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Guard Your Heart & Mind

2011-01-07T08:24:00.009-05:00

The writer of Proverbs warned, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" (Prov. 4:23 NIV).

A recent article by H. B. London in the Enrichment Journal, Eliminating the Obstacles to a Healthy Ministry (Winter 2011, p. 76-81) provides us five ways that we may guard our hearts and our minds in order to live out a healthy Christian lifestyle.

Avoid being judgmental: having a negative opinion or estimation of another person.

Avoid cynicism: a tendency to be suspicious of the motives and virtues of others.

Avoid fear: an emotional reaction to the unknown; a reluctance to trust.

Avoid controling: a need for power over others and to dominate circumstances.

Avoid jealousy: don't be envious of someone else's success, position, or possessions.

Paul, author of Philippians wrote this about write thinking: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Php 4:7 NIV).In the very next verse Paul instructs us how to think: true thoughts, noble thoughts, right thoughts, pure thoughts, lovely thoughts, admirable thoughts, excellent thoughts, and praiseworthy thoughts.

Dysfunctional people live their lives in the flaws listed above. Healthy Christians will rid themselves of those flaws.

Another New Year

2011-01-01T09:07:00.001-05:00

I am often amazed by the number of new year resolutions that remain unfilled at the end of the year. I confess that i too am sometimes guilty of this. The apostle Paul has a solution. "I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back." (Philippians 3:14 MSG) As a former long distance road runner, I discovered that it was not only important to start the race well and to finish strong, but that what you did in between was just as important. So this year, concentrate on the days in between number one and day number three hundred sixty-five. It's what you do on those days that will determine this year's outcome in your life.

What Should We Do With the Six Major Trends Reported by the Barna Group?

2010-12-17T14:11:00.016-05:00

The Barna Group recently released their analysis of research from the past year that reveals six major religious trends in America. Barna calls them "megathemes."

The six trends are:

1. The Christian Church is becoming less theologically literate. For example, research in 2010 showed that while most people regard Easter as a religious holiday, only a minority of adults associate Easter with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

2. Christians are becoming more ingrown and less outreach-oriented. Less than one-third of born again Christians planned to invite anyone to join them at a church event during the Easter season.

3. Growing numbers of people are less interested in spiritual principles and more desirous of learning pragmatic solutions for life. Spiritual practices like contemplation, solitude, silence, and simplicity are rare, while the importance of lifestyle comfort, success, and personal achievements is growing.

4. Among Christians, interest in participating in community action is escalating. Christians are becoming more open to involvement in the community, especially as it pertains to justice and service.

5. The postmodern insistence on tolerance is winning over the Christian Church. Possibly because of the fear of being labeled judgmental, Christians have become tolerant of a vast array of morally and spiritually dubious behaviors and philosophies.

6. The influence of Christianity on culture and individual lives is largely invisible. While contemporary Americans find it difficult to identify any specific value that the Church has added to society, they have no problem identifying the faults of the churches and Christian people.

My question: How should we address these issues? According to the Barna Group, "The Christian Church is in desperate need of a more positive and accessible image ... and the most influential aspect of Christianity in America is how believers do — or do not — implement their faith in public and private."

Empowerment

2010-11-20T08:51:00.004-05:00

I have begun reading former President George W. Bush's book "Decision Points." Its about his eight years as President focusing on what he believes are the major decisions that will solidify his legacy. I was pleasantly pleased to discover that the first decision he discusses is that of his faith. In the opening paragraphs of the first chapter titled, "Quitting," he discusses his drinking problem and his ability to overcome it through his faith in Jesus Christ. He also concludes that first chapter by again talking about the impact that his faith not only had in defeating his addiction but how it would influence his life through the coming years.

As I began reading the second chapter, "Running," a statement of Bush grabbed my attention and caused me to reflect. As he helped his father, George H. W. Bush, run for re-election for President, the younger wrote, "I learned a valuable lesson about Washington: Proximity to power is empowerment. Having Dad's ear made me effective."

That quote got me thinking. What if we substituted heaven for Washington as location? And what if we substituted Jesus for power? And what if we substituted the Heavenly Father's ear for Dad's ear? The quote would then read, I learned a valuable lesson about Heaven: Proximity to Jesus is empowerment. Having the Heavenly Father's ear makes me effective.

Hum... Food for thought.

Love Well!

2010-10-05T05:41:00.001-05:00

I heard a pastor friend the other day share these words, "Love well!"

Love is a very active word. It is filled with richness and depth. It goes beyond loving a thing such as a car or pet. Paul encouraged the church at Corinth with these words:

"Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it — because it does" (1 Cor. 14:1 Message)

In fact, Paul describes love as a verb by defining it in 1 Cor 13:4-7 (Message)

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

This my friend is "loving well." The greatest commandment is love God. The second is "Love others." The problem is we define who "others" are. God defines "others" as ALL. When will we stop choosing who to love and will start loving all? Its then that we will "love well."

Offenses

2010-09-28T06:05:00.003-05:00

Sometimes wicked people hurt us, but more often good people offend us. What should we do when we become offended?

The Psalmist, David, in Psalm 37:3-11 has some good advice for us in dealing with offenses toward us by good people, even though he is speaking of wicked people that come against us. He talks about trusting, delighting, committing, being still, not fretting, refraining from anger, being meek.

I especially like verses 5 & 6: "Commit you way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."

Verse 11 reads: "But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace."

It reminds me of Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12).

Search our heart Lord.

An Inactive Weekend

2010-09-06T13:26:00.004-05:00

This Labor Day weekend has been a pretty sedentary weekend as I have either been in the reclining chair or on the couch since Friday with some sort of cold,infection, or virus. Being a person that likes to be busy, I have been thinking of this long weekend as useless and a waste. But in some ways, I am once again reminded of the importance of down time.

I have been able to read a lot and reflect on my reading. In fact I have done a lot of reflecting on a particular reading in Mark, chapter 6. It is filled with good food for thought for the busy. The Book of Mark is a pretty quick read. The author, Mark, doesn't waste time making his points about who Jesus is. He does this by testifying to the wonderful and miraculous works of Jesus. Eleven times Mark uses the word "immediately." That word appears twice in chapter 6.

Throughout the gospel of Mark, Jesus is presented as the tireless servant both of God and to man. His prayer time is interrupted. Sometimes he didn't get to eat. It seemed that he was always yielding to the beckoning calls of needs surrounding him. His family thought he was unbalanced. He was constantly pursued, even when seeking rest. There was just no end to the seeming need.

This all brings me back to Mark 6. Servant ministry is draining: spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Verses 1-6: Jesus experiences rejection by his own. We all want acceptance. There is an emotional toll when our giftings, talents, and abilities are not given opportunity to blossom.

Verses 7-13, 30-44: The needs of the people are never ending. The excitement and satisfaction of doing ministry and being a part of the spectacular is compelling. We only want to do more and help more. Jesus wanted the disciples to experience a rest, a quiet, a time of reflection and renewing. But, neither the disciples nor Jesus, were able to do so in that moment of time. They were faced with a hungry crowd. Twelve disciples end up distributing and serving 5 loaves and 2 fishes to 50-100 groups of people (5,000 men in all) with twelve baskets of leftovers having been gathered up afterward. we don't read if they had opportunity to partake of that food. There is a spiritual toll to be paid where there is no renewing.

Verses 45-52: Jesus did not allow the disciples any time to relish in or comprehend the miraculous feeding of the multitude. Instead we read, "Immediately Jesus made his disciples get in the boat and go ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd." Jesus then went up a mountain to pray. A storm came up. We read that the disciples were "straining at the oars." So far the disciples had experienced emotional and spiritual exhaustion. Now we see them experiencing the third...physical. Maybe if they had had time to eat, they would not have been straining at the oars. Yes, there is a physical toll to being a servant when there is not proper rest. But we read that Jesus saw them from the mountain, he came to them walking on water, and "immediately" spoke to them.

Verses 53-56: The work of a servant is never ending.

All my down time and inactivity has been good for me. Without this cold, flu, virus, or whatever it is, I seriously doubt that I would have received the inner renewal that has been needed.

The Preacher's Calling

2010-09-01T07:09:00.002-05:00

I have begun a new reading, Anointed Expository Preaching by Stephen F. Olford. In the very first chapter Olford begins his book with a discourse about the preacher's calling. In fact at one point Olford writes, "Preachers often ask us to explain the call of God in terms of assurance or conviction. The answer is not an easy one. We are all different in talents, training and temperament; yet one thing is certain: if a man is indwelt and impelled by the living Son of God, there can be no doubt about the call!"

No doubt about it, the call of God is special; especially in relation to that of the preaching ministry. As the author writes, "the call to preach is the sovereign initiative of God in the life and experience of the one who is predestinated to fulfill that role." There is a difference between a desire to be a preacher and being predestined to preach. Everyone is called upon to preach the gospel but not everyone is called to a lifetime of a preaching ministry.

Think about this for a moment. The twelve disciples did not volunteer to follow Jesus. They submitted no application. They did not fill out any forms, or go through a committee screening process. They were called by Jesus to follow. You could say that they were compelled by the authority of our Lord.

Jeremiah was predestined to be a prophet of God. The word of God came to Jeremiah: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you...I ordained you a prophet to the nations." (Jer. 1:4-5)

The Apostle Paul believed he was predestined to be a preacher. Writing to Timothy, his protege, Paul said: [God] considered me faithful, appointing me to his service." (1 Tim. 1:12) Writing to the church at Galatia he sad, "It pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace." (Gal. 1:15)

There needs to be a return this very foundational thought today. The call of God is more than just a desire. It is a deep seated conviction placed within by the Spirit of God that compels an individual to do no other than preach Christ.

Great Leadership Quote

2010-08-31T08:50:00.001-05:00

"Every great leader is a futurist. He always considers what today's decisions will mean in tomorrow's world." - Calvin Miller, The Empowered Leader:10 Keys to Servant Leadership, p.92

New Year Thought

2010-01-01T11:24:00.002-05:00

Here's an interesting twist. Instead of looking at the New Year as an opportunity for change, what if you looked at it as an opportunity to improve upon that which you are already doing. Rather than seeking change or newness, continue with that which is already good. This thought occurred to me this morning during my early morning reflection and mediation time. Instead of changing, I began my first morning in the new year as I have always done every morning in the past year, sipping a cup of coffee and drinking in God's Word. There are just some things you don't want to change or be different in the new year.

It's Football Season

2009-10-14T06:33:00.003-05:00

I love football. Played it for nine years in my younger day, but I still watch it whenever I can be it at a high school game or a college or pro game on TV. Several years ago two sportscasters were discussing the great professional running backs of all time. They came to Walter Payton, an all-time leading ground gainer in the NFL.

"What a runner," said the first commentator. "Did you know that all together, Walter Payton has gained over 9 miles rushing in his career?"

The second commentator thought for a moment and then responded, "And to think that every 4.6 yards of that way, someone was knocking him down."

Does that describe your life? ...a long journey with somebody knocking you down every few yards. Peter wrote to a group of people in 1 & 2 Peter who were getting knocked down and finding it difficult to get back up.

I have been doing a weekly series with our young adults called, "Living It Up!" You can follow along if you like by going to Paradigm Talk

"I AM LISTENING"

2009-06-18T14:42:00.003-05:00

You may want to read Genesis 22:1-18 from The Message. Here are some thoughts as we approach this Father's Day.

A godly father is one who takes time to hear what is going on all around him and obeys God implicitly.

Abraham heard God speak (verse 1).
Abraham was not immersed in his own self-centeredness; he heard his son, Isaac, speak (verses 7-8).
Abraham heard God speak a second time in the midst of this difficult moment (verse 11).

Abraham's faith influenced not only his immediate family, but also the succeeding generations.

WHEN THE EXCITEMENT FADES

2009-04-09T07:20:00.003-05:00

I have always enjoyed reading the final chapter of the Gospel of John. Biblical scholars have long debated why the 21st chapter was added to the Gospel of John. It seems as though the Gospel of John should have end with the last couple of verses of John 20.

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (Jn 20:30-31 NIV)

Chapter 21 begins like it’s an addendum or epilogue or a P.S. chapter (like the way we end many of our letters, and then have an additional thought to share with the people or audience we are writing to). John seems to want to add something to the Resurrection story that he believes is very important to his readers. John wants to emphasize the reality of the Resurrection!

I want to share three insights with you.

First Insight, Past Failures Haunt Us!

Peter:
He was suffering from the hangover of denial. He bragged that he would never deny the Lord. When a servant-girl confronted him, Peter, vehemently defended himself. He denied the Lord three times. In fact, on his third denial, he called down curses on himself. The rooster crowed. The Lord look toward Peter and their eyes undoubtedly met. How could he ever forget that last look? He wept bitterly. That memory of failure must have plagued him and harassed him.

Thomas:
Had his problems. He was a confirmed pessimist. He was known as “doubting Thmas.” Unless he saw the nail imprints in Jesus’ hands and could put his hand in Jesus’ side, he could not believe. He was controlled and haunted by his past doubts.

Nathaniel:
He was another doubter. He was a skeptic. When his friend Philip told him about Jesus, Thomas responded in John 1:46; “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?”

Two sons of Zebedee (two brothers, James and John):
Both were fiery kind of guys. They always stuck together. Rough and tough fishermen. Known as Sons of Thunder. James was nowhere to be found when the going got tough and the pressure was on. They had walked with Jesus but at crunch time, they became more concerned about themselves. At least John did come back at the cross.

Two others, unknown by name (possibly Philip and Andrew):
They all had a past that seems to have immobilized them. Jesus said, “Anyone who starts plowing and keeps looking back isn’t worth a thing in God’s kingdom!” Luke 9:62.

The problem with past failures is that they don’t stay in the past. They travel with you into the present. It brings frustration with your present. Returning to yesterday, brings frustration with today, the present. That is why they were at the Sea of Galilee. They were frustrated. They had lost purpose and meaning.

Second Insight, Failure Is a Demoralizing Experience!

Peter and his friends did what we often do after experiencing disappointment and failure. They went back to what they do were doing before Jesus had called them. The passage then tells us how they went fishing all night and caught nothing. The sense of failure and frustration was continuing. Most of the fishing in the Sea of Galilee was done at night. Despite the fact that they were expert fishermen (it had been their livelihood), the disciples labored throughout the night and caught nothing. It must have been an unusual experience for them.

Have you ever, like those fishermen, expended a lot of energy and resources in a project or task but failed to see any positive results? Everything seemed gone to these disciples, 3 ½ years, what does it show? Now they are trying to salvage something of their lives by running back to their past. They were trying to rebuild their broken dreams by reconstructing the past. But it can’t be done.

Third Insight, The Resurrection Buries Your Past, Changes the Present, and Impacts Your Future!

Jesus returns to Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, James, John, and possibly Andrew and Philip (we don’t know for sure if it was these two), because he wanted them to know that their failures and denials were not going to prevent them from being important instruments by which he was going to change the world. Jesus wasn’t finished with Peter or the others because of their failure. In reality he was just beginning with them.

Verses 4-8 demonstrate what God can do with a night or lifetime of failure. There may be no more of an inspiring or hopeful scene in all the word of God than this one. Here is Jesus Christ, and what do we find him doing? Cooking breakfast for a group that had abandoned him!

Jesus comes not only to places we worship, but to the places where we work, live, and play. Jesus wants us to experience the explosive power of the Resurrection in our everyday existence, as well. He wants to empower and transform the totality of our existence. The empty nets of the disciples were symbolical of their lives – empty! Jesus is willing to provide for lives in great ways, if we are willing to totally give ourselves to his kingdom. He always welcomes us back, even when we a defeated and have failed.

The Coffee and Church Experience

2009-04-03T13:58:00.002-05:00

This will probably start a coffee war. Dunkin Donuts encourages Americans to be busy and on the go. "America runs on Dunkin." Its a great drive through atmosphere. Starbucks is all about creating an experience through music, friendly baristas, hanging out, and enjoying the socialization and relationships that can develop. Its about rest and relaxation. Green Mountain makes me think of independence and "The Green Mountain Boys." However it wasn't an independent spirit that won the Revolutionary War. It was the intedependency of the State malitias to forge a war as a Continental Army. Now how does this all fit into the community of believers? My choice for coffee? You guessed it. Yes, I am *$ addicted.

The Four Seasons

2009-03-15T07:40:00.002-05:00

Spring is only a week away. I can't wait as I am not really a winter person and here I am living and ministering in Maine. Go figure. This got me to thinking about seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says that "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." We live in four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. I think of Spring is a season for planting, Summer as a time for harvest, Fall as time for storing or consolidating, and Winter as a time for lifelessness or hibernation.

There are seasons in in the church too. Right now Paradigm, a ministry to twenty-somethings that I am facilitating is in the growth mode (harvest time). There has been a 100% increase in attendance within the last four weeks. This has me and these young adults rejoicing. At the same time it has me thinking about the next season to come and what should be done.

Bill Hybels in his book, axiom, describes the leaders responsibility to know the seasons. He mentions five. Four of them compare with the seasonal changes I have already mentioned. They are (1) season of growth, (2) season of consolidation, (3) season of transition, (4) season of malaise, and (5) season reinvention. We might apply these seasonal changes not only to organizational changes but also to personal changes in our lives.

Your Financial House In Uncertain Times

2009-03-07T11:42:00.004-05:00

The Difference Between Prosperity, Recession and Depression:
“During prosperity you are annoyed because the dog and cat won’t eat the expensive canned food you buy for them; In a recession you are delighted that the dog and cat won’t eat the expensive food; and in a depression you begin to look thoughtfully at the dog and cat.” - unknown

The financial crisis we are facing is consuming our thoughts. How can we insulate our ourselves from the recession around us? What should we do when a recession comes to our house? Is there a way out of a personal recession?

