Today is a day of personal assessment, reflection and quietness as I look forward to a new year. Early this morning I was reminded of something that happened within the first few months of our ministry in New Jersey. Our family was becoming acclimated to a new culture, one very different than the one into which we had been born and that had formed us. The church was embracing, affirming, eager to see what God had in store for us all.
A pulpit guest, Owen Carr, ministered on the theme, “And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.” (1 Samuel 10:26, KJV) In the course of his message Pastor Carr shared how men and women had affirmed and enabled ministry at key moments in his ministry. The congregation was of a spirit to embrace Brother Carr’s message, and the elders and deacons reinforced the message at their next meeting. At that meeting one of the deacons had affixed a professionally painted banner on the conference room wall with the theme, “And there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.” The deacon had acted alone, but every member of that board enthusiastically affirmed it and verbally, prayerfully committed themselves to be of the same sort as supported the newly anointed King Saul. The effects of that commitment lasted for ten years. That message was routinely reinforced as we sought the Lord’s direction and went to Him for courage in difficult seasons of church life.
In rereading 1 Samuel 10 this morning, I was reminded that Samuel told Saul to join with a band of traveling prophets because, “The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” (10:6, NIV) Little comment is needed! The Spirit of the Lord changes us! Affirming slogans and rallying around themes wears thin. We need transformation.
Saul’s response to the whirlwind of events and experiences is a fitting example for us, he humbled himself. When the time came for his public anointing as king, Saul was “hidden among the baggage.” How un-American is Saul’s attitude and behavior? Our national leaders do everything to generate photo ops and draw attention to themselves. A prideful spirit is lethal, and rpride’s death rattle echos throughout a culture. As Jesus’ disciples, let us move into 2012 with the counsel of Proverbs 16:18-20 on our lips and in our hearts.
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
We grow arrogant as a nation, as a church or institution, and personally quite naturally. Broken and contrite spirits must be developed patiently and intentionally. Of all seasons in our history, Jesus’ disciples must acquire His spirit and abandon all attitudes that allow saber rattling demands, threats, and demanding behavior akin to the world’s.
Notice what occurred immediately after the shouts of “Long live the king!” “Some troublemakers said, ‘How can this fellow save us?’ They despised him and brought him no gifts.” Adversity came while the anointing oil was dripping from Saul’s head. Anointing and adversity are often companions.
This observer sees the possibility of extraordinary challenges, and potential hardship in the year ahead. The world economy teeters with uncertainty. As always, political supermen jockey for world power. Tiny nations threaten to cripple the economies of superpowers by closing off oil shipping’s traffic ways. Now is the time for “the men whose hearts God has touched” to be prayerfully prepared for all potential challenges.
A final word, “But Saul kept silent.” In a society of political activism, we might want to revisit the patterns established by God-approved leaders and of Jesus. “As a lamb led before her shearers ...” is a far cry from human nature and most behavior.
For 2012 I am seeking out another “band of men whose hearts God has touched.” God has and will continue to be present with His people. Let’s face the year together, with one heart stirred by His Spirit. You and I can be confident, courageous, certain!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Measuring prayer and the New Year
Family members gave me a “Nook” for Christmas. My first download was free, a biography of John Henry Newton (1725 – 1807). John Newton was a British captain of a slave ship as a youth and became an Anglican priest following a wonderful new birth. While he was pastor of the church in Olney, Newton authored many hymns, collaborating with William Cowper. "Amazing Grace” is considered the most frequently sung hymn ever written. The grace of God working in his life caused John Newton to be fully repentant of his former life and he became an avid advocate of the abolition of slavery.
While reading Newton’s biography we must remember that he was an Anglican Evangelical, not a Pentecostal! The generous quotations from decades of the clergyman’s journals is filled with his assessment of his personal passion for prayer. Newton describes his prayers as “hot” or “tepid,” with “freedom” or “labored.” His assessment of the spiritual progress of his congregation in Olney is similar.
A sample of journal entries captures John Newton insights into prayer and the heart desires resulting from prayer.
• “Prayer is the gate to heaven.”
• “Saturday, 26th. Favored in some degree with a spiritual frame through the whole week, and have redeemed more time than usual for prayer ... I often find that prayer is the index of my present state.”
• “I want more communion with Him, more conformity to Him. O, when shall it be?”
• “I want to be more lively, feeling, and affectionate in spiritual things ...”
• “The longer I live the more I am constrained to adopt that system which ascribes all the power and glory to the grace of God.”
Newton affirmed that attention to spiritual progress is essential. The natural man slips and slides away from the spiritual. In a letter to his brother-in-law he warned against wasting time playing games and amusements, investing time to gain wealth, and failing to spend time with one’s Maker. In short, Newton was passionate to know Jesus.
As we close our journals of activity and take time for personal assessment of 2011, a quiet review of our prayer lives is a worthy endeavor, foundational to our future spiritual maturity. An adage with which I grew up says, “Only one life will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” I suggest an amendment, “Only one life will soon be past. Only what’s done with Christ will last.” Do I hear a second to the motion?
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
While reading Newton’s biography we must remember that he was an Anglican Evangelical, not a Pentecostal! The generous quotations from decades of the clergyman’s journals is filled with his assessment of his personal passion for prayer. Newton describes his prayers as “hot” or “tepid,” with “freedom” or “labored.” His assessment of the spiritual progress of his congregation in Olney is similar.
A sample of journal entries captures John Newton insights into prayer and the heart desires resulting from prayer.
• “Prayer is the gate to heaven.”
• “Saturday, 26th. Favored in some degree with a spiritual frame through the whole week, and have redeemed more time than usual for prayer ... I often find that prayer is the index of my present state.”
• “I want more communion with Him, more conformity to Him. O, when shall it be?”
• “I want to be more lively, feeling, and affectionate in spiritual things ...”
• “The longer I live the more I am constrained to adopt that system which ascribes all the power and glory to the grace of God.”
Newton affirmed that attention to spiritual progress is essential. The natural man slips and slides away from the spiritual. In a letter to his brother-in-law he warned against wasting time playing games and amusements, investing time to gain wealth, and failing to spend time with one’s Maker. In short, Newton was passionate to know Jesus.
As we close our journals of activity and take time for personal assessment of 2011, a quiet review of our prayer lives is a worthy endeavor, foundational to our future spiritual maturity. An adage with which I grew up says, “Only one life will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” I suggest an amendment, “Only one life will soon be past. Only what’s done with Christ will last.” Do I hear a second to the motion?
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Weeks of Prayer
From The Message, Eugene Peterson’s introduction to Micah, “Left to ourselves we turn God into an object, something we can deal with, something we can use to our benefit, whether that thing is a feeling or an idea or an image. Prophets scorn all such stuff. They train us to respond to God’s presence and voice.”
The Pentecostal church which formed Pat and me was a praying church. A tradition and practice we have grown to value, and love, is the annual week of prayer held early in January each year. The week of prayer is part of the rhythm of our lives. For the last twenty years or more several churches in Northern New Jersey, and more recently in Philadelphia, gather in a round-robin format moving from church to church, to pray. It will be one of the things we will miss most as a result of our move.
Prayer keeps us from slipping into the trap of using God as a force for accomplishing our agenda. Prayer listens, and hears God speaking, establishing His priorities, articulating what brings pleasure to Him. John Newton’s biographer quotes one of Newton’s journal entries, “I acknowledge that I am an ignorant and feeble creature, and yet the next minute act and speak ex cathedra.”
Newton’s admission is reminiscent of Paul’s confession, “So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:21-25) If I do not learn to listen to God’s voice in prayer, to listen regularly and carefully, I am liable to “use God to my benefit.”
As the church gathers for prayer –
• The Holy Spirit trains us to properly respond to God’s presence and voice. Prayer is the forum in which we are purged from selfish desires, peer pressures, and institutional expectations as the Spirit leads the prayer in heart-searching and humble confession.
• The Holy Spirit prays through the church’s members. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” (Romans 8:26-27) Hearing what the Quakers call “the sense of the Spirit” as others pray, as we are urged forward in prayers that liberate from past, unprofitable routines and introduce better ways.
• The Holy Spirit uses others to encourage us. The powerful voice of the praying saint is not in the decibel level, but in the will of God being expressed as the Spirit moves the intercessor in expressing the mind and will of God. That dynamic has been transformational for those who have learned to listen and affirm the voice of the Spirit saying, “Amen! I agree and desire the same!”
• The Spirit melds, molds, merges the members of the Body of Christ into a people with a more clearly defined identity. The prayer meeting includes Spirit-enabled fellowship, when our best hopes for one another are expressed and felt. Love is compounded. Before long, the world will know we are Jesus’ disciples. (John 13:35)
Pat and I will likely make a trip so we can participate in at least one of the Philadelphia prayer meetings. It is too important to us to miss. We fear falling into the trap of using God to facilitate our own agendas.
The Pentecostal church which formed Pat and me was a praying church. A tradition and practice we have grown to value, and love, is the annual week of prayer held early in January each year. The week of prayer is part of the rhythm of our lives. For the last twenty years or more several churches in Northern New Jersey, and more recently in Philadelphia, gather in a round-robin format moving from church to church, to pray. It will be one of the things we will miss most as a result of our move.
Prayer keeps us from slipping into the trap of using God as a force for accomplishing our agenda. Prayer listens, and hears God speaking, establishing His priorities, articulating what brings pleasure to Him. John Newton’s biographer quotes one of Newton’s journal entries, “I acknowledge that I am an ignorant and feeble creature, and yet the next minute act and speak ex cathedra.”
Newton’s admission is reminiscent of Paul’s confession, “So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:21-25) If I do not learn to listen to God’s voice in prayer, to listen regularly and carefully, I am liable to “use God to my benefit.”
As the church gathers for prayer –
• The Holy Spirit trains us to properly respond to God’s presence and voice. Prayer is the forum in which we are purged from selfish desires, peer pressures, and institutional expectations as the Spirit leads the prayer in heart-searching and humble confession.
• The Holy Spirit prays through the church’s members. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” (Romans 8:26-27) Hearing what the Quakers call “the sense of the Spirit” as others pray, as we are urged forward in prayers that liberate from past, unprofitable routines and introduce better ways.
• The Holy Spirit uses others to encourage us. The powerful voice of the praying saint is not in the decibel level, but in the will of God being expressed as the Spirit moves the intercessor in expressing the mind and will of God. That dynamic has been transformational for those who have learned to listen and affirm the voice of the Spirit saying, “Amen! I agree and desire the same!”
• The Spirit melds, molds, merges the members of the Body of Christ into a people with a more clearly defined identity. The prayer meeting includes Spirit-enabled fellowship, when our best hopes for one another are expressed and felt. Love is compounded. Before long, the world will know we are Jesus’ disciples. (John 13:35)
Pat and I will likely make a trip so we can participate in at least one of the Philadelphia prayer meetings. It is too important to us to miss. We fear falling into the trap of using God to facilitate our own agendas.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Judging a book by its cover
On a recent visit to a dollar store I picked up a book. The author is a former television pastor of international fame. His smiling image is prominent on the cover, along with an endorsement from a TV psychologist and New York Times Best Seller credit. My initial instinct was, “You don’t need this.” But, one dollar, best seller, and subtitle promising “God’s direction for your life” was too much, and I bought a copy.
The old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” could not be more appropriately applied. What I thought would be a mediocre, ho-hum read turned out to be a challenging outline for developing Jesus’ disciples. An anecdote introducing the theme of each chapter was worth more than a dollar. The wisdom is timeless. And, after reading the first fifty pages, I returned to the store to buy a dozen additional copies to share with young people who could benefit the most. Alas, the store’s inventory was down to only one copy. I’ll check other sources for more copies, but I am embarrassed that I misjudged the contents based on a cover that exposed my prejudice.
When Samuel was impressed with Jesse’s son, Eliab, the Lord cautioned Samuel with, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) We are easily impressed with the world’s value system of appearance, achievements, and acquisitions. Even church leadership literature recommends “hiring tens,” or those who can perform at the highest level (like Olympian gymnasts). Let’s face it, in making judgments we are often prejudiced by non-biblical values.
The “diamond in the rough,” needs to be given an opportunity. Someone must invest deeply in those whose hearts are pure and desire to follow Jesus obediently. Someone invested in me or I would have been like the volumes on the “last chance” table at the booksellers. Most students applying for internships with Northeast Urban Church Planting were inexperienced, unpolished, and obviously too young. Those same people are now advancing the Kingdom of God in a most admirable manner in many challenging places.
Let us humbly return to the Scripture, “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29) Let us remember that God makes no junk, that all have been designed with Divine purpose, and that everyone needs help in the process of becoming what pleases God.
For one, I’ll be more careful when judging books in the future! Have a great day!
The old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” could not be more appropriately applied. What I thought would be a mediocre, ho-hum read turned out to be a challenging outline for developing Jesus’ disciples. An anecdote introducing the theme of each chapter was worth more than a dollar. The wisdom is timeless. And, after reading the first fifty pages, I returned to the store to buy a dozen additional copies to share with young people who could benefit the most. Alas, the store’s inventory was down to only one copy. I’ll check other sources for more copies, but I am embarrassed that I misjudged the contents based on a cover that exposed my prejudice.
When Samuel was impressed with Jesse’s son, Eliab, the Lord cautioned Samuel with, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) We are easily impressed with the world’s value system of appearance, achievements, and acquisitions. Even church leadership literature recommends “hiring tens,” or those who can perform at the highest level (like Olympian gymnasts). Let’s face it, in making judgments we are often prejudiced by non-biblical values.
The “diamond in the rough,” needs to be given an opportunity. Someone must invest deeply in those whose hearts are pure and desire to follow Jesus obediently. Someone invested in me or I would have been like the volumes on the “last chance” table at the booksellers. Most students applying for internships with Northeast Urban Church Planting were inexperienced, unpolished, and obviously too young. Those same people are now advancing the Kingdom of God in a most admirable manner in many challenging places.
Let us humbly return to the Scripture, “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29) Let us remember that God makes no junk, that all have been designed with Divine purpose, and that everyone needs help in the process of becoming what pleases God.
For one, I’ll be more careful when judging books in the future! Have a great day!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Glory to God in the Highest!
An old adage captures the relationship between the Bible’s Old and New Testaments. “The Old is the new concealed, the New is the Old revealed.” The Book of Hebrews is full of wonderful Advent images of contrast and wonder. As the shepherds heard angels singing, “Glory to God in the highest!” the incomplete of the Old was in the process of being replaced with New, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form ...” (Colossians 2:9) The Spirit -inspired author painted contrasts in Testaments frequently and colorfully. Hebrews defines old and new covenants; an old sacrificial system replaced by Jesus, the one sacrifice for our sins; laws written on stone or parchment are written on the heart; the old sanctuary made of animal skins, trees and precious metals is starkly contrasted with the “Holy of Holies” in heaven. Advent images, linguistic photographs, are replaced with flesh and blood, Jesus, the Christ! “Glory to God in the highest!”
Our home is appropriately decorated for the season, thanks to Pat’s eye for beauty and balance. Lights sparkle, stocking hang from the mantle, the tree is ready for our eight grandchildren to “ooh” and “aah.” In a few hours ripped wrapping paper will litter the floor but, who cares? Little eyes will be dancing with excitement and little arms will squeeze our necks! Life is good! I cannot imagine life being better!
As I write this morning I am listening to Handel’s “Messiah.” The aria and chorus whose lyrics come from Isaiah 7, make all the bulbs dim and lift my soul! By the Spirit, the prophet announced centuries before, “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” (Emphasis mine) What had been concealed for generations was being revealed before the eyes of shepherds. Now, for the followers of Jesus the promise is revealed, alive, real, part of our experience! “Glory to God in the highest!” We who were born in darkness have experienced the light, “Glory to God in the highest,” Jesus is the revelation, the light, of what the darkness had concealed!
You may not have acquired an appreciation for Handel’s 18th century musical style, but if the concealed has been revealed to you by the Holy Spirit, allow the lyrics to seep into your soul! You may hear “Messiah” performed, free, by the world-class Philadelphia Orchestra and chorus http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=6581236&m=17357382.
