God and faith and eternity are pretty big topics. We are expected and invited to know them intricately. For too many, I perceive, very little attention is given. This is easy and nearly normal for these seem to draw with significant delight at the hypocrisy of us all.
Isn't is true, however, that nearly all wish to know the deep spiritual side of ourselves? After all, we are very much more than arms, legs, eyes, lawns to mow and dishes to wash. There is notably the sensitive, emotional, life part of us; the spiritual.
So here is something I would want to cheer you on about today. Heaven is more than a place for later. It enters believers in Jesus. Philippians says we are citizens of heaven, now.
John Eldredge shared valuable insight; When we hear the words "eternal life", most of us tend to interpret that as "a life that waits for us in eternity." But eternal means "unending", not "later". The Scriptures use the term to mean we can never lose it. It's a life that can't be taken from us. The offer is life, and that life starts now.
It is Jesus who points out, Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (Mt. 18:18). Such a statement isn't for those beyond-the-cemetery years. Rather it is leading us to the interaction believers have with the presence of eternity now, today, in our walk.
Due to the eternal nature there is to be a strong interaction factor with heaven and earth. Thus, we accelerate in prayer because we believe our words rise higher than ceilings. We find cheer in giving of our funds because we believe there is correlation between earths funding and heaven's reward.
Heaven is more than a "later" place. It is a present system which blesses, upholds, and promotes the marriage of Jesus and his bride; the church.
One does not die and then go to heaven. No, one dies to self here by being buried in Jesus at baptism and then heaven comes to live within us via the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). That is a pretty major move!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
EVERYTHING FOR US IN GOD IS UPSIDE-DOWN AND BACKWARDS
For most of my life I have had it in my mind I wanted to be somebody. I mean I wanted to be a big, known somebody. To simply be Terry Rush wouldn't be enough. I needed to be at the top; or at least pretty near. When I became a Christian nothing changed. I wanted to do Christianity at the top.
Zig Ziglar's book See You At the Top was written to build Terry Rush's momentum. In addition, Leadership Conferences were magnets. What we needed in the church were dynamic and intensely influential leaders. That call had a great ring to it.
It got into my head that I was among the best speakers and surely my insight to living was rather, shall we say, superior? I not only read lots of books, I wrote a few. I was a wheeler/dealer, buyer/seller, acquirer/trader of spiritual goods...all in my own mind of course. Surely no one other than my mom was as impressed with me as me.
And that drive held on to me for my first 50 years. The last 16, however, have taken a drastic turn.
I blame it on Jesus.
Jesus shifted from a name that closed out my prayers to a strong friend who became truly real day in and day out. He didn't walk the roads of fame and glory. Rather he reflected Light from above onto the down and out. Jesus kept side-stepping notoriety by giving credit to Father.
It wasn't like Jesus kept this a secret for he unloaded these goods in his originating sermon; but he surely upset my apple cart when he presented the terms of authentic (upside down and backward) power. Power? Now we are talking. Except....
Power...real, authentic, leadership-conference-worthy power...came in confusing forms. He said it came in the poor in spirit; I thought it was the confident. He said traits like mourning and meek and merciful were top-o-the-line kingdom dynamics.
Wait a minute! What about leadership? Skills? Persuasiveness?
Jesus didn't deny any of them. He rerouted them. Leaders are to be the very best as followers. Talent is not the self-groomed but the Spirit-driven.
Rosa Parks may be properly celebrated (as she had a great cause) for refusing to go to the back of the bus, but God spent a significant amount of energy trying to get me to move back there, sit down, and be quiet. Jesus knows life. It turned out that I knew a bit of flesh tactics. And the best of these I had to offer were like wet notebook paper; useless.
The Jesus style, it turns out, isn't in line with the best-of-Terry style. He has a way of disarming the ego-ambitionilistic. While his way is so drastically different than what I had assumed effectiveness in the church would be, his way is THE way, THE truth, and THE life.
Dare to change the world; not by becoming the next latest and greatest. Dare to change the world by decreasing within that Jesus may increase. Such moves are still needed....in all of us.
Zig Ziglar's book See You At the Top was written to build Terry Rush's momentum. In addition, Leadership Conferences were magnets. What we needed in the church were dynamic and intensely influential leaders. That call had a great ring to it.
It got into my head that I was among the best speakers and surely my insight to living was rather, shall we say, superior? I not only read lots of books, I wrote a few. I was a wheeler/dealer, buyer/seller, acquirer/trader of spiritual goods...all in my own mind of course. Surely no one other than my mom was as impressed with me as me.
And that drive held on to me for my first 50 years. The last 16, however, have taken a drastic turn.
I blame it on Jesus.
Jesus shifted from a name that closed out my prayers to a strong friend who became truly real day in and day out. He didn't walk the roads of fame and glory. Rather he reflected Light from above onto the down and out. Jesus kept side-stepping notoriety by giving credit to Father.
It wasn't like Jesus kept this a secret for he unloaded these goods in his originating sermon; but he surely upset my apple cart when he presented the terms of authentic (upside down and backward) power. Power? Now we are talking. Except....
Power...real, authentic, leadership-conference-worthy power...came in confusing forms. He said it came in the poor in spirit; I thought it was the confident. He said traits like mourning and meek and merciful were top-o-the-line kingdom dynamics.
Wait a minute! What about leadership? Skills? Persuasiveness?
Jesus didn't deny any of them. He rerouted them. Leaders are to be the very best as followers. Talent is not the self-groomed but the Spirit-driven.
Rosa Parks may be properly celebrated (as she had a great cause) for refusing to go to the back of the bus, but God spent a significant amount of energy trying to get me to move back there, sit down, and be quiet. Jesus knows life. It turned out that I knew a bit of flesh tactics. And the best of these I had to offer were like wet notebook paper; useless.
The Jesus style, it turns out, isn't in line with the best-of-Terry style. He has a way of disarming the ego-ambitionilistic. While his way is so drastically different than what I had assumed effectiveness in the church would be, his way is THE way, THE truth, and THE life.
Dare to change the world; not by becoming the next latest and greatest. Dare to change the world by decreasing within that Jesus may increase. Such moves are still needed....in all of us.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
THE SECRET OF HOW TO REACH OUR HIGHEST POTENTIAL
It seems rather overly dramatic to be a part of a spiritual walk that declares we are to die to ourselves. These words of Jesus are some of his more serious: If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23).
These words form one sentence. If ever we are to be found "sentenced" to life, this has to be one of the strongest pronouncements.
But how is it that we are to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow him?
It comes through a word that is snubbed; especially in the American culture. It is so disregarded that once pondered it may be even clearer why this concept has been buried in our society. It is because it is the secret that gives us the life so many crave; but cannot reach.
The word is submission.
To deny self is to submit. Submission is the opposite of stand up for yourself; don't let anyone run over you. Compliance, acquiescence, and deference; all of these words are supportive to the concept of submission. If ever there is a challenge for each, it is surely that from early childhood our striving has always been one main thing; getting our way.
Submission, however, places us in the lowest position in the crowd in order to find the highest life. It is just the weirdest and most backward concept ever. But take a good serious look at the dismay and the burden so many possess living in this rich and abundant land of ours. Why can't the general population get happy?
Submission has been aborted. Looking out for #1 is now primary. Scott Bessenecker points out, Self-centeredness cannot be permitted to live on in the healthy, spiritual adult. The opposite of submission is rebellion, and although rebellion is generally considered cool in American culture it doesn't seem to be considered "cool" by God. Even the most well-intentioned "rebel" who is committed to justice is bound to be wrong sometimes and will hurt themselves and others if they never submit to anyone.
As Americans, freedom and independence are pathological obsessions. Our natural tendency to resist authority has been put on steroids. "Live and let die!" is the philosophical foundation for our country and stands in stark contrast to the philosophy of the kingdom of God, which tells us to die that we might live free. We Americans are cowboys who believe submission is for yellow-bellied, lily-livered, chicken-hearted cowards who don't have the guts to fight for what they believe is right.
