Angels, Part 2

Are you a believer? Do you follow Christ? If so, are you learning about Him and His message of good news, and then sharing with others? Are you open to His guidance about when and where to share, even if it seems a bit strange or takes you out of your comfort zone? Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and even Cornelius (see scripture in part 1) found it is a bit unnerving to find themselves in the presence of God’s angels and hear a message that God was directed right at them. Taking in that sight and that sound must have taken them quite past the boundaries of their comfort zones. Even so, we read that those people found a way to pay attention and then trust the angels’ words to the point that they would heed and share the angels’ messages.

I can’t say that I’ve ever seen or heard an angel, to my knowledge, but I know without a doubt that the Holy Spirit has dealt with me in much that same manner. There have been a few times in my life when I have received a message so out of the ordinary that I spent time arguing with God about it. “Really God? You want me to what?” When I think about those times, I can envision Mary saying “I’m going to do what? …Have a baby? But I’m a virgin.” Crazy talk, right? Or, maybe not so crazy when you remember that God is powerful enough to go beyond the bounds of human understanding.

For several months, God has been dealing with me about something so very odd to me. When I first started hearing what he wanted me to do, I thought that surely I heard wrong. However He kept the subject right in front of me, giving me assurance that I was hearing correctly. Every time I began to question whether He wanted me to continue with that task, He would assure me through a wide array of unlikely messengers. So I continue to pray and to act upon what He has called me to do.

Take time this Christmas to listen to God’s message of good news and allow Him to guide you into being an active and faithful part of the body of Christ. Be aware of the messages that he sends, through Scripture, through circumstances, through feeling His presence and hearing His voice deep within your soul, and through his handpicked messengers, whether they are angelic or human. Be ready to act and share the love of God with a world in such need of hope, peace, joy, and love.

Merry Christmas.

Angels, Part 1

Angels. We see them everywhere during Christmas. We see the cute little cherubs and the lovely angels with long flowing blond hair and billowing robes and beating wings, but in truth we have let these images box in the true identity of God’s angels. Angel means “messenger” and God created them to bring His messages to us. In Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-20, you will read the Christmas story and how God sent His angels to deliver a message of great joy. Can you imagine being suddenly confronted by an unworldly being who gives your eyes and ears a direct message from God that is so overwhelming that it must be preceded by “Don’t be afraid”?

Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds received such a message, a message that was so powerful that they couldn’t help but act upon it. In Acts 10 there is a story about Peter and Cornelius, both of whom were given messages by God, one while praying and the other by an angel. God got their attention with His message and both men acted upon it. These are only a few examples of how God chooses to use His heavenly messengers and deliver His good news. But just because these stories are written in an ancient text, doesn’t mean that God is finished delivering His good news. God still speaks. He still sends messages of hope. He still finds new and surprising ways to tell people about His great love for them. He still sends Christ’s followers out to spread the good news, and He still reaches out to those who have yet to hear and receive that good news.

Look around you. Listen. God is here. Christ is present with us, and His Holy Spirit continues to whisper in our ears and to shout with joy the good of great joy this season. Will you receive His words of hope and peace? Will you share them?

(tomorrow, “Angels Part 2)

Tis the season to be…grumbly…NOT!

Being out in the community these days is a joy, but also fodder for grumbling. What? Grumbling? Unless you’ve been in a cave since Thanksgiving, you’ve most likely been out shopping for Christmas. The tree, the decorations, the presents, and … the crowds, and where there are crowds, there is someone grumbling. I’ve heard them, you’ve heard them, and well, I confess, I’ve been one of them. When my daughter was a young girl, we would head out to ___, one of those huge stores with everything. I’d complain under my breath all the way in there. “I hate going to ___. I can’t wait to get outta here.” And the litany would continue with my daughter saying, “You always say that, but we still come back here”, which I would give the usual response, “I know. (long pause) … I still hate going to ____.” There was certainly plenty to grumble about: long lines, not enough employees to answer my questions, and the exact thing I went to go buy was either hard to find or sold out.

One day I found myself in a long line, and instead of wondering why the checker couldn’t go a little faster, I noticed the people in the lines around me. There was the hurried mother with two kids in the basket and one hanging on her leg. Her face was full of concern as she checked her watch constantly and tried to watch the checker and the two girls in the basket, find her wallet, and console the now crying leg hugger. I began to look at the faces of those around me and saw a myriad of emotions and stances that made one wonder about their stories. All around me were people; people who were precious to God; people who had their own dire struggles; people who had their own deadlines. And then it struck me that I entered the store, a busy shopper who looked past and through the other busy people around me.

Being stuck in the line then became a blessing and a time that I was forced to stop and look around. There was a new joy for me. Instead of wishing the lady with 3 children would hurry, it was an opportunity to see her face and pray for her as I stood there. It put a new slant on things to stand there, praying for her to have peace and the calmness necessary to help her care for her children.

I hope that you are able to see people from a different perspective this Christmas and will reach out to them with a smile, a kind word or act, and even a prayer.

E-comm

Facebook. MySpace. Message boards, email, and yes… blogging. These are all modes of communication that have countless numbers of people communicating across our nation and even our world. Words and phrases are thrown around at the speed of light (okay, you science peeps…don’t correct me speed of light and how fast info moves- it’s just an expression) by single units of humans sitting in darkened rooms, communicating with other single units of humans sitting in other darkened rooms. (Well, maybe the rooms aren’t that dark, but you get the picture.)

Don’t get me wrong- I do like technology, but lately I’ve been pondering upon the way we cordon ourselves off away from others, so that we can communicate with others- who are far away. I love using email as a quick way to get info out to others. I can think about something that I need to tell someone, let’s say at midnight, email them and forget about it till the next day. Very simple. No fuss, no muss. However, the human touch is set aside if that’s all one uses. In Facebook, etc, one can make a statement, no matter how nice or how rotten, and back away, ready to ignore or answer the responses that come up.

My ponderment settles around the question of relying ONLY on e-communication (or e-comm) and how that affects the way we interact with others, in the old-school low-tech way. I’m afraid that regarding e-comm as THE way of communicating cheats us out of being a community that has eye to eye and hand to hand contact.

Acts 2:42-47 says: “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Sounds like a real live community of faith to me. I just can’t envision how it would have worked in the electronic age. Perhaps the apostles, each sitting in their individual homes, would send out their blog, to which the faithful would respond on their Facebook page and purchase Facebook gifts to give each other. Perhaps they would all gather, on the “I Love Jesus” message board and have “worship” by talking about how great God is and how we should serve Him. Maybe they could buy stuff for the poor through ebay, pay for it with paypal, and send it fedex. Alright, maybe I’ve gone off the deep end a bit, and remember… I do like technology, but I wonder if we sometime allow e-comm to take the place of being the living and breathing community of faith that gathers together to worship together, pray together, serve together, etc. The challenge offered here (myself included) is to make that extra effort to connect or to re-connect to actual human beings, and just sit, face to face, and enjoy some old-fashioned slow-paced visiting.

If you need me, I’ll be out on the porch… rocking…and ready to visit.

Going To The Beach

Ah, Friday, my day off, and a morning on which the alarm clock also takes a day of rest. As the new day dawns I can hear the traffic on yonder freeway as people head out to the office. But not me. Not today.

One of my favorite places to be is at the beach, where the sound of waves and wind restores my soul. So on days like today, with a little imagination, the smooth and steady sound of the traffic morphs into the calming swoosh of waves rolling into the shore. With eyes closed, I can be transported to an early morning beach where the sun has just fully peeked over the horizon and the waves have wiped the sand clear of all footprints, creating a clean canvas for new paths and adventures. For some folks, a mountaintop is…well... uhm, their mountaintop experience. For me, it’s the beach. And so on these quiet mornings, transported to that peaceful scene, I walk along the shore and visit with my Lord.

