God I hope they acknowledge His presence and provision today.
I hope God is blessed by His creation. Do you ever wonder if the trees, oceans, and mountain ranges give Him more praise than humans? Do we who believe in Him do a sufficient job of communicating to God our depth and width and height and breadth of complete awe over him? Do we do these things or do we recite grocery lists of needs and "please be withs"?
I must grow in worshipping God instead of seeing that I do worship right. One goal is actually God while the other could become merely form.
In all of my writings and reachings and wantings and needings, I simply must be careful to carry a fire for the indescribable God and His over-arching love which is truly yearned for from every heart....one day.
May we be about God. May we promote God. May we visibly get the privilege of laying our eyes upon His beauty.
Don't you get it? I write as if I know stuff. I don't. I love God and you. Therefore, I say stuff.
As I first drive through the Tulsa streets early each morning, I pray for many things expressing thanksgiving and seeking vision. I talk with Him in apology for so many of us ripping up and down the highways without a thought toward Him. I pray for those at the bus stops and others at the gas stations, telling God I hope they acknowledge His presence and provision today.
I hope God is blessed by His creation. Do you ever wonder if the trees, oceans, and mountain ranges give Him more praise than humans? Do we who believe in Him do a sufficient job of communicating to God our depth and width and height and breadth of complete awe over him? Do we do these things or do we recite grocery lists of needs and "please be withs"?
I must grow in worshipping God instead of seeing that I do worship right. One goal is actually God while the other could become merely form.
In all of my writings and reachings and wantings and needings, I simply must be careful to carry a fire for the indescribable God and His over-arching love which is truly yearned for from every heart....one day.
May we be about God. May we promote God. May we visibly get the privilege of laying our eyes upon His beauty.
WINNING SOULS IS ON MY MIND...PT 2
To a post a couple of days ago, Vasca left the following comment:
Hey Terry...serve 'em cookies, brownies or something sweet. We had a city crew working on our street so one morning I made brownies and served all of them.
Just sowing seeds for their next encounter with Him.
Well.....I hadn't thought of that. So I rush-ed (pun intended---one should not Tarry) out and bought breakfast rolls early yesterday morning. I told the crew that I felt the work the day before appeared lacking (joking) and that these guys needed a boost. They heartily agreed!
Vasca's idea was magic. For the remainder of the day they volleyed jokes to me or showed me autographs of OU players, etc. The banter was kingdomly significant.
Thanks, Vasca, for suggesting such a simple way to their hearts that I had overlooked. I'm on my way back this morning for more rolls to let these men know I am most appreciative of their work. Down the road, should God want me personally involved in their lives, He/they will let me know.
Plant the seed and throw the rolls!
Hey Terry...serve 'em cookies, brownies or something sweet. We had a city crew working on our street so one morning I made brownies and served all of them.
Just sowing seeds for their next encounter with Him.
Well.....I hadn't thought of that. So I rush-ed (pun intended---one should not Tarry) out and bought breakfast rolls early yesterday morning. I told the crew that I felt the work the day before appeared lacking (joking) and that these guys needed a boost. They heartily agreed!
Vasca's idea was magic. For the remainder of the day they volleyed jokes to me or showed me autographs of OU players, etc. The banter was kingdomly significant.
Thanks, Vasca, for suggesting such a simple way to their hearts that I had overlooked. I'm on my way back this morning for more rolls to let these men know I am most appreciative of their work. Down the road, should God want me personally involved in their lives, He/they will let me know.
Plant the seed and throw the rolls!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
WHAT IT TAKES TO DEVELOP AN ELDER OR A PREACHER
Although I do feel new day after day, I have the good fortune of having been around the block a couple of times regarding church leadership. I've worked with approximately 20 elders where I've served and as many staff personnel; if not more. There have been those exciting ups and then there have been those productive downs; all have been kingdom tools.
I notice a trait among these. It isn't a rule or a law, mind you. It just seems noticeably consistent. It takes ten years for preachers or elders to begin to fit in their own skin. Or, should I say for Jesus to fit into our skin? I think it takes a man ten good years to bump into enough interruptive walls to begin to groom the blend of faith in Jesus and courage for the task.
During those ten years we are more like interns. This process sands off our harshness and judgmental nature and then sharpens our hearts for shepherding/preaching tasks at hands.
Honestly, it took me a bit longer....20 years. I never will arrive, so please don't read this post as such. I am forever resigned to be a clueless kindergartner. Still, we do learn and we do grow.
Whether my view is accurate is up for the guessers and the estimationers. My point is that churches hiring preachers and congregations adding elders might do well to anticipate at least a decade of "fighting in the sand box" style of leadership. All is unintentional, of course, but such may take place because we are very, very fallen men.
We want to lead, desire to lead, and are up to the challenge to lead. But the truth remains, leadership is developed in the trenches of heart-break-and-ache. Flushing out the anger and the disorientation takes time---ditch time.
The solution? Patience with us all...especially toward those as me who are slower than the rest.
What does it take to develop an elder or a preacher? About 10 years.
I notice a trait among these. It isn't a rule or a law, mind you. It just seems noticeably consistent. It takes ten years for preachers or elders to begin to fit in their own skin. Or, should I say for Jesus to fit into our skin? I think it takes a man ten good years to bump into enough interruptive walls to begin to groom the blend of faith in Jesus and courage for the task.
During those ten years we are more like interns. This process sands off our harshness and judgmental nature and then sharpens our hearts for shepherding/preaching tasks at hands.
Honestly, it took me a bit longer....20 years. I never will arrive, so please don't read this post as such. I am forever resigned to be a clueless kindergartner. Still, we do learn and we do grow.
Whether my view is accurate is up for the guessers and the estimationers. My point is that churches hiring preachers and congregations adding elders might do well to anticipate at least a decade of "fighting in the sand box" style of leadership. All is unintentional, of course, but such may take place because we are very, very fallen men.
We want to lead, desire to lead, and are up to the challenge to lead. But the truth remains, leadership is developed in the trenches of heart-break-and-ache. Flushing out the anger and the disorientation takes time---ditch time.
The solution? Patience with us all...especially toward those as me who are slower than the rest.
What does it take to develop an elder or a preacher? About 10 years.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
WINNING SOULS IS ON MY MIND
I'm having a new driveway poured at my house. Mary has an eight year old Ford and I have a six year old Chevy and I say, hey, why not have a sweet driveway for both to pass over!
So a crew, all strangers to me, came in this morning at 8:00 with huge trucks and loaders and re-bar and 2x4s. How fun! I love construction.
Without flinching, I did my reaching out because it is way on my mind and is most natural. I spoke mainly with the owner of the company. My words were intentionally headed for his spirit. He appeared to be rather crusty toward spiritual matters; but oft that might not be the case. Nevertheless, I simply did what I've watched Jesus do over the years; show interest on purpose.
I talked with him about him. I complimented him on his artistry. He seemed pleased and very open to visit about why his work meant so much to him. I learned he had been ill and inquired about his concern.
All I did was plant and water for who knows what he might need from God in three years or twelve. I am making sure of this over the next three days he'll be at my house; I want him to know he met a Christian who had time to be interested in him.
Don't you love how Jesus did that at the well....and then that time he looked up into the tree? Ah...people. Wherever people are potential is. Remember it.
So a crew, all strangers to me, came in this morning at 8:00 with huge trucks and loaders and re-bar and 2x4s. How fun! I love construction.
Without flinching, I did my reaching out because it is way on my mind and is most natural. I spoke mainly with the owner of the company. My words were intentionally headed for his spirit. He appeared to be rather crusty toward spiritual matters; but oft that might not be the case. Nevertheless, I simply did what I've watched Jesus do over the years; show interest on purpose.
I talked with him about him. I complimented him on his artistry. He seemed pleased and very open to visit about why his work meant so much to him. I learned he had been ill and inquired about his concern.
All I did was plant and water for who knows what he might need from God in three years or twelve. I am making sure of this over the next three days he'll be at my house; I want him to know he met a Christian who had time to be interested in him.
Don't you love how Jesus did that at the well....and then that time he looked up into the tree? Ah...people. Wherever people are potential is. Remember it.
THE RESTORATION MOVEMENT IS WRONGLY NAMED
If Henri Nouwen wrote it, I want to read it. This author continually reshapes my heart for God. If you want to know a good book to get a dear one for Christmas, I highly recommend The Wounded Healer.
Addressing the complexities of man, Nouwen wrote, His goal is not a better man, but a new man, a man who relates to himself and his world in ways which are still unexplored but which belong to his hidden potentials. That line speaks to my heart!!!!!!!!!!
Not until this morning did the sentence strike me as an ah-ha moment. My spirit enjoys much of the Restoration Movement; yet our brotherhood's devotion to it seems misplaced. We have not been called to restore the church. We have been called by the Restorer so He could build the church. There can be a difference.
One of those differences is the hunger many of us have to know what hasn't been discovered; to walk where no one thought to walk. We are not expected to be a part of a Restoration Movement; but an Exploration Movement. Our inability to make this very slight adjustment could be the link which polarizes much of the Church of Christ.
I love the idea of learning. Yes, we surely do learn from history; especially biblical history. Yet, His comment on the plow---looking back---should motivate us to explore (looking forward) over restore (looking back).
Because the Restoration Movement is not an actual Bible term, I believe there is room to ponder what we might become---at least as much---instead of devoting ourselves to studying what we've been.
Addressing the complexities of man, Nouwen wrote, His goal is not a better man, but a new man, a man who relates to himself and his world in ways which are still unexplored but which belong to his hidden potentials. That line speaks to my heart!!!!!!!!!!
Not until this morning did the sentence strike me as an ah-ha moment. My spirit enjoys much of the Restoration Movement; yet our brotherhood's devotion to it seems misplaced. We have not been called to restore the church. We have been called by the Restorer so He could build the church. There can be a difference.
One of those differences is the hunger many of us have to know what hasn't been discovered; to walk where no one thought to walk. We are not expected to be a part of a Restoration Movement; but an Exploration Movement. Our inability to make this very slight adjustment could be the link which polarizes much of the Church of Christ.
I love the idea of learning. Yes, we surely do learn from history; especially biblical history. Yet, His comment on the plow---looking back---should motivate us to explore (looking forward) over restore (looking back).
Because the Restoration Movement is not an actual Bible term, I believe there is room to ponder what we might become---at least as much---instead of devoting ourselves to studying what we've been.
Monday, November 15, 2010
THE PARABLE OF OLD MR. BAT
Twenty years ago I happened upon a flea market treasure that called my name. It was a very old baseball bat that seemed to have the aura of heroics plus sentiment. Who could deny its $7 price tag as it was tucked upon the table with other "valuable stuff" just waiting---as in a puppy shelter---to be picked by a new owner.
Well....I gladly volunteered and took the keepsake home.
I felt sure that Old Mr. Bat had great value. Even with its crack durably taped and its proud nicks and dings, I thought I had found the $7 bargain that evidently all other shoppers didn't see. Hurray me....I was secure in my delight.
I sent pictures, measurements, and descriptions off to two viable appraisers in Chicago and Dallas. They both were quick to offer their professional opinions; worthless. But I loved and believed in my find.
I moved the bat from one side of the garage to another for two decades. In June I contacted experts in Pennsylvania with pictures, etc. They were quick to agree with the first two estimates; but said I could send it on for detailed lab evaluation. So I packed Old Mr. Bat and sent him out East.
No word.
In October I contacted the appraisers to tell them I never heard back from their evaluation. Did we not tell you??!!!????!! We were able to detect cleat and baseball stitch marks embedded into the barrel as well as date the tape...and of course the bat logo. It is a Major League game-used bat by a Hall of Famer; Travis Jackson about 1929. The estimated worth is between $1500 and $2500 dollars! Our minimum bid---because it IS an auction---is $500.
Saturday Old Mr. Bat sold for $650.
So here's what we learn. People are like Old Mr. Bat; dinged, cracked, taped, and marred. Some are considered by multiple--dare we say professional?--estimates as worthless. Refuse to believe it! God has already declared them valuable and placed His bid from the cross!
Well....I gladly volunteered and took the keepsake home.
I felt sure that Old Mr. Bat had great value. Even with its crack durably taped and its proud nicks and dings, I thought I had found the $7 bargain that evidently all other shoppers didn't see. Hurray me....I was secure in my delight.
I sent pictures, measurements, and descriptions off to two viable appraisers in Chicago and Dallas. They both were quick to offer their professional opinions; worthless. But I loved and believed in my find.
I moved the bat from one side of the garage to another for two decades. In June I contacted experts in Pennsylvania with pictures, etc. They were quick to agree with the first two estimates; but said I could send it on for detailed lab evaluation. So I packed Old Mr. Bat and sent him out East.
No word.
In October I contacted the appraisers to tell them I never heard back from their evaluation. Did we not tell you??!!!????!! We were able to detect cleat and baseball stitch marks embedded into the barrel as well as date the tape...and of course the bat logo. It is a Major League game-used bat by a Hall of Famer; Travis Jackson about 1929. The estimated worth is between $1500 and $2500 dollars! Our minimum bid---because it IS an auction---is $500.
Saturday Old Mr. Bat sold for $650.
So here's what we learn. People are like Old Mr. Bat; dinged, cracked, taped, and marred. Some are considered by multiple--dare we say professional?--estimates as worthless. Refuse to believe it! God has already declared them valuable and placed His bid from the cross!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
WHEN LIFE GETS TOUGH
Struggles in life are not what shut us down. Horrible circumstances do not strand us. Our assumption we can maneuver through them on our own talent, knowledge, and steam does.
May we increase in our trust in Him as we decrease in our own efforts to get through it all.
May we increase in our trust in Him as we decrease in our own efforts to get through it all.
