Saturday, December 31, 2005
Endings...Beginnings
As I sit here, the end of 2005 is about 8 hours away. Tonight, I will not be up and watching the year end and welcoming in the New Year. Tomorrow is a Sunday and it will be the first Sunday of the new year, in about 13or 14 years, that I have actually been in town to lead a service. I have chosen John Wesley’s Covenant Service as the format for our first service in the New Year. If you have never attended one of these services, then you should be in for a spiritual challenge. It is a challenge because it asks you to move from you ho hum way of thinking and get down to business and take seriously your relationship with God.
I hope that you will be able to be present for this service.
Friday, December 09, 2005
You Can't Please Everyone
Matthew 11:16-19 Jesus spoke to the crowds, "But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.' For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon'; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds."
As I read this passage, its message became clear to me. You can't please all the people all of the time. What matters is that you know what you are supposed to be doing and to go about doing it. As a minister, one of the things that I quickly learned was that I could not please all the people even part of the time. In some churches and over some matters, it is just impossible to make everyone happy.
Once I realized this. I stopped trying to make everyone happy. I decided that my goal as pastor was to lead and that sometimes meant that people will not understand or be angry at me. However, as long as I know I am leading in the direction that God wants us to go, I will not get twisted into a corner trying to please everyone. (I know this sounds good in writing, but it is much harder to put into action!)
Jesus made the point in this passage that John, who refused to celebrate with the people was disliked and that Jesus who ate and drank was also disliked. Its the last verse that ties it all together: "Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds." It didn't matter what they did as long as they were true to what God had called them to do.
Perhaps its time for Christians to do likewise. Stop worrying about what people will think when you reach out in mission and ministry--just do it. The act of doing a kind deed will far outweigh the words of discontent that might come about because some folks may not like the way that you did it!
As I read this passage, its message became clear to me. You can't please all the people all of the time. What matters is that you know what you are supposed to be doing and to go about doing it. As a minister, one of the things that I quickly learned was that I could not please all the people even part of the time. In some churches and over some matters, it is just impossible to make everyone happy.
Once I realized this. I stopped trying to make everyone happy. I decided that my goal as pastor was to lead and that sometimes meant that people will not understand or be angry at me. However, as long as I know I am leading in the direction that God wants us to go, I will not get twisted into a corner trying to please everyone. (I know this sounds good in writing, but it is much harder to put into action!)
Jesus made the point in this passage that John, who refused to celebrate with the people was disliked and that Jesus who ate and drank was also disliked. Its the last verse that ties it all together: "Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds." It didn't matter what they did as long as they were true to what God had called them to do.
Perhaps its time for Christians to do likewise. Stop worrying about what people will think when you reach out in mission and ministry--just do it. The act of doing a kind deed will far outweigh the words of discontent that might come about because some folks may not like the way that you did it!
Holding Baby Jesus
One of the best parts about being a parent is the opportunities you get to simply sit in a big comfortable chair with a sleeping infant in your arms. I know that when Daivd was born, Debbie had to work on Saturdays. Every Saturday, I would get a big comfy pillow and place it on my lap and then sit for most of the day with David on my lap. He’s too big for those kinds of cozy times now, but I still remember the moments.
Just yesterday, I was holding Daniel. He had fallen asleep and he was snoring with his head snuggled into the crook of my neck. No amount of money in the world. No amount of prestige could replace such a precious moment. I savor them all the more now that I realize that even Daniel is growing up—just like David, Jacob and Andrew.
As I thought about these precious moments with my children, I realized something about God. He never really got to hold Jesus the way that mothers and fathers hold their precious children. He never got to snuggle with Jesus on a cold winter morning in a warm bed. He never got to carry him and put him in bed when he fell asleep in his arms. He never got to do any of the things that we take for granted as parents. He never got to do any of those things.
Yet, he did get to watch him die in humiliation and pain on a cross. He watched in agony as his only Son died for the sins of the entire world. He watched, and I think that he wept.
Have you wrapped your arms around Jesus and accepted what he did on your behalf?
Just yesterday, I was holding Daniel. He had fallen asleep and he was snoring with his head snuggled into the crook of my neck. No amount of money in the world. No amount of prestige could replace such a precious moment. I savor them all the more now that I realize that even Daniel is growing up—just like David, Jacob and Andrew.
As I thought about these precious moments with my children, I realized something about God. He never really got to hold Jesus the way that mothers and fathers hold their precious children. He never got to snuggle with Jesus on a cold winter morning in a warm bed. He never got to carry him and put him in bed when he fell asleep in his arms. He never got to do any of the things that we take for granted as parents. He never got to do any of those things.
Yet, he did get to watch him die in humiliation and pain on a cross. He watched in agony as his only Son died for the sins of the entire world. He watched, and I think that he wept.
Have you wrapped your arms around Jesus and accepted what he did on your behalf?
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Commentary on the times....
As this holiday season has been revving up to full swing I have noticed, heard, and read some things that I think we need to think about.
First of all, you can’t even get through Halloween until you begin to see the holiday aisles going up in Wal-Mart. There’s just something about the juxtaposition of Santa Claus and Freddy Kruger that makes my skin crawl. Do we as a society have to begin the head long rush to Christmas with a daily countdown. This first countdown sign that I remember this year said we had only 64 shopping days until Christmas. 64 SHOPPING DAYS. It wouldn’t be so bad, if our culture had any remnant of what Christmas was all about.
The other thing that concerns me is the multicultural approach that our society seems to be taking. There is no denying that we live in a society with varied ethnic groups: Asian, African-American, Native American, White Europeans, Hispanics and many other smaller groups. There is denying that we live in a culture with many different religious beliefs. I am Christian. Others are Muslim. Others are Jewish. Others are (fill in the blank). Each of these ethnic and religious groups have their own traditions and their own holidays. I have no problem with this diversity of ideas and cultures. I do have a problem, however, when one or more of these sub-cultures decides that Christian references are not permissible in our society because they offend that particular sub-cultures sensitivities.
For instance, there is a movement across the country to no longer call the town Christmas tree a “Christmas tree” Christmas, after all, refers to the holiday that only Christians celebrate. Therefore, the most popular title seems now to be the Holiday Tree. The last time I checked, there is a holiday on December 25th called Christmas! Which brings to mind what is happening in Australia.
The Australian government has decided that it offensive to refer to the season as Christmas and is beginning a campaign to eradicate the term from secular use. They now want to refer to this time of the year as Winter Holiday (or for them Summer Holiday).
The cry goes up from near and far, “LET’S GET RID OF CHRISTMAS!” Our culture would love nothing more than to rid itself of the last vestiges of religion. Unless we do something, there’s a good chance that one day our children will look at us and ask, “What’s Christmas?” I don’t know about you, but I pray that day will never come, but the way things are going, I fear that it will.
Well, I’ve had my rant, now it’s your turn.
First of all, you can’t even get through Halloween until you begin to see the holiday aisles going up in Wal-Mart. There’s just something about the juxtaposition of Santa Claus and Freddy Kruger that makes my skin crawl. Do we as a society have to begin the head long rush to Christmas with a daily countdown. This first countdown sign that I remember this year said we had only 64 shopping days until Christmas. 64 SHOPPING DAYS. It wouldn’t be so bad, if our culture had any remnant of what Christmas was all about.
The other thing that concerns me is the multicultural approach that our society seems to be taking. There is no denying that we live in a society with varied ethnic groups: Asian, African-American, Native American, White Europeans, Hispanics and many other smaller groups. There is denying that we live in a culture with many different religious beliefs. I am Christian. Others are Muslim. Others are Jewish. Others are (fill in the blank). Each of these ethnic and religious groups have their own traditions and their own holidays. I have no problem with this diversity of ideas and cultures. I do have a problem, however, when one or more of these sub-cultures decides that Christian references are not permissible in our society because they offend that particular sub-cultures sensitivities.
For instance, there is a movement across the country to no longer call the town Christmas tree a “Christmas tree” Christmas, after all, refers to the holiday that only Christians celebrate. Therefore, the most popular title seems now to be the Holiday Tree. The last time I checked, there is a holiday on December 25th called Christmas! Which brings to mind what is happening in Australia.
The Australian government has decided that it offensive to refer to the season as Christmas and is beginning a campaign to eradicate the term from secular use. They now want to refer to this time of the year as Winter Holiday (or for them Summer Holiday).
The cry goes up from near and far, “LET’S GET RID OF CHRISTMAS!” Our culture would love nothing more than to rid itself of the last vestiges of religion. Unless we do something, there’s a good chance that one day our children will look at us and ask, “What’s Christmas?” I don’t know about you, but I pray that day will never come, but the way things are going, I fear that it will.
Well, I’ve had my rant, now it’s your turn.
Monday, December 05, 2005
The Desert is Blooming
Isaiah 35:1-4
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come and save you." Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;
I have never been to a desert. However, I have been to hot places with lots of sand. I have stood on top of the highest sand dune on the east coast. I have stood atop a sand dune that rose 400+ feet above Lake Michigan. I guess you could say I have seen my fair share of sand. However, to imagine miles and miles of sand with rocks rising out of it. To imagine no greenery. To imagine that there was no water. To imagine the heat and feel the thirst of a desert. That is all I can do—IMAGINE.
