We've been studying a segment of Abraham's life on Wednesday nights. It is remarkable how what he became by the hand of God remains our call. Abraham was a dead duck when it came to becoming a father. But God..... Then Isaac became a dead duck as the first dead duck was to offer him up as a sacrifice. We see a picture of a former dead duck offering another dead duck.
But God....
So dead duck Abraham became known as what? The father of Isaac? More. He is also known as the father of faith. He leads the family of God in one main thing....But God.
Romans 4:17...read it. Come back and tell me there is an area which stymies God. It won't happen. It can't happen.
So? Have a very good day.....and let your face in on it!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
BEING REAL IS PERMISSIBLE
I received a nice surprise yesterday. Philip Yancey sent me an autographed copy of his newest work, Grace Notes.
In the preface he begins by telling of young girl enamoured with the romantic view of one day being a writer. She inquired as to whether she might become an intern of Philip's, "I could do research for you, or office work. Or perhaps I could just sit and watch you write."
I love Philip's candid remarks. "I sent her a polite turndown, though this is what I should have responded: Young woman, are you crazy? No, you can't watch me write! I can't bear to have anyone in the same room. Writing is an act of utmost privacy and paranoia, and no one dare cross that barrier. Plus, you would soon get bored out of your mind. Why don't you stare at a rock all day or watch a TV screen with the power off---far more exciting than watching someone write.
Would you have guessed that side of Philip Yancey? I would because we are us! We are all like one another. My friend Charlie cannot stand to have his house thermostat set on odd numbers like 71 or 75. I laughed heartily over that one. Yet, I won't watch my TV with the volume control on an odd number like 23 or 27.
Last night I mentioned to Mary that, if she had time, I would like my best jeans washed for an upcoming trip. She told me that would be no problem....but to put them someplace where she would see them to remind her.
So I put them in the refrigerator. And....guess what. She found them!
Why don't you stare at a rock all day......yowie, we are so prone to have funny sides to our assumed ordinary approaches to life. So...I encourage you to be real. It is permissible....and often a lot of fun.
In the preface he begins by telling of young girl enamoured with the romantic view of one day being a writer. She inquired as to whether she might become an intern of Philip's, "I could do research for you, or office work. Or perhaps I could just sit and watch you write."
I love Philip's candid remarks. "I sent her a polite turndown, though this is what I should have responded: Young woman, are you crazy? No, you can't watch me write! I can't bear to have anyone in the same room. Writing is an act of utmost privacy and paranoia, and no one dare cross that barrier. Plus, you would soon get bored out of your mind. Why don't you stare at a rock all day or watch a TV screen with the power off---far more exciting than watching someone write.
Would you have guessed that side of Philip Yancey? I would because we are us! We are all like one another. My friend Charlie cannot stand to have his house thermostat set on odd numbers like 71 or 75. I laughed heartily over that one. Yet, I won't watch my TV with the volume control on an odd number like 23 or 27.
Last night I mentioned to Mary that, if she had time, I would like my best jeans washed for an upcoming trip. She told me that would be no problem....but to put them someplace where she would see them to remind her.
So I put them in the refrigerator. And....guess what. She found them!
Why don't you stare at a rock all day......yowie, we are so prone to have funny sides to our assumed ordinary approaches to life. So...I encourage you to be real. It is permissible....and often a lot of fun.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
JESUS: THE CHALLENGE EVER BEFORE US
Jesus ruins everything. It doesn't seem to matter what we conclude or how our philosophy develops, this guy batters human thinking.
We would think it to be noble to complete a mile with an enemy. No. He wants two. Murder? Never. To talk bad about another....well, what's the big deal? Yet, Jesus slams us with truth too deep. Greet strangers? We find fatigue in just covering all those we already know.
Jesus is fascinating to me because he won't let any of us have a break. He wrecks our plans, our doctrines, and our assumptions. The Pharisees and lawyers constantly took him to task and he constantly turned the tables on the simplest of situations. Remember the immoral intruder who watered his feet with her tears while the host stood to the side rolling his eyes in disbelief?
We like (no, love) Jesus because of this portion of his nature. He shows us clearly how humanity fits into the kingdom slots. He will not make life easier. He will make life live! Jesus ruins man's educated conclusions about the nature of God. He insists we develop a perspective higher than what the herd-thinking has led us to believe.
There is a challenge ever before us. It isn't cultural change or political maneuverability. It is the stunning, even shocking, simplicity of the truth of Jesus for his call will always be backward to the human perception.
We would think it to be noble to complete a mile with an enemy. No. He wants two. Murder? Never. To talk bad about another....well, what's the big deal? Yet, Jesus slams us with truth too deep. Greet strangers? We find fatigue in just covering all those we already know.
Jesus is fascinating to me because he won't let any of us have a break. He wrecks our plans, our doctrines, and our assumptions. The Pharisees and lawyers constantly took him to task and he constantly turned the tables on the simplest of situations. Remember the immoral intruder who watered his feet with her tears while the host stood to the side rolling his eyes in disbelief?
We like (no, love) Jesus because of this portion of his nature. He shows us clearly how humanity fits into the kingdom slots. He will not make life easier. He will make life live! Jesus ruins man's educated conclusions about the nature of God. He insists we develop a perspective higher than what the herd-thinking has led us to believe.
There is a challenge ever before us. It isn't cultural change or political maneuverability. It is the stunning, even shocking, simplicity of the truth of Jesus for his call will always be backward to the human perception.
RINGA-DING CHURCH: WILL IT LAST?
What would a church look like if all it talked about was giving....sacrificial giving? What would it be to have every member so committed each could not wait to toss money at the church? How would that go? I mean if each member spent all of their working hours just waiting to punch the clock so they could go to church and give, say, 60% or even 110% of their income...would this be a dream? For some to feel so convicted they would even go into credit card debt for the sake of the church....would this be any church like you've experienced?
