The power of words rightly employed and creatively arranged are as delicious as warm homemade apple pie ala mode! My favorite authors use ordinary words in creative formations to generate new enthusiasm for old themes. They are akin to the lone tuba player who runs to dot the "I" when the Ohio State University marching band forms the "Ohio" script formation. The whole crowd of Ohio State loyalists cheers wildly as the tuba and player bow.
My friend Bob has a way with words. He and Judy visited us for a few hours this week during their first East Coast tour. It is a huge understatement to say Bob isn’t processing life as most people. He wrote yesterday, "One of my biggest surprises was how few Orientals (Asians, Japanese, Vietnamese, Koreans, Cambodians) we have seen out here after hearing people talk about people of "the far east" for years! Sure, we’ve seen them, but, by far the ACCIDENTALS - people like Judy and me - far outnumber the ORIENTALS." Oh, if only I had my friend’s wit.
In my morning meditation I read the last half of Revelation. There, in the final pages of the Holy Scriptures, I found the most profound and powerful prose ever written. The anthems brought tears to my eyes. The Spirit washed my soul with truth. The assurance of God’s eternal intentions and power to accomplish them all is, on one hand a sweet aroma and on the other, an iron sledge wielding warrior standing, poised, daring all to interrupt Eternity’s design. I may read it again later today, for the sheer delicious delight of it, like a second helping of dessert!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
The B-I-B-L-E
This week I will finish this year’s first reading of the Bible. Another translation awaits my next journey through history, biography, wisdom, poetry, love story, fetes of strength and authority, counsel in ethical living and apocalypse. The story of Jesus is new and more compelling with each reading. From the first pages pregnant with awe-inspiring reports of creative power and human rebellion, to the majestic anthems of the Revelation, the Eternal Word is rich and life-giving.
I fell asleep and awoke to the same tune, the same Sunday School chorus. If you know it, sing it with me today!
The B-I-B-L-E,
Yes that's the book for me,
I stand alone on the Word of God,
The B-I-B-L-E.
The B-I-B-L-E,
Yes that's the book for me,
I read and pray, trust and obey,
The B-I-B-L-E.
In Sunday School we learned about the improbable winners of epic contests. David slew Goliath, Samson brought down Israel’s nemesis in a final exhibition of blind power, Gideon and his band of 300 over-matched comrades routed the mighty Midianites in an unforgettable manner. Who wouldn’t be awed by Joshua calling for the sun to stand still in the sky?
Our junior boy’s Sunday School teacher wasn’t a particularly gifted teacher. Our teacher even cried on occasion because we were less than attentive and laughed loudly when the paper figures tentatively clinging to the flannel landscape scene would blow to the floor with a tiny wisp of breeze coming through the open basement window. One had to be there to see a paper Jesus poised and announcing, "Peace, be still!" to the storming sea, and then fall to the floor by the unplanned breeze. But, I am still telling the stories learned more than 60 years ago! Praying, Spirit-filled teachers loved us and God’s Word and became a formidable spiritual force in boys becoming men. On Saturday evenings Dad opened the Sunday School quarterly and reviewed the next day’s lesson. The Bible, God’s Word, is the core of all faith and influences all behavior.
My mother opened the Bible nearly every morning before we left for school. The Psalmists’ poetry became part of the data base from which we have drawn inspiration and counsel through the decades. The folly of fools, like Esau who cheated himself out of the best of life because he could not control his appetite, has influenced decision making for many years.
The Spirit-inspired desire to be present and participate when the thousands of thousands sing before the throne is a constraint which confronts wilfulness and arrogance which disqualify one from experiencing the best of all concerts! Listen carefully. You may hear the rehearsals in the distance. The lyrics are printed in Revelation 5:9-13.
And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.
In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!"
Don’t you get excited about what lies ahead for those who know Jesus and await His coming?
Come on, now! Let’s sing!
The B-I-B-L-E,
Yes that's the book for me,
I stand alone on the Word of God,
The B-I-B-L-E.
