Wednesday, December 28, 2011

What Christmas is NOT about!

Everyone once is a while our world just needs to be shaken.

We had gathered for our Christmas gathering with our family at my parents.  The agenda for the day was food, more food, and Christmas joy.   About the time I get too comfortable, God interrupts my world.
Her hair was covered with stains of  blood.  Her cheeks were swollen.  Her foot was in a brace.  She still had on the clothes cove rd with blood.  She was watching the police search her house.  Her spouse had been carried off in handcuffs hollering vulgarities at her.  Her children were in the car.  She was the new neighbor whom mom  had already befriended
This is NOT how a Christmas morning is supposed to be for any child of God regardless of age.

The words she said seemed so strange to hear.  "Jesus did this to me to...."  I did not even hear the rest of it.  My brother, who is also a pastor, would not let those words be the last thing she heard.  "Jesus did NOT do this to you...." He was quite sure of that and wanted her to know it.

Domestic violence rises during the holiday season.  It is bad enough during the ordinary days of life.  However, during economic stress combined with holiday consumption of everything that is legal or illegal, children of God--big and little--spend their holiday in the tragedy of abuse.  The saddest part and the part hardest for me to understand is that it normally is not the first offense.

The world twists the concept of love and peace into something that God never intended.  Love does not allow anyone to abuse you physically or emotionally.  Peace is not living in the secrecy of such abuse.  The birth of Jesus says something quite differently.  Life can be better.  Life is intended to be better!

If you are in an abusive relationship, get out!  Shred the veil of secrecy that could take your life or the life of those around you.  If you know of someone in such a relationship, do all you can to get them out!  If you are person who is abusing another, seek help.   You are not well.  Your world will fall.  It may seem secure but it is not.
And for those who are like me,  Lord, continue to shake our world so that we cannot ignore the places in our world where Christmas is far from silent or far from peace.  Do this for the sake of all Your children--young or old. 

Pray for me as I pray for you.

In the Master's Name,

Rev. Dr. M. Jack O'Dell

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Celebrate Christmas with Holy Anticipation

As a little boy, I remember the anticipation and wonder of the Christmas season.  I would watch the tree to see if there were new packages with my name of them.  When the catalogues arrived at the house, I would look at all the new stuff wondering and wishing.  I can remember visiting Santa and watching him.  I would watch his every move trying to figure out more about him.

On Christmas eve, our church took center stage.  I was given the job at the church of handing out all the candles for the Christmas Eve service.  I was picked to be one of four people who would have a "big" candle.  During the service, we would make our way to the front of the overflowing church.  The pastor would light our candle.  We would then light the candles of the persons sitting on the end of the pew.  Gradually the candle light grew to fill the room.   As the candles were lit, a baritone voice sang, "Jesu Bambino" and there appeared a woman dressed as Mary holding a child.   When all candles were lit, everyone sang "Silent Night"  Holy anticipation filled my world.

Do you have a sense of Holy Anticipation in your world?

Holy Anticipation is the knowledge, not just belief, but the knowledge that God is present and at work.  It goes against the grain of our world of doubt and despair.  Holy Anticipation is faith with deepest conviction and belief that will not be denied.  It has become the ground of our being that leads us into the mystery of God.  Holy Anticipation sees the world filled with the wonder and awe of a redemptive God present and seen.

This concept of Holy Anticipation is what led Mary and Joseph to allow God to redirect their lives to be the parents of the Son of God.  It is what led the shepherd from the hillside into the city of Bethlehem to find the baby Jesus.  This knowledge of God present directed the Wise Men miles and miles away from their home base in search of a new king and a new kingdom.  

You can fill your world with Holy Anticipation this Christmas.  Begin by placing yourself in the hands of God.  Come to know that Christ is born for you!  Make room this weekend for worship.  Find a place of worship and enter there with wonder and awe much like a child.  Be still and hear what God is saying to you in your journey.  Anticipate  God's presence and work in your life.

An old man beaten down by life was walking down the streets of a busy city.  Admittedly he had become a Scrooge because of the hard knocks of life.  He found himself alone, tired, and weary.  The nonsense of  the season had become his focus.  But then something strange happened.

He found himself in a large store filled with people busy buying last minute gifts.   There was a small child standing so very still in all the hurried motion.  The child caught his attention.  Finally as he walked closer to the little child, he heard the child's voice saying, "It's almost time!  It's almost time!"   The child was looking at a small snow globe that pictured the traditional manger scene.  The child realized that he was no longer alone and looked into the eyes of the weary stranger.

"It's almost time!" the child said again directing his words to the old man.  The old man looked at the little boy and said, "For Santa?"    

"Oh no!  For Jesus!" answered the little boy with joy and then he ran away.

The old man gazed into the snow globe and for the first time saw something he had long forgotten.  He saw Jesus!  

May your weekend be filled with holy anticipation---may you see Jesus through the eyes of a child.


Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Give Gifts That Always Fit

Do you remember the worst gift you ever gave to someone?  I do.

I trusted the sales lady.  I should have known better.  It was a day when I was obviously distracted.  And worst of all, it was a gift for my wife, Mandy.
I know somewhere in the backrooms of the busy stores, there is a pot of money set aside each year.  To obtain the pot, the salesperson must get some innocent gift buyer to buy the worst gift possible.  As the person checks out, they gather all the other people and brag, "You won't guess what that poor guy just bought!"

So one Christmas early in our marriage, my darling wife, Mandy, wants a new coat for Christmas.  I make my way through the coat section knowing that the odds of me picking out a coat that she will not return are pretty much like the odds of me making a hole in one on the golf course.  But that will never stop me from trying.   I pick out a coat that I like.  It is then that I make the mistake.
I ask the saleslady to help me select the size of the coat.  You see, like most men, I have no idea what size clothes my wife wears.  My size knowledge is a limited vocabulary--small, medium, and large.  So I spend the next few seconds describing my beautiful wife with my vocabulary--small.  I know she would smile to hear me say this as she, like most women, does not view herself as small anymore.  After a woman has a child, this word seems to disappear from their vocabulary.
I like to think the coat was just missized on the tag rather than thinking of the saleslady out to claim the big jackpot in the back room.  Or maybe she got distracted.  Or perhaps she too had forgotten what the meaning of the word, small.  She gives me a size 12 coat.  To this day, I promise I heard it was a size 2.  Or at least that is my story!
Needless to say, my wife loved the coat until she saw ALL of the coat--it was not small.  In fact, we could have taken a family photo with all the family in it.   She was NOT amused.  Finally on New Year's day, I could return from the couch.
With this in mind, let me offer some gift suggestions that ALWAYS fit.  You might want to consider  these gifts!
A Letter of Appreciation or Thanks--spend time writing personal words of gratitude.  Make it deeply personal.  Attach a Hershey's kiss if it is for a family member.
Spend the Afternoon Together--pick a place where they like to go or do.  Make it clear that you are present in every way.
Do that which you have been putting off--surely in your life there are things you said you would do if you had the time.  Make the time.  Life is shorter than you think.
Visit the Nursing home--take a checkers game, an instrument if you play, or just a wonderful smile.  Walk the halls and hold a hand or two.  Someone's grandmother/grandfather would love to see you.
These gifts will cost you little but will give great rewards.  They will always fit.  More importantly, they are gifts that the Christ child loves to see given.
And finally to the lady that sold me the coat, I hope you at least gave a tithe to your church  from winnings!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Christmas is a time for broken hearts

There is a line in a song we sing that captures me more than I want to admit.  It says, "Break my heart for what breaks yours...." 