The writer of Isaiah wants us to imagine what will one day happen when the dry land of the desert will be transformed. He says, “…the desert shall rejoice and blossom.” He paints a picture that takes a lot of imagination. He then goes on to talk about God coming to save us. He wants us to understand that this is Messiah’s role. To be our savior. He will come and transform the world and transform our lives. The desert of our soul. The parched and weary feeling within will one day shout for joy and we shall rejoice.
Can you imagine?
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come and save you." Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;
I have never been to a desert. However, I have been to hot places with lots of sand. I have stood on top of the highest sand dune on the east coast. I have stood atop a sand dune that rose 400+ feet above Lake Michigan. I guess you could say I have seen my fair share of sand. However, to imagine miles and miles of sand with rocks rising out of it. To imagine no greenery. To imagine that there was no water. To imagine the heat and feel the thirst of a desert. That is all I can do—IMAGINE.
The writer of Isaiah wants us to imagine what will one day happen when the dry land of the desert will be transformed. He says, “…the desert shall rejoice and blossom.” He paints a picture that takes a lot of imagination. He then goes on to talk about God coming to save us. He wants us to understand that this is Messiah’s role. To be our savior. He will come and transform the world and transform our lives. The desert of our soul. The parched and weary feeling within will one day shout for joy and we shall rejoice.
Can you imagine?
True Freedom
I used the online prayer space found at Sacred Space. It is run by the Jesuits in Ireland. It provides a series of guided thoughts and mediations. One section of the prayer site is called Freedom. This morning, something clicked. In this section there is often suggestions that we need to let God shape us. Today, it said “I ask for the grace to let myself be shaped by my loving Creator.”
The serendipity occurred when I connected freedom with shaping. One wouldn’t normally think of being free if someone else was in control of shaping. This morning, I began to wonder. How can I be free and be shaped by God’s hand?
One way that I can be shaped and still be free is that if I give myself to God and let God begin His work, then there is a lot I will not have to decide. If I am firmly in God’s grasp then I can be free to know that wherever God wants me to be, that is where I should be. Whatever God wants me to do—that is what I should do. There is freedom in such a way of thinking.
In order for this to occur, however, there also needs to be Faith. I don’t just blindly trust God. I must have faith to believe that God loves and cares for me. That God wants the best for me. That God sent his Son to die for me. If I can believe these things, then I can let the Creator continue to shape me. This is freedom.
The serendipity occurred when I connected freedom with shaping. One wouldn’t normally think of being free if someone else was in control of shaping. This morning, I began to wonder. How can I be free and be shaped by God’s hand?
One way that I can be shaped and still be free is that if I give myself to God and let God begin His work, then there is a lot I will not have to decide. If I am firmly in God’s grasp then I can be free to know that wherever God wants me to be, that is where I should be. Whatever God wants me to do—that is what I should do. There is freedom in such a way of thinking.
In order for this to occur, however, there also needs to be Faith. I don’t just blindly trust God. I must have faith to believe that God loves and cares for me. That God wants the best for me. That God sent his Son to die for me. If I can believe these things, then I can let the Creator continue to shape me. This is freedom.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
In the Process of Becoming
Luke 1, 57-66:
Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, "No; he is to be called John." They said to her, "None of your relatives has this name." Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, "What then will this child become?" For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.
As a parent, I find great joy in hearing my sons tell me what they will be when they finally grow up. Among the things I have heard: fireman, policeman, doctor, garbage truck driver, astronaut, teacher, singer, chef, dancer, artist. At their age, only their imagination limits what they can become. I tell them when the come to me with a new life career: “That’s fine. If that is what God wants you to be, then you will be the best (fill in the profession) ever.”
When I read this passage today from Luke, I was struck by the last sentence: "What then will this child become?" For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. Here we find the baby John already with the Lord’s hand upon him. Even at eight days old, God was preparing and guiding him so that he would do precisely what the Lord intended for him to do. He would be the voice of one crying in the wilderness telling the world that Messiah was near.
The Good News that I find from this text is that if God can work such a plan in the life of an 8 day old baby, I think God can also work such a plan in the life of 44 year old pastor. I am continually amazed by the fact that God isn’t done with me yet. Like John, I am still trying to discern what this child of God is to become. I know that I haven’t arrived yet, but I know that, if I am patient and allow God access to my life, then I will make it exactly to where God wants me to be.
Pray for me, as I seek that path. I’ll be praying the same for you.
What do you think about this?
Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, "No; he is to be called John." They said to her, "None of your relatives has this name." Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, "What then will this child become?" For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.
As a parent, I find great joy in hearing my sons tell me what they will be when they finally grow up. Among the things I have heard: fireman, policeman, doctor, garbage truck driver, astronaut, teacher, singer, chef, dancer, artist. At their age, only their imagination limits what they can become. I tell them when the come to me with a new life career: “That’s fine. If that is what God wants you to be, then you will be the best (fill in the profession) ever.”
When I read this passage today from Luke, I was struck by the last sentence: "What then will this child become?" For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. Here we find the baby John already with the Lord’s hand upon him. Even at eight days old, God was preparing and guiding him so that he would do precisely what the Lord intended for him to do. He would be the voice of one crying in the wilderness telling the world that Messiah was near.
The Good News that I find from this text is that if God can work such a plan in the life of an 8 day old baby, I think God can also work such a plan in the life of 44 year old pastor. I am continually amazed by the fact that God isn’t done with me yet. Like John, I am still trying to discern what this child of God is to become. I know that I haven’t arrived yet, but I know that, if I am patient and allow God access to my life, then I will make it exactly to where God wants me to be.
Pray for me, as I seek that path. I’ll be praying the same for you.
What do you think about this?
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Quick Response Christians
Matthew 4:18-22
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea--for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Being the father of four young boys, I have just about forgot what the word “immediately” means. In my house nothing is immediate anymore. To simply get everyone ready to go out to town might take 30 minutes. To get everyone ready to go to a trip to grandma’s house could take a couple of hours. At my house, the immediate rarely happens.
When I think about Simon and Andrew I realize that they were fishermen. For them, immediate wasn’t an often experienced thing either. They had to prepare nets. They had to row the boats. They had to cast the nets. They had to haul the nets in. They had to prepare the catch. They had to repair the nets and so the cycle continues. Their lives were not lived at a fast “immediate” pace. They worked with the rhythm of the day and the season. They moved in a steady gradual pace. That is, until they met Jesus.
Jesus, saw them doing what they had done day in and day out all of their lives. He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The text then says “Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Immediately? What got into these two brothers that they would change their whole lifestyle at the request of a stranger? Immediately? What did Jesus offer to them that could possibly make them follow him? IMMEDIATELY—wow!
I don’t know about you, but there was obviously something about this Jesus that made a difference—right then and there! Most of us, are not immediate people. We like to think. We like to plan. We like to ponder. This is especially so when it comes to the church. One of the common statements about the church is that we are continually behind the curve when it comes to adopting new ways of thinking and doing ministry. While it is good to think, plan and ponder, I sometimes feel that God wants us to just react—IMMEDIATELY to the opportunities that lie in front of us.
What do you think?
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea--for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Being the father of four young boys, I have just about forgot what the word “immediately” means. In my house nothing is immediate anymore. To simply get everyone ready to go out to town might take 30 minutes. To get everyone ready to go to a trip to grandma’s house could take a couple of hours. At my house, the immediate rarely happens.
When I think about Simon and Andrew I realize that they were fishermen. For them, immediate wasn’t an often experienced thing either. They had to prepare nets. They had to row the boats. They had to cast the nets. They had to haul the nets in. They had to prepare the catch. They had to repair the nets and so the cycle continues. Their lives were not lived at a fast “immediate” pace. They worked with the rhythm of the day and the season. They moved in a steady gradual pace. That is, until they met Jesus.
Jesus, saw them doing what they had done day in and day out all of their lives. He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The text then says “Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Immediately? What got into these two brothers that they would change their whole lifestyle at the request of a stranger? Immediately? What did Jesus offer to them that could possibly make them follow him? IMMEDIATELY—wow!
I don’t know about you, but there was obviously something about this Jesus that made a difference—right then and there! Most of us, are not immediate people. We like to think. We like to plan. We like to ponder. This is especially so when it comes to the church. One of the common statements about the church is that we are continually behind the curve when it comes to adopting new ways of thinking and doing ministry. While it is good to think, plan and ponder, I sometimes feel that God wants us to just react—IMMEDIATELY to the opportunities that lie in front of us.
What do you think?
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Conjunction Junction
Luke 10, 22
At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, " All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
Growing up, like most kids, Saturday morning was a time for cartoons. I especially liked what ABC did between the cartoons. I still remember their tunes to help me learn parts of speech, and the constitution. For instance, “…Conjunction Junction, what’s your function. Hooking up words and phrases and clauses…” The tune still comes to my mind. As I was reading the days Scripture, the conjunction AND near the end of the verse is what came to my mind.
In the words that precede it, we are told the following:
Taken by themselves, these two statements are rather exclusionary. Unless you are the Son or the Father—you are left out of the loop! But, then, the little conjunction –AND—comes into play. “who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” If we want to know the Father, we must first know the Son. When we know the Son, He—the Son will reveal to us the Father. It is the Son that chooses the “anyone” to which he will reveal the Father.
