Merry Christmas!

Christmas Sunday has come and gone, as has the Christmas Eve service last night. My folks, grandparents to our children were here over the weekend and left yesterday morning. They will be hosting a Christmas event with other family up in the Seattle area today. What a great time we had together!

After the Christmas Eve service the Johnson's sat down to a wonderful meal that is becoming a tradition for us. We had a favorite meal selected by one of our kids. Remarkably, the children volunteered to clear the table and do the dishes before opening presents. That effort lasted for about five minutes until my wife stepped in and finished them off. I don't know if she thought they weren't getting them done quickly enough so she could open her presents, or if the job was being done the way she wanted it done. After all, the dishwasher has run a few times with about five items in it while the sink was full...

Okay, I'm exaggerating, but she did get us to the gifts in about half the time!

We opened our gifts. One thing I noticed this year, more so than in the past is how much our children have grown. The gifts they picked out for their parents and one another were thoughtful and significant. The presents actually seemed like there was love behind them...

Wonders never cease.

Giving to parents is one thing; giving to a sibling something that they actually want by nature is completely foreign to brother-sister-brother relations around the world. This heart and attitude they had toward one another may have been my favorite gift of all this year.

Today we are having some friends over who've provided a safe haven for us over the years at Thanksgiving. No, we weren't homeless. Yes, we were without blood relatives nearby. But the best part is that we've found with these friends and like so many others within the church body that we serve, we are always with family...

From the Johnson house to yours, may the Christ of Christmas permeate your hearts in everything that happens today, and in the year to come!

Merry Christmas!

"A Shepherd's Story"

Merry Christmas Eve!!

The following is a "Christmas Sunday" message from December 23, 2001 at Faith Christian Center in Bend, Oregon. I hope that you'll enjoy this the second time around!

Luke 2:1-20 - 1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. NIV

A little over a year and a half ago, our family was privileged to go on a vacation to Disneyland during spring break. We had a great time, being the first chance our children had to go to the theme park. One of the events that I remember quite clearly was talking our youngest son Kyle, who was five at the time, into getting on the ride called "Space Mountain.” Simply put, Space Mountain is a high-speed indoor roller coaster that is in the dark. For the most part you don’t know where you are going and what is coming up next. You might be leaning one direction, and then go another.

As we were going through the long line (the whole ‘hurry up and wait’ routine) there were numerous signs and verbal announcements along the way advising pregnant women and those with back trouble to skip the ride. Our plan was that the boys and I would ride, with my wife and daughter sidestepping at the last moment. Long story short, Zachary bailed on us just before we got on. The messages of doom and gloom had gotten to him.

On the other hand, Kyle couldn’t read yet, and being a five-year-old, was completely oblivious to any announcement going on overhead. He couldn’t figure out what his brother’s problem was. “Hey – Dad’s getting on and so am I.”

So we get on and the ride took off. After the first ten seconds, it suddenly dawns on me that this is a really fast and extremely scary ride and I may have made a mistake, bordering on child abuse in letting our little guy go with me. So the whole time I’m talking to him and have my arm on him so he knows that I’m right there.

Finally (mercifully), the ride ends and the lights come on. I look over at him and saw the two biggest eyes I’ve ever see on that boy. He said, “I want outta here!” All the way off the machine, I’m trying to placate him, helping ease the transition to his mother. He didn’t say a word. But when he saw his mom, Tami said, “Wow Kyle, was that fun?!” Kyle gets a smile going and says, “That freaked me!”

Two thousand years ago, when the angel came and announced the birth of Jesus Christ, we see them saying, “That freaked us!”

The word that is used here for the shepherd’s response to the angel’s appearance is the term, “phobos” (fob'-os). It is the same term that we get the word “phobia” from and it means exceeding fear or terror. Translators have noted it this way:

“terrified.” NIV

“greatly afraid.” NKJV

“sore afraid.” KJV

“badly frightened,” TLB

“filled with fear.” RSV

“terribly frightened.” NAS

These shepherds were not living in the age of CNN where today we can literally turn on a war and see the view from a camera on the head of a bomb as it comes toward its target. They didn’t have cable, or even satellite television to tell them that an angel was on the way to make an announcement. And yet I imagine that the whole experience would have “freaked” us too!

