I am a parent in the throws of the week before school starts rush!
Oh my! Things are starting to fly around! Remember the good ol' days when you would get your new school clothes the last week of August, show up to school and that was it? Not anymore. School clothes shopping begins in July, as retailers vie for your attention, everyone wanting a piece of the proverbial pie. And that's not all. School activities have already begun as well. Our daughter Lauren is part of WEB, which is some sort of leadership class at her middle school. She spent two mornings at the school this week getting ready for opening day. She very excitedly told us yesterday that she needed to be at the school on Tuesday (the first day of classes) at 7 AM. I was so excited I told her that her mother would take her. Kyle our youngest picked up his football gear on Tuesday. Zach picked up his football equipment last June (no kidding). He played 40+ American Legion baseball games this summer, plus all of the daily football workouts, camps and two-a-days. So much for summer. Every once and a while, the good ol' days may be just that -- GOOD OL' DAYS! School starts Tuesday for our middle schoolers and Wednesday for our Sophomore.
Okay, so help me figure this one out. Why do we have Spring Break if most of the Spring sports teams use it for tournaments? We've already figured out that we won't have a family vacation during Spring Break for six years. Here's how it works: if your kid goes somewhere with you during Spring Break and misses some games, when they return, the coaching staff punishes your kid by benching them for a pre-determined period of time. They get to sit on the bench until they've learned their lesson that family isn't first? It's not right. But then again, somewhere along the way we've given the school the right to parent...
So, we're planning a family trip to someplace warm in February. Yup, the kids will be taken out of school...and the school will find punitive ways to deal with their absence. Argh!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
The Nearness of God's Presence
I've been thinking a great deal this morning about Sunday's message. In fact, I am in my study again, writing this to help collect my thoughts. What strikes me this morning was how marvelous our Intercessors meeting was yesterday.
On Tuesdays, our church staff joins our Intercessor's gathering at 9:30 AM for the first half-an-hour. Music is playing in the background and some in the room are worshipping along with the song. Others are praying - some quietly and others lifting their voices to fill the room with a heavenly cacophony. I was in "a sermon cycle." That means I'm pretty much focused on the coming weekend, and I'm hearing from God. There was a wonderful sense of God's nearness yesterday, and I quickly wrote the outline for Sunday's sermon.
I love feeling God's presence. There is nothing like it! I'm reminded of being at a Bend Elks game this summer and thinking about what God had in store for Faith in the future. And suddenly there I was, in the stands at a baseball game, sensing the nearness of heaven.
I'm so glad God shows up to baseball games. I guess I'm glad that God shows up...period.
On Tuesdays, our church staff joins our Intercessor's gathering at 9:30 AM for the first half-an-hour. Music is playing in the background and some in the room are worshipping along with the song. Others are praying - some quietly and others lifting their voices to fill the room with a heavenly cacophony. I was in "a sermon cycle." That means I'm pretty much focused on the coming weekend, and I'm hearing from God. There was a wonderful sense of God's nearness yesterday, and I quickly wrote the outline for Sunday's sermon.
I love feeling God's presence. There is nothing like it! I'm reminded of being at a Bend Elks game this summer and thinking about what God had in store for Faith in the future. And suddenly there I was, in the stands at a baseball game, sensing the nearness of heaven.
I'm so glad God shows up to baseball games. I guess I'm glad that God shows up...period.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Cleaning the House
I'm getting ready for this weekend's message, working on the subject of cleaning our spiritual houses. I was reading this morning in one of my devotional tools a short story by Phillip Gulley [Front Porch Tales, Multnomah Press - see inset from Amazon.com]. Gulley related that he took up gardening as a hobby so he wouldn't have to clean the house (it was sarcastic humor). When I read it I howled because the statement is "such a guy thing." And it is also true in so many other ways as well. Many will take up gardening, television watching, lawn mowing and feel the need to do anything else but deal with cleaning our spiritual house. Obviously I'm not speaking of a church building, but of our spiritual heart.
Looking out of the window of my study I see folks driving their cars to work and people going into the Pilot Butte Drive-In for breakfast. Yes, I guess I am one of those melancholic thinking people who wonders what is going on in their spiritual lives. I'm thinking about what it was like this morning in their home as they were getting ready. I'm thinking about the stress that some must be under to make ends meet. I'm pondering how many literally "put on their game face" and become someone else about halfway to their work. Are they caught up in some daily and dull rutine or are they living their life to the fullest that it can be lived? This is the lousy part about being a pastor because this kind of stuff DOES matter to me. But does one's spiritual life matter to them?
Live like Jesus Christ is coming back for His Bride (the Church) today! But let us not forget that this kind of life is full of laughter and joy. When our spiritual life is cluttered with the cares of this world, we become its' slave. When our spiritual house has been cleansed and set free by the power of the Spirit, it becomes a liberating platform to enjoy all that God has provided and created. I choose the "set free" option.