Think of all the broken hearts around us--families in distress, children who live in an unsafe environment, tragedies, and the list goes on.   Most of the time the only time many of us are affected by broken hearts is when it is someone near or dear to us.   All the other times, it is just life.  Life goes on.
There are times when I have a hard time sleeping.  I think I have the gene that keeps you awake (it was just discovered).  I fall asleep easily.  My wife, Mandy, is amazed at how quickly I can do this.  But staying asleep is another thing.  Usually about 3:30 or 4 a.m., I am up--not social, but up!  And usually this is the time of prayer that broken hearts captures me.
I find myself thinking about families that are struggling.  I find that God turns my heart towards the suffering of the world.  It is during this time that I do some writing about God's presence in life.  Sometimes I will write a prayer to a particular family or individual that I send to them for encouragement.   It is during this time that sometimes I am confronted with my own suffering--my own stuff.
Many mornings I will take the time to write an email to one of my grand kids--I have four.  I write them an individual letter.  In that letter, I try to share some nuggets of wisdom and faith.  I share stories of our family and faith.  It is a time that I am preparing my grandchildren to meet the brokenness of life that I am sure they will confront.  I close that letter with the affirmation of prayer and hope.  Then I attach a funny picture that unique to each grandchild.
Why do I do this?  It's my heart that is moved.  During this season of Advent, we begin to see the heart of God coming in flesh to humanity.  God speaks to the heart of Mary.  God speaks to the heart of Joseph.  God speaks to their hearts about the brokenness of the world--the needs of the world.
So my invitation to you is to let this season be about the birth of Christ in your heart.  Let this season move you to pray, share, and encourage those whose lives are filled with anxiety and pain.  Join me in early morning prayers or late evening prayers for peace.
 
And on Christmas eve, light will be born.  Hope will come.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Can You Beat That?

There are times when it seems God's timing is off.  Then there are times when you just cannot beat God's timing.

Timing is everything.  Think about it.
When a joke is told, the comedian has to deliver the punch line just at the right time.  Too early or too late and the joke falls dead.   When music is played, the pace of the music as well as when certain notes are to be played or not played make the difference!  Every musician knows the agony of playing when there was a rest.  In cooking, there is the fine line between done, burnt, and raw.   I have experienced all of these!
In faith, there are times when it seems as God is too late.  When Lazarus died, Mary and Martha both told Jesus, "if you had been here...."   The endless hours of prayers that seem to go unanswered.  The wandering in the wildernesses of our lives trying to find the Promise Land--trying to discern where God would have us be.   Most of us have experienced or struggled with this at one point or another.
Then there are the moments when God does only what God can do in God fashion.  In the Old Testament book of Psalms, there is a word, Selah, that is found at different places in the Psalms.  It seemingly comes after a great act of God is proclaimed.  There is no translation of this word.  I remember one of my favorite preachers of yesterday, Willie Poole, said he had figured it out.  Selah is the Hebrew way of saying,  "Can ya beat that?!?!"
We all gathered at Jamie's grave.  I did not know Jamie, but I have come to know him.  He lived a very troubled life.  His life was seemingly either up or down.  The addiction to drugs was a battle that would claim his life.  Family and friends gathered one year later after his death to proclaim their hope and assurance in God's saving grace.
The day was overcast and the sun was being blocked by the clouds that were gathering.  The wind was blowing pretty hard when the service started.  A trace of rain was felt.  But no one moved.
Memories were shared.  Balloons were let go as stories were shared.  Tears were there as well as laughter and smiles.  And then God did what only God can do.
At the end of the service, a half rainbow began to appear in the sky.  Then a WHOLE rainbow appeared in the sky.  For those of us who gathered, it was a sign.  It was God's smile upon the gathering.  It was God's way of reminding us of God's presence and God's power.  In short, it was a moment filled with awe!
Willie's right---Can Ya Beat That?


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

When I Was Hungry....

We can make all kinds of excuses but it does not sit well with God.
Harry Chapin was one of my favorite song writers. I still enjoy listening and playing his music that tells stories. Perhaps you have heard of a few of his songs, Cats in the Cradle or Taxi. He died an untimely death in an auto accident in New York City. Towards the end of his life, Chapin became an advocate for hunger. He was one of the first songwriter/performers to do so. Chapin would end his concert encouraging people to do all they could year round for those who were hungry.
The truth is that we live in a country where there is an abundance of food available. And yet, in 2010, 17.2 million households or one in seven household were classified as food insecure. This means that normal eating patterns and food intake were reduced significantly due to economic factors. This was the highest number ever recorded in the history of the United States. Now I can hear some of you whose heart has been hardened giving good reasons why it is just the fault of those who do not work or do not use their resources wisely. We like the illusion that life can be easy if one will only work and spend wisely. For some, this is simply not true. Besides that, none of this line of thought soothes the aching belly of a child without food.
I am the first to admit that I do not have the answers. But then my inability to answer the problem does not change the fact that Jesus of Nazareth continues to call this to our attention. In the Gospel of Matthew, " when I was hungry, you gave me food..." In several gospels, when he saw the crowds hungry, he fed them. It seems to me that I ought to be concerned about the same things Jesus showed concern about.
It is too easy to just turn away.
In 1990, the Soviet Union had pulled all of its resources from the island of Cuba. Cuban were doing without basic necessities. I led a group of United Methodist pastors to the island to begin working with the Methodist churches on the island. We stayed in the heart of Havana in the Methodist Center. Each evening, a meal was provided for us as guests. The Cubans would not eat with us however. They would eat just before us and then serve us. One evening a little Cuban boy was being held by his mother as we were being served. As the chicken was served, the little boy cried out, "Pollo! Pollo!" The mother quickly held the little boy's arm and asked him to be quiet. Then I realized what I had never realized before--our plates were always filled with meat. The Cuban host and hostess plates never had meat.
It changed my eating habits for the rest of the time I was there. I found a way to share my meat with the children without embarrassing the host. You see, they were going without so that their guests could have meat.
So what can we do? Support the local food banks. Donate food, money, time to help the ministry. If you know of a family that is struggling, go the store that offers buy one get one free and give the one you get for free to that family! Invite those who are struggling to eat with you. Get some gift certificates and have them handy to share with those you might meet.
And the only reason I can give you for doing this comes from a Nazarene preacher man who told a story--"when I was hungry, you fed me".

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Make the Holidays Meaningful

I think I would have liked to be at Lazarus' house during the holidays.
Martha had cooked everything in the kitchen that could be cooked. As people gathered, Mary was the best welcome wagon one could ever have dreamed of having. And Lazarus must have laughed alot--loudly. It is no wonder that scriptures tell us that Jesus would go there as often as possible. When Jesus was at wit's end, he would say to his disciples, "Let's go see what Lazarus is up to!" And then the disciples would cheer!
The holiday season can be one of dread and duty. Reluctant folks cook more than any family can eat thinking that it must be done. Young couples drag their kids to and fro to see everybody in one day. If one does not do what is expected, the manipulators of guilt pour it on hot and heavy. And those who have been trained to respond to this, swallow it hook, line, and sinker.
Now before I am publicly flogged by the mass of those who do not understand what I am saying, hear me out. I think holidays are a great time to share with family and friends. Holidays are a wonderful time to eat more than one should. Holidays are a time to get together. However, I am one who is in favor of creating a holiday that keeps the joy in place. There are other days of the year to do what one must do.
A young couple with two little children made a conscious decision to relax the holiday schedule and obligations. They told both sets of parents that they would not be driving across Texas to see both of them on a certain day. They invited parents to do what parents felt they wanted to do. Instead of cooking the turkey (which neither of them really liked), they decided to cook hamburgers, french fries, and go get ice cream for dessert. The day was spent playing games with the children. There was no schedule of loading and unloading the car.
They received the call of shame and guilt from everyone they expected to call. Instead of reacting though, they assured each of them that they loved and cared about each of them. At the end of the day, they held each other as they watched their children fall asleep on the couch. It was a day they would remember.
For some the holidays will be filled with vacant spots. Vacancy comes from death, moving, or sometimes from kids choosing to carve out their own space. I know what this is like in my own life. Instead of running away from the vacancy, spend time thanking God for the days you were able to be with loved ones at different times and places. Spend time praying for those who are creating new spaces. Then create new spaces in your life's journey. None of us are ever too old to create new space. It may be going to a Community Thanksgiving Meal. It may be new friends or old friends. It may mean a different menu all together. It might be the old menu. Whatever it is, Give Thanks!
A widow was dreading the holidays as they approached. None of her family would be coming. No matter what she said or did, no one was coming. At one point of self pity she said to herself, "Well I guess they would come if I would die!" She came to the conclusion that she was not going to be alone at Thanksgiving or Christmas though. She had heard about a group home for abused women in the community from one of her friends. Through the friends, she was able to make contact with the director. She asked if she might bring a dessert to the home on Thanksgiving Day. The director of the home thought that would be wonderful. So she did.
Her heart was warmed as though it were a hot summer day as she spent the afternoon visiting with the women at the shelter. They laughed and shared stories. The day was truly filled with thanksgiving. What could have been a holiday of bitterness and loneliness had turned into a day of gratitude and new friends.
Life is too short to fill your holidays with little joy or peace.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

One is Too Many

It is a darkness that one cannot understand unless one has been there. If you know the truth of this, let the light of God in--now.



