Many articles are forwarded to me, and I read almost all if them. As an aside, I usually stop reading if the subject matter focuses on criticizing or mocking a political leader. Prayer and obedience are the primary responsibilities of Christians whose citizenship is in heaven.
Now, back to today’s suggested reading from Philadelphia’s Daily News –
By that, Shostack said, he means that high-school students were not trained a generation ago to be on-their-feet thinkers, but rather "were schooled to be order-accepters" - exactly what employers are not looking for in 2010.
Iowa's Leicht said that the problem even runs deeper - too many employers are seeking state-of-the-art knowledge that they believe comes only from young job-seekers just out of school, and thus place little or no value on the years of experience accumulated by older workers.
"We've created an environment that only rewards the now - not the future or the past," Leicht said, and that is making job-seeking even more difficult for experienced workers. That's in addition to a new wrinkle that some employers have added since 2008: that they take applications only from people who have a job somewhere else.
After pouring out our lives in Philadelphia, we would urge educators and church leaders to develop skills in critical thinking. We are, in our opinion, on a steep and slippery slope of simply doing things that work, without enough critical thought to long-term impact.
If the Daily News writer is correct, the public schools made a tactical error decades ago and we are now dealing with systemic problems. The parallel in church life is. If we simply do what works and is culturally relevant today, what will be the long-term impact on the church of the future? Critical thinking, Spirit-led decision making today will have a redemptive effect. If we fail to be led by the Spirit today, the consequences can be as devastating in the church as it is to many of Philadelphia’s current unemployed population.
Pastors have a holy obligation to lead congregations in thought and decision. That is my opinion.
The entire article may be read at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110531_For_Philly_s_male_workers__no_jobs_now_____and_maybe_never_again.html?viewAll=y
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
God's wake-up calls
Waking up in the morning can be so much fun! As the sun was making its last push to break over the horizon, birds of many species and a wide range of tones began a chorus of beautiful song. The sound was glorious! I imagined that the melody was written by God himself and that He was directing a choir of his own creation.
In that moment of wonder, awe and breath-taking beauty, a simple childhood chorus returned, after many years absence, boldly and brilliantly into my spirit. I remember singing the tune in a dank church basement space where children gathered for Sunday School “opening exercises.”
The birdies in the treetops sing their songs,
The angels in the chorus sing along,
The flowers in the garden blend their hue,
So why shouldn't I, why shouldn't you, praise Him too.
Consider, man simply cannot match God when it comes to splendor and majesty when making a wake-up call!
I hope to see you in church tomorrow. Listen for God’s wake-up call. Our voices will be lifted into a wonderful song of awe-filled wonder and praise! I can hardly wait!
In that moment of wonder, awe and breath-taking beauty, a simple childhood chorus returned, after many years absence, boldly and brilliantly into my spirit. I remember singing the tune in a dank church basement space where children gathered for Sunday School “opening exercises.”
The birdies in the treetops sing their songs,
The angels in the chorus sing along,
The flowers in the garden blend their hue,
So why shouldn't I, why shouldn't you, praise Him too.
Consider, man simply cannot match God when it comes to splendor and majesty when making a wake-up call!
I hope to see you in church tomorrow. Listen for God’s wake-up call. Our voices will be lifted into a wonderful song of awe-filled wonder and praise! I can hardly wait!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Praying one of Jesus' overlooked prayers
After nearly twenty-five years living in tight urban quarters, I have a garden plot! Life is great when an early morning stroll past my 12' x 20' garden plot reveals that seeds have germinated. As I pause, a “red letter” lesson from the gospels is renewed. Jesus taught, and the lesson is recorded in all four of the Gospels,
“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” – Matthew 12:23-27
Have you noticed how many Christian publications emphasize themes frightfully akin to magazines at the grocer’s checkout counter? The themes focus on developing skills which give the reader an advantage over those who do not read the authors “secrets of success.” “Realizing our better selves” sells books! Mastering lessons of success enriches publishers and authors alike. From my perspective, “How to do” books dominate. There seems to be little interest in discussing “what to be.”