Friday, November 12, 2010
PREACHERS: OUR STRUGGLES HAVE LITTLE BEARING UPON HIS TALENT
For those who teach and preach, I share a personal struggle with the assignment. The past two Sundays have been painful for me. I think I need to say so for those who feel it is only you who have such experiences.
I love preaching. A good shift came when I evaluated my topics a couple of decades back. Self-appraisal is challenging as it would not be unusual to be biasedly critical or benevolently lenient. However, I took a look at my topic and my demeanor and concluded two things about my preaching:
Strangely (and I feel certain you know what I mean), those times I feel inadequate seem to draw the strongest and most genuine responses of gratitude. Go figure.
I want you to know this because you are quite capable of believing you alone live in this dungeon. Not true. You have company! We are never professionals at this work. We are called. Those called will always find it true; we must perpetually decrease that He might increase. The more we feel inadequate the stronger He seems to be present....II Cor. 3:4-5.
I love preaching. A good shift came when I evaluated my topics a couple of decades back. Self-appraisal is challenging as it would not be unusual to be biasedly critical or benevolently lenient. However, I took a look at my topic and my demeanor and concluded two things about my preaching:
- If I were a member of this church I would be afraid to invite a visitor for what tirade they might encounter.
- What the church was hearing could not be classified as Good News which is the assumed message of Gospel.
- A message continually relying upon the Bible.
- Hope and hope and even more hope.
Strangely (and I feel certain you know what I mean), those times I feel inadequate seem to draw the strongest and most genuine responses of gratitude. Go figure.
I want you to know this because you are quite capable of believing you alone live in this dungeon. Not true. You have company! We are never professionals at this work. We are called. Those called will always find it true; we must perpetually decrease that He might increase. The more we feel inadequate the stronger He seems to be present....II Cor. 3:4-5.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
PREACHERS....AND THEIR FEAR OF BEING FIRED
This clearly isn't a pleasant topic. It saddens me to know of the conversations over the years with men who greatly feared being fired. In addition, discussions with those who have been dismissed is most strenuous. I specifically address the fear due to what is/was preached.
I lived in such fear on many Sundays in my earlier days at Memorial. I once called my friend Jeff Brown asking if he would visit our congregation the next day (Sunday) as I felt sure they would fire me. Indeed, a meeting was subsequently held seeking my dismissal.
As cowardly and insecure as I was, to preach strong ideas in the face of powerful opposition is intimidating and threatening. I would often gather my family on a Saturday evening and apologize for I felt I would be fired the next day.
But I trusted God. I honestly did not assume I had a great grasp on truth nor did I have superior insight to the Scriptures. I simply could see that the law was killing us as there was no Holy Spirit allowed. A big challenge came when I quit preaching brotherhood issues and began preaching Christ. This may sound strange but the subject of Jesus is very different from marriage and divorce, five-steps to worship, and the Spirit of God works through the Word only.
I want to say to you men who fear being fired that I am deeply concerned for you. I am clueless enough about my own work. My huge and magnified flaws leave me little room for giving advice. Yet, because I have been in your shoes and may be so again one day, I would urge you where you can and when you can to simply trust God to work things out.
He will not abandon us. He will let us die on the cross; but He will not do so in vain. Keep preaching the truth the best you see it and let the Spirit of God make adjustments in the congregation as He may have wished to do for a long time.
I write not from authority. I do so from love for you and your congregation. God's ways may feel so backward at some of the worst moments in ministry....and He will be right on target every time.
Blessings....and I mean it.
I lived in such fear on many Sundays in my earlier days at Memorial. I once called my friend Jeff Brown asking if he would visit our congregation the next day (Sunday) as I felt sure they would fire me. Indeed, a meeting was subsequently held seeking my dismissal.
As cowardly and insecure as I was, to preach strong ideas in the face of powerful opposition is intimidating and threatening. I would often gather my family on a Saturday evening and apologize for I felt I would be fired the next day.
But I trusted God. I honestly did not assume I had a great grasp on truth nor did I have superior insight to the Scriptures. I simply could see that the law was killing us as there was no Holy Spirit allowed. A big challenge came when I quit preaching brotherhood issues and began preaching Christ. This may sound strange but the subject of Jesus is very different from marriage and divorce, five-steps to worship, and the Spirit of God works through the Word only.
I want to say to you men who fear being fired that I am deeply concerned for you. I am clueless enough about my own work. My huge and magnified flaws leave me little room for giving advice. Yet, because I have been in your shoes and may be so again one day, I would urge you where you can and when you can to simply trust God to work things out.
He will not abandon us. He will let us die on the cross; but He will not do so in vain. Keep preaching the truth the best you see it and let the Spirit of God make adjustments in the congregation as He may have wished to do for a long time.
I write not from authority. I do so from love for you and your congregation. God's ways may feel so backward at some of the worst moments in ministry....and He will be right on target every time.
Blessings....and I mean it.
THE MAJOR DOCTRINE GONE UNNOTICED
The first thing I do when I open my eyes and realize I'm me is to thank God. The first thing I do when I start my drive down the street at 6:30 a.m. is to tell God how thankful I am for Him. The last thing I do when my head hits the pillow is to tell God Thank You!
When I stand in the shower I think of those imprisoned in the noon-day heat in third-world countries' prison camps......and I can't help but feel thankful.
I think a profound Christian trait which goes unnoticed as doctrine among us is that of thankfulness. I don't think God was kidding; He expects it of us and yet believers (of all people on earth) deny it. We are moody with it. Yet, we are to be thankful in all things; in all circumstances.
Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but IN EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known.
For some reason a brotherhood of debate and defend has yet to pick up on this doctrine which is most crucial among us if we are going to offer light to the world.
So? Be thankful.
Oh how some of our brethren with big voices, prominent stages, and printing presses live to hurl divisive comments about pertinent doctrines. But few there are who dare be as rigid about the doctrine of living in thanksgiving.
Yet it is true, those who live in the gratitude and grace of Jesus surely must display dispositions of thanksgiving at more places than a prayer before a meal.
Thankfulness.....it is a major doctrine gone unnoticed.
When I stand in the shower I think of those imprisoned in the noon-day heat in third-world countries' prison camps......and I can't help but feel thankful.
I think a profound Christian trait which goes unnoticed as doctrine among us is that of thankfulness. I don't think God was kidding; He expects it of us and yet believers (of all people on earth) deny it. We are moody with it. Yet, we are to be thankful in all things; in all circumstances.
Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but IN EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known.
For some reason a brotherhood of debate and defend has yet to pick up on this doctrine which is most crucial among us if we are going to offer light to the world.
So? Be thankful.
- Be thankful for food. Not what you will have to eat tonight but the fact you will have food tonight.
- Be thankful for pain. Not that you enjoy the toothache but that you are aware you are not a leper who can feel no pain at all.
- Be thankful for boredom. Not that you want to stay there but that you don't own an iron lung.
- Be thankful for bad news. Not that you thrive on it but that you do have ears to hear.
- Be thankful your feet ache from standing at work too long. Not that you would wish this but that you aren't living from a wheelchair.
- Be thankful for grouchy bosses. Not that a kind one wouldn't do but so many have no employment.
- Be thankful for bad days. Not that you desire a series of them but that your good ones will so shine.
- Be thankful that you lack. Not that you wouldn't want to grow in knowledge and talent but that you need so many friends around you to complete you.
- Be thankful that you.....(you fill in the blank).
Oh how some of our brethren with big voices, prominent stages, and printing presses live to hurl divisive comments about pertinent doctrines. But few there are who dare be as rigid about the doctrine of living in thanksgiving.
Yet it is true, those who live in the gratitude and grace of Jesus surely must display dispositions of thanksgiving at more places than a prayer before a meal.
Thankfulness.....it is a major doctrine gone unnoticed.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
BUILD YOUR OWN ECONOMY
We have a choice regarding life; whether it runs well or falls off the edge of the mountain. It is up to us; not Congress, not employment, not health. It is up to us.
We are free to receive or reject God's blessings. We choose.
But first, let me explain by economy I simply reference how we are getting along in life day by day. Economy is more than finance; it is attitude, perception, and disposition.
We are in complete control. The good news is we are never dependent on circumstances. They neither ruin nor rule our day.
The tool which determines whether our day shall be claimed as a good one or a bad one is simply the tongue. What we speak is who we are. Too, it is how our day goes; our life goes. This is a God-kingdom rule. Our speech is virtually the rudder to our life-path. We cannot control most things. Yet, we can control the one thing which determines our emotional economy....our tongues.
Everyone gets thumped pretty good. That is both life and reality. Some, though, function better than others. The reason is their rudders. Those who do well guard their speech.
Should one continually rehearse everything that has and is going wrong, darkness will prevail. Those who speak of blessings in the center of despair....never despair.
You are free to build your own economy regarding your home, your health, your life. Aim your rudder for smooth sailing; even in the tempestuous waves. Not only will everything one day be okay, you'll discover everything is okay....now.
Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Phil. 4:11
We are free to receive or reject God's blessings. We choose.
But first, let me explain by economy I simply reference how we are getting along in life day by day. Economy is more than finance; it is attitude, perception, and disposition.
We are in complete control. The good news is we are never dependent on circumstances. They neither ruin nor rule our day.
The tool which determines whether our day shall be claimed as a good one or a bad one is simply the tongue. What we speak is who we are. Too, it is how our day goes; our life goes. This is a God-kingdom rule. Our speech is virtually the rudder to our life-path. We cannot control most things. Yet, we can control the one thing which determines our emotional economy....our tongues.
Everyone gets thumped pretty good. That is both life and reality. Some, though, function better than others. The reason is their rudders. Those who do well guard their speech.
Should one continually rehearse everything that has and is going wrong, darkness will prevail. Those who speak of blessings in the center of despair....never despair.
You are free to build your own economy regarding your home, your health, your life. Aim your rudder for smooth sailing; even in the tempestuous waves. Not only will everything one day be okay, you'll discover everything is okay....now.
Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Phil. 4:11
Sunday, November 07, 2010
LORD, BE THERE
Do you really think God is going to bring you back to life from the grave?
I think you do.
Then why is it we struggle so much regarding sub-grave issues.
Has He not promised to do more for us than what he does for birds of the air and lilies of the field?
Therefore, little one, do not be anxious. You are already predisposed to believe He will extract you from the grave. Let Him be free to do the same for your daily struggles.
Lord, we know you will be there then.........and we trust You to be here now.
I think you do.
Then why is it we struggle so much regarding sub-grave issues.
Has He not promised to do more for us than what he does for birds of the air and lilies of the field?
Therefore, little one, do not be anxious. You are already predisposed to believe He will extract you from the grave. Let Him be free to do the same for your daily struggles.
Lord, we know you will be there then.........and we trust You to be here now.
Friday, November 05, 2010
THE REAL BIG TESTS
From experience, Christians take two major tests. I speak of two when God would wish I would get it that there are 200? 2000? Yet, I address two which are challenges enough.
One is dealing with critics. The other is reaching to the poor. We cannot hide from these as they are flood lights to our hearts.
Criticism has been my worst nightmare. I hate it, despise it, wish it would die, and then I really hate it. But it is most valuable. Criticism keeps us from exalting ourselves...II Cor. 12:5-9. Criticism carries little messages which cut us down to true size. No one in kingdom work can afford to be C-free. I hate being cut down. Cut downs kill a person...and that's the intent of God.
Criticism is spiritual boot camp where you eventually surrender your assumed powers to the One who can get you through life...for you discover your own have no endurance.
And then our attitudes toward the poor are revealing. This is more than handing out money and developing methods to help the needy. It is talking with them, sitting with them, loving them. The poor are in need of much more than dollar bills. They need another set of eyes to look at them coupled with a set of ears to listen to them. They are valuable people with important names like Herb or Juanita or Curly or Shelley.
The poor often carry riches for the church which God knows we desperately need. They may not know our songs nor our formulas for having done church. We have one young man right now who lies down in the pew during services...usually during my sermon. (So what's different than those asleep upright?). Yet, this man is welcomed and it was our shepherds who led the way in saying....Hey, he's not hurting anybody and he thinks he's home among family.
Kingdom life is a matter of the heart. We need criticism as God irons the wrinkles out of us inch by inch and day by day. We need to touch the poor with our eyes and our arms.
These are real big tests. Courses like these lead us to getting our Master's degree.
One is dealing with critics. The other is reaching to the poor. We cannot hide from these as they are flood lights to our hearts.
Criticism has been my worst nightmare. I hate it, despise it, wish it would die, and then I really hate it. But it is most valuable. Criticism keeps us from exalting ourselves...II Cor. 12:5-9. Criticism carries little messages which cut us down to true size. No one in kingdom work can afford to be C-free. I hate being cut down. Cut downs kill a person...and that's the intent of God.
Criticism is spiritual boot camp where you eventually surrender your assumed powers to the One who can get you through life...for you discover your own have no endurance.
And then our attitudes toward the poor are revealing. This is more than handing out money and developing methods to help the needy. It is talking with them, sitting with them, loving them. The poor are in need of much more than dollar bills. They need another set of eyes to look at them coupled with a set of ears to listen to them. They are valuable people with important names like Herb or Juanita or Curly or Shelley.
The poor often carry riches for the church which God knows we desperately need. They may not know our songs nor our formulas for having done church. We have one young man right now who lies down in the pew during services...usually during my sermon. (So what's different than those asleep upright?). Yet, this man is welcomed and it was our shepherds who led the way in saying....Hey, he's not hurting anybody and he thinks he's home among family.
Kingdom life is a matter of the heart. We need criticism as God irons the wrinkles out of us inch by inch and day by day. We need to touch the poor with our eyes and our arms.
These are real big tests. Courses like these lead us to getting our Master's degree.
BREAD OF LIFE
Jesus claimed he was the Bread of Life.