It would be no surprise that such descriptive terms (yellow-bellied, etc.) would be the perception of unbelievers toward those in churches. The reason, furthermore, is very legitimate. We are soft. We are whiny. We can be among the loudest in protest of church not going our way. Yet, submission is the only route to real life; whether individual or as a church.
Jesus got it right. Bessenecker may have pegged some of (many of) us, but his words bounce off of Jesus. Jesus' submission to God upon the cross carried with it a secret backdrop; an underground one if you will. Waiting beyond the torture was the resurrection.
Our job is to be submissive to unfair, uncharacteristic hardship. Christianity isn't failing to spread because we lack fame and glitter and catchy phrases. Christianity is failing because we have replaced the cross with individual judge's benches and we have determined what we will take and what we won't.
So God leaves us alone. We have not submission; but insubordination. And such a trade is killing off the effectiveness of the, what is supposed to be, dynamic move of God.
How are we to die to ourselves? By relinquishing getting our way when someone over us--especially someone unfair--bullies and pushes. Submission is the doorway to an abundant life uncalculateable by human determination and strong will.
Although shockingly surprising and even backward, submission is the secret which keeps many of us from reaching our highest potential.
These words form one sentence. If ever we are to be found "sentenced" to life, this has to be one of the strongest pronouncements.
But how is it that we are to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow him?
It comes through a word that is snubbed; especially in the American culture. It is so disregarded that once pondered it may be even clearer why this concept has been buried in our society. It is because it is the secret that gives us the life so many crave; but cannot reach.
The word is submission.
To deny self is to submit. Submission is the opposite of stand up for yourself; don't let anyone run over you. Compliance, acquiescence, and deference; all of these words are supportive to the concept of submission. If ever there is a challenge for each, it is surely that from early childhood our striving has always been one main thing; getting our way.
Submission, however, places us in the lowest position in the crowd in order to find the highest life. It is just the weirdest and most backward concept ever. But take a good serious look at the dismay and the burden so many possess living in this rich and abundant land of ours. Why can't the general population get happy?
Submission has been aborted. Looking out for #1 is now primary. Scott Bessenecker points out, Self-centeredness cannot be permitted to live on in the healthy, spiritual adult. The opposite of submission is rebellion, and although rebellion is generally considered cool in American culture it doesn't seem to be considered "cool" by God. Even the most well-intentioned "rebel" who is committed to justice is bound to be wrong sometimes and will hurt themselves and others if they never submit to anyone.
As Americans, freedom and independence are pathological obsessions. Our natural tendency to resist authority has been put on steroids. "Live and let die!" is the philosophical foundation for our country and stands in stark contrast to the philosophy of the kingdom of God, which tells us to die that we might live free. We Americans are cowboys who believe submission is for yellow-bellied, lily-livered, chicken-hearted cowards who don't have the guts to fight for what they believe is right.
It would be no surprise that such descriptive terms (yellow-bellied, etc.) would be the perception of unbelievers toward those in churches. The reason, furthermore, is very legitimate. We are soft. We are whiny. We can be among the loudest in protest of church not going our way. Yet, submission is the only route to real life; whether individual or as a church.
Jesus got it right. Bessenecker may have pegged some of (many of) us, but his words bounce off of Jesus. Jesus' submission to God upon the cross carried with it a secret backdrop; an underground one if you will. Waiting beyond the torture was the resurrection.
Our job is to be submissive to unfair, uncharacteristic hardship. Christianity isn't failing to spread because we lack fame and glitter and catchy phrases. Christianity is failing because we have replaced the cross with individual judge's benches and we have determined what we will take and what we won't.
So God leaves us alone. We have not submission; but insubordination. And such a trade is killing off the effectiveness of the, what is supposed to be, dynamic move of God.
How are we to die to ourselves? By relinquishing getting our way when someone over us--especially someone unfair--bullies and pushes. Submission is the doorway to an abundant life uncalculateable by human determination and strong will.
Although shockingly surprising and even backward, submission is the secret which keeps many of us from reaching our highest potential.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
WHEN LIFE TAKES ON MEANING
I know of nothing more inwardly boredom-packed than living from paycheck to paycheck. I speak not against having an income. Yet, I do address the futility of trying to make a robust life from income one moment that bleeds into outgo for the rest of the week. I've been there. Done that.
Meaning isn't found in careers, incomes, nor in our best accomplishments. Real, authentic meaning is awakened when we invest in others who have needs. The good news is that such an awakening never sleeps.
We are so created in God's image that when we bless another, we sense our highest reality. We are at home when we reach to see that another receives encouragement and strength. And this fits for in giving ourselves away (dying to selfishness) we experience true living. Didn't Jesus die to himself that we might live and then ask us to repeat his process in our personal walk....I Peter 2:21-25?
Unhappy?
Do you know some who could wear a T-shirt: UNHAPPY UNHAPPY UNHAPPY?
The door to HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY is OTHERS OTHERS OTHERS.
Americans aren't in need of therapy as much as we are in need of a mission. Re-discussing ourselves by looking at our belly-buttons is a vain effort of selfie on the grandest scale. Lifting our eyes to the handicapped, and the lonely, and the rejected awakens our souls to the highest grade of power. We are useful when we see, and act, and touch those who are much worse off than we.
If you know of someone who can't get happy, maybe you would be the one to help. Maybe they need a cause bigger than themselves. They do. A visit to a burn center or a detention center or a food bank or a family shelter might be just the thing to help those of us who are feeling wounded.
We each take our turns at being down and blue. I've had my fair share. But the issue has never been how am I doing. I has been where I am focusing. It seems that the greatest work on earth is being the light Jesus insisted we be only to find out that such brightness begins to show up in another's eyes.
Meaning isn't found in careers, incomes, nor in our best accomplishments. Real, authentic meaning is awakened when we invest in others who have needs. The good news is that such an awakening never sleeps.
We are so created in God's image that when we bless another, we sense our highest reality. We are at home when we reach to see that another receives encouragement and strength. And this fits for in giving ourselves away (dying to selfishness) we experience true living. Didn't Jesus die to himself that we might live and then ask us to repeat his process in our personal walk....I Peter 2:21-25?
Unhappy?
Do you know some who could wear a T-shirt: UNHAPPY UNHAPPY UNHAPPY?
The door to HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY is OTHERS OTHERS OTHERS.
Americans aren't in need of therapy as much as we are in need of a mission. Re-discussing ourselves by looking at our belly-buttons is a vain effort of selfie on the grandest scale. Lifting our eyes to the handicapped, and the lonely, and the rejected awakens our souls to the highest grade of power. We are useful when we see, and act, and touch those who are much worse off than we.
If you know of someone who can't get happy, maybe you would be the one to help. Maybe they need a cause bigger than themselves. They do. A visit to a burn center or a detention center or a food bank or a family shelter might be just the thing to help those of us who are feeling wounded.
We each take our turns at being down and blue. I've had my fair share. But the issue has never been how am I doing. I has been where I am focusing. It seems that the greatest work on earth is being the light Jesus insisted we be only to find out that such brightness begins to show up in another's eyes.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
JESUS DIDN'T COME TO EARTH TO MAKE CHURCH-GOING WIMPS
Some live for the weekend.
Some live for the vacation.
Some live for Disneyworld.
What if we could have the sensation of all three....every day?
I think this is where Jesus makes the difference.
All can be given to good works for community needs. And these surely bring about momentary satisfaction. But only in Jesus can one find elation and joy in both the rewarding times as well as bummer moments.
The visual of the cross is superior to good people doing occasional good things for good causes. No, the cross shows us what a successful rough day looks like. While each good deed we muster is valuable (and I engage in many), the emptiness of discouragement and depression still strike if we are tackling these efforts without the funding of God.