Somehow, folks seem to miss this little tidbit. They think they can know God and learn about God without first knowing the Son. I don’t think that this is so. If we want to truly understand God, we must first understand Jesus and what he has done and is doing for us.
Think about it.
At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, " All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
Growing up, like most kids, Saturday morning was a time for cartoons. I especially liked what ABC did between the cartoons. I still remember their tunes to help me learn parts of speech, and the constitution. For instance, “…Conjunction Junction, what’s your function. Hooking up words and phrases and clauses…” The tune still comes to my mind. As I was reading the days Scripture, the conjunction AND near the end of the verse is what came to my mind.
In the words that precede it, we are told the following:
- No one knows who the Son is, except the Father.
- No one knows who the Father is, except the Son.
Taken by themselves, these two statements are rather exclusionary. Unless you are the Son or the Father—you are left out of the loop! But, then, the little conjunction –AND—comes into play. “who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” If we want to know the Father, we must first know the Son. When we know the Son, He—the Son will reveal to us the Father. It is the Son that chooses the “anyone” to which he will reveal the Father.
Somehow, folks seem to miss this little tidbit. They think they can know God and learn about God without first knowing the Son. I don’t think that this is so. If we want to truly understand God, we must first understand Jesus and what he has done and is doing for us.
Think about it.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Under Whose Authority
Matthew 8:5-11
When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress." And he said to him, "I will come and cure him." The centurion answered, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this,' and the slave does it." When Jesus heard him, he was amazed and said to those who followed him, "Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven."
As I read this passage, I began to wonder, “Why did this centurion have such faith?” So I began to read the passage again and again. Then it struck me. The centurion had such faith because he was “…a man under authority.” In our society, there are only some people that know what that means. Persons serving in the military or the police forces would know what it means to be under authority. Most of us as everyday citizens don’t understand what it means for someone to say to us, “Do this” or “Do that” and for that person to expect us to DO IT. We don’t have such a structured life.
Then again, as Christians, maybe we do.
We say that at the name of Jesus every knee shall one day bow. We call him King of Kings. We talk in hierarchical and authoritarian language all the time. However, few of us have ever really put him or herself completely under the authority of Jesus. Sure we play at it every now and then, but, when push comes to shove, most of us still like to do things our way.
Could this be the reason that we see so few miracles? Could our lack of trust in the one that made us, be the reason that our faith is so weak? Think about it.
When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress." And he said to him, "I will come and cure him." The centurion answered, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this,' and the slave does it." When Jesus heard him, he was amazed and said to those who followed him, "Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven."
As I read this passage, I began to wonder, “Why did this centurion have such faith?” So I began to read the passage again and again. Then it struck me. The centurion had such faith because he was “…a man under authority.” In our society, there are only some people that know what that means. Persons serving in the military or the police forces would know what it means to be under authority. Most of us as everyday citizens don’t understand what it means for someone to say to us, “Do this” or “Do that” and for that person to expect us to DO IT. We don’t have such a structured life.
Then again, as Christians, maybe we do.
We say that at the name of Jesus every knee shall one day bow. We call him King of Kings. We talk in hierarchical and authoritarian language all the time. However, few of us have ever really put him or herself completely under the authority of Jesus. Sure we play at it every now and then, but, when push comes to shove, most of us still like to do things our way.
Could this be the reason that we see so few miracles? Could our lack of trust in the one that made us, be the reason that our faith is so weak? Think about it.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Keep Awake
Mark 13, 33-37
Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake--for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake."
Being the father of four young children, I am discovering that sleep is precious. I am also discovering that it is very hard to come by. Over Thanksgiving, I had some of the best sleep I have had in a long time. I slept until about 8:00 a.m. each morning, that’s at least 2 hours more sleep than I normally get. I have determined that I am just about continually sleep deprived. If I get too calm and rested during the day, I am likely to doze off for a few seconds. This wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t have to do things like drive a car!
I know the causes of my sleep deprivation. I know what could make it better. It’s just finding the time to make it happen. It’s deciding that sleep gets a primary focus in my life.
As for the admonition in today’s text to Keep Awake, well, I have to understand that it’s not talking about physical sleep. It’s talking about a spiritual form of awareness that too often gets clouded in our day to day lives. Too often we forget, the promised return. We forget that we don’t know the day or the time and that God could return at any moment. We forget—we’ve been waiting now for 2000 years—what’s another hour going to matter? What difference can a day make? Will a year really matter? What will we be doing when Jesus comes again at the sound of the archangel’s trumpet? What will happen to us when we see the dead in Christ rise from their graves? Will we also rise to meet him in the air, or will we be caught unaware?
Advent is the time to start thinking again about these kinds of questions. Even as we begin the story cycle over with His promised first coming and birth, we must never forget that we have his second coming still to occur. Will we be ready, or will we be asleep?
Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake--for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake."
Being the father of four young children, I am discovering that sleep is precious. I am also discovering that it is very hard to come by. Over Thanksgiving, I had some of the best sleep I have had in a long time. I slept until about 8:00 a.m. each morning, that’s at least 2 hours more sleep than I normally get. I have determined that I am just about continually sleep deprived. If I get too calm and rested during the day, I am likely to doze off for a few seconds. This wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t have to do things like drive a car!
I know the causes of my sleep deprivation. I know what could make it better. It’s just finding the time to make it happen. It’s deciding that sleep gets a primary focus in my life.
As for the admonition in today’s text to Keep Awake, well, I have to understand that it’s not talking about physical sleep. It’s talking about a spiritual form of awareness that too often gets clouded in our day to day lives. Too often we forget, the promised return. We forget that we don’t know the day or the time and that God could return at any moment. We forget—we’ve been waiting now for 2000 years—what’s another hour going to matter? What difference can a day make? Will a year really matter? What will we be doing when Jesus comes again at the sound of the archangel’s trumpet? What will happen to us when we see the dead in Christ rise from their graves? Will we also rise to meet him in the air, or will we be caught unaware?
Advent is the time to start thinking again about these kinds of questions. Even as we begin the story cycle over with His promised first coming and birth, we must never forget that we have his second coming still to occur. Will we be ready, or will we be asleep?
Sunday, November 20, 2005
"Lord, when was it..."
Matthew 25:31-46
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
As I read this passage I am struck by the fact that there was no real difference between those that helped and those that didn’t help. Both groups, after Jesus has told them what happened, say the same thing: “Lord, when was it…” The group that had clothed the naked, fed the hungry, ministered to the sick, visited those in prison, and given homes to the homeless, were just as much in the dark about what they did as was the group that had not done these things. Neither group knew what it was doing, yet one did the right thing—and one did not.
Sometimes I think that we get too bound up in our decision making processes. As a church, an opportunity comes before us and we will committee and study it to death trying to discern every possible outcome and seeing if it will truly be of benefit to us. Perhaps, we need to sometimes take a less structured approach to things. Perhaps at times we just need to go with the flow of the moment and do what we instinctively know is the right thing to do –not the measured and thought out thing to do. I am sure that the group that failed to minister as Jesus had hoped they would could have thought it our and realized that they might be doing a service to him, they would have done it in a heartbeat.
Therein lies the difference between the two groups. The group that did things correctly also didn’t have the chance to analyze the situation and say—“Yep, that’s what God would want us to do.” They didn’t know God was testing them either. However, they were different in that they instinctively saw a need and responded to that need. No board meetings to discuss it. No surveys to see the mood of the congregation. No trial balloons to see if it was feasible. They saw someone in need and they acted.
How can we do likewise?
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
As I read this passage I am struck by the fact that there was no real difference between those that helped and those that didn’t help. Both groups, after Jesus has told them what happened, say the same thing: “Lord, when was it…” The group that had clothed the naked, fed the hungry, ministered to the sick, visited those in prison, and given homes to the homeless, were just as much in the dark about what they did as was the group that had not done these things. Neither group knew what it was doing, yet one did the right thing—and one did not.
Sometimes I think that we get too bound up in our decision making processes. As a church, an opportunity comes before us and we will committee and study it to death trying to discern every possible outcome and seeing if it will truly be of benefit to us. Perhaps, we need to sometimes take a less structured approach to things. Perhaps at times we just need to go with the flow of the moment and do what we instinctively know is the right thing to do –not the measured and thought out thing to do. I am sure that the group that failed to minister as Jesus had hoped they would could have thought it our and realized that they might be doing a service to him, they would have done it in a heartbeat.
Therein lies the difference between the two groups. The group that did things correctly also didn’t have the chance to analyze the situation and say—“Yep, that’s what God would want us to do.” They didn’t know God was testing them either. However, they were different in that they instinctively saw a need and responded to that need. No board meetings to discuss it. No surveys to see the mood of the congregation. No trial balloons to see if it was feasible. They saw someone in need and they acted.
How can we do likewise?
Friday, November 18, 2005
Spellbinding Seromns
Luke 19:45-48
Then Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; and he said, "It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer'; but you have made it a den of robbers." Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him; but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard.
Have you ever watched a magician perform his illusions? You sit there staring intently as he manipulates his hands to reveal a multitude of objects. You wonder how does he do it? You stare some more. You try to find out. You are spellbound.