Bread....sort of a daily supply. Jesus is the provision of energy for our rigors from one day to the next.
Henri Nouwen points out an important twist to Jesus, communion bread, and us. To identify the movements of the Spirit in our lives, I have found it helpful to use four words: taken, blessed, broken, and given.....These words also summarize my life as a Christian because I am called to become bread for the world: bread that is taken, blessed, broken, and given.
When we follow the Bread of Life we take on his traits. So it is with our walk; taken, blessed, broken, and given.
TAKEN is reflective of one being chosen by God. We are noticed for our special importance. If we forget our chosenness, we become filled with inner voices of self-rejection which, in turn, leaves us without original purpose of serving others. BLESSED affirms the truest part of our goodness. The world hammers away with strong effort to put us down; yet we move about reflective of God's graceful buried treasure within us.
Everyone we know is BROKEN. Our brokenness is as unique as our chosenness and our blessedness. Hearts broken stimulate our search for oneness with others. By Jesus body being broken, God was able to reach us for the same purpose (through our brokenness) to reach more of us. Suffering is not one's obstacle to life; but purpose in it.
GIVEN is the grace we express by living for others. We are TAKEN by the Potter to be constructed with the highest BLESSINGS that when we are BROKEN our true wonder is GIVEN to others. Jesus is the composite of this truth. Nouwen wrote, Our humanity comes to its fullest bloom in giving.
So good morning you! May your walk today leave the aroma of freshly baked bread straight from heaven! And, you thought you were simply headed out the door to be average.
Bread....sort of a daily supply. Jesus is the provision of energy for our rigors from one day to the next.
Henri Nouwen points out an important twist to Jesus, communion bread, and us. To identify the movements of the Spirit in our lives, I have found it helpful to use four words: taken, blessed, broken, and given.....These words also summarize my life as a Christian because I am called to become bread for the world: bread that is taken, blessed, broken, and given.
When we follow the Bread of Life we take on his traits. So it is with our walk; taken, blessed, broken, and given.
TAKEN is reflective of one being chosen by God. We are noticed for our special importance. If we forget our chosenness, we become filled with inner voices of self-rejection which, in turn, leaves us without original purpose of serving others. BLESSED affirms the truest part of our goodness. The world hammers away with strong effort to put us down; yet we move about reflective of God's graceful buried treasure within us.
Everyone we know is BROKEN. Our brokenness is as unique as our chosenness and our blessedness. Hearts broken stimulate our search for oneness with others. By Jesus body being broken, God was able to reach us for the same purpose (through our brokenness) to reach more of us. Suffering is not one's obstacle to life; but purpose in it.
GIVEN is the grace we express by living for others. We are TAKEN by the Potter to be constructed with the highest BLESSINGS that when we are BROKEN our true wonder is GIVEN to others. Jesus is the composite of this truth. Nouwen wrote, Our humanity comes to its fullest bloom in giving.
So good morning you! May your walk today leave the aroma of freshly baked bread straight from heaven! And, you thought you were simply headed out the door to be average.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
AWAKEN BY THE QUAKE OF FAITH
The concept of faith still fascinates me.
I want to be around believers for they shake the ordinariness of society. Herd living tends to moo-ve about with the trends of the day. This takes no thought; requires no risk.
Believers, though, take what is and see potential and possibility in it. Abraham saw dead Isaac could return to life. Boy David could see the timber Goliath fall before the fact. A stark truth about these and all other faith-leaders is the odds were not only unfavorable; there were no visuals which would lead one to conclude such beyond the assurance of an active God.
This is missing among us....faith in an active God. This is stirring among us....faith in an active God. This is momentum among us....faith in an active God. This is for us....a participating-in-full-partnership God.
When one is awakened by the quake of faith, such will surely see a new movement of God-sized hope for better and larger and more meaningful days! Legends of biblical portioned faith never deny facts are facts. Their wonder for us is that simple faith rocked facts---sturdy, concrete undeniable facts---to the extent towers of assumption fell. Jesus' grave would be one. Paul and Silas' prison cell would be another while the arresting chains around Peter are yet another.
Facts of what is will melt when faith awakens to what can be.
I want to be around believers for they shake the ordinariness of society. Herd living tends to moo-ve about with the trends of the day. This takes no thought; requires no risk.
Believers, though, take what is and see potential and possibility in it. Abraham saw dead Isaac could return to life. Boy David could see the timber Goliath fall before the fact. A stark truth about these and all other faith-leaders is the odds were not only unfavorable; there were no visuals which would lead one to conclude such beyond the assurance of an active God.
This is missing among us....faith in an active God. This is stirring among us....faith in an active God. This is momentum among us....faith in an active God. This is for us....a participating-in-full-partnership God.
When one is awakened by the quake of faith, such will surely see a new movement of God-sized hope for better and larger and more meaningful days! Legends of biblical portioned faith never deny facts are facts. Their wonder for us is that simple faith rocked facts---sturdy, concrete undeniable facts---to the extent towers of assumption fell. Jesus' grave would be one. Paul and Silas' prison cell would be another while the arresting chains around Peter are yet another.
Facts of what is will melt when faith awakens to what can be.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
WAIT ON THE LORD. WAIT?!
Waiting is a weighty topic.
We live in ADD streamlined. I multi-task just getting dressed; tuck my shirt in, while threading my belt while slipping on a shoe. Waiting is a foreign seven-letter word for the ambitious.
It is a secret of God.
Those who wait for the Lord will mount up with wings like eagles, Isaiah told. The early disciples in all of their enthusiasm for the empty grave were told to go to Jerusalem and be quiet. Be quiet? Be still? When Jesus is no longer in the grave and the world needs to know about it? Shouldn't they "get going"?
For us.....I find extreme productivity in waiting. It is against my fleshly nature; but not His Spirit within me. I've learned to wait for moments and for decades to see kingdom life erupt in the center of dead mobility. I know of nothing more satisfying than to watch God do His thing with that life-zapping move He has in the very middle of assumed disappointment and disillusionment. God causes things to rise, grow, endure, and live.
For us.....we do have much to accomplish. God's timing is the right timing. Learn the rhythm of moving and waiting....and the move of waiting. The fruit will be bigger and the glory will be God's....and you won't be so frustrated.
We live in ADD streamlined. I multi-task just getting dressed; tuck my shirt in, while threading my belt while slipping on a shoe. Waiting is a foreign seven-letter word for the ambitious.
It is a secret of God.
Those who wait for the Lord will mount up with wings like eagles, Isaiah told. The early disciples in all of their enthusiasm for the empty grave were told to go to Jerusalem and be quiet. Be quiet? Be still? When Jesus is no longer in the grave and the world needs to know about it? Shouldn't they "get going"?
For us.....I find extreme productivity in waiting. It is against my fleshly nature; but not His Spirit within me. I've learned to wait for moments and for decades to see kingdom life erupt in the center of dead mobility. I know of nothing more satisfying than to watch God do His thing with that life-zapping move He has in the very middle of assumed disappointment and disillusionment. God causes things to rise, grow, endure, and live.
For us.....we do have much to accomplish. God's timing is the right timing. Learn the rhythm of moving and waiting....and the move of waiting. The fruit will be bigger and the glory will be God's....and you won't be so frustrated.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
GIVE THE COMMUNITY A DOSE OF ANTI-FREEZE
Should you think I'm addressing terrorism from some other country, I'm not. I am discussing a social trait which reflects an ongoing terror; a personal terror which erodes and pains the hearts of ordinary folks. I speak of being afraid to meet strangers.
Have you ever considered how frozen we are? When we encounter or are encountered by the unacquainted a freeze-stare or a bold look in another direction is too often imminent. One of the things I like about the Quik-Trip employees is they greet the customers/strangers (Maybe strange customers?) with such enthusiasm.
I was in line to vote in the darkness of 6:45 today as a group of us awaited the 7:00 a.m. opening. A dozen strangers stood in line without a word; complete silence. After a bit, it just became too weird. Are we in frozen terror of one another?
I decided to make an announcement. Why not. Anyone could have the floor; I mean the sidewalk. Thank you all for coming. This won't take long. The reason I called this meeting is I have a few church bonds for sale....this won't take long....really. They broke out laughing. I was their anti-freeze!
Strangers began interacting. One man was surely happy discussions began as he had lots to say!
After a bit I said, Well everyone, I think we can see where this is going. Let's go ahead and draw names for Christmas! Urgh...wouldn't you know the doors opened and our gathering on the sidewalk came to a halt. Just when it was going so good....it had to end.
Our goal? Become anti-freeze to a society that needs thawing.
Have you ever considered how frozen we are? When we encounter or are encountered by the unacquainted a freeze-stare or a bold look in another direction is too often imminent. One of the things I like about the Quik-Trip employees is they greet the customers/strangers (Maybe strange customers?) with such enthusiasm.
I was in line to vote in the darkness of 6:45 today as a group of us awaited the 7:00 a.m. opening. A dozen strangers stood in line without a word; complete silence. After a bit, it just became too weird. Are we in frozen terror of one another?
I decided to make an announcement. Why not. Anyone could have the floor; I mean the sidewalk. Thank you all for coming. This won't take long. The reason I called this meeting is I have a few church bonds for sale....this won't take long....really. They broke out laughing. I was their anti-freeze!
Strangers began interacting. One man was surely happy discussions began as he had lots to say!
After a bit I said, Well everyone, I think we can see where this is going. Let's go ahead and draw names for Christmas! Urgh...wouldn't you know the doors opened and our gathering on the sidewalk came to a halt. Just when it was going so good....it had to end.
Our goal? Become anti-freeze to a society that needs thawing.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
A WEEK FROM TODAY...WHAT TIME WILL IT BE?
I can read and speak English. I know a few Spanish words and have traveled in and out of Mexico several times. Last week I managed to get to the doctor for a flu shot all by myself. I even know a few who have written books. So why can't I get it right when the time changes from daylight to non-daylight?
I'm 63 years old. It can't be this difficult to set clocks backward and forward an hour. Yet....it really is. I have a terrible track record on this.
There have been those times where I did the forward when I was supposed to do the backward. Okay...so who hasn't done that one? And....yes, there was the time I set my clock up an hour; but I did it a week early. Okay...now that's understandable....I think.
But this past Spring I did everything just right---on purpose and with great care no less. Nothing could possibly go wrong....except. Except I had purchased a new alarm. How was I to know that it made the time changes automatically? How come it would know when I don't? It isn't that I'm not grateful for it and nearly relieved; but someone should have said something at Target when I bought it...don't you think?
As with all other clocks, I set my new alarm ahead an hour early. During the night it set itself ahead yet another hour. When I thought I was getting up at the early 5:30 a.m., I was really up at the new 4:30 a.m.!!!!
Do you have any idea how early two hours earlier are? It's not right...that's how early it is. It just isn't fair. I don't recall one note in the instructions about a satellite beaming in a change of time to my bedroom.
So now it is time to once again change the clocks next Saturday. And really....hasn't somebody been changing the time as to when we are to change the time? There's my case! It can't be done and any who get it done simply luck out. Will my clock change by itself the way it did in the Spring except the opposite...sorta? Who knows? I'm not touching it!
The problem with all of this is that it always hits on my one day a week to work! Help me! Would somebody help me?
I'm 63 years old. It can't be this difficult to set clocks backward and forward an hour. Yet....it really is. I have a terrible track record on this.
There have been those times where I did the forward when I was supposed to do the backward. Okay...so who hasn't done that one? And....yes, there was the time I set my clock up an hour; but I did it a week early. Okay...now that's understandable....I think.
But this past Spring I did everything just right---on purpose and with great care no less. Nothing could possibly go wrong....except. Except I had purchased a new alarm. How was I to know that it made the time changes automatically? How come it would know when I don't? It isn't that I'm not grateful for it and nearly relieved; but someone should have said something at Target when I bought it...don't you think?
As with all other clocks, I set my new alarm ahead an hour early. During the night it set itself ahead yet another hour. When I thought I was getting up at the early 5:30 a.m., I was really up at the new 4:30 a.m.!!!!
Do you have any idea how early two hours earlier are? It's not right...that's how early it is. It just isn't fair. I don't recall one note in the instructions about a satellite beaming in a change of time to my bedroom.
So now it is time to once again change the clocks next Saturday. And really....hasn't somebody been changing the time as to when we are to change the time? There's my case! It can't be done and any who get it done simply luck out. Will my clock change by itself the way it did in the Spring except the opposite...sorta? Who knows? I'm not touching it!
The problem with all of this is that it always hits on my one day a week to work! Help me! Would somebody help me?
Saturday, October 30, 2010
"BOOK 'EM DANNO"
I lost a special friend this week, James MacArthur of Hawaii 5-0. I last heard from him earlier this year when he sent me a picture of his wife, son, and himself.
Jim was God's first signal to me that celebrities needed Him and common people could reach them.
I first ran into Jim in the Denver airport. I asked for an autograph with full intent of knocking on his door as fast as I could in this brief window of entry into his heart. He was taken that I wanted him to sign my Bible for his dad played a significant role in Christianity. Are you a minister? I've never been asked to sign a Bible. This is very special to me....really.
I asked if he had time for coffee and he brushed that knock immediately as he had to get to his plane. Out of time and almost out of words, I asked him one last thing. What could someone plain like myself and all these people in this airport really do for someone like you who is rich and famous and so lonely. That last word was my sword word. I went for the heart with that one.
He talked to me so long that I finally began saying, I'm sorry. I must go else I will miss my plane.
He gave me a mailing address and asked if we could keep in touch. Further, he stated he would be in Tulsa in the Fall at the Roy Clark Golf Classic and wondered if we might get together. We did. He came to church that Sunday in September and I remember it like yesterday.