Monday, August 27, 2007
The Holy Kiss
Yesterday (Sunday) we were completing 1 Corinthians 16, the last message in our lengthy series on this incredible letter. And as is our custom we didn't skip over anything, which included Paul's admonition to the church to greet one another with a holy kiss (v.20). I know, YIKES!
Our outgoing General Superintendent of our denomination is one that takes this admonition seriously. A couple of weeks ago, Pastor Brian and I saw his great affection for others displayed over and over again. He always kissed on the cheek, even patting them (the side of the face) before commencing the smooches - one per side. Yes it was different. Yes, some would think that it is weird. But yes, it was appropriate because it was done with the right attitude...and because it was Biblical.
Wow, this is really a struggle for many of us. The first thing that I want to say when I read a passage like this is the whole idea and concept that we show genuine affection for one another. The Corinthian Church was severely divided by economics, classes and chaos. This must not be so. It must not be so in our church either. And so Paul reminded them to greet each other with a "holy" kiss, thereby showing appropriate affection and helping them to love (agape - unconditional form) one another more. Let's face it, it is difficult to be in a sharp disagreement with someone you've just kissed!
Well, now reality sets in. How do we do this? It may only be appropriate at Faith for spouses to do the kissing, or perhaps on those rare, public occasions, the senior pastor. May I also suggest hugs, with those who are receptive, and the use of side hugs for those of the opposite sex who are not our spouse? Let us not be "sloppy with our agape," but let us not hold back from building one another up...in love!
And now the real point of this discussion. There was a long history in American Christendom where "dancing before the Lord" was not practiced during worship. In fact, I've known people who were "talked to" because of what was deemed a "fleshly display" (i.e., you're making a bunch of people nervous). However today, it is not uncommon to see such activity take place in many churches across the land. That's the hard part about interpreting Scripture. Most of the time if means exactly what it says, whether we like it or not or think it is weird or not. And no, I do not expect us to have dancing before the Lord or holy kiss lessons anytime in the near future. But let us remember that these things are Biblical and therefore require our attention.
This coming week we are going to look at "Cleaning the House," which is another uncomfortable Biblical concept. Am I looking for subjects and themes that make us uncomfortable? No, but I am aware that the uncomfortable causes us to think and grow. I suppose it is the track we are on right now. And that's a good thing.
Our outgoing General Superintendent of our denomination is one that takes this admonition seriously. A couple of weeks ago, Pastor Brian and I saw his great affection for others displayed over and over again. He always kissed on the cheek, even patting them (the side of the face) before commencing the smooches - one per side. Yes it was different. Yes, some would think that it is weird. But yes, it was appropriate because it was done with the right attitude...and because it was Biblical.
Wow, this is really a struggle for many of us. The first thing that I want to say when I read a passage like this is the whole idea and concept that we show genuine affection for one another. The Corinthian Church was severely divided by economics, classes and chaos. This must not be so. It must not be so in our church either. And so Paul reminded them to greet each other with a "holy" kiss, thereby showing appropriate affection and helping them to love (agape - unconditional form) one another more. Let's face it, it is difficult to be in a sharp disagreement with someone you've just kissed!
Well, now reality sets in. How do we do this? It may only be appropriate at Faith for spouses to do the kissing, or perhaps on those rare, public occasions, the senior pastor. May I also suggest hugs, with those who are receptive, and the use of side hugs for those of the opposite sex who are not our spouse? Let us not be "sloppy with our agape," but let us not hold back from building one another up...in love!
And now the real point of this discussion. There was a long history in American Christendom where "dancing before the Lord" was not practiced during worship. In fact, I've known people who were "talked to" because of what was deemed a "fleshly display" (i.e., you're making a bunch of people nervous). However today, it is not uncommon to see such activity take place in many churches across the land. That's the hard part about interpreting Scripture. Most of the time if means exactly what it says, whether we like it or not or think it is weird or not. And no, I do not expect us to have dancing before the Lord or holy kiss lessons anytime in the near future. But let us remember that these things are Biblical and therefore require our attention.
This coming week we are going to look at "Cleaning the House," which is another uncomfortable Biblical concept. Am I looking for subjects and themes that make us uncomfortable? No, but I am aware that the uncomfortable causes us to think and grow. I suppose it is the track we are on right now. And that's a good thing.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Where We're Headed
As we head into Fall, I thought it would be appropriate for you to see what direction we're headed on Sundays:
September
2 "Cleaning Your Spiritual House"
9 Conference on the Holy Spirit: "What 'House' Doesn't Know About Healing"
16 Conference on the Holy Spirit: "What 'House' Doesn't Know About Healing," Part 2)
22 (Saturday) Conference on the Holy Spirit - Gender Meetings 10 AM
Men's Speaker: Roy Brewer
Women's Speader: TBA
23 (Sunday) Conference on the Holy Spirit
9:30 AM - Special Guest Roy Brewer - "What Kind of People Ought We to Be in Light of the Return of Christ?" Part 1
10:30 AM - Special Guest Roy Brewer - "What Kind of People Ought We to Be in Light of the Return of Christ?" Part 2
All Church Potluck following the second service with a question and answer time over the subject of the Holy Spirit following.
