Monday, December 28, 2009
2009 In the Rearview and 2010 on the Horizon
Unlike childhood games, we don't get a "do over" in life. Words and actions can't be brought back. However, we can focus so much on our failures and shortcomings that we minimize the times we exercised faith and lived out a commitment to something greater than ourselves. An old friend used to say something familiar in recovery circles: "Don't diagnose through your guilt." He was right. It rarely serves a productive purpose.
As I recall 2009, I see the hand of a sovereign and gracious God repeatedly acting in my life. While it's been a year of incredible personal challenge, I have known God's grace, mercy, provision, blessing and healing. It's humbling to think God loves me so much that He would act in my life! I'm broken and thankful, a good place to be on the edge of a new year. My prayer for the New Year:
"Lord, thank you for your grace, protection, provision, healing, patience and discipline in 2009. Give me the courage and humility to live more for you than myself in 2010. Deepen my love for people. Make me aware of the countless moments I have to serve you by being the hands and feet of Christ in my world. Prick my conscience and sensitize my heart to sin, and give me the courage to repent when I do. Help me to exercise forgiveness toward others that equals the depth of forgiveness which I have received from you. Help me to savor the days (even the bad ones), to redeem the time and remember that I'm doing far better than I deserve. You are holy, righteous, and sovereign. Nothing can compare to Your glory! Amen."
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
He Came so We May Live
Thursday, December 17, 2009
We Need His Advent
We are weary
We are sinful
We are despondent
We are scared
We are apathetic
We are tired
We are dismayed
We are skeptical
We are in need
We are shaken
We are hurting
We are disobedient
We are waiting
We are insecure
We are poor
We are rich
We are educated
We are uneducated
We are wounded
We are lacking
There’s something we need
No! There’s SOMEONE we need
We need Him. Because:
He brings salvation
He brings hope
He brings joy
He brings peace
He brings redemption
He brings love
He brings victory
He brings blessing
He brings righteousness
He brings comfort
He brings grace
He brings healing
He brings obedience
He brings clarity
He brings truth
I need Him
You need Him
The world needs Him
Come, Lord Jesus
Come, Lord Jesus,
Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Manger Reflections
Wide awake is Mary. My, how young she looks! Her head rests on the soft leather of Joseph’s saddle. The pain has been eclipsed by wonder. She looks into the face of the baby. Her son. Her Lord. His Majesty.
At this point in history, the human being who best understands who God is and what he is doing is a teenage girl in a smelly stable. She can’t take her eyes off him. Somehow Mary knows she is holding God. So this is he. She remembers the words of the angel, “His kingdom will never end.”
He looks anything but a king. His face is prunish and red. His cry, though strong and healthy, is still the helpless and piercing cry of a baby. And he is absolutely dependent upon Mary for his well-being. Majesty in the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and sweat. Divinity entering the world on the floor of a stable, through the womb of a teenager and in the presence of a carpenter.
She touches the face of the infant-God. How long was your journey! This baby had overlooked the universe. These rags keeping him warm were the robes of eternity. His golden throne room had been abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen. And worshiping angels had been replaced with kind but bewildered shepherds.
Excerpt from:
It Began in a Manger
Published by Word Publishing
© 1995 by Max Lucado
For more go to: Max Lucado
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Broken Idols
America’s insatiable appetite for scandal, gossip and a juicy story is defining and shaping this logic. The phrase, mind your own business (MYOB) was popular when I was a teenager. Of course that was before text messages, Facebook and Twitter when we felt this incredible need to let everyone know everything about us whether they asked for details or not.
This isn’t going to be popular but let’s get it out right now. Kobe Bryant, A-Rod, Ray Lewis, Plaxico Burress, Tiger Woods and others ARE star athletes. They ARE NOT paid to be moral examples and models. They are paid to perform in their respective sports. We can say all day long that they are supposed to be models of character and morality, but that’s just not true. Their salaries are based on their performance and skill in their respective sports, not their behavior. They are not gods. They are humans and though extraordinary in their respective sports, they sometimes fail in their behavior like you and me. They are like all of us, deeply flawed. What’s more, I can’t recall any of the aforementioned athletes claiming to be examples and models of morality.
Americans seem to remember star athletes of previous generations nostalgically and without flaw. Have we forgotten that many of the Boomer generation’s athletic heroes were seriously challenged on the moral court? Have we forgotten that baseball legend Ty Cobb once assaulted a fan, and what about Babe Ruth’s legendary love for beer and women? Later in life Mickey Mantle openly shared about his struggle with alcohol during his playing days. NBA great and lifelong bachelor, Wilt Chamberlain proudly declared that he had sex with 20,000 women during his career. And how did Magic Johnson contract AIDS? We seem to have very short and creative memories that hold each new generation to moral levels that were never achieved by previous generations. This is what makes people like Gator star Q.B. Tim Tebow so special. But at the end of the day he’s human too.
Now if their salaries and endorsements are tied to a morality clause that’s a different matter. For example, infidelity is against the governing law of the U.S. Military. Men and women in the armed services know this before they sign up. They accept it. And yet infidelity within the military seems to be just as high as it is among the general public. Mutual consent over morality does not necessarily translate into moral behavior.
