Thursday, December 24, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Fresh New Snow
This last week, many of us woke up to snow on the ground. Whenever it snows, I think back to my childhood. My close friend, Ralph, and I would re-enact scenes from The Empire Strikes Back. We would pretend that we were on the ice planet Hoth, battling against the Empire. Within a couple of hours, we would have gone through the movie, but then we would continue to be the Star Wars characters the rest of the day. It was fun and exciting playing around in the newness of the snow.
By the end of the day, it was obvious where we had been. The snow was no longer smooth. Mud had mixed in with the snow, changing it from a white to a brown. Footprints were all around the yards. Imprints of our bodies were scattered about.
It was also obvious where we had not been. The snow remained untouched, smooth, and pure. There was a great difference between where we had been and where we had not been. Then at night, a new snowfall would come and in the morning, everything was smooth and it became difficult to see where we had been.
Much is the same with our lives. We begin as children, innocent and untouched by the world around us. Then as we get older, sin creeps into our lives. At first, it is just a little spot, but enough to mar the beauty of God’s creation. As we allow the sin to take hold of our lives, it begins to destroy all of our beauty. So much that we forget what it was like to be innocent and pure.
The night comes, the next snowfalls. Everything is restored and covered. Such as it is with our lives, something miraculous happens. We take the step of faith and allow Jesus to work in our lives. Then, what was once marred and torn is now beautiful and whole. All of our sins are wiped away. We no longer have any blemishes and we become free of accusations before God. “But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (Colossians 1:22 NIV).
No matter how bad we destroyed the snow, it was refreshed during the night. The same is with you. No matter how much sin is in your life, your life will be refreshed with the coming Christ into your life.
My friend and I no longer play Star Wars when it snows. (Though I have been accused of playing Star Wars all time.) We now have the privilege of watching our own children play in the snow. They make snow angels, snowmen, and have snowball fights. Let us not forget what it is like to be innocent and what it was like when Christ cleansed us and presents us without blemish. We can also be like youth in the fresh new snow.
By the end of the day, it was obvious where we had been. The snow was no longer smooth. Mud had mixed in with the snow, changing it from a white to a brown. Footprints were all around the yards. Imprints of our bodies were scattered about.
It was also obvious where we had not been. The snow remained untouched, smooth, and pure. There was a great difference between where we had been and where we had not been. Then at night, a new snowfall would come and in the morning, everything was smooth and it became difficult to see where we had been.
Much is the same with our lives. We begin as children, innocent and untouched by the world around us. Then as we get older, sin creeps into our lives. At first, it is just a little spot, but enough to mar the beauty of God’s creation. As we allow the sin to take hold of our lives, it begins to destroy all of our beauty. So much that we forget what it was like to be innocent and pure.
The night comes, the next snowfalls. Everything is restored and covered. Such as it is with our lives, something miraculous happens. We take the step of faith and allow Jesus to work in our lives. Then, what was once marred and torn is now beautiful and whole. All of our sins are wiped away. We no longer have any blemishes and we become free of accusations before God. “But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (Colossians 1:22 NIV).
No matter how bad we destroyed the snow, it was refreshed during the night. The same is with you. No matter how much sin is in your life, your life will be refreshed with the coming Christ into your life.
My friend and I no longer play Star Wars when it snows. (Though I have been accused of playing Star Wars all time.) We now have the privilege of watching our own children play in the snow. They make snow angels, snowmen, and have snowball fights. Let us not forget what it is like to be innocent and what it was like when Christ cleansed us and presents us without blemish. We can also be like youth in the fresh new snow.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Looking for a Sign
I have often pondered a simple question: Why is it called road construction? Doesn’t construction denote the building up of things? It seems that when I see a sign that claims road construction ahead it is more like road “destruction.” The road is not being built, but it is being destroyed.
I was on my way back home from a trip to Missouri. I was entering into a long stretch of road “destruction,” when I came across a confusing sign. The sign read, “Kansas closed exit at Ohio.” A couple of things went through my mind. “I knew the state was having some problems but to close it, that’s a new concept.”
“Has science progressed as far as Star Trek so now we have a transporter that can reach across a couple of states and that is how we are to get into Kansas?”
“What’s with all this road destruction, can’t they get it right the first time?”
“Where are the protesters?”
“Cities should not have roads named after states.”
Most of the times signs are very helpful. They will warn you about deer, railroad crossings, how far it is to the next town and even road destruction. Rarely are road signs misleading.
Today there are many misleading signs. Recently, there has been an increased interest in Nostradamus, the Mayan calendar, and the year 2012.
It is human nature to look for signs. We search for signs to see if these prophecies or prophets are correct. We look at mundane things and make claims that we are creeping towards the end of the world. When these prophecies do not come true, we just move on to the next prophecy. There have been many cults that have predicted the end of the world, only to fall very short. Many times, once a date has been established, and that date passes, an excuse is given and then a revision to the original date is given. Even Christians have fallen victim to these end time prophecies.
Instead of looking towards the end, we should look back to the beginning. About 700 years before Jesus was born, a sign was given to the people, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 NIV)
This is one sign that is often overlooked. Instead of chasing signs that are not there, we should be focused on the one that is there. Jesus was born to redeem the people for their sins and to reconcile humanity to the Father in heaven. He was born exactly as the prophet had stated many years before.
Instead of looking for a sign, look to the Son.
I was on my way back home from a trip to Missouri. I was entering into a long stretch of road “destruction,” when I came across a confusing sign. The sign read, “Kansas closed exit at Ohio.” A couple of things went through my mind. “I knew the state was having some problems but to close it, that’s a new concept.”
“Has science progressed as far as Star Trek so now we have a transporter that can reach across a couple of states and that is how we are to get into Kansas?”
“What’s with all this road destruction, can’t they get it right the first time?”
“Where are the protesters?”
“Cities should not have roads named after states.”
Most of the times signs are very helpful. They will warn you about deer, railroad crossings, how far it is to the next town and even road destruction. Rarely are road signs misleading.
Today there are many misleading signs. Recently, there has been an increased interest in Nostradamus, the Mayan calendar, and the year 2012.
It is human nature to look for signs. We search for signs to see if these prophecies or prophets are correct. We look at mundane things and make claims that we are creeping towards the end of the world. When these prophecies do not come true, we just move on to the next prophecy. There have been many cults that have predicted the end of the world, only to fall very short. Many times, once a date has been established, and that date passes, an excuse is given and then a revision to the original date is given. Even Christians have fallen victim to these end time prophecies.
Instead of looking towards the end, we should look back to the beginning. About 700 years before Jesus was born, a sign was given to the people, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 NIV)
This is one sign that is often overlooked. Instead of chasing signs that are not there, we should be focused on the one that is there. Jesus was born to redeem the people for their sins and to reconcile humanity to the Father in heaven. He was born exactly as the prophet had stated many years before.
Instead of looking for a sign, look to the Son.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Minor Nuisance - Major Inconvenience
There was a time that one of my jobs was sending me on trips throughout the Midwest. One of these trips was to Monett Missouri. While my activities and such were routine, it was the driving that was interesting.
One time I was driving through Kansas City. I had turned onto 435N and immediately saw a sign stretching over the interstate. It read, “Right Lane Closed at Antioch, 10 miles.”
It this point, there were five lanes, and I was in the right lane. I eased over into the next lane content with my foresight to go ahead and move.
Five miles later, I saw another sign somewhat similar as the first one, but a little change. It read, “Antioch exits closed, 5 miles.” Now there were signs showing that the left lane would also be closed. While my math is fuzzy at times, I knew that in five miles the interstate would be down to three lanes. I then eased into the center lane knowing that I had five miles before we hit the construction.
Three miles later, another sign gave the same warning, “Antioch exits closed, 2 miles.” Along the shoulder of the interstate there were signs prompting the traffic to merge within the next two miles. As soon as I passed the sign, I came to a complete stop.
After a couple of minutes, the traffic moved forward about thirty feet and stopped again. My fear was that there was a wreck causing the problems. It took forty-five minutes to drive the next two miles. When I got to the construction, I was able to see the problem. Fortunately, it was not a wreck; it was people not heeding the warning signs and trying to squeeze in at the last minute. What began as a minor nuisance became a major inconvenience.
How many times have you done something like that? The warning signs are before you. There is plenty of time to make the change, but through stubbornness or pride, refuse. Then what could have been a minor nuisance becomes a major inconvenience.