What is interesting about their response is the fact that there is a good deal of evidence that Jewish shepherds of that time and up to now had a fixation with angels. They were the purveyors of legend and lore about angels, gathering as much information as they could find about these heavenly beings. The doctrine of angels was very familiar to them. They believed that if they could in some way see the flutter of angel’s wings, it meant some kind of good luck would befall them. So they were diligent students of angels, just as the wise men were students of the stars. It is incredible to think that when God needed to communicate with the shepherds, that he came and spoke their language.

There are two concepts from our passage that are of vital importance that we understand about the Christmas story. In fact, if you take these two concepts to heart and embrace them, they may “freak you” or “terrify you,” or even “fill you with fear.” But if you let them, these true concepts will change your life. The first concept is…

I. The Announcement of the Most Important Birth in the World Came First to Common People.

The angelic announcement of the birth of Christ did not first come to the ruler of Palestine, who at that time was Herod. It did not come to Caesar Augustus, the most powerful man in the known world at that time. If this birth took place today, the announcement would not have first come to the President of the United States, the leader of the United Nations, nor any of the kings and queens that the world has ever known. It came to the commonest of all peoples during that time 2,000 years ago. God sent the angel to shepherds tending their flocks in the field. And after the message was delivered, He sent a host of angels to sing, declaring the birth.

Shepherds were the commonest of people. It was a common occupation of common social standing. In other words, they were like everyone. They were very much like most all of us in that they toiled in their work for a living. These were not individuals of privilege nor disdain. When you saw a person of wealth in those times, you would say, “I saw such and such.” But if you saw a shepherd, it was commonplace and not worth mentioning. However due to the nature of their jobs, they could not keep the ceremonial law prescribed by the priests of the time and therefore they were outcasts from the Temple rituals. They had to go through all of the rigmarole of temple cleansing every time they came to town. Their very means existence kept them from enjoying the blessing and favor of being looked upon in a better light.

Shepherds lived average, mundane lives. Certainly there were times of excitement, but these were issues of keeping their sheep away from wild animals. We can often feel like that of our lives are just like that – mundane. And our jobs can make us feel unclean and unworthy to know God. Maybe you work for an employer who does unscrupulous things in their business, but you feel stuck because another job is not in the waiting. Maybe your position causes you to think negatively about yourself and others and you believe that God wouldn’t want anything to do with a person who could possibly even think that way. Maybe we go and go and go, with our minds thinking we are merely spinning our wheels, not getting anywhere.

A pastor once wrote, “My counselor has finally forced me to face the fact that I’m a failure in my ministry. Permit me to list my evangelical demerits: I’ve never been to the Holy Land, I mean, not even as a visitor, let alone as a tour guide. I wince whenever I see those ads that say “Go to the Holy Land” in a religious magazine. My wife even stopped buying kosher wieners because they make me feel convicted. Every program I’ve ever started has failed. Our Evangelism Explosion didn’t explode; it gave an embarrassed pop and rolled over and died. I attended a Church Growth Seminar, and while I was gone six families left the church. A refugee family that we tried to sponsor refused to come – the last I heard they were seeking asylum in a Chinese restaurant in St. Louis. Whenever I try Dial-A-Prayer I get the wrong number, usually a funeral home or a chicken carry-out place. I tried to Dial-A-Meditation, and the tape broke after the first sentence which was, “So things aren’t going well today.” Our church teams never win any games. Baseball, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard…you name it, we’ve lost it. The town Little League champs challenged us and won. I am thinking of sharing all of this with our denominational leaders, but they’re never around when I phone and all their letters to me are addressed to occupant. I’ve been told that failure can be the back door to success, but the door seems to be locked and I can’t fine the key. Any suggestions?”

Life isn’t always easy. Even when it is going good, we can feel completely separated from God. But the fact remains, the announcement of the birth of Christ, the greatest birth foretold in history and the greatest birthday celebrated by the most people in the world, came to the common, everyday folks, who in the eyes of some, perhaps even their own eyes, didn’t measure up completely in a spiritual or social fashion. God’s announcement to the shepherds could have come to you or I.

It is interesting that the angels came to the shepherds first because they would be ones who would benefit the most from Jesus coming to the earth. They would not have to go through the ritual anymore because 33 years later there would be direct access to God through Jesus Christ and His work on the cross of Calvary.