In Luke 6:12 we are told how Jesus would go up alone to a mountain to pray. We all need that time, time alone in the quiet peaceful presence of the Lord. A time to be still and know that He is God (Ps 46:10). We make time for all the busy-ness of our calendars, so why not make and keep an appointment on the mountain (or seashore, or East Texas woods) with Christ? A time to pour your heart out to Him; a time to sit together in quiet as you just breathe and take in the scenery; a time to patiently wait to hear what He has to say to you. Those moments were necessary for Jesus as He walked the earth, so how can they be any less important for us today?

Make time for that, because before you know it the real world will creep back…(Oops. Be right back. The phone’s ringing….) Now where was I? Oh yes,… that time is important because at some point you have to get back to doing all the …(Excuse me, someone’s at the door). Okay, I’m back…uhm, oh yes, … you have to get back to doing all those things that you need to do. So before the busy-ness of your day or your week begins, try spending time with Christ on your mountain of choice.

“I have so much to do that I spend several hours in prayer before I am able to do it.” -John Wesley

Philadelphia

My daughter is spending part of the week in Philadelphia this week, looking into a local Christian community there to see how they live out their faith. Philadelphia- the city of brotherly love. During her stay she has sent back additional information about what she’s done during her free time, which is taking historical tours of the city. I just love history and it is awe inspiring to see pictures of the vast array of places where people gave their all so we could be free.

“Philadelphia”- what a fitting word for a city where love of country and freedom was strong enough that people chose to band together to work together on their cause. In this city, American’s love and affection for each other was countered by their hatred of the perceived evils that King George III had perpetrated against them. I guess “brotherly love” only went so far.

The word “Philadelphia” also reminds me of another situation where the meaning of the word “love” should have seemed quite clear and serve as a type of call-to-arms, but yet it caused a bit of frustration.

In John 21:15-19, the resurrected Christ appeared to the disciples on the seashore while they were fishing. After they came to the shore, they shared a meal together. Jesus then asked Peter, “…do you love me more than these?” and used the Greek “agape” for the word “love.” Jesus was asking Peter if he would love with all that he was. Peter answered, “…you know I love you” using the word “philia”, a virtuous love toward family, friends, and community. Peter was saying that he would love people with an affection that would stop before loving with a self-sacrificial love given to both friends and enemies. This conversation continued with Peter never offering “agape”, but with Jesus still expecting that Peter, and all of us, show that great love for one another.

How often do we qualify love? Love for one another… “I’d help her if…”, “I’d be nicer if…”, “If they weren’t so boring/mean/weird I would…” The same goes for Christ. “If I weren’t so busy I would pray/serve/study” “If I had more money I would give to the poor/tithe.” We’ve all done it… that is justify our shortcomings to the One who justified us. But glory to God for his unending love and his soul-cleansing forgiveness.

In this season of Thanksgiving, I think it behooves us to remember be thankful for Christ’s great love for us. It is a season to stop and allow Christ to convict us of letting go of our preconceived ideas about what WE think love is, and instead dive into our Bibles to read (and live out) what CHRIST says that love is.

YIKES, Ike! (Part 2)

Hurricane Ike has come and gone and we are well into the aftermath of cleaning up, restoring power and locating gas stations. There are plenty of stories about the fights at gas stations or in hardware stores selling generators to only the first 20 customers in a block-long line. But, be advised that there are other stories that show the generosity and patience of good neighbors. This is certainly a time to come together and be a community that offers help to those who need it. This is a time when the church has a huge opportunity to truly be the hands and feet of Christ. I’ve seen neighbors, who rarely speak to one another, coming out into the streets and checking on the people that usually only receive an occasional wave.

My own yard was full of very large branches and one large tree that fell into my neighbor’s pool. On Sunday morning I arrived home from out-of-town “hunkering down” and stopped just to get a quick look before going on to the church for worship. I was met by a member of our church who had already started working on removing the fallen tree. After our worship service (at the church were there was no power… no electrical power anyway…) I returned home only to find seven people in my yard, nearing the end of the huge task of clearing away every single branch. Though they are members of my church, they were never asked or expected to do this. They chose to do the dirty, sweaty, and back-breaking work of cutting, moving and piling up someone else’s mess. I’m not often speechless, but for several moments, I was on that day.

Nope, I don’t like Ike, but I appreciate the opportunities that Ike brought. Yes, there is hardship in having no power or water, but there are those gems that we find while dealing with these situations. I pray that you will find a way to support one another during this time, whether you are far away and keeping us in prayer, or are here and showing Christ’s love and patience to strangers and neighbors.

YIKES, Ike! (Part 1)

Four days ago, on September 11, residents of the Texas coast (and others along the Gulf Coast) were making up their minds about how to greet hurricane Ike. At that time Ike was nearing the Houston area and, like The Clash’s lyrics, many people were wondering, “Should I stay or should I go?” With a variety of reasons on either side, people began storm preparations. Some people boarded up homes and stocked up on food and water, while others packed up valuables and pets and began the trek out of town. Everyone has their own colorful story of where they “hunkered” down. (After “the” and “and”, the word “hunkered” was the most used word by journalists covering the storm.)

I was out of town during this time, watching 24 hour news coverage. In story after story, we noticed the reporter’s continual repetition of how someone was “hunkering down”, to which we found ourselves giving an automatic response of “hunker down!” Merriam-Webster defines this as settling in or digging in for a sustained period, and actually is the perfect word to describe what was happening in countless households. Some people have completed the “hunker” process and are arriving home to find that everything is just fine. But there are others who are still “hunkering” and playing the waiting game to find out when power is returned or just waiting for the opportunity to get home.

I pray that wherever you are, you are safe and finding the help you need. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and allow someone the blessing of coming to your aid. Be sure to stay in touch with your friends and family and thank God for all that He has brought you through.

They Were Astonished…

When talk of Gustav first began, weathermen and women stated that it could be rated a catagory 4 or 5 hurricane that could destroy New Orleans again. As Gustav moved closer to Louisiana, computer models kept showing a strong possibility of that happening. The language used by city and state officials was strong also and sent an estimated one million people into evacuation mode. Prayers were made so that the storm would weaken or bypass that area. The threat posed by Gustav was taken seriously. So, lo and behold, the storm weakened and did not hit New Orleans directly. Instead of “Praise God for answering our prayers” the reoccurring statement being touted now is that it was foolish to evacuate or take the storm seriously. Ahem…wait a second… when you prayed to God and hoped for this very outcome, didn’t you pray and wait in expectation? Are you really upset that He answered your prayers?

When you read Acts 12:1-9, you read about how the Apostle Peter was imprisoned and how the church nearby was praying for him. The angel of the Lord rescued Peter, allowing Peter the freedom to return to the place where the church was praying. After Peter knocked on the door, a girl went to open it (v.14) but was so astonished to see him that she ran back without opening it. When they finally came back and opened the door (v.16) they were astonished. They were surprised to see him there, even after praying to God in expectation (one assumes) that God would help Peter.

It is easy to point fingers at that church, but I have felt astonished myself, and then felt astonished that I felt astonished. Standing on this side of the pages of my Bible, it is easy to ask that church, “Why were you surprised? Did you thank God for answering your prayer?” But, I can hardly point a finger at them, without pointing at myself. It is always good to get a reminder that God is always faithful in hearing and answering our prayers. It is important to pray, believing that he will answer according to His wisdom and His timing.

Like many others, I listened to the reports of an imminent strike by Gustav. I prayed that the storm would dissipate. I hope that this week, we can be in agreement as we pray and thank God that the expected disaster did not happen as forecasted. Also I hope we will also lift up those who did face trouble with the storm, and those returning home this week. God IS good, all the time…

Back to School Time

What a summer it has been. Like many others, I spend most of the summer traveling about. One trip was to Pharr, Tx (full of blessings and great memories). I spend a month in Dallas at a school, where I studied, worshiped, fellowshipped, and studied some more. This was all followed up by a week’s vacation where R&R was the word(s) of the week. And now, I’m back in the office trying to get back in gear for the coming year.