George Frederick Handel penned his masterpiece in a mere three weeks, carried along by the Spirit, inspired by Eternal Truth that the concealed has been revealed! For me, Advent would be incomplete without hearing “Messiah” again, and again! “Glory to God in the highest!” “Glory to God in the highest!” “Glory to God in the highest!”
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Our home is appropriately decorated for the season, thanks to Pat’s eye for beauty and balance. Lights sparkle, stocking hang from the mantle, the tree is ready for our eight grandchildren to “ooh” and “aah.” In a few hours ripped wrapping paper will litter the floor but, who cares? Little eyes will be dancing with excitement and little arms will squeeze our necks! Life is good! I cannot imagine life being better!
As I write this morning I am listening to Handel’s “Messiah.” The aria and chorus whose lyrics come from Isaiah 7, make all the bulbs dim and lift my soul! By the Spirit, the prophet announced centuries before, “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” (Emphasis mine) What had been concealed for generations was being revealed before the eyes of shepherds. Now, for the followers of Jesus the promise is revealed, alive, real, part of our experience! “Glory to God in the highest!” We who were born in darkness have experienced the light, “Glory to God in the highest,” Jesus is the revelation, the light, of what the darkness had concealed!
You may not have acquired an appreciation for Handel’s 18th century musical style, but if the concealed has been revealed to you by the Holy Spirit, allow the lyrics to seep into your soul! You may hear “Messiah” performed, free, by the world-class Philadelphia Orchestra and chorus http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=6581236&m=17357382.
George Frederick Handel penned his masterpiece in a mere three weeks, carried along by the Spirit, inspired by Eternal Truth that the concealed has been revealed! For me, Advent would be incomplete without hearing “Messiah” again, and again! “Glory to God in the highest!” “Glory to God in the highest!” “Glory to God in the highest!”
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
"Bigger is better" or "Better is Bigger?"
The Letter to the Hebrews was written to saints living in a “bigger is better” world. The world has always run on that value system. The Spirit-inspired author contradicts “bigger is better,” with “better is bigger.” “Better” appears eleven times, four times in chapter eleven alone. The “better” is about the permanence of Jesus’ priesthood, the superiority of His sacrifice, and the heavenly sanctuary above a man-made altar.
To more fully appreciate the truth of the Christmas Season we must reinforce “better is bigger” in our thinking. For centuries prophetic promises were announced. The people looked ahead in hope. We experience the truth for which others hoped! That is the “better” that must continually grow “bigger!”
People who received the prophets’ promises were, “Looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.” (Verses 13-16) Scoffers, complainers, those who never grasped the power of promise, settled into the “bigger is better” mode, buying, selling, amassing fortunes, while entirely missing God’s “better is bigger” blessing. Complainers traded the eternal for the immediate, the spiritual for the sensual, the best for the average, the promise for paltry stuff. The “better is bigger” people sing ...
This world is not my home I'm just passing through
my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore
O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore
This Christmas let us remember, reflect, and be renewed with “better is bigger” truth. If we do, we will be energized and eager as a result of coming face to face, heart to heart, mind to mind, and Spirit to spirit with Jesus, the Christ, Messiah, Savior, Lord. The One promised with great detail, “a virgin will conceive,” and, “His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” has come. Jesus lived among us. He suffered, died and rose again from the dead! All sacrifices have been made that need to be made. The “better” must be “biggest” message of the season!
Shepherds saw and heard a heavenly host declaring, “Glory to God in the highest!” The “better” reality is, “You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.” (Hebrews 12:23) “Better is bigger” people, those who are in the “joyful assembly” know that singing in the choir is more satisfying than sitting in the audience! Let’s sing by candlelight and live the “better is better” message in broad daylight!
To more fully appreciate the truth of the Christmas Season we must reinforce “better is bigger” in our thinking. For centuries prophetic promises were announced. The people looked ahead in hope. We experience the truth for which others hoped! That is the “better” that must continually grow “bigger!”
People who received the prophets’ promises were, “Looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.” (Verses 13-16) Scoffers, complainers, those who never grasped the power of promise, settled into the “bigger is better” mode, buying, selling, amassing fortunes, while entirely missing God’s “better is bigger” blessing. Complainers traded the eternal for the immediate, the spiritual for the sensual, the best for the average, the promise for paltry stuff. The “better is bigger” people sing ...
This world is not my home I'm just passing through
my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore
O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore
This Christmas let us remember, reflect, and be renewed with “better is bigger” truth. If we do, we will be energized and eager as a result of coming face to face, heart to heart, mind to mind, and Spirit to spirit with Jesus, the Christ, Messiah, Savior, Lord. The One promised with great detail, “a virgin will conceive,” and, “His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” has come. Jesus lived among us. He suffered, died and rose again from the dead! All sacrifices have been made that need to be made. The “better” must be “biggest” message of the season!
Shepherds saw and heard a heavenly host declaring, “Glory to God in the highest!” The “better” reality is, “You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.” (Hebrews 12:23) “Better is bigger” people, those who are in the “joyful assembly” know that singing in the choir is more satisfying than sitting in the audience! Let’s sing by candlelight and live the “better is better” message in broad daylight!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Advent Encouragement
Our friends of almost fifty years, the Neumans, publish an occasional newsletter titled, “An Encouraging Word.” Bob and Judy include snippets from life experience, anecdotes about their animals, fun stuff from vacations, a groan-inducing pun, and an item of Pastor Bob’s wry humor. One may find almost anything in “The Encouraging Word” that will urge readers to keep looking up and moving forward. The publication lives up to the masthead.
The writer of the Hebrew Letter reminds us to do the same, with a bit of added intensity. “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.” (3:13) Quitting is too final to allow others to consider it an option. So, encourage one another!
I keep two lists at the Advent Season, a list of gifts to present, and a list of people who will need encouragement during the holidays. The gift-giving list will be discarded today. Items have been crossed off, one package has been mailed, and only a few more boxes will be wrapped this evening. The second list has been developing all year. The names of people who have buried a spouse (Ruth buried Chet, her husband of sixty-three years.), a parent, a sibling or child are on the list. Our family will open gifts with eight delightful shrieking grandchildren, our children, and their spouses while others ache because of an estranged child, a once promising son or daughter is in prison, or one who has passed away. While the aromas of scented candles warmly sweeten the atmosphere for some, the icy reality of betrayal and divorce will undo the efforts of family and friends pretending everything is alright. Trying to distract loved ones from painful memories, thoughts of despair, and anger can be daunting. Others on my list are wrestling with cancers, unemployment, or fears too numerous to begin mentioning.
One of the most difficult dimensions of “sin’s deceitfulness” may be the feeling of, “I am alone!” A telephone call, a note, a personal invitation to “sit with us” at the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service can help. Another of “sin’s deceitful” ploys includes a conviction that, “I must be a really bad person for this to happen to me,” or, “It is all my fault!” It is nearly impossible to avoid that feeling when the loss is great. But, encouraging people are interested enough to listen, and, when the time is right, to speak compassionately, patiently, wisely. The calls don’t have to be long and the notes may be simple. Acts of kindness may not cost anything but time, time in prayerful preparation and time spent with those in distress. But time spent strategically is powerfully effective.
My second list will be kept handy all year. The work of encouragement must go on indefinitely. Others will always need help crossing the finish line. I will too! During this Advent Season, let us spur one another on, especially those who need the bit of extra encouragement.
The writer of the Hebrew Letter reminds us to do the same, with a bit of added intensity. “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.” (3:13) Quitting is too final to allow others to consider it an option. So, encourage one another!
I keep two lists at the Advent Season, a list of gifts to present, and a list of people who will need encouragement during the holidays. The gift-giving list will be discarded today. Items have been crossed off, one package has been mailed, and only a few more boxes will be wrapped this evening. The second list has been developing all year. The names of people who have buried a spouse (Ruth buried Chet, her husband of sixty-three years.), a parent, a sibling or child are on the list. Our family will open gifts with eight delightful shrieking grandchildren, our children, and their spouses while others ache because of an estranged child, a once promising son or daughter is in prison, or one who has passed away. While the aromas of scented candles warmly sweeten the atmosphere for some, the icy reality of betrayal and divorce will undo the efforts of family and friends pretending everything is alright. Trying to distract loved ones from painful memories, thoughts of despair, and anger can be daunting. Others on my list are wrestling with cancers, unemployment, or fears too numerous to begin mentioning.
One of the most difficult dimensions of “sin’s deceitfulness” may be the feeling of, “I am alone!” A telephone call, a note, a personal invitation to “sit with us” at the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service can help. Another of “sin’s deceitful” ploys includes a conviction that, “I must be a really bad person for this to happen to me,” or, “It is all my fault!” It is nearly impossible to avoid that feeling when the loss is great. But, encouraging people are interested enough to listen, and, when the time is right, to speak compassionately, patiently, wisely. The calls don’t have to be long and the notes may be simple. Acts of kindness may not cost anything but time, time in prayerful preparation and time spent with those in distress. But time spent strategically is powerfully effective.
My second list will be kept handy all year. The work of encouragement must go on indefinitely. Others will always need help crossing the finish line. I will too! During this Advent Season, let us spur one another on, especially those who need the bit of extra encouragement.
Monday, December 19, 2011
A study in contrasts -- Herod and Joseph
The Nativity story is filled with diversity. The contrasts include an about-to-be-married young couple, Mary and Joseph, and an aged Elizabeth and Zechariah. The modest financial status of shepherds is contrasted with the wealth of the Magi. The Magi were Gentiles, most of the other cast members were Jewish in the eternal drama. Anna, an eighty-four year old widow, an Asherite, Joseph from the tribe of Judah, and Zechariah and Elizabeth, descendants of Aaron, are all included in the narrative.
But the differences between Joseph and Herod may be the most pronounced. At the Nativity moment the motivations, attitudes, and actions of the two men could not have been more different.
• Herod was a bully! He was prepared to do anything, even ordering a community-wide infanticide, in order to maintain power. Joseph was prepared to do whatever he could to maintain peace, to protect Mary’s reputation, and consistently serve others. One blighted, the other blessed.
• Herod was scheming and deceptive. Joseph was transparent and compliant, obeying both Caesar’s census edict and instructions from angelic messengers.
• Herod was a pursuer, hunting down opponents, but Joseph fled from conflicts, running toward safety.
• Herod thrived while giving orders, Joseph distinguished himself by obeying.
• While Herod lived in palaces and was comfortable negotiating with world powers, Joseph lived in modest surroundings and conversed with spiritual giants like Zechariah and Anna.
• Herod’s kingdom is buried in the dust of antiquity – powerless and a subject of academic study of failed governments. Joseph contributed to the advance of a Kingdom which has no end!
Readers are certainly able to add more stark differences between the men than those listed.
The world has always had a full complement of bully-spirited people. Nationally, a “my guns are bigger and more lethal than your guns!” attitude drives peace negotiations. Wars are most frequently fought over money, gaining and maintaining power, or accessing natural resources (water, fossil fuels, metals). On a personal level, appearances, achievements and acquisitions are used to leverage advantages of position and power. You and I hear the Herod spirit in debates, experience the same as we wait on check-out counter lines, or if we occupy someone else’s seat in church. The Herod spirit reveals a flawed ego, the need to assert self and control others. We might be more careful to remember that symbols of power can be amassed by careless religious people as easily as godless atheists.
Jesus’ disciples are wise to note the differences between Herod and Joseph. They are instructive and preparatory to understanding Jesus’ call to follow. Joseph’s “followership” model is a template for those who are serious about learning the ways of Jesus.
One last observation, unless God changes us, radically transforms us, we are naturally of the Herod spirit and bound to act as treacherously. But God does transform! That is the Natal Message given to all men. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
But the differences between Joseph and Herod may be the most pronounced. At the Nativity moment the motivations, attitudes, and actions of the two men could not have been more different.
• Herod was a bully! He was prepared to do anything, even ordering a community-wide infanticide, in order to maintain power. Joseph was prepared to do whatever he could to maintain peace, to protect Mary’s reputation, and consistently serve others. One blighted, the other blessed.
• Herod was scheming and deceptive. Joseph was transparent and compliant, obeying both Caesar’s census edict and instructions from angelic messengers.
• Herod was a pursuer, hunting down opponents, but Joseph fled from conflicts, running toward safety.
• Herod thrived while giving orders, Joseph distinguished himself by obeying.
• While Herod lived in palaces and was comfortable negotiating with world powers, Joseph lived in modest surroundings and conversed with spiritual giants like Zechariah and Anna.
• Herod’s kingdom is buried in the dust of antiquity – powerless and a subject of academic study of failed governments. Joseph contributed to the advance of a Kingdom which has no end!
Readers are certainly able to add more stark differences between the men than those listed.
The world has always had a full complement of bully-spirited people. Nationally, a “my guns are bigger and more lethal than your guns!” attitude drives peace negotiations. Wars are most frequently fought over money, gaining and maintaining power, or accessing natural resources (water, fossil fuels, metals). On a personal level, appearances, achievements and acquisitions are used to leverage advantages of position and power. You and I hear the Herod spirit in debates, experience the same as we wait on check-out counter lines, or if we occupy someone else’s seat in church. The Herod spirit reveals a flawed ego, the need to assert self and control others. We might be more careful to remember that symbols of power can be amassed by careless religious people as easily as godless atheists.
Jesus’ disciples are wise to note the differences between Herod and Joseph. They are instructive and preparatory to understanding Jesus’ call to follow. Joseph’s “followership” model is a template for those who are serious about learning the ways of Jesus.
One last observation, unless God changes us, radically transforms us, we are naturally of the Herod spirit and bound to act as treacherously. But God does transform! That is the Natal Message given to all men. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Friday, December 16, 2011
Preposterous!
Words are collectable. One of the words I could never part with, but am eager to share is, “preposterous.” I keep it in a special mental, thought-lined, compartment in my lexicon. I share it with you today. Come, examine, enjoy and use it on this rare occasion.
Retailers present Christmas as if they were history’s screen writers, orchestrating every action (a.k.a. purchase) and designing segues from “Black Friday” to “Cyber Monday,” including an annual countdown of shopping days to Christmas. That’s preposterous, absurd! Some of the season’s images are similarly foolish ... elves, reindeer, sleighs, and snowmen. I am amused when church deacons can be pressured (usually by the pastor’s wife) into pretending to be wise men from the East in the annual church pageant. The production may not appear as goofy if they weren’t costumed in bath robes (gifts from last year’s observances). Sorry, I just think it is preposterous, zany, but, forgivable!
But careless or second rate observances are not limited to merchants or amateur drama productions. Contemporary disciples of Jesus often present the salvation story as if it began in Matthew’s Gospel. For me, one of the highlights of the whole season is when a well-written Christmas Eve Candlelight Service or Advent sermon includes Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” God declared his intention and plan to save at the moment sin became part of the story. Every time I read that verse or am prompted by the Spirit to muse on it or, to quote it, I want to jump up and high five someone, embrace a brother in the faith, or send praises toward heaven! To think that salvation begins in Matthew is, well, preposterous! God uses language like, “from the foundation of the world,” concerning salvation. Never an afterthought, salvation is in the heart of our Eternal God.
Citing the prophets of the Older Testament, eight times Matthew uses the phrase, “that it may be fulfilled.” The Gospel Story has been unfolding for eons. Today’s followers of Jesus have a lineage dating back to Eden. The promise that the serpent’s head would be crushed has been completed! That’s the Good News! It all took a long, long time to be realized, but now it is the Truth that sets people free.
I thought that I could stop, but must add this last word. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near!” (Philippians 4:4,5) That’s among the greatest Nativity Season activities! The fulfillment of the prophet’s promises took centuries, but it has happened. The promise of Jesus’ second coming will also be completed! Living with too much concern about today uncovers our lack of confidence that “the Lord is near!” Living otherwise is “preposterous!” Foolish!
Retailers present Christmas as if they were history’s screen writers, orchestrating every action (a.k.a. purchase) and designing segues from “Black Friday” to “Cyber Monday,” including an annual countdown of shopping days to Christmas. That’s preposterous, absurd! Some of the season’s images are similarly foolish ... elves, reindeer, sleighs, and snowmen. I am amused when church deacons can be pressured (usually by the pastor’s wife) into pretending to be wise men from the East in the annual church pageant. The production may not appear as goofy if they weren’t costumed in bath robes (gifts from last year’s observances). Sorry, I just think it is preposterous, zany, but, forgivable!