30 Conference on the Holy Spirit: "What 'House' Doesn't Know About Healing," Part 3 - Conclusion of the Conference
October - November: Series on Who We are in Christ.
September
2 "Cleaning Your Spiritual House"
9 Conference on the Holy Spirit: "What 'House' Doesn't Know About Healing"
16 Conference on the Holy Spirit: "What 'House' Doesn't Know About Healing," Part 2)
22 (Saturday) Conference on the Holy Spirit - Gender Meetings 10 AM
Men's Speaker: Roy Brewer
Women's Speader: TBA
23 (Sunday) Conference on the Holy Spirit
9:30 AM - Special Guest Roy Brewer - "What Kind of People Ought We to Be in Light of the Return of Christ?" Part 1
10:30 AM - Special Guest Roy Brewer - "What Kind of People Ought We to Be in Light of the Return of Christ?" Part 2
All Church Potluck following the second service with a question and answer time over the subject of the Holy Spirit following.
30 Conference on the Holy Spirit: "What 'House' Doesn't Know About Healing," Part 3 - Conclusion of the Conference
October - November: Series on Who We are in Christ.
Life on the Faith Journey
I'm getting ready for Sunday's message. We're finishing up our series through the book of 1 Corinthians. And I'm a little embarrassed...
Here are a couple of facts that turn my cheeks a little red. We started this series in October of 2005 (ouch!) and have accumulated 36 messages from the book over that time. I guess we really looked at it pretty hard! Most book series last eight to 12 weeks; but no, we just had to do it all!
If you do the math you'll figure out that we were in 1 Corinthians less than half of the Sundays from the time that we started until now. But as we transition away after this weekend, I can easily say that I've benefited from our time in this valuable letter to a church that was out of control. It is always better to learn from the mistakes of others and being wise enough to not fall into the same trap.
There was a kid who lived up the street from me when I was in grade school named Troy. Troy had tangled with his mother's iron and lost. Subsequently, he had a huge elevated burn mark covering the entire back of one of his hands. I remember that it looked awful. I also remember that it created a phobia for me of being around an iron and being careful around the stove in the kitchen. I'm so glad that someone else taught be not to touch things that are hot, without having to find out for myself.
Sin is like that. Too often we entertain it by indulging ourselves in whatever form that it takes. It may not even hurt at first as we are numbed to its sensation. But after while, it leaves a mark. Lord, help me to be smart enough to follow You without having to touch the stove for myself.
Here are a couple of facts that turn my cheeks a little red. We started this series in October of 2005 (ouch!) and have accumulated 36 messages from the book over that time. I guess we really looked at it pretty hard! Most book series last eight to 12 weeks; but no, we just had to do it all!
If you do the math you'll figure out that we were in 1 Corinthians less than half of the Sundays from the time that we started until now. But as we transition away after this weekend, I can easily say that I've benefited from our time in this valuable letter to a church that was out of control. It is always better to learn from the mistakes of others and being wise enough to not fall into the same trap.
There was a kid who lived up the street from me when I was in grade school named Troy. Troy had tangled with his mother's iron and lost. Subsequently, he had a huge elevated burn mark covering the entire back of one of his hands. I remember that it looked awful. I also remember that it created a phobia for me of being around an iron and being careful around the stove in the kitchen. I'm so glad that someone else taught be not to touch things that are hot, without having to find out for myself.
Sin is like that. Too often we entertain it by indulging ourselves in whatever form that it takes. It may not even hurt at first as we are numbed to its sensation. But after while, it leaves a mark. Lord, help me to be smart enough to follow You without having to touch the stove for myself.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
What's in a Name?
Last night the news broke that Atlanta Falcon (NFL) quarterback Michael Vick was going to accept a plea deal with federal prosecutors to admit that he had indeed housed, funded and participated in a dog fighting/gambling ring. Included in the charges was cruelty to animals related to the manner in which Vick himself disposed of several dogs who did not perform well in fights.
My oldest son Zach and I watched the report on television this morning, that included a highlight reel of Vick's other antics over the last six years that had been quite suspect. After the current story originally broke last Spring, a news reporter caught up with the charismatic quarterback who noted that "everyone loved him." When asked about the then allegations, Vick refused to comment. What he was communicating is that because people loved him, he could pretty much do what he wanted...and he had so far. That was then and this is now. He is looking at a prison sentence that could range from one to five years, not to mention the potential loss of a lucrative football career that could have paid him in excess of $100 million more over the course of his playing time.