It is the Holy Spirit that gives us overwhelmingly good days when the days are good and also when days are bad (Romans 5:1-5). The Spirit of Jesus transforms our lives; not just our Sunday's that we once (before committing to God) thought we had off.
I lived a Yo-Yo life too long...as a preacher. Up and down. Happy and sad. On top of the world; then down in the valley. My days did not reflect walking with God. Rather they mirrored walking in self-effort to keep others and myself in good moods. Failure!!
Today? He changed it all. One of my favorite sayings is, Don't you love right now? My good friend, Darrin Patrick, is a terrific minister in the St. Louis area. He says that we are to be the chief enjoyers of the world!
Anybody and everybody can muster good deeds here and there. And, we should. But doing good things and being good people won't give us consistently good life. We need a negotiating factor to help us through the high winds and beating storms.
What we need we can't provide; the ability to see the rose garden at the cemetery. In other words, we need someone who has been beaten to pulp to show us how to not only survive our beatings; but to be unflinching in the process.
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own....that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:7-11).
The good person simply wants everything to go well. Who doesn't? And, how is this working for you?
Here's what works. Lean into Jesus for he not only knows how to make life flow; he knows how to break the intimidating bonds of death---not just at the grave, but;---those stifling moments which wish to take us under. He knows how to take our misery and transform it into our fuel.
Jesus didn't come to earth to make us church-going wimps. He came that we could learn to transform every negative issue into valuable material for right now...as well as all days ahead.
Some live for the vacation.
Some live for Disneyworld.
What if we could have the sensation of all three....every day?
I think this is where Jesus makes the difference.
All can be given to good works for community needs. And these surely bring about momentary satisfaction. But only in Jesus can one find elation and joy in both the rewarding times as well as bummer moments.
The visual of the cross is superior to good people doing occasional good things for good causes. No, the cross shows us what a successful rough day looks like. While each good deed we muster is valuable (and I engage in many), the emptiness of discouragement and depression still strike if we are tackling these efforts without the funding of God.
It is the Holy Spirit that gives us overwhelmingly good days when the days are good and also when days are bad (Romans 5:1-5). The Spirit of Jesus transforms our lives; not just our Sunday's that we once (before committing to God) thought we had off.
I lived a Yo-Yo life too long...as a preacher. Up and down. Happy and sad. On top of the world; then down in the valley. My days did not reflect walking with God. Rather they mirrored walking in self-effort to keep others and myself in good moods. Failure!!
Today? He changed it all. One of my favorite sayings is, Don't you love right now? My good friend, Darrin Patrick, is a terrific minister in the St. Louis area. He says that we are to be the chief enjoyers of the world!
Anybody and everybody can muster good deeds here and there. And, we should. But doing good things and being good people won't give us consistently good life. We need a negotiating factor to help us through the high winds and beating storms.
What we need we can't provide; the ability to see the rose garden at the cemetery. In other words, we need someone who has been beaten to pulp to show us how to not only survive our beatings; but to be unflinching in the process.
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own....that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:7-11).
The good person simply wants everything to go well. Who doesn't? And, how is this working for you?
Here's what works. Lean into Jesus for he not only knows how to make life flow; he knows how to break the intimidating bonds of death---not just at the grave, but;---those stifling moments which wish to take us under. He knows how to take our misery and transform it into our fuel.
Jesus didn't come to earth to make us church-going wimps. He came that we could learn to transform every negative issue into valuable material for right now...as well as all days ahead.
Friday, January 17, 2014
A MAJOR ROADBLOCK TO FAITH IN GOD
Why do so many appear to have little interest in God?
Dependent upon my own assumed goodness, my earlier years had no need for God nor church-goers who were often poor examples of a new life. The flaw, however, wasn't that I could point to the flawed. It was that I refused to point to and deal with myself.
I was trying to do life on my own. And....and I wasn't very good at it.
A major roadblock to faith in God is not the hypocrisy of others, the confusion in trying to read the Bible, nor is it the sheer weirdness of believing in the invisible. It is that our egos (especially of men) are most hesitant to walk into any arena where we don't have substantial control.
We insist on grooming an image that comes out looking good. But it won't bring fulfillment. Thus so many, even of fame, live so depressed and burdened over so many things.
This grieves me.
Wonderful, great, and awesome people are moving about in life with the appearance of success in many forms; yet, are nothing but empty shells on the inside. No one knows it better than the individual trying to put up the front. This is wearying; so weighty to the heart.
The spirit of a person is very real. We say things like, He is really down these days, meaning the spirit part of him (which is mega-important) is injured. On the other hand, it can also be heard, She is soaring as if she won the lottery, which indicates her spirits are high. Therefore, each person experiences the constant movement of the inner-man moment by moment.
A major roadblock, however, is that our protective and controlling egos are hesitant to go public with our faith in God because we might appear foolish. We would rather play it safe and be accepted by our peers (who are also cowards in the same region) than to leap into the best spiritual life on earth; even if we do make a few mistakes along the way.
This has to be noted because real men and women aren't getting to lead the lives they crave because they are afraid. They are afraid some will mock them should they speak of a new life in Jesus. Isn't this rather grade-schoolish?
Think about the absurdity; macho men can't proclaim faith in God because they are fearful?
I don't know of many who favor moving into a zone totally out of their comfort. Yet, we do it all of the time; go to the dentist, enter into college, build a family, start a business...so many things that scare us in the initial start. God, faith, and church are no different. We enter all of those other things, so why not God?
Somewhere along the way each of us has to make a decision to surrender our pride and learn of God. We cannot self-help ourselves into effective spiritual life; otherwise, we would have done so years ago.
Jesus is the icon of public bravery and power. He died on the cross to become guilty for each of our sins. If he could do that in public shame, surely we can admit we know him, like him, love him, and are willing to risk our reputations if such would give others stability and hope.
Society isn't hurting first because of unemployment or broken relationships. No communities are in dreaded discouragement because men and women aren't alive in the center. Trying to impress so many, we pull into our garages of an evening feeling whipped.
You and I can change this. New life and hope are found in Jesus. If ever I can be of encouragement to you, email me at trush@memorialdrive.org. Together, we can discuss a hope that God wishes all to possess.
Dependent upon my own assumed goodness, my earlier years had no need for God nor church-goers who were often poor examples of a new life. The flaw, however, wasn't that I could point to the flawed. It was that I refused to point to and deal with myself.
I was trying to do life on my own. And....and I wasn't very good at it.
A major roadblock to faith in God is not the hypocrisy of others, the confusion in trying to read the Bible, nor is it the sheer weirdness of believing in the invisible. It is that our egos (especially of men) are most hesitant to walk into any arena where we don't have substantial control.
We insist on grooming an image that comes out looking good. But it won't bring fulfillment. Thus so many, even of fame, live so depressed and burdened over so many things.
This grieves me.
Wonderful, great, and awesome people are moving about in life with the appearance of success in many forms; yet, are nothing but empty shells on the inside. No one knows it better than the individual trying to put up the front. This is wearying; so weighty to the heart.
The spirit of a person is very real. We say things like, He is really down these days, meaning the spirit part of him (which is mega-important) is injured. On the other hand, it can also be heard, She is soaring as if she won the lottery, which indicates her spirits are high. Therefore, each person experiences the constant movement of the inner-man moment by moment.
A major roadblock, however, is that our protective and controlling egos are hesitant to go public with our faith in God because we might appear foolish. We would rather play it safe and be accepted by our peers (who are also cowards in the same region) than to leap into the best spiritual life on earth; even if we do make a few mistakes along the way.
This has to be noted because real men and women aren't getting to lead the lives they crave because they are afraid. They are afraid some will mock them should they speak of a new life in Jesus. Isn't this rather grade-schoolish?
Think about the absurdity; macho men can't proclaim faith in God because they are fearful?