But careless or second rate observances are not limited to merchants or amateur drama productions. Contemporary disciples of Jesus often present the salvation story as if it began in Matthew’s Gospel. For me, one of the highlights of the whole season is when a well-written Christmas Eve Candlelight Service or Advent sermon includes Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” God declared his intention and plan to save at the moment sin became part of the story. Every time I read that verse or am prompted by the Spirit to muse on it or, to quote it, I want to jump up and high five someone, embrace a brother in the faith, or send praises toward heaven! To think that salvation begins in Matthew is, well, preposterous! God uses language like, “from the foundation of the world,” concerning salvation. Never an afterthought, salvation is in the heart of our Eternal God.
Citing the prophets of the Older Testament, eight times Matthew uses the phrase, “that it may be fulfilled.” The Gospel Story has been unfolding for eons. Today’s followers of Jesus have a lineage dating back to Eden. The promise that the serpent’s head would be crushed has been completed! That’s the Good News! It all took a long, long time to be realized, but now it is the Truth that sets people free.
I thought that I could stop, but must add this last word. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near!” (Philippians 4:4,5) That’s among the greatest Nativity Season activities! The fulfillment of the prophet’s promises took centuries, but it has happened. The promise of Jesus’ second coming will also be completed! Living with too much concern about today uncovers our lack of confidence that “the Lord is near!” Living otherwise is “preposterous!” Foolish!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Advent Glory
Advent is a powerful season, especially when one reads and absorbs the import of the Nativity account. For someone of Jesus’ importance, we would expect more details and commentary on His birth. The records are brief, just enough to challenge our thoughts and whet our desire to know Him. While men search, ache with dissatisfaction, parched with monotony’s dryness, Jesus, with holy, other-worldly ingenuity bursts in with “Glory!”
From the introduction of Eugene Peterson’s translation of the New Testament, “God entered history in a personal way, and made it unmistakably clear that he is on our side, doing everything possible to save us. It was all presented and worked out in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It was, and is, hard to believe — seemingly too good to be true. But one by one, men and women did believe it, believed Jesus was God alive among them and for them.”
One line from John One has been pivotal in my faith journey, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Sometime in eternity past the Godhead determined how He would make Himself known, the Son would be sent to put God Himself on exhibit.
“Glory” entered the drudgery, darkness, and death common to life. Glory burst into the shepherd’s night by way of angelic announcement. Glory was revealed to Magi so hungry for relief from the routines of their vocation that they would travel for months following a star. Jesus presence, Glory, interrupted the hard work of commercial fishermen, the monotony and contentions of tax collecting, and tedium of medical practices. Persona non grata, demonized Legion, feared, naked, crazed -- and then, Glory! Freedom! Sanity! Family! When the “Word made flesh,” appeared blind men could see, the deaf could hear and speak, and a hemorrhaging lady all knew “Glory!”
The Jewish hit man who “went about breathing out murderous threats” was arrested with Glory en route to another ethnic cleansing in Damascus. Saul of Tarsus’ new name written in glory is Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ.
And then, “Glory” came to me!
The legendary Nazarene publisher, Haldor Lillenas collaborated with Avis Christensen, penning the Gospel song, “It is Glory Just to Walk With Him.”
It is glory just to walk with Him Whose blood has ransomed me;
It is rapture for my soul each day.
It is joy divine to feel Him near where’er my path may be.
Bless the Lord, it’s glory all the way!
Refrain
It is glory just to walk with Him, It is glory just to walk with Him,
He will guide my steps aright
Through the vale and o’er the height,
It is glory just to walk with Him.
“Glory!” is something really special in Advent! Maybe we ought to assign the “Happy Holiday” vs. “Merry Christmas” argument to others and become ambassadors of “GLORY!”
From the introduction of Eugene Peterson’s translation of the New Testament, “God entered history in a personal way, and made it unmistakably clear that he is on our side, doing everything possible to save us. It was all presented and worked out in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It was, and is, hard to believe — seemingly too good to be true. But one by one, men and women did believe it, believed Jesus was God alive among them and for them.”
One line from John One has been pivotal in my faith journey, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Sometime in eternity past the Godhead determined how He would make Himself known, the Son would be sent to put God Himself on exhibit.
“Glory” entered the drudgery, darkness, and death common to life. Glory burst into the shepherd’s night by way of angelic announcement. Glory was revealed to Magi so hungry for relief from the routines of their vocation that they would travel for months following a star. Jesus presence, Glory, interrupted the hard work of commercial fishermen, the monotony and contentions of tax collecting, and tedium of medical practices. Persona non grata, demonized Legion, feared, naked, crazed -- and then, Glory! Freedom! Sanity! Family! When the “Word made flesh,” appeared blind men could see, the deaf could hear and speak, and a hemorrhaging lady all knew “Glory!”
The Jewish hit man who “went about breathing out murderous threats” was arrested with Glory en route to another ethnic cleansing in Damascus. Saul of Tarsus’ new name written in glory is Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ.
And then, “Glory” came to me!
The legendary Nazarene publisher, Haldor Lillenas collaborated with Avis Christensen, penning the Gospel song, “It is Glory Just to Walk With Him.”
It is glory just to walk with Him Whose blood has ransomed me;
It is rapture for my soul each day.
It is joy divine to feel Him near where’er my path may be.
Bless the Lord, it’s glory all the way!
Refrain
It is glory just to walk with Him, It is glory just to walk with Him,
He will guide my steps aright
Through the vale and o’er the height,
It is glory just to walk with Him.
“Glory!” is something really special in Advent! Maybe we ought to assign the “Happy Holiday” vs. “Merry Christmas” argument to others and become ambassadors of “GLORY!”
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Jesus' Family Tree, and Ours
When reading the nativity account, it is impossible to overlook the misfits and infamous found in Jesus’ genealogy. The Apostle Paul knew his heritage, and discounted it quickly, depending on Jesus alone. (Philippians 3:1-11) So, why should we be surprised that our clans have a few of the infamous sneak in?
In the nativity story, a sample of the infamous and questionable includes Tamar, one whose biography is “Rated X” for adult content. Her story is rife with grief, deception, and incest. And yet, Tamar, and Judah, are listed as Jesus’ ancestors. Rahab was a prostitute. Ruth, a Moabite, was a Gentile. David, a philanderer and murderer, is included. Solomon was what we call a “love child” today. Manasseh and Amon would be the subject of uneasiness for family reunion organizers. “Amon did evil in the eyes of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done. He walked in all the ways of his father; he worshiped the idols his father had worshiped, and bowed down to them. He forsook the LORD, the God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the LORD.” (2 Kings 21:20,21) One can almost hear Aunt Ruthie and Uncle Caleb trying to figure out a way to explain Amon and Manasseh with polite language to their elementary school aged children.
Since these things are true, right there in the Bible, what take-away lessons can be applied?
• None of us have chosen our parents, or our family. So, don’t cower in embarrassment or strut with pride! The Pharisees were fastidious about purity rituals, decorum, and piety, but every one of them would be ashamed with who fell out when their family tree was shaken. Just walk humbly and never lose the sense of awe for being included!
• Family connections do not qualify or disqualify us from God’s affections. Our heavenly Father chooses us, not the other way around! The first and continuous wonder of salvation is, “Why did He chose me?”
• Past behavior doesn’t disqualify us from God’s favor or salvation. Rahab and David illustrate the point. If you knew some of the things I have done, and am ashamed of ... and, would you like me to know everything about you?
• Brothers and sisters in the faith are all imperfect and we sometimes embarrass one another. Let us be careful that we do not hold others to a higher standard than we hold ourselves. Keep inviting the family, even those who may embarrass us, and welcome them, to the family reunions on Lord’s Day and at our Father’s Table.
• Celebrate the reality that God so loved us that He made Christmas! He sent His Son to save us, not condemn us!
Remember, if we would dare look closely enough, we would all find questionable, infamous people hanging on our family tree. Even Jesus would have a few ignoble, unsavory characters trying to crash a family reunion!
In the nativity story, a sample of the infamous and questionable includes Tamar, one whose biography is “Rated X” for adult content. Her story is rife with grief, deception, and incest. And yet, Tamar, and Judah, are listed as Jesus’ ancestors. Rahab was a prostitute. Ruth, a Moabite, was a Gentile. David, a philanderer and murderer, is included. Solomon was what we call a “love child” today. Manasseh and Amon would be the subject of uneasiness for family reunion organizers. “Amon did evil in the eyes of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done. He walked in all the ways of his father; he worshiped the idols his father had worshiped, and bowed down to them. He forsook the LORD, the God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the LORD.” (2 Kings 21:20,21) One can almost hear Aunt Ruthie and Uncle Caleb trying to figure out a way to explain Amon and Manasseh with polite language to their elementary school aged children.
Since these things are true, right there in the Bible, what take-away lessons can be applied?
• None of us have chosen our parents, or our family. So, don’t cower in embarrassment or strut with pride! The Pharisees were fastidious about purity rituals, decorum, and piety, but every one of them would be ashamed with who fell out when their family tree was shaken. Just walk humbly and never lose the sense of awe for being included!
• Family connections do not qualify or disqualify us from God’s affections. Our heavenly Father chooses us, not the other way around! The first and continuous wonder of salvation is, “Why did He chose me?”
• Past behavior doesn’t disqualify us from God’s favor or salvation. Rahab and David illustrate the point. If you knew some of the things I have done, and am ashamed of ... and, would you like me to know everything about you?
• Brothers and sisters in the faith are all imperfect and we sometimes embarrass one another. Let us be careful that we do not hold others to a higher standard than we hold ourselves. Keep inviting the family, even those who may embarrass us, and welcome them, to the family reunions on Lord’s Day and at our Father’s Table.
• Celebrate the reality that God so loved us that He made Christmas! He sent His Son to save us, not condemn us!
Remember, if we would dare look closely enough, we would all find questionable, infamous people hanging on our family tree. Even Jesus would have a few ignoble, unsavory characters trying to crash a family reunion!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Poetry
I’ve never thought of myself as a “poetry guy.” My interests haven’t reached beyond elementary school memorization of “In Flanders Fields,” and a few Psalms, or so I thought. But, recently, doses of self-awareness have caused me to drop from the ranks of “prose only.”
First, in the middle of the night, between Saturday and Sunday, I was awakened by the lyrics of a more than century old poem by Anne S. Murphy, “Constantly Abiding.” I haven’t sung that tune for more than a decade, but it was “There,” in the recesses of my spirit, every word, and wonderful memories of the arenas in which I learned it. Even though more than 100 years old, “Constantly Abiding,” is as contemporary as tomorrow.
There’s a peace in my heart that the world never gave,
A peace it cannot take away;
Though the trials of life may surround like a cloud,
I’ve a peace that has come here to stay!
Refrain:
Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;
Constantly abiding, rapture divine;
He never leaves me lonely, whispers, oh, so kind:
“I will never leave thee”—Jesus is mine.
All the world seemed to sing of a Savior and King,
When peace sweetly came to my heart;
Troubles all fled away and my night turned to day,
Blessed Jesus, how glorious Thou art!
This treasure I have in a temple of clay,
While here on His footstool I roam;
But He’s coming to take me some glorious day,
Over there to my heavenly home!
After rolling over, dozing off again, and reawakening to the lyric, tune and truth, I thought, “This is a great Advent hymn.” The Emmanuel theme is imbedded throughout, the “Savior” and “King” truths are rich. Let’s begin singing the poem again – this week!
Another experience chipped away at my “not-a-poetry-kind-of-guy” posture. My friend Chris Rainey published Touching Other Worlds: A Collection of Poems. Chris was a high school football quarterback and a Marine. He enjoys the outdoors, is a serious Bible teacher, pastor and scholar. Few probably have seen the poet side of Chris.
Chris’ poetry reeled me into an appreciation for another kind of communication and art form. I heartily recommend reading, musing and praying through the ideas, truths and insights into human behavior Chris Rainey’s lines will provoke. I found them moving, deeply challenging. His boyhood story, experiences in New York City, and relationships with family are all enriching and sometimes sobering.
I rarely endorse items with commercial connections. However, I make an exception and recommend you purchase Touching Other Worlds. It is available at Touching Other Worlds at Barnes and Nobel or Touching Other Worlds at Amazon. And, no, Chris has not asked me to do this and we will not receive financial remuneration. I just like sharing good things!
First, in the middle of the night, between Saturday and Sunday, I was awakened by the lyrics of a more than century old poem by Anne S. Murphy, “Constantly Abiding.” I haven’t sung that tune for more than a decade, but it was “There,” in the recesses of my spirit, every word, and wonderful memories of the arenas in which I learned it. Even though more than 100 years old, “Constantly Abiding,” is as contemporary as tomorrow.
There’s a peace in my heart that the world never gave,
A peace it cannot take away;
Though the trials of life may surround like a cloud,
I’ve a peace that has come here to stay!
Refrain:
Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;
Constantly abiding, rapture divine;
He never leaves me lonely, whispers, oh, so kind:
“I will never leave thee”—Jesus is mine.
All the world seemed to sing of a Savior and King,
When peace sweetly came to my heart;
Troubles all fled away and my night turned to day,
Blessed Jesus, how glorious Thou art!
This treasure I have in a temple of clay,
While here on His footstool I roam;
But He’s coming to take me some glorious day,
Over there to my heavenly home!
After rolling over, dozing off again, and reawakening to the lyric, tune and truth, I thought, “This is a great Advent hymn.” The Emmanuel theme is imbedded throughout, the “Savior” and “King” truths are rich. Let’s begin singing the poem again – this week!
Another experience chipped away at my “not-a-poetry-kind-of-guy” posture. My friend Chris Rainey published Touching Other Worlds: A Collection of Poems. Chris was a high school football quarterback and a Marine. He enjoys the outdoors, is a serious Bible teacher, pastor and scholar. Few probably have seen the poet side of Chris.
Chris’ poetry reeled me into an appreciation for another kind of communication and art form. I heartily recommend reading, musing and praying through the ideas, truths and insights into human behavior Chris Rainey’s lines will provoke. I found them moving, deeply challenging. His boyhood story, experiences in New York City, and relationships with family are all enriching and sometimes sobering.
I rarely endorse items with commercial connections. However, I make an exception and recommend you purchase Touching Other Worlds. It is available at Touching Other Worlds at Barnes and Nobel or Touching Other Worlds at Amazon. And, no, Chris has not asked me to do this and we will not receive financial remuneration. I just like sharing good things!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Jude warned us that this could happen.
My morning meditations this week focus on Jude, the brother of Jesus, who wrote a letter to Jesus’ followers urging us all to keep focused on what really matters. Jude wrote, “I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share,” but had to write about those who were corrupting the Message. Those about whom Jude warned were profaning salvation’s truth, substituting license for freedom, distracting Jesus’ disciples from loving devotion. Jude, who was privileged to observe Jesus at breakfast table and play ground, reminds us that we are called to follow his brother, Jesus. We are to show our love in obedience and deny any suggestion of self-centered, self-gratifying lust.
Like many other of Jesus’s American followers, I have grown used to the distractions of reindeer, sleighs, snow, elves and holly. They are the odds and ends of fantasy, man made things mixed in with living beings formed by the fingers of God. We are accustomed to a sky with a star in the East rating well below twelve tiny reindeer on the interest meter. I listen for the hymns of the incarnation (The truth and theology of Isaac Watt’s Joy to the World still invigorates me!), but hear syrupy ballads about snow, trees and chestnuts. Yesterday I was deeply shaken, rattled-to-the-soul, while in one of Pat’s favorite shopping venues! It took several decades to fully accomplish the dastardly deed, but someone “has secretly slipped in among us” and adulterated the Message beyond recognition.
