Monday, December 27, 2010

New Year's Resolutions

I'm not big on New Year's resolutions. You know the list of 10 things that are too difficult, too easy, or impossible to fulfill. Okay so all my Franklin Organizer, Stephen Covey, John Maxwell types just hit escape on their computers and are gone. That's okay. There's nothing wrong with resolutions and annual goals. They are worthy and admirable. We all need goals.

Several years ago basketball coaching great Jim Valvano was battling cancer when he gave his famed speech at the ESPY awards. In his speech Jimmy V encouraged everyone to do three things every day of their life: laugh, use your mind and cry. He said that if you can finish a day with those three elements it's been a "pretty good day". To laugh and smile at something means you've invested emotion. To engage your mind in something worthwhile and challenging is productive. To cry or shed a tear demonstrates a compassionate heart that hasn't grown cold through indifference, cycnicsm or bitterness.

If you think about it the coach was in pretty good company. In Matthew 22, a Pharisee tries to trick Jesus by asking Him which is the greatest of all the commandments. Jesus answers:

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

What if we tried to live like this every day? Now there's a New Year's resolution that would make a difference!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Just Like That!

Isn't it amazing how one word, one smile, a thought, song, a scene from a movie, or a familiar fragrance can turn a bad day, week, or month into a good one? I don't know about you, but I have the obnoxious habit of caring about people. Pastors are burden bearer's and I come by it honestly. Both of my parents have high mercy gifts. There's nothing wrong with caring about others. It's an admirable trait. However, when you become overwhelmed and consumed with the failures, disappointments, heartaches and problems of others, in addition to your own, you can drown. My Mom is always good at reminding me that, "you are not responsible for the response, or actions of others."

Recently I've struggled under the weight of bearing the burdens of others. Some of these burdens have been due to poor decisions and life choices, and other heavy hearts have been through no fault of their own. I've discovered that a heavy heart is a heavy heart regardless who or what is responsible.

I'm not a well of compassion, but sometimes I really wish I didn't care. It would make life much easier if I just focused on me instead of those around me. I really do envy people who can do that even though it's not exactly admirable. Recently I ran into a friend as she was entering her workplace. I could tell she had been crying. I spoke to her, but didn't want to upset her even more so I opted to send her an email later. All night I thought about what could've been making my friend so upset that she would cry. I even mentioned it to Teri whenI got home. I couldn't let go of my friends pain. It didn't feel good at all to see her hurting. The next day I got to spend some time with her as she shared her latest struggle. We considered some possible solutions and pretty soon we were laughing.

I was working on my laptop at a local coffee house and processing some of these concerns when my daughter surprised me. I knew she was coming home for Christmas break, but I didn't expect to see her until I got home later in the day. I was her first stop! I saw her smile and it was like oil to desert chaffed hands. Everything I was worried about suddenly seemed to slip away if only for moment. Suddenly my empty, heavy heart was full of pure joy. She became my burden-bearer without even realizing it!

Scripture says Jesus bore our burdens when He was crucified. Jesus is the ultimate burden bearer. Think about it, He was born to die. Now He didn't die to make us feel good about ourselves. He died to reconcile the world to God and bring Him glory. By dying for us, Jesus lifted the heaviest burden of all to the human heart and that is eternal separation from God.

Who would've ever believed a baby born in a borrowed manger for a craddle would bear the burdens of the world? That's crazy. It makes no sense. Exactly!

If you are a Christ-follower then like me, you are called to be a burden bearer. What better time of year to share a smile, hold a door, assist a neighbor, listen to a friend, offer a hug, drop an unexpected note or email to someone who isn't expecting it! Just like my daughter did for me, you can be a burden bearer without even realizing it. Just like that you can lighten someone's load. In Galatians 6:2, the Apostle Paul summed it up like this:

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Friday, December 10, 2010

BADD: Christianese


A friend sent me this and it's just too good not to share!

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Monday, December 06, 2010

A Christmas Memory

Like most seminarian's 20 years ago we had no disposable income. That's part of the refining and shaping experience of seminary (living by faith and not by sight, learning to trust God for everything, etc.,), but that's another blog. At the time we had a young son, multiple jobs, used public transportation to cut costs and carried a full load of classes. Pizza on a Friday night with a video rental was a major deal!

Before seminary we had a house and careers in the suburbs. Upon moving to Louisville we decided to keep our equity going so we bought a smaller house in the heart of the city. It was very different from the suburbs. The house was very old, drafty and the neighborhood was, well it was rough compared to the burbs. We still laugh at the two brothers in the brownstone across the street who caught their 3rd floor apartment on fire by drying out their marijuana. "Toto we're not in Kansas anymore."

Even though it was much less, the pressure of a mortgage was still incredibly challenging on a seminary budget. However, we were grateful for God's provision. But no matter how hard we tried there just wasn't a lot of money. We would've never made it without the support of both of our parents. Their prayers, financial, physical, and emotional support was priceless.

Shortly before that first Christmas we met my in-laws at the outlets to do some Christmas shopping. Teri had made many sacrifices to prepare for our seminary days and I wanted to give her something special for Christmas, but we had no money. I remember going into a Christmas store that specialized in hand-made figurines, paintings, sculptures and nativities. I spotted a beautiful sculpture of Joseph and Mary. She was riding a donkey and holding heaven's infant, God incarnate. It was so simple, but so profound. I had to get it for Teri, but I only had about $5 in my pocket and we hadn't even met for lunch at the food court!

I made the decision to violate our family covenant not to use charge cards! I had to have that figurine for my wife. As they gently wrapped it, I signed the charge receipt (scanners weren't even around back then) knowing full well I did not have the funds to pay for it. It violated all common sense, but I couldn't imagine a Christmas with nothing to give her. You should've seen her face when she opened it. It was like a diamond, or fine jewelry. She was holding the infant babe that represented the center of our lives and family. Imagine my surprise a few weeks before Christmas when the church where I served as youth pastor gave me a $50 for Christmas, the exact amount of the figurine!

For over 20 years that figurine has been prominently displayed in our home 365 days a year! For us, it is more than a Christmas decoration. It reminds us what life is really about. At Christmas we put it in a different place, or feature it with greenery, etc. It is a constant reminder of God's provision on that first seminary Christmas and His constant faithfulness in the years since. And some of those have been tough years, but He has remained faithful. It reminds us that Christmas is about giving and that God gave first.