I don't know of many who favor moving into a zone totally out of their comfort. Yet, we do it all of the time; go to the dentist, enter into college, build a family, start a business...so many things that scare us in the initial start. God, faith, and church are no different. We enter all of those other things, so why not God?
Somewhere along the way each of us has to make a decision to surrender our pride and learn of God. We cannot self-help ourselves into effective spiritual life; otherwise, we would have done so years ago.
Jesus is the icon of public bravery and power. He died on the cross to become guilty for each of our sins. If he could do that in public shame, surely we can admit we know him, like him, love him, and are willing to risk our reputations if such would give others stability and hope.
Society isn't hurting first because of unemployment or broken relationships. No communities are in dreaded discouragement because men and women aren't alive in the center. Trying to impress so many, we pull into our garages of an evening feeling whipped.
You and I can change this. New life and hope are found in Jesus. If ever I can be of encouragement to you, email me at trush@memorialdrive.org. Together, we can discuss a hope that God wishes all to possess.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
From an outsider's perspective, church is rather enigmatic. God and faith and church just seem perplexing as well as confusing. I lived in the outsiders mode for a long time. Now that I am on this inside, I agree with much of what bugs those looking in.
A big question is, What difference does faith in God make?
If church is a service project center, multiple community organizations offer good programs. If church is a useful social connection, card parties and golf outings provide excellent bonding times as well. And, if church is a literary group gathered to discuss the latest publication, libraries are ahead of the idea.
But...the church is to be heavily invested in each of the above. We are to be all of those things and more. What I wish to communicate to the church is that we are to be more than a mediocre group taking a stab at making a difference. We want to see divine results.
Faith in God is not a sidewalk jaunt into dull routine-ism. It is beyond all levels of service, social, and knowledge accumulation. Why? Because no person, no gathering, no other religions, no event, and no cause is embedded within the resurrection factor.
Speaking of the father of faith, Abraham, Romans 4:17 gives us clear and direct insight to the Difference Maker. ...in the sight of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.
T-h-i-s i-s t-h-e D-i-f-f-e-r-e-n-c-e M-a-k-e-r! The difference between God/faith/church over all other entities is the resurrection factor that circumstances which appear hopeless can regain hope. God can make something from nothing. We are to actually live from such a base.
So when we see relationships cratering (or over) this means nothing to the one who believes in the Difference Maker. When the day seems dry of productivity, the Difference Maker can shift the results. We are to walk in serving others, relating to others, and knowing how to manage the habitual walk called living.
Various groups and apps are available to assist in negotiating each. Yet, the Difference Maker is the only element that can make dead facts breathe air again and can cause something that isn't to become actual.
For me and my household, I want to put my confidence in the Spirit of God. He goes places and takes us places that no one else can enter. Yes, there are abundant opportunities to live as good people. Yet, God does not call us to be good. He calls us to be of power.
We are called to live anticipating God's resurrection power--not just at the Final Curtain on Resurrection Day--in our paths for our works day in and day out...now!
A big question is, What difference does faith in God make?
If church is a service project center, multiple community organizations offer good programs. If church is a useful social connection, card parties and golf outings provide excellent bonding times as well. And, if church is a literary group gathered to discuss the latest publication, libraries are ahead of the idea.
But...the church is to be heavily invested in each of the above. We are to be all of those things and more. What I wish to communicate to the church is that we are to be more than a mediocre group taking a stab at making a difference. We want to see divine results.
Faith in God is not a sidewalk jaunt into dull routine-ism. It is beyond all levels of service, social, and knowledge accumulation. Why? Because no person, no gathering, no other religions, no event, and no cause is embedded within the resurrection factor.
Speaking of the father of faith, Abraham, Romans 4:17 gives us clear and direct insight to the Difference Maker. ...in the sight of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.
T-h-i-s i-s t-h-e D-i-f-f-e-r-e-n-c-e M-a-k-e-r! The difference between God/faith/church over all other entities is the resurrection factor that circumstances which appear hopeless can regain hope. God can make something from nothing. We are to actually live from such a base.
So when we see relationships cratering (or over) this means nothing to the one who believes in the Difference Maker. When the day seems dry of productivity, the Difference Maker can shift the results. We are to walk in serving others, relating to others, and knowing how to manage the habitual walk called living.
Various groups and apps are available to assist in negotiating each. Yet, the Difference Maker is the only element that can make dead facts breathe air again and can cause something that isn't to become actual.
For me and my household, I want to put my confidence in the Spirit of God. He goes places and takes us places that no one else can enter. Yes, there are abundant opportunities to live as good people. Yet, God does not call us to be good. He calls us to be of power.
We are called to live anticipating God's resurrection power--not just at the Final Curtain on Resurrection Day--in our paths for our works day in and day out...now!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
YES....I DID MAKE A TEAM....SOMEBODY HAD TO TAKE ME!
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| Finally!! A pitcher good enough to hit my bat!! |
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| And discovering first base, I could not help but celebrate!! |
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| Hey...all you guys on the other team...hey...don't you realize it's me that scored? |
OUTREACH: WE MUST BE ATTENTIVE
The Kingdom of God is ultra and mega-important. There is no other like it. Ours is the call to draw others in. We must. It isn't an option.
Mistakenly, I took off like a rocket when first beginning to preach. I was that in-your-face sort that wanted, as my ultimate goal, to stand in the baptistery again...and again. I tell you from experience that one can be baptism-driven and not live in prayer, in the Word, or in love with God. For me, it had become a score-keeping stat that measured me against other Christians as to whether they were really in this for the soul-winning.
Wishing to be honest about my lack when it came to genuine motivation for outreach, I dare to ask us to consider what it is we are doing in the church. Are we reaching or have we nestled down into "a ministry" where we can hide from the community?
Every person is to be a light; every individual. While we have made necessary and proper strides in maturing in gifts within the church, we have inadvertently shown some among us where to legally resist the call to reach out. Subsequently, these have no conscience for extending their faith to another.
Henri Nouwen wrote, Nobody can offer leadership to anyone unless he makes his presence known--that is, unless he steps forward out of anonymity and apathy of his milieu and makes the possibility of fellowship visible.
I believe every person we meet possesses one of the following; (1) is a believer, (2) is not a believer but is beginning to search, or (3) is not a believer and has no intention of becoming one. 2 and 3 are to have our steady and utmost attention.
In both cases we can move out from anonymity and apathy by casually mentioning what God is doing in our lives or what we are doing to care for others in His name. This is simply a matter of planting seed or watering seed someone else planted. What it does is let the receiver of your comments register a face in their community that they can make connection when God eventually stirs their hearts.
In 1970 Mary and I were on a search for God and we didn't even know it. We just knew something was ajar regarding faith and action toward Him. An invitation to a church potluck shocked and upset our entire world...in a most wonderful way.
I simply remind you of something you already know. There are wonderful people all around who are privately questioning their doubts and their spiritual neglects. Your extending an invitation to a small group or class or worship or to read a favorite book of yours may be magic to those in your path.
Outreach: we must be attentive.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
BACK FROM BASEBALL CAMP
Our lives are about two things: God and others. There is no adjustable, adaptable, alternate path. Remove one of these two factors from the equation and/or add another and the perfect system of the divine intention breaks down.
Cardinal baseball camp is a thrill to me of course. I've returned healthy and so excited!
Baseball is about a game of participants with talent and skill. But because Jesus has worked on me over the years, baseball camp is like every other day of my life; about God and others. That is how I feel going in and coming out of this wonderful week of sheer wow!
I go into camp understanding one thing very clearly; I am the least with no hope nor intent to try to make myself be anything more. Being nothing is a powerful secret. The week isn't about the game. It is about God and others.
I pray going to the complex. I pray walking to the field, approaching the plate, and walking back and forth to/from the complex that houses 150 of us athletes (sorta).