We have been given the road signs. Warnings to follow the right path and to be prepared for adversity. These road signs are found in the Bible. These commands are not a nuisance and are far from being burdensome, “Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3 NLT)
There are times when our own actions cause other people to become inconvenienced. Whether it is the highway incident, slacking off at work, or an angry outburst at an unsuspecting cashier, our own actions affect other people. Positive or negative, what we do has impact upon the actions and reactions of other people. Therefore, we need to be cognizant of what we are doing and how it will affect others.
If we follow the road signs and make the change before we are forced to, we may have minor nuisances but we can avoid the major inconveniences.
One time I was driving through Kansas City. I had turned onto 435N and immediately saw a sign stretching over the interstate. It read, “Right Lane Closed at Antioch, 10 miles.”
It this point, there were five lanes, and I was in the right lane. I eased over into the next lane content with my foresight to go ahead and move.
Five miles later, I saw another sign somewhat similar as the first one, but a little change. It read, “Antioch exits closed, 5 miles.” Now there were signs showing that the left lane would also be closed. While my math is fuzzy at times, I knew that in five miles the interstate would be down to three lanes. I then eased into the center lane knowing that I had five miles before we hit the construction.
Three miles later, another sign gave the same warning, “Antioch exits closed, 2 miles.” Along the shoulder of the interstate there were signs prompting the traffic to merge within the next two miles. As soon as I passed the sign, I came to a complete stop.
After a couple of minutes, the traffic moved forward about thirty feet and stopped again. My fear was that there was a wreck causing the problems. It took forty-five minutes to drive the next two miles. When I got to the construction, I was able to see the problem. Fortunately, it was not a wreck; it was people not heeding the warning signs and trying to squeeze in at the last minute. What began as a minor nuisance became a major inconvenience.
How many times have you done something like that? The warning signs are before you. There is plenty of time to make the change, but through stubbornness or pride, refuse. Then what could have been a minor nuisance becomes a major inconvenience.
We have been given the road signs. Warnings to follow the right path and to be prepared for adversity. These road signs are found in the Bible. These commands are not a nuisance and are far from being burdensome, “Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3 NLT)
There are times when our own actions cause other people to become inconvenienced. Whether it is the highway incident, slacking off at work, or an angry outburst at an unsuspecting cashier, our own actions affect other people. Positive or negative, what we do has impact upon the actions and reactions of other people. Therefore, we need to be cognizant of what we are doing and how it will affect others.
If we follow the road signs and make the change before we are forced to, we may have minor nuisances but we can avoid the major inconveniences.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
What Defines You
One night I was having a bible study with a few friends. One of the topics of discussion was the upcoming school year and the various things that we do that will keep us involved in the school athletics. Chris Orr, sports editor for the newspaper, was part of the group and we were talking about the games that we will cover for the newspaper. Bill Christner was also among us and he was asked if he was going to work in the press booth again. He answered that he was not going to this year. It was not the answer that the asker expected to hear. He was shocked to hear that Bill was not going to be in the booth. The asker followed up with they typical question, “Why?”
Bill’s response opened up a view to what is important to him, “It's not something that I need to do. That is not what defines me.”
His answer gives an unfortunate commentary on what society values as opposed to what a true believer values.
Society states that we are defined by our occupations. Whatever our job is, determines the value that we have to society. Doctors, lawyers, schoolteachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public service jobs are considered to be great jobs. They hold these jobs in higher esteem as opposed to a ditch digger, construction worker, circulation manager of a newspaper, or any other lesser jobs. Yet, without ditch diggers, towns would flood. Without construction workers, buildings and roads would not be built. Our occupations should not define us.
Society also states that if you make a certain amount of money that you should be held in high regard. Politicians do everything they can to get a celebrity to endorse them. The media promotes celebrity activism. Sean Penn, Michal J Fox, Cheryl Crow, and Oprah Winfrey all were brought to the forefront during the recent election. One study showed that two days prior to the election, and subsequently up to the election, the media showed more commercials featuring the celebrities than the candidate they supported. The downside to this is that it makes ourselves, those not in the limelight, less important, even to our own thoughts.
Are these the things that define us? Alternatively, is there something else? When we get past the money and the professions, what defines us? Some will answer it is our family/marriage that defines us. This response gives society a moral ground on which to stand. When truly backed into a corner, this is the humanist answer: our marital status and our family define us. The problem is that it states that people who are married are more important than people that are not married. Those who have children are more important that those who do not have children. This thought discounts those that remain single for religious purposes similar to priests and nuns. The thought also makes those that are unable to conceive because of medical reasons feel inferior.
The way we should be defined is not by our occupation, our income, and even our marital status. What defines us is our relationship to our Father in heaven. “And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life.” (1 Corinthians 7:17 The Message). God will define us. The question that you must ask yourself, “What defines me?”
Bill’s response opened up a view to what is important to him, “It's not something that I need to do. That is not what defines me.”
His answer gives an unfortunate commentary on what society values as opposed to what a true believer values.
Society states that we are defined by our occupations. Whatever our job is, determines the value that we have to society. Doctors, lawyers, schoolteachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public service jobs are considered to be great jobs. They hold these jobs in higher esteem as opposed to a ditch digger, construction worker, circulation manager of a newspaper, or any other lesser jobs. Yet, without ditch diggers, towns would flood. Without construction workers, buildings and roads would not be built. Our occupations should not define us.
Society also states that if you make a certain amount of money that you should be held in high regard. Politicians do everything they can to get a celebrity to endorse them. The media promotes celebrity activism. Sean Penn, Michal J Fox, Cheryl Crow, and Oprah Winfrey all were brought to the forefront during the recent election. One study showed that two days prior to the election, and subsequently up to the election, the media showed more commercials featuring the celebrities than the candidate they supported. The downside to this is that it makes ourselves, those not in the limelight, less important, even to our own thoughts.
Are these the things that define us? Alternatively, is there something else? When we get past the money and the professions, what defines us? Some will answer it is our family/marriage that defines us. This response gives society a moral ground on which to stand. When truly backed into a corner, this is the humanist answer: our marital status and our family define us. The problem is that it states that people who are married are more important than people that are not married. Those who have children are more important that those who do not have children. This thought discounts those that remain single for religious purposes similar to priests and nuns. The thought also makes those that are unable to conceive because of medical reasons feel inferior.
The way we should be defined is not by our occupation, our income, and even our marital status. What defines us is our relationship to our Father in heaven. “And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life.” (1 Corinthians 7:17 The Message). God will define us. The question that you must ask yourself, “What defines me?”
Monday, August 10, 2009
Youthful Exuberance
This time of year is always exciting for the citizens of Dickinson county and specifically the ones who live in Abilene. The parade, fair, rodeo and everything else associated with the fair brings about a much anticipated excitement. I know people of all ages enjoy the fair, but you would be hard pressed to find anyone that enjoys the fair as much as the young children. They approach the fair with uninhibited enthusiasm and excitement. I had a first hand experience with the thrill that children have with the parade and fair.
I watched the parade with my family. We had managed to find a clearing on third street between Broadway and Spruce. When the parade turned the corner at Buckeye and Third, my daughter noticed the horses. She let out a little shriek of laughter. She then started to pat her knee, trying to get them to come to her. Throughout the rest of the parade, she had a huge smile on her face. She even figured out that if you wave at the people, they'll throw candy! She was having a great time. That all paled in comparison to when we attended the fair.
The first place we went to was the rabbit and chicken barn. She was in animal heaven. When she was able to pet the rabbits, she let out a shriek of excitement. She would laugh and reach out again to touch the rabbit. As we left the rabbits and chickens, she started blowing them kisses.
Every barn we went to, brought forth a shriek of excitement and joy. Whether we were visiting the horses, cows, pigs, sheep or goats, she was happy to be there.
What about church? Are you that excited when it comes to going to church? Are you that excited when it comes to worship? Are you that excited about Jesus? We are told that we must become like little children in order to enter into the kingdom of heaven, “And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3 NIV).
There is a specific word found in the Bible for that type of excitement. The word in Hebrew is Halal and it is generally translated as “Praise”, yet that does a disservice to the word. One part of the definition is, “foolishly clamoring, youthful exuberance.” It is where we get the English word “Hallelujah”. This can be described as the type of praise that David did when he danced before the ark. He was excited and was praising God for the return of the ark.
Somewhere along the way, we feel that church, worship, and praise should be low key. We enter a service very mellow and lower our emotions and feelings from there.