This seems to be a very difficult issue to accept in a global world of instant communication and news. In the early 1990’s, NBA star, Charles Barkley was very outspoken in saying that he believed professional athletes are not role models. He even made a Nike commercial about it. His underlying message was largely missed because of the audacity of his statement. He even said, “Just because I can dunk a basketball doesn’t mean I should raise your kids.” “Sir Charles” was saying that teachers and parents should be role models for kids instead of professional athletes.
It is refreshing when an athletic, or public hero owns up to a moral failing, and publicly apologizes, or faces the legal and home consequences of their actions. However, they don’t “owe me” anything. I choose whether or not to support their games, events, and purchase products they endorse. I don’t need salacious details of their failings. As a Christ-follower, I should of all people, be understanding, empathetic and instead of talking about them, I should be praying for them. Not only that, but it should drive me to stand before God in reflection and confession of my own moral failures. There is the rub for 21st Century living---it's far easier to chew on the moral failings of others than it is to examine my own.
Years ago a very popular Christian artist admitted to infidelity. I was amazed at the number of Christ-followers who seemed bent on retribution and judgment toward this person. Instead of seeking to help the individual reconcile with God and the community of faith, people were quite free with punitive comments about the artist. The word “restore” was absent from public conversation. People seemed more interested in getting the sordid details of what happened than praying for a fallen, fellow struggler.
Many of these athletes are incredible people, but none of them have been described as King David was, “a man after God’s own heart”. And yet he failed too! I can’t ever recall telling either of my children to “Be like Mike” (as in the Nike commercial about Michael Jordan), etc. However, I can remember many times when I counseled, advised, encouraged and exhorted my kids and others to follow Jesus Christ.
Mortal idols will always crack, fail and disappoint. But the One without sin will not! Hebrews 12:2 folks: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.
Monday, November 30, 2009
From Manger to Cross
Advent is a season of reflection, anticipation, expectation and joy. Too often those of us in pastoral ministry are so busy preparing messages, devotions, and worship that we race through this special season because we're always looking ahead. The Advent journey is to be savored and enjoyed. Don't rush it. Don't get ahead. Redeem the time. Take in every day as we commemorate His first Advent and look forward to His Second Advent.
At MCF, Advent culminates with our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion service. At this annual service we ask worshipers to come in family groups to receive communion. Over the years several of my colleagues have asked why we receive communion during Advent? I simply say, "Why not?" Christ came to the world as God's gift for redemption knowing full well it would culminate at the cross. To focus on the birth of Jesus, at the exclusion of its purpose reduces it to just another child being born. However, His purpose for coming dictated that this wouldn't be just "another birth" in ancient Palestine. I am not suggesting we minimize His birth, but the way in which He came to earth (Prophecy, Angels, Shepherds, Virgin Birth, Magi, etc.) reminds us that His death, burial and resurrection were as extraordinary. The Apostle Paul puts it best in Colossians:
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
So as we shop, decorate, worship, and gather for seasonal parties and gatherings keep in mind that God knew His perfect gift would ultimately be destroyed so you and I could experience eternal life! Now that's the gift of Advent, a gift like no other.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
The Blind Side - Official Trailer [HD]
Go see "Blind Side" the true story of the NFL's Michael Oher starring Sandra Bullock. Oher was a "ward of the state" when he was taken from his drug addicted mother. He grew up on the streets of Memphis. A wealthy, suburban family (The Touhys) gave him a home and a family. Last summer "Big Mike" was drafted by the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. This is a great, inspirational, family movie!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Connected But Disconnected
To be fair I was among the oldest there, so my take on this is probably skewed. I couldn't help but notice the number of young people who were furiously texting during the concert. I thought it might have been pre-concert time-killing, but as the evening went on it was obvious that our culture has developed a strong desire to be in touch even when we're out of touch.
There was a sense of being connected to someone far away, while being disconnected from the moment in front of us. This was more than multi-tasking. Students and many adults furiously worked keyboards and touch screens sending message after message, or constantly checked their phones for missed calls, or incoming messages. I guess it stood out because the house lights were out. And it was contagious. I even found myself checking messages. Fortunately my cell phone died 20 minutes into the concert and that was a wonderful gift because I was able to give the artist my undivided attention.
The band even got into it when one of the musicians took a picture of everyone from stage and posted it on Twitter right from the stage!
Stay tuned. I believe this divided connection at social events and ballgames is just the tip of the iceberg. We have yet to fully realize the cost, or consequences of our continual need to be in touch with several people simultaneously in multiple locations. I recently observed someone who was actually texting during a funeral! To think we can't silence our phone for even 30 minutes out of respect for the dead is telling. Hopefully that's an exception to our wired culture, but my gut says be prepared for even more.
Researcher Dr. Jean Twenge has observed that Gen Me views itself as "self important". The troubling thing in all of this is how far we have elevated "self". And that speaks large and loud in everthing social, theological, political, and professional. You see, I realize that I'm not that important. At 48, I know there are many things going on around me that are bigger than me. The world does not revolve around me. Maybe we need a technological blackout to wake us up, or minimally offer electronic etiquette classes for succeeding generations. It's going to be interesting to see how all of this shakes out.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Life's Gifts
Breathin' in and out's a blessing can't you see Today's the first day of the rest of my life and I'm alive And well...I'm alive and well
Every time I hear that song I'm reminded that every day is a gift from God. Every time we see the light of day it's a gift. Every time we breath in and out is a gift. Every smile of a small child is a gift. Every wink or nod from a senior adult is a gift. Every leaf, cloud, sunset, blowing wind and drop of rain is a gift. James says every good and perfect gift is from God:
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
It's easy to lose sight of life's gifts. It's easy to take God's grace for granted. Gratitude is the appropriate response to God's gifts. Gratitude is how we keep from taking God's gifts for granted. Grateful hearts see ALL of life as a gift, even times of heartache and challenge. Grateful hearts can readily proclaim, "Today's the first day of the rest of my life and I'm alive". Kenny's song is almost complete, but that line needs four words added at the end: Thanks be to God!