You and me....we like to know how things are to go before we enter an assignment. This isn't good because it implies it is about our success rather than God's goals. We tend to weigh our image more than His ability. Do you really think Paul and Silas took a Wednesday night course on Jail Dismantling? No. They simply believed God would guide....that's all.
To be honest, I don't like going into any venue when I don't know how it will go nor how it is supposed to unfold. Baseball camp, though, is that for me. The most I can say is (1) I am there, (2) this is a mission about God and others, so (3) be vulnerably attentive.
From 6:00 a.m. til 10:00 p.m. I spent every day at camp on target with my assignment; watching for God and others. It could not be about me for I am the most nobody there. To verify this I share with you how the rosters were posted on the board for all to know which team we were assigned.
There were nine teams in all with 12 to 13 players per. The list spanned a huge dry/erase board from Team #1 to #9; left to right. My name? Farthest right--Team #9. Last listing--farthest right/lowest position--RUSH....last name listed....visibly, clearly, for all to see....L-A-S-T.
Ah, that tells us where I fit in the talent, skill, ability, athleticism range....LOWEST.
So I have nothing to offer but two things: interest in God and interest in others. Guess who knows everybody in camp. Guess who listened to those recovering from bone-marrow transplants and to those discouraged with family matters. Guess who it was in camp that everyone knew his name. Guess who it was that pulled the first-time Director of the Camp aside to point out what a fabulous job he was doing.
Who? Well, I would be one of them and surely there were others. When God and others are the divine assignment, each of us has plenty of opportunity to shine the light of the King upon challenged hearts.
If you feel you are a nobody, join the crowd. This isn't a problem. It is our secret to great and productive wonder....for God and others!
Cardinal baseball camp is a thrill to me of course. I've returned healthy and so excited!
Baseball is about a game of participants with talent and skill. But because Jesus has worked on me over the years, baseball camp is like every other day of my life; about God and others. That is how I feel going in and coming out of this wonderful week of sheer wow!
I go into camp understanding one thing very clearly; I am the least with no hope nor intent to try to make myself be anything more. Being nothing is a powerful secret. The week isn't about the game. It is about God and others.
I pray going to the complex. I pray walking to the field, approaching the plate, and walking back and forth to/from the complex that houses 150 of us athletes (sorta).
You and me....we like to know how things are to go before we enter an assignment. This isn't good because it implies it is about our success rather than God's goals. We tend to weigh our image more than His ability. Do you really think Paul and Silas took a Wednesday night course on Jail Dismantling? No. They simply believed God would guide....that's all.
To be honest, I don't like going into any venue when I don't know how it will go nor how it is supposed to unfold. Baseball camp, though, is that for me. The most I can say is (1) I am there, (2) this is a mission about God and others, so (3) be vulnerably attentive.
From 6:00 a.m. til 10:00 p.m. I spent every day at camp on target with my assignment; watching for God and others. It could not be about me for I am the most nobody there. To verify this I share with you how the rosters were posted on the board for all to know which team we were assigned.
There were nine teams in all with 12 to 13 players per. The list spanned a huge dry/erase board from Team #1 to #9; left to right. My name? Farthest right--Team #9. Last listing--farthest right/lowest position--RUSH....last name listed....visibly, clearly, for all to see....L-A-S-T.
Ah, that tells us where I fit in the talent, skill, ability, athleticism range....LOWEST.
So I have nothing to offer but two things: interest in God and interest in others. Guess who knows everybody in camp. Guess who listened to those recovering from bone-marrow transplants and to those discouraged with family matters. Guess who it was in camp that everyone knew his name. Guess who it was that pulled the first-time Director of the Camp aside to point out what a fabulous job he was doing.
Who? Well, I would be one of them and surely there were others. When God and others are the divine assignment, each of us has plenty of opportunity to shine the light of the King upon challenged hearts.
If you feel you are a nobody, join the crowd. This isn't a problem. It is our secret to great and productive wonder....for God and others!
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
OFF TO CARDINALS' CAMP...YEAR 31
We arrive on Wednesday, go through various exercises and instructions, play eight games in four days, and then return home Sunday night.
This has been a strange and wonderful experience for me. Strange in that it is mind-boggling that I would have ever gotten to do such a thing once; let alone three decades plus.
Wonderful in that I have been honest about the purpose from the very get-go; to influence others for the kingdom.
God-stories abound.
I like being in this setting for a couple of reasons; (1) I am a ridiculous Cardinal fan, and (2) I am way out of my league in this setting. I'm not a good ball player. I don't run with this kind of crowd. And, I am a minister which is an automatic target of the macho-jocks.
Yet, what I like about camp most is that I am placed in an unchristian setting. The insights to the kingdom are galorish! As a minister I am mocked by some from the minute I arrive; but have learned to simply use that to my advantage. Power is perfected in weakness and I know I am the epitome of weakness.
Famous people hurt. Nobodies as myself (we are known as Rookies) live in deep pain. From these camps I minister all year long; year after year, to those of both status and commoners. Each has equal frustrations and agonies. I intend to be a voice of hope.
This baseball evangelism effort is a 52 week a year engagement. I minister to those at the top and those going under. Ministry extensions from this one effort continue. Hundreds have been baptized into the hope in Jesus.
Baseball camp isn't the major dream. Living in the Kingdom is the ultimate one. We each have our places of influence. This is one of mine.
As you think of it, would you pray thanking God for doing His thing at camp? I love to watch for Him; and He always shows up!
(This post will have to do until I return from the land of sore muscles and home runs.)
Monday, January 06, 2014
CARBON MONOXIDE TO THE SOUL
Man has a strange and perplexing struggle. We are expected to be ambitious but needed to be humble. The call for knowledge is profound while the need to walk in meekness is essential. The traps of ambition and knowledge are the same traps for a hundred other life-dimensions; the potential for ruinous pride.
Pride affects us like a person with bad breath; everyone but the guilty notices it.
Ever since the Fall in the Garden, every self has waged battle to be centered. Life then shifted from being about the Creator to focusing upon the created. Thus, in many ways both blatant as well as subtle, men and women have positioned ourselves to be the first to be considered in every circumstance and situation.
I can't say exactly when arrogance began to hit me. I'm sure it was early for I wanted to be big from the time I was little. This morning I reflect on my secret discovery as a young man of opening a package of large marshmallows and letting them set for about a week. Exposed to air, marshmallows become hard like rocks.
When I took the field at our Little League games with a what-seemed-to-be a hefty chaw of obvious tobacco bulging from my eleven year old cheek, I felt I was sure to impress the fans in the stands. They didn't say, but I felt certain my teammates as well as our coach were duly impressed with my accelerated maturity. A one pound wad appearing on a fifty-seven pound body had to be nothing less than strikingly
B-I-G.
I was obviously ahead as none of the other guys on the team had begun to chew or smoke.
Just me.
I had basically reached my goal of being more important than others through the simple act of marshmallowing. (They never did catch on.)
Pride drives us to be foolish, vain, and sometimes downright mean. We want to be more than we are and if it isn't big marshmallows it's big talk or big purchases or big threats or big....well something bigger than a normal big.
We want lots. We want things. We want recognition. We want more.
Pride stunts meekness. It keeps humility at bay. Simply regarding the hunger for owning material items Scott Bessinecker says that life is not measured by how much you own (Lk. 12:15)...Accumulating stuff is carbon monoxide to the soul. It puts to sleep our spirit and then poisons it.
More. The more we have...the more we want...the more we need which keeps the carbon monoxide flowing.
We are so saturated in the flesh that our self seems unsatisfiable.
The solution is increasing emphasis in the Spirit. The transformation is modeled, of course, in Jesus. Most famous; yet walking among the least with the least. Accumulation of knowledge, money, position, and fans is vanity...unless such abundance would be totally availed to the kingdom life and not for the self one.
I would race with you to justify my pride of wanting/needing/desiring more...and more...and more. Yet, I must join the rest of us in checking such a drive for it may be nothing more than experiencing contamination by carbon monoxide to my soul.
