One Messed Up Understanding of Christmas

Who needs to play one of the violent video games on the new, Nintendo Wii or Sony's Play Station 3, when you can just stand in line for them and personally experience violence? Consider an Associated Press Story written by Peter Svensson last week:

"HARTFORD, Conn. - Two armed thugs tried to rob a line of people waiting for the new PlayStation 3 game system to go on sale early Friday and shot one man who refused to give up his money, authorities said.

In Sullivan, Ind., a man was in critical condition after emergency surgery for a stab wound after he and a friend tried to rob two men of consoles they waited 36 hours in line to buy, police said.

Nationwide, short supplies of the PS3 and strong demand led to long lines of buyers, some waiting for days outside stores. Once the doors opened Friday, they pushed and shoved their way to the shelves in several cities to get at the limited supply. Two people were arrested in Fresno, Calif., after a crowd trampled people in a parking lot.
It was about 3 a.m. when the two gunmen in Putnam, a town of about 9,000 residents in northeast Connecticut, confronted 15 to 20 people standing outside a Walmart store and demanded money, said State Police Lt. J. Paul Vance. "One of the patrons resisted. That patron was shot," Vance said. Vance said the gunmen fled after shooting Michael Penkala, 21, of Webster, Mass., in the chest and shoulder. Penkala was in stable condition at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, Mass., with injuries not believed to be life-threatening, Vance said. Police were searching for the suspects, both believed to be in their teens, Vance said. He said one was wearing a ski mask and brandishing a handgun, and the other had what appeared to be a shotgun.

About 30 miles away, another shopper was beaten and robbed of his new PlayStation 3 just minutes after he bought it at a store in Manchester, police said. The shopper told police five men surrounded and beat him as he left the Shoppes at Buckland Hills." (From The AP)

I don't know where to start? The cultural implications of this story are numbing. People standing in line, many camping out for days in cold weather and risking personal injury to spend hundreds of dollars on an electronic gadget that will be outdated within three years. Or, noting that both new game systems are now being offered on E-bay anywhere from $1,500-3,000! Not to mention those who offered to pay people hundreds of dollars for their place in line at retail stores offering limited supplies of the games. And the thugs who prey on these people is an all-time low for the criminal mind.

Has anyone stopped to consider that both of these games will be available in supply o' plenty after Christmas and most likely at a much lower price? Has anyone stopped to think about the value we are once again placing on stuff? No, I'm not bashing ownership of such a game system. I'm questioning our priorities and obsession with things. Wonder what the average family in Darfur, or the Sudan thinks about this insane violence over an affluent commercial obsession when they are just trying to survive one more day? And you gotta love the television commercials for the latest war or terrorism games for these new game systems. Now the average ten to twelve year-old American kid can electronically experience the violence that their child counterparts in Gaza, Iraq, or Lebanon are experiencing in the flesh! Bet the average Iraqi child would just like to go outside and play soccer without fear of being blown up.

It's nearly Advent folks, the Christmas season is upon us. I pray my checkbook entries and credit card receipts will honor God as much, if not more, than they honor my own selfish wants and desires. As people continue to lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas and pack out the malls corrupting what God had in mind when He gave the greatest gift ever given, perhaps those of us who call him, Lord, can simply exercise some grace toward those who don't get it. Perhaps we can do it in little ways by holding doors, giving up the preferred parking space to someone who really needs it, smiling in long lines and saying thank-you, or excuse me. Yes, we need to donate time, funds and items for worthwhile causes too. But as Christ-followers we really need to model grace this time of year because we have already received the greatest, most expensive and elaborate gift ever given, Jesus Christ, God in the flesh! And all the warehouses on earth filled with Ninetendo Wii's or PS3's can't even come close to the value of that gift!

Developing a Heart Habit

Throughout the book of Psalms we find the psalmist declaring thanks to God and calling the people of God to do the same. The theme of gratitude is found throughout the Hebrew songs of praise. A recurring line in many of these ancient songs of thanksgiving and praise is the declaration of the eternal character of God's love: His love endures forever.

Psalm 136 is a wonderful expression of thanksgiving that lists the powerful deeds, provisions and acts of God for which the psalmist is grateful. The psalm extols God's faithfulness and repeatedly proclaims His never-ending love.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
(Psalm 136:1-3 NIV)

A.W. Tozer wrote about developing the habitual practice of thanksgiving: "We should never take any blessing for granted, but accept everything as a gift from the Father of Lights. Whole days may be spent occasionally in the holy practice of being thankful. We should write on a tablet one by one the things for which we are grateful to God and to our fellow men. And a constant return to this thought during the day as our minds get free will serve to fix the habit in our hearts...."

May Thanksgiving 2006 provide each of us some moments alone with God as we seek to cultivate the heart habit of gratitude. Reflection upon God's provision, care and eternal love puts any petty concerns we may have in proper perspective. May an overwhelming awareness of God's blessings be upon all of us as we celebrate Thanksgiving!