As a preacher, I think I do an okay job with my sermons. There are, however, a lot better preachers out there than me. No one would really say that I keep the congregation “spellbound” as I preach. Jesus, though, well that’s another story. There was something about him that captured the attention of the hearer. This man was a simple carpenter from Galilee. This was a man who could give sight to the blind. This man was able to drive out demons. This was a man that could raise the dead to life. Like the old E.F. Hutton commercials, When Jesus talked, people listened.
Since I will never be Jesus, I have to rely on something else to keep people spellbound during my sermons. I have to rely on the Word of God found in the Scriptures and the power of the Holy Spirit found inside each one of us. God’s Word can hold us spellbound when we allow the Holy Spirit to move freely in our lives as we hear the word proclaimed. I suppose that what I am saying is, that I believe that if you want to be spellbound by my, or any other preacher’s sermon, then perhaps you need to come to worship prepared to let the Holy Spirit move freely inside of you as you hear God’s word.
Then Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; and he said, "It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer'; but you have made it a den of robbers." Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him; but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard.
Have you ever watched a magician perform his illusions? You sit there staring intently as he manipulates his hands to reveal a multitude of objects. You wonder how does he do it? You stare some more. You try to find out. You are spellbound.
As a preacher, I think I do an okay job with my sermons. There are, however, a lot better preachers out there than me. No one would really say that I keep the congregation “spellbound” as I preach. Jesus, though, well that’s another story. There was something about him that captured the attention of the hearer. This man was a simple carpenter from Galilee. This was a man who could give sight to the blind. This man was able to drive out demons. This was a man that could raise the dead to life. Like the old E.F. Hutton commercials, When Jesus talked, people listened.
Since I will never be Jesus, I have to rely on something else to keep people spellbound during my sermons. I have to rely on the Word of God found in the Scriptures and the power of the Holy Spirit found inside each one of us. God’s Word can hold us spellbound when we allow the Holy Spirit to move freely in our lives as we hear the word proclaimed. I suppose that what I am saying is, that I believe that if you want to be spellbound by my, or any other preacher’s sermon, then perhaps you need to come to worship prepared to let the Holy Spirit move freely inside of you as you hear God’s word.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
God, Are You Listening?
Psalm 16(17):1, 6, 8, 15
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words. Guard me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.
Being the father of four younger children, I am constantly being bombarded by questions. Why is the sky blue? Are raindrops really God’s tears? How does this work? At times, though, it becomes easy to tune out the one thousandth question of the day. Sometimes it is hard to hear the voice that says over and over Daddy, Daddy, Dad—a voice just trying to get my attention. That’s all they want, yet sometimes I just don’t hear the still small voice of one of my children calling out because I am in overload mode.
I suppose that if anyone could claim to be in overload mode, it would be God. Not only does God have me calling out to him, but also everyone else in the world as well. The good news for us is that God does not overload and tune out our incessant cries. When we say, Abba, Father, Daddy—He is listening.
Have you called out to God today. If you have, then He has heard and He will answer you.
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words. Guard me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.
Being the father of four younger children, I am constantly being bombarded by questions. Why is the sky blue? Are raindrops really God’s tears? How does this work? At times, though, it becomes easy to tune out the one thousandth question of the day. Sometimes it is hard to hear the voice that says over and over Daddy, Daddy, Dad—a voice just trying to get my attention. That’s all they want, yet sometimes I just don’t hear the still small voice of one of my children calling out because I am in overload mode.
I suppose that if anyone could claim to be in overload mode, it would be God. Not only does God have me calling out to him, but also everyone else in the world as well. The good news for us is that God does not overload and tune out our incessant cries. When we say, Abba, Father, Daddy—He is listening.
Have you called out to God today. If you have, then He has heard and He will answer you.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
A Visit from Jesus
Luke 19:1-6
Jesus was passing through Jericho, and a man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him.
What would it be like if Jesus came to”…stay at our hose today…”? I don’t know about you, but when company is coming over there is a mad rush at my house to pick up toys, clean counter tops, put away clothes. We want to get the place spruced up and ready for visitors. I wonder, though, what would we do differently if we knew that Jesus was going to be visiting our home today?
Would we dress in our finest clothes?
Would we make sure the kids had a bath and in their best outfits?
Would we make sure that the garbage had been taken out?
Would we get the Bible out and put it on the coffee table?
Would we change the way we acted with one another and put on our best behaviors?
What would you do if Jesus was coming to visit your home—today?
Well, according to Scripture, our bodies are the temple of God and God’s Holy Spirit dwells within us. That means that Jesus is already in our homes. He is already aware of how we act in our worst moments. He knows our anger. He knows our frustrations. He knows our joys. He knows everything about us and our families.
The Good News is—HE STILL LOVES US. The Scriptures say that “…while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” I don’t know about you, but that kind of love is hard to ignore.
What would you do if Jesus came to your home for a visit? Welcome him. Thank him. Serve him.
What would you do?
Jesus was passing through Jericho, and a man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him.
What would it be like if Jesus came to”…stay at our hose today…”? I don’t know about you, but when company is coming over there is a mad rush at my house to pick up toys, clean counter tops, put away clothes. We want to get the place spruced up and ready for visitors. I wonder, though, what would we do differently if we knew that Jesus was going to be visiting our home today?
Would we dress in our finest clothes?
Would we make sure the kids had a bath and in their best outfits?
Would we make sure that the garbage had been taken out?
Would we get the Bible out and put it on the coffee table?
Would we change the way we acted with one another and put on our best behaviors?
What would you do if Jesus was coming to visit your home—today?
Well, according to Scripture, our bodies are the temple of God and God’s Holy Spirit dwells within us. That means that Jesus is already in our homes. He is already aware of how we act in our worst moments. He knows our anger. He knows our frustrations. He knows our joys. He knows everything about us and our families.
The Good News is—HE STILL LOVES US. The Scriptures say that “…while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” I don’t know about you, but that kind of love is hard to ignore.
What would you do if Jesus came to your home for a visit? Welcome him. Thank him. Serve him.
What would you do?
Monday, November 14, 2005
Blind Beggars
Luke 18:35-43
As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." Then he shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me see again." Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has saved you." Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.
The blind man in this passage sets a marvelous example for situation. “…a blind man was sitting beside the road begging.” This suggests to me our situation in regards to God. If we do not know God, we are blind. We cannot see the things of God. We cannot know God’s glory. We do not recognize God’s love. Yet, we are begging. We are wanting more out of life because within each of us is a spiritual vacuum that is waiting to be filled by God. We sit day by day in our darkness—begging—yearning wanting to fill the void within us.
At some point, there is a commotion inside of our spirit. We hear a song. We read a poem. We hear a preacher. We witness God working in someone else’s life. We are disturbed enough to ask the question, “What’s happening? What’s going on?” We learn that there is a man named Jesus. That he loves us. That he gave his life for us while we were yet sinners. Something within us comes alive. We realize that the void can be filled.
We shout “JESUS. SON OF DAVID, HAVE MERCY ON ME!” He comes into our lives. We are reborn. The spiritual vacuum is filled with a love we never before imagined and life begins anew for us.
Like the blind man we are given new sight. We see a new world—one in which God’s Kingdom is now visible to us. We glorify God. We praise God. We begin to follow his Son—our Savior—Jesus Christ.
We have taken the first step of a journey that will last for eternity.
Have you taken that step or are you still sitting beside the road begging that the spiritual void be filled in your life?
As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." Then he shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me see again." Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has saved you." Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.
The blind man in this passage sets a marvelous example for situation. “…a blind man was sitting beside the road begging.” This suggests to me our situation in regards to God. If we do not know God, we are blind. We cannot see the things of God. We cannot know God’s glory. We do not recognize God’s love. Yet, we are begging. We are wanting more out of life because within each of us is a spiritual vacuum that is waiting to be filled by God. We sit day by day in our darkness—begging—yearning wanting to fill the void within us.
At some point, there is a commotion inside of our spirit. We hear a song. We read a poem. We hear a preacher. We witness God working in someone else’s life. We are disturbed enough to ask the question, “What’s happening? What’s going on?” We learn that there is a man named Jesus. That he loves us. That he gave his life for us while we were yet sinners. Something within us comes alive. We realize that the void can be filled.
We shout “JESUS. SON OF DAVID, HAVE MERCY ON ME!” He comes into our lives. We are reborn. The spiritual vacuum is filled with a love we never before imagined and life begins anew for us.
Like the blind man we are given new sight. We see a new world—one in which God’s Kingdom is now visible to us. We glorify God. We praise God. We begin to follow his Son—our Savior—Jesus Christ.
We have taken the first step of a journey that will last for eternity.
Have you taken that step or are you still sitting beside the road begging that the spiritual void be filled in your life?
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Opening Our Spiritual Eyes
Open My Eyes That I May See….
These words to an old hymn recently began to make new sense to me. I have been the pastor at the Virginia Avenue & Macedonia Churches since the end of June 2005. I arrived in the height of summer. The leaves were green and the forests lush with vegetation. As I traveled back and forth to Macedonia, it was almost like driving through a green tunnel at times.
Now, however, it is fall. The leaves are falling away and I am beginning to see things that were there all the time, but that have been hidden from my sight. I have discovered houses I had been driving by but could not see. I now see foundations from former homes that have long since rotted away. I see refrigerators dumped at the side of the road. All of these things were there when I arrived in June, its only after the leaves have fallen, though, that I can see them.