The silence of the church is deafening sometimes. I am as guilty as anyone else in this more than I want to admit. Jesus' words are more relevant than we realize. Scripture holds more power than we can imagine. But we fail to connect that power with real life. But sometimes we make the connection and God does wonderful works.



This Sunday I am preaching about hope. But I am going to dare to speak about hopelessness first. Did you know that studies from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) tell us that about twenty seven percent of teenagers report they have considered taking their own life? Twice as many girls confess this than boys. Twenty three percent of these have actually planned how they would take their own life. Thirteen of these have attempted their plan. If one succeeded, that is too many.


The taking of one's life is a permanent solution to a temporary problem in life--though the problem does not seem like it is temporary at the time. Some are seeking attention and never get the opportunity to get it. Others are emotionally unstable because of life. Some seem really okay on the outside, but are screaming on the inside. Most of the time we are found picking up the pieces. Or worse, we are silent while family and friends pick up the pieces.



I must confess that I wish I had the magic dust or answers to the darkness. The answer I have is the presence of God. Some would like you to think it works like magic dust, but it does not. The answer I have is to always remind people of all ages that God is at work. Life will get better with God's presence. Place your life in the hands of the Great Physician. When you can not see out of the darkness, find someone who can hold the light for you. Grasp the hand of a mentor or companion.



So when it happens, what then? Rely on the grace of God. I understand the grace of God to overcome all things in life---things present, things to come, things behind. Paul says in the book of Romans that nothing is able to separate us from the love of God through Christ Jesus. I believe it. Do not grieve alone. Worship your way through the grief. Know that God knows what it is like to experience the death of a loved one--a son. And God gives the gift of eternal life.



The darkness is only temporary. Joy comes in the morning. If one takes his/her life in the darkness of the soul, one is too many. If you know of someone who is stuck in this darkness, take their hand. Get help!



One is too many to lose.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Surely You Can Do Better Than Leftovers!

The holidays are coming. I have to admit one thing that I really do not care for about Thanksgiving--leftovers. When I was growing up, my mom would never allow herself to run out of food. There were always leftovers---for days and weeks. And of course, you cannot just throw them away. There was always some relationship between the starving children of the world and our leftovers.



In the life cycle of most churches this is the time when you hear alot about giving. The reason is that historically in America this is the time of harvest. This is the time of the year that farmers would have something to give! Isn't it amazing how we hold to the timing of yesterday when we are no longer an agricultural based economy? Oh well that is another writing!


Having been a preacher for 37 years now, I have learned something. People who complain about sermons about giving complain because they do not give. Or they know they are not giving what God would require of them. Christians who tithe love to hear sermons about giving. It is an affirmation. Did you know that the average American gives 2 percent of their income to a church?



In many situations, I like to use the terms--good, better, best. It is a way to affirm the practice of moving towards what theologians have called Christian perfection. This is the place where you are doing what God would have you do as God has instructed you to do. Most of us start out with the good. Then as we grow in faith and practice, we can become better. And the best is yet to come!



This is an illustration of a good practice that could lead to better and best. A woman was so proud of herself. She and her family were moving into a new home. So like many folks do, she had a garage sale. So from the garage sale she made some money. However, she had so much left over from the sale. She decided to have a "give away" at her church. Oh how great it was to give away things---her leftovers. Then the leftovers from the leftover give away would be taken to Salvation Army!


Try this one day. Stand on the street corner with all the leftovers from your frig. It will make you feel so great to get rid of them! And there will be some folks so hungry that they will eat your leftovers. But do not live in the illusion you understand God's economy. This practice may be good in some respects, but it definitely is not better or best!

There was a time in our culture not too long ago that we passed on what we did not need to those who needed it not in the form of a garage sale but in the form of a gift. It was a form of extravagant generosity. It said, "I no longer have need of this. You need it. So here it is yours!" Our cultures' compulsion to have more money to buy more has given fuel to the idea that now you have to pay to get what I should/could share.



I think God must be weary with our leftovers, just as we get weary of eating the leftovers out of the frig. God gets the leftovers from our checkbook. God gets the leftover time when everything else is done. God gets what little devotion that is left over after everything else in life is done.



The biblical concept of giving is quite the opposite. The tithe is the FIRST fruits. The worship of God is FIRST. God's economy is not one of accumulation but of sacrifice. God's economy is one of abundance, not scarcity.



It was good, but surely you can do better! And yes, you can move towards the best!

Show The World You Care

There are too many people in the world who think no one cares.


The holiday season is closer that one thinks! It is a time that there is more care given to the needs of the world. Now let me say, this is good. However, there is a demon that creeps into our world far too quickly and quietly than we realize.

Acedia is a word that was used to describe the condition that you do not care. Furthermore, you do not care that you do not care. In the fourth century monastic writings, this demon was identified first among those who had withdrawn from the world into the monastic life. Their withdrawal separated them from the world. But then their withdrawal separated them from caring about the world.


Some would say that this is a form of compassion fatigue. We are overwhelmed with the world's problems. We feel helpless so we withdraw farther and farther. Or we see so much suffering that it becomes so ordinary that it no longer stirs our hearts.


Jesus would tell those who followed him to care. Jesus cared. He cared for the woman caught in adultery. He cared for the woman with too many husbands. Jesus cared for those whom the world had passed by year after year. Jesus cared for those up a tree. Jesus told story after story that could be summed up in one word--care.


One of the problems that we have is that we think caring means solving the problem. It does not. Many times you are called to care and still life's problems exist. A homeless traveler became angry with me one day because I would not give him what he thought he should get. He pointed his finger in my face and shouted, "As a pastor, you are supposed to care!" He was wrong. I did care. However, I did not confuse caring with solving life's problems. I refused to accept his call for guilt.


Caring is listening. Caring is watching. Caring is being there. Caring is praying. Caring is, sometimes, the ability to do something. Caring is becoming the hands and the heart of Jesus for the world. Caring is what Jesus instructed his disciples to do!


There are entirely too many people who think the world does not care.

Show the world you care!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

As You Journey Enjoy the Journey!

Wednesday was a great day to fly. The skies were clear. From way up high in the sky you could see the ground below. There was not a cloud in the sky.


As I flew from Dallas to New Orleans, I looked out the window to see if I could tell where we were in the journey. It didn't take me long to see the Red River and recognize Shreveport where I had spent many days. From Shreveport, I was able to discern the Interstate 49 that paralleled the Red River. Natchitoches was easy to recognize from the air. I could see the airstrip where one Christmas Eve, a church member flew me to pick up my children.


It was not long before I knew that Alexandria would be able to be viewed. I knew the old Air Force base was now the airport. And, of course, I recognized the golf courses that were near it. From there, I began to look for the Mighty Mississippi River which would lead me to Baton Rouge. South of Baton Rouge I knew we would turn east towards New Orleans.


The plants below told me that we were almost to New Orleans. We would fly along the Mississippi, then over the city of New Orleans to make a final descent into the New Orleans airport from the east.


I thought about what this journey could teach me about a faith journey. Most people do not realize that Jesus stayed within a thirty mile circle around Jerusalem. As he traveled, he would meet the people that he had met before. Lazarus' house was one of his favorite places. I imagine that much like my airplane ride, he would take notice of familiar places remembering their significance in his life.


Sometimes great meaning comes as we make the journey. We need to take note of where we were as well as where we are heading. Sometimes we may find ourselves heading in the wrong direction. Sometimes we might miss some of the most significant places in our journey if we do not keep our bearings. And many times, we come to appreciate where we are by knowing where we have been.