I briefly experienced it last night at Ringa-Ding Church. I've never been. Oddly, I was asked to attend a function in a banquet hall off to the side...a fund-raiser no less. In order to reach the destined hall, I had to pass through Ringa-Ding Church. Such a church? The huge Cherokee Casino on the East side of Tulsa.
The parking lot was full at 6:00. People were pouring in. Glitz and glitter and chiming one-armed bandits overwhelmed the senses. It had such a strange feeling that a hold-up was in progress and the poor were lining up for the Kool-Aid. Where was Mr. Jones anyway?
I noticed a little about the Ringa-Ding Church. Evidently the members are truly sacrificial as I didn't see any rich folk there. For communion they have beer and cigarettes. And, it is clear they do not believe in a Capella for all the church music was instrumental...Ringa-Ding, Ringa-Ding filled the air with songs of mass robbery while the members smiled.
Should you think this note sarcastic or harsh....I mean it to be. Society usually calls the police when it is being robbed. In this case, though, good citizens volunteer to be fleeced so that when you pull up into the Ringa-Ding Church parking lot one is filled with a sense of, "Wow, this place has money!" Once inside you cannot help but notice who the givers are. The place has money. The members don't.
Most of society complains about churches that only talk about money. I now believe such a society to be either insincere or hypocritical. Ringa-Ding Church? It makes me really sad.
I briefly experienced it last night at Ringa-Ding Church. I've never been. Oddly, I was asked to attend a function in a banquet hall off to the side...a fund-raiser no less. In order to reach the destined hall, I had to pass through Ringa-Ding Church. Such a church? The huge Cherokee Casino on the East side of Tulsa.
The parking lot was full at 6:00. People were pouring in. Glitz and glitter and chiming one-armed bandits overwhelmed the senses. It had such a strange feeling that a hold-up was in progress and the poor were lining up for the Kool-Aid. Where was Mr. Jones anyway?
I noticed a little about the Ringa-Ding Church. Evidently the members are truly sacrificial as I didn't see any rich folk there. For communion they have beer and cigarettes. And, it is clear they do not believe in a Capella for all the church music was instrumental...Ringa-Ding, Ringa-Ding filled the air with songs of mass robbery while the members smiled.
Should you think this note sarcastic or harsh....I mean it to be. Society usually calls the police when it is being robbed. In this case, though, good citizens volunteer to be fleeced so that when you pull up into the Ringa-Ding Church parking lot one is filled with a sense of, "Wow, this place has money!" Once inside you cannot help but notice who the givers are. The place has money. The members don't.
Most of society complains about churches that only talk about money. I now believe such a society to be either insincere or hypocritical. Ringa-Ding Church? It makes me really sad.
Monday, September 28, 2009
MEMORIAL DRIVE ADDS STAFF MEMBER
The elders have made yet another tactical move to extend the kingdom of God into its own community. In recent years we have had multiple doors open through the adoption of a local elementary school as well as the food pantry. Due to the economy we are having hundreds pass through our doors to get free food every week. These families are desperate.
Simultaneously, we are noting conversions as these who pass through are now sitting with us in both our Sunday morning assemblies and small groups. We are thrilled.
Because of the growing need right where we live, David Combs has been added to the staff as a full-time outreach minister. He will spend several months to a year traveling to similar and effective work sites around the country to note what might be our best approach where we are.
David is highly qualified as he and his wife, Lisa, are two of gigantic and compassionate hearts. The Spirit has clearly marked this man and his family for a much-needed work at Memorial Drive. I applaud our elders for letting the need outweigh the present funds. There is not a thorough map plotting the course for success. We don't know how all of this work....but it will.
Welcome to our very own David Combs. May the force of the Spirit be with you!
Simultaneously, we are noting conversions as these who pass through are now sitting with us in both our Sunday morning assemblies and small groups. We are thrilled.
Because of the growing need right where we live, David Combs has been added to the staff as a full-time outreach minister. He will spend several months to a year traveling to similar and effective work sites around the country to note what might be our best approach where we are.
David is highly qualified as he and his wife, Lisa, are two of gigantic and compassionate hearts. The Spirit has clearly marked this man and his family for a much-needed work at Memorial Drive. I applaud our elders for letting the need outweigh the present funds. There is not a thorough map plotting the course for success. We don't know how all of this work....but it will.
Welcome to our very own David Combs. May the force of the Spirit be with you!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
IF WASHINGTON EVER MET AMERICA
I'm deeply interested in our country. I'm intrigued by our heads of state whether they be a D or an R or an I. I'm highly attentive to reports coming out of our nation's capital. I watch CNN and FOX to see who's slamming who; often not good news.
I'm really frustrated with the nation's leaders of every political brand. Have they never met us? America? How out of touch can the three political sides of congress be? I reference the discussion on several talk shows, plus newspaper reports regarding the need for distribution of wealth tied with the call for all to serve as a volunteer in America. Be they kidding or just plain ignorant?
Are these guys and gals clueless that there is a strong system in America already fulfilling their call while they parade en mass before the mics to make such remarks? Such a force is called church as well as philanthropy. Are they not aware distribution of wealth has been going on as long as us? Where do they think all of the abundant foundations, hospital wings, and grants come from? Congress? How many combined millions...even billions...would we guess churches budget and then take up additional special contributions to assist the masses in need? The figures would be staggering....daily.
Volunteers? What do they call church groups who blanket America as well as foreign fields to assist in crisis after crisis? My wager is churches did more for victims of hurricane Katrina than government both financially and certainly in man-power. And, where did the government get its money to spend on these matters? From the very same volunteers who pay taxes and, in addition, fork over extravagant amounts of money for benevolence.
To all three brands holding office in congress, I for one want to say you have an extremely good idea....but your constituents have been practicing what you propose for 200 years. Welcome to our world. If you ever met America you would know we are waiting on you to catch on to the great heart of this country. It isn't called potential. It is called action....and we've been taking it for a long time. I think you have to....but you evidently have forgotten how much is going on beneath Washington's insightful radar.