I sometimes wonder, “What is blocking my spiritual vision? What is all around me that I cannot see until some veil or blockage is removed from my sight?”
Have you ever thought about your spiritual vision? What do you now see and what could you be seeing in relation to God’s Kingdom if only your eyes could be opened?
These words to an old hymn recently began to make new sense to me. I have been the pastor at the Virginia Avenue & Macedonia Churches since the end of June 2005. I arrived in the height of summer. The leaves were green and the forests lush with vegetation. As I traveled back and forth to Macedonia, it was almost like driving through a green tunnel at times.
Now, however, it is fall. The leaves are falling away and I am beginning to see things that were there all the time, but that have been hidden from my sight. I have discovered houses I had been driving by but could not see. I now see foundations from former homes that have long since rotted away. I see refrigerators dumped at the side of the road. All of these things were there when I arrived in June, its only after the leaves have fallen, though, that I can see them.
I sometimes wonder, “What is blocking my spiritual vision? What is all around me that I cannot see until some veil or blockage is removed from my sight?”
Have you ever thought about your spiritual vision? What do you now see and what could you be seeing in relation to God’s Kingdom if only your eyes could be opened?
Are You Able
Matthew 25:14-22
"For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, 'Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' And the one with the two talents also came forward..."
I’ve always been provoked to thought about this passage of Scripture. As I was reading it this morning, the phrase near the beginning “to each according to his ability” jumped out at me. I am so glad that God is a God of even handedness. I would hate to think that God is going to ask of me more than I am capable of doing. I sometimes wonder, though, what God knows about me that I don’t know about myself.
You see, every now and then, God asks me to do something that seems way beyond my ability. When that time comes, I am faced with a choice. I will either step out in faith and believe that if God is calling me, God will provide a way, or else I will simply say, “I can’t do it.” More often than not, I have stepped out in faith. There have been a few times, that I have not stepped out and later have come to regret my lack of faith.
What about you? Are their times when you felt that God’s request was beyond your “ability”?
"For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, 'Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' And the one with the two talents also came forward..."
I’ve always been provoked to thought about this passage of Scripture. As I was reading it this morning, the phrase near the beginning “to each according to his ability” jumped out at me. I am so glad that God is a God of even handedness. I would hate to think that God is going to ask of me more than I am capable of doing. I sometimes wonder, though, what God knows about me that I don’t know about myself.
You see, every now and then, God asks me to do something that seems way beyond my ability. When that time comes, I am faced with a choice. I will either step out in faith and believe that if God is calling me, God will provide a way, or else I will simply say, “I can’t do it.” More often than not, I have stepped out in faith. There have been a few times, that I have not stepped out and later have come to regret my lack of faith.
What about you? Are their times when you felt that God’s request was beyond your “ability”?
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Foolish or Wise? You Decide.
Matthew 25:1-13
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, 'Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, 'No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I do not know you.' Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
I like to think that I am smart. I remember a time in about the seventh grade when my teacher gave the class a “common sense test”. It consisted of a series of one line instructions. The first instruction was to read the entire test. Following this line of instruction were about 20 other lines of instruction that had you calling out words, figuring problems, etc. So you can imagine the uproar in the room. It was also a timed test. So everyone wanted to complete it within the allotted time frame. It was a mad dash to the finish. You knew where everyone was on the test as they called out words. When you got to the last instruction, it said “Now that you have read the test, simply sign your name and turn it in.”
I thought that I was wise—I was the first one to finish--but it turned out I was foolish. The first instruction said read the test. I did--One instruction at a time. However, I was supposed to read all the instructions first, which meant all I needed to do was sign my name to the paper and I would have been done.
In the Proverbs, you find proverb upon proverb about the fool. I think God is trying to tell us something. I would like to suggest that we all need to re-examine our relationship with God and make sure that we know who is the fool and who is the wise one in that relationship. Too often, we think that we are wise in the ways of God. From and earthly standpoint, in comparison with other Christians, we might indeed have more godly wisdom. However, our problem becomes that we fall into the trap of thinking that we are on the same plane of wisdom as God. That is when we fall. That is when we sin.
So, think for a minute or two about God and all the wisdom that God possesses. Think then for a moment about all your earthly knowledge and wisdom. Which is greater? Don’t forget what you have learned.
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, 'Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, 'No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I do not know you.' Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
I like to think that I am smart. I remember a time in about the seventh grade when my teacher gave the class a “common sense test”. It consisted of a series of one line instructions. The first instruction was to read the entire test. Following this line of instruction were about 20 other lines of instruction that had you calling out words, figuring problems, etc. So you can imagine the uproar in the room. It was also a timed test. So everyone wanted to complete it within the allotted time frame. It was a mad dash to the finish. You knew where everyone was on the test as they called out words. When you got to the last instruction, it said “Now that you have read the test, simply sign your name and turn it in.”
I thought that I was wise—I was the first one to finish--but it turned out I was foolish. The first instruction said read the test. I did--One instruction at a time. However, I was supposed to read all the instructions first, which meant all I needed to do was sign my name to the paper and I would have been done.
In the Proverbs, you find proverb upon proverb about the fool. I think God is trying to tell us something. I would like to suggest that we all need to re-examine our relationship with God and make sure that we know who is the fool and who is the wise one in that relationship. Too often, we think that we are wise in the ways of God. From and earthly standpoint, in comparison with other Christians, we might indeed have more godly wisdom. However, our problem becomes that we fall into the trap of thinking that we are on the same plane of wisdom as God. That is when we fall. That is when we sin.
So, think for a minute or two about God and all the wisdom that God possesses. Think then for a moment about all your earthly knowledge and wisdom. Which is greater? Don’t forget what you have learned.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Laying it on Jesus' Shoulders
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." So he told them this parable: "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."
Luke 15:1-7
As I read this passage of scripture, the phrase: “…he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices.” would not leave my mind. I began to reflect upon the image. When we think of shoulders, we often think of broad strong shoulders that are supportive. We use the phrase, “a shoulder to cry on” indicating that the person is able and willing to hear our heartfelt burdens and pains. We talk about putting our “shoulder to the plow” meaning that we get behind something and push or work hard. We refer to the sides of the road as shoulders. These shoulders help us to stay on the path, if we stray onto them; we know we are not going in the correct direction.
When we think of shoulders, we also must not forget the shoulders of Jesus Christ. I have seen the Mel Gibson film, The Passion of the Christ several times. I am always struck by the scenes in which Jesus is forced to put his cross upon his shoulders and drag it through the streets. I know that that burden was done not on his behalf, but for me. He carried the cross and he died on the cross for my sins and the sins of the entire world.
So, when I read this passage and the words “…he lays it on his shoulders…” jump out at me, they do so, because I envision Jesus picking my sins up and putting them on his shoulders as he walked the Via Dolorosa on the way to Calvary. Yet, my thoughts don’t stop with just that phrase. Look at the next two words, “…and rejoices.” He didn’t do it out of drudgery, he did it rejoicing knowing that his death would bring about forgiveness for me.
Have you put your burdens on the shoulders of Jesus? Have you let him carry away your sins?
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Mingling With the World
“…but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.”
Psalm 106:33
Psalm 106 is one of those Psalms that recounts the story of what God did for the people and how the people of Israel were quick to forget the mighty deeds of God. As I was reading this Psalm, verse 33 jumped out at me and got me to thinking.
One of the great sins the nation Israel committed was their failure to utterly destroy the peoples that inhabited the Promised Land to which God led them. Instead of destroying them, they “mingled” with them. One definition of the word is “to get involved or mixed up with.” That’s just what the Israelites did. They began to worship the idols of the people around them. They sacrificed their sons and daughters to demons. The Promised Land was desecrated by the innocent blood shed to these false Gods. It was not a pretty sight, the things done by these followers of God.
I know that we are not under the Law of the Old Testament. We are a people of Grace. I wonder though, is the statement of the Old Testament still not true for us today—“Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.” Are we still not supposed to worship God and God alone? I sometimes wonder, if the church has “…mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.”
For example:
- We sit back and allow thousands of unborn children to be killed each year through abortion.
- We continue to let our rights be eroded in the public sector through legislation and rulings that say that our voice, our views, our ideas are not acceptable in our pluralistic society—and yet any other idea seems to have free reign.
- We bow down to the Gods of consumerism and we seek to keep up with the Jones’ and we enslave ourselves to our job and neglect our families.
What would you add to my list? What would you disagree with on my list?
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
The Way We Do Things
The Way We Do Things Around Here
Have you ever been a stranger in a new place. It’s hard to get a feel for the culture. Moving from town to town in our Annual Conference, I have noticed that each town has it’s own feel. It’s hard to put into words what I am talking about, but I bet those of you that travel a lot know what I mean. One word that I use to describe this different feel is to say that each town I have lived in has its own culture. Each town has its own way of doing things. Some of those things are traditions that go back for decades. In Jasper, I always knew I could count on going to the town hall/fire department on Halloween night. Members of the fire department, the mayor and his wife, and other town dignitaries would be there and they would pass out candy and gifts and even run a metal detector over a child’s bag of candy (That is a sign of the times that I really don’t like.) I knew what it felt like to be in Jasper on Halloween.