BTW we still don't use our charge cards without agreement and having the funds in the bank to be able to cover it.

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

The Problem is ME!

Isn't it amazing just how easily we turn on God's foundational command that we love Him above all else with all our heart, soul, mind and strength? There's a reason this command is the first. God deserves, expects and demands that we glorify Him more than anything/anyone else. However, while we affirm the command, recite and teach it, we regularly disregard this foundational command and truth. We readily substitute our will, desire, opinions and thoughts for God's. Sin is like that, it blinds us to spiritual truths. We regularly shift glory for God to things, or people without even realizing it. While it is nearly always subtle and unintentional we don't get a pass on our obligation to put God first.

In a chapter on sin, Tim Keller writes in his classic, "The Reason for God":

To glorify something or someone is to praise, enjoy, and delight in them. When something is useful you are attracted to it for what it can bring you or do for you. But if it is beautiful, then you enjoy it simply for what it is. Just being in its presence is its own reward. To glorify someone is also to serve or defer to him or her. Instead of sacrificing their interests to make yourself happy, you sacrifice your interests to make them happy. Why? Your ultimate joy is to see them in joy (p. 223).

In self-centeredness we demand that others orbit around us (p. 223).

Idolatry is rampant. Oh sure, we aren't building calves of gold in the desert, but we delude ourselves if we can't realize the "altars to self" we build every day. Think about it. Someone says something that hurts, or offends us and most of us default to self-defense. Something doesn't go our way at work, with our family, or small group and suddenly it's wrong. Is it really? May it's not totally wrong. And even if it is wrong, does my response show preference for God's glory, or self-protection/preservation? Is my worldview so warped by self that I can't see it?

Just look around. We are consumed with self-expression. You don't have to spend more than 10 minutes reading Tweets, and Face Book postings to see the truth in Keller's statement that, "In self-centeredness we demand that others orbit around us." Easy, this isn't a rant on social media, think about it, I'm writing this in a blog, my blog. And if I'm honest, I have to admit that while I attempt to bring glory to God through this blog, personal opinion, views and feelings often drive the bus more than God's glory. Isaiah's words are haunting here (Isa. 56:11b): ..."they have all turned to their own way, each one to his own gain, one and all."

There's nothing wrong with expressing an opinion, or sharing our feelings. However, we've got to admit that the lines are getting blurred among Christ-followers when it comes to expressing ourselves and putting God first. More and more people base their affiliations, service and connection to a faith community, job, leisure interest, or social circle on what's in it for them as opposed to what they can offer, give, or contribute. Pagan cultures have always put self above anything else, but God's people have been given the opportunity to put something bigger than self at the center of our actions and attitudes: God's glory, delight and will.

I don't have easy answers for this struggle, but every day I see the difference service and grace make in this area. When you serve you invest your time, energy, talents and resources. You are part of something bigger than yourself. Look around, the self-absorbed rarely have their sleeves rolled up. Instead, their arms are often folded, or worse, they are pointing fingers. Similarly, extending grace to others is a game changer. When we offer grace to people we perceive have hurt us, or with whom we disagree, we practice the very essence of what God has done toward each of us through Christ in light of our sin. Perhaps the secret to pursuing God's glory is simply to serve others and really practice unconditional love. The image of Jesus washing dirty, stinky feet on the night of His betrayal is quite sobering. No "self" in that picture. I need to wash more feet!

Monday, November 29, 2010

C'mon Stevie, Blaming God, Really?

By now most of us have seen the non-stop video clip of Buffalo Bills wide receiver, Steve Johnson dropping a game-winning pass in the end zone against the Pittsburgh Steelers during overtime on Sunday. See the video here if the NFL hasn't asked them to take it down yet.

Johnson shares a flair for the dramatic and showboating with receivers like T.O. and Ocho Cinco (formerly Chad Johnson).

Johnson was understandably upset about the dropped ball in post-game interviews. However, I don't think anyone was prepared for his post-game Tweet blaming God for the dropped pass!


I'm not sure I can even respond to this. Steve, please, you're not really blaming God for dropping a pass? Tell me you don't really believe God actually cares about football, let alone favoring one team over another? Perhaps you've been drinking the Auburn Kool-Aid of Coach Gene Chizik who referred to his Auburn Tiger's September win over Clemson as a "God-thing"?

Steve, perhaps you need to join a decent Bible study, of which there are many among NFL players to gain further insight to the things of God. You might be suprised to see that football isn't even on the list. Neither is golf, personal wealth, and the pursuit of material possessions. Actually on the latter Jesus even notes the difficulty of seeking those things and remaining righteous. Perhaps former NFL and Superbowl winning coach, and unapologetic Christ-follower, Tony Dungy can explain this to you.

Your Tweet seems to indicate that you are linking God's favor as a reward for your public praise for Him. "I praise you 24/7..." If we follow this logic/theology through, it would be like expecting to catch a touchdown pass just because you praised God. So, because you dropped the pass, it's God's fault? I see, God must be a Steelers fan. Let's see, Jesus constantly brought glory, public glory to God and yet, He was wrongfully accused, beaten, spit upon, paraded like an animal and crucified. If I follow your football pass theology then that would mean God didn't like Jesus, or made Jesus experience all of this?

Stevie, this is as crazy as when a political party claims propietery rights to God at the exclusion of another party, or candidate. If I understand this correctly it would mean that God is concerned about sports and the outcomes of sporting events at the exclusion of the things Scripture says He's concerned about: the broken,wounded, hurting, widows, orphans, social injustice, prejudice, gossip, hatred, malice, anger, blasphemy, justice, mercy, humility, the pursuit of righteousness, grace and uconditional love, among other things. Let me suggest you begin your biblical search in Isaiah 55:8-9 as you consider your theological Tweets.

At the end of the day, your comments are like a lot of mine. They are about you and not about God. If you read Romans 7 -8 you will discover that we imperfect and flawed humans tend to do that. We make ourselves (even things like football games, or our teams) the center of attention, instead of God. Thanks Steve, you've reminded me of a simple, but important biblical truth, this is about God, NOT me.