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Veteran's Day is Wednesday
This isn't "cheesy" sentiment from me. I have deep and profound respect for those who have ever served in our armed forces. Anyone who has served in the Coast Guard, Navy, Army, Marines and Air Force deserves our respect and gratitude. They sacrificed something precious to all of us: their life, time, and physical safety, all while suspending their vocational dreams. From those who were drafted, to the Reserves and the men and women who freely enlisted, or rose through the ranks of the military academies and colleges, each gave up something to be part of a greater cause. Their sacrifice even extends to those that have protested their deployments or assignments at various moments in our history. Think about that! Their service has preserved and protected the U.S. Constitution and our homeland. At times it's even been at the expense of ridicule, or criticism from the very people they have protected! Disagreement with policy and political decisions is part of our freedom, but no American (naturalized, or those born here) should ever feel anything but gratitude for those who have worn the uniform! Veterans, we salute you, we thank you and your family for the sacrifices you've made, some with the greatest sacrifice of all their lives. May God grant you peace and may we as a people treat you with the benefits, care, and respect you deserve!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Remember Ft. Hood In Your Prayers
Pray for the wounded and the families of the victims.
Pray for the chaplains and counselors who will be helping the soldiers and their families deal with this tragedy on home soil.
Pray for the men and women from Ft. Hood who are separated from their families, and friends while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pray for peace as they deal with this tragedy from halfway around the world.
Lifehouse - Broken
We're all broken and in need of the One who can heal and restore. Lifehouse captures the cries of the broken heart:
I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain is the healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on
I'm barely holdin' on to you
I'm hangin' on another day
Just to see what you will throw my way
And I'm hangin' on to the words you say
You said that I will, will be ok
Are you broken? God promises His healing in Psalm 143:7:
"He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds."
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Chris Tomlin - Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
This week as I walked through the backwash of sin in someone's life, I was reminded of my own chained and wretched state that was broken by the grace of God through Christ. Walking in the wake of the sin's of others is so much easier than facing our own. It's easy to forget or lose sight of that grace we desperately want and so desperately need to give to others. Chris Tomlin reminds us of this amazing grace with scenes from the movie, "Amazing Grace."
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A Prayer for a Crook
This crime couldn't have come at a more challenging time in the life of our small faith community. It was money we simply did not have to lose. The folks responsible for our accounts payable and receipts ministries pride themselves on transparency and accountability in the area of finances, so do our elders. Every church should. So they take this very seriously and you can imagine how disappointed they felt upon the news. It happened on their "watch" so to speak. However, there was nothing they could have done to prevent the crime. In fact it was their financial diligence that discovered the crime!
I was really frustrated and angered by this crime. I felt like we had been violated and we had. In my anger, I was ready to pray the imprecatory prayers of the psalmist that were prayed over enemies in the Old Testament. I was more than ready to ask God to judge this person and bring them to my idea of justice. It would've been a punitive prayer. I'm glad I did not pray it.
It occurred to me that while I may not forge/alter checks, or steal mail, I am still guilty of cheating/robbing God. We all are! Think about it. We regularly rob God of our time, gifts and talents. We have no trouble giving 6 to 8 hours a week supporting our football team, or going to the gym, but we can hardly justify giving Him a little more than an hour in weekly worship. We cheat God by professing His will and direction for our lives then live in ways that are totally disobedient to His Word. We cheat God by claiming all of the benefits of salvation and a relationship with Christ, but fail to pattern our lives after His example and teaching. We cheat God whenever we engage in judgment of another human. We cheat God whenever we gossip. We cheat God when we have a critical spirit. We cheat God when we laugh and forward a sexist or prejudice joke. We cheat God when we spend 14-20 hours a week watching television, but can't spend one hour reading His Word. We cheat God every time we walk past a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbor who does not know Christ as Lord and we fail to talk to them about it. There are so many more examples, but you get the idea.
So before I could pray for the person who stole from our church I had to spend a lot of time in personal confession. Now I'm ready to pray for the person who stole from our church.
"Lord, I am a sinner, have mercy on me. I come before you in the name of Jesus and ask for your mercy, grace and compassion to be poured out on the person who did this. I cannot imagine how broken, hurt and desperate they must be to have acted in this way. Give them the courage to come forward and confess what they've done to You. As they confess, I trust You to prick and guide their conscience as to what they should do about it. Protect their spouse and children from their crime. Reveal Your love for them in ways they have never seen, or experienced. They are obviously in desperate need so I ask for your provision. If we know the person who did this, sensitize our hearts to their obvious needs and use us to meet those needs whether we discover they did this or not. Forgive me for wishing anything but your direction for their lives. Lavish your love on them. May they be overwhelmed with the love of Christ through Your church. Protect them from harm as they process and consider what they've done. If they have done this to others as well, I pray you will bring restoration and comfort upon those victims too. Lord, it is hard to love an enemy and 'turn the other check', but Jesus said we must. Give us a spirit of love and pity that sees the pain of the one who committed this crime. May You be glorified through this in whatever way You can. Amen."
