Church is hardly what I assumed it to be when I was a kid growing up. I saw it, first, as the most boring part of our community. That didn't make it true, understand; but it was my take. Too, I basically saw that it made little difference. Some of the religious could match some of the non any day on negativity and self-centered behavior. But then, as an adult, I began attending regularly only to be called into a ministry that I would have not believed you had you suggested that it might be my kind of thing.
If it's okay, I'm going to share my (biased, of course) observation as to what will launch the church into a more prominent and stronger community role. We have unintentionally groomed a basic error in that we don't believe that we signed on for the tough stuff; tough stuff like loving your enemy and meaningfully carrying our crosses which means we will die to what we prefer so that enemies can have a glimpse of hope.
No, we have, rather, opted for ways to fit into the church scene that seems to be our passion without demanding personal interior adjustment and growth.
When one is baptized into Jesus, it is not for the sake of joining a church and getting a framed certificate. Rather, we are declaring, Count me in when life isn't easy; when people are difficult and when I'd rather skip the risk and/or the ridicule. Church is anything but handy, selective, or sweet. It is life-saving of others because life-giving is declared from our crosses.
My word for those who are out there dying right now over hardship in the church is, Don't run. Don't hide. Don't look back. And, don't live in anger. Drop the resentment of being offended. Learn to die that your opponents might live. We've got a world of wonder to reach. Never give up.
Our distraction from the true trek of a reality cross has developed generations of touchy personalities who would rather win an argument than win a soul. Not good. Certainly not of God. May we not only move forward; but may we move up. May we step up to the tough stuff which would mean that we sacrifice ourselves that another can find victory in life. This is what and who....we are about.
Friday, February 03, 2017
Thursday, February 02, 2017
WHITTLED BY LIFE'S PRESSURES AND DISAPPOINTMENTS
I don't know of one person who does not face constant stress. Whether I'm in the presence of prisoners serving long sentences or one high-profile individual who lives in constant public view, all are identical when it comes to being treated by someone(s) harshly and unfairly.
I want to be a part of our world that helps. From the High-Profile to the Low-Pauper we are fundamentally all the same; the same in condition and the same in need. We each do what we can to hide our insecurities (and we have many) while we individually had hoped we would have greater impact upon this gigantic world of ours.
Therefore, I encourage you to join life by discontinuing your habit of fighting it. Don't waste a good Thursday because you are living for next Saturday to get here. Try to capture the treasure of now. Surely, it is permissible to make statements like, I just can't wait for........(you fill in the blank; for your baby to walk, for your birthday to get your license, for your vacation). Practice liking (no, loving) right now.
I just returned from baseball camp. One foot is increasing in size and bruise color. Bruises and pain happen. I shall celebrate; not complain. Some people wish they could go to a camp like that and never get to....once...while others just wish they still had their feet. I'll view my swollen and colorful foot as a reward for getting to live on earth. We have much to celebrate AT THIS VERY MOMENT! So why not join in?
You...who read this post...need to know that whether you are famous or un, you really are a big deal. I'm not kidding. You are key, important, necessary, and have much living to do. For those who live with inner depression, I would suggest that you look around to find one who is more depressed than yourself and take them for a Coke or buy them flowers. And don't talk about your aches; rather listen intensely while they talk about theirs. This will cause you to feel better while you will give others comfort that someone really cared.
Everywhere we turn, men, women, and children are being whittled either by people or by circumstances. This is life. What we can and should do is to make and effort to do something about it. Think about it. God created the world by saying so; He spoke the world into existence. By our own speech, we create worlds of hope and life and rebound and love....simply by saying so.
Yes. Some of you are very hurt. No, you didn't deserve your pain. To rid yourself of your misery try giving attention to others who are far worse off....for they are, you know. Speak words of hope and watch new life arise in the eyes of those who hear you.
I want to be a part of our world that helps. From the High-Profile to the Low-Pauper we are fundamentally all the same; the same in condition and the same in need. We each do what we can to hide our insecurities (and we have many) while we individually had hoped we would have greater impact upon this gigantic world of ours.
Therefore, I encourage you to join life by discontinuing your habit of fighting it. Don't waste a good Thursday because you are living for next Saturday to get here. Try to capture the treasure of now. Surely, it is permissible to make statements like, I just can't wait for........(you fill in the blank; for your baby to walk, for your birthday to get your license, for your vacation). Practice liking (no, loving) right now.
I just returned from baseball camp. One foot is increasing in size and bruise color. Bruises and pain happen. I shall celebrate; not complain. Some people wish they could go to a camp like that and never get to....once...while others just wish they still had their feet. I'll view my swollen and colorful foot as a reward for getting to live on earth. We have much to celebrate AT THIS VERY MOMENT! So why not join in?
You...who read this post...need to know that whether you are famous or un, you really are a big deal. I'm not kidding. You are key, important, necessary, and have much living to do. For those who live with inner depression, I would suggest that you look around to find one who is more depressed than yourself and take them for a Coke or buy them flowers. And don't talk about your aches; rather listen intensely while they talk about theirs. This will cause you to feel better while you will give others comfort that someone really cared.
Everywhere we turn, men, women, and children are being whittled either by people or by circumstances. This is life. What we can and should do is to make and effort to do something about it. Think about it. God created the world by saying so; He spoke the world into existence. By our own speech, we create worlds of hope and life and rebound and love....simply by saying so.
Yes. Some of you are very hurt. No, you didn't deserve your pain. To rid yourself of your misery try giving attention to others who are far worse off....for they are, you know. Speak words of hope and watch new life arise in the eyes of those who hear you.
Wednesday, February 01, 2017
THE DECEIT OF TROUBLESOME TIMES
An important factor breeds among us. If unaware of such tendencies, we will apply serious misjudgment. You need to know that mankind has been hacked. The thief intends to steal our confidence, our stability, and our joy. This is a very real threat to every individual.
This mockery passes our stations under the guise of troubling times. Full of arrows and other very mean artillery, anyone is vulnerable to experience rough times; while feeling we never deserved them. Deserve them, we don't. Yet, we must not waste them.
The deceit of troublesome times is that they pose as useless. It is assumed their goals are simply to interfere with our minds and hearts. But, not true. Troublesome times are at the very core of strengthening we soldiers of the Cross for we will most definitely encounter battles. If not in condition, we will tuck our tails between our legs and run screaming Foul the entire time.
But trouble isn't foul. Trouble is basic training just as is the rudimentary principles of Basic Training in the Armed Forces. Trouble is our conditioner for waging war where we eventually save people's lives by wading into fiercely intimidating settings. It is from struggle that we decide one of two ways: quit or fight for life. Too many quit; quit on goals, quit on relationships, quit on being happy.
I would urge you to learn that you are advantaged when matters don't go as you had hoped. Disappointment is a very personal trainer so that you can assist the next generation who runs into disappointment and feels they'll not survive. Show them your Survival Card.
The grand deceit of troublesome times is that such appears to be a waste of a good day. Yet, it is the opposite. It is the trainer of endurance so that we can, in turn, help others who are limping along. We train these to lift their heads and step up their pace. We learn to cheer one another on with, You can make it! because we once were tempted to mope in their shoes. But instead, we learned a secret. We learned a reverse approach where we force trouble (instead of it using us) to make us into a much stronger people.
This mockery passes our stations under the guise of troubling times. Full of arrows and other very mean artillery, anyone is vulnerable to experience rough times; while feeling we never deserved them. Deserve them, we don't. Yet, we must not waste them.
The deceit of troublesome times is that they pose as useless. It is assumed their goals are simply to interfere with our minds and hearts. But, not true. Troublesome times are at the very core of strengthening we soldiers of the Cross for we will most definitely encounter battles. If not in condition, we will tuck our tails between our legs and run screaming Foul the entire time.
But trouble isn't foul. Trouble is basic training just as is the rudimentary principles of Basic Training in the Armed Forces. Trouble is our conditioner for waging war where we eventually save people's lives by wading into fiercely intimidating settings. It is from struggle that we decide one of two ways: quit or fight for life. Too many quit; quit on goals, quit on relationships, quit on being happy.
I would urge you to learn that you are advantaged when matters don't go as you had hoped. Disappointment is a very personal trainer so that you can assist the next generation who runs into disappointment and feels they'll not survive. Show them your Survival Card.
The grand deceit of troublesome times is that such appears to be a waste of a good day. Yet, it is the opposite. It is the trainer of endurance so that we can, in turn, help others who are limping along. We train these to lift their heads and step up their pace. We learn to cheer one another on with, You can make it! because we once were tempted to mope in their shoes. But instead, we learned a secret. We learned a reverse approach where we force trouble (instead of it using us) to make us into a much stronger people.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
WHICH CAME FIRST: THE POLITICIAN OR THE PREACHER?
Our nation faces some serious struggles. We all know it. Opposition from without seems to be matched by disagreement from within. Challenges stand boldly before us as one's preferred slant is monitored even by which Nightly News channel is selected. While this could be relegated to politics, it isn't. Churches have been embroiled for years over similar biasistic practices.
The politician and the preacher are coming off looking just alike....in several zones.
Certainly good politics is to be found in abundance; just as is true of marvelous faith. We know of brave men and women who serve our country in the name of honor. Too, we have long lists of men and women who sacrificially minister to the broken and the lonely of our communities. The question isn't whether there is intrinsic value in either camp. The question is whether the nation can survive the dark divisiveness of a few from the self-obsessed leadership within both groups.
I would not be the politician as you well know. I would, however, be the preacher. I can, therefore, state with certainty that much of my ministry in my earlier days was about me being right and proving other believers wrong. What's worse is that I could slant the Bible verses to prove my case. I was, in fact, forgetting or ignoring what God said about the greatest commands being to love Him and my neighbor. Oh, they were okay; but honestly, I mainly enjoyed being right and showing others where they were wrong.
The question could be raised about the few or many politicians who seem to seek camera time. Do these love the nation and love the people; or have they grown in hunger to win debates and arguments? Is there a contest within their own ranks for publicity and recognition which leaves the common man or woman vulnerable; even neglected?
What I am saying is that the politician and the preacher may be standing in the way of our nation's healing. In fact, these two groups may be large contributors to selfish attitudes which wear on all of us. Surely, for those of us who might be guilty, this was never our intent. But ego has a way of pleading for attention, support, and applause.
Jesus has the answer. He is the answer. Even in his day, both the politicians and the religious leaders argued, debated, pressed and pushed. Eventually, they drove him to the grave all-the-while submitting their (political and religious) standards of absolute right.
And...they...were...absolutely....wrong.
May we not make the same mistake. May we be the sort who yearn to learn; learn to love God and others more than our handy preferences. This would change a nation...I believe. So yes, we've got work to do.
The politician and the preacher are coming off looking just alike....in several zones.
Certainly good politics is to be found in abundance; just as is true of marvelous faith. We know of brave men and women who serve our country in the name of honor. Too, we have long lists of men and women who sacrificially minister to the broken and the lonely of our communities. The question isn't whether there is intrinsic value in either camp. The question is whether the nation can survive the dark divisiveness of a few from the self-obsessed leadership within both groups.
I would not be the politician as you well know. I would, however, be the preacher. I can, therefore, state with certainty that much of my ministry in my earlier days was about me being right and proving other believers wrong. What's worse is that I could slant the Bible verses to prove my case. I was, in fact, forgetting or ignoring what God said about the greatest commands being to love Him and my neighbor. Oh, they were okay; but honestly, I mainly enjoyed being right and showing others where they were wrong.
The question could be raised about the few or many politicians who seem to seek camera time. Do these love the nation and love the people; or have they grown in hunger to win debates and arguments? Is there a contest within their own ranks for publicity and recognition which leaves the common man or woman vulnerable; even neglected?
What I am saying is that the politician and the preacher may be standing in the way of our nation's healing. In fact, these two groups may be large contributors to selfish attitudes which wear on all of us. Surely, for those of us who might be guilty, this was never our intent. But ego has a way of pleading for attention, support, and applause.
Jesus has the answer. He is the answer. Even in his day, both the politicians and the religious leaders argued, debated, pressed and pushed. Eventually, they drove him to the grave all-the-while submitting their (political and religious) standards of absolute right.
And...they...were...absolutely....wrong.
May we not make the same mistake. May we be the sort who yearn to learn; learn to love God and others more than our handy preferences. This would change a nation...I believe. So yes, we've got work to do.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
IF YOU ARE FRUSTRATED OVER THE WAY WASHINGTON D.C. OPERATES
The push n shove of Washington seems bizarre. I'm interested in politics. I'm interested in our country. Many great men and women serve our nation; even from the corridors of the Capitol. The perpetual division, however, is wearisome. Each side blames the other (in general, understand) until the control powers are switched. At that point the divisions seem to remain divided; yet, each has now adapted the other's view....the once held opposing view.
I may be all wet, really, but it just seems that the political conversations of 2016 are identical to the one's now. The players seem to have swapped arguments and changed which ends from the court they were on.
It is this same blurry, confusing, irritating picture that I believe society has had of we churches for decades. Our divisive, always-the-ones-right, the-only-ones-right, ways have caused the world to go deaf to God's glorious call. I fear that we churches are seen similarly as are the political parties; only we meet in church houses to carry on the same tempo of arguing, debating, feuding, while resisting cooperation.
This is a serious matter which the Bible addresses. However, there are many only-ones-right groups planted in our cities and sprinkled along the countryside. And, here's how we get there and stay there. We perpetually promote our doctrines while lacking two essential things (which happen to be doctrinal as well): devotion to Jesus and driven with praise to God.
Being right is not a bad thing as long as such is due to the righteousness of God; not our self-performance, for He alone makes us right. But....we will most likely go ahead and hold tight to both our political views and our religious perspectives in many instances; all the while believing that if others would get their acts together, then we would all be better off.
The Apostle Paul referenced that he was least in the kingdom. The Apostle Paul never met me. I would be the least. It is from this base that we have work ahead of us. I'm interested in unity as well as are you. It would seem that the way to get restarted and renewed would be to have a fresh encounter with Jesus. If we could develop a faith to hear him/notice him in his amazing reach to the rejected and the disregarded, we might not be a people who would merely try to meet in the middle. Instead, we could rather meet at the Cross where humble gratitude replaces selfish attitude.
This, the Cross, is where all of we guilty go. It isn't wrong that we responsibly determine right from wrong. It's the call Jesus makes requesting that before we assist a neighbor with the splinter in his eye, we first remove the log of our own to see more clearly how to help him or her remove theirs. Correction is needed....for certain. It always begins with self and then makes healthy progress from there, don't you think?
I may be all wet, really, but it just seems that the political conversations of 2016 are identical to the one's now. The players seem to have swapped arguments and changed which ends from the court they were on.
It is this same blurry, confusing, irritating picture that I believe society has had of we churches for decades. Our divisive, always-the-ones-right, the-only-ones-right, ways have caused the world to go deaf to God's glorious call. I fear that we churches are seen similarly as are the political parties; only we meet in church houses to carry on the same tempo of arguing, debating, feuding, while resisting cooperation.