An oldie but goodie from Straight No Chaser

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Reilly The Band - Sunlight

Sunlight, Daybreak by John M. Reilly Jr

You are the treasure that I am after
Some look for riches, some look for power
Just give me eyes to behold your beauty
To keep me lost in wonder after wonder

You are the father of every prodigal
Running into the arms of sick and soiled souls
You make me whiter than the winter's snow
You cover over the ashes on the inside

Sunlight
Daybreak
Chasing all my shadows away

You're in the whisper between two lovers
Igniting passion long after the altar
You are the reason I sing
You are the reason I sing

Sunlight
Daybreak
Chasing all my shadows away

You shine a white light into my blind eyes
And now I've seen you truly for the first time
This revelation of my desperation
Brings me to Calvary, brings me to salvation
You resurrect me, You rearrange me
You make my heart beat to another symphony
You've pursued me like you think I'm worthy
And savior now I know that I do not deserve this

Sunlight
Daybreak
Chasing all my shadows away

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Jesus Has Left the Building!

Jesus Has Left the Building!
What Happens When Christians Choose Not to Pray


Join us at MCF for this special prayer renewal weekend, Nov. 12-14

Prayer should play a vital role in the life of every Christ-follower and church. What happens when it doesn't? How does prayer make a difference? Is it that important for the church?

Friday Worship @ 7pm (Meal @ 6pm)
Saturday 9-11am
Sunday Worship @ 9:45 (Coffee at 9:30)
Childcare provided



Dr. Craig Loscalzo will be leading our worship and conference weekend. Craig is a pastor, author and a former preaching professor at Southern Seminary. He is one of the most dynamic communicators of the Gospel.

Click the link for address & directions to: Mosaic Community Fellowship

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Blog Break

30 Day Blog Break

Time to break the weekly rhythm of deadlines. Time to feed the mind, body and soul with a much needed break in the routine. I'm taking a blog break. See you in mid-October.

Questions or thoughts for Christ-followers like me to consider during the break:
  • How can we exalt the Savior and build-up His church in practical ways? What would it really look like in a faith community? How would it affect our speech, relationships and actions? How would it change the world (our local community) in which we live?
  • What would it look like if we really practiced the biblical concept and mandate of reconciliation? Would we lower our guard, bear our souls and practice unconditional love toward others, especially those with whom we disagree? Would we learn how to practice biblical forgiveness and restoration?
  • What would it look like if we spoke the truth in love and didn't avoid the hard conversations simply to "keep the peace and be liked"? Of course if we are going to speak truth in love we must be willing to receive it too.
  • Have we forgotten the value of confession, repentance, forgiveness and restoration?
  • How can we practice grace in our daily world?

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Sunday Evening Reflections

(Ron Dicianni's "The Servant")

I'm sure some will disagree, but these are simply my thoughts and reflections as an adult PK and 20 years of personal pastoral experience.

10 Pastoral Myths

1. Pastors can read minds
2. Pastors are loved by everyone
3. Pastors love it when people whine and complain
4. Pastors can fix a bad marriage, or wayward children
5. Pastors love unrealistic expectations
6. Pastors have Teflon hearts and feelings
7. Pastors best time to talk is right before, or after a worship service
8. Pastors have perfect children and a perfect marriage
9. Pastors are holier and just short of perfection
10. Pastors can work 24/7, 365 and rarely need a break/vacation

I love pastors, but trust me, they are all too human. They get tired, frustrated, and nervous. They are harder on themselves than most people realize and most of them really do want people to like them, but they know they are not called to be popular. They often feel inadequate and unworthy. They have as many bosses as church members. Even model pastor's can't walk on water. Like anyone else, they need to be encouraged and loved for who they are not what they do. They would rather have people be authentic instead of trying to be something they aren't, or saying what they think the pastor wants to hear. They are often some of the loneliest people I know.

Most of them were busy doing something else when God called them to a life of service. Many of them are incredibly insecure despite outward appearances. They genuinely love people and want to encourage others. They love Jesus and are at their best when people are coming to Christ, or growing in their faith. Like Peter and Paul, no two pastor's are the same, despite the goal of some well-intended but sorely misguided members who try to continually compare their current pastor with the previous one. There's never enough time for study and prayer and they always feel as though they could have done more in conflict, counseling and leading. They live in a fishbowl. If they are going to survive the long haul they need a great sense of humor. They know they are not God and don't want to be. They need friends outside of the church and time away to refuel, renew and replenish. Over the years they carry thousands of worries, troubles, heartaches and secret pains of people who have shared with them in confidence. Many work all the time because they are desperately seeking the approval of God and their members.

Pastors are a special group to me, even those with whom I disagree. May God bless every one of you and may He give you the freedom to be yourselves, a realistic sense of humor, and encourage you as much as you have encouraged others. You are making a difference and He chose you! Now that's incredibly humbling and special. Thank you pastors for all you do and may God touch your spouse and children with His wings of love!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Cultural Commens, Musings & Observations

Frightening: Last weekend’s gas line explosion in northern California and the revelation that it could happen again due to aging, vulnerable pipes across the country.

Draining: The continual parade of investigations and scandals in collegiate sports by the NCAA. There has been an sizeable shift from the NCAA helping athletes, schools and coaches to a vigilante mentality over a free lunch, or flight home for the funeral of a loved one. Yes, there are some bad eggs out there playing, prowling the sidelines with headsets and rogue boosters, but compliance with the ever changing and often extreme rules has gotten ridiculous.

Annoying: When a student, or woman young enough to be your daughter is taking your order or the cashier checking you out refers to you as: honey, babe, sweetheart, baby, precious or sug. I’m sure they don’t even realize they are saying it but it’s not flattering. Yuck!

Refreshing: The admission by Tennessee head basketball coach, Bruce Pearl that he lied and tried to cover up the truth to NCAA investigators and accepting $1.5 million dollars in fines by UT athletic officials. Finally, a coach is accountable before riding a parachute to the next school or the NBA. Kudos to Coach Pearl for his painful, public admission. Oily coaches should take note. Tennessee has set a precedent for schools in the future!

Enough: The ad nauseam and endless run of BP “back-slapping” television commercials reminding us what good corporate citizens they are and that they are still on the job in the Gulf.

Enough Already: The increasing wave of cheesy and staged SC gubernatorial television commercials. How about some creativity? Is it November 3rd yet?

Headache: The recent decision by the Philadelphia Eagles to put two players with concussions back on the field. And both failed to pass tests to clear them three days after the game in question! You haven’t heard the last of this one. Before we’re done there will be a Congressional hearing on head injuries in the NFL and college football. Minimally the NFL players union is going to have something to say about it.

Fascinating: “Sports Science” FSN's Emmy award-winning tv series hosted by John Brenkus that examines the physics, biology, and physiology behind sports. You Tube the title for a sneak peek.

