Seeking the Heart of a Servant

The Biggest Loser

2010-07-22T04:28:00.001-05:00

“Winning isn’t everything…it’s the only thing.”

This quote is often attributed to famous football coach, Vince Lombardi, and has seemingly become the mantra driving American sports, and is arguably the kind of attitude that has permeated all of American society. Everything seems to revolve around this concept – that is until the inception of “The Biggest Loser”, a TV reality show where contestants win by losing weight. Who would have ever imagined that losing is the path to gaining happiness, health, and a new lease on life? What a concept!

Well, to be honest, this concept is not original. You see, it is actually thousands of years old. No, really! Let me explain.

I’m not talking about losing weight, or money, or sporting events, or whatever silly contests we dream up. I am talking about losing everything! I know I sound a bit crazy, but I’m not suggesting we pass around the Kool-Aid and everyone take a drink. No, but I am suggesting that we must give up our lives! The only way to do this is for us participate in the blood sacrifice…not a sacrifice of just any blood, but THE BLOOD of the one and only Lamb. Jesus said it best and most succinctly when he told Peter, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.” (John 13:8)

The only way to do that is to give up everything. Jesus says in Mark 8: 35, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me and for the gospel will save it.” Wow! What a tough command! God does not ask for our possessions (although we are called to do that in 2 Corinthians 9:7 and Acts 2:45), or our intellect, or our cooperation, or our careers, or our families, or our time. He asks for one thing and one thing only – our very lives, all of it, every part of it. And if we do this one thing for Him for a very short lifetime, He promises that we will be the biggest winners throughout all of eternity!

This will be our focus at Tallgrass Christian Camp this week. We directors, counselors, teachers, nurses, cooks, staff and volunteers wish to dedicate our lives for this one week to help these kids understand that being a living sacrifice in all areas of our lives and that putting God and others first makes us the WINNERS!

Thank you all for making this possible through your generous gifts of time, labor, talents, finances, encouragement and love. After all, it is your sacrifices that set the examples and that show these kids what living for Jesus is all about.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

~ The staff at Tallgrass Christian Camp

"Imitation" Christian

2008-03-27T18:46:00.001-05:00

Ever had one of those “moments” where someone looks a certain way, or does something quirky, or when you just catch a glimpse and they remind you of your family? Once, when Heather returned from some trip, she wanted me to sit down and watch a DVD she had purchased but not yet been able to watch – “The Blue Collar Comedy Tour”. If you are not familiar with this particular comedy troupe, it includes the likes of Jeff Foxworthy, Ron White, Bill Engvall, and Larry the Cable Guy, all “down-to-earth”, back woods, red neck comedians. After the show, when Heather could finally pick herself up off the floor and stop holding her sides, she noted that I hadn’t laughed as much and asked if I enjoyed the show. My response was, “you know, that might be funnier if they weren’t describing MY family!”

My family may have many faults, but the greatest thing about us is that we are an extremely “huggy” bunch. We always greet each other with a hug, and often a kiss, and we always hug everyone in sight before we leave (sometimes we can’t be sure if they are family members or not – and we really don’t care). Being the youngest of 8 children, and with my mother having about 30 grandchildren, saying goodbye could last quite a while (I learned early on not to leave the car running while making the rounds). I remember once as a teenager when I went to a museum with some of my family, I turned from an exhibit, saw my short sister-in-law behind me, and turned around and gave her a big hug…only to find that I had never seen this person before in my life! I guess I am lucky that Texas is a friendly place.

Now, I am part of a much bigger family – God’s family – with brothers and sisters far and wide. (I must say that I am glad that this family is an extremely huggy bunch too.) Just like the Wheelers, we Christians have plenty of faults too, but we are truly the most loving people I have ever met. I often feel unworthy to be a part of the Central family because I know about all my faults. I want to be a better person…a better Christian…but I just can’t help but focus on my shortcomings. So I find myself asking, “how can I be a REAL Christian?” I have been reading more of the Old Testament lately and I have found that ALL of the great heroes of the Bible, both Old Testament and New Testament, had plenty of faults too. So how do we overcome our deficiencies? One way is to become an “imitation” Christian. I know this is seems to be an oxymoron (and you probably think I am a moron at this point), but please bear with me.

Whenever we want to improve ourselves, whether it is fitness, weight control, or some other goal we desire, we turn to the “experts” who have been there and have overcome. We see their success and want to do the same things so that we can achieve the same results. That is why the “self-help” industry is raking in millions every day. So, why shouldn’t we do the same with our Christian walk? John says to be careful of what we imitate. He warns, “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” (3 John 11). The apostle Paul was a staunch advocate of being an imitator. He often urged the churches to imitate him (1 Corinthians 4:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 2:14 ; Hebrews 13:7). So in our struggles, perhaps we should pick out the most faithful Christians (like the Elders) and strive to become more like them, just as they strive to be more like Christ. To be more like Christ, it will take some study, prayer, observation, and action. When we practice what we preach, we can truly become an “imitation Christian”.
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

To Boldly Go...

2008-02-26T07:30:00.001-06:00

I am a MAJOR Trekkie! (For those of you unfamiliar with the term – shame on you! Not really, a “Trekkie” is a Star Trek fanatic.) I have always loved the entire franchise: the concept, the characters, the future, the not-so-veiled attempts at political statements, and especially the gadgets! Cool gadgets! I would love to try the “replicator”, a gadget that can make things out of nothing by rearranging the energy molecules in the air (I am still not sure about the transporter, which rearranges YOUR molecules in order to move you from one location to another...Oh, come on, it’s science fiction!) Now that would be progress!

While I like to credit many of today’s conveniences to the ideas first shown on Star Trek (how many of you actually remember when you had to pull the doors open at the supermarket? Or where would we be without our cell phone communicators?), the most exciting – and most terrifying – aspect of the show is the overriding theme...”to boldly go where no one has gone before”.

Central church of Christ is now poised on the edge of the final frontier, to “boldly go” where Central has never gone before... well, not exactly, but Central is on the verge of an exciting era which will stretch the limits of faith and family. As the possibility of the sale of our building looms larger, more and more possibilities are raised and each scenario breeds a thousand questions: where will me meet for worship; where will we hold classes; how soon can we get started on the new building; do we have enough money for a new building; how long before it will be finished; can we fill a new building after it has been built; will we have to re-allocate the budget; will we still be able to play softball (no worries there)?

As we venture forth into the great unknown, we can take great comfort in knowing that the Church is not constructed of “brick and mortar” and is not covered with paint nor filled with pews or pulpits. Our church – God’s Church – is comprised of flesh and bone, connected by heart and soul, and covered by the blood of Jesus. (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 2) Regardless of where we are physically, we know that we must be about our Father’s business. (Luke 2:49) And though we sojourn to a different place, we can be certain that our path will be bright as we walk in the Son-light, and that God will provide all our needs. (Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:19)

So as we weather these winds of uncertainty, remember the words of a very wise man who said, “keep a good attitude in time of change - let the Lord continue to lead us as He has in the past”. (Jerry Myers, 02/17/2008)

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:1-3 (NIV)

Keys to Having the Best Life Ever!

2007-09-25T00:22:00.000-05:00

What a great weekend! Two firsts in the same place at the same time! Last Friday night, our brand-spankin’ new youth minister, Nathan “Twig” McBroom, planned the first Central teen retreat at the brand-spankin’ new (not yet ready for prime time) Tallgrass Christian Camp. We had about 15 kids attend to learn how to show our Christian faith and put it into practice. It was a great time of bonding – and no one complained about not having hot showers in the morning!

Even though he probably didn’t realize it, as part of Twig’s preparation, he astounded me with his simple, yet profound wisdom (something we have grown accustomed to from those Texas raised boys). In his instruction packet he included a sheet called “Keys to Having the Best Retreat Ever!” I thought that we could take his simple, common sense tips and adapt them to our Christian lives. So, here we go…

Spend Time Alone in Prayer
What a powerful concept. There are literally hundreds of passages in the new testament alone on prayer. If it was the cornerstone of Jesus’ faith and relationship with His Father, how could we possibly ignore it?! (“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16; “…pray continually.” 1 Thess 5:17.)

Read Your Bible
It’s not just an instruction book. God’s word is filled with mystery, intrigue, suspense, surprise, romance, adventure, and even a bit of comedy. What novel offers all of that. Not to mention that it is His last written will and testament, in which He tells us everything necessary to inherit eternal life.

Write Encouraging Notes
A little praise goes a long way…it keeps us going when we get discouraged. (“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Heb 10:24)

Get to Know a Mentor
Pick out one or more members whom you admire for their Christian walk and learn their “secrets” of keeping the faith. (“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Heb 13:7)

Have a Positive Attitude
After all, what can be better than having the God who created the universe on your side? (“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom 8:31)

Don’t Hate, Participate!
Get involved! Thee is lots of work to do. (“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22; “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men…” Eph 6:7)

Smile
If you are happy and you know it…then your face will surely show it! (“Be joyful always” 1 Thess 5:16)

Make a New Friend
Share the Gospel. Spread the love. Befriend someone that Jesus would befriend. (“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Rom 12:16)

Tell an Elder Thank You.
There is no harder or more agonizing responsibility in God’s church. Give them the double-honor they deserve. (“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” 1 Tim 5:17)

Sing Loud!
It ain’t the quality of the sound, but the quality of the heart! (“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,” Eph 5:19; “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” James 5:13)

Get to Know a Visitor
Be hospitable. Invite them to lunch. (“Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Rom 12:13; “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Pet 4:9)

Get Your Sleep
Jesus promised us rest…take advantage of it. (“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28; “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.' So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” Mark 6:30-32)

Finally, Don’t Be Shy!
“Go ye…” doesn’t mean sit back and wait for them to come to you. Be proactive in sharing your faith. Jesus has saved us from a fate worse than death. – Shout if from the mountaintops!

Lord, Speak to Me

2007-06-26T17:30:00.000-05:00

What a Great evening! We gathered together at the Central building last night to listen to New Reign, seven very talented young people who travel the country promoting Oklahoma Christian University by lifting their voices and hearts to God. Afterwards there was a time of fellowship (and of course, food) which culminated in a trip to the theater to watch the new movie, “Evan Almighty”, a good, clean, family film. The premise behind the movie is that God appears to Evan and asks him to build an ark – in the middle of one of Washington DC’s upscale developments. At first Evan is somewhat reluctant, but through a series of events, is convinced that this really is God who has spoken to him. I’ve heard folks say that God has “called” them to do certain things, but…WOW!

Throughout the film, I wondered just what would happen if God appeared to me and asked me to perform some seemingly outlandish act. Would I believe that He was really God? Would I be reluctant to take on the task and risk being ridiculed and ostracized by family and friends? Would I be embarrassed and ashamed to announce to everyone that God spoke to me and to relay His message? OR, would I be thrilled that God had chosen me to be His ambassador? Would I proudly stand before the world and proclaim the Word of God? Would I gladly forfeit my job, my dignity, my status to carry out God’s will? Would I boldly go where no one has gone before? (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

I like to think that I would be willing to do whatever God asked of me, but I thank God that he doesn’t ask such extraordinary things of us today like building an ark, being cast into a fiery furnace or a den of lions, or conquering a giant in battle. Then again, when God does “speak” to me, am I willing to listen and obey? He asks such simple things of us…to live a life worthy of His calling (Ephesians 4:1); to love Him with all I have and to love my neighbor; to be devoted to my fellow Christians (Romans 12:10); to be kind and compassionate and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32); to be encouraging (Hebrews 3:13), peaceful (1 Peter 3:8), humble (Philippians 2), and serving (John 13); and to tell others (Matthew 28).

If God asks so little of me, why do I have such a hard time stepping up to the plate? I pray each day for God to give me the courage to commit my life, my speech, and my actions to Him.