The B-I-B-L-E,
Yes that's the book for me,
I read and pray, trust and obey,
The B-I-B-L-E.
I fell asleep and awoke to the same tune, the same Sunday School chorus. If you know it, sing it with me today!
Yes that's the book for me,
I stand alone on the Word of God,
The B-I-B-L-E.
The B-I-B-L-E,
Yes that's the book for me,
I read and pray, trust and obey,
The B-I-B-L-E.
In Sunday School we learned about the improbable winners of epic contests. David slew Goliath, Samson brought down Israel’s nemesis in a final exhibition of blind power, Gideon and his band of 300 over-matched comrades routed the mighty Midianites in an unforgettable manner. Who wouldn’t be awed by Joshua calling for the sun to stand still in the sky?
Our junior boy’s Sunday School teacher wasn’t a particularly gifted teacher. Our teacher even cried on occasion because we were less than attentive and laughed loudly when the paper figures tentatively clinging to the flannel landscape scene would blow to the floor with a tiny wisp of breeze coming through the open basement window. One had to be there to see a paper Jesus poised and announcing, "Peace, be still!" to the storming sea, and then fall to the floor by the unplanned breeze. But, I am still telling the stories learned more than 60 years ago! Praying, Spirit-filled teachers loved us and God’s Word and became a formidable spiritual force in boys becoming men. On Saturday evenings Dad opened the Sunday School quarterly and reviewed the next day’s lesson. The Bible, God’s Word, is the core of all faith and influences all behavior.
My mother opened the Bible nearly every morning before we left for school. The Psalmists’ poetry became part of the data base from which we have drawn inspiration and counsel through the decades. The folly of fools, like Esau who cheated himself out of the best of life because he could not control his appetite, has influenced decision making for many years.
The Spirit-inspired desire to be present and participate when the thousands of thousands sing before the throne is a constraint which confronts wilfulness and arrogance which disqualify one from experiencing the best of all concerts! Listen carefully. You may hear the rehearsals in the distance. The lyrics are printed in Revelation 5:9-13.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.
In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!"
Don’t you get excited about what lies ahead for those who know Jesus and await His coming?
Come on, now! Let’s sing!
Yes that's the book for me,
I stand alone on the Word of God,
The B-I-B-L-E.
The B-I-B-L-E,
Yes that's the book for me,
I read and pray, trust and obey,
The B-I-B-L-E.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
The judgment Seat of Christ
Those who grew up attending a Bible-preaching church likely remember an often repeated and sober warning from Hebrews chapter nine, "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." That text is etched in my memory and conjures up sober preparation for the end of life.
I recently remembered Rich, a member of the church staff and organizer of the church softball league. Pastor Rich had some professional baseball experience, but claimed that future major leaguers sent his best pitches into an orbit and never came down! While lobbing a softball toward a waiting batter, if Rich saw that his pitch may make contact with the bat’s sweet spot, he would call out, "Time out!" Or, "Do over!" I have seen batters laugh so hard they would miss the appetizing pitch waiting for their swing.
Another thought on "judgment" is frequently illustrated when news outlets report that a jury has acquitted an accused person thought guilty by the community. We all hope the jury got it right, but sometimes the guilty are freed for lack of "reasonable doubt." One notorious football star was acquitted of murdering his wife, but later was convicted in a civil court where the burden of proof was less stringent.
When it comes to the promised judgment, there will be no "Time outs," or, "Do overs." We will give an account for how we spent our lives. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10) And, we can expect no acquittals for lack of evidence. The Lord who never slumbers or sleeps is well aware of each deed, each thought, every motivation. That is sobering indeed!
I recently remembered Rich, a member of the church staff and organizer of the church softball league. Pastor Rich had some professional baseball experience, but claimed that future major leaguers sent his best pitches into an orbit and never came down! While lobbing a softball toward a waiting batter, if Rich saw that his pitch may make contact with the bat’s sweet spot, he would call out, "Time out!" Or, "Do over!" I have seen batters laugh so hard they would miss the appetizing pitch waiting for their swing.