As I was sitting there with my son, it was a teachable moment. Zach plays football at Mountain View High School, which is where I dropped him off for practice this morning after watching the television report. If a high school athlete gets in trouble outside of school activity, they still pay the price. Being at a party where alcohol is served or drugs are present can get you kicked off a team. I'm glad for that. I'm glad that the first order of business for a public school athletic program is holding up a standard for the privilege of participation. Did I tell you that they drug test the players? Not that I believe for a moment that my son has an issue, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings if he was tested often. Boundaries are good, especially when they protect us and our good name. The point is, I'm not raising a football player but a young man. I'm hopeful that one day he will be a full grown man who loves God and has a good name. Ditto for Kyle and Lauren (alright, a woman who loves God!).
It says in Ecclesiastes 7:1 that, "A good reputation is more valuable than the most expensive perfume." I'm not a big perfume guy -- I just like the stuff that my wife wears! But I think that I get it. Without a good reputation, a person can stink to high heaven.
My oldest son Zach and I watched the report on television this morning, that included a highlight reel of Vick's other antics over the last six years that had been quite suspect. After the current story originally broke last Spring, a news reporter caught up with the charismatic quarterback who noted that "everyone loved him." When asked about the then allegations, Vick refused to comment. What he was communicating is that because people loved him, he could pretty much do what he wanted...and he had so far. That was then and this is now. He is looking at a prison sentence that could range from one to five years, not to mention the potential loss of a lucrative football career that could have paid him in excess of $100 million more over the course of his playing time.
As I was sitting there with my son, it was a teachable moment. Zach plays football at Mountain View High School, which is where I dropped him off for practice this morning after watching the television report. If a high school athlete gets in trouble outside of school activity, they still pay the price. Being at a party where alcohol is served or drugs are present can get you kicked off a team. I'm glad for that. I'm glad that the first order of business for a public school athletic program is holding up a standard for the privilege of participation. Did I tell you that they drug test the players? Not that I believe for a moment that my son has an issue, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings if he was tested often. Boundaries are good, especially when they protect us and our good name. The point is, I'm not raising a football player but a young man. I'm hopeful that one day he will be a full grown man who loves God and has a good name. Ditto for Kyle and Lauren (alright, a woman who loves God!).
It says in Ecclesiastes 7:1 that, "A good reputation is more valuable than the most expensive perfume." I'm not a big perfume guy -- I just like the stuff that my wife wears! But I think that I get it. Without a good reputation, a person can stink to high heaven.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Grace for Right Now
This morning I met with a pastor of one of our sister churches in the region. It was a great time -- incredibly refreshing! We talked about what God was doing in the churches we serve and where He is leading us in the days ahead. I love this kind of process with another pastor because it reminds me of the greatness of God and how He knows exactly who we are and where we are. It is good to sense that God is at work in so many hearts and lives!
About two years ago, a person in our church who is given to prophetic dreams came by the office and told me about a vision God had given them about me and the church. The nature of the dream literally defined revival. Before and since then, there have been other "markers" along the Faith Journey saying very similar things. And then again this morning a person I respect came and shared the same kind of vision with me. So be encouraged that God is at work -- today and right now! At Faith, things seem to be breaking loose right now in the Spirit, over the life and heart of the church. But be reminded that the very same is possible in our own lives, right where we are. I wish that I could put my finger on exactly what I'm sensing, but I know from experience that these kinds of things are difficult to get our arms around or control. All I know is that I personally have a great sense of expectation about what God longs to do in our midst!
My wife Tami and children Lauren and Kyle left this morning for Eastern Washington to see Tami's folks. If you read this blog during the week, please pray for their safe travel and return (on Friday).
About two years ago, a person in our church who is given to prophetic dreams came by the office and told me about a vision God had given them about me and the church. The nature of the dream literally defined revival. Before and since then, there have been other "markers" along the Faith Journey saying very similar things. And then again this morning a person I respect came and shared the same kind of vision with me. So be encouraged that God is at work -- today and right now! At Faith, things seem to be breaking loose right now in the Spirit, over the life and heart of the church. But be reminded that the very same is possible in our own lives, right where we are. I wish that I could put my finger on exactly what I'm sensing, but I know from experience that these kinds of things are difficult to get our arms around or control. All I know is that I personally have a great sense of expectation about what God longs to do in our midst!
My wife Tami and children Lauren and Kyle left this morning for Eastern Washington to see Tami's folks. If you read this blog during the week, please pray for their safe travel and return (on Friday).
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Having Our Own Space
Something humorous happened this morning. I was in my study, preparing for a brief meeting with Pastor Brian Eno and Pastor Esther Kroh about the service schedule for Sunday. As I was moving chairs, I noticed that the garbage can was full. I don't use the garbage can much in this office as most of what I do in here is not paperwork related. It turns out that it is full of empty espresso cups! While I was gone for my extended break the last two months, Pastor Brian had used my study for his study -- with my permission. It appears "he made himself right at home" (which I'm still laughing about!).