Consider the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:7-16). Elijah had said that there would be no rain or dew in the next few years. And there wasn’t. In fact it would be 3 ½ years before it would rain again. The Lord had commanded Elijah to go to the brook at Kerith Ravine and there the ravens would feed him and he could drink from the brook. But now, even the brook has dried up and God directs Elijah to go to Zarephath where a widow also had been commanded of the Lord to supply him food.

The drought was still present. Everyone was suffering. No one (not even God’s servant) was immune from the effects of it. And now he comes into the community and the first person he meets is this widow. What he saw must have been utterly discouraging. He saw a thin, haggard woman with deep lines burrowed into face. Anxiety and suffering had made their mark. Her clothing probably matched her face, faded and threadbare. She tottered and groped as she searched for a few sticks. She and her child faced their last meal. It was beyond their imagination that there might be hope. All her assets were exhausted. There was very little left.

It was a moment of supreme test of faith! For Elijah, it meant depending on this widow who had almost nothing, to be obedient and provide for his need that which she apparently believed she did not have. For the widow of Zeraphath, it meant believing the word of the Lord, “The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land.”

Ever come to a point where you feel you have reached the bottom of the barrel? There is nothing left to reach for – there is nothing left to give? That’s recession!

Here are three timely principles for us to remember at such a time of financial crisis:

1. Don't Panic.

Don’t give up! I am a New England Patriots fan. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them during them. In their 2004 Super Bowl, with 1 ½ minutes to play and the score tied, 29-29 against the Carolina Panthers, everyone, including the John Madden, commentator for CBS, were talking about the Patriots need to use up the clock and regroup during overtime. I kept shouting at the TV, “No, No, No! Go for it! There is plenty of time.” Coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady apparently must have heard me. New England moved the ball down the field and won the game on a field goal during regulation play. There was no panic and there was no need for overtime.

It’s when we are desperate and do not panic that God can engineer our winning moment. The first thing we must do when the recession reaches into our house is not to panic.

2. Trust God.

Sometimes our faith is more like when I was a young boy and was being taught by my father how to swim. Splashing wildly with both arms and kicking with one leg, I cried out, “Look at me, Look at me. I’m swimming!” But all the time I was holding onto the bottom of the lake with my big toe. Many of us are like that in our faith. “I have faith!” we declare, but it is an untested faith. It is a tentative faith. One toe remains on the bottom.

It is an enormous step of faith for some of us to abandon our fears and trust God with our meager resources. Later that same summer, my dad took me out on a row boat far from land and dumped me in some deep water. I quickly learned to swim. Dad was never far from me. (Too often our faith is like Credit card faith.)

Elizabeth Elliot once said, “To know God is to trust God; to trust God is to obey God!”

Proverbs: 3:5-6 NIV

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will direct your path.”

During a financial crisis, the worst thing you can do is stop giving! Don’t stop tithing. Don’t stop helping others. Don’t stop being generous! The promise to the widow was (vv. 14): “The jar of flour will not run out and the bottle of oil will not become empty before God sends rain on the land and ends this drought.” The promise of God to you is “I will supply all your needs according to Christ riches in glory.” (Philippians 4:19)

3. Someone Is Always Watching.

That someone is God! In Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21: 1-4, it was Jesus who watched the widow drop her two small coins in the offering at the Temple. Those coins represented all she had in the world and she was willing to turn them over to God. That’s faith! Jesus commended her faith, for she gave out of her poverty, not out of her riches.

Someone was also watching after the widow of Zeraphath. It was the Lord who directed Elijah to the widow with the solution. Give what you have and God will provide more than enough for your needs. Your jar of flour will not be used up and your jug of oil will not run dry until the day that the Lord gives rain on the land. The way out of your personal recessions is through your continued liberal and faithful giving.

And it was God who was watching out for Elijah! God used a widow who was about to cook her last meal to provide for him. Give what you have and God will provide more than enough for your needs.

Winter Light

2008-12-14T14:16:00.016-05:00

The people walking in garkness have seen a greta light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

It seems that each year about this time of season the Lord impresses upon a one word theme. This year it is "light."

For some reason, this Christmas season my attention has been drawn to Christmas lights. There is something fascinating about light. As I vacationed this past week on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, I was mesmerized by the lights that lit up the hillside surround the harbor of Frenchman’s Bay. I was reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 5:14, "A city on a hill cannot be hidden..."

A couple of years ago I was able to walk through Ezekiels' tunnel in the City of David, Jerusalem, Israel. As our tour group weaved its way through this 3 1/2 foot wide and maybe 5 foot tall tunnel, the power failed and the lights went out. We had to grope our way through darkness, feeling the sides of the tunnel, hoping that we would not trip or hit our head in the darkness. Fortunately, a few of us had cell phones and were able to sort of light our way with the back lit screens. what a welcom sight was the daylight. Sometimes we find ourselves on a dark journey in life.

With the coming of winter our nights become longer and our days shorter. Winter light casts longer shadows. The shadows appear to be longer than the actual object that projects the shadow. And so it seems within the thoughts of our minds as we struggle to overcome the dark shadows of our life’s struggles. Sometimes our dark or shadowing thoughts appear larger than they really are.

Many people are affected by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). This condition occurs as a result of a lack of light. Depression, oversleeping, daytime fatigue, carbohydrate craving, and weight gain are some of the symptoms. Lethargy, hopelessness, lack of interest in normal activities, and social withdrawal often accompany SAD. An increase in artificial light is often the cure for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Some Christians seem to have a spiritual form of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Instead of the use of artificial light (a substitute), there needs to be an increased dose of the Son of God, Jesus, into their lives.

Every morning I get up before the break of dawn and sit down in my favorite chair with a cup of coffee and turn on the lamp beside me in order to read my Bible. Almost every morning without exception, if I don’t twist the on/off knob just right, the bulb flickers on and off. You would think I would get it fixed or just replace the thing. But I don’t. Jeanne likes it, so it won’t be replaced. And it’s not like I don’t know how to fix it. My dad was an electrician and I learned a lot from him. It's just that I find myself either too lazy, too busy, or too distracted by other things in my life to bother with it. So, I live with this flickering lamp. Sometimes I find myself and see other Christians living like that flickering lamp, going on and then going off. Sometimes we become dimmer and then get brighter. It can be very irritating, yet I choose not to change the lamp or fix the loose connection. Some of us remain in the same state in which my lamp is. Frustration and irritableness radiates outwardly from deep within instead of the light of life sparkling through.

I am reminded of the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Mat. 25:1-13). Five virgins had their lamps lit and full and were prepared with an additional container of oil as they waited for the bride groom. Five only had the oil that was in their lamp. The bridegroom delayed in his coming. The five that had not additional oil ran out and sked the other five to share their oil with them. They were told to go and buy more. But while they were gone, the bridegroom came and received the five that were prepared and had sufficient oil for their lamps. It is in the winter of our soul that we need to have additional oil and to hold on tight to the oil that we do have in order for our light of life to keep burning.

Paul wrote to the church at Rome these words (Rom 13:11-12 NIV):
…the hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Robert Caro wrote a book about former president, Lyndon B. Johnson. Many will remember or know that Johnson ascended to the presidency through the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Others will remember him for his conduct of the Viet Nam War. Still others will recognize him for his war on poverty. But Caro found, however, that the Hill country of Texas where Johnson first began his career as a congressman remembered him for something else.

While interviewing people of the Hill country, no matter who Caro talked to, he found people repeating one phrase over and over about Johnson. “He brought the lights! No matter what he was like, we love him because he brought the lights.” In 1937, when Johnson was elected to congress at age 28 there was no electricity in the Hill country. By 1948, when he was elected to the Senate, most of his district had electricity. ”He brought the lights.”

Isaiah proclaimed: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given..." (Isa 9:6 NIV).

The apostle John expressed best what the coming of the Christ Child meant for mankind when he compared it to light coming into the world of darkness:

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." (John 1:5 New Living Translation)

Jesus brought light. More than that, Jesus is the light of the world.

A few years before 1920, the Sadacca family arrived in the U.S. from Spain. At that time they were manufacturing wicker cages with artificial birds inside, which contained tiny battery operated flashlight bulbs. But sales were slow and finally petered out. The novelty had worn off.

Then 15 year old Albert Sadacca read a newspaper account of a house fire caused by Christmas tree lights. The thought came to him, “Why not make strings of lights for Christmas trees? They would be much safer than candles.” It seemed like a good idea, so he was able to persuade his family to switch from caged imitation birds to Christmas lights.

Up to that point, North America and most of the rest of the world lit up Christmas trees dangerously, using small candles in metal holders. The only problem was that periodically, a tree would go up in flames. Sometimes not only the tree but the presents as well went up in flames, and sometimes even the entire house, and even death resulted for some of the homeowners.

The Sadacca family sold only 100 bulbs in their first year of operation. Now the firm, Norma World-Wide Inc., has sold over 700 million bulbs in a single season and reaches out in several countries of the world. Safe Christmas lights are now a part of the Holiday Season inspired by a 15 year old boy named Albert Sadacca.

Jesus, the light of the world, is an inspiration to a multitude of people who live in darkness!

It was Christmas lights that saved Captain Stewart Spurr and his crew of Pacific Western Airlines. They were flying over Vancouver, B.C. to Kelowna, to pick up passengers when one engine cut out completely. The plane was at 30,000 feet over the town of Hope when the failure occurred. The pilot turned back toward Vancouver. About five miles from Vancouver, the second engine began to sputter and fail. Captain Spurr knew he had to find a place to land fast.

In recounting his story, Spurr said, “Christmas lights, decorating the houses, showed me where the residential area was. Then I spotted a patch of black among the lights. I dared not lower the landing gear. I knew I had to belly flop the plane.” He did, right smack into James Tonaski’s strawberry field.

Captain Spurr and his crew will always be thankful that the Sadacca family came all the way from Madrid, Spain to North America to originate lighting by light bulbs at Christmas time. Because of it all four crew members were saved from death.

Jesus is that light that the world is seeking this Christmas. Jesus is the true (authentic) light that you are seeking to lift the darkness and shadows that are present in your life.

John 8:12 VIV
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

We, the followers of Jesus Christ have the light of life. Our lives are to lighten darkened homes and darkened communities.

Matt 5:14-16 NIV
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

I like how The Message phrases these verses in Matt 5:14-16:

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand — shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."

The light that is within us is a powerful message! It is one of salvation, one of deliverance, one of hope, one of overcoming, one peace, one of contentment, one of protection, one of victory.

Isa 9:6-7 NIV
...And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Again, I like The Message:

"...His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He'll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He'll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies
will do all this."

Jack Jones was a Welsh coal miner’s son. In his auto-biography, Unfinished Journey, he tells about a terrifying incident as a boy. He was down in the mine with his father, when something went wrong, and the men had to find another way out.

They struggled through a maze of tunnels. Jack’s father was one of the best miners and he was a devoted father. He took Jack on his back and led his fellow miners over the dangerous ground in search of a way out. In the foul air, the flames of their lamps began to weaken

As they came near the dark water in the mine, Jack’s father said, “Careful, son, hold fast around dad’s neck.” Slowly he worked his way through the murky water which was almost up to his chest. Across the water, they started up a steep incline. After a time, he stooped and knelt down and pointed. “Look son.” And there in the distant was a bright disk about the size of a half dollar, on what appeared to be a distant mountain. “That’s what we’ve been looking for, son – the light of the world. Come on!” And the light grew in size as they climbed their way to the world’s surface.

What a beautiful picture – being led out of our darkness. And leading others to the light of the world.

"The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned."

A Lesson from the Ducks

2008-08-05T13:13:00.002-05:00

I know it is only August, but the fall season is not too far off. Then, before you know it, winter will be settling in on us here in lovely Northern New England. If you are anything like me, you are already thinking about the rising fuel costs. They will probably double our previous season’s fuel bill. How are we going to make it and keep warm this winter? It was only a couple of weeks ago that I was sitting in my boat watching a momma duck float by with her little ducklings following close behind her. As I replay that scene in my mind, I am struck by the seemingly lack of concern or care that they had. The scene reminded me of Jesus’ words, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matt. 6:26 NIV)

In the greater context of this passage, Jesus could have summed it all up in two words: worry and finances. Jesus used birds as a way to illustrate God’s care for us. If He will take care of ducks, how much more is He interested in us? In fact, Jesus sumed up the context of this passage with these words, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:33 NIV) One word could sum up these words of Jesus: priority. You are a priority in God’s greater plan and purposes. God is to be of greater priority in your life. Here are some prioritizing steps that you and I can take toward aligning ourselves with God.

Step One: Make sure you are honestly (a matter of integrity) tithing (10% of your income) to your church. This opens the windows of blessings from God (Mal. 3).
Step Two: Ask the Lord, prayerfully, to help you distinguish between personal needs and personal wants. Learn how to say “no” to your appetite for more possessions.
Step Three: Avoid the easy credit trap. If you can’t afford it without borrowing, don’t buy it. Apply as much as you can above the minimum monthly amount to pay off your debt.
Step Four: Live within your means (reality check). Reject the mindset of this world in which we live that says you deserve more.

Our Heavenly Father wants to give the very best to His children, regardless of economic situation. He often withholds the very best from those who fail or refuse to live within the reality of their provisions and giving. Realign and prioritize your finances according to biblical principles in preparation for this winter season. These steps will result in greater joy, greater peace, and greater fruitfulness during your winter season.

Right Worship

2008-05-28T13:20:00.002-05:00

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Prov. 14:12 NIV

Is possible that our act or action of worship can displease God?

In 2 Samual 6, we read the story of David bringing the ark of God to Jerusalem. It was a festive occasion with great celebration. "David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals." (v.5) What happens next is a shock. The oxen which was pulling the cart, on which the ark rested, stumbled. the ark began to tip and Uzzah, one of the individuals assigned to guide the oxen and cart, reached out to steady the ark so that it would not fall to the ground. "The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God." (v.7) David became angry and refused to bring the ark to Jerusalem. He left the ark with Obed-Edom for three months. David again went back to get the ark of God to bring it to Jerusalem. This time read, "When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets." (vv.13-15)

Act On the Unreasonable and God Does the Impossible

2008-05-20T14:06:00.000-05:00

In Luke 5:1-11 we see Jesus working the miraculous catch of fish. In order for the miracle to occur, Jesus asked, no instructed Peter, to launch out into deep water for a catch after having fished all night and caught nothing. In fact, Peter thought the request was unreasonable (v.5) "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything..." Sometimes we allow the methods we are accustomed to, the traditions we are conditioned by, and the repetitions of daily life that we are familiar with, limit what we think God can do. In order to stretch our faith God asks the unreasonable of us. When we act on the unreasonable, He does the impossible which is the miraculous.

Get Up

2008-05-14T09:11:00.003-05:00

John 5:1-15

Thirty-eight years is a long time to lie around. Nothing can be accomplished without desire. Jesus asked this crippled man an important question. "Do you want to be healed?" Jesus started with the man's desire.

The difference between a winner and loser is desire. There was a heavy weight champion who had the motto, "Fight One More Round!" It rallied him when his arms were weak and he seemed to tired to lift them up. It brought him out of the corner when every muscle cried out, "Give up!" It kept him going when others would quit. His motto made him into a champion.

This crippled man enjoyed a measure of comfort within his discomfit. I have visted the ruins of the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem. I can imagine its past beauty. Where he lay was one of the most attractive pools or health clinic of his day. Bethesda was surrounded by five covered porches. It wasn't an unpleasant place to have to lie around day after day. There was shade from the sun and cover from the storms. He could listen to the sound of the rippling water. Thousands outside of that pool area had to work hard and toil in the heat. I can imagine the merchants pushing their dirty carts. Farmers would be clearing and preparing their fields outside the city. Shepherds probably searched for green pastures for their sheep. It might have been easier to lie down. For this man, suffering ill health may have been easier by lying down. It was his comfort zone in the midst of discomfort.

Casey Stengel is a baseball legend. He led my New York Yankees (Yes you read right, this New Englander is not a Red Sox fan) to five successful league championships and world series victories. How did he do that? Through failure! He failed as a manager in Boston and Brooklyn. There was one season that he was paid in full not to manage. He simply refused to accept failure as final. He did not give up or give in. He pushed on. He stirred up the gifts as a leader and manager within him and out of such desire an amazing string of victories occurred. He got up!

Do you want to be healed? Do you want to be free of whatever it is that is holding you in bondage? Have you become accustomed to lying down?

The crippled man's response is interesting in verse 7. "Sir, I have no one..." That's a favorite alibi of those who lie around. No one seems to want to help me. I've never enjoyed the advantages that others have. The doors closed just before I arrived. I've been neglected my whole life. I have tried, but it never seems to do any good. Self-pity is like a parasite.

Don't look at difficulty. Look at opportunity. The man had a choice to make. There were a multitude of sick and impotent people under those colonades. They were all waiting. He could have chose to look at those problems or he could look to God through Jesus. He exercised his faith on hearing Jesus' words, "Pick up your mat and walk."

Jesus' prescription for healing was simple: (1) desire faith, (2) exercise your faith, and (3) don't do what you have been doing anymore.

The Real Lord's Prayer

2008-04-12T10:01:00.013-05:00

So often we call the prayer by Jesus found in Matthew 6 and Luke 11 as "The Lord's Prayer." There he was teaching his disciples and us how we are to pray. In those verses Jesus provided us a model or example as to how to pray.

As I was reading Jesus' prayer in John 17, the thought occurred to me that this is the the real Lord's prayer. He is not giving us just a model of prayer in this passage. He is literally and passionately praying for his disciples and for all in the future who would come to the faith. His prayer was for the present and future followers of Jesus Christ.

