You Can Be Certain!

There is the cone of shame. It is the collar they put on the dogs when they are hurt. It keeps them from harming themselves while needing to heal.

There is the cone of silence. Some of you may remember seeing this in the old "Get Smart" movies. When there is something of high importance not to be heard by others, this big cone would drop down. It never seemed to work.

Then this week, we kept hearing about the cone of uncertainty. It is the weather person's way of saying, "We just really do not know." It is the area (sometimes very large) where the weather system is capable of going. The cone of uncertainty keeps us all on edge. Uncertainty does this. It confuses us. It can paralyze us because of the fear that it brings forth.

I would like to remind you that within the faith there is a cone of certainty. The writer of Hebrews in Chapter 12 starts out reminding us that we are surrounded by a cloud of witness. We are certain about what faith can do—what faith WILL do! Because of this, we are not paralyzed. We are not confused. We are certain. We know.

Knowing gives great power. Knowing enables us to have a destiny. I am constantly reminding people that whatever tomorrow holds, God is at work for goodness in our world. Does that mean that we will not suffer? No. Does that mean that life will not be difficult? Absolutely not. It means that whatever happens we are not alone. It means that whatever happens God will not be defeated. It means that there is nothing in this world that can keep us apart from God.

This is good news. This is certainty. In the old song, written by a blind woman named Fannie Crosby, we sing "Blessed Assurance, Jesus in mine. O what a foretaste of glory divine!" Ms. Crosby though not able to see with her eyes, saw with her faith.

During these anxious times, stand in the cone of certainty.

Pray for me as I pray for you.

In the Master's Name,

Dr. M. Jack O'Dell

Lead Pastor, The Well UMC

www.thewellumc.com or midweekmanna.com

Experience God’s love

A clergy friend of mine quoted a recent Barna study that revealed that 48 percent of Christians in the United States had not experienced God in church in the past year.

I have to tell you that my heart breaks when I read that.

Now don't get me wrong. I know what it is like to go to a worship service and just not experience the presence of God. The truth is that I have led some worship services that I did not really experience God. Now I know God was present because others experienced God. But for me, it was what some would call a dry run.

I would never be presumptuous to say that it was God's fault or even other's fault. If we have to find fault, I would have to confess it would probably me my fault. Maybe I was distracted or tired. It is tragic that when this happens (and it does happen) we try to blame the music, the preacher, the usher, the dog (did you know that in NYC they allow people to bring their dogs to church as long as they stay contained?) and the list goes on.

But what does it means when an entire year passes with no God experience?

Because of our free will, we can keep God out of our lives. We can be in the right place at the right time only to keep God at a safe distance. Experiencing God means giving up control. It is like handing over the remote control to the TV to someone else. It means yielding. It means opening ourselves to a force that will recreate us from the inside out. It means letting God on the inside of our skin. Scary stuff if you ask me.

But with God we are safe. God is not the critical parent waiting to punish us. God is not to be seen as saying, "I told you so…" God's love is constant as the air you breathe. God's always waiting to love you and me unconditionally—even on dry runs.

As a pastor, I am keenly aware of God's presence in worship. Every Sunday, and I mean every, I see people weeping in worship. Now it is not a public weeping or wailing. It is quiet tears of joy and sorrow mixed together. Sometimes as I sing, pray, or preach, MY eyes are filled with tears. You see, the experience of God is an awesome experience. It is overwhelming. It is never about me, always about God.

If you are a part of the 48 percent, find a place where you experience God. Quit rote worship. Just quit.

Find a holy place where God finds you. And you experience God's everlasting love. It will change your life.

Pray for me as I pray for you.

Reach Out When Life Gets Blurred

Life gets blurred sometimes.

Probably the time when most people experience this is when they cry. The tears begin to fill your eyes so much that your sight becomes blurred. It is then that we wipe our eyes. Sometimes we need a Kleenex to wipe our eyes. Sometimes we simply use our hands. Some have been taught that "big boys do not cry" so we begin to wipe our tears before they take away our sight.

