America, Still Beautiful!

In 1893 a Wellesley College professor climbed to the top of Colorado's Pike's Peak. Two years later (1895), she wrote and published a poem inspired by the grandeur of that climb. It appeared in a weekly journal called The Congregationalist on July 4th. Katherine Lee Bates would later revise her poem's lyrics in 1904 and again in 1913. Aside from the Star Spangled Banner, no other national song seems to have captured the geographic splendor, our formative quest for liberty, the gracious blessings of God and the subsequent responsibilities that come wih them than America the Beautiful. It wasn't until 1910, the song was published to the tune Materna, which we sing today.

I know there's a lot wrong with America. As a native citizen and voting, taxpayer I have the right to constructively criticize my country's political, social and government ills. However, despite our shortcomings, and there are many, I still believe it is a blessing and privilege to be born and live in these United States. America the Beautiful is an awesome song. Not only does it focus on the blessings of our great country, but it also humbly points to the price paid to obtain the freedoms we enjoy. Happy Birthday America! In the words of Katherine Lee Bates may, "ev'ry gain {be} divine," so God receives the glory, not us.

Ray Charles' rendition of this song is my favorite. Just click his name to watch him singing it on You Tube from a concert in 1991. Happy July 4th! May God bless America, so we indeed can and continue to be a blessing to the needy, wounded, weak, impoverished, hurting, and oppressed!

Special thanks and recognition to our Veterans and active military who have sacrificed much to secure and insure our freedoms. We can never repay the debt of gratitude we owe you!

The Fugees

Luma Mufleh is from Jordan. She is Muslim. She grew up in a wealthy family and came to the U.S. in the late 90's where she earned her degree from prestigious Smith College. She ended up in Atlanta where she worked as a waitress, a grocery clerk, and office help for a charity. In 2004 she was driving through Atlanta to get supplies for her fledgling coffee house when she stumbled onto 10 boys playing soccer in the parking lot of an apartment complex. It was obvious they were foreign as they played in bare feet on asphalt knocking a worn out soccer ball around.

She returned a few days later sporting a brand new soccer ball. The rag-tag group of refugee boys from Afghanistan and Sudan weren't too sure about the "older" lady, but they wanted that white, leather ball so they agreed to let her play. Luma got an idea. How about a team? Along with three of the boys she had gotten to know they posted fliers in Arabic, English, French and Vietnamese advertising the team. Twenty-three kids turned out, all refugees from war torn countries, legally brought to the U.S. by relief agencies.

What started as a little pick up game has turned into a full blown national story of compassion, justice, education, dignity, restoration and the creation of a foundation. Soccer was the entry point, but Luma had more on her mind and heart for these boys from the war torn countries like Liberia, Congo, and Sudan. If they wanted to play on the YMCA sponsored "Fugee" team they had to sign a contract with Luma committing to homework, tutoring, agreeing to make education their focus as well as avoiding tobacco, drugs and alcohol. Hollywood bought the rights to the story which will eventually get to the big screen, but it enabled Luma to solidify the Fugee Families Foundation. She has also started a cleaning company called "Fresh Start" providing employment for refugees and immigrants from all over the world.

What started as a trip for supplies for a fledgling coffee house has given birth to a foundation and a non-profit company helping people. Today there are four "Fugee" soccer teams with about 100 kids (all refugees) ages 12-16.

One woman in her early 30's had a vision of something better for a group of boys who couldn't see beyond their next meal. Her Jordanian grandmother, a woman who was known for feeding everyone who came to her home and never turned anyone away, inspired her. Her story should inspire every one of us to help the foreigner/alien among us. I know there are strong feelings about immigrants in the U.S. right now, and I am a strong proponent of legal immigration, but Christ-followers have a mandate to feed and care for the widows, orphans and indigent from our Lord. (James 1:27; Ezek. 47:22; Mal. 3:5; Exod. 23:9). The Good Samaritan did not stop to ask if the man he helped had a green card. He simply helped someone in need. Like Luma, like the Good Samaritan, like Millard Fuller, like Truett Cathy, like Mother Teresa, so should we!

Louie Giglio - Laminin

You've got to invest 8 minutes to watch a talk by popular speaker author and songwriter, Louie Giglio from Psalm 33! What a powerful promise with tangible evidence of God's design on human DNA!

The Cost is High

There's a temptation for those of us insulated by years of church tenure (that's not a slam!) to give seekers (those interested in the things of Christ) and new Christ-followers an unrealistic picture of what it means to follow Christ.  It's not that we plan to do it, but we often give the false impression that once you start following Christ, life just gets better and everything is okay.  In a sense that is partially true.  Unfortunately, "better" often translates without explanation as a life free of pain, sorrow, hurt, wounds, conflict or trouble.  Nothing could be further from the truth if you frame the Christ-follower DNA from a biblical world view!     