This is a serious matter which the Bible addresses. However, there are many only-ones-right groups planted in our cities and sprinkled along the countryside. And, here's how we get there and stay there. We perpetually promote our doctrines while lacking two essential things (which happen to be doctrinal as well): devotion to Jesus and driven with praise to God.
Being right is not a bad thing as long as such is due to the righteousness of God; not our self-performance, for He alone makes us right. But....we will most likely go ahead and hold tight to both our political views and our religious perspectives in many instances; all the while believing that if others would get their acts together, then we would all be better off.
The Apostle Paul referenced that he was least in the kingdom. The Apostle Paul never met me. I would be the least. It is from this base that we have work ahead of us. I'm interested in unity as well as are you. It would seem that the way to get restarted and renewed would be to have a fresh encounter with Jesus. If we could develop a faith to hear him/notice him in his amazing reach to the rejected and the disregarded, we might not be a people who would merely try to meet in the middle. Instead, we could rather meet at the Cross where humble gratitude replaces selfish attitude.
This, the Cross, is where all of we guilty go. It isn't wrong that we responsibly determine right from wrong. It's the call Jesus makes requesting that before we assist a neighbor with the splinter in his eye, we first remove the log of our own to see more clearly how to help him or her remove theirs. Correction is needed....for certain. It always begins with self and then makes healthy progress from there, don't you think?
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
THE HIDING PLACE
One of the oddest things (I think) that Jesus ever said was, He who has ears, let him hear. What's that all about? If one has ears, then one hears. Right? No. We all have experience of talking to someone when that one wasn't listening. Too, we've been in the reverse position where someone else was speaking to us; but our minds were off elsewhere.
So Jesus wants to know, Are you paying attention to what I'm saying? Or, are you looking right at me while your mind has drifted off to the mall or to the golf course? Each of us seems to have a knack of hearing while not hearing at all what is being said.
So I bring before you a very simple portion of God's reach to us? Have you heard Him say that there is truly life beyond the grave? Did you hear Him say that Jesus, His Son, saves us for the heavenly destination? Do you seriously offer attention when He calls us to believe and be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins? Or, have you heard it so much that you've quit listening?
For any who need to shape up and maybe really pay attention to words from God, your day is coming when breathing your last is finality, your conclusion, on earth. I would encourage you to hear what you have been hearing. God isn't a rumor. Jesus isn't a church-thing. Resurrection from the dead isn't wishful thinking. Don't dismiss the most impacting and important things in your life because--as you would say--you've heard it all before.
Really? So....you reached a point where you quit listening? Maybe?
Jesus is our hope. He is our hiding place. We are to be buried in Him in baptism that we be raised to walk a new life....Romans 6:3-5. Maybe....just maybe...it might be time for you to hear what you've been hearing all along? I mean...really hear it this time? The Hiding Place....Jesus protecting us.
So Jesus wants to know, Are you paying attention to what I'm saying? Or, are you looking right at me while your mind has drifted off to the mall or to the golf course? Each of us seems to have a knack of hearing while not hearing at all what is being said.
So I bring before you a very simple portion of God's reach to us? Have you heard Him say that there is truly life beyond the grave? Did you hear Him say that Jesus, His Son, saves us for the heavenly destination? Do you seriously offer attention when He calls us to believe and be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins? Or, have you heard it so much that you've quit listening?
For any who need to shape up and maybe really pay attention to words from God, your day is coming when breathing your last is finality, your conclusion, on earth. I would encourage you to hear what you have been hearing. God isn't a rumor. Jesus isn't a church-thing. Resurrection from the dead isn't wishful thinking. Don't dismiss the most impacting and important things in your life because--as you would say--you've heard it all before.
Really? So....you reached a point where you quit listening? Maybe?
Jesus is our hope. He is our hiding place. We are to be buried in Him in baptism that we be raised to walk a new life....Romans 6:3-5. Maybe....just maybe...it might be time for you to hear what you've been hearing all along? I mean...really hear it this time? The Hiding Place....Jesus protecting us.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
OWN THE CRITICISM YOU RECEIVE
There is an invisible doctrine that has always been among us in the church. We will sacrifice dollars and we will surrender time; but we will not do the receiving of criticism. Think about it, please. We are called to what? Take up our cross and follow him.
Taking up our cross means that we are voluntarily, intentionally, in trouble...with people. Church is trouble. Of course on so many fronts it is full of joy and peace and valued meaning. Yet, the one thing about Jesus that reversed the world from doom to hope was his willingness to take on the whole believing load which certainly meant mistreatment. We seem to be in up to a point.
This week we made an announcement that was painful to put forth; the ending of the Tulsa Workshop. Hundreds of loving comments of support have passed my computer screen and washed my sad heart. And then there are those who seem to have found their opportunity to get to say in public as to how they feel quite negatively about our event. Some man named Stanley B. Adams put the following out there for all to see on Facebook: this is what happens with the Tulsa congregation left its first love, you cannot put lipstick on a pig and expect it to be other than a pig. Godlessness has its own reward.
I dare to repeat this man's feelings for the sake of those of you who also have critics. This isn't fun. It is hurtful. Yet, this is the very thing that you will face as you make progress in the Kingdom. Don't resist. And, certainly don't hate. What this man and others have posted about me/us this week is a drop in the bucket as to how lacking that I know that I really am. I've made multiple mistakes in the workshop decision process. And, I'm not done being a flimsy leader.
But this is for you, young leaders. Don't run when criticism comes your way. Rather own it. It is an essential part of the ministry package. We will not prosper without it. Peter took a stab at advising Jesus to go some other route than the cross. Jesus' response was to connect Peter's seemingly thoughtful and protective words as those coming from Satan's lips.
We don't like struggle. We just like church the way we like it. So we eventually, usually, run. So I join with other voices down through the ages saying, Don't resist, don't hate, don't run, and don't quit. I deserved the negative comment above, and others like it, coming at me. I'm a weak feeble man trying to wear the courageous sandals of our Savior's feet. He did it well. I resist at oh so many turns.
Criticism is to be a part of our Christian walk. Otherwise the cross would be a mere piece of jewelry and not our heart-felt calling to enduring commitment. Yes, some church stuff isn't fun and isn't fair; but it is the Jesus-style. We are called to love our enemies; to do good to those that hate us. He meant it and showed us how. We are not free to opt out. I wonder if the society's deepest crippling could be because we massive church-attenders love those we love and despise those we despise which avoids the central call of the Cross.
Don't be down because someone takes a shot at you. Rather, awaken to the fabulous opportunity of God in such a moment. He wastes not one crumb of a crummy life.
We exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; AND HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us....Romans 5:3-5.
Taking up our cross means that we are voluntarily, intentionally, in trouble...with people. Church is trouble. Of course on so many fronts it is full of joy and peace and valued meaning. Yet, the one thing about Jesus that reversed the world from doom to hope was his willingness to take on the whole believing load which certainly meant mistreatment. We seem to be in up to a point.
This week we made an announcement that was painful to put forth; the ending of the Tulsa Workshop. Hundreds of loving comments of support have passed my computer screen and washed my sad heart. And then there are those who seem to have found their opportunity to get to say in public as to how they feel quite negatively about our event. Some man named Stanley B. Adams put the following out there for all to see on Facebook: this is what happens with the Tulsa congregation left its first love, you cannot put lipstick on a pig and expect it to be other than a pig. Godlessness has its own reward.
I dare to repeat this man's feelings for the sake of those of you who also have critics. This isn't fun. It is hurtful. Yet, this is the very thing that you will face as you make progress in the Kingdom. Don't resist. And, certainly don't hate. What this man and others have posted about me/us this week is a drop in the bucket as to how lacking that I know that I really am. I've made multiple mistakes in the workshop decision process. And, I'm not done being a flimsy leader.
But this is for you, young leaders. Don't run when criticism comes your way. Rather own it. It is an essential part of the ministry package. We will not prosper without it. Peter took a stab at advising Jesus to go some other route than the cross. Jesus' response was to connect Peter's seemingly thoughtful and protective words as those coming from Satan's lips.
We don't like struggle. We just like church the way we like it. So we eventually, usually, run. So I join with other voices down through the ages saying, Don't resist, don't hate, don't run, and don't quit. I deserved the negative comment above, and others like it, coming at me. I'm a weak feeble man trying to wear the courageous sandals of our Savior's feet. He did it well. I resist at oh so many turns.
Criticism is to be a part of our Christian walk. Otherwise the cross would be a mere piece of jewelry and not our heart-felt calling to enduring commitment. Yes, some church stuff isn't fun and isn't fair; but it is the Jesus-style. We are called to love our enemies; to do good to those that hate us. He meant it and showed us how. We are not free to opt out. I wonder if the society's deepest crippling could be because we massive church-attenders love those we love and despise those we despise which avoids the central call of the Cross.
Don't be down because someone takes a shot at you. Rather, awaken to the fabulous opportunity of God in such a moment. He wastes not one crumb of a crummy life.
We exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; AND HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us....Romans 5:3-5.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
GOD ALWAYS SEEMS TO HAVE AN IDEA
The flesh lives in ruts; hides in them, even. The spirit abides on an entirely different terrain. We must be intentional to lean into the latter rather than be manipulated by the former. Every day is a YES in Him. Every circumstance is poised for God's resurrection power which irritates the human need to control through some self-induced and controlling creed of life; religious or not.
God knows how to do stuff!
God can take a group (well a nation, really) out for a walk, come over a hill only to see a swollen river, and part it so smoothly that the travelers just assume that this was a part of the guided tour. But don't dare try to lock Him into a pattern for one day He will demonstrate that parting of the waters is not essential for everyone's travel. Jesus simply used such as a sidewalk when approaching his friends in the boat.
God has so been the God of conformity and non-conformity; simultaneously. This one fact bugs any who wish to get Him to somehow operate from their base of understandable formation. Some of His disciples would be jailed and He would leave them in there. Others incarcerated would find that He would rattle the steel cages and the doors would fly open for great encounters of freedom.
Some stories would have dead individuals coming back to life while others died and stayed died (intended to be funny on the last died). One moved on to Heaven bypassing the cemetery altogether. While yet there were others who died and arose from the dead. Now just which way is it that God intends to work? Yes.
I'm going through the weirdest stuff right now:
God knows how to do stuff!
God can take a group (well a nation, really) out for a walk, come over a hill only to see a swollen river, and part it so smoothly that the travelers just assume that this was a part of the guided tour. But don't dare try to lock Him into a pattern for one day He will demonstrate that parting of the waters is not essential for everyone's travel. Jesus simply used such as a sidewalk when approaching his friends in the boat.
God has so been the God of conformity and non-conformity; simultaneously. This one fact bugs any who wish to get Him to somehow operate from their base of understandable formation. Some of His disciples would be jailed and He would leave them in there. Others incarcerated would find that He would rattle the steel cages and the doors would fly open for great encounters of freedom.
Some stories would have dead individuals coming back to life while others died and stayed died (intended to be funny on the last died). One moved on to Heaven bypassing the cemetery altogether. While yet there were others who died and arose from the dead. Now just which way is it that God intends to work? Yes.
I'm going through the weirdest stuff right now:
- My role is coming to an end July 16.
- We announced this week that the Tulsa Workshop is now ended.
- In a week I will go to my final St. Louis Cardinals Legends Camp.
- And...I await the results of a brain scan which is sorta weird to me.
So what is a man who looks like Brad Pitt to do with all of this? I'm to do what we are all to do when facing challenges that sometimes make us cry. We praise God. We tell Him "thank you". We do not flinch. What we do is live in certainty that as one door closes others break open. This is the way it will go for me and how it will unfold for you.
God is never out of ideas. I truly believe that He has wonder in mind that no man or woman has dared even inquire about; let alone approach.
So I look forward with ambition. I may be 69 1/2 but I don't look a day over 69 1/8. While some doors necessarily close, we are now able to watch for the surprises of God which will cause great cheer and bear much fruit. Every day is a good day...Romans 5:1-5. Nothing changes that...ever.
Sunday, January 15, 2017
THE GRACE OF GOD
Does it ever hit you that to hear the terminology the grace of God that it feels like nothing was just spoken? Does such feel empty? Isn't there sort of an, And? or So? that immediately lingers? This very grace dynamic of the present and engaged God among His followers has been aborted. We prefer intriguing meaning of Greek verbiage or profitable social works that would give us something to show for our faith efforts. In other words, the grace of God is in perpetual danger of being shelved for the exchange and implementation of human acts in the Kingdom business.
J. I. Packer wrote over forty years ago that our conception of grace has not been so much debased as non-existent. The thought means nothing to them; it does not touch their experience at all. Talk to them about the church's heating, or last year's accounts, and they are with you at once; but speak to them about the realities of which the word 'grace' points, and their attitude is one of deferential blankness.
For those of us who cut our teeth on legalism, grace is a four-letter word. This bias must be overcome. The church, the members, are in deep need of the grace of God that is a five-letter word which connects the earthy with the heavenly. God's grace is indescribably beautiful and over-achingly powerful. His grace thrusts us into a zone of which the human cadence knows nothing.
We just must not leave home without it. The grace of God transcends us from being human leaders to beyond-imagination service in the most drastic form of robust spirituality.
J. I. Packer wrote over forty years ago that our conception of grace has not been so much debased as non-existent. The thought means nothing to them; it does not touch their experience at all. Talk to them about the church's heating, or last year's accounts, and they are with you at once; but speak to them about the realities of which the word 'grace' points, and their attitude is one of deferential blankness.
For those of us who cut our teeth on legalism, grace is a four-letter word. This bias must be overcome. The church, the members, are in deep need of the grace of God that is a five-letter word which connects the earthy with the heavenly. God's grace is indescribably beautiful and over-achingly powerful. His grace thrusts us into a zone of which the human cadence knows nothing.
We just must not leave home without it. The grace of God transcends us from being human leaders to beyond-imagination service in the most drastic form of robust spirituality.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
TRY NOT TO FALL FOR THE "FOOLS GOLD" OF BETTER THAN OTHERS
Mediocrity hits us from all sides of life. Name the topic of your moment and take note as to how much playing-life-safe while walking down the middle of the road is your lifestyle. Our spiritual side has been knocked for a loop over this trend which seems so natural and is so acceptable. This takes no thought, no Bible reading, no prayer, no serving. To merely exist by what we deem our best behavior (well, most of the time, we tell ourselves) is a popular trend that does not offer inner life for us, but outer disgust with others.
I reference lost and saved as conditions of our eternal souls. Such is profoundly a matter of deep importance for to live in mediocrity is never where Jesus lived. Neither will it prove of value to our own lifestyle. Such is a fake front that we, somehow, try to convince ourselves is the place to be.
To believe that one is fairly lost has a bit of baggage clinging to us. From this we seem to admit that, okay, there are some things we get wrong here and there; but we aren't like those who blatantly live in sin. We regard ourselves as no saints; but not like them.