Does your soul, like mine, crave a more relaxed, simpler and more restful approach to knowing the One who called us to follow? Do you long for understanding more thoroughly the revolutionary idea advanced by Jesus on the importance of dying well, and in the process, living well? No, I am not morose and curious about physical death, but eager to learn to live more daringly. I long to learn how to let go of “world” to find “eternal life” in present soul-satisfying service.
Have you contemplated Jesus’ “heart trouble?” Is wrestling with the pressure to accept an alternative to the mission assigned by Jesus a worthy spiritual war, or are we content to cast out the demons in others? Are we curious about how Jesus expects us to carry out our assignment, or do we simply embrace the methods and measurements of peers?
How thoroughly can we learn to pray Jesus’ often overlooked prayer, “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? Father, glorify your name!” There isn’t too much akin to “taking it to the next level” inferred in Jesus’ intercessions. Jesus’ triumph was the cross, not a mega event or envied organization. His satisfaction was and is found in loving service, in healing, feeding, releasing others. Slick, efficient methods that lead to “look-at-us” may become a distraction to “look-like-Jesus” service. The method may indeed become the message.
I am pondering this today.
“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” – Matthew 12:23-27
Have you noticed how many Christian publications emphasize themes frightfully akin to magazines at the grocer’s checkout counter? The themes focus on developing skills which give the reader an advantage over those who do not read the authors “secrets of success.” “Realizing our better selves” sells books! Mastering lessons of success enriches publishers and authors alike. From my perspective, “How to do” books dominate. There seems to be little interest in discussing “what to be.”
Does your soul, like mine, crave a more relaxed, simpler and more restful approach to knowing the One who called us to follow? Do you long for understanding more thoroughly the revolutionary idea advanced by Jesus on the importance of dying well, and in the process, living well? No, I am not morose and curious about physical death, but eager to learn to live more daringly. I long to learn how to let go of “world” to find “eternal life” in present soul-satisfying service.
Have you contemplated Jesus’ “heart trouble?” Is wrestling with the pressure to accept an alternative to the mission assigned by Jesus a worthy spiritual war, or are we content to cast out the demons in others? Are we curious about how Jesus expects us to carry out our assignment, or do we simply embrace the methods and measurements of peers?
How thoroughly can we learn to pray Jesus’ often overlooked prayer, “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? Father, glorify your name!” There isn’t too much akin to “taking it to the next level” inferred in Jesus’ intercessions. Jesus’ triumph was the cross, not a mega event or envied organization. His satisfaction was and is found in loving service, in healing, feeding, releasing others. Slick, efficient methods that lead to “look-at-us” may become a distraction to “look-like-Jesus” service. The method may indeed become the message.
I am pondering this today.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
War and peace
In recent reading I came across the following quote by a World War Two US Army General Omar Bradley.1
“We live in a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants, in a world that has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. We have solved the mystery of the atom and forgotten the lessons on the Sermon on the Mount. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about dying than we know about living.”
This Memorial Day weekend our nation will appropriately salute those who have given their lives in service that secures our freedoms. Solemn ceremonies in cemeteries and parades on Main Streets are fitting reminders of sacrifices others have made unselfishly.
In addition to traditional observances, we may explore the depths of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” We may well spend our time asking how Evangelical church groups who encouraged passivism only 60 years ago, urging draft age members to register as non-combatants, have become saber rattling hawks in a very short time? Or we may ponder how another line from Jesus’ sermon, “But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Are we as diligent at pursuing peace as we are to winning wars? Are any wars “just?” What makes them justifiable?
My father-in-law served in World War Two. Cousins and friends served in Korea and Viet Nam. A young man while serving a church-planting internship, was summoned to duty during Desert Storm. I appreciate the unselfish service of men and women at war as much as one can so detached from the actual experience. No simple answers exist. It is our responsibility to engage in the struggle to bring evidence of the Kingdom of Heaven into our generation. Thank you General Bradley. You arrested our thinking! We will pursue the wisdom and conscience resulting from embracing the Sermon on the Mount.
The Next Generation
Are you praying for Alvin, Brittany, Kayla and Zachary daily? God hears these names from our lips regularly. When I work, I work. When I pray, God works!