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
"Cling To" Promises
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
A friend wrote it on a card and God used it to remind me that ours is a patient hope rooted in prayer despite life's problems and challenges. These "cling to" or "go to" verses are like salve or aloe poured onto blistered or burned skin. They bring comfort, encouragement, strength and affirmation of our faith in God. Every Christ-follower should have a "cling to" verse and they should change as we move through the seasons of life. Here are a few I've had over the years:
22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
23they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him." 25The LORD is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul who seeks him.
26 It is good that one should wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3:22-26)
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act. (Psalm 37:3-4)
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. (Jeremiah 29:11-12)
16Thus says the LORD:"Stand by the roads, and look,
and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way is; and walk in it,
and find rest for your souls. (Jeremiah 6:16a)
Having a difficult time right now? Lonely? Depressed? Uncertain? Worried or anxious about something? Feeling hopeless as you walk with someone down the road of illness? Upset, angry, disappointed? Joyful, grateful, thankful? Whatever you are going through rest assured God's Word can speak to your situation. Search the Scriptures and find a verse that speaks to your situation and "cling to" it. Make sure you read the larger passage so you have a proper perspective on it and aren't just pulling something out of context. Write it down and carry it with you. Use "post-its" and put it in multiple places you will see it throughout the day. Read it out loud and pray over it. I promise God's Word will speak to you. It has spoken to me over and over throughout the years.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
From the Blogroll.....
- David Head on gloomy days and God's mercy at Ponder Anew
- Mark Driscoll on Positives, Negatives and Neutrals in Leadership
- Marketing guru Seth Godin on empathy
- Latest Link/website worthy of your time: Charity Water.org via Tall Skinny Kiwi blogger Andrew Jones from down under.
- And over at Out of Ur, Collin Hansen writes about Tim Keller's latest book, Counterfeit Gods which should make all of us stop and really think about the idols in our lives.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Violent Crime or Violent Sin?
The teenage squabble involved a video game and a bicycle. It blossomed into revenge during a chance encounter and ended in the near-fatal torching of a 15-year-old boy, the Broward County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday.
Some of the teens charged in the attack laughed when investigators confronted them, the sheriff's office said.
Four 15-year-old boys and one 13-year-old accosted Michael Brewer of Deerfield Beach, Fla., accusing him of being a snitch for calling the cops on their leader, whom the sheriff's office identified as the local bully.
Brewer tried to leave, but the gang doused him with alcohol and set him on fire, authorities said. Flames burned 80% of his body, especially his torso and arms, and seared off much of his hair, including his eyebrows, family members said.
According to investigators, Matthew Bent, 15, whom they identified as the organizer of the attack, shouted, "Pour it on him!" as other splashed the victim with alcohol.
Brewer tore off his shirt and jumped into an apartment complex pool. He later was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's burn center, where he is listed in critical condition with mostly second-degree burns, officials said.
"This is just an incredibly cruel thing, that anybody could have possibly done this to another human being," said Dr. Nicholas Namias, director of the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Burn Center.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Honest Abe: The Sin of Silence
- Someone tells a joke in poor taste...we simply say nothing even though we're not amused.
- We overhear someone at church, or a neighbor gossiping and do not nip or correct it.
- We talk about someone we know to others instead of talking to them face to face.
- We freeze when someone makes a racial or clearly prejudicial statement. We reason it's better to let ignorance prove itself.
- A Christ-follower offers inaccurate information about a politician or celebrity and we sit quietly.
- Someone passes on one of those (usually politically motivated) urban legends or myths and we forward it to others without ever confirming it's truth on Snopes or similar truth-telling websites.
- A friend cites facts about pending legislation or a specific politician that is just flat out wrong. We reason it's not worth the time even though we know according to fact check.org they are completely wrong.
We don't set out to sin by silence. It actually starts slowly. One, two, three and then before we know it a thousand comments or conversations have passed us by without correction, challenge or dispute. Usually our silence is motivated by a desire to remain in the shadows, or to be polite and not ruffle feathers.
Just the other day a well-meaning, public servant and fellow Christ-follower brought up the citizenship question of President Obama and declared that his birth certificate had been falsified. He said it with so much conviction and force that I sat in silence hoping the moment would pass. Even though our conversation was about something else, why didn't I challenge his comments? Why didn't I call him by name and open my computer and take him to documentation that proves this rumor is completely and totally false? Why did I sin in silence? By the way if you want to see it click here: Factcheck.org
Christ-followers are to be truth tellers. We are supposed to be known for the truth and erring on the side of truth. We don't get a pass for taking the road of least resistance because it's uncomfortable or unpopular to challenge something we know is not true or accurate. I don't have to know how the Apostle Peter felt by that fire in the outer courtyard when he denied the truth. Sitting in silence is no different than the denial of truth.