Life gets blurry when our boundaries fall down. Sometimes our boundaries fail because we have convinced ourselves that there is more to life. One can become bored. Out of boredom one can do great damage to life. Many young people who act out in our world today are simply bored. They are seeking thrills without limits. Marriages and friendships are destroyed because people lose sense of their boundaries and do foolish things.

Life gets blurry when we are confronted with loss---loss of Job, loss of a friend, divorce, or loss by death. The tendency in this case is to isolate self in sadness. One becomes overwhelmed with a deep sense of grief. One becomes convinced that no one else must have ever gone through this dark valley. One can begin to experience a darkness and isolation that can endanger health and emotional wellness. Tears come too often. Sleep is either too long or none at all. Life's tasks can remain undone or neglected. Memory can be turned into a sense of regret or blame.

Jesus gives us an answer to the blurs of life. Let me share the different parts of the answer.

Life happens. That is the first part of Jesus' answer. When Jesus came to this earth, he was keenly aware of this. He became aware very early in his ministry that life was going to happen to him! Jesus knew that he was going to walk through many difficult moments and even death. Life just happens to all of us.

You are not to go through life alone. Jesus surrounded himself with his friends—his disciples. He had others who traveled with him and spent time with him. I think that Lazarus' house was obviously a place where Jesus went to be refreshed during difficult times. You have friends and places to be where you can experience the joy of life again. Friends remind us of the things in life that we really value. You can plug into a small group (Griefshare—about to start!) and journey with others through the valleys and darkness. Open yourself to a counselor or clergy person who can help you sort through the mire and mud of life. Sometimes it is best if someone else wipes your tears away so you can see.

Life is not over. Yes, it is difficult. Yes it has and will change. But God is not done with you! Find a place of worship and worship your way through this time of life. Place yourself where God can find you!! I like to think that God comes and recreates (plays) in the "stuff" of life that I find myself sitting in. Some of the greatest blessings in life come from what God does with our difficulties. God introduces us to what is yet to be! It is a part of the resurrection we experience in this life.

When life gets blurred, reach out. Not for a bottle or drugs or someone who has little or no faith. Better than any of this, is the hands of a Savior. Let Jesus meet you where you are. Let Jesus guide you towards a caring community who will weep with you and yes, dry your eyes so you can see once again.

Pray for me as I pray for you.

What Game Will You Play?

I am sure that you have been watching the Olympics. There is no way around it in some ways. Every time you turn on the media, there is news about someone winning, falling, or about to win. I am always sad to hear someone say that someone has failed because they only won silver or a bronze. Geez, they are only the second or third best in the world at that given time!

I am always impressed by the torch relay. It requires the participation of many over a long haul. It also requires that persons be willing to carry the torch. Willingness is always a litmus test in the faith. There seems to be more un-willingness in many churches that are dying. The only willingness in some is that the church will remain the same unto death.

You may not know it but there are some games played each Sunday in some churches. They are played willingly by those who are mostly unwilling. Maybe you recognize them. These games go on especially during the summer. Maybe you need to award a medal to those who excel!

Parking Lot Dash- This race is held each Sunday at the conclusion of the service. The runners are off and running at the last "Amen" of the service. Some have even been known to get a head start by leaving during the last verse of the last hymn. Shame on them! It is also known as "Beat the (insert other churches) to the Restaurant" game.

Back Pew (Seat) Dash-This race is for those who have been running for quite a while. It is the ability to get to church in time to get a seat on the last pew or seat. Normally this athlete would want the front seats to a concert or other games. But on Sunday, it is the best view of the entire congregation and place where sleeping is least noticed.

Offering Plate Relay-This is a race requiring great agility and concentration. It is the ability to pass the offering plate fast enough so that no one will notice if you put anything in it or not. Some have been known to place "empty" offering envelopes so as to appear to participate. The ushers have their own race as to how quickly the offering can be taken.