All around me this week there have been students and parents getting back into their regular school-year mode. Parents took their Kindergarteners to the first day of class to begin their journey into formal schooling, where tears were shed (I think some of the children may have cried a bit too). On the other end of the spectrum, there were other parents loading up their college freshmen and leaving them on campus to begin a new journey of education. This event may be just as hard as that first day of Kindergarten.

Through all the days of my daughter’s school days, I knew that my job was to help her get to where she was able to leave my house and live on her own. It was my job to see that she made it to college and was equipped to stand on her own two feet when she got there. Her last year of high school grew harder and harder on my heart, as I knew the day was getting closer of when she would no longer be in my house every day. Even so I was proud to watch her grow and become someone who would be quite capable in the world out there.

Then the day actually came. I was going to be sooooo cool. I had it planned out to help her get settled in her room, spend the night and then take her to campus before driving off and leaving her that first day. “Bye. Have a great day” I planned to say as she got out of the car, and then I would smile, wave and drive away. No tears for me (I’m a happy crier). So I drove her to campus that morning, stopped, watched her hop out of the car and turn around to tell me goodbye. “Bye Mom, I love you” she said. Then time stopped.

The cute young woman standing before me suddenly shrank a couple of inches, sprouted long pig-tails, gained a lunchbox and an armful of books. All I could see was that little grade-school girl smiling and about to walk into the school. The tears began to well up. “Mom?” she said, waiting for my response. My cool-ness was quickly disappearing, but I managed a smile, a wave, and an “I love you too. Have a great day” before she closed the car door. Then time began to move again as I watched that confident young woman walk away.

Every new school year that comes around reminds me of days like that. Without the confidence that Jesus was at the center of her life, I don’t know how I could have left her there. My prayers right now certainly include the children and youth who are starting school again, that they may grow in wisdom, in the school and in the Sunday schools. I pray for their parents, that they may be wise in guiding their children to learn about Jesus as fervently as they worry about grades. Will you join me?

Where'd the Summer Go?

Yes, yes, yes, I've been amis in my postings. I just want to take this moment to give us all the opportunity to breathe in Summer just once more. Before school is moving fast... before everyone in the office is back from vacation... before the memories of time off begin to fade... just take a moment and slip back into that hammock on the breezy side of the South Pacific island you visitied. Take just one more moment to remember and enjoy because summer is just about officially over... well in officially in one month. But still, time to mentally and physically get in the swing of things... is here.

Perfect Parenting (or rather) Avoiding the Mistakes of Parenthood

(The following is a continuation of my views on msn.com’s story on “10 Big Mistakes Parents Make”.)

10) Not following though: How often have you heard a mom with kids in tow, moving up and down the aisles in the grocery store: “Johnny, don’t do that again or you won’t get candy when we leave. Johnny, this is your last chance, don’t don that. Okay Johnny, I’m giving you one more chance. Now Johnny, I told you not to do that again or else…” And then at the check out line, of course Johnny gets the candy anyway. No should always mean no, and yes should always mean yes. I trust God because I know that His promises are steadfast. God may pronounce His divine “I’VE HAD IT!” like he did so often with Moses about those “stiff-necked” people in the desert, but God didn’t threaten anything He wouldn’t follow through on, and Moses knew that. God, in His mercy, may change His mind about things, but what He says He will do, he will do. He should be our model in this. I believe that it is a loving act for parents to give their children a solid foundation in which to trust. Following through is a way to provide children with a foundational understanding of how to trust parents, in their "yes" and their "no".

Take a moment to consider your relationship with your Father in heaven, with you as His child, and then your relationship (as a parent) with your own beloved children.

Perfect Parenting (or rather) Avoiding the Mistakes of Parenthood

(The following is a continuation of my views on msn.com’s story on “10 Big Mistakes Parents Make”.)

9) Pushing trends on kids: Okay, I confess that fashion trends are not that vital to my life. In fact, as my daughter reads this, I know she was shocked that I knew what “Jimmy Choos” are (they are shoes). But in speaking about sharing your passions, I shared my passion of music, which included that period where practicing the piano was not an option for her. But I saw her own passion and her own gift and tried my best to encourage that (yes, she is a pianist, surpassing me). Ephesians 6:4 tells fathers (and mothers too), “do not exasperate your children" even when you are correcting them, and even when you are encouraging them to use their God-given gifts. I think this verse in Ephesians is showing an expectation of parents to deal gently with their children and find ways of encouraging moral behavior and faithfulness to God, as well as encouraging them to find a passion and use those gifts for God.

Take a moment to consider your relationship with your Father in heaven, with you as His child, and then your relationship (as a parent) with your own beloved children. (Watch for the rest of this list to be updated daily.)

Perfect Parenting (or rather) Avoiding the Mistakes of Parenthood

(The following is a continuation of my views on msn.com’s story on “10 Big Mistakes Parents Make”.)

8) Not teaching kids to fend for themselves: My papaw would say the old line, “Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” I think this holds true for our children. For me, this goes back to items 3 and 5 on this list. In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus is described as the carpenter’s son. The gospel of Mark goes on to describe Jesus as a carpenter, presumably one who had followed Joseph into the trade. Jesus certainly was given a loving earthly father who, like generations before, gave their sons the gift of a trade or knowledge. I picture little Jesus in the shop, learning year after year how to build. I picture Joseph smiling as he envisions his son being able to enjoy life because of his trade and experience.

Take a moment to consider your relationship with your Father in heaven, with you as His child, and then your relationship (as a parent) with your own beloved children. (Watch for the rest of this list to be updated daily.)

Perfect Parenting (or rather) Avoiding the Mistakes of Parenthood

(The following is a continuation of my views on msn.com’s story on “10 Big Mistakes Parents Make”.)

7) Setting unreal expectations: After hearing my expectations (of keeping her room clean, telling the truth, coming home on time, etc) my daughter would sometimes question me, “Do you expect me to be perfect? I’m not perfect you know!”. My Wesleyan words came forth about striving for Christian perfection verses being perfect little robots. We are to “aim for perfection” (2 Cor 13:11), and to “press on” (Phil 3:12) in our imperfection. Regarding #7 on the list from msn, dreams of our children are important, but perhaps backing up to set expectations of following biblical principles and moral behavior should be a priority. If parents and children are moving together in that journey (for the most part) then helping your child reach their dreams (and not necessarily yours) is a joy.

Take a moment to consider your relationship with your Father in heaven, with you as His child, and then your relationship (as a parent) with your own beloved children. (Watch for the rest of this list to be updated daily.)

Perfect Parenting (or rather) Avoiding the Mistakes of Parenthood

(The following is a continuation of my views on msn.com’s story on “10 Big Mistakes Parents Make”.)

6) Not being a good spouse: However you read Eph 5:22-28 which says “Wives submit to your husbands…” and “Husbands love your wives…”, the focus of this passage is not to label a “boss”, but to set up a precedent for living out a loving and Christ-centered marriage. If the husband and wife and treating each other as they would Christ, then their children will be able to appreciate the loving picture of Christ as the bridegroom and the church as the bride. They will also have a clear picture of how to treat their own spouse in the future.

Take a moment to consider your relationship with your Father in heaven, with you as His child, and then your relationship (as a parent) with your own beloved children. (Watch for the rest of this list to be updated daily.)

Perfect Parenting (or rather) Avoiding the Mistakes of Parenthood

(The following is a continuation of my views on msn.com’s story on “10 Big Mistakes Parents Make”.)