Christians need a worship attitude adjustment. We should be more excited over Jesus than we do over the Super Bowl. We should be more excited over church than we do the World Series. We should be more excited over worship than we do the Final Four. If you're not excited for Christ, the church or worship, how do you expect other to be. We need to become like children and let the youthful exuberance show.
I watched the parade with my family. We had managed to find a clearing on third street between Broadway and Spruce. When the parade turned the corner at Buckeye and Third, my daughter noticed the horses. She let out a little shriek of laughter. She then started to pat her knee, trying to get them to come to her. Throughout the rest of the parade, she had a huge smile on her face. She even figured out that if you wave at the people, they'll throw candy! She was having a great time. That all paled in comparison to when we attended the fair.
The first place we went to was the rabbit and chicken barn. She was in animal heaven. When she was able to pet the rabbits, she let out a shriek of excitement. She would laugh and reach out again to touch the rabbit. As we left the rabbits and chickens, she started blowing them kisses.
Every barn we went to, brought forth a shriek of excitement and joy. Whether we were visiting the horses, cows, pigs, sheep or goats, she was happy to be there.
What about church? Are you that excited when it comes to going to church? Are you that excited when it comes to worship? Are you that excited about Jesus? We are told that we must become like little children in order to enter into the kingdom of heaven, “And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3 NIV).
There is a specific word found in the Bible for that type of excitement. The word in Hebrew is Halal and it is generally translated as “Praise”, yet that does a disservice to the word. One part of the definition is, “foolishly clamoring, youthful exuberance.” It is where we get the English word “Hallelujah”. This can be described as the type of praise that David did when he danced before the ark. He was excited and was praising God for the return of the ark.
Somewhere along the way, we feel that church, worship, and praise should be low key. We enter a service very mellow and lower our emotions and feelings from there.
Christians need a worship attitude adjustment. We should be more excited over Jesus than we do over the Super Bowl. We should be more excited over church than we do the World Series. We should be more excited over worship than we do the Final Four. If you're not excited for Christ, the church or worship, how do you expect other to be. We need to become like children and let the youthful exuberance show.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Bursting Through the Gates
I grew up in a family of hunters. My grandfather hunted. My dad, uncles, brothers, and cousins were all hunters. Some still hunt today. Whatever hunting season is open, chance are great that I have family out participating in the hunt. I hunt on a daily basis. Every morning I hunt for my glasses. I hunt for my shoes. I hunt for … well, you get the picture.
One animal hunted on a regular basis was raccoon. They had to rely on their dogs to sniff them out and “tree them.” My grandfather had a kennel full of coon hounds. He raised and trained red tics, blue tics and any other colored tic imaginable. He had one standing rule: Always keep the gates closed.
Gates served a function in walls and pens. They allowed in what the gate wanted in, and allowed out what the gate wanted out. When the gate is closed, it keeps in what was inside and keeps out what is outside.
In ancient times, gates served a major function to the city. Many large cities were walled for defensive purposes, thus the gate was the only way into the town. The gates by which they were entered were the principal places for holding courts, transacting business, and deliberating on public matters. Thus, gates were also a place for gatherings.
In times of warfare, the gate became the heaviest fortified part of the wall. That is where the armies would gather before they exited the city to begin their conquest. As an opposing force, getting into the city through the gates was a virtual impossibility. Not only did they have to try to get through the waiting army, the gates had various defensive mechanisms and units guarding it.
Jesus spoke of certain gates attempting to stop or overcome His precious treasure, the church, when he stated, “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18 NASB). The gates would not be able to overpower the church that Jesus builds. At the same time, these gates will not be able to keep Jesus out, “. . .a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.” (Matthew 16:18c MSG) Jesus will build a church that can not be stopped.
Jesus promises to build the church. This promise is not given to mean that He will build it, and then leave. Nor should it be inferred that He has stopped building the church. As long as there are people on this earth, Jesus will continue to add to His church. Thus, continually building His church.
His church will burst through the gates. It will run with a purpose. It will continue to grow and spread. Will you sit idly by or will you burst through the gates with it?
One animal hunted on a regular basis was raccoon. They had to rely on their dogs to sniff them out and “tree them.” My grandfather had a kennel full of coon hounds. He raised and trained red tics, blue tics and any other colored tic imaginable. He had one standing rule: Always keep the gates closed.
Gates served a function in walls and pens. They allowed in what the gate wanted in, and allowed out what the gate wanted out. When the gate is closed, it keeps in what was inside and keeps out what is outside.
In ancient times, gates served a major function to the city. Many large cities were walled for defensive purposes, thus the gate was the only way into the town. The gates by which they were entered were the principal places for holding courts, transacting business, and deliberating on public matters. Thus, gates were also a place for gatherings.
In times of warfare, the gate became the heaviest fortified part of the wall. That is where the armies would gather before they exited the city to begin their conquest. As an opposing force, getting into the city through the gates was a virtual impossibility. Not only did they have to try to get through the waiting army, the gates had various defensive mechanisms and units guarding it.
Jesus spoke of certain gates attempting to stop or overcome His precious treasure, the church, when he stated, “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18 NASB). The gates would not be able to overpower the church that Jesus builds. At the same time, these gates will not be able to keep Jesus out, “. . .a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.” (Matthew 16:18c MSG) Jesus will build a church that can not be stopped.
Jesus promises to build the church. This promise is not given to mean that He will build it, and then leave. Nor should it be inferred that He has stopped building the church. As long as there are people on this earth, Jesus will continue to add to His church. Thus, continually building His church.
His church will burst through the gates. It will run with a purpose. It will continue to grow and spread. Will you sit idly by or will you burst through the gates with it?
Friday, July 10, 2009
What's In A Name
While many people look forward to summer for vacations, camping trips, and barbecues, for me and a group of men, it is also softball season. I have played for the same softball team since 1988. Thousands of people from all around my imagination have been coming out to watch my team play. Some of the news stories that have circulated on the internet have stated that my softball team has consistently outdrew some of the major league teams. I am a legend in my own mind.
While the players have changed, the one thing that has remained consistent with the team is the name. Which is where I want to begin with my little story. Many years ago there was a coaches only meeting with the league director. He wanted to play our games on a different night than Tuesdays. He asked if there would be any problems with changing to Wednesday nights. I raised my hand and responded that it wouldn't be feasible for my team. He naturally asked why it wouldn't work and I answered that my team had some Pastors and youth workers on it and that I wouldn't be able to field a team. He followed up with the most logical question, “What is the name of your team?” At which point I answered, “We're the Outlaws.”
While the name of the team does not portray who we are, there is one name that does portray who he is. His name means, “The Lord Saves”. Thus, it is only through his name that we are saved, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NIV) That name is Jesus Christ.
As followers of Christ, we take on a completely new name also. That name means, “Christ-like” and is the most common name given to all believers: Christian.
Our attitude and our thinking must become like Christ. “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5 NIV). One attitude that Jesus had was one of humility. Humility is not a bad word, it is tied to serving others. Humility is treating people better than yourself, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3,4 NIV). Treating other people better than ourselves, and looking at the interest of others should become second nature to a Christian.
While my teams name may conjure up cowboys in bandanas, we are from from it. Just like the name Christian may conjure up self centered, self seeking people, we are to be far from it. We need to see how Christ looked at the world. He looked at it with so much love and humility that He died so that everyone who comes to him may live in eternity with the Father in Heaven.
While the players have changed, the one thing that has remained consistent with the team is the name. Which is where I want to begin with my little story. Many years ago there was a coaches only meeting with the league director. He wanted to play our games on a different night than Tuesdays. He asked if there would be any problems with changing to Wednesday nights. I raised my hand and responded that it wouldn't be feasible for my team. He naturally asked why it wouldn't work and I answered that my team had some Pastors and youth workers on it and that I wouldn't be able to field a team. He followed up with the most logical question, “What is the name of your team?” At which point I answered, “We're the Outlaws.”
While the name of the team does not portray who we are, there is one name that does portray who he is. His name means, “The Lord Saves”. Thus, it is only through his name that we are saved, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NIV) That name is Jesus Christ.
As followers of Christ, we take on a completely new name also. That name means, “Christ-like” and is the most common name given to all believers: Christian.
Our attitude and our thinking must become like Christ. “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5 NIV). One attitude that Jesus had was one of humility. Humility is not a bad word, it is tied to serving others. Humility is treating people better than yourself, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3,4 NIV). Treating other people better than ourselves, and looking at the interest of others should become second nature to a Christian.