May God forgive us when we fail to speak up or challenge known falsehoods, lies and pure rumor or gossip. May He prick our conscience so we that we confess our failures when it happens so we don't allow ourselves to become anesthetized to a life of silence. And may He give us the humility to make sure that whenever we do challenge or speak to a falsehood, rumor or lie that our motivation and words are in love! Paul writing in Ephesians 4 sums it up for those of us who follow Christ:
15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
Monday, October 05, 2009
Humble vs. Humble
Pastor Mark Driscoll calls on the saints of Mars Hill to be a humble people and church. Would to God all of our churches would be like this because each of us pursues humility. May it be so, may it be so in your church and mine.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Happy Golden Anniversary SHBC! - My 1st Church
Southern Heights Baptist Church in Lexington, KY, took a chance on a young, green, zealous seminary student in 1991. Tenured saints loved, nurtured, admonished and encouraged me in my formative days of pastoral ministry. I owe these precious people a debt I cannot repay. They made an investment in my family and my ministry. They patiently endured my very average preaching and teaching. They taught me more about pastoral ministry and doing “life together” than they will ever realize. They loved my wife who had never served in the critical and all too often lonely role as a pastor’s partner in ministry. They loved my kids and poured the love of God and His Word into them.
Each church where I’ve served on the pastoral staff is still precious to me. You invest so much in the churches where you minister and you leave a piece of yourself with each. That’s a good thing because it means we invest our lives in them instead of treating them as a “9 to 5” job. Yes, every church where a minister serves has its own set of challenges and conflict, but each place of service has brought us far more joy and growth than disappointment or pain.
For 50 years this congregation (“the little church on the hill”) in the heart of Lexington has loved people through fellowship, worship and missions. They have weathered their share of conflict, heartache, joy, challenge, and kept the faith. They have always had a heart for ministry and missions.
I’m a better person, Christ-follower and pastor because of their patience, prayers and nurture. They are poised for great things under the leadership of their current pastor, Dr. Terry Leap. Thanks to the sinners and saints (many who’ve gone on to heaven) of SHBC for their faithfulness, correction, growth, encouragement, support and prayers over the years. We are grateful to God for you. Happy Anniversary and may the blessings of God be yours!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Is Sorrow Your Enemy or Friend?
Not long ago I heard a speaker ask, “Is sorrow your friend or your enemy?” It really challenged me. More times in my life I’ve treated sorrow, disappointment, heartache and challenge as my enemy instead of learning valuable lessons from them. Sorrow can be a great teacher if we will learn from it.
Do you run from sorrow or pain? Do you ignore it and hope it will just go away? Do you treat it lightly and without regard? Do you suppress it as if to say it does not affect your life? Now that last one is really amusing because sorrow affects EVERY one of us and eventually accumulates when we dismiss or ignore it. There are many responses to sorrow and most of them are not positive. But there are some positives we can take away from our sorrows.
Sorrow gives every Christ-follower an opportunity to exercise their faith. It doesn’t mean we ignore or deny the existence of sorrow as if to say that Christ-followers are immune to it. Let’s remember our Lord’s heart was deeply troubled and filled with sorrow. Isaiah (53) even refers to Him as the “Man of Sorrows”. I take great comfort in knowing Jesus, God’s very own Son experienced sorrow. It means He understands and knows how sorrow affects us!
I want to challenge you to make sorrow your friend. I don’t mean walk around in a terminal melancholy state like the character “Eyeore” from Winnie the Pooh. We need to learn from our sorrow. We need to let sorrow speak and guide us. Sorrow has taught me some enduring lessons in patience, prayer, faith, second-chances, grace, and even darkness. When we embrace sorrow we acknowledge that God is Lord over ALL things. I know I forget that when sorrow is trying to swallow me.
This perspective is very different from the world’s view of sorrow. However, when we embrace sorrow we recognize that God is so much bigger. I’m not saying it doesn’t affect us, but if we begin to see God over (sovereign) our sorrow we no longer have to live afraid, or on the run from it. We trust God. And that is probably the greatest difference between those who befriend sorrow and those who don’t. During my winter to spring illness this year I learned to trust God in the face of sorrow. I still had a tough road to travel, but it was much different from the past when I often surrendered to sorrow. Trust God, it works!
Embracing sorrow makes joy full, real and more meaningful. And joy makes all the difference in daily living.
Monday, September 21, 2009
UNSUBSCRIBE!
Tired ideas, dated concepts and the sarcastic cynicism or wisecracks from the leaders' presentation turned me off. It turned off my friend as well. So when I got an email from them yesterday soliciting a conference under the same name, but in new clothing, I exercised my right to “UNSUBSCRIBE”. Poof their gone and they will never get a chance to market, position, advertise or talk to me again. Remember, while email is impersonal, there’s an aspect where it’s very personal. Think about it: you get to someone’s laptop or computer in the privacy of their office, workplace or home. Years before you never made it past the mailbox before it found its way into the circular file. They agreed to accept your announcements or emails when they gave you their email address. However, the window of opportunity is only open for a short time. Failure to meet a need, or perceived irrelevance quickly becomes the basis for “unsubscribing”.
People “unsubscribe” from everything. Businesses, churches, schools, volunteer organizations, doctors, and even government regularly experience the “unsubscribe” movement. It may not be through email. Many “unsubscribe” with their feet, checkbooks, or presence. It’s why first impressions or experiences count.