Five Verse Marathon-This marathon is the number of verses it takes to get someone to respond to the invitation at the conclusion of the service. At some special services held, this can turn into a variable verse marathon meaning someone will have to come forward so that this song can end.

Sanctuary High Hurdles-This is an event caused by those who refuse to sit in the center of the aisle or pew. Therefore, when others come and want to be seated, they must crawl over or jump over those who will not move while never breaking pace. The world record for this is a twelve person jump recorded by a young visitor to the "I Will Not Be Moved Church of the Holy Spirit". The visitor never returned to attempt to break the record.

The Spiritual Javelin and Hammer Throw-Each Sunday this is the word spears and hammers thrown by those who would criticize the pastor, choir, deacons, elders, Sunday School teachers, janitors, secretary, crying babies, children, youth, ---anyone who needs a good word jab or two. It doesn't matter who the target is. The medalist in this event usually has an extended experience in gossip and slander.

On second thought, maybe these ought NOT to be awarded medals! Maybe these are games that we can "unwill" ourselves to be a part of or recognize with a medal.

Pray for me as I pray for you.

 

 

Say “Yes” When God Calls

It doesn't seem like it was that long ago in some ways. In other ways, it seems like a marathon.

While serving as Chaplain of Centenary College, I was given a rare opportunity to spend many hours listening to students talk about life. I learned much about how different the world is today. On more than one occasion a student would sit down and visit with me about their majors. They would be struggling with the question of what they would do for the rest of their life. Strange as it may sound, each one of them thought that this was a question unique to them. It seemed as though everyone else had this compass that gave great surety which they did not have. It was at this point that I was able to give some perspective about the change in our world. In our world today, it is not unusual for persons to change jobs and even change careers. I assured them that God would direct their ways if they would be open to God's calling.

So how do you know when God is calling?

Sometimes God's calling is just trial and error. Now I know that is not what many want to hear. There is too much at stake. Peter, the disciple whom Jesus called "The Rock" learned much by trial and error. Remember at one point, Jesus even called him "Satan". I guess Rocky knew that he had messed up then! But through it all Peter slowly gained the vision of his future with God.

Timothy was given the gift of a faith compass through his mother and grandmother. Timothy came to know the direction of faith because he saw it lived out in those who nurtured him. For him, many questions were answered by asking the question, "What would my grandmother do or say in this situation?" Grand examples of faith before our eyes are great examples for us to discern God's calling.

Paul said "Yes" to God's calling through a dramatic vision or episode in life. His name was Saul. He was on his way to kill more of those heathen traitors. On the road, God meets him in a dramatic fashion—blinding him for three days. Even after this event, he is given counsel by Ananias. From the combination of these events, a new man was born. Paul wrote two thirds of the New Testament!

It is all about saying "Yes!" when God calls.

Thirty seven years ago this month, Ed Thomas called me. He had been my pastor in Minden First Church. He was now the district superintendent of the Ruston District. I had no idea why he wanted to meet with me. It was there that God invited me to begin a journey. He had two little churches that needed a pastor. Another church close to these churches needed a youth director. He asked me if I would consider serving. After much prayer and counsel, I said "yes'. I was nineteen years old at the time. Over the years to follow, Ed Thomas would continue to give me wise counsel on the journey. When I am confronted with some decisions in ministry, I often ask the question, "What do I think Ed would tell me to do?" The memory of his faithful ministry still speaks loudly to me.

The journey of ministry has led me to many places and people. There have been many good days and many difficult days. I have been blessed by many. I have been cursed by some. I have seen wonderful births and said words of eternal hope in the midst of death and loss. I look forward to the days ahead doing what God would have me do. I am still listening for God's call. I pray that I will continue to say "Yes!"

Say "Yes" when God calls!

Pray for me as I pray for you.

In the Master's Name,

Jack O'Dell

Lead Pastor, The Well UMC

Offer the World Jesus!

Our world has been rocked again with great tragedy. It does not make sense. Why? How could people be so filled?