Depressing: Foreclosures and unemployment rates jumped higher in the latest release of numbers.

Hopeful: Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Punitives: Mishaving Badly

"I'm going to take my toys and go home," is a phrase we associate with spoiled children. The phrase usually accompanies an event, or follows a temper tantrum because the child didn't get his/her way. I would bet that all of us can remember a similar incident from our formative years. Hopefully the memory isn't a personal testimony! Unfortunately these children grow into adults. I call the adults "punitives".

You would think as adults we grow out of the spoiled, temper-tantrum, pouting prone antics of childhood, but some people don't. All of us know someone who has made a scene, or pouted because they didn't get their way at work, socially, at church, or within a family. There are two primary, punitive tactics used by this tribe:
  • Sulking, retreat and withdrawal. The intent here is to punish with silence, or inactivity. The reasoning works like this: "I'm not getting my way so I'm going to disengage." "My idea wasn't used by the group so I'm not going to participate until it is." Best response to this tactic? Ignore it and don't validate it. Then at the appropriate time speak the truth in love.
  • Temper-tantrums. These are usually done in public in an effort to gain support for his/her cause. Unfortunately temper tantrums alienate the very people we are trying to convince of our position. No one wants to hang out with a whiner. Typically the group will turn on the "punitive" instead of taking his/her side. Best response to this tactic: Draw a strong boundary and let them know that this dysfunctional, punitive behavior will not be tolerated. Be prepared to move without them too. Remember, each person is responsible for his/her behavior. You don't have to answer for their actions, but you are responsible for your response!
As children, punitives were known as "cry babies," "whiner's," and "spoiled sports". As adults they are irresponsible, shallow, immature and self-centered. Think about it. When I pull out of my neighborhood association study committee because they didn't adopt my suggestion, I reveal that I was only committed to the group as long as I got my way. I failed to pull my wait. It's irresponsible. Sports teams, companies, civic organizations and even churches know the pain and frustration such personalities can cause.

Punitives rarely see their behavior for what it is. It's like a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The person who loses the most is the one engaging in the childish behavior. She/he loses the joy that comes from being part of something larger than self. They miss out on the natural camaraderie and shared strength teams/groups produce. She/he loses respect among their team, peers and neighbors. They also lose trust, something that's vital to organizational culture. Who wants to trust and confide in someone who continually threatens the larger group with potential punitive behavior? Teams and groups need to know that everyone is committed to the greater goal, or mission. If not, they will become suspect, and never let down their guard (transparency) with the punitive person. This creates a false relationship absent of trust.

Tactics, attitudes and actions like this are simply emotional blackmail and manipulation. Like a spoiled child adults who engage in this behavior are enabled when everyone around them caves into their actions in order to avoid a blowup, or big stink. Look back far enough and you will probably find that their parents enabled them instead of using some form of discipline. This behavior is learned at an early age.

Churches should be the last place to allow punitive behavior. It's not biblical. However, churches can be famous for enabling, or promoting dysfunctional behavior for fear of "judging" another member/follower. The church road is littered with the bodies of members, small group leaders, pastors, deacons and elders who have fallen victim to this kind of personality. Punitives thrive when they get there way. They hold groups, churches, teams and boards hostage.

I don't recall when it happened but at some point during my 20 years of pastoral ministry I realized that I wasn't going to "get my way" all the time. I knew that a long time ago, but I don't think I really believed it. Even if I was justified, or had pure motives, I had to learn that God's way is better. And His way often involves sacrifice, pain, and self-denial. However, when you realize that punitive behavior robs God of His glory, it knocks you to your knees. Or it should. And when we are on our knees we are in the right position to hear what God wants, which may very well be the polar opposite of what you had in mind. Newsflash: God got by just fine without us before we were born and He will continue when we are gone.

We can avoid this dysfunctional behavior by staying humble, on our knees and making sure everything we do brings glory to God and builds up the church. Now that's a good place to start. We can ask ourselves: how is my attitude/actions bringing glory to God and building up His church? And now the kicker, respond with great love and forgiveness for those those who realize they have been excluding God by pursuing their own agenda. It's a rude awakening and a humbling one. I know from personal experiencing.

Philippians 2:1-11 is a healthy reminder for all of us that even Jesus pursued His father's agenda. It's a path worthy of following.

Thursday, September 09, 2010

Can't We All Just Get Along

The Central Florida pastor who started a global firestorm with a scheduled Qur'an burning has wisely decided not to hold the event. Whatever the reason this is the right thing to do!

According to the story on VOA:

The leader of a small U.S. Christian church says he has called off his plan to burn copies of the Quran on Saturday.

The Reverand Terry Jones said Thursday he called off his protest because he had reached an agreement with Muslim leaders to move the controversial location of a planned Islamic cultural center and mosque in New York. He said the mosque would be moved away from the site of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

A local Muslim cleric who appeared with Jones to make the announcement said he would be traveling to New York to discuss the proposed mosque. But officials connected with the New York mosque project said there was no agreement to move the location.

Jones said moving the planned Islamic cultural center in New York would accomplish his church's goals because, he said, "the American people do not want the mosque at the ground zero location."

Jones heads the small Dove World Outreach Center church in Gainesville, Florida.

U.S. President Barack Obama and other U.S. and international political and religious leaders have spoken out against the plans to burn copies of the Quran. President Obama said publicly burning the Quran would be a destructive and dangerous act. He called the minister's plan an attention-seeking "stunt" that could endanger U.S. troops, but said it is a valid exercise of free-speech rights under the U.S. legal system.

If Rev. Jones has pulled the plug on a potentially disastrous public display of profound disrespect, it would seem wise if NYC imam, Feisal Abdul Rauf would seriously reconsider building his proposed mosque within blocks of the 911 site. Yes, both of these men have a Constitutional right to proceed, but wisdom and common sense would seem to call for alternatives that would command mutual respect. Come, let us reason together.

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Not My Jesus!

Pastor Terry Jones of Gainesville, Florida does not represent my Jesus. My Jesus never counseled hostile actions toward those with whom we disagree. He never advocated acts of hate, prejudice of any type, or anything but unconditional love, especially for sinners.

