DateLine (12/28/05 – Green Pond, South Carolina)
Christmas is past, people are busy putting away the ornaments and decorations, the candy dish is still full despite a steady sampling, every evening is another college bowl game; it must be time for a New Year’s resolution. The newspaper and TV news will soon be filled with stories of resolutions made to lose weight, quit smoking, become physically fit and other worthwhile endeavors. To be honest New Year’s resolutions have never had much appeal to me. I understand the desire, maybe need, to annually take stock of one’s life for the purpose of identifying what’s going well and areas where personal improvements are in order.
It’s the resolution thing that I struggle with. I suspect that my willingness to join in the spirit of the New Year’s resolution has fell victim to my less than stellar track record of keeping promises made to self. I’ll admit to having purchased a “Y” membership in January, boy was it crowded. I’ll bet the regulars couldn’t wait until the first of February when the “resolvers” started dropping like flies so the crowds would thin out to a reasonable level. I don’t think that my experience is much different than the majority of others; resolutions made and resolutions broken. It just seems to turn into an annual exercise in demonstrating my inability to live up to my own expectations. So why bother?
The concept of a New Year’s Resolution is spot on. I’m going to suggest that the reason so few of us are able to achieve our objective falls at the feet of what the Bible calls sin. The Apostle Paul says in Romans 7:18 “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” There is nothing wrong with wanting to see change in your life. The problem with the typical New Year’s Resolution is that it is powered by our own determination. Totally inadequate! Paul later cried out to the Lord in v24, “Who will rescue me . . .? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
So how do we tap into this rescuing power that prompted Paul to give thanks to God and bring new meaning to the old practice of resolution making? How can we escape the ineptitude of our own pitiful efforts to self-correct? I’m going to suggest a new approach. Let’s take the best intent of the New Year’s Resolution and combine it with the power to overcome our own sinfulness. You see those things that need correction in our life are a result of sin. God promised in 1 John 1:9 that “If we confess our sins, he . . . will forgive our sins.” He even goes on to say in James 5:16 that there is value in publicly confessing; “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other. . . The prayer of a righteous man is powerful.”
So here’s the concept. Instead of trying to work up enough determination to overcome personal issues or challenges, simply confess it to God in prayer. There may even be value in sharing your prayer with a friend for encouragement and support. This is where we trust God for the power to change. Not determination, not will power, but God power. Now to be honest it is not automatic. God sometimes answers our prayers in unusual ways. But we’ll trust that He has our best interest in mind no matter what. That’s it. Let’s call it our New Year’s Confession.
Now for my New Year’s Confession; it’s phone rage. You know, going off on the customer service rep on the other end of a telephone because their company, product, or service has not met my expectation. “Who will rescue me” from this action that is damaging my Christian testimony? “Thanks be to God.”
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
The Lost Message of Christmas
DateLine (12/21/05 – Green Pond, South Carolina)
Christmas is the mega blockbuster of holidays in our contemporary culture. All of the holiday’s icons are etched into our memory; presents under the Christmas trees, Nativity Scenes, homes adorned with Christmas lights, and a red-suited oversized elf with a white beard riding in an airborne sleigh pulled by flying reindeers. This is the season when wide-eyed children move trancelike through shopping malls having been encouraged to unleash their imaginations while compiling Christmas “wish-lists.” The deeper spiritual and charitable themes that under gird the Christmas season are well known and understood by a majority of Americans; the birth of the savior, symbolic exchange of gifts commemorating the gifts of the magi, and collections for the needy. But it’s not to these high profile elements of the season that I direct my comments but to the “Lost Message of Christmas; Servitude.”
A Jewish rabbi was busy about the routine of his duties in the house of worship. Jehovah God found favor in the sacrificial life of him and his wife Elizabeth and blessed them with a son who would lead the way for the Jewish savior. Zechariah had chosen servitude. “Zechariah, your prayer has been answered.” Luke 1:13
A teenage Israeli girl was caught in a conflict not of her making. Her Superior had asked of her a favor which was a tremendous honor that would end up benefiting untold millions but would be misconceived as a serious moral lapse on her part. Mary chose servitude. Mary said “I am the Lord’s servant, May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38.
Joseph had just found out that his fiancée was pregnant and he knew that the baby was not his. Society at the time suggested that Joseph terminate the engagement and turn his future bride over to scorn, ridicule, and possibly death by vigilantes. Joseph chose servitude. “Joseph . . did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” Matt. 1:24
Three famous academics temporarily gave up the comfortable confines of their privileged life when their God simultaneously compelled them to take an uncharted religious pilgrimage. They were guided by a strange star which appeared in the eastern sky with only the promise that something important lay at the end of their journey. Wise Men chose servitude. The Magi “saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” Matt. 2:2
Lucifer was once a mighty angel of Jehovah God. He chose to compete against God to attempt to gain equality. Angels played a role in the first Christmas. Lucifer demonstrates that angels do have choices. The Christmas Angels chose servitude. “The Angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10
A group of Israeli shepherds sacrificed time with family to spend the night in the cool fields surround Bethlehem making sure that nothing happened to the village sheep. It’s quite ironic that the Christmas Angel was directed to announce the arrival of a King, at the pinnacle of society, to shepherds, who existed as the dregs of society. God entrusted the lower cast to announce salvation to the world. Shepherds chose servitude. “They spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” Luke 2:8
God the Son who was a full participant in the creation of everything that we know on earth submitted himself to self-imposed constraints of humanness. The co-creator of the universe would be dependent on an uninitiated Israeli mother to attend to His bodily functions. He would not be able to speak for months until his physical development allowed. The Savior chose servitude. “The Word became flesh, and made his dwelling among us.” John 1:14.
A different decision by any of the participants from the first Christmas would have made our Christmas radically different. Wrong decisions by you and me have the same potential to radically affect our future. Will you chose servitude?
Christmas is the mega blockbuster of holidays in our contemporary culture. All of the holiday’s icons are etched into our memory; presents under the Christmas trees, Nativity Scenes, homes adorned with Christmas lights, and a red-suited oversized elf with a white beard riding in an airborne sleigh pulled by flying reindeers. This is the season when wide-eyed children move trancelike through shopping malls having been encouraged to unleash their imaginations while compiling Christmas “wish-lists.” The deeper spiritual and charitable themes that under gird the Christmas season are well known and understood by a majority of Americans; the birth of the savior, symbolic exchange of gifts commemorating the gifts of the magi, and collections for the needy. But it’s not to these high profile elements of the season that I direct my comments but to the “Lost Message of Christmas; Servitude.”
A Jewish rabbi was busy about the routine of his duties in the house of worship. Jehovah God found favor in the sacrificial life of him and his wife Elizabeth and blessed them with a son who would lead the way for the Jewish savior. Zechariah had chosen servitude. “Zechariah, your prayer has been answered.” Luke 1:13
A teenage Israeli girl was caught in a conflict not of her making. Her Superior had asked of her a favor which was a tremendous honor that would end up benefiting untold millions but would be misconceived as a serious moral lapse on her part. Mary chose servitude. Mary said “I am the Lord’s servant, May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38.
Joseph had just found out that his fiancée was pregnant and he knew that the baby was not his. Society at the time suggested that Joseph terminate the engagement and turn his future bride over to scorn, ridicule, and possibly death by vigilantes. Joseph chose servitude. “Joseph . . did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” Matt. 1:24
Three famous academics temporarily gave up the comfortable confines of their privileged life when their God simultaneously compelled them to take an uncharted religious pilgrimage. They were guided by a strange star which appeared in the eastern sky with only the promise that something important lay at the end of their journey. Wise Men chose servitude. The Magi “saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” Matt. 2:2
Lucifer was once a mighty angel of Jehovah God. He chose to compete against God to attempt to gain equality. Angels played a role in the first Christmas. Lucifer demonstrates that angels do have choices. The Christmas Angels chose servitude. “The Angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10
A group of Israeli shepherds sacrificed time with family to spend the night in the cool fields surround Bethlehem making sure that nothing happened to the village sheep. It’s quite ironic that the Christmas Angel was directed to announce the arrival of a King, at the pinnacle of society, to shepherds, who existed as the dregs of society. God entrusted the lower cast to announce salvation to the world. Shepherds chose servitude. “They spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” Luke 2:8
God the Son who was a full participant in the creation of everything that we know on earth submitted himself to self-imposed constraints of humanness. The co-creator of the universe would be dependent on an uninitiated Israeli mother to attend to His bodily functions. He would not be able to speak for months until his physical development allowed. The Savior chose servitude. “The Word became flesh, and made his dwelling among us.” John 1:14.
A different decision by any of the participants from the first Christmas would have made our Christmas radically different. Wrong decisions by you and me have the same potential to radically affect our future. Will you chose servitude?
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Extreme Makeover: Soul Edition
DateLine (12/14/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
A few years ago I happened to tune into a TV program entitled Extreme Makeover. I’ll admit a curiosity with the basic storyline of providing radical cosmetic surgeries to correct physical weaknesses that have contributed to low self images and unmet expectations from life. While I’m sympathetic to the plight of the participants the show seemed pre-occupied with the superficial as the primary focus dealt with surface issues. An “Extreme Team” of surgeons, dentists, hairdressers, personal trainers, and make-up artists were assembled to demonstrate their skills foisted upon the target.
Over it’s history the show seems to be getting more extreme; transitioning from it’s charter to grant relief to the afflicted to providing entertainment that appeals to the twisted interests of the audience. The following scenarios are being recruited for future shows on their web site:
1. An engaged couple who will be married on the show after a double makeover
2. My Fair Lady, where a small town girl will undergo an Audrey Hepburn transformation
3. A dedicated weight loss candidate willing to work off 50 lbs before their makeover
4. Veterans/Firefighters/Police/EMS, etc. who may have been injured in the line of duty
Now contrast the description just given to a spin-off program entitled Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The purpose of this program is to select a nominated family that demonstrates great need to receive a dream house which is constructed in the window of one week while the family vacations away from the area. I’ll admit that this program gives me a warm and fuzzy. I’m drawn to the construction details and it’s quite a blast to see the recipient family react as they take a tour of their dream home for the first time. Often times some corporate sponsor will relieve the family of any obligation for the mortgage, so they move in as owners free and clear.
Extreme change is the common theme to both of the TV shows. Consider for a few minutes about another Extreme Makeover. Mankind has a spiritual deficiency. It’s called sin. It’s genetic. We inherited it from our ancestors. We’re not a lost cause. There is a one who is taking applications for us to receive a correction to the problem. The interesting thing is that everyone who applies will be accepted. The change is so great that the one who performs the makeover will not even remember what we looked like before.
The makeover was planned before we were even born. A team of Three is assembled at all times in order to do the makeovers. The makeover team is very intimate with all aspects of our being. If performed our physical, mental, and spiritual beings will be affected and we’ll receive a satisfaction guaranteed. There is no recovery period, the results are immediate. As recipients our primary obligations are to show our respect for the “Extreme Team” and to guide other people through the application process. I like to call this Extreme Makeover: Soul Edition.
Here’s your invitation to apply. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28 (NIV) If you’ve already received your makeover pass it on to someone else.
A few years ago I happened to tune into a TV program entitled Extreme Makeover. I’ll admit a curiosity with the basic storyline of providing radical cosmetic surgeries to correct physical weaknesses that have contributed to low self images and unmet expectations from life. While I’m sympathetic to the plight of the participants the show seemed pre-occupied with the superficial as the primary focus dealt with surface issues. An “Extreme Team” of surgeons, dentists, hairdressers, personal trainers, and make-up artists were assembled to demonstrate their skills foisted upon the target.
Over it’s history the show seems to be getting more extreme; transitioning from it’s charter to grant relief to the afflicted to providing entertainment that appeals to the twisted interests of the audience. The following scenarios are being recruited for future shows on their web site:
1. An engaged couple who will be married on the show after a double makeover
2. My Fair Lady, where a small town girl will undergo an Audrey Hepburn transformation
3. A dedicated weight loss candidate willing to work off 50 lbs before their makeover
4. Veterans/Firefighters/Police/EMS, etc. who may have been injured in the line of duty
Now contrast the description just given to a spin-off program entitled Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The purpose of this program is to select a nominated family that demonstrates great need to receive a dream house which is constructed in the window of one week while the family vacations away from the area. I’ll admit that this program gives me a warm and fuzzy. I’m drawn to the construction details and it’s quite a blast to see the recipient family react as they take a tour of their dream home for the first time. Often times some corporate sponsor will relieve the family of any obligation for the mortgage, so they move in as owners free and clear.
Extreme change is the common theme to both of the TV shows. Consider for a few minutes about another Extreme Makeover. Mankind has a spiritual deficiency. It’s called sin. It’s genetic. We inherited it from our ancestors. We’re not a lost cause. There is a one who is taking applications for us to receive a correction to the problem. The interesting thing is that everyone who applies will be accepted. The change is so great that the one who performs the makeover will not even remember what we looked like before.
The makeover was planned before we were even born. A team of Three is assembled at all times in order to do the makeovers. The makeover team is very intimate with all aspects of our being. If performed our physical, mental, and spiritual beings will be affected and we’ll receive a satisfaction guaranteed. There is no recovery period, the results are immediate. As recipients our primary obligations are to show our respect for the “Extreme Team” and to guide other people through the application process. I like to call this Extreme Makeover: Soul Edition.
Here’s your invitation to apply. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28 (NIV) If you’ve already received your makeover pass it on to someone else.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
It's a Small World
DateLine (12/07/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
It was a hot summer day in Florida during the 1980s and Harriett and I were at the Magic Kingdom® Park, Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida with our two girls. We had already spent enough time at the park on this hot day that we desperately needed a respite from the heat. We stepped into the queue at the closest attraction that presented cool blowing air. That’s when I heard the music.
It's a world of laughter, a world of tears,
It's a world of hopes and a world of fears,
There's so much that we share,
It is time we're aware.
It's a small small world.
It's a small world after all,
It's a small world after all,
There's so much that we share,
It is time we're aware.
It's a small small world
Now normally Disney is known for fast moving queues or at least providing enough entertaining or intriguing distractions so that you don’t notice that you’re idling time away in a park where you’ve spent 100s of dollars to gain admission just to stand in line. I guess it was about the 10th time of hearing the theme song to “It’s a Small World” that I realized that somehow this song had irritated my last nerve. To add insult to injury I soon found that once we had worked our way into the attraction we would board a boat that would cruise us past nearly 300 *Audio- Animatronic(tm)* children from more than 100 different nations singing, dancing, and entertaining us to this same “happy” tune. Now normally I’m not one to be easily agitated but this pushed me past my point of tolerance (OK truth is I can fall victim to agitation given a certain level of stress.)
Ok so what does this have to do with us during this holiday season? A few weeks ago something triggered in my mind the memory of the occasion that I’ve just described on our vacation. I’m sure that Disney was simply trying to remind us through a child’s attraction that we are in fact members of a global family with more in common than not. In fact there is deep political, spiritual, and commercial innuendo in this seemingly “light” message. Indeed to the Christian we have a responsibility to the entire world community, it is called evangelism.
But it’s not to this concept of the global community that I’d like to focus our attention. Some of my special memories of Christmas come from time spent with the small world right around me; family, friends, and church, and it’s my opinion that God is ok with that. For a brief time of the year the pace wanes, the gaiety waxes, and the spirit is renewed.
Almost 2000 years ago a small baby entered into the small world by way of a manger in the small Hebrew village of Bethlehem. A small group of curious bystanders were drawn to His side. During this Christmas season we act out the celebration of this small family with our family. A small event that reverberates down the corridors of time.
And remember:
There's so much that we share,
It is time we're aware.
It's a small small world.
It was a hot summer day in Florida during the 1980s and Harriett and I were at the Magic Kingdom® Park, Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida with our two girls. We had already spent enough time at the park on this hot day that we desperately needed a respite from the heat. We stepped into the queue at the closest attraction that presented cool blowing air. That’s when I heard the music.
It's a world of laughter, a world of tears,
It's a world of hopes and a world of fears,
There's so much that we share,
It is time we're aware.
It's a small small world.
It's a small world after all,
It's a small world after all,
There's so much that we share,
It is time we're aware.
It's a small small world
Now normally Disney is known for fast moving queues or at least providing enough entertaining or intriguing distractions so that you don’t notice that you’re idling time away in a park where you’ve spent 100s of dollars to gain admission just to stand in line. I guess it was about the 10th time of hearing the theme song to “It’s a Small World” that I realized that somehow this song had irritated my last nerve. To add insult to injury I soon found that once we had worked our way into the attraction we would board a boat that would cruise us past nearly 300 *Audio- Animatronic(tm)* children from more than 100 different nations singing, dancing, and entertaining us to this same “happy” tune. Now normally I’m not one to be easily agitated but this pushed me past my point of tolerance (OK truth is I can fall victim to agitation given a certain level of stress.)