Regarding this passage in John 17, The Serendipity Bible for Groups asks the questions, "How are your prayers for others like and unlike Jesus' prayer? Do your prayers reflect the short-term urgent, or the long-term important needs that people have?" Those are good questions for each of us to reflect on. I want my prayers to have lasting impact into the future.

Looking at Jesus' prayer in John 17, I notice the following concerns and cares that he prays:

1. Jesus prays that I would have an intimate relationship with him (vv. 2-3) and his Word (v. 17).

2. Jesus prays that I would not fall away because of the world in which I live, or because of Satan's temptations, or false teachings (vv. 6,11,14-17).

3. Jesus prays that my joy would be full (complete) in him (v. 13).

4. Jesus prays that I would have holy thoughts; to be holy in character and deed (v. 17). "Sanctify" means to make holy, to be separate or set apart. God's Word is "truth." The apostle Paul instructs us how to have holy thoughts in Philippians 4:8.

5. Jesus prays that I would be one in purpose and fellowship with fellow believers even as he demonstrated his unity with the Father (vv. 11, 21-22). This requires constant action or vigilance on my part. It is not to be an artificial unity, but authentic.

6. Jesus prays that I would lead others to Christ through my authentic relationship with him and with my fellow believers (vv. 21,23).

7. Jesus prays that my faith would persevere and that I would finish strong (v. 24).

8. Lastly, Jesus prays that I would constantly live in his presence and God's love (v. 26).

Wow! Surely such passionate praying on my part, following Jesus' prayer in this passage, will have lasting and impacting long term affects. We see in Jesus' prayer, the heart of a Shepherd, who truly cares for his flock. What do our prayers reveal about us?

8 Distrinctive Traits of New Englanders

2008-04-05T10:15:00.001-05:00

Stephen Macchia in his book, Becoming A Healthy Church: 10 Characteristics, identifies eight distinctive traits of New Englanders. They are:

1. New Englanders tend to resist change.
2. New Englanders tend to value tradition.
3. New Englanders tend to be Roman Catholic.
4. New Englanders tend to have a secular mind-set.
5. New Englanders tend to be self-reliant.
6. New Englanders tend to be reserved.
7. New Englanders tend to favor insiders.
8. New Englanders tend to operate locally.

What think you? Are these really reflective of only New England? Or do they reflect 21st century culture in general? Do these affect how you do ministry? If so, how? If not, why not?

Stay Connected

2008-03-17T14:55:00.003-05:00

This morning, Jeanne and I began reading the Holy Week story from the Gospel of Luke in The Message for our devotions. We had an interesting discussion over Luke 22:4

"Leaving the others, he conferred with the high priests and the Temple guards about how he might betray Jesus to them."

Our discussion centered around the phrase "Leaving the others..." How often when we separate ourselves from others, we stumble and fall. When we no longer want to be subject to accountability or we lack followership we become vulnerable. Judas left the group. He did what he had to do. He did what he wanted to do. Don't wander off by yourself. Stay connected and avoid a fall.

Time Travels

2008-03-14T06:39:00.007-05:00

I have been on the road the past two weeks attending our sectional councils. These meetings are attended by our pastors and their church delegates. The purpose of these councils are business (election of sectional officers) and fellowship (relationship building). So far, I have traveled over 1900 miles across three states (ME, NH, VT) by car. It has been worth every minute and every mile in spite of some poor travel conditions due to bad weather. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with our pastors. I think Northern New England has many of the best and faithful pastors in the country. They aren't well known names, but they are doing great things for the kingdom of God in the churches that God has planted them in. These men and women are incredibly talented and gifted.

During my free time in my motel room in the evenings, I have been reading the book Come Back Churches by Ed Spetzer and Mike Dodson. They made the statement, "Most American churches today are well suited for ministry in a different era. All churches are culturally relevant; the question is whether they are relevant to a culture that currently exists in their community or to one that disappeared generations ago." (65) This statement got me to thinking about our rich Pentecostal history.

Maine is rich in Pentecostal history. Charles Parham, led the first revival of the 20th century at Bethel Bible School in Topeka, KS. He was one of the founders of the Apostolic Faith Movement. He was among the first to teach that speaking in tongues was the initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The Assemblies of God has its early roots tied to this event in Kansas. However, did you know that Parham had visited Shiloh, Maine and studied under a man by the name of Frank Sandford for several weeks in his Bible school. It was there in 1900 that Parham first witnessed "speaking in tongues." It was from here that Parham went to Topeka, KS and opened a Bethel Bible School and challenged his students to study the book of Acts and determine what was the evidence of the baptism in the Spirit. It was the birth of our present day pentecostal movement.

One of our Aroostook Sectional Council was hosted by Washburn Pentecostal Church in Washburn, Maine. This church was the first pentecostal church organized in the state of Maine. I was excited about being able to visit this church and step back in history. Its history began when a few ladies from Washburn traveled to an Advent camp meeting in Framingham, MA. They came back from those meetings on fire for God and found a railroad engineer named Nelson Magoon, a pentecostal, to begin a church in Washburn. Magoon and his wife rented a small vacant Morman church on main street and held meetings throughout 1915. The church grew rapidly and eventually built a new building (on it present location). When Magoon and others heard about Aimee Semple McPherson's ministry, they invited her to come to Washburn to hold meetings in 1917. A tent was pitched on the ground behind the church (now their parking lot) and hundreds came from Caribou, Presque Isle, Easton and the boader towns of Canada. Before McPherson left for parts south, Magoon laid hands on her and ordained her as an evangelist. Although I was standing in an independent pentecostal church, I recognized I was standing in a moment of history that connected the Northern New England District Assemblies of God (formed in 1954) to a past that very much identified who we are now. It was an awesome moment. Thank God for early pioneers of faith.

We can't live in the past. Museums are nice places to visit and learn but eventually we must walk back outside into the present where culture has evolved over time. Living in my past does not necessarily make me relevant to the present. The message remains, but our methods will change.

Faithfulness and Fruitfulness

2008-02-19T09:33:00.002-05:00

I have been following some discussion on another blog called AG Think Tank about ministry fruitfulness. I couldn't help but post my two cents worth and decided that I should add it to my own blog as food for thought. So here it is.

As I was reading I began to reflect on my own personal story and “faithfulness lesson” as a church planter in Ellsworth, Maine (1981-1986). In about the second year of my church plant, our church was averaging seven people on a Sunday morning and three on Sunday night. Two of those people in that average was myself and my wife. I was very discouraged. The Pentecostal Evangel had been highlighting church plants that took off with overnight successes marked by seventy-five to two hundred in Sunday attendances. One Sunday night I was lamenting my disappointment to my wife and dear Margret, my other faithful Sunday night attender. Margret was full of Godly wisdom, gentleness, and kindness as she asked me the question. “Pastor, are you ready to pastor a hundred people?’ That question stopped me cold and caused me in that moment to reflect about my own abilities and understanding. In that moment, I verbally had to answer Margret honestly saying, “Margret you are right. I am not ready to pastor a church of a hundred.” There were things that I needed to learn that only God could teach me. Lesson One: Sometimes our churches are not ready for the harvest because we leaders are not thoroughly prepared to receive the fruit of our labors.

On another occasion that same year, I was running down the Surry Road during my daily marathon training crying out to God about my disppointment in the lack of fruitfulness and growth that I was not seeing when the Holy Spirit stopped me dead in my tracks. I can take you to that exact spot. Standing on the side of the road, the Spirit of God, spoke this question into my mind. “What is succes?” I had all kinds of answers. I was very animated (I wonder what the drivers thought of this crazy guy apparently speaking to no one on the side of the road with my hands and arms moving about). After several minutes, I stopped my discourse and finally said, “I don’t know God, you tell me.” God asked me one more ( well two) question. He asked, “Are you in my will? Are you called to be here in Ellsworth?” That was easy to answer because God had validated my call to Ellsworth to plant a church in too many ways to have had any doubts. I responded quickly and with firmness, “Yes, Lord. I know that I am called here and am in your will because…" I then listed off to Him all the confirmations and validations that had brought me to this place on the side of the road. When I finished, the Spirit of God spoke into my mind these words, “Success in being in God’s perfect will. Whether you pastor a church of a hundred or a church of three, you are successful.” I ran home that day with new vigor and assurance that Ellsworth Assembly of God would be a success. In the third year of our plant I began to see the fruit of my labors. By the fourth year we were able to purchase property and in the fifth year build a building. Twenty-five years later I was invited back to participate and preach at their anniversary service. Lesson two: Success is determined by our willingness to be in God’s perfect will.”

One response from Lane Douglas to my post at AG Think Tank is included because I happen to have a great deal of interest in Cival War and World War II history and can relate to the posting. Here it is:

"Growing up in a home where parents were Civil War buffs, many of my summer vacations consisted of learning U.S. History. Rather than Disney World, we frequented such locales as Antietam, Fredericksburg, Richmond, and, of course, Gettysburg.

One of the factors attributing to the Confederacy’s loss was the passion their leaders had for their men and for what they perceived as not so much a “war” as a defense of their homeland. This translated into many captains and generals moving themselves too close to the battlefront wanting desperately to be in the “action.” As a result, many of them were either wounded or killed from sniper fire or stray bullets.

What does that have to do with what you wrote? The result of these leaders being taken out of commission (many of them West Point trained) was that their spots had to be filled. Thus, sergeants and captains of small brigades would receive field commissions and end up being promoted before their time. They would find themselves in charge of units of soldiers larger than they had yet learned what to do with. The result was a degradation of command over time with large portions of the military being led as if they were local units since these newly commissioned leaders had yet to receive the proper training or experience.

So… not only in the church, but in the realm of leadership in general we see that fruitfulness before faithfulness can be detrimental to long-term success."

That last sentence is important.

Drifting

2008-02-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

We are having an above average amount of snowfall to date this winter. It must be expected when living in Maine. I enjoy watching the snow fall. There is something peaceful about it as the flakes float downward and are moved about by the wind. I just don't like cleaning the driveway up after a storm.

The idea of floating snow flakes causes me to think about the words in Hebrews 2:1 which I just recently read.

"It's crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we've heard so that we don't drift off." (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language)

Drifting faith is the warning. Drifting snow is alot like some people's faith. The flakes are all over the place with no other purpose than to land wherever the wind blows them. Some people's faith is like that. There is no spiritual foundation or purpose to life.

As a youth pastor in New Jersey many, many years ago, I took the youth group on a 6 hour canoe trip down a stream. It was a peaceful, sort of lazy trip. Because there was an odd number in our group, I ended up with a canoe all to myself. The current just moved us along. I didn't have to do much in the way of paddling. I just moved silently along enjoying the warmth of the sun. But every once in awhile, as I was day dreaming and not paying attention I would bump into another canoe in our group or end up stuck in some shallow water. I think that is kind a what the Hebrew writer is warning us to be careful to avoid.

On another occasion as a child, my family went to the beach one hot summer day along the Jersey shore. The ocean water was warm, the sun shone brightly. It was a perfect day to be in the water. And that is exactly what I did. I would swim out as far as I dared and let the crashing waves push me back to the beach. I would swim back out and let the waves bring me back in. This went on for quite some time. Finally, after tiring and desiring to be in the company of my parents I came back up on the beach only to discover to my surprise and shock that my parents and the family blanket were not where I had left them when I first went into the water. After some panick and some scouting about I found them. What had happened was that the ocean currents had moved me some distance down the beach because I had not been paying attention to my location in relation to our beach blanket. I was too busy enjoying myself.

Drifting off course is one of those great evil influences that affects the believers life. There are so many currents, so many elements that can catch us unexpectantly. They move silently, carrying us about without our ever taking notice because we are so absorbed by our own inner desires or surrounding distractions. It's a kind of our own spiritual Attention Deficit Disorder.

Are you paying attention today to the One who is our spiritual foundation?

Looking Backward

2008-01-23T07:43:00.000-05:00

As a former cadet at North Georgia College, I am on the school's Foundation mailing list. Last night I received their latest mailing. In it was an article that caught my eye, "Vietnam Vets Remember NGC of The Sixties." Since I attended the school in 1969, I was interested to find out if I knew anyone in the article. Of course, I didn't recognize the two individuals as they both graduated before I arrived. However, their stories were extremely interesting, especially that of Ralph Colley.

Ralph Colley was a 1966 graduate of North Georgia College. Speaking about his Viet Nam War experience, he called it “8 very exciting months in Viet Nam and one really bad afternoon.” Near Cu Chi (1967), Ralph Colley, then a 1st Lt. and platoon leader in a rifle company of the 101st Airborne Divison, came in contact with a land mine, and lost his left arm and both legs in the ensuing explosion. Colley said that at the time, “My spiritual dimension helped, of course.” In the article he also said:

“My war period was four decades ago. Even with all I’ve done since, that was the most exciting, interesting, demanding, challenging period of my life, a time lived more fully and with greater intensity than any other. Despite all the negatives – and I will say I wouldn’t ever want to do it again – I got immense satisfaction from showing myself I could be tested and found capable. North Georgia was a huge part of that.”

I was inspired by the way he was looking backward with no regret and reflecting on how those experiences "tested" him and he determined he was "found capable." Oh that we might all look back with "immense satisfaction" knowing that it has prepared us well for the present and the future.

Paul wrote Timothy saying, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV)

Can you look backward on life with no regrets? Facing our hardest trials and testings of life become our greatest moments. They prove us.

The Taste of God

2008-01-22T08:35:00.000-05:00

Jeanne & I read these word this morning from The Message in our devotions:

1 Peter 2:1-3
So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. 2 You've had a taste of God. 3 Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.

I like the comment, "You've had a taste of God." Once we have a taste of something good, we want more. And the more we eat of our favorite food the healthier (or unhealthier) we become. Spiritually, what are you tasting? How is it changing you? for good? for worse? Peter points out that as we taste of God our talk changes. It becomes less hurtful and filled with kindness.

You Make Others Complete

2008-01-03T07:22:00.000-05:00

A New Year is before us. Happy New Year everyone!

I was reading James 5:7-12 this morning in preparation for a small group study wth some really awesome twenty-somethings on Friday night. As I was reading the words "Just say yes or no" (James 5:12 from THE MESSAGE) my thoughts turned to a gift that I had received from a dear friend many, many years ago. I was about to begin a passage or spiritual journey as a church planter here in Maine. I was leaving the comforts and the known of New Jersey for the unknown. Jean gave me a framed, hand painted picture of vines surrounding the words "Yes Lord" written in Old English. That gold framed gift still graces the wall of my office and is a daily reminder to me of my commitment to God and His plan for my life, regardless what it might be, whether known or unknown.

"Yes Lord" has led me a long way in my 36 year (and unfinished) spiritual journey. Which brings me to my point this morning found in Hebrews 11:40. I turned to Hebrews 11 after reading the James passage to refresh my thoughts of those who have gone before me in the past in their journey. Men and women of the past who also had said, "Yes Lord." I was facinated with the concluding words in Hebrew 11.

Hebrews 11:40
God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours. (THE MESSAGE)

The previous verse says that none of the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11 got their hands on what was promised to them, even though their lives were lived in an exemplorary manner. Yet, they were commended for their faith. The writer concludes by letting us, the readers, know that their lives of faith will not be complete or made whole, without our completing our faith journey. Wow! Stay true to God in 2008. Your faith will make me complete. My faith will make you complete.

A Very Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T08:28:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas morning and everyone will be up soon and unwrapping their gifts. There will be squeals of delights, oohs and ahhs, and in some cases, silent disappointment. Whatever gifts show up under your tree, the most important gift to be rediscovered is that for which this Season is celebrated - God's Son Jesus Christ. I hope yo will take time to sqeal with delight over His this morning.

Here's why. Last night this was our Christmas reading at our Christmas Eve Service. It wonderfully decribes Christ our Savior.

"There was no doubt - Jesus was the One. The Magi, kings from the East, had no hesitation or reluctance to fall down and worship this infant King. Why? He was the One. He is the One... the Hope for all mankind. He is more than a great prophet, more than a great teacher, more than a great leader. He is the One that Jehovah God sent to earth to fulfill His amazing plan of redeeming fallen man. For ever need, Jesus is the One.

To the hungry, He's the Bread of Life.
To those in darkness, He's the Light of the World.
To the sick, He's the Great Physician, the Healer of Broken Hearts, Broken Homes and Broken Lives.
For the thirsty, He is the Water of Life that quenches the thirsty soul.
To the weary, He's the Burden Bearer.
To the confused and perplexed, He is counselor.
To the lonely, He's the friend who is closer than a brother.
And for the fearful, He is the King who protects His own.
For those so stressed by the pressures of life, He is the Prince of Peace.
For the discouraged, He is the Hope of Glory.
For those who are lost, He is the Way.
For those trapped in bondage, He is the Door to freedom.

He is Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father - the Prince of Peace. He is our Comforter, our Hope, our Healer... Our Savior!"

To all my readers, I say, "Merry Christmas!"

Which One Are You

2007-12-20T06:21:00.000-05:00

Another good quote from my recent required graduate reading assignments:

"The values of God's kingdom are different from the values of this world. In the world, greatness is judged by the power a person exercises over others. In the kingdom, greatness is judged by service to people. As children on the King, we follow kingdom values." (Dune Elmer, Cross-Cultural Servanthood, page 25)

Elmer then talks about the the difference between wearing the robe or carrying the towel. Jesus is able to do both. Yet he has called us to do only one; carry the towel.

Winning a Hearing

2007-12-17T14:53:00.000-05:00

I have been traveling a lot and trying to finish a graduate course on Anthropolgy and Cummunication. There has been a lot of reading and writing in this course. In one of the books I recently finished, the following words caught my attention. When preaching the gospel, we cannot command a hearing.