5) Not giving kids enough responsibility: Just because children are young doesn’t mean that they are not an integral part of the family. Paul tells the young Timothy, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Tim 4:12). Age should not set parameters on whether or not you have a responsibility, but how you participate responsibly. Sometimes setting a good example is a huge responsibility (my mother and grandmother’s words ring in my ear about that). Would not honoring one’s mother and father include helping them in any way that you can … just because?

Take a moment to consider your relationship with your Father in heaven, with you as His child, and then your relationship (as a parent) with your own beloved children. (Watch for the rest of this list to be updated daily.)

Perfect Parenting (or rather) Avoiding the Mistakes of Parenthood

(The following is a continuation of my views on msn.com’s story on "10 Big Mistakes Parents Make".)

4) Praising mediocrity: Praise is something set aside for great events and persons. God is worthy of our constant praise, not because he attempted to create and bring reconciliation, but because he alone is Lord of the universe who has created and is creating. Jesus is worthy of praise because he has defeated sin and death through His resurrection. In a more general sense, “praise” is a statement of greatness as when Jacob blessed Judah saying that his brothers would praise him (Gen 49:8). Praise is reserved for unparalleled greatness. When a parent doesn’t praise every step and action of their child, it doesn’t mean you are withholding love or admiration for the child. If children don’t learn the difference between greatness and mediocrity, how will they be able to appreciate the unsurpassing greatness of God, if everyone and everything is always worthy of praise?

Take a moment to consider your relationship with your Father in heaven, with you as His child, and then your relationship (as a parent) with your own beloved children. (Watch for the rest of this list to be updated daily.)

Perfect Parenting (or rather) Avoiding the Mistakes of Parenthood

(The following is a continuation of my views on msn.com’s story on “10 Big Mistakes Parents Make”.)

3) Failing to get involved at school: Deut 11:1-19 contains a call for parents to remember their experience in the desert and the lessons they learned, and then pass that on to their children. They are told to remember God’s ways and “Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” What child doesn’t want to spend time with parents who offer love and support? It is the duty of parents to make sure their children are educated, especially in matters of school and faith. Moreover, it should be the joy of parents to have a hand in what their children learn and take to heart.

Take a moment to consider your relationship with your Father in heaven, with you as His child, and then your relationship (as a parent) with your own beloved children. (Watch for the rest of this list to be updated daily.)

Perfect Parenting (or rather) Avoiding the Mistakes of Parenthood

(The following is a continuation of my views on "10 Big Mistakes Parents Make".)

2) Inadequate discipline: Have you heard the quote, “Spoil the rod and spare the child”? For ten points, where does that quote come from? If you said the Bible, you are incorrect, as that saying is only a reference to Proverbs 13:24 which says, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” (Also read Pr. 13:1,18 and 20). I don’t believe verse 24 is a call to beat your child, and I don’t even think it is saying that spanking is or isn’t a good idea. The focus is the necessity of discipline, not a singular method of punishment. When I look back at my childhood and youth, I don’t think about the punishments I justly received, but I do appreciate the fact that they tried to teach me right and avoid wrong, for my own benefit.

Take a moment to consider your relationship with your Father in heaven, with you as His child, and then your relationship (as a parent) with your own beloved children. (Watch for the rest of this list to be updated daily.

Perfect Parenting (or rather) Avoiding the Mistakes of Parenthood

Since I am and always have been the perfect parent … (uhm, what if my daughter reads my blog…? Let me rephrase…) Since I am a parent … (and even though my daughter is in her twenties and married) articles like the one on msn.com catch my eye and give me two thoughts: 1) what kind of parent was I then? and 2) how does their list match up to biblical principles? So take a moment to look at “10 Big Mistakes Parents Make” … go ahead and look … I’ll wait …

So, now that you’re back, here are my thoughts on the list:

1) Spoiling kids: I immediately think of Veruca Salt, the spoiled rich girl in the movie, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”, who begins and ends most of her diatribes with “I want it now”. Her father, like many modern parents seem to think that giving in to the “wants” is chief method of showing love. Mr. Salt is obviously afraid that his daughter will not know how much he loves her if he doesn’t give in to her constant demands. The image of a good father who gives what we need (as opposed to wants) is found in Mt 7:9-11. "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Food (like bread and fish) is vital to life. The latest model donkey or toga (BMW or Jimmy Choos) is not so vital.

Take a moment to consider your relationship with your Father in heaven, with you as His child, and then your relationship (as a parent) with your own beloved children. (Watch for the rest of this list to be updated daily.)

In a Pharr Away Place

In June, I was blessed to be a part of a mission trip to Pharr (near McAllen, Tx and within a stone's throw of the Mexican border) that included youth and adults from two United Methodist churches (my church and another church in our area). Most of those from our churches are well off in material things, and all of us were far from poor. The area we went to was Hidalgo County, the poorest county in the nation, and so very unlike the daily scenery that we were accustomed to. It is an agricultural society that relies on migrant workers who are paid very little and live in difficult circumstances. We went, we told the youth, not to go and "fix" problems, but to join into the society and help where we could, and learn from the people there who had so much to offer us, in a variety of ways.

The first day we gleaned (Read Ruth chapter 2) in a watermelon field for four hours. The watermelons were picked from the field and loaded into a truck which delivered them to a food bank. The next day we went to two different locations where we scraped, washed and painted two houses (a la UMARMY), while three of us went to a different neighborhood to distribute invitations to VBS. On Wednesday and Thursday, we spent the day in a colonia (a neighborhood) which was very poor by most standards, but rich love and care for others. We had prepared for a two-day bilingual VBS, complete with bilingual songs, games and crafts, and with a puppet show and movie in Spanish. The journey of preparing for this was a major event in itself and couldn't have happened without willing volunteers who practiced, gathered, and/or translated material. These two days were the best out of the week for me. Being with people who shared joy in circumstances that were so out-of-the-box for most of our group. No air conditioner, small houses with no TV and cramped living quarters, and houses with homemade plumbing and light fixtures... these circumstances seemed desperate.

However, the people shared their joy with us. The children laughed as we played "Duck Duck Goose" (or perhaps laughing with us as some of us spoke poor Spanish). Language was not a barrier, due to a few with us who served as translators, but mostly due to the shared language of caring for one another. Their faces lighted up when presented with their own coloring book and crayons. They shared their love for the Lord as they sang for us in loud gleeful voices and presented us with a "thank you" banner which they all signed. One would presume that the beneficiaries of our time and gifts were the children and their parents, but our group for Houston truly benefited in being accepted in into that community. During those days, I felt like there was no Greek, no Jew, no Anglo, no Hispanic (Gal 3:28), but that we were all enjoying being God's children together.

It was hot- VERY HOT (I don't do "heat" by choice), but as I look back, I didn't focus on that and instead enjoyed every aspect of this trip. I know the prayers of friends, family and our prayer team helped hold us all up during that time and I would whole-heartedly encourage others to consider a venture into such a Pharr away place as that. My continued prayer is that both the group that went and the people we met will remember how God moved and touched our lives, and that He will continue to move us all to serve and glorify Him with each new day.

In Dallas

I have sucessfully avoided updating my blog for quite some time, but I have great excuses (don't we always?) Since January I have been regularly working on course work for four courses that I must take this year in Dallas, for which I had to have my pre-work mailed in by May. I then used May and June to do the prep work so that all the ministries for which I am responsible would have all the info and volunteers they needed while I was gone for a month in July. Also in June I went on a mission trip with the youth from our church and another church in our area. It was wonderful and worth blogging about (which I will do shortly). But the short of it is that I am now in Dallas for a month, enjoying the opportunity to study and have fellowship with other pastors. It is difficult to leave the church for that period of time, but the church doesn't and shouldn't revolve around a single person or a single ministry. On the other hand, I have no worries because there is great leadership back at the ranch and a good number of brothers and sisters in Christ who continue to step up and do the work of Christ. The journey continues ...