Ok so what does this have to do with us during this holiday season? A few weeks ago something triggered in my mind the memory of the occasion that I’ve just described on our vacation. I’m sure that Disney was simply trying to remind us through a child’s attraction that we are in fact members of a global family with more in common than not. In fact there is deep political, spiritual, and commercial innuendo in this seemingly “light” message. Indeed to the Christian we have a responsibility to the entire world community, it is called evangelism.
But it’s not to this concept of the global community that I’d like to focus our attention. Some of my special memories of Christmas come from time spent with the small world right around me; family, friends, and church, and it’s my opinion that God is ok with that. For a brief time of the year the pace wanes, the gaiety waxes, and the spirit is renewed.
Almost 2000 years ago a small baby entered into the small world by way of a manger in the small Hebrew village of Bethlehem. A small group of curious bystanders were drawn to His side. During this Christmas season we act out the celebration of this small family with our family. A small event that reverberates down the corridors of time.
And remember:
There's so much that we share,
It is time we're aware.
It's a small small world.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Priceless Treasures
DateLine (11/30/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
A train streaked across the dark English countryside carrying a priceless antiquity. At the main station in London the cargo was put into a taxi for the trip to the final destination where a large crowd had gathered hoping to snatch a glimpse of the treasure. The museum had paid the handsome sum of more than $500,000 for the privilege of housing this significant historical object. More than half of the procurement funds had been donated by the general public, no doubt some contributors were present as the taxi screeched to a halt. The door swung open, and the couriers exited with the prize. As the package passed by all of the men present took off their hats out of respect. A scene right out of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade? No way! These were actual events that occurred in December 27, 1933. The object was not a golden chalice – the Holy Grail, but it was a manuscript of the Holy Bible.
Of what must have originally comprised about 730 leaves, 393 remain, 245 of the Old Testament and 148 of the New. The leaves are of very fine vellum, measuring approximately fifteen inches square. The style of its script, along with other factors, make it quite certain that it was copied about the middle of the fourth century. The Sinaitic Manuscript is the oldest complete manuscript of the New Testament that exists today.
Can you imagine the scene described above which occurred in London England in 1933 occurring today in our nation’s capital or for that matter any other major city in the world. Our contemporary society is busy purging any vestige of the Christian faith from public view or recitation. Respect for the Bible has waned at an alarming pace. Even in the Christian church the reading of the Holy Scripture has sometimes been replaced by entertaining self-help speeches and encouragements to embrace positive thinking.
The Bible is the foundation of our Christian faith. It is the primary method that God has chosen to reveal Himself to His people! It has encouraged every generation of Christian to stay the course! It has built up the faith of the weak! It has disclosed the will of God to the wavering! It has convicted the sinful of their error! But there is no doubt that we are tempted today to take it for granted. How many times have you observed a Bible carelessly tossed into the corner only to collect dust?
Here’s the challenge! The Bile is the source of the Christmas story that we honor during this holiday season. Would you consider assembling a display of the Bible in a prominent place during this Christmas season in your home? Why don’t you leave it open to the page that says, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for Him in the inn.” (Luke 2:7) And every time you pass by your display think about the men on that sidewalk 72 years ago in London who removed their hats in respect.
A train streaked across the dark English countryside carrying a priceless antiquity. At the main station in London the cargo was put into a taxi for the trip to the final destination where a large crowd had gathered hoping to snatch a glimpse of the treasure. The museum had paid the handsome sum of more than $500,000 for the privilege of housing this significant historical object. More than half of the procurement funds had been donated by the general public, no doubt some contributors were present as the taxi screeched to a halt. The door swung open, and the couriers exited with the prize. As the package passed by all of the men present took off their hats out of respect. A scene right out of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade? No way! These were actual events that occurred in December 27, 1933. The object was not a golden chalice – the Holy Grail, but it was a manuscript of the Holy Bible.
Of what must have originally comprised about 730 leaves, 393 remain, 245 of the Old Testament and 148 of the New. The leaves are of very fine vellum, measuring approximately fifteen inches square. The style of its script, along with other factors, make it quite certain that it was copied about the middle of the fourth century. The Sinaitic Manuscript is the oldest complete manuscript of the New Testament that exists today.
Can you imagine the scene described above which occurred in London England in 1933 occurring today in our nation’s capital or for that matter any other major city in the world. Our contemporary society is busy purging any vestige of the Christian faith from public view or recitation. Respect for the Bible has waned at an alarming pace. Even in the Christian church the reading of the Holy Scripture has sometimes been replaced by entertaining self-help speeches and encouragements to embrace positive thinking.
The Bible is the foundation of our Christian faith. It is the primary method that God has chosen to reveal Himself to His people! It has encouraged every generation of Christian to stay the course! It has built up the faith of the weak! It has disclosed the will of God to the wavering! It has convicted the sinful of their error! But there is no doubt that we are tempted today to take it for granted. How many times have you observed a Bible carelessly tossed into the corner only to collect dust?
Here’s the challenge! The Bile is the source of the Christmas story that we honor during this holiday season. Would you consider assembling a display of the Bible in a prominent place during this Christmas season in your home? Why don’t you leave it open to the page that says, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for Him in the inn.” (Luke 2:7) And every time you pass by your display think about the men on that sidewalk 72 years ago in London who removed their hats in respect.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Black Friday
DateLine (11/23/05 – Green Pond, SC)
Black Friday, also known as the Day After Thanksgiving, is generally acknowledged as the heaviest shopping day of the year, the start of the Christmas shopping season. The name is an homage to some retailers who toll all year in the red only to have this one day push them into the black for the first time. Stores prepare for the crush of shoppers by adding extra staff and even encourage the onslaught of bargain crazed people by opening as early 4-5 AM and offering such inducements as free breakfast or special discounts.
Shoppers can tap special websites (bf2005.com, blackfriday.gottadeal.com, etc.) that assist them in developing a strategy for exploiting special offerings by the retailers. Motivated shoppers scan the newspapers and store flyers for the slightest hint by anxious retailers who reveal their discounts and special offerings before the appointed day. Flyers are quickly scanned and posted to the websites.
All of this adds up to an orgy of consumerism. And to “soften” the shopper, soundtracks of seasonal music blare throughout the stores. How can the poor shopper resist? And this is how our contemporary Christmas season begins. Frankly it makes me want to barf. Ok, I’m am a male and there is something in our genes that causes physical illness at the thought of such events.
This is the season that Southern Baptist collect the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for the sole purpose of supporting international missions. In a way this is Black Friday for our missions effort. All collected funds go directly to the mission field for special projects and needs.. The 2005 offering goal is $150 million. This year the promotional focus is South Asia. More than 1400 people groups live in the seven countries of this region, including the giant countries of China and India.
Years ago I had a pastor who challenged us to make our Christmas gift to Jesus at least as valuable as the largest gift given to anyone else. To be honest my initial response was to blow him off. After all, we had small children at the time and our meager Christmas budget was dominated by our desire to make Christmas special for them. Years later I recalled that challenge from the pastor and Harriett and I decided to take it for our own. We chose to make the Lottie Moon Christmas offering our gift to Jesus. I cannot explain to you the added dimension that this has given to our Christmas season. Would you consider making Lottie Moon your Christmas gift to Jesus?
Black Friday, also known as the Day After Thanksgiving, is generally acknowledged as the heaviest shopping day of the year, the start of the Christmas shopping season. The name is an homage to some retailers who toll all year in the red only to have this one day push them into the black for the first time. Stores prepare for the crush of shoppers by adding extra staff and even encourage the onslaught of bargain crazed people by opening as early 4-5 AM and offering such inducements as free breakfast or special discounts.
Shoppers can tap special websites (bf2005.com, blackfriday.gottadeal.com, etc.) that assist them in developing a strategy for exploiting special offerings by the retailers. Motivated shoppers scan the newspapers and store flyers for the slightest hint by anxious retailers who reveal their discounts and special offerings before the appointed day. Flyers are quickly scanned and posted to the websites.
All of this adds up to an orgy of consumerism. And to “soften” the shopper, soundtracks of seasonal music blare throughout the stores. How can the poor shopper resist? And this is how our contemporary Christmas season begins. Frankly it makes me want to barf. Ok, I’m am a male and there is something in our genes that causes physical illness at the thought of such events.
This is the season that Southern Baptist collect the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for the sole purpose of supporting international missions. In a way this is Black Friday for our missions effort. All collected funds go directly to the mission field for special projects and needs.. The 2005 offering goal is $150 million. This year the promotional focus is South Asia. More than 1400 people groups live in the seven countries of this region, including the giant countries of China and India.
Years ago I had a pastor who challenged us to make our Christmas gift to Jesus at least as valuable as the largest gift given to anyone else. To be honest my initial response was to blow him off. After all, we had small children at the time and our meager Christmas budget was dominated by our desire to make Christmas special for them. Years later I recalled that challenge from the pastor and Harriett and I decided to take it for our own. We chose to make the Lottie Moon Christmas offering our gift to Jesus. I cannot explain to you the added dimension that this has given to our Christmas season. Would you consider making Lottie Moon your Christmas gift to Jesus?
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
De-upsize
De-upsize - v. - To refuse to ratchet up one’s lifestyle so as to result in financial freedom.
DateLine (11/16/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
Ok the definition which appears above for de-upsize is a total fabrication. There is no such word in the dictionary, but there should be. I propose that this word be added to the vocabulary of every believer of Jesus Christ. If you’re young this concept should be burned into your psyche, an inviolate maxim for modern living. If you’re old statistics demonstrate that it’s probably too late to reach you with this truth.
An article posted on the MSN Money website demonstrates the magnitude of the problem that this concept is intended to address; “Yes, consumer debt -- encompassing credit cards, mortgages, student loans and more -- is growing like a well-fed St. Bernard puppy. No, there's no sign that the growth will slow. Yes, some economists worry about the ill effects, but no, not many of them are sounding urgent alarms. It's hard not to be worried when confronted with numbers such as these:
Families all over America are under tremendous pressure attempting to deal with the aftermath of an orgy of overindulgence; financial bondage. An “army” pre-occupied with their personal financial crises is not focused on the battle. It is no accident that God has raised up a herd of modern day prophets to address this issue; Larry Burkett, Ron Blue, Dave Ramsey, Austin Pryor, and others. It is no accident that many Christian media outlets feature some of the finest Christian teachers sounding the alarm on this subject. Satan has pre-emptied the American Dream. The original American Dream was to worship God with freedom. The contemporary American Dream is a 4000 sq. ft. lakeside house in a gated community attached to a four car garage filled with his, hers, and theirs financed by a six figure salary.
So it’s to this cacophony of voices sounding the warning that I add my concept; de-upsizing. What does it mean? Don’t ever upsize to begin with!!! Don’t let yourself get caught in the consumer trap, just a “hamster” on the treadmill of life.
DateLine (11/16/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
Ok the definition which appears above for de-upsize is a total fabrication. There is no such word in the dictionary, but there should be. I propose that this word be added to the vocabulary of every believer of Jesus Christ. If you’re young this concept should be burned into your psyche, an inviolate maxim for modern living. If you’re old statistics demonstrate that it’s probably too late to reach you with this truth.
An article posted on the MSN Money website demonstrates the magnitude of the problem that this concept is intended to address; “Yes, consumer debt -- encompassing credit cards, mortgages, student loans and more -- is growing like a well-fed St. Bernard puppy. No, there's no sign that the growth will slow. Yes, some economists worry about the ill effects, but no, not many of them are sounding urgent alarms. It's hard not to be worried when confronted with numbers such as these:
- About 43% of American families spend more than they earn each year.
- Average households carry some $8,000 in credit card debt.
- Personal bankruptcies have doubled in the past decade.
American consumers owed a grand total of $1.9773 trillion in October 2003, according to the latest statistics on consumer credit from the Federal Reserve. That’s about $18,654 per household, a figure that doesn’t include mortgage debt. The number is up more than 41% from the $1.3999 trillion consumers owed in 1998.”
So who cares? Let me paint a picture. Ok I’m going to use my imagination again, but I don’t think I’m too far off. Imagine yourself for a moment in the strategy room in hell. Satan and his economic council is gathered around discussing a hot topic; financial bondage (get it – hot topic.) He speaks, “We’re looking for new strategies to destroy individuals and bring families to their knees. What can you bean counters offer me?” One particularly devilish imp in the corner immediately offered, “How about cheap easy credit?” “Perfect,” replied Satan, “How soon can we implement it?” “Well I know this director at First National Bank, we hang out at the same strip club. I believe that I can convince him to get the ball rolling and once First National offers it, all of their competitors will have to follow suit.” “Great,” Satan said, “My hunch is you should suggest he start with cheap home mortgages. People will use the excuse for low interest home loans to overindulge on the dream home. Once they realize what they’ve done, it’ll take years for them to recover.” And on and on the sinister session went.
Families all over America are under tremendous pressure attempting to deal with the aftermath of an orgy of overindulgence; financial bondage. An “army” pre-occupied with their personal financial crises is not focused on the battle. It is no accident that God has raised up a herd of modern day prophets to address this issue; Larry Burkett, Ron Blue, Dave Ramsey, Austin Pryor, and others. It is no accident that many Christian media outlets feature some of the finest Christian teachers sounding the alarm on this subject. Satan has pre-emptied the American Dream. The original American Dream was to worship God with freedom. The contemporary American Dream is a 4000 sq. ft. lakeside house in a gated community attached to a four car garage filled with his, hers, and theirs financed by a six figure salary.
So it’s to this cacophony of voices sounding the warning that I add my concept; de-upsizing. What does it mean? Don’t ever upsize to begin with!!! Don’t let yourself get caught in the consumer trap, just a “hamster” on the treadmill of life.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Scars
Scar - (skär) - n. - A lingering sign of damage or injury, either mental or physical: nightmares, anxiety, and other enduring scars of wartime experiences.
DateLine (11/9/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
At the age of 24 I decided that I posessed all the skills necessary to build a house. The very thought of that now sends shudders through my body. The facts at the time were, Harriett and I needed a home, I had more time than I had money, I had just spent about 6 months working in the industry in the Charlestion area, and I didn’t posess enough intelligence to conclude that I couldn’t do it. Ok, it was not as far fetched as it may appear. Afterall, I grew up around the industry while my dad managed a lumber yard in Woodruff.
Harriett and I sketched out the “house of our dreams” and had a local draftsman convert the rough sketches to house plans. I identified a mortgage company that I thought would work with me as a do-it-yourselfer and scheduled an appointment. I walked into that appointment that day with a set of houseplans under my arm and the swagger of a seasoned politician.
As I think back to that day from history’s perspective I don’t know how the loan officer kept from snickering. The officer asked a few questions that I understand now was contrived to determine if I had any idea what I was about to undertake. Evidently I gave sufficient answers because much to my astonishment I walked away from that appointment with a verbal agreement to finance my endeavor. It was late winter at the time and as soon as it started warming up we were off and running. The following May, about 15 months later, we moved into our new home, which except for a few odds and ends and a little wallpaper was complete.
In that 15 month period I lost about 10-15 pounds which made me look like a walking skeleton and spent every waking hour except when I was working my day job on that house; weekends, holidays, and vacation. Along the way I picked up more than one scar from battles with the tools of the trade. On one particular occasion I was using a table saw and got the wood that I was cutting caught in a bind between the blade and the fence. The piece of wood shot back at me as though it had been fired from a canon striking me in the throat. The wound was superficial but left scarring that several years later caused people to wonder if I had gone through the experience of a tracheotomy.
I was dedicated 100% to the task of building that house. Once I started there was no turning back. There were periods of time when I would have thousands of dollars of credit at several building supply stores and could not pay them off until I had completed enough work to make a “draw” from my mortage company. I could not stop or turn back, I was committed. It turned out to be a family project. Between my dad and brother and Harriett’s dad and brothers I had more than enough help to get the job done. It was not easy. The sense of accomplishment at the end of the project was immensely satisfying. When I finished I had the marks on my body that bore witness to the grueling process.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:17, “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” What’s the connection? The Christian life is much like the project I undertook years ago. We must wholely commit ourselves to Him. There is no turning back. It is difficult work. We should expect to experience trials that will leave scars; perhaps some physical, perhaps some pyschological. We are not alone, we will have help. In the end the scars will be a beautiful testimony of our devotion to Christ and His ultimate safekeeping. We may be battered and bruised but He will not allow our demise until it is time. And just like in my story, when the job is done, we move into a new home. Don’t let the fear of temporal struggles deprive you of the deep joy of knowing our Lord by virtue of total commitment. Go ahead, jump in.