Churches are a lot like towns. They are made up of groups of people with differing ideas, values, and goals. I believe that each church I serve has its own unique culture. In my first church, the Walland United Methodist Church, I knew that after the Wednesday night Bible Study, everyone would be heading into town to eat the buffet at Pizza Inn. In several of my churches, I knew that when fall came, it was time to get out the copper kettles to make apple butter. In other churches, there was a certain way in which worship was conducted and a certain way that you conducted yourself in worship. All of these kinds of things help to make up the culture of any local church.
Culture, tradition, and heritage are all important things for a church to have. However, we have to make sure that these things do not impair the growth of the church. Imagine what it is like for a first time visitor to our church. We say, “Hello” to them at the door. We put a bulletin in their hand. We help them find a seat. Then they are off on their own. There’s a good chance, they won’t know when to stand. They might not know the songs we sing. They might not be familiar with the order and flow of worship. The tings that we take for granted as common and everyday occurrences—the things that define our culture of worship—are totally foreign to the visitor.
One of the things that we are going to attempt to do in the months ahead is define our culture and design an aid—probably a DVD—that we can give to visitors to help them begin to understand who we are and how we do things and invite them to come and join with us as we all seek to get used to yet another culture—the culture of the Kingdom of God—we are all strangers in that culture, but we are seeking to learn more about it with each passing day.
Have you ever been a stranger in a new place. It’s hard to get a feel for the culture. Moving from town to town in our Annual Conference, I have noticed that each town has it’s own feel. It’s hard to put into words what I am talking about, but I bet those of you that travel a lot know what I mean. One word that I use to describe this different feel is to say that each town I have lived in has its own culture. Each town has its own way of doing things. Some of those things are traditions that go back for decades. In Jasper, I always knew I could count on going to the town hall/fire department on Halloween night. Members of the fire department, the mayor and his wife, and other town dignitaries would be there and they would pass out candy and gifts and even run a metal detector over a child’s bag of candy (That is a sign of the times that I really don’t like.) I knew what it felt like to be in Jasper on Halloween.
Churches are a lot like towns. They are made up of groups of people with differing ideas, values, and goals. I believe that each church I serve has its own unique culture. In my first church, the Walland United Methodist Church, I knew that after the Wednesday night Bible Study, everyone would be heading into town to eat the buffet at Pizza Inn. In several of my churches, I knew that when fall came, it was time to get out the copper kettles to make apple butter. In other churches, there was a certain way in which worship was conducted and a certain way that you conducted yourself in worship. All of these kinds of things help to make up the culture of any local church.
Culture, tradition, and heritage are all important things for a church to have. However, we have to make sure that these things do not impair the growth of the church. Imagine what it is like for a first time visitor to our church. We say, “Hello” to them at the door. We put a bulletin in their hand. We help them find a seat. Then they are off on their own. There’s a good chance, they won’t know when to stand. They might not know the songs we sing. They might not be familiar with the order and flow of worship. The tings that we take for granted as common and everyday occurrences—the things that define our culture of worship—are totally foreign to the visitor.
One of the things that we are going to attempt to do in the months ahead is define our culture and design an aid—probably a DVD—that we can give to visitors to help them begin to understand who we are and how we do things and invite them to come and join with us as we all seek to get used to yet another culture—the culture of the Kingdom of God—we are all strangers in that culture, but we are seeking to learn more about it with each passing day.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Standing at the Door
Standing at the Door
I just finished reading the poem, I Stand at the Door written by Samuel Moor Shoemaker. The poem recounts the thoughts of a character that is standing by a door. The door is a gateway to God. On the one side is heaven with all of its attractions. On the other side is a dark lost world. The door is the only way to God. The character in the poem debates with himself the side of the door on which he should stand on. He knows the way in. He knows where the door knob can be found. He realizes, however, that in the darkness on the side of door away from God, there are men and women groping along the wall trying to find the doorknob—trying to get it. The dilemma of the character in the poem is—if I go all the way in, I am afraid I might get so lost in God that I will forget the people on the other side that are seeking God. So, the main character feels that he must stay close to the door. Perhaps he can guide the hand of someone onto the knob so that she might come in. Perhaps he might convince those that do make it in and then get overwhelmed that they should stay. How far from the door will he go?
I think that sometimes, we are much like the character in this poem. We have found the door and ventured in and we get so caught up in the things of God that we forget that there are others outside of the door. We get so far away from the door that we can’t be of help to those that want in. Likewise, we can’t give advice to those that do make it in, but aren’t sure they want to stay. Perhaps, we need to stand closer to the door. Perhaps we need to remember that our goal is to bring others into the house—God’s house—and we can only do that if we are close enough to help when they try to get in.
I just finished reading the poem, I Stand at the Door written by Samuel Moor Shoemaker. The poem recounts the thoughts of a character that is standing by a door. The door is a gateway to God. On the one side is heaven with all of its attractions. On the other side is a dark lost world. The door is the only way to God. The character in the poem debates with himself the side of the door on which he should stand on. He knows the way in. He knows where the door knob can be found. He realizes, however, that in the darkness on the side of door away from God, there are men and women groping along the wall trying to find the doorknob—trying to get it. The dilemma of the character in the poem is—if I go all the way in, I am afraid I might get so lost in God that I will forget the people on the other side that are seeking God. So, the main character feels that he must stay close to the door. Perhaps he can guide the hand of someone onto the knob so that she might come in. Perhaps he might convince those that do make it in and then get overwhelmed that they should stay. How far from the door will he go?
I think that sometimes, we are much like the character in this poem. We have found the door and ventured in and we get so caught up in the things of God that we forget that there are others outside of the door. We get so far away from the door that we can’t be of help to those that want in. Likewise, we can’t give advice to those that do make it in, but aren’t sure they want to stay. Perhaps, we need to stand closer to the door. Perhaps we need to remember that our goal is to bring others into the house—God’s house—and we can only do that if we are close enough to help when they try to get in.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Daily Answers to Prayer
Read: John 2:1-11
In the book Prayer written by Simon Tugwell, the following is said:
“St. Augustine makes an identical point about miracles in his discussion of the miracle at Cana. ‘Our Lord’s miracle in turning water into wine comes as no surprise to those who know that it is God who did it. At the wedding that day he made wine in the six waterpots he had had filled with water; but he does the same thing every year in the vines. The servants put the water in the jugs, and he turned it into wine. In just the same way the Lord turns into wine the water that the clouds drop. Only that does not amaze us, because it happens every year…So the Lord kept back certain unusual things for himself to do, to wake us up with miracles to worship him.’”
As I read this passage I was struck by the comparison of something that occurs regularly vs. something that occurs only every now and then. We take for granted that, year in and year out, God regularly sends water from the skies to nourish the grapes on the vine. These grapes then become, under the hand of the wine maker, the wine which we then drink. This process has gone on for thousands of years. We accept it as the norm. Yet, Jesus took the same water—this time in jugs—and instantly turned it into wine. Presto!! A miracle has happened.
I wonder about our prayer life. Is it regular or occasional? By that, I mean, do we regularly come into God’s presence and establish our relationship with him, or do we only do it when it is convenient.
I suspect, that those people that regularly commune with God, know about the regular answers to prayer that occur on a daily basis. It is those that only occasionally come before God that wonder why he never answers prayer. They come seeking a miracle, and most often go away disappointed because God didn’t perform as they had expected. I wonder what would have happened had they been in constant prayer and communion with God? Might the seemingly impossible situation that they faced have been daily broken down into smaller segments—and perhaps—those smaller segments have been answered?
Perhaps, we need to understand that God does answer prayer. However, I suspect that he would prefer to answer smaller prayers on a daily basis rather than provide miraculous answers on an occasional basis. He desires the fellowship that comes from daily walking and talking with him. I don’t mean to say that God does not do miracles. I believe that he does. These miracles, though, are few and far between—especially compared to the smaller answers to prayer that He can give on a daily basis.
In the book Prayer written by Simon Tugwell, the following is said:
“St. Augustine makes an identical point about miracles in his discussion of the miracle at Cana. ‘Our Lord’s miracle in turning water into wine comes as no surprise to those who know that it is God who did it. At the wedding that day he made wine in the six waterpots he had had filled with water; but he does the same thing every year in the vines. The servants put the water in the jugs, and he turned it into wine. In just the same way the Lord turns into wine the water that the clouds drop. Only that does not amaze us, because it happens every year…So the Lord kept back certain unusual things for himself to do, to wake us up with miracles to worship him.’”
As I read this passage I was struck by the comparison of something that occurs regularly vs. something that occurs only every now and then. We take for granted that, year in and year out, God regularly sends water from the skies to nourish the grapes on the vine. These grapes then become, under the hand of the wine maker, the wine which we then drink. This process has gone on for thousands of years. We accept it as the norm. Yet, Jesus took the same water—this time in jugs—and instantly turned it into wine. Presto!! A miracle has happened.
I wonder about our prayer life. Is it regular or occasional? By that, I mean, do we regularly come into God’s presence and establish our relationship with him, or do we only do it when it is convenient.
I suspect, that those people that regularly commune with God, know about the regular answers to prayer that occur on a daily basis. It is those that only occasionally come before God that wonder why he never answers prayer. They come seeking a miracle, and most often go away disappointed because God didn’t perform as they had expected. I wonder what would have happened had they been in constant prayer and communion with God? Might the seemingly impossible situation that they faced have been daily broken down into smaller segments—and perhaps—those smaller segments have been answered?