Ecclesiastes tells us in chapter four that "two are better than one and that three people working together on a team is hard to beat" (Johnson paraphrase). My thought this morning is about personal space. How much of our personal space are we willing to give up in order to accomplish God's purposes? While I was gone, Pastor Brian had access to everything that was in my office space. It's not that he used everything, but that we are a team and are headed toward the same goal.
I'm reminded of our teachers that we have at FCC, and even my own pulpit ministry. I know the need to be transparent because my own authenticity on this Faith Journey encourages others. I'm thinking too about my home life as well. How much of ourselves are we willing to give up in order to strengthen our marriages? The space that we feel we NEED for ourselves is likely smaller than we think. Let someone else on the inside. Better yet, let the Lord in on the inside.
Ecclesiastes tells us in chapter four that "two are better than one and that three people working together on a team is hard to beat" (Johnson paraphrase). My thought this morning is about personal space. How much of our personal space are we willing to give up in order to accomplish God's purposes? While I was gone, Pastor Brian had access to everything that was in my office space. It's not that he used everything, but that we are a team and are headed toward the same goal.
I'm reminded of our teachers that we have at FCC, and even my own pulpit ministry. I know the need to be transparent because my own authenticity on this Faith Journey encourages others. I'm thinking too about my home life as well. How much of ourselves are we willing to give up in order to strengthen our marriages? The space that we feel we NEED for ourselves is likely smaller than we think. Let someone else on the inside. Better yet, let the Lord in on the inside.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Boys Will be Boys
We had our "draft" last night for our fantasy football league. It was quite humorous! Pastor Brian and his son Jonathan came together as a coach and assistant coach to lead their team. Jonathan is the head coach. He's seven, and I think he has the best team! I'm getting myself prepared to being whipped by a seven-year-old!
Something humorous happened when the draft was over. Jonathan began to "trash talk" about how he was going to beat the rest of the teams in the league. After they left, my 12 year-old Kyle began walking through the house taunting me with his belief that he was going to have the "championship" team. The chest beating by our youngest competitors was humorous and...invited! Boys will be boys, just like their dads...!
Something humorous happened when the draft was over. Jonathan began to "trash talk" about how he was going to beat the rest of the teams in the league. After they left, my 12 year-old Kyle began walking through the house taunting me with his belief that he was going to have the "championship" team. The chest beating by our youngest competitors was humorous and...invited! Boys will be boys, just like their dads...!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Fantasy Football and Looking Back
My sons and I are getting ready to form a fantasy football league. Our "draft" is tonight. Fantasy football is a game that is played over the Internet. In essence, you gather together skill position players from actual NFL teams to play for you. How they play on a given weekend will designate a point total for your fantasy team. I'm still really new to this, and am thinking that my boys will run circles around me this season. But that's okay.
Something rather humorous happened as we were setting up the league. My oldest son selected his his school mascot for his team name. My youngest selected a name for his team that came straight out of his imagination. The name for my team? I went all the way back to the late 1970's and used my high school mascot, the "Golden Gators." I can understand son number one picking his own team name because he is living that adventure, right now. I on the other hand, what am I thinking? We had lousy football teams during those days. While I was in school, we set the state record in Washington for the number of games lost in a row. We only broke that losing string by beating a cross town rival who went on to set a new record for futility (which I am eternally grateful!).
ESPN, the sports television network recently ran a program series, asking their audience to vote online to determine, "Which Athlete is 'Now'". What they were looking for was not the greatest athlete in history but instead, who transcends their sport in this present day to be the greatest. The winner was Tiger Woods, the excellent golfer who just won his 13th major title over the weekend. He definitely is, "Now."
My thought is, "How 'NOW' Am I?" Do I focus so much on the past that I can't see the potential for my own future? That's a scary thought!
While at our bi-annual denominational conference last week, I ran into a good friend from college who is now on the mission field. You might remember him, his name is Steve Shoop. Steve used to be in Panama and is now in Guadalajara, Mexico. He is so busy doing what he is doing that he doesn't get stateside much anymore. When I saw him, that was when I realized how much I missed him. I miss hearing his laugh, the great times we've had together (oh so many years ago...!) and his passion for doing God's work. I wish that he lived nearby so I could still be with him.
Am I stuck in the past? Only as much as I want to be. Ecclesiastes 7:10 says something interesting: "Don't long for 'the good old days,' for you don't know whether they were any better than today." On a similar theme verse 8 of the same chapter says, "Finishing is better than starting." Wow, that's so true. Lord, help me to finish all of the things that You've asked me to start. And I ask this favor of You; if You purpose me to finish, let me do so near the end of my days on this earth so that I will always have a sense of Your hand on my life for Your purposes. If I finish what You've given me too soon, then You've got a problem - because I won't go silently without doing something for You. In order to move ahead we've got to live in the NOW.