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)

Let Jesus Speak

2007-05-30T11:01:00.000-05:00

How do you react when someone asks for your help? How do you respond when you hear a tragic story from an acquaintance? I’m not talking about the “major” tragedies as recounted and reported by the major news stories (i.e., the Greensburg tornado, the New Orleans hurricane, the Topeka flooding), I’m talking about your neighbor whose child or grandchild has died, or the friend of a friend who has lost their home to fire or flood, or your co-worker whose child has become involved in drugs or alcohol. Do we ignore the topic altogether or do we politely acknowledge the situation and move on to other trivial, less uncomfortable subjects?

The real question is, “how do I reach those for Jesus?” Talk about uncomfortable! I am not a great speaker. Evangelism has never been one of my strong points. I never seem to know just how to broach the subject of salvation or to tell them of Jesus. Just how do I convince someone to believe in Jesus?

John 4 tells of how one woman spread the news of Jesus to her entire town. After a brief encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman went back into town and simply told the people of her experience and they flocked to see Him. While many believed because of the woman’s testimony, many more believed when they actually listened to Jesus.

The verse that recently struck me in this story is verse 42,

They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” (emphasis added)

Simple enough: if we simply let Jesus speak, they will know that He is the Savior! Paul said it this way, “…but we preach Christ crucified…When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 1:23a; 2:1-2). You have heard the expression, “You may be the only Jesus someone sees today”; well, if we let Jesus speak through our words and actions, people WILL come to know the Savior. So how should we react? How should we respond? If Jesus is truly the Lord of our lived, our actions and our speech will draw people to Jesus. Let’s be a people that practices what we preach.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Daddy's Little Girl

2007-05-29T21:43:00.000-05:00

Wow! It’s hard to believe 18 years are almost gone. Lavon, you are no longer my “baby girl”. As we’ve watched you grow and mature, you have brought much joy to our lives. Your determined resolve and infectious smile have brightened the lives of all those who have come in contact with you. Your love of life and commitment to service have helped to develop friendships which will last a lifetime…and you love for God and dedication to His commands and His compassion for others have made a lasting impression on many…including me.

I am proud of all that you have accomplished. We have watched you develop physically, academically and musically – but the most fun has been to watch you grow and increase in your faith. I am most proud of the young woman of God you have become. As you embark on this new and exciting journey, I pray that you will continue to grow and mature in the wisdom and knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray that God will guide you in the direction where you can best serve Him. Trust in Him during good times and hard times. Don’t be afraid to ask your Father for anything, big or small. Most of all, remember to put Him first in ALL you do and never forget His sacrifice for you.

Always know that your Mother and I will be there for you – anytime night or day. No matter where you are, what you do, or how old you are, you will always be “Daddy’s little girl”.

I love you and look forward to the coming years.

Dad

Commencement

2007-04-24T11:52:00.000-05:00

Well, it’s that time of the year again…Graduation! The time has come, or is soon coming, for many to say goodbye to high school –goodbye to teachers and friends, cafeteria lunches, gym classes. Each graduate should feel a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment (and relief) in the completion of one of the most important phases of their life. They have reached the end of an era.

But if this is the end, why do they call it “commencement”? There will be many speeches in the next few weeks about “new beginnings” and “bright futures” and “the first day of the rest of your lives”. As William Shakespeare said, “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” (and you thought you would never have to read Shakespeare again!) Ah, the possibilities that lie ahead. This truly is the start of a new life. Full time jobs, a new school, new friends, new subjects, new roommates, having to make new decisions, new responsibilities, (for some even a new state) but for all, new experiences. For those who continue their education, they will enter the world of student loans and financial aid, Greek clubs and intramural activities, laundry (you can’t come home every weekend!) and even cleaning your own bathrooms. Parents will have to relinquish some control and allow their children (now “adults”) to steer their own destinies. Parents and children may not get to see each other or talk to each other as often as they would like – new challenges bring time constraints. (A word to the kids: don’t call often to ask your parents for money. You are in college…they don’t have any!)

Yes, change is at hand. No one likes change…it’s too unfamiliar. Graduates and parents alike will face new challenges; intellectual, financial, social, and especially challenges to their faith. How do we survive the daily attacks on our faith and hold steadfastly to the promises of God? I humbly offer a few suggestions:

1) Pray hard! Why not seek guidance from the Wonderful Counselor? God has promised that He will answer. (Acts 2:42; Colossians 4:2; Matthew 21:22; Mark 11:24; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:12)

2) Read your Bible daily. There is no better text book for life. You can’t know what the Book says unless you read it. (Hebrews 4:12; Colossians 3:16; Philippians 2:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 John 2:5) By the way, take your Bible classes seriously. You won’t get this opportunity very often and you will wish you had years later.

3) Get involved in a local congregation. It is too easy to be too busy and to have too many other responsibilities to get involved, but the love and fellowship and support of a local family is priceless. It helps to shape the servant you will become and you will develop lasting relationships in the process. After all, they might even feed you on occasion. (Acts 2:42; 1 John 1:3, 7; Hebrews 10:25)

4) Be careful who you date! It seems silly to say, but you marry the people you date. Be sure that those you date are kind, compassionate, selfless, God fearing Christians whose goal it is to help you get to heaven! Remember that this is the same person with whom you will spend the rest of your life and be sure that he or she will be a good father or mother to your children. (2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Peter 3:1-7; Ephesians 5:25, 28, 33; Psalms 128; Proverbs 18:22; Proverbs 19:14; Proverbs 31:10)

5) Don’t forget you parents! The command to honor them doesn’t stop when you reach 18, or 30, or 65. (Ephesians 6:2)

Most of all, remember that, although the world around you is changing at a rapid pace, God is the one constant in the universe. He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:13; Hebrews 13:8) He will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) He is always on our side! (Romans 8:31)

Congratulations and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

There Never Was a Pulpit Like the Cross

2007-02-28T01:30:00.000-06:00

Do you ever have trouble telling someone else the gospel? I know I do! My knees get weak, my palms sweat, and I have trouble catching my breath. I am not so much afraid of them rejecting me, but what if I say the wrong thing? If I am not a very studious person, what if I tell them something that is not God’s Word? What if I anger them and drive a wedge between them and God so that they never want to listen? What if my efforts create a hostile work environment? What if I lose that person as a friend and thereby lose my opportunity to witness to them forever?

All good questions, right? But, you see, that all these questions, although they seem to be concerned for the “hearer”, are really all about me and my insecurities. I am reminded of what God told Moses when he was concerned about the very same thing…”Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus 4:11-12). If we try to “go it alone”, we are likely doomed to fail. Instead, I am reminded that the power is in the cross, not me. If I simply tell THE story, there can be no greater authority.

Listen to the words of this song, and be encouraged and strengthened in your resolve to preach only Christ and Him crucified. Spread the good news everywhere you go!

There Never Was a Pulpit Like the Cross
The Vocal Union
Words and music: Sam L. Sullivan

Jesus climbed the hill of Calvary
And they nailed Him on a cross
Though He had no sin my friend, like me and you
He submitted like a gentle lamb and let them nail Him there
And prayed "Forgive them, for they know not what they do"

Chorus:
Oh, there never was a pulpit like the old rugged cross
And there never was such a meeting place as Calvary
There never was a greater lesson preached on love by mortal man
And there never was a pulpit like the cross

What a crowd was gathered on the hill of Calvary that day
Not long before Christ's victory was won
As His own mother watched and wept beside a friend whom Jesus loved
Christ said, "Dear mother, when I'm gone, he'll be your son"

Repeat Chorus:

A guilty man was hanging on another cross that day
Convicted of some thievery, his sin
And suff'ring Jesus saw some good in him and he forgave that man
And said, "Today, into My Heaven enter in"

Repeat Chorus :

As you sit and pray in comfort, and in finery adorned
Without a thought of shame, regret, or loss
Just think of Jesus on that hill in pain, to awful to be born
And remember that old pulpit called the cross

Repeat Chorus :

No, there never was a pulpit like the cross

Honor to Whom Honor is Due

2006-12-20T12:26:00.000-06:00

“Render to all men their dues. [Pay] taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due.” Romans 13:7 (Amplified Bible)

To “honor” someone is to show them great respect and hold them in high esteem… to recognize their accomplishments…to let them know that they possess special qualities… and that they are special. Our world tells us to recognize those with special talents and abilities. If you can throw a ball farther or harder, or if you can run faster or out perform others in the athletic arena, you are worthy of “honor”. If you can make more money, or are prettier, or can entertain the masses, you are worthy of “honor”.

Ask yourself, “when was the last time an actor or an athlete made a difference in my life?” In today’s society where we are constantly encouraged to focus on ourselves – our needs, our desires, our wants, what brings us pleasure – we often forget to honor those who are most dear to us…those who have truly had a real impact on our lives. Parents, family, teachers, true friends, the Elders of the Church (see 1 Timothy 5:17), ministers; those who care more about you than themselves. These are the servants who exemplify the very meaning of the word “hero”, and these are the people who are worthy of our respect, our admiration, our honor.

How do we honor someone who is this important in our lives? We can, and should, always tell them how much they mean to us…not just at special times but as often as we can. More importantly, we can live a life worthy of their love for us. Paul tells us in Romans 12:9-13, how to honor others:

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (NIV)
When we learn to honor others, then we too will become a servant, and God will honor us!

“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:26

TIS THE SEASON

2006-12-03T02:55:00.000-06:00

Well, it’s that time of year again…the season to deck the halls, for jingle bells and mistletoe, snowmen and shoppers rushing home with their treasures. Everyone searches for that perfect gift that says, “this is to show you how important to me.” In a world of “black Fridays” and overextended credit cards, my biggest question each year is, “how much can I/should I spend.” As inflation takes it toll, it seems that it becomes more difficult to show just how much someone means to me with the limited amount of funds available, yet each year I am reminded that it is not how much I spend, but how much I give that counts.

How often do we ask ourselves and God, “How much do I have to give so that I have given enough?” In Matthew 19, Jesus told the rich young ruler that he should sell his possessions and give to the poor. So the real question is, “what if I give all?” Ray Boltz has written a song about a little boy that asks that very question.

What If I Give All?
Words by Ray Boltz, Music by Ray Boltz and Mark Pay

He heard the preacher say a single dime can feed a hungry boy or girl with nothing to eat.
So he pulled a dollar from the pocket of his jeans and he asked his mama how many will this feed?
She just smiled and when she told him ten he reached back again.

CHORUS:
What if I give all I have? What will that gift do?
My child, a gift like that could change the world, it could feed a multitude.
He didn’t close his eyes or turn away. I can see him standing tall.
He saw the need and I can hear him say, “What if I give all?

”Three birthday dollars could have bought a special toy,
but he reminds me of another little boy who gave to Jesus a gift of fish and bread.
I wonder if he said,

CHORUS (repeat)

And long ago a Father and a Son saw the children lost in sin.
Can you see the tears in the Father’s eyes as Jesus says to him,
"What if I gave all I have? What will that gift do?"
My Son, that gift will change the world; it will free the multitudes.
We cannot close our eyes and turn away when we hear His Spirit call.
We see the need, now let Him hear us say,
“What if I give all? What if I give all?”

©1996 Shepherd Boy Music/ASCAP (adm. by Word Music) and Screaming Toad Music/ASCAP (adm. by Addison Music).

Hearing this song, I am reminded of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. He gave up all the glory of heaven to show us how to serve. He became humanity to show us how to serve. He suffered ridicule, persecution, and even death at the very hands of those He came to serve. He gave all He had! During this time of year, in particular, when we are reminded daily of his sacrifice, we must now ask ourselves …

“What if I give all?”