Jones and his church, Dove World Outreach Center have planned a public burning of the Qur'an on Saturday, the anniversary of the September 11th terrorist bombings on U.S. soil. This is nothing but organized hate. This is not what my Jesus ever counseled or modeled. This is beyond anger. It's beyond venting frustration with the extreme, fringe elements of fundamental Islam. It is however, generating a lot of media coverage for the pastor and his church. Hmmmmmmm.

This is no way to communicate the heart of the Gospel, which all Christ-followers are called and commanded to share with the world. This is in direct conflict with Jesus admonition to "love your enemies," and to "bless those who persecute you." Would to God that Christ-followers would be united in their contempt for any form of terrorism, hate, racial, religious and gender prejudice.

Jesus couldn't have been clearer when he said:

27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:27-30

Pit People

Sunday we explored Psalm 40 in worship.

It is a personal lament that includes a song of thanksgiving. Several praise songs use literal portions of this psalm in their lyrics. You can see them in the first three verses:

40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.

Being in a "pit" is a common expression in the Old Testament. It conjurs up the image of being in an empty cistern, or well that is covered with mud and mire at the bottom. In Jeremiah's case it was a literal pit (see Jeremiah 38). When you are in a pit, you are in a place that requires help. You can't get out by yourself, it's too deep, plus the mud, muck and mire hold you down like glue. Sometimes we end up in a pit because of personal sin (as is the case in Ps. 40, see verse 12) and other times its through no fault of our own, or circumstances beyond our control. Regardless of how we got there, one thing is common about being in a life pit: you want to get out! Or do we?

The psalmist cried out to God for rescue from his pit. He knew only God could save him from sinking deeper and deeper. But unlike the psalmist some of us have become comfortable in our pits. It's as if we wear the pit of life as a badge of courage. We have discovered that being in a pit evokes sympathy, or pity from others. Staying in the pit allows us to focus on the negatives of life. It's dark, dreary and hopeless. Despite our knowledge of God as rescuer, we choose to remain in the pit and complain. We mumble and gripe. Pretty soon no one wants to be around us, except for those who are just like us, our fellow Pit People. We are incapable of singing because the joy of rescue is no longer a fresh experience, or memory for us. It's hard to recall the grace and favor of God when you choose to focus on muck and mud. Growing up my father frequently referred to negative people as a "stick in the mud". It's a person who has forgotten, or never known the joy of God's rescue. He/she would rather wallow in the mud of negativity and a critical spirit.

So many self-professing, Christ-followers have this unrealistic and unbiblical notion that a life committed to Christ is free from pain, trouble and rough water. That lie came straight from the pit of hell in an effort to diminish the glorious grace of God. Martin Luther King Jr., said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Maybe you are in a pit right now. Perhaps the mud and muck of life is trying to swallow you. Don't get overwhelmed. Cry out to God. He will hear your cry and He will rescue. However, remember the psalmist "waited on the Lord". Rescue will come, but it's not on our timetable. There may be a lesson we need to learn by staying in the mud for longer than we would like. God's rescue happens when God is ready, but rest assured He longs to rescue us. If you doubt just how serious God is about rescuing those who cry out to Him, you need look no farther than the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Jesus, God gave the best that He had to offer to rescue us from ourselves and the pit of sin!

When God rescues the psalmist says He gives us a new song to sing: "He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God." I don't know about you, but I am desperate at times for a new song. I need rescue so bad that I cry out to God in desperation. And every time, when He is ready, I am rescued. It doesn't mean my rescue comes without consequences, hard work, or pain.

The song of deliverance is the sweetest song ever sung. When we sing it, we declare to the world the glory of THE Rescuer. Now that's the song of redemption, salvation and grace!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Chained to the Past

Faith always moves forward no matter what’s in the rear view mirror! This is a hard concept for those of us who tend to let history determine our response to the future. Think about it. How many times have I acted or failed to act because of something that happened in the past?

Let’s say you are staying at a rental cabin in the mountains and the glass in the sliding glass door shatters as you open the door to go onto the deck. Is that going to prevent you from opening doors in the future? Of course not! It is something we will remember, but future door opening will not be chained to the past. It may shape, or influence how we open doors in the future, but it will not keep us from opening doors.

More and more people seem to be chained to past events, problems and pains. Many struggle to break free, but they always seem to resign future events, relationships and experiences to what has happened in the past. Blame and guilt are really good at creating a “victim” mentality, which can ultimately relieve us of any responsibility in future relationships or situations. The past pain, hurt, or mistake begins to become the justification for personal behavior, attitudes and actions that are no less serious and even injurious to others. We start to rationalize our present/future behavior in light of what has “happened to us” in the past.

We see this a lot in Recovery circles. Blaming the past (people, family, situations, job, etc.) is a big roadblock on the journey to a better future. Sure we need to remember our roots and what we’ve experienced and learned in life, but there’s a big difference between remembering and being held hostage. My life experiences help shape me, but I cannot allow them to singly determine my response, or actions in the future. This is the road that leads to prejudice, ignorance and a critical spirit. At what point will we ever accept personal responsibility if we are always blaming someone, or something from the past? Better yet, how can we positively face the future if we consume a steady diet of negative memories, circumstances, relationships and events?

We have a choice. Regardless of what’s happened to us, or what we’ve experienced we can choose how we are going to act, speak and respond to the people, events and circumstances around us. Too many times I have made poor choices based on past hurts and pains. And if I’m honest, a lot of those were self-inflicted as the result of my own poor choices.

When I am future focused I’m less likely to let the past dictate my actions or limit my response. Let the past inform the future, but remain free enough to choose how you will act. Who wants to be a slave to the past? Paul put it best in Galatians 5: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

Thursday, August 26, 2010

In Need of Rescue

Imagine being trapped 2,300 ft. below ground for 18, 30, 60 even 90 days! By now you've heard the story of the 33 Chilean miners who were trapped August 5th, when their San Jose copper mine collapsed in Copiapo, Chile. Since then they have been receiving food, water, vitamins, medicine and other supplies through a narrow emergency supply line. Yesterday they were told that they may be confined to their "safe room" until Christmas! Chilean Health Minister Jaime Manalich told the AFP news agency:

"We expect that after the initial euphoria of being found, we will likely see a period of depression and anguish," Manalich said. "We are preparing medication for them. It would be naive to think they can keep their spirits up like this."

The government has asked NASA and Chile's submarine fleet for tips on survival in extreme, confined conditions, and are looking to send them space mission-like rations.

"We hope to define a secure area where they can establish various places — one for resting and sleeping, one for diversion, one for food, another for work," Manalich said.