1. Omar Nelson Bradley (February 12, 1893 – April 8, 1981) was a senior U.S. Army field commander in North Africa and Europe during World War II, and a General of the Army in the United States Army. He was the last surviving five-star commissioned officer of the United States and the first general to be selected Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“We live in a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants, in a world that has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. We have solved the mystery of the atom and forgotten the lessons on the Sermon on the Mount. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about dying than we know about living.”
This Memorial Day weekend our nation will appropriately salute those who have given their lives in service that secures our freedoms. Solemn ceremonies in cemeteries and parades on Main Streets are fitting reminders of sacrifices others have made unselfishly.
In addition to traditional observances, we may explore the depths of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” We may well spend our time asking how Evangelical church groups who encouraged passivism only 60 years ago, urging draft age members to register as non-combatants, have become saber rattling hawks in a very short time? Or we may ponder how another line from Jesus’ sermon, “But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Are we as diligent at pursuing peace as we are to winning wars? Are any wars “just?” What makes them justifiable?
My father-in-law served in World War Two. Cousins and friends served in Korea and Viet Nam. A young man while serving a church-planting internship, was summoned to duty during Desert Storm. I appreciate the unselfish service of men and women at war as much as one can so detached from the actual experience. No simple answers exist. It is our responsibility to engage in the struggle to bring evidence of the Kingdom of Heaven into our generation. Thank you General Bradley. You arrested our thinking! We will pursue the wisdom and conscience resulting from embracing the Sermon on the Mount.
The Next Generation
Are you praying for Alvin, Brittany, Kayla and Zachary daily? God hears these names from our lips regularly. When I work, I work. When I pray, God works!
1. Omar Nelson Bradley (February 12, 1893 – April 8, 1981) was a senior U.S. Army field commander in North Africa and Europe during World War II, and a General of the Army in the United States Army. He was the last surviving five-star commissioned officer of the United States and the first general to be selected Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Presence of God in us and the world
Presence is not only about space, it is influence, as when a person of bearing enters a room or conversation. Most of us have observed a discussion which has reached a stalemate, and then a person who has remained silent speaks and “presence” happens! The deadlock is broken, a new view or understanding is introduced. Wait staff serving us in a diner, sales people in retail establishments, neighbors, and boorish people who violate or personal space will experience the presence of God if we are full of Him!
The church must see itself as a redeeming, reconciling presence, an entity infused with the Holy Spirit of the Almighty, living God carrying His authority everywhere. Because of that,
• Jesus’ disciples ought to be honorable everywhere, in living lawfully, in integrity while transacting business, in their neighborhoods as catalysts for peace, love and wholesome behavior.
• Jesus’ disciples can be confident, especially in dangerous or difficult places where others fear or cower. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4-5) Consider, what is the worst thing that could happen? Giving one’s life in obedience to Jesus’ command?
• Jesus’ disciples should expect that their lives will have a redeeming influence. An early mentor with whom I studied, Harvie Conn, professor of missions, told of how he planted a garden in Philadelphia’s Germantown for the expressed purpose of giving the vegetables to neighbors who could not afford to purchase them. Dr. Conn lived in Germantown because it needed a source of light, of hope, and an expression of generosity. Jesus lived in Germantown for many years because of Harvie Conn’s obedience.
You and I can redeem a hopeless and despondent world, wherever we are! The capstone word of assurance is found in red letters in Jesus’ sermon on the mount, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
When I visit your neighborhood, I’ll be looking for your light in the dark corner of the world Jesus has sent you.
Go ahead, smile!
A man was terribly overweight, so his doctor put him on a diet.
"I want you to eat regularly for two days, then skip a day. Then eat regularly again for two days, then skip a day. Repeat this procedure for two weeks. The next time I see you, you should have lost at least five pounds."
When the man returned, he shocked the doctor by having lost nearly 60 pounds!
"Wow, that's amazing!" the doctor said. "Did you follow my instructions?"
The man nodded. "I'll tell you though, I thought I was going to drop dead on the third day."
"From the hunger, you mean?" asked the doctor.