While my teams name may conjure up cowboys in bandanas, we are from from it. Just like the name Christian may conjure up self centered, self seeking people, we are to be far from it. We need to see how Christ looked at the world. He looked at it with so much love and humility that He died so that everyone who comes to him may live in eternity with the Father in Heaven.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Suffer Not the Little Children
It's unofficially summertime. School's out and the children are all at play. It's times like this that I tend to reminisce about my childhood.
I spent many mornings at my friend Ralph's house. We would go into the garage and make wooden swords for our little group of buddies. Once we were satisfied with the amount of swords we made, we would then go into my field and proceed to beat the tar out of ourselves. On really good days, we would have enough friends over, we would divide up into teams and beat each other up.
As we progressed into high school we figured out how to make different styles of swords, along with different types of hand to hand weapons. The most amazing thing is that we didn't lose an eye, break bones or get concussions from all the fighting that we did.
One day we were out goofing off (beating the tar out of each other) and we were approached by a kindly gentleman. He politely informed us that we were wasting our lives by having frivolous fun and that Jesus did not approve and that he would punish us (His exact phrasing can not be published). The six of us stood there in stunned silence at this gentleman's condemnation of us.
As I sit back and ponder this scenario, one thing really begins to bother me. If we had not known about Jesus that day, we probably would have turned away from Jesus on that day. The fear tactic only serves to push people away, especially children. He does not want people to push children of any age away from him. One of the few times that Jesus was really angry, was a time that the disciples would not let children near him, “The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: "Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom.” (Mark 10:13,14 MSG).
What that gentleman did could have pushed us away from Jesus. Christians should not do anything that will push a child away from Jesus. Imagine if a police officer walked up to a group of teenagers sitting at the park and the police officer said, “You kids are nothing but trouble and I know your type. I want you to know, I have my eye on all of you.” The families of those children would go berserk. Why? Because a police officer is to be a friend to the children, not the judge, jury and executioner. If any of those children were in desperate need of help, would they approach any police officer after that point? No. Such is the same with Christians. Instead of condemning kids for being kids, we should embrace them for being kids. Christians need to be friends with the kids, not their enemies. For Christ is their friend and not their enemy.
As for my group of friends that day. One is teaching Hebrew at a Christian university. One is a chaplain at a hospital and he and his wife are youth leaders in their local church. One is currently the supply Pastor at a local church. Not bad for a bunch of kids who were only concerned with beating the tar of ourselves.
I spent many mornings at my friend Ralph's house. We would go into the garage and make wooden swords for our little group of buddies. Once we were satisfied with the amount of swords we made, we would then go into my field and proceed to beat the tar out of ourselves. On really good days, we would have enough friends over, we would divide up into teams and beat each other up.
As we progressed into high school we figured out how to make different styles of swords, along with different types of hand to hand weapons. The most amazing thing is that we didn't lose an eye, break bones or get concussions from all the fighting that we did.
One day we were out goofing off (beating the tar out of each other) and we were approached by a kindly gentleman. He politely informed us that we were wasting our lives by having frivolous fun and that Jesus did not approve and that he would punish us (His exact phrasing can not be published). The six of us stood there in stunned silence at this gentleman's condemnation of us.
As I sit back and ponder this scenario, one thing really begins to bother me. If we had not known about Jesus that day, we probably would have turned away from Jesus on that day. The fear tactic only serves to push people away, especially children. He does not want people to push children of any age away from him. One of the few times that Jesus was really angry, was a time that the disciples would not let children near him, “The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: "Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom.” (Mark 10:13,14 MSG).
What that gentleman did could have pushed us away from Jesus. Christians should not do anything that will push a child away from Jesus. Imagine if a police officer walked up to a group of teenagers sitting at the park and the police officer said, “You kids are nothing but trouble and I know your type. I want you to know, I have my eye on all of you.” The families of those children would go berserk. Why? Because a police officer is to be a friend to the children, not the judge, jury and executioner. If any of those children were in desperate need of help, would they approach any police officer after that point? No. Such is the same with Christians. Instead of condemning kids for being kids, we should embrace them for being kids. Christians need to be friends with the kids, not their enemies. For Christ is their friend and not their enemy.
As for my group of friends that day. One is teaching Hebrew at a Christian university. One is a chaplain at a hospital and he and his wife are youth leaders in their local church. One is currently the supply Pastor at a local church. Not bad for a bunch of kids who were only concerned with beating the tar of ourselves.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Golfing with Richard
I like to golf. How much do I like to golf, my bachelor party was me playing golf with my cousin Kelly, my uncle Ralph and my good friend Jeff. I'm not good though. The best I've shot was a 54, then I moved to the second hole. Seriously, the best I've shot was a four under. One under the bush, one under the tree, and two under the water. I judge my golfing expeditions not by score, but by how many balls I lose. If I lose 3 or less, it's a good day, 4-7 is an average day, 8 or more. . . I'm just thankful that I buy the dollar balls out of the lost box.
There is one person who I truly loved to golf with. Richard Palmer. Now as many know, he had a stroke a few weeks ago. He is recovering at the pace that God wants him to recover, that is something that I am learning, since I am selfish and I want him to recover rather quickly.
I can say I learned a lot about life and the ministry while on a golf course with Richard. He was giving me ministerial advice long before I even felt I was called into the ministry. While golfing, Richard had only 3 rules, and as I think back on those rules, they also should be applied to life.
Rule number 1: Have fun. He would say to me, if you're not having fun, don't do it. The same can hold true for so many aspects of our lives. If it's not fun, why continue to do it. God wants us to be blessed and he wants us to be full of joy, “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 NIV)
Rule number 2: In order to ensure rule number 1, improve your lay. We weren't playing in tournaments. We were out having a good time. Instead of getting frustrated because we hit the ball in the deep rough, just flip it out onto the fairway. If you wanted to, go ahead and tee up wherever you are located.
God wants us to improve our life. We do that by coming to Him through His Son. God wants us to discard our sinful nature and live according to His Spiritual nature, “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:13,14 NIV)
Rule number 3: In order to ensure rules number 1 and 2, don't keep score. This is one reason why I don't judge my golf game based on score, but by balls lost. I had no idea what I shot, but I know how many times I had to dig in my bag. More importantly though, if we are to have an intimate relationship with anyone, we must never keep score. Love does not keep track of wrongs committed, “It (love) is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:7 NIV) Don't keep score of anyone, no matter who wronged you feel.
As much as I like to golf, I haven't golfed since August 10, 2007 (my bachelor party). I haven't golfed with Richard since 1999. I am fortunate enough to have played with him and to soak in a lot of his wisdom. I am in continuous prayer that he will be well again. I really could use more of his wisdom now.
Added note: I wrote this on Tuesday, April 28th. It appeared in the Friday May 1st edition of the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle. On Sunday May 3rd, Richard was healed completely. He was called home at 8:00 in the evening. Though we mourn physically, we rejoice in our spirit.
There is one person who I truly loved to golf with. Richard Palmer. Now as many know, he had a stroke a few weeks ago. He is recovering at the pace that God wants him to recover, that is something that I am learning, since I am selfish and I want him to recover rather quickly.
I can say I learned a lot about life and the ministry while on a golf course with Richard. He was giving me ministerial advice long before I even felt I was called into the ministry. While golfing, Richard had only 3 rules, and as I think back on those rules, they also should be applied to life.
Rule number 1: Have fun. He would say to me, if you're not having fun, don't do it. The same can hold true for so many aspects of our lives. If it's not fun, why continue to do it. God wants us to be blessed and he wants us to be full of joy, “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 NIV)
Rule number 2: In order to ensure rule number 1, improve your lay. We weren't playing in tournaments. We were out having a good time. Instead of getting frustrated because we hit the ball in the deep rough, just flip it out onto the fairway. If you wanted to, go ahead and tee up wherever you are located.
God wants us to improve our life. We do that by coming to Him through His Son. God wants us to discard our sinful nature and live according to His Spiritual nature, “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:13,14 NIV)
Rule number 3: In order to ensure rules number 1 and 2, don't keep score. This is one reason why I don't judge my golf game based on score, but by balls lost. I had no idea what I shot, but I know how many times I had to dig in my bag. More importantly though, if we are to have an intimate relationship with anyone, we must never keep score. Love does not keep track of wrongs committed, “It (love) is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:7 NIV) Don't keep score of anyone, no matter who wronged you feel.