Perseverance

Have you ever felt like you’re riding down a steep mountain, on a treacherous path, on a bicycle at 100 m.p.h.? Or can you relate to Indiana Jones (Indy reference again?... but he’s so reference worthy…) in his first movie where he is in a cave running for his life away from a giant boulder. Life comes hard and fast sometimes and we can lie down in the road or we can keep moving forward.

Life has been pretty good for me lately. Busy, busy, but good. I will be out for awhile on a mission trip near Mexico with a group of youth and adults from my church and another church in our area. I’m excited about that and focused on getting all the preparations complete and the details taken care of. I’ve also had a large list of things to prepare and delegate for the month that I’m away this summer. I’m enjoying working with the new senior pastor at our church as well as dealing with the daily business of the church. Then there are all the personal and family things I need to take care of. Busy, just like the next person.

Most of what I have described is a normal part of a day in the life of me. I remain 99% calm and enjoy all that my vocation has me doing day to day. But you know when, in the middle of doing the things that you do, one, then two, then three more things begin to land in your plate. As the days have clicked by, bringing me nearer deadlines and a departure date, I have felt moments of “What NOW?” It is especially during times like those that I must lean on the power of Christ to get me through the day (or the hour). Perseverance is vital to this walk of faith we’re on. We must hang onto Christ and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (Jam 1:2-4)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Heb 12:1 )

So even when that giant Indiana boulder is at your heels, keep moving. Indy kept moving through his struggle to eventual safety. As Christians, we are not promised a smooth journey, but we are promised that Christ will never leave us to travel it alone. It’s truly an adventure. I hope you enjoy yours.

Gymanny Crickets!

For many of my adult years, I have conducted experiment after experiment of what it takes to lose and gain weight. In other words, I have gone on a number of diets and taken up various exercise programs. At times I’ve been successful, at least for a short while, and at other times exasperation sets in. (My dad’s expression is “Jimmany Crickets!”). A few weeks ago I took a stand and purchased a membership at a nearby gym, however I have not lost a single pound. I guess I’m going to have to actually get in the car and go there to get any good out of my purchase.

I think this same mentality shows itself in other areas of our lives. If you are like most Christians, you have at least one Bible in your house. You may even have several Bibles, a few Bible study books or Sunday school lessons as well. So then the question becomes “How much time during the week do you spend reading the Bible?” According to a Barna poll, 67% of born again Christians read their bible during the week. That’s not a bad percentage I guess, but it brings another question to the forefront: “What does read mean?”

Do you get points for opening it up during worship and reading along with the scripture reader? (This is certainly a good idea, but how common is that in your church?) If you read it during worship, do you check “read Bible” off of your list until the next service and put your Bible back on the shelf? Do you read for pleasure? Do you dive into its pages to discover what God would reveal to you? Do you study the lives of the saints and find examples of Godly living? Do you read and re-read about the life of Christ and listen to his call to follow him?

If I’m going to get physically healthier, I need to darken the door of my gym. If I’m going to grow in faith, I have to be in the Word daily and consume what the Bread of Life offers. At least in this growth I pray that the church of Jesus Christ will increase their desire to know God’s Word which sends us out to share his good news and expand the family of believers.

Indiana Jones

Well, I’ve seen it now … twice, since opening day last Thursday. I admit it- I’m a fan of Indiana Jones. I remember seeing the first movie, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark in the summer of 1981. I was a sophomore in college and like a vast majority of American theater goers, I sat through that movie, wide-eyed and gripping the arm of the chair until the credits began to roll. I entered curious and exited a fan. The whole series, including the latest, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, is just plain fun and tells epic stories with surprises and excitement.

So, yes, I enjoy watching them just for pure enjoyment, but I can’t escape my natural tendency to look for deeper meanings in things. For instance, I watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and saw Indiana standing at the edge of the precipice contemplating the faith necessary to step out across a vast chasm toward the Holy Grail. When I think of that scene I can’t help but view that as a picture of stepping out in faith and believing in what you can’t see. There are a number of things throughout the series that offer moments of pondering the deeper things, such as the power of God, self-sacrifice and good versus evil.

Indiana’s mission was to seek out relics lost for ages. Christ came “to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). Indiana went to the ends of the earth (just about) to rescue those he loved and cared about. Is that not what Christ did, come and rescue those whom he loves? So for me, beyond the sheer adventure of the series, I enjoy those moments of illumination.

So today I’m simply indulging in frivolous musings of the adventures of Dr. Jones and celebrating this final chapter in the saga. Go see it (by yourself before you decide to take the kids) and enjoy it for what it is. Then, after you’ve seen it a second time, you can begin to reflect about the meaning of Kingdom and all the mysteries that life holds, but until then… may the force be with you … (oops, that’s another series).

Prince Caspian

Last Friday I attended the opening day of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. It is a continuation of the story told in 2005’s The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. These movies, adapted from the series of books by C.S. Lewis, are wonderful stories and I think both movies were worth watching. TLTW and TW was more of an allegorical tale that pointed to Christ’s death and resurrection. I found its allegory to be clear and showed the power and victorious nature of Christ, as well as his compassion and gentle love.

You’ll not find the same train of thought in Prince Caspian, as it contains Christian themes instead of allegory. Aslan the Lion, the Christ figure, is more prominent in the first film, but does make an appearance in the second film and retains his supreme status. If you watch (or read the book) carefully, you’ll see themes of grace, faith, and restoration that reveal themselves and offer moments of reflection. This film is worth seeing for the pure enjoyment of it, but don’t miss out on pondering over it later to think about what it says on a deeper level. The one thing I missed in the movie was the way the book detailed the interaction between Aslan and Lucy. For me, that was a great picture of walking in faith, and I wish the movie had spent a bit more time on that relationship. But in any case, it was a great movie. I hope you find time to enjoy it too.

Ron Stone: A Good Neighbor

On May 13, a Houston icon passed from this life to the next. Since Tuesday there have been a multitude of stories on TV and the web about Ron Stone, who served as a news reporter and anchor in Houston on channel 11 (CBS) from 1961-1972 and channel 2 (NBC) from 1972-1992. (See channel 2 stories here.)

Co-workers and even so-called competitors called him friend and used superlative language to describe him as a person and news anchor. They tell about his skills in the news business, his penchant for history, and talent with telling stories, on screen and in print. Without fail each story talks about what a nice man he was, but the details go way beyond just being friendly.

He worked hard and he volunteered hard, giving time to causes he considered worthy, such as Muscular Dystrophy. One woman tells how she was a child with Muscular Dystrophy and met him at the telethon. He eased her fear and called her friend. Some years later, he sent a helicopter to her house because she was unable to come to the telethon that year. On air he was heard to pass along get-well messages and off the air he went to great lengths to show his concern for others. One story I found interesting was a note in a visitation book from a young man thanking Ron for being his Sunday school teacher in the 60’s, which shows he served outside of the secular path of life. One woman recounted how he offered much needed change to her while she was juggling groceries and toddlers in the checkout line. He took time to be with the common person, because he considered himself to be a common man… a neighbor.

Who is my neighbor? In Luke 10:25-37 Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan to answer that question and teaches what it means to be a good neighbor. It may take a little extra labor to be the good neighbor, but that is exactly what Christ calls us to do. The parable is an example to follow: Love your neighbor as yourself.

This week many people are offering prayers of thanks for the life of Ron Stone and the example he left for us to follow. Many have commented on his good humor, sincerity, kindness, thoughtfulness, and genuineness stating that if more people acted like Ron Stone, then the world would be a better place.

Mr. Stone’s signoff each night was “Good night neighbors”, and I offer that up for your own daily response of choosing to be a good neighbor.