I'm really frustrated with the nation's leaders of every political brand. Have they never met us? America? How out of touch can the three political sides of congress be? I reference the discussion on several talk shows, plus newspaper reports regarding the need for distribution of wealth tied with the call for all to serve as a volunteer in America. Be they kidding or just plain ignorant?
Are these guys and gals clueless that there is a strong system in America already fulfilling their call while they parade en mass before the mics to make such remarks? Such a force is called church as well as philanthropy. Are they not aware distribution of wealth has been going on as long as us? Where do they think all of the abundant foundations, hospital wings, and grants come from? Congress? How many combined millions...even billions...would we guess churches budget and then take up additional special contributions to assist the masses in need? The figures would be staggering....daily.
Volunteers? What do they call church groups who blanket America as well as foreign fields to assist in crisis after crisis? My wager is churches did more for victims of hurricane Katrina than government both financially and certainly in man-power. And, where did the government get its money to spend on these matters? From the very same volunteers who pay taxes and, in addition, fork over extravagant amounts of money for benevolence.
To all three brands holding office in congress, I for one want to say you have an extremely good idea....but your constituents have been practicing what you propose for 200 years. Welcome to our world. If you ever met America you would know we are waiting on you to catch on to the great heart of this country. It isn't called potential. It is called action....and we've been taking it for a long time. I think you have to....but you evidently have forgotten how much is going on beneath Washington's insightful radar.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
WHY CHURCHES MIGHT BE FLAT-LINING
God is too powerful to be set aside by culture. Strangely, He's humble enough to let it happen, but it shouldn't. Churches---as we are---evidently must not be the cure eventhough we have as many of those as we do bars. Really, while attendance is strong and increasing at the casinos, churches are in greater number. Why is our heartbeat overall not felt more strongly in our various societies (dependent upon which world continent the reader of this blog lives)?
I believe we are suffering defeat (in front of a Victorious Lord) because we have transplanted Jesus to Leader Emeritus where we make sure we toss his name into the gratitudinal history....but our focus is upon more surface matters.
Surface matters? I believe churches have shifted without realizing the slow boil. Gradually the drive to reach the unreached has been replaced by brand-name competition. We compete for attendance. We compete in doctrinal accuracy. We scramble for the latest effective method. All-the-while, Jesus' role seems to be Leader Emeritus; one great guy but no longer on the cutting edge of culture.
If we moved deeper by going back into him, what would need to change for us? Restoring church hearts for the love of mankind would be good for starters. There is no greater thread of societal hope than what Jesus portrays in the Good Samaritan story. Yet, we as aggressive, mission-talking congregations struggle to see that something as simple as all of the visitors are greeted.
Another change would be to confess our sinful nature of making doctrine more important (again) than people. Churches are filled with ritualistic checklists which do not have people in mind...except those who violate the checklists. I believe what Jesus notes to be the greatest command is another way of saying the true church doctrine is.....people.
Jesus was a people-person. If we are going to really move about as he....we will touch the lepers and the immoral....and all strangers. If we are only going to commit ourselves to our favorite church organization as some do the Red Cross or the Masons, then society will be without the tender voice of the Lamb who heals...and churches will subsequently and appropriately flat-line.
I believe we are suffering defeat (in front of a Victorious Lord) because we have transplanted Jesus to Leader Emeritus where we make sure we toss his name into the gratitudinal history....but our focus is upon more surface matters.
Surface matters? I believe churches have shifted without realizing the slow boil. Gradually the drive to reach the unreached has been replaced by brand-name competition. We compete for attendance. We compete in doctrinal accuracy. We scramble for the latest effective method. All-the-while, Jesus' role seems to be Leader Emeritus; one great guy but no longer on the cutting edge of culture.
If we moved deeper by going back into him, what would need to change for us? Restoring church hearts for the love of mankind would be good for starters. There is no greater thread of societal hope than what Jesus portrays in the Good Samaritan story. Yet, we as aggressive, mission-talking congregations struggle to see that something as simple as all of the visitors are greeted.
Another change would be to confess our sinful nature of making doctrine more important (again) than people. Churches are filled with ritualistic checklists which do not have people in mind...except those who violate the checklists. I believe what Jesus notes to be the greatest command is another way of saying the true church doctrine is.....people.
Jesus was a people-person. If we are going to really move about as he....we will touch the lepers and the immoral....and all strangers. If we are only going to commit ourselves to our favorite church organization as some do the Red Cross or the Masons, then society will be without the tender voice of the Lamb who heals...and churches will subsequently and appropriately flat-line.
Friday, September 25, 2009
A GREAT THOUGHT
I have a small daily calendar by my computer that has little sayings for each day....and the date. Today is my favorite of the whole year. When September 25 rolls around, I get to be reminded of something great which Calvin Miller must have written somewhere.....since it credits him.
Anyway, look at this: The world is poor because her treasure is buried in the sky and all her maps are of the earth.
What great insight!
Anyway, look at this: The world is poor because her treasure is buried in the sky and all her maps are of the earth.
What great insight!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
AWAKEN
Is it possible individuals do not think they can make any difference for many people? Do you think it likely the average Christian desires to simply live an average life? What old singer named Peggy something sang, Is This All There Is?
When we awaken to the fact we live in the kingdom of God, under the name of the Son, empowered by the Spirit, why in the world would we ever believe any day to be....average? Why?
People can be average without God. Believers dream and imagine and wonder. We are not just believers; we are certainty-ers. We know what we believe is true. Therefore, we must awaken to the dynamic within us known as the Dynamic....within us.
Old man Abraham wasn't written for a flannel-graph conference. It exhibits the living God in weak man. Moses isn't about failure. He is about waiting on the living God to shock the sandals off of the opponent when He gets good and ready. Elijah wasn't for a VBS theme. His story is to inspire one man against great odds. The Virgin Mary isn't about un-sex. She's about transferring "You've got to be kidding" being "Nope, we are telling you the amazing truth".