Nearer, Still Nearer

2006-10-07T08:13:00.000-05:00

Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart,
Draw me, my Savior, so precious Thou art;
Fold me, O fold me close to Thy breast,
Shelter me safe in that haven of rest,
Shelter me safe in that haven of rest.
© Copyright 1996 by Vicky Boyd, from HymnSys, the Multimedia Hymnal System. All Rights Reserved.

All my life I have heard that anything worth doing is worth doing well…and although I strive to live up to that standard, I often fall horribly short. I tend to want to shy away from things that I don’t believe I can do well enough, and, although I am honored to serve and to be asked to serve, I sometimes do not feel worthy of that honor.

Occasionally, I get those feelings in worship and it is hard for me to feel like I have really worshipped. Worship is to assign and ascribe worth to the object of my affection. I want to give my very best to God, but I feel like I am inadequate to even come into God’s presence. I feel like my sin is so repugnant to God that I dare not even approach His throne, and as a result, I feel distant from God.

Tonight, while attending a worship conference in Nashville, TN, we were challenged to write down what this grand old hymn means to us. Here is my humble – possibly feeble – attempt:

My Lord. My Savior. My King. Father. I declare that You are the ruler of my life and that I put my complete faith and trust in You, and yet my sin disconnects my soul from You. In times when I struggle, when I hurt, when I despair, I ask that You forgive my indiscretions and weakness. I ask that You take me into Your lap and swaddle me in Your arms. Hold me close. Envelope me. Shield me. Protect me. Rock me. Comfort me. Help me feel secure, whole. Let me dwell in You and sustain my very soul with Your love.

In Spirit and In Truth

2006-09-27T18:52:00.000-05:00

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24

What do you expect when you “come to worship”? Do you expect to feel “good”, or better than when you arrived? Do you expect to feel reverent? Excited? On fire for God? Smarter or wiser? Do you feel closer to God? Is it the highlight of your week? Are you convicted? Do you feel unworthy? Or do you feel frustrated, confused, disappointed, tired, bored, or even angry? Did we do it right, or are you worried that we may have missed something or that some things weren’t done just right? Do you feel anything at all? Or did you come to just punch your “time clock” so that God and the Elders knew you were there?

What does God expect of us? Most of these feelings I just described have to do with “us” – how WE feel. Too often we focus on ourselves in our worship. In John 4, the Samaritan woman asks what she thought was the important question, “where is the right place to worship?” And I believe that the answer surprised her. Basically, Jesus told her that the “where” doesn’t matter, it’s the “how” that matters to God.

The Greek word that Jesus uses means to prostrate oneself in homage, or reverence, or adoration (literally to “kiss toward”, like a dog licking his Master’s hand). Our job, as worshippers is to ascribe worth to our Father...to realize that we are not there for us. We do not come to our worship assemblies to feel good, or Godly, or penitent, or righteous, or pious. We come simply to honor our God and Creator, who loved us enough to save us from our sin and ourselves. Our job, as the worship committee and as worship leaders, is to help you facilitate your worship – as you come into the presence of God in adoration. Each song is designed to help you focus your thoughts and heart on honoring God and encouraging one another. For each speaker that is chosen, we suggest that their thoughts be designed to help us remember Christ’s sacrifice. Each prayer offered is to direct our hearts in praise and submission to the Father as we petition Him for the needs of our church family and for guidance.

There are ample opportunities for men to serve in the worship service, and I truly appreciate your willingness to be assist and support the worship of your brothers and sisters. Whether or not you play a visible role in the service, I encourage you to do all you can to minimize distractions and to uplift and serve those around you.

Most of all, remember that worship is about what we give to God, not about what we get out of it.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1

Think Outside the Box

2006-09-25T23:46:00.000-05:00

Don’t you just hate the business clichés that have become standard vernacular in American society today? Terms like “synergy”, “leverage”, “gravitas”, “critical mass”, “mission critical”, and “800 pound gorilla”. Why don’t we just say what we really mean? When did we get away from firing people and start “downsizing” or “rightsizing” them? When did we begin to “multi-task” and stop being just plain busy? Too often, we try to sugarcoat our language to make us appear better than we are instead of just giving someone the “straight dope”.

But there is one cliché that I do like – “think outside the box”. This regularly overused phase tells us that sometimes we need to try to think of unusual or unorthodox solutions to problems…to be innovative and not confine our thinking to the standard, ordinary, comfortable, safe methods that we have always considered.

The question I have to ask myself is “do I put God in a box?” Do I try to limit his power and effectiveness by my small, trivial, human understanding? All too often growing up I heard that we need not bother God with the small stuff in life…after all; He has much bigger things to worry about, right? Things like world peace, famine, natural disasters, and the like. One day, a dear friend and mentor told a small group that he was having difficulty changing a tire and he asked, jokingly, “is it wrong to pray for God to help with a couple of lug nuts?” This really got me thinking. Why would it be wrong to ask God to help out in what seems trivial matters. Do we believe that God is so small that He can’t handle all of the global concerns and my minor problems too? By saying that, I put God in my own little box. One where He can handle only what I think He can. By saying I and my problems are too insignificant in God’s eyes trivializes and diminishes His sacrifice of His only Son for me!

What would happen if we turned ALL of our problems over to God? How free would we be? How powerful could we be for His kingdom? How selfless and outward focused would we be? How much more joy would God have when we allow Him to show His power and glory through us and in our lives?

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

Pray Hard

2006-09-25T00:34:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wanted to develop a deeper faith? We all do…but sometimes it seems so hard. We all know that faith requires many hours of study to gain a complete knowledge of what God wants us to do, right? After all, Paul confirms in Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (KJV) And on top of that, we need to be sure that we are at church every time the doors open so we can show others what we have learned and to answer all of their questions by using the knowledge we have gained. And we have to be able to quote at least one verse for every trial and tribulation we face. Paul also commands us to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV) Isn't that how we often think about our faith?

And because so many of us are not the “studious”, “book-learn’n” types, we ask, “is there another way to deepen our faith?” We all struggle with our faith and sometimes wonder how we can possibly muddle through our circumstances. I am reminded of the story of the possessed boy in Mark 9 and Matthew 17.

You remember the story…as Jesus and three of his disciples descended from the event we know as the “transfiguration”, they approached a crowd. One man stepped forth, fell to his knees and pleaded with Jesus to heal his son who had been possessed by a demon since childhood. Even Jesus’ disciples – the very disciples who have spent the last three years walking with God on earth – could not drive out the demon. Jesus became frustrated with them and chewed them out, calling them “faithless” (KJV) or “unbelieving” (NIV). He then quickly dispenses with the demon and returns the healed boy to his father.

The disciples are now confounded and wonder what they did wrong. What I find interesting is Jesus’ response. Matthew records that Jesus tells them it was because of their lack of faith (vs. 20), but we read the rest of the story in Mark 9:29, “…This kind can come out only by prayer.” (NIV) How was Jesus able to drive out the demon? Through the power of prayer! How did the boy's father increase his faith? Through the power of prayer! “Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’” (NKJV)

Isn’t it good to know that “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16, NIV) When was the last time we “cried out with tears” to our Lord and Protector? When was the last time we saw our prayers fulfilled through the power of God? And how much did our faith increase when we realized that Jesus really will take care of us just as He promised?

Pray continually. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

PRAY HARD!

Remember

2006-09-11T22:00:00.000-05:00

They say time heals all wounds. I’m not exactly sure that is true. Time may “scab over” all wounds…may “seal up” or “close” open wounds…may make it easier to block out the pain or provide us with methods to cover up the scars, much like certain makeup used cover a blemish…but is a wound ever completely “healed”? And would it really be good to eliminate all evidence of a wound?

The older I get, the more I am convinced that God has given us the scars on our bodies to help us remember the wounds we have suffered – not to forget them. For instance, I am reminded daily of my repaired anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in my knee (an old “war” injury suffered during the greatest pastime on earth!). After my injury, the exceptionally skilled surgeon replaced the ACL with a portion of my patella tendon (the ligament that holds my knee-cap in place), and told me that it would probably be stronger than the original. Yet I still feel a twinge when the weather changes or I have to walk up and down the stairs. The minor discomfort (sometimes a dull pain) and the rather large scar on my knee reminds me daily that I am not whole as I once was, (leaning over my belly to see my knee also reminds me that I am not as I once was). Even the tiniest scar, like the one on my foot that I got when I cut myself on a piece of glass or the one on my hand when I learned that a hand saw is not for sawing my hand, projects a memory as clear and vivid as a plasma screen television.

I had such an experience today…not about my knee or foot or hand…but about real life and real tragedy. As we were continuously bombarded by the media on this 5th year anniversary of the devastating 9/11 terrorists’ attacks on our country, the emotions and thoughts and feelings of that fateful day came flooding back over me as if the Hoover dam had burst. The wound was re-opened and I was reminded that, although our country may be stronger and more resolved than before, we are not as we once were. I again grieved for the loss of life and for the family members left behind. I was again relieved and grateful for the safety of my own family and grateful for those who fight on a daily basis to keep them safe and free.

But most of all, I was reminded again that God is sovereign and that He reigns supreme. I do not have to fear because God is in control. I am once again convicted by the words of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, “…the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3:17b-18. I am more and more convinced that, although might does not make right, I am mightier with God on my side because He did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for all of us. Romans 8:31,32.

Thank You, God, for being my rock, my shield, my protector, my friend, and my redeemer. Thank You for being faithful and true, the only constant in the universe.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Time In A Bottle

2006-05-23T02:33:00.000-05:00

“NOW”…It has a certain sense of urgency – a sense of finality – of opportunity lost. Time is a commodity that can never be regained. A recent event has reminded me of this in a monumental way. My middle daughter, Lauren, just graduated from the 8th grade. The ceremony was short and sweet and I am proud of my daughter’s accomplishments.

I spent a good deal of time Saturday driving Lavon from graduation party to graduation party. This too reminded me that time is limited. Lavon is a Junior and will graduate in 2007. In a little over one year, my little girl will leave home…perhaps for the last time.

Jim Croce recorded a song titled “Time in a Bottle”, where he opined, “…there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do once you find them”. We spend our days doing what is necessary. We do them because the bills need to be paid, the house needs to be maintained, kids need to get from place to place, ballgames need to be played (after all, baseball is the greatest game on Earth!), and our jobs take up the biggest part of our day. These things take us away from family and other important things.

…and time marches on.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says “There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth.” (The Message). Too often we use that time to do the things that are necessary and forget about the things that are important. Writer and poet Annie Dillard, noted that, “how we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” So I have to ask myself if I am spending my time wisely? Am I spending the time necessary with my family before they leave and it is too late? Am I spending too much time at work? Am I teaching my children the things they will need to know to grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man? Do I concentrate on spending more time with my daughter before she leaves, or allow her to get a job and gain valuable experience that will teach her hard work, responsibility to others, and how to manage the money she would make?

…and time marches on.

Andy Warhol said that , “They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” Sometimes I feel like Martha, and at other times like Mary (Luke 10:38-42). How do I prioritize between what is necessary and what is needed? In the end, we all have to make those decisions that we think will have an everlasting impact on our lives and the lives of those we love.

…and time marches on.

We all want to leave a legacy – something by which we will be remembered – to make a lasting impression on our families and our world. But often time works against us. Perhaps Captain Jean-Luc Picard said it best when he said, “Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived.” (from the film "Star Trek: Generations")(I know, no matter how much time passes, I will always be a Trekkie geek). And so we make decisions, make sacrifices, and try to give our kids a better life than we had instead of sharing with them the lives we live now.