“Don’t tell anyone I told you, but…”

What a way to begin a conversation. Even better yet there’s the infamous, “Susie said … (blah blah blah), but said not to tell anyone.” Secrets are hard to keep, gossip is easy to spread, and neither is beneficial to the life of the church. Whether it is in person, by phone, texting or MySpace, wounding words- from Christians no less- cut deep without regard to our call to live as Christians (literally “little Christs”).

Ghandi once said, I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” He makes a point about how our actions don’t always match what we know to be Christian behavior. In Romans 7:7-25, Paul talks about our struggle with sinful behavior. There is absolutely no justification for choosing hurtful words and actions over forgiveness and love.

If you read chapter one of Romans, Paul talks about God’s wrath toward those who suppress truth. He then lists a number of depraved actions which include gossip and slander. In Galatians 5:13-20 Paul reprimands the church for back-biting, discord, etc, instead of serving “one another in love.” Too often, then and now, we “good” Christians justify our jealousy, rage, and need for revenge against those who have hurt or disagreed with us. But giving in to that only drags one down to the point of leaning on your own will and straying from the faith. Only a downward spiral follows.

The next time someone begins to spread gossip, whether in the guise of truth or not, I challenge you to boldness and to “[speak] the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Stop being a party to the spread of rumors that destroy and instead gossip the gospel. When encountering the “Susie said not to tell, but…” preface to a conversation, I have learned to interrupt with “then please don’t tell me.” Remember, whoever doesn’t keep Susie’s secrets, won’t keep yours either. And, briefly, there’s the email stories that beg to be forwarded. Try checking their validity at snopes.com and you’ll be surprised.

Those who consider themselves to be Christian need to quit kidding themselves into thinking hurtful words are acceptable in retaliation for the hurtful words they have received. We need to put child-ish and petty ways behind us and embrace God’s grace. We need to cling to a child-like faith and share forgiveness with each other as easily as God forgives us. Let us get back to the task of being transformed so that the world outside the church doors will see us and see how Christians are so very much like the Christ we preach.

Finally, brothers (and sisters), whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil 7:8

Senior-itus

Senior-itus: that debilitating syndrome that strikes high school and college seniors during their final year of school. You have certainly either witnessed it or experienced it in your lifetime. During my own senior year of high school, my very astute government teacher shared his observation regarding the senior’s participation in the “class yell” portion of the pep-rallies. He suggested a more realistic pep-rally cry in lieu of the traditional one, and offered, “A-P-A, T-H-Y, that’s our senior battl… (sighhhhh).” He knew the struggle of senior-itus and gave us the opportunity to recognize it enough to push through the rest of the year.

But senior-itus doesn’t just affect students. There are other strains with similar symptoms which originate outside of the realm of school. These symptoms appear about this time of year as a type of office doldrums precariously set between the memory of Christmas vacations and the hope of summer vacations. The church, full of people with these symptoms, is affected by that same struggle of being faithful, despite the times we feel tired or worn out. But if we recognize the struggle, then overcoming becomes possible.

Hebrews 12:1-3 serves as a rally cry for me, almost as a spiritual pep-rally to encourage this “team” of Christians to keep moving forward with Christ.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

The Message ends this section saying, “That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” When I picture that great cloud of witnesses cheering me on, I remember that others struggled like I do, needing encouragement to even ask Jesus for help. That lifts me up to refocus my eyes on Jesus, whose power enables me to not just walk, but run with perseverance. Whatever is happening in your life- great changes, or even yearning for changes- seek God first and allow Him to pull you through. And He will… every single time.

May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. (2nd Thess 3:5 NIV )

Supreme Friendship

I recently watched an interview of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. No matter your opinion of him, it is an eye-opening piece with surprises. He confessed to his private conservative views, but goes on to discuss how his understanding of the Constitution keeps him from making some decisions he would like to make personally. As a Justice, his judicial understanding and beliefs win out over his own private and personal opinions. His written judicial opinions regarding Supreme Court cases are quite clear about what he thinks, including responses to his fellow Justice’s opposing opinions. One particular Justice is Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a liberal who formerly worked for the ACLU. Some of Justice Scalia’s written opinions have called her opinions “absurd” and “self-righteous”.

Two very different people with different understandings of the very same document. It might cause one to picture a court that spends their life-long appointment despising and attacking each other. However when the interviewer pointed out these judicial disagreements between these two Justices, she also noted her discovery that they were “such good friends”, on and off the court. He replied:

"I attack ideas. I don't attack people. And some very good people have some very bad ideas," Scalia says. "And if you can't separate the two, you gotta get another day job.”

His point was that your ideas, though extremely important, should not affect how you treat people and get along with them from day to day. Justice Ginsburg had very nice things to say about him, and it was said they had even vacationed together. WHAT? They voluntarily spent time together for the purposes of relaxation? What kind of an example is that....?

Jesus told his disciples, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” John 13:34 (also 1 John 3&4). Beyond our likes and dislikes; beyond our opinions, there is something of greater, rather, the greatest importance. Jesus Christ came to show us the supreme and unending love of God, and was quite clear about the importance of us returning that love, day in and day out.

Scalia and Ginsburg on vacation together? The lion lying down with the lamb (Is 11:6)? Wherever will this go if we take Jesus’ words of love and peace to heart? Perhaps our mouths and arms are supposed to be so full of love that we can no longer carry harmful words, spitefulness, revenge or grudges, and instead leave them far behind. What will you choose to carry with you this week?

Nothing But Nets

Ick! Mosquitoes! Their little buzzing sound always means that somebody’s about to be bitten. Boy am I glad I have a home that keeps those things out. But when one sneeks in I don’t rest until it is trash fodder, and then I can sleep in peace. Not everyone sleeps in peace though.

My posting this week is short as I want to point you to another site for information about the Nothing But Nets initiative. This initiative began after people read and responded to a Sports Illustrated column by Rick Reilly who wrote about the horrific malaria problem in Africa. He let out a call for readers to donate funds for the purchase of specially made malaria nets, covered in insecticide and created for families to sleep under and be protected from mosquitoes. His challenge evolved into a grassroots campaign to create a way for the nets to get to the people who desperately need them.

Since then quite a number of groups have come forward to support this effort, one of which is the United Methodist Church. To help raise funds, the Nothing But Nets website is now offering a way for you to learn and have a donation made on your behalf. At their site www.NothingButNets.net, you will find a game to play that has you delivering nets to people in the villages. After you play the game and give them your email (to keep you updated I imagine), and then confirm it, a donation of $10 will be made on your behalf. There is even a place there where you can make your own donation if you choose.

In any case, playing the game will cost you only a few minutes and not a single penny (again, you can donate in addition to that) and will make it possible for a family to sleep mosquito, and therefore malaria, free.

Dabbling in Spanish and Other Things

Estudio español todas los años de mi vida, pero no cada dia. Puedo hablo espanol pero no es bueno. I clearly remember being 10 years old and finding my mother’s old Spanish textbook. My sister and I looked over the first page of vocabulary words and proceeded to recite with each other, “Hola Juan. Como esta usted?” “Bien gracias. Y usted?” I’ve dabbled in learning it ever since then. Prior to traveling to Mexico (which I love to do) I tend to begin my studying with a fresh vigor, which usually declines after I return home.

My daughter, though not fluent, reads and speaks Spanish very well. When I need help, she meets with me because she knows I learn better when there is a teacher and accountability. Sure I can read my many Spanish textbooks and listen to my tapes, but the information sticks better when I am practicing with someone else every week. I could join a class, but who has that kind of time…? I’m pretty busy…, right?