Jesus destroyed such self-centered efforts at our self-induced need to somehow come out on top of the one next to us....that we don't like. This method allows that because we can always, in our way of thinking, find those who are worse; much worse indeed.
What immediately follows this rerouting of our blatant sinfulness by denying that we are THAT bad, is a very mediocre confidence that we are saved. This develops a HOPE SO; but not a certainty that Heaven will call our names. As a matter of fact, these are pretty sure that He won't; but we refuse to drop the ax that we so enjoy filing to batter someone(s) we know.
So what's the answer? Mediocrity is no way to live in the church; bossed by our moods and pushed by our preferences. The answer is found in be in the truthful extremes of both. We are very lost; each of us. The ugliness of the Cross does not indicate that Jesus is paying for parking tickets. No, he's covering for something extreme....like my/your terrible sinfulness.
Salvation, then, becomes a different matter of the heart. When we are covered at the very worst about us, we are able to believe that we will receive the very best for us. And, again I stress, this isn't just about the Judgment Day; but this is about how we live among one another now.
Axes to grind? Bless your heart. You don't get the self-picture do you? I didn't for the longest time for I was operating from the FAIRLY LOST/SORTA SAVED position that routine religion supplies. But it won't cut it for us. This is no way to live...for it isn't real living. Walking in comparison is Fools Gold of the heart. Surrendering our personal awfuls for His cleanliness is hitting life in target center.
We are right with God because Jesus' righteousness was transferred to our accounts...as the greatest gift. Dare to remove the wrappings and enjoy!
I reference lost and saved as conditions of our eternal souls. Such is profoundly a matter of deep importance for to live in mediocrity is never where Jesus lived. Neither will it prove of value to our own lifestyle. Such is a fake front that we, somehow, try to convince ourselves is the place to be.
To believe that one is fairly lost has a bit of baggage clinging to us. From this we seem to admit that, okay, there are some things we get wrong here and there; but we aren't like those who blatantly live in sin. We regard ourselves as no saints; but not like them.
Jesus destroyed such self-centered efforts at our self-induced need to somehow come out on top of the one next to us....that we don't like. This method allows that because we can always, in our way of thinking, find those who are worse; much worse indeed.
What immediately follows this rerouting of our blatant sinfulness by denying that we are THAT bad, is a very mediocre confidence that we are saved. This develops a HOPE SO; but not a certainty that Heaven will call our names. As a matter of fact, these are pretty sure that He won't; but we refuse to drop the ax that we so enjoy filing to batter someone(s) we know.
So what's the answer? Mediocrity is no way to live in the church; bossed by our moods and pushed by our preferences. The answer is found in be in the truthful extremes of both. We are very lost; each of us. The ugliness of the Cross does not indicate that Jesus is paying for parking tickets. No, he's covering for something extreme....like my/your terrible sinfulness.
Salvation, then, becomes a different matter of the heart. When we are covered at the very worst about us, we are able to believe that we will receive the very best for us. And, again I stress, this isn't just about the Judgment Day; but this is about how we live among one another now.
Axes to grind? Bless your heart. You don't get the self-picture do you? I didn't for the longest time for I was operating from the FAIRLY LOST/SORTA SAVED position that routine religion supplies. But it won't cut it for us. This is no way to live...for it isn't real living. Walking in comparison is Fools Gold of the heart. Surrendering our personal awfuls for His cleanliness is hitting life in target center.
We are right with God because Jesus' righteousness was transferred to our accounts...as the greatest gift. Dare to remove the wrappings and enjoy!
Friday, January 13, 2017
PREACHERS, POLITICIANS, AND OTHER QUESTIONABLE CHARACTERS
Our nation is in a world of enormous opportunity! There is great need among the citizens, firm ideas among some noted as leaders, and possibility of success as far as minds dare imagine. For politicians and guys like myself in spiritual leadership, we must abort any habitual divisive ways and renew our vows to do all we can to bring people together by the strength of God's Spirit.
Churches are divided and then splits exist among the dividees. Politics, it seems in places, has become so uncooperatively political in significant pockets. In both cases we are operating largely from sound-bites more than from deep thought for the community which could very much benefit from both systems' kindnesses and compassions. Goodness reigns from both groups; yet the negative seems to get the news coverage and the coffee shop chatter.
Whether to blame preachers most or should it be the politicians for our diametrically opposed camps could be the same a discussing which came first; the chicken or the egg. One reason that I choose to point this out is that Jesus calls us to life and both of these dimensions have surrendered vibrant living for winning debates; political or religious.
The way we will be effective in drawing a divided people together is for us to get out of the way. The Jesus-style is the winner; but recall his very own people marked him as loser and strung him up in public shame. The mid-day sunshine went completely dark when Jesus died on the cross. The message from Heaven was obvious; You have just killed the light.
Society will gain ground, meaningful territory reclaimed, when we in the spirituals and in the governmentals can walk humbly with God and with one another. To think of others first is still a long-shot in some churches and in some circles of government. Those who have and are succeeding have done so only by the holy route Jesus proclaimed.
Our nation is always more effectively led when shouting matches are disbanded and soft-ball teams are formed. Bias, if it isn't based on truth, is an immediate loser regardless of our newsreel preference. Personal preference must make effort to yield to Truth; not a Bible-pounding, obnoxious scripture-spouting proof-texts, but new life for those worn and ground down to dust from discouragement who would very much benefit from our sacrificial love.
We have the means to make a difference! Caring about neighbors and enemies would be a stunning new beginning, possibly, for a large populace. Determining to pray for God's touch rather than parade our opinions would be a significant step forward. Lifting our eyes beyond our immediate preferences just might thrill the tar out of us as we would discover a new land out there that we didn't know existed.
I know this; the more we give ourselves away for the benefit of others, the more we are likely to discover the life of which we had always dreamed. That's a Jesus thing....Luke 9:23-24.
Churches are divided and then splits exist among the dividees. Politics, it seems in places, has become so uncooperatively political in significant pockets. In both cases we are operating largely from sound-bites more than from deep thought for the community which could very much benefit from both systems' kindnesses and compassions. Goodness reigns from both groups; yet the negative seems to get the news coverage and the coffee shop chatter.
Whether to blame preachers most or should it be the politicians for our diametrically opposed camps could be the same a discussing which came first; the chicken or the egg. One reason that I choose to point this out is that Jesus calls us to life and both of these dimensions have surrendered vibrant living for winning debates; political or religious.
The way we will be effective in drawing a divided people together is for us to get out of the way. The Jesus-style is the winner; but recall his very own people marked him as loser and strung him up in public shame. The mid-day sunshine went completely dark when Jesus died on the cross. The message from Heaven was obvious; You have just killed the light.
Society will gain ground, meaningful territory reclaimed, when we in the spirituals and in the governmentals can walk humbly with God and with one another. To think of others first is still a long-shot in some churches and in some circles of government. Those who have and are succeeding have done so only by the holy route Jesus proclaimed.
Our nation is always more effectively led when shouting matches are disbanded and soft-ball teams are formed. Bias, if it isn't based on truth, is an immediate loser regardless of our newsreel preference. Personal preference must make effort to yield to Truth; not a Bible-pounding, obnoxious scripture-spouting proof-texts, but new life for those worn and ground down to dust from discouragement who would very much benefit from our sacrificial love.
We have the means to make a difference! Caring about neighbors and enemies would be a stunning new beginning, possibly, for a large populace. Determining to pray for God's touch rather than parade our opinions would be a significant step forward. Lifting our eyes beyond our immediate preferences just might thrill the tar out of us as we would discover a new land out there that we didn't know existed.
I know this; the more we give ourselves away for the benefit of others, the more we are likely to discover the life of which we had always dreamed. That's a Jesus thing....Luke 9:23-24.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
TODAY IS A BIG DAY! I'M PUMPED!
You all are not going to believe what I'm about to tell you.
We all love celebrationalistic moments. Right? This is one of those ultra-exciting days in my life. Yes, there have been many and I'm grateful for each. That wonder continues surely is fascinating, I say.
I'm 69 1/2 years old and; yet, it is too awesome to still feel like a kid. I get to do the funnest stuff ever! I get to know the funnest people ever!
And so today is a benchmark day that I feel certain you will want to know of its most preciousational unfolding.
Today....
Today.....
My brand new baseball glove is to be delivered to my house by UPS!
Go ahead! Be envious!
We all love celebrationalistic moments. Right? This is one of those ultra-exciting days in my life. Yes, there have been many and I'm grateful for each. That wonder continues surely is fascinating, I say.
I'm 69 1/2 years old and; yet, it is too awesome to still feel like a kid. I get to do the funnest stuff ever! I get to know the funnest people ever!
And so today is a benchmark day that I feel certain you will want to know of its most preciousational unfolding.
Today....
Today.....
My brand new baseball glove is to be delivered to my house by UPS!
Go ahead! Be envious!
Monday, January 09, 2017
WONDERFUL IMMEDIATE RELIEF FOR A STRESSFUL LIFE
True. We can't always avoid many of the challenges that come our way. We are able, however, to manage some of them with ability to reclaim hope and to demonstrate love. Why else would God give us His Holy Spirit if were not to be divinely equipped for earthly conflict. Look at the descriptions of the Fruit. Yep, God surely saw conflict in mind. But He, too, saw the way into wonder, and glory, and joy was to yield to the Spirit who knows how to make life pop.
Our job is to cut the accusations toward another as to how miserable they make us and let this be a time of Holy Spirit action. Anyone can forgive anytime anyone wants to do this. The Spirit of God is not Voodoo weirdness beyond the human imagination. No, He is the supply of robust fellowship when our flesh prefers to rule with clinched fists and teeth.
Romans 2:1-5 pins each of us to the whipping post. Anytime we want to blast away at another, Paul wrote that we are precisely alike in our actions; the very same as those of our opposition. Every time we accuse another we condemn ourselves. Go ahead and ignore it if that's one's wish; but be certain the way you condemn or release sets the stage for each of us face to face with the Judge.
I think it was Jesus who stood beside a most sinful woman out in the bright sunlight as accusers built their case as to why they could/should/would stone her to death on the spot. Jesus didn't explain her. He inquired as to one thing of them. Who among you is not guilty of sin...fire away! 100% dropped their charges, released their firing-power, and walked away.
This truth is one that stands in enormous need every day in every household toward every relative and every friend. Sin is sin. Poor behavior is poor behavior. Conflict is conflict. The game-changer in all of these situations, however, is that every participant was such a sinful mess that God had to send in a rescue team straight out of Heaven....because we couldn't keep our act together.
Not. One. Of. Us.
I'm sure you been offended. Do not take lightly, though, that you have offended. I'm certain you are tempted to keep score. But what you may not realize is that you have many friends who chalk your walk and your talk up to being just like the rest of us so we have no choice but to give you room to be the wonderful you we dearly love. Therefore, if you are driven to grind an ax, use it for chopping wood and not for cutting down humans who are precisely, exactly as are you....deeply flawed.
Our job is to cut the accusations toward another as to how miserable they make us and let this be a time of Holy Spirit action. Anyone can forgive anytime anyone wants to do this. The Spirit of God is not Voodoo weirdness beyond the human imagination. No, He is the supply of robust fellowship when our flesh prefers to rule with clinched fists and teeth.
Romans 2:1-5 pins each of us to the whipping post. Anytime we want to blast away at another, Paul wrote that we are precisely alike in our actions; the very same as those of our opposition. Every time we accuse another we condemn ourselves. Go ahead and ignore it if that's one's wish; but be certain the way you condemn or release sets the stage for each of us face to face with the Judge.
I think it was Jesus who stood beside a most sinful woman out in the bright sunlight as accusers built their case as to why they could/should/would stone her to death on the spot. Jesus didn't explain her. He inquired as to one thing of them. Who among you is not guilty of sin...fire away! 100% dropped their charges, released their firing-power, and walked away.
This truth is one that stands in enormous need every day in every household toward every relative and every friend. Sin is sin. Poor behavior is poor behavior. Conflict is conflict. The game-changer in all of these situations, however, is that every participant was such a sinful mess that God had to send in a rescue team straight out of Heaven....because we couldn't keep our act together.
Not. One. Of. Us.
I'm sure you been offended. Do not take lightly, though, that you have offended. I'm certain you are tempted to keep score. But what you may not realize is that you have many friends who chalk your walk and your talk up to being just like the rest of us so we have no choice but to give you room to be the wonderful you we dearly love. Therefore, if you are driven to grind an ax, use it for chopping wood and not for cutting down humans who are precisely, exactly as are you....deeply flawed.
Sunday, January 08, 2017
THE MOST CONSISTENT THING ABOUT CHRISTIANS IS OUR INCONSISTENCY
You know that we can't pull this off; this living up to the standards which we believe to be God's call from reading the Bible. Right? One of the biggest truths about us is that we try to cover our glitches by living in denial or ignorance while neighbors look at us with amazement that we cannot see this in ourselves. The most consistent thing about us is our inconsistency.
But wait a minute!
It is here at this very juncture that the neighborhood doesn't get the very intentional call of God. He is most consistent to admit our deep failures. He knows all about us. He knows so much so that the Three agreed that something had to be done because our glitch-debt was accumulating far too rapidly, The interest alone was so magnified that the debt could never be balanced; not ever by our own determination to understand God fully or to ever get church practices figured accurately.
The Cross took place because no man, woman, or child had the skill to do life flawlessly. It isn't in us; not one of us. Debt was accumulating and God saw that mankind was in a huge pickle. Being the Creator, He did something about it. He provided a scholarship to Heaven for all who would believe that Jesus paid for our inconsistencies.
Too many today still believe themselves to be Heaven-bound because they stopped a sin and began a good deed. No one, however, can behave our way into heaven. Otherwise, there would have been no need for the Cross with a Savior dangling from it. We are not bound for glory because we became consistent with any teaching but one; Jesus is our replacement punching bag in order to pay the penalty for our sins.
This is why believing is so major. It isn't a step. It isn't a topic. It is life....eternal life when we believe that Jesus did what we could never do for ourselves; that of....being....our....Consistency. We win because He lost. We arise because He went down. We live....simply because He died our death ahead of time for us that we could explain to the world around us that our only claim to consistent living is Jesus; nothing more.
But wait a minute!
It is here at this very juncture that the neighborhood doesn't get the very intentional call of God. He is most consistent to admit our deep failures. He knows all about us. He knows so much so that the Three agreed that something had to be done because our glitch-debt was accumulating far too rapidly, The interest alone was so magnified that the debt could never be balanced; not ever by our own determination to understand God fully or to ever get church practices figured accurately.
The Cross took place because no man, woman, or child had the skill to do life flawlessly. It isn't in us; not one of us. Debt was accumulating and God saw that mankind was in a huge pickle. Being the Creator, He did something about it. He provided a scholarship to Heaven for all who would believe that Jesus paid for our inconsistencies.