Awaken. You and I are called to live the most abnormal life which is to be labeled the new normal. Jesus introduces a whole new world order called the New Creation. We've lost our might because we've joined the distracting forces of the Bible-banging naysayers. Where's our spiritual grit? Where's our "get'n it done"?
Awaken. We have a God who has yet to flex all of His muscle. His breath-taking creation isn't visible for the purpose of snapshots to send to Aunt Bess. It is to motivate us to live on Ordinary Street while empowered from Above All with absolute resolve we are here to impact everything in our way.
It's time we roll, my friend. The average stuff is for those who have no Living God. Awaken....today is full of possibility for you and me to stun the world with the gigantic and penetrating love of Christ.
Awaken.
When we awaken to the fact we live in the kingdom of God, under the name of the Son, empowered by the Spirit, why in the world would we ever believe any day to be....average? Why?
People can be average without God. Believers dream and imagine and wonder. We are not just believers; we are certainty-ers. We know what we believe is true. Therefore, we must awaken to the dynamic within us known as the Dynamic....within us.
Old man Abraham wasn't written for a flannel-graph conference. It exhibits the living God in weak man. Moses isn't about failure. He is about waiting on the living God to shock the sandals off of the opponent when He gets good and ready. Elijah wasn't for a VBS theme. His story is to inspire one man against great odds. The Virgin Mary isn't about un-sex. She's about transferring "You've got to be kidding" being "Nope, we are telling you the amazing truth".
Awaken. You and I are called to live the most abnormal life which is to be labeled the new normal. Jesus introduces a whole new world order called the New Creation. We've lost our might because we've joined the distracting forces of the Bible-banging naysayers. Where's our spiritual grit? Where's our "get'n it done"?
Awaken. We have a God who has yet to flex all of His muscle. His breath-taking creation isn't visible for the purpose of snapshots to send to Aunt Bess. It is to motivate us to live on Ordinary Street while empowered from Above All with absolute resolve we are here to impact everything in our way.
It's time we roll, my friend. The average stuff is for those who have no Living God. Awaken....today is full of possibility for you and me to stun the world with the gigantic and penetrating love of Christ.
Awaken.
THE WONDERFUL NETWORK OF GOD
Remember the Timex commercials when John Cameron Swayze would say, It just keeps on ticking and ticking. That's back a few days on black and white TV.
I like that idea regarding the kingdom; it just keeps ticking.
I had an idea. Jenny Williams is one of our delightful young professionals at Memorial. She just returned from a missions tour with AIM in Mexico. She is adorable.
A few weeks back I asked Jenny if she would like to team up in an Encouraging Ministry. I would give Jenny a fifty dollar bill and she would take someone to lunch sometime to give them a boost. She was to bring back three things: a report, a receipt, and the change. We intend to repeat the process once Mary gets another paper route and saves up another $50.
Last night she walked into my office all goose-bumped. She loves God....and people. (Sorta fulfills a command I heard one time, huh?) She handed me back a receipt and change. She had taken a young couple to lunch Sunday after church and the bill was $32.20.
The report? Well....it is so special. You see Memorial experienced a young man standing at the mic at the end of services last Sunday morning confessing his bride (as of Friday) was over three months pregnant. It was an emotional time for them...for all as they repented of their sin and asked for our support. So sweet Jenny took them to lunch!
Don't you know they needed that? Don't you know Jenny needed that? Don't you know we all needed to know of such wonderful networking ideas...because there is always a God-report to be heard? Take your ideas and run. There is so much to be imagined...He said....Eph. 3:20.
I like that idea regarding the kingdom; it just keeps ticking.
I had an idea. Jenny Williams is one of our delightful young professionals at Memorial. She just returned from a missions tour with AIM in Mexico. She is adorable.
A few weeks back I asked Jenny if she would like to team up in an Encouraging Ministry. I would give Jenny a fifty dollar bill and she would take someone to lunch sometime to give them a boost. She was to bring back three things: a report, a receipt, and the change. We intend to repeat the process once Mary gets another paper route and saves up another $50.
Last night she walked into my office all goose-bumped. She loves God....and people. (Sorta fulfills a command I heard one time, huh?) She handed me back a receipt and change. She had taken a young couple to lunch Sunday after church and the bill was $32.20.
The report? Well....it is so special. You see Memorial experienced a young man standing at the mic at the end of services last Sunday morning confessing his bride (as of Friday) was over three months pregnant. It was an emotional time for them...for all as they repented of their sin and asked for our support. So sweet Jenny took them to lunch!
Don't you know they needed that? Don't you know Jenny needed that? Don't you know we all needed to know of such wonderful networking ideas...because there is always a God-report to be heard? Take your ideas and run. There is so much to be imagined...He said....Eph. 3:20.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
BE CAREFUL WITH OUR STANCES
You all say nice things to me on this blog.....most of you, anyway. When it comes to my boldness, or whatever, I must encourage you that we are all learners in this together. I'm not sure how I sound to various readers. I try to be forthright, but not authoritative. I will always be in kindergarten with so much to learn.
It is important that we weigh kingdom scenarios as well as doctrine. Doctrine is essential. The right one leads to life; the wrong one---even if it sounds good---will eventually kill; usually through stagnation.
I am concerned for the church. Not a week passes but what I don't get a call or an email from a man or woman heart-broken over the neutralization of the church via fear. The struggle is epidemic. Leaders are frozen in Sunday morning pattern with little regard for individual life. The leaves are turning brown; but the leadership feels that as long as they assembled and didn't do anything wrong....hey, we must be the true church.
A solution is a combination of faith in, love of, and prayer to Christ. We do not (cannot) accept death around us by positively calling it life. We will not give up on God or our friends. Neither of the two gave up on us. This is a major struggle, though, and it will take resurrection-power nature to restore wilting souls.