How different is that from life within and around the church? There are those who spend most of their lives in the church, but only dabble in Bible study or Sunday school classes. Some attend worship pretty regularly but view it as doing that one hour of duty to the church that week. Some attend when they feel it is necessary, especially when they need help. I’m not saying that going to church in a time of need is a bad thing. On the contrary, it is a great thing. But too often people either get their prayer answered and return to their “normal” lives, or they get discouraged that God is not answering their prayer according to their timetable or in the way they choose, so they search for answers someplace else. Sure, people can read and study the Bible on their own. They can watch the T.V. preachers on Sunday and call that worship. They can enjoy nature’s beauty at the golf course or the deer stand and call it “worship”, but these things on their own do not build one up in knowledge of God and what it means to be the body of Christ. They could join a community of faith and meet regularly with them, … but who has that kind of time…? They are pretty busy… right?

There must be a reason God set mankind up to be communal creatures. We need each other to keep each other fed, clothed and nurtured. Christ’s followers, the church, is called the body of Christ to give us a picture of how Christian believers are to be joined together as a whole and unified community of faith. Together, we share knowledge and experience. Together we have accountability and encourage each other. We even have local churches where we can regularly join together with other believers to worship, learn, mature, persevere, and love others. The local church is not a place of mere duty, but a place where the family of God comes together out of a sense of joy, responding to God’s love. So, it is not just a question of who has time for church or who has time to do anything there besides that one hour of Sunday pew-warming. Perhaps the God who loves us enough to create us in His own image, and enough to give us eternal life through His Son, and enough to continually offer us a relationship as His beloved children, … perhaps this God is worth more than one hour a week, more than a sporadic prayers for rescue, and more than the change we toss into the plate. Perhaps, if our omnipotent Father set up the church for our benefit, maybe church is a big deal after all.

Du betest. Usted ora. Vous priez. Lei prega. Pray! Take time this week to communicate with your Father in heaven and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to where He wants you to be within the body of Christ.

Take Off Your Shoes and Go

This week I watched a 1998 interview of Charlton Heston in which Robert Osborne (of Turner Movie Classics) visited with the iconic Mr. Heston about his long movie career. Obviously TMC’s timely repeat of this was due to Mr. Heston’s recent death. He was a gifted actor who portrayed larger than life men such as El Cid, Michelangelo, Judah Ben-Hur, John the Baptist, and Marc Antony. But above all he will be remembered for playing Moses, the great role he undertook at the age of 31.

In this interview Mr. Osborne asked Mr. Heston about his memories regarding the making of The Ten Commandments. Heston talked about the scene where Moses had just spoken with God at the burning bush. If you look, you’ll notice that Moses is barefoot as he comes down the mountain. Heston said that he told the director, Cecil B. DeMille, that Moses should come back down without his sandals. When asked why, Heston explained his understanding of that scene. He said that God told Moses to take off his sandals and then revealed His divine plan for the Israelites. Heston thought Moses was certainly in a state of fear and awe as he obediently removed his sandals and listened to the voice of God. Once Moses finally accepted that he must obey God and go back to Egypt, Moses’ mind was reeling with all the miraculous things God had just said and done. So in this state of awe, he immediately left the bush and went down the mountain to go do exactly what God commanded him to do. Heston thought that the very last thing on Moses’ mind was to stop and pick up his sandals.

I like thinking about Moses that way, and when you read the story (Ex 3:1-4:18) you easily notice that he was not jumping for joy about this assignment. There on that mountain God told Moses the plan, told him to go (several times), and answered his questions. With our modern hindsight of this episode, we can easily judge Moses for arguing with God and bombarding Him with questions. But more likely than not, if we had been standing there with Moses, we would have done the same thing. But Heston’s thought about the sandals makes sense. When you have encountered the living God and finally give in to His call on your life, your focus changes. You may still have some fear of the unknown ahead, but God’s plan becomes the priority and sandals get left behind.

God provides. He provides the plan. He provides the materials necessary to accomplish the plan. He provides the leadership and the encouragement that we need to persevere through the plan. He empowers and equips us to boldly walk forward, by faith. And when it’s time to go out into the world with His gracious message of love, we need to get up and go as we are, even if that means leaving our sandals behind. It’s not the shoes that make the journey possible. It is the spirit of God who guides every step we take.

"Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." (Ex 3:5)

Ex 3:10 “So now, go. I am sending you…”
Ex 3:16 "Go…”
Ex 4:12 “Now go…”

BONUS: Ten Commandments trivia (click here for all the answers)

1. What year did the movie come out?
2. Who played the baby Moses in the basket on the Nile?
3. Who played Rameses?
4. Edward G. Robinson played what part.
5. What actor was the future husband of a “10”?
6. What modern day device does Moses wear while standing on a rock?
7. In the film’s opening, the “Paramount mountain” is replaced by what?
8. Who supplied the voice of God?
9. What was used to represent falling hail?
10. The last line of the movie, "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land, unto all the inhabitants thereof" was taken from Leviticus 25:10. What American icon also has this printed on it?

Consider the Bluebonnets

This past weekend, I ventured to Austin and witnessed one of Texas’ most beautiful sights: field after field of bluebonnets, which occasionally had just the right mix of blue, white, red and pink flowers. I even felt compelled to stop and take a few pictures before I left that area. As I drove off, “Consider the lilies” rang in my ear (Matt 6:25-34). Jesus taught that God had provided everything that the lilies needed to grow. On those Texas hillsides, God also provided everything that the bluebonnets needed to grow. Jesus’ words tell us that God values you much more than those flowers, which He carefully created and nurtured, and therefore God will provide for you in an even greater way.

God is our great provider who gives us everything we truly need. I can’t remember the last time I went a day without a meal, or had to walk to the office. My home keeps the rain outside and the perfect temperature inside. I can have hot or cold running water at a moments notice and my computer runs smooth and fast. Perhaps your own blessings include exciting vacations, your dream car, or a college education for your children. In my travels on vacation, I’ve witnessed neighborhoods where children are glad to have shoes, and the kitchen consists of a fire-heated pot on the front porch. There are those in the world who are glad to have a tiny open-air church within half a day’s walk, and happy for hard wooden benches when they arrive.

When we consider our blessings and remember that God has blessed us so we will be a blessing to others, it puts the world into a better perspective for us. As stewards of what God has given us to use, we have the opportunity to share what we have. When we tithe and give to mission trips, we enter into God’s plan for feeding, clothing and sheltering those in need. In our Christian understanding, the great joy of “having” is “giving”-giving back to God through our prayers, presence, gifts, and service. I pray that you will celebrate the God who has blessed you and respond to His love according to the Spirit’s guidance.

Enjoy the bluebonnets, smell the roses, and be faithful in worshipping and serving their creator.

Why Did the Possum Cross the Road?

Today I saw a possum, presumably crossing... to get to the other side. Not that a possum is a strange sight to me. I grew up in a rural neighborhood where wildlife was prevalent, so possums and possums-on-the-half-shell (armadillos) made their homes near my house. But today’s sighting was different. I’m now in an urban setting, not far from a freeway and there’s no big wooded area nearby. There are some small sections of trees and bushes and the occasional empty lot, but that’s it. I was just surprised to see the possum walk away from one house, cross the street and into the next yard. I imagined that it was a mother possum walking home to her children to feed and protect them. I stopped to watch her eventually disappear into the bushes and wondered “How does she eat? Is she sharing the neighbor’s cat food?” I then thought about the scripture from Luke 12:22-31 where Jesus talks about the how God takes care of the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. I had to smile and think that Mrs. Possum and her family would be just fine. I didn’t need to jump in and try to control the situation or whatever problem I could dream up.