Too many today still believe themselves to be Heaven-bound because they stopped a sin and began a good deed. No one, however, can behave our way into heaven. Otherwise, there would have been no need for the Cross with a Savior dangling from it. We are not bound for glory because we became consistent with any teaching but one; Jesus is our replacement punching bag in order to pay the penalty for our sins.
This is why believing is so major. It isn't a step. It isn't a topic. It is life....eternal life when we believe that Jesus did what we could never do for ourselves; that of....being....our....Consistency. We win because He lost. We arise because He went down. We live....simply because He died our death ahead of time for us that we could explain to the world around us that our only claim to consistent living is Jesus; nothing more.
Friday, January 06, 2017
PREPARING FOR CARDINAL CAMP...WHEN I'M THIS OLD
At 69, I can see my toes; but I could use some help touching them. Exercises are, indeed, key to preparing for baseball camp in a few days. Regardless of strenuous and devoted application, workouts are never enough. It doesn't matter how much I throw, go to the batting cages, or exercise, the second day of camp is full of profound body-hurt! I mean real...body...hurt!
Of course, injuries are most difficult. One year I was at third base shagging grounders during the early morning team batting practice. I walked across the foul line to pick up a baseball to toss it back to the pitcher, stepped in a hole wrong, and had to have knee surgery; torn meniscus. It isn't as easy being a star athlete as it once was!
The Cardinals have four trainers in camp; a couple of minor league trainers and then those from St. Louis who take care of the big boys. The first thing I do when I check in at the clubhouse is to head for the trainers' table as a precaution to the pain that will soon be approaching. I try to get a head start on what likely will be potential injuries. By the early morning of the second day we baseball heroes will be standing in line, as in a hospital ward for the wounded, as we need ice, we need muscles worked out, and we need help walking.
It's really strange, but it doesn't matter how much I physically prepare, it's never enough. Sore just as well be Florida's weather forecast because it is on its way. Bob Gibson and I were talking out on the field one time as I was aching aloud. I asked what he did to get ready for Spring Training during his career. He said the only way you can get ready to play baseball is to play baseball. Meaning? There are jogs and juts and moves that one makes in the game that are not necessarily in the exercise manual.
I'll continue to prepare for camp. I look forward to the bonding and the re-bonding that goes on among my many friends. For all of the Cardinal stars who will be present, and for all of the dear friends I will get to see, the MVPs of every camp are the trainers. Don't leave for camp without one.
Of course, injuries are most difficult. One year I was at third base shagging grounders during the early morning team batting practice. I walked across the foul line to pick up a baseball to toss it back to the pitcher, stepped in a hole wrong, and had to have knee surgery; torn meniscus. It isn't as easy being a star athlete as it once was!
The Cardinals have four trainers in camp; a couple of minor league trainers and then those from St. Louis who take care of the big boys. The first thing I do when I check in at the clubhouse is to head for the trainers' table as a precaution to the pain that will soon be approaching. I try to get a head start on what likely will be potential injuries. By the early morning of the second day we baseball heroes will be standing in line, as in a hospital ward for the wounded, as we need ice, we need muscles worked out, and we need help walking.
It's really strange, but it doesn't matter how much I physically prepare, it's never enough. Sore just as well be Florida's weather forecast because it is on its way. Bob Gibson and I were talking out on the field one time as I was aching aloud. I asked what he did to get ready for Spring Training during his career. He said the only way you can get ready to play baseball is to play baseball. Meaning? There are jogs and juts and moves that one makes in the game that are not necessarily in the exercise manual.
I'll continue to prepare for camp. I look forward to the bonding and the re-bonding that goes on among my many friends. For all of the Cardinal stars who will be present, and for all of the dear friends I will get to see, the MVPs of every camp are the trainers. Don't leave for camp without one.
Thursday, January 05, 2017
WE LIVE IN DEFIANCE...SO GET USED TO IT!
I love that about Jesus. He was so uniquely defiant. It's the very nature of God; but we tend to view such as a negative descriptive of one's walk. It's not.
Don't you get it? Faith defies what can be seen. We walk by one; not by both.
Spell-binding creation developed because God simply spoke words? Opposing armies far outnumbering God's soldiers? Sure. Yet, His small band of misfit warriors defied the odds...and won impossible battles. And real Jesus went to his real execution near a real Jerusalem that he would die a real death...and be raised to a real new life.
Defiance is all over the Son of God...and his followers.
A crucial segment of kingdom life/church life is that of dying. Resurrection power is never current until death power had its say first. So don't be discouraged with what's on your plate at the moment. With no death, there is no expectation to experience new life; but rather, a strenuous self-pumping up of exiting efforts just hoping that they will bear fruit somehow. We must not fear death in our persons, in our programs, and in our plans.
Why? Because our God is poised with SURPRISES once death concludes that it has had its final say.
Our hope is firm; it is strong, because God has embedded into our system a truth...He creates something from nothing. Could it be that one of the reasons many lead a life of lackluster in the church is because we cannot bear to yield to the death process which God has legitimately re-termed to be the life process? Could it be that many of the things we tend to fight contain the very impetus of new life, new hope, new thrill?
It is no wonder that congregations who fight change die an unnatural death which, in reality, would have been productive if we would have been willing to die ahead of time to our preferences in order to note the SURPRISES of God. This has always been the nature of kingdom life. The question for us is not first how do we live; but will we die in order to continually live? Dying to self is not a one-time moment, as we plead, that happens a baptism. It is a life-long process of dying to live and living to die...again....and then again.
So I offer my voice to church leaders who feel that you might be failing. In reality you might, rather, discover yourself being called to die to systems or dreams or pressures so that God could break out with something new. I'm expecting Him to show me something amazing for our steps and stages in life because God's got the talent...and the heart to keep the creativity flowing...from above!
I say...we are in for such times!
Don't you get it? Faith defies what can be seen. We walk by one; not by both.
Spell-binding creation developed because God simply spoke words? Opposing armies far outnumbering God's soldiers? Sure. Yet, His small band of misfit warriors defied the odds...and won impossible battles. And real Jesus went to his real execution near a real Jerusalem that he would die a real death...and be raised to a real new life.
Defiance is all over the Son of God...and his followers.
A crucial segment of kingdom life/church life is that of dying. Resurrection power is never current until death power had its say first. So don't be discouraged with what's on your plate at the moment. With no death, there is no expectation to experience new life; but rather, a strenuous self-pumping up of exiting efforts just hoping that they will bear fruit somehow. We must not fear death in our persons, in our programs, and in our plans.
Why? Because our God is poised with SURPRISES once death concludes that it has had its final say.
Our hope is firm; it is strong, because God has embedded into our system a truth...He creates something from nothing. Could it be that one of the reasons many lead a life of lackluster in the church is because we cannot bear to yield to the death process which God has legitimately re-termed to be the life process? Could it be that many of the things we tend to fight contain the very impetus of new life, new hope, new thrill?
It is no wonder that congregations who fight change die an unnatural death which, in reality, would have been productive if we would have been willing to die ahead of time to our preferences in order to note the SURPRISES of God. This has always been the nature of kingdom life. The question for us is not first how do we live; but will we die in order to continually live? Dying to self is not a one-time moment, as we plead, that happens a baptism. It is a life-long process of dying to live and living to die...again....and then again.
So I offer my voice to church leaders who feel that you might be failing. In reality you might, rather, discover yourself being called to die to systems or dreams or pressures so that God could break out with something new. I'm expecting Him to show me something amazing for our steps and stages in life because God's got the talent...and the heart to keep the creativity flowing...from above!
I say...we are in for such times!
Saturday, December 31, 2016
HOW TO CHANGE THE DIFFICULT DAYS WE FACE
A thing I really enjoy about God is His practicality. Oh make no mistake, He has His ideas. Of course, we may count on them being divine...and true...and most effective. The disobedient break in the Garden, as a result, has placed everyones' path in a snare of challenge and stress. It ain't easy being a person, huh?
Now some people have gobs of money equal to their self-confidence and, as a result, find no need for what I'm about to say. That's okay. But I promise you that your day, too, is coming because we are all very broken and our sheer muscle combined with ingenuity will fade.
The Spirit of God is to be one's secret code in order that we may break the lock-down of discouragement, even depression, that may come upon us. Exterior religion of going to church and sitting in a pew may help a bit. Yet, it is the interior of us that God targets; that He has always targeted. Our struggles, however, dominate when we insist upon approaching life from the visible rather than the invisible. What can I visibly purchase or who can I visibly meet tends to override the invisibles of attitude and thought.
The invisible interior of each person holds the code for survival as well as success. Those living in plush mansions who dwell on the negative are not happy campers. Those of pretty facial features who harp on everything in life going wrong are quite miserable when these should be grateful. My point is that every level and caliber and race of a people face identical stresses which tend to shut one down.
I lived for years in this world. Trying to look good on the outside; my interior person was a train wreck in the making. This led to constant comparing myself to others and most of the time I fell even more behind. It is quite a weird feeling to believe that regardless of how hard I would try, I was not good enough for whatever task was at hand. In standing before the church or a large workshop crowd, I just wanted to preach without anybody looking at me.
So what can we do? I will continue to tell you that Philippians 4:4-9 is the ice-breaker that works. Let your minds dwell on everything going right. Dwell is quite key here. Every day one faces matters that are both negative while others are positive. Practice dwelling on the good things. This isn't living in denial of the bad. But it does deny the bad permission to run up and down the halls of my mind screaming fear and insecurity.
You....just heard some good stuff right there, my friend. It. works. Practice dwelling on thinking about all of the many good things in your life...and peace will become dominant. Yay us!
Now some people have gobs of money equal to their self-confidence and, as a result, find no need for what I'm about to say. That's okay. But I promise you that your day, too, is coming because we are all very broken and our sheer muscle combined with ingenuity will fade.
The Spirit of God is to be one's secret code in order that we may break the lock-down of discouragement, even depression, that may come upon us. Exterior religion of going to church and sitting in a pew may help a bit. Yet, it is the interior of us that God targets; that He has always targeted. Our struggles, however, dominate when we insist upon approaching life from the visible rather than the invisible. What can I visibly purchase or who can I visibly meet tends to override the invisibles of attitude and thought.
The invisible interior of each person holds the code for survival as well as success. Those living in plush mansions who dwell on the negative are not happy campers. Those of pretty facial features who harp on everything in life going wrong are quite miserable when these should be grateful. My point is that every level and caliber and race of a people face identical stresses which tend to shut one down.
I lived for years in this world. Trying to look good on the outside; my interior person was a train wreck in the making. This led to constant comparing myself to others and most of the time I fell even more behind. It is quite a weird feeling to believe that regardless of how hard I would try, I was not good enough for whatever task was at hand. In standing before the church or a large workshop crowd, I just wanted to preach without anybody looking at me.
So what can we do? I will continue to tell you that Philippians 4:4-9 is the ice-breaker that works. Let your minds dwell on everything going right. Dwell is quite key here. Every day one faces matters that are both negative while others are positive. Practice dwelling on the good things. This isn't living in denial of the bad. But it does deny the bad permission to run up and down the halls of my mind screaming fear and insecurity.
You....just heard some good stuff right there, my friend. It. works. Practice dwelling on thinking about all of the many good things in your life...and peace will become dominant. Yay us!
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
EVERYBODY IS THE SAME...AND JESUS KNEW IT
We seem addicted to living by comparison. Judging ourselves (positively or negatively) by the existence/performance of another person seems to be our perpetual mistake. This is significant, gigantic error. The reason is that, when this goes on, our assessment is always vulnerable for we are wrong. It's that simple. Comparing ourselves to another is consistently without understanding (II Corinthians 10:12).
Indeed, each is gifted in unique areas and ways. True, people are different. This is what makes us community; the body of Christ. Yet, we are all the same and this, too, is what makes us the church. Each person lacks...a great deal. Each person has deep zones of insecurity. It matters not whether one is famously beautiful, ruggedly rich, or incredibly talented, every person is the same; incomplete without Jesus at the helm.
All gifted people come with glaring holes in personality or skill or income or education. This is why criticism can cease any moment we determine to do so. No one is better than another; no...not...one.
Everybody is the same...and Jesus knew it.
He could see through the facade of the self-righteous front of the Pharisees as well as those who on the streets who had been improperly neglected by the religious leaders. And society tends to continue this blatant silent insult toward one another; always living by comparison. We come out self-crowning on one hand and then self-condemning on the other...always noting the practice of someone around us.
Jesus was Jesus because he knew all were of one fundamental and true doctrine; that of being hollow on the inside. The Spirit fills. And why, may I ask? Because when we first come to God we are running on empty. We can be glad that he chooses not to discard us; but to keep us. He intends to make powerful the weak, effective the frail, and impacting the shy.
We can relax our criticism of others...and of ourselves. We are not much when left to ourselves. With Jesus, we become a new kind of generation; alive everywhere we turn.
Indeed, each is gifted in unique areas and ways. True, people are different. This is what makes us community; the body of Christ. Yet, we are all the same and this, too, is what makes us the church. Each person lacks...a great deal. Each person has deep zones of insecurity. It matters not whether one is famously beautiful, ruggedly rich, or incredibly talented, every person is the same; incomplete without Jesus at the helm.
All gifted people come with glaring holes in personality or skill or income or education. This is why criticism can cease any moment we determine to do so. No one is better than another; no...not...one.
Everybody is the same...and Jesus knew it.
He could see through the facade of the self-righteous front of the Pharisees as well as those who on the streets who had been improperly neglected by the religious leaders. And society tends to continue this blatant silent insult toward one another; always living by comparison. We come out self-crowning on one hand and then self-condemning on the other...always noting the practice of someone around us.
Jesus was Jesus because he knew all were of one fundamental and true doctrine; that of being hollow on the inside. The Spirit fills. And why, may I ask? Because when we first come to God we are running on empty. We can be glad that he chooses not to discard us; but to keep us. He intends to make powerful the weak, effective the frail, and impacting the shy.
We can relax our criticism of others...and of ourselves. We are not much when left to ourselves. With Jesus, we become a new kind of generation; alive everywhere we turn.
Friday, December 23, 2016
WHAT IS IT THAT IS SO EXCITING ABOUT YOUR FUTURE?
Life is to be fascinating, don't you agree? I mean it is so very awesome that everyone wishes that it wouldn't end. Some experiences surely could stop; but living has been held dear to the heart for...oh...generations now.
I think one of my favorite things about God's system is that we become younger as we get older. I know, such isn't true about our bodies, it seems. But it is true about our spirits; our ability to imagine, to create, to wonder, to....believe.
Faith increases day by day. A very impressive factor about God is the legitimate push-back that He wants us to possess when stresses press in. Try not to dismiss faith because you read of the sea parting or the walls falling in days of yonder year. There just isn't that much need today for the Mississippi to separate. But there is need of God's intervention in our practical day to day living.
And He lives to do so.
Fundamental church isn't about impressive Hollywood productions at a worship service. Neither is it about continual commercials of raising funds. Both have significant places, but church is about seeing what can't possibly happen....happen. If not careful, we are surrendering the masterful arm of God for man's best creativity when we gather in large crowds.