As much as I like to golf, I haven't golfed since August 10, 2007 (my bachelor party). I haven't golfed with Richard since 1999. I am fortunate enough to have played with him and to soak in a lot of his wisdom. I am in continuous prayer that he will be well again. I really could use more of his wisdom now.
Added note: I wrote this on Tuesday, April 28th. It appeared in the Friday May 1st edition of the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle. On Sunday May 3rd, Richard was healed completely. He was called home at 8:00 in the evening. Though we mourn physically, we rejoice in our spirit.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Handshakes at the Resurrection
There was a show on television a few years ago called “The Best Week Ever”. It was centered around celebrities who happened to have a good week. Whether they announced they were having a child, their television show was ranked number 1, or they got a bit part in the next Star Wars movie, it was considered they had “The Best Week Ever.” Sadly though, there are many families that can say the opposite, they had “The Worst Week Ever.”
It began with the passing of Leo Anderson. Many people knew Leo. I knew him personally for the last 15 years. He was a taciturn individual, though he was always smiling, as Stephanie Hand remarked, “He didn't say much, but he was always smiling.”
Leo and I had a unique handshake. It wasn't one that looked like a 22 minute choreographed dance routine, nor was it a pump your shoulder out of it's socket handshake. Those who witnessed it couldn't understand how we could do it. They would remark that they had never seen a handshake like it. Leo and I chalked it up to poor eyesight. The only thing I can truly say about it is this: Our hands didn't touch. We would miss our hands, the backs would be even and then we would shake. I can't remember how it originated, but we always shook our hands that way. After a couple of pumps, we would connect and shake hands correctly.
I know there will come a day when I can shake his hand again. I know there will be a resurrection for all, because Christ was resurrected. “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20 NIV). It is because of the resurrection that I know that I will see Leo again. Though I mourn in the physical world, I rejoice in my spirit, for he has gone home and he has heard the wonderful phrase, “Job well done good and faithful servant.”
At the end of the week, on Good Friday, misfortune again struck a family. Reverend Richard Palmer had a stroke. Thankfully, his family was with him and they were able to get to a hospital. While it has been a difficult time for the family, God is working and healing. He has been progressing steadily. There is still a lot that needs to be done, and we all appreciate the prayers that have been offered throughout many of the churches this last week. Please continue to pray for him, his family, and all those that are close to him. I know that God is working and healing.
It is during the most difficult times that we can go to Jesus. We must cast our burdens on him and allow him to work for us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV) No matter what happens, the Father in Heaven is in control. It is because of His Son that we all have the hope of eternal life. When that time comes, there will be lots of handshakes at the resurrection.
It began with the passing of Leo Anderson. Many people knew Leo. I knew him personally for the last 15 years. He was a taciturn individual, though he was always smiling, as Stephanie Hand remarked, “He didn't say much, but he was always smiling.”
Leo and I had a unique handshake. It wasn't one that looked like a 22 minute choreographed dance routine, nor was it a pump your shoulder out of it's socket handshake. Those who witnessed it couldn't understand how we could do it. They would remark that they had never seen a handshake like it. Leo and I chalked it up to poor eyesight. The only thing I can truly say about it is this: Our hands didn't touch. We would miss our hands, the backs would be even and then we would shake. I can't remember how it originated, but we always shook our hands that way. After a couple of pumps, we would connect and shake hands correctly.
I know there will come a day when I can shake his hand again. I know there will be a resurrection for all, because Christ was resurrected. “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20 NIV). It is because of the resurrection that I know that I will see Leo again. Though I mourn in the physical world, I rejoice in my spirit, for he has gone home and he has heard the wonderful phrase, “Job well done good and faithful servant.”
At the end of the week, on Good Friday, misfortune again struck a family. Reverend Richard Palmer had a stroke. Thankfully, his family was with him and they were able to get to a hospital. While it has been a difficult time for the family, God is working and healing. He has been progressing steadily. There is still a lot that needs to be done, and we all appreciate the prayers that have been offered throughout many of the churches this last week. Please continue to pray for him, his family, and all those that are close to him. I know that God is working and healing.
It is during the most difficult times that we can go to Jesus. We must cast our burdens on him and allow him to work for us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV) No matter what happens, the Father in Heaven is in control. It is because of His Son that we all have the hope of eternal life. When that time comes, there will be lots of handshakes at the resurrection.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Laying Your Palm Branches Down
This Sunday is Palm Sunday. It was named by the Presidential Committee of Naming Holidays, when they met on the Sunday before Easter to determine the names of all the holidays. While they were meeting, one of them became enlightened, slapped his forehead with his palm and exclaimed, “Next week is Easter!” All right, we know that's not true, committees don't become enlightened.
Palm Sunday signifies the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. While entering into Jerusalem, the crowds were so excited with his coming that they sang songs of joy and praise and laid palm branches before him. “The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Blessed is the King of Israel!'” (John 12:12,13 NIV)
Why are palm branches specifically mentioned? Couldn't it have meant the same if it just said, “They took branches and went out to meet him. . .” It does describe palm branches for a reason. Palm trees symbolized victory and joy. They were carrying the palm branches in their hands and laying them before Jesus as they realized the victory and joy that he was going to bring them. He was going to bring them victory over Satan and the joy of eternal life.
Many of the people there, were witnesses to the resurrection of Lazarus. They told many other people what Jesus had done at the tomb of Lazarus. This brought and increased crowd to Jesus, “Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet him.” (John 12:17,18 NIV) All of these people knew that Jesus had the power over death and would save them.
Remember back to a time when you committed your life to Christ. In most cases, someone told you about Jesus. Remember how excited you were. Remember how you wanted to tell everyone you met about the change in your life. Remember after a while, the emotional excitability wore off. Remember now how it doesn't matter to you if you talk about Jesus or not. Remember how it's taboo to talk about Jesus.
Jesus hasn't changed. He still has the power over sin and death. He has conquered Satan.
Take this time now to remember the triumphal entry Jesus made into your life. Become excited all over again. Sing songs of joy and praise. Lay the palm branches before your heart. Perhaps someone will come because they have heard and seen in you all the things that have happened and they want to see Jesus also.
Palm Sunday signifies the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. While entering into Jerusalem, the crowds were so excited with his coming that they sang songs of joy and praise and laid palm branches before him. “The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Blessed is the King of Israel!'” (John 12:12,13 NIV)
Why are palm branches specifically mentioned? Couldn't it have meant the same if it just said, “They took branches and went out to meet him. . .” It does describe palm branches for a reason. Palm trees symbolized victory and joy. They were carrying the palm branches in their hands and laying them before Jesus as they realized the victory and joy that he was going to bring them. He was going to bring them victory over Satan and the joy of eternal life.
Many of the people there, were witnesses to the resurrection of Lazarus. They told many other people what Jesus had done at the tomb of Lazarus. This brought and increased crowd to Jesus, “Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet him.” (John 12:17,18 NIV) All of these people knew that Jesus had the power over death and would save them.
Remember back to a time when you committed your life to Christ. In most cases, someone told you about Jesus. Remember how excited you were. Remember how you wanted to tell everyone you met about the change in your life. Remember after a while, the emotional excitability wore off. Remember now how it doesn't matter to you if you talk about Jesus or not. Remember how it's taboo to talk about Jesus.
Jesus hasn't changed. He still has the power over sin and death. He has conquered Satan.
Take this time now to remember the triumphal entry Jesus made into your life. Become excited all over again. Sing songs of joy and praise. Lay the palm branches before your heart. Perhaps someone will come because they have heard and seen in you all the things that have happened and they want to see Jesus also.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Going Through the Motions
My dad is an avid fisherman. When the avids aren't biting he fishes for bass.
When I was growing up, I would spend the early summers with him. We would wake up at four in the morning, get the boat and head to a lake to do some fishing. I spent many mornings watching the sun rise in the distance. As an eight year old boy, I could think of a lot of things I would rather do than sit in a boat at four in the morning. All right, I could think of one thing I would rather do, sleep.
My dad enjoyed fishing and he thought I would enjoy fishing. He believed the Norman Rockwell way of life, a young barefooted boy with a fishing pole over his shoulder. Unfortunately, I didn't share the love of fishing that my dad had.
We would sit in the boat fishing for bass for about four hours. It seemed my dad would catch a fish with every cast. Me, I couldn't even catch moss. It wasn't that I was using different lures, I was using the exact same thing that my dad used. The difference was, he knew what he was doing, and I was just going through the motions.