When Moses leads the Israelites to the holy mountain where he would receive the Ten Commandments, he is in familiar territory. This is the region where he has been before. As he traveled, there is no doubt some familiar signs of his previous travels. And as he travels with new companions and new direction, his understanding of journey changes. God has given him new directions!


For Christians, the journey towards home--the heavenly prize--is as significant as the arrival.. Along the way, we come to appreciate those whom we have traveled with. Along the way we come to realize those who have given us direction. And when we are near home, we recognize it as our destination.


As you journey, enjoy the journey itself!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

God is Number One.

It is one of the Big Ten. You shall have no other gods before me.


Most folks do not realize that this was written in a time when there were few people who believed in one god. Obviously the argument about having many gods was not the focus at the time. This argument would become central much later--about the time of the prophet Isaiah. But the message was clear: no other gods before me. God wanted to be number one. Numero Uno. There was not to be a weekly poll where the top god would be selected on their record. God is to be at the top--all the time.


This is the season of life where many choose to serve the lesser gods of this world. The service is rationalized in many ways. One does not have to be in church to worship. Everyone needs a break sometime. I will listen to the sermon online. I will spend a little extra time praying. I have heard all of these over the years. I am always reminding folks that it is not me that you are going to have to explain this to as I point upwards.


But it is hunting season! Or as I tell many of my friends, it is not hunting season. It is animal training season. Many of these folks spend little time reading the Bible or praying. Giving to the church or a mission is minimal. But then hours are spent growing their plots, preparing the animal training ground, or shopping for the latest scent. And no expense is spared for the latest accessory, corn, or for the lease to hunt.


Now before you get too irate, there is nothing wrong with hunting or even animal training if it does not take the place of worshipping God. A faithful hunter does not compromise worship attendance, giving, or daily devotion for the sake of the hunt. In fact, maybe if your hunting has not been what it should be, God may be trying to tell you something.


But it's football season or soccer season! Pick your sport. The service of this lesser god leads many apart from the living god. I do not know who thought it was a great idea to have kid's soccer on Sunday. Obviously it was someone who had little or no knowledge of God's big ten. We struggled with this as our son, Noah played. But we tried to keep him and us focused on the bigger picture of life. There was never a doubt for us as to what place God took in life.


I am afraid that Jesus would have a tough time in some of the polls taken in the frenzy of college football. I envision a headline that would say, "Jesus falls out of the top ten this week". If worship attendance after major games is an indication, then it is obvious that the lesser god wins out. If your tailgating and attendance at the game prohibits your worship attendance and your faithful witness, then maybe you ought to rethink that.


I love sports as much as you do. Those who know me know that I enjoy having a good time as much as anyone else. I enjoy being able to participate in the excitement of life. However, I just want all to be aware that the service of lesser gods can lead us away from the God that will give us life and life everlasting.


Make sure God stays number one.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Are Jesus' Teachings Too Hard?

Apparently there was a time when Jesus was discouraged by his followers. There is a passage in scripture where Jesus says to his most intimate followers, "Will you too leave?" There were people jumping ship. They were shaking their heads at Jesus and saying, "You are asking too much!" (John 6:66)


There is a movement in today's world to push people to live by the minimum standards of relationship. A part of this movement is to be politically correct. Another part of this movement is to have little or no moral standards. What each person does is his/her own business. Who are you to criticize? Who are you to judge? These are the barbs that are thrown at us.


Even preachers struggle with this. To talk about the Biblical standard of tithing is difficult for many. To preach that there are consequences--alienation from God--to continue to live a life ignoring sin is seen as alienating the congregation. To preach a higher moral standard for living is viewed as hypocritical or not filled with grace and mercy. The great power of the Gospel to compel persons to change their life is watered down to gospel of accommodation.


One day I came to a realization that has become very important to me. I share it with you. My inability to do what Jesus asked me to do, does not change what Jesus asked me to do. It is at this point that I need the work of the Spirit in my life--to do what I alone cannot do. Sounds weak doesn't it? But it is actually a strength.


Let me give an example. I understand fully the meaning of Jesus' teaching, Love Thine Enemies. For some of us, the words are in red in our Bible. My reaction to this is to say that Jesus obviously does not KNOW my enemies. He would understand that loving them is not even in the ballpark. I would prefer Jesus to say something like "God will toast my enemies!" or like the Psalmist says, "dash their heads upon the rocks!" But noooooooo. Jesus says, "Love" and "Pray".

My initial inability to love and pray for those who do not wish me well does not change the standard of Jesus. It is only through the character of Jesus working in me--the work of God's Spirit--that I can BEGIN to understand and to do what Jesus plainly has instructed me to do. It is in this Spirit that God begins to reshape me. But only when I yield myself.


So I find that some folks become angry at what I preach. However, I preach what God would have me preach trying to intentionally NOT water it down. I try to explain that if you have difficulty with what is said, the difficulty is not with me, but with God. It is what the Biblical tradition says! And I invite folks to join me on the journey of obedience, hoping that though the teachings seem hard, we are not alone in the struggle.


The teachings of Jesus are too hard if you rely upon your own strength. With God's help, things become different.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

God Wants All of You

The truth is that most of us would like to be seduced.


I think it is a part of the human nature. Seduction is being lead astray or won over. It is the subtle art of persuasion. Sometimes it is not so subtle. Sometimes it is so subtle we do not even recognize it until it is too late.


Eve was seduced by two things. It was the appearance of the fruit of the tree along with the suggestions of the serpent. Talking snakes are dangerous. Notice that one of them is visual and the other is verbal. What we see is able to lure us or persuade us as well as what we hear. But the old adage is true: it was not the pear in the tree but the pair on the ground.


There are some of us that would live in the illusion that we are never seduced. We like to maintain that we are independent of such nonsense. To fall into the trap of seduction would be a weakness. Usually these folks are surrounded by the newest gadgets of the day. No evidence of seduction there huh?


Power is seductive. Usually power appears in our business track of life. It is coercion to move away from our values. "If you do this it would not be a good career move." or "If you don't do this, you will not be considered for that next big promotion." The next promotion may cost you more than you think. But everybody else is doing it so why should I be different?


Then there is God. God is trying to seduce you into a love relationship. Although God does not use all the most sleek and gorgeous things or people. God uses an old rugged cross. And God will not settle for just a part of you in this relationship. God wants all of you. Like the covenant of marriage, God wants your faithfulness--all of it.


To be captured by this seduction will change you life. The force that changes you is love. It is love that is unconditional. It is a love that will not let go. It is a love that seduces you into a life of sacrifice filled with joy.


The world only wants your money. The serpent only wants to watch you fall. God wants all of you.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

You Can Be Emotionally Well

Emotions are a gift from God. It is what makes us uniquely human. The difficulty with emotions is that like any other gift from God, they can be abused or misused. But you can be emotionally well.


Now there are some of God's children who need help with their bodies' makeup to be well. There is in imbalance in terms of how their bodies function. If this is true, it is wise to use the medical knowledge of our day. To not use this, is to miss out on one of the gifts from God. It does not make one weaker.


For most of us, the ability to control our emotions has to do with controlling our thoughts. I say this often to my congregation because I believe it to be one of the most important statements I can make as a pastor. Thoughts give birth to emotions. Emotions give energy to actions. Actions determine our destiny.


Have you found yourself thinking something and therefore feeling strongly about something. Then you act only to find that you were misinformed in your thought! You thought that your friend said something about you. You were hurt. Out of being hurt, you did something to express your hurt. Then you find out you were wrong. But the damage is done.


Paul wrote in his writings often about having the mind of Christ. A part of the Christian growth is to develop this mind of Christ--through prayer, study of scripture, worship. Once the mind of Christ is functioning, then one begins to feel like the love of Christ. You fall in love with God. That love permeates all of life's relationships. You find yourself acting very differently in all of life.


Do you see how this is so differently from conventional worldly wisdom? Instead of people making you feel a certain way, you are at the controls of your emotional wellness. You can be emotionally well!