"No, from the skipping."
The church must see itself as a redeeming, reconciling presence, an entity infused with the Holy Spirit of the Almighty, living God carrying His authority everywhere. Because of that,
• Jesus’ disciples ought to be honorable everywhere, in living lawfully, in integrity while transacting business, in their neighborhoods as catalysts for peace, love and wholesome behavior.
• Jesus’ disciples can be confident, especially in dangerous or difficult places where others fear or cower. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4-5) Consider, what is the worst thing that could happen? Giving one’s life in obedience to Jesus’ command?
• Jesus’ disciples should expect that their lives will have a redeeming influence. An early mentor with whom I studied, Harvie Conn, professor of missions, told of how he planted a garden in Philadelphia’s Germantown for the expressed purpose of giving the vegetables to neighbors who could not afford to purchase them. Dr. Conn lived in Germantown because it needed a source of light, of hope, and an expression of generosity. Jesus lived in Germantown for many years because of Harvie Conn’s obedience.
You and I can redeem a hopeless and despondent world, wherever we are! The capstone word of assurance is found in red letters in Jesus’ sermon on the mount, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
When I visit your neighborhood, I’ll be looking for your light in the dark corner of the world Jesus has sent you.
Go ahead, smile!
A man was terribly overweight, so his doctor put him on a diet.
"I want you to eat regularly for two days, then skip a day. Then eat regularly again for two days, then skip a day. Repeat this procedure for two weeks. The next time I see you, you should have lost at least five pounds."
When the man returned, he shocked the doctor by having lost nearly 60 pounds!
"Wow, that's amazing!" the doctor said. "Did you follow my instructions?"
The man nodded. "I'll tell you though, I thought I was going to drop dead on the third day."
"From the hunger, you mean?" asked the doctor.
"No, from the skipping."
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Morning peace
This morning I awaken to a sense of God’s peace and rich contentment. My soul was at rest. Responsibilities could wait, God was too real to move for a while.
Several factors may have contributed. First, Pat and I were home! After over 2500 miles in our little ten year old Swedish Ford (aka Volvo S40), three different hotel rooms and two relative’s guest rooms, I could relax in the familiar space we call home. It felt good!
Second, I have been reading about “centering prayer,” prayer which is simply silent and meditative. The cool breeze through the open window, the chirping of birds, and Pat’s rhythmic breathing contributed, but, as I lay still, God’s presence was as tangible and comforting as the bed linens. The words of the old Gospel song penned long ago by W. G. Cooper came to mind –
Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm
In celestial like strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm
Refrain:
Peace, peace, wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!
What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace
Buried deep in the heart of my soul
So secure that no power can mine it away
While the years of eternity roll!
I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day
And His glory is flooding my soul!
And I think when I rise to that city of peace
Where the Author of peace I shall see
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom will be
Ah, soul! are you here without comfort and rest
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark
O accept of this peace so sublime!
(Words public domain)
The lyrics were welded into my spirit as a boy and youth. Our church reveled in quiet awe as the Holy Spirit washed our troubled thoughts and disturbed spirits with His Presence. The wonder of prayer is that we engage the Almighty face-to-face, mind-to-mind, spirit-to-Spirit; heart-to-heart, and will-to-will. And peace fills the place where wars used to be.
From bedroom to deck, the morning place I love to meditate, I read –
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (Psalm 91)
Ah, life is good. Life is best when we cultivate and experience the presence of God!
In addition –
A friend reminded me of a simple but important truth, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Several factors may have contributed. First, Pat and I were home! After over 2500 miles in our little ten year old Swedish Ford (aka Volvo S40), three different hotel rooms and two relative’s guest rooms, I could relax in the familiar space we call home. It felt good!
Second, I have been reading about “centering prayer,” prayer which is simply silent and meditative. The cool breeze through the open window, the chirping of birds, and Pat’s rhythmic breathing contributed, but, as I lay still, God’s presence was as tangible and comforting as the bed linens. The words of the old Gospel song penned long ago by W. G. Cooper came to mind –
Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm
In celestial like strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm
Refrain:
Peace, peace, wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!