Random acts of violence happen more than we ever wish. They happen more than we hear about. It seems that we are sensitive to them only when it rocks our world. It is then we begin to ask question. Many become theological. The questions sound like: "Why would God allow such things? Where is God? or Why would God do this?"

There are some people who think that all of the things that happen on this world are acts of God. I must confess that while this attitude seems to make life pretty much mapped out I find great difficulty in it. When a person commits suicide, God did it? Surely not! God was punishing this person? No! God was acting for good in the long run? This is not what biblical justice is about. What kind of a character would God be? When accidents happen in this world, God is at the hand? Absolutely not! Persons who keep this view usually see God mainly acting as a critical parent. Usually their own personal narratives have many critical parents in them.

It seems that God in the design of humanity gave us more than we sometimes want—free will. Free will is like all the rest of life's gifts. It can be used for good and creative purposes. Or it can be used for selfish purposes. A consequence of this freedom is illnesses that have been created by our world and our choices. Another consequence of this is evil. We allow evil to reign in our heart and minds. We make camp with bitterness and envy until our actions are so filled with things that are far from God's intention.

So while all this random act of violence happens, where is God? What is God doing? God is present. Although it seems that God is absent, God is not. God is there touching the hearts of those who hurt with God's eternal hope. God is present as John Wesley would say, "wooing us" to open our hearts and hands to the work of the Living Spirit. God is always inviting us to become hands of grace.

God is the one that is the source of random acts of kindness. God is the one that seeks to show us in our daily living how to live sacrificially and wholly given to extending compassion to others. God is the one who invites us to break camp with evil and bitterness and journey in grace and forgiveness. God is the one who take the streams of water that we have dammed up and creates living streams of rushing water that is fresh and capable of great power.

Many of us remember seeing a picture of Jesus standing at a door. The image of the human form of God is lit with the golden beam of a light that is shining in the dark. It seems as though it could be a front door of any home or cottage in the country side. The caption of the picture is "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Many persons have looked at this painting and failed to notice one significant thing in the painting. The door is not a common door. The door that Jesus is knocking at has no handle. The handle for the door is only on the other side of the door.

When our world is rocked, invited Jesus in! The answer God gives during these difficult times is God's presence and compassion. We can offer the world random acts of God's love.

Pray for me as I pray for you.

 

Dr. M. Jack O'Dell

Lead Pastor, The Well UMC

God Is Looking For You

A telephone solicitor heard the voice of a young boy on the other end of the phone.

"Can I speak to your mom?"

"No, she is busy!"

"Can I speak to your dad?"

"No he is busy too!"

"What are mom and dad doing that keeps them so busy?"

"They are helping the firemen and the police here at the house."

"What are the fireman and police doing at your house?"

"Looking for me" said the little boy.

Have you ever realized how God is looking for you?

God searches out Adam and Eve in the garden. They have eaten the forbidden fruit after the conversation with the talking snake. They realize they are naked. I am not sure whether it is the nakedness or the fear of disobeying God (or both!) that leads them to hide from God. But God finds them.

Jesus tells three lost stories in the Gospel of Luke. There is the lost sheep where the shepherd loses one and leaves the ninety nine. Then there is the lost coin that a woman turns her house upside down to find. Finally there is the lost son that the Father runs to meet when the son comes to his senses. The Father gains the son that has come home only to lose the son that has been there all along.

We like to think that God has more to care about than each one of us. But it simply is not true. God will not rest until ALL of the world is found.

When my son, Noah was a little boy he loved to play hide and seek. When he was annoying his sisters, they loved to play hide and seek with him. But he was not good at the game. All you had to do is say, "Noah, where are you?" His little voice wherever he was would answer, "Over here!" If you did not find him in a short period of time, he would come out from his hiding place.

You may be in hiding. You may think God is not looking for you. But you are wrong. God is always searching for you. God is always wooing you back to where you should be. You can always be found by God.

Pray for me as I pray for you.