(We) "must win a hearing by demonstrating that (we) are people of integrity, credibility, and goodwill" (David J. Hesselgrave, Communicating Christ Cross-Culturally, page 146).

How true. The fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control must be present and visible. Then we have won a hearing from those we want to share Christ with.

Faith at Work: Living Out the Will of God

2007-12-02T18:35:00.000-05:00

I shared these thoughts in a small group setting of twenty-somethings this past Friday from James 4:13-17.

Keep in mind that James is addressing Christians. He is speaking to Christian believers who were not living their life with God’s plans first and foremost in their thoughts and life. The key verse in this passage: verse 15.

Jeremiah 29:11 reads, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

If there is one thought seems to permeate throughout James 4, it is this: Submission to God.
We are to submit to God our desires and wants (vv. 1-3).
We are to submit to God in our relationship with Him (vv. 4-6).
We are to submit to God in our relationships with one another (vv. 11-12).
We are to submit to God our plans (vv. 13-17).

James addresses Presumptuous Living by Christians. Proverbs 19:21 reads, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

Some examples of Presumptuous planning can be found throughout the Bible. Here are just a few: Gen 11:4 (humankind after the flood); Jer 22:13-14 (the luxurious king); Luke 12:16-21 (the Rich fool); and Jame 4:13 (the venturesome business man).

In making goals and plans for the future, believers must always consider God’s will. We must not act like the rich fool in Luke 12; rather we must recognize that peace, contentment, and happiness is found in our daily living, completely dependent on God. We must consider the Lord’s will in our planning and daily living. “…If the Lord’s will” should not be just a “tag line” in our speech and prayers. Hudson Taylor the great missionary to China had definite convictions about how God’s work should be done: We can make our best plans and try to carry them out in our own strength… or We can make careful plans and ask God to bless them… or “Yet another way of working is to begin with God; to ask His plans, and offer ourselves to Him to carry out His purposes.”

Have you asked God?
“God, what is your will for my life?”
“God, what is your will for me this year?”
“God, what is your will for this week?”
“God, what do you want from my life as leave this gathering today?"

Discovering God’s will and submitting ourselves to His plan is not always that simple. James offers us seven suggestions (vv 7-10) that could help us: 1. Submit, 2. Resist, 3. Come near, 4. Wash, 5. Purify, 6. Grieve, 7. Mourn, 8. Wail, 9. Change, 10. Humble.

This passage has been very helpful for me in determining God’s will or Divine plan for me: Luke 5:1-11 (The miraculous catch)
1. Right place and right position: listening (vv 1-3).
2. A specific word or directive (v 4).
3. May appear unreasonable (v 5a).
4. Requires obedience – submission (v 5b).
5. Results in success – peace, contentment, joy (v 6).
6. Causes a generosity – cooperation (v 7).
7. Glorifies God – humility, acknowledgement (vv 8-10).
8. Changed direction – lifestyle (11)

Here's another practical suggestion for determining God's plan in your life: the witness of three in agreement (mature believers, Written Word, and inner Spirit) - Mt 18:20; 2Co 13:1

Do what is right (v 17). If you don’t submit to God’s will and plan after knowing what it is, you sin. Reflect on this: How does James relate to your plans for the future? How will you involve God in your plans in the future?

Discovering God's Will

2007-11-26T19:46:00.000-05:00

Ephesians 5:17 NIV
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

I think everyone deep down inside wants to know what's best for their own life; that is to live a good life. How can we discover this good life? It begins with God. The psalmist prayed, "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground" (Psalm 143:10 NIV).

One prevalent misconception is that God has one perfect plan and if we stray from it, then we must settle for second or third best. At times, I have talked with a believer seeking a perfect marriage partner; an individual seeking the perfect job, perfect life, or a perfect ministry. I have observed on occasion, how they have missed out on the relationship with the Planner (God). Our life should flow out of our relationship with God. Our life should be to know Him more and to love Him forever. If the plan is our focus, then it will be doomed to failure. God begins with you where you are with Him. He has a plan for your life when you turn yourself over to His leading. You are not doomed to failure when you trust wholly and completely in Him. Peter stepped out of the boat at Jesus' invitation to come. As long as Peter was focused on Jesus he was able to walk on water. Don't let fear cause you to miss a golden opportunity of your life time.

I keep this quote nearby me in my study. "The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you." (unknown)

Handling Disappointments

2007-11-19T07:39:00.000-05:00

I recently shared these thoughts from John 3: 22-30 as a devotional with our Presbytery. The verse that really caught my attention was John saying, "That joy is mine, and it is now complete" (John 3:29).

Have you ever been disappointed? If we are honest, everyone of us will answer, "yes." John the Baptist's disciples were disappointed. They had been following John. Now they were seeing people leave their group and begin following Jesus and his disciples. Both Jesus and John were now baptizing in the same area of the Jordan River. How quickly envy and jealousy can take hold of us when we see someone else being blessed in some way. John's disciples apparently had forgotten the words of John some days earlier when he had said concerning Jesus, "Behold the Lamb of God" (John 1:35). It was a defining moment in John's ministry.

The disappointment of some of John's disciples was apparent in their complaint, "The one you testified about - well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him" (John 3:26).

How did John answer their disappointment? How did he handle the moment? He compared himself to that of a bridegroom's best man (attendant). Today in our culture, who do most people focus their attention on at a wedding? The bride. To be honest, the bridegroom is of little interest. The best man is of even of smaller importance. But John points out that his joy is complete in being the attendant to the Bridegroom.

Several things to notice about John's complete joy:

1. His joy is the result of knowing who he was not. John said, "I am not the Christ." Maybe its time for us to be authentic believers. Stop trying to be the "savior" who works out all the problems in someone else's life. Maybe it's time to acknowledge the the limits of what we can do or can't do. Maybe its time to be ourself and stop trying to be someone we are not.

2. John knew his role in the scheme of things and just did what he was suppose to do. He was an attendant to the Bridegroom. If a door needed to be opened, he did it. He was available to serve, not be served. Seeing and hearing the bridegroom was enough. Knowing that the Bridegroom was pleased with his service brought him joy. Later Jesus would say of John, "I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matthew 11:11).

3. John readily accepted one of the great paradoxes of the Kingdom of God. "He must become greater; I must become less" (John 3:30). John knew something that we all need to take and hide in our heart if we want real joy. The more we increase the less joy we have. The more we decrease the more joy we experience. Think about that for awhile and you will begin to find joy and happiness, in the middle of disappointing circumstances That will be when you will be able to say with John, "My joy is complete."

Pursue Wisdom

2007-11-10T08:55:00.000-05:00

James 3:13-17

You might want to read this passage from several different Bible versions. It adds a great deal of perspective as to what james wants the reader to glean from this passage.

There are two kinds of wisdom available to us: earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom.

Earthly wisdom (wisdom of man) produces envy, selfish ambition, pride, and lies. The result of such earthly wisdom is disorder and evil practices.

Heavenly wisdom (wisdom of God) produces good life, good deeds and humility. The results of God's wisdom includes, purity, peace, consideration, submissiveness, mercy, good fruit, impartiality, and sincereity.

It's pretty obvious which wisdom we want to be at work in our daily life. But how do we go after, pursue, or obtain Godly wisdom (heavenly wisdom)?

King Solomon is known as the wisest man of men mentioned in Scripture. Indeed, the Scriptures tell us that not only was he the wisest man to have lived, but that there is none as wise as he was since then. Solomon wrote most of the book of Proverbs and all of the books of Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs. Therefore, we need to look at his life to begin to understand how to obtain wisdom for ourselves. Rather than study his whole life, we will begin to look at the moment of his rising to leadership as king over Israel. A key phrase can be found in the final verses of Ecclesiastes that sheds light on Solomon's wisdom: "Fear God and keep his commandments."

Read 1 Kings 3:1-28 (a parallel passage can be found in 2 Chronicles 1:1-17). As you read answer these questions:

1. Why did Solomon want wisdom?

2. By God giving more than Solomon asked, God was saying what?

3. In what situations did Solomon feel the need for wisdom?

4. Do you pursue heavenly wisdom? How? You may want to read Proverbs 8:1-21 and 9:1-6. Try reading these verses from The Message. Also look at Proverbs 2:1-8.

The world looks first to prosperity, power, and prestige as the means for gaining wisdom. That's an earthly wisdom which leads us down the wrong path. Heavenly wisdom seeks after God and his wisdom. Once heavenly wisdom is found, God gives to those who fear Him, prosperity, power and prestige (Matthew 6:33).

5. What has been your toughest decision this past year? What prevailed? Your feelings? Other's advice? Your circumstances?

6. What do you need more of?

Jesus said:
"The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here." Matthew 12:42 NIV

James wrote:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5 NIV

Armloads of Life

2007-10-31T06:40:00.000-05:00

Jeanne & I are presently reading Proverbs during our morning devotional time. This is what we read today:

Proverbs 8:12-21 The Message
12 "I am Lady Wisdom, and I live next to Sanity;
Knowledge and Discretion live just down the street.
13 The Fear-of-God means hating Evil,
whose ways I hate with a passion —
pride and arrogance and crooked talk.
14 Good counsel and common sense are my characteristics;
I am both Insight and the Virtue to live it out.
15 With my help, leaders rule,and lawmakers legislate fairly;
16 With my help, governors govern,
along with all in legitimate authority.
17 I love those who love me;
those who look for me find me.
18 Wealth and Glory accompany me —
also substantial Honor and a Good Name.
19 My benefits are worth more than a big salary, even a very big salary;
the returns on me exceed any imaginable bonus.
20 You can find me on Righteous Road — that's where I walk —
at the intersection of Justice Avenue,
21 Handing out life to those who love me,
filling their arms with life — armloads of life!

At first Jeanne & I burst out laughing when I read out loud the words "I am Lady Wisdom, and I live next to Sanity..." We joked together that she must be lady wisdom and I, sanity and wondered if maybe sanity is the best way to describe me as I can be pretty weird and insane according to some of my young 18 to 20 something friends. But in all seriousness, the words above provide us who are in ministry a wealth of instruction on how to live and minister.

Almost daily I talk or counsel with a pastor by phone who is facing some level of conflict with a board member or church member. I remember some of my own blunders throughout my ministry and now in hindsight realize what a dumb or ignorant decision I made. If only I had gone to "Lady Wisdom." How often do we make foolish decisions in the course of our life that results in unnecessary emotional pain or affliction either to ourself or toward someone else. There really is good counsel in the above passage for us who are leaders. I hope you will take note of that counsel. I wish our politicians and school board members would listen to the counsel of Lady Wisdom.

Peter Drucker said, “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” Leading is about good character and integrity. It is about setting priorities and high standards for life in both the private and public setting. Read again the words of wisdom above and as you do so ask the questions: Am I seeking after Lady Wisdom who lives next door to sanity? Is knowledge and discretion nearby me? If so, you can be sure that insight, virtue, honor, justice, wealth, righteousness, and love is nearby. Your arms will be filled with Life!

Negating a Changed Heart

2007-10-30T06:27:00.000-05:00

In 1 Samuel 10:1, we read of Saul's anointing as king by Samuel the prophet. The prophet told Saul that three thing would happen to him to confirm Samuel's action.
1. The donkeys that Saul had set out to look for would be found.
2. Three men would meet Saul at the tree at Tabor and offer him two loaves of bread that he was to eat.
3. At Gibeah, Saul would meet a procession of prophets and he to would join them in prohecying. His heart would be changed that day.

And so it was, we read, "As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul's heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day." (1 Samuel 10:9)

Saul was also given a fourth directive by the Lord's prophet, Samuel. "Go down ahead of me to Gilgal. I will surely come down to you to sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, but you must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do." (1 Samuel 10:8)

A few chapters later, we find Saul waiting for Samuel to come to Gilgal. Finally, after seven days of waiting and still no arrival of Samuel, Saul took the matter into his own hands and offered the sacrifice (1 Samuel 13).

The lesson we can learn here is that we can negate the heart change that God works within us by our own selfish actions. Self-centeredness, pride and fear works against what God does in the heart. God desires obedience over our sacrifice of offerings.

13 "You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord's command." (1 Samuel 13:13-14)

Fulfilling God's Call - Be Faithful!

2007-10-26T08:35:00.000-05:00

You may have been wondering where in the world have I been, since I haven't been posting many blogs lately. My free time has been consumed with reading a book for my grad studies: The Life and Diary of David Brainerd. It's not the easiest book I have ever read, nor was it it the hardest. But it came close to the latter, because of its 18th century English style. But it has also been an inspirational reading.

David Brainerd was a missionary to Native American Indians in the early 1740's. Brainerds diary and journal gives us a glimpse into a missionary's faith and struggles in early America. He faced depression, loneliness, physical illness, and the physical elements of an unsettled frontier life to bring the Gospel to Native Americans. We discover the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God through one's onbedience and sacrifice on page after page of the book. Brainerd's devotion to God and to the people he was called to minister to, is an amazing and inspiring first person account.

The most meaningful or significant statement for me in the whole book can be found in the words of David Brainerd's prayer. In his diary on Thursday, May 22, 1746, he wrote:

“Here I am, Lord, send me; send me to the ends of the earth; send me to the rough, the savage pagans of the wilderness; send me from all that is called comfort in earth, or earthly comfort; send me even to death itself, if it but in thy service, and to promote thy kingdom.” (195)

Within a few months of this written prayer, he would be forced to say farewell to his Native American friends in the wilderness and return to civilization because of an illness from which he would not recover. Throughout his writings, we discover and rediscover the passion, dedication, and sacrifice that he was willing to forge in order that some might be saved. For nearly three years prior to his prayer, he had been living those words daily by example and deed. Brainerd had lived a simple and often destitute life, without proper nourishment or rest in substandard conditions, even by the standards of his day.

After close to two years of ministry among the Indians, Brainerd’s calling as a missionary was tested. The church at Millington, near his hometown of Haddam, called him, in March of 1744, to come and pastor the congregation. He turned it down, praying that the Lord would raise someone else up to take care of them.

He had another offer to pastor the church at East Hampton on Long Island. Jonathan Edwards called this “the fairest, pleasantest town on the whole island, and one of the largest and most wealthy parishes.” (116) Yet, Brainerd writes in his diary, “Resolved to go on still with the Indian affair, if divine providence permitted; although before felt some inclination to go to East Hampton, where I was solicited to go.” (116)

There were other opportunities too. Each time the struggle was resolved with a sense of burden and call. There was no freedom to pursue a better life for himself. Brainerd’s desire was to see the conversion of his Native American Indians. He was willing to forgo the comforts of life, if it was necessary.

Brainerd’s prayer is a reminder to all of us that are laboring in the Lord’s harvest fields that our call is not to self-centeredness but to servanthood. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a longing to discover the spiritual disciplines that enhances one’s ministry. Brainerd’s account of his missionary endeavors is a testimony of a man’s faithfulness to God’s call and God’s faithfulness to a man.

Called to Ministry?

2007-10-18T06:45:00.000-05:00

I recently had an opportunity to share with some third and fourth year VFCC ministry students my thoughts about ministry calling and the credentialing process. I want to share them with you too.

Being a minister is a great calling. It is a demanding task and a rewarding experience. It takes a special person!

What is the essence of a call to full-time ministry? The apostle Paul was keenly aware of his calling as an apostle (Rom. 1:1 and Gal. 1:1). The emphasis of Paul’s calling was on that of being a servant-leader.

How can I know God’s call? Very few people ever hear God’s audible voice calling to them. Instead some individuals have a hunger or a yearning to know God in a deeper way. Other’s describe an inner sensing or feeling to say “yes” to God’s call. Still others speak of an inner “tugging” at one’s heart.

How can I be sure of my call? It will be clear. There will be a witness of three: God’s Word (Scripture), God’s Spirit (within you), and God’s people (mature Christian friends). The following five tests can also help you to discern the genuineness of God’s call:

1. The test of God’s grace. Are you saved? Do you live a holy life? Is the fruit of the Spirit evident?
2. The test of gifts. Are you being used in the Spiritual gifts? Are you able to reason and communicate with people in a loving manner? Do you listen to the counsel your pastor and friends?
3. The test fruit. Are you influencing others? Are you open about your faith? Have you brought others closer to the Lord?
4. The test of an abiding sense of a divine call. Is there an inner awareness of God’s leading? Do feel like you have this inner passionate drive to serve others? Are you willing to “pay the price” and give yourself in preparation and service as part of the calling?
5. The test of open doors. Has the Lord opened doors for ministry preparation? Have you had opportunities to use your talents and gifts in the local church?

Is it wrong to desire a call to full-time ministry? Absolutely not! “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer (includes bishop, pastor), he desires a noble task” 1 Tim. 3:1 NIV). Not all who desire—or even prepare for such a work—will be called by God. But it is commendable.

Why should I become a credentialed minister? Why would you not want to be officially recognized? Would you want an attorney, not recognized by the “Bar Association” representing you? Would you want a surgeon performing an operation on you who has not been recognized by the appropriate medical association? Of course not. Credentials don’t limit the freedom to minister; they open a world of possibilities to you through fellowship, accountability, and networking with others of like faith.

The Assemblies of God, which I am a part of, offer three levels of credentials:
1. Certified Minister—shows promise of usefulness in the gospel.
2. Licensed Minister—has a clear evidence of a divine call.
3. Ordained Minister—demonstrates mature ministry.

If you want to know more and learn more about becoming part of this wonderful fellowship, contact me.

Growing In The Lord

2007-10-10T06:19:00.000-05:00

A couple of days ago, I wrote a few thoughts on 1 Samuel 2:26 and Luke 2:52 about growing in stature and favor with both God and man. As I was reading chapter 3 of 1 Samuel, I was struck by Samuel's learning curve and sensitivty to God's voice over the course of the chapter. The chapter begins by noting that as Samuel ministered before the the Lord as a boy, "the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions." By the end of the chapter we read, "The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord.The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word" (verses 19, 20, 21, NIV).