DateLine (11/9/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
At the age of 24 I decided that I posessed all the skills necessary to build a house. The very thought of that now sends shudders through my body. The facts at the time were, Harriett and I needed a home, I had more time than I had money, I had just spent about 6 months working in the industry in the Charlestion area, and I didn’t posess enough intelligence to conclude that I couldn’t do it. Ok, it was not as far fetched as it may appear. Afterall, I grew up around the industry while my dad managed a lumber yard in Woodruff.
Harriett and I sketched out the “house of our dreams” and had a local draftsman convert the rough sketches to house plans. I identified a mortgage company that I thought would work with me as a do-it-yourselfer and scheduled an appointment. I walked into that appointment that day with a set of houseplans under my arm and the swagger of a seasoned politician.
As I think back to that day from history’s perspective I don’t know how the loan officer kept from snickering. The officer asked a few questions that I understand now was contrived to determine if I had any idea what I was about to undertake. Evidently I gave sufficient answers because much to my astonishment I walked away from that appointment with a verbal agreement to finance my endeavor. It was late winter at the time and as soon as it started warming up we were off and running. The following May, about 15 months later, we moved into our new home, which except for a few odds and ends and a little wallpaper was complete.
In that 15 month period I lost about 10-15 pounds which made me look like a walking skeleton and spent every waking hour except when I was working my day job on that house; weekends, holidays, and vacation. Along the way I picked up more than one scar from battles with the tools of the trade. On one particular occasion I was using a table saw and got the wood that I was cutting caught in a bind between the blade and the fence. The piece of wood shot back at me as though it had been fired from a canon striking me in the throat. The wound was superficial but left scarring that several years later caused people to wonder if I had gone through the experience of a tracheotomy.
I was dedicated 100% to the task of building that house. Once I started there was no turning back. There were periods of time when I would have thousands of dollars of credit at several building supply stores and could not pay them off until I had completed enough work to make a “draw” from my mortage company. I could not stop or turn back, I was committed. It turned out to be a family project. Between my dad and brother and Harriett’s dad and brothers I had more than enough help to get the job done. It was not easy. The sense of accomplishment at the end of the project was immensely satisfying. When I finished I had the marks on my body that bore witness to the grueling process.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:17, “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” What’s the connection? The Christian life is much like the project I undertook years ago. We must wholely commit ourselves to Him. There is no turning back. It is difficult work. We should expect to experience trials that will leave scars; perhaps some physical, perhaps some pyschological. We are not alone, we will have help. In the end the scars will be a beautiful testimony of our devotion to Christ and His ultimate safekeeping. We may be battered and bruised but He will not allow our demise until it is time. And just like in my story, when the job is done, we move into a new home. Don’t let the fear of temporal struggles deprive you of the deep joy of knowing our Lord by virtue of total commitment. Go ahead, jump in.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
The Manger in the Mall
DateLine (11/2/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
It must have been Christmas 1993. Harriett and I were attending the country church where I grew up and she was the Minister of Music leading our small but courageous choir. I’m going to give Harriett the credit for initiating the events described below as she responded to the prompting of the Lord. She boldly made a call to the Westgate Mall in Spartanburg to ask permission to present our Christmas musical inside the mall during the busy Christmas shopping period. Can you imagine the surprise when the response to the request was an enthusiastic yes? We were thrilled to have the privilege of sharing our Christmas gift to the masses.
By the time the date arrived we had assembled costumes for the entire choir and added a few ragtag drama characters to provide visual reinforcement for the message of the music. You can imagine our excitement as we transported a makeshift sound system, electronic keyboard, tape player, and ourselves to the packed mall on the busy weeknight. Our group was so short of professional equipment that the keyboard stand was an ironing board covered by a bed spread. Easily a third of the entire congregation of the church was involved.
We were given a prime spot on one end of the mall at the entrance to one of the anchor tenants; Belks. As we scurried about to complete our setup and preparations it was as if we did not exist to the busy patrons filing by in a constant stream. An assembly of shepherds, wise men, Mary and Joseph and yes, a live infant just a few months old playing the role of the baby Jesus was positioned in front of the choir. Filled with apprehension, not knowing how we would be received, fully aware of the limits of our skills, we enthusiastically launched into our musical, which as I remember was a collection of classic carols and contemporary Christmas music; all carefully chosen to remind the holiday shoppers of the “reason for the season.”
I wish that I could tell you that the heavy shopper traffic ground to a halt as our voices filled the shopping mall, drawn to our music and the message. There was as I remember no such massive response. There was a more subtle but yet extremely profound response. As the shoppers would pass there would be a brief pause, sometimes lasting for a portion of a song, sometime several songs. Mothers and children, fathers and children, husbands and wives, old and young they came. And for a brief moment, the shopping list, the hectic schedule, the late hour did not matter. It was obvious that the Gospel was physically and audibly intruding into the marketplace of consumerism, but for brief moments for some listeners it seemed a welcome intrusion. The traditions that threatened to impede the arrival of the Babe were held at bay if for a moment.
The sight that is burned into the visual center of my brain is the children who would gleefully approach the living baby in the manager, parents in tow. Even while we were concentrating on our presentation we could almost read the lips of the parents as the visual presentation prodded them to tell the Christmas story to their children while kneeling by the manger’s side, in the same posture assumed by the worshippers 2000 years ago. There is no doubt in my mind that people’s lives were impacted by our presence in the mall that night. Here we are about 7 weeks from Christmas. I would encourage you to be open to God’s promptings to be His ambassador where ever that may lead, especially during this Christmas season.
It must have been Christmas 1993. Harriett and I were attending the country church where I grew up and she was the Minister of Music leading our small but courageous choir. I’m going to give Harriett the credit for initiating the events described below as she responded to the prompting of the Lord. She boldly made a call to the Westgate Mall in Spartanburg to ask permission to present our Christmas musical inside the mall during the busy Christmas shopping period. Can you imagine the surprise when the response to the request was an enthusiastic yes? We were thrilled to have the privilege of sharing our Christmas gift to the masses.
By the time the date arrived we had assembled costumes for the entire choir and added a few ragtag drama characters to provide visual reinforcement for the message of the music. You can imagine our excitement as we transported a makeshift sound system, electronic keyboard, tape player, and ourselves to the packed mall on the busy weeknight. Our group was so short of professional equipment that the keyboard stand was an ironing board covered by a bed spread. Easily a third of the entire congregation of the church was involved.
We were given a prime spot on one end of the mall at the entrance to one of the anchor tenants; Belks. As we scurried about to complete our setup and preparations it was as if we did not exist to the busy patrons filing by in a constant stream. An assembly of shepherds, wise men, Mary and Joseph and yes, a live infant just a few months old playing the role of the baby Jesus was positioned in front of the choir. Filled with apprehension, not knowing how we would be received, fully aware of the limits of our skills, we enthusiastically launched into our musical, which as I remember was a collection of classic carols and contemporary Christmas music; all carefully chosen to remind the holiday shoppers of the “reason for the season.”
I wish that I could tell you that the heavy shopper traffic ground to a halt as our voices filled the shopping mall, drawn to our music and the message. There was as I remember no such massive response. There was a more subtle but yet extremely profound response. As the shoppers would pass there would be a brief pause, sometimes lasting for a portion of a song, sometime several songs. Mothers and children, fathers and children, husbands and wives, old and young they came. And for a brief moment, the shopping list, the hectic schedule, the late hour did not matter. It was obvious that the Gospel was physically and audibly intruding into the marketplace of consumerism, but for brief moments for some listeners it seemed a welcome intrusion. The traditions that threatened to impede the arrival of the Babe were held at bay if for a moment.
The sight that is burned into the visual center of my brain is the children who would gleefully approach the living baby in the manager, parents in tow. Even while we were concentrating on our presentation we could almost read the lips of the parents as the visual presentation prodded them to tell the Christmas story to their children while kneeling by the manger’s side, in the same posture assumed by the worshippers 2000 years ago. There is no doubt in my mind that people’s lives were impacted by our presence in the mall that night. Here we are about 7 weeks from Christmas. I would encourage you to be open to God’s promptings to be His ambassador where ever that may lead, especially during this Christmas season.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
The Gospel According to the Culture
DateLine (10/27/05 – Philadelphia, PA)
The number one definition of “gospel” as provided by dictionary.com is “The proclamation of the redemption preached by Jesus and the Apostles, which is the central content of Christian revelation.” Our fast paced society has grown addicted to the sound byte, “cliff notes”, and three paragraph summaries. It is no wonder that many times our notion of the central themes of the gospel are formed from short blasts delivered by a variety of contemporary outlets; TV, newspaper, movies, and radio (i.e. cultural media.)
The gospel is as likely to be delivered by a non-believer as a believer. Just because one does not accept the message it does not mean that they are not willing to offer up an opinion. We don’t have to look far to discover the gospel being exploited for commercial gain, subtlety compromised, ridiculed, grossly distorted, or used to justify contradictory action.
Faithful saints are occasionally led astray because of the constant humdrum delivered by the pervasive trumpets of the culture. Distortions are often wrapped around nuggets of truth. How can Christians filter the noise of the culture? II Timothy 2:15 exhorts the Christian to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The official source for the gospel is the revealed words of our Lord, recorded in the Bible. Our Christian apprenticeship requires us to study it as a student. There are no short cuts. A true learning experience goes beyond reading and incorporates critical analysis and practical application.
The history of the Bible is an amazing story of God’s delivery and inspired human custodians as it has been faithfully preserved and passed down through the generations. We are the contemporary stewards of the gospel. Don’t let the culture drown you out.
The number one definition of “gospel” as provided by dictionary.com is “The proclamation of the redemption preached by Jesus and the Apostles, which is the central content of Christian revelation.” Our fast paced society has grown addicted to the sound byte, “cliff notes”, and three paragraph summaries. It is no wonder that many times our notion of the central themes of the gospel are formed from short blasts delivered by a variety of contemporary outlets; TV, newspaper, movies, and radio (i.e. cultural media.)
The gospel is as likely to be delivered by a non-believer as a believer. Just because one does not accept the message it does not mean that they are not willing to offer up an opinion. We don’t have to look far to discover the gospel being exploited for commercial gain, subtlety compromised, ridiculed, grossly distorted, or used to justify contradictory action.
Faithful saints are occasionally led astray because of the constant humdrum delivered by the pervasive trumpets of the culture. Distortions are often wrapped around nuggets of truth. How can Christians filter the noise of the culture? II Timothy 2:15 exhorts the Christian to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The official source for the gospel is the revealed words of our Lord, recorded in the Bible. Our Christian apprenticeship requires us to study it as a student. There are no short cuts. A true learning experience goes beyond reading and incorporates critical analysis and practical application.
The history of the Bible is an amazing story of God’s delivery and inspired human custodians as it has been faithfully preserved and passed down through the generations. We are the contemporary stewards of the gospel. Don’t let the culture drown you out.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Church Work
DateLine (10/19/05 – Naas, County Kildare, Ireland)
I was reading a copy of Fortune magazine recently and happened upon an article entitled “The25 people we envy most.” I fully expected to find the likes of Bill Gates, the two co-founders of Google, Tiger Woods, J. K. Rowling of Harry Potty fame, and even Chris Rock the comedian. These are all people who have measured up in terms of how society defines success; fame and fortune and at an early age mind you for some of those profiled.
Quite to my surprise I find included in the list, Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Community Church and wildly successful author of “The Purpose Driven Life.” The article labeled him as the most influential evangelical since Billy Graham and ends the piece with the statement, “and he’ll never wake up wondering if his job has meaning.” Why is this man so admired?
A recent article in our own Baptist Courier weekly tabloid quotes from Reggie McNeal, the director of leadership development, who led a group to analyze our effectiveness in accomplishing some goals that we had set for ourselves in the year 2000. In response to a question which asked about some goals where we had achieved disappointing results he states, “my own opinion is that we are too busy doing church to “be” church.
In my opinion the appearance of Rick Warren in Fortune’s list of most envied people and the disappointment verbalized by Reggie McNeal are connected. If there is one thing that Rick Warren did in the book referenced above it was to drive home the point that everything that we do in the church should be purpose driven. He laid out a challenge to evaluate our programs and efforts to insure that they are aligned with the heartbeat of God. He helped formulate the metrics to determine “on purpose” living by sifting out the five primary purposes of our existence; worship, evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, and personal need focused ministry.
A well balanced person and a well-balanced church have equal emphasis on all five. If our fellowship drowns out our evangelism or our worship leaves no time for discipleship or our evangelism ignores the physical needs of those we reach out to, then we are out of balance and not meeting our personal potential, our church’s potential, or God’s objectives. If church activities that cannot be tied back to any of the five basic purposes then the energy to perpetuate the program is leached from the programs that are purposeful. Rick Warren could be acknowledged as the person most responsible for liberating a generation from the drudgery of religion therefore earning him the admiration of his listeners.
Our church participation should not be driven by guilt or obligation. Understanding God’s will for us and the tools that he has equipped our person with should lead to a sense of freedom and empowerment. What I hear in Rick Warren’s teaching and Reggie McNeal’s analysis is a need to release people from church “obligations” in order for them to have the time and energy to “be” the church. I once heard a pastor say, there is a big difference between church work and the work of the church. Don’t ever feel like you have to apologize when approached to do church work if you’re confident that your life is invested in the work of the church.
I was reading a copy of Fortune magazine recently and happened upon an article entitled “The25 people we envy most.” I fully expected to find the likes of Bill Gates, the two co-founders of Google, Tiger Woods, J. K. Rowling of Harry Potty fame, and even Chris Rock the comedian. These are all people who have measured up in terms of how society defines success; fame and fortune and at an early age mind you for some of those profiled.
Quite to my surprise I find included in the list, Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Community Church and wildly successful author of “The Purpose Driven Life.” The article labeled him as the most influential evangelical since Billy Graham and ends the piece with the statement, “and he’ll never wake up wondering if his job has meaning.” Why is this man so admired?
A recent article in our own Baptist Courier weekly tabloid quotes from Reggie McNeal, the director of leadership development, who led a group to analyze our effectiveness in accomplishing some goals that we had set for ourselves in the year 2000. In response to a question which asked about some goals where we had achieved disappointing results he states, “my own opinion is that we are too busy doing church to “be” church.
In my opinion the appearance of Rick Warren in Fortune’s list of most envied people and the disappointment verbalized by Reggie McNeal are connected. If there is one thing that Rick Warren did in the book referenced above it was to drive home the point that everything that we do in the church should be purpose driven. He laid out a challenge to evaluate our programs and efforts to insure that they are aligned with the heartbeat of God. He helped formulate the metrics to determine “on purpose” living by sifting out the five primary purposes of our existence; worship, evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, and personal need focused ministry.
A well balanced person and a well-balanced church have equal emphasis on all five. If our fellowship drowns out our evangelism or our worship leaves no time for discipleship or our evangelism ignores the physical needs of those we reach out to, then we are out of balance and not meeting our personal potential, our church’s potential, or God’s objectives. If church activities that cannot be tied back to any of the five basic purposes then the energy to perpetuate the program is leached from the programs that are purposeful. Rick Warren could be acknowledged as the person most responsible for liberating a generation from the drudgery of religion therefore earning him the admiration of his listeners.
Our church participation should not be driven by guilt or obligation. Understanding God’s will for us and the tools that he has equipped our person with should lead to a sense of freedom and empowerment. What I hear in Rick Warren’s teaching and Reggie McNeal’s analysis is a need to release people from church “obligations” in order for them to have the time and energy to “be” the church. I once heard a pastor say, there is a big difference between church work and the work of the church. Don’t ever feel like you have to apologize when approached to do church work if you’re confident that your life is invested in the work of the church.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Teamwork
DateLine (10/12/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
A few days ago I had the opportunity to meet one of the legends of professional golf, Chi Chi Rodriguez. Just so happens that one of the members of my project team is staying in a condo at his golf course in Guayama, Puerto Rico and took us over at lunch to meet this unique individual. Now well past his prime, he was one of the most unique characters to have played the game.
Born into humble surroundings in Puerto Rico, he taught himself how to play golf with clubs fashioned from guava tree limbs and tin cans hammered into balls. Now in addition to piddling around his golf course complex where I met him, this 70 can be found working to create opportunities for the youth of his beloved Puerto Rico or offering up tidbits of homespun wisdom on the inspirational speaking circuit.