There are times when Christians are in the same boat. Just going through the motions. Everything is done out of the sense of duty, not out of the sense of wanting to do it. Reading the Bible becomes a chore. Going to church out of habit. Mumbling through the Lord's Prayer. Whispering hymns. Avoiding people because you know Jesus is going to be mentioned. During this time, there is a sense of guilt, so everything becomes habitual and we just go through the motions, hoping something would spark and we get that enlightened feeling again.
When you hit that wall, whether it is because of frustration, complacency, or any other reason, there are steps to take to become re-energized.
First, focus on God. Clear your mind and remove all distractions from the outside world. Pray to the Father in Heaven and focus solely on Him. Put Him in the center of your thoughts. “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 4:29 NIV)
Second, study the Bible. Don't just read it and put it down. Meditate on it. Work out what you are reading, “Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 MKJV)
Third, seek out other Christians. Spend time with other Christians. Similar to your car when the battery dies, jump start your battery with other Christians. Be in continual fellowship with other Christians, not just in church, but outside of church. Develop and strengthen relationships with other Christians. “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.” (Acts 2:46,47 NIV)
When you find yourself going through the motions because you feel you have to, do your best to change your attitude. By following these simple steps and making it a want to and not a have to, perhaps you will catch some fish.
When I was growing up, I would spend the early summers with him. We would wake up at four in the morning, get the boat and head to a lake to do some fishing. I spent many mornings watching the sun rise in the distance. As an eight year old boy, I could think of a lot of things I would rather do than sit in a boat at four in the morning. All right, I could think of one thing I would rather do, sleep.
My dad enjoyed fishing and he thought I would enjoy fishing. He believed the Norman Rockwell way of life, a young barefooted boy with a fishing pole over his shoulder. Unfortunately, I didn't share the love of fishing that my dad had.
We would sit in the boat fishing for bass for about four hours. It seemed my dad would catch a fish with every cast. Me, I couldn't even catch moss. It wasn't that I was using different lures, I was using the exact same thing that my dad used. The difference was, he knew what he was doing, and I was just going through the motions.
There are times when Christians are in the same boat. Just going through the motions. Everything is done out of the sense of duty, not out of the sense of wanting to do it. Reading the Bible becomes a chore. Going to church out of habit. Mumbling through the Lord's Prayer. Whispering hymns. Avoiding people because you know Jesus is going to be mentioned. During this time, there is a sense of guilt, so everything becomes habitual and we just go through the motions, hoping something would spark and we get that enlightened feeling again.
When you hit that wall, whether it is because of frustration, complacency, or any other reason, there are steps to take to become re-energized.
First, focus on God. Clear your mind and remove all distractions from the outside world. Pray to the Father in Heaven and focus solely on Him. Put Him in the center of your thoughts. “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 4:29 NIV)
Second, study the Bible. Don't just read it and put it down. Meditate on it. Work out what you are reading, “Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 MKJV)
Third, seek out other Christians. Spend time with other Christians. Similar to your car when the battery dies, jump start your battery with other Christians. Be in continual fellowship with other Christians, not just in church, but outside of church. Develop and strengthen relationships with other Christians. “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.” (Acts 2:46,47 NIV)
When you find yourself going through the motions because you feel you have to, do your best to change your attitude. By following these simple steps and making it a want to and not a have to, perhaps you will catch some fish.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Happy Birthday Sweet Caroline
Caroline is 1 today.
We often wonder where the time has gone. It's then that we realize that you are truly a gift from God and everyone is blessed with you in our lives. What a beautiful gift you are to all.
Who Have You Impacted
One day you are going to die. What kind of impact do you think you will have on people? Allow me to relay a little story: (At this point the computer screen should wave and fade into a flashback).
Many years ago I was washing a vehicle. I heard someone yell out my name. When I turned, I saw a teenaged boy heading towards me. I had no idea who he was, or what he wanted with me. There was only one thought that entered into my brain, “Was he someone I wouldn't let near my sister and now he's going to pummel me into gravy.” (Yes, I prejudged him and someday I will discuss judging people by their appearance.)
When he got to me, he threw open his arms, and I immediately took a defensive posture. Which means I fell to the ground, took the fetal position, and began crying hoping that he wouldn't hurt me too bad. He reached down picked me up and proceeded to . . . hug me. This caught me completely off guard. I wasn't used to teenagers running up to me to hug me. In fact, I'm not used to anyone running up to hug me. I am used to people running away from me when it's time for a hug. So I stood there like a telephone pole, while this teenager was hugging me. After he stepped back, he explained everything.
He told me how he was visiting some friends at the same house I was visiting some of my friends. He informed me that he listened in while I was answering some questions about Jesus. Then, a couple days after that, he was arrested. While sitting in jail, Clarence Garten came by and talked to him about Jesus. He told me that he came to Christ, because of the actions of myself and Mr. Garten. At that point, I did what any macho he-man would do, I wept. I didn't realize the impact I was going to have on this young person, he wasn't one of the kids I was talking with. But it did bring this passage to life for me, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)
Many times we don't realize the impact that we have on other people. We always hope that it's a positive impact, yet how we handle situations and people will show if it is positive or negative.
Are you someone who doesn't care what other people think about you? Well you should. Christians are told to be lights unto the world. If you are always negative, you only serve to push people away from Christ. I have met many people that have come to Christ. Not a single one said they did it because someone scared them into being a Christian. All have said that those who are negative, pushed them farther away. It wasn't until someone showing God's love did they respond to God's call.
Take a look at your attitude and the effect that you are having on the people around you. When you leave the room do people say, “What a joy it is to be around ---” or do they say, “If that's what being a Christian is like then I don't want to be one.”
One day, you're going to die. They're going to throw dirt on your face and go back to the church and eat potato salad. What they say about you will depend on the impact that you have had on their life. When you were born, you were the only one crying while all those around you were smiling. When you die, do you want to be the only one smiling, while those around you are crying?
Many years ago I was washing a vehicle. I heard someone yell out my name. When I turned, I saw a teenaged boy heading towards me. I had no idea who he was, or what he wanted with me. There was only one thought that entered into my brain, “Was he someone I wouldn't let near my sister and now he's going to pummel me into gravy.” (Yes, I prejudged him and someday I will discuss judging people by their appearance.)
When he got to me, he threw open his arms, and I immediately took a defensive posture. Which means I fell to the ground, took the fetal position, and began crying hoping that he wouldn't hurt me too bad. He reached down picked me up and proceeded to . . . hug me. This caught me completely off guard. I wasn't used to teenagers running up to me to hug me. In fact, I'm not used to anyone running up to hug me. I am used to people running away from me when it's time for a hug. So I stood there like a telephone pole, while this teenager was hugging me. After he stepped back, he explained everything.
He told me how he was visiting some friends at the same house I was visiting some of my friends. He informed me that he listened in while I was answering some questions about Jesus. Then, a couple days after that, he was arrested. While sitting in jail, Clarence Garten came by and talked to him about Jesus. He told me that he came to Christ, because of the actions of myself and Mr. Garten. At that point, I did what any macho he-man would do, I wept. I didn't realize the impact I was going to have on this young person, he wasn't one of the kids I was talking with. But it did bring this passage to life for me, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)
Many times we don't realize the impact that we have on other people. We always hope that it's a positive impact, yet how we handle situations and people will show if it is positive or negative.
Are you someone who doesn't care what other people think about you? Well you should. Christians are told to be lights unto the world. If you are always negative, you only serve to push people away from Christ. I have met many people that have come to Christ. Not a single one said they did it because someone scared them into being a Christian. All have said that those who are negative, pushed them farther away. It wasn't until someone showing God's love did they respond to God's call.
Take a look at your attitude and the effect that you are having on the people around you. When you leave the room do people say, “What a joy it is to be around ---” or do they say, “If that's what being a Christian is like then I don't want to be one.”
One day, you're going to die. They're going to throw dirt on your face and go back to the church and eat potato salad. What they say about you will depend on the impact that you have had on their life. When you were born, you were the only one crying while all those around you were smiling. When you die, do you want to be the only one smiling, while those around you are crying?
Friday, March 06, 2009
Who Has Impacted You
The other day, I received word that one of my beloved teachers had died. I knew that she had touched the lives of many people, and the ones that I knew, I e-mailed them to tell them the sad news. One of these people was my brother Brian. He immediately posted the news on his Facebook page.