He sat in my office. Very humble. Terry, you don't know how badly I need this. I haven't been in church in years. He loved it here. We remained friends over the years. Him treating us to be his family one Thanksgiving in Oklahoma City while he was performing in a stage play was a highlight for our entire family.
Jim is an icon to me of fame looking for God. No one is exempt from needing Life in the center. Often the most visible in fame are the most lonely and empty in heart.
I will miss him.
Jim was God's first signal to me that celebrities needed Him and common people could reach them.
I first ran into Jim in the Denver airport. I asked for an autograph with full intent of knocking on his door as fast as I could in this brief window of entry into his heart. He was taken that I wanted him to sign my Bible for his dad played a significant role in Christianity. Are you a minister? I've never been asked to sign a Bible. This is very special to me....really.
I asked if he had time for coffee and he brushed that knock immediately as he had to get to his plane. Out of time and almost out of words, I asked him one last thing. What could someone plain like myself and all these people in this airport really do for someone like you who is rich and famous and so lonely. That last word was my sword word. I went for the heart with that one.
He talked to me so long that I finally began saying, I'm sorry. I must go else I will miss my plane.
He gave me a mailing address and asked if we could keep in touch. Further, he stated he would be in Tulsa in the Fall at the Roy Clark Golf Classic and wondered if we might get together. We did. He came to church that Sunday in September and I remember it like yesterday.
He sat in my office. Very humble. Terry, you don't know how badly I need this. I haven't been in church in years. He loved it here. We remained friends over the years. Him treating us to be his family one Thanksgiving in Oklahoma City while he was performing in a stage play was a highlight for our entire family.
Jim is an icon to me of fame looking for God. No one is exempt from needing Life in the center. Often the most visible in fame are the most lonely and empty in heart.
I will miss him.
Friday, October 29, 2010
IN THE PRESENCE OF BRILLIANCE
Each flower petal is so magnificent in structure and elegant in beauty that if we could understand how God created such, we most likely would pass out. So it is with people.
Don't underestimate the sheer brilliance buried within every person. Refrain from cataloging some as valuable and others as not. Stop the leak of lost respect for humanity. It carries a secret--no, The Secret--within each individual. There is no exception.
Our job, admittedly, is to find the map and dig again at times. Nonetheless, treasure is abundant in each. We tend to think that since we have forged our paths all others should do the same. Yet we also tend to forget the extreme patience and abundant mercy shown us while we fumbled our way through the ditches to solid pavement.
Estimation would lead us to think humanity is on a course of increased falleness; irresponsible, hopeless, and/or difficult. Enter Jesus' offering of resurrection power. To the ones struggling or the ones struggling with the strugglers? To the latter to pass on to the former.
Therefore, it is up to those who have been led to the solid road of Jesus to pass the baton of absolute hope in every neighbor, colleague, and even enemy...with extreme patience and abundant mercy. When we catch on that we are in the presence of brilliance instead of a bum, in the presence of celebrity rather than culprit, resurrection power just might hit the streets where we live!
Thank you God that someone(s) had enough faith to believe in us. Give us the vision to keep the new life flowing. May we make someone's day by sending strong signals we believe hope into them.
Don't underestimate the sheer brilliance buried within every person. Refrain from cataloging some as valuable and others as not. Stop the leak of lost respect for humanity. It carries a secret--no, The Secret--within each individual. There is no exception.
Our job, admittedly, is to find the map and dig again at times. Nonetheless, treasure is abundant in each. We tend to think that since we have forged our paths all others should do the same. Yet we also tend to forget the extreme patience and abundant mercy shown us while we fumbled our way through the ditches to solid pavement.
Estimation would lead us to think humanity is on a course of increased falleness; irresponsible, hopeless, and/or difficult. Enter Jesus' offering of resurrection power. To the ones struggling or the ones struggling with the strugglers? To the latter to pass on to the former.
Therefore, it is up to those who have been led to the solid road of Jesus to pass the baton of absolute hope in every neighbor, colleague, and even enemy...with extreme patience and abundant mercy. When we catch on that we are in the presence of brilliance instead of a bum, in the presence of celebrity rather than culprit, resurrection power just might hit the streets where we live!
Thank you God that someone(s) had enough faith to believe in us. Give us the vision to keep the new life flowing. May we make someone's day by sending strong signals we believe hope into them.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
TRYING TO UNDO WHAT I'VE UNDONE
Being converted to God in my early years was, of course, a giant leap of new direction. I'm still thrilled. However, involved in that step was a disastrously ungodly personality change. I was instantly the only one right among family and friends....and not afraid to inform them of such truth.
During these wonderful years as student and minister, I have increased in being a learner and decreased in spouting off about how very right the few who get to be the only ones right are! The two won't coexist. Learning will not marry self-righteousness.
I don't mean to put us down; but to wake us up. We talk a bigger talk about "knowing" than we have basis for our knowledge. Let me share how off-base I was. If anyone other than us shared a story of God working in their lives, I would feel sorry for them that they were so ignorant not to know God would not look their way for they didn't know Truth. I did, however! Even in my early years I would be stumped as to how God could use such poor/bad believers.
But....I have been forced to learn. I've learned that Jesus taught one can know Bible and not know him. I've learned that God does not work the same way in all people. I've learned that while I have taken cheap shots at other brands, they were highly more devoted to prayer and fasting than I ever considered. This list can be expanded.
We are right because we are right won't cut it any longer. No one is right unless Jesus makes us right. We don't get there because we have outsmarted others; but only because Jesus suffered the maxmimum penalty for our death-penaltied sins.
As we grow in the seriouls trek of following God a bit closer, we may need to consider the truth that we need to do a lot of undoing of that which we have notoriously undone.
During these wonderful years as student and minister, I have increased in being a learner and decreased in spouting off about how very right the few who get to be the only ones right are! The two won't coexist. Learning will not marry self-righteousness.
I don't mean to put us down; but to wake us up. We talk a bigger talk about "knowing" than we have basis for our knowledge. Let me share how off-base I was. If anyone other than us shared a story of God working in their lives, I would feel sorry for them that they were so ignorant not to know God would not look their way for they didn't know Truth. I did, however! Even in my early years I would be stumped as to how God could use such poor/bad believers.
But....I have been forced to learn. I've learned that Jesus taught one can know Bible and not know him. I've learned that God does not work the same way in all people. I've learned that while I have taken cheap shots at other brands, they were highly more devoted to prayer and fasting than I ever considered. This list can be expanded.
We are right because we are right won't cut it any longer. No one is right unless Jesus makes us right. We don't get there because we have outsmarted others; but only because Jesus suffered the maxmimum penalty for our death-penaltied sins.
As we grow in the seriouls trek of following God a bit closer, we may need to consider the truth that we need to do a lot of undoing of that which we have notoriously undone.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
JUST HOW NEW ARE YOU?
New isn't anything new to believers. It is one of my favorite topics. God is all about new....and He has made me a new man.
There would be several areas God has struck, but this one I now share is major. Thomas a Kempis said, It is futile to wish for a long life, and then to give so little care to living well. Referencing the place where God reversed my temperament I would say, Life is futile if we strain to make it work best and then fail to love each "right now" moment.
God changed my world. He taught me to love day by day; not project by project. When He did this for me everything changed to my advantage. Celebration remains exciting; but even criticism counts. Hope is no longer lived long-range only....but is a current state of the heart.
As a grown man I lived in ministry as a pouter and a loser. God changed the map. His directions led me to see Jesus' purest call to be one of Abundant Life and nothing short of it. I had to make some mental transfers for I was faking life; I tried to look enthusiastic on the outside while the inside of the cup was full of resentment and dead mans bones.
Whether my team wins or loses (whether I win or lose), whether the day goes great or gnarly, whether the purchase was a bargain or a gyp, every right now is a great right now. My days are not dependent on anything other than Jesus. My mood is not up to how others respond to me. Neither is it how I do on tests nor learn of severe interference. Yes, many times I cry for I still have a tender heart. The new is my paths are not littered with disruption for everything along the way is a kingdom opportunity.
When God causes one to be born again, He means it. We are to be NEW. We are neither remodeled nor refurbished. We are brand new....every day....II Cor 4:16-18!
LOOK LIKE IT! LIVE LIKE IT! LOVE LIKE IT!
There would be several areas God has struck, but this one I now share is major. Thomas a Kempis said, It is futile to wish for a long life, and then to give so little care to living well. Referencing the place where God reversed my temperament I would say, Life is futile if we strain to make it work best and then fail to love each "right now" moment.
God changed my world. He taught me to love day by day; not project by project. When He did this for me everything changed to my advantage. Celebration remains exciting; but even criticism counts. Hope is no longer lived long-range only....but is a current state of the heart.
As a grown man I lived in ministry as a pouter and a loser. God changed the map. His directions led me to see Jesus' purest call to be one of Abundant Life and nothing short of it. I had to make some mental transfers for I was faking life; I tried to look enthusiastic on the outside while the inside of the cup was full of resentment and dead mans bones.
Whether my team wins or loses (whether I win or lose), whether the day goes great or gnarly, whether the purchase was a bargain or a gyp, every right now is a great right now. My days are not dependent on anything other than Jesus. My mood is not up to how others respond to me. Neither is it how I do on tests nor learn of severe interference. Yes, many times I cry for I still have a tender heart. The new is my paths are not littered with disruption for everything along the way is a kingdom opportunity.
When God causes one to be born again, He means it. We are to be NEW. We are neither remodeled nor refurbished. We are brand new....every day....II Cor 4:16-18!
LOOK LIKE IT! LIVE LIKE IT! LOVE LIKE IT!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
THE WORLD SERIES, NATIONAL ELECTIONS, AND MOUNTAIN STATES CHILDREN'S HOME!
San Francisco sets the stage for game one of the World Series. I pick Texas to win in five. Prophetic? No; neither in the winner nor the amount of games. Just enjoying the guesswork!
Next Tuesday attention will be riveted upon the elections as campaigns will cease and new sound bites will pound the earwaves. I'm interested.
While the World Series is about sports and the National Elections are about....elections, I direct your attention to an even greater matter; caring for homeless children.
Mountain States Children's Home, nestled in the foothills of the Rockies near Longmont, is celebrating 50 years of the God-heart. Sacrifice and tears, fatigue and worry, faith and hope have bathed MSCH to become a light house for discouraged, abandoned, or abused children throughout these five decades.
Randy Schow is the Executive Director. No one is sharper in this field. This servant-heart drives the entire Northwest to keep the fires burning for this monumental cause. His wife, Janice, is the Educational Director for their school. The Family of God has built one of the cutest school houses you've ever seen!
MSCH resides on a farm...my kind of place! Here's what I saw when I was there. All of the adults involved in providing leadership and parenting have fulfilled an amazing feat. They have provided a wholesome place for fragile children to discover a new normal. How phenomenal.
God has a million pockets of WonderMystery going on all over the globe in all decades and centuries. May we live appreciatively of the WonderWorkers who make Mountain States Children's Home a strategic footprint of a step Jesus takes.
Next Tuesday attention will be riveted upon the elections as campaigns will cease and new sound bites will pound the earwaves. I'm interested.
While the World Series is about sports and the National Elections are about....elections, I direct your attention to an even greater matter; caring for homeless children.
Mountain States Children's Home, nestled in the foothills of the Rockies near Longmont, is celebrating 50 years of the God-heart. Sacrifice and tears, fatigue and worry, faith and hope have bathed MSCH to become a light house for discouraged, abandoned, or abused children throughout these five decades.
Randy Schow is the Executive Director. No one is sharper in this field. This servant-heart drives the entire Northwest to keep the fires burning for this monumental cause. His wife, Janice, is the Educational Director for their school. The Family of God has built one of the cutest school houses you've ever seen!
MSCH resides on a farm...my kind of place! Here's what I saw when I was there. All of the adults involved in providing leadership and parenting have fulfilled an amazing feat. They have provided a wholesome place for fragile children to discover a new normal. How phenomenal.
God has a million pockets of WonderMystery going on all over the globe in all decades and centuries. May we live appreciatively of the WonderWorkers who make Mountain States Children's Home a strategic footprint of a step Jesus takes.
Monday, October 25, 2010
SOMETHING GOOD HAPPENING IN THE CHURCH PLUS A POSITIVE BY-PRODUCT
The church is steadily making improvements and gaining momentum in serving the poor within our own community. Mission trips to Honduras and Mexico, etc., is to be heralded as impactive and fruitful. My observation is we have been a group more aligned to travel elsewhere or throwing money at it than (in addition to) tending with such interest in our own back yard.
But now are improving at joining our missionaries in their work by propelling ourselves into the mission of the homeland. And the church is becoming wonderfully enthused because we about what we should be about.
The trend is growing in a good way toward home. We are hearing His call. One of the reasons is our nation is becoming poorer in so many communities. It is a joy to hear testimonies from among us by those who were once homeless who are now homed. Their inability to contain their emotions as they share what God has done for them transfers to our inability to fight the tears as we learn to be one people....linked as family.
And then there is the by-product. As we move more to the path of Jesus' treads, we also lean in upon his abrupt distaste for the dead wood which might be found in each of us along the way. As hearts open to compassion, the complaints and selfishness will find less attention to our childish whims.
All people are welcome; but not all dispositions. Much of my personality has had to encounter the fires of kingdom rigors. I feel certain it isn't over! But a good thing about the church's communitorial outreach is it will put good pressure on our childish traits to set it aside and move into the zone he works best....there are workers needed in our streets....now.
But now are improving at joining our missionaries in their work by propelling ourselves into the mission of the homeland. And the church is becoming wonderfully enthused because we about what we should be about.
The trend is growing in a good way toward home. We are hearing His call. One of the reasons is our nation is becoming poorer in so many communities. It is a joy to hear testimonies from among us by those who were once homeless who are now homed. Their inability to contain their emotions as they share what God has done for them transfers to our inability to fight the tears as we learn to be one people....linked as family.