During the brief time that I spent with him, he volunteered several folksy spiels. In one story He confessed that he was fascinated by the ants. On an occasion he happened upon an ant that was struggling to drag a dead bat back to the ant hill to provide food for his “army” of friends. Try as he would, the ant could not overcome the size differential between himself and his prize even though ants are notorious for their strength. About that time several more ants arrived, and then several more. Eventually enough ants surrounded the bat carcass that they were able to drag it away; a powerful testimony to the power of teamwork.
Jesus talked about teamwork in Romans Chapter 12. “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” God uses the ants to challenge us.
As individual church members we are nothing more than dysfunctional underachievers. A church full of individuals doing their own thing is like the lone ant struggling to get the job done. In God’s view of teamwork presented in Romans 12 one cannot imagine the individual parts separate from the whole, yet each part retains a clear identity. The almost unbelievable story told by my “friend” Chi Chi about the Herculean feat of the ant “team” is a fascinating glimpse into the potential of our team; the church. We each have a unique contribution to the team; when we’re missing the body is handicapped. God said in John 14:12, "I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father”. How can we understand what God means? The ants will tell us!
A few days ago I had the opportunity to meet one of the legends of professional golf, Chi Chi Rodriguez. Just so happens that one of the members of my project team is staying in a condo at his golf course in Guayama, Puerto Rico and took us over at lunch to meet this unique individual. Now well past his prime, he was one of the most unique characters to have played the game.
Born into humble surroundings in Puerto Rico, he taught himself how to play golf with clubs fashioned from guava tree limbs and tin cans hammered into balls. Now in addition to piddling around his golf course complex where I met him, this 70 can be found working to create opportunities for the youth of his beloved Puerto Rico or offering up tidbits of homespun wisdom on the inspirational speaking circuit.
During the brief time that I spent with him, he volunteered several folksy spiels. In one story He confessed that he was fascinated by the ants. On an occasion he happened upon an ant that was struggling to drag a dead bat back to the ant hill to provide food for his “army” of friends. Try as he would, the ant could not overcome the size differential between himself and his prize even though ants are notorious for their strength. About that time several more ants arrived, and then several more. Eventually enough ants surrounded the bat carcass that they were able to drag it away; a powerful testimony to the power of teamwork.
Jesus talked about teamwork in Romans Chapter 12. “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” God uses the ants to challenge us.
As individual church members we are nothing more than dysfunctional underachievers. A church full of individuals doing their own thing is like the lone ant struggling to get the job done. In God’s view of teamwork presented in Romans 12 one cannot imagine the individual parts separate from the whole, yet each part retains a clear identity. The almost unbelievable story told by my “friend” Chi Chi about the Herculean feat of the ant “team” is a fascinating glimpse into the potential of our team; the church. We each have a unique contribution to the team; when we’re missing the body is handicapped. God said in John 14:12, "I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father”. How can we understand what God means? The ants will tell us!
Friday, October 07, 2005
Reproducible
DateLine (10/5/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
A few weeks ago I mentioned that I had been reading a book about the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 – 1919. It’s interesting that the airwaves are full of the news of an avian flu (H5N1) right now which some are comparing to what happened in the early part of the last century. But that’s really not what I wanted to talk about.
While the Spanish Flu pillaged our country and even the world, medical researchers were locked into a deadly race to identify the source and manufacture a cure. Years of research was being compressed into months. Necessity dictated the dishonoring of normal research protocols. Rivalries between researchers who competed for grants and recognition morphed into cooperation. These were disparate times.
While medical research had limited success in 1918, the success that it did have is attributable to a single natural attribute. Quoting from the book, “One key to science is that work be reproducible. Someone in another laboratory doing the same experiment will get the same result. The result then is reliable enough that someone else can build upon it. The most damning condemnation is to dismiss a finding as ‘not reproducible.’”
God has created a tremendous natural order here on earth even in the form that we know it which is stained by sin. It is a reflection of His very nature. Jesus is the same “yesterday, today, and forever;” rock solid dependability; reproducible dependability. Just like those medical heroes from almost 100 years ago, we take it for granted and exploit it everyday to our advantage.
What’s the lesson for us here? God promised that if we renounce our sins and confess Him as Lord He opens the doors of heaven for us to spend eternity with Him. Someone shared the good news with someone who accepted the eternal truth for their own. They shared the good news with someone who accepted the eternal truth for their own. They shared the good new with us and we accepted the eternal truth for our own; reproducible results. God designed it. God built it. God’s saving it. Don’t you want to be a part of God’s natural order? Share the good news today.
A few weeks ago I mentioned that I had been reading a book about the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 – 1919. It’s interesting that the airwaves are full of the news of an avian flu (H5N1) right now which some are comparing to what happened in the early part of the last century. But that’s really not what I wanted to talk about.
While the Spanish Flu pillaged our country and even the world, medical researchers were locked into a deadly race to identify the source and manufacture a cure. Years of research was being compressed into months. Necessity dictated the dishonoring of normal research protocols. Rivalries between researchers who competed for grants and recognition morphed into cooperation. These were disparate times.
While medical research had limited success in 1918, the success that it did have is attributable to a single natural attribute. Quoting from the book, “One key to science is that work be reproducible. Someone in another laboratory doing the same experiment will get the same result. The result then is reliable enough that someone else can build upon it. The most damning condemnation is to dismiss a finding as ‘not reproducible.’”
God has created a tremendous natural order here on earth even in the form that we know it which is stained by sin. It is a reflection of His very nature. Jesus is the same “yesterday, today, and forever;” rock solid dependability; reproducible dependability. Just like those medical heroes from almost 100 years ago, we take it for granted and exploit it everyday to our advantage.
What’s the lesson for us here? God promised that if we renounce our sins and confess Him as Lord He opens the doors of heaven for us to spend eternity with Him. Someone shared the good news with someone who accepted the eternal truth for their own. They shared the good news with someone who accepted the eternal truth for their own. They shared the good new with us and we accepted the eternal truth for our own; reproducible results. God designed it. God built it. God’s saving it. Don’t you want to be a part of God’s natural order? Share the good news today.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Rockin the House
DateLine (9/28/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
The date was September 17 of this year. The location was one of the most exciting sports venues in the country, Death Valley in Clemson, South Carolina. About 80000 people had gathered to watch two nationally ranked teams, the visiting #13 Miami Hurricanes and the #20 Clemson Tigers, square off in an Atlantic Coast Conference football game. Miami had dropped their season opener in a close game with their in-state rival, Florida State, coming into this game at 0-1. Clemson had won two come-from-behind cliff hangers prior to this game making them 2-0 with a chance to go 3-0 for the first time in about 5 years.
The Tigers had begun the afternoon with what one nationally known sportscaster has called the most exciting 25 seconds in college football; the run down “the hill.” Various sports publications have ranked Clemson’s Death Valley as one of the top 10 stadiums in the country to experience college football. The Hurricanes were not intimidated as they rolled into town with their own invincible personas bolstered by 5 national championships since 1983.
Clemson led 10-6 at the half. Miami reeled off 14 unanswered points in the 3rd quarter. The home crowd roared their approval as the momentum tipped back toward the Tigers in the 4th quarter. Down 10 at the beginning of the quarter, a quick touchdown fueled the hopes of the Tiger faithful. Down 3 with about three minutes to go, Clemson executes a crucial drive that culminates with a tying field goal. The tension builds. A dropped ball in the end zone with less than one minute left is a missed opportunity for the Tigers to win outright in regulation but sends the crowd into a frenzy at the prospect of overtime. The home crowd explodes with energy as Clemson enters overtime for the 6th time in its history; sporting a 5-0 record on previous occasions, having never lost an overtime game. Every soul was on their feet with the vast majority screaming at a fever pitch in anticipation of a positive outcome.
This was absolutely the most electric moment in sports that I have personally experienced. Now here’s the fun part. With a voice that was heard with crystal clarity over the thundering crowd right at the zenith of the excitement, God spoke to me and said; “If you think this is something, just wait until you get to my place.” God cracked the door open briefly and gave me a miniscule glimpse what it will be like to hang out with Him.
Revelation 5 gives us a glimpse of another great gathering which I can only imagine is typical of what we will experience in eternity with our Lord.
11Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" 14The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.
I had fun at the football game. Unfortunately here on earth such events are fleeting. The Tigers ended up falling in triple overtime by a score of 36-30. Oh but I can’t wait to shout at the top of my voice, “Worthy is the Lamb” with the heavenly crowd! You think the house was rocking on September 17? You haven’t seen anything yet. Don’t you dare miss it!
The date was September 17 of this year. The location was one of the most exciting sports venues in the country, Death Valley in Clemson, South Carolina. About 80000 people had gathered to watch two nationally ranked teams, the visiting #13 Miami Hurricanes and the #20 Clemson Tigers, square off in an Atlantic Coast Conference football game. Miami had dropped their season opener in a close game with their in-state rival, Florida State, coming into this game at 0-1. Clemson had won two come-from-behind cliff hangers prior to this game making them 2-0 with a chance to go 3-0 for the first time in about 5 years.
The Tigers had begun the afternoon with what one nationally known sportscaster has called the most exciting 25 seconds in college football; the run down “the hill.” Various sports publications have ranked Clemson’s Death Valley as one of the top 10 stadiums in the country to experience college football. The Hurricanes were not intimidated as they rolled into town with their own invincible personas bolstered by 5 national championships since 1983.
Clemson led 10-6 at the half. Miami reeled off 14 unanswered points in the 3rd quarter. The home crowd roared their approval as the momentum tipped back toward the Tigers in the 4th quarter. Down 10 at the beginning of the quarter, a quick touchdown fueled the hopes of the Tiger faithful. Down 3 with about three minutes to go, Clemson executes a crucial drive that culminates with a tying field goal. The tension builds. A dropped ball in the end zone with less than one minute left is a missed opportunity for the Tigers to win outright in regulation but sends the crowd into a frenzy at the prospect of overtime. The home crowd explodes with energy as Clemson enters overtime for the 6th time in its history; sporting a 5-0 record on previous occasions, having never lost an overtime game. Every soul was on their feet with the vast majority screaming at a fever pitch in anticipation of a positive outcome.
This was absolutely the most electric moment in sports that I have personally experienced. Now here’s the fun part. With a voice that was heard with crystal clarity over the thundering crowd right at the zenith of the excitement, God spoke to me and said; “If you think this is something, just wait until you get to my place.” God cracked the door open briefly and gave me a miniscule glimpse what it will be like to hang out with Him.
Revelation 5 gives us a glimpse of another great gathering which I can only imagine is typical of what we will experience in eternity with our Lord.
11Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" 14The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.
I had fun at the football game. Unfortunately here on earth such events are fleeting. The Tigers ended up falling in triple overtime by a score of 36-30. Oh but I can’t wait to shout at the top of my voice, “Worthy is the Lamb” with the heavenly crowd! You think the house was rocking on September 17? You haven’t seen anything yet. Don’t you dare miss it!
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Salt and Light
DateLine (9/21/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
The “Convention Center” and the “Superdome;” both conjure up visions of a total meltdown of society. The city of New Orleans had just been hit by what some have termed one of the greatest natural disasters to ever strike the United States. Many unfortunate and unlucky found themselves trapped in a city with no essential services; no electricity, no water, no sewage, no police. Desperate people caught in a dangerous situation. The very sanctuaries that were devised for their salvation became tombs of civility.
Women drug screaming into dark corners to be taken advantage of while bystanders looked on without offering assistance because they were afraid, mutilated corpses lay exposed to the stares of innocent children, sporadic gunfire that kept the outnumbered law enforcers sequestered in their own safe havens. This was no Hollywood invention, this happened in our country just weeks ago. How could this be?
People are routinely challenged by natural disasters. As unsettling and uprooting as they are it infrequently leads to the abandonment of the constraints of an orderly civilization. What happened in New Orleans?
The Bible says in Matthew chapter 5, 13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Ever wondered what society would look like without Godly influence. Ever wondered what hell will be like. Rerun your TiVo of CNN coverage in the aftermath of Katrina. Sometimes the way to determine the impact of something is to remove its influence. Un-Godly people acting in an un-Godly manner; the fabric of society unraveling around the edges. You are salt and light. Our very manner of life depends on you. You are the seasoning of society. Unfortunately we now have some vivid pictures of what our own country would be like if God’s influence were instantly removed. Go forth and be “salty.”
The “Convention Center” and the “Superdome;” both conjure up visions of a total meltdown of society. The city of New Orleans had just been hit by what some have termed one of the greatest natural disasters to ever strike the United States. Many unfortunate and unlucky found themselves trapped in a city with no essential services; no electricity, no water, no sewage, no police. Desperate people caught in a dangerous situation. The very sanctuaries that were devised for their salvation became tombs of civility.
Women drug screaming into dark corners to be taken advantage of while bystanders looked on without offering assistance because they were afraid, mutilated corpses lay exposed to the stares of innocent children, sporadic gunfire that kept the outnumbered law enforcers sequestered in their own safe havens. This was no Hollywood invention, this happened in our country just weeks ago. How could this be?
People are routinely challenged by natural disasters. As unsettling and uprooting as they are it infrequently leads to the abandonment of the constraints of an orderly civilization. What happened in New Orleans?
The Bible says in Matthew chapter 5, 13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Ever wondered what society would look like without Godly influence. Ever wondered what hell will be like. Rerun your TiVo of CNN coverage in the aftermath of Katrina. Sometimes the way to determine the impact of something is to remove its influence. Un-Godly people acting in an un-Godly manner; the fabric of society unraveling around the edges. You are salt and light. Our very manner of life depends on you. You are the seasoning of society. Unfortunately we now have some vivid pictures of what our own country would be like if God’s influence were instantly removed. Go forth and be “salty.”
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Famous Last Words
DateLine (9/14/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
Consider the following last words of some well know persons.
How were the receipts today at Madison Square Garden?~~ P. T. Barnum, entrepreneur, d. 1891
Oh, I am not going to die, am I? He will not separate us, we have been so happy.Spoken to her husband of 9 months, Rev. Arthur Nicholls.~~ Charlotte Bronte, writer, d. March 31, 1855
Don't let poor Nelly (his mistress, Nell Gwynne) starve.~~ Charles II, King of England and Scotland, d. 1685
Ay Jesus.~~ Charles V, King of France, d. 1380
The earth is suffocating . . . Swear to make them cut me open, so that I won't be buried alive.Dying of tuberculosis.~~ Frederic Chopin, composer, d. October 16, 1849
Damn it . . . Don't you dare ask God to help me.To her housekeeper, who had begun to pray aloud.~~ Joan Crawford, actress, d. May 10, 1977
I am not the least afraid to die.~~ Charles Darwin, d. April 19, 1882
It is very beautiful over there.~~ Thomas Alva Edison, inventor, d. October 18, 1931
All my possessions for a moment of time.~~ Elizabeth I, Queen of England, d. 1603
God will pardon me, that's his line of work.~~ Heinrich Heine, poet, d. February 15, 1856
Go on, get out - last words are for fools who haven't said enough.To his housekeeper, who urged him to tell her his last words so she could write them down for posterity.~~ Karl Marx, revolutionary, d. 1883
Get my swan costume ready.~~ Anna Pavlova, ballerina, d. 1931
Don't let it end like this. Tell them I said something.~~ Pancho Villa, Mexican revolutionary, d. 1923
Revealing, macabre, bizarre, rebellious, inspiring, misinformed, trivial, and naive; all words that can be used to describe the last words quoted above. Whether delivered from crystal clear minds or from the delirium of the final throes of a ravaging disease, final words often yield a poignant glimpse into the priorities of people.
One source identified the phrase, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” as the last words of Jesus. Actually this is not true. The last words of Jesus were, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7-8).
The last words of Jesus were not delivered from the precipice of death; he had already defeated that foe. His words were exacting, forceful, and matter of fact. The Holy Spirit will come. You will be my witnesses. The entire world will feel the impact of your teaming with Me. Jesus revealed His priorities with His last words on earth. His people line up with His priorities. The wonderful truth is that when we line up with God’s priorities in this life, it will allow us to pass to the next life in infinite peace.
Consider the following last words of some well know persons.