There it was, evidence of the intruder right at the entrance of the store. A sign read, complete with holly boarder and winking Santa, “Thoughtful gift ideas for the discerning gift giver,” or something akin to that. I should have written it down, but one item in the display was even worse, a “motorized grill brush for the serious bar-b-quer!” If anyone gave me a motorized anything for the grill, I would think they had lost their discernment – and their mind! In the same display was a “car lovers gift pack” which had five different waxes, shampoos, lotions and treatments for cars – more than I use on my body! (I apparently don’t love my body as I ought.) And, a few short steps away, Major League Baseball team jerseys were selling for over $40.00 (suggested retail, $85.00). The player whose name was sewn on the back is now playing for a competitor. Discerning gift giver? Duh!
My response to all this is not to rant and rave. I’ll not be calling a radio station or writing an op ed piece for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Don’t look for me on a roadside with a placard reading, “Honk if you keep Christ in Christmas!” But, I have read the nativity account to four of my grandchildren and prayed with them. Before they went to sleep I reminded them that Christmas is really about God loving them enough to send Jesus to save them, and everyone else too! In every venue possible, on every occasion appropriate I will be faithful to tell the real story. Fools, that’s right, immoral, ungodly, deviously foolish men “have secretly slipped in among us.” And, our Father in heaven wants them to know the truth too! Let’s make sure our light shines brighter than the ones we have hung from the eaves of our homes!
Like many other of Jesus’s American followers, I have grown used to the distractions of reindeer, sleighs, snow, elves and holly. They are the odds and ends of fantasy, man made things mixed in with living beings formed by the fingers of God. We are accustomed to a sky with a star in the East rating well below twelve tiny reindeer on the interest meter. I listen for the hymns of the incarnation (The truth and theology of Isaac Watt’s Joy to the World still invigorates me!), but hear syrupy ballads about snow, trees and chestnuts. Yesterday I was deeply shaken, rattled-to-the-soul, while in one of Pat’s favorite shopping venues! It took several decades to fully accomplish the dastardly deed, but someone “has secretly slipped in among us” and adulterated the Message beyond recognition.
There it was, evidence of the intruder right at the entrance of the store. A sign read, complete with holly boarder and winking Santa, “Thoughtful gift ideas for the discerning gift giver,” or something akin to that. I should have written it down, but one item in the display was even worse, a “motorized grill brush for the serious bar-b-quer!” If anyone gave me a motorized anything for the grill, I would think they had lost their discernment – and their mind! In the same display was a “car lovers gift pack” which had five different waxes, shampoos, lotions and treatments for cars – more than I use on my body! (I apparently don’t love my body as I ought.) And, a few short steps away, Major League Baseball team jerseys were selling for over $40.00 (suggested retail, $85.00). The player whose name was sewn on the back is now playing for a competitor. Discerning gift giver? Duh!
My response to all this is not to rant and rave. I’ll not be calling a radio station or writing an op ed piece for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Don’t look for me on a roadside with a placard reading, “Honk if you keep Christ in Christmas!” But, I have read the nativity account to four of my grandchildren and prayed with them. Before they went to sleep I reminded them that Christmas is really about God loving them enough to send Jesus to save them, and everyone else too! In every venue possible, on every occasion appropriate I will be faithful to tell the real story. Fools, that’s right, immoral, ungodly, deviously foolish men “have secretly slipped in among us.” And, our Father in heaven wants them to know the truth too! Let’s make sure our light shines brighter than the ones we have hung from the eaves of our homes!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Mercy, peace and love be yours
The letter Jude wrote to the church is a study in efficiency. Jude uses only 614 English words to communicate truths which, when properly applied, equip Jesus’ learners to withstand all distractions from the course to follow.
With only 26 words Jude addresses all readers, assuring them of God’s calling and affection, “To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” I am among the most verbose, too wordy, long-winded, complicated in thoughts. Jude is direct, simple, and most positive!
I suggest that during Advent we renew ourselves and relay to others the simple truth of salvation through Jesus.
• “To those who have been called,” Jesus calls us! O wondrous truth, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (John 15:16)
• “Who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ.” Remembering how erratic I can be, how unpredictable our responses to the events of life, Jesus keeps us when we deserve to be discarded. The letter ending doxology is worthy of hiding in our memory for the Spirit to use in refreshing and renewing us.
• ‘Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” What do you think would happen if every Jesus Follower would only desire for others what Jude writes as his desire for us?
This Advent Season I am remembering that Jesus as Truth wearing clothes, walking among us, demonstrating His Father’s desire for us. And, I welcome you to join me in praying Jude’s desires for all!
With only 26 words Jude addresses all readers, assuring them of God’s calling and affection, “To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” I am among the most verbose, too wordy, long-winded, complicated in thoughts. Jude is direct, simple, and most positive!
I suggest that during Advent we renew ourselves and relay to others the simple truth of salvation through Jesus.
• “To those who have been called,” Jesus calls us! O wondrous truth, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (John 15:16)
• “Who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ.” Remembering how erratic I can be, how unpredictable our responses to the events of life, Jesus keeps us when we deserve to be discarded. The letter ending doxology is worthy of hiding in our memory for the Spirit to use in refreshing and renewing us.
• ‘Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” What do you think would happen if every Jesus Follower would only desire for others what Jude writes as his desire for us?
This Advent Season I am remembering that Jesus as Truth wearing clothes, walking among us, demonstrating His Father’s desire for us. And, I welcome you to join me in praying Jude’s desires for all!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Pursue Holy
By now, you are familiar with my appreciation for a thoroughly Pentecostal heritage. Being a Christian was not a statement of faith, but a seeping of Word and Spirit into every facet of life. Conversations and values were constantly weighed as worthy or unworthy in the context of Word and Spirit. In my experience, some things and many activities were either qualified or disqualified in a surroundings best described as being “heavy” in spiritual awareness. An acute sense of needing to be, wanting to be, holy was cultivated.
To illustrate, I can distinctly remember my pastor preaching about Christian vocabulary. He said, “‘Darn’ is a thin disguise for a much worse curse. ‘Gosh’ should be avoided as it encroaches on ‘God,’ and His Name is Holy, not to be taken in vain.” Pastor also taught that “true Christians” were teetotalers who abstained from alcohol, and similarly, would not use tobacco in any form. The list of acceptable amusements was shorter than unacceptable. The Word and Spirit called us to live unpolluted by the world. (James 1:27) Pastor taught that a test of our witness included what kind of stories we were willing to listen to in school, neighborhood or workplace. Witness was a lifestyle that set a moral tone.
The “good old days” were not always that “good,” and they certainly were imperfect, but they leaned toward the Holy! I believe that was the right way to lean, and that we ought never abandon that direction. In short –
• I do not believe our language needs to be quaint, laced through with “thee” and “thy,” but ought to be “seasoned with salt,” (Colossians 4:6) reflecting the way our deepest desires are leaning – toward Word and Spirit. If “darn” and “gosh” were substitutes for inappropriate language a few decades ago, for what is “freaking” a replacement? Are we as sensitive as we ought to be about becoming course or crude in a world which tramples on every moral boundary?
• In a few years our culture has turned from embracing modesty to parading lewdly – everywhere. Without losing our balance, can we create a forum for learning how to communicate the need for modest decorum for the people whose hearts are tipping toward Jesus?
• If “Ozzie and Harriet” were suspect fifty years ago for those who were in the pursuit of holy, to what cautions should our spirits respond today. If my spirit is damaged with the crass, morally corrupt values and images in my world’s marketplace, how will my spirit respond when Holy Spirit communicates? Will I hear Him?
• If the desire of God is for His house to be a place of prayer, a venue for meeting face-to-face, mind-to-mind, heart-to-heart, spirit-to-Spirit, and will-to-will, how may we cultivate an attitude and posture which accomplishes His purpose for our gatherings? Is it as important to be relevant as it is to be aware of the Holy and committed to meeting Him?
I have already admitted that the “good old days” were flawed. On occasion we were legalistic. Do I want to go back? No, and we couldn’t if we wanted. Life has no rewind button. But the pursuit of a life “worthy of our calling” remains. (Ephesians 4:1) Don’t scream, “Legalist!” at me. The pursuit of God ought to be life! How we pursue Him and represent Him matters, in every nook and cranny of our soul, home, church and marketplace.
To illustrate, I can distinctly remember my pastor preaching about Christian vocabulary. He said, “‘Darn’ is a thin disguise for a much worse curse. ‘Gosh’ should be avoided as it encroaches on ‘God,’ and His Name is Holy, not to be taken in vain.” Pastor also taught that “true Christians” were teetotalers who abstained from alcohol, and similarly, would not use tobacco in any form. The list of acceptable amusements was shorter than unacceptable. The Word and Spirit called us to live unpolluted by the world. (James 1:27) Pastor taught that a test of our witness included what kind of stories we were willing to listen to in school, neighborhood or workplace. Witness was a lifestyle that set a moral tone.
The “good old days” were not always that “good,” and they certainly were imperfect, but they leaned toward the Holy! I believe that was the right way to lean, and that we ought never abandon that direction. In short –
• I do not believe our language needs to be quaint, laced through with “thee” and “thy,” but ought to be “seasoned with salt,” (Colossians 4:6) reflecting the way our deepest desires are leaning – toward Word and Spirit. If “darn” and “gosh” were substitutes for inappropriate language a few decades ago, for what is “freaking” a replacement? Are we as sensitive as we ought to be about becoming course or crude in a world which tramples on every moral boundary?
• In a few years our culture has turned from embracing modesty to parading lewdly – everywhere. Without losing our balance, can we create a forum for learning how to communicate the need for modest decorum for the people whose hearts are tipping toward Jesus?
• If “Ozzie and Harriet” were suspect fifty years ago for those who were in the pursuit of holy, to what cautions should our spirits respond today. If my spirit is damaged with the crass, morally corrupt values and images in my world’s marketplace, how will my spirit respond when Holy Spirit communicates? Will I hear Him?
• If the desire of God is for His house to be a place of prayer, a venue for meeting face-to-face, mind-to-mind, heart-to-heart, spirit-to-Spirit, and will-to-will, how may we cultivate an attitude and posture which accomplishes His purpose for our gatherings? Is it as important to be relevant as it is to be aware of the Holy and committed to meeting Him?
I have already admitted that the “good old days” were flawed. On occasion we were legalistic. Do I want to go back? No, and we couldn’t if we wanted. Life has no rewind button. But the pursuit of a life “worthy of our calling” remains. (Ephesians 4:1) Don’t scream, “Legalist!” at me. The pursuit of God ought to be life! How we pursue Him and represent Him matters, in every nook and cranny of our soul, home, church and marketplace.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Bonus rooms
Occasionally Pat and I will stop to watch “House Hunters” on cable television’s HGTV Channel. Pat will sometimes mock a spoiled bride-to-be who coos, “Oh, I just love this granite!” or, “Honey, just look as these switch plates, aren’t they adorable?” To us, the show is a sobering reminder of skewed American values. Newlyweds searching for a house, pre-approved for a $850,000 mortgage is mind-bending enough, but a “must have” one acre lot for three dogs is way over the top. On a recent episode, a newly married couple listed several ways a “bonus room” could be used. The room appeared to be over the three car garage and large enough to play full-court basketball or indoor soccer.
Last Sunday, Pat and I experienced our vocation’s equivalent to a real estate “bonus room.” For two successive weeks we have been invited to minister in one of the churches we planted in the 1980's. Sunday’s “bonus room” experience was unexpectedly spacious. The lighting was brilliant. Every surface was pleasing to the touch. Every appointment was brilliantly electric, evoking deep emotion, fully expressing the goodness of our God.
The “bonus room” we experienced is not made of brick and mortar, sheet rock and spackle, but people! Redeemed people! Joyous, loving, celebrating people who once were lost, now are found. Those who were not a people, now share an identity completed by the wonder-working power of the blood of Christ. The tapestry of faces, experiences, and hopes reflect redemption, hold hope, and enjoy eternity while still bound to time.
Teaneck Assembly of God (TAG) was born in travail in 1989. Two short-term pastors ministered and moved on. Neighbors were resistant to the church’s message and ministry. A unique urban church within walking distance to New York City, TAG ministers in one of the most Jewish communities outside of Israel. Pastor Dan Meys arrived in Teaneck in 1991, 27 years-old, with his wife, Sally, two young boys and a new degree from Central Bible College. And, now, twenty years later, a congregation thrives.
Allow me to list a few of the unexpected “bonus room,” features we experienced, the fruit of twenty plus years of faithful, life-giving ministry.
• An office-light manufacturing style building in the heart of the city has been adapted for use as a church. The property is well maintained and a worthy symbol of the congregation’s excellence in ministry. People share a municipal parking lot with a pharmacy, grocery store and other retail customers.
• Most of the congregation live near the church and could walk to worship if they wanted. The people really are fulfilling the Scripture as light in the world, shining into darkness.
• An hour before worship began, several rooms were buzzing with students eagerly studying God’s Word. Teachers were obviously well-prepared and loving their assignments. Students were fully engaged.
• As a result of Pastor Dan’s networking with local synagogue leaders, TAG staffs the city food bank in the church building. The Jewish congregation supplies food and other useful items, the church staffs the outreach building friendship bridges and sharing Jesus’ love. One family whose first contact with the church was through the food bank, was sitting in the second row Sunday morning!
• TAG is diverse ethnically, racially, generationally and economically. She really looks like the community, and heaven!
• The worship was clearly Pentecostal and full of energy! The worship leaders were as diverse as the congregation, men and women, youth and seniors, black and white, US born and immigrants. The sanctuary is full!
• In the worship service, I sat with Pastor Chris Rainey, Pat with his wife, Marcia. They and their daughters have joined the ministry team at TAG. Like the Meys, we have watched them grow in family life and ministry for more than 20 years. Both couples make life sweeter and delightful.
• We shared Communion at the end of the service. Pastor Dan and a deacon brought a brief, Scriptural teaching, appropriately urging everyone to approach the remembrance of the Lord’s death with heart searching and thanksgiving. It was wonderful!
• Fellowship following the benediction was animated and pure joy! The people are sharing Truth and Life! Several shared with me how the ministries of the church have helped them follow Jesus. Tears are filling my eyes and I tingle with emotion as I write.
• Our fellowship over dinner with Dan and Sally Meys was as crown molding, wainscoting and plush carpet which makes rooms richer, more attractive, more distinctive and pleasing. Pat and I were enriched, our spirits were warmed. Their two young adult sons are preparing for ministry. How good is this?
If you are ever in Bergen County on a Sunday, I recommend Teaneck Assembly of God!
In 1987, Teaneck Assembly of God was an idea, a dream, a possibility. No one could yet speak of her with affection. Today she is a part of the Bride of Christ, the object of Jesus’ affection, the visible expression of the redemption of our God and His Son, Jesus.
Last Sunday, Pat and I experienced our vocation’s equivalent to a real estate “bonus room.” For two successive weeks we have been invited to minister in one of the churches we planted in the 1980's. Sunday’s “bonus room” experience was unexpectedly spacious. The lighting was brilliant. Every surface was pleasing to the touch. Every appointment was brilliantly electric, evoking deep emotion, fully expressing the goodness of our God.
The “bonus room” we experienced is not made of brick and mortar, sheet rock and spackle, but people! Redeemed people! Joyous, loving, celebrating people who once were lost, now are found. Those who were not a people, now share an identity completed by the wonder-working power of the blood of Christ. The tapestry of faces, experiences, and hopes reflect redemption, hold hope, and enjoy eternity while still bound to time.
Teaneck Assembly of God (TAG) was born in travail in 1989. Two short-term pastors ministered and moved on. Neighbors were resistant to the church’s message and ministry. A unique urban church within walking distance to New York City, TAG ministers in one of the most Jewish communities outside of Israel. Pastor Dan Meys arrived in Teaneck in 1991, 27 years-old, with his wife, Sally, two young boys and a new degree from Central Bible College. And, now, twenty years later, a congregation thrives.
Allow me to list a few of the unexpected “bonus room,” features we experienced, the fruit of twenty plus years of faithful, life-giving ministry.
• An office-light manufacturing style building in the heart of the city has been adapted for use as a church. The property is well maintained and a worthy symbol of the congregation’s excellence in ministry. People share a municipal parking lot with a pharmacy, grocery store and other retail customers.
• Most of the congregation live near the church and could walk to worship if they wanted. The people really are fulfilling the Scripture as light in the world, shining into darkness.