And then there is the by-product. As we move more to the path of Jesus' treads, we also lean in upon his abrupt distaste for the dead wood which might be found in each of us along the way. As hearts open to compassion, the complaints and selfishness will find less attention to our childish whims.
All people are welcome; but not all dispositions. Much of my personality has had to encounter the fires of kingdom rigors. I feel certain it isn't over! But a good thing about the church's communitorial outreach is it will put good pressure on our childish traits to set it aside and move into the zone he works best....there are workers needed in our streets....now.
Friday, October 22, 2010
A MISSION NEED....GOT CAR?
The following note is from my son who is a missionary in Guadalajara. I know Gerardo and Carola. They are sacrificial in all they do. It would be just like God to find that a reader of this blog had the ideal car for this family.
If you have questions you can email Tim at tkqrush@aol.com.
Would you spread this word...and see what God does with it?
Terry
Hey, this is an odd question... One of our coworkers, I guess our only current coworker family, Gerardo and Carola, are in need of a new vehicle. They are a super sweet/cool family that keeps losing support little by little. And as they never travel to the states, they are a bit hampered in raising new funds. That's a huge understatement. They've needed a new vehicle for awhile now as their mini van is old and broken down. Then this last weekend, on their way to a retreat where they help families dealing with children's diabetes they were hit by a drunk driver. Though most in the family are now wearing neck braces, I think they are going to be fine. ...except for the van. (There car was actually struck by the car that was struck by the drunk/drugged driver. Does that make sense?)
I don't expect for any of you to get back to me on this, but at the same time I wouldn't be surprised if each of you knew someone that would love to give an old van, or other largish type vehicle away. I'd love to find them a suburban as they are constantly giving many people rides, while loaded down with portable tables and chairs. The catch is that even the new vehicle has to be kind of old. I think for them to take it across the boarder, it has to be a 2000 or 2001 or older car. Thus, it might be hard to find a car that age, that someone is willing to donate, that could be trusted driving across Mexico. If someone wants to give a newer vehicle, we could check on the legality of getting it across the border.
Again, just throwing this out there to see what pops up.
Well, thanks for the help.
Tim
If you have questions you can email Tim at tkqrush@aol.com.
Would you spread this word...and see what God does with it?
Terry
Hey, this is an odd question... One of our coworkers, I guess our only current coworker family, Gerardo and Carola, are in need of a new vehicle. They are a super sweet/cool family that keeps losing support little by little. And as they never travel to the states, they are a bit hampered in raising new funds. That's a huge understatement. They've needed a new vehicle for awhile now as their mini van is old and broken down. Then this last weekend, on their way to a retreat where they help families dealing with children's diabetes they were hit by a drunk driver. Though most in the family are now wearing neck braces, I think they are going to be fine. ...except for the van. (There car was actually struck by the car that was struck by the drunk/drugged driver. Does that make sense?)
I don't expect for any of you to get back to me on this, but at the same time I wouldn't be surprised if each of you knew someone that would love to give an old van, or other largish type vehicle away. I'd love to find them a suburban as they are constantly giving many people rides, while loaded down with portable tables and chairs. The catch is that even the new vehicle has to be kind of old. I think for them to take it across the boarder, it has to be a 2000 or 2001 or older car. Thus, it might be hard to find a car that age, that someone is willing to donate, that could be trusted driving across Mexico. If someone wants to give a newer vehicle, we could check on the legality of getting it across the border.
Again, just throwing this out there to see what pops up.
Well, thanks for the help.
Tim
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS WHEN SEEKING A NEW PREACHER
Search committees have their hands full. Only by the grace of God do any bless the church...and the man they bring on board. Searching for a preacher is reflective of picking up a hitch-hiker. Is there imminent danger and from whom; the driver or the hitch-hiker?
Because I am in discussions of both the searchers and the seekers, I have pondered my ideas of what ought to be asked in interviews. Some are:
Because I am in discussions of both the searchers and the seekers, I have pondered my ideas of what ought to be asked in interviews. Some are:
- Tell what you have seen God do that couldn't get done by any other means.
- What was it God taught you that freed you from your inadequacies?
- Share with us your roughest time in kingdom work and what God did to help you survive.
- Do you believe the Holy Spirit is active, sort of active, not active among us today...and what verses back your position?
- What good is prayer?
- When you see members who seems dead or ministries that seem dead, what hope do you have to offer?
- Why do you think critics are important in your ministry?
- Why do you think the real work is to believe Jesus (Jn. 6:29)?
Thursday, October 21, 2010
THE SHEER HOPE DURING CEMETERIAL MINISTRY
Understand this up front; I do not regard myself as a church growth expert. I am one who has both enjoyed and endured the church experience. Because of this, possibly some stages I have encountered might be valuable to those of you who find yourself in a leadership capacity. Wish me luck!
- Don't be afraid to be wrong. Be afraid when you are wrong and can't admit it.
- Believe in two things; God and your church family.
- Grasp the truth that your cross is a daily matter and the headlines over it are "REJECTION!!!".
- Admit that much of our doctrine has left us believing we are the only ones doing church right.
- The latter will necessarily call for humility in reaching a point we--as a church--don't know what to do next in order to prove to us we "also" didn't know how to do church right.
- (Do you mean we can have more than five steps to something? Is there really a sixth and beyond?)
- Learn to rejoice in the very center of struggle. Until you do, the prison doors will not fall open.
- Replace your organizational confidence with Holy Spirit dependence.
- Realize you are the very least in your congregation....and don't be bummed by it.
- Be sure that you believe God can create something from nothing and give life to the dead.
- Build a Kingdom Kontagion by speaking openly about the good things you see in your shepherds, your ministers, your congregation....and above all...YOUR GOD.
- Put in perspective that you are about many little specks of work; it is God who is about the Mountain Moves!
- Keep it in front of you; you are the least of all your friends, all your co-leaders....truly.
- With God, nothing is hopeless nor impossible. Lean with confidence upon His nature!
- Regardless of visual discouragement, dare to believe God can resurrect hope in the center of all cemeterial (feels like death) ministry.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
CONSTRUCTION FAITH
I think one reason we like the kingdom of God so much is its high energy, great activity, permissive rest dimensions. All fit. Fired up and fueled or drained and in need of a break, nothing is static with God at the Top. All is working for good; ups and downs, highs and lows..
The apostles did outstanding work. They began by doing nothing notable other than waiting around in the upper room. Waiting is a fascination to me for such is usually key to making the most urgent progress. The magic to their waiting was they had what I would label construction faith. They really believed stuff would happen although they were absolutely clueless as to what stuff might look like.
Enter Jesus.
When Jesus enters the picture we can start the movie! Not until.
When Jesus enters the picture we can walk with him dodging flaming missiles and even being hit by a few. But we keep believing with construction faith; that trust that we don't know what we are doing, Jesus is the director, and it's up to him to see the story-line unfold.
Construction faith is what you and I have in our slim tool kit. We don't have hammers and saws and wouldn't know how to drive a bulldozer. But we have what we need; Jesus the carpenter. He builds. He remodels. He overhauls.
Because we know the Carpenter we can know for sure renovation...wonderful church renovation...is always a strong possibility!
The apostles did outstanding work. They began by doing nothing notable other than waiting around in the upper room. Waiting is a fascination to me for such is usually key to making the most urgent progress. The magic to their waiting was they had what I would label construction faith. They really believed stuff would happen although they were absolutely clueless as to what stuff might look like.
Enter Jesus.
When Jesus enters the picture we can start the movie! Not until.
When Jesus enters the picture we can walk with him dodging flaming missiles and even being hit by a few. But we keep believing with construction faith; that trust that we don't know what we are doing, Jesus is the director, and it's up to him to see the story-line unfold.
Construction faith is what you and I have in our slim tool kit. We don't have hammers and saws and wouldn't know how to drive a bulldozer. But we have what we need; Jesus the carpenter. He builds. He remodels. He overhauls.
Because we know the Carpenter we can know for sure renovation...wonderful church renovation...is always a strong possibility!
WHAT JESUS DOES TO THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
Jesus. There's just something about that name. He does something to us....marvelously so.
As many of you, I have experienced pivotal points in my walk with him. But I doubt I have yet to encounter the deep end of the faith/doctrine pool. So far, at age 63, I remain in the wading pool where I am still able to breathe safely and still talk the talk while I'm all wet.
There is this consistent feeling within the church in general that the conservatives need to loosen up and be a bit more liberal. In the meantime the liberals, it is thought, should tighten up and become a wiser bit more conservative. I believe both are mistaken.
God's Truth truly is the answer and it will unravel both us Libs and us Conservs. When Jesus strikes the heart of the church, wonderful and productive ruination (as in Isaiah 6:1-6) pulverizes our once-proud stances and images. At this point Jesus finally has a role in building his true church instead of man building a religious organization....which is really man's concepts brushed with strong religious overtones.
What Jesus does to the Church of Christ is twist our arms up behind our backs until we say Uncle. He will not let up. Haven't you read the Gospels? Not one self-assumed and proud-of-his-stance leader of a religious group escaped the pulverizing slaying of Jesus' stinging rebuke. Jesus' might was in his words and he used them to break down one barrier after another that would keep any from knowing God.
He is still at work today. The Ls (libs) can abuse the Cs while the Cs condemn the Ls. If Jesus isn't our focus, blindness is our dis-ease. Our chatter is never-ending. Until we run into Jesus instead of our sub-doctrines, we have not yet reached the deep end of the faith/doctrine pool. But....we keep wading....and talking....without realizing we are all wet.
What Jesus does to the Church of Christ is move us from our image to his. At this point the rocks of criticism are released from our tense hands. Anger, as well as suspicion, subsides. Our heads become bowed. Our minds finally open to His call for Divine relationship. Fear breaks down as compassion and love build. And then we become servants to honor the Father in great gratitude.
That's what Jesus does to the church.
As many of you, I have experienced pivotal points in my walk with him. But I doubt I have yet to encounter the deep end of the faith/doctrine pool. So far, at age 63, I remain in the wading pool where I am still able to breathe safely and still talk the talk while I'm all wet.
There is this consistent feeling within the church in general that the conservatives need to loosen up and be a bit more liberal. In the meantime the liberals, it is thought, should tighten up and become a wiser bit more conservative. I believe both are mistaken.
God's Truth truly is the answer and it will unravel both us Libs and us Conservs. When Jesus strikes the heart of the church, wonderful and productive ruination (as in Isaiah 6:1-6) pulverizes our once-proud stances and images. At this point Jesus finally has a role in building his true church instead of man building a religious organization....which is really man's concepts brushed with strong religious overtones.
What Jesus does to the Church of Christ is twist our arms up behind our backs until we say Uncle. He will not let up. Haven't you read the Gospels? Not one self-assumed and proud-of-his-stance leader of a religious group escaped the pulverizing slaying of Jesus' stinging rebuke. Jesus' might was in his words and he used them to break down one barrier after another that would keep any from knowing God.
He is still at work today. The Ls (libs) can abuse the Cs while the Cs condemn the Ls. If Jesus isn't our focus, blindness is our dis-ease. Our chatter is never-ending. Until we run into Jesus instead of our sub-doctrines, we have not yet reached the deep end of the faith/doctrine pool. But....we keep wading....and talking....without realizing we are all wet.
What Jesus does to the Church of Christ is move us from our image to his. At this point the rocks of criticism are released from our tense hands. Anger, as well as suspicion, subsides. Our heads become bowed. Our minds finally open to His call for Divine relationship. Fear breaks down as compassion and love build. And then we become servants to honor the Father in great gratitude.
That's what Jesus does to the church.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
THE WORLD OF GOD IS WIDER THAN NARROW
Narrow has always been a conservative church word. It is also a biblical word; For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life. Sure, I'll toss my interpretation into the mix. I think the narrow way is the one called Jesus. All of life blooms through him; he said so. Go for money, fame, or famous money and one will miss life. Jesus is the doorway to fullness.
But in my circle of believers, narrow has come to mean no garage sales, no dancing, no drinking, no Christmas trees (or gifts), no Bible classes, no orphans homes, no Bible versions other than KJV....the list is endless. Oddly, such narrowism produces consistently meager life.
I have an estranged preacher friend who will not read any books who were not written by Church of Christ authors; and even that selection is narrowed. Not surprisingly this man is ultra unhappy. Yet, this isn't the saddest trait. He is mega-unproductive. His fruit is narrow and withered.
The reason I write this is because I once lived pounding out that Matthew 7:14 verse as loudly as any of my pulpititious cohorts. I was a puplit pounder and a red-faced deliverer of the Almighty Word; but my harvest....well, there wasn't any. It too was narrow.
So what say ye to the biblical narrow viewpoint? Jesus said it/he would lead to life. John 10:10 is where he states it is abundant life. Biblical narrow leads to abundant life. What I enjoy about the church, and my participation in it, is the abundance of life we encounter at every turn. Some of it---no, much of it---is found in books and works and even doctrines that are not about nor from us!
The world of God is wider than our conservative perception and mistaken view of narrow.
From which end of the telescope shall we peer?
But in my circle of believers, narrow has come to mean no garage sales, no dancing, no drinking, no Christmas trees (or gifts), no Bible classes, no orphans homes, no Bible versions other than KJV....the list is endless. Oddly, such narrowism produces consistently meager life.
I have an estranged preacher friend who will not read any books who were not written by Church of Christ authors; and even that selection is narrowed. Not surprisingly this man is ultra unhappy. Yet, this isn't the saddest trait. He is mega-unproductive. His fruit is narrow and withered.
The reason I write this is because I once lived pounding out that Matthew 7:14 verse as loudly as any of my pulpititious cohorts. I was a puplit pounder and a red-faced deliverer of the Almighty Word; but my harvest....well, there wasn't any. It too was narrow.