We all want direct access. The rage right now in the cell phone industry are clear digital calls with no long distance roaming charges in the United States. And yet, these phones don’t always get through.

Now being enacted is an access code on cell phones for emergency workers to get through. The problem during 9/11 was that only 1 out of every 10 calls got through – many rescue workers could not get through when they needed to. God’s line has full access. The reality of cell phones where the messages flying through the air is unseen. God is most often unseen. But those messages we send to God get through. And the message from God 2,000 years ago to the shepherds clearly got through. Is it getting through to you?

If it were today that the angel came with the great announcement, he would have first told the mill worker, the retail clerk, the car salesman, the truck driver, the carpenter, the office worker, the retired state trooper. He would have come to the people in this room. The second concept that we need to embrace is that…

II. Everyone Needs the Good Shepherd.

Just as the shepherds were guarding their flocks by night, we need someone bigger than us to guard our lives. Janet S. Teitsort writes, “One Christmas season, I was teaching a group of first graders in public school. We were studying Christmas customs from around the world. It was an ideal opportunity to share the Christmas story. I explained that Mary and Joseph had gone to Bethlehem to pay taxes. It was time for the baby Jesus to be born and they needed somewhere to spend the night. I told my students that when they went to the inn, there were no empty rooms. I compared the inn to a modern-day hotel or motel. I was leading up to the stable when I asked, "What do you suppose they had behind the inn?"

“One little guy, who had been listening intently, began to frantically wave his hand. His face was alight with knowledge. ‘A swimming pool.’"

Rick Joyner writes, “In Biblical times the stable was a most offensive place. The floors were composed of decades worth of impacted dung and other filth. The stench was so great they were placed as far away from other dwellings as possible. By today’s standards, they would not even be fit for animals. That the Lord of Glory would choose such a place to make His entry into this world is on of the more profound revelations of what He is saying to man.

“Human reasoning would never lead one to a stable to find God.’”

A wise ruler used to infuriate his royal handlers because on occasion he would dress in disguise and walk among the people that he ruled over. He said, “I cannot rule my people unless I know how they live.”

Jesus already knew how we lived, but He walked among us so that we could know that He understands us. Jesus said in John 10,

11"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

14"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me- 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-and I lay down my life for the sheep. NIV

Jesus not only comes to us, but came to us in a way we could understand. And now He is the good shepherd who has given His life for His sheep.

The classic Old Testament passage about the role of the good shepherd in our lives is Psalm 23. This is a prophecy of what Jesus would do in our lives. David wrote the 23^rd Psalm while in a cave fleeing for his life from his son Absolom. It says,

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He meets all of our needs.

2He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3he restores my soul.

Don’t you need those times of solace in your busy life? He provides this if only we would let Him.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

We can do whatever we can to be righteous before God, but to no avail. Only Jesus makes us righteous.

4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

In the midst of our difficulty and turmoil, Jesus will meet us and comfort us. His rod and staff are symbols of His guidance and leadership in our lives.

5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

We have a present blessing and a future hope because of Jesus Christ.

Some still say today, “Oh, it’s the Shepherd.” In other words, “Oh, it’s someone talking about that Jesus guy again. Can’t they just leave me alone?” Everyone has a choice to make about the babe born 2,000 years ago. He came for you and I. He is the good shepherd who calmly guides. What is your choice today? God is still speaking to us today, and He is speaking our language.

Making Christmas Legit

I'm getting ready for Sunday, reading about Joseph and Mary's lives leading up to the birth of Jesus. One of the remarkable issues that arises is that of the Jewish custom of betrothal. In that culture a suitable spouse would be selected (yes, arranged marriage) and the two being thrust together would become 'betrothed." At the point of betrothal, they in fact are married. The only difference between the betrothal period and actual married life was that no physical acts of the marriage bed took place. The betrothal period could last for months or even years. No kidding. And get this - in order to break off a betrothal there had to be a writ of divorce.

In varying degrees this kind of process for marriage still exists in many parts of the world. Women especially are treated as commodities to be purchased or bartered for. Financial arrangements are made, promises of home and lifestyles are contracted and two people who may or may not have met are betrothed.

I'm glad I never lived in one of those places...