• An hour before worship began, several rooms were buzzing with students eagerly studying God’s Word. Teachers were obviously well-prepared and loving their assignments. Students were fully engaged.
• As a result of Pastor Dan’s networking with local synagogue leaders, TAG staffs the city food bank in the church building. The Jewish congregation supplies food and other useful items, the church staffs the outreach building friendship bridges and sharing Jesus’ love. One family whose first contact with the church was through the food bank, was sitting in the second row Sunday morning!
• TAG is diverse ethnically, racially, generationally and economically. She really looks like the community, and heaven!
• The worship was clearly Pentecostal and full of energy! The worship leaders were as diverse as the congregation, men and women, youth and seniors, black and white, US born and immigrants. The sanctuary is full!
• In the worship service, I sat with Pastor Chris Rainey, Pat with his wife, Marcia. They and their daughters have joined the ministry team at TAG. Like the Meys, we have watched them grow in family life and ministry for more than 20 years. Both couples make life sweeter and delightful.
• We shared Communion at the end of the service. Pastor Dan and a deacon brought a brief, Scriptural teaching, appropriately urging everyone to approach the remembrance of the Lord’s death with heart searching and thanksgiving. It was wonderful!
• Fellowship following the benediction was animated and pure joy! The people are sharing Truth and Life! Several shared with me how the ministries of the church have helped them follow Jesus. Tears are filling my eyes and I tingle with emotion as I write.
• Our fellowship over dinner with Dan and Sally Meys was as crown molding, wainscoting and plush carpet which makes rooms richer, more attractive, more distinctive and pleasing. Pat and I were enriched, our spirits were warmed. Their two young adult sons are preparing for ministry. How good is this?
If you are ever in Bergen County on a Sunday, I recommend Teaneck Assembly of God!
In 1987, Teaneck Assembly of God was an idea, a dream, a possibility. No one could yet speak of her with affection. Today she is a part of the Bride of Christ, the object of Jesus’ affection, the visible expression of the redemption of our God and His Son, Jesus.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
It is all grace!
Every boast diminishes grace!
Eugene Peterson’s introduction to Romans in The Message states, “And when this letter arrived in Rome, hardly anyone read it, certainly no one of influence. There was much to read in Rome — imperial decrees, exquisite poetry, finely crafted moral philosophy — and much of it was world-class. And yet in no time, as such things go, this letter left all those other writings in the dust. Paul’s letter to the Romans has had a far larger impact on its readers than the volumes of all those Roman writers put together.” Grace, unmerited favor and acceptance shared by God, is one of the powerful themes.
Recently I have written how Pat and I are pleased with and enjoy our family. This morning I considered how easily we could boast. But, bragging is a violation of grace. Crowing about accomplishments, acquisitions, and appearances, the American measurements of success, is pagan idolatry. Paul’s Letter to the Romans documents an unworthiness common to all men.
• “All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” (3:12)
• “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (3:23)
And, to spare us all from falling into fouling braggadocio. Paul added ...
• You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (5:6-8)
James left this wisdom by the Spirit, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth.” (1:17-18) Or, in the Wegner paraphrase, “If it is good, it didn’t start with us.”
The warrior Psalmist declared –
I do not trust in my bow,
my sword does not bring me victory;
but you give us victory over our enemies,
you put our adversaries to shame.
In God we make our boast all day long,
and we will praise your name forever. (44:6-8)
True humility has never been fashionable in the marketplace. Instinctively, all men are braggarts. The Spirit of God alerts us again, through Paul.
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)
Friends close to us are struggling with cancer, sleep restlessly because of children who resist Jesus’ call to follow, and others are unemployed. If the sounds of pride or boast are heard from our pen, we are sorry. It is all God’s grace, not our merit in any way.
Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass captures a deep truth, “I play not a march for victors only ... I play great marches for conquered and slain persons.” Whitman adds, “Battles are lost in the same spirit in which they are won.” We have all learned that every well-intentioned effort does not end with triumph and pomp. Those we love reject our affections and God’s. Pain does its best to stifle praise. Disappointment and despair work to blind one from hope. We need grace!
Another writer carried along by the wind of the Spirit encourages us to the grace place, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) A Puritan prayer captures the appropriate spirit of Jesus’ followers, “Help me to humble myself before thee by seeing the vanity of honor as a conceit of men’s minds, as standing between me and thee; by seeing that thy will alone must be done, as much as denying as in giving the spiritual enjoyments.”
Boasting always diminishes grace! We simply cannot afford to lessen the very thing of which we need more.
Eugene Peterson’s introduction to Romans in The Message states, “And when this letter arrived in Rome, hardly anyone read it, certainly no one of influence. There was much to read in Rome — imperial decrees, exquisite poetry, finely crafted moral philosophy — and much of it was world-class. And yet in no time, as such things go, this letter left all those other writings in the dust. Paul’s letter to the Romans has had a far larger impact on its readers than the volumes of all those Roman writers put together.” Grace, unmerited favor and acceptance shared by God, is one of the powerful themes.
Recently I have written how Pat and I are pleased with and enjoy our family. This morning I considered how easily we could boast. But, bragging is a violation of grace. Crowing about accomplishments, acquisitions, and appearances, the American measurements of success, is pagan idolatry. Paul’s Letter to the Romans documents an unworthiness common to all men.
• “All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” (3:12)
• “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (3:23)
And, to spare us all from falling into fouling braggadocio. Paul added ...
• You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (5:6-8)
James left this wisdom by the Spirit, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth.” (1:17-18) Or, in the Wegner paraphrase, “If it is good, it didn’t start with us.”
The warrior Psalmist declared –
I do not trust in my bow,
my sword does not bring me victory;
but you give us victory over our enemies,
you put our adversaries to shame.
In God we make our boast all day long,
and we will praise your name forever. (44:6-8)
True humility has never been fashionable in the marketplace. Instinctively, all men are braggarts. The Spirit of God alerts us again, through Paul.
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)
Friends close to us are struggling with cancer, sleep restlessly because of children who resist Jesus’ call to follow, and others are unemployed. If the sounds of pride or boast are heard from our pen, we are sorry. It is all God’s grace, not our merit in any way.
Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass captures a deep truth, “I play not a march for victors only ... I play great marches for conquered and slain persons.” Whitman adds, “Battles are lost in the same spirit in which they are won.” We have all learned that every well-intentioned effort does not end with triumph and pomp. Those we love reject our affections and God’s. Pain does its best to stifle praise. Disappointment and despair work to blind one from hope. We need grace!
Another writer carried along by the wind of the Spirit encourages us to the grace place, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) A Puritan prayer captures the appropriate spirit of Jesus’ followers, “Help me to humble myself before thee by seeing the vanity of honor as a conceit of men’s minds, as standing between me and thee; by seeing that thy will alone must be done, as much as denying as in giving the spiritual enjoyments.”
Boasting always diminishes grace! We simply cannot afford to lessen the very thing of which we need more.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Thanksgiving
After our brief hiatus, we write again! This post-Thanksgiving item is an attempt to capture the swelling spirit of appreciation we are experiencing. Because this season in our life is enriched by the longer shadows cast by years of experience and observation, our Thanksgiving goes deeper and is richer. Once we felt compelled to produce, were continuously planning and moving from one project or assignment to the next. In contrast, we now enjoy a slightly slower pace (In the last month we drove over 5000 miles to reach ministry assignments.) and spend more time reflecting, musing, evaluating, and reading before preaching. We have even enjoyed the luxury of spending a bit of time in our garage wood shop making Christmas gifts.
As boys in elementary school, my brother and I played church. Dennis was the worship leader, I was usually the preacher. The pulpit was an upturned child sized rocking chair. We were short on content, full of zeal! My parents were amused and even prompted us to perform for their friends on occasion. What was once play became our vocations.
After spending Thanksgiving Day with most of the grandchildren, listening to their chatter, I am full of thanksgiving that another generation is following Jesus close on our heels. Each of our children, Candace, Jonathan, Joanna and their spouses are immersed in ministry. Sitting around the holiday dinner table was emotional for Pat and me as we witnessed and heard the passions and desires of our family. And then, Monday, Joanna called to tell us that Isabella and Luca were leading a Bible study in their play house in their backyard. Isabella is now seven years old, Luca, five. Photo proof is posted on our Facebook page. Click, enjoy, and give thanks with us! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150428686814637&set=at.10150428685134637.377173.578004636.1000462933&type=1#!/otto.wegner. Jon’s daughter, Abigail is already singing with the worship team in church. Joanna, Jon’s second daughter, was baptized in water recently.
On Sunday we ministered in Hackensack, New Jersey. More than twenty years ago we led a team of Bible college students in planting the church now known as Emanuel Christian Church. For seven weeks, 50 consecutive nights, we conducted evangelism services. Each Friday for seven weeks we walked around the perimeter of the city of over 80,000 praying. Our prayer walk path passed within 100 feet of the current meeting place! The prayers of God’s people continue in the heavens long after the sounds drift into silence.
Pastor Ralph and Debbie Fiorelli are the workers Jesus is using to fashion a radiant group of people into a church destined to be without spot or wrinkle. Among the Sunday worshipers were people from a homeless shelter, paroled convicts, people who live in a park along the Hackensack River, and well educated, well trained people from the community. The extent of the practical ministry was thrilling to witness. Jesus certainly is smiling in approval over the Fiorellis who are pouring out their lives in His Name. Please pray for Debbie. She is confined to a wheel chair when she leaves the house.
One of the expressions of ministry worthy of celebrating is Ralph’s business, Crossroads Plumbing and Heating. Ralph, a licensed master plumber, is using his business to train unemployed men to be plumbers. He uses daily interactions with the men to teach life skills and spiritual truth. Pastor Fiorelli’s plan is to lead the men in additional church planting teams. How great is that? We are looking into ways that Ralph’s model can be reproduced in Philadelphia and other places.
As boys in elementary school, my brother and I played church. Dennis was the worship leader, I was usually the preacher. The pulpit was an upturned child sized rocking chair. We were short on content, full of zeal! My parents were amused and even prompted us to perform for their friends on occasion. What was once play became our vocations.
After spending Thanksgiving Day with most of the grandchildren, listening to their chatter, I am full of thanksgiving that another generation is following Jesus close on our heels. Each of our children, Candace, Jonathan, Joanna and their spouses are immersed in ministry. Sitting around the holiday dinner table was emotional for Pat and me as we witnessed and heard the passions and desires of our family. And then, Monday, Joanna called to tell us that Isabella and Luca were leading a Bible study in their play house in their backyard. Isabella is now seven years old, Luca, five. Photo proof is posted on our Facebook page. Click, enjoy, and give thanks with us! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150428686814637&set=at.10150428685134637.377173.578004636.1000462933&type=1#!/otto.wegner. Jon’s daughter, Abigail is already singing with the worship team in church. Joanna, Jon’s second daughter, was baptized in water recently.
On Sunday we ministered in Hackensack, New Jersey. More than twenty years ago we led a team of Bible college students in planting the church now known as Emanuel Christian Church. For seven weeks, 50 consecutive nights, we conducted evangelism services. Each Friday for seven weeks we walked around the perimeter of the city of over 80,000 praying. Our prayer walk path passed within 100 feet of the current meeting place! The prayers of God’s people continue in the heavens long after the sounds drift into silence.
Pastor Ralph and Debbie Fiorelli are the workers Jesus is using to fashion a radiant group of people into a church destined to be without spot or wrinkle. Among the Sunday worshipers were people from a homeless shelter, paroled convicts, people who live in a park along the Hackensack River, and well educated, well trained people from the community. The extent of the practical ministry was thrilling to witness. Jesus certainly is smiling in approval over the Fiorellis who are pouring out their lives in His Name. Please pray for Debbie. She is confined to a wheel chair when she leaves the house.
One of the expressions of ministry worthy of celebrating is Ralph’s business, Crossroads Plumbing and Heating. Ralph, a licensed master plumber, is using his business to train unemployed men to be plumbers. He uses daily interactions with the men to teach life skills and spiritual truth. Pastor Fiorelli’s plan is to lead the men in additional church planting teams. How great is that? We are looking into ways that Ralph’s model can be reproduced in Philadelphia and other places.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful opportunity to refocus, to realign our thoughts and attitude. It is only natural for us to become presumptuous and slip into thinking that we are in some way deserving of the bounty we enjoy. After all, we are pretty good – compared to others. We are diligent and hard-working. Yes, God blesses, but he blesses those who work hard and are deserving. NOT!
As we pause to give thanks this week we ought to remember that we are who we are because of how God has embraced us, and nothing else! Psalm 115 begins with –
“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.”
Our God deserves all the glory because of His mercy and truth. The gods of the nations are fashioned by men’s hands and though they have ears, they are unable to hear; have eyes they are sightless; have noses, but smell nothing. Their hands remain unmovable and their feet never take a step. They are as mute as the materials from which they were formed. (verses 4-8)
But, the God revealed in Jesus remembers us, helps those who trust in Him, and blesses! Most of our family will gather around a festive table tomorrow. Traditions will be extended another year. The Psalmist’s truth is too important to ignore. We join those for who for generations remember the Lord’s blessings. Psalm 115 ends with –
“The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.
“Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.
“The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
“The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.
“But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.”
We are looking forward to parades on television, football, scrumptious food, and playful banter, but, we will stop all others sounds to say and hearty “Thank you!” recognizing that our blessings are undeserved. “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.”
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
As we pause to give thanks this week we ought to remember that we are who we are because of how God has embraced us, and nothing else! Psalm 115 begins with –
“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.”
Our God deserves all the glory because of His mercy and truth. The gods of the nations are fashioned by men’s hands and though they have ears, they are unable to hear; have eyes they are sightless; have noses, but smell nothing. Their hands remain unmovable and their feet never take a step. They are as mute as the materials from which they were formed. (verses 4-8)
But, the God revealed in Jesus remembers us, helps those who trust in Him, and blesses! Most of our family will gather around a festive table tomorrow. Traditions will be extended another year. The Psalmist’s truth is too important to ignore. We join those for who for generations remember the Lord’s blessings. Psalm 115 ends with –
“The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.
“Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.
“The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
“The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.
“But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.”
We are looking forward to parades on television, football, scrumptious food, and playful banter, but, we will stop all others sounds to say and hearty “Thank you!” recognizing that our blessings are undeserved. “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.”
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Pleasant boundaries
The degree to which God leads his people is mind bending! I can find ample excuse to fret, question or even complain, until I am confounded by the truth about God in His Word. Psalm 104 is a song celebrating God’s authority. God’s poet cites the deluge in Noah’s day to highlight His power.
He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.
You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.
But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight; they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them.
You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth. (Verses 5-9)
We can refresh ourselves and build up our faith by remembering that God has never said, “Oops!” He sets the boundaries for our life.
This morning Pat and I are reveling in the goodness of God. Yesterday our second granddaughter, Joanna, was baptized in water. Her Dad, Jonathan, baptized seventeen others. Many of those obeying the Lord in baptism yesterday were the very first in their family. We wept as we realized that Joanna is the fifth generation on the paternal side of the clan, the third on the maternal side.
He has set the boundary that cannot be crossed. Thank you Father for sending Jesus to be our savior. You have set pleasant boundaries for us!
He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.
You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.
But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight; they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them.
You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth. (Verses 5-9)
We can refresh ourselves and build up our faith by remembering that God has never said, “Oops!” He sets the boundaries for our life.
This morning Pat and I are reveling in the goodness of God. Yesterday our second granddaughter, Joanna, was baptized in water. Her Dad, Jonathan, baptized seventeen others. Many of those obeying the Lord in baptism yesterday were the very first in their family. We wept as we realized that Joanna is the fifth generation on the paternal side of the clan, the third on the maternal side.
He has set the boundary that cannot be crossed. Thank you Father for sending Jesus to be our savior. You have set pleasant boundaries for us!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Black Friday is coming!
WARNING! BE ALERT! HEADS UP! BLACK FRIDAY IS COMING!
Every day for the past two weeks my electronic mail box has been stuffed as full as a Thanksgiving turkey – with “Black Friday” spam. Stores with whom I have a made a loyalty card send “once-a-year savings” reminders to buy their stuff. The stuff being marketed is of such high quality, it is being sold at discount! Just I, and a few other loyal customers (who number in the 1000s) receive these offers. Some of our customer loyalty has been pledged to national discounters with retail outlets just up the road from us. I drove by the outlet establishments yesterday and it seems as if 1000's who share similar loyalty are more eager than I am to make use of the coupons.