God calls us to be dependent upon Him. And the good news is He will help us get there. May we effectively find the center of our self nature has yielded to the Holy Spirit of God.
Pride affects us like a person with bad breath; everyone but the guilty notices it.
Ever since the Fall in the Garden, every self has waged battle to be centered. Life then shifted from being about the Creator to focusing upon the created. Thus, in many ways both blatant as well as subtle, men and women have positioned ourselves to be the first to be considered in every circumstance and situation.
I can't say exactly when arrogance began to hit me. I'm sure it was early for I wanted to be big from the time I was little. This morning I reflect on my secret discovery as a young man of opening a package of large marshmallows and letting them set for about a week. Exposed to air, marshmallows become hard like rocks.
When I took the field at our Little League games with a what-seemed-to-be a hefty chaw of obvious tobacco bulging from my eleven year old cheek, I felt I was sure to impress the fans in the stands. They didn't say, but I felt certain my teammates as well as our coach were duly impressed with my accelerated maturity. A one pound wad appearing on a fifty-seven pound body had to be nothing less than strikingly
B-I-G.
I was obviously ahead as none of the other guys on the team had begun to chew or smoke.
Just me.
I had basically reached my goal of being more important than others through the simple act of marshmallowing. (They never did catch on.)
Pride drives us to be foolish, vain, and sometimes downright mean. We want to be more than we are and if it isn't big marshmallows it's big talk or big purchases or big threats or big....well something bigger than a normal big.
We want lots. We want things. We want recognition. We want more.
Pride stunts meekness. It keeps humility at bay. Simply regarding the hunger for owning material items Scott Bessinecker says that life is not measured by how much you own (Lk. 12:15)...Accumulating stuff is carbon monoxide to the soul. It puts to sleep our spirit and then poisons it.
More. The more we have...the more we want...the more we need which keeps the carbon monoxide flowing.
We are so saturated in the flesh that our self seems unsatisfiable.
The solution is increasing emphasis in the Spirit. The transformation is modeled, of course, in Jesus. Most famous; yet walking among the least with the least. Accumulation of knowledge, money, position, and fans is vanity...unless such abundance would be totally availed to the kingdom life and not for the self one.
I would race with you to justify my pride of wanting/needing/desiring more...and more...and more. Yet, I must join the rest of us in checking such a drive for it may be nothing more than experiencing contamination by carbon monoxide to my soul.
God calls us to be dependent upon Him. And the good news is He will help us get there. May we effectively find the center of our self nature has yielded to the Holy Spirit of God.
Sunday, January 05, 2014
MEMORIAL DRIVE CLASSES AND ASSEMBLY CANCELLED
Oh how I hate to say this, but due to a great snow that Tulsa is experiencing, we are cancelling our morning classes and worship assembly.
Not only will I not get to see some of my very favoritest people on earth, no one would believe how very good I look today!! I finally hit a day where I'm appearing quite sharp....and we cancel.
Bummer!
Not only will I not get to see some of my very favoritest people on earth, no one would believe how very good I look today!! I finally hit a day where I'm appearing quite sharp....and we cancel.
Bummer!
Saturday, January 04, 2014
THE SECRET OF REACHING THE ENTIRE WORLD WITH THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS
Evangelism.
Evangelism is a dirty ten-letter word to many in the church....and out.
That word is quickly linked to a few slick-talking television personalities. Worse it is assumed that the in-your-face Bible thumpers represent outreach in its purest form. If the former or the latter work for you, may His power be upon you.
For me, as an assumed gospel preacher, reaching to souls who did not yet know God was a most torturous duty. I felt inadequate to try and guilty for not. Furthermore, I didn't know how. I'd been thoroughly trained, understand; yet I didn't know how because the task was too heavy.
But I learned a secret.
I was being faked out by my self-assumption that I was searching for that interested needle in a disinterested haystack. Just not true.
Here's what I believe and think I know. Every person has a point or many where he or she comes to the brink of wondering about God; His legitimacy of existence and His earnestness in loving them personally. Whether lost in a sea of commoners or elevated by celebrity status, every person at some point(s) in their life encounters serious inner questions about the reality of God and His Kingdom.
Today I believe every person in my path is on a search for God....at some significant moment. Their rummaging through church influence and religious clutter may serve either to distract or to effectively assist; but each is seeking. I never meet a waitress or a doctor or one of fame but what I know something deeply true of each; they are insecure and already know (or one day will discover) that they cannot save themselves.
There was a long period of time where I was faked out by the loud, the obnoxious, the intimidating, and the influential. No more. These all land where the timid, the poor, and the hesitant eventually reside...in the grave. All classes know this as fact. It might be the eleventh hour for some to reach such a stark and truthful conclusion. You can be assured they will get there.
So what you and I and all believers want to realize is that every person within our neighborly or Internet reach is subject to the fears of thinking about eternal life. They ALL want to know.
Our role is to do for them what others did for us. We are to sow the seeds of the Kingdom. We are to love, care, invite, and even endure their opposition toward us if such is the case. Do not be fooled neither by anyone's disinterest nor rejection.
Jesus was winning even the enemies at the cross and such a reach (our reach) continues.
The secret of reaching the entire world with the good news of Jesus is....everyone born eventually wants to know. Be there in word and deed. Be there in vision. Be there in friendship. Be there.
Through you God will draw others.
Evangelism is a dirty ten-letter word to many in the church....and out.
For me, as an assumed gospel preacher, reaching to souls who did not yet know God was a most torturous duty. I felt inadequate to try and guilty for not. Furthermore, I didn't know how. I'd been thoroughly trained, understand; yet I didn't know how because the task was too heavy.
But I learned a secret.
I was being faked out by my self-assumption that I was searching for that interested needle in a disinterested haystack. Just not true.
Here's what I believe and think I know. Every person has a point or many where he or she comes to the brink of wondering about God; His legitimacy of existence and His earnestness in loving them personally. Whether lost in a sea of commoners or elevated by celebrity status, every person at some point(s) in their life encounters serious inner questions about the reality of God and His Kingdom.
Today I believe every person in my path is on a search for God....at some significant moment. Their rummaging through church influence and religious clutter may serve either to distract or to effectively assist; but each is seeking. I never meet a waitress or a doctor or one of fame but what I know something deeply true of each; they are insecure and already know (or one day will discover) that they cannot save themselves.
There was a long period of time where I was faked out by the loud, the obnoxious, the intimidating, and the influential. No more. These all land where the timid, the poor, and the hesitant eventually reside...in the grave. All classes know this as fact. It might be the eleventh hour for some to reach such a stark and truthful conclusion. You can be assured they will get there.
So what you and I and all believers want to realize is that every person within our neighborly or Internet reach is subject to the fears of thinking about eternal life. They ALL want to know.
Our role is to do for them what others did for us. We are to sow the seeds of the Kingdom. We are to love, care, invite, and even endure their opposition toward us if such is the case. Do not be fooled neither by anyone's disinterest nor rejection.
Jesus was winning even the enemies at the cross and such a reach (our reach) continues.
The secret of reaching the entire world with the good news of Jesus is....everyone born eventually wants to know. Be there in word and deed. Be there in vision. Be there in friendship. Be there.
Through you God will draw others.
Friday, January 03, 2014
REPULSIVE JESUS
The real reason most people reject Jesus, at least in the Western Hemisphere, is not ignorance, but intolerance. If John was amazed that the world that Jesus created did not recognize Him, he must have been deeply ashamed that Jesus "came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him" (John 1:11). Jesus' own people, the Jews, who had the prophets and prophecies and Old Testament Scriptures and religious heritage and symbolic ceremonies and were actually looking for their Messiah, "missed Him!"