Another thought on "judgment" is frequently illustrated when news outlets report that a jury has acquitted an accused person thought guilty by the community. We all hope the jury got it right, but sometimes the guilty are freed for lack of "reasonable doubt." One notorious football star was acquitted of murdering his wife, but later was convicted in a civil court where the burden of proof was less stringent.
When it comes to the promised judgment, there will be no "Time outs," or, "Do overs." We will give an account for how we spent our lives. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10) And, we can expect no acquittals for lack of evidence. The Lord who never slumbers or sleeps is well aware of each deed, each thought, every motivation. That is sobering indeed!
Dreams
Someone is stealing imagination! The power of imagining, dreaming, or seeing the invisible is too important to the future of the world to allow thieves to run off with it. I am enlisting suggestions about how to bring the bold larcenous perpetrators to justice. We need a strategy, a network of anti theft police. Someone must issue an all points bulletin to capture, try and sentence anyone who attempts to compromise the power of dreaming. We cannot allow dreams to be relegated to the "Quaint Phenomena Division" of cultural police departments.
Dreams, wholesome, God-given communications, are being overrun by digital simulations. The innate ability to communicate spiritually is challenged at every hand by moving simulations, pictures, images. None of them breathe, hear, listen, or speak from heart to heart. The images merely simulate. In spite of how effective digital communication can be, we must guard against the dullness inflicted on the keen edge of the spirit.
Consider a minuscule sample of how our Eternal God has communicated His plans, foreknowledge and desires with dreams. And, He also sent warnings and uncovered plots against His people.
"God came to Abimelech in a dream one night and said to him, "You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken; she is a married woman." (Genesis 20:3) Sarah and Abraham’s ruse was exposed. The king’s life was spared with a dream.
The promise Abraham received was solidified for future generations when Jacob "had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it." (Genesis 28:12)
Joseph was familiar with dreams and drew life long strength from them.
Daniel would be considered a "dreamology" specialist by today’s media. Several heads of state benefitted from Daniel’s deftness in interpreting dreams.
The prophets dreamed, or at least saw what was invisible to everyone else, and were used as God’s assigned personnel to keep His Eternal Message alive.
In Matthew one and two, Joseph’s fears or apprehensions were put to rest in a dream concerning the conception of Jesus by the Virgin Mary, detailed instructions were given to spare the newborn Son of God from Herod’s sword.
One of the primary blessings resulting from the Penetcostal outpouring is Spirit-given dreams (Acts 2:17)
In each case where a dream is employed, the routine or conventional way of proceeding is interrupted. Man’s best efforts are disrupted and a better way is introduced.
I am praying for a new era of Spirit prompted, Spirit led dreaming. We are too frequently amused by man-made images, simulations which leave us unsatisfied. Man-made images are dry, but God-given dreams slake spiritual thirst. Reflections, mirrored visualizations leave us weak and hungering. Dreams, visions, the unexplainable Spirit-to-spirit communiques satisfy, erase uncertainties, and equip for bold, audacious feats of faith.
Dreams, wholesome, God-given communications, are being overrun by digital simulations. The innate ability to communicate spiritually is challenged at every hand by moving simulations, pictures, images. None of them breathe, hear, listen, or speak from heart to heart. The images merely simulate. In spite of how effective digital communication can be, we must guard against the dullness inflicted on the keen edge of the spirit.
Consider a minuscule sample of how our Eternal God has communicated His plans, foreknowledge and desires with dreams. And, He also sent warnings and uncovered plots against His people.
The promise Abraham received was solidified for future generations when Jacob "had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it." (Genesis 28:12)
Joseph was familiar with dreams and drew life long strength from them.
Daniel would be considered a "dreamology" specialist by today’s media. Several heads of state benefitted from Daniel’s deftness in interpreting dreams.