A woman had been beaten down by the world. She believed everything the demons of life had told her. She was a failure no matter what she tried to do. She believed the lie that she was not attractive. She wept often in the loneliness of her life until one day she chose to believe differently. Yes--believe differently. She began to believe that she was loved. She believed she was special. She believed she was capable. As time passed, each day she changed her thoughts. She filled her mind with scripture. She became a new person. She became instead of an emotional wreck a beautiful woman created in the confidence of Christ. Her whole world changed.


You too can be emotionally well--it begins with the mind of Christ. Fill your thoughts with the good words of God!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

You Can Get Better

"It is going to be the same. However you are going to get better!"


We began our griefshare group last Sunday night. It is a place where those who have lost loved ones--husbands, wives, sons, daughters, mothers, sisters--come to experience the healing of God. These were the words that I shared. The one they loved will not come back. The reality of the death will not change. But you are going to get better.


It has almost been two years since my sister, Sharon died suddenly. She walked into the hospital on a Friday evening and within 24 hours her life was gone. The music stopped.


Sharon was one of the most naturally talented musicians I have ever known. If you could hum it, she could play it in any key on the piano. In fact one of the things she did was play the hymn, Holy Holy Holy changing keys with every holy. If you had any musical ear at all, it would make your skin curl. She would play it for those with no musical ear and they would say, "How nice!" We would chuckle. She had a beautiful soprano voice. Music filled her life as she filled others life with music as well.


I found out that she was in the hospital only hours before she died. It was too quick. There were things we were still going to do as brother and sister. There were words that were meant to be said; moments still left to be shared. And yet, there was nothing I could do to change the reality of her death.


But I am better--most of the time. There are times when I remember both of my sisters who have passed away with great fondness. It is almost as though they are still alive--for they are-- in my living memories. These memories bring life to me.


Then there are times when there is what one of my friends describes as a hole in the heart. Sadness is all around me. It encompasses me. Sometimes it paralyzes me but only for a while. It comes when I hear a particular song or a random thought enters my head. But now I am better. Time has made me better.


In the coming weeks, my family will have a family wedding. Both of my sisters will not be there, but then they will be. They will be remembered and missed. We will laugh and cry. We will remember.


The loss of a loved one is something that never changes. However you can get better. Grief is best cared for when it is shared. It takes time. It is a unique journey that has some common trails where people meet. Resist the temptation to be strong and go it alone. Worship your way through the loss of a loved one.


I think this is what Jesus meant when he talked about giving peace in John 14. It is not the peace that the world gives, but a heavenly peace. It is this heavenly peace that has helped me get better.


You too, can get better.


Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Throw The Flag!!

Well it is football season again. For some it is the best time of the year. For others it is a time that their spouse, friend, or co worker goes missing in action. Unfortunately during this season, some forgo their religious habits for a lesser god. One man prayed, "Whatever you do Lord, just do not come during the fourth quarter of the game!"


I have a brother in law who loves football games to yell at the referees. He has been kicked out of more sporting events than some have attended. I always urged him to become a referee. He quickly dismissed it as he thought it would be embarrassing to yell at himself or a colleague.


There are some penalties that should be called in the church setting. See if you can recognize these in your church. When you see them, carry a yellow flag and throw the flag!!!


Too Many Men on the Field--the attempt by a family who insists on sitting on one pew that is built for fewer people. Or if you use chairs, the chairs are put in the aisle with no regard for the walking space needed.


Illegal Use of Hands--the "hugger" of the church who insists on hugging EVERYONE, even though who prefer to keep their personal space.


Holding-What most do with the offerings! Compare what those season tickets cost with your offering.


Illegal Receiver Downfield-a child that escapes from parents to run down the aisle. Everyone usually laughs but the parents who crawl underneath the carpet or chair. Moms usually look at Dads like, "it is your job to keep the little heathen in tow!" Dads have a blank stare--they were daydreaming about the game this afternoon.


Offsides-When someone moves from their regular side of the worship space to sit on the other for no apparent reason.


Offensive Pass Interference--When one is caught by the complaining or gossiping church member as you attempt to leave the church. This person has to tell you all the things that is wrong with the pastor, the choir, the nursery, the parking lot, your neighbor, Congress, city government, and the list goes on. This is offensive behavior to the body of Christ!


Roughing the Passer/Kicker-Criticism of the pastor or church staff in inappropriate words and places. Usually happens when the pocket that is to protect has failed.


Whatever you do during this season, do not be tempted to serve a lesser god. Football is a season. Keep proper perspective. Keep the faith and you will enjoy the seasons of life AND life everlasting.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Move from Leisurely Accommodating to Sacrifice

This past Sunday I preached about the central aim of Jesus' life. The text was the passage where Rocky(Peter) tries to correct Jesus. Jesus is at the height of his popularity and begins talking sacrifice. That is when Rocky knows better than Jesus. You get the picture that Rocky pulls Jesus to the side like he is his manager. This sacrifice talk is not playing well. The opinion polls do not appreciate such talk!




I think most of us really do not know about sacrifice in our lives. Instead we are willing to leisurely accommodate God. After all, the faith does not call for us to endure too much pain--or does it? Leisurely accommodating God gives the perception of sacrifice without the reality. But in our world, perception is everything!




You see if we can get the world to THINK we are living a life of sacrifice, then we have it made. Never mind that the good Lord knows our spiritual fraud. Never mind that such an attitude like this is the height of spiritual shallowness. It is like the woman who donated an overcoat to the local clothes place. As she was giving it away though, she saw the elegant buttons on the coat. She came to the conclusion in her mind that someone who would receive a second hand coat like this would not feel comfortable wearing the coat with the elegant buttons, so she cut them off and kept them for herself.




Living sacrifices are difficult in our world. The problem is that living sacrifices keep crawling off the altar! A living sacrifice is where you are fully alive in your world. However, because of your faith stance, you have chosen less for yourself so that you can offer more to others. A life filled with living sacrifices focuses on others rather than our self.




Jesus' life was oriented around others. For others, he dealt with the crowds when he really wanted to be alone. For others, he prayed that health would return to their ailing bodies. For others, Jesus took the five loaves of bread and two fish and fed thousands. For others, Jesus die on the cross and rose again.




So what about sacrifice in your life? Are you willing to move from leisurely accommodating God to a purpose filled life that exemplifies a living sacrifice?




An older gentleman was near the end of his life. His son asked him what made the biggest difference in how he lived his life. What was it? The man thought for just a while and then answered, "the day that I discovered the meaning of Jesus' sacrifice for me and began to do the same for others. I grew up that day!"




Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Teach The Practice of Prayer

When my son, Noah, was in elementary school he went through some trying times. School is a tough place for kids to be at one time or another. As he was leaving for school, I stopped him and prayed for him. I confess that I probably did not do this as often as I should have. But in the prayer, I asked God to put angels around him to give him a sense of protection and security. When I finished praying, before he left Noah turned to me and said, "Dad, I'm not too sure about all that angel stuff at school!" And he ran off to school.


As long as there are tests in school---there will be prayer. It is not an original thought for me. I heard it one day in Dallas when there was a great debate going on about prayer in school.


A parishioner was talking one day about how we used to pray each day in school over the loud speaker. The ritual was Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer (I always wondered about the order of those two!) For some schools, the prayer was the Lord's Prayer. In other schools, a student or teacher would say the prayer. The parishioner was lamenting the fact that this ritual was no longer allowed in schools. So I asked him, "Do you pray with your child before she leaves for school each day?"


I have learned as a pastor that some questions really irritate people, especially the questions that put us on the spot. He looked at me as if there was no connection between the two thoughts. He was dumbfounded. So I asked the question again. Silence.


"So let me get this straight. You are complaining that the education system is not allowing your child to practice that which you are free to practice and even instructed by the Bible to practice in your home and you fail to do it."


So here's the deal. If we, as parents will teach and practice prayer on an active basis in our home, then prayer in public places will not be an issue. The practice of prayer will become a regular part of the child's human relationships. The child will pray for teachers. The child will pray for friends and neighbors--maybe even enemies! But it starts at home.