Here in our Western culture, we scoff at the idea of a betrothal. Our engagement period is not very binding and can be called off due to indifference or even a spat. The cost of an engagement ring is generally the penalty for a break-up. Even then a ring is a cheap price to pay when you realize that your selection of a mate for life wasn't the best choice you could have made.

Choice? Not the best word. Commitment? Much better...

A lengthy betrothal doesn't fit our culture's need for having everything RIGHT NOW. You know what I'm getting at. Look at us in the midst of this Christmas season with the amount of gifts we're purchasing on credit cards. Buy now, pay later. Sometimes that's what happens when we leap into a marriage...like we're buying on credit only to 'pay later.'

When I was dating during high school and college, I'll admit that most of the time I wasn't thinking about the long term. Even after getting engaged to my future wife, frankly I was looking at how we could get this whole wedding thing over with as quickly as possible so we could get on with our lives. We had made our choice, er, commitment. Then it was time to get going.

I have a daughter who is actually marrying age in many parts of the world (the thought scars me in SO many ways). Thankfully we don't live in any of those places. In fact because of her, I refuse to live in any of those places until after she gets married as it relates to our culture. And no, future granddaughters would not be allowed to visit either. But one thing is for sure. This whole betrothal thing makes a lot more sense because I have a daughter. I want her to marry a good man. I would love to have a say in it. If I could get away with it, I might even enjoy picking the guy.

Yes, I know. That one's not going to fly...

So I've made a decision. No dating for her until she is 25 or so. By then I will be begging for her to leave the house...so my wife and I can get on with our lives.

As for Joseph and Mary, as I look at it I've come to realize the numerous sacrifices they made leading up to the arrival of the Christ-child. Joseph's angelic visitation validates his reconsideration of a divorce decree and the virgin birth. The importance of a young, scared girl in the middle of this story makes everything all that much more remarkable. Emmanuel, God with us...followed by His ultimate sacrifice. It all makes Christmas legit.

Mutual Admiration Society

By 7:30 AM, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of every week I'm dripping wet.

The sweat running off my hair and head looks like raindrops on the shoulders of my sweatshirt. At least now I can prove where the heavy fleece shirt got its name...

Once again this morning I met my gym partner Jeff down at the athletic club. We walked on the elliptical machines and then did our sit-up exercises. Now I can officially say that my considerable paunch is rightly taunt for the right reason.

I'd ask you to test me by punching it, but I seriously doubt that I'd find it amusing...

We were nearing the end of our workout when we were encouraging one another. Yes, our bodies have changed. Even though I still can't see my toes when I look down, I am having a pretty serious time keeping my pants from falling down. Jeff is doing great too. Where once his paunch had a 'rounded' appeal to it, now it has a flat spot at its furthest protrusion where his youngest son can land his toy airplane should he find his dad flat on his back. I'm incredibly proud of my friend. He's been working hard and it shows.

As we were encouraging one another, I commented that when you come to the gym with a partner you automatically join the "mutual admiration society." While the comment led to laughter from both of us, it's wholly true. We need each other to keep getting up early and coming to the gym. We encourage one another on...to good works.

Attitudes can lift others to the highest heights and can cut others off at the ankles. I know why some spouses don't ever want to come home. It's because they spend most of their day walking around on stubs. When they get home their mate will finish the job by continuing to 'chop away.'

And no, it's not a spiritual gift...

The same goes for work as well. If the boss is always creaming their staff, soon they will be looking for new people to work for them (pity the fools).

It's not a coincidence that a boss who treats their people well usually prospers...

But then of course we run into those who beat down everyone in their purview. They gossip, speak poorly of others and expect you to reciprocate, or be the brunt of their malicious bloviating. The hard part comes when you really need that job or want to be part of that ministry or realize how precious our marriage vows really are. You feel like you don't have a choice.

But really, we do...

Here it is: begin verbally elevating those around you. Remember that you are a child of God and don't have to live in the sewer that another has concocted. It will turn your attitude, and perhaps that of those whom you come in contact with. So what if your boss/ministry leader/spouse has all the hallmark traits of a pure meanness. You don't have to be the reason for their behavior. I know it's hard, but find something they're good at and commend them for it. See the positive in things (it may take LOTS of research and false starts, but work at it!). At first it will shock them. But soon you may find that they come around more often...with their mouth shut and ears open to hear someone whom they might actually think has something good to say about them. A right attitude has a good deal to do with the success of your business...your home and church. The Bible gives considerable insight into these areas when the Apostle Paul writes,

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Romans 12:17-20 NIV

Youch!