Within a couple of hours he e-mailed me asking me to answer some of the questions that people asked about her. I navigated to his Facebook page and I was completely overwhelmed at the responses. Within two hours of him making the announcement, he had already had many responses. All from former students, all with positive comments. I immediately realized that it wasn't just my class nor my brothers class that she had an impact on. These comments came from three different decades of her teaching career. I wondered if she knew the type impact that she had on all of us.
While you were growing up, there were people that had an impact on your life. Whether it was a parent, pastor, teacher, coach, or your next door neighbor, someone had a positive impact on your life. They were constantly building you up to be a better person. They epitomized Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (NIV). They knew the difference in corrective rebuke and constant criticism. They knew that if they built you up, you would become a better person than if they tore you down.
Have you thanked that person? Not necessarily in a letter or a phone call, but in your life. Has your life shown the positive impact that these people have had on your life. Or are you living a life that you would be ashamed to show them, because you feel they would be disappointed in you. If you feel that they would be disappointed in you, now is a good time to make the necessary changes that would show the positive influence they have had in your life.
I want to also encourage you to write a letter or give them a phone call. Drop a line to your social studies teacher and tell him thank you for the lessons he taught, even if he cheered for the wrong school. Send a letter to your music teacher who after twenty years of being out of school still does little things to help you along in your life. Your math teacher who put students needs first, regardless of their knowledge, when they struggled he helped them.
It doesn't have to be limited to teachers. A high ranking person in a business taking you under his wing and leading you into adulthood. Your neighbor, despite having a family of his own, treats you as one of his own children, even showing up for parent night at college. A pastor who guides and comforts you through your struggles and is there when you need him. I'm sure you can think of someone who impacted your life. Sometimes a simple thank you is enough for them to know they did a good job. Tell them now, don't wait until their funeral to tell them the impact they've had on your life.
Within a couple of hours he e-mailed me asking me to answer some of the questions that people asked about her. I navigated to his Facebook page and I was completely overwhelmed at the responses. Within two hours of him making the announcement, he had already had many responses. All from former students, all with positive comments. I immediately realized that it wasn't just my class nor my brothers class that she had an impact on. These comments came from three different decades of her teaching career. I wondered if she knew the type impact that she had on all of us.
While you were growing up, there were people that had an impact on your life. Whether it was a parent, pastor, teacher, coach, or your next door neighbor, someone had a positive impact on your life. They were constantly building you up to be a better person. They epitomized Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (NIV). They knew the difference in corrective rebuke and constant criticism. They knew that if they built you up, you would become a better person than if they tore you down.
Have you thanked that person? Not necessarily in a letter or a phone call, but in your life. Has your life shown the positive impact that these people have had on your life. Or are you living a life that you would be ashamed to show them, because you feel they would be disappointed in you. If you feel that they would be disappointed in you, now is a good time to make the necessary changes that would show the positive influence they have had in your life.
I want to also encourage you to write a letter or give them a phone call. Drop a line to your social studies teacher and tell him thank you for the lessons he taught, even if he cheered for the wrong school. Send a letter to your music teacher who after twenty years of being out of school still does little things to help you along in your life. Your math teacher who put students needs first, regardless of their knowledge, when they struggled he helped them.
It doesn't have to be limited to teachers. A high ranking person in a business taking you under his wing and leading you into adulthood. Your neighbor, despite having a family of his own, treats you as one of his own children, even showing up for parent night at college. A pastor who guides and comforts you through your struggles and is there when you need him. I'm sure you can think of someone who impacted your life. Sometimes a simple thank you is enough for them to know they did a good job. Tell them now, don't wait until their funeral to tell them the impact they've had on your life.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
He Ain't Heathen, He's My Brother
I am an only child. I know because my brother did the work to figure it out. For those that know me, you're wondering how I can make an absurd statement like that, since you know my older or younger brothers and sisters. For those who don't know me, you may think that statement is odd since I wrote that I am an only child, yet I have a brother. I do have five brothers and five sisters. No, I was never in foster care, I was never adopted, and for this situation I am not claiming close friends as brothers and sisters. Before my parents married each other, they were married to others and had multiple children. My parents subsequently were married and then later divorced. I am the only child out of that union. After their divorce, they had more children in other relationships. Thus, I am an only child. Confused? You're not alone.
There is a prevalent thought amongst churches today that is similar to my situation. They feel that they are the only church, while the others are just half brothers and sisters. (Understand, that is a term I do not use and I despise. While many will consider my brothers and sisters as half brothers and sisters, I do not. They are my full brothers and sisters). Augustine is credited with saying, “Where there are essentials, let there be unity. Where there are non essentials, let there be liberty.”
Many years ago, I was a board member of the Abilene Area Youth for Christ. One of our purposes was to plug youth into a church. I took it upon myself to understand what various denominations taught. I found something shocking to the average lay person. The doctrines of all the churches agreed on the most essential teaching: Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father in Heaven and he was crucified and resurrected for the salvation of all mankind. What they disagreed on were non essential matters: musical instruments, gifts of the Spirit, methods of baptism, sanctification and holiness, and other non essential matters not relating to salvation.
This separation of church and church can be traced back to Jesus' time on the earth. The disciples ran up to him ecstatic that they stopped another person from doing any work in Jesus' name. They wanted to be congratulated, patted on the back, given thumbs up with an “atta boy way to go” from Jesus. They were shocked by his response, “But Jesus said, 'Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me.'” (Mark 9:38 ESV) Jesus didn't want his closest followers to stop other people from doing work, why should we?
Jesus takes this concept a little further by stating that the world will recognize his followers, by the love that they have for one another, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34 ESV). Notice, he did not say to love only those in your denomination, or even those in your church. We are to love all our brothers and sisters in Christ. It's not about the name that is written in the door. It's about the name that is written in the heart. Only then we can point to our brothers and sisters and say, “He ain't heathen, he's my brother.”
There is a prevalent thought amongst churches today that is similar to my situation. They feel that they are the only church, while the others are just half brothers and sisters. (Understand, that is a term I do not use and I despise. While many will consider my brothers and sisters as half brothers and sisters, I do not. They are my full brothers and sisters). Augustine is credited with saying, “Where there are essentials, let there be unity. Where there are non essentials, let there be liberty.”
Many years ago, I was a board member of the Abilene Area Youth for Christ. One of our purposes was to plug youth into a church. I took it upon myself to understand what various denominations taught. I found something shocking to the average lay person. The doctrines of all the churches agreed on the most essential teaching: Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father in Heaven and he was crucified and resurrected for the salvation of all mankind. What they disagreed on were non essential matters: musical instruments, gifts of the Spirit, methods of baptism, sanctification and holiness, and other non essential matters not relating to salvation.
This separation of church and church can be traced back to Jesus' time on the earth. The disciples ran up to him ecstatic that they stopped another person from doing any work in Jesus' name. They wanted to be congratulated, patted on the back, given thumbs up with an “atta boy way to go” from Jesus. They were shocked by his response, “But Jesus said, 'Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me.'” (Mark 9:38 ESV) Jesus didn't want his closest followers to stop other people from doing work, why should we?
Jesus takes this concept a little further by stating that the world will recognize his followers, by the love that they have for one another, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34 ESV). Notice, he did not say to love only those in your denomination, or even those in your church. We are to love all our brothers and sisters in Christ. It's not about the name that is written in the door. It's about the name that is written in the heart. Only then we can point to our brothers and sisters and say, “He ain't heathen, he's my brother.”
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Day of Mourning
One night I had a dream. I was walking along a road and suddenly before me was a great wall. In the wall was a large wooden door. Standing beside the door, was an angel. As I got closer, I noticed the angel was not vibrant, as we have read angels to be, but saddened. I approached the angel and asked, “What is wrong?”
The angel looked up with sadness in his eyes and answered, “Today is our day of mourning.”
Perplexed, I then asked, “What are you in mourning for?”
The angel pointed to the door and responded, “Take a look inside.”
The door opened and stretched as far as the horizon, was a field of tombstones. I looked back at the angel as asked, “Who's buried here?”
The angel solemnly answered, “These are people that have been murdered and their descendants that would have been born had they lived.” He then points to an area, “Over there are doctors. They would have found the cures for all diseases. . . Aids, Cancer, MS, Heart disease, because of these doctors, all diseases would have been wiped off the face of the earth. Over there are economists. They would have figured out the best way to keep the world from a global depression, they would have eradicated poverty. Over there are agriculturalists, they would have discovered ways to feed all the people. All of these buried here were created by our Father in heaven to make the world a better place to live in, until His Son returns.”