Newspapers are heavier than usual nowadays as merchants from Abercrombie to Zoes insert coupons and “unbelievable bargains.” The current deal on batteries offered by a pharmacy chain is enticing, until I try to think where I would use four dozen AAA size current producers. Even with eight grandchildren who possess more than enough electric gizmos, I am having hard time thinking up a reason to buy the bargain pack!
Since our new home has much lower ceilings than the old row house in Philadelphia, we purchased a new, shorter, smaller-in-diameter Christmas tree. Today’s challenge is, “Who wants all the ornaments that won’t fit on the smaller tree?” The kids have their own array of bangles and beads. Used ornaments don’t sell well at flea markets. “Craigslist” isn’t promising either.
And, then, this morning I was arrested as I read the five Psalms I usually read on the 18th of each month. Have you considered that those who love God’s Word pray as they agree with the Psalmist’s song, “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your Word?” (Psalm 119:37) Pat and I momentarily lost our better judgment this week when we saw a 90% display at a arts and crafts retailer. Our youngest Grands will be the proud owners of fake walkie-talkies, cameras, and calculators. Our eyes saw, our hearts overwhelmed our better judgment! Stuff will multiply in a playroom of other “worthless things.” The girls and one boys will hug us and say, “Thank you Papa,” as their parents eyes roll back in the their head!
Is the seasonal exercise we all have in mind absolutely worthless? No, I don’t think so. All I have to do is anticipate the one-of-a-kind hug each of the little ones will share. The thirty minutes of make believe communication will help balance out the outrageous $1.07 purchase made by a doting Papa and Grandma. We have already discarded offers for plasma TVs, complex electronic gadgets for simulated sports activity, and dozens of other items. (We thought that you might want them!)
Am I a Grinch? No! Don’t spread that rumor! It just seems important that before we start negotiating the retail fields mined with discount coupons. The urge to purchase “worthless things” must be weighed carefully and resisted aggressively.
Be careful in the parking lots surrounding the outlets. I’ll be there at least once!
Every day for the past two weeks my electronic mail box has been stuffed as full as a Thanksgiving turkey – with “Black Friday” spam. Stores with whom I have a made a loyalty card send “once-a-year savings” reminders to buy their stuff. The stuff being marketed is of such high quality, it is being sold at discount! Just I, and a few other loyal customers (who number in the 1000s) receive these offers. Some of our customer loyalty has been pledged to national discounters with retail outlets just up the road from us. I drove by the outlet establishments yesterday and it seems as if 1000's who share similar loyalty are more eager than I am to make use of the coupons.
Newspapers are heavier than usual nowadays as merchants from Abercrombie to Zoes insert coupons and “unbelievable bargains.” The current deal on batteries offered by a pharmacy chain is enticing, until I try to think where I would use four dozen AAA size current producers. Even with eight grandchildren who possess more than enough electric gizmos, I am having hard time thinking up a reason to buy the bargain pack!
Since our new home has much lower ceilings than the old row house in Philadelphia, we purchased a new, shorter, smaller-in-diameter Christmas tree. Today’s challenge is, “Who wants all the ornaments that won’t fit on the smaller tree?” The kids have their own array of bangles and beads. Used ornaments don’t sell well at flea markets. “Craigslist” isn’t promising either.
And, then, this morning I was arrested as I read the five Psalms I usually read on the 18th of each month. Have you considered that those who love God’s Word pray as they agree with the Psalmist’s song, “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your Word?” (Psalm 119:37) Pat and I momentarily lost our better judgment this week when we saw a 90% display at a arts and crafts retailer. Our youngest Grands will be the proud owners of fake walkie-talkies, cameras, and calculators. Our eyes saw, our hearts overwhelmed our better judgment! Stuff will multiply in a playroom of other “worthless things.” The girls and one boys will hug us and say, “Thank you Papa,” as their parents eyes roll back in the their head!
Is the seasonal exercise we all have in mind absolutely worthless? No, I don’t think so. All I have to do is anticipate the one-of-a-kind hug each of the little ones will share. The thirty minutes of make believe communication will help balance out the outrageous $1.07 purchase made by a doting Papa and Grandma. We have already discarded offers for plasma TVs, complex electronic gadgets for simulated sports activity, and dozens of other items. (We thought that you might want them!)
Am I a Grinch? No! Don’t spread that rumor! It just seems important that before we start negotiating the retail fields mined with discount coupons. The urge to purchase “worthless things” must be weighed carefully and resisted aggressively.
Be careful in the parking lots surrounding the outlets. I’ll be there at least once!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Listen, the Good Shepherd is speaking!
A long time ago, when I was little more than a novice, a man many years my senior taught me about listening carefully, hearing accurately. He was a native of Western Tennessee and could hear the nuances of accent between people hailing from various Tennessee counties. They all sounded the same to me, but he would listen and hear what I could not.
I wondered, “How does he do that?” So, I asked! The reply was simple, and profound. First, “I am a native of Tennessee and learned to speak my mother tongue with my home county’s peculiar accent. And, I was the pastor of a church near Ford’s River Rouge Plant. Folk came North to earn good wages and became part of our church family. Each one had a slightly different dialect, and I learned several.”
The life applications are not buried deeply. You can anticipate one or more. We are familiar with our mother tongue. Tones, inflections, idiom, and cadence become part of us. And, when we hear the slightest difference, our ears transmit a message deep into the inner man. A strange accent signals, “Stranger!”
Jesus’ self-disclosure as the “Good Shepherd” in John 10 was part of his training of the Twelve, those who would serve as apostles, leading the way to make Him known following the ascension. He said very simply to those who understood the characteristics of sheep, “ ... his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” Sheep recognize the voice of only one shepherd among many. Many flocks may share a watering place or graze together in one field, but sheep respond to only their own shepherd’s voice. Other shepherds may call out, but only his sheep will follow.
If we would spend more time listening when praying, learn the cadence and inflections of God’s voice in His Word, become comfortable with the witness of the Holy Spirit, we would be familiar with the Good Shepherd’s voice. When we listen, we discover, God is speaking and I follow him! If we learn to listen, we take fewer excursions up blind alleys and going nowhere cul de sacs. Is it safe to say that our own voices, and those around us, are often better known than the Shepherd’s? Alas, some quote their favorite preacher or author, than speak with awe and respect for Jesus’ voice giving direction and counsel.
We may also remember that the Good Shepherd does not carry voice enhancing bull horns or deafen His sheep with blaring orders. He most often whispers, or uses quiet cues which assure His charges that they are safe, that He is present and leading us safely.
A quaint song authored by C. Austin Miles is now seldom sung, but captures much of the simplicity of Jesus’ teaching.
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
Refrain
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
Refrain
I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.
Refrain
Listen friends, and fellow sheep, God is speaking!
P.S. Since it will be a new song to some, “In the Garden” may be presented sometime soon where you worship!
I wondered, “How does he do that?” So, I asked! The reply was simple, and profound. First, “I am a native of Tennessee and learned to speak my mother tongue with my home county’s peculiar accent. And, I was the pastor of a church near Ford’s River Rouge Plant. Folk came North to earn good wages and became part of our church family. Each one had a slightly different dialect, and I learned several.”
The life applications are not buried deeply. You can anticipate one or more. We are familiar with our mother tongue. Tones, inflections, idiom, and cadence become part of us. And, when we hear the slightest difference, our ears transmit a message deep into the inner man. A strange accent signals, “Stranger!”
Jesus’ self-disclosure as the “Good Shepherd” in John 10 was part of his training of the Twelve, those who would serve as apostles, leading the way to make Him known following the ascension. He said very simply to those who understood the characteristics of sheep, “ ... his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” Sheep recognize the voice of only one shepherd among many. Many flocks may share a watering place or graze together in one field, but sheep respond to only their own shepherd’s voice. Other shepherds may call out, but only his sheep will follow.
If we would spend more time listening when praying, learn the cadence and inflections of God’s voice in His Word, become comfortable with the witness of the Holy Spirit, we would be familiar with the Good Shepherd’s voice. When we listen, we discover, God is speaking and I follow him! If we learn to listen, we take fewer excursions up blind alleys and going nowhere cul de sacs. Is it safe to say that our own voices, and those around us, are often better known than the Shepherd’s? Alas, some quote their favorite preacher or author, than speak with awe and respect for Jesus’ voice giving direction and counsel.
We may also remember that the Good Shepherd does not carry voice enhancing bull horns or deafen His sheep with blaring orders. He most often whispers, or uses quiet cues which assure His charges that they are safe, that He is present and leading us safely.
A quaint song authored by C. Austin Miles is now seldom sung, but captures much of the simplicity of Jesus’ teaching.
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
Refrain
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
Refrain
I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.
Refrain
Listen friends, and fellow sheep, God is speaking!
P.S. Since it will be a new song to some, “In the Garden” may be presented sometime soon where you worship!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Partnerships
Pat and I have learned to absorb audio books on long road trips. The local library has enough good material to last for the rest of our driving days, and when we misjudge how much material we can consume, Cracker Barrel Restaurants make good listening affordable.
We are currently listening to the last disk of Tom Brokaw’s The Time of Our Lives, the veteran journalists musings on where the United States is in relationship to her past and future. From his comments on the values of partnerships, I quote, “What would Hewlett have been without Packard, Huntley without Brinkley, McCartney without Lennon, Woodward without Bernstein? Another query is worthy of mention, “Joe Montana was my idea of the best all-time National Football League quarterback, but without Jerry Rice, who knows?”
The list of those with whom we have been privileged to partner is long and impressive. Each partner embodied skills we needed, character which reinforced us, and added to our life immeasurably. Our hearts are warmed and smiles crease our faces when we remember the times when team members contributed in as many ways as God is creative. They collaborated by reminding us to laugh when we could only think of weeping, teaching us needed skills as we fumbled ineptly, and shared unselfishly when nothing less would have made a difference.
Linda Ellerbe, Brokaw’s on-screen partner is quoted as saying, “Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did and she did it in high heels while dancing backward.” Listening to that line, and then reading it on the pages of the paper copy, reminded me of the extraordinary skills Pat has displayed for almost 45 years now. Her accomplishments, poise, contributions and steadfast support are simply astounding.
Solomon recognized the importance of partnership and expressed God-given wisdom. Long ago he penned this counsel –
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Barak stumbled until Deborah took the lead. Aquila was partnered with Priscilla. I enjoy Pat!
We are currently listening to the last disk of Tom Brokaw’s The Time of Our Lives, the veteran journalists musings on where the United States is in relationship to her past and future. From his comments on the values of partnerships, I quote, “What would Hewlett have been without Packard, Huntley without Brinkley, McCartney without Lennon, Woodward without Bernstein? Another query is worthy of mention, “Joe Montana was my idea of the best all-time National Football League quarterback, but without Jerry Rice, who knows?”
The list of those with whom we have been privileged to partner is long and impressive. Each partner embodied skills we needed, character which reinforced us, and added to our life immeasurably. Our hearts are warmed and smiles crease our faces when we remember the times when team members contributed in as many ways as God is creative. They collaborated by reminding us to laugh when we could only think of weeping, teaching us needed skills as we fumbled ineptly, and shared unselfishly when nothing less would have made a difference.
Linda Ellerbe, Brokaw’s on-screen partner is quoted as saying, “Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did and she did it in high heels while dancing backward.” Listening to that line, and then reading it on the pages of the paper copy, reminded me of the extraordinary skills Pat has displayed for almost 45 years now. Her accomplishments, poise, contributions and steadfast support are simply astounding.
Solomon recognized the importance of partnership and expressed God-given wisdom. Long ago he penned this counsel –
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Barak stumbled until Deborah took the lead. Aquila was partnered with Priscilla. I enjoy Pat!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
No compromise
The ability to negotiate and compromise is a necessary life skill. Rigid, stubborn, inflexible people who see situations only one way are like a burr under ones saddle. However, there is also a need for uncompromising commitment to obey and honor authority. Obedience and honor can often be difficult when a leader is less than honorable and is proven untrustworthy.
I have experienced the stress of being caught between two conflicting values. By culture and Scripture I have embraced the rightness of honoring those in authority, but have found myself uncertain what to do when the person in leadership was dishonorable, untruthful, or embraced a spurious strategy or policy.
When Joshua died Israel was left with no visible God-appointed leader. The nation was poised on the Promised Land side of the Jordan River and Lord communicated directly with tribal leaders. Judah obeyed and conquered the Canaanites and Perizzites. King Adoni-Bezek was captured and disabled when his thumbs and great toes were severed. Their victory was expanded when they joined forces with the Simeonites and routed the residents of Gaza, Ashkelon and Ekron.
But a different and deadly compromise was struck beginning with Benjamin and continued through to Manasseh, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali. The reports are repetitious and disappointing. Instead of eradicating the enemies, the tribes compromised. The language is revealing, “they failed to dislodge,” and “did not drive out.” Manasseh was content to press the Canaanites into forced labor, but as one reads the rest of the record, the Canaanites became a constant problem. Israeli children intermarried with the Canaanites children and God’s plan was endangered.
The takeaway lessons are rather obvious and will serve Jesus’ disciples well.
• It is fair to compromise on non-absolutes, but obedience to Jesus is never to be negotiated. To be a disciple of Jesus is to say, “Yes,” always! Being Jesus’ disciple is a full-time commitment of every facet of our life. A Gospel song sung in the church so instrumental in forming me, usually sung in response to a missionary presentation, says –
It may not be on the mountain’s height, or over the stormy sea;
It may not be at the battle’s front my Lord will have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls to paths I do not know,
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Yours,
I’ll go where You want me to go.
Refrain
I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,
O’er mountain, or plain, or sea;
I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I’ll be what You want me to be.
Perhaps today there are loving words which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now, in the paths of sin, some wand’rer whom I should seek.
O Savior, if You will be my Guide, though dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message sweet,
I’ll say what You want me to say.
There’s surely somewhere a lowly place in earth’s harvest fields so wide,
Where I may labor through life’s short day for Jesus, the Crucified.
So, trusting my all unto Your care, I know You always love me!
I’ll do Your will with a heart sincere,
I’ll be what You want me to be.
Isn’t it interesting that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings the song on “YouTube” and that all her youth are expected to say, “Yes!” to two years of missionary service before pursuing a vocation?
• The Judges teach us that agreeing to a compromised obedience to Jesus sets off confusion, political and emotional corruption, economic failures, ambiguity about one’s identity.
• Reputations are determined by consistency over one’s life span. When compromises in ethic or character are revealed a whole lifetime of good works and professional success is undone.
As a teen I read the biography of William Whiting Borden. Reading Borden’s story changed my life! After Borden died, his Bible was found and given to his parents. In it they found the words "No Reserve" and a date placing the note shortly after he renounced his multi-million dollar fortune in favor of missions. Later, he had written "No Retreat", dated near the time his father told him that he would never let him work in the company again. Shortly before he died in Egypt, he added the phrase "No Regrets."
Today I am renewing my commitment to fully obey Jesus, again! And, tomorrow, I will do it again.
I have experienced the stress of being caught between two conflicting values. By culture and Scripture I have embraced the rightness of honoring those in authority, but have found myself uncertain what to do when the person in leadership was dishonorable, untruthful, or embraced a spurious strategy or policy.
When Joshua died Israel was left with no visible God-appointed leader. The nation was poised on the Promised Land side of the Jordan River and Lord communicated directly with tribal leaders. Judah obeyed and conquered the Canaanites and Perizzites. King Adoni-Bezek was captured and disabled when his thumbs and great toes were severed. Their victory was expanded when they joined forces with the Simeonites and routed the residents of Gaza, Ashkelon and Ekron.
But a different and deadly compromise was struck beginning with Benjamin and continued through to Manasseh, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali. The reports are repetitious and disappointing. Instead of eradicating the enemies, the tribes compromised. The language is revealing, “they failed to dislodge,” and “did not drive out.” Manasseh was content to press the Canaanites into forced labor, but as one reads the rest of the record, the Canaanites became a constant problem. Israeli children intermarried with the Canaanites children and God’s plan was endangered.