The prophets dreamed, or at least saw what was invisible to everyone else, and were used as God’s assigned personnel to keep His Eternal Message alive.
In Matthew one and two, Joseph’s fears or apprehensions were put to rest in a dream concerning the conception of Jesus by the Virgin Mary, detailed instructions were given to spare the newborn Son of God from Herod’s sword.
One of the primary blessings resulting from the Penetcostal outpouring is Spirit-given dreams (Acts 2:17)
In each case where a dream is employed, the routine or conventional way of proceeding is interrupted. Man’s best efforts are disrupted and a better way is introduced.
I am praying for a new era of Spirit prompted, Spirit led dreaming. We are too frequently amused by man-made images, simulations which leave us unsatisfied. Man-made images are dry, but God-given dreams slake spiritual thirst. Reflections, mirrored visualizations leave us weak and hungering. Dreams, visions, the unexplainable Spirit-to-spirit communiques satisfy, erase uncertainties, and equip for bold, audacious feats of faith.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Famiy Pride
Tucked into the back pages of the Bible is a short letter to the church from Jude. I have been musing on Jude’s introduction, "Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James." Some may be suspicious that Jude was trying to ride his brother’s coattails, like those running for office depending on voters casting a straight party line when balloting. But, I think Jude was simply proud of being James’ brother!
I have two siblings, Gloria (the elder) and Dennis (the younger). I am very proud to be their brother because they represent what is admirable in every saint. Each is a person of unshaken faith, years of consistent witness with deeds and words, and in service to people and to the Lord. To illustrate, my pastor brother volunteers to cut men’s hair in a nursing home adjacent to the church building, has cared for many shut-in for several years, which includes taking his friend a pizza most Saturday afternoons. And, Dennis is a good preacher too.
Gloria and her husband Fred have been officially retired from their formal ministries on church ministry teams. But, they press on visiting hospitalized neighbors from their retirement community. Both sing in a choir which tours nursing homes during special seasons. And, Gloria is the masterful hostess whose mission is to make every guest feel they belong at her food-laden table.
Few folk know that both my siblings were generous in supporting their brother while in college. I loved going to my campus post office box and opened their letters with cash that served to sweeten the words of encouragement. Boxes of goodies that came with a Detroit, MI return address became the envy of all who learned about them!
A few weeks ago a teen neighbor came to our home to apologize for her father’s behavior. No child ought to be so humiliated. To be proud of family is a grace, an undeserved gift from God.
My standard tease is, "I have never been anyone!" For years I was Otto and Annie Wegner’s son, then Pat Kolas’ husband. Now I am Candace, Jon, and Joanna’s father and Papa to eight offspring. But, if I were to greet a church where my siblings were known, I would be proud, like Jude, to say, "I am a brother of Gloria and Dennis, or father of Candace, Jon and Joanna!"
I have two siblings, Gloria (the elder) and Dennis (the younger). I am very proud to be their brother because they represent what is admirable in every saint. Each is a person of unshaken faith, years of consistent witness with deeds and words, and in service to people and to the Lord. To illustrate, my pastor brother volunteers to cut men’s hair in a nursing home adjacent to the church building, has cared for many shut-in for several years, which includes taking his friend a pizza most Saturday afternoons. And, Dennis is a good preacher too.
Gloria and her husband Fred have been officially retired from their formal ministries on church ministry teams. But, they press on visiting hospitalized neighbors from their retirement community. Both sing in a choir which tours nursing homes during special seasons. And, Gloria is the masterful hostess whose mission is to make every guest feel they belong at her food-laden table.
Few folk know that both my siblings were generous in supporting their brother while in college. I loved going to my campus post office box and opened their letters with cash that served to sweeten the words of encouragement. Boxes of goodies that came with a Detroit, MI return address became the envy of all who learned about them!
A few weeks ago a teen neighbor came to our home to apologize for her father’s behavior. No child ought to be so humiliated. To be proud of family is a grace, an undeserved gift from God.