Several years ago while attending a conference, I heard Erwin McManus (author and pastor of Mosaic Church in L.A.) say, "The center of God's will is not a safe place but the most dangerous place in the world!"  He would later write that line in his book, "An Unstoppable Force" and then follow it up with this one: "God fears nothing and no one!  God moves with intentionality and power.  To live outside of God's will puts us in danger; to live in his will makes us dangerous....How could we ever think the Christian faith would be safe when its central metaphor is an instrument of death (the cross)?"

Remember Jesus' words to the rich young ruler?  "Sell everything you have and give it to the poor!"  THE COST!  Remember Jesus' words to Peter in Luke 9?  "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."  THE COST! And what about His warning to the disciples and ultimately us in John 16 regarding future sufferings for His sake: "They will put you of of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.  They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.  I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you."  THE COST!  Again, Jesus to the disciples in Mark 13:  "You must be on your guard.  You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues.  On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them."  THE COST!  

These aren't meant to be exhaustive examples, but simply scriptural reminders that a Christ-centered life is anything but "safe".  If we are really trying to live out the teachings and example of Jesus in our daily lives there will be trouble, heartache, disappointment and persecution.  As Christ-followers we need to be honest with people who are considering the claims of Christ.  We can't let our desire for people to know and follow Christ obscure the truth that following Jesus is costly and tough.  We live in an age when people are craving authenticity.  It's time we (the church) delivered, even if it means some people, like the Rich Young Ruler will walk away. Remember, we are to share the Gospel, and model it's truth in ministry and service, but the decision to follow Christ is still up to the individual, just as it was for every one of us who call Him Lord.  

Godly Fathers

Our world could use some "Godly" fathers.  I don't mean fathers who are gods, or think they are either.  I mean men who love Christ first and foremost, their spouse, children, neighbors and work in that order.  We need more men in our homes, churches, corporate board rooms, offices and communities who are          panting and hungering for the things of God.  Many fathers hunger for things like, position, prominence, money, a better golf game, power, and affluence.   

After motherhood I would rank being a Dad as one of the noblest, most challenging and rewarding endeavors.  Sorry guys but the gals really do have it in that category.  I've yet to meet a man who could equal a godly mother.  Seriously, being a godly father is incredibly tough in today's world.  Today's father's battle all kinds of expectations both perceived and real.  

Godly fathers accept their human limitations and imperfections.  They know they are flawed before God, but understand that we are all works in progress.  Godly fathers weep over the sins of others.  Not because they are judgmental, but because they resonate with the Apostle Paul in Romans 7 and understand the reality of struggles in the flesh.  Godly fathers exhibit wisdom, discernment, hard work, compassion, grace under pressure, humility, social graces, courage, forgiveness, unconditional love, leadership and a sense of humor.  Godly fathers rise to the occasion whenever their family, country, church, neighbor, or friends are in need.  They are also great cheer leaders who encourage their spouses and frequently remind their children how proud they are of them.   The Bible is full of examples of godly fathers.   Abraham comes to mind.   

Most of all, godly fathers exhibit faith, even when everything around them seems to be coming apart.  Oh they get scared, but they trust God because they have seen His protection, provision and faithfulness many times before.  Their praise of God isn't limited to their life circumstance. They bring God glory in the darkness as well as the light.  If you had or have a godly father give thanks to God.  If you're a father it's never to late.  

I'm doubly blessed.  I have two godly fathers.  My blood father and my father-in-law.  Oh they are far from perfect, but both (Bill and Gene) have modeled the faith and character I'd love to see my daughter marry one day.  "Last of the good guys," is the way we describe them in our family.  Thanks Dad and Dad Mills for simply being yourselves.  You are loved and greatly respected.  

Time With a Soul Poet

I've just returned from The Cove in Asheville for a worship conference led by Darlene Zschech and the Hillsong worship team. It was three days of worship, praise and teaching on the heels of our recent move to a new location. To say it was much needed refreshment would be an understatement. If you've never been to Billy Graham's Training Center at The Cove that is enough in itself. It is a peaceful place designed to help Christ followers encounter God and grow in their faith. Go to The Cove online and make plans to go for an evening concert, or one of the many excellent bible teaching seminars. The Cove is great, but being there with one of my favorite worship leaders and songwriters was like icing on the cake. Our team had a great time and we were challenged, fed, encouraged and stretched.

She has written three books, including, Extravagant Worship and The Kiss of Heaven. Remember, this is the person God used to write such powerful praise and worship songs as: Shout to the Lord; All Things Are Possible; I Believe In You; Worthy Is the Lamb. Here's some nuggets on worship from Darlene, who is now traveling, writing, speaking and teaching around the world. As you read them think about your response to God in worship and the role it plays in your life:

The songs are only a tool to facilitate.
We need to be fueled by His presence through His Word.
Music is an amazing vehicle. It was created to give praise to God.
We are to be fueled in worship to be the hands and feet of Christ to the world.
Praise is the fruit of lips.
We can get so familiar with the presence of the Lord that we miss Him.
This{worship}is a starting point but it's for a far greater reason.
Worship is the needful expression of the created toward the creator.
We preach a standard of holiness not worship style.
Music excludes, worship includes!