This Sunday, many churches will bless bookbags and have prayer for teachers. At The Well, we will make each child a bag tag. On the tag, will be the logo of the church with their name on it. On the other side of the tag, there will be a prayer. We are instructing our parents each day to pray the prayer with their child(ren) as they leave for school. I want to imagine in my head that one day as things are hurriedly being gathered for school departure that a child will scream, "But mom and dad, we haven't prayed today!"


I urge college kids to make sure that they have a grandmother praying for them. If you are a young adult and do not have a granny prayer going up each day, FIND a granny who will pray for you. I am convinced that grandparents have a special line to God.


Pray with your kids. Let them hear the prayers of your heart. Teach them to pray by example. Then wherever life takes them, the practice of prayer will follow.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Slow Down and Rest

As a chaplain at Centenary College, I learned about the reality of sleep deprivation. This is one of the most prevalent problems on college campuses. Young adults keep going and going without getting the proper rest their body needs. They think of themselves as the Energizer Bunny (some of you remember that long running commercial). Then it happens. They become ill or even worse they crash. Before the crash though, their grades and relationships begin to suffer because of fatigue--physical fatigue.




It also happens in other age groups of people. The single parent who is working while making as much of life for their kids as possible--In some cases trying to make too much life. These folks are up at the break of dawn getting ready only to finally fall exhausted into bed at midnight only to find that the time to get up has arrived again.




Or the one whose work is not what it ought to be. Work takes all of their life. There is little time left for leisure or for family. This person is climbing the ladder of success--the corporate world or building their own business. The cost of doing this is more than they realize in terms of the carnage left behind them--failed marriages, failed relationships. The ladder is leaned up against the wrong wall.




Now do not think that I am advocating a life of laziness or lacking a work ethic. I am not. However, I think that if the God Almighty rested on the seventh day, it is a sign that we should as well. And, if the Lord God Almighty took six days to do what the Lord God Almighty could have done in a split second, then maybe that says something to us.




Life is not a sprint. It is a marathon. Pace yourself. Slow down. Take time to take care of your body. Take time to build relationships. In doing this you will be able to sort out the gold and the sand of life. You will learn what in the store of life is the cheap stuff and what is the most valuable. You will learn to spend you time doing the things that matter rather than being overwhelmed and exhausted.




One of the reminders I use in my life's journeys is school zones. If you speed through a school zone, the fines are really harsh as they should be. So I look for school zones as I am driving. When driving through a school zone, I offer prayers for students, teachers, and families. Then as I am leaving the zone, I ask myself, "Where in my life do I need to slow down?" And I really try to listen.




When my life is over, whatever day it is, I want to have used all of that which God has given me. However, as I go through this life, Lord, help me slow down. Help me to rest. Let me use all of this precious time on earth as You would have do.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Pray for teachers!

School is starting again.


This time of the year is always a time of remembering for me. I try to remember all of my teachers in my education process. As I remember them, I try to think of how each one of them nurtured me at that particular point in my life.

Mrs. Saint was my second grade teacher. She seemed more like a grandmother than a school teacher to me. I guess it was because my grandparents lived so far away. She was near retirement and had gray hair. At the end of the year after teaching our class, she had more gray hairs. I remember her as being more strict than my first grade teacher, Mrs. Miller. But I never felt unaccepted. It was really the first time in my education that I was challenged.

Then I remember Miss Bullock. She gave me the gift that would change much of my life. In the seventh grade, we began reading with these machines that would flash the text at a speed that was set by the teacher. She noticed me one day distracted by the slowness of the machine. So she challenged me. She bet me that I could not retain enough knowledge of what I was reading if the machine was set at full speed. I took that challenge--and learned at a very young age how to read at about 1000 words per minute. Many days in seminary when I would finish reading, I would thank God for Miss Bullock.

In our school years, we build foundations for the rest of life. Learning is critical for successful and faithful living. Teachers play a critical role in that process. I want teachers in our area to know that I pray for them. I do not just think about them. I pray for them. Their job is a tough job. Teachers today have to cope with the dysfunction of families, the disappointments of student's life and carry on their own life as well.


As a community, our task is to work with teachers for the education of our children. Encourage the children in your world. Ask the young people in your world how school is going. Encourage them to do well. Teach them by words and by your actions to respect teachers. Write an encouraging word to teachers you know. Bake some goodies and take to the teacher's lounge as an appreciation for their work.


A teacher sat down at the end of the day with a friend. There were tears in her eyes. Her own life was overwhelming. She had seen during this day the worst of families and the worst of students. Her friend brought her coffee and sat with her. "Why do you teach?"


The teacher lifted her head and said, "Sometimes I wonder myself. But then I hear this voice that seems to be God saying to me this is how I can make a difference in this world!"


As they sat in the coffee shop, it wasn't long before a man walked over to their table. "Aren't you Miss so and so who teaches at ..... "


"Yes, I am." she answered.


"You probably do not remember me but my son was in your class three years ago. He is doing so good in school now. You would not believe how his life has changed. It started with you being his teacher. I just want you to know how much I appreciate you! You changed his life!" And with that he walked away.


It was a God moment for all of them. Pray for our teachers. Appreciate them. If you are a teacher, listen for the small voice that seems to be God saying you can make a difference in the world.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Deeper Relationship with God Always An Option

Well we have avoided the crisis. Or have we? Avoiding the crisis may not be the smartest thing to do.



At one point in your life, if you are honest with yourself, you will be confronted with a crisis in your faith. Now let me say this is not a bad thing. If fact, it can become a foundation for you to grow in your understanding of God at work in your life's journey.



The crisis usually comes when tragedy or change occurs in your life. It could be an untimely death or a loss of job. For some it is the loss of health or a significant relationship in life. There is a disconnect with our expectations of life. One disconnect usually leads to many more disconnects.




During this time one is prone to ask or say some pretty remarkable things. Not remarkable in terms of the positive. Remarkable in terms of self preservation or selfishness. Maybe you have said some of these. "Where are you God?" "Why are you doing this to me?" What have I done to deserve this?" One becomes disappointed in God and those around you.




If we are lucky we have surrounded ourselves with relationships that help us sort out these things. It usually requires not only good relationships but time as well. One can come to discover that faith is not something that keeps bad things away from us. We do not become and are not God's little darling in the sense of keeping life from happening to us and around us. Instead we learn that God goes through the valley with us. God carries us when we cannot carry ourselves. God loves us when no one else does.




This Sunday I am beginning a series of sermons on Faith. As I have written these sermons, I have come to realize many things about my own journey. I have learned that it is most accurate to talk about a faith journey or faith relationship with God. That God chooses to be vulnerable in that relationship as I am vulnerable. That is what relationships are all about.




We avoid a faith crisis when are focus on the relationship. Just as in marriage, friends, or work--relationships require work. Relationships go through times of crisis. But the difference is that during the crisis times of good relationships, there is opportunity for growth. There is opportunity for seeds to be planted. There is opportunity for great growth to be born. Sadly, some folks disconnect from relationships that have the potential for great growth. Their self- centeredness cannot bear the truth.




A wolf spider helps me understand some of this. The wolf spider carries it babies on its back. If you kill the wolf spider, all of the baby spiders that it has been carrying will scurry for their life. In a sense, the death of the mother, forces life for the babies.




So it is in faith when there is a crisis. Change gives us the opportunity not to disconnect or detach, but to give birth--to give life. During these times, one needs to ask what one can learn about one's self as well as listen for God's words or direction. What needs to die? What needs to be born?




In the faith journey, a deeper relationship with God is always an option.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Take God's Prescription!

Do you find yourself being anxious?



Most of us at one time or another are anxious. Some of us choose to live in a constant state of anxiety. I think there is a difference between the two. Being anxious is a momentary state of worry that comes and then goes. Anxiety is when one has let the state of being anxious become the center of our vision.




The other word that goes along with these is uncertainty. There seems to be an air of uncertainty that is dominating our world. We are uncertain about the economic future. There is uncertainty about jobs. Some are uncertain about their relationships. Others find their health is be more fragile than they ever dreamed. In every one's life, there are points of uncertainty.