I looked at the angel with disgust and asked, “Who is responsible for all this death.”
The angel whispered, “Government sponsored genocide.”
“Ah, this is the result of Hitler's holocaust,” I responded.
The angel shook his head and answered softly, “No, it wasn't him.”
“So this is from Stalin?” I asked.
Again the angel shook his head. I then started guessing various dictators, each person I listed was met with a shake of the head.
Exasperated, I finally shouted, “Who is responsible for this!?”
The angel sadly moved aside. It was then in my horror that I saw who was responsible. Behind the angel was a plaque. Written on the plaque was this: January 22, 1973.
The angel looked up with sadness in his eyes and answered, “Today is our day of mourning.”
Perplexed, I then asked, “What are you in mourning for?”
The angel pointed to the door and responded, “Take a look inside.”
The door opened and stretched as far as the horizon, was a field of tombstones. I looked back at the angel as asked, “Who's buried here?”
The angel solemnly answered, “These are people that have been murdered and their descendants that would have been born had they lived.” He then points to an area, “Over there are doctors. They would have found the cures for all diseases. . . Aids, Cancer, MS, Heart disease, because of these doctors, all diseases would have been wiped off the face of the earth. Over there are economists. They would have figured out the best way to keep the world from a global depression, they would have eradicated poverty. Over there are agriculturalists, they would have discovered ways to feed all the people. All of these buried here were created by our Father in heaven to make the world a better place to live in, until His Son returns.”
I looked at the angel with disgust and asked, “Who is responsible for all this death.”
The angel whispered, “Government sponsored genocide.”
“Ah, this is the result of Hitler's holocaust,” I responded.
The angel shook his head and answered softly, “No, it wasn't him.”
“So this is from Stalin?” I asked.
Again the angel shook his head. I then started guessing various dictators, each person I listed was met with a shake of the head.
Exasperated, I finally shouted, “Who is responsible for this!?”
The angel sadly moved aside. It was then in my horror that I saw who was responsible. Behind the angel was a plaque. Written on the plaque was this: January 22, 1973.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Not So Fast
One day, I was meeting with a good friend of mine for lunch. My friend is a vegetarian so we went to Subway to get our meal. I was exceptionally hungry that day and I ordered a foot long sub with double meat and a whole lot of extra goodies. I included a large drink, a bag of chips, and a cookie. We began to discuss the topics of our upcoming messages. I spread my mini banquet before me and he asks me what I was going to be teaching on. Without hesitating, I answered, “I'm going to talk about fasting.”
True fasting is something that is a foreign concept to most Christians. I took an informal poll (meaning I asked about 6 or 7 people, most at the bowling alley – my favorite polling place) and I asked about fasting. How do you understand fasting? After getting perplexed stares from beer bellied bowlers, I realized I needed to change my polling place, so I asked about twenty Christians what their take on fasting is. Some understood that it was something that the Jews did. Some thought it was something the Muslims did during December. Others felt it was something that Christians did, only on Fridays during lent, and then it was just giving up meat and substituting fish. Almost all felt that it wasn't something that Christians needed to do, outside of Lent, even then it was substituting fish for meat.
Fasting is defined as: To abstain from food, beyond the usual time; to omit to take the usual meals, for a time; as, to fast a day or a week. (Webster's Dictionary). Fasting is giving up the food. It is not giving up a certain food and substituting a different food in it's place. The purpose of fasting is to bring us closer to God. We do that by spending the time with God that we would normally be doing eating. Thus, substituting food is not fasting, since the time spent is still eating and not being devoted to God.
Christians are expected to spend some time in fast. "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18 NIV) Notice, there are two things here: 1. Jesus said, “When you fast” not “if you fast”. When you fast denotes that there will be a time that you will fast. 2. Don't make it obvious that you are fasting. Don't go around with a sense of smugness during your lunch break and announce to everyone in the break room that you are fasting and can't be with them. Fast in secret, it's between you and God.
The purpose of fasting is to bring us closer to God. When we fast, the time normally used for eating, should be used for communing with God. All throughout the Bible, fasting was accompanied with prayer. Jesus when he spoke about fasting, did so after his discourse on prayer. When fasting, we should also be in prayer. What purpose does it do to fast and spend that time doing other things, then it just becomes a glorified cheap diet. Use the time to seek out God's will.
Fasting is to bring us closer to God's will for us. It is not getting God's attention so we can show how “holy and righteous” we are so he will grant us our desires. It is to bring us into God's will for us, and for us to have a clearer understanding of His almighty plans for us. Fasting should never be used as “spiritual blackmail” to God. We must never take the attitude that when we fast, we are getting God to do our bidding and He will have to grant us our desires. It's never been about that, nor should it ever be used in that manner. It is about us getting closer to God's desires.
Fasting should have a purpose behind it. Fasting just to fast is nice, yet it should be accompanied with a purpose. Why are you choosing to fast? To fast because that's what the whole church is doing, is wrong. I know some denominations around this time are promoting a forty days of prayer and fasting. So people fast just because the church said so. Throughout the Bible, people fasted for a reason. Some fasted because a great tragedy has struck, others fasted to get guidance from God, others still fasted for repentance (either theirs or the nations), yet others still fasted for mourning reasons. Each purpose was to bring the person or nation back into God's will.
When you decide to fast, do it to bring you closer to God. Don't do it because you're told to do it. Do it with a purpose and because you want to fast, because you want to be closer to God's will. If fasting is done for the wrong reasons, then not so fast.
True fasting is something that is a foreign concept to most Christians. I took an informal poll (meaning I asked about 6 or 7 people, most at the bowling alley – my favorite polling place) and I asked about fasting. How do you understand fasting? After getting perplexed stares from beer bellied bowlers, I realized I needed to change my polling place, so I asked about twenty Christians what their take on fasting is. Some understood that it was something that the Jews did. Some thought it was something the Muslims did during December. Others felt it was something that Christians did, only on Fridays during lent, and then it was just giving up meat and substituting fish. Almost all felt that it wasn't something that Christians needed to do, outside of Lent, even then it was substituting fish for meat.
Fasting is defined as: To abstain from food, beyond the usual time; to omit to take the usual meals, for a time; as, to fast a day or a week. (Webster's Dictionary). Fasting is giving up the food. It is not giving up a certain food and substituting a different food in it's place. The purpose of fasting is to bring us closer to God. We do that by spending the time with God that we would normally be doing eating. Thus, substituting food is not fasting, since the time spent is still eating and not being devoted to God.
Christians are expected to spend some time in fast. "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18 NIV) Notice, there are two things here: 1. Jesus said, “When you fast” not “if you fast”. When you fast denotes that there will be a time that you will fast. 2. Don't make it obvious that you are fasting. Don't go around with a sense of smugness during your lunch break and announce to everyone in the break room that you are fasting and can't be with them. Fast in secret, it's between you and God.
The purpose of fasting is to bring us closer to God. When we fast, the time normally used for eating, should be used for communing with God. All throughout the Bible, fasting was accompanied with prayer. Jesus when he spoke about fasting, did so after his discourse on prayer. When fasting, we should also be in prayer. What purpose does it do to fast and spend that time doing other things, then it just becomes a glorified cheap diet. Use the time to seek out God's will.
Fasting is to bring us closer to God's will for us. It is not getting God's attention so we can show how “holy and righteous” we are so he will grant us our desires. It is to bring us into God's will for us, and for us to have a clearer understanding of His almighty plans for us. Fasting should never be used as “spiritual blackmail” to God. We must never take the attitude that when we fast, we are getting God to do our bidding and He will have to grant us our desires. It's never been about that, nor should it ever be used in that manner. It is about us getting closer to God's desires.
Fasting should have a purpose behind it. Fasting just to fast is nice, yet it should be accompanied with a purpose. Why are you choosing to fast? To fast because that's what the whole church is doing, is wrong. I know some denominations around this time are promoting a forty days of prayer and fasting. So people fast just because the church said so. Throughout the Bible, people fasted for a reason. Some fasted because a great tragedy has struck, others fasted to get guidance from God, others still fasted for repentance (either theirs or the nations), yet others still fasted for mourning reasons. Each purpose was to bring the person or nation back into God's will.
When you decide to fast, do it to bring you closer to God. Don't do it because you're told to do it. Do it with a purpose and because you want to fast, because you want to be closer to God's will. If fasting is done for the wrong reasons, then not so fast.
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