Perhaps, we need to understand that God does answer prayer. However, I suspect that he would prefer to answer smaller prayers on a daily basis rather than provide miraculous answers on an occasional basis. He desires the fellowship that comes from daily walking and talking with him. I don’t mean to say that God does not do miracles. I believe that he does. These miracles, though, are few and far between—especially compared to the smaller answers to prayer that He can give on a daily basis.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
The Remnants of our Time
In my quiet time this week, I came across a prayer from the late Henri Nouwen’s book, A Cry for Mercy. The prayer is too long to include in this writing, but it talks about Nouwen’s struggle with the gulf that he felt existed between the ideal of his walk with God and the reality of his walk with God. He mentions the books he has written, the classes he has taught, the books he has read about the spiritual life—he then says, “Still, as impressed as I am, I am more impressed by the enormous abyss between my insights and my life.”
Those words have resonated within me this week. As a new Christian, I regularly listened to Dr. J. Vernon McGhee on the radio. One of his signature phrases was, “Where the rubber meets the road.” He used this phrase to mostly describe the Christian life and what the Bible had to say concerning our application of the principles found within it. I believe that one of the struggle points in everyone’s Christian walk occurs “Where the rubber meets the road.” It’s one thing for us to read the Bible and other great books that discuss the spiritual life, but it is another thing for us to actively put into practice those things that the Bible teaches as well as those taught by other great men and women of the faith.
Sometimes, it is just plain hard to make time to read the Bible. Sometimes it is difficult to get a time for prayer and meditation squeezed into our 24 hour day. It becomes even harder, to cut out time to get involved with servant evangelism. The day only has so many hours and there are so many claims upon each of the precious minutes within any of those hours. We must sleep. We must eat. Most of us must work. We must take time for family. We must take time for ourselves. We must…. We Must… WE MUST…make time for God. Sometimes, God gets the time that is left over. We all know, he deserves the first fruits of our time—not the remnants.
Those words have resonated within me this week. As a new Christian, I regularly listened to Dr. J. Vernon McGhee on the radio. One of his signature phrases was, “Where the rubber meets the road.” He used this phrase to mostly describe the Christian life and what the Bible had to say concerning our application of the principles found within it. I believe that one of the struggle points in everyone’s Christian walk occurs “Where the rubber meets the road.” It’s one thing for us to read the Bible and other great books that discuss the spiritual life, but it is another thing for us to actively put into practice those things that the Bible teaches as well as those taught by other great men and women of the faith.
Sometimes, it is just plain hard to make time to read the Bible. Sometimes it is difficult to get a time for prayer and meditation squeezed into our 24 hour day. It becomes even harder, to cut out time to get involved with servant evangelism. The day only has so many hours and there are so many claims upon each of the precious minutes within any of those hours. We must sleep. We must eat. Most of us must work. We must take time for family. We must take time for ourselves. We must…. We Must… WE MUST…make time for God. Sometimes, God gets the time that is left over. We all know, he deserves the first fruits of our time—not the remnants.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Breakfast for the Teachers
On Friday September 9th, the church began its official campaign to shower acts of kindness and love upon the teachers and staff of the Dudley Primary School. I met with the principal and told her that we wanted to adopt her school and provide breakfast items for the teachers and staff on a regular basis. To put it mildly, she was amazed and deeply appreciative. We decided that Friday mornings would be the best time for such a gift.
Our first act of service was warmly received. Cindy Workman took ham biscuits, pastries, tea and soft drinks to the school. Some of the teachers asked her what she was doing and she explained the items were from the church. One teacher wanted to know which church. Cindy said, “The one on the corner below the school.”
When I picked up my children that day, Jacob’s teacher came up and thanked me for the items.
This is servant evangelism at work. Doing something for someone else as a sign of God’s love towards them and expecting nothing in return. We are letting the teachers and staff know that we appreciate their hard work and, more importantly, that God loves them—and so do we.
If you would like to get involved in a breakfast outreach every other Friday to the Dudley Primary School, then sign up and take part. You will be a blessing to others and, I think you will receive a blessing in return.
Our first act of service was warmly received. Cindy Workman took ham biscuits, pastries, tea and soft drinks to the school. Some of the teachers asked her what she was doing and she explained the items were from the church. One teacher wanted to know which church. Cindy said, “The one on the corner below the school.”
When I picked up my children that day, Jacob’s teacher came up and thanked me for the items.
This is servant evangelism at work. Doing something for someone else as a sign of God’s love towards them and expecting nothing in return. We are letting the teachers and staff know that we appreciate their hard work and, more importantly, that God loves them—and so do we.
If you would like to get involved in a breakfast outreach every other Friday to the Dudley Primary School, then sign up and take part. You will be a blessing to others and, I think you will receive a blessing in return.
Woud You Like a Free Bottle of Water?
As they used to say on the television show, The A-Team, “I Love it when a plan comes together!” I also love it when a plan comes together like it did yesterday at the Fall Jamboree. Our servant evangelism goal was to give away 900 bottles of water to the people that came to the event. 900 bottles of water filled the back of Joe Johnson’s truck two tiers of water deep. Looking at all that water it was easy to think, “That’s a lot of water to give away.” The good news is that we did it. By about 7:00 p.m. the last of the water bottles was gone and we were packing up the site and heading back to our homes.
The day was an exercise in going into the public arena and sharing something—a simple bottle of water—with a thirsty individual. Each person that took a bottle of water was also given a postcard sized piece of paper that had a weekly schedule of church events and church contact information on one side. On the reverse side, it had the following message:
“There’s a Place for You at Virginia Avenue. In one of the Gospels, Jesus offered a woman at a well a drink of living water to quench her spiritual thirst. We offer you this water today to quench a physical thirst and as a symbol of God’ love for you. We invite you to come and worship with us so that you might experience the ‘living water’ that Jesus offered to all that would follow him.”
We then included the following verse from John’s Gospel:
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4: 13,14 NIV
The final outcome of our efforts yesterday may not be readily know or easily calculated. However, we have touched the lives of several hundred people in an unexpected way. We offered them cold water, perhaps our gift was enough to make one or two of them want to come and look for the living water promised by Jesus. If they do, then all our efforts will have been worth it.
That’s what Servant Evangelism is all about. Offering God’s love in unexpected and, sometimes, unimagined ways, to the people of our community. If you are interested, then be sure to check out the other Servant Evangelism opportunities that we have available in the weeks ahead.
The day was an exercise in going into the public arena and sharing something—a simple bottle of water—with a thirsty individual. Each person that took a bottle of water was also given a postcard sized piece of paper that had a weekly schedule of church events and church contact information on one side. On the reverse side, it had the following message:
“There’s a Place for You at Virginia Avenue. In one of the Gospels, Jesus offered a woman at a well a drink of living water to quench her spiritual thirst. We offer you this water today to quench a physical thirst and as a symbol of God’ love for you. We invite you to come and worship with us so that you might experience the ‘living water’ that Jesus offered to all that would follow him.”
We then included the following verse from John’s Gospel:
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4: 13,14 NIV
The final outcome of our efforts yesterday may not be readily know or easily calculated. However, we have touched the lives of several hundred people in an unexpected way. We offered them cold water, perhaps our gift was enough to make one or two of them want to come and look for the living water promised by Jesus. If they do, then all our efforts will have been worth it.
That’s what Servant Evangelism is all about. Offering God’s love in unexpected and, sometimes, unimagined ways, to the people of our community. If you are interested, then be sure to check out the other Servant Evangelism opportunities that we have available in the weeks ahead.
Friday, September 02, 2005
The Spirit is Moving Among Us--Have You Felt His Presence?
I have been on a fact gathering tour since arriving at the church this past June. I have met with 24 church leaders, and sometimes their spouses, and asked them all the same six questions:
My heart is gladdened to see that in the vast majority of the interviews, the answers have been quite similar. To me, this is an indication that God’s Spirit is alive and well and moving in our midst. To hear from these leaders many of the same answers suggests that they are in tune to the Spirit’s presence among us. That means that we should be able to establish a firm foundation on which to build our ministry to the church, the community and the world.
I was also glad to see, that when I met with small groups of people, there was also a corresponding movement of the Holy Spirit.
In the small groups, my goal was not to ask questions, but to rank statements that described the church’s ministry. Each person in attendance had to rank 11 statements from the most important to the least important. In the groups that have met so far to date, there has been general agreement on the top 5 items of importance. Some groups may have ranked these items higher or lower. However, overall, the groups feel that the church is a place where we:
As your newly appointed pastor, I did not feel that it was my role to come in and tell you what to do in terms of ministry. Instead, I felt that I needed to understand what God was already doing in your midst. I am pleased with the results so far and am looking forward to meeting with as many of you as possible on Sunday October 9th at 3:00 p.m. to further discuss ways in which we might move forward in ministry and mission for the Kingdom.
Please join with me on that day and please be in prayer for me and the church as we get ready to see what God is doing in our midst!
What are your thoughts on this issue.
- Tell me about yourself and/or your family?
- How long have you been a member of this church? ___ What brought you to this church?
- What is the most meaningful ministry of this church?
- What are the high points that you have experienced in the life of this congregation?
- What are the pressing issues currently facing this congregation?
- If you could make one wish for the church, what would it be?