We can do it. I've recently read negative, condescending accounts of Bible stances that are so sad....yet they perfectly reflect what I believed and said up to the mid-80s. What happened? Jesus wrecked my religious---all my answers aligned---duck row. He sat down right in the middle of doctrine, method, and friendships....and wrecked many.
Jesus does not match our need-to-control religion. He calls each to a personal heartbeat for the poor and the lonely. It is easy to hold doctrinal positions. It is a whole new world to let a homeless person spend the night on your couch.
Be careful with our stances. Standing boldly isn't the clarion call. Standing beside the forgotten is. Ah, that Good Samaritan....he keeps us on track better than most, huh?
It is important that we weigh kingdom scenarios as well as doctrine. Doctrine is essential. The right one leads to life; the wrong one---even if it sounds good---will eventually kill; usually through stagnation.
I am concerned for the church. Not a week passes but what I don't get a call or an email from a man or woman heart-broken over the neutralization of the church via fear. The struggle is epidemic. Leaders are frozen in Sunday morning pattern with little regard for individual life. The leaves are turning brown; but the leadership feels that as long as they assembled and didn't do anything wrong....hey, we must be the true church.
A solution is a combination of faith in, love of, and prayer to Christ. We do not (cannot) accept death around us by positively calling it life. We will not give up on God or our friends. Neither of the two gave up on us. This is a major struggle, though, and it will take resurrection-power nature to restore wilting souls.
We can do it. I've recently read negative, condescending accounts of Bible stances that are so sad....yet they perfectly reflect what I believed and said up to the mid-80s. What happened? Jesus wrecked my religious---all my answers aligned---duck row. He sat down right in the middle of doctrine, method, and friendships....and wrecked many.
Jesus does not match our need-to-control religion. He calls each to a personal heartbeat for the poor and the lonely. It is easy to hold doctrinal positions. It is a whole new world to let a homeless person spend the night on your couch.
Be careful with our stances. Standing boldly isn't the clarion call. Standing beside the forgotten is. Ah, that Good Samaritan....he keeps us on track better than most, huh?
THE TWISTED WORLD OF CONSERVATIVE/LIBERAL
I'm currently among the commentors on another blog regarding authority. I love the topic because I believe in the theme. It will set captives free.
In working through such a discussion great irony occurs. When I was ultra-conservative I was unknowingly practicing a very liberal and unauthorized maneuverability through the Bible. My vocality of going by the Word only was skirted with parenthetical phrases as well as exceptions (when I needed them). When I shifted to a more honest approach leaving my much needed parenthetical additions and subtractions, I became truer to the Word. Ironically again, I was instantly labeled as liberal.
How crazy is that?
I was told in preaching school that liberalism was slick; that you couldn't always peg its error. Well there is a reason much of it is slick; it is more faithful in it's conservatism of going by the Bible than the conservatives who would like to believe they are the faithful. I know. I was one.
A problem we continue to have is hearing God through all of the quacky religious static. Mixed with our moods and our biases, it is a wonder God has a chance in His own country.
Truth is still truth. It isn't the truth of the best arguers or the highest of education. It isn't the truth of jumping church-brand hoops nor is it the truth of language experts. No. The Truth of God shows up in infants and parables just itching for the big dogs to have the slightest glimpse about that which they bark.
In working through such a discussion great irony occurs. When I was ultra-conservative I was unknowingly practicing a very liberal and unauthorized maneuverability through the Bible. My vocality of going by the Word only was skirted with parenthetical phrases as well as exceptions (when I needed them). When I shifted to a more honest approach leaving my much needed parenthetical additions and subtractions, I became truer to the Word. Ironically again, I was instantly labeled as liberal.
How crazy is that?
I was told in preaching school that liberalism was slick; that you couldn't always peg its error. Well there is a reason much of it is slick; it is more faithful in it's conservatism of going by the Bible than the conservatives who would like to believe they are the faithful. I know. I was one.
A problem we continue to have is hearing God through all of the quacky religious static. Mixed with our moods and our biases, it is a wonder God has a chance in His own country.
Truth is still truth. It isn't the truth of the best arguers or the highest of education. It isn't the truth of jumping church-brand hoops nor is it the truth of language experts. No. The Truth of God shows up in infants and parables just itching for the big dogs to have the slightest glimpse about that which they bark.
Monday, September 21, 2009
GOD'S STORY
God seems to have one steady story; the impossible is possible. He began with creation and will end with salvation of His creation. The middle is every bit as fascinating as the introduction and conclusion.
God's story is all about what can't possibly happen does. That's it. That's all. What can't possibly take place does. Do you recall perhaps David and Goliath or Gideon and his dinky army? What about Elijah being the minority at the cook-off when no one brought matches?
Did you ever hear anything about....oh a couple of rivers standing at attention as they saluted God's children walking past in defiance of.....the impossible? Oh, and that prison thing where Paul and Silas were in double break-proof security....and they converted the security guard? Remember that one? And....do you recall hearing anything about another breakout? You know that one where Jesus was dead awhile and then he wasn't?
What's the point of God's story? He wants us to believe Him so deeply we absorb His possibility-power into our routine walk. That's what we do with God's story. We believe Him so much we look at the call on one hand and the threat on the other....and ta da....we opt for the call.
That's us. That's who we are....all because God's storyline never expires.
God's story is all about what can't possibly happen does. That's it. That's all. What can't possibly take place does. Do you recall perhaps David and Goliath or Gideon and his dinky army? What about Elijah being the minority at the cook-off when no one brought matches?
Did you ever hear anything about....oh a couple of rivers standing at attention as they saluted God's children walking past in defiance of.....the impossible? Oh, and that prison thing where Paul and Silas were in double break-proof security....and they converted the security guard? Remember that one? And....do you recall hearing anything about another breakout? You know that one where Jesus was dead awhile and then he wasn't?