My standard tease is, "I have never been anyone!" For years I was Otto and Annie Wegner’s son, then Pat Kolas’ husband. Now I am Candace, Jon, and Joanna’s father and Papa to eight offspring. But, if I were to greet a church where my siblings were known, I would be proud, like Jude, to say, "I am a brother of Gloria and Dennis, or father of Candace, Jon and Joanna!"
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Father's Day
After Pat and I made plans for this year’s Father’s Day I spent some time musing on the impact my father had on my life. I have often repeated anecdotes about his influence. While Dad lacked formal education, he left elementary school to work on the family farm, he grew in understanding and wisdom throughout his nearly 85 years of living.
In preparation for this Father’s Day I will remember a long list of lessons I learned from him, lessons I learned by observation, by spending as many as 60 hours per week with the man who knew God and daily honored Him. I will remember and reflect on how well worn Dad’s Bible was. The old Thompson Chain Reference was replaced in later years by a rather heavy large print edition of the King James Version. I am impressed that it was worn from use, and that Dad grew in understanding the proper application of its truths.
I have been forever affected by how thorough Dad was, in everything. His garage was neatly organized. The tool boxes were arranged "just so," and cutting blades were honed to razor sharpness and protected for future use. He plied his craft, installing hardwood floors, with precision and looked back with satisfaction on his workmanship. While closing the door of another completed job, I remember his walking around the newly swept floor making sure everything was as it ought to be.
But how Dad finished is the most remarkable. We had driven from Northern New Jersey to Michigan because Dad had been hospitalized again. He often experienced life- threatening infections. During our visit, we spent as many hours together as we could, but time for us to return home came too quickly. As I was saying goodby, I mentioned that I felt sorry for him. I wanted to fly Mom and Dad to New Jersey to meet the people we pastored, for them to see our children in sports activities, and to visit the Big Apple!
As I mentioned that I "felt sorry," Dad lifted his weakened hand and said, "Stop! Never feel sorry for me!" "But, Dad, you are paralyzed, and you haven’t been out of bed for years!" He then began an almost rhythmic speech, one of contrasts and insights that remain imbedded in my memory more than twenty years later. Preachers could use the lines with great effectiveness. I do! My father, the undereducated man who grew in knowledge and appreciation for the ways of God, said, "It is true that I cannot walk, but I have and have worn out many pairs of shoes. Some have never walked and others have never owned a pair of shoes. I have more clothes than I can ever use or wear out. Many are naked. I have never been hungry when I fell asleep. Others have never been full. Some are alone and homeless. I am surrounded by family in a comfortable home. Son, I was so young that I cannot remember when I learned that there is a Great God in heaven who loves me so much that He sent His Son to die for my sins! Don’t ever feel sorry for me! I have it good! Now, go and do the work you are supposed to be doing!"
Now, you may understand why Father’s Day is so important to me. Dad was an unbelievably powerful role model.
In preparation for this Father’s Day I will remember a long list of lessons I learned from him, lessons I learned by observation, by spending as many as 60 hours per week with the man who knew God and daily honored Him. I will remember and reflect on how well worn Dad’s Bible was. The old Thompson Chain Reference was replaced in later years by a rather heavy large print edition of the King James Version. I am impressed that it was worn from use, and that Dad grew in understanding the proper application of its truths.
I have been forever affected by how thorough Dad was, in everything. His garage was neatly organized. The tool boxes were arranged "just so," and cutting blades were honed to razor sharpness and protected for future use. He plied his craft, installing hardwood floors, with precision and looked back with satisfaction on his workmanship. While closing the door of another completed job, I remember his walking around the newly swept floor making sure everything was as it ought to be.
But how Dad finished is the most remarkable. We had driven from Northern New Jersey to Michigan because Dad had been hospitalized again. He often experienced life- threatening infections. During our visit, we spent as many hours together as we could, but time for us to return home came too quickly. As I was saying goodby, I mentioned that I felt sorry for him. I wanted to fly Mom and Dad to New Jersey to meet the people we pastored, for them to see our children in sports activities, and to visit the Big Apple!