And then we see Paul saying this to the Thessalonian church:

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

What would happen if EVERYONE followed this last admonition? We would all live a little longer. And Christmas would loose it's hustle and bustle because we would have a better perspective on what's really important.

Greatest Gifts

The snow is falling and the mountains are thankfully beginning to fill up. It feels like Christmas here in Bend! We watch with great care when the weather turns like this. Some of our staff live in outlying areas so we make sure they beat the weather to make it home safely.

Well, the truth is that while I love our staff, I don't do slumber parties well...

One of our staff loves snow so much that she nearly begs for those rare but real, "snow on the Fourth of July" years.

Yup, I know, she's crazy.

Like you have, I've been making the rounds to the special gathering, meetings and meals with various groups within the church and community. However, none will top yesterday afternoon's adventure! It was my privilege to experience the best meal I've ever had. With all do respect to my wife and my mother, yesterday's gathering for our pastors, church staff and spouses was one to remember! Where do I begin?

We have a restaurant run by some excellent folks in our church. These dear people went above and beyond to make our gathering extra special. The meal started with dinner rolls (yes, made on site and incredibly tasty) and a huge shrimp and cranberry salad. Next came the large bowl of seafood chowder. It was like clam chowder except that it also had equal amounts of shrimp, crab and lobster (yes it was that good!). Next came the jumbo coconut shrimp with marmalade and horseradish sauce. To die for. Everyone got five. Then came the basket fulls of cheese dough balls with marinara dipping sauce. Describing these things as food does not do them justice. I'm thinking that "inhalants" is a better description.

Oh my, I'm already full. I need outta here...

Next came the main course: broiled lobster tail, 8 oz. fillet Mignon, a huge potato with all the fixings, a corn mixture like I've never had before and could feast on alone, and a pile of sauteed mushrooms and onions.

Box please...

Did I mention dessert? Carrot cake like I've never had before. It was amazing!

Another box please...

We've done cruises where they just keep bringing the food...because you keep asking for it. But this was different. It was one surprise after another. I've never had such a meal in all my life. The quality, the flavors...oh my goodness. We were blessed to overflowing (not to mention our coats that no longer fit). And no, I'm not thinking about starving people in other locales. I'm thinking about how great I felt for our church staff to be honored and treated this way. Even my children were treated well...partaking of our ample leftovers when we got home!

The door prizes were great, as was the Christmas reading, the styrofoam balls (you had to be there), and the simple gifts for everyone. But do you know what the best part was? Seeing the faces of our people when each coarse came out and topped the previous. I enjoyed the joking and conversation around the table. It really felt like family...

There is a large extended family in our church that is doing something a little different this year. There will be no gift giving this Christmas among the larger group, just a mass gathering and dinner on Jesus' birthday. They are going to be together and enjoy one another. Sometimes the greatest gifts don't have wrapping paper or a bow...

The Mitchell Report

The "Mitchell Report" has just hit today's news cycle, with tongues wagging all across the country. Former United States Senator George Mitchell was hired by Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig to investigate and report on steroid and other illegal performance enhancement drugs in the sport. That report hit the proverbial fan a little earlier today.

Tongues are wagging across the nation...

The report named names. Caught in the crossfire are future Hall of Fame candidates and heroes from past World Series'. The story on the Sports Illustrated website essentially put together an all star team based on the list of offending players. Why the players did this is clear. It's all about money. It's all about improving one's performance to play longer and get a more lucrative contract. And we the fans love it. We've celebrated the the boom in homers and love to tape measure the distances. We love pitchers who throw in the high 90's. We love characters who play the game.

It's too bad some of those characters were short on character.

I'm thinking about my sons this early afternoon. Both of them love to play baseball. They know a great deal about each of the players who are named in the report.

Now they know too much.

But there is one thing that is good in all of this. The next time they go to a baseball camp, they won't have to sit through the "if you want to do good in this game, you've got to get on the juice" talk. It usually happens at the end, with parents in attendance and in hushed tones.

Yup.