How were the receipts today at Madison Square Garden?~~ P. T. Barnum, entrepreneur, d. 1891
Oh, I am not going to die, am I? He will not separate us, we have been so happy.Spoken to her husband of 9 months, Rev. Arthur Nicholls.~~ Charlotte Bronte, writer, d. March 31, 1855
Don't let poor Nelly (his mistress, Nell Gwynne) starve.~~ Charles II, King of England and Scotland, d. 1685
Ay Jesus.~~ Charles V, King of France, d. 1380
The earth is suffocating . . . Swear to make them cut me open, so that I won't be buried alive.Dying of tuberculosis.~~ Frederic Chopin, composer, d. October 16, 1849
Damn it . . . Don't you dare ask God to help me.To her housekeeper, who had begun to pray aloud.~~ Joan Crawford, actress, d. May 10, 1977
I am not the least afraid to die.~~ Charles Darwin, d. April 19, 1882
It is very beautiful over there.~~ Thomas Alva Edison, inventor, d. October 18, 1931
All my possessions for a moment of time.~~ Elizabeth I, Queen of England, d. 1603
God will pardon me, that's his line of work.~~ Heinrich Heine, poet, d. February 15, 1856
Go on, get out - last words are for fools who haven't said enough.To his housekeeper, who urged him to tell her his last words so she could write them down for posterity.~~ Karl Marx, revolutionary, d. 1883
Get my swan costume ready.~~ Anna Pavlova, ballerina, d. 1931
Don't let it end like this. Tell them I said something.~~ Pancho Villa, Mexican revolutionary, d. 1923
Revealing, macabre, bizarre, rebellious, inspiring, misinformed, trivial, and naive; all words that can be used to describe the last words quoted above. Whether delivered from crystal clear minds or from the delirium of the final throes of a ravaging disease, final words often yield a poignant glimpse into the priorities of people.
One source identified the phrase, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” as the last words of Jesus. Actually this is not true. The last words of Jesus were, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7-8).
The last words of Jesus were not delivered from the precipice of death; he had already defeated that foe. His words were exacting, forceful, and matter of fact. The Holy Spirit will come. You will be my witnesses. The entire world will feel the impact of your teaming with Me. Jesus revealed His priorities with His last words on earth. His people line up with His priorities. The wonderful truth is that when we line up with God’s priorities in this life, it will allow us to pass to the next life in infinite peace.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
The Most Important Task
DateLine (9/7/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
I’ve just finished reading a book entitled “The Great Influenza, The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History.” It’s a complete history of the deadly Spanish flu pandemic that struck the earth in the late 1900s. I know, this does not speak well of my choice of entertainment. You already knew I was a little weird, now it’s certifiable. In addition to an account of the flu pandemic the book gives a fascinating view of the medical developments of the late 1800s and early 1900s, a period that some consider to be the golden age of medicine because the field was developing at such a rapid pace.
Modern medicine was rapidly evolving based on the research being done on a surprising small number of US college campuses by a group of relatively unknown researchers. One of the great researchers was observed washing glassware while his technician was close by performing an important experiment. When questioned about this obvious contradiction his response was, “I always perform the most important task, and for this experiment the most important task is to clean the glassware.”
In Christian life, to the untrained eye, it’s not always apparent what the most important task is. Jesus said, “The first will be last and the last first (Matt. 19 & 20.)” Every task in the church is important. Every one who contributes to the church’s mission is valuable. There is no such thing as big jobs and little jobs. What we might actually deem as an inconsequential task is actually the equivalent of “washing the glassware.” All God asks of us is to find out from Him what He wants us to do and then to commit ourselves to getting it done. Our Lord Jesus demonstrated His willingness to do the lowly tasks when He lowered Himself to the level of a mere servant and washed the stinking dirty feet of His disciples in a striking example of humility. Are you willing to “wash the glassware?” It might be the most important task that God has for you.
I’ve just finished reading a book entitled “The Great Influenza, The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History.” It’s a complete history of the deadly Spanish flu pandemic that struck the earth in the late 1900s. I know, this does not speak well of my choice of entertainment. You already knew I was a little weird, now it’s certifiable. In addition to an account of the flu pandemic the book gives a fascinating view of the medical developments of the late 1800s and early 1900s, a period that some consider to be the golden age of medicine because the field was developing at such a rapid pace.
Modern medicine was rapidly evolving based on the research being done on a surprising small number of US college campuses by a group of relatively unknown researchers. One of the great researchers was observed washing glassware while his technician was close by performing an important experiment. When questioned about this obvious contradiction his response was, “I always perform the most important task, and for this experiment the most important task is to clean the glassware.”
In Christian life, to the untrained eye, it’s not always apparent what the most important task is. Jesus said, “The first will be last and the last first (Matt. 19 & 20.)” Every task in the church is important. Every one who contributes to the church’s mission is valuable. There is no such thing as big jobs and little jobs. What we might actually deem as an inconsequential task is actually the equivalent of “washing the glassware.” All God asks of us is to find out from Him what He wants us to do and then to commit ourselves to getting it done. Our Lord Jesus demonstrated His willingness to do the lowly tasks when He lowered Himself to the level of a mere servant and washed the stinking dirty feet of His disciples in a striking example of humility. Are you willing to “wash the glassware?” It might be the most important task that God has for you.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Katrina's Aftermath
DateLine (8/30/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
I know that you’ve probably seen the coverage of the devastating storm Katrina that hit the Gulf coast states of Mississippi, New Orleans, and Alabama. My heart goes out to the many people who have been affected by this storm. The level of destruction is unimaginable. To complicate matters the city of New Orleans appears to have slid into a state of lawlessness as looters help themselves to abandoned stores having lost all respect for the law and are using the excuse for the primal requirements for food and water as a reason for stealing clothes, appliances, and guns. Law enforcement personnel have had to abandon search and rescue missions in order to re-establish law and order
I’ve watched story after story on the TV of victims who survived the storm and either witnessed their loved ones perish or simply have no idea where they are. Here we are three days after the storm and authorities have yet to get their arms around realistic casualty rates, aid in the form of food, water, and medicine have not yet arrived, and any sense of normalcy is spoken of in terms of months. Some officials are not being overly dramatic and they are beginning to characterize this event as the greatest natural disaster to ever hit the United States.
How should a Christian respond? Where do we start? I happened to Google the following words “Southern Baptist disaster relief” and I was so pleased to find that Southern Baptist are already in high gear in relief work for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
In the process I learned that Southern Baptists are the nation’s third largest relief agency. Response to Hurricane Katrina will be the largest ever for Southern Baptists with more than 1,000 volunteers and 100 mobile Disaster Relief units activated to hurricane and tornado ravaged regions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. For additional information about what’s being done and details about how you can contribute, please go to www.namb.net/dr. I know that you’ll be moved to join with fellow Southern Baptists as we are motivated by the love of Jesus Christ to meet the critical needs of Katrina’s victims.
I know that you’ve probably seen the coverage of the devastating storm Katrina that hit the Gulf coast states of Mississippi, New Orleans, and Alabama. My heart goes out to the many people who have been affected by this storm. The level of destruction is unimaginable. To complicate matters the city of New Orleans appears to have slid into a state of lawlessness as looters help themselves to abandoned stores having lost all respect for the law and are using the excuse for the primal requirements for food and water as a reason for stealing clothes, appliances, and guns. Law enforcement personnel have had to abandon search and rescue missions in order to re-establish law and order
I’ve watched story after story on the TV of victims who survived the storm and either witnessed their loved ones perish or simply have no idea where they are. Here we are three days after the storm and authorities have yet to get their arms around realistic casualty rates, aid in the form of food, water, and medicine have not yet arrived, and any sense of normalcy is spoken of in terms of months. Some officials are not being overly dramatic and they are beginning to characterize this event as the greatest natural disaster to ever hit the United States.
How should a Christian respond? Where do we start? I happened to Google the following words “Southern Baptist disaster relief” and I was so pleased to find that Southern Baptist are already in high gear in relief work for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
In the process I learned that Southern Baptists are the nation’s third largest relief agency. Response to Hurricane Katrina will be the largest ever for Southern Baptists with more than 1,000 volunteers and 100 mobile Disaster Relief units activated to hurricane and tornado ravaged regions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. For additional information about what’s being done and details about how you can contribute, please go to www.namb.net/dr. I know that you’ll be moved to join with fellow Southern Baptists as we are motivated by the love of Jesus Christ to meet the critical needs of Katrina’s victims.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Qualifcations
DateLine (8/24/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
A few weeks ago while preparing for a Lead Like Jesus Sunday School study I ran across one of the most propound questions that I have ever encountered regarding the Christian Life; name one person that Jesus called who was qualified. As soon as I read the statement the answer hit me as if I had been struck by a Mack truck; no one. This statement was not intended to discourage or dissuade anyone from throwing themselves headlong into Christian service; it was a mere statement of fact. There is not a single ability or accomplishment that makes a person suitable for a particular position or task in God’s kingdom.
Some men in a state of ignorance have argued that they merit a position of prominence in God’s Kingdom. Several of Jesus’ own disciples were guilty of this. God’s nature and the nature of His business are such that there is not a miniscule portion of our miserable wretched lives that is of use to Him, unless God Himself takes us into His custody. Some men when faced with the appeal of God to do His work have immediately felt totally and utterly inadequate for the task; Moses fit this category. In fact neither response is justified.
The human soul yearns for significance. As one grows older this thirst becomes more pronounced. The fear of inability weighs on the mind. God expects all of us to find a place of contribution. So wherein lays the solution to this riddle?
Here’s the good news, the material went on to make the statement that, “God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.” The truth is that we are an integral part of God’s business. We’re fully entrusted to accomplish significant things on His behalf. Our qualification is inherited from Him when we enter into His family. God couples this inheritance with gifts of ability to equip us for conduct of His business. Our proper response is to be thankful for the privilege and submissive to the request.
The deep seated joy that flows from the knowledge of a life well invested is unspeakable. I can think of no greater privilege than to realize in my advancing years that every ounce of my youthful energy had been sacrificed on the altar of Christian service. What has God entrusted you to do today? You are not worthy, but you are qualified!
A few weeks ago while preparing for a Lead Like Jesus Sunday School study I ran across one of the most propound questions that I have ever encountered regarding the Christian Life; name one person that Jesus called who was qualified. As soon as I read the statement the answer hit me as if I had been struck by a Mack truck; no one. This statement was not intended to discourage or dissuade anyone from throwing themselves headlong into Christian service; it was a mere statement of fact. There is not a single ability or accomplishment that makes a person suitable for a particular position or task in God’s kingdom.
Some men in a state of ignorance have argued that they merit a position of prominence in God’s Kingdom. Several of Jesus’ own disciples were guilty of this. God’s nature and the nature of His business are such that there is not a miniscule portion of our miserable wretched lives that is of use to Him, unless God Himself takes us into His custody. Some men when faced with the appeal of God to do His work have immediately felt totally and utterly inadequate for the task; Moses fit this category. In fact neither response is justified.
The human soul yearns for significance. As one grows older this thirst becomes more pronounced. The fear of inability weighs on the mind. God expects all of us to find a place of contribution. So wherein lays the solution to this riddle?
Here’s the good news, the material went on to make the statement that, “God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.” The truth is that we are an integral part of God’s business. We’re fully entrusted to accomplish significant things on His behalf. Our qualification is inherited from Him when we enter into His family. God couples this inheritance with gifts of ability to equip us for conduct of His business. Our proper response is to be thankful for the privilege and submissive to the request.
The deep seated joy that flows from the knowledge of a life well invested is unspeakable. I can think of no greater privilege than to realize in my advancing years that every ounce of my youthful energy had been sacrificed on the altar of Christian service. What has God entrusted you to do today? You are not worthy, but you are qualified!
Thursday, August 18, 2005
The Greatest Resource
DateLine (8/17/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
Historians tell us that the North American continent that greeted the European explorers in the 15th century was rich with unimaginable natural resources. The early settlers exploited these resources to build the United States and Canada into the strong and prosperous nations that we know today.
Even in today’s world prosperity is often measured by the availability of natural resources and sometimes world conflict is sparked by struggle over the control of the much desired commodities. Cases in point are the vast oil reserves in the Middle East which has produced enormous wealth and tensions for the oil producing countries of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the numerous other oil rich states of the region.
Demographers tell us that it is not the depletion of natural resources that are beginning to spell the doom of several great regions of the world but the decline of perhaps the greatest resource; people. The populations of Europe and Russia are trending toward a zero population growth or actually shrinking in the near future. Unfolding before our very eyes is the loss of power and world influence because of declining birth rates and populations. Low birth rates have been attributed to modern contraceptives and increasing abortion rates. In the case of Russia, human maladies such as alcoholism and the HIV virus are decimating the adult population.
We are not exempt in the United States from these trends. Experts tell us that if it were not for our openness to immigrants we would be experiencing some of the same trends. Our own future may be more influenced by immigrant populations than native born Americans.
What’s the lesson for us? Humans are God’s crowning creation. Greatness of a nation is defined by the abundance and diversities of its peoples. Influence on the world stage is more attributable to the contributions of people than the latent value of mere woodlands and ores and oils. God created man in His own image. God was greatly disappointed in choices made by the first man and woman and He continues to be disappointed in the choices made by contemporary man, but God did not give up on us and He has made a provision for us to be reconciled to Him. God’s great love for us is one of the reasons that He is deserving of our worship. We were made to worship God and we find our greatest fulfillment in life worshipping Him. Our job is to tell this good news to as many of our neighbors as we possibly can. God has entrusted this great task to His “greatest resource;” that’s you and me.
Historians tell us that the North American continent that greeted the European explorers in the 15th century was rich with unimaginable natural resources. The early settlers exploited these resources to build the United States and Canada into the strong and prosperous nations that we know today.
Even in today’s world prosperity is often measured by the availability of natural resources and sometimes world conflict is sparked by struggle over the control of the much desired commodities. Cases in point are the vast oil reserves in the Middle East which has produced enormous wealth and tensions for the oil producing countries of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the numerous other oil rich states of the region.
Demographers tell us that it is not the depletion of natural resources that are beginning to spell the doom of several great regions of the world but the decline of perhaps the greatest resource; people. The populations of Europe and Russia are trending toward a zero population growth or actually shrinking in the near future. Unfolding before our very eyes is the loss of power and world influence because of declining birth rates and populations. Low birth rates have been attributed to modern contraceptives and increasing abortion rates. In the case of Russia, human maladies such as alcoholism and the HIV virus are decimating the adult population.
We are not exempt in the United States from these trends. Experts tell us that if it were not for our openness to immigrants we would be experiencing some of the same trends. Our own future may be more influenced by immigrant populations than native born Americans.
What’s the lesson for us? Humans are God’s crowning creation. Greatness of a nation is defined by the abundance and diversities of its peoples. Influence on the world stage is more attributable to the contributions of people than the latent value of mere woodlands and ores and oils. God created man in His own image. God was greatly disappointed in choices made by the first man and woman and He continues to be disappointed in the choices made by contemporary man, but God did not give up on us and He has made a provision for us to be reconciled to Him. God’s great love for us is one of the reasons that He is deserving of our worship. We were made to worship God and we find our greatest fulfillment in life worshipping Him. Our job is to tell this good news to as many of our neighbors as we possibly can. God has entrusted this great task to His “greatest resource;” that’s you and me.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
A Virtuous Woman
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Rodney Neal & Harriett Baker – August 16, 1975 – 30 years.
Taken from Proverbs 31:10-31. Sorry guys for making it personal this week but after 30 years with me Harriett deserves a tribute.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Rodney Neal & Harriett Baker – August 16, 1975 – 30 years.
Taken from Proverbs 31:10-31. Sorry guys for making it personal this week but after 30 years with me Harriett deserves a tribute.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Techno Babble
DateLine (8/3/05 – San Juan, Puerto Rico)
I have been immersed in the technical world of computers just about my entire professional career; going on 28 years now. While it has been interesting being in on the early days of the development and application of computers in manufacturing I’ll have to admit that often I’m exasperated by the lapse of my peers into their own efficient speaking patterns built around three letter acronyms and techno babble.
Most other professions have their own version of techno babble. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, pharmacists, theologians, and carpenters all have this highly specialized shorthand language that is used when conversing with their peers that immediately identifies them as members of the “fraternity,” is highly efficient if you know the dialect, and tends to prevent the uninitiated from intruding into their vocational culture.
I am afraid that Christians are no different. Over the centuries we have insulated ourselves from the unbeliever by Christian speak; terms that we throw around when engaging each other in speech. A lot of our language has become so second nature to us we probably do not even realize that it sounds much like my characterization of techno babble that I referenced earlier.
The last few years the Lord has opened some doors to me that have sensitized me to both vocational and religious techno babble. I have had the opportunity to travel and work in several cultures much different than my own comfortable surroundings in Green Pond, South Carolina.
When communicating in these different culture settings I have found that I have to make my language very simple. I have been amazed at how many idioms and phrases that I use routinely in South Carolina that produces blank stares in New England, San Francisco, or Puerto Rico.