If only I could save time in a bottle…

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 5:15-16

Moment Made for Worshipping

2006-04-29T01:27:00.000-05:00

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. John 4:23
I have to be honest with you…there are times when I just don’t feel like “worshipping”. Sometimes I stay out or up too late on Saturday night, and when the alarm goes off on Sunday morning, I feel like rolling over and going back to sleep. Sometimes I have a lot on my mind and I just can’t concentrate. Then, there are the times when I want to concentrate on how smooth the service runs and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Then, after getting home from church (and after taking a nap), there is much to do and it would be much easier if I didn’t have to go back to “worship service”. But, honestly, those are the times when I most need to fall prostrate to the ground and recognize the awesome power, wisdom, grace and love of my Father in heaven.

Each day, I need to be reminded that “worship” is not something I do on Sundays, Wednesdays, the occasional Saturday and at lectureships and enrichment series. Worship is the recognition and acknowledgment of the power and supremacy of God and our response and submission to His love and His will. Although we meet regularly to come before our Father as a corporate body, worship is individual and can manifest itself in many different ways. We may sing or shout. We may raise our hands and voices to God in praises or we may fall to our knees in humility. We may sob as we realize that we are unworthy to be in the presence of the all mighty God or earnestly beseech Him for forgiveness or strength or wisdom or courage. We may lament our sinful condition and plead for mercy, or we may seek His blessing on our lives or for our loved ones. David even danced before the Lord wearing only a linen ephod (2 Samuel 6:14).

One thing is for sure, that each and every moment we are alive is a moment and an opportunity to honor our Father God with the worship He deserves. So from the time we rise up in the morning until the time we lay our heads to rest, we should continually praise God and praise Him for the love and compassion and mercy and grace we receive each day.

Moment Made For Worshipping
By Steven Curtis Chapman
From the Album All About Love

6:30 Monday morning
I'm here hiding in my bed
A song plays on my alarm clock
As I cover up my head
And somewhere in the distance
I remember yesterday
Singing "Hallelujah"
Full of wonder awe and praise
But now I'm just wondering why I don't feel anything at all

This is a moment made for worshipping
'Cause this is a moment I'm alive
This is a moment I was made to sing
A song of living sacrifice
For every moment that I live and breathe
This is a moment made for worshipping

When I'm praying with my children
As they're running off to school
When I kiss my wife good morning
Just to say I still love you
When I'm feeling loved and happy
When I'm feeling all alone
When I'm failing to remember
All the love that I've been show
Every beat of my heart is another new place to start to know

Every single beat of my heart
is another new place to start…right now

From the rising of the sun
To the setting of the sun
The name of the Lord is worthy to be praised.

Sacrifice

2006-04-23T02:34:00.000-05:00

Sacrifice – We all do it every day. We give up of something valuable or important for somebody or something else considered by us to be of more value or importance. Regular soda instead of diet. Dollar menu instead of quarter-pounders. WalMart instead of Dillards. We bypass tickets to the big game so that we can watch our children play instead. We give up soda and drink water because we feel our health is more important. We give up buying the latest CD or DVD to save for the more valuable MP3 player. We give up our seat on the bus because the young lady’s comfort is more important than our own. We give up buying that new car, because we think it is more important for our kids to have braces. Often we sacrifice now in hopes that we might gain more value in the future (for example, the stock market, retirement savings and life insurance, putting in our time now to make the climb up the ladder of success easier and quicker).

Some “sacrifices” we make are easy – no big deal; some are necessary; and others are real struggles. But all sacrifices have one thing in common…they must be made willingly!

From the beginning of time, we have wanted to offer sacrifices to our Creator. Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock and the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his own son simply because God asked. By faith Noah sacrificed years of his life to build an ark that would save his family…and all mankind. Moses sacrificed the comfort of his father-in-laws fields and flocks to wander 40 years in the wilderness so that God’s power would be shown in Egypt and throughout the nation of Israel. The apostles sacrificed their careers to follow Jesus. Jesus willingly sacrificed His own life because of His love for us…And all He asks in return is for us to sacrifice our lives because of our love for Him.

The question then, is whether we are willing to give up our own pleasures and our own desires and our own selfishness for One who is more deserving, more valuable, and more important than us? If we say “yes, Lord,” we will gain a future reward that is out of this world!

Then Jesus said to all the people: If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross each day and follow me. If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me, you will save it. Luke 9:23-24 (CEV)

Focus

2006-04-13T07:30:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been exactly one year today that I posted my very first blog. Thank you, David, for showing me a new way to express my thoughts and feelings. It is really great to have an outlet to codify some of my thoughts and experiences that help me to see God at work in my everyday life. Too often I get distracted by the daily grind and the activities that clutter my work day and my home life. When there is so much going on, I can tend to focus on the next task, or how we are going to get the family from one place to another and how to fit it all into the limited time we have. Then, when there is some down time, I have time to blog, but sometimes my attentions turn elsewhere. This is when I become weak and when Satan creeps in to try and convince me that I need to do something for myself – after all I deserve it, right? Distraction is one of Satan’s greatest tools.

Having the opportunity to sit down occasionally and put pen to paper (or mostly fingers to keyboard) and remind myself how I encountered God throughout the days events helps me to focus more on God and helps me to recognize opportunities to serve Him. The more I take the time to blog, or to prepare for a class or sermon, or participate in some other church related activity, the more my mind and thoughts focus on what’s truly important. Paul got it right when he said,

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1-3)

It is all a matter of focus, which seems to be harder and harder to accomplish as we live our lives and as more and more things compete for our time and attention. So I constantly ask myself what I can do to become more focused...to keep things that are holy and pure and spiritual at the forefront of my mind. So I do things like listen to Christian music, post scriptures on my computer desktop, keep a Bible in my desk, call Christian brothers to discuss spiritual matters, agree to teach Bible classes and do other work for the Church, download Christian songs on my cell phone to be reminded every time someone calls, read other blogs from other Christians who I respect, and even review some of my own previous blog posts (after all, some may be pretty good)...Even this reminds me of where I have been and points me to where I need to go.

Yet, sometimes I still have trouble maintaining my focus. I would be interested in hearing from some of you as to how you maintain focus on our Creator, Protector, Savior, Shepherd, Father.

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity... And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:12-14, 17)

Faith Associations

2006-03-15T18:42:00.000-06:00

Quick - what is the first impression of faithfulness that comes to your mind when you think about these Old Testament fellows:

* Abraham: Great faith - willing to sacrifice the son he waited 100 years for (Genesis 22).
* Daniel: Great faith - survived the lions’ den (Daniel 6).
* Hananiah, Mishael, & Azariah: HUH?? (Try Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego)...Oh, Yeah!: Great faith - remained cool when Nebuchadnezzar turned up the heat (Daniel 3).
* Samson: Great faith - gave new meaning to equestrian warfare (Judges 15)
* Elijah: Great faith – sacrificed 1 bull and 450 prophets of Baal in the same day (1 Kings 18)
* David: Great faith – overcame gigantic obstacles (1 Samuel 17)
* King Saul: Faith in God's work in others – WHAT?? Saul a man of faith? Wait, are we talking about the same Saul that openly disobeyed God and then lied to His prophet? The same Saul that grew jealous of David and set out to kill him?

Yeah, that’s the guy. You see, Saul wasn’t always such a bad man. At one time, according to 1 Samuel, Saul was an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites, chosen by God Himself to deliver the Israelites from the hand of the Philistines. And when Saul exercised his faith, God accomplished great victories through His servant Saul. But Saul recognized God working in David and had faith enough to encourage God’s servant in his appointed task.

Let’s return to the story of Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Goliath was an impressive and formidable figure, over nine feet tall, who struck great fear in the entire Israelite army. For 40 days, Goliath would issue the same challenge – send one soldier to take me on and if he wins, the Philistines would become the slaves of Israel; but if Goliath won, the Israelites would become slaves of the Philistines. Wow, what pressure, to have the fate of the entire nation resting on the shoulders of only one man. We all know that David was up to the task. That he met Goliath’s challenge with only a shepherd’s staff, a sling and five smooth stones.

But David wasn’t the only one who recognized God at work in this story. When David came before Saul to take up the gauntlet, Saul was taken aback by David’s youth. “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth.” (1 Samuel 17:33) (Emphasis added) What faith! No…I am not talking about David, but Saul! As King of all of Israel, Saul had an obligation to protect his people. He was called upon to be a great strategist – a strong and wise leader. But to send a BOY out to do an army’s job, the nation must have thought he was crazy…we know Goliath did. To place the entire fate and future of his nation – God’s people no less – on the word and actions of a simple boy, with no armor to protect him, armed with only a sling and a prayer, he must have recognized something that most crazy people don’t – God is stronger than any giant or any army!

So when some youth seeks to do great things for God, don’t stop them! Encourage them and seek to help in any way possible, even if that means letting go and getting out of the way.

“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

“Do not put out the Spirit's fire…” 1 Thessalonians 5:19

As Good as Dead

2006-02-27T23:51:00.000-06:00

It has already been a long, hard, tiring year (you heard me right – YEAR!). As the kids get older, and become involved in more and more activities, both at school and at church, and as we get busier with commitments to church, our families and our jobs, the added time and effort puts extra wear and tear on clothes, our vehicles, and my body. Here it is, only the end of February, and I already feel worn out. It seems to pay great dividends to master the art of the “power nap”. Sometimes, I just want to lock the doors, take the phone off the hook, unplug all the appliances, and collapse on the couch. During some of those times, it seems that it would be a whole lot easier to turn in the keys, turn over those responsibilities to someone else, and just say “NO”.

But it is also during those times that I draw some of my greatest encouragement. One of my favorite passages in the Bible is found in Hebrews 11. We all know that as the “faith” chapter, where the writer extols the virtues of the great faith of our spiritual forefathers. He lays out the unshakable and unthinkable deeds undertaken and accomplished by the prophets of old as examples of how we can stand firm and weather the storms of uncertainty in our lives. One of the funniest – and most encouraging – examples given is of Abraham. Read verses 11 and 12:

“By faith Abraham, even though he was past age-and Sarah herself was barren-was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.”

Did you catch it? Because Abraham considered God faithful to His promise, he and Sarah had a son even though Sarah was barren and even though Abraham was as good as dead! Abraham was about 100 years old when Isaac was born (Romans 4:19). According to Genesis 25:7, he was barely past middle age, for him (he lived to be 175), yet the inspired scripture paints a picture of him as old and feeble. Abraham had already accomplished so much! When God called, he picked up his family, left all he knew, gave up the comforts of home, and headed out, not knowing his destination, or even his direction, all because God said to go. At God’s direction, he relocated to a foreign land, not knowing the culture or anything about the inhabitants, and simply pitched a tent.

But the most inspiring thing about this passage is to see that Abraham never stopped allowing God to use him to do great things to build and further God’s purpose. He never quit serving! And God never quit using Abraham. I guess that God is just waiting for some of us to age, to ripen and mature, so that He can begin another great work through us.

When I anticipate that God has such a purpose for me, I look forward to retirement so that God can truly call me to service. I am grateful to Jerry Myers for continually reminding everyone of Galatians 6:9:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

What Does Love Sound Like?

2006-02-14T01:26:00.000-06:00

Well, it’s Valentine’s Day and our thoughts, and minds and hearts are turned to Love. We agonize over what to give, or where to take, or what to do for our sweetheart so that we can forever be ingrained in their memories. We drink in all the details of our beloved so that we can recall that warm feeling on those nights where we are apart, separated by distance or after they have departed this earth, and we imprint those emotions on every one of our senses.

Often, just as in Pavlov’s experiment, those very same emotions wash over us at the slightest remembrance of a certain sound, and we again find ourselves transported back to those magical places and times which we shared with our precious darlings. Perhaps the sound of gentle waves reminds us of a romantic stroll on the beach. The melody of the music box revives visions of the last ride on the carousel. A favorite song, a baby’s cry, laughter, the rustling of leaves, the weeping of a funeral …even silence…speaks volumes of love to our tender hearts. All these and more are vivid reminders of the love shared, the lives lived, and sacrifices made for us.