The more time we spend in secret with God, the more others recognize God in us.

In my reading of The Life and Diary of David Brainerd, I am in awe of his daily "secret times" with God. His impact on Johnathan Edwards and others was a direct result of his daily time in the presence of his holy God. Brainerd never had intended that his personal journals be saved. However, Edwards and others were able to convince him in the final days of his life to entrust them to the care of Edwards. After his death, Edwards had much of the journals published in order that we might get a glimpse of a man, his struggles, and his overcoming faith. It is no wonder that in a short span of four years, Brainerd was able to accomplish so much as a missionary to the native Americans before his death at the age of twenty-eight.

Enlarge upon your secret times with God.

Faithfulness Regardless of Life's Circumstances

2007-10-09T06:21:00.000-05:00

I just started another book. This one is a biography, The Life and Diary of David Brainerd. I only had time to read the preface this morning, but already I am intrigued by the man's short but powerful witness of his faithfulness under extremely difficult circumstances in just a short 28 years of life. Brainerd was a missionary to native Americans in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York during the early 1740's. My ancestral roots revolve around those three states too, so the book only adds to my interest. Brainerd was a close friend of Jonathan Edwards. Both these men were profoundly affected by the Great Awakening. I was reminded of the Apostle Paul's words as I was reading, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV). God calls us to be faithful regardless of life's blessings or life's trials.

Favor with God and Man

2007-10-08T06:35:00.000-05:00

It is apparent that Christianity no longer gets fair treatment from the media as do other religions. Jesus warned us that we would be hated by the world. Yet, as I was reading this morning, these words stood out:

1 Samuel 2:26 NIV
And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men.

I found myself praying, "Lord, I want to grow in your stature and with men." As I continued to meditate on these words, I recalled a similar verse in Luke about Jesus.

Luke 2:52 NIV
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

As I reflected on both Samuel's and Jesus' spiritual growth, I began asking myself this question: "How can I grow in stature with the Lord and with men in this world when there seems to be so much hatred toward Christianity?" It seemed that the Lord was giving me the answer in Proverbs.

Proverbs 3:1-4 NIV
My son, do not forget my teaching,but keep my commands in your heart, or they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you;bind them around your neck,write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Another version says it this way in verse 4: "Earn a reputation for living well in God's eyes and the eyes of the people." (The Message)

I like that. Be faithful to God and love your enemies. Isn't that what Jesus said?

A Recent Question

2007-10-03T18:13:00.000-05:00

Someone recently asked me, "What are you reading beside the Bible?" My answer, "I am reading a book by Vince Poscente, The Age of Speed." The question then popped up. "How do you choose the books you read?"

I have a habit of walking into bookstores and scanning the recent bestseller rack and the the rack filled with recent books for business men, leaders, and managers. That's how I found my present book.

Here's my favorite method of choosing a book and the one that I shared with my young friend. It may work for you or it may not. But what really counts is that it works for me. You need to discover your own style.

1. The title of the book usually causes me to stop scanning the racks.
2. If the title grabs my attention, I usually pick up the book and read the back cover to find out what others have to say about it. It's helpful to me if one of the commentors is an author that I am familiar with or I have read their book.
3. If I am still interested, I usually open the book to the table of contents and read the chapter headings.
4. If I find an interesting chapter heading, I will turn to those pages and stand in the bookstore and start skimming through the chapter.
5. By now my interest has really been pricked, so I go back to the preface and read why the author is writing the book. I no longer can resist the temptation and off I go to the counter to buy the book.

That's my favorite method of choosing a book. Sometimes, a friend or colleague will recommend a book to me. I will then get it. But by far my favorite way is just to wonder into a bookstore and start looking. I guess I like to shop for a book like some people enjoy shopping for clothes.

The important thing is that you never stop reading and are always expanding your mind. I can thank my mom for my interest in reading. I remember her for almost always having a book nearby that she was reading.

An Angry Individual

2007-09-26T06:25:00.000-05:00

An angry individual is an out of control person. They create havoc all around them. In James 1:19, one reads that "It is best to listen, speak little, and not become angry." It takes very little to upset us. We need to let anger become a controlled emotion. James says be slow to anger.

In the original language "angry" did not mean explosive anger. The anger that James is talking about does not express itself outwardly, but describes the anger that resides in the heart and builds into deep bitterness and a hostile resentment. This kind of anger expresses itself by grumbling to God or by complaining about others. It is more an attitude of resistance or rebellion in the heart. Some people don't lose their temper, they just keep it inside their heart as a spirit of rebellion and resentment. There are a lot of angry people in the world today. Kingdom people are to be different.

Here are some other Scriptures to consider when it comes to anger.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 The Message
Don't be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head.

Proverbs 16:32 NIV
Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

Proverbs 14:17 NIV
A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.

Proverbs 14:29 The Message
Slowness to anger makes for deep understanding; a quick-tempered person stockpiles stupidity.

The Twist and Turn of Life

2007-09-24T07:14:00.000-05:00

My past weekend was filled with twists and turns.

First twist: On Saturday I drove a van load of twenty-somethings to Boston for a day outing. The day started out foggy, so I traveled with headlights on. We parked outside Boston and took the "T" into the city for a sunny fun filled day. We returned to the van, only to discover that I had forgot to turn the headlights off that morning when we had parked. So we faced the obstacle of a dead battery. It was easily overcome when a helpful young lady and her companion in their car offered to jump start the van after a search for cables which led us to another willing individual who provided them for us.

Second twist on Saturday. Penn State was playing Michigan and I really hated to miss the game on ABC, so I taped the game on my DVR for later viewing when I got home. I was careful not hear or look for the score during my day in Boston. I got home around 10 PM and decided to zip through the commercials and watched the recorded game. I stayed up until a little past mid-night, only to have my Penn State team lose to Michigan for the ninth straight time 14-9. Two critical fumbles on Penn State's behalf really sealed the lost. A dismal loss.

The Lord's Day, Sunday, I make my way to church to worship the Lord and spend time with the family of God. It was a beautiful Fall day. Sunday afternoon, I had to choose between my watching my Patriots or getting a few hours of sun out on the lake. I chose the latter, knowing that my NE Patriots could dispose of Buffalo - which they did. But in the back of my mind I was still thinking about how Penn State had lost, so I didn't tape the game to watch later. The day ended on a positive note - to a packed weekend.

Life is filled with twists and turns, disappointments and joys, surprises and the obvious. Although nothing really serious had occurred to me this past weekend, the events reminded me that regardless what happens to us in life, there is always One who is prepared to help us and lead us. As I opened my Bible Sunday morning in church, I found these notes that I had hand written near the passage of Scripture that described the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4:

"Today's decisions foreshadow tomorrow's challenges and reflect yesterday's choices." - Alicia Chole, Anonymous.

More Is Less - Less Is More

2007-09-21T06:30:00.000-05:00

Now my thought about the title was sparked because of a verse that Jeanne and I were reading during our morning devotions together yesterday. This has been a practice of ours for many years, to read a few scripture verses and pray together to begin our day. We just started reading the book of Proverbs from The Message. Yesterday's passage contained this verse:

Proverbs 1:19
When you grab all you can get, that's what happens:the more you get, the less you are.

That thought stayed with me throughout the past couple of days as I have also been personally meditating upon Paul's words from Philippians 2:5-11. These verses instruct us as to the type of attitude that we should have. Verse 7 reads that Jesus "made himself nothing" in the NIV translation. God's Word Translation says "he emptied himself . . ." How opposite is Kingdom living from worldly living. In the Kingdom of God less is more. To "empty oneself" is to have less of self in order to allow more room for God. But if we choose to grab more of the world and make room for more of our selfish desires the less there will be of God in our lives. More is less and less is more!

Listen Before Speaking

2007-09-12T06:22:00.000-05:00

James 1:19-21The Message
19 Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. 20 God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger. 21 So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.

So often, we want to be heard. We want to get our opinion across or point made. We want to convince others that we are right. James urges us to be quick to listen. When reading these verses in the greater context of the verses surrounding these, James is not just talking about listening in general but listening to the Word of God. James is really writing, "When you are listening to the Word of God, give careful attention."

We don't listen very well when we are talking. If we really want to hear what God is saying, then we need to stop talking and listen to him. Very few times does God shout at us. More often He speaks to us in a "still small voice." Prayer for us is seldom a conversation, more often it is a monologue. We tell God what we think He needs to know. Maybe you should try another approach if you think God is not answering your prayer. Try listening. Hear His quiet soft voice.

Temptation Under Pressure

2007-09-10T06:58:00.000-05:00

James 1:13-15 The message
13 Don't let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, "God is trying to trip me up." God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one's way. 14 The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. 15 Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.

James T Draper, in his book Faith That Works writes, "we need to recognize that in every test of our faith, in every trial in our lives, in every pressure that we experience, there is an element of temptation. It contains for example, an opportunity to become bitter or resentful, or to let animosity and hatred build. Within every trial, designed to strengthen and test our faith, there is also a temptation to evil" (page 39).

It is hard for most people to accept responsibility for their own actions. The tendancy on our part is to blame others. We see and hear others doing this daily, all around us. Let's be honest, we do it too. James reminds us that God is not responsible for our actions. He has no affinity toward evil. Temptation occurs because of a sinful side to us. When we do wrong we should not say "God tempted me." God is not responsible for our wrong choice or decision under pressure. We shouldn't even say "That is the way that God made me." It would be more aprropriate to say, "That is the way sin made us."

We shouldn't even blame the devil from a pratical standpoint. Sin is our own fault. The devil can't make us do anything. We give him too much credit. We give into our own desires and lusts. Whatever we do, we do because we choose to do it. Ouch.

The good news is that if we confess our sin, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sin (John 1:9). The good news is that God provides us a way of escape our temptations to sin. When we are tempted, we will never be the same again. We will be either better or worse, stronger or weaker, more fulfilled or more frustrated. It is God's desire that we emerge from the pressure points in our lives as victorious over evil and wrong doing.

This week take personal responsibility for your actions and the words that you speak. Don't blame someone else. Own up to the fact that sin still resides within. We are a battleground for good and evil. However, as you and I lean on Jesus, we can overcome temptations.

Your Faith At Work Under Pressure

2007-09-06T06:09:00.000-05:00

James 1:2-4 The Message
2Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. 3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 4 So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

My thoughts today are still on these verses from James. Verse 3 in the KJV reads that "the trying of your faith." The Greek word for "trying" (KJV) or "forced" (Message) carries with it the idea of sterling quality. It carries with it the idea behind the refining of precious metal. It's a purging. The metal is heated until it is liquid and the impurities rise to the surface so that they can be scraped off. This is called purging. Iron and steel are purged so that the metal becomes strong and sturdy.

The "trying" of our faith develops patience. Various translations use the word perseverance or endurance. Have you ever grown impatient under fire? We become stronger and more steady if we allow the purging process to be completed. Our faith is stronger and more pure.We must learn to allow our trials to run their course. It's like learning to ride a bicycle. How many times did you fall before you finally were able to ride shakily in a circle? And with each turning circle became more steady? Have you ever watched a child learn to walk? How many times did that child stumble and fall? Remember the joy by all who witnessed that little toddler taking those baby steps? Don't short change God in his refining of your faith. Instead rejoice and enjoy the knowledge that He loves you too much to leave you the way you are.

We all have pressure points. God uses them to refine who we are in Him.

Pure Joy?

2007-09-05T06:39:00.001-05:00

James 1:2-4 The Message
2 Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. 3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 4 So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

The NIV starts the above verses with the words Consider it pure joy . . ." By human standards, we do not consider trials of life to be joyful experience. But most gifts are considered an enjoyment to receive. James is writing to the twelve tribes that had been scattered throughout all the nations. Jewish believers had faced persecution in Jerusalem and were now scattered. They were still facing difficulties or trials for their faith. The Greek word used for "trials" (NIV) or "temptations" (KJV) means "testing" in the sense of a young bird testing its wings. Testing does not mean to fail, but to fly. Our trials or testings are not meant to make us stumble but to stand up. Tests are a measure of achievement. God's testing is to strengthen us, not to defeat us. A perfect example of this would be the story of Abraham offering up his son, Isaac in Genesis 22. When Abraham raised his knife to kill his son on the altar, God said, "Stop! I just wanted to see if you would withhold your son from me. I was testing you." According to James, our testings come in many different ways. How we handle our trials reveals the quality and depth of our faith. Our faith is tested everyday. Sometimes in very big ways such as a terminal illness or more often in little things such as an unkind word that is spoken to us. How we respond to either reveals the kind of faith we are living. Our joy is not in the test but in the sure knowledge that God believes in us enough to live in such a way that we will glorify Him. God is with us and wants us to live successful lives.

I Am Back

2007-09-04T06:36:00.000-05:00

Hi All! Sorry about my lack of blogging. I have been traveling a lot during the month of August. After General Council in Indianapolis, I was in the office for a few days then went on vacation. We spent some time home relaxing and enjoying the boat and beach on the lake. We then spent the Labor Day weekend visiting with Joy at Valley Forge Christian College.

I did get to read a book during this busy time in preparation for an upcoming grad class. The book: Ministering Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Personal Relationships. I would highly recommend it.The author, Sherwood Lingenfelter discusses the tension between time and event orientation, dichotomistic and holistic thinking, crisis and non-crisis orientation, task and person orientation, status and achievement focus, and concealment or willingness to expose vulnerability. He includes a basic values questionnaire and graph in order for the reader to observe and think about their own basic values. The author also dicusses how Jesus was able to bridge these cultural differences.

Enjoy your day. I have lots to catch up on.

More Parallels Between James and the Gospels

2007-08-23T06:30:00.000-05:00

Here are some more parallel passages between James and the Gospels.

James 2:5 parallels Matthew 5:3,5
James 2:6 parallels Luke 18:3 and Luke 20:47
James 2:8 parallels Matthew 22:39
James 2:11 parallels Matthew 5:21
James 2:13 parallels Matthew 5:7
James 2:14 parallels Matthew 25:21-46
James 2:15 parallels Matthew 6:25

The book of James is knit really close together with the sayings of Jesus in the Gospels. The writer of James must have had a deep and long lasting relationship with Jesus. How well are we "knitted" with Jesus. Do the words we speak echo the words Jesus? The Psalmist said, "I have hidden your words in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11 NIV).

James and the Gospels

2007-08-22T06:04:00.000-05:00

Most theologians believe that James, the half brother of Jesus, wrote the epistle titled James. In my study of the book, I discovered another reason for believing that Jesus' half brother is the author of the book. It has to do with the fact that there are so many parallels to the Gospels. In chapter one of James alone, at least 7 parallel can be found.

James 1:2 parallels Matthew 5:11
James 1:4 parallels Matthew 5:48
James 1:5 parrallels Matthew 7:7
James 1:6 parallels Matthew 9:29
James 1:17 parallels Matthew 7:11
James 1:22 parallels Matthew 7:24
James 1:23 parallels Matthew 7:26

These parallel scripture passages in James indicates that the author must have had a pretty close and intimate relationship with Jesus and the events before his resurrection and ascension. The lesson today for you and I... the more intimate we become with Jesus the more our life will parallel that of Jesus. In other words, the more we commune with Jesus the more we will be like Jesus in thought and deed.

The Book of James

2007-08-20T06:32:00.001-05:00

I have begun a personal study of the Book of James. As I was reading the following introduction to James from The Message, a thought occurred to me.

"When Christian believers gather in churches, everything that can go wrong sooner or later does. Outsiders, on observing this, conclude that there is nothing to the religion business except, perhaps, business — and dishonest business at that. Insiders see it differently. Just as a hospital collects the sick under one roof and labels them as such, the church collects sinners. Many of the people outside the hospital are every bit as sick as the ones inside, but their illnesses are either undiagnosed or disguised. It’s similar with sinners outside the church. So Christian churches are not, as a rule, model communities of good behavior. They are, rather, places where human misbehavior is brought out in the open, faced, and dealt with."

I find myself involved more often in church disputes than I wish to be involved in. But the above introduction to James reminds me that once we become believers, we carry a lot of worldly baggage into church. Anyone who expects the church to be perfect is misguided in their faith. We are merely sinners saved by grace. Our salvation experience is a journey toward perfection. As we allow the fruit of the Spirit to produce in our lives, we will become more and more like Jesus and less and less like the world in our thoughts and actions.

The book of James is a book of practical outward expression through the working of our inward faith. James deals with such matters as trials and temptations, listening and doing, favoritism, faith and deeds, our tongue, wisdom, submission, boasting, wealthy individuals, patience in suffering, and our prayer of faith. I am sure that living out the words of James will diminsh many of the conflicts that evolve in the community of believers. Will it end all conflict? Of course not, because if we are a true New Testament church, new believers will be added daily to the community of believers. These new believers will be bringing in their baggage. Thus the cycle of instruction, discipline, and growth continually occurs. The church is a hospital where our emptional, physical and spiritual man is to be made whole. People heal differently. Some heal quickly. Others heal more slowly. Still other choose not follow to the advice of our Great Physician and will live in their personal misery.

What are you doing with your talents?

2007-08-16T07:53:00.000-05:00

I was reading the Parable of the Talents from Matthew 25:14-30 this morning in preparation for a talk with my twenty-somethings tomorrow night at our gathering. Here were just a few of my thoughts as I read and reflected on this passage. The Parable of the Talents is one of several parables that Jesus shared regarding the coming kingdom of heaven (chapters 23-25).

Think back in your life to when you were in school. Who was one of the most talented people you ever knew? What happened to that person? What were you known for in school? What talents did people recognize in you?