When people “unsubscribe” from a businesses, or church they are telling us that something is wrong. When we fail to acknowledge it we are like the cook in the kitchen who refuses to admit the low tips his waiters/waitresses are getting has anything to do with the sub-par, or cold food he’s putting out. Poor service, or a less than desired experience can prompt someone to “unsubscribe”. Yes, sometimes expectations are unrealistic, or the “unsubscribe” action is based on a misperception. However most of the time the “unsubscribe” action is valid. All the more reason to make sure we aren’t advertising something we are unable to deliver.
When people check out we need to find out why. Sure, we may not always be able to change, or adjust to their concerns, especially if it’s over a stated value, or the organization’s mission, but we need to be willing to listen and learn. Wise is the leader who doesn’t take every “unsubscribe” personally, but takes it to heart as he/she assesses his/her organization, business or church.
Friday, September 18, 2009
By Your Side - Tenth Avenue North
No matter how bad it may seem He's by your side! Let the music and lyrics of 10th Avenue North remind all of us that God's presence through Christ is the work and promise of the cross.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Problem of Presumption in The Racial Dialogue
Trying to encourage open dialogue on race and gender differences a seminary professor of mine used to say, "We all have biases, presuppositions and prejudices, it's to what degree." His point was that we all have them and the first step is to acknowledge them. Here's an example. As a white, middle-aged American male, I must admit that "avoidance" is the first thought that enters my mind when I see a tinted and tricked out car full of young Hispanics, or African American teens with loud music. Busted! My presupposition is wrong. Without personally knowing any of the teens, I immediately jump to doubt and skepticism. My court of opinion condemns them to a juvenile detention center without any evidence. That's wrong. Oh I suppose I could rationalize my thoughts by pointing out that I have friends of color who have said they have the same reaction in similar circumstances, but that takes the responsibility off me. I might even add that I have the same reaction if the teens in the car are white, but the fact remains that I come to the situation with unfounded presuppositions. We all do. Why is that so hard to admit?
What do you suppose the reaction would be if we asked Rev. Al Sharpton to speak to an all white, congregation in the deep South on Sunday? Let's be fair. What do you suppose the reaction would be if Congressman Joe Wilson of SC was invited to speak at an African American church in Harlem, NY? Our answers would be purely subjective and speculative.
One of the biggest problems with discussions about race is our tendency to read more into comments people make without knowing them personally. Equally wrong is when we pretend to know or judge someones motives. Syndicated columnist Maureen Dowd seems to have done just that with SC Republican Congressman, Joe Wilson, suggesting that what the Congressman intended to say when he yelled out "You lie," during the President's address to a joint session of Congress last week was "You lie, boy." You can read Dowd's commentary for yourself here. Perhaps I've misread her point.
Maureen Dowd makes me think. I don't always agree with her, but her writing makes me think critically. I think that's a good thing. However, she has crossed the line and moved from analysis to presumption. I don't know Congressman Wilson. His comments were rude, out of place, and lacked civil decorum and I told him as much in an email to his congressional office within minutes of the joint session. He apologized to the President for his outburst and the President accepted his apology. The House of Representatives felt that was not enough and voted to rebuke Wilson largely along party lines. However, let's be clear, the Congressman did not say "You lie boy." Dowd has presumed to know the Congressman's heart and exactly what he was thinking when he opened his mouth and inserted his foot. Her critique is equally as dangerous because it presumes to state something that only Congressman Wilson knows for sure and that is the motives behind his outburst.
Equally disturbing are the recent comments by former President Carter who stated that he also believes racism was behind Wilson's comments. Read his comments here. I respect his opinion, and am well aware of his efforts to bridge the racial divide, but I must disagree with him. Unless, President Carter knows Congressman Wilson personally and knows him to be a racist, his opinion is equally inflammatory and presumptuous. President Carter has reminded all of us that race is still an issue we need to discuss and address. He is right. However, his remarks would have been better served in a face to face meeting with the Congressman instead of a headline-grabbing comment in a public forum with the media in attendance. Public arm-chair quarterbacking on serious issues like race is dangerous. It's dangerous because opposite sides can't sit down and look each other in the eye. It's a one-sided argument because both sides aren't sitting at the table of discussion and debate. When that happens we attempt to speak for someone else without giving them the opportunity to do so.
Ms. Dowd and the former president appear to know Congressman Wilson very well. But someone who knows the Congressman better than any of us, his son, strongly disagrees with their opinion and assessment. His comments are based on a personal and intimate relationship with the Congressman for many years. It's been said that you don't know a person until you live with them. It would seem the adult son's card of experience trumps the opinions of a former president and noted journalist. See the son's comments here.
Dowd, Wilson and the former president aside, my point is that we must have an ongoing dialogue in our country about racial differences. We must be open and honest about our struggles or concerns with race. Conjecture, opinion and judgmental assesments is no substitute for truth. And truth cannot be discerned until we talk to each other and get to know each other. There's nothing wrong with opinions, but when they replace fact based on experience they can become lightning rods to start fires that will never be extinguished.
Years ago while in seminary I had the opportunity to travel much of the Holy Land with a very diverse group of theological students, community and business leaders from the U.S. One thing I couldn't help but notice was how very "white" I was in the land where Jesus walked and taught. I stood out. I began to see Jesus differently. His words and actions took on a whole new meaning to me. While I knew Jesus was a dark-skinned, Palestinian born, Jew, I could not fully appreciate it until I walked where He walked. Racially I was an outsider. Racially I was in the minority. Racially I stood out among the many beautiful people I met. I'll never forget the hospitality shown to us near Mt. Horeb (Sinai) by a Bedouin, Palestinian family. These people of a different religion and race insisted that we come inside their little home for dandelion tea! They served all 25+ of us on that dirt floor. They showed hospitality to total strangers. It struck me how very much like Jesus they were acting to people who talked and looked very different from them. It was very humbling. They simply chose to focus on the needs of another human being, not color, language or ethnic background. How very Jesus (Luke 10:25ff)!