What's the point of God's story? He wants us to believe Him so deeply we absorb His possibility-power into our routine walk. That's what we do with God's story. We believe Him so much we look at the call on one hand and the threat on the other....and ta da....we opt for the call.
That's us. That's who we are....all because God's storyline never expires.
HELPING MY GOOD FRIEND
Memorial is wrapping up (October 15) one of its more special ministries. Craig Hicks had been our youth minister years ago. He is one talented guy. A few years into his term here as youth minister things just weren't working out and the elders reached a point Craig was dismissed. It hurt all of us....including the shepherds.
But Craig isn't a quitter. He went to that famous class I call "Suffering 101". He took the tests, passed the course, and five years later approached the same shepherds with his idea of coming on board for a year as an intern. We accepted.
What a great idea! All were up for it which included the staff. Craig has been an intern for a year at the very same place where he once held a ministerial role. What a story from all sides.
The year will soon be over. It has flown. Craig remains a dynamo with a huge heart for ministry. So I'm making a plug for my friend. If you are looking for a guy in the role of associate or college ministry (and recently he is weighing the idea of returning to youth work)....write me at trush@memorialdrive.org. I'll pass your info along.
In case you are wondering....yes, he has an incredible wife that is also loved and adored by this congregation.
But Craig isn't a quitter. He went to that famous class I call "Suffering 101". He took the tests, passed the course, and five years later approached the same shepherds with his idea of coming on board for a year as an intern. We accepted.
What a great idea! All were up for it which included the staff. Craig has been an intern for a year at the very same place where he once held a ministerial role. What a story from all sides.
The year will soon be over. It has flown. Craig remains a dynamo with a huge heart for ministry. So I'm making a plug for my friend. If you are looking for a guy in the role of associate or college ministry (and recently he is weighing the idea of returning to youth work)....write me at trush@memorialdrive.org. I'll pass your info along.
In case you are wondering....yes, he has an incredible wife that is also loved and adored by this congregation.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
HAVE WE BECOME SO BLIND WE HAVE GONE DEAF?
A remnant of God's children have become so blind it cannot hear the Word. It just can't.
Another blogger was bantering for "going by the Bible...and the Bible only"; only and specifically what the Bible said. The writer's motives seem pure and his desire to follow scripture is correct for all of us.
But in one part of his complaint he wrote the Bible says: Bible: Sing (exclusive of mechanical instruments-Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16)-Some have added to His command by handclapping, humming, and using mechanical instruments
Really? Would this one perhaps have added to the Word from songbooks, in a church building, with a songleader waving his hand in 3-4 cadence that the Bible never authorized? Why can't we let the Bible say what is says; sing? Why the adding of parenthetical phrases and additional sentences to explain what God meant when He said sing?
Why is that? I think it is because we have gone so blind we can't hear. I'm not arguing for instrumental music. I'm arguing against this continual pattern of saying we go by the Word and then add to it in our very defense of complaining that others add to it. We are so blind we've gone deaf.
I get this man's position. I held it for as long as I could and was ashamed of myself when I let it go. I felt guilty. But one thing forced me to change my mind; the Word of God. I had so many parenthetical phrases and additional sentences to explain what God "clearly had not said but I wanted Him to say it".
The Bible isn't an old musty coat, folks. It is the Living Word of God. It doesn't need our help. It isn't crippled. It can stand up for itself. It needs neither our understanding of the Greek nor the fascinating opinions of any of us. It is pretty clear about enough things to lead us to Jesus. He alone will lead us to the Father.
I would encourage us to do what we can in prayer to keep the eyes of our hearts open that we might avoid going deaf to the Word calling us to a stronger discipleship.
Another blogger was bantering for "going by the Bible...and the Bible only"; only and specifically what the Bible said. The writer's motives seem pure and his desire to follow scripture is correct for all of us.
But in one part of his complaint he wrote the Bible says: Bible: Sing (exclusive of mechanical instruments-Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16)-Some have added to His command by handclapping, humming, and using mechanical instruments
Really? Would this one perhaps have added to the Word from songbooks, in a church building, with a songleader waving his hand in 3-4 cadence that the Bible never authorized? Why can't we let the Bible say what is says; sing? Why the adding of parenthetical phrases and additional sentences to explain what God meant when He said sing?
Why is that? I think it is because we have gone so blind we can't hear. I'm not arguing for instrumental music. I'm arguing against this continual pattern of saying we go by the Word and then add to it in our very defense of complaining that others add to it. We are so blind we've gone deaf.
I get this man's position. I held it for as long as I could and was ashamed of myself when I let it go. I felt guilty. But one thing forced me to change my mind; the Word of God. I had so many parenthetical phrases and additional sentences to explain what God "clearly had not said but I wanted Him to say it".
The Bible isn't an old musty coat, folks. It is the Living Word of God. It doesn't need our help. It isn't crippled. It can stand up for itself. It needs neither our understanding of the Greek nor the fascinating opinions of any of us. It is pretty clear about enough things to lead us to Jesus. He alone will lead us to the Father.
I would encourage us to do what we can in prayer to keep the eyes of our hearts open that we might avoid going deaf to the Word calling us to a stronger discipleship.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
WHAT WILL GO ON AT YOUR CHURCH SUNDAY?
Wonder will go on Sunday. God will do that thing He does again and again. He will sit with us. He will fellowship with us. He will urge, cheer, and encourage us.
We will not just meet with each other. While that is delightful, we will also be meeting with brothers and sisters both across the state and on foreign fields. And where we are gathered, Jesus will be there, too.
I love the song that speaks of the "brush of angels wings". I try to imagine them sitting among us, beside us, with us. How spectacular must that scene be?
God will nudge our spirits to notice the unnoticed, to speak to the unspoken. We will be on duty...every one of us....to see with kingdom eyes. We will be delighted at His beauty and His presence. We will see Him in others' tears, in children's smiles, and in unusual but inspiring thought processes.
Tomorrow God will show up again! He will be where we are as a group. We will not be disappointed. We will be thrust into a wonderful arena of marvel...and we'll love every minute of it.