The takeaway lessons are rather obvious and will serve Jesus’ disciples well.
• It is fair to compromise on non-absolutes, but obedience to Jesus is never to be negotiated. To be a disciple of Jesus is to say, “Yes,” always! Being Jesus’ disciple is a full-time commitment of every facet of our life. A Gospel song sung in the church so instrumental in forming me, usually sung in response to a missionary presentation, says –
It may not be on the mountain’s height, or over the stormy sea;
It may not be at the battle’s front my Lord will have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls to paths I do not know,
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Yours,
I’ll go where You want me to go.
Refrain
I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,
O’er mountain, or plain, or sea;
I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I’ll be what You want me to be.
Perhaps today there are loving words which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now, in the paths of sin, some wand’rer whom I should seek.
O Savior, if You will be my Guide, though dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message sweet,
I’ll say what You want me to say.
There’s surely somewhere a lowly place in earth’s harvest fields so wide,
Where I may labor through life’s short day for Jesus, the Crucified.
So, trusting my all unto Your care, I know You always love me!
I’ll do Your will with a heart sincere,
I’ll be what You want me to be.
Isn’t it interesting that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings the song on “YouTube” and that all her youth are expected to say, “Yes!” to two years of missionary service before pursuing a vocation?
• The Judges teach us that agreeing to a compromised obedience to Jesus sets off confusion, political and emotional corruption, economic failures, ambiguity about one’s identity.
• Reputations are determined by consistency over one’s life span. When compromises in ethic or character are revealed a whole lifetime of good works and professional success is undone.
As a teen I read the biography of William Whiting Borden. Reading Borden’s story changed my life! After Borden died, his Bible was found and given to his parents. In it they found the words "No Reserve" and a date placing the note shortly after he renounced his multi-million dollar fortune in favor of missions. Later, he had written "No Retreat", dated near the time his father told him that he would never let him work in the company again. Shortly before he died in Egypt, he added the phrase "No Regrets."
Today I am renewing my commitment to fully obey Jesus, again! And, tomorrow, I will do it again.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Blemished reputations, redemption in humility
In the last few days an aspiring presidential candidate and iconic football coach have been called on to explain accusations reported in news media. In each case the accused person is responding to infractions more than a decade old. Surely each man thought that the events were long buried in the tombs of forgetfulness and wrapped in the shrouds of personal accomplishment. Past events would never see the light of day.
We may learn some lessons from those presently writhing in the light of public scrutiny and avoid personal embarrassment and the impossible task of regaining the luster of past reputation.
1. We must remember that the challenge for Jesus’ disciples is to live without moral blemish. “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” (Colossians 1:21-22) There can be no allowance for selfish lapses into impurity.
2. Resist making an excuse for even the smallest infractions and confess the truth. “It is only a small thing and only a couple of people know about it,” is the rationale which negates the need to live humbly before our God. (Micah 6:8) And, the antidote for the most insignificant sin is the same as for the largest, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” (1 John 1:8-10) God and people embrace humility and brokenness.
3. Wise men build an accountability relationship with someone who has access to the deepest part of their being. If Nathan had not had access to David’s private chamber, he could not have announced, “You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says ...” (2 Samuel 12:13). Neither would we be able to pray with David,
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness:
according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. (Psalm 51:1-4, KJV)
Jesus’ disciples learn to pray David’s prayer with humility, broken spirit and passion akin to the author’s.
4. In this life we will not reach the summit of spiritual maturity where we are no longer vulnerable to temptation and possibility of falling. I recently learned of a person, at least a decade older than me, and one with a distinguished and enviable career, who is now embarrassed, uncovered, ashamed. We cannot afford to grow certain of our own abilities and competencies. Godly people mellow, grow more forgiving and understanding, less judgmental and more loving as they deal with their own vulnerabilities and move toward life’s finish line.
When the Holy Spirit applies these lessons and others, we learn and celebrate that we are among those who will be presented “faultless” at His coming. (Jude 1:24)
One last thought, everyone’s successes and embarrassments are shared by others. Innocent people, including family members, team members, and confidants share in the darkness of humiliation and experience the searing pain of betrayal, just as they basked in the sunlight of successes. Psalm 51 is a worthy prayer to pray, defines a worthy spirit to cultivate.
We may learn some lessons from those presently writhing in the light of public scrutiny and avoid personal embarrassment and the impossible task of regaining the luster of past reputation.
1. We must remember that the challenge for Jesus’ disciples is to live without moral blemish. “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” (Colossians 1:21-22) There can be no allowance for selfish lapses into impurity.
2. Resist making an excuse for even the smallest infractions and confess the truth. “It is only a small thing and only a couple of people know about it,” is the rationale which negates the need to live humbly before our God. (Micah 6:8) And, the antidote for the most insignificant sin is the same as for the largest, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” (1 John 1:8-10) God and people embrace humility and brokenness.
3. Wise men build an accountability relationship with someone who has access to the deepest part of their being. If Nathan had not had access to David’s private chamber, he could not have announced, “You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says ...” (2 Samuel 12:13). Neither would we be able to pray with David,
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness:
according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. (Psalm 51:1-4, KJV)
Jesus’ disciples learn to pray David’s prayer with humility, broken spirit and passion akin to the author’s.
4. In this life we will not reach the summit of spiritual maturity where we are no longer vulnerable to temptation and possibility of falling. I recently learned of a person, at least a decade older than me, and one with a distinguished and enviable career, who is now embarrassed, uncovered, ashamed. We cannot afford to grow certain of our own abilities and competencies. Godly people mellow, grow more forgiving and understanding, less judgmental and more loving as they deal with their own vulnerabilities and move toward life’s finish line.
When the Holy Spirit applies these lessons and others, we learn and celebrate that we are among those who will be presented “faultless” at His coming. (Jude 1:24)
One last thought, everyone’s successes and embarrassments are shared by others. Innocent people, including family members, team members, and confidants share in the darkness of humiliation and experience the searing pain of betrayal, just as they basked in the sunlight of successes. Psalm 51 is a worthy prayer to pray, defines a worthy spirit to cultivate.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Don't love the world!
Periodically a passage of Scripture interrupts my casual thoughts. The Scriptures appear abruptly, without announcement, and command my attention. This morning it happened again. The verse is from John’s first epistle, and flows from deep within my memory vault, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (2:15) The church that formed me emphasized that we are “in” the world, but not “of” the world.
There is a risk that I might become a sort of religious Andy Rooney curmudgeon, (O, how I would love to write as well as he!) but I must ask, “Is the separation between world and church becoming blurred? Are our efforts to make our message relevant blunting the edge of personal accountability before the Judge of the whole world?”
Two or three areas of personal behavior and choice come to mind.
• I recently read that Evangelical Christians are quite at home with consuming alcohol and that some former tee-totaling groups are growing “soft” on their stance about the dangers of alcohol. As a pastor I spent a lot of time helping individuals and their families who were terrorized by alcohol. Missed work assignments, stresses to family budgets, disruptions to God-designed relationships were all too common. A measureable expression of God’s grace is found wherever the hard yoke of alcohol is broken.
• When the American entertainment industry was not yet very bold in depicting evil behavior, attendance at “worldly amusements” was a sign of spiritual compromise, but now representations of the world’s values are beamed into living rooms and episodes are even cited from pulpits. We have come a long way from “The Honeymooners” and “Father Knows Best!”
• Personal money management, promptly paying ones creditors, living frugally and giving generously indicated one was Jesus’ follower. The nation’s economy in the mid 50's tanked and I remember generous sharing of resources as Christians helped one another and neighbors. In an era of economic downturn we may be wise to revisit the values and expressions of too easily forgotten convictions.
Faith and behavior must be inseparable. Or, as a mentor of mine was fond of repeating, “If what I confess I believe is different than the way I behave, the best prayer I can pray is, ‘On Lord, help me to keep my mouth shut.’”
Is it possible that the world needs an expression of “authentic” as well as “relevant?” As I consider the Holy Spirit’s interruption of my thoughts, I must consider how process the mandate, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” It will take more than a casual resolve to do better. The same Spirit that brings the alert must empower me to apply the truth He delivers.
There is a risk that I might become a sort of religious Andy Rooney curmudgeon, (O, how I would love to write as well as he!) but I must ask, “Is the separation between world and church becoming blurred? Are our efforts to make our message relevant blunting the edge of personal accountability before the Judge of the whole world?”
Two or three areas of personal behavior and choice come to mind.
• I recently read that Evangelical Christians are quite at home with consuming alcohol and that some former tee-totaling groups are growing “soft” on their stance about the dangers of alcohol. As a pastor I spent a lot of time helping individuals and their families who were terrorized by alcohol. Missed work assignments, stresses to family budgets, disruptions to God-designed relationships were all too common. A measureable expression of God’s grace is found wherever the hard yoke of alcohol is broken.
• When the American entertainment industry was not yet very bold in depicting evil behavior, attendance at “worldly amusements” was a sign of spiritual compromise, but now representations of the world’s values are beamed into living rooms and episodes are even cited from pulpits. We have come a long way from “The Honeymooners” and “Father Knows Best!”
• Personal money management, promptly paying ones creditors, living frugally and giving generously indicated one was Jesus’ follower. The nation’s economy in the mid 50's tanked and I remember generous sharing of resources as Christians helped one another and neighbors. In an era of economic downturn we may be wise to revisit the values and expressions of too easily forgotten convictions.
Faith and behavior must be inseparable. Or, as a mentor of mine was fond of repeating, “If what I confess I believe is different than the way I behave, the best prayer I can pray is, ‘On Lord, help me to keep my mouth shut.’”
Is it possible that the world needs an expression of “authentic” as well as “relevant?” As I consider the Holy Spirit’s interruption of my thoughts, I must consider how process the mandate, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” It will take more than a casual resolve to do better. The same Spirit that brings the alert must empower me to apply the truth He delivers.
Friday, October 28, 2011
New wells in low places
Adversity is a frequent visitor. She can he intrusive, appearing at the least convenient moments and staying longer than politeness allows. You and I have known the unwelcome one and wish for hardship’s last trespass to be her last. As we see it, adversity’s sole mission is to bring us to low spots. We cannot see above what appears to be insurmountable barriers. A chasm of hopelessness is fixed between today’s reality and a better future.
Pat and I have passed through many valleys in our journey together, and have been present with others in memorable low spots. We have several friends who have recently lost immediate family members. Several others are battling an array of cancers. The world’s economy has found a way negatively affect good, hardworking, honest, God-fearing people. And, those who treat Him with contempt and use his name with glib disdain often continue to thrive.
While rereading the Judges, I discovered something which refreshed and instructed my spirit. A delegation of 3000 Judeans, Samson’s fellow countrymen, had come to arrest him and deliver Samson to the Philistines. The Philistines were enraged because Samson had embarrassed them in the most creative case of arson in world history. He captured 300 foxes, tied them in pairs at their tails, set the foxes’ tails on fire and set them running. The loss of crops was devastating to the Philistine economy and food supply.
The 3000 Judeans, fearful and preoccupied with self-preservation, were willing to arrest a fellow Israeli to protect their interests. As the Israeli posse bound Samson and prepared to deliver him to their enemies, the Philistines approached. Samson snapped the ropes that bound him, grabbed the jawbone of a donkey and killed 1000 Philistines. You can read the whole story in Judges 15.
The deed done, Samson was very thirsty, and cried out to the Lord for water. Before the bodies of the conquered were buried, Samson was in despair for his life and feared he would die himself. His immediate need overwhelmed a correct perspective. When this happens, our view of God shrivels up and His power is reduced to less than enough than our need.
“Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived. So the spring was called En Hakkore, and it is still there in Lehi.” (Judges 15:19)
At our lowest points, God digs deeper. We all experience moments of great thirst, severe challenge, and daunting despair. The victories of the past are meaningless when our throats are parched, our strength is spent. Then, God digs a well. The water we have never tasted is as life-sustaining as the manna and quail Israel ate in the wilderness. We drink, our thirst is quenched and our strength is restored! If you are in a low spot, thirsty, and anxious about the outcomes of the challenges before you, hold steady and the Lord will dig a well for you!
Pat and I have passed through many valleys in our journey together, and have been present with others in memorable low spots. We have several friends who have recently lost immediate family members. Several others are battling an array of cancers. The world’s economy has found a way negatively affect good, hardworking, honest, God-fearing people. And, those who treat Him with contempt and use his name with glib disdain often continue to thrive.
While rereading the Judges, I discovered something which refreshed and instructed my spirit. A delegation of 3000 Judeans, Samson’s fellow countrymen, had come to arrest him and deliver Samson to the Philistines. The Philistines were enraged because Samson had embarrassed them in the most creative case of arson in world history. He captured 300 foxes, tied them in pairs at their tails, set the foxes’ tails on fire and set them running. The loss of crops was devastating to the Philistine economy and food supply.
The 3000 Judeans, fearful and preoccupied with self-preservation, were willing to arrest a fellow Israeli to protect their interests. As the Israeli posse bound Samson and prepared to deliver him to their enemies, the Philistines approached. Samson snapped the ropes that bound him, grabbed the jawbone of a donkey and killed 1000 Philistines. You can read the whole story in Judges 15.
The deed done, Samson was very thirsty, and cried out to the Lord for water. Before the bodies of the conquered were buried, Samson was in despair for his life and feared he would die himself. His immediate need overwhelmed a correct perspective. When this happens, our view of God shrivels up and His power is reduced to less than enough than our need.
“Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived. So the spring was called En Hakkore, and it is still there in Lehi.” (Judges 15:19)
At our lowest points, God digs deeper. We all experience moments of great thirst, severe challenge, and daunting despair. The victories of the past are meaningless when our throats are parched, our strength is spent. Then, God digs a well. The water we have never tasted is as life-sustaining as the manna and quail Israel ate in the wilderness. We drink, our thirst is quenched and our strength is restored! If you are in a low spot, thirsty, and anxious about the outcomes of the challenges before you, hold steady and the Lord will dig a well for you!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Stewardship of Self
Stewards of self
A mentor who influenced me greatly often repeated, “We all want to be saved from sin because we don’t want to go to hell. But, we put up quite a fight resisting the Lord’s insistence to being saved from ourselves.” The great battlefield of the world is not geographic, but is the arena of struggle between my ears and between my elbows, the places where I decide who is in charge.
No one is more vulnerable than the person who is unable to control self. “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28) In short, the person without self-discipline is open to attack on every side. In contrast, no one is more valuable than the one who knows how to say “no” to self and “yes” to Jesus. Self-controlled people make the best employees, never using a bit of fatigue, a dose of laziness, or lurking flu bug to interrupt their reputation for being reliable and industrious. Self-controlled church members are able to allow others to be who they are without losing their own passion and fervor for following Jesus.
The hedonism of our culture cries out demanding privilege and entitlement. In direct contrast, the call of Jesus is, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23) The collision between hedonistic demands and Jesus’ entry level requirement should not surprise us. Paul wrote to his prodigy, “There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self–control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God ...” (2 Timothy 3:1-4)
I have concluded –
• There is no way to baptize world values, immersing them into murky waters of ambivalence. There isn’t even any basis for beginning the conversation as there are no values held in common.. The world says, “Me first!” Jesus says, “Deny yourself.”
• As cultures naturally slip downward ethically, morally, and spiritually, the differences between the society and Jesus’ disciples escalate. The people of God invariably become the object of scorn, ridicule, and blame. Historically, as the struggles between culture and Biblical truth intensified, Jesus’ disciples have often been martyred. While today’s focus is on protecting Judeo-Christian values in the culture, courts, and congress, we might serve one another better by reinforcing each other in our resolve to follow Jesus at any cost.
• We ought to be alert to attempts to synthesize the world’s values with self-denial. We can begin the process by asking several questions. First, “Am I reading the Bible with an insight into the historical setting and empathy with the ‘first readers?’” The Bible is more Oriental than Western. We cannot speed read literature which was processed over centuries. It deserves greater attention and care. Some authors wrote from prison, served time as plitical prisoners, an faced martyrdom. Do we attempt to feel the passion required to write under adverse conditions? Second, “Am I worshiping Jesus, the Word which became flesh and lived among us so that we could know God’s glory?” (John 1) All have gods. But Jesus is an offense and stumbling block. (1 Corinthians 1) Is my preacher leading me to Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection, ascension and second coming? Or, am I presented a generic god? Third, “Am I making decisions with Jesus’ pleasure and approval as my first consideration?” Or, do I make decisions about time, money, activity, and attitudes which are acceptable in the world?