Now think back to a time unknown to you, some 2000 plus years ago, and imagine the cry of a newborn baby, intermingled with the bleating of sheep and goats and the braying of donkeys. Hear the sounds of celebration at a wedding feast, and the delight of the guests when the “good stuff” pours forth from the jars which, only moments before, held water. The amazement of the scholars at the insightful answers given by a common everyday 12 year old boy. Listen again (or for the first time) at the rich and powerful voice that seems to come from nowhere but delights in the proclamation, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” Feel the sudden energy of a tired and weary teacher when little children run to Him and shower Him with affection. Tremble at the sound of the power of the storm that threatens your life, and marvel at the voice that speaks it into submission. Sense the awe when you realize that the Son of God is praying for you!

These are the sounds of love. But sometimes love hurts.

Experience the rage of the bloodthirsty crowd as they cry, “Crucify Him!” The whispers of tearing flesh as He is beaten mercilessly within an inch of His very life. The mother’s cry. The heavy footsteps burdened by the weight of massive timbers. The dull thud of the spikes as they penetrate flesh and cartilage and sinew. A cry of abandonment and a final breath.

Yet amid the clamor, the scoffing, the weeping and the deafening roar of the crowd, our Savior spoke of family and of forgiveness. However, perhaps one of the most significant and powerful sounds of love we could consider is the sound of stone upon stone, as the grave was opened, and as we witness death’s defeat.

So what does love sound like? The sweetest sound of love is the movement of the water as it entombs us and as we break free from the bonds of sin and death, and as we hear the Master say, “well done, My good and faithful servant!”

Amazing Grace

2006-01-22T23:51:00.000-06:00

Have you ever heard these phases? “I am such a failure.” “I am nothing but a screw up.” “I’m just not good enough.” “God doesn’t want someone like me.” “How could God love me when I am such a bad person?” How many times have we tried to assure folks that God does love them anyway, that He does want them, that God don’t make junk?

What is truly sad, though, is when we hear these very same feelings pour out of Christians – or even out of our own mouths. What is even worse is that we convince ourselves that God will never accept us because of the dirty, often secret, sins we harbor. After all, we were supposed to get rid of all those terrible things that we did, and that we do, the moment we were lifted out of the water of baptism “to walk in newness of life”. We are now new creatures (Romans 6), and we are not supposed to commit the same old sins that we had gotten used to doing. We are supposed to be “transformed” with a renewed mindset (Romans 12). And when we do sin, (and boy do we sin!) we feel dirtier, and more worthless, and try to hide our sin, and ourselves, from God, much like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

A good friend of mine recently sent me this story. It comes from the book “How to Say NO to a Stubborn Habit," by Erwin Lutzer:

"A man recently released from prison was having difficulty adjusting to his freedom. He tried this experiment: He took a glass bottle with a distinct shape and crammed it full of wires, some small and some large. After sometime had passed, he smashed the bottle with a hammer. The result? Most of the wires retained the shape of the bottle. Those wires had to be straightened out, one by one. The man had established his point: It is possible to be technically free and still retain the traits of bondage. Even though a man is liberated, he must adjust to his freedom and carefully dismantle the habits of the past."

What a great example of our new-found freedom in Christ! Although we were filled with sin, Jesus took that sin upon his shoulders in order that we might become righteousness to God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Yet, we are still weak and we are still tempted – and we still sin. But Jesus, our High Priest, sympathizes with us (Hebrews 4:15), and, if we continue to follow His path, He will fellowship with us and He will help us to straighten out each wire, one by one (1 John 1:7).

Thank God for such Amazing Grace!

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:7,9

The 12th Song of Christmas

2005-12-25T00:01:00.000-06:00

Servant Song

Lord, make me a servant, Lord, make me like You;
For You are a servant, make me one, too.
Lord, make me a servant, do what You must do
To make me a servant, make me like You.
_________________________________________

Not your traditional Christmas song; in fact, some may not call it a Christmas song at all. But I challenge you to read the words of the song again…go ahead, I can wait…there, do you see it now? “Servant”! That is what Jesus was. That is why Jesus came. That is what we are called to do! After all, isn’t that what Christmas is all about? During this season, the world celebrates the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, the Son of God. We read the accounts of Matthew and Luke and we marvel at the power of the miracles, the blind obedience of Mary and Joseph, the awe and excitement of the shepherds, the perseverance of the Magi, and the uniqueness of God’s plan. We shake our heads and analyze the fact that the King of Kings was born in a stable, not a palace, that His birth was announced to lowly shepherds, not rulers and ambassadors, and that he grew up a simple carpenter.

But the true meaning of Christmas can also be found in the pages of Philippians.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

There it is again – the complete Christmas story! Jesus left His heavenly glory and made Himself nothing, born as a human - as a servant - only to live His life in obedience so that He could be scorned and crucified along with common thieves. He loved us so much that He gave up His very life so that we might live, free of condemnation, forever in the presence of the God.

If He did all this for us, the words of the Servant Song should be tattooed upon our hearts. You see, Christmas is not about the presents, the carols, the trees or the lights. It is not really about the Christ child, but about Christ the servant. It is not about what we get, but what we give – ourselves. Each day we should yield ourselves to the Lord to be molded and shaped into the image of our servant savior, Jesus.

Merry Christmas!

The 11th Song of Christmas

2005-12-24T01:11:00.000-06:00

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him…” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. Matthew 2:1,2,9-11

Magi – commonly referred to as “wise men”. What made them so wise, so special, that Matthew would devote 12 verses to them? They were not Jews, not of the chosen race, yet they left their homes and traveled for about 2 years just to see the King of the Jews. So what made them so wise? Was it their knowledge or intelligence? Their experience or status?

Well, I’m glad you asked. These men had undoubtedly heard of the great Messiah from one or more of the Jews during their time in captivity. Perhaps the story had been handed down and told for many generations. So for many years, these men were watching, vigilant, for the sign of the Christ child. When it appeared, they recognized it and immediately made preparations to honor Him. They quickly gathered gifts fit for a King and began their long journey. When they found Him, they bowed down and worshipped Him!

So what made them so wise? They believed that God would keep His promise. They were attentive to the sign that God was at work. They searched diligently and dedicated their lives to finding the Savior. And when they found Him, they worshipped Him. That’s right, these gentiles, possibly rulers of foreign lands, acknowledged the incomparable sovereignty of the one and only all mighty God, in human flesh. Now how about you?

Wise men still seek Him and bow down before the great I AM in worship!

We Three Kings of Orient Are
by John Henry Hopkins Jr., 1857

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to rein

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Pray'r and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav'n replies

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

The 10th Song of Christmas

2005-12-23T00:01:00.000-06:00

One Quiet Moment
Written by Bob Kauflin

One quiet moment, on a star–clustered night,
Two weary travelers knew an end was in sight;
So the soon to be mother, grasped her husband’s strong hand,
And paused to remember where the journey began.
Nine months of yearning filled with joy and with pain;
He almost had left her, but then chose to remain
Close by the woman he had not even kissed,
Who would bear him a son that would never be his.

And in one quiet moment, a woman and man
Accepted the part they would have in God’s plan;
To give up His glory, and be born as a man.
In one quiet moment. . .

They dreamed of the days they would spend with their son,
Taking walks through the hillsides and watching Him run.
And some days the fingers that had fashioned the stars,
Would reach out to hold them when the walk was too far.
They wrestled with knowing that His life would bring change;
Friends would grow distant, and shun them as strange.
Though they tried not to think it, in their hearts they were sure,
That their baby was destined to die for the world.

And in one quiet moment, a woman and man
Accepted the part they would have in God’s plan;
To give up His glory, and be born as a man.
In one quiet moment. . .

One quiet moment they could suddenly hear
Thousands of angels singing so clear;
“Glory to God, His Salvation is near !”
In one quiet moment . . .
In this one quiet moment . . .
One quiet moment.
_______________________________

It only takes one single solitary second to make such a huge difference. In just a split second, one choice can mean life or death. In the blink of an eye, any particular decision could change the course of history, decide the fate of nations, or transform the rest of your life forever.

Take Joseph and Mary. “Wait a minute”, you say, “God chose to use them, not the other way around!” Quite true, but just as from the beginning of time, God never made a single soul do what He asked. He has always left it up to man’s own free will…just ask Adam and Eve. Joseph could have said “NO!”, and he almost did. Look for a moment at Matthew 1:18-19.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly
.There he is, Joseph, a righteous man, a compassionate man, a principled man, and a man who obviously loved his bride to be with all his heart. What was he to do? His fiancée was pregnant…and it wasn’t his baby. His spirit must have been dashed, his soul must have been crushed, and his heart must have felt like someone ripped it from his chest and stomped on it. Yet his integrity was intact. What he was considering he wanted to do quietly, not only to spare her the embarrassment, but also her life. Adultery in those days was punishable by death. So he must have agonized over this one decision long and hard.

But after a visit from an angel, Joseph and Mary both made a choice that would alter the course of eternity! Let’s look again, just a few verses later:

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:24-25
They didn’t know what lay ahead but they chose to be obedient. They chose to become a part of God’s master plan. And as a result, they got to hold Emmanuel in their arms, they got to hear the mighty choir of heaven sing, and they looked into the face of God.

How do you fit into the plan? Decide to be obedient. Come on, it only takes a moment – and it will be an adventure that lasts forever!

The 9th Song of Christmas

2005-12-22T00:40:00.000-06:00

Ever wonder why? Why did God do things the way He did? Why did He choose the ones He did? Wouldn’t it have been better if He had considered other options – not change things or really do them differently, but just tweak them a little? We hear little from Joseph after they were turned away from the Inn, but step into his sandals for a moment and witness the beginning of the salvation of the world from his perspective. Imagine the thoughts that must have raced through his mind: “I know what the Angel said, but He is so tiny!” “How are we going to raise God’s Son?” “Where is the King and his court so they can make a fuss over this miracle child?” “Who are those smelly guys over there and where did they come from?” “Go away, goat, go find your dinner elsewhere.” “Count the toes, count the fingers, are they all there?” “He has His Father’s eyes.” “Am I really holding God?”

But perhaps Joseph struggled most with this simple concept…”What a strange way to save the world.”

...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:20-21

___________________________________

A Strange Way to Save the World
4 Him from the CD “Christmas, The Season of Love”

I'm sure he must have been surprised At where this road had taken him
'Cause never in a million lives
Would he have dreamed of Bethlehem And standing at the manger He saw with his own eyes The message from the angel come to life And Joseph said...

Why me, I'm just a simple man of trade? Why Him with all the rulers in the world? Why here inside this stable filled with hay? Why her, she's just an ordinary girl?Now, I'm not one to second guess what angel's have to say But this is such a strange way to save the world

To think of how it could have been If Jesus had come as He deserved There would have been no Bethlehem No lowly shepherds at His birth But Joseph knew the reason The love had to reach so far And as he held the Savior in his arms He must have thought...

Why me, I'm just a simple man of trade?Why Him with all the rulers in the world? Why here inside this stable filled with hay? Why her, she's just an ordinary girl? Now, I'm not one to second guess what angel's have to say But this is such a strange way to save the world

The 8th Song of Christmas

2005-12-21T00:29:00.000-06:00

Christmas is a joyous occasion, filled with brightly adorned packages, twinkling lights, festive decorations, carefully selected ornaments, family get-togethers and lots and lots of food. We cherish the Christmas cards, the annual “what’s been going on with our family” letters, and holiday emails. Often we get frustrated at the hustle and bustle of shopping for just the right gift while fighting the crowds and the endless search for parking spaces. Sometimes we lose sight of why we shop for our loved ones – it is no longer about bringing “joy to the world”, but about finding the long lost item that is sold out in every store before some other desperate parent or spouse beats us to it.