What we want to know is whether God can make a difference as we face questions, dilemmas, and confusion. Does God care? Will He inject Himself into our matters? How will that look if He does?
Faith is legitimate because we believe two things. We believe He is and we believe that He can. Our God has strength and avails such for our walk, Dare to believe that people and circumstance can adjust for the good of themselves and for others. Wake up to a breathing faith. Shed the habitual routine of motion-going which is deadening to the imagination.
Try not to be filled with fret and worry. Rather try to reverse the course and pray effectively that Father knows how and will redesign both obstacle and interference. \Let your speech be of confidence; not of doubt. Count Him in. Glean from the Bible His artistic and creative methods of breaking into common ground.
Your world is subject to His blessing. Look like it. Thank about it. Live with it. Church isn't theory nor is it in mere existence. Church is people and these people believe God is active when we are purely clueless. So how about we set aside our controlling cluelessness and permit Father's profound activity...right...where...we...live?
I think one of my favorite things about God's system is that we become younger as we get older. I know, such isn't true about our bodies, it seems. But it is true about our spirits; our ability to imagine, to create, to wonder, to....believe.
Faith increases day by day. A very impressive factor about God is the legitimate push-back that He wants us to possess when stresses press in. Try not to dismiss faith because you read of the sea parting or the walls falling in days of yonder year. There just isn't that much need today for the Mississippi to separate. But there is need of God's intervention in our practical day to day living.
And He lives to do so.
Fundamental church isn't about impressive Hollywood productions at a worship service. Neither is it about continual commercials of raising funds. Both have significant places, but church is about seeing what can't possibly happen....happen. If not careful, we are surrendering the masterful arm of God for man's best creativity when we gather in large crowds.
What we want to know is whether God can make a difference as we face questions, dilemmas, and confusion. Does God care? Will He inject Himself into our matters? How will that look if He does?
Faith is legitimate because we believe two things. We believe He is and we believe that He can. Our God has strength and avails such for our walk, Dare to believe that people and circumstance can adjust for the good of themselves and for others. Wake up to a breathing faith. Shed the habitual routine of motion-going which is deadening to the imagination.
Try not to be filled with fret and worry. Rather try to reverse the course and pray effectively that Father knows how and will redesign both obstacle and interference. \Let your speech be of confidence; not of doubt. Count Him in. Glean from the Bible His artistic and creative methods of breaking into common ground.
Your world is subject to His blessing. Look like it. Thank about it. Live with it. Church isn't theory nor is it in mere existence. Church is people and these people believe God is active when we are purely clueless. So how about we set aside our controlling cluelessness and permit Father's profound activity...right...where...we...live?
Thursday, December 22, 2016
DON'T LET DISTRACTIONS ROB YOU OF LIVING ABUNDANTLY
The usual take on living happily ever after seems to be based upon success. How relationships are panning out or the size of one's bank account appear to be barometers to our spirit's weather; up one day and down the next. After awhile we seem to lose control of our day's destiny as we shift into being bossed by moods...our...own...moods.
I find that it takes incredible intentionality to live undistracted. Hurtful words and wounding events present themselves non-stop. So much breaks down either in front of us or within us. Can we escape such deeply-rutted patterns?
Yes, I think so.
Frustration results from trying to live from illusive fleshly control. Relief comes to the very same person when switching over to spiritual control. We strongly lean toward the former and when bad things happen we may immediately seek another to blame. However, as we grow toward the relief, there is a discovery of living in sympathy, partnership, and sharing with others as never experienced on any other level.
What is meant by fleshly control? Involved in the concept is effort to get others to behave the way we want. When others don't say what we had hoped, live the way we had wished, or choose a style we prefer, tension grows within because the flesh firmly intends to be the boss.
Living from the spiritual is regarded by the flesh as vague and non-sensical. To be patient or joyful or forgiving when offended is regarded by the fleshly as weak. Truthfully, it's just the opposite; a fullness of strength that the flesh can't pull off.
My wish for all is that each could experience abundant life. This is a possibility from God. Jesus taught that we are to have life and have it abundantly. My call is to dissolve the misery that hunts us down at every turn. There are no exceptions. We all have it. But we must stop it. Think from the spiritual side. Begin to believe in people; even those who disappoint.
The great thing about all people is that we can all change. Our past of negativities? Not one of us escapes the label; no not one. Poised for potential and possibility? Not one of us is unqualified to experience the wow of it.
If you could use a big break, you might give any obsessive negative thinking a rest. Ponder the right and the excellent and the lovely...for these are all around. God says that when we shift our minds to the spiritual a very unusual peace begins to fill our hearts...Philippians 4:4-9.
May we refuse to allow thoughtless attention to distractions rule our days. Rather, may we operate in the abundance of real living which God has always intended for each of us.
I find that it takes incredible intentionality to live undistracted. Hurtful words and wounding events present themselves non-stop. So much breaks down either in front of us or within us. Can we escape such deeply-rutted patterns?
Yes, I think so.
Frustration results from trying to live from illusive fleshly control. Relief comes to the very same person when switching over to spiritual control. We strongly lean toward the former and when bad things happen we may immediately seek another to blame. However, as we grow toward the relief, there is a discovery of living in sympathy, partnership, and sharing with others as never experienced on any other level.
What is meant by fleshly control? Involved in the concept is effort to get others to behave the way we want. When others don't say what we had hoped, live the way we had wished, or choose a style we prefer, tension grows within because the flesh firmly intends to be the boss.
Living from the spiritual is regarded by the flesh as vague and non-sensical. To be patient or joyful or forgiving when offended is regarded by the fleshly as weak. Truthfully, it's just the opposite; a fullness of strength that the flesh can't pull off.
My wish for all is that each could experience abundant life. This is a possibility from God. Jesus taught that we are to have life and have it abundantly. My call is to dissolve the misery that hunts us down at every turn. There are no exceptions. We all have it. But we must stop it. Think from the spiritual side. Begin to believe in people; even those who disappoint.
The great thing about all people is that we can all change. Our past of negativities? Not one of us escapes the label; no not one. Poised for potential and possibility? Not one of us is unqualified to experience the wow of it.
If you could use a big break, you might give any obsessive negative thinking a rest. Ponder the right and the excellent and the lovely...for these are all around. God says that when we shift our minds to the spiritual a very unusual peace begins to fill our hearts...Philippians 4:4-9.
May we refuse to allow thoughtless attention to distractions rule our days. Rather, may we operate in the abundance of real living which God has always intended for each of us.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
DOES GOD HAVE A CHANCE IN HIS OWN WORLD?
It has taken me decades as a minister to get to the point that I yearn to do one main thing; praise God.
Do you think God has a chance of recognition in the very world He created? Or, has mankind created sub-gods which require us to maintain focus? The latter is clearly a threat. Furthermore, the question can be narrowed a bit to ask whether God has a chance at being recognized in His church.
I know that last bit would seem absurd. But, I think not. Consider what it is that we religious sort have as a tendency to constantly volley. Issues. If not attentive, our spiritual make-up is driven by incessant chatter about much lesser points than that of vocalizing our love and praise for God.
Consider the lingo that can (and does) go on:
Do you think God has a chance of recognition in the very world He created? Or, has mankind created sub-gods which require us to maintain focus? The latter is clearly a threat. Furthermore, the question can be narrowed a bit to ask whether God has a chance at being recognized in His church.
I know that last bit would seem absurd. But, I think not. Consider what it is that we religious sort have as a tendency to constantly volley. Issues. If not attentive, our spiritual make-up is driven by incessant chatter about much lesser points than that of vocalizing our love and praise for God.
Consider the lingo that can (and does) go on:
- Which version of the Bible is the correct version?
- Where might I find a church that offers the teaching that I prefer?
- And, while we are at it, the music style my family likes?
- Do we like or dislike the preacher?
- Do I feel welcomed because if I don't feel welcomed, I'm not returning.
- Is our doctrine in line with my family heritage?
- Does the church stand for anything anymore?
In the above seven points, and another one hundred of similar concern, there is one thing that lacks while all of the above may be soberly monitored. Are our people committed and devoted to praising God for who He is, what He does, and how He loves us? Are we of the tendency to give Him credit on Tuesdays as strongly as we are for an hour on Sunday?
I didn't.
My early participation in the church was to support and win the argument that my group did church right. Yes, we sang; but our emphasis was that we did the singing right compared to those other church brands who did it wrong. My early days were full of proof-texts; not giving glory to God. Honestly? I had not thought of giving Him glory as that seemed hokey. It felt that if I was to greatly emphasize the worship of God that somehow that translated into saying that I didn't want to stand for Truth.
My early participation in the church was to support and win the argument that my group did church right. Yes, we sang; but our emphasis was that we did the singing right compared to those other church brands who did it wrong. My early days were full of proof-texts; not giving glory to God. Honestly? I had not thought of giving Him glory as that seemed hokey. It felt that if I was to greatly emphasize the worship of God that somehow that translated into saying that I didn't want to stand for Truth.
Today it is different for me; for us.
Every morning I tell Him how exciting it is to join with the millions in China and other nations and our neighbors as we tell God how fascinating He is and how fortunate I am to know Him. I yearn for Him to know that I have this knack of letting my daily worries become my mission and my god. I convey to Him that I am sorry for going through hours and days without one verbal expression of my gratitude because I am so busy being right about everything.
Every morning I tell Him how exciting it is to join with the millions in China and other nations and our neighbors as we tell God how fascinating He is and how fortunate I am to know Him. I yearn for Him to know that I have this knack of letting my daily worries become my mission and my god. I convey to Him that I am sorry for going through hours and days without one verbal expression of my gratitude because I am so busy being right about everything.
Does God have a chance in His own world? Of course. And, together we will get better at it because that's what we do; improve. By His Spirit's gentle and patient leading, we improve our focus upon Them. For so long my god was to do church right. But I'm wishing to transition. I still want to do church right; but it has to begin first with constant praise for Him above or else I am guilty of making gods of my stances. Until worship becomes truly admiration and praise of God, our authentic heart-life, nothing else church-wise will really matter.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE HIGHLY OFFENDED
Uggh! People. Sometimes they can be a real burr under my saddle. Personal offense from some direction is commonplace. And, we have a choice as to how to handle it; (1) use such as a stepping stone upward by showing forgiveness and grace, or, (2) allow it to fester in our minds until it buries us in negative obsession. We have a choice.
The lower nature about us wants revenge, due retribution, and payback. But before we run off assured that such is deserved, let us rethink just a bit.
God is very clear that how we deal with people's offenses is how He will deal with ours. If we choose to display mercy by forgiving; such is the case toward us from Him. If not? Well then, not. We choose. This needs to be taken very seriously.
What happens is that we have an amazing dodging skill to excuse our own violations as understandable while being very cut-n-dried critical of others. We possess an innate ability to find whatever sin ours happens to be as lesser than some of the others. The fact that we wouldn't commit adultery or slice a person's throat seems so much more vile than killing a person's reputation by our gossip about them. All three are deemed intensely sinful.
So what we are to do when finding ourselves highly offended is to take a step back by realizing that we, too, offend others....many times along the way. We do. We don't think we do; but we are human beings which hurt, offend, neglect, and ignore those around us day by day.
Sins are not to be excused. Such isn't the goal of this post. It is that our own sins are to be recognized with the same intensity with which we seem to freely criticize others. It isn't that we should quit calling sin sin. It's that we should discontinue our personal chatters about others as if we are not guilty of the same.
Jesus died on the cross...for every person...remember? This will change many of our conversations about all others.
The lower nature about us wants revenge, due retribution, and payback. But before we run off assured that such is deserved, let us rethink just a bit.
God is very clear that how we deal with people's offenses is how He will deal with ours. If we choose to display mercy by forgiving; such is the case toward us from Him. If not? Well then, not. We choose. This needs to be taken very seriously.
What happens is that we have an amazing dodging skill to excuse our own violations as understandable while being very cut-n-dried critical of others. We possess an innate ability to find whatever sin ours happens to be as lesser than some of the others. The fact that we wouldn't commit adultery or slice a person's throat seems so much more vile than killing a person's reputation by our gossip about them. All three are deemed intensely sinful.
So what we are to do when finding ourselves highly offended is to take a step back by realizing that we, too, offend others....many times along the way. We do. We don't think we do; but we are human beings which hurt, offend, neglect, and ignore those around us day by day.
Sins are not to be excused. Such isn't the goal of this post. It is that our own sins are to be recognized with the same intensity with which we seem to freely criticize others. It isn't that we should quit calling sin sin. It's that we should discontinue our personal chatters about others as if we are not guilty of the same.
Jesus died on the cross...for every person...remember? This will change many of our conversations about all others.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
IT SNOWED IN TULSA LAST NIGHT!!!
I love snow! We received our first Tulsa snow blessing last night. It snowed somewhere under 8 inches! I love it. We look to be a potential Currier and Ives.
Now...when I say that it snowed somewhere under 8 inches, maybe I should explain. Actually, the snow barely covered the ground which is exactly somewhere under 8 inches.
So why do I say it that way? I say it for us kids. Which is more exhilarating? It snowed somewhere under 8 inches? Or, it snowed and barely covered the ground? You tell me.
BTW...my paycheck this week was somewhere under $15,000 just for the week.
Really.
Now...when I say that it snowed somewhere under 8 inches, maybe I should explain. Actually, the snow barely covered the ground which is exactly somewhere under 8 inches.
So why do I say it that way? I say it for us kids. Which is more exhilarating? It snowed somewhere under 8 inches? Or, it snowed and barely covered the ground? You tell me.
BTW...my paycheck this week was somewhere under $15,000 just for the week.
Really.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OUT OF BELIEVING IN GOD
God awaits our decisions. Every person has to ponder the same question. Does God exist? Some say yes. Others say the opposite. How are we to gauge, determine, with any sort of factual accuracy? Is His reality still up for grabs? Human conclusions are clearly divided.
So I wish to come alongside the seeker who has yet to reach his or her conclusion. Maybe my words will assist; and, then again, maybe you will deem them useless. Nonetheless, I very much wish to contribute to the believing factors toward God.
It is a grave mistake to try to make sense out of believing in God. Once one should reach such a state, God will have necessarily been reduced to human guestimation. The reason this isn't good is because, from this angle, in order to understand God we would necessarily need to reduce Him to humanistic, scientific, explanational concepts. This would make us god to Him; not Him to us.
Faith...yes, note the word...faith is faith because it isn't sight. It isn't catagorizable. It is neither chartable, tangible, nor manageable. Faith is a daring and true beyondness of human intelligence that pulls one into the territory of determining that God is, indeed, actual.
Believing God doesn't make sense to the calculatory-driven mind. It thrives, rather, on conviction from the heart. Ephesians 3:19 has an interesting choice of words....and to know the love of Christ with surpasses knowledge.... Pause a moment. We are to KNOW something beyond KNOWING? Really?