What compelled me to write about this today? Two reasons. The first is that I'm thinking about the children of these players. When they go to school, their dad will now be called "cheater, drug fiend, 'roid boy, no good, classless, liar, phony, nothing but a shot-up race horse and a rip off." Can you imagine what these kids are going to deal with? The stares. The jealous classmates who've been looking for a way to give these kids a beating?

How tragic that the sins of the fathers would beat up the next generation...

The second reason for writing today is poignant. The Bible says in Luke 12:1-3 that those things we've said or done in the dark, those sins we've committed and tried to conceal WILL come to light.

Yup.

The takeaway? Integrity and character are created and sustained in the Light. Live in the Light...even when you think no one is looking.

Posture and Perspective

I'm working on Sunday's message out in the Quiet Place (a room without a phone, away from the office complex). The heater is going as it's freezing in here! At least it helps me focus, encouraging me to assume a posture of prayer.

The real dilemma is whether or not my clasping my hands together is actually to pray or just to get warm...

I had lunch today with my good friend John Vawter. John is one of those fellows in my life who helps sharpen me because he doesn't think like I do. He has been a former staffer with Campus Crusade and a several-time mega-church pastor. His experiences in life and ministry are unique and most often outside the perspective and practice of those inside my own ministerial group. What I like most of all is that we are friends. Secondly, I appreciate the way he allows me to (metaphorically) stand on his shoulders and see things from a different point of view. It is humbling to discover that I'm not the center of the universe, much less the commander of my own orbit. Seeing through the eyes of another godly influence that has providently been brought into our lives not only opens up a whole new world, but enhances the one we spend so much time in, wrongly proclaiming our control.

I've come to the conclusion that I've suspected for a long time; I'm not in charge here.

What a relief.

I've been studying Revelation 3:14-22 for our series of messages this month on the church at Laodicea (in Asia Minor). The passage begins by saying of Jesus that He is the "Amen," the "faithful and true witness," and the "ruler" of the world. Basically it means that if the Bible is true, Jesus calls the shots for mankind. It doesn't matter what religion we are part of or what we think of Christ. It means He is the complete fulfillment of God's purpose and plan for mankind. Some struggle with this concept because they believe that they have to be in complete control of everything, all of the time. Sometimes my finite mind thinks that way too...but not nearly as much as it used to. I've discovered that that more Christ has of me, the better man I'm becoming. And yes, of course I go through seasons where I take parts of my life back only to realize later what I've done.

Remember, this is a faith journey...but then again it's not an excuse.

I've changed my position from a few moments ago where I was questioning my motives about having my hands clasped in prayer. Now I've been putting my open hands over my face. The warmth of my breath is refreshing, even though the odor of potentially lethal halitosis is not (I must have slayed John with my breath over lunch - what was I thinking?). But even now as I break to write this paragraph, I sense God's nearness. It really doesn't matter what I do with my hands. What matters is that I get my heart where He is so we can be together. The view is so much better from where His presence is!

The nearer we draw to Christ, the more perspective He gives us about...everything.

The Best Gift

Sweeeet!

That's what came out of the mouth of our oldest son this evening as we went to the Bend Fieldhouse and bought a new baseball bat. For those who have been out of the baseball equipment loop, EVERYTHING is five times more expensive than it was 'when we were growing up.'

Oh my.

The bat he needs is $300. His catching gear that we bought at this time last year was about $300. That includes the helmet, chest plate and shin guards. Sadly, he also needed a new mitt. Yup, $140 on sale. Almost forgot baseball camps and all the travel expenses for American Legion ball. All this for the oldest. Did I mention his younger brother plays too?

This kid is way too expensive...but his father wants to give him good gifts.

Fortunately, Jim at the Fieldhouse has all of their 2007 bats on sale at 50% off. It felt like the front page of the circulars for black Friday. Wahoo!

The purchase and use of an expensive metal bat for baseball is a peculiar thing. The teams don't buy bats for the kids to use these days. It's all about everyone having their own equipment because its personalized. For example, the smart ones don't let anyone borrow their bats. You can't afford to have someone use your stick and dent it. A dented $300 bat...is illegal in every league. That's right. One dent and you've just lit a candle with three Ben Franklin's.

Some things you just shouldn't share. Toothbrushes, used Q-tips, already-in-your-mouth-gum and already-been-used facial tissue. GROSS! It's hard to understand that a silly baseball bat should be on that list.