Aren't we glad we get to be us? I'm still like a little kid off to Disney World....but I'm doing something more exciting! I'm off to see God among His people....and something wonderful always happens!
We will not just meet with each other. While that is delightful, we will also be meeting with brothers and sisters both across the state and on foreign fields. And where we are gathered, Jesus will be there, too.
I love the song that speaks of the "brush of angels wings". I try to imagine them sitting among us, beside us, with us. How spectacular must that scene be?
God will nudge our spirits to notice the unnoticed, to speak to the unspoken. We will be on duty...every one of us....to see with kingdom eyes. We will be delighted at His beauty and His presence. We will see Him in others' tears, in children's smiles, and in unusual but inspiring thought processes.
Tomorrow God will show up again! He will be where we are as a group. We will not be disappointed. We will be thrust into a wonderful arena of marvel...and we'll love every minute of it.
Aren't we glad we get to be us? I'm still like a little kid off to Disney World....but I'm doing something more exciting! I'm off to see God among His people....and something wonderful always happens!
SHOULD GOD HAVE CHARGED?
I was thinking about mankind; how much of it snubs the Creator. How that must break His heart. Then, something occurred to me. I wonder if God should charge?
I wonder if God charged admission into His kingdom and made the stakes somewhat high, if that would awaken mankind? As it is, there was a great fee....but God is the one who picked up the tab. My point is, aren't we such a strange sort that we would have such a lavish gift at our disposal and reject both the gift as well as the Giver?
God paid the debt He did not owe. In general mankind is so preoccupied with self it misses the fascination of this "too good to be true" event.
I urge us to be grateful and abundant receivers. I urge us to persuade others of the spectacularicity of the Living Lord. We see commercials where vans pull up to the curb with TV cameras running to the front door to surprise another sweepstakes winner. We think things like; Not real. Improbable. It could never happen to me.
It already has! More has happened! Yet as long as we deny God's incredible gift by avoiding Him altogether or functioning in the church as an unbeliever, we will never realize the most fantastic things possible HAVE ALREADY HAPPENED TO US!
God didn't and doesn't charge admission. Some don't care while others join a church and do their best to pay back....what cannot be fathomed.
Our God.....amazing! ACCEPT HIS GIFT. THERE ARE FREE LUNCHES AFTER ALL.
I wonder if God charged admission into His kingdom and made the stakes somewhat high, if that would awaken mankind? As it is, there was a great fee....but God is the one who picked up the tab. My point is, aren't we such a strange sort that we would have such a lavish gift at our disposal and reject both the gift as well as the Giver?
God paid the debt He did not owe. In general mankind is so preoccupied with self it misses the fascination of this "too good to be true" event.
I urge us to be grateful and abundant receivers. I urge us to persuade others of the spectacularicity of the Living Lord. We see commercials where vans pull up to the curb with TV cameras running to the front door to surprise another sweepstakes winner. We think things like; Not real. Improbable. It could never happen to me.
It already has! More has happened! Yet as long as we deny God's incredible gift by avoiding Him altogether or functioning in the church as an unbeliever, we will never realize the most fantastic things possible HAVE ALREADY HAPPENED TO US!
God didn't and doesn't charge admission. Some don't care while others join a church and do their best to pay back....what cannot be fathomed.
Our God.....amazing! ACCEPT HIS GIFT. THERE ARE FREE LUNCHES AFTER ALL.
Friday, September 18, 2009
THE CHURCH CAN'T AFFORD TO BE ALL THUMBS
I'm still learning the most fundamental things about kingdom life. Without realizing it, I began my ministry with such a cookie-cutter mentality. Everything was to function within my boundaries according to my views. It would be important to know that I was certain all of my views were the right views.
A high hurdle to jump has been that of "different". Different originally, to me, meant error and I was a super-duper error detector. I was quick. And...whenever I flushed error out, I was scalding in my address of it. I was a professional error eradicator.
However, much of what I labeled (conservative or liberal) was not as I claimed. It was simply different. People who raised their hands in worship weren't showing off as I claimed. They were worshipping differently than my acquired taste. Those who used mics to sing as a group were not there for entertainment as I boasted. No, they were worshipping differently.
It is way too easy for us to label others from our ostrich-icity of assumed correctness. When one reads the back end of the first Corinthian letter it is loaded with a call to the differentialities among us. We are not alike. We shouldn't want to be. Thumbs don't look like ears, don't move like ears, and don't function like ears. Different is the body's blessing. Shame on us for labeling it a curse.
Congregations can be conservative and others can be liberal in their methods...and both will impact their communities. We are His!
So I cheer you on that various tastes do not mean a disconnect (or disfellowship) is in order. It signals just the opposite. It is an opportunity for discovered, appreciated harmony. Unity isn't ours if we finally think and act alike.
Unity is ours when we pool our differences together in the name of the only Savior....Jesus. We are his body....we are not all thumbs.
A high hurdle to jump has been that of "different". Different originally, to me, meant error and I was a super-duper error detector. I was quick. And...whenever I flushed error out, I was scalding in my address of it. I was a professional error eradicator.
However, much of what I labeled (conservative or liberal) was not as I claimed. It was simply different. People who raised their hands in worship weren't showing off as I claimed. They were worshipping differently than my acquired taste. Those who used mics to sing as a group were not there for entertainment as I boasted. No, they were worshipping differently.
It is way too easy for us to label others from our ostrich-icity of assumed correctness. When one reads the back end of the first Corinthian letter it is loaded with a call to the differentialities among us. We are not alike. We shouldn't want to be. Thumbs don't look like ears, don't move like ears, and don't function like ears. Different is the body's blessing. Shame on us for labeling it a curse.
Congregations can be conservative and others can be liberal in their methods...and both will impact their communities. We are His!