So what say ye to the biblical narrow viewpoint? Jesus said it/he would lead to life. John 10:10 is where he states it is abundant life. Biblical narrow leads to abundant life. What I enjoy about the church, and my participation in it, is the abundance of life we encounter at every turn. Some of it---no, much of it---is found in books and works and even doctrines that are not about nor from us!
The world of God is wider than our conservative perception and mistaken view of narrow.
From which end of the telescope shall we peer?
Saturday, October 16, 2010
A WORD FROM A SHADE-TREE PARENT
Shade-tree parent; I know how to handle a few things from on-the-job training by having three children of my own and working with 100s of other families over the years. Professional? No. Experiential? Yes.
What I'm about to tell you is just in case you might be going through some of this and it would be God's timing.
A neighbor stopped by my house this week as I was watering the lawn. Her family goes to a nearby church. I have a question for you, she quipped. What do you do when your daughter is dating someone you don't approve of?
Ah, not an unusual question. Times are tough when parent/child perspectives are out of sync. Yet, it is an opportune time if managed well by the leader; the parent.
Kids need to know the parent trusts them and believes in them. Write this down....They will make mistakes.....just as you did. We grimace when any mistakes are costly; yet maturity gains its greatest momentum in precisely those situations.
My advice to my neighbor:
I hesitate to hit "publish" on this one for the sheer truth that some who are reading this need exactly the opposite, by chance. Yet...I will send it forth for that one who could use a part of these ideas. Just keep in mind...they are shade-tree concepts and not professional. Dig?
What I'm about to tell you is just in case you might be going through some of this and it would be God's timing.
A neighbor stopped by my house this week as I was watering the lawn. Her family goes to a nearby church. I have a question for you, she quipped. What do you do when your daughter is dating someone you don't approve of?
Ah, not an unusual question. Times are tough when parent/child perspectives are out of sync. Yet, it is an opportune time if managed well by the leader; the parent.
Kids need to know the parent trusts them and believes in them. Write this down....They will make mistakes.....just as you did. We grimace when any mistakes are costly; yet maturity gains its greatest momentum in precisely those situations.
My advice to my neighbor:
- Don't create any division while she is 20 that you are going to grievingly regret at 30.
- Communicate your caution and concern and then move on to assurances of the strengths you see in your child. Speak up; but do it with respect. You do know things she doesn't.
- Realize they must be free to live their own lives. If you press her into dating another and the marriage doesn't work out....she will blame you and you will carry guilt the rest of your life.
- If your child blows it in any form, be prepared as the Prodigal Mother to receive the daughter with celebration; not condemnation of I told you so.
I hesitate to hit "publish" on this one for the sheer truth that some who are reading this need exactly the opposite, by chance. Yet...I will send it forth for that one who could use a part of these ideas. Just keep in mind...they are shade-tree concepts and not professional. Dig?
Friday, October 15, 2010
IS OUR FAITH LEVEL WHAT GOD HAD IN MIND?
I am being challenged in my spirit lately. Envy, jealousy, radicalism, nor ulterior motives have anything to do with it. The Standard of Jesus does.
I believe our faith is far more shallow than assumed. I say this not with intended cynic view; but rather from a tender heart toward the awe of God. What we are calling faith is usually a casual attempt at living beyond the explainable with subtle hope that this mystery results in blessings toward us in some way.
If you have ever experienced God where you had times of Him fitting several pieces together in your personal walk that you could not help but notice they were beyond your manipulative talents, I am in that zone at the moment. I’m not looking for what I’m about to say. It just keeps becoming apparent.
Could it be possible faith has become a mere doctrinal step—one of five—rather than a lifestyle? Could it be that after years of study, research, and field tests, we have missed the mark of living by faith in the Grand and Glorious God?
Does my life look like Jesus walking on this earth? Does my life not identify and reflect more with impulsive Peter and that apostle from Missouri, Thomas? Did Jesus not reveal that followers would do greater works than he did? And in the early church didn’t they?
Surely we have all had our fill (of others as well as ourselves) regarding stern moves of the church which ultimately relied on manpower rather than Spirit power. Have we not experienced agitation over door knocking and bus work where some of the workers paraded their wares?
Yet, I speak of increased surrender to God. We/I have become casual by our assertive Christian labor being mixed with our love for this world. There is now a trend--a great trend or movement--at present which is calling believers to believe deeper and higher.
As our nation's populace becomes poorer, believers are sensing the call to release more of our money and our things and our time into the rising ocean of need. Christ-believers are not waiting on nor looking to a government to fulfill the needs of these hungry. God's kingdom ones are arising to the call.
For this to happen I believe we will notice a significant decrease in confidence of our own possessions as they will dwindle to the righteous point that if God doesn't provide....there will be nothing....for those we wish to strengthen or ourselves. When we hit these standards of God (Deliverance can only happen due to His provision for we find ourselves with bare cabinets and bank accounts) I think we will swim in the glory of God as never before.
This is coming (my opinion). We will do well to grow together in harmony for the days ahead are surely going to be bleak if continually trying to handle life by a casual faith which has the appearance of surrender but is based on wobbly confidence in self provision.
I believe our faith is far more shallow than assumed. I say this not with intended cynic view; but rather from a tender heart toward the awe of God. What we are calling faith is usually a casual attempt at living beyond the explainable with subtle hope that this mystery results in blessings toward us in some way.
If you have ever experienced God where you had times of Him fitting several pieces together in your personal walk that you could not help but notice they were beyond your manipulative talents, I am in that zone at the moment. I’m not looking for what I’m about to say. It just keeps becoming apparent.
Could it be possible faith has become a mere doctrinal step—one of five—rather than a lifestyle? Could it be that after years of study, research, and field tests, we have missed the mark of living by faith in the Grand and Glorious God?
Does my life look like Jesus walking on this earth? Does my life not identify and reflect more with impulsive Peter and that apostle from Missouri, Thomas? Did Jesus not reveal that followers would do greater works than he did? And in the early church didn’t they?
Surely we have all had our fill (of others as well as ourselves) regarding stern moves of the church which ultimately relied on manpower rather than Spirit power. Have we not experienced agitation over door knocking and bus work where some of the workers paraded their wares?
Yet, I speak of increased surrender to God. We/I have become casual by our assertive Christian labor being mixed with our love for this world. There is now a trend--a great trend or movement--at present which is calling believers to believe deeper and higher.
As our nation's populace becomes poorer, believers are sensing the call to release more of our money and our things and our time into the rising ocean of need. Christ-believers are not waiting on nor looking to a government to fulfill the needs of these hungry. God's kingdom ones are arising to the call.
For this to happen I believe we will notice a significant decrease in confidence of our own possessions as they will dwindle to the righteous point that if God doesn't provide....there will be nothing....for those we wish to strengthen or ourselves. When we hit these standards of God (Deliverance can only happen due to His provision for we find ourselves with bare cabinets and bank accounts) I think we will swim in the glory of God as never before.
This is coming (my opinion). We will do well to grow together in harmony for the days ahead are surely going to be bleak if continually trying to handle life by a casual faith which has the appearance of surrender but is based on wobbly confidence in self provision.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
WE BOTH WROTE NOT THE SAME THING
As you know Philip Yancey is a good friend. He helped me with the concept of mercy when I was writing The Miracle of Mercy. I'm appreciative of his insight to the kingdom and his kindness in my direction.
Philip always sends me an autographed copy of his newest book. When my MVP! (Why We Are Most Valuable in God's Eyes) finally came into print I sent him a copy AS I JUST KNEW HE WOULD REALLY WANT ONE!
Today's mail brought me his newest, What Good Is God? He wrote this note,
For Terry,
This provides the flip side answer to MVP: why God is valuable in our eyes!
Philip Yancey
Can you believe it? We both wrote not the same thing....at the same time!
Philip always sends me an autographed copy of his newest book. When my MVP! (Why We Are Most Valuable in God's Eyes) finally came into print I sent him a copy AS I JUST KNEW HE WOULD REALLY WANT ONE!
Today's mail brought me his newest, What Good Is God? He wrote this note,
For Terry,
This provides the flip side answer to MVP: why God is valuable in our eyes!
Philip Yancey
Can you believe it? We both wrote not the same thing....at the same time!
THE STRUGGLE OF THE HEART
Have you ever noticed you can be happy and yet dissatisfied all at the same time?
My life is one of both thrill and reach. I am thrilled over the abundance of right now while I am driven to reach for more of what God addresses as valuable....for I have surely not arrived. God is so big and His work so demanding I will always be in kindergarten. First grade, for me, is out of reach. Kindergarten II and III? Possibly.
My heart struggles with this Kingdom System of His because I know to do things which will bless God and those He would call through my faith. Yet, I don't do them. I believe them....but just don't fulfill them.
For example, I am learning daily the increasing truth that to be effective we must release more and more of us. We sing none of self and all of Thee, but seldom have I heard it in actualization. I believe we basically sing such as an ideal goal.
Oh I've had spurts of giving it all. Leaving my frail security to go to preaching school was truly cutting the limb off behind me. This was terrifying. Moving to Memorial Drive in 1977 caused me extreme anguish. The only reason I did it is because I was convinced God wanted it so. I reached a point I felt I had no choice.
Today? Well today is more of the same....heart struggles. Our world still desperately needs our help, our compassion...our dying to self. It needs it badly. I think Jesus has made it clear. The world cannot come to life in Him unless someone dies to self. The more death...the more hope of massive life. The more we save ourselves hiding behind the names of good ministries, the deader earth becomes.
This creates a giant struggle of the heart. The true church--the one Jesus is continuing to build--is not the one with the correct shingle over the door nor the correct "decent and orderly" worship assembly. It is to find some living immune to the ridicule, hardship, and luring call of the world while tenderly caring for the poor, the lame, the blind in the name of Jesus-the-Healer.
I don't believe this post makes one's struggle easier. But maybe it might pull a few hearts together in the bond-awareness that we are not alone in this turmoil. Same Kind of Different As Me, Rees Howells Intercessor, The Hole in Our Gospel, Radical, and A Framework for Understanding Poverty clears our Christian sinuses.
Thanks be to God for His favor to never pull back His persistent call to lose ourselves by helping others that we....might really find ourselves to be who we hunger to be.
My life is one of both thrill and reach. I am thrilled over the abundance of right now while I am driven to reach for more of what God addresses as valuable....for I have surely not arrived. God is so big and His work so demanding I will always be in kindergarten. First grade, for me, is out of reach. Kindergarten II and III? Possibly.
My heart struggles with this Kingdom System of His because I know to do things which will bless God and those He would call through my faith. Yet, I don't do them. I believe them....but just don't fulfill them.
For example, I am learning daily the increasing truth that to be effective we must release more and more of us. We sing none of self and all of Thee, but seldom have I heard it in actualization. I believe we basically sing such as an ideal goal.
Oh I've had spurts of giving it all. Leaving my frail security to go to preaching school was truly cutting the limb off behind me. This was terrifying. Moving to Memorial Drive in 1977 caused me extreme anguish. The only reason I did it is because I was convinced God wanted it so. I reached a point I felt I had no choice.
Today? Well today is more of the same....heart struggles. Our world still desperately needs our help, our compassion...our dying to self. It needs it badly. I think Jesus has made it clear. The world cannot come to life in Him unless someone dies to self. The more death...the more hope of massive life. The more we save ourselves hiding behind the names of good ministries, the deader earth becomes.
This creates a giant struggle of the heart. The true church--the one Jesus is continuing to build--is not the one with the correct shingle over the door nor the correct "decent and orderly" worship assembly. It is to find some living immune to the ridicule, hardship, and luring call of the world while tenderly caring for the poor, the lame, the blind in the name of Jesus-the-Healer.
I don't believe this post makes one's struggle easier. But maybe it might pull a few hearts together in the bond-awareness that we are not alone in this turmoil. Same Kind of Different As Me, Rees Howells Intercessor, The Hole in Our Gospel, Radical, and A Framework for Understanding Poverty clears our Christian sinuses.
Thanks be to God for His favor to never pull back His persistent call to lose ourselves by helping others that we....might really find ourselves to be who we hunger to be.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
WHY JESUS IS SUCH A PROMINENT LEADER
Look at him. Study his moves. See anything unique about his leadership? Patient, you say? Loving?
I think there is a reason for Jesus' spectacular leadership; he walked with those on the bottom rung of life. He didn't attend seminars about them. He didn't give lip-service to them. He supped with them. Jesus traded places with them.
America is suffering because her leaders can't find the key to effective leadership. We hear very well about the need to sacrifice. The new conferences are abundant regarding gaining support from both parties for more stability. But one thing seems to be lacking from all political schemes; there are no leaders like Jesus.
And what should those leaders do?
Look at Jesus. He crossed the tracks from heaven's supra-throne to earth's lowest bassinette. What might work for America to begin a rally back is to see the suit-n-tie leaders making a shift from what we perceive as extravagant living to more humble means. The Washington Image does not align with its Vocal Concern about our land.
Jesus is the example. He became poor that God's nation might become rich. And what did those rich do? Became poor in turn for others to become rich.
This hope is not relegated to Washington only. It fits preachers and elders and Bible students of every brand. An exciting thing the church is experiencing is the more we labor and identify with the poor, the more we seem to notice God's presence.
Jesus was a prominent leader because he operated from basement headquarters. We will do well to ponder such leadership tactics. Maybe then we will notice we have actual followers.
I think there is a reason for Jesus' spectacular leadership; he walked with those on the bottom rung of life. He didn't attend seminars about them. He didn't give lip-service to them. He supped with them. Jesus traded places with them.