God has used these experiences to drive the point home to me that in order to engage the culture in the places where our work and leisure takes us we must simplify and personalize. We must drop some of our “comfortable” language that we use on Sunday morning and talk about our personal relationship with God in straightforward language; culturally sensitive language without doctrinal compromise. Nothing is more powerful than the plain spoken story of a vibrant relationship with God. Try cleaning up your language in the marketplace where you live.
I have been immersed in the technical world of computers just about my entire professional career; going on 28 years now. While it has been interesting being in on the early days of the development and application of computers in manufacturing I’ll have to admit that often I’m exasperated by the lapse of my peers into their own efficient speaking patterns built around three letter acronyms and techno babble.
Most other professions have their own version of techno babble. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, pharmacists, theologians, and carpenters all have this highly specialized shorthand language that is used when conversing with their peers that immediately identifies them as members of the “fraternity,” is highly efficient if you know the dialect, and tends to prevent the uninitiated from intruding into their vocational culture.
I am afraid that Christians are no different. Over the centuries we have insulated ourselves from the unbeliever by Christian speak; terms that we throw around when engaging each other in speech. A lot of our language has become so second nature to us we probably do not even realize that it sounds much like my characterization of techno babble that I referenced earlier.
The last few years the Lord has opened some doors to me that have sensitized me to both vocational and religious techno babble. I have had the opportunity to travel and work in several cultures much different than my own comfortable surroundings in Green Pond, South Carolina.
When communicating in these different culture settings I have found that I have to make my language very simple. I have been amazed at how many idioms and phrases that I use routinely in South Carolina that produces blank stares in New England, San Francisco, or Puerto Rico.
God has used these experiences to drive the point home to me that in order to engage the culture in the places where our work and leisure takes us we must simplify and personalize. We must drop some of our “comfortable” language that we use on Sunday morning and talk about our personal relationship with God in straightforward language; culturally sensitive language without doctrinal compromise. Nothing is more powerful than the plain spoken story of a vibrant relationship with God. Try cleaning up your language in the marketplace where you live.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Ounce of Prevention
DateLine (7/27/05 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
When Harriett and I were newlyweds we lived in the Charleston, SC area because we were college students at Charleston Southern University. During this time we were introduced to a new pest, fire ants, which at the time had not made its way to the upstate. After several encounters Harriett became aware that she was developing an allergy to these aggressive little creatures.
Over the years after we moved back to the Woodruff area she had several more encounters with stinging insects, one which was a severe medical emergency brought on due to multiple yellow jacket stings. After that incident our doctor issued to her an epipen which she now has with her at all times and is prepared to self-administer to ward off anaphylactic shock if necessary. Each exposure to one of these pesky critters seemed to invoke a more severe reaction. Each time God looked over her and she received quick and effective medical treatment. I’d be the first to admit a fear of some future incident. Something happened a few weeks ago to slightly alleviate those fears just a little and give me some insight into how God works.
We decided this year to have a small vegetable garden. Harriett has carried much of the load of working in the garden since my travel schedule has me away a lot of time during the week. During one such visit to the garden she happened to encounter a group of our friends the fire ants which you know by now have found their way into the upstate of SC. She received multiple stings. The initial concern based on the previous history soon began to ease when she realized that she was not responding quite as severe as she had in the past. What was different? Maybe the preventative dose of antihistamine she was taking for hay fever had acted to reduce her reaction to insect stings.
What does this have to do with God? The antihistamine that “vaccinated” Harriett against anaphylaxis is a lot like the indwelling Holy Spirit. As we go about our daily business in this lost and fallen world we are strong against the poisons that are directed our way. Our culture is not able to compromise our spiritual health and put us into an emergency. We can have complete confidence in God’s ability to protect us. We do not have to live in constant fear of some future event which might endanger us. Our job is to make sure that we maintain a high level of internalized Holy Spirit. How do we do that? Ingestion of God’s word best accomplished during a daily quiet time. How’s that for an ounce of prevention. The alternative is to respond to the emergency after it occurs. Some make it and some don’t.
When Harriett and I were newlyweds we lived in the Charleston, SC area because we were college students at Charleston Southern University. During this time we were introduced to a new pest, fire ants, which at the time had not made its way to the upstate. After several encounters Harriett became aware that she was developing an allergy to these aggressive little creatures.
Over the years after we moved back to the Woodruff area she had several more encounters with stinging insects, one which was a severe medical emergency brought on due to multiple yellow jacket stings. After that incident our doctor issued to her an epipen which she now has with her at all times and is prepared to self-administer to ward off anaphylactic shock if necessary. Each exposure to one of these pesky critters seemed to invoke a more severe reaction. Each time God looked over her and she received quick and effective medical treatment. I’d be the first to admit a fear of some future incident. Something happened a few weeks ago to slightly alleviate those fears just a little and give me some insight into how God works.
We decided this year to have a small vegetable garden. Harriett has carried much of the load of working in the garden since my travel schedule has me away a lot of time during the week. During one such visit to the garden she happened to encounter a group of our friends the fire ants which you know by now have found their way into the upstate of SC. She received multiple stings. The initial concern based on the previous history soon began to ease when she realized that she was not responding quite as severe as she had in the past. What was different? Maybe the preventative dose of antihistamine she was taking for hay fever had acted to reduce her reaction to insect stings.
What does this have to do with God? The antihistamine that “vaccinated” Harriett against anaphylaxis is a lot like the indwelling Holy Spirit. As we go about our daily business in this lost and fallen world we are strong against the poisons that are directed our way. Our culture is not able to compromise our spiritual health and put us into an emergency. We can have complete confidence in God’s ability to protect us. We do not have to live in constant fear of some future event which might endanger us. Our job is to make sure that we maintain a high level of internalized Holy Spirit. How do we do that? Ingestion of God’s word best accomplished during a daily quiet time. How’s that for an ounce of prevention. The alternative is to respond to the emergency after it occurs. Some make it and some don’t.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Banking 101
DateLine (7/21/05 – Green Pond, SC)
Whenever our family has encountered a crisis I’ve noticed an unusual dynamic at work. Just when we think it can’t get any worst or we’re right at the breaking point a message of encouragement seems to come right out of the blue. It’s always just what we need to hear right when we need to hear it. It’s delivered in the most unusual ways, more often than not from the lips or the pen of another sibling in Christ; a personal touch. During one of these times a few years back it seemed as if the messengers that delivered the most encouraging words were people that Harriett and I had had the opportunity to mentor in the Lord when they were in our Youth Group at Green Pond. It was during this time that I began to realize that God was in the banking business.
Over the years Harriett and I had made deposits from our accounts in the lives of many young people in that small church setting. Never could we have gone to a heavenly ATM and determined what our balance was or the value of the transactions. We always seemed to have enough left in our account to continue making the deposits even if occasionally we felt like we were running a little low.
We never received a statement, really didn’t think about it too much, but instinctively knew that out “bank” was looking after our interests and the interest of the individuals where we were making the deposits. At the same time we were withdrawing funds from our account to deposit in others, it seemed as if others were depositing in our interest bearing account. It was better than a retirement account because one doesn’t have to worry about the value being eroded by inflation and with God as our “fund manager” it’s definitely low risk with maximum earnings potential. The account is not federally guaranteed, its heavenly guaranteed, with unimaginable riches offered as collateral.
Now here’s the good part - You’ll never find a bank on this earth that will do this. God knows when we are nearing those breaking points, times like those that I referenced above. Just when that “bill” arrives at the “house” and we think it’s going to push us into emotional and physical bankruptcy, our “banker” makes a withdrawal from our account and puts it into our pocketbook. Just the right amount just when we need it. The fun part is the unpredictable methods and persons that he uses as the “courier.” Now that’s customer service. Banking 101 (i.e. God’s way) only has two requirements: 1) we must make deposits in the lives of others and 2) we must trust God that He’ll insure that our own account will never run dry. I strongly encourage you to start making your regular deposits now.
Whenever our family has encountered a crisis I’ve noticed an unusual dynamic at work. Just when we think it can’t get any worst or we’re right at the breaking point a message of encouragement seems to come right out of the blue. It’s always just what we need to hear right when we need to hear it. It’s delivered in the most unusual ways, more often than not from the lips or the pen of another sibling in Christ; a personal touch. During one of these times a few years back it seemed as if the messengers that delivered the most encouraging words were people that Harriett and I had had the opportunity to mentor in the Lord when they were in our Youth Group at Green Pond. It was during this time that I began to realize that God was in the banking business.
Over the years Harriett and I had made deposits from our accounts in the lives of many young people in that small church setting. Never could we have gone to a heavenly ATM and determined what our balance was or the value of the transactions. We always seemed to have enough left in our account to continue making the deposits even if occasionally we felt like we were running a little low.
We never received a statement, really didn’t think about it too much, but instinctively knew that out “bank” was looking after our interests and the interest of the individuals where we were making the deposits. At the same time we were withdrawing funds from our account to deposit in others, it seemed as if others were depositing in our interest bearing account. It was better than a retirement account because one doesn’t have to worry about the value being eroded by inflation and with God as our “fund manager” it’s definitely low risk with maximum earnings potential. The account is not federally guaranteed, its heavenly guaranteed, with unimaginable riches offered as collateral.
Now here’s the good part - You’ll never find a bank on this earth that will do this. God knows when we are nearing those breaking points, times like those that I referenced above. Just when that “bill” arrives at the “house” and we think it’s going to push us into emotional and physical bankruptcy, our “banker” makes a withdrawal from our account and puts it into our pocketbook. Just the right amount just when we need it. The fun part is the unpredictable methods and persons that he uses as the “courier.” Now that’s customer service. Banking 101 (i.e. God’s way) only has two requirements: 1) we must make deposits in the lives of others and 2) we must trust God that He’ll insure that our own account will never run dry. I strongly encourage you to start making your regular deposits now.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Out With A Bang
DateLine (7/13/05 – Richmond, Virginia)
I recently had the opportunity to see the just released on DVD movie Ocean’s 12 on an airplane trip. One of the members of the “gang” of expert thieves was an older “numbers” man who shared with his partners his philosophy of life. He stated, “My goal is to insure that the last check I write, bounces.” This story is fiction.
A couple of weeks ago while preparing for a Sunday School lesson I ran across this story. “A young pastor friend named Dan shared that his father had been very ill and had recently died. Dan’s father had been a strong Christian who modeled a Jesus – like attitude and behaviors in all areas of his life. He shared the story that his father had contracted a fast – moving form of melanoma and was told that he only had about one month to live. Just a few days before his death, Dan’s father asked to see Bob, his best friend for over twenty-five years. Although Dan’s father had repeatedly shared Christ with his friend, Bob had never accepted Jesus as Savior. When Bob arrived at the hospital, Dan’s dad asked to speak with him alone. Dan’s father once again shared how much God loved him and how Jesus had died on the Cross for his sins. There in that hospital room, Bob bowed his head and asked Jesus to forgive him and take control of his life. The next day, Dan’s father passed away, but that is not the end of the story. Before he died, Dan’s father had made one last request. He wanted Bob to be baptized as a part of his funeral service. What a legacy! Even at his funeral, this wonderful Christian man demonstrated his faith and his desire to lead others to know Jesus. He didn’t care about the spotlight shining on his life or his accomplishments. He wanted everyone to see what God had done in Bob’s life!” This story is fact.
I can’t imagine leaving this earth knowing that my existence had no eternal significance. What kind of legacy will you leave? I’d love to be like Dan’s father and go out with a bang.
I recently had the opportunity to see the just released on DVD movie Ocean’s 12 on an airplane trip. One of the members of the “gang” of expert thieves was an older “numbers” man who shared with his partners his philosophy of life. He stated, “My goal is to insure that the last check I write, bounces.” This story is fiction.
A couple of weeks ago while preparing for a Sunday School lesson I ran across this story. “A young pastor friend named Dan shared that his father had been very ill and had recently died. Dan’s father had been a strong Christian who modeled a Jesus – like attitude and behaviors in all areas of his life. He shared the story that his father had contracted a fast – moving form of melanoma and was told that he only had about one month to live. Just a few days before his death, Dan’s father asked to see Bob, his best friend for over twenty-five years. Although Dan’s father had repeatedly shared Christ with his friend, Bob had never accepted Jesus as Savior. When Bob arrived at the hospital, Dan’s dad asked to speak with him alone. Dan’s father once again shared how much God loved him and how Jesus had died on the Cross for his sins. There in that hospital room, Bob bowed his head and asked Jesus to forgive him and take control of his life. The next day, Dan’s father passed away, but that is not the end of the story. Before he died, Dan’s father had made one last request. He wanted Bob to be baptized as a part of his funeral service. What a legacy! Even at his funeral, this wonderful Christian man demonstrated his faith and his desire to lead others to know Jesus. He didn’t care about the spotlight shining on his life or his accomplishments. He wanted everyone to see what God had done in Bob’s life!” This story is fact.
I can’t imagine leaving this earth knowing that my existence had no eternal significance. What kind of legacy will you leave? I’d love to be like Dan’s father and go out with a bang.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Give Your Best
DateLine (7/6/05 - Ponce, Puerto Rico)
A pastor of a very large Baptist church in Houston Texas has a new book out entitled Your Best Life Now. Amazon.com has the following to say about the book; “Houston televangelist Joel Osteen is well qualified to write this book, having used the seven principles he shares to achieve his own "rags-to-riches" story. At the heart of Osteen’s message is that achieving a successful, prosperous life of fulfillment can only occur when we stop worrying.” Is this enticing statement a marketing ploy to get you to buy the book and thus adding another chapter to Joel Osteen’s own rag-to-riches story or is this a clever way to attract the naturally curious mind to read the book and receive an introduction to an awesome God. I’ll leave that up to you to decide.
Let me share something about prosperous living from my own experience. This is the year when Harriett and I will celebrate our 30th anniversary. We have had an incredibly rich life and I’m convinced it’s because early on God opened doors for us to service in the church and we accepted. The dimensions of the richness are expressed as deep friendships, intensely fulfilling responsibilities, and eye-witnesses to the amazing grace and love of our Savior as He worked in our lives and in the lives of those around us. These mutual experiences have provided a solid foundation to our own marriage relationship.
The Bible says in Proverbs 3:9; “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” If I synthesize our experience down to the essentials here’s what I see. Wealth of all forms is from God. He trusts us with as much of that wealth as He sees fit and determines the level of trust by observing if we are willing to give Him back the best portion of the wealth. Our giving to him the best portion is a faith statement on our part that He will continue to give us as much as we need for the long haul. And so the cycle of life repeats and I’m convinced that in each cycle all the more rewarding.
It’s natural for us to want something form God. It’s supernatural for us to understand that in giving something to God we can expect so much more in return. I learned an old hymn when I was a child. It went like this, “Give of your best to the Master, give of the strength of your youth. Clad in salvation’s full armor, join in the battle for truth.” Your prosperous life is waiting for you – go for it!
A pastor of a very large Baptist church in Houston Texas has a new book out entitled Your Best Life Now. Amazon.com has the following to say about the book; “Houston televangelist Joel Osteen is well qualified to write this book, having used the seven principles he shares to achieve his own "rags-to-riches" story. At the heart of Osteen’s message is that achieving a successful, prosperous life of fulfillment can only occur when we stop worrying.” Is this enticing statement a marketing ploy to get you to buy the book and thus adding another chapter to Joel Osteen’s own rag-to-riches story or is this a clever way to attract the naturally curious mind to read the book and receive an introduction to an awesome God. I’ll leave that up to you to decide.
Let me share something about prosperous living from my own experience. This is the year when Harriett and I will celebrate our 30th anniversary. We have had an incredibly rich life and I’m convinced it’s because early on God opened doors for us to service in the church and we accepted. The dimensions of the richness are expressed as deep friendships, intensely fulfilling responsibilities, and eye-witnesses to the amazing grace and love of our Savior as He worked in our lives and in the lives of those around us. These mutual experiences have provided a solid foundation to our own marriage relationship.
The Bible says in Proverbs 3:9; “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” If I synthesize our experience down to the essentials here’s what I see. Wealth of all forms is from God. He trusts us with as much of that wealth as He sees fit and determines the level of trust by observing if we are willing to give Him back the best portion of the wealth. Our giving to him the best portion is a faith statement on our part that He will continue to give us as much as we need for the long haul. And so the cycle of life repeats and I’m convinced that in each cycle all the more rewarding.
It’s natural for us to want something form God. It’s supernatural for us to understand that in giving something to God we can expect so much more in return. I learned an old hymn when I was a child. It went like this, “Give of your best to the Master, give of the strength of your youth. Clad in salvation’s full armor, join in the battle for truth.” Your prosperous life is waiting for you – go for it!