The Jews had many preconceived ideas about the Messiah based on their interpretation of Scripture and what they wanted. When Jesus of Nazareth came on the scene with His public ministry, He was neither the Messiah they had been expecting, nor the Messiah they wanted. The Jews wanted someone Who would:
The Jews had many preconceived ideas about the Messiah based on their interpretation of Scripture and what they wanted. When Jesus of Nazareth came on the scene with His public ministry, He was neither the Messiah they had been expecting, nor the Messiah they wanted. The Jews wanted someone Who would:
- raise their standard of living
- give them something for nothing
- grant them privileges without responsibility
- and restore them to the world power they had known under King David and King Solomon.
They wanted someone who would meet their physical and material and emotional needs.
Anne Graham Lotz was on to something applicable to the modern church when she penned the above. I find myself about many things other than Jesus; doctrines, missions, and routine works. All of us will do well to think, rethink, and then rethink again our devotion and commitment to this repulsive Jesus. There is something about him the religious can't take. My friend, we are religious.
I am encouraged that there is a recurrent Jesus-emphasis about us. While we haven't arrived, we are growing in focus. The Story has been a significant blessing to us at Memorial Drive. But the Jesus emphasis didn't start there nor end there.
For elders, ministers, and group leaders, may we be sensitive to the perpetual need to grow in the Spirit of Christ for it is more feasible to miss him altogether than one might think. Jesus is repulsive and rejected by the religious order. Therefore, we must pay attention.
Thursday, January 02, 2014
NEEDED: AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP
Leadership. Now there is an admirable word. We want our children to learn it, our women to understand it, and we especially want our men to possess it. Yet, leadership has been mistakenly masked by being the boss or running the show.
In essence leaders are oft not leading; but rather are standing at the front of the line functioning in defensive survival. In other words, we don't care if we win the game, we just don't want anyone to get hurt. This could be noted in the church where reaching the lost isn't a central part of our spiritual economy; keeping everyone content is.
John Eldredge notes that deep within a man's heart are fundamental questions that cannot be answered at the kitchen table. Who am I? What am I made of? What am I destined for? It is fear that keeps a man at home where things are neat and orderly and under his control. But the answers to his deepest questions are not to be found on television or in the refrigerator.
Leadership is needed; needed in our homes, our businesses, our churches. I speak not of being obstinately head-strong. I speak not of ignorant bullishness. Rather the topic approaches leaders as fearless. If we are a part of the kingdom, a part of the body of Christ, this places a call for bravery and risk.
Churches are mediocre because members are timid, hesitant, and self-protectionary. The taking up of our crosses and following him takes place more in our songfests rather than in our feet.
Look at Jesus. He is the Supreme Leader of leaders. He encountered those in need and those who thought more of themselves than they should. His leadership submitted to both.
Leading isn't winning a game by our brain nor brawn. Leading is winning souls by risky submission. Eldredge nails our walk, It is fear that keeps a man at home where things are neat and orderly and under his control. We are inundated with efforts to control rather than to try...and we label this leadership. Our goals have shifted from discovery of the surprise works of God to the success reports of what would hopefully impress our colleagues.
Out on a limb has menaced our turtled heads to get back into the shell. Don't try. Don't risk. Don't learn by error. Just hope against hope that you get a pass at heaven's toll booth.
I pick up from discipling groups that we are too soft; that we need to demand more and expect more. I'm not an authority on this. It is simply a strong message I think I receive. One thing I believe I know about us in general is that we are failing to release the heroics of our people because we have provided both a word and a walk that will keep all basically comfortable.
To step out of the boat is a treacherous move which always looks foolish to the scaredy-cats. Yet, to enter into a leadership capacity which might swallow our safety, our mediocrity, and our frustrating meaninglessness might just be a new and welcomed frontier for many in the church.
In essence leaders are oft not leading; but rather are standing at the front of the line functioning in defensive survival. In other words, we don't care if we win the game, we just don't want anyone to get hurt. This could be noted in the church where reaching the lost isn't a central part of our spiritual economy; keeping everyone content is.
John Eldredge notes that deep within a man's heart are fundamental questions that cannot be answered at the kitchen table. Who am I? What am I made of? What am I destined for? It is fear that keeps a man at home where things are neat and orderly and under his control. But the answers to his deepest questions are not to be found on television or in the refrigerator.
Leadership is needed; needed in our homes, our businesses, our churches. I speak not of being obstinately head-strong. I speak not of ignorant bullishness. Rather the topic approaches leaders as fearless. If we are a part of the kingdom, a part of the body of Christ, this places a call for bravery and risk.
Churches are mediocre because members are timid, hesitant, and self-protectionary. The taking up of our crosses and following him takes place more in our songfests rather than in our feet.
Look at Jesus. He is the Supreme Leader of leaders. He encountered those in need and those who thought more of themselves than they should. His leadership submitted to both.
Leading isn't winning a game by our brain nor brawn. Leading is winning souls by risky submission. Eldredge nails our walk, It is fear that keeps a man at home where things are neat and orderly and under his control. We are inundated with efforts to control rather than to try...and we label this leadership. Our goals have shifted from discovery of the surprise works of God to the success reports of what would hopefully impress our colleagues.
Out on a limb has menaced our turtled heads to get back into the shell. Don't try. Don't risk. Don't learn by error. Just hope against hope that you get a pass at heaven's toll booth.
I pick up from discipling groups that we are too soft; that we need to demand more and expect more. I'm not an authority on this. It is simply a strong message I think I receive. One thing I believe I know about us in general is that we are failing to release the heroics of our people because we have provided both a word and a walk that will keep all basically comfortable.
To step out of the boat is a treacherous move which always looks foolish to the scaredy-cats. Yet, to enter into a leadership capacity which might swallow our safety, our mediocrity, and our frustrating meaninglessness might just be a new and welcomed frontier for many in the church.
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
THE MAGNIFICENT KINGDOM OF GOD
Mary and I went to see the movie, Saving Mr. Banks, on New Years Eve. I'll never forget it. The story line was riddled with beauty, warmth, precision, meaning....and exceptionally grueling anguish for those of us who live from wounded hearts.
I cried hot crocodile tears from midway to the very end. As hard as I tried, the drops refused to stay at bay.
The true story of how Mary Poppins came about is riddled with confusion and frustration as the owner of the manuscript, an Aussie named Pamela, continually lobbed missiles of interference toward Walt Disney's highly imaginative vision. She was stubbornly contrary only to be matched by his stubborn relentlessness.
Pamela and Walt could not get on the same page because they both were already and more deeply on the same page than either realized. Odd, I know, but such is where much of the church tries to function. We tend to do battle because we have a history full of wounds influencing many of our divisive conversations.
Both Pamela and Walt had been severely wounded as children; that is the same page. Individual baggage, though, caused confusion between the two because an invisible and painful history tempered their words.
The story picked scabs from my heart and I began to bleed again. Pamela found her exasperated mother attempting suicide. The scene brought back the scenes when I was a small boy and found my dad lying in the floor unconscious from a failed attempt at the same thing. It was as if I was thrust back in time and I could not walk away.
But, of course, what absolutely floored me was Walt Disney's revelation near the end of the movie regarding his upbringing. It was a carbon copy to mine; even down to living in Missouri. I never knew he had such a history as mine. Oh, how I inwardly writhed in painful memory. His early days are so surprising in similarity that I believe I will most likely ponder such for the rest of my life.
Due to his wounds as a kid, Walt Disney launched a crusade to bring the masses joy.
He surely succeeded.
His gigantic imagination as a child and for children is known throughout the world.
On the spiritual side, my younger days have driven me to see that the beaten and injured have absolute reason to hope. Regardless of what seems to be the present state of any person, God has given me an obsession to reveal strong reason to believe according the measurement of Romans 4:17. God can make something from nothing and can cause dead things to live.
What could be of more impacting news to the downtrodden?
For now I would say to each who endures your wounded heart because of inherited pain, do what you can to remember the one who injured you was most likely raised as a child with a wounded heart as well.