Maybe it's time the world (let's start with Congress) sat down for some dandelion tea.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Headlines and Other Notes
Here's some observations and/or comments on some recent headlines and some web links to help you reach your own opinion.
- Rest in peace Patrick Swayze you fought a valiant battle
- Theologian Al Mohler is right, the gospel cannot be reduced to "being a good person".
- Kanye you need help. I hope you get it.
- SC Congressman Wilson has apologized to the President and he accepted. Time to move on.
- Governor Sanford, it's time. Your administration is paralyzed and no longer taken seriously.
- Carolina and Clemson fans take heart, your teams played hard and there's a lot of season left.
- The "Fall Classic" is fast approaching as MLB heads toward the playoffs. Baseball, truly American.
- The FBI reports that violent crime is down nationwide, but property crime is up.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Waiting, Longing and Loving
When we come home Hogan can be found waiting just inside the door. He’s smart too. He knows the sounds of our cars and the garage door so he knows whether it’s family or not. When it’s family you can open the door and he’s got his head lowered like a bull, does a little dance and then extends a paw to you as if to shake, or invite you to dance with him. He just drinks you in with unconditional love and a welcome that says, “I don’t care what you just left, or what kind of day you’re having I’m thrilled your home and I love you very much, now how about some food?”
Most of the time you can feel the entry mat just inside the door and it’s very warm. Hogan actually lays at the spot closest to where we’ve been before leaving. He wants to be near. I know it’s true because my wife says he does this whenever I leave. Oh yeah, sometimes he sits at the back door and cries for us.
Recently I read the three “lost” parables that Jesus told in Luke 15 about the lost sheep, lost coin and the lost son. In each case the owner lost something of great value and searched for it, or in the case of the father losing the son, longed for him. Did you know God feels this way about us? He searches, waits and longs for us. He desires our presence, worship and affection. We are His delight.
Sometimes I leave the house and my thoughts aren’t about God. I have things to do, people to see, meetings, phone calls and many things on my mind. I walk out the door heading into a tough world and leave Jesus at the door, much like I do our dog, Hogan. More often than not, we do this mentally, spiritually or emotionally. We don’t intend to leave Jesus, but we become so immersed in our “stuff” that we begin to exclude Him. And the more we do it, the farther away we get from Him. And He waits. He waits for my return and yours. He longs to be with us. He longs to go with us. He longs for us.
No matter how far we’ve drifted or wandered He delights in our return. When we return more than a wagging tail, bowed head, or extended paw greets us. God’s delight in the return of His children is pure celebration. The imagery Jesus uses to describe it is party language in Luke 15:
20And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.
Hogan’s daily greetings are wonderful, but they don’t even come close to the way God greets us when we return to Him. Has the distance grown farther between you and God? No matter how far you’ve drifted, or how long it’s been, He’s waiting and longing to lavish His love on you. Open your heart to His love.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Youngest Steeler
This courageous little girl wears a green wristband with the acronym, F.R.O.G., which stands for Fully Rely on God. She has captured the hearts of the entire Steelers team. While I'm not a Steelers fan because of my beloved Colts, I've got to give it up for the Steelers. In a day and age when we seem to hear more about arrests records and court appearances by professional athletes it's refreshing to find some good news. We need to be reminded that the majority of professional athletes aren't selfish, careless thugs only bent on money. In fact, most of them are father's, son's, brothers, and husbands. They have family struggles like all of us. Read the story below how these massive and healthy pro athletes have adopted this real-life hero. While cancer has ravaged Heather's body with countless treatments and surgeries, it has not stolen her heart. May her courage and attitude encourage you. Just click on the link below:
Heather Miller and the Steelers
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Church Dragons
Wanna know more about the dragons? Shelly identifies around 10, but there are more. For the tenured Christ-followers and church members among us see if you recognize any of these:
- The Bird Dog-Always points out things ministers should focus on, or address. They complain a lot and few of them ever offer to be part of a solution. The rarer breed of Superspiritual Bird Dog couches everything in spiritual terms and often leaves those in ministry defensive. Their criticism is usually caustic but veiled in spiritual language so it never comes off quite as an attack of complete arrogance. Superspiritual Bird Dog's always have to comment, or offer their opinion and they never seek spiritual help or advice.
- The Wet Blanket-"We've always done it this way," is there motto. They complain and drain the very life out of leaders. They want things to stay the same. Change rattles their security. Their disposition is like the Pooh character, Eyeore. This dragon is downright negative. You wonder if they have ever experienced pure joy.
- Captain Bluster-All the subtleness of a Bulldog puppy. He's right and everyone else is wrong. Don't try and teach new concepts or even challenge. Disagreement is not only viewed as division and disunity, but outright threat. Loud and loves to share her/his views in public settings so many people can hear. Shelly says, "This kind of a person is a steamroller who flattens anyone in hhis way with his overwhelming certainty that his is the only way to do it."