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Mylon the "Party Cat"
DateLine (6/29/05 - Ponce, Puerto Rico)
We have always had a lot of cats around our house. Harriett likes cats and as our two girls were growing up I guess it was a natural that we have cats as pets. One spring I remember counting almost 30 cats that called our yard home (note this was an anomaly when several of our “momma” cats had litters all at the same time.) We had to do some tall talking to find homes for the extras and get back down to the 6-7 that normally hung out around the house.
Mylon was one of the most beautiful cats that was ever born to our “herd.” We gave her that name because she had the most beautiful long flowing hair much like one of my favorite contemporary Christian artists of the time, Mylon Lefevre, who was known for his long hair. Mylon’s early life was like any of the rest of the cats that were raised in our yard. A worry free existing filled with abundant daily rations of food (i.e. store-bought food, none of that table scrap stuff.) It’s always bugged me to open the front door in the morning and to have to step over several lazy cats on my way to work. Cats at my house have absolutely no responsibility and no pressure. Occasionally I would notice that the cats would supplement their premium diet with a little added protein in the form of a mouse, bird, or ground squirrel. I’m convinced that these catches were not from necessity but simply a sporting proposition that appealed to their primal instincts; just for fun. Sounds like the life huh.
Evidently this existence was not enough for Mylon. I don’t know why but Mylon began to disappear occasionally. Sooner or later she’d return and hang out with the home crowd only to disappear again later. Over time the disappearances stretched into months and the returns seem to last only a few days. I don’t know what was attracting her to leave and I don’t really know what was attracting her to return. Eventually we all came to the conclusion that something had happened to her or she had decided that some other sunny yard and food dish was more appealing.
Not too long ago a scraggly cat showed up at our food dish. At first this seemed like an interloper just passing through because I know in cat world we have to be famous for being a soft touch. After closer examination we realized that Mylon had returned home after having been gone for months, maybe a year or more, a faint shadow of her former beauty. The other cats in the yard did not seem to remember her. In her younger years she had been a little distant and not too open to human touch but now she would approach you as if to beg for a sympathetic touch. A few days ago I buried Mylon. She was so old and weak and in such sad shape she lost in a race across the road in front of a car.
What’s the moral of this story? God has a wonderful plan for our life. He makes tremendous provision for us. He allows us to hang out with Him as the closest friend. Even though at times life is tough he has promised to never burden us with more than we can stand. Sounds like an ideal existence. Some have called it the “abundant life.” In spite of all this sometimes people choose to turn their back on God and stake out their own path; the party life. God has warned us that this approach to living leads to death and destruction.
We have always had a lot of cats around our house. Harriett likes cats and as our two girls were growing up I guess it was a natural that we have cats as pets. One spring I remember counting almost 30 cats that called our yard home (note this was an anomaly when several of our “momma” cats had litters all at the same time.) We had to do some tall talking to find homes for the extras and get back down to the 6-7 that normally hung out around the house.
Mylon was one of the most beautiful cats that was ever born to our “herd.” We gave her that name because she had the most beautiful long flowing hair much like one of my favorite contemporary Christian artists of the time, Mylon Lefevre, who was known for his long hair. Mylon’s early life was like any of the rest of the cats that were raised in our yard. A worry free existing filled with abundant daily rations of food (i.e. store-bought food, none of that table scrap stuff.) It’s always bugged me to open the front door in the morning and to have to step over several lazy cats on my way to work. Cats at my house have absolutely no responsibility and no pressure. Occasionally I would notice that the cats would supplement their premium diet with a little added protein in the form of a mouse, bird, or ground squirrel. I’m convinced that these catches were not from necessity but simply a sporting proposition that appealed to their primal instincts; just for fun. Sounds like the life huh.
Evidently this existence was not enough for Mylon. I don’t know why but Mylon began to disappear occasionally. Sooner or later she’d return and hang out with the home crowd only to disappear again later. Over time the disappearances stretched into months and the returns seem to last only a few days. I don’t know what was attracting her to leave and I don’t really know what was attracting her to return. Eventually we all came to the conclusion that something had happened to her or she had decided that some other sunny yard and food dish was more appealing.
Not too long ago a scraggly cat showed up at our food dish. At first this seemed like an interloper just passing through because I know in cat world we have to be famous for being a soft touch. After closer examination we realized that Mylon had returned home after having been gone for months, maybe a year or more, a faint shadow of her former beauty. The other cats in the yard did not seem to remember her. In her younger years she had been a little distant and not too open to human touch but now she would approach you as if to beg for a sympathetic touch. A few days ago I buried Mylon. She was so old and weak and in such sad shape she lost in a race across the road in front of a car.
What’s the moral of this story? God has a wonderful plan for our life. He makes tremendous provision for us. He allows us to hang out with Him as the closest friend. Even though at times life is tough he has promised to never burden us with more than we can stand. Sounds like an ideal existence. Some have called it the “abundant life.” In spite of all this sometimes people choose to turn their back on God and stake out their own path; the party life. God has warned us that this approach to living leads to death and destruction.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Evolution
DateLine (6/23/05 - Ponce, Puerto Rico)
I believe in evolution. OK, before I totally get off on the wrong foot that last sentence was designed to be controversial and an attention grabber. Did it work? Now let me explain. You probably thought I was referring to biological (or organic) evolution which dictionary.com defines as “change in the genetic composition of a population during successive generations, as a result of natural selection acting on the genetic variation among individuals, and resulting in the development of new species.” The typical biological evolutionist believes that the change occurs randomly with no involvement by God. This is actually not the first definition of the word evolution. What I actually want to talk about is much better. The first definition of evolution in dictionary.com is “a gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form.” Now here’s something worth talking about.
Every experience whether good or bad is an opportunity for our faith to evolve or grow stronger. Recently our daughter had a mole removed at the doctor’s office and the initial word from the dermatologist was that things did not look good and the mole would be sent off for testing. It would be several agonizing days before the results would be available. These kinds of “tests” in life help one refocus and prioritize our life. One mentally begins to sort through what is important and what is not important. For a Christian a part of that refocusing is to earnestly seek God in solitude and prayer. Anytime that we spend “quality” time with God as we endure life’s curveballs or in everyday life it will evolve us. How utterly hopeless the plight of the evolutionist who dismisses God when one is being “tested.”
For me the first definition of evolution describes knowing God and having him work in our life every day as we walk with Him. God knows us because He designed us and created us. He gradually works to change us into a different and usually more complex or better form. We are becoming like Him. And one day we’ll be complete. The biological evolutionist has the “big bang” in the beginning. I’m looking for my “big bang” at the end when I finally go home to rest with my Lord. Christian hope is being all that God created you to be. Little by little we’re evolving into just that.
I believe in evolution. OK, before I totally get off on the wrong foot that last sentence was designed to be controversial and an attention grabber. Did it work? Now let me explain. You probably thought I was referring to biological (or organic) evolution which dictionary.com defines as “change in the genetic composition of a population during successive generations, as a result of natural selection acting on the genetic variation among individuals, and resulting in the development of new species.” The typical biological evolutionist believes that the change occurs randomly with no involvement by God. This is actually not the first definition of the word evolution. What I actually want to talk about is much better. The first definition of evolution in dictionary.com is “a gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form.” Now here’s something worth talking about.
Every experience whether good or bad is an opportunity for our faith to evolve or grow stronger. Recently our daughter had a mole removed at the doctor’s office and the initial word from the dermatologist was that things did not look good and the mole would be sent off for testing. It would be several agonizing days before the results would be available. These kinds of “tests” in life help one refocus and prioritize our life. One mentally begins to sort through what is important and what is not important. For a Christian a part of that refocusing is to earnestly seek God in solitude and prayer. Anytime that we spend “quality” time with God as we endure life’s curveballs or in everyday life it will evolve us. How utterly hopeless the plight of the evolutionist who dismisses God when one is being “tested.”
For me the first definition of evolution describes knowing God and having him work in our life every day as we walk with Him. God knows us because He designed us and created us. He gradually works to change us into a different and usually more complex or better form. We are becoming like Him. And one day we’ll be complete. The biological evolutionist has the “big bang” in the beginning. I’m looking for my “big bang” at the end when I finally go home to rest with my Lord. Christian hope is being all that God created you to be. Little by little we’re evolving into just that.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
"Gypsy"
DateLine (6/15/05 - Ponce, Puerto Rico)
A couple of weeks ago when Harriett, Kyle and I were on vacation in Italy we had a GPS based navigation system in our rental car. I’m convinced that these devices are the best value for relieving the anxiety and stress of navigating in a strange environment. The little device mounted on the dash would give us a visual location on a map, or give a list of the next 6-8 turns, and even announce turns and twists in advance with a friendly sounding voice. I’m curious why the voices on these things always seem to be female voices. We even nicknamed our little friend “Gypsy” and she did a great job of getting us safely and quickly from location to location.
Gypsy had an interesting feature. If you programmed in a certain destination and asked it to calculate a route from your current location to the desired destination it would ask you if you wanted to simulate the trip. If your response was yes then it would proceed to go through all of the turns on the entire route in rapid fire succession. It was so comforting to know that she already had the entire trip mapped out, step by step.
Now wouldn’t it be nice if God would ask us if we would like to simulate the route from where we currently are in our life until the end of our life. Each step in advance before we’re faced with the reality. The thought of knowing what lies ahead 6 months from now, 1 year from now, 10 years from now, 50 years from now. That would give us such peace of mind and we would have plenty of time to get prepared for big future events. Or would it? No doubt in my mind that our omniscient heavenly Father could provide to us a detailed map of our future life. It’s also been my experience that God does not work this way. I don’t know why but I can imagine if we knew our complete future we might become so preoccupied with some future event(s) that we would be rendered ineffective for today.
My experience is more like the “real-time” mode of Gypsy. Giving us a few turns at a time, calling out when we’re approaching the next turn, warning us when the road forks and we need to get in one lane or the other. It’s our job to listen attentively as He patiently calls out instructions and to have enough faith in the instructions to follow them explicitly and trust God with the future. There was one more neat feature about Gypsy. When I got off course or missed a turn a little message would pop up that indicated that she was re-calculating the route to get me back on course. God is the same way with us. If we occasionally ignore His instructions, God recalculates our course and prepares instructions to get us back on course. The way that we retrieve those instructions is via a prayer of confession. Aren’t you glad that God is on the job as our Master navigator?
A couple of weeks ago when Harriett, Kyle and I were on vacation in Italy we had a GPS based navigation system in our rental car. I’m convinced that these devices are the best value for relieving the anxiety and stress of navigating in a strange environment. The little device mounted on the dash would give us a visual location on a map, or give a list of the next 6-8 turns, and even announce turns and twists in advance with a friendly sounding voice. I’m curious why the voices on these things always seem to be female voices. We even nicknamed our little friend “Gypsy” and she did a great job of getting us safely and quickly from location to location.
Gypsy had an interesting feature. If you programmed in a certain destination and asked it to calculate a route from your current location to the desired destination it would ask you if you wanted to simulate the trip. If your response was yes then it would proceed to go through all of the turns on the entire route in rapid fire succession. It was so comforting to know that she already had the entire trip mapped out, step by step.
Now wouldn’t it be nice if God would ask us if we would like to simulate the route from where we currently are in our life until the end of our life. Each step in advance before we’re faced with the reality. The thought of knowing what lies ahead 6 months from now, 1 year from now, 10 years from now, 50 years from now. That would give us such peace of mind and we would have plenty of time to get prepared for big future events. Or would it? No doubt in my mind that our omniscient heavenly Father could provide to us a detailed map of our future life. It’s also been my experience that God does not work this way. I don’t know why but I can imagine if we knew our complete future we might become so preoccupied with some future event(s) that we would be rendered ineffective for today.
My experience is more like the “real-time” mode of Gypsy. Giving us a few turns at a time, calling out when we’re approaching the next turn, warning us when the road forks and we need to get in one lane or the other. It’s our job to listen attentively as He patiently calls out instructions and to have enough faith in the instructions to follow them explicitly and trust God with the future. There was one more neat feature about Gypsy. When I got off course or missed a turn a little message would pop up that indicated that she was re-calculating the route to get me back on course. God is the same way with us. If we occasionally ignore His instructions, God recalculates our course and prepares instructions to get us back on course. The way that we retrieve those instructions is via a prayer of confession. Aren’t you glad that God is on the job as our Master navigator?
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Making a Mark
DateLine (6/8/05 - Ponce, Puerto Rico)
A few weeks ago I called up Google’s website which displays a map of the area when given an address. I wanted to show some of the people I’m working with in Puerto Rico what it was like in the rural setting where I live. I typed in my home address and the first response was a street map with a link in the upper right hand portion of the web page which switches to an actual satellite photo. I clicked on satellite link and zoomed to the maximum resolution and got oriented to the view of my home and yard in the webpage. Something caught my eye in my yard to the northwest of my house. A circular pattern which looked like a place where a Martian spaceship had landed or one of those strange crop circle patterns that you can only get perspective on from an aerial view. What was this strange circle?
Then it dawns on me. At least 10 years ago while visiting my in-laws my father-in-law gave me a few sprigs of grass from a section of his lawn. I brought them home and placed them in a remote spot in my lawn and forgot about it. After a few years I begin to notice that the sprigs had not only taken root but were spreading. I was aware that the area was increasing in size but unless I pointed it out to you it is not something that would catch your eye and it certainly was not visible from the road that runs in front of my house. Then it hit me, a few sprigs of grass had grown into something that was visible from a satellite in space.
Now here’s where God comes in. By faith we pray for God to indwell us and use us to achieve His objectives here on earth. Sometimes we are tempted to become discouraged because we perceive from our vantage point that God has not answered our prayer and we’re not making a mark for Him or our impact is perceived to be so small as to be ineffective. Here’s the point that should encourage us. From ground level (i.e. our view) it may not be possible to observe the true impact that we are having for God. God looks down from the satellite view with perfect “big picture” perspective. By faith we have confidence that His view is all that matters. God will make a mark on His people and He will use His people to make His mark on this earth even if we’re blind to it. Our mark may only be revealed to us when we join Him at “home.” That’s when we’ll have satellite perspective.
A few weeks ago I called up Google’s website which displays a map of the area when given an address. I wanted to show some of the people I’m working with in Puerto Rico what it was like in the rural setting where I live. I typed in my home address and the first response was a street map with a link in the upper right hand portion of the web page which switches to an actual satellite photo. I clicked on satellite link and zoomed to the maximum resolution and got oriented to the view of my home and yard in the webpage. Something caught my eye in my yard to the northwest of my house. A circular pattern which looked like a place where a Martian spaceship had landed or one of those strange crop circle patterns that you can only get perspective on from an aerial view. What was this strange circle?
Then it dawns on me. At least 10 years ago while visiting my in-laws my father-in-law gave me a few sprigs of grass from a section of his lawn. I brought them home and placed them in a remote spot in my lawn and forgot about it. After a few years I begin to notice that the sprigs had not only taken root but were spreading. I was aware that the area was increasing in size but unless I pointed it out to you it is not something that would catch your eye and it certainly was not visible from the road that runs in front of my house. Then it hit me, a few sprigs of grass had grown into something that was visible from a satellite in space.
Now here’s where God comes in. By faith we pray for God to indwell us and use us to achieve His objectives here on earth. Sometimes we are tempted to become discouraged because we perceive from our vantage point that God has not answered our prayer and we’re not making a mark for Him or our impact is perceived to be so small as to be ineffective. Here’s the point that should encourage us. From ground level (i.e. our view) it may not be possible to observe the true impact that we are having for God. God looks down from the satellite view with perfect “big picture” perspective. By faith we have confidence that His view is all that matters. God will make a mark on His people and He will use His people to make His mark on this earth even if we’re blind to it. Our mark may only be revealed to us when we join Him at “home.” That’s when we’ll have satellite perspective.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Monuments
DateLine (6/1/05- Tuscany, Italy)
700 years of majestic tradition. Places of worship built before our own country was even known to the Christian world. Cathedrals that consist of architectural wonders unimaginable unless viewed in the flesh. Unparalleled art admired and studied by the world - monuments to the Christian faith central to the culture of Renaissance Italy. Relics (so called) of the early fathers like leg bones, hands, teeth, housed in gold and silver containers in the vaults of the great cathedrals. One cathedral even boasting of having the arm (at least bone) of John the Baptist; the very arm that baptized Jesus. All things that I’ve personally experienced this week.
Some of our own Christian traditions can be traced back to the culture that produced these wonders. I’ll be the first to admit that there is something comforting and reassuring about religious tradition in a way like your favorite piece of clothing, TV program, or a familiar routine but I can’t help but feel that somewhere along the way God’s intent was corrupted. You know that we humans have a way of doing that.
