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!"
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
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!"
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Encouragement
Encourage is a frequently urged action in the epistles. The church was to excel at the work of encouraging. And, I have benefitted frequently as the members of God’s Family have taken the apostolic urging seriously.
Family has excelled in the art of encouragement. My mother and father urged us to excel, to work hard, to persevere when we wanted to quit. My sister helped me through college. My brother still calls nearly every day, just to chat and stay connected. We laugh, share special challenges, and remember! While our parents have been gone a long time, siblings remain special messengers who boost morale, share laughter and add perspective when our view is too narrow for making good judgments.
Our children and grandchildren are pure joy and a wellspring of unending encouragement. This past weekend our spirits were pushed happily upward as we shared memories, concerns and hopes. Our grandchildren teem with mischievous excitement at every challenge. It may help that we allow them to declare themselves winners of the bicycle races and held their hands while they tested the cold ocean water. Family encouragement is most effective because siblings and children have known us the longest and most intimately.
Friends we first met in the 60's call, write, and keep in touch through social networks. Bob and Judy are so deliberate at fulfilling the mandate to be an encouraging influence, they have published "An Encouraging Word," which they distribute widely. When Pat and I had dinner with Bob and Judy, they handed copies to people about whom they were sincerely concerned and wanted to encourage. They will visit in a few weeks and we can hardly wait! Bob and Judy are simply, deliberately encouraging! Victor and Nancy call, visit, and share life encouragingly. Victor makes clerks in big box home improvement stores laugh. John and Esther have entered our lives as a healing balm. They encourage! All these friends are living proof of the grace and generosity of God!
On occasion I have been encouraged by a seminary professor who called daily while we worked through a difficult challenge and made decisions which affected the rest of our lives. A District Superintendent did the same. Others have worked side-by-side with us through grueling building renovations. We can barely remember the day-to-day difficulties inherent in the projects, but we can never forget the shared joys of companions in faith who encouraged with presence, heroic efforts and words.
The instructions are simple. "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:1-6)
No wonder, then, that when others encourage, it makes me want to sing! When others boost us with kindness, concern, presence and help, Paul says, we can "glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Family has excelled in the art of encouragement. My mother and father urged us to excel, to work hard, to persevere when we wanted to quit. My sister helped me through college. My brother still calls nearly every day, just to chat and stay connected. We laugh, share special challenges, and remember! While our parents have been gone a long time, siblings remain special messengers who boost morale, share laughter and add perspective when our view is too narrow for making good judgments.
Our children and grandchildren are pure joy and a wellspring of unending encouragement. This past weekend our spirits were pushed happily upward as we shared memories, concerns and hopes. Our grandchildren teem with mischievous excitement at every challenge. It may help that we allow them to declare themselves winners of the bicycle races and held their hands while they tested the cold ocean water. Family encouragement is most effective because siblings and children have known us the longest and most intimately.
Friends we first met in the 60's call, write, and keep in touch through social networks. Bob and Judy are so deliberate at fulfilling the mandate to be an encouraging influence, they have published "An Encouraging Word," which they distribute widely. When Pat and I had dinner with Bob and Judy, they handed copies to people about whom they were sincerely concerned and wanted to encourage. They will visit in a few weeks and we can hardly wait! Bob and Judy are simply, deliberately encouraging! Victor and Nancy call, visit, and share life encouragingly. Victor makes clerks in big box home improvement stores laugh. John and Esther have entered our lives as a healing balm. They encourage! All these friends are living proof of the grace and generosity of God!
On occasion I have been encouraged by a seminary professor who called daily while we worked through a difficult challenge and made decisions which affected the rest of our lives. A District Superintendent did the same. Others have worked side-by-side with us through grueling building renovations. We can barely remember the day-to-day difficulties inherent in the projects, but we can never forget the shared joys of companions in faith who encouraged with presence, heroic efforts and words.
The instructions are simple. "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:1-6)
No wonder, then, that when others encourage, it makes me want to sing! When others boost us with kindness, concern, presence and help, Paul says, we can "glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
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