Chilean officials have consulted NASA and Chile's submarine fleet for survival advice in extreme, isolated conditions. The miners have each lost about 22 lbs., but they are being challenged to develop a routine that will keep them focused and insure their sanity. Music, playing cards, writing materials and clothes have all been passed down the emergency line. They are even working out a way to record video messages to and from their family members. Meanwhile, they simply await rescue. I can't imagine their state of mind, attitude, or feelings at this point, let alone by November.

We all need to be rescued. At some point every Christ-follower realized that God has provided a way out of the darkness of sin through Jesus. It took longer for some of us than others, but make no mistake about it, rescue came. Sometimes I think we forget that there are still people all around us who need rescue. We can also forget what it's like to be in that desperate period of darkness and loneliness. I love the a song we sing in our worship entitled, "Rescue":
I need You Jesus to come to my rescue
Where else can I go?
There's no other Name by which I am saved
Capture me with grace

I will follow You


Verse 1
You are the source of life And I can't be left behind
No one else will do

And I will take hold of You


Verse 2
My heart is Yours for life
I need Your hand in mine
No one else will do
I put my trust in You

© 2003 Vertical Worship Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.)
by Jared Anderson


Holy God,
Grant rescue for those trapped miners. Thank you for rescuing each of us.
Help us to share Christ with those who are in desperate need of rescue.
Show us how to heal their wounds, clothe, feed, counsel, listen, and
touch them with the hands and feet of Jesus. We are Your hands and feet,
but only You can rescue the perishing. Amen.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Thompson on Hepburn: Lessons Learned

Last week British actress Emma Thompson made critical comments about the acting ability of the late actress and humanitarian ambassador Audrey Hepburn.

Thompson (aka: Nanny McPhee) is working on a remake of My Fair Lady, the 1964 box office smash that featured Hepburn as the peasant flower-girl turned lady, Eliza Doolittle. The film version of the Lerner and Lowe stage musical won eight Academy Awards and 3 Golden Globe awards. The article in the NY Post reported:

Emma Thompson said, “She can’t sing and she can’t really act" about actress Audrey Hepburn.

Thompson said she found Hepburn’s portrayal, “fantastically twee.” By "twee" the British actress said she means "whimsy without wit. Its mimsy-mumsy sweetness without any kind of bite. And that's not for me.”
I must confess that My Fair Lady is one of my favorite movies and musicals so I am slightly biased. I can’t wait to see how moviegoers and the Academy respond to Thompson's yet to be released remake of this classic. She is a really good actress so I’m sure it will be a quality performance. To be fair, Thompson’s comments were confined to Hepburn’s acting, not her personally, or her humanitarian efforts.

What can we learn from Emma Thompson’s public comments? I think there is more than one lesson so here are a few observations:
  • Beware when someone elevates themselves at the critical expense of others. It says far more about the person criticizing than it does the person being criticized.
  • The old saying is true, “Don’t speak ill of the dead.”
  • Just because your thinking about something doesn’t mean it needs to be verbalized. There’s a time to speak and a time to refrain. Timing is an art and most actors have it. Miss Thompson will need a better sense of it when she takes on the role of the beloved Eliza Doolittle.
  • Just because you think your right doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do. Kind of like building a mosque near the WTC site. It's legal, it's okay, but is it the right thing to do?
  • Criticizing others when receiving personal accolades/awards (like a star) is bad form.
  • Opinions are purely subjective, even yours and mine!
I don’t know about you, but I am, or have been guilty of most of these. Emma Thompson’s comments have made me face my own imperfections and shortcomings. And that is a good thing. The body of Christ would be well served by some serious self-examination as well.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

One Awesome Camp for Kids


CZC stands for Comfort Zone Camp. CZC is a camp intentionally designed for children who have suffered the loss of a parent, sibling or primary care giver. The camp is free and CZC even helps with transportation for the children. Watch this video with the stories of some kids who've lost parents and loved ones. To hear their story of coping with loss, pain, growth, healing and triumph reminds all of us that life is indeed a gift.

Monday, August 09, 2010

Baptism

If you are a Christ-follower do you remember your baptism? What was it like? Were you a child, student, young adult? How did you feel about it? Does it evoke passionate memories of a hungering for God? Do you remember what led to your decision to be baptized? Who was at your baptism? Was it in a church, a lake, or swimming pool?

Believers baptism is an act of obedience. It's roots in the New Testament church run deep. Our leader, Jesus, not only commanded it, but modeled it when He was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan. Remember the story?

4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7And he preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

Baptism is our declaration to the world that we have been changed by Jesus Christ. Through baptism we publicly profess our love and devotion to Jesus Christ.

On Sunday, we will baptize several new Christ-followers at Lake Hartwell. It will be a time of great joy for our church family. As we baptize, those gathered will be asked to remember their own baptism and recall its significance in their life. They will be encouraged to pursue Christ with the passion of those first steps of faith. They will be asked to reflect on how much they've grown in their relationship with Christ since their baptism. Baptism is the beginning of our spiritual formation in Christ.



Sunday, August 01, 2010

A Precious Gift

According to the national organ donor website
every day there are 77 organ transplant operations in the U.S. However, 19 people die every day while awaiting an organ transplant. There is a shortage of organ donors. The national organ donor waiting list is just over 108,000.

It's a simple box on your driver's license. You can make a huge difference simply by checking it. You can give life by donating your organs upon your death. Choose life!

For more information go to the Donate Life website in your state.

Monday, July 26, 2010

An Empty Lake

By now you've probably seen the incredible amateur video of the 92-year old Lake Delhi dam giving way to flood waters on Saturday in eastern Iowa. Imagine waking up in one of the 900 vacation homes on the lake and discovering there's no lake! All 9-miles of the lake washed downstream flooding more homes and businesses in its path. The lake drained faster than an AIG executive taking federal bailout funds. One day you are grilling out near your dock overlooking a serene lake and the next day your looking at a giant mud bowl.

The water is gone. Much like the proverbial genie out of the bottle you can't put it back. It's lost downstream. Residents are looking to FEMA, their governor and other forms of possible relief and aid. The loss is devastating for homeowners and the businesses that rely on the presence of a full lake during the busiest season. But what next? How do you recover from such a significant loss? How do you pick up the pieces? Where do you start?