Which leads us to our next word in the chain, control. I have always maintained that the one who holds the remote to the television is the one who controls the house. For some control is what life is all about. You can identify these folks easily if you go somewhere--they always want to drive. Or if they are not driving, they are quick to point out the deficiencies of the person that is driving. As a person ages, one of the most critical issues in life is the loss of control. Someone will tell us where we live, when we get up, etc. Then we lose control of our own bodily functions.




And we find ourselves back at square one--the state of anxiousness...




In the world of theology there are two prescriptions God gives to us. The first is called prevenient grace. This is the knowledge that where ever life leads us--despite our human errors in choice--God is at work for good in our life. It is not that we lose our free will and it is all planned out just for us to accept. No indeed. God is weaving lives together urging choices to be made by all that bring goodness and mercy to all.




The second prescription is assurance. This is the choice we have to be assured that God loves us and God is at work for goodness in our life. It is the hope that is unseen in worldly terms but very real in our faith perspective. Fanny Crosby speaks of this faith when she wrote the hymn, Blessed Assurance. She speaks of submission, delight, and rest not because all of life is a cakewalk. Remember that she is blind! But it is her story to praise God at all times because of this assurance.




The assurance of God's presence is greater than anything life has to throw at us. Maybe you need God's prescription in your life today!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Do Not Get Weary in Doing Good

This past week I had one of those days. You know those days. It is when everything seems to go wrong. Even when you are trying to help, it just is not easy.


My mother in law's doctor told her to not do anything for a while. She had just had a procedure that just required rest. If she did not rest, permanent damage could be done. We knew she would not listen. She thought she was being sneaky. Busted!


She had been wanting to plant a garden. She had bought everything she needed to plant. But then the procedure had interrupted her plans. The garden would have to wait.


My mother-in-law lives next door to her daughter. My brother-in-law knew of the plans to plant the garden. So one day, he looks out and says to himself, "I will help my mother-in-law by tilling the soil for the garden. Then when she is able, the soil will be ready for her to plant." So he goes out and tills the garden area. About the time he is finishing, he looks up to hear his mother-in-law shouting at her loudest. He can not make out what she is saying as the tiller noise drowns her out. He thinks she is thanking him although the expression on her face is not one of gratitude. Finally through, he turns off the tiller and goes to where she is standing.


Getting closer he realizes that she is not happy. Then the confession comes. She had sneaked out when no one was around and violated her doctor's orders. She had planted the garden that he had just tilled up.


Well, the other day I visited my mother-in-law. Her garden is blooming although everything is in quite disarray. You have a plant of peas right next to the tomato. There is no semblance of order that her garden usually has. I guess that is the kind of garden you get when you do not do what the doctor says!


Now the brother-in-law did not stay in the doghouse long. However, he has made it clear that he will not help anymore without asking. "I was just trying to help!" was his defense.


Life is like this more than we realize. Doing that which is good and honorable sometimes becomes more complicated than we want. Then there is the temptation to stay in our own little world which is not at all what God would have us do.


Do not grow weary in doing good. The world needs more people who are willing to help one another. The world needs more gardens in disarray.


Mother-in-laws should do what their doctors say as well!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Use All the Crayons!

There is a wave in our culture that is capable of doing great damage. It seems to be more prevalent during the political seasons. But it rears it ugly head more often than we think. The wave seeks to destroy at any cost that which is different. Those with different opinions or thoughts are demonized.


At the heart of this disease is the arrogance of being right.


Now before we all start pointing fingers let us confess that there is a time when we all find ourselves wanting to prove we are right. There is something in our human ego that feeds off of this. But being right is not all it is cracked up to be. And if there is a choice between being right and mercy in relationships, Jesus of Nazareth would choose mercy.


Demonizing those who are different from us empowers us to think we can do anything necessary. After all it would be faithful to dispose the world of these demons. But even more dangerous in this process of thought is that demonizing people means that I no longer have to treat them as a real human being. Their humanness is of no consequence to my actions or thoughts. Their feelings or ideas become irrelevant.


This is a great loss to us whether we realize it or not. It would be like trying to color a beautiful picture using only one color. The diversity of thought and ideas offers us the ability to be more creative and more understanding. The ability to listen and appreciate one another in our differences is the key to making our world a better place. It opens the world to the power of God to unite us in our uniqueness.


So what is the next step that God would have us do?


O Dean Martin was a preacher that changed my life when I was young. His preaching is still a part of my life because he made great sense. In one of his sermons, he said we do not need a revival. What we need is a new understanding of what revival is. And he offered this definition of revival.


Go into a room. Make sure no one else is in the room. Draw a circle. Get in the circle. Kneel before God and ask God to change everyone is that circle. That would be a living revival of the faith.


Jesus invites us to live in contrast to the culture--to be different. Resist the world's insistence to make demons of those who hold different ideas or opinions. There are enough demons in this world. We do not need to create more.


Learn to color with all the colors in the crayon box God has given us!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Hope Was Born!

She is guilty! The court rang out. Although it is not he judge who is saying this or even the jury. It is the spectators in the court. Guilty as sin!



There were folks who had their rocks in hand as she lay on the ground. She had been stripped of her clothes. Her nakedness was not about her physical being. It was her soul that was naked before all. She had no standing. She had been abused and used in every way. Any notion of self love had left her long ago.



There was a part of her that wondered why in the world she had been dragged into the public arena. As she looked around the crowd, she knew many of them. She could tell stories about many of them. It seems so much easier to proclaim the sin of others than to confront your own shame.




Then he appeared. He looked at her in a way that others did not. He did not look at her very long before turning his eyes to the ground. But that glance somehow comforted her in the midst of the angry crowd. Who was he? Why was he not like the others? He was supposed to be a religious man. But he was different.




The next sound was rocks falling to the ground. She had not heard what he said. But it disarmed them all in an instant. Although their eyes were still filled with hatred, they were turning around to leave. The rocks that were so lethal were now harmless. She looked up only to find her alone with this man.




He looked into her eyes again. That look was filled with an understanding that told her she was not guilty anymore. His face was gentle. It invited her to be safe in a way that she had long forgotten.




"Where are those who would condemn you?" The answer was obvious.




"Go and sin no more."




She had never heard those words before. All her life she had been condemned. All of her life she had known no hope. Yet she heard these words, her heart was changed. Her mind was changed. Her understanding of life and its possibilities were changed in an instant.




She gathered her clothes and walked away. But she walked away a different person. She did not understand what had happened. But she did understand that she would not live as she had. When she turned to look at the man, he was gone. So was her guilt and shame.




Hope was born.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Live For the Kingdom!

Do you know folks that just seemingly can not find a direction for their life? They are folks who seem to live life like a pin ball in a pinball machine--bouncing here and there. There is no direction in their life. They are prisoners with no freedom in sight.


This is the weekend we celebrate freedom. Freedom is a great gift that comes from God. However, many of us find that we know we are freed from something but have not clue as to what we will do with our freedom.


Over the years, I have looked for great illustrations of freedom. Nothing beats this one. Those of us who have young ones know the frustration all too well--once we stop laughing. Time to change the diapers. Now rookie parents and grandparents do not have everything ready to do this. So the young one is on the floor most of the time. We take the old diaper off and turn around to get what we have forgotten. Unless you have one hand on the critter, what happens? The young one has escaped! They are running around the house naked as a jaybird. They are free!! Whatever you do, make sure none of the doors are open when you do this. Yes, one of mine escaped to the yard, just running around with no clothes on. We provided the neighbors with regular entertainment of one sort or another.


Now all of this is to say: You are free from sin, free from death, free from guilt--just to name a few. But what are you free for? What are you doing with your life's freedom that gives glory to the kingdom of God?


Freedom has been given to you so that you can make life better. Living in that freedom should bring others closer to the joy of God's presence.


In the book of Romans Paul writes, "But thank God you have started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom!" Romans 6:15 The Message Today is the day to be set free from sin so that you live for the kingdom of God.


Let this give your life new direction!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Be a Part of The Answer!

Everyone once in a while I hear laughter from the heavens.

If you want a fast start, plug in a bunch of college kids who know a little bit about what they are doing.