Some thing you just have to share. Laughter, love, grace, peace, hope, encouragement, joy, mercy...I think you know where I'm going with this. The most important things that we can share in this life are those that enhance the lives of others.

As we move together through this wonderful season where we celebrate the birth of the Savior, let us be ever so mindful that the greatest gift of all came 2,000 years ago, born in a manger. When Jesus Christ comes into a life, all of the aforementioned intangible gifts we have that flow through our emotions are enhanced by the power of His Spirit within us. Share the greatest gift of all this Christmas with others...the love of Christ.

Christ going to the cross...makes us way too expensive...but the Father gave us THE BEST gift!

Mirrors and More Bling!

I've had a malfunction.

Yesterday I cut and pasted my outline for this weeks' message, and the one for the week after Christmas. It's the completed outline of my whole series for this month in Revelation 3. However this action revealed a flaw in my computing abilities. I neglected to save my work. I clicked the wrong box and subsequently lost it all. I spent most of my time this morning looking around the office for someone to blame. It's been a really weird day. Every time I turn around, all I can see are mirrors...

For those who have been reading my blog, I'm pleased to share that both of my new watches now have proud new owners (see Monday, December 3, 2007, "Bling, bling, bling, BLING!). Our oldest son sold one at school (for a modest profit I might add). The second one sold after Sunday morning's message to someone in the congregation. I figured it would go quick. It was so flashy that the light reflecting off of it blinded the first three rows. A woman bought it. I can't decide if she purchased it to protect the eyesight of the congregation, or to use as an anklet. Either way it's okay. I know she'll have fun with it (because that's the kind of person she is!). My idea of turning the watch into a belt buckle had merit, but in the end it just wasn't for me.

Bling, bling, bling, BLING!

Decorative Accoutrements

Wonder of wonders. Over Thanksgiving weekend I asked my wife if she wanted the boys and I to get the Christmas boxes out of the attic. She said no. She didn't feel like doing a big Christmas thing this year.

Music to my ears! Joy to my soul! Light up the band! Let the wahoos begin!

No opening the myriad of boxes holding numerous strands of hopelessly tangled Christmas lights. No disappointment in having to discard beloved but broken ornaments. No arguing among our children about what goes on the tree. No hanging lights on the house.

Heaven!

I came home after lunch today to pick something up for the office. My neighbor Rob across the street had secretly hung their house lights sometime during the middle of the night. Smart man. Any daylight decorating maneuvers would surely have been met by public mocking, along with the cursory 'wailing and gnashing of teeth.' All of this creative bloviating by the other 'concerned citizens' (i.e. men) from the cul-de-sac who don't like dangling from ladders in a cold, stiff, Central Oregon gale. Clearly an outstanding sneak job, Rob's lights are up and argh(!), they look great.

And then my wife said with a sparkle in her eye and glee in her voice, "Rob put up their lights."

I'm toast.

Keeping up with the neighbors is WAY overrated...

Tomorrow is "C" day. That's right, the order has come down from on high (the second floor of the Johnson house). The attic will once again be emptied of the sacred baubles and decorative accoutrement's that trim a home and invite seasonal cheer.

Oh yes, I'm really feeling it...

Do I like Christmas trees, lights, decorations...Christmas goodies? Sure I do. I'm just glad that it's not the beginning and the end of my Christmas experience. I can take it or leave it. Jesus came 2,000 years ago, born in a manger. There were no decorations -- far from it. He came in a humble way, and never lived in a mansion here on earth. In fact, not even close. He was "everyman," and a carpenter by trade. But there was something completely different about Him. He was the very Son of God. He was never defined by His outward appearance, but by the reality of His Father's power within.

That's the reality of Christmas, God with us; and now for the Christian, His power within us!