Then something happens that lifts the fog and tugs on our heartstrings and reminds us of why we give in the first place. This Christmas, I pray that you catch a glimpse of heaven’s love and are constantly aware of what Christmas is truly all about.

My dear friends, we must love each other. Love comes from God, and when we love each other, it shows that we have been given new life. We are now God's children, and we know him. God is love, and anyone who doesn't love others has never known him. God showed his love for us when he sent his only Son into the world to give us life. Real love isn't our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven. Dear friends, since God loved us this much, we must love each other.

We love because God loved us first. 1 John 4:7-11, 19 (CEV)

________________________

The Christmas Shoes

by Newsong

It was almost Christmas time,
There I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two,
Not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me
Was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing 'round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes

His clothes were worn and old,
He was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn't believe what I heard him say

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful
If Mama meets Jesus tonight

He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me
He said Mama made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without
Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I've got to buy these Christmas shoes

So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out
I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about

Repeat Chorus

The 7th Song of Christmas

2005-12-20T00:15:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Our World
by Chris Rice

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting
Welcome Holy Child
Welcome Holy Child

Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger
Make Yourself at home
Please make Yourself at home

Bring Your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence
Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world

Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born

So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God

Welcome to our world
_______________________________________________

The world did not welcome the Christ Child into the world although they had been waiting centuries for this Messiah. He came in this world as the light of the world (John 1:9; 3:19; 12:46), as King and testimony to the truth (John 18:37), and as the Savior of the world (John 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 1:15), and so that we may have life (1 John 4:9).

Today He stands at the door of your heart and knocks. Invite Him in. Welcome Him to your world.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:19-20

The 6th Song of Christmas

2005-12-19T00:05:00.000-06:00

Breath Of Heaven (Mary's Song)
By Amy Grant

I have traveled many moonless nights
Cold and weary with a babe inside
And I wonder what I've done
Holy Father You have come
And chosen me now to carry Your Son

I am waiting in a silent prayer
I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone
Be with me now
Be with me now

Breath of Heaven hold me forever
Be forever near me breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven lighten my darkness
Pour over me, Your holiness
For You are holy – Breath of Heaven

Do You wonder as You watch my face
If a wiser one, should of had my place
But I offer – all I am
For the mercy – of Your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me

Breath of Heaven hold me forever
Be forever near me breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven lighten my darkness
Pour over me, Your holiness
For You are holy – Breath of Heaven
_______________________________

Remember back to a time when you were chosen for some position, or promotion, or to head up some project. What a time of trepidation. They say that the average person in America changes jobs every few years. I remember when I left the law firm to become a Trust Officer. For several months I wondered why they chose me. What attributes did I possess that they wanted? What was I supposed to do? How was I to make a difference in the company and in the lives of the customers? I felt so inadequate and unworthy. But I also felt grateful and honored that I possessed some skill or quality that they could use.

Imagine what Mary must have felt like when God chose her to bring His Son into the world. God has not chosen us to carry His Son, but He has chosen us to carry His Son’s message of love and salvation to the world. What a responsibility! What an honor! We need to pray each day “Lord, I offer all I am. Help me be strong, Lord, help me.”

Then he said: “The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” Acts 22:14-16

The 5th Song of Christmas

2005-12-18T00:55:00.000-06:00

Every new mother and father wonder and dream of the life their new baby will have. Each parent wants their child to have a better life…to be the smartest, best looking, most athletic, popular, and talented kid on the block. We hope that our child will grow up to be a doctor, a lawyer, a professional athlete, or a successful businessman who will make a comfortable living, have a good measure of authority, and make a difference in the world.

But what if your child was the SON OF GOD!?! What could you possible wish for? How would you raise Him? Would you have to discipline Him? Would you ever have to correct Him? Or would He correct you? Would He try out for school athletics? Would He make the team? Would He ever fall down and scrape His knee or hit His thumb with a hammer? Would He cry? Would you ever go hungry again? Or could he miraculously provide food when none exists? How do you teach God’s own Son the holy scriptures? Would you constantly have to tell your other children to be more like Jesus? Would you constantly have to tell yourself to be more like Jesus? How might if feel to actually hug and kiss God?

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19

Mary Did You Know?
By Mark Lowry

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered
Will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Did you know
That your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little boy
You've kissed the face of God

Mary, did you know?
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Did you know
That your baby boy will one day rules the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding
Is the Great I Am

The 4th Song of Christmas

2005-12-17T00:07:00.000-06:00

All major events in history have been accompanied by some kind of celebration and hoopla. The best in sports are greeted with ticker-tape parades. Major victories in times of war are announced on every television set, radio and newspaper and are celebrated in every establishment and business and home in the nation. The arrival of dignitaries are preceded by motorcades with flashing lights and secret service. So you would think that the day that God decided to join His creations here on earth would generate the most excitement known to man...after all, they had been anticipating the coming of the Messiah for generations. Instead, for most of the world, the birth of God’s own Son was just another ordinary day, filled with the same old frustrations and anxieties of every day life. Not really the reception for a King!

The world missed it once – but NEXT TIME all of eternity will hear the fanfare!

And then at last the signal of my coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning all around the earth. And the nations of the world will see me arrive in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And I shall send forth my angels with the sound of a mighty trumpet blast, and they shall gather my chosen ones from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. Matthew 24:30-31 (TLB)

In the First Light
by Bob Kauflin

In the first light of a new day no one knew he had arrived
Things continued as they had been while a newborn softly cried
But the heavens wrapped in wonder knew the meaning of his birth
In the weakness of a baby they knew God had come to earth

As his mother held him closely it was hard to understand
That her baby, not yet speaking, was the word of God to manHe would tell them of his kingdom but their hearts would not believeThey would hate him and in anger they would nail him to a tree

But the sadness would be broken as the song of life arose
And the firstborn of creation would ascend and take his throneHe had left it to redeem us but before his life beganHe knew he'd come back, not as a baby, but as the Lord of every man

Hear the angels as they're singing on the morning of his birth
But how much greater will their song be when he comes again, when he comes againHear the angels as they're singing on the morning of his birthBut how much greater will their song be when he comes to rule the earth!

The 3rd Song of Christmas

2005-12-15T23:40:00.000-06:00

Joy To The World
Words adapted from Psalms 98 by Isaac Watts;
Music by G.F. Handel, arr. By Lowell Mason

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods,
rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love

_________________

Ever seen anyone who is just bustin’ at the seams? Ever been a time when you just can’t contain your joy? The promotion finally came through! You really hit a hole in one! You are now a homeowner for the first time! The baby has arrived!! That will surely put a smile on your face. It’s time to celebrate…break out the cigars (bubble gum, of course), send out the invitations, hang the banners, run up the phone bill, perhaps even buy that new 60” wide screen plasma tv you’ve had your eye on (well, at least a new remote). You can’t wait for someone to ask you what all the fuss is about – and they better have a lot of time to listen to you extol the virtues of your accomplishments and how your life will surely change.

If we pop our buttons over such news, imagine what it would be like if God Himself came down for a visit!! Why, we could never cease to sing His praises. In fact, all of heaven and earth would burst out into a melodious refrain that would shake the very foundation of the earth.

That is why we celebrate Christmas. The fact that the very God that created us came to pay us a visit; to become one of us, to shoulder our burdens and troubles, to conquer the sin that quashed our joy, to utterly envelop us in His love.

Now THAT is reason to sing a joyful song!!

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-12

The 2nd Song of Christmas

2005-12-15T01:17:00.000-06:00

Emmanuel
Michael W. Smith, “A Christmas Collection”

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Wonderful Counselor
Lord of Life, Lord of All
He is the Prince of Peace,
Mighty God, Holy One
Emmanuel, Emmanuel

A very simple song...not one that will make you cry or yearn for snow or hot cocoa, or remind you of Burl Ives or Bing Crosby. No sentiments about jingle bells, Santa Claus, sleigh rides, or chestnuts roasting on an open fire. No references to silent nights, mangers, little towns, drummer boys or wise men. Just a simple description of God’s Son.

The Christ is the Wonderful Counselor, the Lord of Life, the Lord of all, the Prince of Peace, the Mighty God, the Holy One. But what makes this simple song so powerful is the single one word description, Emmanuel. What makes it so powerful is its definition – “God with us.” Jesus is not just all of those wonderful things described in the song, He is all those things along side of each of us.

What LOVE!

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23 (KJV)

The 1st Song of Christmas

2005-12-14T16:58:00.000-06:00

I promised a brief commentary on 12 Christmas songs that stir my heart. These will be in no particular order of significance or sentiment.

This first song touches me every time I hear it. It is a poignant reminder of what is important in life. We often hear that we need to remember “the reason for the season”, but then we forget that He is also the reason for life itself. There is never a bad time to sing to, or about Jesus!

Christmas Carol

by Newsong, from the Album "The Christmas Shoes"

I first met her in December on a snowy winter’s night
And it didn’t take me long to see that something wasn’t right
They called her Christmas Carol, said her mind was nearly gone
But she could still light up the room when she sang a Christmas song
Seems no one knows the story to explain her Christmas cheer
Why she keeps the decorations up all through the year
And though she long ago forgot the names of family and friends
When it comes to singing Christmas songs she’s like a child again

CHORUS:
Sing, oh sing, Christmas Carol
Sing with all of your might
Sing “Joy to the World"
Sing “O Holy Night“
You’re closer now to Jesus Than you’ve ever been
Sing, oh sing, Christmas Carol
Sing your songs to Him

I had told my son about her, so I thought I’d take him by
And he was so amazed at all the tinsel and the lights
She laughed and told her stories of her Christmas memories
But nothing told it better than when she began to sing

CHORUS

The last time that I saw her, she didn’t recognize me
Her hair was thin and she was frail, and she couldn’t even speak
But I could sit down next to her, sing her favorite Christmas songs
And somehow, God only knows how,
She could still sing right along!

CHORUS

The Reluctant Servant

2005-12-14T01:50:00.000-06:00

There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, “Son, go and work today in the vineyard.” "I will not,” he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, “I will, sir,” but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted? Matthew 21:28-31

Saturday night, I sat down for the first time to watch the perennial holiday favorite, “It’s A Wonderful Life”. (Never mind that I have owned the movie on video for 8 or 9 years; but, I must confess, I have never watched the whole show from beginning to end until now.) I have seen the ending probably a million times, but I always seem to pick up the film where George is about to jump off the bridge so that his family can collect the life insurance. Thus, all these years, I have missed the main theme of the movie – sacrificial servanthood!

When George Bailey graduated high school, he wanted to set the world on fire. With the money he had saved, he wanted to tour foreign lands and then return to college to get his education so that he could make a difference in the world by building skyscrapers and a “bridge a mile long”. He wanted more than anything to escape the small town life, and his father’s building and loan. However, when his father died, he put his plans on hold and took over the business. He used his savings to send his younger brother, Harry, to college. For 4 years he anticipated his brother’s return so that Harry could take over the business and George could finally escape, but, again, he encouraged his brother to take a better job with his father-in-law and George abandoned his dreams and continued to run the business in order to avoid the evil Mr. Potter from devouring the building and loan. Then, George married his sweetheart, and, just when they were about to leave on their honeymoon, the depression hit and the townspeople flocked to the building and loan to withdraw their money. After explaining that there was not enough money in the vault to satisfy every depositor, George and Mary used their own money, set aside for their honeymoon, to tide the citizens over, foregoing their anticipated honeymoon.

Throughout the years that I have seen the end of the story, I knew it represented that we never know how many lives we touch, but all those years, I missed the true moral of the story…he made a difference in the lives of all those he touched because he was willing to sacrifice his dreams for the good of others.

While watching, I was immediately reminded of the story in Matthew 21 where the son told his father “no”, but was obedient none-the-less. This is exactly what our Father asks of us. After all, this is exactly what He asked of His own Son, and His Son was obedient unto death!