How am I cultivating and developing my Spiritual gifts? Paul exhorted Timothy with these words:

“. . . train yourself to be godly.” 1 Timothy 4:7

“. . . fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timothy 1:6

It is my Christian duty and responsibility to cultivate (nurture) those gifts that God has given to me “so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Eph. 4:12).

If my Master, Jesus, returned today, what would he have to say about the way I have used the Spiritual gifts (talents) that he has given me? What kind of responsibility do I feel I have toward God regarding these Spiritual gifts? Toward others? I hope my questions have stirred you to reflect about those gifts, talents, and abilities with which God has blessed you.

General Council Indy 2007

2007-08-11T07:10:00.000-05:00

Our General Council in Indianapolis is finishing up this afternoon with a combined rally of youth and adults of between 15,000 and 20,000 in the RCA Dome. During the week business was conducted during the day and services for adults and youth were held seperately. I am pleased with the election of new leaders for our Fellowship. My good friend Dr. Goeorge Wood was elected General Superintendent; my friend Rev. Alton Garrison elected Assistant Superintendent, Rev. John Palmer elected General Secretary; Rev. John Bueno re-elected World Missions Director; and my good friend Rev. Zollie Smith was newly elected as U.S. Missions Director. I am excited to see that we are moving toward more diversity in both both age and race. We have a long way to go in seeing more diversity in age, gender, and race. But we are on the right road. Beth Grant, a woman was one of the top three nominees for Assistant Superintendent. Zollie Smith is an African American. My friend Doug Clay (fortyish) was considered for offices and was elcted as an Executive Presbyter at large. I am excited about what God has in store for the Assemblies of God. We must pray that we be open to His plans and purposes for our Fellowship. We must prepare ourselves for the changes that He will want to make through our leadership. I took a few pictures with my cell phone. Sorry about the quality. But I wanted to give you sense of this historic event in our Fellowship.

Life Is Like . . . Boating

2007-08-03T14:30:00.000-05:00

It is a really hot day today. In fact it has been this way most of the week. It's a good thing. I am on vacation and can enjoy these hot days out on the lake. Which got me to thinking about an upcoming topic that I have been asked to address in my preaching at one of our newer church plants, Life! Church. The pastor asked me if I would participate in a series of Sunday messages called "Life Is Like . . ."

Some of the topics being approached is Life Is like . . . Skydiving. Another is Life Is Like . . . Hiking. My assigned topic: Life Is Like . . . Boating.

Here's the outline of my general thoughts.

Introduction
- Jesus was an avid boater. He spent a great deal of time near the Sea of Galilee. Boats were used for travel, transportation of goods, and livelihood (fishing).

- My boating world is for pleasure. I have learned some valuable life lessons through my boating experience.

Talking Points
1. Boating requires preparation - Luke 5:1-3

2. Boating requires launching. Be sure your drain plug is in - Luke 5:4-5

3. Expect the unexpected when boating. Keep your life preserver nearby – Mark 4:35-41

- Unknown currents (drifting) – Hebrews 2:1
- Unforeseen (hidden) surprises – Matthew 14:22. Think Titanic. Quote: “life below the waterline” – Gordon McDonald
- Storms (wind and waves) – Matthew 14:23-27. Know the signs – Matthew 16:1-4
- Breakdown (failure) – Matthew 14:28-32. Quote: “The only time you fail is the last time you try.” - unknown

4. Boating is fulfilling – John 10:10

- Boating is fun in spite of the surprises and cost. So is life! – Luke 5:6-11.
- Serving Christ only will lead to fulfillment in life.

I am off to morrow to attend a Church Planting Facilitator Training Summit, General Prebyter meetings, and General Council, all being held in Indianapolis. I won't be back until the 13th. Hopefully, I will have some time to blog and let you know what is happening and what I am thinking. This General Council is pivotable for our Fellowship. Keep the Assemblies of God in prayer. We are electing three of executive officers and several important issues are to be discussed and acted upon during the general business sessions. For more on that, you can go to http://www.futureag.blogspot.com/

Team Communities

2007-07-31T06:25:00.000-05:00

Most of my life as a youth, I was involved in team sports. Recently in my master's course, Effective Leadership, I wrote about team leadership. Teams are effective. Bill Hybels talks about team communities in his book, Courageous Leadership. I quote from his book the following:

When Dr. Graham stood to receive his medal, he looked at the award and then quietly said, "This medal is really not for me. This medal is for our team. We've been together for forty-five years. Wwithout each member my life would not have been the same. I owe them so much." Then he listed, one by one, thames of those who had formed the core of his evangelistic ministry. As he spoke their names he struggled to contain his emotion.

Still, I did not fully realize how deeply Dr. Graham and his associates valued team until, sometime later, I enjoyed a visit at his home in Montreat, North Carolina. He led me down the hill from his home and pointed out the houses being built nearby bsome of his team members. Apparently, forty-five years of togetherness was not enough for this tightly knitm. Even as they neared the end of their lives, they wanted to be together, caring for and supporting each oth, just as they had throughout their ministry years. I was deeply moved by their commitment to stay together all the way to the end.

Jesus too provides us a model of a leader who built a cohesive, loving team. One incident toward the end of his life is particularly touching. On the eve of his betrayal, he gathered his team together in the Upper Room and drew them close with these words: "I earnestly desire to share the meal with you." Then he broke the bread and shared the wine. His instructions for the future were specific. They were to continue this practice of remembering him, in community. Think of it. The first time communion was ever taken it was a team experience. And it's suppose to continue to be a team experience.

Has anyone experienced authentic team community? Does anyone desire to be a part of such team community? What is team community like for those who are experiencing it?

I have experienced similar team community while playing peewee football. Our team was always together on and off the field. We would spend nights together, eat together, play together. We would go to the high school football games together and sit in the bleachers together. We would where our game jersey everywhere so people could identify us as a team. And because of that community we had a winning record, undefeated champions in our division. I again experienced team community playing high school football. We were always together, doing things together. And when we get together now at our reunions we reminisce about "the good old days." Then we called it camaraderie. Today, I think Hybels would refer to it as team community.

I am also experiencing it today, being involved in the District leadership team. I have a wonderful relationship with my fellow district officers. It is a pleasure to get together with them. We deeply care aboout one another and each other's family. We spend time together. In fact, I am looking forward to next week at General Presbytery meetings and General Council as the three of us can spend time together. We have been apart lately due to vacations. I miss our talks and laughter. I miss the sharing time. It will be good to catch up.

Now what about you? Let me know what you think about the concept of team community.

An Interesting Discussion with Twenty-Somethings

2007-07-28T08:12:00.000-05:00

Last night at Paradigm, a gathering of twenty-somethings, some of our discussion about our personalities and behavioral blends centered around a quote from Rex Miller's book.

"Our communication tools have changed over time: from spoken word, to written word, to broadcast-image word, to digital multimedia word. With each change has come a new and different way of seeing the world." (Rex Miller, The Millenium Matrix, San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 15.)

The bottom line of all our discussion was this. Regardless the form of communication we are now using daily (text messaging, IM, MySpace, email, etc.), we all still have an inner desire and hunger for face to face time; where we can see, touch, feel, and hear one another; where all our senses are being used.

What I did not quote at our talk was the rest of Miller's words following the above quote. Miller went on to say:

"Here's what happens:
*When our communication tools change, our perception changes.
*Changed perception creates changed understanding.
*Changed understanding changes our psychological makeup.
*Changed psyches change our interaction with the world (bold emphasis is mine).
*Changes in our interaction with the world change our relationsahips to one another (again bold emphasis is mine).
*Changes in our relationships leads to changes in the institutions that facilitate those relationships.
*Our psychological makeup changes, and we reshape the world in our own image." (Miller, The Millenium Matrix, 15-16)

Miller then later suggested trying this: "Imagine living in a different world where there is only verbal communication without written or recorded media" (no technology). What do you think?

My Current Reading

2007-07-27T07:28:00.000-05:00

I'm at Maine Bean this morning. That's right, it's Friday. Having a good cup of "Cabin Comfort," a medium flavor coffee and am enjoying a good book. Currently I am reading Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels. I highly recommend every person in any kind of leadership in the church to read this one. Hybel's is not writing it for the leadership gurus or big time CEO's. He's writing it for you and I with a challenge to fan into flames the gift of leadership. Enjoy your day. I'm gonna enjoy my book and cup of coffee.

Interesting Blog Thought

2007-07-26T14:00:00.000-05:00

I usually do not blog more than once during a day, however, I came across an interesting blog site. It has to do with our Assemblies of God Fellowship's election of a new General Superintendent in August. You can follow the discussion and even participate with your own comments. Go to http://www.futureag.blogspot.com/ The dialogue taking place in most cases has been fabulous. The moderators are not allowing inappropriate comments to be posted.

One of the commentors made the following thoughts. Myself, being 56 years old, found it interesting. I think the anonymous writer did some good parsing of generational issues. Unfortunately, he left himself unamed. The individual did reveal that he was 50 years old. He or she wrote:

1. Information control—Older generations are content with a top-down approach to information dissemination; Younger generations value instant access to information (including background information on GS candidates).

2. Theology—Older generations are committed to systematic/dogmatic theological formations; Younger generations value biblical/narrative theology and are comfortable with mystery and paradox.

3. Change—Older generations are vested in status quo denominational systems; Younger generations prize innovation, change—even disequilibrium.

4. Size—Older generations equate bigger with better; Younger generations are committed to smaller more mobile systems.

5. Institution—Older generations believe in institutions; Younger generations are distrusting of institutions.

6. Diversity—Older generations have been content with all-male, all-Anglo leadership; Younger generations value diversity—gender, race, socio-economy.

7. Education—Older generations viewed higher-education with suspicion; Younger generations value training—formal and informal, technical and professional.

8. Collaboration—Older generations looked internally for resources and support; Younger generations look externally to best practices from the marketplace and other church groups.

I have to agree with the above. However, I have been taking steps to avoid being caught in the trap of being unable or unwilling to adapt and change by spending a great deal of my time with youth and twenty-somethings. It is amazing what they can teach you, if we are willing to listen and learn from them.

Play By The Rules

2007-07-26T06:40:00.000-05:00

It seems that recently, I have been reading a lot about athletes and even referees who are not playing by the rules. Barry Bonds is about to surpass Hank Aaron's all time home run record of 755. Unfortunately, he is surrounded by allegations and innuendos regarding steroid use. Then there is the Tour de France rider, Alexandre Vinokourov, who has been banned because of blood doping charges. There is also Michael Vick, charged with dog fighting. Finally, there is NBA referee, Tim Donaghy, accused of having made improper calls to shave points. Even my beloved Penn State football team has a shadow cast upon them as several players were disciplined for an off campus fight. What is going on?

Paul exhorted Timothy, "if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules" (2 Timothy 2:5 NIV). There is way that we believers should live, so that we do not bring reproach upon ourself or others who bear the title, "Christian." The sports world is getting a black eye. Let's not be too critical or judgmental. Instead maybe we need to evaluate our personal behavior and lifestyle in light of God's Word.

Run the Race in Order to Finish

2007-07-23T06:26:00.000-05:00

Paul wrote:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 The Message
[24] You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. [25] All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. [26] I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! [27] I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

Back in the 1980's and early 1990's I was an avid long distant road runner. I trained daily and ran in 5K and 10k road races weekly. I even ran in a marathon. I learned some valuable lessons from those earlier days that have guided me spiritually, also. Here's a few of those thoughts.

1. The Christian race is not a sprint. It isn't over in 10 seconds as is the 100 meter dash. It is more like a marathon. It's grueling. It's long. Therefore, pace your self for the long haul.

2. Because our Christian race is more like a marathon, we must learn to run our race at at a pace that is best for each individual. One of the things I learned was that I might do well in my age bracket, but there were always runners who could outrun me. I soon learned that it was more important to run against my personal best time than to run against the best of the best. Each time I tried to run against the best, I found myself doing poorly (time wise). I go home from the race frustrated and disappointed with myself. However, when I ran against my personal best time and beat it, I felt good about my accomplishment. I learned that it was more important to run against myself than to run against others in the race. In our Christian race we need to learn how to pace ourselves. We need to learn how to accept our limitations and learn to depend more on God in our weaknesses. It's not just about winning - its about finishing. We don't have to prove ourselves. It is God who validates who we are. Somebody will always be better than you.

At the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, only a few thousand spectators remained in the stadium following the running of the marathon. It was more than an hour since the first three runners had finished. As these final spectators were leaving, they were suddenly aroused by the sound of sirens going off and policemen blowing their whistles. Confused, the spectators turned to look toward the entrance floor of the stadium. There entering the stadium came a lone figure wearing the colors of Tanzania. The runner's name was Steven Akhwari. He was the last runner to finish. His leg was bloody and bandaged and he grimaced with each step. He had severally injured his knee in a fall. He painfully hobbled around the 400 meter track. The remaining spectators rose and applauded the courage of this man as if he were a winner. After crossing the finish line, he walked off the field without turning to the cheering crowd. Later asked why he had not quit, since his task was so painful and he had no chance of winning a medal, he said: “My country did not send me 7000 miles to start the race. They sent me 7000 miles to finish it.”

Competition can be good. It helps us to strive to become better. But it can also become a weight around our neck when we begin compare ourselves to others or are unwilling to recognize and accept our limitations. I think the emphasis that Paul is making is on finishing. We all are winners in God's eyes when we cross that final finish line.

Some Awesome Twenty-Somethings

2007-07-19T16:32:00.000-05:00

Jeanne & I with just a few of our awesome Gen X'ers!

Gen X'ers in the Word!

Amazing How Fast Time Goes By

2007-07-16T05:21:00.000-05:00

The Psalmist wrote:

Ps 90:5-6 NIV
[5] You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning — [6] though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered.

Ps 103:15-16 NIV
[15] As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; [16] the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.

Isa 40:6-8 NIV
[6] A voice says, "Cry out. "And I said, "What shall I cry? All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. [7] The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. [8] The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."

Wow, time flies by when you are having fun. It has been some time since I last wrote something on my blog. A lot has also happened. I was in meetings with our Presbytery for two days. They were good meetings as we interviewed five individuals for credentials as ministers in the our Fellowship. That is always exciting. I then had a lot correspondence to catch up on and phone calls to follow up on over the next three days. In between all this, I received notice that our General Superintendent, Thomas Trask, is stepping down as leader after having given 14 years to the Assemblies of God as its overseer. And then there is today, my 56th birthday.
This all brings me to the point of the Scriptures above. Life is short. Make the best of it. Do something that will make a difference in the world and in the Kingdom of God. Be a positive influence and impact lives of others in a positive way.

About a dozen twenty-something year olds showed up at the house last night with party hats and streamers to surprise and celebrate my birthday. As I listened to the chatter and laughter, I was struck by the thoughts of how fleeting life is and how important priorities are. Have a great day. I will.

Understanding Our Spiritual Gifts

2007-07-05T06:54:00.000-05:00

There is often a lot of confusion about Spiritual gifts and their use. A good starting point is looking at what the Scripture has to say. Too often, we rely on experience in trying to define, determine, and defend Spiritual gifts. Apparently this was a problem in Paul's day. The church in Corinth was struggling over the issue of Spiritual gifts and their proper use. I like how chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians begins in The Message:

"What I want to talk about now is the various ways God's Spirit gets worked into our lives. This is complex and often misunderstood, but I want you to be informed and knowledgeable."

Study the Scriptures.

Spiritual Gifts - Romans 12

2007-07-03T06:10:00.000-05:00

"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you" (Romans 12:3 NIV).

Sometimes we over estimate ourselves. At other times we under estimate ourselves. Paul instructs us to be balanced in our evaluation of who we are and the strengths (gifts) we have. We need to understand ourselves (how we are wired), but must do so carefully. I like how The Message reads: "The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him."

When it comes to our spiritual gifts that God has given us, we must remember that to be effective they must be used interdependently, not independently. Again, Paul wrote: "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us" (Romans 12:4-6 NIV).

What good is our toe if it is not attached to our body? What good would our thumb be if it were not attached to the hand? And what good is a hand if it is cut off and lying on the ground somewhere. So also our gifts. They are useless if not connected with the rest of the body of Christ (church).

Paul goes on to list some spiritual gifts in this passage in Romans 12. They are: prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and mercy.

A Spirit-Filled Life

2007-07-02T07:18:00.000-05:00

Well, vacation is over and I am rested and ready to face a new week. It started early this morning. I have been busy the past hour doing my email responses. Seems like a ton of them. I still have several to go but thought about a quick break to blog, since I even stayed away from that for a week. An not to mention my in file with a stack of paper to go through. Why is it that vacation gets you rested but when its over you have double the amount of work to do catching up? Doesn't seem fair does it?

This morning I was reading from 2 Timothy. Paul exhorted Timothy "to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you" (2 Timothy 1:6 NIV). Since I have begun a series on the Spirit Filled Life among a group of twenty somethings, this verse grabbed my attention. How often we allow the gift or gifts that God has given us to either grow cold or lay dormant in our lives. By doing so, we remain or become ineffective in life and in the church. God gives us gifts to be used for His glory. In a previous letter to Timothy, Paul had instructed this young man to "not neglect your gift, which was given you" (1 Timothy 4:14 NIV). Spiritual gifts are given to each and everyone of us for a purpose. Paul told the church in Ephesus that spiritual gifts are meant "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12-13 NIV).

A question that we need to be asking ourselves is, "What gifts have God blessed me with?" Another question we need to be asking "What am I doing with those gifts to glorify God and build up others?"

W.I. Evans wrote: "The need of the Pentecostal people is not primarily to pray for the gifts. Gifts are here. Our need is to seek God and press into God in living faith so that the gifts lying dormant, enough to set the world on fire, may come into exercise."