As I mentioned that I "felt sorry," Dad lifted his weakened hand and said, "Stop! Never feel sorry for me!" "But, Dad, you are paralyzed, and you haven’t been out of bed for years!" He then began an almost rhythmic speech, one of contrasts and insights that remain imbedded in my memory more than twenty years later. Preachers could use the lines with great effectiveness. I do! My father, the undereducated man who grew in knowledge and appreciation for the ways of God, said, "It is true that I cannot walk, but I have and have worn out many pairs of shoes. Some have never walked and others have never owned a pair of shoes. I have more clothes than I can ever use or wear out. Many are naked. I have never been hungry when I fell asleep. Others have never been full. Some are alone and homeless. I am surrounded by family in a comfortable home. Son, I was so young that I cannot remember when I learned that there is a Great God in heaven who loves me so much that He sent His Son to die for my sins! Don’t ever feel sorry for me! I have it good! Now, go and do the work you are supposed to be doing!"
Now, you may understand why Father’s Day is so important to me. Dad was an unbelievably powerful role model.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
When we all get to heaven
When we had announced our resignation as pastor of Philadelphia’s Highway Tabernacle, one of the high school youth asked, "Will our next pastor sing ‘When we all get to heaven?’" At first, I was startled and asked why that was so important to her. Her response was telling. "You always tell us we are people going somewhere and that heaven was our home." She "got it!"
In a few days I will, d.v., fulfill my next preaching assignment. I am looking forward to leading the church singing "When we all get to heaven!" People of faith are traveling toward a wonderful destination! As much as we might enjoy this life, and we ought to, heaven is incomparable.
The lyrics about heaven have been running around inside of me for more than six decades. Heaven grows more real, more attractive as calendar pages turn, wrinkles crease once smooth skin and ankles, knees, wrists and elbows turn more stiffly.
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.
Refrain:
When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav’ling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.
Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.
Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.
We need not be escapists looking to leave because life is too sour and our outlook too dour. Sadly, some despair of everything future. I believe we ought to have "deo volente," or "God willing" plans for tomorrow! But, we are moving toward a much better address, a place prepared for us by Jesus!
Sing it now friends! It won’t be too long when the truths and urging of a great song will be reality and never be sung again.
In a few days I will, d.v., fulfill my next preaching assignment. I am looking forward to leading the church singing "When we all get to heaven!" People of faith are traveling toward a wonderful destination! As much as we might enjoy this life, and we ought to, heaven is incomparable.
The lyrics about heaven have been running around inside of me for more than six decades. Heaven grows more real, more attractive as calendar pages turn, wrinkles crease once smooth skin and ankles, knees, wrists and elbows turn more stiffly.
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.
Refrain:
When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav’ling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.
Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.
Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.
We need not be escapists looking to leave because life is too sour and our outlook too dour. Sadly, some despair of everything future. I believe we ought to have "deo volente," or "God willing" plans for tomorrow! But, we are moving toward a much better address, a place prepared for us by Jesus!
Sing it now friends! It won’t be too long when the truths and urging of a great song will be reality and never be sung again.
Friday, June 8, 2012
"I'll pray about it!"
On occasion I dream of writing a few lines as good as Eugene Peterson, one of my favorite authors. In the introduction to his translation of the Book of Colossians in The Message, Peterson writes, "Hardly anyone who hears the full story of Jesus and learns the true facts of his life and teaching, crucifixion and resurrection, walks away with a shrug of the shoulders, dismissing him as unimportant. People ignorant of the story or misinformed about it, of course, regularly dismiss him. But with few exceptions, the others know instinctively that they are dealing with a most remarkable greatness." Indifference becomes implausible.