- The Entrepreneur-You can't turn him/her off. Always eager to meet new people, greet, and serve. Especialky in hospitality because they are always searching for their next sales call. Whether it's vitamins, long distance phone service, or a network purchasing club, they see church members and attenders as potential clients. This dragon will turn people off. Most will simply run and never return.
- The Fickle Financier-Always uses money/finances to influence decisions and register his/her approval or disapproval. Pastors salaries and benefits are especially on their radar. The spiritual temperature of the congregation can be through the roof, but if giving is behind budget someone will be getting a call. They either give a lot, which convinces them they should decide where all of it goes, or they actually give none to little, but talk a good line. Those with money like to throw their weight around and all of them have control issues.
- The BusyBody-Need I explain? This person enjoys telling others how to do their jobs and has the scoop on every one else. He/she is just looking for an eager ear to unload a juicy tidbit. This is perhaps one of the most dangerous dragons of all.
- The Sniper-An artist at picking off pastors and leaders without ever meeting them face to face. Favorite position is the "behind the back" attack. Has never read Matthew 18:15ff. Potshots and negative remarks, sometimes veiled in spiritual language is an artform for these dragons. They love everything about conflict except facing it. Combine this dragon with one who has BusyBody characteristics and you've got an Rx for congregational cancer.
- The Legalist-Catches every jot and tittle, as well as typos in church publications, websites and song slides. Is a legal beagle, or stickler for processes to the extreme. They live on absolutes but the list is rarely applied to themselves. They cite the church by-laws and Roberts Rules of Order more than they do Jesus, or Scripture. To watch them in action you wonder how God ever birthed and moved His church without a committee, or 27-page vision plan and six month process that rarely has prayer among its agenda.
Dragons destroy excitement and joy. They drain the life out of you and sidetrack your purpose and mission. They sap strength and energy from the Body. Most of the time dragons are people in deep pain, or living conflicted lives. For many these issues stem from childhood, their parents, or some source of pain, or dysfunction. Dragons are among the most difficult people to love. But loving them is not optional. In fact, I believe it's foundational.
Dragons need help, encouragement, truth spoken in love and leaders with backbone. Fortunately, our elders wear asbestos clothing, have and will confront dragons when necessary. I've seen reformed dragons become incredible forces for Christ and the church. I've also watched many a dragon slip off into caves of misery, depression, or uncontrolled anger. Sometimes their attacks are personal and other times they have nothing to do with you specifically, but what the leader represents. I have also found that most of the time when a dragon blows its fire on a leader, it usually does not personally know the leader and makes assumptions, or jumps to conclusions that just aren't true. One dragon in a very large church where I served routinely attacked our pastor as not being personal. Nothing could have been further from the truth. But when I peeled back the layers I discovered the dragon really didn't know our pastor.
If you've got a dragon in your life (they aren't confined to churches) whether it's at work, family, your child's little league team, band boosters, or your neighborhood, remember to live biblically. In other words, don't let the dragon dictate how you are going to respond to their fire-belching attacks. He/she can't control how we choose to respond. Shelly is spot on when he quotes Jonathan Edwards, "Resolved: that all men should live for the glory of God. Resolved second: that whether others do or not, I will."
Got a dragon in your life?
- pray for them,
- tell God about it and ask for His wisdom and advice
- practice speaking the truth in love
- never meet alone with a a dragon and document all communication
- if possible get to know them better and vice versa
- You are responsible for your response but NOT their words and actions
- You can't "fix" them, only God can
- Know when you are tired, cranky or vulnerable and susceptible to a dragon attack
- Read about them, or their personality type in leadership and organizational culture books, articles, and websites----do your homework
- love them unconditionally while practicing biblical forgiveness and reconciliation
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
A Patriot Starts Patriot Golf Day
A few years ago Major Rooney was on a flight carrying the remains of an Army Corporal who was killed while serving in Iraq. As the plane landed, the pilot spoke. "We have the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin on board, and his twin brother Corporal Brad Bucklin has accompanied him home from Iraq. As a sign of respect, please remain seated while we honor Corporal Bucklin and his sacrifice," the pilot requested over the intercom.
Rooney was moved to tears when he looked out the window and saw the flag-draped coffin being unloaded from the rear of the plane. The deceased soldier’s family was on hand for the procession to the hearse. Rooney had barely composed himself when he looked back to discover over half the plane had debarked ignoring the pilots simple and respectful request for this hero. It was at that moment that Rooney decided to do something proactive in light of the disrespect he had just witnessed. He started Folds of Honor, a non-profit organization providing scholarships to the spouses and children of military service members disabled or killed in service. Patriot Golf Day is one of the largest fundraisers for the non-profit organization. In partnership with the PGA and USGA, Patriot Golf Day has raised $3 million in donations from golfers across the country. The funds provided over 550 scholarships.
Patriot Golf Day is held on Labor Day weekend (September 4-7). Golfers of all ages are simply asked to add $1 to their greens fees at participating golf courses. The funds will go directly to the scholarships for the spouses and children of service men and women who have been disabled or killed in action.
So even if you don’t golf, drop by a the pro shop at your local golf course on Labor Day weekend and donate a $1.
A big salute to Maj. Dan Rooney who turned his righteous anger over his fellow passengers’ disrespect into something that honors our fallen heroes and helps their families!