America is suffering because her leaders can't find the key to effective leadership. We hear very well about the need to sacrifice. The new conferences are abundant regarding gaining support from both parties for more stability. But one thing seems to be lacking from all political schemes; there are no leaders like Jesus.
And what should those leaders do?
Look at Jesus. He crossed the tracks from heaven's supra-throne to earth's lowest bassinette. What might work for America to begin a rally back is to see the suit-n-tie leaders making a shift from what we perceive as extravagant living to more humble means. The Washington Image does not align with its Vocal Concern about our land.
Jesus is the example. He became poor that God's nation might become rich. And what did those rich do? Became poor in turn for others to become rich.
This hope is not relegated to Washington only. It fits preachers and elders and Bible students of every brand. An exciting thing the church is experiencing is the more we labor and identify with the poor, the more we seem to notice God's presence.
Jesus was a prominent leader because he operated from basement headquarters. We will do well to ponder such leadership tactics. Maybe then we will notice we have actual followers.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
GOD AND OUR PRAYERS
This comments was left on my last blog; Of course God does not answer all prayers. You pray for one team. Someone else prays for the other. Someone's prayer doesn't get answered. I pray for a job. You pray for the same job.
Anonymous, you may be absolutely correct on this, but I wish to shed a possible different light.
First, I think God does answer all prayers. He answers them all with a "Yes"...II Cor. 1:18-20. You get the job and I don't when we have been praying for the same job? A yes happened to you and a yes happened to me for He has other options for me.
Second, I wasn't praying for Rick Ankiel's team. I was praying for him. By way of further explanation, I wasn't praying that he win. I was seeking God's grace to build him up.
Third, for you to imply God doesn't favor teams is to imply God doesn't favor believing corporations or companies or CEO's, etc. I think He does.
Finally, just from the few words you expressed, is there a spirit of doubt regarding prayer? As I just did, you surely have "further explanation". Yet on the surface it seems you would not bother to pray for a job or blessings or grace, etc. for whatever will be will be. Correct or not?
The reason I inquire is the church in places is stuck dead in its tracks for lack of prayer due to a humanistic approach to the workings of God. Some have faith in God and other have faith in doubt.
If I've misunderstood you, my error. Your response seems to say....things went well for Rick because things went well and there was no need to pray. I'm not feeling defensive for me; but I am for prayer. Did I misunderstand?
Anonymous, you may be absolutely correct on this, but I wish to shed a possible different light.
First, I think God does answer all prayers. He answers them all with a "Yes"...II Cor. 1:18-20. You get the job and I don't when we have been praying for the same job? A yes happened to you and a yes happened to me for He has other options for me.
Second, I wasn't praying for Rick Ankiel's team. I was praying for him. By way of further explanation, I wasn't praying that he win. I was seeking God's grace to build him up.
Third, for you to imply God doesn't favor teams is to imply God doesn't favor believing corporations or companies or CEO's, etc. I think He does.
Finally, just from the few words you expressed, is there a spirit of doubt regarding prayer? As I just did, you surely have "further explanation". Yet on the surface it seems you would not bother to pray for a job or blessings or grace, etc. for whatever will be will be. Correct or not?
The reason I inquire is the church in places is stuck dead in its tracks for lack of prayer due to a humanistic approach to the workings of God. Some have faith in God and other have faith in doubt.
If I've misunderstood you, my error. Your response seems to say....things went well for Rick because things went well and there was no need to pray. I'm not feeling defensive for me; but I am for prayer. Did I misunderstand?
Saturday, October 09, 2010
11th HOUR WONDER
Baseball is submerged in it annual Division Series playoffs with the goal of placing the top two teams in the cherished World Series.
Rick Ankiel is a friend whom I pray for every week. He left the Cardinals last year and was signed by the Royals only to be traded late in the summer to Atlanta. Atlanta is playing the Giants for the Division Championship.
Thursday night's first game was not a good one for my friend. He went hitless and had an error. The Giants won 1-0.
I felt badly for Rick so throughout the day Friday I would pray for him; not necessarily his skill but for his confidence. Last night the Braves overcame a 4-0 deficit and it was Rick Ankiel who hit the game-winning home run into the Bay in the 11th inning.
I sent word to the him this morning of my pride in and for him. While this all sounds like it's about baseball, it is about much more.
Rick Ankiel is a friend whom I pray for every week. He left the Cardinals last year and was signed by the Royals only to be traded late in the summer to Atlanta. Atlanta is playing the Giants for the Division Championship.
Thursday night's first game was not a good one for my friend. He went hitless and had an error. The Giants won 1-0.
I felt badly for Rick so throughout the day Friday I would pray for him; not necessarily his skill but for his confidence. Last night the Braves overcame a 4-0 deficit and it was Rick Ankiel who hit the game-winning home run into the Bay in the 11th inning.
I sent word to the him this morning of my pride in and for him. While this all sounds like it's about baseball, it is about much more.
Friday, October 08, 2010
A THREAT TO THE CHURCH THAT MAY GO UNCHECKED
I like life. I like the church. I like hope.
Recently I had a conversation with a man from a war-torn country. He now lives in Tulsa by way of first a refugee camp in the Philippines to Canada to America. He said America is a hard place to live.
He owns his own business, so I inquired further. His response was that when in Nam or the refugee camp he had nothing but the focus of getting enough food for his family day by day. He walked two miles one way for water for cooking and laundry. Here, he said, one has to really work hard to keep up with so many things; possessions.
And then he made a drastic statement. He declared that his days of just trying to get enough food were much happier ones than living in America. Why? Because it takes so much stress to keep all the things running or painted or paid.
I immediately wondered about Jesus' teaching about prayer; Give us this day our daily bread.
I'm not off on a tirade about possessions. I can't. I own too many. But I do reflect on this little man's surprising statement. I wonder how difficult it is for us to truly abide in the life of Christ while we carry our "many things" into each day's discussion and mission. I wonder how much of our kingdom impact is diminished because we seem to have little need to depend on God day by day for our next meal.
I'm ahead of no one in this discussion, understand. However, I do think there is a correlation between seeking His daily provision and our fundamental joy.
Recently I had a conversation with a man from a war-torn country. He now lives in Tulsa by way of first a refugee camp in the Philippines to Canada to America. He said America is a hard place to live.
He owns his own business, so I inquired further. His response was that when in Nam or the refugee camp he had nothing but the focus of getting enough food for his family day by day. He walked two miles one way for water for cooking and laundry. Here, he said, one has to really work hard to keep up with so many things; possessions.
And then he made a drastic statement. He declared that his days of just trying to get enough food were much happier ones than living in America. Why? Because it takes so much stress to keep all the things running or painted or paid.
I immediately wondered about Jesus' teaching about prayer; Give us this day our daily bread.
I'm not off on a tirade about possessions. I can't. I own too many. But I do reflect on this little man's surprising statement. I wonder how difficult it is for us to truly abide in the life of Christ while we carry our "many things" into each day's discussion and mission. I wonder how much of our kingdom impact is diminished because we seem to have little need to depend on God day by day for our next meal.
I'm ahead of no one in this discussion, understand. However, I do think there is a correlation between seeking His daily provision and our fundamental joy.
THE LAW KILLS BUT THE SPIRIT GIVES LIFE
This statement taken from II Corinthians 3:6 was recently questioned in a comment from another post. The question is a good one. Because it is a life/death issue (scripturally speaking), let's wrestle with it a bit.
The law or the letter or the letter of the law kills; important principle at work here. Especially law in religion kills. The questioner asks the obvious; are we not to obey God's commandments? Any other answer than yes would be foolish.
So how does this work if we aren't to operate by law so the Spirit can work. First, enter the mystery of God for He isn't lying to us. Second, I remind you I am a mere man trying to awaken us to this mystery via explanation I am incapable of giving. Dig?
The context is law versus liberty (:17). Liberty doesn't fit our heritage well. We've relied upon rules of performance rather than faith of Spirit. Therefore, this discussion is quite difficult for our particular ears to hear. The truth is law kills and Spirit gives life. God said such.
And I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive, and I died; and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; for sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, deceived me, and through it killed me (Rom. 7:9-11).
For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would have indeed have been based on law. But the Scripture has shut up all men under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, are no longer under the tutor (Galatians 3:21-25).
Freedom is a Christ element. We are expected to partake of the perfect law of liberty (Jas. 1:25). Yet, we don't because we have viewed our present condition as having moved from one law to a new one; from one tutor to a new one while we tend to miss the freedom and liberty in Jesus. The pull is so strong we feel the need to explain away our freedom for we wouldn't want our people to believe we could just be free to do anything we wanted....like believe in possibility and hope and wonder and awe.
No, we are careful to abide by rules; yet the Rule Giver says rules kill. The rules (laws) weren't the problem. Inadequate flesh was. The rules of God---His commandments---which call us to go into all the world, to love one another, etc.---are hampered by our "laws" of why we can't, shouldn't, and couldn't when He has freed us to go for it!
In my very frail way I have made an effort to point out that the statement in that the law (in general) kills and the Spirit gives life is in fact a God-given statement. Liberty is a biblical calling; yet it makes us so uneasy we feel the need to explain exactly what we mean for we are barely free to accept it. Thus, the church is quite hampered (killed and dead) because we have focused on obeying rules of restriction instead of laws of liberty.
The law or the letter or the letter of the law kills; important principle at work here. Especially law in religion kills. The questioner asks the obvious; are we not to obey God's commandments? Any other answer than yes would be foolish.
So how does this work if we aren't to operate by law so the Spirit can work. First, enter the mystery of God for He isn't lying to us. Second, I remind you I am a mere man trying to awaken us to this mystery via explanation I am incapable of giving. Dig?
The context is law versus liberty (:17). Liberty doesn't fit our heritage well. We've relied upon rules of performance rather than faith of Spirit. Therefore, this discussion is quite difficult for our particular ears to hear. The truth is law kills and Spirit gives life. God said such.
And I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive, and I died; and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; for sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, deceived me, and through it killed me (Rom. 7:9-11).
For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would have indeed have been based on law. But the Scripture has shut up all men under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, are no longer under the tutor (Galatians 3:21-25).
Freedom is a Christ element. We are expected to partake of the perfect law of liberty (Jas. 1:25). Yet, we don't because we have viewed our present condition as having moved from one law to a new one; from one tutor to a new one while we tend to miss the freedom and liberty in Jesus. The pull is so strong we feel the need to explain away our freedom for we wouldn't want our people to believe we could just be free to do anything we wanted....like believe in possibility and hope and wonder and awe.
No, we are careful to abide by rules; yet the Rule Giver says rules kill. The rules (laws) weren't the problem. Inadequate flesh was. The rules of God---His commandments---which call us to go into all the world, to love one another, etc.---are hampered by our "laws" of why we can't, shouldn't, and couldn't when He has freed us to go for it!
In my very frail way I have made an effort to point out that the statement in that the law (in general) kills and the Spirit gives life is in fact a God-given statement. Liberty is a biblical calling; yet it makes us so uneasy we feel the need to explain exactly what we mean for we are barely free to accept it. Thus, the church is quite hampered (killed and dead) because we have focused on obeying rules of restriction instead of laws of liberty.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
I SAY AT LEAST TRY
I had one of my typical moments Monday when I just up and decided to replace the storm door on the front porch. I've never hung a door before and I'd heard it wasn't easy.
I called Gerald Lovett to report my intent asking if he thought I could do this. He told me...Yes, you can do it. Read the instructions all the way through. Call if you need help.
So I drove over to Lowe's and picked out a really nice door with full glass from top to bottom. Once it was depackaged, I read the instructions. There were 35 steps (really) to hanging the door. Another package would direct me to installing the handles.
Oh boy.
I waded in.
The door was slightly narrower than the door frame. One step discussed shims and so I took care of that. Then the door was too short leaving a two inch gap at the top or the bottom. I hadn't really counted on that; yet assumed I was free to choose. Wind and rain from the top or mice from the bottom? Which would Mary prefer? I opted for the gap at the bottom.
There was a 36" L shaped piece that might fit down there....but I couldn't see how. I still haven't figured what that was about. I'm sure it was supposed to go with the door....but it didn't....ever.
Once the door was hung, I tackled the brass handles. More instructions to read which included another brass thing that could go on the bottom of the door to fill in that gap....and it did! Yippee!
The hardware came in large hunks and dinky pieces and somehow the owner of this was to assemble it in such a way the door would open/close/and latch. Ummm....shall we pray miracles HAVE NOT really ceased?
To my amazement I put the handles together and it worked. Not to my amazement something didn't look right as I had the handles on the wrong sides of the door....and upside down. So....I had to dismantle EVERYTHING and start over.
It was a tedious process. Starting at noon it was now after dark--past 7:00--and I willing to bend the rules to get this job over. I took the handles apart, switched sides of the door, and reinstalled. When I got done I stepped back for evaluation. The inside door handle was on properly but the outside one was off 90 degrees. Thus, I approached another dismantling/remantling.
Done. No....I mean really done.
How's it look? Great. There seems to be one slight problem....but I think it will work out in time. The door doesn't open or close. It is stationary. The door stands still....but the house swings out and back.
I think I better call Gerald.
FOR SALE: An unused white L shaped piece of metal 36" long.
I called Gerald Lovett to report my intent asking if he thought I could do this. He told me...Yes, you can do it. Read the instructions all the way through. Call if you need help.
So I drove over to Lowe's and picked out a really nice door with full glass from top to bottom. Once it was depackaged, I read the instructions. There were 35 steps (really) to hanging the door. Another package would direct me to installing the handles.
Oh boy.
I waded in.
The door was slightly narrower than the door frame. One step discussed shims and so I took care of that. Then the door was too short leaving a two inch gap at the top or the bottom. I hadn't really counted on that; yet assumed I was free to choose. Wind and rain from the top or mice from the bottom? Which would Mary prefer? I opted for the gap at the bottom.