Utter Insignificance

Author John Ortberg tells an incredible story in his book, The Life You’ve Always Wanted. His best friend Chuck comes down with an aggressive form of cancer, goes through the treatment, and then goes back in for the big check up. It is there that he finds out that the cancer has returned. It’s literally a death sentence. You can only imagine what Chuck must have felt like, and the despair that his family and loved ones felt as well. The next morning there is a phone call saying that someone in the lab had mixed up the results of his test with another. Chuck in fact, is going to live. Chuck called his buddy Ortberg who writes,

“For a few moments we just wept on the phone like a couple of characters out of a Hallmark commercial. Chuck told me he was filled with gratitude he had never known. He couldn’t stop touching his kids or hugging his wife. Things that had bothered him before faded into utter insignificance…Every tick of the clock is a gift from God. Every day is a Dee Dah Day.” (p.65)

This poignant story is found in the middle of chapter 4 that focuses on the subject of joy. I believe it’s true of all of us that we allow too many of the insignificant things in this life to control or take up too much space. True joy in our hearts allows us to look and live past all of this ‘stuff’ and focus on the joy-giver…Jesus Christ!

Long Overdue

Last night here at Faith we had an awesome gathering of "grateful believers in Jesus Christ!" It was the first anniversary of our Celebrate Recovery ministry. The event featured a great catered meal from Our Place out at Cascade Meadows Resort (at the base of the Newberry Crater). The music was hot, the testimonies of God's power to change lives was incredible, and the honoring of those to whom honor is due...was long overdue!

Celebrate Recovery focuses on the hurts, habits and hang-ups that are realities in every person's life (overeating, emotional issues, depression, abuse, co-dependency, 'stinken' thinkin', etc.). It is also a place for those struggling with chemical dependency can get help and move ahead in their sobriety. I'm so appreciative of Dick Stein, our Associate Pastor here at Faith who heads up this ministry! He's done a great job along with the staff of leaders he's developed.

If you've been carrying a "hurt, habit or hang-up" and are ready to get healthy and deal with it, I invite you to Celebrate Recovery on Monday nights at Faith. The meeting begins with a meal at 6 PM, followed by worship, main meeting and accountability groups.

As I conclude, here's a list of those who're part of his team. We're all so grateful for:

Karen Jones

Tom & Kathe Mattson

Glenn McDonald

TJ Paterson

Becky Sellers

Jeff & Tamara Stringham

You can check out Pastor Dick's Celebrate Recovery blog in my list of "Blogs and Websites I'm Reading" on the right.

Bling bling, bling BLING!

A little over a week ago, I bought a couple of watches from an online auction [see pictures]. When I saw their picture in the auction, I thought about how nice, tasteful and fun they would be (at least the nearest one). Both of them are bejeweled with “genuine crystals” (i.e. crushed plastic pieces from leftover Cracker Jack box prizes). I was thinking that they would be an attractive and stylish change of pace from the watch I’ve been wearing the last seven years.

I was woefully mistaken…

Both watches, along with a few other trinkets arrived in a package today at home. My wife had already investigated them, writing an IM that used exact terms and words like “BLING-Y!!!!!” and “MAJOR BLING.” It was at this point she suggested that I get two carat diamond studs for each ear to match…

She’s sooooo funny!

Sure enough, when I arrived at home to inspect my purchases, I concluded that I should also consider a ‘manly’ looking right-hand ring with at least a one carat diamond centered in the middle. It would surely balance the bling, er, MAJOR BLING on my arm and in each ear lobe.

Oh my…what was I thinking?

They went cheap. I should have known better. Now I know why there is a supply of them online - nobody in their right mind who saw them in person would want them either!

I think I've been taken...by the space between my ears.

With the whirring sound of a portable heater in the background, I’m working on this Sunday’s message in the confines of my study. We’re still experiencing the residue of this weekend’s wind storm. The steady showers have continued, flooding several water collectors in our area like underpasses…and places where people have to drive, work and live.

So here I am again, learning.

Yesterday we started a new series titled, “Laodicea,” after the seventh church mentioned by Christ in Revelation 2-3. Specifically we’re in chapter 3. Laodicea was the only church of the seven that was not commended for something good. The content of the message from the Lord is that while they were materially wealthy, they were also spiritually bankrupt.

Frankly, that’s the nice version.

With this passage, this weekend I’ll be focusing on the subjects of materialism and priorities. These are among several major issues that led to the noted demise of the Laodicean church. What’s more is that I’ll be wearing both watches during this week, just for laughs and to see what kind of response I’ll get. I’m sure that there will be some sermon fodder somewhere along the way. And yes, I’m wearing the bigger one Sunday as a sermon prop. After this I’ll either sell it to someone in the congregation, or have it made into a belt buckle. Yup, it’s that big!

Bling bling, bling BLING!