Have a great day! It's time for me to get back to catching up on my office work.

Selah!

2007-06-25T07:19:00.000-05:00

I have been reading several psalms this morning. Several times the verses ended with the word "selah." Selah means to stop or rest. It means to pause. In other words the Psalmist is reminding us to reflect on what we have just read. Well, that got me to thinking. I am on vacation this week. It's my "selah" - a moment of time to stop, rest and reflect. I will be doing a lot of that out on the lake in my boat that will soon have a name on it . . . Selah!

A Church Planting Thought

2007-06-20T18:33:00.000-05:00

I have been spending this week facilitating/coaching a small group of church planters here in Manchester, NH. These guys & gals are really fun to be around. They are passionate and excited about doing something big for God in His Kingdom. My group is really interesting. The couples come from different parts of the country. But what really intrigues me is the way in which they have been connceting to each other because of the extreme range of ages. There is twenty something couple, a thirty something couple, a forty something couple and a fifty something couple and me an almost fifty-six year old coach. To watch this group interact and connect has been something to behold. There sure is no generation gap in this group. They laugh, talk share, dream, ask questions, and learn from one another. It is almost as if there is no age difference. I am convinced that their driving passion to church plant has caused them to set aside differences in order to accomplish their goals. This group has connected with each other in a deep and powerful way. There must be a lesson here for all of us.

One of our presenters shared this thought with us today. If we can't serve the Lord with joy and gladness, then we will give ourselves and the work over to the enemy. He used Deuteronomy 28:47-48 as the scripture text:

"Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity, therefore in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and dire poverty, you will serve the enemies the Lord sends against you. He will put an iron yoke on your neck until he has destroyed you."

I hope your ministry is a joy and not a burden!

Listening

2007-06-18T21:00:00.000-05:00

One of the discussions at our bootcamp for church planting and revitalization centered around we as coaches, being able to listen. The following scripture was shared:

Proverbs 18:13 NIV
He who answers before listening — that is his folly and his shame.

Among those quoted:

Steve Ogne
"He who talks most listens least."

Peter Drucker
"The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't being said."

The session ended with the question: "What happens when people feel listened to?"

Ministry Update

2007-06-18T06:15:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday, I had the privilege of hanging out with 14 twenty somethings on the lake with my boat. These Gen-Xer's are probably the most forgotten generation in our churches. Yet, they have so much talent and ability if we will just tap into them by building relationships with them individually. We had an absolute blast, tubing, wake boarding, playing volleyball, and just plain "chill'in". Talking individually with them, I am learning alot about their hopes, dreams, struggles, and desire in wanting to be used of God.

Today begins a week long bootcamp in our District. It's an intense time of training in areas of church planting and church health. Our District in hosting it and I am looking forward to hanging out with some really serious "go getters" for the Kingdom of God. Hopefully, I will be able to post a few tidbits gleaned this week on my blog for you.

An Overcomer

2007-06-11T06:38:00.000-05:00

This has been a very busy weekend for Jeanne and me. We have been celebrating the graduation of a very special young lady friend of ours. Her name is Joy. For the past three and a half years, Jeanne and I have been investing our lives into this teenager. as mentor, tutor and friend. We consider her family.

It all began while I was observing a fifteen year old young lady, with outstretched arms, desperately crying out to God on a Sunday morning for help. In that moment, God gently spoke to me that He was going to answer her cry through my obedience to Him. I went home that Sunday and told Jeanne about God’s impression upon me. Together, Jeanne and I entered into the journey fully committed to fulfill God’s plan, whatever that might be. It has been a wonderful journey for all of us, in spite of a few bumps and prodding along the way. Jeanne and I are so very proud of all her accomplishments in such a short time. God has truly blessed her commitment and hard work, as she tenaciously pursued to become all that He wanted her to become.

I clearly remember one of my very first conversations with Joy, not long after God impressed upon me, that I was to do whatever was necessary to encourage and lead her in His plan. It was a Sunday night at youth group, and I had asked Joy what her goals were. She basically answered that she didn’t have any, other than that she hoped she could complete her high school education, although at the time, it seemed like an impossible task. Over the course of the next few years much has occurred. Together, with her parent’s permission and encouragement, we embarked on an ambitious plan that included a more structured home school setting, tutoring, and eventual enrollment at Windham Christian Academy.

Joy has exceeded and surpassed everyone's expectations, including her own. She finished her Junior year at Windham with a 92 average and as an honor student. This year she has graduated with high honors and a 96 GPA (2nd in her class). I have watched her blossom and come alive with confidence during the past three years. She has overcome a low self-opinion of herself and turned into a bright, cheerful and confident young woman. She has taken advantage of the opportunities that have been afforded her, to develop academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Joy has had to work double hard to get to the point of where she is now. Where as before, she had little hope and few goals for life, now before her are visions and dreams and great opportunities. She has a hope filled future.

Joy is about to embark on a new journey. She is accepted to Valley Forge Christian College and has received several scholorships to help make her dream financially possible. Joy is an overcomer! Her successes did not come about the easy way. It was the result of having put God first in her life and by diligently and doggedly working hard. God has rewarded Joy's efforts. This all brings me to my point of this blog this morning.

God makes many promises to the overcomer. He mentions seven in Revelations:

Revelation 2:7 NIV
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Revelation 2:11 NIV
who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.

Revelation 2:17 NIV
To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.

Revelation 2:26 NIV
To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations . . .

Revelation 3:5-6 NIV
He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.

Revelation 3:12 NIV
Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.

Revelation 3:21-22 NIV
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

God rewards those who dilgently seek after Him. Congratulations Joy! Jeanne and I so very proud of you. I have always believed in you because God first believed in you. You are an inspiration to anyone who faces obstacles and difficulties. They can be overcome as we put our faith, trust, and confidence in Him. The Bible clearly states that we will reap what we sow.

I Say "Amen!"

2007-06-08T07:26:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting at my favorite coffee shop in Windham, Maine, sipping some good coffee and catching up on some reading. I just got done reading The Pastor's Weekly Briefing by H.B. London and was deeply moved by it. I want to share the article with you.

WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR CHILDREN?

It is very difficult not to get caught up in the adventures and consequences of Hollywood's "bad girls." The names Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie dominate news shows, newspapers and magazines. These young ladies, all under the age of 26, have become famous more for their misdeeds than their accomplishments. It has been said, "Fame, money and power change everything." Would you agree?

It is also a sad commentary on our society when the young ladies mentioned above become the role models for pre-teen and teenage girls around the world. Paris Hilton was in jail (apparently now under house arrest), Lindsay Lohan is in re-hab, Nicole Richie is fighting to stay out of jail, and Britney Spears, the mother of two, is saying she has hit bottom ... and yet they are role models? Go figure.

In a USAToday survey taken last weekend, people said money, fame and the negative influence of Hollywood had more to do with their bad behavior than parents doing a poor job. I wonder? I believe parents matter and they matter a lot. I also would think the parents of the four troubled ladies are heartsick at what they see.

Pastors, your children live in a fishbowl. The smaller the church, the larger the bowl — simply because your children find themselves in the spotlight.

Bev and I are very proud of our two sons. They are both married with two children. Each of them has a teenage daughter. I know our girls are aware of the "famous four" we have been discussing.

I wish the following for my two granddaughters:

I want them to experience unconditional love, but with limits and parameters.

I want them to grow under Christian influence. I want them to model their parents' values.

I want their fathers to be their heroes, not some rock star or movie celebrity.

I also want for them good guidance from their moms on what they wear, and how they look in public. Sometimes, parents must say "no" regardless of the reaction.

I want for my granddaughters open communication. I want them to be able to discuss anything with their parents.

I also want them to understand the value of a dollar.

I want for them friends who have good morals themselves, and good parental influence.

I don't want my granddaughters to think Britney, Lindsay, Nicole and Paris are "cool." I love them too much.

What do you want for your children?

Be blessed and be a blessing. —HBL

All I can say is "AMEN!"

You can subscribe to this news letter:

Power of the Lord

2007-06-07T06:18:00.000-05:00

I am inspired and intrigued whenever I read this verse.

1 Kings 18:46 NIV
The power of the Lord came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

I am inspired by the thought of imagining and experiencing such power. He had already faced and won the challenge with the false prophets of Baal. Now, here he is filled with power. My thought is that he was filled with power when he stood against the false prophets moments before. Why the mention of "power" now? Yet, it was the power of the Spirit that undoubtedly gave him strength and stamina to out run King Ahab's chariot to Jezreel. My mind conjures up the picture of Road Runner, the cartoon character, taking off like a shot out of a cannon. This is the inspirational point for me.

I am intrigued that after all this, Elijah retreats and hides, almost immediately, out of fear for his life (1 Kings 19). What happened to "the power of the Lord" that had been on him? I guess we have all at some point in our ministry experienced a let down after a great spiritual victory. We might refer to it as the "Monday morning blahs." The good news is that the Lord will refresh us. If you are feeling a spiritual let down at the moment, let the Lord refresh you. Eat and drink, Elijah was told. We can feast on Jesus's words, which is bread and water for us.

Miracle Thoughts

2007-06-05T06:15:00.000-05:00

This morning I read from 1 Kings 17 about Elijah and the widow from Zarephath. Two miraculous incidents occurred. First the widow was able to feed Elijah during the famine without her flour and oil running out. By the way, she only had enough to make one meal for her child and herself and then she was going to die. The second miracle was that later after the famine had ended, the widow's son died, Elijah prayed for his recovery and he came back to life.

How do miracles occur? Just some real quick observations:

They occur at a great cost. What is the price you are willing to pay in order for a miracle to occur? The widow had to offer her last bit of food. The widow had to see her son die. Life can be hard on us.

Miracles are the result of perseverance. Elijah had to travel through the countryside where the famine occured. He had to ask a widow who looked as though she had little to offer for help. In the case of the dead son, he had to plead with God three times for his life. He didn't give up after his first attempt.

Miracles occur because of obedience. We find that Elijah obeyed the Lord's instruction, regardless how odd the instruction appeared to be outside the natural realm.

Miracles require humility. A widow about to die was used. Imagine - asking someone who appeared to be less than you for help.

Do you need a miracle in your life?

Interesting Reading

2007-06-04T06:37:00.000-05:00

With my shoulder seperation slowing down my activity level, I spent the weekend reading former Attorney General John Ashcroft's book, Never Again: Securing America and Restoring Justice. I don't know about you, but I am not enjoying the media's portrayal or attention that is being projected into politics. In fact, such an early attention being given to a presidential election that is so far away, is turning me off. I wonder how many others are also being turned off?

I found John Ashcroft's book enjoyable and surprisingly refreshing for several reasons. First he is a deeply committed Christian, secondly he was born and raised up in an Assembly of God minister's home, and thirdly, his father preached at my ordination service in 1984. The media and liberal politicians battered John during his tenure as Attorney General. Thus reading the book provided me a great deal of insight into John's handling of misinformation and outright lies. What stood out throughout my reading was Jesus' warning, that world would hate his followers. Jesus teaching about how to rerspond to such attacks are summed up in the Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 5:11-12 NIV
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

As I read John's book, I am deeply thankful for a man who attempted to live according to Jesus' words and not according to the ways and thoughts of men. The political races are just beginning to heat up. I suspect that we are going to hear and see a lot nasty things being said and done. We need to pray for our country - and for a revival to sweep across the political scene. Policticians need to stop talking about their religion and begin living out their faith in a Godly manner - no excuses!

Ouch!!!! Give Thanks!

2007-05-30T06:44:00.000-05:00

I tried to keep up with some teenagers this past Sunday night playing dodge ball. Well it happened, I was diving for a loose ball and crashed driving my shoulder into the floor with all my weight. By Tuesday morning, I was in the doctor's office having it looked at. Turns out I injurded my AC (short for acromioclavicular joint). Not much can be done except ice, sling and rest. So my typing is now limited. I'm learning to be left handed, and wondering about what this will do with my summer plans, not to mention water skiing.

The Bible teaches that we are to give thanks in all things - which I am doing. There is much to be thankful for. It could have been worse. It could have been someone else. It gives me time to reflect on how I am learning to adapt to this temporary inconvenience. There is so much that we take for granted in this world.

Some Gen X Thoughts By Gen X'ers

2007-05-26T07:29:00.000-05:00

This past Monday Morning Insights blog that I have an RSS feed to, had a post by a good friend of mine who has been having a running dialogue with some twenty something age friends. I would love to hear your comments on Earl's blog. You can read the article An Inconveneient Spirituality yourself and the posted comments. Do you agree? disagree? or have some more thoughts about what Earl and his friends have to say? Help me to better understand your world perspective. Talk to me.

Memorial Day Weekend

2007-05-25T07:12:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day is the kick off to the summer crunch for many of us. Yes, that's my boat and I am also thinking about my free summer days out on the lake . . . water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing, or just floating and soaking up the sun.

But there is another Son to soak ourselves in. He is Jesus. Memorial Day is set aside to honor and remember the sacrifices by many so that we might enjoy our freedom. My thoughts turn to my dad, who would turn 100 this October, if he were still living. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 82. He was proud to have served in the North African and Italian campaigns during World War II, with the 85th Infantry Division, 85th Signal Company. So I honor him with my thoughts.

I also honor Jesus with my thoughts too. He sacrificed His life that I might be free from sin. We observe Him and His work on the cross through communion. The cup and bread is a memorial of all that He has given us - abundant life - now and in the future.

So as you begin your summer activities, give thanks and honor, to both the living and dead who have served in our armed forces - and honor and give thanks to God for His Son Jesus.

Heart Beat of God

2007-05-24T07:06:00.000-05:00

Sorry about my lack of blogging, again. My travels took me to Cape May, New Jersey for a regional Secretary/treasure meeting. The hotel we stayed at charged $9.95 per day for wireless connectivity to the internet. Needless to say, I was just too cheap (frugal?) to pay the fee. I guess I should also say that I just missed the Jersey shore so much that I couldn't resist walking the beach during all my free time. I spent the first thirty years of my life in Jersey. There's nothing like its beaches. So why bother doing email or blogging?

During one of the devotion times the following was shared by one one of my colleagues. He called the devotional, "The Heart Beat of God." The text was:

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

The points were these:

1. "All Authority." The enphasis is on all! Authority speaks of power. There is nothing or no one who can stand against God and His servants.

2. "Go and make." This is the plan. Methods may change but the plan is always the same. This plan of God will be accomplished.

3. "I am with you always." Always is the emphasis. We do not fulfill God's plan alone. He has all the power, a perfect plan, and keeps His promise.

Financial Advice For 20 & 30 Somethings

2007-05-18T07:28:00.000-05:00

Being involved daily in finances and also now associating with the twenty and thirty year olds in Paradigm ( my churches ministry to this age group), I could not help but read this Fox News article about some latest research into Gen Xers latest lifestyle findings. You can click on the link. I have also pasted the article below.

Research Shows Generation Xers Get a Bum Rap, But They're No Bums

"Gen Xers get a bad rap. They're often portrayed as slackers and runaway spenders who don't know how to work or save.
Not so, says new research sponsored by Charles Schwab Corp., one of several financial services companies trying to draw a bead on this age 27-to-42 demographic. Today's 30-somethings are hard workers who have more bills than cash. They also have a healthy distrust of the very financial services industry that wants their cash. Perhaps for good reason.
"They aren't being well served," says Jonathan Craig, who's heading up Schwab's effort to capture Gen X clients.
The new 30-somethings do face some challenges that others didn't. They're making less than their parents were at the same age. According to U.S. Census estimates, the median income for men between 25 and 34 in 2005 was $31,161. In 1975, adjusted for inflation, it was $35,296. The comparable data for female workers was $22,815 in 2005 and $16,247 in 1975.
And, they have much bigger bills. It's not just the school loans, it's the generally bigger lifestyle that hurts their bottom line. Think about the computer, cell phone, broadband service and more that are a necessary part of life now.

Gen Xers have some unique strengths, too. They are technologically savvy and unafraid to put their finances online or talk about their financial problems and solutions, says Marc Hedlund of Wesabe (http://www.wesabe.com), a social networking/financial planning Web site that is attracting users in their 20s and 30s. And they have that vaunted cynicism to keep them from trusting strangers -- or employers -- with their money too easily. Most are wise to not count on retirement benefits that are loosely promised to be there decades into the future.

So, too little money, too many expenses, nobody to trust.
What's a savvy 30-something to do with that scenario? Here are some tips.

-- Watch your fees. Hedlund contends that huge fees are a trap for this generation: Bank overdraft fees, which can pile up on debit card exchanges, as well as credit card late and over-limit fees. "These people blame themselves," assuming they deserve the fees they rack up because they've behaved badly. But those myriad fees have been ratcheting up faster than bad financial behavior has.

Make sure you keep a cushion in your checking account. Make an automatic payment to your credit card every month so you're never late, and complain if the fees seem to pile up too fast. Just by getting control of the fees you pay for financial services, you can put extra spending money in your pocket.

-- Create an electronics/communications budget and stick to it. Consider cable TV, movie rentals, cell phone service, Internet service, extra wireless fees, and downloaded music, movies and television shows all as one category of expense. Assign a reasonable number to it and apportion it according to your priorities.

-- Save for retirement, but don't beat yourself up if you can't do as much as you'd like. You've seen all the sales pitches aimed at how powerful it is to start saving early. All true. But it's especially hard when you're also trying to buy your first house, build your career (and your working wardrobe) and buy shoes for the kids. So make putting a maximum contribution into your 401(k) at the top of the list. Then look at adding a Roth IRA. Once you've had your Roth up and running for five years, you can break the emergency glass and get at some of the money for other non-retirement reasons if you need to.