Something rather humorous happened as we were setting up the league. My oldest son selected his his school mascot for his team name. My youngest selected a name for his team that came straight out of his imagination. The name for my team? I went all the way back to the late 1970's and used my high school mascot, the "Golden Gators." I can understand son number one picking his own team name because he is living that adventure, right now. I on the other hand, what am I thinking? We had lousy football teams during those days. While I was in school, we set the state record in Washington for the number of games lost in a row. We only broke that losing string by beating a cross town rival who went on to set a new record for futility (which I am eternally grateful!).
ESPN, the sports television network recently ran a program series, asking their audience to vote online to determine, "Which Athlete is 'Now'". What they were looking for was not the greatest athlete in history but instead, who transcends their sport in this present day to be the greatest. The winner was Tiger Woods, the excellent golfer who just won his 13th major title over the weekend. He definitely is, "Now."
My thought is, "How 'NOW' Am I?" Do I focus so much on the past that I can't see the potential for my own future? That's a scary thought!
While at our bi-annual denominational conference last week, I ran into a good friend from college who is now on the mission field. You might remember him, his name is Steve Shoop. Steve used to be in Panama and is now in Guadalajara, Mexico. He is so busy doing what he is doing that he doesn't get stateside much anymore. When I saw him, that was when I realized how much I missed him. I miss hearing his laugh, the great times we've had together (oh so many years ago...!) and his passion for doing God's work. I wish that he lived nearby so I could still be with him.
Am I stuck in the past? Only as much as I want to be. Ecclesiastes 7:10 says something interesting: "Don't long for 'the good old days,' for you don't know whether they were any better than today." On a similar theme verse 8 of the same chapter says, "Finishing is better than starting." Wow, that's so true. Lord, help me to finish all of the things that You've asked me to start. And I ask this favor of You; if You purpose me to finish, let me do so near the end of my days on this earth so that I will always have a sense of Your hand on my life for Your purposes. If I finish what You've given me too soon, then You've got a problem - because I won't go silently without doing something for You. In order to move ahead we've got to live in the NOW.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Being Vigilent
It was great to be back in church yesterday! I loved seeing everyone, and very much enjoyed the fellowship time after service to welcome me back. It is funny, but Christians take every opportunity they can to have a party!
As I was praying this morning, I was reminded that vigilance in this Christian life is vitally important. If we are honest, we all understand and know that we have shortcomings or "stuff" when we are compared to the greatness of Christ. Who doesn't? But God has plans for us in this life to live like we are king's kids. The great struggle that we can run into is when we realize these shortcomings and don't address them with Christ - or one another. This inaction keeps us from our potential in Christ.
While I was away the last nine weeks, I went to several churches in the beginning month because I wanted to see how "they did church." After about three weeks of that, I changed my perspective and went to churches to hear preaching. The fact is I came to understand in a fresh new way the correlation between the health of my spiritual heart and that avenue (hearing the Word preached) of growth. You've heard that when a pastor preaches, most often he is preaching at himself? It's true. But when a pastor isn't preaching, he needs to hear preaching. So do the rest of us.
I've been reading the book of Ecclesiastes lately, preparing for a series out of it in a few months. One of the topics deals with the issue of companionship versus loneliness. "Two are better than one and a cord of three are not easily broken" (Ecc. 4:9-12 - my paraphrase). Wow. We really need each other! We sharpen one another, encourage and build up one another, keep each other accountable to Christ, keeping each other moving ahead on the Faith Journey that God has called us to here at Faith. I'm grateful for the fellowship that we have. I'm grateful for what God is doing in our individual lives. But I'm most grateful for how the thing that God is doing in you, touches my life as well. And so, let us deal with our "stuff," taking them to the foot of the cross and not take them back up! Let us lean on one another as we grow together on the Faith Journey! See you Sunday for our growth session!
As I was praying this morning, I was reminded that vigilance in this Christian life is vitally important. If we are honest, we all understand and know that we have shortcomings or "stuff" when we are compared to the greatness of Christ. Who doesn't? But God has plans for us in this life to live like we are king's kids. The great struggle that we can run into is when we realize these shortcomings and don't address them with Christ - or one another. This inaction keeps us from our potential in Christ.
While I was away the last nine weeks, I went to several churches in the beginning month because I wanted to see how "they did church." After about three weeks of that, I changed my perspective and went to churches to hear preaching. The fact is I came to understand in a fresh new way the correlation between the health of my spiritual heart and that avenue (hearing the Word preached) of growth. You've heard that when a pastor preaches, most often he is preaching at himself? It's true. But when a pastor isn't preaching, he needs to hear preaching. So do the rest of us.
I've been reading the book of Ecclesiastes lately, preparing for a series out of it in a few months. One of the topics deals with the issue of companionship versus loneliness. "Two are better than one and a cord of three are not easily broken" (Ecc. 4:9-12 - my paraphrase). Wow. We really need each other! We sharpen one another, encourage and build up one another, keep each other accountable to Christ, keeping each other moving ahead on the Faith Journey that God has called us to here at Faith. I'm grateful for the fellowship that we have. I'm grateful for what God is doing in our individual lives. But I'm most grateful for how the thing that God is doing in you, touches my life as well. And so, let us deal with our "stuff," taking them to the foot of the cross and not take them back up! Let us lean on one another as we grow together on the Faith Journey! See you Sunday for our growth session!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
It's Great to be Home!