We may be reluctant or even defiant, but in the end, God asks us to be obedient and to put the needs of others above our own desires. Then, He promises, that it will truly be a WONDERFUL LIFE!

The Twelve Songs of Christmas

2005-12-09T23:19:00.000-06:00

COMING SOON!

You've heard "The Twelve Days of Christmas" sung ad nauseum over the many years, and each year some reporter/columnist with too much time on their hands tries to figure out just exactly how many thousands, or hundreds of thousands, of dollars everything in the song costs for that year.

Well, as a famous conservative talk show host is want to say, "words mean something". So I will be compiling a list of 12 songs that epitomize the spirit of Christmas for me and elaborating on their significance to my faith walk. Thus I will not be "reviewing" the standard, popular, best loved secular Christmas songs - you might even see a few you may or may not have heard of.

Be watching starting December 14 for a song a day that I hope will make you stop and think about the real reason for the season - and ultimately the real reason and purpose for our very existence.

Waynes World

2005-12-09T02:00:00.000-06:00

Some of you may remember the quirky Saturday Night Live sketch about two teenagers who started a cable access show in their basement. The most memorable parts of the recurring sketch were when they had a major guest on their show. The two would fall to their knees and bow to the guests and shout, “I’m not worthy, I’m not worthy!” Although they thought they were gifted and talented, they realized that their celebrity paled in comparison to the greatness of their guests.

Isaiah realized his own unworthiness when in the presence of God. After seeing a vision of the Lord, high and exalted, surrounded by worshipping angels shouting, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory," Isaiah suddenly felt filthy, undeserving, speechless, worthless, insignificant, sinful. (Isaiah 6:3, 5). He cried out to the Lord, “Woe is me!” He was suddenly confronted by his sin and the sin of his people. We too find ourselves in the position of being unworthy. Romans 3:23 tells us that we are all sinners and that we can never measure up. When we realize that we are in the presence of our perfect Creator, we all should fall to our knees and cry out to God that we are “undone” – weak, miserable, destroyed, ruined, helpless, unclean. But, Jesus came to make us strong, blessed, confident, victorious, and clean. So, even though we can never be worthy, God has called us to be His children (John 1:12-13), a chosen people and royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), His messengers (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15), and a reflection of His glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Paul urges us to live a life worthy of God’s calling by being completely humble and gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:1-2). Be faithful and persevere in persecutions and trials so that our God may count us worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of ours and every act prompted by our faith (2 Thessalonians 1:5,11).

“And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:10-12

God is Good

2005-12-04T23:07:00.000-06:00

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34.

Thanksgiving – a time of grateful praise to and for the Creator who made us what and who we are and who gave us so many blessings that we cannot count them. I heard a superb lesson last week that pointed out the attributes of God from a “lay person’s” perspective. Psalms 145 reminds us that we cannot fathom the greatness of God. We always think of God as “omni”- omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, but the psalmist puts this in ways that we can all understand. Here is a list of how David views his God:

Compassionate, slow to anger, rich in love, creator, worthy of praise and glory, everlasting, enduring, faithful, encouraging, provider, righteous, near, listener, savior, protector, conqueror

In short, GOD IS GOOD…ALL THE TIME!

What images come to mind when you think of God?

Bit Parts

2005-11-15T17:28:00.000-06:00

I have felt disappointed about the last few plays for which my kids have auditioned. They all got parts, but I felt that they were slighted because I thought that the characters they were to play were only “bit parts”, minor roles. After all, I know that my kids are a lot more talented than many of the others, and they certainly sing better than anyone else in Topeka! (Again, YES I am biased, and YES they get that from Mom!) Don’t get me wrong, I know that they need to start at the bottom and work their way up, pay their dues, and gain valuable experience from working with good directors and watching others as they hone their God given talents. But still, I was none to excited about paying 90 bucks apiece for them to merely “participate” in the play, especially if the directors simply wanted to fill the stage. But my children were thrilled at their parts and excited to be part of the cast, and rightly so, because it takes ALL of these players to make the show work!

Too frequently we act the same way in the Church. We feel that if we don’t get to be a “major player”, then what is the point? After all, our ideas are better and more efficient than the other proposals. If we could just do it our way, it would look better, sound better, be more efficient, and we could reach many more souls for our God. And why do some people think they can sing better, or teach better, or organize better, or are more trustworthy; and why aren’t we consulted more?

Some call this a “power struggle”...God calls this selfish! Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12, tells us that we all have different talents and spiritual gifts, and that we need to use them to God’s glory, not ours. He describes us Church members as a body, made up of many parts, all different – but all vital, and all arranged exactly where God wants us to be! Likewise, 1 Peter 2 describes us as “living stones”, joined together to form a spiritual house for God, where we can offer our spiritual sacrifices to God. So when we elevate ourselves (in our own minds) above our brothers and sisters, we tell our Creator that we know better than He does. This selfishness then causes hurt feelings among our members, distance and separation from our brothers, divisions in the Church, and then we quarrel and fight and gossip among ourselves. James calls this kind of behavior adulterous. (James 4:1-4)

Some of the best Christians I know hold what might be considered “bit parts”: the man who is uncomfortable in front of people, yet relishes being an usher, or behind the sound board, or grading correspondence courses; the woman who doesn’t want to teach women’s Bible study or a children’s class, yet is honored to prepare a meal for a shut-in or sick member, or to baby sit for the young mother of 3 (or 5 or 6) just to give her a break and let her relax; or the member who sees that the yard needs mowing or the door needs fixing or the walls need painting and just does it, without being asked and without being seen and not expecting, and rarely getting, a pat on the back. God has a word for these people too – SERVANT!

So next time we are asked to do something, we need to be thankful that God can use us. Next time we do something, we need to be excited that we can do this for God. Are you a hand? A foot? A heart? An eye? A liver or kidney? A tonsil or a sweat gland? Thank God for “bit parts”. Thank God for putting us all together to form a single body with all of the talents and abilities and gifts we need to perform all of the work He sets before us.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others...Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe (Phillipians 2:3,4,14,15)

More Than the Air I Breathe

2005-11-07T23:54:00.000-06:00

While watching an infomercial the other day (I know, I know…”Get a life, buddy!”), the hostess made a statement that would not have been strange to anyone but me. While promoting an air purifier she stated, “Nothing is more important than the air you breathe.” My first thought was, “That is not necessarily true”, but the more I thought about it, the more I am convinced that this is ABSOLUTELY not true. I know that sounds like “crazy talk” and right about now you must be wondering when the nice men in the white coats will be here to take me away; after all, just ask those who live in Houston or California about the importance of their air quality.

But I was immediately reminded of a song written by Lindell Cooley and Bruce Haynes and sung by the Zoe Group, titled, “I Need You More”. Listen closely to the words:

I need You more, more than yesterday.
I need You more, more than words can say.
I need You more than ever before.
I need You, Lord. I need You, Lord.

More than the air I breathe,
More than the song I sing,
More than the next heartbeat,
More than anything,
And Lord, as time goes by,
I’ll be by Your side,
‘Cause I never want to go back
To my old life.

I need You more, more than yesterday.
I need You more, more than words can say.
I need You more than ever before.
I need You, Lord. I need You, Lord.

This should be the first song we sing each and every morning. While we have all sinned (Romans 3:23) resulting in death (Romans 6:23), God has breathed new life into us and made us an entirely new creature (Romans 6:3-4).

Take a deep breath of God’s grace and forgiveness and relish each moment that we are connected to the life support that is our God!

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. Colossians 2:13

Is Anybody In There?

2005-11-02T23:25:00.000-06:00

Another Halloween has come and gone and we were fortunate enough to spend it with our good friends, the Booths. I can tell you there is nothing better on Halloween than good friends, great chili (thanks Don), and a Halloween movie or two. This year we all sat down to watch the original “Ghostbusters”. It has been so long since we have seen it that the funny parts were just as much of a surprise this time and we laughed hard all over again. But the scene that stood out most to me was when Sigourney Weaver was possessed by some demon and Bill Murray was trying to talk to her. When he asked, “Is Dana in there? I want to talk to Dana.”, she answered, “there is no Dana, only Zul.”

Isn’t this exactly what God asks of us? Not to be possessed by some demon, but to be filled with His Spirit – to be completely void of ourselves and replaced by Jesus Christ! Paul expressed it best in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (NKJV). Once we were plunged beneath the water of baptism, our spirit died and Christ took up residence and control of our lives. All too often we try to resurrect the old self and our sinful nature struggles for control. Satan keeps telling us that the old man must be in there somewhere and he wants to talk only to our former sinful self.

Our daily challenge is to completely let go of ourselves and let Christ, alone, live and work through our lives

Our response should ALWAYS be, “There is no me, THERE IS ONLY JESUS!”

Good Grief!

2005-10-27T23:57:00.000-05:00

The favorite phrase of Lucy Van Pelt, all too frustrated with her good friend, Charlie Brown. I have often wondered if there really is such a thing as “good grief”.

According to The Shiva Foundation, www.goodgrief.org, “grieving takes us to the very heart of life itself. Grieving takes us to love and to loss. We only grieve for that which we have loved and, the nature of life being transitory, love and loss are intimately connected…All of us experience some level of loss in our everyday lives, from apparently minor situations to major loss such as the loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, or a dream.”

I have experienced all of these types of grief in the past – the loss of a relationship, a job, a dream, and loved ones. No matter what the loss, it still hurts, and it still takes time to recover. And it never feels “good”.

I am currently in the process of grief, not because anyone has died, but because our good friends, and brother and sister in Christ, are moving. Jim Dubose is more than just a preacher. Over the last 8 years, Jim and Susie have been leaders, healers, counselors, confidants, examples and role models, teachers, encouragers, cheerleaders, ministers, and friends. There have been two men in my life that have made a significant impact on my character and my faith. The first was my youth minister while growing up, Grady King, and the second is my good friend and Christian brother, Jim DuBose. They will be sorely missed. Their absence will leave a hole in my life and in the lives of many in the congregation. Many will grieve, but the grieving will be good.

How, you might ask? Only one explanation will suffice…God is faithful in all things, and He has a plan! God has a plan for Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. God has a plan for Jim and Susie DuBose. God has a plan for Central Church of Christ. And God has a plan for me. Jim summed it up best when he said, “I belong to God and I must serve the master”. So any tears that are shed, should be tears of joy, not grief. Joy that Hot Springs Village will have such assets. Joy that we have gotten to experience God at work through such a wonderful family of servants. Joy that, although they will be miles away, they will be as close as a phone call, an email, or a short drive. Joy that God will bring another servant to Central to work in the lives of His children here and in the community in which we live. Joy that the DuBoses and God’s body at Central will grow from this experience. Joy that God’s kingdom will prosper.

Joy that God’s grace is sufficient.

Jim and Susie, I love you guys and I will miss your presence.

Thank you Father for such servants of character, conviction, compassion, dedication, and love, as Jim, Susie, Ben, Emily, and Tim DuBose. Thank you for bringing them into our lives, for the examples they lived each and every day, for giving us a glimpse of You through their hearts. Thank you for the impact they have had on our lives and we thank You for the next servants you will bring our way. Please work in the lives and the ministry of the DuBose family and lift them up and encourage and strengthen them until we meet again. In the name of Your precious Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Idle Hands

2005-10-13T01:53:00.000-05:00

“Idle hands are the Devil’s workshop”. Everyone’s mother has said this to you at one time or another (and I bet you’ve repeated it a few times yourself). Great concept…but is it not found anywhere in the Bible. Sure Ecclesiastes 10 says that lazy people have idle hands; James 4 tells us that if we know to do good but don’t that we sin; and in 2 Thessalonians 3, Paul told the people that if they didn’t work they shouldn’t eat. But in this fast-paced day and age, we tend to take it to heart and, as a result, we take the opposite to the extreme.