Not long ago Pat began laughing far more heartily than usual. I asked, "What’s so funny?" In response, she said, "I just told someone I would pray about it! I cannot remember ever doing that before when asked if I would help." For years Pat enlisted others, and organized people and tasks. The spiritually acceptable response for noncommital was, "I’ll pray about it." Without diminishing prayer, some never got an answer from God and others did more of the work. "I’ll pray about it," can be another way to say, "My plans take precedence."
In a recent reading of Colossians, I noticed –
Not long ago Pat began laughing far more heartily than usual. I asked, "What’s so funny?" In response, she said, "I just told someone I would pray about it! I cannot remember ever doing that before when asked if I would help." For years Pat enlisted others, and organized people and tasks. The spiritually acceptable response for noncommital was, "I’ll pray about it." Without diminishing prayer, some never got an answer from God and others did more of the work. "I’ll pray about it," can be another way to say, "My plans take precedence."
In a recent reading of Colossians, I noticed –
- In the context of soaring Christology, the Apostle Paul described his unending prayer for spiritual wisdom with, "That you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work." (1:10) Those who grasp lofty theological concepts ought to express their understanding in "every good work.
- Paul labored, struggled, applied spiritual energy for the good of others. "I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me." (1:29) Paul’s, "I’ll pray about it," resulted in practical, Spirit empowered expressions. In writing his, "Goodbye," Paul salutes Epaphras as one who "wrestles in prayer," and adds, "I vouch for him that he is working hard for you." (4:12-13)
- Encouragement to diligence, to industrious effort reached beyond our usual concept of church life for Paul. He instructed us all about marketplace effort, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (3:23-24) How a person serves his employer becomes a nonverbal witness to his understanding of the grace of God and commitment to following Jesus.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
"Simple Works!"
The Pentecostal church which formed me as a youth was simpler, less sophisticated than the church which bears the same name today. Part of the change is a result of affordable technology. Even I, a certified technological Neanderthal, am thinking of visual images which will be projected when preparing to preach. Questions of color, occasional action figures, and whether an outline item should "fly" in or simply "appear" are options to be considered.
The plain 40' by 80' tabernacle style building where my boyhood church met sported a few old-time banners. The one over the pastor’s head reminded me every Sunday and Wednesday, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) Some Sundays I read, and reread the verse from the King James Version (I was worshiping long before the NIV was published.) And I finally memorized its truth. It is imbedded in my spirit now.
Church fads pass across the ecclesiastical horizon like meteorites sweeping across the night sky. The technological life of the overhead projector with acetate films arranged by a reluctant teen was so short lived that video projectors replaced them before we could decide if they were proper for church use. When gasoline was three gallons for a dollar, retired school busses were repainted and deployed hither and yon every Sunday morning. (I attended workshops on bussing for Sunday School!) "Shepherd" became a code word for a form discipleship which ran amok in excess. "Rallies" drew thousands. I’ll never forget a huge crowd gathered in Detroit’s Masonic Temple to promote world missions. And, the monthly youth rallies introduced us to young people from churches across the city.
That has passed, but the truth remains the same, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." In Jesus the old, worn out and disqualified become new. The banner over the pastor’s head was quaint, odd shaped, and had dull white letters on a faded blue field. But, the Message was full of life, liberating, and lasting! It may have been the nearly fifteen years of reading the Message that made it so enduring. It certainly wasn’t high tech!
The plain 40' by 80' tabernacle style building where my boyhood church met sported a few old-time banners. The one over the pastor’s head reminded me every Sunday and Wednesday, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) Some Sundays I read, and reread the verse from the King James Version (I was worshiping long before the NIV was published.) And I finally memorized its truth. It is imbedded in my spirit now.
Church fads pass across the ecclesiastical horizon like meteorites sweeping across the night sky. The technological life of the overhead projector with acetate films arranged by a reluctant teen was so short lived that video projectors replaced them before we could decide if they were proper for church use. When gasoline was three gallons for a dollar, retired school busses were repainted and deployed hither and yon every Sunday morning. (I attended workshops on bussing for Sunday School!) "Shepherd" became a code word for a form discipleship which ran amok in excess. "Rallies" drew thousands. I’ll never forget a huge crowd gathered in Detroit’s Masonic Temple to promote world missions. And, the monthly youth rallies introduced us to young people from churches across the city.