The first know in the original language is epi-know (as in epi-dermis/upper dermis). Epi-knowing is upper knowledge/beyond knowledge compared to the regular knowledge one possesses. Thus the Bible states that we are to KNOW the love of Christ WHICH SURPASSES routine, explanational knowledge. This, of course, is stated in the context of the Holy Spirit working in our lives.
This is where faith takes a welcomed and gigantic leap. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). The reason faith is insane to the unbeliever is because of his efforts is to make sense out of the Bible. It doesn't, won't, and isn't supposed to make sense to the human mind. Conversion isn't that we move from non-church attendance to church attendance. Conversion is leaping into a totally foreign territory of life's unfolding beyond our wildest imagination as well as our most robust fact-gathering tour.
We are called into a tremendously absurd zone called belief. But, even Christians struggle so with this concept as we do our best to build churches from our KNOWLEDGE rather than from the EPI-KNOWLEDGE that God affords all who dare...to...believe. When one shifts from knowing to the epi-knowing daily walk the following changes:
So I wish to come alongside the seeker who has yet to reach his or her conclusion. Maybe my words will assist; and, then again, maybe you will deem them useless. Nonetheless, I very much wish to contribute to the believing factors toward God.
It is a grave mistake to try to make sense out of believing in God. Once one should reach such a state, God will have necessarily been reduced to human guestimation. The reason this isn't good is because, from this angle, in order to understand God we would necessarily need to reduce Him to humanistic, scientific, explanational concepts. This would make us god to Him; not Him to us.
Faith...yes, note the word...faith is faith because it isn't sight. It isn't catagorizable. It is neither chartable, tangible, nor manageable. Faith is a daring and true beyondness of human intelligence that pulls one into the territory of determining that God is, indeed, actual.
Believing God doesn't make sense to the calculatory-driven mind. It thrives, rather, on conviction from the heart. Ephesians 3:19 has an interesting choice of words....and to know the love of Christ with surpasses knowledge.... Pause a moment. We are to KNOW something beyond KNOWING? Really?
The first know in the original language is epi-know (as in epi-dermis/upper dermis). Epi-knowing is upper knowledge/beyond knowledge compared to the regular knowledge one possesses. Thus the Bible states that we are to KNOW the love of Christ WHICH SURPASSES routine, explanational knowledge. This, of course, is stated in the context of the Holy Spirit working in our lives.
This is where faith takes a welcomed and gigantic leap. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). The reason faith is insane to the unbeliever is because of his efforts is to make sense out of the Bible. It doesn't, won't, and isn't supposed to make sense to the human mind. Conversion isn't that we move from non-church attendance to church attendance. Conversion is leaping into a totally foreign territory of life's unfolding beyond our wildest imagination as well as our most robust fact-gathering tour.
We are called into a tremendously absurd zone called belief. But, even Christians struggle so with this concept as we do our best to build churches from our KNOWLEDGE rather than from the EPI-KNOWLEDGE that God affords all who dare...to...believe. When one shifts from knowing to the epi-knowing daily walk the following changes:
- We pray. Normal knowledge believes the concept; but doesn't practice it.
- We become strong givers of our funds. Plain knowledge goes through the motions with guarded and self-justifying, but hesitational, giving.
- We become merciful. Normal knowledge still permits a believer to be huffy and hold eternal grudges against others; offense rules and reconciliation cannot happen without mercy.
- We sense what others, who appear to be struggling, can become. Regular knowledge has not the eyes to see futuristically as to the transformation that can take place for all.
- We hope. In hope against hope...we believe that what isn't can become...Romans 4:17-25.
It could be that some would sense immediate relief from the drain of life is we could just give our God permission to do His thing without our needing to KNOW. What would really help each of us is to leap into His EPI-KNOWING. Maybe there is something to the idea of letting go and letting God. What if that isn't just a phrase....but the path to experiential life?
Friday, December 16, 2016
USE YOUR POWER VOICE
Every person's daily routine is glutted with sound. Voices approach us from phones, emails, texts, and of course, an avalanche of peopleistic conversations. The messages are mixed. Within this region of communication, life builds as well as unfolds. We must be careful to hear well. This will take determined intentionality or else we will become a twisted discouraged society of misunderstandings.
Power words of hope and understanding remain in great demand. The reason? Words of sarcasm and pessimism flow down our streets at flood level. If you want to ruin one's day, unload a boat load of negative expression. But if you want to build a nation, speak life into the hearts of those who are within your broadcast signals.
Words. More words. These are the only tools for building an entire universe that God choose beginning with Day One. Words. Let there be... We, being spoken into existence in the original person-hood of Genesis, have inherited this God-strength. Yet, due to sin's rude imposition, words now create or destroy; depending upon the goal of the speaker.
As recipients of a barrage of incoming voices, we must be determined as to how we hear. We must take charge of our own communication board by sorting the incoming calls. Accept the life-words and quickly delete the won't-work, not-good-enough, no-hope words. The good news is that we control the switch. It takes assertive practice to be attentive in our sorting.
Personally, I struggle every day with this situation. That's how I know to write about it. It seems that the more we are in the public eye, the more we become targeted for negative verbalization. It's wearying and I choose not to repeat it to anyone; but it seriously affects my confidence level at times. Due to this, however, I have learned that I must hang out with those who speak life. I am careful to hear their words for the others drain my energy.
Listen with care for the voices of the life-givers. And, by all means, be attentive to your own words by expressing love and hope and faith into those who have ears to hear your comments. Life is found in our words. No one becomes effective or successful until words from somewhere and someone begin to resonate.
Speak life. Speak love. Speak out...so that those around you can be resurrected to face another day. That's how Lazarus came from the tomb, remember? Jesus told him to come out of there...so he did.
Thank you...those of you who fill my world...for talking a talk that awakens hope, potential, and possibility. I will always need it. May we increase our power voices...and change the world around us. Use your power voice...today.
Power words of hope and understanding remain in great demand. The reason? Words of sarcasm and pessimism flow down our streets at flood level. If you want to ruin one's day, unload a boat load of negative expression. But if you want to build a nation, speak life into the hearts of those who are within your broadcast signals.
Words. More words. These are the only tools for building an entire universe that God choose beginning with Day One. Words. Let there be... We, being spoken into existence in the original person-hood of Genesis, have inherited this God-strength. Yet, due to sin's rude imposition, words now create or destroy; depending upon the goal of the speaker.
As recipients of a barrage of incoming voices, we must be determined as to how we hear. We must take charge of our own communication board by sorting the incoming calls. Accept the life-words and quickly delete the won't-work, not-good-enough, no-hope words. The good news is that we control the switch. It takes assertive practice to be attentive in our sorting.
Personally, I struggle every day with this situation. That's how I know to write about it. It seems that the more we are in the public eye, the more we become targeted for negative verbalization. It's wearying and I choose not to repeat it to anyone; but it seriously affects my confidence level at times. Due to this, however, I have learned that I must hang out with those who speak life. I am careful to hear their words for the others drain my energy.
Listen with care for the voices of the life-givers. And, by all means, be attentive to your own words by expressing love and hope and faith into those who have ears to hear your comments. Life is found in our words. No one becomes effective or successful until words from somewhere and someone begin to resonate.
Speak life. Speak love. Speak out...so that those around you can be resurrected to face another day. That's how Lazarus came from the tomb, remember? Jesus told him to come out of there...so he did.
Thank you...those of you who fill my world...for talking a talk that awakens hope, potential, and possibility. I will always need it. May we increase our power voices...and change the world around us. Use your power voice...today.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
THE HOLY PATTERN
There is an intended divine pattern to one's life. While it is simple in direction, it seems to be most complex to fulfill. The Good News is certain. If and when we develop this region within our walk, we begin to note an uncanny satisfaction with life...our lives. Isn't it odd that there is such abundance of information and technology among us and, yet, we struggle so very deeply to just be happy?
For a few, the Pattern is discussed in terms of what the church is to practice on Sunday mornings for an hour; the music style, the worship correctness, etc. But this focus is merely a distraction from the real authenticity that the Son of God reveals. He...not our arrangements, not our preferences...Jesus is the Pattern. When we imitate him, we are stepping into the footprints of fundamental productivity which thrills both the receiver and the giver.
The Pattern? We are to die to our wishes, wants, and will that others be blessed. Church-walk is anything but convenient. It is to be the duplication of the very heartbeat of Jesus. This is to be both seen and heard by our communities who so yearn for hope. So are we called to religious chatter? Nope. We are called to not get our own way if such would mean another could find hope.
Why do you think God asks us to pick up our crosses and follow Him? It is because true Life is a gigantic struggle and no one can attain it on his or her own will-power. And what do crosses mean anyway? These hold us to unfair treatment that presses, even breaks, our hearts. Being treated unfairly is the rejected rub that even church people have with the call to be Christian. Thus, we abort our calling at the very center.
We are called to partake with the hurting, the devastated, the confused, the crushed...by being ourselves hurt, devastated, confused, and crushed by life...so that we might understand better how to be a genuine help. Society needs our help; deeply so. But it will not receive it if we merely shout out directives from the balconies of our safe-place, no-harm-no-foul towers.
Since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham (Hebrews 2:14-16).
For a few, the Pattern is discussed in terms of what the church is to practice on Sunday mornings for an hour; the music style, the worship correctness, etc. But this focus is merely a distraction from the real authenticity that the Son of God reveals. He...not our arrangements, not our preferences...Jesus is the Pattern. When we imitate him, we are stepping into the footprints of fundamental productivity which thrills both the receiver and the giver.
The Pattern? We are to die to our wishes, wants, and will that others be blessed. Church-walk is anything but convenient. It is to be the duplication of the very heartbeat of Jesus. This is to be both seen and heard by our communities who so yearn for hope. So are we called to religious chatter? Nope. We are called to not get our own way if such would mean another could find hope.
Why do you think God asks us to pick up our crosses and follow Him? It is because true Life is a gigantic struggle and no one can attain it on his or her own will-power. And what do crosses mean anyway? These hold us to unfair treatment that presses, even breaks, our hearts. Being treated unfairly is the rejected rub that even church people have with the call to be Christian. Thus, we abort our calling at the very center.
We are called to partake with the hurting, the devastated, the confused, the crushed...by being ourselves hurt, devastated, confused, and crushed by life...so that we might understand better how to be a genuine help. Society needs our help; deeply so. But it will not receive it if we merely shout out directives from the balconies of our safe-place, no-harm-no-foul towers.
Since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham (Hebrews 2:14-16).
- Jesus became human to understand what we go through. Father, this is what it is like to be a created person.
- He came to knock out death; to make it temporary by pulling the plug on its assumed permanency.
- The help comes to us who are no angels; but are recipients through the human channel of birth.
Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people (Hebrews 2:17).
- Jesus had to be human from birth to the grave in order to really understand with sympathy our various stages of plight.
- Rejection (that offense that cuts us so deeply) was his assignment...and he pulled it off.
- And we are called to walk in his sandals that by our being unfairly treated and even crucified, at the office or within the family, that we could be merciful to all others who encounter similar treatment.
Church isn't about sitting in rows and behaving ourselves for sixty minutes. It is about learning that our mistreatment at the hands of some are personal training that we might learn endurance and meaning in these very moments. Friend, we are wasting our lives wishing and fretting troubles away when these are of the very intentional and Holy Pattern to help us live with our neighbor in sympathy and understanding. As long as we run for relief, we will never have relief to offer another because we refuse to go to school during these recurring hard times.
To take up our crosses and follow him is not intended to be a quarterly study in Sunday School. We are expected to live (and die) from there so that even offenders might encounter relief and hope.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
WHAT IF THE GAP ISN'T AS GENERATIONAL AS WE THOUGHT?
There is much discussion, even accusation, that social frustrations are due to generational gappage. Strange, isn't it, how the conversation goes? I mean the rub is consistent in that the problem lies within one of two generations; (1) the one older than me, or (2) the one younger than me. Seldom is it my own.
Yet, another element must be entered into the mix due to that last sentence. When it is my own, rarely do I mean to include me. Self has a way of being accepted as well as excepted. Constantly!
Maybe the gap as we tend to perceive it isn't quite the glaring dimension assumed? What if we are all alike; but we simply have selfish styles and preferences which are permitted from "my" preferential stance and rejected from "theirs"?
My point is that I believe we could give one another a break in the identical way we give our own generation a break. We are all alike. II Corinthians 10:12 says that when we compare one generation to another in criticism that we are without understanding. That means they, we, and....(reluctantly) me.
We are all alike in that we want what we want. All of us sin; no exception. All judge others; no exception (oops...I just passed judgment). We are all in over our heads with pressures, disappointments, and enormous demands. The more we seek answers to life it seems that the amount of questions multiply. This goes on in all generations.
We tend to look at the older and question why they can't loosen up. To take a gander at the younger causes us to wonder why they can't get a tighter grip. What we forget is that each of us has an older generation looking at us wondering why we won't tighten up and a younger ones wonder why we can't loosen up.
You are correct. I am talking in circles...because that's what happens if we fall for living by comparison. When 20 we see the holes in the thinking of the 40s and the 60s. Oddly, when we reach our 40s, we believe we see through the perfect lens; but the 20s and 60s are still wandering in their wildernesses full of obvious blind spots.
We are all alike. The gap isn't as generational was we thought. Therefore, may the Spirit fruit of love and joy and patience continue to have its way with us....as we are all so very much alike.
Yet, another element must be entered into the mix due to that last sentence. When it is my own, rarely do I mean to include me. Self has a way of being accepted as well as excepted. Constantly!
Maybe the gap as we tend to perceive it isn't quite the glaring dimension assumed? What if we are all alike; but we simply have selfish styles and preferences which are permitted from "my" preferential stance and rejected from "theirs"?
My point is that I believe we could give one another a break in the identical way we give our own generation a break. We are all alike. II Corinthians 10:12 says that when we compare one generation to another in criticism that we are without understanding. That means they, we, and....(reluctantly) me.
We are all alike in that we want what we want. All of us sin; no exception. All judge others; no exception (oops...I just passed judgment). We are all in over our heads with pressures, disappointments, and enormous demands. The more we seek answers to life it seems that the amount of questions multiply. This goes on in all generations.
We tend to look at the older and question why they can't loosen up. To take a gander at the younger causes us to wonder why they can't get a tighter grip. What we forget is that each of us has an older generation looking at us wondering why we won't tighten up and a younger ones wonder why we can't loosen up.
You are correct. I am talking in circles...because that's what happens if we fall for living by comparison. When 20 we see the holes in the thinking of the 40s and the 60s. Oddly, when we reach our 40s, we believe we see through the perfect lens; but the 20s and 60s are still wandering in their wildernesses full of obvious blind spots.
We are all alike. The gap isn't as generational was we thought. Therefore, may the Spirit fruit of love and joy and patience continue to have its way with us....as we are all so very much alike.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
WITH SO MANY CHURCHES, WHY CAN'T PEOPLE FIND GOD?