What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace
Buried deep in the heart of my soul
So secure that no power can mine it away
While the years of eternity roll!
I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day
And His glory is flooding my soul!
And I think when I rise to that city of peace
Where the Author of peace I shall see
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom will be
Ah, soul! are you here without comfort and rest
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark
O accept of this peace so sublime!
(Words public domain)
The lyrics were welded into my spirit as a boy and youth. Our church reveled in quiet awe as the Holy Spirit washed our troubled thoughts and disturbed spirits with His Presence. The wonder of prayer is that we engage the Almighty face-to-face, mind-to-mind, spirit-to-Spirit; heart-to-heart, and will-to-will. And peace fills the place where wars used to be.
From bedroom to deck, the morning place I love to meditate, I read –
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (Psalm 91)
Ah, life is good. Life is best when we cultivate and experience the presence of God!
In addition –
A friend reminded me of a simple but important truth, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Monday, May 16, 2011
Heritage
Heritage refers to something to do with the past, a birthright, an estate which is passed from one generation to another.
The past few days Pat and I have visited family and friends between ministry appointments. Saturday morning Bob and I, a friend since we enrolled at Central Bible College in 1962, and a member of our wedding party in 1967, shared joys and challenges spanning decades. Life is good!
Wednesday evening we will be ministering in Bethel Assembly of God, Elkhart, IN. David and Stephanie were interns with us in the early 90's and have grown into mature pastors leading a thriving congregation. We hope to visit dear friends, Ralph and Louise Crites, on Thursday, people with whom we have worked, played, laughed and wept for more than 20 years. Another former intern now lives in Detroit and we hope to visit her family before we head home. People, and the experiences we share are part of our heritage.
But family is in a class by itself. Since Friday evening we have shared tales spanning decades with Pat’s father and her sister Sherri’s family. The uninterrupted chain of faith-laden experiences have been shared hour after hour. Our hearts have been filled with wonder and awe as we listened and remembered. It is our heritage, faith’s birthright left to succeeding generations. We’ll pick up another strand of the cord of faith’s heritage when we visit my brother’s family before ministering Sunday and heading home.
Esau did not value his birthright and swapped it for a bowl of stew. Those who carelessly cast off the influences and memories of their past are as foolish as Esau. Life will change. Old signs, buildings, and people disappear. It is inevitable. Styles have a short life in clothing, music, arts and architecture. But we are wise if we remember that we are who we are as a result of all those who have preceded us. Let us value those who have paid a dear price for faith, family, and nation. Some have given their lives, so that we have the heritage of faith and freedom.
The past few days Pat and I have visited family and friends between ministry appointments. Saturday morning Bob and I, a friend since we enrolled at Central Bible College in 1962, and a member of our wedding party in 1967, shared joys and challenges spanning decades. Life is good!
Wednesday evening we will be ministering in Bethel Assembly of God, Elkhart, IN. David and Stephanie were interns with us in the early 90's and have grown into mature pastors leading a thriving congregation. We hope to visit dear friends, Ralph and Louise Crites, on Thursday, people with whom we have worked, played, laughed and wept for more than 20 years. Another former intern now lives in Detroit and we hope to visit her family before we head home. People, and the experiences we share are part of our heritage.
But family is in a class by itself. Since Friday evening we have shared tales spanning decades with Pat’s father and her sister Sherri’s family. The uninterrupted chain of faith-laden experiences have been shared hour after hour. Our hearts have been filled with wonder and awe as we listened and remembered. It is our heritage, faith’s birthright left to succeeding generations. We’ll pick up another strand of the cord of faith’s heritage when we visit my brother’s family before ministering Sunday and heading home.
Esau did not value his birthright and swapped it for a bowl of stew. Those who carelessly cast off the influences and memories of their past are as foolish as Esau. Life will change. Old signs, buildings, and people disappear. It is inevitable. Styles have a short life in clothing, music, arts and architecture. But we are wise if we remember that we are who we are as a result of all those who have preceded us. Let us value those who have paid a dear price for faith, family, and nation. Some have given their lives, so that we have the heritage of faith and freedom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)