Along the way of the week’s experience I found one of these great monuments that I can relate to. I’ve attempted a little construction work in my time, do-it-yourself projects, many times that don’t quite turn out like I would like. In a small Tuscan town called Pisa, a “little” bell tower project went awry. Somewhere along the way the builders realized that the foundation was not adequate to support its weight and the tower started to lean during construction. The builders attempted to correct the situation by putting a slight bend in the tower to straighten it up. The result was a beautiful tower with a pronounced lean and a bent at the top. The architect and builders must have felt very dissatisfied with their work.
What’s all this mean? If the foundation is not suitable then it doesn’t matter how great the effort. We can try all we want and we’ll never be able to adequately correct for a poor foundation. The Christian life is much like a “bell tower” project. Unless we build our life on a solid foundation of faith in Christ (i.e. an initial declaration of Christ as Lord, a daily calling out to God for forgiveness and direction) then our life will fall short of the Architect’s intent.
But you know God had the last laugh. Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor. Pisa is out in the middle of nowhere but tourists from all over the world flock there to see the “leaning” bell tower. God can take an imperfect project (i.e. me) and make it a world famous tourist attraction. There’s hope for us all.
700 years of majestic tradition. Places of worship built before our own country was even known to the Christian world. Cathedrals that consist of architectural wonders unimaginable unless viewed in the flesh. Unparalleled art admired and studied by the world - monuments to the Christian faith central to the culture of Renaissance Italy. Relics (so called) of the early fathers like leg bones, hands, teeth, housed in gold and silver containers in the vaults of the great cathedrals. One cathedral even boasting of having the arm (at least bone) of John the Baptist; the very arm that baptized Jesus. All things that I’ve personally experienced this week.
Some of our own Christian traditions can be traced back to the culture that produced these wonders. I’ll be the first to admit that there is something comforting and reassuring about religious tradition in a way like your favorite piece of clothing, TV program, or a familiar routine but I can’t help but feel that somewhere along the way God’s intent was corrupted. You know that we humans have a way of doing that.
Along the way of the week’s experience I found one of these great monuments that I can relate to. I’ve attempted a little construction work in my time, do-it-yourself projects, many times that don’t quite turn out like I would like. In a small Tuscan town called Pisa, a “little” bell tower project went awry. Somewhere along the way the builders realized that the foundation was not adequate to support its weight and the tower started to lean during construction. The builders attempted to correct the situation by putting a slight bend in the tower to straighten it up. The result was a beautiful tower with a pronounced lean and a bent at the top. The architect and builders must have felt very dissatisfied with their work.
What’s all this mean? If the foundation is not suitable then it doesn’t matter how great the effort. We can try all we want and we’ll never be able to adequately correct for a poor foundation. The Christian life is much like a “bell tower” project. Unless we build our life on a solid foundation of faith in Christ (i.e. an initial declaration of Christ as Lord, a daily calling out to God for forgiveness and direction) then our life will fall short of the Architect’s intent.
But you know God had the last laugh. Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor. Pisa is out in the middle of nowhere but tourists from all over the world flock there to see the “leaning” bell tower. God can take an imperfect project (i.e. me) and make it a world famous tourist attraction. There’s hope for us all.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Dateline
DateLine (5/25/05 - Ponce, Puerto Rico)
The Christian religion has been and always will be an extroverted force. God has created us to act out in front of others what is occurring in our relationship with Him. Moreover God’s tone indicates to us that His expectation is that we’ll have widespread influence, even global influence. Yes, CRBC has a global potential. God does this with confidence knowing that the outcome will be positive as others observe Him in us. Jesus said, "and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (New International Version.)
Not too long ago we conducted a Winter Prayer experiment based on the book, The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. I hope that you are still praying the prayer. One of the metrics that we determined during this experiment that could be used to indicate that God had heard and was answering this prayer is that the results would be so “big” that it could only be attributed to God. How does all of this relate to the phrase “dateline.”
Today’s Reference Point is dedicated to reminding us how far reaching the influence of CRBC and in particular Young Adults from South Carolina are. The “dateline” will become a regular feature of Reference Point. Every time you read Reference Point I want the dateline at the very beginning to be a reminder to you that God is alive and well and is glorying Himself through His people at CRBC. I am on the edge of my seat with anticipation of discovering where God will be using His people. Whether the dateline hails from Simpsonville, South Carolina or Ponce, Puerto Rico God will be at work in His people in a way unimaginable to the natural man. We will observe it, praise it, and be encouraged by it. It has always been my vision that there will be many contributing editors to Reference Point. I cannot what to hear what you have to say and from where it comes.
The Christian religion has been and always will be an extroverted force. God has created us to act out in front of others what is occurring in our relationship with Him. Moreover God’s tone indicates to us that His expectation is that we’ll have widespread influence, even global influence. Yes, CRBC has a global potential. God does this with confidence knowing that the outcome will be positive as others observe Him in us. Jesus said, "and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (New International Version.)
Not too long ago we conducted a Winter Prayer experiment based on the book, The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. I hope that you are still praying the prayer. One of the metrics that we determined during this experiment that could be used to indicate that God had heard and was answering this prayer is that the results would be so “big” that it could only be attributed to God. How does all of this relate to the phrase “dateline.”
Today’s Reference Point is dedicated to reminding us how far reaching the influence of CRBC and in particular Young Adults from South Carolina are. The “dateline” will become a regular feature of Reference Point. Every time you read Reference Point I want the dateline at the very beginning to be a reminder to you that God is alive and well and is glorying Himself through His people at CRBC. I am on the edge of my seat with anticipation of discovering where God will be using His people. Whether the dateline hails from Simpsonville, South Carolina or Ponce, Puerto Rico God will be at work in His people in a way unimaginable to the natural man. We will observe it, praise it, and be encouraged by it. It has always been my vision that there will be many contributing editors to Reference Point. I cannot what to hear what you have to say and from where it comes.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
The Posse
A ragtag posse of young men felt inexplicably drawn to a contemporary who had a uniquely strong sense of purpose. For three years they lived a nomadic existence which provided them an inside view of a charismatic leader who attracted a crowd everywhere he went. Their leader was simultaneously mysterious and familiar in a way normally reserved for family. His mission was both idealistic and practical. His style was philosophical while fulfilling the functional. His unorthodox oratory addressed life’s most complex questions with satisfying storytelling that oozed irrefutable logic. His routine and appearance conveyed commonality while His appeal rose to the level of nobility. Some might be of the opinion that His personal accomplishments fell short of His romantic rhetoric. His most significant accomplishment may be His legacy which was actually secured by His “posse”. Most reputable historians would allow that this group is the single biggest influencer of western civilization. The philosophical underpinnings of our most cherished institutions can be traced back to their leader.
The impact that the Disciples of Christ have had on this world is the single reason why the leadership style of Jesus is worthy of our study. I don’t know of another study topic that we have had since I have been involved in the Young Adult Ministry that has been more significant or has more potential for impacting all of our lives now and for the future than these past few weeks. Jesus is an excellent leadership example for us to emulate. The Christian church is always one generation away from extinction. Just as Jesus trusted the entire mission of the early church to His twelve disciples He has placed His trust in us to fulfill the mission of the church in the place where we live, sleep, work and play.
The impact that the Disciples of Christ have had on this world is the single reason why the leadership style of Jesus is worthy of our study. I don’t know of another study topic that we have had since I have been involved in the Young Adult Ministry that has been more significant or has more potential for impacting all of our lives now and for the future than these past few weeks. Jesus is an excellent leadership example for us to emulate. The Christian church is always one generation away from extinction. Just as Jesus trusted the entire mission of the early church to His twelve disciples He has placed His trust in us to fulfill the mission of the church in the place where we live, sleep, work and play.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Financial Peace for the Next Generation
Imagine your first adult act -- before you buy a house, get married or have kids -- is filing for bankruptcy protection. In 2001, that happened to more than 100,000 people under age 25, according to Elizabeth Warren, a Harvard law professor who conducts an annual study of bankruptcy filers. Born after 1978, generation y members in America are more than 57 million strong. The y generation is the largest consumer group in the history of the U.S. Other names for gen y include Echo Boomers and the Millennium Generation. Because gen y is piling up debt at a faster pace and an earlier age have left some to also add the name generation broke.
It is no accident nor to be unexpected that your generation is being targeted by anyone who can open a storefront or put up a website. They want your money. They’ll take your money even if you haven’t earned it yet (e.g. credit.) This is and will continue to be a critical issue that will require you to be disciplined and diligent from now until your life has ended. Financial mismanagement can lead to enormous personal stress, marital stress, and damaged reputations.
It is no accident nor to be unexpected that your generation is being targeted by anyone who can open a storefront or put up a website. They want your money. They’ll take your money even if you haven’t earned it yet (e.g. credit.) This is and will continue to be a critical issue that will require you to be disciplined and diligent from now until your life has ended. Financial mismanagement can lead to enormous personal stress, marital stress, and damaged reputations.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
The Future Is Now
I had the privilege a few weeks ago to share about my faith in Jesus to a man that I work with who is not a believer. In looking for a way to succinctly express the “appeal” of Christianity I stated that for me Christianity answers the big questions of life; where I came from, what is my purpose, and where am I going. I want to spend a few moments elaborating on the second question in a way that relates to you, that being the question of purpose. Not too long ago God prompted us to use the runaway best seller, The Purpose Driven Life, as the focus for our study time together in Sunday School. During the course of this study we learned through the author, Rick Warren, that God has uniquely created us with special endowed gifts and abilities for a specific purpose. About this same time God began to impress upon me to drive home this concept to you in a way that would challenge you. This is about the same time that I placed a poster on the wall of our Sunday School room that simply stated “The Future Is Now.” Let me tie all of this together.
For those of you who grew up in the church you probably heard many times that the children are the future of the church. Some of you may not have had the opportunity to grow up in a church family but now you find yourself a part of the church family and you’re looking for your place to fit in. I’ve got good news for both situations. The Future Is Now! God has entrusted the mission of the church to human beings. There is a place for each of us to contribute to accomplishing the mission of the church. And as young adults I can enthusiastically say to you that you are in a position right now to contribute of your energy and talent to the ministry of Cross Roads Baptist Church. You do not have to wait any longer. Your active participation is as valuable as the most seasoned veteran. As a matter of fact, your youthful energies are much needed. I am just naïve enough to believe that everyone wants to find their place and contribute. In fact God created you to find your purpose in life by contributing to the local church body that you are affiliated with in the fulfillment of its mission.
Here are my parting words for you. You’re a unique individual. God created you for a purpose. The church is a primary vehicle through which you can express your purpose. It may be up to you to take the first step toward finding your place. It is too important to you and the church for you to wait for someone to invite you to serve. That first step could be talking to a nominating committee member or a trusted church leader. I can’t wait to see you actively engaged in fulfilling your personal purpose as well as contributing to the success of CRBC.
What a trip. You may be frustrated right now in your work because you’re not given opportunity. The good news is that in the church your horizons are wide open. There is no shortage of places where you can find purpose and meaning. Just remember.
The Future is Now
For those of you who grew up in the church you probably heard many times that the children are the future of the church. Some of you may not have had the opportunity to grow up in a church family but now you find yourself a part of the church family and you’re looking for your place to fit in. I’ve got good news for both situations. The Future Is Now! God has entrusted the mission of the church to human beings. There is a place for each of us to contribute to accomplishing the mission of the church. And as young adults I can enthusiastically say to you that you are in a position right now to contribute of your energy and talent to the ministry of Cross Roads Baptist Church. You do not have to wait any longer. Your active participation is as valuable as the most seasoned veteran. As a matter of fact, your youthful energies are much needed. I am just naïve enough to believe that everyone wants to find their place and contribute. In fact God created you to find your purpose in life by contributing to the local church body that you are affiliated with in the fulfillment of its mission.
Here are my parting words for you. You’re a unique individual. God created you for a purpose. The church is a primary vehicle through which you can express your purpose. It may be up to you to take the first step toward finding your place. It is too important to you and the church for you to wait for someone to invite you to serve. That first step could be talking to a nominating committee member or a trusted church leader. I can’t wait to see you actively engaged in fulfilling your personal purpose as well as contributing to the success of CRBC.
What a trip. You may be frustrated right now in your work because you’re not given opportunity. The good news is that in the church your horizons are wide open. There is no shortage of places where you can find purpose and meaning. Just remember.
The Future is Now
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
American Idol
I just turned off this weeks “results” show for American Idol a little disappointed in the results. OK so what am I doing watching American Idol, I’m probably not the demographic that the network programmers are after. You know I enjoy music and I’m fascinated by the dynamics of this talent show. Thousands were screened on a nation wide search. Some were invited to Hollywood to pursue their dream enticed by the lure of near instant stardom and a lucrative record contract. Now out of six remaining contestants five continue on to compete next week and one, Constantine, is forever labeled a loser. There can be only one winner in the American Idol format. I personally thought that there were a few others that deserved the fate first. One might observe that this show reflects reality; the way the world really is. Some have it and some don’t. Some are destined to be winners and some are destined to be losers. Disappointments come and you must deal with it.
This is the point where I am reminded that this is the way the world is because the world is not living up to the original design that Jehovah God intended. Each person is uniquely designed for a specific purpose. That purpose can only be accomplished when we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ by acknowledging our shortcomings and asking God to forgive us for acting like losers. You see, God intends that we all be winners. On the American Idol television show one person survives to be crowned winner based on their performance. Every one else is a loser. Not that Clay Aiken is really suffering as a loser (i.e. 2nd place finisher a few years ago) but he is an anomaly. In God’s show we can all be winners because God’s son, Jesus Christ, performed in our place. God declares winners and losers based on the performance of Jesus – which was perfect. Not even Simon Cowell could dare find fault in Jesus’ performance. The starting place on our journey to stardom in God’s eyes is to accept the performance of Jesus as our own.
Once you have been declared a winner God launches you on a “world tour” and asks that you perform according to how He has designed you and to play venues that He has arranged. And you know what, for those times when we might begin to doubt that we have what it takes to continue all we have to do is to look back at the “band” and realize that He has sent the Holy Spirit on tour with us to give us excellent backup. Man, I’m so thankful that I belong to God. Hasn’t God devised a wonderful plan for us? Why would anyone want to turn this “deal” down? There is room in God’s show for multiple winners. The only way that we will be losers to God is to choose to be a looser.
Maybe you’re dealing with your own disappointments and fears in life. My message to you today is simple. If you’ve never trusted God with your future, He is waiting to declare you a winner. If you’re already on tour with God but are tempted occasionally to sit down, look back at the “band.” Boy are they kickin! Sing on – God loves the tune.
With God You’re Never a Loser
This is the point where I am reminded that this is the way the world is because the world is not living up to the original design that Jehovah God intended. Each person is uniquely designed for a specific purpose. That purpose can only be accomplished when we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ by acknowledging our shortcomings and asking God to forgive us for acting like losers. You see, God intends that we all be winners. On the American Idol television show one person survives to be crowned winner based on their performance. Every one else is a loser. Not that Clay Aiken is really suffering as a loser (i.e. 2nd place finisher a few years ago) but he is an anomaly. In God’s show we can all be winners because God’s son, Jesus Christ, performed in our place. God declares winners and losers based on the performance of Jesus – which was perfect. Not even Simon Cowell could dare find fault in Jesus’ performance. The starting place on our journey to stardom in God’s eyes is to accept the performance of Jesus as our own.
Once you have been declared a winner God launches you on a “world tour” and asks that you perform according to how He has designed you and to play venues that He has arranged. And you know what, for those times when we might begin to doubt that we have what it takes to continue all we have to do is to look back at the “band” and realize that He has sent the Holy Spirit on tour with us to give us excellent backup. Man, I’m so thankful that I belong to God. Hasn’t God devised a wonderful plan for us? Why would anyone want to turn this “deal” down? There is room in God’s show for multiple winners. The only way that we will be losers to God is to choose to be a looser.
Maybe you’re dealing with your own disappointments and fears in life. My message to you today is simple. If you’ve never trusted God with your future, He is waiting to declare you a winner. If you’re already on tour with God but are tempted occasionally to sit down, look back at the “band.” Boy are they kickin! Sing on – God loves the tune.
With God You’re Never a Loser
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Reference Point
This is the debut of a new weekly contact point for the Young Adult community at Cross Roads Baptist Church. Hopefully this will be a welcome reminder that there is a community of people at CRBC that wants to be an encouragement to your Christian faith in the middle of hectic and full lives. We’ll keep it short and to the point.
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