We hosted a supper for the group of college kids from the Neuman Center of Sacramento University. They were here to work on the house that is being built in memory of my friend, Joe Monistere. It is a project of the Fuller Center for Housing/Habitat organization. Within four days, the house was almost closed in. The windows and doors were not up yet. What an amazing feat for twenty college kids and some locals thrown in!




One Saturday a month, we have made the commitment to work. We want to be part of the answer to the area's needs! I believe most of our society's problems really have an easier solution if folks would just give their hands and hearts outward.




"Look out! He's got a saw!!" These are the words of my friends. The man who gave it to me had no idea the risk he was creating.




Yes, they know that I am dangerous with tools. I am one of those who is book smart and tool dangerous. My dad would be working on projects and give me something to do far away from him. It was for his own protection.




But I follow directions well. The saw given to me had the blade in backwards (which I did not put in) but it worked. I had been working for a while when one guy tried to tell me to turn the saw around until he too realized the blade was backwards. He then just told me to go ahead. I heard him laugh as he walked away as well.




So I sawed the door openings in the new house. I bothered no one. I got the job done until I had to leave for a funeral. But I was amazed that this group of folks could come together over the next few months and build house for a family. It just takes some coordination along with hearts and hands.




This is the answer to our society's problems. Whether it is housing, education, food, or anything else, our problems can be answered by turning to each other with compassion. Even the dangerous ones like me can help! You can help. Plug in somewhere. Once a month or even more if you are able and willing.




And you too can hear laughter from heaven. I know Joe chuckled as I left that worksite. Everyone else just had a sigh of relief!


Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Fill Your Life With the Spirit!

So what do you like most about birthday parties?



My grandmother Dunn lived to be 102 years old. When she turned 100, we had a great big party! Then when she turned 101, we had another grand party. She lived another year and yes, the party was there.



At her 100th birthday party, I could see that she was getting tired. I went over and bent down in front of her and asked her, "Grandma, is there something I can get you or do for you?" She smiled at me with her gentle eyes glowing. "Yes. Would you please tell all those folks to go home so that I can take my nap!" With that, I rolled her back to her room and the nurse helped her get into her bed to rest.




Remember as a kid how you enjoyed your birthday parties? All of your friends were there. Time was spent planning the party. Who would come? Invitations were given out. On the day of the party, you played games. You opened the presents. The birthday cake was presented and everybody sang. Maybe the cake was in the shape of an animal or a cookie cake. It was special.




This past week was the birthday of the church. We call it Pentecost. It is the time we remember how the early disciples were filled with the power of the living Spirit of God. At the initial experience of the Spirit, the church was unified. It became clear that all of the world would know and understand the love of God. The church was to celebrate the presence of God.




I think the church has forgotten how to celebrate in some ways. Celebration has been replaced with empty ritual. Maybe our piety has gotten in the way. Maybe the emphasis on doing what we have always done has kept us from experiencing God. Maybe we have forgotten that the invitations to the party are to all the children of the world, not just who we like or to the privileged. Maybe there are some of us who are like my grandma, who has just grown tired and needs to rest.




What we do in the church carries over to the rest of life as well. A person who attends the church that is not celebrating the Spirit will likely live the same kind of powerless life. The "ho-hum" walk with God has no energy of the Spirit of God. Birthdays come and go--more gone than anything else.




Maybe it is time for us to become some what like party animals filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit! You do remember that when the disciples experienced the Spirit, there were those who just thought they were drunk! Maybe each day should be filled with the idea of celebrating life.




And then the world will look at those who called themselves Christians and wonder. And then they too will seek what we have!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Make the Journey

He was challenged in too many ways. He was one of those guys who was not mentally or physically sharp. For him, the easy became difficult. From the difficult life, he knew that he had done what God had not intended. Isn't it somewhat strange that even when we are far away from God we know God.


He heard that a local church gave out food and clothing. So he found the church. To get there, he had to rely on public transportation. (I think every American ought to have to travel by public transportation for one month each year just to understand how difficult life can be relying on public transportation) So the journey was longer than it was for most folks.


He arrived at the church where he was greeted by one of the church members who volunteers. She graciously welcome him and cared for his needs. He thought it was strange as he picked up his groceries from the altar of the church--where worship was held. He noticed that there was a small altar near by so he stopped and prayed. He wept as he prayed. Picking up his bags of food and clothing he left. Before he left, the woman hugged him and assured him of God's love.


During the weeks that followed, the woman who cared for him would see him at the church to get food and things he needed. Each time she noticed that before his left he would pray. Each time she noticed that he would leave weeping.


Finally one day as he was leaving with his eyes full of tears, she asked him why each time he left he was filled with tears. He told her that he left the church each time burdened by his sinfulness and emptiness in life. She replied with the words, "Jesus has died to allow you to be free from your sins! Come Sunday to worship and receive Jesus as your Savior!" It was as if no one had told him part that part of the story. She told him that she would meet him at 10 a.m. at the door Sunday morning. He assured her that he would be there.


Sunday morning she stood at the door at 10 a.m. He did not arrive. She waited at the door throughout the service. He did not arrive. Towards the end of the service, she finally went to the altar. She was so disappointed. He was not coming. She knelt with a friend and lifted him in prayer asking God to relieve the burden from his life that was already difficult.


As she ended her prayer, she turned to return to her seat and through the door she saw him arrive. He was dressed up in a coat with an old tie that was way too long for him. He apparently had thought there was a dress code in coming to church. His clothes were wringing wet with perspiration. He ran to meet her. "Am I too late to receive Jesus as my Savior?"


She assured him he was never too late. She gathered the prayer team of the church along with the pastor. They prayed with him. He wept again. But when the rose to his feet he did so with a new confidence that all could see.


"I thought you were not coming" she said to him. And then he explained. He had left his house three hours early to make sure he would get there. The bus schedule for the weekend is entirely different than during the weekday schedule that he was used to. He had caught three different buses to get within a mile and half of the church. And then that last mile and a half, he RAN to get to the worship service.


As I heard this story at our Annual Conference this week, I was deeply moved. There was a church who had reached out to those who were in need. There was a compassionate greeter or church lady that invited. And there was a child of God who needed to know that in the most difficult places in life, there is a Savior that wants to lift your life's burdens.


It also made me think of how easy so many of us have it to make it to worship and we are a no show. We will not make the journey.


Life is difficult. Do not journey alone. Make the journey to worship God. Your life will never be the same.


Monday, May 30, 2011

Finish The Race!

I am not a race car fan but I could not resist this one!


Last Sunday the Indy 500 was run. It was the 100th anniversary of this great race. JR Hildebrand was on his way to victory. All he had to do was to make one last turn and he was the winner. He didn't make it. Some say he missed it by about a foot. But that miscalculation sent his car into the wall where he crashed. He lost control of his car and found himself skidding over the finish line 2.1 seconds behind Dan Wheldon. What seemed to be an apparent win slipped from his hands in a matter of seconds.


A good start is not enough.

Many folks began to walk with Jesus. But then they began to leave. His teachings were too hard. Jesus expected too much. At one point in his ministry, Jesus turned to his twelve disciples and asked them, "Are you going to leave as well?"


Think about the false starts in our lives.


We begin a diet and exercise program. Some even make it past the first month. Only a few succeed and continue the program. Or how many folks start to attend college. Then they quit. Some have mastered the art of starting jobs only to keep them for only a short while.


Then there are some who have victory in their hands only to see it slip aways. Jean Van de Velde had one hole left to play in the 1989 British Open. He lost the tournament on the last hole. Lindsey Jacobellis while hot dogging wiped out to lose the gold medal in the 2006 Winter Olympics. They both failed to finish.


The faith has the same demands. Jesus used the example of building a house when talking to his disciples. "Who does not count the cost before beginning to build...." To be faithful disciples, we are to finish the race that is put before us.


At the end of my life, I hope that I have used up all the talents and energy God has given to me. I hope that I have nothing left in reserve. I want to finish the race God has put in front of me with nothing held back.


Then and only then, God will meet me and say, "Well done thy good and faithful servant....."