Every day people wake up to washed out lives. An event, accident, tragedy, decision, or problem causes life-giving water to drain the lake of life. Sometimes it's due to events beyond our control, but many times it's the result of our decisions, or life choices. Regardless of the cause we are empty.

It takes time to refill, renew and replenish. The Lake Delhi community will begin the process of self-examination. They will question what happened and why. They will study, reflect, and develop a plan of attack to rebuild the dam and restore the lake. Or they could make the decision to leave it and not rebuild the dam. They will seek outside counsel and input from experts and engineers. Either way, it won't happen without a lot of discussion, study, consideration and planning.

When we have life-draining experiences it's tempting to react, or host a never-ending pity party. Wise are those who pause to critically reflect on what happened. They can begin to pray and consider possible solutions as they seek outside counsel from people who have the experience, background and expertise to help them. They will learn from the experience and they will rebuild.

Nope, we can't go back to the way it was, but we can begin again and emerge even stronger as a result of reflection, prayer, counsel, hard work and intentional thinking. We can let life-draining moments cripple us, or they can serve as launchpads for the future. Wisdom, character, grit, humility and gratitude are the byproducts of learning from life-draining moments. Hope emerges when the lake runs dry.

20 My soul continually remembers it
and is bowed down within me.
21 But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”

(Lamentations 3:20-24, ESV)


Tuesday, July 20, 2010

An Unnoticed But Serious Supreme Court Ruling

In late June the U.S. Supreme Court made a ruling that will have a far-reaching, future impact on various religious clubs in academic settings. In a 5-4 majority the high court ruled that a Christian student group must accept gays and non-Christians as members if it wants to be officially recognized by a public university.

The case involved the University of California’s Hastings College of Law and the campus chapter of the Christian Legal Society. The law school has a non-discrimination policy that requires registered student organizations to accept any student as a member or potential leader. The Christian Legal Society forbids non-Christians and gays from leadership positions. The organization argued that if it followed the school’s policy, a student who doesn’t profess Christ, or believe in the Bible could lead its Christian Bible studies. It should be noted that registered student groups receive a small amount of funding from the school, which is funded by public tax dollars. Hint: the group should refuse any funds connected to taxpayers!

In her story on the ruling, reporter Adelle Banks notes that Justice Samuel Alito’s “harshly worded” dissent questioned the majority opinion, “saying it upholds a principle of no freedom of expression that offends prevailing standards of political correctness in our country’s institutions of higher learning." Banks continues, “He said the decision, which he hoped would be an ‘aberration,’ would be a ‘serious setback for freedom of expression this country: There are religious groups that cannot in good conscience agree in their bylaws that they will admit persons who do not share their faith, and for these groups, the consequence of an accept-all-comers policy is marginalization.'"

Nathan Diament, Public Policy Director for the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America said the ruling is deeply troubling to those who value religious freedom: Today the Supreme Court’s majority has given state universities a green light and a roadmap to condition a religious group’s right on the state’s preferred beliefs.

Play this thing out and conceivably we could see churches and other non-profit organizations (civic and service clubs) being challenged on their membership policies and practices. Don’t believe me? Who would’ve ever thought a Christian organization on a university campus would be ordered by the highest court in the land to allow people who totally disagree with its purpose, nature and membership policies to join its membership?

Using the majority ruling’s logic, it would appear that it would be okay to approve a Supreme Court justice nominee who does not believe in the U.S. Constitution because shared beliefs in the ideals of an organization are not necessary for membership. Perhaps we’ve already, uh never mind better not go there! It would appear that tolerance should trump the purpose, nature, or beliefs of any organization. There are lots of organizations that discriminate in our country by the very nature of their organizational design, charters, bylaws, or statements of practice and belief. For example, what if a man wanted to join the Junior League, or the National Organization of Women in his city? How about a conservative Republican wanting to join the local Democratic Party? What if a person of Hispanic descent and member of Congress wanted to join the Congressional Black Caucus? You get the idea. This is not only absurd it is extreme. Think about it.

I have no respect for, or interest in the extreme ideals and beliefs proposed by the neo-Nazi movement. However, according to the First Amendment they have the right to assemble and meet. Why would I want to be part of something whose ideology I strongly oppose? I don’t need to join their ranks to prove a point. Nor do I need to challenge their beliefs in a court of law if they are not disobeying the law. I simply choose to be part of legal organizations, movements, and enterprises whose beliefs and values I can support and share. If I didn’t know better I would say there is a national agenda of conformity and mandated acceptance underway. Tolerance is one thing, but mandated universal acceptance of a particular belief for the sake of promoting one group at the exclusion of another is a dangerous slope!

Monday, July 12, 2010

Pray for You - Jaron and The Long Road to Love :: Official Video

I don't think this is what Luke had in mind when he recorded Jesus' command that we bless those who curse and pray for those who abuse us in Luke 6:28. Enjoy this funny new song on praying for others by the group, Jaron and the Long Road to Love.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Donald Miller on Toy Story 3

Author, story-teller and cultural observer Donald Miller recently wrote a three-part entry on the new movie, "Toy Story 3" for his blog. I really enjoyed the second part. Click the link below to read the 2nd part, or two read all three.

Toy Story 3: What We Can Learn From a Great Story Pt. 2 of 3

Friday, July 02, 2010

Happy 4th of July!

I've been fortunate enough to travel overseas a few times. I've left America's borders to study abroad, vacation and serve on mission teams. I know it's not possible, but every American needs to go overseas and experience a foreign culture to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy in America.

While I enjoy traveling and exploring other cultures one thing remains constant. Every time I return to America, I am humbled and overwhelmed. Despite her flaws, America is still an amazing country. I really do love my homeland. I am in awe of how God has blessed this great nation, but with great blessing comes great responsibility and we must always remember God's blessing and express our gratitude by continuing to bless other nations.

There's not a week that goes by that I don't see a veteran's license plate (Purple Heart, DAV, etc.), or run into a veteran wearing their ship's hat, or sporting a tat of their unit, etc. Every time I am reminded that the freedoms we enjoy have come at a great price. So many men and women have given their lives to preserve the freedoms we enjoy as a nation. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

As we celebrate July 4th and the vision of our founding fathers may God bless America so that we may bring Him glory and be a blessing to our world.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Gimme a Break From Drama

I don't know about you, but I'm really tired of drama. Everywhere I turn there is drama. Drama seems to follow some athletes and celebrities like:
  • Lindsay Lohan
  • The Real Housewives of New York, New Jersey, etc.
  • Ben Rothlisberger
  • Tiger Woods
  • Michael Vick
  • Floyd Landis
Trust me that's a very short and nowhere close to exhaustive list. By the time I post this I'm sure there will be a celebrity somewhere who is belching more drama. Then there's crazy drama like the woman in Indiana who miscarried, then stabbed a couple while trying to kidnap their newborn infant. Fortunately the baby was unharmed and the parents survived. This is tragic, needless, surreal drama.