We are stewards of our selves, and self is wild, and can only be tamed as we yield to Jesus’ authority over us one decision and one moment at a time.
A mentor who influenced me greatly often repeated, “We all want to be saved from sin because we don’t want to go to hell. But, we put up quite a fight resisting the Lord’s insistence to being saved from ourselves.” The great battlefield of the world is not geographic, but is the arena of struggle between my ears and between my elbows, the places where I decide who is in charge.
No one is more vulnerable than the person who is unable to control self. “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28) In short, the person without self-discipline is open to attack on every side. In contrast, no one is more valuable than the one who knows how to say “no” to self and “yes” to Jesus. Self-controlled people make the best employees, never using a bit of fatigue, a dose of laziness, or lurking flu bug to interrupt their reputation for being reliable and industrious. Self-controlled church members are able to allow others to be who they are without losing their own passion and fervor for following Jesus.
The hedonism of our culture cries out demanding privilege and entitlement. In direct contrast, the call of Jesus is, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23) The collision between hedonistic demands and Jesus’ entry level requirement should not surprise us. Paul wrote to his prodigy, “There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self–control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God ...” (2 Timothy 3:1-4)
I have concluded –
• There is no way to baptize world values, immersing them into murky waters of ambivalence. There isn’t even any basis for beginning the conversation as there are no values held in common.. The world says, “Me first!” Jesus says, “Deny yourself.”
• As cultures naturally slip downward ethically, morally, and spiritually, the differences between the society and Jesus’ disciples escalate. The people of God invariably become the object of scorn, ridicule, and blame. Historically, as the struggles between culture and Biblical truth intensified, Jesus’ disciples have often been martyred. While today’s focus is on protecting Judeo-Christian values in the culture, courts, and congress, we might serve one another better by reinforcing each other in our resolve to follow Jesus at any cost.
• We ought to be alert to attempts to synthesize the world’s values with self-denial. We can begin the process by asking several questions. First, “Am I reading the Bible with an insight into the historical setting and empathy with the ‘first readers?’” The Bible is more Oriental than Western. We cannot speed read literature which was processed over centuries. It deserves greater attention and care. Some authors wrote from prison, served time as plitical prisoners, an faced martyrdom. Do we attempt to feel the passion required to write under adverse conditions? Second, “Am I worshiping Jesus, the Word which became flesh and lived among us so that we could know God’s glory?” (John 1) All have gods. But Jesus is an offense and stumbling block. (1 Corinthians 1) Is my preacher leading me to Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection, ascension and second coming? Or, am I presented a generic god? Third, “Am I making decisions with Jesus’ pleasure and approval as my first consideration?” Or, do I make decisions about time, money, activity, and attitudes which are acceptable in the world?
We are stewards of our selves, and self is wild, and can only be tamed as we yield to Jesus’ authority over us one decision and one moment at a time.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Stewards of the Story
The last time I preached, I told a story. A lady preacher had taught, “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but we can know the God who knows how many apples are in a seed.” People are still repeating the lesson delivered in story form. Unfortunately, they are not repeating much of the rest of the message!
Jesus followers are stewards of a story, a story which stretches from before the beginning of man’s experience and continues to be written today. The story is often simple, but sometimes confusing. Some stories are full of details, other parts are abrupt with little explanation or particulars. The Book of Judges is like that. Gideon’s leadership is described with ample anecdotal support, but of Shamgar we know almost nothing.
Storytelling is an important responsibility, and the consequences of repeating how God has acted can result in either salvation or devastation. Judges 2 reports that after the death of Joshua and those who were eyewitnesses of God’s deliverance of Israel from Egyptian oppression, “Another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. (V. 10) A generation didn't know the story! For lack of remembering, knowing and understanding the story, the people began worshiping false gods and provoked their Deliverer to anger (v. 12).
Too much is at risk to fail to repeat the story well, or to present it with revisions which minimize the awe-inspiring miraculous means God employed. Efforts to make the God story relevant must not strip away the very ingredient which was included to fill us with hope, lead us to faith, and allow us to see deliverance today.
Proper, well-executed story telling also includes the gritty details of human failure. When reading Gideon’s experiences with angels and God, one notices faith-building material in nearly every paragraph. But, a sobering detail closes his biography, “Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.” (8:27)
My parents were my first storytellers. Others followed. The Holy Spirit retells Jesus’ stories Holy Spirit-to-human spirit. I am reading and rereading the story again and again, and Holy Spirit makes sure I learn more.
I'm off to find someone to whom I may tell the story.
Jesus followers are stewards of a story, a story which stretches from before the beginning of man’s experience and continues to be written today. The story is often simple, but sometimes confusing. Some stories are full of details, other parts are abrupt with little explanation or particulars. The Book of Judges is like that. Gideon’s leadership is described with ample anecdotal support, but of Shamgar we know almost nothing.
Storytelling is an important responsibility, and the consequences of repeating how God has acted can result in either salvation or devastation. Judges 2 reports that after the death of Joshua and those who were eyewitnesses of God’s deliverance of Israel from Egyptian oppression, “Another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. (V. 10) A generation didn't know the story! For lack of remembering, knowing and understanding the story, the people began worshiping false gods and provoked their Deliverer to anger (v. 12).
Too much is at risk to fail to repeat the story well, or to present it with revisions which minimize the awe-inspiring miraculous means God employed. Efforts to make the God story relevant must not strip away the very ingredient which was included to fill us with hope, lead us to faith, and allow us to see deliverance today.
Proper, well-executed story telling also includes the gritty details of human failure. When reading Gideon’s experiences with angels and God, one notices faith-building material in nearly every paragraph. But, a sobering detail closes his biography, “Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.” (8:27)
My parents were my first storytellers. Others followed. The Holy Spirit retells Jesus’ stories Holy Spirit-to-human spirit. I am reading and rereading the story again and again, and Holy Spirit makes sure I learn more.
I'm off to find someone to whom I may tell the story.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Justice: Stewards of God's Desires for His World
As I paid for my copy of the Philadelphia Inquirer yesterday my eyes fell on the bold print immediately below the masthead. It read, “Mistakes in life and death cases.” The investigative reporter documented what many who live in a large city already know, people accused of capital crimes and, who must depend on public defenders, are far more likely to be convicted than those who can afford their own counsel.
The facts as revealed in the report are staggering. Nearly a third of those convicted and sentenced to death have their convictions either overturned or are retried because of the ineptness of a court appointed defense attorney. The reporter cited more than one public defender who argued that their performances were poor in court because they were underpaid. One said he had earned an average of only $10 per hour in defending a man who had been sentenced to death. (Some earn a better wage working at a fast food store.) Another made a huge error in quoting Exodus 21:34, “If there is an assault on a woman and that woman is pregnant, and that woman loses the child, and there is damage beyond that to a woman, then an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” The woman that the defendant was accused of killing was pregnant! The inept counsel practically asked the jury to impose the death penalty! More than one attorney cited for ineptness in his defense of an accused felon has been made a judge! You may read the whole report at http://philly.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx.
The purpose for referring to the obvious injustices is to call for a new sensitivity to a reality with which too many of our neighbors live. Many American Christians insist on personal rights and freedoms. We are frequently active and vocal. The push-back is strong when anything impinges on our best dreams and desires. But, little is said0 and less is done about justice. Please remember, the God we serve is just!
The Holy Spirit still calls out through the prophet Micah, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (6:8) At least ten calls for justice are found in the Pentateuch alone. “Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.” (Deuteronomy 16:18-20) Don’t you think the message is straightforward and unmistakable?
While the church is often adamant about prayer in schools, circulating petitions, informing members how to contact their representatives, and threatening politicians with whom they disagree, the voice for justice is muffled, and unintelligible. As one who has lived and worked in large cities, I know first-hand of those who accepted a plea bargained sentence for a crime they did not do in order to escape being sentenced to a more serious offence of which they are also innocent.
When we are called to noble challenges we move forward daringly, sacrificing, gladly accepting any necessary deprivation. But, when people feel they have been betrayed, they will riot in anger. The overthrow of several governments this year ought to be an object lesson to all Americans, especially Christians.
A final word, justice is something we are to “do!” The rightness of doing justice needs to be applied to access to excellent education. Continuous poverty reaching from one generation to another is far more complicated than most superficial assessments. For instance, how can a parent read to their children when they are illiterate after going to school for more than ten years? Or, how does one apply for employment without reading and writing skills? Shouldn’t the church see the opportunity for doing justice in addressing such an obvious inequity?
Doesn’t the Bible address the care of the orphan and widow as a high priority, a clear way of “doing justice?” (James 1) How can people living in the shadow of the best research hospitals in the world fail to benefit from the health care provided there? Why should the poor and those unable to access health care distribution systems die prematurely? Do we dare ask ourselves the questions which may expose our insensitivity to the injustices in our culture and too often ignored in the church?
Sometimes reading the newspaper reminds me of just how much this world needs the church to be at its very best. I am determined to do justice in every way I can.
The facts as revealed in the report are staggering. Nearly a third of those convicted and sentenced to death have their convictions either overturned or are retried because of the ineptness of a court appointed defense attorney. The reporter cited more than one public defender who argued that their performances were poor in court because they were underpaid. One said he had earned an average of only $10 per hour in defending a man who had been sentenced to death. (Some earn a better wage working at a fast food store.) Another made a huge error in quoting Exodus 21:34, “If there is an assault on a woman and that woman is pregnant, and that woman loses the child, and there is damage beyond that to a woman, then an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” The woman that the defendant was accused of killing was pregnant! The inept counsel practically asked the jury to impose the death penalty! More than one attorney cited for ineptness in his defense of an accused felon has been made a judge! You may read the whole report at http://philly.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx.
The purpose for referring to the obvious injustices is to call for a new sensitivity to a reality with which too many of our neighbors live. Many American Christians insist on personal rights and freedoms. We are frequently active and vocal. The push-back is strong when anything impinges on our best dreams and desires. But, little is said0 and less is done about justice. Please remember, the God we serve is just!
The Holy Spirit still calls out through the prophet Micah, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (6:8) At least ten calls for justice are found in the Pentateuch alone. “Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.” (Deuteronomy 16:18-20) Don’t you think the message is straightforward and unmistakable?
While the church is often adamant about prayer in schools, circulating petitions, informing members how to contact their representatives, and threatening politicians with whom they disagree, the voice for justice is muffled, and unintelligible. As one who has lived and worked in large cities, I know first-hand of those who accepted a plea bargained sentence for a crime they did not do in order to escape being sentenced to a more serious offence of which they are also innocent.
When we are called to noble challenges we move forward daringly, sacrificing, gladly accepting any necessary deprivation. But, when people feel they have been betrayed, they will riot in anger. The overthrow of several governments this year ought to be an object lesson to all Americans, especially Christians.
A final word, justice is something we are to “do!” The rightness of doing justice needs to be applied to access to excellent education. Continuous poverty reaching from one generation to another is far more complicated than most superficial assessments. For instance, how can a parent read to their children when they are illiterate after going to school for more than ten years? Or, how does one apply for employment without reading and writing skills? Shouldn’t the church see the opportunity for doing justice in addressing such an obvious inequity?
Doesn’t the Bible address the care of the orphan and widow as a high priority, a clear way of “doing justice?” (James 1) How can people living in the shadow of the best research hospitals in the world fail to benefit from the health care provided there? Why should the poor and those unable to access health care distribution systems die prematurely? Do we dare ask ourselves the questions which may expose our insensitivity to the injustices in our culture and too often ignored in the church?
Sometimes reading the newspaper reminds me of just how much this world needs the church to be at its very best. I am determined to do justice in every way I can.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Stewards, not owners!
Have you discovered, as I have, that there are only two kinds of people in the world, getters and givers? The getter never has enough and the giver is surprised with what he has and is continuously looking for new ways to express generosity. “The sluggard’s craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work. All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.” (Proverbs 21:25)
The issue of ownership goes to the heart of the matter. John Wesley wrote, “When the possessor of heaven and earth brought you into being and placed you in this world, placed you here not as an owner but as a steward.” Stewards, or managers, serve at the pleasure of the owner. Stewards understand that they are not the one who is to be satisfied, but the owner.
God’s people are assigned the responsibility of demonstrating His great generosity. Our Heavenly Father was under no duress when He sent Jesus to be the sacrifice for our sins and suffering. He freely gave, held nothing back. If we fully embrace that truth, everything in our care is to be shared freely and widely. The burden of the steward is not in the sharing, but in discovering the most appropriate way to make the best possible use of the Owner’s property and abilities with which he endows us. One thing is clear, selfishness is never an option. If we err, we ought to err on the side of generosity.
All who have been born of the Spirit are stewards of truth. At the risk of being “preachy” I suggest that all stewards of truth ought to –
• Live lives consistent with the truth. “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7) A man who shared wisdom with me when I was young repeated often, “If the way I live is different than what I say, the best prayer I can pray is, ‘O, Lord, help me keep my mouth shut.’” Our confessions of faith ought to be reinforced with our behavior.
• Live as generously as we know how. Giving, sharing, living with an ever-increasing capacity to trust others, to empower others, to bless others without any reluctance. Of course, some will abuse our willingness to share, but if we try to possess and refuse to share, we will be misused anyway!
• Remember grace! Isn’t it true that, if we received what we deserved, we would all have been in hell long ago. But, God pours out grace, unearned, undeserved favor. Others, likewise, need not deserve our generosity. Haven’t we squandered the grace of God on occasion? Isn’t it possible for our generosity expressed toward others to be similarly wasted?
In short, we might need to periodically do a bit of introspection and ask, “Am I living life as a steward of God’s possessions? Am I making the best use of God-given abilities? Or, am I behaving like those who have never tasted of the grace of God?”
I’m off to find a new way to give away my day to someone. Maybe we will meet in the same marketplace confounding onlookers with our generosity.
The issue of ownership goes to the heart of the matter. John Wesley wrote, “When the possessor of heaven and earth brought you into being and placed you in this world, placed you here not as an owner but as a steward.” Stewards, or managers, serve at the pleasure of the owner. Stewards understand that they are not the one who is to be satisfied, but the owner.
God’s people are assigned the responsibility of demonstrating His great generosity. Our Heavenly Father was under no duress when He sent Jesus to be the sacrifice for our sins and suffering. He freely gave, held nothing back. If we fully embrace that truth, everything in our care is to be shared freely and widely. The burden of the steward is not in the sharing, but in discovering the most appropriate way to make the best possible use of the Owner’s property and abilities with which he endows us. One thing is clear, selfishness is never an option. If we err, we ought to err on the side of generosity.
All who have been born of the Spirit are stewards of truth. At the risk of being “preachy” I suggest that all stewards of truth ought to –
• Live lives consistent with the truth. “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7) A man who shared wisdom with me when I was young repeated often, “If the way I live is different than what I say, the best prayer I can pray is, ‘O, Lord, help me keep my mouth shut.’” Our confessions of faith ought to be reinforced with our behavior.
• Live as generously as we know how. Giving, sharing, living with an ever-increasing capacity to trust others, to empower others, to bless others without any reluctance. Of course, some will abuse our willingness to share, but if we try to possess and refuse to share, we will be misused anyway!
• Remember grace! Isn’t it true that, if we received what we deserved, we would all have been in hell long ago. But, God pours out grace, unearned, undeserved favor. Others, likewise, need not deserve our generosity. Haven’t we squandered the grace of God on occasion? Isn’t it possible for our generosity expressed toward others to be similarly wasted?
In short, we might need to periodically do a bit of introspection and ask, “Am I living life as a steward of God’s possessions? Am I making the best use of God-given abilities? Or, am I behaving like those who have never tasted of the grace of God?”
I’m off to find a new way to give away my day to someone. Maybe we will meet in the same marketplace confounding onlookers with our generosity.
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