Life happens. Mankind is not capable of controlling time or every single event that happens, no matter how much we try. God is in control, and when we lose sight of that fact we begin to worry and fret over how everything will play out. The little possum I saw didn’t sit in the middle of the road, biting her nails and crying “Woe is me.” She was simply headed back into the little bit of “woods” that was available for her and her family. God provided the shelter and the food for them. Jesus reminds us, with his words about the lilies and the birds, that God is our provider in all things. Yes, we have jobs and work hard to give ourselves homes, cars, clothes and food, but when we fool ourselves into thinking that we did that on our own, we miss out on the comfort of knowing that God is constantly watching over us and caring for us.

When I was a child, my family would take long trips across the country by car. As we would drive into the evening I would get sleepy. It was easy for me to sleep because I knew dad or mom was driving and in charge. I was safe no matter whether I was asleep or awake. Knowing that God is driving and in charge gives me an even higher level of comfort. If He can take care of the lilies and the birds, and the possum family, then He can certainly take care of me. Because God created all things and loves me enough to provide and care for me, I want to be faithful in responding to Him by keeping Him first in my life.

Look around your home and your neighborhood. How can you see God’s providence there? How many times have you thanked Him for helping you out of a sticky situation? Have you noticed that when there seems to be no answer to a problem and you cry out for His help and guidance, that He is faithful to answer you, even if His answer is no? He is the all-wise one, so will you let Him shelter you, feed you, guide you and protect you?

Jesus in a Cheeto

Can you see Jesus in that Cheeto? (Read the story.) I came across this story on a local news station’s website and found that one of our own Methodists had noticed that his Cheeto looked like Jesus. That’s not an unknown kind of story. Who hasn’t read stories about a person who saw the face of Christ in a window smear, a peanut butter sandwich, a potato chip, or other odd places. So many of us think “kook!” and move on. Some of these “Jesus finders” are looked upon as kooky because the perception is that the window smear or food item is being revered, instead of Christ. Others of these “kooks” are snickered at for simply seeing something holy in a common object.

That is pretty kooky, to think you see God in things or situations that don’t have a lot of awe themselves. These “kooks” are not new on the planet. They’ve been here throughout the ages:

Moses thought he saw God in a pillar of fire and a pillar of clouds (Ex 13:21).
Elijah thought he heard God in a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-13).
Paul thought he saw and heard Christ in a blinding light (Acts 9:3-6).
Simeon thought he saw God in a baby (Luke 2:25-32).

Fire, clouds, voices, light, babies- all things that we see everyday. They can be created by mankind. They can be great and important or small and fragile. They can be treated with care or given little notice. As inspiring as these things can ever possibly be, they are not God and not to be worshipped. However, God can reveal Himself in them, and give us one more point of contact with Him. God can invite us into relationship with Him in anyway He so chooses, even using a Cheeto.

I love being at the beach. I enjoy walking along the sand taking in God’s presence. I see the ocean heave and roll into the shore, becoming low and bowing before the One who separated the waters from the land. I hear the waves make thunderous applause, congratulating the Creator for his mighty works. I hear the laughter of the seagulls, rejoicing at their privilege of flight. I feel the warmth of the sun and the cool brisk breeze mingling together, reminding me of the fire of the Holy Spirit and the breath of God that gives me daily guidance. Call me a kook, but I see God in all of that- in the sand, the seashells, the water, and the sky. I soak up His presence as I walk, silently singing His praise and listening for His voice. And in all of that… I know He sees me.

I pray that during this Easter season, you will have your eyes opened to seeing God. I hope you see Him in the creation around you. I hope you will see Him in the people around you and that you will love your neighbor as God has loved you.

Easter Traditions

History of the Holidays: Easter

While browsing through some videos I came across this video (click on above link) from the History channel that gives a short overview of the meaning of the traditions of Easter. It begins with Christianity and moves into modern day traditions. It states that our traditions range from “spiritual” to “fun” (Does that promote the idea that “spiritual” is “boring”?). In any case, it is clear that the purpose of our Christian Easter traditions is to remember Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, and to renew our relationship with the living Christ.

During Lent, we have the opportunity to spend time reflecting on our need for God in our lives. Many Christians use Lenten devotional books to make a daily pilgrimage to a space set aside for communing with God and seeking a deeper understanding of His will. Palm Sunday is a Sunday when Christians celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, and then prepare for Holy Week, a time of remembering Christ’s betrayal and sacrifice. The reason for these Holy week church services is not to create yet one more time to “come to church”, but to allow the church to connect to a corporate remembrance of everything that leads up to Easter:

Our sin. Our need for redemption. The fulfilled promise of a Messiah. The Perfect Rabbi who taught by word and deed. The Humble Servant who led by example. The Healer who made others whole in body and spirit. The Bread of Life who offered us a new covenant and an invitation to remember Him by sharing His body and blood. The One who was denied and betrayed by friends and who asked His Father to forgive us because we didn’t realize what we were doing. The sinless Lamb of God who took our took our sin upon Himself to atone for our sin. The end of sin and death, won by the Son of God hanging upon a bloody cross.

The joy of Christmas moves into the meditative reflection of Lent. The serious heartbreak of Holy week moves into the unbounded joy of Easter. As those who are in the world, but not of it, we look for ways to celebrate coming out of darkness into light. We shop in stores filled with Easter bunnies, Peeps and chocolate candy. We have Easter egg hunts and share in Easter lunches with friends and family. I’m not advocating an abolishment of these traditions, but I encourage you to keep Christ first, especially at Easter. Teach your children the true meaning of Easter and then allow the Easter eggs to teach them about new life. Share with others the sweetness of Christ as you offer someone a chocolate rabbit. I pray that you will allow the Holy Spirit to work within you as you anticipate Easter Sunday. I pray that you will let Christ renew you and recreate you into a hurt-forgiving, faith-sharing, joy-filled and loving disciple of Christ.

Giving Your Best in Worship, Part II

Recently, I left the question open as to who is responsible for preparing and participating in worship. The leader, right? Let’s look at King David, a king who took leadership seriously.

When you read chapter 6 of 2nd Samuel, you read how David, being mindful of earlier irreverent acts, wanted to give God his very best in bringing the ark to Jerusalem. David gave great sacrifices and abandoned his own thoughts about being dignified in the eyes of people. David was focused on giving the best of his energy, thoughts, and possessions to God in a display that said God was the priority. David was the leader, but he was not alone in this time of praising God. Verse 15 says that, David “and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.” They were in it together. They were prepared and participating in praising God- together.

Who prepares our weekly worship? Clergy? Staff? Members of the church? While it is true that the church staff (clergy and lay people) “put together” worship, they are not alone in their responsibility. Every worshipper is responsible for preparing for worship. The average person may never be a part of selecting scriptures or hymns, but there is more to it than that. Everyone should prepare for worship by reading the scripture ahead of time. Pray about it. Meditate on it. What is God saying to you about worship and the life of the church in that scripture?

As far as participation, there are more than the clergy, the choir and the ushers who participate in the worship service. Every worshipper should come prepared and ready to participate in worship by entering the worship space with awe at God’s presence and joy for the opportunity to praise Him along with all the other voices. Every worshipper should participate by being focused in on what the readings, prayers and songs have to do with honoring and revering God, and then be ready to hear and receive what God has to say to us as individuals and as a community of faith.

Yes, those who facilitate and plan the worship service readings, sermon, and music have a large responsibility as to the flow and logistics of worship. But they can not be alone in their activity. Worship is sometimes said to be “good” when the music or the preaching went well, or when something hit an emotional high during that hour. When it goes “bad”, it is the staff who have surely missed something and not created an atmosphere where the congregation is fed and filled.

The church, meaning the clergy and the laity, the staff and the membership are responsible together for giving our best in worship. We are all responsible together for preparing an atmosphere where God is the priority and where the people come together, seeking to give their best worship, their best prayers, their best quiet time of listening, their best tithes and offerings, and their best praises to the one who gave His best, His only Son for us. What are you willing to give?