My heart is gladdened to see that in the vast majority of the interviews, the answers have been quite similar. To me, this is an indication that God’s Spirit is alive and well and moving in our midst. To hear from these leaders many of the same answers suggests that they are in tune to the Spirit’s presence among us. That means that we should be able to establish a firm foundation on which to build our ministry to the church, the community and the world.
I was also glad to see, that when I met with small groups of people, there was also a corresponding movement of the Holy Spirit.
In the small groups, my goal was not to ask questions, but to rank statements that described the church’s ministry. Each person in attendance had to rank 11 statements from the most important to the least important. In the groups that have met so far to date, there has been general agreement on the top 5 items of importance. Some groups may have ranked these items higher or lower. However, overall, the groups feel that the church is a place where we:
- Proclaim the Gospel in Preaching and Worship
- Provides Opportunities for Personal and Spiritual Growth
- Minister to Individuals and Families in times of Crisis
- Help the Poor and the Oppressed
- Be a Prophetic Witness for Gospel Concerns
As your newly appointed pastor, I did not feel that it was my role to come in and tell you what to do in terms of ministry. Instead, I felt that I needed to understand what God was already doing in your midst. I am pleased with the results so far and am looking forward to meeting with as many of you as possible on Sunday October 9th at 3:00 p.m. to further discuss ways in which we might move forward in ministry and mission for the Kingdom.
Please join with me on that day and please be in prayer for me and the church as we get ready to see what God is doing in our midst!
What are your thoughts on this issue.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
On Being Part of the Body of Christ
On Being Part of the Body of Christ….
Read Romans 12:1-8
I’m still thinking about my sermon from a couple of weeks ago. (August 21, 2005) I only hope my parishioners are also thinking about it!
I have read this passage over and over for years. I can quote it. I know the words. Nevertheless, the Lord helped me to see the words in a different way as I prepared for this sermon.
“…present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” Romans 12:1
Are words that I was quite familiar with, yet, this time around, I learned something about the words. Our Christian culture in America tends to stress the individual and his or her relationship with God. As I have read this passage time and time again, I have read it through the eyes of the individual. Most probably because of the words “present YOUR bodies”. This has always struck me as a rather individualistic kind of thing to do. You can’t present my body for me—I must present it myself. The insight comes just a few words past this “as a living sacrifice.” Did you catch it? I didn’t for so many years. Our bodies are not presented as sacrifices. That is each of our bodies is not offered individually as thousands and thousands of sacrifices made to God. Rather our collective bodies—are offered as one sacrifice.
When this revelation came, it made sense. After all, that’s what the rest of the passage really is talking about. This passage is about how, we, the many, and made into one body—the Body of Christ. It further explores the giftedness that God has made to the individuals to be used, not for their own benefit, but for the benefit of God.
How do you view your relationship with God? Is it as an individual or is it as a member of the body? Let me know what you think.
Read Romans 12:1-8
I’m still thinking about my sermon from a couple of weeks ago. (August 21, 2005) I only hope my parishioners are also thinking about it!
I have read this passage over and over for years. I can quote it. I know the words. Nevertheless, the Lord helped me to see the words in a different way as I prepared for this sermon.
“…present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” Romans 12:1
Are words that I was quite familiar with, yet, this time around, I learned something about the words. Our Christian culture in America tends to stress the individual and his or her relationship with God. As I have read this passage time and time again, I have read it through the eyes of the individual. Most probably because of the words “present YOUR bodies”. This has always struck me as a rather individualistic kind of thing to do. You can’t present my body for me—I must present it myself. The insight comes just a few words past this “as a living sacrifice.” Did you catch it? I didn’t for so many years. Our bodies are not presented as sacrifices. That is each of our bodies is not offered individually as thousands and thousands of sacrifices made to God. Rather our collective bodies—are offered as one sacrifice.
When this revelation came, it made sense. After all, that’s what the rest of the passage really is talking about. This passage is about how, we, the many, and made into one body—the Body of Christ. It further explores the giftedness that God has made to the individuals to be used, not for their own benefit, but for the benefit of God.
How do you view your relationship with God? Is it as an individual or is it as a member of the body? Let me know what you think.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Lessons on Fishing
Passage: Luke 5:1-11
As I was reading today, I came across a commentary on the passage where Peter is fishing. He's been fishing all night long. It has not been a good night. As the morning dawns, he realizes that it is time to pull in the nets and head to shore for a long awaited rest. He sits down and begins to repair his nets. In the distance, he notices a crowd that appears to be approaching him and his brother as they mend their nets. At the front of the crowd was a man. The man got into his boat and asked him to push out a little from the land so that he could peak to the crowd. Tired and weary--with nets still needing tending, Simon, nevertheless did as the man asked.
When he had completed his teaching, he leaned over to Simon and said, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch," Well, Simon, being the fisherman that he was knew the he wasn't going to catch any fish in the middle of the day. However, he had heard this teacher and he just couldn't be rude to such an obvious man of God. So, tempering his words he politely said, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything." The look on this man's face though changed his words from, "We're going back to shore to rest." Instead, he said, "But because you say so, I will let the nets down."
As he rowed out further and let the nets down--deep into the water--he knew in his mind that he was wasting his time heeding the request of an itinerant Jewish prophet. But, something in his heart told him to do it. As the nets sunk deep into the water he waited and then gave the command to begin pulling them back up. There was resistance. He probably thought, we've let them go so deep they've become snarled. He soon realized though that it wasn't resistance--it was weight. The weight of fish! Not just one or two or three, but dozens of fish--hundreds of fish. Their nets were beginning to break from the load. He quickly called out to his partners in other boats, "Come and help us. NOW!" They came they filled the boats, fish after fish after fish. The boats were beginning to sink.
Simon's head knowledge gave way to heart knowledge and he realized tha he was indeed in the midst of a man of God he fell to his knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord! I am a sinner!" His companions including James and John the Son's of Zebedee were amazed at the catch that had come from the deep.
Jesus, said to Simon, "There's no need to be afraid. Today you have caught fish . Follow me and you will catch men." They looked at each other. They pulled their boats up on the shore. They left their boats. They left their nets. They left the catch of fish.
AND THEY FOLLOWED HIM.
What struck me so much about this story was the phrase, " Put out into the deep water..." I was captivated by the image that came to mind. I would like to think that my church is a church that is active and alive. I would like to think that its members were followers of Jesus Christ that knew how to fish for men. Yet, in this story, it appears as if Simon, soon to be Peter, the expert fisherman--was only skimming the surface. He was not plumbing the depths that were available to him. I wonder how many of us also simply skim the surface of what God has available for us and never experience the depths of what is truly available to us? When was the last time you were truly awed by what God had done in your life or that you had seen God do in someone else's life? It's time to put our nets down deep into God's word.
As I was reading today, I came across a commentary on the passage where Peter is fishing. He's been fishing all night long. It has not been a good night. As the morning dawns, he realizes that it is time to pull in the nets and head to shore for a long awaited rest. He sits down and begins to repair his nets. In the distance, he notices a crowd that appears to be approaching him and his brother as they mend their nets. At the front of the crowd was a man. The man got into his boat and asked him to push out a little from the land so that he could peak to the crowd. Tired and weary--with nets still needing tending, Simon, nevertheless did as the man asked.
When he had completed his teaching, he leaned over to Simon and said, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch," Well, Simon, being the fisherman that he was knew the he wasn't going to catch any fish in the middle of the day. However, he had heard this teacher and he just couldn't be rude to such an obvious man of God. So, tempering his words he politely said, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything." The look on this man's face though changed his words from, "We're going back to shore to rest." Instead, he said, "But because you say so, I will let the nets down."
As he rowed out further and let the nets down--deep into the water--he knew in his mind that he was wasting his time heeding the request of an itinerant Jewish prophet. But, something in his heart told him to do it. As the nets sunk deep into the water he waited and then gave the command to begin pulling them back up. There was resistance. He probably thought, we've let them go so deep they've become snarled. He soon realized though that it wasn't resistance--it was weight. The weight of fish! Not just one or two or three, but dozens of fish--hundreds of fish. Their nets were beginning to break from the load. He quickly called out to his partners in other boats, "Come and help us. NOW!" They came they filled the boats, fish after fish after fish. The boats were beginning to sink.
Simon's head knowledge gave way to heart knowledge and he realized tha he was indeed in the midst of a man of God he fell to his knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord! I am a sinner!" His companions including James and John the Son's of Zebedee were amazed at the catch that had come from the deep.
Jesus, said to Simon, "There's no need to be afraid. Today you have caught fish . Follow me and you will catch men." They looked at each other. They pulled their boats up on the shore. They left their boats. They left their nets. They left the catch of fish.
AND THEY FOLLOWED HIM.
What struck me so much about this story was the phrase, " Put out into the deep water..." I was captivated by the image that came to mind. I would like to think that my church is a church that is active and alive. I would like to think that its members were followers of Jesus Christ that knew how to fish for men. Yet, in this story, it appears as if Simon, soon to be Peter, the expert fisherman--was only skimming the surface. He was not plumbing the depths that were available to him. I wonder how many of us also simply skim the surface of what God has available for us and never experience the depths of what is truly available to us? When was the last time you were truly awed by what God had done in your life or that you had seen God do in someone else's life? It's time to put our nets down deep into God's word.
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