That has passed, but the truth remains the same, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." In Jesus the old, worn out and disqualified become new. The banner over the pastor’s head was quaint, odd shaped, and had dull white letters on a faded blue field. But, the Message was full of life, liberating, and lasting! It may have been the nearly fifteen years of reading the Message that made it so enduring. It certainly wasn’t high tech!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Indulgence or Sacrifice?
An ad recently appeared in the "Philadelphia Inquirer" that captured the American spirit so embarrassingly that someone must comment! The appeal to purchase a luxury car was so excessive that I am reluctant to identify the product by name.
The banner across the top of the large display ad read, "The savvy approach to INDULGENCE." The print was bold and the following explanation was immediately beneath. "Values have shifted. It is so ‘yesterday’ to flaunt wealth and out-spend others . . . even in the luxury world. Savvy is the new currency. Real status comes from having the inside knowledge." A grinning retired professional football player is leaning on a golf club near the front fender of the promised indulgent luxury. The vehicle comes "completely equipped for only (emphasis mine) $699 per month lease." A small print disclaimer indicated that the discounted terms were for only those of special credit qualifications and other fees would be assessed.
The same issue of the "Inquirer" documented the climbing unemployment rate, the closing of businesses in the area, and items about failing school systems. Are we really aware and sensitive to the huge, rapidly increasing, chasm between the "Haves" and
"Have nots?" How can we justify being silent about economic injustice, disparity between school systems, accessibility to health care, and the emotional damage to those who exist in poverty?
It may be too "preachy" but, the Book still says, "He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished." (Proverbs 17:5) If the ad doesn’t qualify as "mocking" and "gloating," what does? "Disaster" isn’t always measured in wind speeds and feet above a flood stage. The life-long effects of malnutrition and inferior education are also disastrous. Another reading of James and careful perusal of Proverbs is a fitting first step to renewing sensitivity to others. An additional offering designated for the poor is another appropriate measure. Asking the Lord who is moved by the pain of the poor, "How can I best serve those most in need?" will be heard all the way into heaven. And, His answer will undoubtedably change us more than we thought possible.
I am open to discovering a "Savvy approach to SHARING SACRIFICE!"
The banner across the top of the large display ad read, "The savvy approach to INDULGENCE." The print was bold and the following explanation was immediately beneath. "Values have shifted. It is so ‘yesterday’ to flaunt wealth and out-spend others . . . even in the luxury world. Savvy is the new currency. Real status comes from having the inside knowledge." A grinning retired professional football player is leaning on a golf club near the front fender of the promised indulgent luxury. The vehicle comes "completely equipped for only (emphasis mine) $699 per month lease." A small print disclaimer indicated that the discounted terms were for only those of special credit qualifications and other fees would be assessed.
The same issue of the "Inquirer" documented the climbing unemployment rate, the closing of businesses in the area, and items about failing school systems. Are we really aware and sensitive to the huge, rapidly increasing, chasm between the "Haves" and
"Have nots?" How can we justify being silent about economic injustice, disparity between school systems, accessibility to health care, and the emotional damage to those who exist in poverty?
It may be too "preachy" but, the Book still says, "He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished." (Proverbs 17:5) If the ad doesn’t qualify as "mocking" and "gloating," what does? "Disaster" isn’t always measured in wind speeds and feet above a flood stage. The life-long effects of malnutrition and inferior education are also disastrous. Another reading of James and careful perusal of Proverbs is a fitting first step to renewing sensitivity to others. An additional offering designated for the poor is another appropriate measure. Asking the Lord who is moved by the pain of the poor, "How can I best serve those most in need?" will be heard all the way into heaven. And, His answer will undoubtedably change us more than we thought possible.
I am open to discovering a "Savvy approach to SHARING SACRIFICE!"
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