This morning is my first day back from my summer sabbatical, and also my first day "back in the saddle," preaching to our congregation at Faith. One of the valuable lessons that I've learned this past summer is how important it is to be consistent at one house of worship. In essence, I was the quintessential church hopper, visiting eight churches in nine weeks. I missed the continuity of being at one place and moving together with one people. There was no accountability or consistency. Every church is on a similar, yet specific journey-to-that-group. Visiting a new place Sunday after Sunday felt like an invasion into someone elses' territory or turf. That wasn't a struggle. What did cause problems in my heart was the knowledge that I knew I wasn't staying for their faith journey. I felt like a vagabond. Now I know what church hopping feels like, and why it is the preference of a small percentage of the body of Christ. They can do what they please without ever submitting themselves to the Word and presence of God in a local church. It creates an easy "believism" that can lead to the destruction of the soul. Being one for this short season of time didn't sit well with me at all.
I am so looking forward to standing in front of the people at Faith today. It all begins in a few minutes. I've prayed and prepared. I'm looking forward to singing familiar songs and being in the presence of the Lord with people that I love. This is a great day!
I am so looking forward to standing in front of the people at Faith today. It all begins in a few minutes. I've prayed and prepared. I'm looking forward to singing familiar songs and being in the presence of the Lord with people that I love. This is a great day!
Friday, August 10, 2007
A Historic Day
Today was in incredibly historic day for the church that I grew up in. George O. Wood was elected General Superintendent of the A/G; Alton Garrison was elected Assistant General Superintendent and John Palmer was elected to the position of Secretary. Palmer spoke at Faith only last May during the Network Conference that so many of our people were part of. One of the key positions in our movement is that of U.S. Missions Director. This position oversees the home missions work and evangelism initiatives that take place here stateside. Zollie Smith was elected to this position. Perhaps of greater significance, Smith is a minority - but this was not the reason why he was elected. In his brief comments to the constituency, it became immediately clear why he was the best choice for the position. This black preacher from New Jersey is full of passion and ready to dive headlong in the task of touching America's inner cities.
Along with the important pieces of legislation, it was an important time for our church.
Pastor Brian and I are looking forward to getting home. We attended youth service tonight with our students in the RCA Dome (yes, where the Colts play), which was...rocking! It was awesome...but now I'm really tired! I think all three of the speakers were wired somehow to the energizer bunny!
Blessings!
Along with the important pieces of legislation, it was an important time for our church.
Pastor Brian and I are looking forward to getting home. We attended youth service tonight with our students in the RCA Dome (yes, where the Colts play), which was...rocking! It was awesome...but now I'm really tired! I think all three of the speakers were wired somehow to the energizer bunny!
Blessings!
It's Still Cookin' Here
Today will be our last here in Indianapolis at General Council. It has been really hot here all week long! Temperatures have been in the 90's and low hundreds with humidity as high as 76%. That means my glasses steam up from the air conditioned car to...anywhere!
We've found a parking lot about six blocks from the convention center. I'm dripping wet by the time I hit the air conditioned hallways of our meeting place. That's why we're going in a little bit earlier than usual this morning. It gives us a little more time to dry off and we're also trying to get a place to sit in the "good seats" (extra padding and more leg room) in the bleacher area of the place we're conducting business.
Today's business will result in a good number of resolutions being, well...resolved, and most likely a new slate of General Council officers for Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. Right now the front runner is the national Secretary, George O. Wood. He's a good man who is incredibly bright and wise. He thinks much younger than he actually is. There has been much discussion among the younger ministers in our group that we need to get a leader who is sympathetic to the post-modern way of doing ministry. It's my thinking that change is hard and that kind of expectation for change would take a good, long season. I perceive that George Wood could be an excellent transition from our current leadership to someone much more forward thinking in the future. The next leader will likely fill the last two year's of Thomas Trask's (current Superintendent) term, along with being re-elected for one more cycle. After that, I do expect someone to come in who will be in their late 40's and completely understands the changing tide of our culture.
I'm reminded of something that a friend of mine Bill Gallaher said several years back in the midst of the hoopla between the "River" camp and the "Purpose Driven" approach in the Oregon District of A/G churches. He rightly noted that the River group of churches needed the structure of the Purpose Driven bunch, and the Purpose Driven churches needed the flow of the River churches. He was absolutely right. Sometimes we forget how much we need each other.
I'm reading right now in Ecclesiastes. I'm reading through the entire book, each day for ten days as I'm getting ready to preach from it in 2008. In chapter four we see that two are better than one; that if one falls down there is someone else to pick him up (see Ecclesiastes 4:8-12). If we forget this lesson, life will be that much more difficult. We desperately need each other.