Forgiveness is not only possible, it is essential.
The deep wonder of wounded hearts is that none of us drew the short straw. From experience, it can feel like it; but such is not the case. We have been given a wonderful gifts for both the celebrity and the homeless....and all in between. As Disney was relentless in bringing great excitement to children and adults, we have a far greater mission.
We can do it. Me must do it. We will do it. We have a Father who is Creative and we can be assured He will direct us to build a world of hope.
For us, the wonderland isn't called Disney World where people visit. It is called the Magnificent Kingdom of God where people live.
I cried hot crocodile tears from midway to the very end. As hard as I tried, the drops refused to stay at bay.
The true story of how Mary Poppins came about is riddled with confusion and frustration as the owner of the manuscript, an Aussie named Pamela, continually lobbed missiles of interference toward Walt Disney's highly imaginative vision. She was stubbornly contrary only to be matched by his stubborn relentlessness.
Pamela and Walt could not get on the same page because they both were already and more deeply on the same page than either realized. Odd, I know, but such is where much of the church tries to function. We tend to do battle because we have a history full of wounds influencing many of our divisive conversations.
Both Pamela and Walt had been severely wounded as children; that is the same page. Individual baggage, though, caused confusion between the two because an invisible and painful history tempered their words.
The story picked scabs from my heart and I began to bleed again. Pamela found her exasperated mother attempting suicide. The scene brought back the scenes when I was a small boy and found my dad lying in the floor unconscious from a failed attempt at the same thing. It was as if I was thrust back in time and I could not walk away.
But, of course, what absolutely floored me was Walt Disney's revelation near the end of the movie regarding his upbringing. It was a carbon copy to mine; even down to living in Missouri. I never knew he had such a history as mine. Oh, how I inwardly writhed in painful memory. His early days are so surprising in similarity that I believe I will most likely ponder such for the rest of my life.
Due to his wounds as a kid, Walt Disney launched a crusade to bring the masses joy.
He surely succeeded.
His gigantic imagination as a child and for children is known throughout the world.
On the spiritual side, my younger days have driven me to see that the beaten and injured have absolute reason to hope. Regardless of what seems to be the present state of any person, God has given me an obsession to reveal strong reason to believe according the measurement of Romans 4:17. God can make something from nothing and can cause dead things to live.
What could be of more impacting news to the downtrodden?
For now I would say to each who endures your wounded heart because of inherited pain, do what you can to remember the one who injured you was most likely raised as a child with a wounded heart as well.
Forgiveness is not only possible, it is essential.
The deep wonder of wounded hearts is that none of us drew the short straw. From experience, it can feel like it; but such is not the case. We have been given a wonderful gifts for both the celebrity and the homeless....and all in between. As Disney was relentless in bringing great excitement to children and adults, we have a far greater mission.
We can do it. Me must do it. We will do it. We have a Father who is Creative and we can be assured He will direct us to build a world of hope.
For us, the wonderland isn't called Disney World where people visit. It is called the Magnificent Kingdom of God where people live.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
THE DOUBLE CONDEMNITY CHRISTIANS TRY TO ENDURE
Have you ever given worthy attention to the question the apostle asks in Romans 6:1? What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase?
Believers have a double sin problem. That's how drastic this issue is. First, we compare ourselves into looking better by noting the sinfulness of those around us. We tell ourselves that at least we aren't THAT bad.
Second, the double condemnity comes through the back door with perpetual whispers of, Hey, no one on earth knows how really crummy and sinful you are. No one.
Thus, the double condemned problem; excusing ourselves that we aren't that bad and, yet knowing we are far worse.
Have you ever wondered, though, why Paul would need to raise the above question?
Could it be because it is nearly breath-takingly unbelievable....because it is true? Of course we are not to continue in sin in order to motivate grace to do its grand work. But the message before and after that verse is that where sin increases, grace ramps up its effectiveness...and always wins.
The grace of God is for sinners. It outraces sin. Grace excels when sin seems to have the lead. Grace drapes us with the victory flag!
And the Law came in that the transgression might increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.
The double condemnity that you and I battle day in and day out has been whipped on the cross...that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 5:20-21).
Believers have a double sin problem. That's how drastic this issue is. First, we compare ourselves into looking better by noting the sinfulness of those around us. We tell ourselves that at least we aren't THAT bad.
Second, the double condemnity comes through the back door with perpetual whispers of, Hey, no one on earth knows how really crummy and sinful you are. No one.
Thus, the double condemned problem; excusing ourselves that we aren't that bad and, yet knowing we are far worse.
Have you ever wondered, though, why Paul would need to raise the above question?
Could it be because it is nearly breath-takingly unbelievable....because it is true? Of course we are not to continue in sin in order to motivate grace to do its grand work. But the message before and after that verse is that where sin increases, grace ramps up its effectiveness...and always wins.
The grace of God is for sinners. It outraces sin. Grace excels when sin seems to have the lead. Grace drapes us with the victory flag!
And the Law came in that the transgression might increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.
The double condemnity that you and I battle day in and day out has been whipped on the cross...that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 5:20-21).
Sunday, December 29, 2013
WHY GENERATIONS STRUGGLE WITH PAST ONES
This is my opinion. Not that my other posts weren't. Regarding those, though, I did make a somewhat concerted effort to give some substantiation to the thought.
This one? Nope. Just an observation.
Why does every generation seem to struggle for and need to establish its own identity; church or otherwise?
I no longer believe new generations with their consistent stretch for the latest and greatest is the story. I think God is the story. I believe it is God who brings in the new ideas which bug the older of us so that we will quit making our established routines a lesser god.
My mom was telling me this week about how much things have changed from when she was a younger woman. She said all of the women wore gloves and hats to church. That caused me recall the announcement at my church in the 70s forbidding women to wear pantsuits. All trends, of course, are made up by social culture and not Bible revelation.
So why these generational adjustments that arise like clockwork from one to the next?
It seems that man has a habit--a very dangerous habit--of taking the trend of the moment and developing a new god from it. It is not so strange that God would declare that we are new day by day. Yet, man in his habit-forming nature, finds security in controlling the moment in order to avoid walking into the new and unknown.
One of the deadening factors in the early church was formation; holding to a form of godliness with no power. Form has always been a central issue of every church generation. Those who refuse to adjust wither...every time.
Generations struggle with the past ones because fearful/controlling man tends to believe that whatever is working now will be what works later. Not. God will not be confined to man's best concepts. He will break out the new in the next generation. The good news is we are as young in the Spirit as we choose to allow...II Cor. 4:16-18.
We can always be a part of the current generation in Christ!
This one? Nope. Just an observation.
Why does every generation seem to struggle for and need to establish its own identity; church or otherwise?
I no longer believe new generations with their consistent stretch for the latest and greatest is the story. I think God is the story. I believe it is God who brings in the new ideas which bug the older of us so that we will quit making our established routines a lesser god.
My mom was telling me this week about how much things have changed from when she was a younger woman. She said all of the women wore gloves and hats to church. That caused me recall the announcement at my church in the 70s forbidding women to wear pantsuits. All trends, of course, are made up by social culture and not Bible revelation.
So why these generational adjustments that arise like clockwork from one to the next?
It seems that man has a habit--a very dangerous habit--of taking the trend of the moment and developing a new god from it. It is not so strange that God would declare that we are new day by day. Yet, man in his habit-forming nature, finds security in controlling the moment in order to avoid walking into the new and unknown.
One of the deadening factors in the early church was formation; holding to a form of godliness with no power. Form has always been a central issue of every church generation. Those who refuse to adjust wither...every time.
Generations struggle with the past ones because fearful/controlling man tends to believe that whatever is working now will be what works later. Not. God will not be confined to man's best concepts. He will break out the new in the next generation. The good news is we are as young in the Spirit as we choose to allow...II Cor. 4:16-18.
We can always be a part of the current generation in Christ!
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