Poor judgment by celebrities and famous people aside, every day drama is what I'm talking about. There seem to be two kinds of drama. One is from people who constantly have to have something going on in their life. A crisis, an event, episode, or giant problem. It may not even be their own, but they thrive on the drama of others. They have a deep need to be needed. They are always at the center of something. Then there are those who create drama out of ordinary, every day life experiences, struggles, problems and events. This is unnecessary drama. They create drama by "making mountains out of molehills." Think of a middle school girls sleepover! Now there's an event nearly always accompanied by drama.

I've learned that the less credibility and attention you give to unnecessary drama the better. Attention and pity are the fuel of drama-obsessed people. Drama queens/kings tend to think emotionally and react instead of thinking things through and making a deliberate response, or none at all. They rarely "sleep on it" for a different perspective. Most of the time it's a cover for something else and they may not even know it.

We've got drama in politics, business, marriages, family units, school, neighborhoods, social circles and especially churches. Church drama is the worst because it's usually accompanied by guilt or judgment. Easy to do when you are using the "language of Zion". Remember, drama draws heavily on emotion and it often surfaces as emotional blackmail in churches. The hysteria of drama NEVER builds up a family, church, business, team, etc. Drama induced hysteria is destructive. The drama becomes the singular event or issue and everything else revolves around it. This is really harmful in marriages, family, businesses and churches because it sucks the energy out of everyone. You lose perspective because all your energy and attention is focused on the drama. Drama breeds worry and doubt.

It's easy to get sucked into the dramatic narrative. Be careful! How do you minimize, or deal with drama?
  • Don't rush in, get the facts, think and pray it through before acting, or responding to someone's drama.
  • Ask yourself, "Will my response enable, or help provide clarity?"
  • Drama is nearly always fueled by gossip, or hearsay, so don't entertain gossip.
  • Confront Drama Kings/Queens in love without judgment. Speak the truth in love.
  • Remember that everyone has problems, troubles and pain. While it may seem so, the person steeped in drama is not the only person experiencing life challenges.
  • Draw boundaries for the dramatics in your life. If someone's drama is because of their inability to schedule and meet deadlines, don't enable them by accepting continual tardiness, or excuses for unjustified absences.
  • Pray for every drama king/queen you know. Pray they will let God manage their lives. Pray for their family, spouse, co-workers and friends. Pray for truth to be revealed. Pray for peace. Pray that they will grow in their beliefs and values so that even the strongest drama will not disrupt their foundation and consume them.
  • Let people know that you do not participate in drama at the office, school, etc. Pretty soon the drama king/queen will go somewhere else to complain, or gain support/sympathy.

Don't confuse genuine problems and life struggles with drama. Every person you meet has legitimate concerns and life issues. Be open and willing to allow people in your life let you know if you are creating or feeding drama. A help I learned from Dr. Richard Carlson many years ago was to ask myself in the middle of a crisis, "Will this matter a year from now?" While it could be something serious, if we're honest we must admit that most drama a year later doesn't seem so urgent, dangerous or serious as it did a year ago.

"Lord, for those who struggle with drama give them clarity, focus and peace. Remind me of my own shortcomings as I relate to them. May my motivation be love. Help me to confront in love. Help me to resist the temptation to immerse myself in unnecessary and destructive drama. Remind me of Jesus, who refused to allow drama to distract Him from Your purpose and mission."

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Confessions of a Recovering Fixer

Periodic, deep personal reflection is a good thing. It forces us to peel back the layers of our lives and examine ourselves as we really are, not the idealized self. The idealized self is the image we try to project, or think everyone else has of us. Don't confuse that with hypocrisy of intentionally trying to be something your not. Even in the best of folks, how we perceive ourselves rarely matches reality. Personal reflection can be uncomfortable but it is very healthy.

Reflection forced me to admit that I'm a "Fixer". Not the kind that thinks he knows who needs to be "fixed" and how to "fix" them. I understand it can be very tempting to point out the faults and failings of others while offering unsolicited advice on what they "really" need, but my "fixer" struggle is different. My "fixer" personality stems from a desire to make things go smoother, run better, help people get along, minimize problems, keep the balance, etc. Not to make excuses but to be fair, I was a troubleshooter in my first career and I was paid to "get things done" by obsessing on details and reducing obstacles. And I was really good at my job.

The "Fixer" personality is common among males, it's not necessarily gender exclusive. A lot of mother's have this problem too. "Fixer's" tend to meddle in places they shouldn't even with sincere motives. Their desire to "make things right" overrides their ability to remain objective. Long ago, a mentor helped me identify my struggles with control issues. However, the worst combination for a "fixer" is someone that has, or has had control issues. See the potential for problems? Control and the need to fix is a potentially dangerous combination.

Stay with me, I've made a second personal discovery that is related to the first one. Here it is: I tend to get ahead of God. It's not that I didn't trust God to work things out, answer my prayers, or provide direction. I told myself that I was simply helping God by trying to "fix" the problem with my friend, family, or church. After all I reasoned that God gave me certain skills, gifts, intellect, creativity and energy so why not use them to expedite His work and help people out? Herein lies the problem-----there are so many things in life that we cannot fix! Life is meant to be lived and experienced not "fixed". There are problems, trials, and situations that we actually need to experience, or live through to realize God's greater purpose. Fixing them robs us of learning to depend, rely and trust in God. "Fixing" can be a faith-robber, if God isn't the one providing the solution. Our efforts may even be good attempts, but His way will always be better.

I've got a friend in a real struggle right now and I can't fix it! Neither can he. Only God can. He simply wants me to be there for my friend, to listen, hold his hand, pray for, and with him and walk alongside so he is not alone. That sounds like a pretty strong solution to me. Pray, love, listen, let go and let God!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Nick Vujicic - Life Without Limbs

We've been talking about suffering at our church. Today we were reminded that every person is facing a battle, problem or challenge of some kind. It may not be the same as yours, but every human experiences pain to some degree. May Nick's story encourage you!