There was a 36" L shaped piece that might fit down there....but I couldn't see how. I still haven't figured what that was about. I'm sure it was supposed to go with the door....but it didn't....ever.
Once the door was hung, I tackled the brass handles. More instructions to read which included another brass thing that could go on the bottom of the door to fill in that gap....and it did! Yippee!
The hardware came in large hunks and dinky pieces and somehow the owner of this was to assemble it in such a way the door would open/close/and latch. Ummm....shall we pray miracles HAVE NOT really ceased?
To my amazement I put the handles together and it worked. Not to my amazement something didn't look right as I had the handles on the wrong sides of the door....and upside down. So....I had to dismantle EVERYTHING and start over.
It was a tedious process. Starting at noon it was now after dark--past 7:00--and I willing to bend the rules to get this job over. I took the handles apart, switched sides of the door, and reinstalled. When I got done I stepped back for evaluation. The inside door handle was on properly but the outside one was off 90 degrees. Thus, I approached another dismantling/remantling.
Done. No....I mean really done.
How's it look? Great. There seems to be one slight problem....but I think it will work out in time. The door doesn't open or close. It is stationary. The door stands still....but the house swings out and back.
I think I better call Gerald.
FOR SALE: An unused white L shaped piece of metal 36" long.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
CHANGE: THE BLESSING AND THE CURSE OF IT ALL
Change is a hotbed of controversy. We often don't want it. Simultaneously, we clamor for it. For certain, we must have it.
Change has been President Obama's platform. The nation is draped in bitterness due to apparent selfishness of both parties. Those who want his administration's style of change are angered at the Republicans who don't. The ship floats the other direction for the other party. A probable mistake in politics is that each party behaves as if they have cornered the market on Truth while the others are (denominational) dummies....either party.
Change is very much needed in both parties. Wrong change isn't good for either. But change is certainly always a signal of better economic and social health if approached properly. George Washington did it. Abraham Lincoln did it. John Kennedy did it. And, Ronald Reagan did it. Each with significant flaws offered strong leadership.
Change in the church is laced with similar stresses. I learned immediately upon my conversion that this word was taboo among us. Yet, I had just changed over to us!
As in politics, positive change requires godly analysis. Change can lead a train into new territory or run from the tracks to cause an injurious wreck. It is not a move one tosses about freely to get the latest whim nominated.
The Restoration Movement's origin was a promotion of change as it called all back to the Bible. Apparently it lost its elasticity over the decades to the point that some scream at change as if it comes from the devil himself.
The beauty of the RM is the persistent faith in the Message which will call every reader to what? Adjust and change. The beast of the RM is that somewhere it assumed it had discovered all of the Truth. A sudden shift of hungering for righteousness moved to stiff-necked defense. Learning went out the front door as preservavtion moved in through the back door. The church shifted from a living organism to a rote museum of "how to do church right".
Change can make a mess of things for it could be the wrong change. Correct change is from God. His is a theme of persuasion to change; to repent. A call to faith is a call to believe He can still change things. A call to prayer is to possess the faith He can still change things.
Change will not necessarily win the Tidy Award. If it is correct, it can be messy. The cross would be a good place to observe.
For me one of the biggest changes that must take place among us is to leave the Law and live by the Spirit. One will kill. The other will give Life. How can we continue to hide from this truth and continue to believe that living by the Law will grow churches? It kills them....God says.
Change to please the fickleness of religious man is a grand mistake. However, spiritual change is needed...it will always be needed....it is called growing in the Lord. Change is like setting off fireworks. We don't want to avoid it; but we do want to handle it well.
Change has been President Obama's platform. The nation is draped in bitterness due to apparent selfishness of both parties. Those who want his administration's style of change are angered at the Republicans who don't. The ship floats the other direction for the other party. A probable mistake in politics is that each party behaves as if they have cornered the market on Truth while the others are (denominational) dummies....either party.
Change is very much needed in both parties. Wrong change isn't good for either. But change is certainly always a signal of better economic and social health if approached properly. George Washington did it. Abraham Lincoln did it. John Kennedy did it. And, Ronald Reagan did it. Each with significant flaws offered strong leadership.
Change in the church is laced with similar stresses. I learned immediately upon my conversion that this word was taboo among us. Yet, I had just changed over to us!
As in politics, positive change requires godly analysis. Change can lead a train into new territory or run from the tracks to cause an injurious wreck. It is not a move one tosses about freely to get the latest whim nominated.
The Restoration Movement's origin was a promotion of change as it called all back to the Bible. Apparently it lost its elasticity over the decades to the point that some scream at change as if it comes from the devil himself.
The beauty of the RM is the persistent faith in the Message which will call every reader to what? Adjust and change. The beast of the RM is that somewhere it assumed it had discovered all of the Truth. A sudden shift of hungering for righteousness moved to stiff-necked defense. Learning went out the front door as preservavtion moved in through the back door. The church shifted from a living organism to a rote museum of "how to do church right".
Change can make a mess of things for it could be the wrong change. Correct change is from God. His is a theme of persuasion to change; to repent. A call to faith is a call to believe He can still change things. A call to prayer is to possess the faith He can still change things.
Change will not necessarily win the Tidy Award. If it is correct, it can be messy. The cross would be a good place to observe.
For me one of the biggest changes that must take place among us is to leave the Law and live by the Spirit. One will kill. The other will give Life. How can we continue to hide from this truth and continue to believe that living by the Law will grow churches? It kills them....God says.
Change to please the fickleness of religious man is a grand mistake. However, spiritual change is needed...it will always be needed....it is called growing in the Lord. Change is like setting off fireworks. We don't want to avoid it; but we do want to handle it well.
Monday, October 04, 2010
WHAT I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN WHEN I BEGAN
Ministry is wonderful! I thought it would be. I was so right. Who wouldn't want to get to be a part of His work; whether preacher or elder or teacher or worshipper...we get to do the best life available; God's!
I wish I could have caught on faster. Yet, such wonderful lessons are buried within the failures of others and myself. And I guess the thing I can say today is I've finally caught on to the truth I haven't caught on.
Ah, but not to be done in!
As the work gets bigger and I get smaller, my dependence upon God is properly more needier.
As the world tosses more questions and my answers seem outdated, my dependence on God gets surer.
As ministries develop and their continuity appears to be a hair from oblivion, my thirst for His provision becomes clearer in focus.
As relationships increase in number causing my time for each to wane, my gratitude for those who will not let me go gains respectful appreciation.
As God willfully shows His handiwork in my path I find I don't become more cocky; but rather more tearful for I know which one of us caused the results...and which one of us didn't.
I wish I had been able to take it in at the beginning that God will be just fine and do just fine without my creating a place for Him to abide. I could have been much more at ease if I could have grasped the raw truth that what little I knew wasn't enough to fret over. All of my jealousy and all of my envy and all of my "what ifs" and "why nots"....ah, what a waste of mind time.
I battled enemies that never came about. I fought for attention I never needed. And I pressed for results that weren't of God's development.
Today? Oh, my goal is to never arrive. I just want to keep on doing something I've finally begun to learn in the later years of ministry.....just be fascinated over right now.
These are the good ol' days....so don't miss 'em!
I wish I could have caught on faster. Yet, such wonderful lessons are buried within the failures of others and myself. And I guess the thing I can say today is I've finally caught on to the truth I haven't caught on.
Ah, but not to be done in!
As the work gets bigger and I get smaller, my dependence upon God is properly more needier.
As the world tosses more questions and my answers seem outdated, my dependence on God gets surer.
As ministries develop and their continuity appears to be a hair from oblivion, my thirst for His provision becomes clearer in focus.
As relationships increase in number causing my time for each to wane, my gratitude for those who will not let me go gains respectful appreciation.
As God willfully shows His handiwork in my path I find I don't become more cocky; but rather more tearful for I know which one of us caused the results...and which one of us didn't.
I wish I had been able to take it in at the beginning that God will be just fine and do just fine without my creating a place for Him to abide. I could have been much more at ease if I could have grasped the raw truth that what little I knew wasn't enough to fret over. All of my jealousy and all of my envy and all of my "what ifs" and "why nots"....ah, what a waste of mind time.
I battled enemies that never came about. I fought for attention I never needed. And I pressed for results that weren't of God's development.
Today? Oh, my goal is to never arrive. I just want to keep on doing something I've finally begun to learn in the later years of ministry.....just be fascinated over right now.
These are the good ol' days....so don't miss 'em!
Saturday, October 02, 2010
PRESSURED? WORRY IS OVER!
Be still. Know I am God. The Psalmist penned those thoughts in an age long ago. We will do well to heed his call.
I live where you live. My world for just today has involved a deep discussion of what to do for and how to help the elderly in crisis, visiting with a daughter-in-law about her very ill father, whether to respond to a critic who thrives in writing against me in his brotherhood paper, and the assignment of delivering a message tomorrow morning which will bless the church budget which affects every church ministry...and then that workshop thing I'm working on. No pressure.
I take it back. Valuable Pressure.
But here's what I've learned about Jesus that I didn't see coming in the beginning. While enemies try to thrive on him, he is the one who thrives. Jesus ran from nothing. He wasn't worried. How could this be? I think it is because he trusted his Father much more than he trusted personal skills of rescue and delivery.
So it is with all of us. We don't run the show; God does. It isn't up to us to will or to run it; God will....Romans 9:16. We....can be still and know that He is God. Enough pressure finally assures us that we aren't....God. Good for us!
Live with no complaint. Live with much gratitude. Pressures? Galore and often....really daily. But we flinch not. We fret not. We scold not. We lose it....not.
Jesus shows us pressure and what to do with it. Thrive on it. All of the incidents which seem to bombard our days are mere maps to show us precisely where we need God to do His thing at the moment. If God can take a dead Son and hit him with resurrection power....so that we can walk in that resurrection power...don't you think it's time we admit that worry is over?
I live where you live. My world for just today has involved a deep discussion of what to do for and how to help the elderly in crisis, visiting with a daughter-in-law about her very ill father, whether to respond to a critic who thrives in writing against me in his brotherhood paper, and the assignment of delivering a message tomorrow morning which will bless the church budget which affects every church ministry...and then that workshop thing I'm working on. No pressure.
I take it back. Valuable Pressure.
But here's what I've learned about Jesus that I didn't see coming in the beginning. While enemies try to thrive on him, he is the one who thrives. Jesus ran from nothing. He wasn't worried. How could this be? I think it is because he trusted his Father much more than he trusted personal skills of rescue and delivery.
So it is with all of us. We don't run the show; God does. It isn't up to us to will or to run it; God will....Romans 9:16. We....can be still and know that He is God. Enough pressure finally assures us that we aren't....God. Good for us!
Live with no complaint. Live with much gratitude. Pressures? Galore and often....really daily. But we flinch not. We fret not. We scold not. We lose it....not.
Jesus shows us pressure and what to do with it. Thrive on it. All of the incidents which seem to bombard our days are mere maps to show us precisely where we need God to do His thing at the moment. If God can take a dead Son and hit him with resurrection power....so that we can walk in that resurrection power...don't you think it's time we admit that worry is over?
Friday, October 01, 2010
FAITH: IT IS A POWER, NOT A TREND
Will we ever gain significant momentum in believing God is with us...actively with us? Well, we surely do make plans and even strides at growth in this marvelous arena.
When we actively believe God is actively among us, that faith gives us pushability power. We gain the strength to push back against dark discouragement. We are freed to break into wonder in the very center of "grave" settings.
Trent Taylor and I were discussing an idea I have for Sunday morning's sermon regarding the opportunity of God's children to actively believe there was a Promised Land. Trent pointed out that he heard recently a point that of the 1.5 million which fled Egypt only two believed God's promise. Only 2.
Where two or three are gathered....He will still work.
When it seems to you the congregation doesn't get something, be confident that God can and will still work. When you notice the numbers increasing with indifferent commitment, be confident that God can and will still work. When you sense that what you once believed to be solid hope is unravelling, think again. This is just another opportunity to gain confidence that God can and will work.
One of the moods I really love about being a Christian is potential is not found in what the masses believe. It can be found in just a slim few. Don't be discouraged about anything. God has always valiantly used those who didn't believe in themselves (cowardly/shy Moses) or others didn't believe in (boy David) or those who, at first sight, were assumed to be villainous (Saul of Tarsus) or those just plain dead (Jesus).
God is not stumped except in one place....where He just can't find believers. Moses became a believer as did Saul. David already was one and so was Jesus. Faith....it matters....but it doesn't operate off of a recent poll or trend.
When we actively believe God is actively among us, that faith gives us pushability power. We gain the strength to push back against dark discouragement. We are freed to break into wonder in the very center of "grave" settings.
Trent Taylor and I were discussing an idea I have for Sunday morning's sermon regarding the opportunity of God's children to actively believe there was a Promised Land. Trent pointed out that he heard recently a point that of the 1.5 million which fled Egypt only two believed God's promise. Only 2.
Where two or three are gathered....He will still work.
When it seems to you the congregation doesn't get something, be confident that God can and will still work. When you notice the numbers increasing with indifferent commitment, be confident that God can and will still work. When you sense that what you once believed to be solid hope is unravelling, think again. This is just another opportunity to gain confidence that God can and will work.
One of the moods I really love about being a Christian is potential is not found in what the masses believe. It can be found in just a slim few. Don't be discouraged about anything. God has always valiantly used those who didn't believe in themselves (cowardly/shy Moses) or others didn't believe in (boy David) or those who, at first sight, were assumed to be villainous (Saul of Tarsus) or those just plain dead (Jesus).
God is not stumped except in one place....where He just can't find believers. Moses became a believer as did Saul. David already was one and so was Jesus. Faith....it matters....but it doesn't operate off of a recent poll or trend.
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