We've found a parking lot about six blocks from the convention center. I'm dripping wet by the time I hit the air conditioned hallways of our meeting place. That's why we're going in a little bit earlier than usual this morning. It gives us a little more time to dry off and we're also trying to get a place to sit in the "good seats" (extra padding and more leg room) in the bleacher area of the place we're conducting business.
Today's business will result in a good number of resolutions being, well...resolved, and most likely a new slate of General Council officers for Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. Right now the front runner is the national Secretary, George O. Wood. He's a good man who is incredibly bright and wise. He thinks much younger than he actually is. There has been much discussion among the younger ministers in our group that we need to get a leader who is sympathetic to the post-modern way of doing ministry. It's my thinking that change is hard and that kind of expectation for change would take a good, long season. I perceive that George Wood could be an excellent transition from our current leadership to someone much more forward thinking in the future. The next leader will likely fill the last two year's of Thomas Trask's (current Superintendent) term, along with being re-elected for one more cycle. After that, I do expect someone to come in who will be in their late 40's and completely understands the changing tide of our culture.
I'm reminded of something that a friend of mine Bill Gallaher said several years back in the midst of the hoopla between the "River" camp and the "Purpose Driven" approach in the Oregon District of A/G churches. He rightly noted that the River group of churches needed the structure of the Purpose Driven bunch, and the Purpose Driven churches needed the flow of the River churches. He was absolutely right. Sometimes we forget how much we need each other.
I'm reading right now in Ecclesiastes. I'm reading through the entire book, each day for ten days as I'm getting ready to preach from it in 2008. In chapter four we see that two are better than one; that if one falls down there is someone else to pick him up (see Ecclesiastes 4:8-12). If we forget this lesson, life will be that much more difficult. We desperately need each other.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Tuesday Night at General Council
Pastor Brian Eno and I have been here in Indianapolis for our bi-annual gathering of our church denomination, the Assemblies of God. This is a key time in the life of our group as we are selecting new national leadership for our fellowship. This has been nothing short of an incredible time, and we are privileged to be part of the process for determining the future of our organization!
Yesterday our students from Faith Christian Center's 20/20 Drama Team performed their "human video" in front of judges as part of the National Fine Arts Festival. They were awesome and earned a superior rating, two points shy of the hard-to-attain "superior with honors". I am so proud, and our church should be as well!
Tonight at the service that took place in the Conseco Fieldhouse (yes, where the Indiana Pacers play), we heard an awesome and timely message preached by the out-going assistant superintendent of our movement, Charles Crabtree. He spoke about the struggle we are having in the Assemblies of God in the area of discipleship, and the solutions for a successful future. While his message was pointed, convicting and hard at times, I came away excited in my heart because of where we are as a church at FCC. We have structures in place to love people into the kingdom. Our greatest asset is the presence and power of the love of Jesus Christ within each of us! Our work on loving others into the kingdom through servant evangelism is right on target, along with our Faith Journey Groups and Sunday School Classes. We are on track!
As I write, I'm preparing to come off of a nine week sabbatical. During this time I attended eight churches, covering four states. I learned a variety of things about myself and about people, which I will be sharing in the future on Sunday mornings, and perhaps in this blogspot. Two things need to be shared right now; the first is that there is no place like home! Wow, do I miss being at FCC! I miss the overwhelming sense of God's presence in the place! And second, I love and miss the people! I'm really looking forward to Sunday! Blessings on your head and your house!
Yesterday our students from Faith Christian Center's 20/20 Drama Team performed their "human video" in front of judges as part of the National Fine Arts Festival. They were awesome and earned a superior rating, two points shy of the hard-to-attain "superior with honors". I am so proud, and our church should be as well!
Tonight at the service that took place in the Conseco Fieldhouse (yes, where the Indiana Pacers play), we heard an awesome and timely message preached by the out-going assistant superintendent of our movement, Charles Crabtree. He spoke about the struggle we are having in the Assemblies of God in the area of discipleship, and the solutions for a successful future. While his message was pointed, convicting and hard at times, I came away excited in my heart because of where we are as a church at FCC. We have structures in place to love people into the kingdom. Our greatest asset is the presence and power of the love of Jesus Christ within each of us! Our work on loving others into the kingdom through servant evangelism is right on target, along with our Faith Journey Groups and Sunday School Classes. We are on track!
As I write, I'm preparing to come off of a nine week sabbatical. During this time I attended eight churches, covering four states. I learned a variety of things about myself and about people, which I will be sharing in the future on Sunday mornings, and perhaps in this blogspot. Two things need to be shared right now; the first is that there is no place like home! Wow, do I miss being at FCC! I miss the overwhelming sense of God's presence in the place! And second, I love and miss the people! I'm really looking forward to Sunday! Blessings on your head and your house!
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