Never On Monday!

 I think my Dad has been an ordained pastor for 64 years.  I know it's more than 50!  Anyway, as a child I remember my Dad frequently saying, "Never on Monday!"  I didn't realize what that phrase was about until I was serving on his pastoral staff in my first church position and going to seminary.  Someone caught him walking down the hall and asked, "Hey Pastor, do you ever feel like quitting?"  With a twinkle in his eye Dad replied, "Every Monday!"

Suddenly it hit me what my Dad meant all those years during childhood when he said, "Never on Monday!"  He was referring to resigning after a tough week of pouring out his heart in ministry to people, often getting it stomped, receiving complaints from members, leaders and staff, washing dirty feet and sometimes feeling under appreciated.  He meant, "Never resign on Monday!"  Dad knew that on Monday every minister is tired, worn out mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.  Depleted, on an empty tank as we should be if we've really done our job.  But he had the wisdom and maturity not to act on sheer emotion, or react in the flesh.  Though he felt like it, he was a "Never on Monday," guy.  Hence the reason for another often repeated phrase, "Don't pull a Jonah!"

I've been in pastoral ministry for 24 years and I get that.  There are many Monday's when I want to chuck it, run away from my calling, hide, work at Walmart, disappear, or go back to broadcasting.  Yes, I know there are ministers that say otherwise, but I'll call it like it is---they are lying!  We're human.  Just like a doctor after a brutal day of rounds, or a firefighter that pulled a double shift.  But deep down I know I can't, and I won't.  Satan loves to come at ALL of us when we are weak, tired and vulnerable.  One of those times for ministers is Sunday afternoon to Monday.  Ever notice how Jesus withdrew from the crowds after a long and taxing day of ministry and healing?  He needed to refuel, replenish and renew with the Father.

On Monday's we worry about our teammates on staff, their families and other leaders.  We worry about offerings.  We worry about members who haven't been involved, or have gone AWOL for no apparent reason.  We worry about people who are troubled in our flocks.  We worry about those who aren't growing in their faith and don't want to grow.  We worry about those caught in sin, because we know exactly what it's like.  Monday diagnosis is not good.  We need time, space, distance and rest.

However, there are many Sundays when we and the church get it right.  The Holy Spirit is always present, but I'm talking about the times when we let the Spirit work and get out of the way. It could be in the teaching message, or a powerful song of praise, the reading of Scripture, prayers, or communion. And it is always evident in baptism.  Sunday, we baptized three adults.  Trophies of God's grace.  No matter what else happened Sunday, no matter what news followed on Monday, nothing can take away the significance of those three precious people yielding their lives publicly in Believer's Baptism!

Cary, Emily and Perry you made my day!  Heck you made my week and month!  I'm so proud of you. God bless you as you grow in Christ.  I can't wait to see ALL God is going to do through you!  As for me, not on this Monday!

Goodnight Moon

I was never the sharpest pencil in the box when it came to astronomy and physical sciences.  However, I think I remember what causes a full moon.  It occurs when the moon is on the opposite end of the earth from the sun.  The part of the moon closest to us is lit by the sun making it brighter.  And that's about as far as I go.

According to the Science World Report a full moon occurs every 29 1/2 days.  The full moon for this week (8/20) is also called a Blue Moon and we aren't supposed to see another one until 2015.

There are many myths and wives' tales surrounding full moons.  Some say births increase at local hospitals and others say admissions to mental health hospitals is higher during a full moon.  Others point to insomnia, record fishing hauls and even an increase in reports of dog bites.  However, research and studies on unusual behavior during full moons is inconclusive and attributed more to legend and tradition than hard facts.  I'm not so sure, but my take isn't backed up by empirical evidence.  My wife worked 3rd shift in a psych hospital many years ago and I remember how much she dreaded going in during a full moon because either admissions were always up, or the patient incidents increased. I'm just saying.

The psalmist was fascinated by creation and revered God's creative work, including the moon.  Psalm 8 celebrates the moon in creation:

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 
what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? (8:3-4)

Later, the psalmists declares that his regard and fear of the Lord will continue as long as the sun and moon burn!  Only God knows how long the sun and the moon will glow, but every time we see them we are reminded that God is behind them.  Genesis tells us that upon creating them he was pleased and declared them good.

I don't know about all the legends, myths and traditions in regard to the moon, but I know every time I see it, I'm reminded how small I am and how big God is.  And that is a great perspective for flawed people often tempted by pride that can make us think we are as big as God.   He is, I'm not.  A simple, but frequently disregarded truth.

In the words of Margaret Wise Brown, "Goodnight moon."

Chaos in Egypt

It's hard to believe the kind of chaos and violence we are witnessing in Egypt could ever visit the United States.  However, mob mentalities with blind allegiances and no ability to reason can cause a breakdown in the strongest of civil orders.  Americans are not immune to such extreme behavior and we shouldn't look at Egypt with arrogant disdain for their disorder.  There but for the grace of God goes our country.  

One of the biggest deterrents to civil breakdown is a strong economy.  When people work they have dignity and the means to live.  Personal income generates taxes, which pay for basic services offered by most governments like safety protection (fire, police, etc.), roads, education, etc.  Utilities (light, power, water) function in healthy ways when the economy is moving in a positive direction as opposed to disruptions in service because of hostilities.  