A New Bond and Dancing Penguins Hit the Big Screen

It's been 44 years since Scottish actor Sean Connery donned a white tux in the little known British movie, "Dr. No" and brought author Ian Flemming's British secret agent, James Bond to life. 21 movies later, Bond is still kicking. Since Dr. No's film debut, four other actors have dared to put their spin on 007 : George Lazenby; Roger Moore; Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan. This weekend, actor Daniel Craig becomes the sixth actor to play the larger than life British spy. The PG-13 rated "Casino Royale" opens in theatres nationwide today. Casino Royale is actually the very first Bond story written by Flemming. It's about Bond's beginnings in Her Majesty's Secret Service.

While critics and fans alike will continue to weigh in, early reviews of the first blonde haired Bond have been good. That's probably a good thing since the actor is contracted to star in two more Bond films. However, diehard Bond fans can hardly imagine anyone else in the role perfected by the Academy Award winning, Sir Sean. Bond films offer an escape from reality for those of us who love gadgets, intrigue, fast-paced action and suspense. However, I wouldn't recommend them for a family movie night, given the Bond character's unsually high and abnormal testosterone levels. Remember it's fiction and just fun for action movie fans, not an endorsement of a lifestyle!

For those unimpressed by Bond, how about a bunch of dancing penguins? The Warner Bros. animated "Happy Feet" opens this weekend too. Robin Williams heads an all-star cast providing voices for the dancing penguins. Among them Elijah Wood, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman. The plot is about emperor penguins who find their mates through song. However, one penguin enters the world unable to sing, but boy can he dance. Movie trailers and reviews carry the following warning about the movie: "Caution: May Cause Toe Tapping". Robin Williams was interviewed this week on NBC's Today Show. It was so good to see him after his recent round with in-patient recovery. One of the best lines of the interview was when Williams said his children were glad to have him back! We are too Robin!

As always, MCF, nor I, endorse or agree with the entire content, themes and ideas in these and other movies. Christ-followers searching for a movie review resource from a spiritual perspective might want to go the following website before heading to the theatre: http://www.hollywoodjesus.net/ . They don't hold back on their reviews and may save you a lot of money, not to mention wasted time at the theatre. Here's what they had to say about the the movie "Borat", which kept me from going to see it:

"Borat is portrayed as the stereotypical foreign rube as well as an anti-Semitic, misogynistic, bigoted, ill-mannered and crude – but deceptively innocent -- guy. The R-rated film includes raw language, male frontal nudity, naked men wrestling, scatological gags and comments offensive to pretty much every group on the planet. The Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan, about which there is virtually no shred of truth in the film, has hired Western public-relations firms to deal with what their Washington embassy called “a one-man diplomatic wrecking ball.”.....A film like Borat simply manufactures an ugly caricature of foreigners and trumpets an even uglier American and Western mindset of cultural superiority over all.
No wonder a large portion of the world hates us." ---Hollywood Jesus Review

Now, I'm really counting the days until the release of "The Nativity Story"(Dec. 1st), a story of a child who would change the world forever! Check out the trailer at http://www.thenativitystory.com/

A Metal Building, Concrete Floors and a Lawnmower

"......And Lord, I just want to thank you for a metal building, concrete floors and a lawnmower." My friend from Florida was closing his prayer as we gathered in the building where Mosaic meets for weekly worship. Although he and his precious wife have supported Mosaic's vision since it began over four years ago, this was the first time they had actually been to Powdersville. The three of us had just knelt to pray at the altar of the worship center. His prayer reminded me what's important and what's not, and if you are not careful the least important can become your focus.

If this isn't making sense let me help. Mosaic's building is a metal building and the worship center is located in a warehouse with unfinished concrete floors. Oh yeah, there's also a riding lawnmower in the corner, but that's another story.

During dinner and later as we gathered at the building, I just couldn't stop telling them all of the awesome and incredible things God was doing through our fellowship. Every story was about God's intervention in someone's life, or how He changed a life, saved a marriage and answered our prayers. At one point I realized I had been blabbing about God's incredible power and presence almost non-stop and I apologized for telling just "one more story", praising God. My friends were patient, interested and actively listening to the stories of God's activity in the lives of those who are part of the Mosaic faith community. You see they have an investment in Mosaic and while they are not here physically, they are still an important part of the Mosaic family as are many around the country who pray for us.

At Mosaic, we never refer to the building where we meet as the "church". It's just a "building". The church is the people and it is exists wherever we gather (in homes, at work, on the golf course, small groups, etc.) and it's much, much larger than those who gather for weekly worship at 109 Leader Drive in Piedmont(Powdersville) , South Carolina. It's church with a small "c" and something beyond walls and geographic boundaries.