So I cheer you on that various tastes do not mean a disconnect (or disfellowship) is in order. It signals just the opposite. It is an opportunity for discovered, appreciated harmony. Unity isn't ours if we finally think and act alike.
Unity is ours when we pool our differences together in the name of the only Savior....Jesus. We are his body....we are not all thumbs.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
A NEW KIND OF EXPERIENCE AMONG TULSA CHURCHES
I am so blessed to be at one church over a long haul. By such, I get to experience the refreshment of God that some, who were around in much shorter terms, missed. Specifically, I refer to the area Preachers' Luncheons for the Church of Christ ministers.
Now I don't know exactly how to convey my joy for my earliest experience at these meetings was anything but Christian. It was a gathering of bitter, pessimistic, and rude preachers who made the room light up upon their exit. Marvin Phillips continued to urge me to keep going and keep smiling; but I wasn't as strong as he. Very disappointed in the atmosphere I had once assumed to be a privileged fraternity, I found better things to do than expose myself to the meanest hour of my week.
But what a difference 30 years makes! I met today with a group of a dozen or so area ministers at the SouthBrook Church of Christ. Former minister, Rodney Grantham, gushed at the amazing transformation. Bob Herndon is one of the guys who is perfect for the stability among us. In my mind he is a minister's minister. He's possesses that unique ability to rally the troops in unity while leading us to lift our eyes to the higher terrain of Jesus.
One after another, we gave basically the same report regarding our work; God is opening doors to the immediate communities around us. Each story was our own story. God is using us in the public school systems. He is making lasting connections with the poor. It is wonderfully strange that while we have not spent time together in mapping out our neighborhood tactics, the works had amazing and correlational reports.
As I delightfully scanned this circle of men, I could not help but notice the ego-less hearts and hungry minds. Combined, there must have been 200 years of ministry represented. But it had that wonderful feel of kindergarten eagerness.
It is a thrill....a super-charged thrill....to see the local works bond in love and respect. I want to be a part of it. Thank you Bob Herndon for what you did for us today. It's is a wonderful change and....maybe I needed to grow up a bit myself.
Now I don't know exactly how to convey my joy for my earliest experience at these meetings was anything but Christian. It was a gathering of bitter, pessimistic, and rude preachers who made the room light up upon their exit. Marvin Phillips continued to urge me to keep going and keep smiling; but I wasn't as strong as he. Very disappointed in the atmosphere I had once assumed to be a privileged fraternity, I found better things to do than expose myself to the meanest hour of my week.
But what a difference 30 years makes! I met today with a group of a dozen or so area ministers at the SouthBrook Church of Christ. Former minister, Rodney Grantham, gushed at the amazing transformation. Bob Herndon is one of the guys who is perfect for the stability among us. In my mind he is a minister's minister. He's possesses that unique ability to rally the troops in unity while leading us to lift our eyes to the higher terrain of Jesus.
One after another, we gave basically the same report regarding our work; God is opening doors to the immediate communities around us. Each story was our own story. God is using us in the public school systems. He is making lasting connections with the poor. It is wonderfully strange that while we have not spent time together in mapping out our neighborhood tactics, the works had amazing and correlational reports.
As I delightfully scanned this circle of men, I could not help but notice the ego-less hearts and hungry minds. Combined, there must have been 200 years of ministry represented. But it had that wonderful feel of kindergarten eagerness.
It is a thrill....a super-charged thrill....to see the local works bond in love and respect. I want to be a part of it. Thank you Bob Herndon for what you did for us today. It's is a wonderful change and....maybe I needed to grow up a bit myself.
STARRY NIGHT AND SQUEAKY SHOES
Intricacy is fascinating. God blows our minds because He surely is one of detail; number of sparrows, number of hairs on our head. Two areas of brilliance could be pointed out today; (1) stars, and (2) shoe noises.
First the shoes. This week I developed a most annoying squeak in my left shoe. Steps were accompanied by err-eee, err-eee, err-eee. If I could have walked only right-footed, I would have gladly done so. It occurred to me in my frustration to google "squeaky shoes". Ta da!
Google knows how to try to deal with such a matter. What? How can this gadget be this smart? It blows my feeble mind as to how brilliant this creation can be. It knows about squeaky shoes, too?
Next is the starry night. God took Abram outside to view the stars. He told Abram he would have more children than stars. Now, you've got to be kidding. How could one wife--and past child-bearing years at that--give birth to that many children? Ah, but God was speaking both literally and exponentially. Abram would literally have that many children.....but not in the immediate procedure Abram would have small-mindedly assumed.
How much of life's awe and blessings do we miss because we believe God to operate at only our best ability? He consistently says He chooses the weak-minded to confound the strong. He ratchets up His case by throwing down the gauntlet that whatever we can come up with in our imaginations, He will trump.
If you think Google is impressive, as well as stars in Abram's night, God says we haven't seen anything, yet! Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.....I Cor. 2:9
First the shoes. This week I developed a most annoying squeak in my left shoe. Steps were accompanied by err-eee, err-eee, err-eee. If I could have walked only right-footed, I would have gladly done so. It occurred to me in my frustration to google "squeaky shoes". Ta da!
Google knows how to try to deal with such a matter. What? How can this gadget be this smart? It blows my feeble mind as to how brilliant this creation can be. It knows about squeaky shoes, too?
Next is the starry night. God took Abram outside to view the stars. He told Abram he would have more children than stars. Now, you've got to be kidding. How could one wife--and past child-bearing years at that--give birth to that many children? Ah, but God was speaking both literally and exponentially. Abram would literally have that many children.....but not in the immediate procedure Abram would have small-mindedly assumed.
How much of life's awe and blessings do we miss because we believe God to operate at only our best ability? He consistently says He chooses the weak-minded to confound the strong. He ratchets up His case by throwing down the gauntlet that whatever we can come up with in our imaginations, He will trump.
If you think Google is impressive, as well as stars in Abram's night, God says we haven't seen anything, yet! Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.....I Cor. 2:9
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)