As you watch the coverage of the chaos in Egypt you quickly wonder, "How are these people getting off work to do this?" or, "How can they afford to do this?"  They aren't and they can't!  Egypt's economy was tanking before the now-deposed, Morsi government took over from the cronyism and abuse of the Mubarak years.   Hafez Ghanem wrote a prophetic piece on the ailing Egyptian economy for the Brookings Institution in January.  His words sounded a haunting alarm for the future prospects of a country in the middle of an economic chaos:

Taking difficult stabilization measures is necessary because Egypt is facing a macroeconomic crisis. The fiscal deficit is about 12 percent of GDP, the public debt has ballooned to 80 percent of GDP, international reserves barely cover three months of imports and the Egyptian pound is under increasing pressure. As a result investment and growth are down, unemployment is up, prices of basic necessities are rising, and fuel shortages and electricity blackouts are common occurrences. Egyptians are worse off than they were two years ago. They have been patient, and have accepted temporary economic hardship as the price of freedom and democracy. But how long will this patience last?
Ghanem nailed it!  It was only a matter of time before the 45-million lower-income Egyptians making a meager $2-4/day would rebel.   Add steep ethnic and religious differences to the pot and you've got the perfect prescription for civil disorder.  While not immune to disagreement, healthy economies tend to absorb political and religious differences in ways poor economies cannot.  When the economy is down the tubes political, ethnic, and religious differences are magnified.  It's a fertile soil for civil unrest because actions are now dictated by differences, not potentially unifying strengths focused on seeking solutions to economic challenges.  You are either with us, or against us! becomes the majority slogan.  

Watching churches and businesses being burned is heartbreaking.  500+ people killed in one day is not only a national tragedy, but clear proof that government is not working.  When a government fails to respect and protect its people it ceases to function.  Imagine having little to no income, zero prospects for employment, a government that does not represent you and seeing your fellow citizens slaughtered.  Desperation begins to drive the bus.  It's not too hard to figure how entire groups of people join the protest, or how those in the minority flee the country.  The voice of reason and sanity is drowned by the voice/actions of protest.  

The answers to Egypt's problems are complicated.  There is no "quick-fix".  Civil order has to be restored, but there has to be an intentional plan that relies on strategies for economic stimulus, civil and human rights protection beyond strong-armed military tactics.  People need to see hope beyond the barrel of a gun.  The Middle East can ill afford a civil war torn Egypt, once a thriving leader in education, commerce, industry, the arts and trade.  

Western Christ-followers must pray for our brothers and sisters under religious and ethnic persecution in Egypt.  Pray for their safety, protection and freedom.  Pray that American leaders and diplomats will make wise policy decisions in regard to Egypt.  Pray for missionaries on the field.  Pray for the liberating power of the Gospel to advance in the land that has played a prominent role among God's people since Abraham.  

Musings & Observations

Some musings and recent observations:

• "It is what it is" has to be the most over-used, non-commital phrase in America

• Most over-used phrase by middle school girls drinking Fraps at the Starbucks in the Mall: "Like" (counted 20X's in recent conversation)---"Like she's totally dating him,"  "Like my Mom made me."

• Duffner-ing : Everyone is doing it!

• Congress did NOT exempt itself from Obamacare.  Go to http://www.factcheck.org

• Overheard at a Baptist Church August planning session in the South:  "We can't schedule it during football season!"

• It's how I roll was the phrase of the day for the Urban dictionary in June, 2008.  It's funny to hear people say it in 2013.  It was also the title of a song (How I Roll) on a Britney Spears album in 2011.  Keep using it Britney fans so we know who you are.

• Physicality and pedestrian are buzzwords for sportscasters who just can't say physical and slow.

• The day after the MLB All-star game until the third week of August is a killer for rabid, college football fans.

• Interesting that Apple changed the connection on the iPhone 5 from the long-used, 30-pin (also used for iPods and iPads) to the Lightning connector.  Translation: Having to purchase new connectors = more profit.  

• Texting and driving is not cool.  Thank you to the 41 states that ban it including SC's neighboring states of NC, GA, TN, AL, LA and FL.  Perhaps our state legislature will one day realize the danger.   

Jesus Has Power Over the Storm

Are you battling some storms? Are the navigational waters of life choppy? In his book! Jesus the King, Tim Keller uses the story of Jesus and the disciples in the middle of the storm in the fourth chapter of Mark's gospel to challenge our thinking about the presence of God in the middle of life's squalls.

The storm on the Sea of Galilee was formidable.  Remember these guys lived in the region and most of them fished for a living so they knew all about these violent storms when the cold air from Mt. Hermon collided with the humid, moist air on the sea.  But even seasoned sailors run into unusual situations they've never experienced on the water.  And this one was so bad they thought they were
gonna drown.

After Jesus stops the storm and the waters go dead calm (not even a wake of waves!), He challenges and admonishes them like a disappointed parent: "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Their response was one of terrifying wonder at what Jesus had just done.  To which Keller observes: Before Jesus calms the storm, they're afraid---but after Jesus calms the storm they're terrified.

Keller's whole point is the incredible power of God residing in Jesus.  We miss that don't we?  How many times have we faced even serious life storms and totally forgotten that Jesus, creator of the winds and waves is Lord of the storm?  I have many times. I become so obsessed with "my" issue, problem or trouble that I totally forget His power.  I even cry out to Him as if He isn't aware of what I'm facing.  LOL! That's funny if you stop and really think about it.  Like we need to inform God.  He knows EVERYTHING we face---whether it's the consequences of poor decisions, the work of Satan, outside forces beyond our control, His discipline, or just "life junk".  We often run to Him with trouble as if we are the town crier giving Him the first report of such news.  In the middle of our storm we forget His power and the depth of His love:

If the disciples had really known that Jesus loved them, if they had really understood that he is both powerful and loving, they would not have been scared.....He can love somebody and still let bad things happen to them, because he is God---because he knows better than they do.

Keller notes that the crucifixion of Christ was the worst storm the earth has ever known.  He withstood it for our sake. His love is that deep and that powerful.  It silenced the sin storm between humanity and God forever!  To paraphrase Keller: If Jesus didn't abandon us in the violent storm called Calvary, why would He abandon us in the storms of life?