As tears filled his eyes, my friend said that so many churches have lost their focus and the kingdom of God has become about, "bricks and mortar". He also encouraged our leadership to make sure we never forget that it's about people. In his words, "metal buildings, concrete floors and a lawnmower in the corner," enable us to keep the focus on God, not anything we've done.

Hear me out, there’s nothing wrong with building functional facilities for worship and ministry. There’s nothing wrong with adding programs or ministries, and the necessary staff to help people grow in Christ. However, when our focus shifts from a Christ-centered biblical worldview to an exclusive view of the local church that simply builds bigger barns to attract sheep from other, established pastures, we are in trouble. Jesus has already weighed in on this self-serving attitude in (Luke 12:15-21).

I'd love to say what's happening in our faith community of imperfect people with flawed leadership is because of something we've done, but it's not. It's totally about what God has and continues to do. It's about His glory. Yes, there have been and there will be many more bumps, but God's power cannot be held back by the powers of this world. In the words of my friend, "And Lord, I just want to thank you for a metal building, concrete floors and a riding lawnmower!"

Growing Weary and Losing Heart, Not!

According to the writer of Hebrews, every Christ-follower, whether male, female, layperson, clergy, or missionary, etc., should have the same focus: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

When I heard the weekend news about Colorado mega-church pastor and (now former) President of the National Association of Evangelicals, Ted Haggard, my heart sank. I was saddened, sick and angry. My thoughts and prayers were focused on his family and church. I also thought about how lonely and dark life must appear to him right now. I didn't wonder whether the initial accusations of his drug use and homosexual activity were true or not. I knew that the truth would ulitmately come to light. I simply ached for everyone and I mean everyone involved. Now the truth is out and the national media, political pundits, resident cynics and hired arm-chair quarterbacks are weighing in with their opinions. Some of them are downright cruel and equally as sinful (judgment, critical spirit) as the very behavior they are analyzing.

I take no joy or delight in the public or private pain of another human, organization, team or business. The list of influential people in the public spotlight who have crashed recently are too numerous to mention. Nearly all of them fell victim to self-inflicted wounds fueled by bad choices. Seems like I've made some bad decisions in my life too! I used to be right in the middle of the "pile-on" group, offering after-the-fact criticism and public disdain for the individual, or behavior in question. I used to get sucked into the powerful temptation to join fellow pastors or ministers who were quick to accuse, judge, gossip, and critique similar situations. However, since those days I have discovered (or rediscovered) that the first and final default for a Christ-follower should be love. And perhaps its only because I've become keenly aware of my own shortcomings, sins and failures that so desperately need, crave and respond to that kind of love. You can preach sin, judgment, condemnation and disobedience all you want, but at the end of the day we are only made right with God through the unconditional love and sacrifice of Jesus.

Ted Haggard did what every Christ follower has done at least once----he grew weary and lost heart. It's easy to do. It happens whenever we take our eyes off Jesus. Some people get sidetracked by affluence, and possessions. Others lose sight because of the intoxication of power and fame. However, scripture is clear. When we focus on Jesus and His phenomenal act of love (the cross) on our behalf, we will not grow weary and we will not lose heart! Saying that is easy, staying Christ and cross-focused is not. It's the most challenging thing a human can ever do. But because of our own imperfect souls we must focus exclusively on Christ because it is in fact the only thing that brings relief, healing and forgiveness to a wounded soul. And all of us, ALL of us suffer wounds of the soul.

I'm reading a new book by Jerry Bridges of Navigators. It's entitled, "The Fruitful Life," and it's about the fruit of the Spirit. I was reading the chapter on love when all of this went down last Friday. Jerry writes: "Devotion to God is the only motivation acceptable to God for the development and exercise of Christian character. But devotion to God finds its outward expression in loving one another. ....our devotion to God is validated by our love for other people......To recognize that there is somone I do not love is to say to God, 'I do not love you enough to love that person.' "

The first news report I saw about Ted Haggard came across the television as I read those words. It stopped me in my tracks. And then I went on to read: "Do we love one another enough to forgive each other, with or without apologies for wrongs done to us?....In order to forgive our brother, we must be satisfied with God's justice and forego the satisfaction of our own.....And love forgives at great cost to itself; it does not demand justice or even changed behavior from its brother. This forgiven aspect of love enables us to be patient with one another and live at peace with one another. It enables us to deal gently with each other, even when we are sinned against."

Just as we choose who, or what will be the focus of our lives, we also choose how we will respond to those who make poor choices and take their eyes off Christ. Though angry, hurt and heartbroken I am choosing love. May God's grace smother the Haggard family as this human and wounded shepherd begins the painful process of repentance. May God stir the spirit of the accuser, and may He continue to lead, protect, guide and shepherd His church in Colorado and beyond despite the human failings of her earthly leaders!