Due to the direction of this post I feel first that I must make an introductory comment. I love being in the church. I remain fascinated by the surprise and wonder of it all. Who would have guessed that it could be so meaningful? Plus, innumerable amounts of people are finding God...via the church landscape. Today's post, however, is to send a signal to the unchurched who are frustrated with people who are in the church...like me.
That congregations are known to be planted throughout every community and, yet, so many can't find God through us is both concerning and reality. Due to this troublesome sore spot, I (we) want to do what we can to make necessary adjustments that seekers may be drawn into the True and New life God has intended for each.
The reality is that the faithscape has always been a two-way street which finds reaction to be both positive and negative. Followers of God can provide ample hope. Simultaneously, other believers can kill a person's perspective of who God really is. No wonder society is left guessing.
Let this be no surprise. Why do you think it was the religionists who led the way to kill the Son of God? He went against the grain of the embedded orthodox establishment. This is a fascinating truth about following God; it will often not agree with the direction of the well-versed herd. Believing in and listening for God is a challenge....and society would rather find the easy way out. The easy way, ironically, can be in opposition; but with identical results. (1) We can be activists and yet not know God while just being busy keeping up with boring and deadening church regulations. Or, (2) we can reject, along with our cronies, the God-system altogether without bothering to see what might be rich blessings available.
Both are killers. Within both realms...people who are wondering...can't find God. One is domineering or burnt out while the other is distracted by poor and moody witnesses. Yet all through the ages, wonderful men and women are wondering within their hearts, Could it be possible that this God-thing is legit?
I find that many want to know the answer. I wanted to know the same thing. Never did I intend to be a part of church; but I ran into God along the way and found that what I had come to believe about church and church people was fundamentally true...with a hitch...a serious and wonderful hitch. I found life! I would never have guessed one would find life in the church setting. Yet at its purest, that's exactly what it is!
The difference maker is found in The Difference Maker. Jesus and not rules. Relationship and not religious activism. Faith and not formality. And everywhere we turn in society, there is strong reach for paths that give life.
I believe that every person, at some point(s) in life, have a serious hunger to know whether God is real; and if they would/could/should be a part. I don't have all of the answers; but I do have some valuable experience. If ever you have questions, and you wonder if I could be of help, email me at trush@memorialdrive.org. Some along my path helped me years ago. I want to do the same for others as you would need.
Together...we just keep learning about the True God of all Creation.
That congregations are known to be planted throughout every community and, yet, so many can't find God through us is both concerning and reality. Due to this troublesome sore spot, I (we) want to do what we can to make necessary adjustments that seekers may be drawn into the True and New life God has intended for each.
The reality is that the faithscape has always been a two-way street which finds reaction to be both positive and negative. Followers of God can provide ample hope. Simultaneously, other believers can kill a person's perspective of who God really is. No wonder society is left guessing.
Let this be no surprise. Why do you think it was the religionists who led the way to kill the Son of God? He went against the grain of the embedded orthodox establishment. This is a fascinating truth about following God; it will often not agree with the direction of the well-versed herd. Believing in and listening for God is a challenge....and society would rather find the easy way out. The easy way, ironically, can be in opposition; but with identical results. (1) We can be activists and yet not know God while just being busy keeping up with boring and deadening church regulations. Or, (2) we can reject, along with our cronies, the God-system altogether without bothering to see what might be rich blessings available.
Both are killers. Within both realms...people who are wondering...can't find God. One is domineering or burnt out while the other is distracted by poor and moody witnesses. Yet all through the ages, wonderful men and women are wondering within their hearts, Could it be possible that this God-thing is legit?
I find that many want to know the answer. I wanted to know the same thing. Never did I intend to be a part of church; but I ran into God along the way and found that what I had come to believe about church and church people was fundamentally true...with a hitch...a serious and wonderful hitch. I found life! I would never have guessed one would find life in the church setting. Yet at its purest, that's exactly what it is!
The difference maker is found in The Difference Maker. Jesus and not rules. Relationship and not religious activism. Faith and not formality. And everywhere we turn in society, there is strong reach for paths that give life.
I believe that every person, at some point(s) in life, have a serious hunger to know whether God is real; and if they would/could/should be a part. I don't have all of the answers; but I do have some valuable experience. If ever you have questions, and you wonder if I could be of help, email me at trush@memorialdrive.org. Some along my path helped me years ago. I want to do the same for others as you would need.
Together...we just keep learning about the True God of all Creation.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
WHY THE NEW CHURCH BRANDS?
WNDITWB was once spoken to bring laughter to religious conventions and ministry workshops. We've Never Done It This Way Before was similar to the WWJD bracelets of days gone by. Today the religious landscape is peppered with break-out re-names; new names which seem to make a statement that the old denominational names are, shall we say, outdated?
Consider some of these churches you may recognize: Guts. City Church. Church on the Move. Vertical Church. Willow Creek. Contact. Real Church. Destiny Church. The Gathering. Liberty World. These are names of churches, community churches, who are thriving in reaching America.
What I wish to accomplish in this brief note is to ask that we continue to imagine what can be for God that no one has yet to consider. A few decades back, not many would have guessed that remarketing the church name would has this much impact. My goal is not to create a new name for Memorial Drive (unless such would prove to be a positive move).
I am saying that one of the reasons name-branded congregations are stuck is partially due to the unwritten code of restrictions placed upon them by tradition; a factor that Jesus himself hit head-on. He knew then and we should know by now that this is a real Kingdom problem.
I applaud churches, whether of new branding or old fame, who are creative. It is this factor that is the difference maker. Creativity is the hallmark sign of God. It isn't decency. It isn't order. Jesus broke the backs of both of those. It was the imagination of believers as to what God could do that broke the resistance barriers of the neighborhoods.
We are living in the same world Jesus and the disciples did. People hurt. Religion bullies. The two don't match. We are to be a people who must be ever ready to take what did work and dispense of it so that God can pull us into what does work for this age. Words about such are easy to express. Deeds toward such are most threatening because each generation seems to find something new that works and then eventually the very same generation works to see that we keep their ideas forevermore...as the law of God.
Don't let what once worked become the very factor that deadens the new church; your new church. Whether Baptist or Guts or Church of Christ or Vertical Church, we must be aware that the Spirit of God will work in the hearts which are new. The Word is most clear that man-orchestrated traditions shut the Kingdom down. We must never take this lightly.
Consider some of these churches you may recognize: Guts. City Church. Church on the Move. Vertical Church. Willow Creek. Contact. Real Church. Destiny Church. The Gathering. Liberty World. These are names of churches, community churches, who are thriving in reaching America.
What I wish to accomplish in this brief note is to ask that we continue to imagine what can be for God that no one has yet to consider. A few decades back, not many would have guessed that remarketing the church name would has this much impact. My goal is not to create a new name for Memorial Drive (unless such would prove to be a positive move).
I am saying that one of the reasons name-branded congregations are stuck is partially due to the unwritten code of restrictions placed upon them by tradition; a factor that Jesus himself hit head-on. He knew then and we should know by now that this is a real Kingdom problem.
I applaud churches, whether of new branding or old fame, who are creative. It is this factor that is the difference maker. Creativity is the hallmark sign of God. It isn't decency. It isn't order. Jesus broke the backs of both of those. It was the imagination of believers as to what God could do that broke the resistance barriers of the neighborhoods.
We are living in the same world Jesus and the disciples did. People hurt. Religion bullies. The two don't match. We are to be a people who must be ever ready to take what did work and dispense of it so that God can pull us into what does work for this age. Words about such are easy to express. Deeds toward such are most threatening because each generation seems to find something new that works and then eventually the very same generation works to see that we keep their ideas forevermore...as the law of God.
Don't let what once worked become the very factor that deadens the new church; your new church. Whether Baptist or Guts or Church of Christ or Vertical Church, we must be aware that the Spirit of God will work in the hearts which are new. The Word is most clear that man-orchestrated traditions shut the Kingdom down. We must never take this lightly.
Friday, December 09, 2016
THAT MESSAGE JESUS SHOWS US
Words. Our world seems to be increasing in word volume. You know that I'm for words; otherwise, there would be no post today, huh?
The very base of all action seems to be words. We can think about an assortment of things; but when we "say" we seem to move toward engagement. Words like, I'm going to buy that car, would you marry me, let's go out to eat, block off your calendar on these specific dates; all will find action following.
Jesus was the most effective at action. He wasted no time. He wasted no clock time and he wasted no interaction time with people. The message Jesus shows us is that our productivity, influence, and power are embedded within words....that we use toward others. Jesus was not a public theorist; but rather, he was an intentional peopleist. He saw people, reached to people, talked to people, died for people, and arose to bless people.
To be in the kingdom and hide within a church activity in order to avoid contacting people is a flagrant doctrinal error. I surely realize that not everyone seems to be born with the ability to connect; but every one can learn to connect. Jesus rebirthed us for this mission. For some of us, it simply takes practice.
That message Jesus shows us is that everywhere we turn there are individuals or groups of people who matter. Since I was a kid, I have been a people-person until....until I became serious about serving God and then I reversed. So many things were taught me where I understood that I so had to get it right--could not be in error like other religious groups--that such froze me in my tracks. I became a different person. Due to Bible teaching; strong, adamant Bible study in school. I became...afraid; afraid that I would get Bible teaching wrong.
This is all wrong. My reach out became reserve within. I began to live to be sure I didn't so church stuff wrong. Within that mixture was reluctance to be with/talk with people for I might express an error. Church, my friend, has removed many (who wish to win the world) from the world. Our lips have gone silent as a self-protectionary effort. We see missions and programs and meetings while hedging on actually interacting with the very thing (people) of which all of these efforts were designed.
That message Jesus shows us is that we must not hide within church works in order to refrain from engaging with common man. People...need people. God didn't just send a Bible to earth. He sent a child with arms, legs, eyes, ears, and emotions to connect; divinely so. God connected, not with a telegram. He could have simply made an announcement over the Heavenly PA system. Rather, God intentionally connected by being like us.
He spoke our language. Such IS the message Jesus shows us.
We are the message to be read by others. Do they see us as a story interested in them/sympathetic to them? Or, do they read us as religiously busy as our eyes avoid contact with theirs?
The very base of all action seems to be words. We can think about an assortment of things; but when we "say" we seem to move toward engagement. Words like, I'm going to buy that car, would you marry me, let's go out to eat, block off your calendar on these specific dates; all will find action following.
Jesus was the most effective at action. He wasted no time. He wasted no clock time and he wasted no interaction time with people. The message Jesus shows us is that our productivity, influence, and power are embedded within words....that we use toward others. Jesus was not a public theorist; but rather, he was an intentional peopleist. He saw people, reached to people, talked to people, died for people, and arose to bless people.
To be in the kingdom and hide within a church activity in order to avoid contacting people is a flagrant doctrinal error. I surely realize that not everyone seems to be born with the ability to connect; but every one can learn to connect. Jesus rebirthed us for this mission. For some of us, it simply takes practice.
That message Jesus shows us is that everywhere we turn there are individuals or groups of people who matter. Since I was a kid, I have been a people-person until....until I became serious about serving God and then I reversed. So many things were taught me where I understood that I so had to get it right--could not be in error like other religious groups--that such froze me in my tracks. I became a different person. Due to Bible teaching; strong, adamant Bible study in school. I became...afraid; afraid that I would get Bible teaching wrong.
This is all wrong. My reach out became reserve within. I began to live to be sure I didn't so church stuff wrong. Within that mixture was reluctance to be with/talk with people for I might express an error. Church, my friend, has removed many (who wish to win the world) from the world. Our lips have gone silent as a self-protectionary effort. We see missions and programs and meetings while hedging on actually interacting with the very thing (people) of which all of these efforts were designed.
That message Jesus shows us is that we must not hide within church works in order to refrain from engaging with common man. People...need people. God didn't just send a Bible to earth. He sent a child with arms, legs, eyes, ears, and emotions to connect; divinely so. God connected, not with a telegram. He could have simply made an announcement over the Heavenly PA system. Rather, God intentionally connected by being like us.
He spoke our language. Such IS the message Jesus shows us.
We are the message to be read by others. Do they see us as a story interested in them/sympathetic to them? Or, do they read us as religiously busy as our eyes avoid contact with theirs?
Thursday, December 08, 2016
THE VERY WEIRD FEELING OF RETIREMENT PREPARATION
July 16, 2017 feels like it must be next weekend. I've known this would be coming; but my birth certificate indicates that my calendar age is in conflict with my mind age. Good grief, I've yet got so many more things to forget; where did I leave my keys, what month is it, who's on first kinda stuff. Forgetful? I've only just begun. And, did I mention that sometimes I don't remember where I put my keys?
However, it is true. In 7 months and 8 days, I will step aside. This is a challenge for one like me of such renewable youth! So what shall I do?
The first thing I had to do was get a grip on stepping aside for it surely has not been easy. While no one is saying it, the initial feeling is that of being shelved. But, I think I've gotten over that glitch and am moving forward into more of that Abrahamic trek of not knowing where I'm going.
I will be stepping aside as pulpit man and office manager. And there's more. My baseball cleats will go into storage. January will be my thirty-fourth and last Cardinal camp as I can't see the baseball to hit it nor can I see the baseball coming at me to field it. But....I really do look nice in my uniform!
After July 16, Mary and I will take a road trip. We aren't the Cruise Ship/Resort-relax sort. We will visit family if they have good food. I might take my golf clubs and Mary may pop in at an Antique Store here and there. I know for certain that The Price Is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and St. Louis Cardinal baseball games are at the top of the list for both of us.
For now, it's sorta weird. How am I to de-office, de-work, or de-visit all of my many friends who pass through my office that I now....I now....? I am going to miss my office team so much. How are they going to get along without my silly comments? My forgetful assignments? My homemade wordilistic phrases?
Yet, I mainly say...how exciting! Who wouldn't have loved to sit in my office for forty years and be the boss of stuff? As a team, the world has come to us in ways. We've gone out to it in other ways. To reach the whole world is our goal....and that, my friend...isn't changing!
However, it is true. In 7 months and 8 days, I will step aside. This is a challenge for one like me of such renewable youth! So what shall I do?
The first thing I had to do was get a grip on stepping aside for it surely has not been easy. While no one is saying it, the initial feeling is that of being shelved. But, I think I've gotten over that glitch and am moving forward into more of that Abrahamic trek of not knowing where I'm going.
I will be stepping aside as pulpit man and office manager. And there's more. My baseball cleats will go into storage. January will be my thirty-fourth and last Cardinal camp as I can't see the baseball to hit it nor can I see the baseball coming at me to field it. But....I really do look nice in my uniform!
After July 16, Mary and I will take a road trip. We aren't the Cruise Ship/Resort-relax sort. We will visit family if they have good food. I might take my golf clubs and Mary may pop in at an Antique Store here and there. I know for certain that The Price Is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and St. Louis Cardinal baseball games are at the top of the list for both of us.