-- Take advantage of all the attention. Those banks and brokers are just starting to roll out products aimed at your generation, and it's going to get better. Schwab's latest is a free, no-fee checking account paying 4.25 percent interest. That's a nice deal, even if the rate doesn't last. Bank of America has a new no-fee mortgage, and a policy of feeding customer savings accounts with change from their debit card transactions. Both require careful small-print reading to see if they make sense for you, but are worth looking at. Upromise (http://www.upromise.com) has a constellation of savings deals that can help you build up a college fund for junior painlessly.

-- Learn about financial products that can help with savings, as well as investing. If you're trying to accumulate a downpayment for a new car, you don't want to put all of that money into stocks, but you don't want to leave it all in your checking account either. Learn how to use money market mutual funds, short-term bond funds, certificates of deposit, zero-interest credit card deals, and more.

-- Get more educated. Almost everyone thinks they are bad with money, but they're not any worse than anybody else, observes Hedlund. This generation knows how to access information and use it for their own benefit. Choose a subject: credit cards, mutual funds, retirement savings, college loans or whatever, and start doing your homework -- via educational Internet sites or books, advice from experts and elders, or all of the above. By the time you're 40, you'll know enough to make you, if not rich, than at least put you comfortably ahead of where you are now."

I have found personally that the Gen Xers and even Gen Yers are an incredibly bright and smart age group that really want to make an impact in the world in which they live. They also love coffee shops and socializing. I guess you could call me "wanna be" :-) Have a great week end.

Temple Material

2007-05-17T06:25:00.000-05:00

As I read about the construction of Solomon's temple in chapters 5 through 8, I was struck by the detail of materials used and especially by the number of laborers that were conscripted, a 103,300. It took them seven years to build the temple and another thirteen years to build his palace. When the Ark was placed in the temple and the priests "withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the Lord. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple" (1 Kings 8:10-11). The temple was considered sacred and holy. It was the house of God.

Today, God chooses to dwell in people. Our bodies are living temples in which His Spirit resides. Paul wrote:

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple. Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a fool so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: 'He catches the wise in their craftiness'; and again, 'The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.' So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future — all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God. 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 NIV

Paul wrote again in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

We have a responsibility to honor God in the way we live.

Seek Wisdom

2007-05-15T06:32:00.000-05:00

I continued my reading this morning in 1 Kings. These words described Solomon:

"God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and breath of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdomof all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Eqypt. He was wiser than any other man . . . He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom." (1 Kings 4:29-34)

Wisdom is greatly needed in this world today - wisdom that goes beyond man's thinking and understanding. James wrote, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5). The book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom for the reader:

"My son. if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it asfor silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:1-6)

It was God, through Chist Jesus who gave spiritual gifts to the church. The gift (or ministry) of wisdom is given to the body of Christ. This is just one of nine spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12.

Seek the wisdom of God in His word and in Spirit. "Be very careful, then how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15)

Wisdom to Lead

2007-05-14T07:09:00.000-05:00

Here's another one of those Monday Morning Insight blogs that provoked my thoughts:

Is There a Correlation Between IQ & Pastoral Success?

In her article “Why Smart People Make Bad Moves,” Yahoo! Financial columnist Laura Rowley examines a recent study from Ohio State University on the relationship between a person’s IQ and his or her financial situation. She summarizes the study this way: “Smart people can be boneheads when it comes to accumulating wealth, and the average Joe can become the millionaire next door.” According to the study each point increase in IQ test scores raised income by between $234 and $616 per year. But this didn’t protect higher IQ people from financial woes. In fact, higher IQ people had just as high, if not higher rates of late bills, maxed-out credit cards, and even bankruptcies. The bottom line: Just because you’re smart doesn’t mean you’re smart in using your smartness. (Obviously, I didn’t rate real high on the IQ test myself!)...

I guess that’s the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Scripture pointed this out long ago: “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength” (I Corinthians 1:25).

That got me wondering…is there a correlation between “smart” pastors and “success in ministry”? Would a pastor with a higher “spiritual” IQ have a more vibrant and growing church than someone with a lower, more normal level of intelligence?

According to Rowley, here are some reasons why your average next-door neighbor might be a millionaire while you sit in your living room paying off your maxed-out Visa bill. I wonder if any of these “average millionaire” traits could correspond to the “higher than average” church leader?

Let’s investigate.

They Make Their Own Rules: Rowley quotes Loral Langemeier, author of The Millionaire Maker: “Many wealthy people didn’t do well in school; it was too structured for them. But they’re creative, intuitive, and have street smarts—they understand how things work, and how to get business done.” I see this same quality in many pastors of vibrant churches. There’s a high value on creativity and innovation. Their leadership is usually very entrepreneurial… they actually like to try new things. And they’ve set up their church leadership to allow things to happen, and happen quickly.

They Get Knocked Down, But They Get Up Again: “It’s hustle,” says real estate magnate Barbara Corcoran in Rowley’s article. “Hustle is being too stupid to know that you should lay low when you keep getting slammed.” There seem to be two different types of church leaders that I see. I’m over-simplifying here, but there are leaders who always seem like they’re being beaten down, and there are other leaders who always seem to be ahead of their critics and above all the conflict. I really think part of this has to do with the ability of the successful leader to get right back up after being knocked down (rather than laying on the ground and allowing people to kick you.) Sometimes the higher your intelligence level, the more time you take to qualify and logically remedy a situation. Sometimes that quality allows you to stay on the ground longer, getting beaten up in the process.

They Succeed Through Social Intelligence: Another characteristic of average people who become millionaires is that they surround themselves with teams that compensate for their weaknesses. While this is mostly in a business setting, I also see this in the church with pastors who have effective ministries. They don’t rely on their own intelligence to make everything happen. They know their weaknesses and gather smart people around them to help them in these areas. They also aren’t afraid to let others around them lead.

They Take More Risks and, Consequently, Reap More Rewards: People with average brains may be more naive and willing to jump in—start a business or make an investment—than their high-IQ counterparts, who ponder every angle and know too much about the potential downsides of a proposition to take a risk. I’ve noticed that highly intelligent people are many times more adverse to risk. If you look at church leaders involved with growing churches, you’ll find that they risk frequently. They try new things. They fail consistently. And they reap the rewards of their risk.

Is it a leap to make a correlation between IQ, millionaires, intelligence, and pastors? Possibly. My only point is that God is in control of the church and its leaders. And your intelligence, many times, is not one of God’s key qualifiers.

So if you’re reading this today thinking about how smart you are… get over yourself. It really doesn’t qualify you to do better things for God than your sub-genius counterparts.
And, if you’re reading this today wishing you had a tad bit more intelligence… be encouraged that there are many things other than your IQ and training that figure into a successful, fruit-producing ministry.

Let’s learn what we can from the millionaires next door. After all, what we’re striving for in our work is much more significant than mere dollars.

My thought is this:

This morning before reading thie above blog, I was reading from 1 Kings 1:1 - 3:28 in my early morning devotions. Solomon asked not for riches and power as the newly anointed King. He asked God for "a discerning heart to govern" the people and "to distinguish between right and wrong." (1 Kings 3:9 NIV) Effective pastoral leaders seek God's wisdom and understanding. Time and again, I find pastors who are not using common sense in their decisions or a dependence upon God. Solomon recognized his greater need to be an effective ruler over the people. It was not human knowledge,riches, or worldly power.

Exhilerating

2007-05-11T07:22:00.000-05:00

Here I am sitting at Maine Bean, sipping my coffee, and looking forward to this day off, after a very busy three days in Manchester, NH, earlier this week. I was at our District Council, an annual meeting for business, fellowship, and inspiration for ministers and delegates of the Northern New England District.

Our District celebrated its fiftieth anniversary as a district. It was in 1957 that Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont Assembly churches separated from the three southern New England states to form its own District. That division resulted in the growth of many more churches in both districts over the course of half a century.

Many of our former leaders were present to celebrate together what the Lord has done. I had the opportunity to sit with one of these precious men who was ordained in that very first Council and later became Secretary and Treasurer at different times (separate offices at the time) for the Northern New England District. Having read the minutes of that first Council, I could not help but ask Keith Terry what the atmosphere of that Council was like as they met to adopt a Constitution and Bylaws and to elect its officers. Brother Terry eyes lit up and responded with enthusiasm with one word, "exhilerating!"

I think that's a pretty good description for our faith journey - exhilerating! That doesn't mean that life is not withouts its challenges. However, it does mean that in spite of life's challenges, there is excitement and fullfillment. I look forward with anticipation as to what God will do in the next fifty years (Lord willing) with our District, congregations, and ministers. May we carry on with the task God has called each one of us to, with faithfulness and enthusiasm. Serving God is exhilerating!

Extended Your Hand to the Next Generation!

2007-05-02T07:20:00.000-05:00

Another great blog by my friend Earl at Monday Morning Insights. You can click on the link to go directly to his blog and also read the comments or you can read a copy of the blog below.

Having been working with teenagers forever and also assisting at our local church as often as possible (180), and the twenty and thirty somethings (Paradigm) on a regular basis, I can strongly relate by personal experience that age (I am on my way to being 56 this July.) does have its advantages. They thrive on mentoring and even more so when I allow for reverse mentoring . . . that is as long as I am open, honest and authentic and will accept this younger age group as they are and allow them space and opportunity to grow in their own spiritual journey on their own terms. This younger generation is definately loaded with talent and possibilities. They are extremely interested in making positive changes and impact on the world that we live in. We should do everything pssible to invest ourselves in them. I am a believer in them!!!

“We Live in a Circus”: The Culture of Pre-Adult Women

Today my wife Janet and I spent two hours at a Starbucks (that’s a whole ‘nother blog) in Illinois interviewing three young women. All were Christians living in the seam between their late teens and their early twenties. Our new friends answered one question after another fueled by the caffeine and sugar supplied by ‘Bucks. It was heartening to know that Trisha, Debbie, and Lisa (their new code names) recognized that their responses were conditioned by their Christian experience. They did not regard themselves, or their answers, as necessarily typical, and that made them all the more credible to us. Here are some of the key words and concepts that I distilled from our Q&A session...

1. 50-year old youth pastors?: The notion of telling young women not to do things because the Bible says so just doesn’t wash in this culture. Pre-adult women are looking for a real live person who can demonstrate the wisdom of biblical concepts from the story of their own life. Interestingly, our friends commented that a 23-year old youth pastor simply may not have lived enough life to be able to supply this kind of credibility. Their comments made me wonder if we need a generation of youth ministers in their 40s and 50s who have enough personal history to be witnesses to the truth they proclaim.

2. It’s all about the power: We spent considerable time discussing sexuality, relationships and eating disorders. Debbie summarized some of our dialogue by pointing out that the mania to control body image among younger women is really about power. Perfecting a certain look gives them power with men and peers, and, if my world is out of control, at least I can regulate what I eat and how much I weigh. She even drew the parallel to Eve offering Adam forbidden fruit—something to eat—as an illustration. I found this description heartbreaking. Our message to the young must offer them a new form of power that is achieved by surrender, not manipulation. We should raise the bar, not lower it.

3. Life as a laboratory: The word that really jumped out at me during our talk was “experimentation.” Lisa pointed out that, especially in middle school, young females are now sorting out their ethics and morals by trial and error. This includes “friends with benefits,” and being what I would call omnisexual, neither gay nor straight, but a fully functioning sexual being. In three to five years, this critical mass of experimental behavior will arrive in high schools and colleges, although the leading edge of it has already been there for some time. Rather than deduce principles of good conduct from authoritative sources like scripture and parents, some Millennial women are using an inductive approach in which they simply try things out until they find a combination that works—for now. This model of ethical development is doubtless fueled by the failures they observe in conventional institutions like marriage. The platform for Christian teaching is a credible Christian life.

4. Mentors as parents on “turbo”: Our three interview partners were unanimous in the view that young women are looking for mentoring relationships with older women. They often compared this sort of person to a spiritual “mom” and noted how much different their lives would have been had that person been around during their teen years. We were cautioned, however, that perseverance is absolutely essential. The mentor has to seek out the mentee, then stick with it, sometimes for a year or more, until the relationship solidifies. Often, the young women will prove resistant to a commitment simply because other commitments have proven disappointing. Perhaps we have made a lot of this much more complicated than it needs to be. Are we willing to set aside some other things to learn how to be a spiritual family, a “household of faith”?

So I heard Trish, Debbie, and Lisa saying of young women: “We live in a circus” (Debbie’s words)

They were asking us, not for more high-tech programming, but for something else:

If what we believe is true, we should be able to demonstrate it in someone’s life

The young have to get in touch with the power of God

The older should be intentional about teaching the younger

The older have to live the kind of lives the younger will admire and emulate

Imagine. Christianity."

Faith and Faithfulness

2007-05-01T06:13:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I attended the funeral of a fifty-three year old wife of one of our pastors. Her name is Linda. Some of you who read this blog probably do not know her. However, had you been able to attend the celebration service of her life, you would quickly have decided that this would have been an individual you would have wanted to know. In fact, I suspect that had you been to her funeral you would have walked away wishing you had had the opportunity to have gotten to know her. And those of you who do know Linda and attended the celebration service, as I did, would have been surprised to have discovered just how little we really did know about her life. We all discovered how greatly she impacted her husband, her six children and three adopted children, her sisters, the church family, and the community. It was truly an inspirational two hours. Linda suffered from a terminal cancer for a couple of years. However, her faith in God and her faithfulness to God through out her journey has impacted many people around her. She wanted her death as well as her life to be a celeabration. It was.

The Hebrews writer wrote:

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV

He also wrote:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

Linda's life was a testimony of faith and her faithfulness. She is now among the cloud of witnesses who are now observing our journey of faith. Will we remain faithful? I encouraged you to walk your walk of faith with hope and perseverance. For we will reap a harvest if we faint not.

Faithfulness

2007-04-30T06:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I was in Strong , Maine to minister the Word in the morning service. There was such a sweet presence of the Lord there. It was very noticeable. My wife who is not one to say something along this line leaned over to me during worship and said, "I feel such a strong presence of the Lord in this place." I was feeling it too, as the Lord was speaking to me spirit about changing my message from the one I had planned. I am glad I was obedient. God really ministered to all of us yesterday.

I guess my point is this: Faithfulness. My obeying the leading of the Spirit to change my message was faithfulness. The pastor of this church has been there 11 years. That's faithfulness. The congregation has been steadfast and able to move from a hardware store to a beautifully rehabilitated former Mason's lodge at a prime location. That's faithfulness. This church body under the leadership of their pastor just continues to plug along doing what God has called them to do without great fanfare and without great recognition. They are symbolical of hundreds and thousands of Assemblies of God pastors across our nation. These are my heroes.

As I thought about these things this morning and lifted my prayers before the Lord for such honorable men and women the word of Paul spoke to my heart:

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 NIV

We Are A Steward Of God's Grace

2007-04-26T06:19:00.000-05:00

Why do we exist? That is an often asked question. In Ephesians 3, Paul had the answer. This chapter begins in transition. He begins by saying, "For this reason . . . " What are the reasons? Look back to earlier verses for the answer.

(Eph. 2:1) we are no longer dead in our trespasses or sins.
(Eph. 2:4-5) we are alive in Christ.
(Eph. 2:8-9) God has given us grace through Jesus Christ.
(Eph. 2:13, 16) God has reconciled us through Christ.

We exist for a purpose. That purpose or reason is our mission. It is to be stewards of God's mercy and grace. The NIV uses the word "administrations." The idea being presented by Paul is that we have been entrusted as keepers, guardians, overseers of God's wonderful grace.

Then what is expected from us as stewards of God's grace? Paul answers that question too in chapter 3.

Verse 7: We are to be a minister. This does not mean ministry is for clergy. Everyone in the church is a minister.

Verse 8: We are to preach to unbelievers. Maybe "preaching" is not the best choice of words. But we are to proclaim God's grace to all.

Verses 9-10: We are to make known to everyone the will of God. Just what is the will of God? That all might be saved.

These are just a few of my thoughts on this passage as I prepare my "talk" for the Paradigm "gathering" of twenty and thirty something adults this coming Friday.

Slide From Excellence

2007-04-24T06:53:00.000-05:00

I enjoy a good cup of coffee and an open Bible in the morning. Two of my favorite coffee stops are Maine Bean and Starbucks. I will stop by a Dunkin Donuts if I am not near Maine Bean or a Starbucks. I also enjoy reading my friend, Earl's, blog. He has a way of challenging me to think deeper about how I can better relate Christ and the Gospel in this culture. So when I saw the title of a recent blog of his at Monday Morning Insight, I could not resist checking it out, epecially having read the book by Jim Collins, Good to Great. The title of his blog: Great to Good: Starbuck Declines One Coffee At A Time. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Equpped for Ministry

2007-04-23T06:17:00.000-05:00

I spent last week in graduate class discussing the Theology of the Charismata. One thing definately can be said, "How needful it is for every person to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit as we journey through this life." As I was reading this morning from Ephesians 3, in preparation for leading a discussion group of twenty and thirty something young adults this Friday, I was captured by these words of Paul:

Ephesians 3:7-8 THE MESSAGE
[7] This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. [8] When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God's way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities.

As smart and educated as Paul was, he recognized that he needed a greater source of wisdom and knowledge than he had if he was to be an effective minister of the gospel. He realized that his past upbringing as a Pharisee, studying under the great religious teachers of his day, and being a Jew of Jews, born into the the tribe of Benjamin was not enough. Something more was needed if he was going to be be an apostle (a sent one) to the Gentiles. That something else was "charismata." Without the presence of God actively at work in Paul's life, he would not have been equipped for the mission God had given him.

You and I must allow the fullness of Holy Spirit to rule our lives if we are to be effective ministers of the gospel today.