For now, it's sorta weird. How am I to de-office, de-work, or de-visit all of my many friends who pass through my office that I now....I now....? I am going to miss my office team so much. How are they going to get along without my silly comments? My forgetful assignments? My homemade wordilistic phrases?
Yet, I mainly say...how exciting! Who wouldn't have loved to sit in my office for forty years and be the boss of stuff? As a team, the world has come to us in ways. We've gone out to it in other ways. To reach the whole world is our goal....and that, my friend...isn't changing!
Wednesday, December 07, 2016
LIFTED TWICE: ON THE CROSS AND FROM THE GRAVE
We need this. We need to know how to live a lifted life. Otherwise, we will repeat Peter's failed attempt. Instead of walking on water, we too will just sorta slosh through life. But Jesus' extended hand changes that sinking feeling into a lifted celebration.
The reason that I write of this today is because I am burdened in two strong ways. First, I carry a very real weight for young men and women in ministry who find the work so difficult that eventually they will quit. I don't know if you would realize this, but most do give up, walk away, unable to crack the code of endurance.
And second, my heart is heavy as twenty-four years ago I sat at a murder scene of my daughter's fiance and his brother that still takes my emotions to task. It was a scene like no other. Blood, tears, and squad cars were everywhere we turned. Our family couldn't escape the fog of that nightmare for weeks. Police believing we could be targeted next at our house; a guard-dog was brought in to live with us while squad cars patrolled our street.
So what I feel motivated to say to you this morning is that you are to never give up. Whether you are in ministry or are facing life's robbing moments, never give up. Because of Jesus being lifted twice (first upon the Cross and next from the grave), it must be understood that if we are to follow him, we will...follow....him.
When your day seems to be going South, do not flinch. The days of the Cross are supported by the enemy in hopes that he will take you out. But you keep breathing. Transform that Cross into a launching pad of hope for others. You pain is their gain. They need, just like we need Jesus, to know that you understand their pains. Others are blessed to know that you didn't get your ministry from reading a book; but from shedding tears in the center of struggle and frustration.
There is nothing more alive than turning your sinking feeling into an assembly line of hopeful productivity. If someone hurts your feelings, learn from this how half of the people you know are feeling and they could use a friend who never gives up. If you are robbed of glory, thank God for now you identify with another portion of neglected ones.
Everything that goes wrong fits the code of the Cross. It hurts. And such agony will break into bigger life! You....be....lifted....TWICE!
The reason that I write of this today is because I am burdened in two strong ways. First, I carry a very real weight for young men and women in ministry who find the work so difficult that eventually they will quit. I don't know if you would realize this, but most do give up, walk away, unable to crack the code of endurance.
And second, my heart is heavy as twenty-four years ago I sat at a murder scene of my daughter's fiance and his brother that still takes my emotions to task. It was a scene like no other. Blood, tears, and squad cars were everywhere we turned. Our family couldn't escape the fog of that nightmare for weeks. Police believing we could be targeted next at our house; a guard-dog was brought in to live with us while squad cars patrolled our street.
So what I feel motivated to say to you this morning is that you are to never give up. Whether you are in ministry or are facing life's robbing moments, never give up. Because of Jesus being lifted twice (first upon the Cross and next from the grave), it must be understood that if we are to follow him, we will...follow....him.
When your day seems to be going South, do not flinch. The days of the Cross are supported by the enemy in hopes that he will take you out. But you keep breathing. Transform that Cross into a launching pad of hope for others. You pain is their gain. They need, just like we need Jesus, to know that you understand their pains. Others are blessed to know that you didn't get your ministry from reading a book; but from shedding tears in the center of struggle and frustration.
There is nothing more alive than turning your sinking feeling into an assembly line of hopeful productivity. If someone hurts your feelings, learn from this how half of the people you know are feeling and they could use a friend who never gives up. If you are robbed of glory, thank God for now you identify with another portion of neglected ones.
Everything that goes wrong fits the code of the Cross. It hurts. And such agony will break into bigger life! You....be....lifted....TWICE!
Tuesday, December 06, 2016
EASE THE STRESS. BUILD THE CONFIDENCE.
Yogi Berra might also have said, Sometimes it ain't easy being us. If he would have said such a thing, he would have been pretty accurate, don't you think? Life is glorious until it seems to turn against us. Therefore, I speak to the less hopeful heart compared to your more inspiring one you experienced maybe day earlier.
It's a good thing that God is supreme over the grave because we desperately need One who specializes in Resurrection Power in very ordinarialistic lives. We find ourselves low. He finds ways to bring us up. That's what God does!
When we remember this, the stresses have a way of dissolving as strangely as one raises from the dead. Such can be neither calculated nor explained. It. Just. Is.
Therefore, I urge you to give yourself permission to drop the frets and the squirms and simply wait on God. He knows how to handle loud-mouth executioners, a two-ton stone sealing a grave, and and a dead body that needs to get up in order to attend an apostles meeting. This is the One who runs our lives. We don't manage them. We avail ourselves to His wisdomic procedures.
Be confident...a bit more every day!
It's a good thing that God is supreme over the grave because we desperately need One who specializes in Resurrection Power in very ordinarialistic lives. We find ourselves low. He finds ways to bring us up. That's what God does!
When we remember this, the stresses have a way of dissolving as strangely as one raises from the dead. Such can be neither calculated nor explained. It. Just. Is.
Therefore, I urge you to give yourself permission to drop the frets and the squirms and simply wait on God. He knows how to handle loud-mouth executioners, a two-ton stone sealing a grave, and and a dead body that needs to get up in order to attend an apostles meeting. This is the One who runs our lives. We don't manage them. We avail ourselves to His wisdomic procedures.
Be confident...a bit more every day!
Sunday, December 04, 2016
TRY NOT TO RUN FROM THE DIFFICULT PART OF FAITH IN GOD
There is a false faith among us...deeply and convincingly so...that the church is fun, is alive, is productive, and is meaningful. Well...it surely better be. Yet, this is only one side of the picture and to assume this is the entirety will end in sheer breakdown of God's intent for us.
Absolutely the church is strongly alive and incredibly meaningful. Personally, I'm nuts about it. To give people hope when their hearts are shattered is some sort of awesome calling. To help some understand that the things going wrong in their lives are actually secret benefits and blessings? Well, what a story everyone has.
However, if one is to experience the true life of Christ, we must absorb the truth that we have been designated a cross; not to sing a song about, but to carry. This cross has weight; it is a drag. It's unhandy like all get out. And....quite honestly it hurts. Jesus said, Pick it up!
If one is in the church without the personal cross, feelings get hurt easily and then "feel"ings begin to rule. The cross doesn't feel good....period. But we are in this for the eventual life that such a tool gives others and promises us. From the cross we can envision what can be...for ourselves...and especially for others.
The cross is neither handy nor is it convenient. If you have one, carry one, you will surely get your feelings hurt and you will find that you didn't get your way. People will be rude. Insult will be in your face. Ideas will be misrepresented and efforts will be derailed. Welcome, therefore, to the side of church that isn't fun...but this deep and offensive struggle is crucially significant for every person who claims to be a part of it.
Rejection is a part of the plan of salvation. There are no exceptions. Either we will endure. Or, we will quit. The cross is the defining and dividing factor as to how our personal walks go.
....fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Saturday, December 03, 2016
DEATH'S TESTIMONY
Isn't Fall a most beautiful time of the year? It's my favorite. The color scheme from God's creative pallet is so awesome that even the finest photographers may catch only a momentary glimpse. Eventually, naked trees stand as if death to the beauty made the final call.
Yet, we know that such isn't true.
The bare trees remain poised in Winter pregnancy ready to give birth in the Spring. Of course, we celebrate!
Flower bulbs are similar. In order to become their utmost fulfillment, they must first be buried in their little flower cemeteries. These must pass away (give way) to the temporary processes of death in order to experience the stature of a newly resurrected life.
When death has been used as a step-ladder into a higher calling, these little guy bulbs and gal bulbs will burst through the ground in some sort of divine resurrection power to take our breath away with renewed and vibrant beauty. Death isn't a final statement; but rather, is involved in the life-giving process. What Satan intended as hurtful, God redesigns as blessings.
When death has been used as a step-ladder into a higher calling, these little guy bulbs and gal bulbs will burst through the ground in some sort of divine resurrection power to take our breath away with renewed and vibrant beauty. Death isn't a final statement; but rather, is involved in the life-giving process. What Satan intended as hurtful, God redesigns as blessings.
Death of plants and bulbs and dying leaves are perpetual testimonies of death. Their message: DEATH ENDS. Death comes to an end because life eradicates death's grip.
By faith, we believe this to be true for humanity because Jesus paved the way. Killed and put away, he created a scandal of sorts that his own death was, in reality, quite weak when it had been assumed by all that it had the final say.
Not. So. Jesus returned. Death was shunned. Life is possessed. We carry such a dependable hope!
Not. So. Jesus returned. Death was shunned. Life is possessed. We carry such a dependable hope!
Death's testimony is that it carries a powerful bark; but it has no eternal bite. Thank you God!
Friday, December 02, 2016
WHERE THE RESTORATION MOVEMENT BACKFIRED
When in preaching school a thread of information came at me that I had no idea existed in such profound quantity. I had heard of the Restoration Movement, it seemed, from day one of beginning to begin to learn about God and His Divine set-up.
The idea that we strive to be a people who are restored to the parameters of the early church which began in Acts was overwhelming in a most glorious way. That a people could simply go back to the Bible and be New Testament Christians was surely an attractive concept.
This remains a profound idea. But, the Movement took on baggage; the very thing it was saying it had escaped. It became the very thing is disdained. With profound effort to shed man's tradition and breathe from the simple biblical calling, it wasn't long until man began to impose new rules of his understanding of abiding faith. This was anything but casual. As a result the Restoration Movement went haywire and developed a fabric of "true churches" of varying (even opposing) beliefs; each claiming to be the One True Church. Within this movement to curb the Movement, egotism volcano-ized.
I found there to a be a similar thread in all divisions as they began to unfurl. Rules ruled. New traditions similar to what we thought had been booted out were now a fixture. And the entire scope of thought had been found to lack three central personalities; Father, Son, and Spirit. The Word was king. The practices were proof.
Prayer was vague, if not absent, which signaled Father was not necessary (though we would never voice such). Jesus was not real; but an historical figure whose name sanctified our prayers at the end. The the Holy Spirit was treated, no neglected, as if we were embarrassed and ashamed of Him. We did our best to restrict Him to go no farther than the very end of the book of Revelation. From there we would manage with our best explanations and efforts.
The Restoration Movement, a once splendid concept, has backfired; significantly so. Yet, the concept remains feasible and full of Good News. It is a challenge for all Bible students to remain open to the unfolding reality of God. His information is not captureable. It is believable...and there will always be additional ideas and truths to believe which will align with much of what we previously garnered from in-depth study. That would be why we study. Right?
In reality, as we students take in news (NEWs) of God, we are often found that we must shed some crucial mis-learnings; mis-understandings. This is too thrilling; not threatening. We are anticipated by God to look at His Revelation and do things like learn, grow, increase, develop. The Bible isn't handed to us to pass Bible quizzes. It is given to us that we can enter increasing glimpses of Life found in Jesus through the Spirit. Father is quite serious about this.
Yes, we should very much be a part of restoring the New Testament church; one which every time it discovers an answer it seems that four new questions break out. God is not to be captured; but vigorously pursued. We are called to know the love of Christ which is beyond our fullest exploration....Ephesians 3:19.
The idea that we strive to be a people who are restored to the parameters of the early church which began in Acts was overwhelming in a most glorious way. That a people could simply go back to the Bible and be New Testament Christians was surely an attractive concept.
This remains a profound idea. But, the Movement took on baggage; the very thing it was saying it had escaped. It became the very thing is disdained. With profound effort to shed man's tradition and breathe from the simple biblical calling, it wasn't long until man began to impose new rules of his understanding of abiding faith. This was anything but casual. As a result the Restoration Movement went haywire and developed a fabric of "true churches" of varying (even opposing) beliefs; each claiming to be the One True Church. Within this movement to curb the Movement, egotism volcano-ized.
I found there to a be a similar thread in all divisions as they began to unfurl. Rules ruled. New traditions similar to what we thought had been booted out were now a fixture. And the entire scope of thought had been found to lack three central personalities; Father, Son, and Spirit. The Word was king. The practices were proof.
Prayer was vague, if not absent, which signaled Father was not necessary (though we would never voice such). Jesus was not real; but an historical figure whose name sanctified our prayers at the end. The the Holy Spirit was treated, no neglected, as if we were embarrassed and ashamed of Him. We did our best to restrict Him to go no farther than the very end of the book of Revelation. From there we would manage with our best explanations and efforts.
The Restoration Movement, a once splendid concept, has backfired; significantly so. Yet, the concept remains feasible and full of Good News. It is a challenge for all Bible students to remain open to the unfolding reality of God. His information is not captureable. It is believable...and there will always be additional ideas and truths to believe which will align with much of what we previously garnered from in-depth study. That would be why we study. Right?
In reality, as we students take in news (NEWs) of God, we are often found that we must shed some crucial mis-learnings; mis-understandings. This is too thrilling; not threatening. We are anticipated by God to look at His Revelation and do things like learn, grow, increase, develop. The Bible isn't handed to us to pass Bible quizzes. It is given to us that we can enter increasing glimpses of Life found in Jesus through the Spirit. Father is quite serious about this.
Yes, we should very much be a part of restoring the New Testament church; one which every time it discovers an answer it seems that four new questions break out. God is not to be captured; but vigorously pursued. We are called to know the love of Christ which is beyond our fullest exploration....Ephesians 3:19.
Thursday, December 01, 2016
TRUE WORSHIP
To truly worship God is surely one of the most urgent calls of the heart. To give Him praise and honor and absolute attention is the paramount calling of all believers. For a long time, as a Christian and then as a leader in the church, I gave this little thought. I was what most around me were also about; getting church done right. I was more driven by my squint-eyed perception of true church; rather than an open-hearted fascination of true God.
Through time I have begun to begin to understand that I have worshiped many things other than our Marvelous Creator. I have worshiped the Bible version used, the style of and the selection of songs, as well as the church's doctrine. The Kingdom Pedestal has been a lofty place for many of these matters; but not Father.
It is a grave mistake to transfer the worship God deserves over to an element of our lives that we prefer. The Kingdom of God is both vital and vigorous. There cannot be a substitutional distraction from the absolute and singular prominence of God. The saved can't afford this. Neither can the lost whom the saved are to be reaching.
I'm guilty of spending too much time fretting over matters which I believed to be central to the church life while ignoring the One who wishes I would increase my look toward Him. In all of my drive to do church well, Father patiently awaits my heart's engagement in vocal praise of Him alone.
I have worshiped the Pattern, the Movement, the Church of Christ, and thirty other lesser matters without giving heed to the necessity that He is to be honored foremost and certain. This must change. It is changing. It will continue to improve. I will note Him more and my church preferences less.
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