We lead busy lives. We fill our days with so much activity that we leave ourselves little or no time to eat or rest. We “multi-task” so that we can accomplish more projects in less time. We make jokes about lawyers billing more than 24 hours in a day, yet we try to cram just as many things into our day. We overbook and schedule appointments on top of appointments. We buy gadgets to help us do things faster and more efficiently, to be more mobile, and appear to be in two places at once. Most times, when asked, we just cannot say “NO”. Our weeks consist of meetings, soccer and baseball games, rehearsals, music or dance lessons, personal projects for our friends and/or family, and more meetings. For most of us, our problem is not “idle hands”, but not enough hands.

With such busy lives, we tend to let our defenses down. We don’t have the time to set our minds on things above or focus on what or who is really important. Then, when we come up against a seemingly insurmountable task, we tremble with the fear of failure, knowing that we just can’t give any more. The Israelites felt this way when they came up against the Red Sea with the Egyptian army closing in on them. God’s solution – “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14) (emphasis added). “BE STILL?!?”, we think, “BE STILL!!? WE DON’T HAVE TIME TO BE STILL!” Yes, the Lord commands us to “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10). To Saul on the road to Damascus, Jesus commanded him to go into the city and wait. For 3 days Saul sat in total darkness for instructions on how to find the Lord (Acts 9). Even Jesus often went off alone to pray (Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:46; Luke 6:12), sometimes all night. In His final hours, when the stress in His life was the greatest and He felt the weight of the world crashing in around Him, He spent time alone in the stillness of Gethsemane to talk to His Father (Matthew 26:39-44; Mark 14:35-40).

My prayer for you is that you take time to be still in the presence of the Lord and there find tranquility in His arms of love.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)

You Don't Know Me

2005-10-04T23:20:00.000-05:00

No vacation is complete without the obligatory souvenir t-shirt. Everything from the standard “I Love (dream destination here)”, to pictures of local landmarks and cartoon characters of well known theme parks. While traveling to Washington DC this summer, Lane picked out a great shirt that said, “You don’t know me! (Federal Witness Protection Program)”.

Sometimes, I think that we voluntarily enter the “witness protection program” when it comes to our faith. We are commanded to “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15); to “go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”. (Matt 28:19-20). Yet, we disguise our faith in God, choosing instead to blend in with the world around us, fearing that we might lose friends or offend those very souls to whom Jesus sent us to reach. We cry out with our actions, “I don't know the man!” (Like that worked well for Peter in Matthew 26!)

Instead of hiding away in some secluded community, masking our true identity, our witness begins in our own communities, neighborhoods, and even our own households, just as Jesus first witnessed to the Jews. Christ has called us to be a light set high atop a stand for all to see. (Matthew 5:14-15). We are directed to be transformed – different – renewed so that we stand out as a beacon of Christ’s love and grace. (Romans 12).

Do those you come in contact with each day know who you are? More importantly, do they know whose you are?

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

Season Premier

2005-09-26T23:16:00.000-05:00

Well, the fall television season is in full swing, filled with comedy, drama, intrigue, mystery, science fiction, “reality” shows, and the supernatural. Not bad for only having four channels! Many of my favorites are returning, some are on their last leg, and there are many new shows to fill the void of those that didn’t quite make it. I love most genres of the small screen.

My returning favorites are CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (not Miami or New York) and Smallville. I will sorely miss Joan of Arcadia and Star Trek, but I am more than willing to give some of the newbies a try. I am looking forward to the return of a favorite from the 70’s, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, where a newspaper reporter chases down the paranormal, but rarely gets his story published.

I absolutely hate most of the reality shows because there is nothing real about them (I don’t ever picture anyone in a situation where they have to eat maggot infested cow’s intestines, or where they have to choose between 20 or 30 women in a matter of a few weeks by putting them through a series of irrelevant and stupid tests). I do, however, love the “life improvement” shows, such as Extreme Home Makeover and the new Amy Grant series, Three Wishes. These shows actually seek out real life tragedies and disabilities and seek to offer those people a chance to overcome the odds.

Each year, each network seeks to out-do the others by changing and manipulating their line-ups to attract the most viewers. Often, successful shows multiply, like CSI and Law and Order, to try to monopolize the genre and to have a successful anchor each night of the week. If a series is truly successful, other networks attempt to replicate the formula, mostly creating cheap knock-offs with poorly constructed story lines and pitiful acting. The only sure bet on television is that each year will bring a multitude of changes.

In a world that is in constant flux, it is always comforting and encouraging to know that there is one thing that never changes – Jesus Christ! Hebrews 13:8 tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” It is good to know that His series will never run its course, will never be cancelled. Year after year we can know with certainty that His compassions will never fail, they will be new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Although there may be many imitations over the years, we can be confident in the fact that there is only one body and one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all (Ephesians 4:4-6).

Thank You God, for being the one constant upon which we can anchor our faith and construct our lives.

This Day in History

2005-09-13T17:00:00.000-05:00

1788 – The Constitutional Convention authorizes the 1st federal election resolving that electors in all the states will be appointed on January 7, 1789.
1789 – The United States Government took out its 1st loan.
1847 – Milton Hershey, founder of the famous candy company, is born.
1851 – Walter Reed, U.S. Army doctor, who discovered a cure for yellow fever, is born.
1883 – Hugh Daily, a one-armed pitcher for Cleveland (Forest City), tosses a 1-0 no-hitter against Philadelphia.
1898 – Hannibal Williston Goodwin patented celluloid photographic film, which is used to make movies.
1909 – Ty Cobb clinches AL HR title with his 9th HR (all inside-the-park).

1922 – The highest temperature ever recorded, 58° C (136° F), is measured at Al Aziziyah, Libya.
1923 – George Burns (Boston Red Sox) performed the 3rd unassisted triple play in baseball history.
1925 – Mel Torme, the “Velvet Fog”, is born.
1947 – NBC voted to ban crime shows before 9:30pm.
1949 – The Ladies Professional Golf Association of America was formed.
1957 – The Everly Brothers performed "Wake Up Little Susie" on "American Bandstand."
1961 – An unmanned Mercury capsule is orbited and recovered by NASA in a test.

1961 – "Car 54 Where are You?" premieres on TV.
1963 – "Outer Limits" premieres on ABC TV.
1970 – The 1st New York City Marathon took place. Fireman Gary Muhrucke won the race in 2:31:38. The race was run entirely inside Central Park.
1971 – The World Hockey Association was formed.
1972 – 1st TV broadcast of "Waltons" on CBS.
1974 – The 1st episode of "The Rockford Files" aired on NBC.
1975 – Joe Don Rooney, of Rascal Flats, is born.
1993 – Israel and Palestine signed their first major agreement. Palestine was granted limited self-government in the Gaza Strip and in Jericho.

And in 1962, the most important person in my life, second only to Jesus Christ, was born – Heather Jo Weber.

Many days have come and gone before then and since then, but on this day in 1962, God purposed a “helpmate” for me; someone to love me when I am unlovable; someone to comfort me when I am stressed or hurting; someone to remind me of my duty to be a servant when I forget. But more than that, my wife brings joy and music and laughter to our house. She is a confidante and counselor to our children. She is a role model for our beautiful daughters. She is the resident expert on human interaction. As compassionate as she is beautiful, as wise as she is understanding. With a heart as brilliant as gold, as big as Texas, as soft as a cloud, and as steadfast as Gibraltar, she is truly the most amazing woman I know. I thank God, for giving me such a precious treasure.

Happy Birthday, Heather.

Labor Day

2005-09-06T23:55:00.000-05:00

“Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm

One of the only holidays dedicated to the “common man”. A celebration of the dedication, innovation, resolve and plain hard work of the men and women that make this country function – the American worker. It began as a day to honor the workers with a parade and a festival, and to give them a greatly deserved day of rest and relaxation; a day to show them that their efforts were not in vain.

The Bible talks a great deal about “labor”. Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (Genesis 2:15) The Israelites were forced into slave labor (Genesis, Exodus) and after their deliverance, there were commanded to take a weekly “labor day”, otherwise known as the Sabbath day (Exodus 20:9). Solomon warns that laziness will end in slave labor (Proverbs 12:24). The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that the rewards of our labor are all meaningless…after all, you can’t take it with you (Ecclesiastes 2 and 5); yet we are encouraged to work with all our might (Ecclesiastes 9:9).

In the New Testament, we are called to a different kind of labor. We are encouraged to labor in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58) with a goal of presenting everyone perfect in Christ (Colossians 1:29). We are to persevere, holding out the Word of Life, evidenced by our sacrifice and service, so that we will not have labored in vain (Philippians 2:14-18).

As we struggle through this life, striving to become more like Christ Jesus, we do not get to take a holiday from Christianity. We must work hard to fight the good fight, never giving in or giving up. We must never grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9), for we will one day get to rest.

Our “labor day” still lies ahead. I look forward to that day!

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." (Revelation 14:13)

The “J-Team”

2005-08-26T00:51:00.000-05:00

I love to eat! I love a variety of types of food, from Mexican (Tex-Mex actually) to shrimp to burgers to steaks. One of my family’s favorite activities is going out for a bite to eat with our friends after Church…every time…Sunday morning and evening and Wednesday evening and sometimes in-between. Our ritual has grown to quite a number of folks each week with a number of kids from the youth group joining in the revelry. Well, as kids are want to do, they have dubbed our habitual assemblage as “The A-Team”. For this old-timer, this conjures memories of the TV show from the ‘70’s (great show, by the way...and a great forum for Mr. T…“I pity the fool”), but for almost everyone else it invokes connotations of being the “select” – the place to be, the group to join, the “in crowd”, a trend-setter, the right social alliance. It’s all in good fun, and the kids have even appointed some (usually themselves) as the President, VP, CEO, etc.

It feels good to be part of the “elite” – to be different, a cut above, the cream of the crop, an influential leader. But I am not talking about being part of the “A-Team”, but being a member of the “J-Team”. Those of us who follow Jesus are truly privileged to be part of a select few. Many claim to follow Jesus, but few are actually true disciples. Matthew 7:22-23. Jesus tells us that the gate is small and the road is narrow and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14. We become members of our own volition, but not of our own doing. Jesus paved the narrow road with righteousness, sacrifice, blood, sweat, tears, and perfection – and has invited us to join, even though we are imperfect, sin-stained, and unworthy. He has beckoned us to be holy…set apart…to fulfill a higher calling, to be fishers of men. Matthew 4:19. When we are members of the “J-Team”, we are a part of a body (I Corinthians 12); we are a part of Jesus Himself (Romans 6:3-5).

So “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) and celebrate being chosen by your Creator to be a member of his “J-Team”!

Sweet Sixteen

2005-08-22T23:00:00.000-05:00

It happens only once in a lifetime. It is such a special age that authors write books about it, lyricists pen songs about it, magazine articles abound with advice, MTV has dedicated a special show to it, and there are professionals hired to plan the perfect parties. It seems to be the second most important (and often expensive) day in a young lady’s life. It is when children “come of age”, when girls become women, and that all important event in life when one can FINALLY get their driver’s license! It is the beginning of independence – a time when kids no longer rely on parents to be the taxi, when they can start a job and earn their own money, and they can even start dating. Today, Lavon Arlene Wheeler has reached this all-important milestone.

While this is an exciting time in Lavon’s life, it is bittersweet for me. As Lavon rushes headlong into all these new challenges, with gritty determination and youthful exuberance, I must resign myself to the fact that she is no longer “daddy’s little girl”. I don’t worry about Lavon, though. She is the most grounded young woman that I know. Sharp as a tack…bright, smart, and brainy…she is truly gifted in all areas of life. With stunning beauty and the voice of angel, it is the graciousness of her soul that shines the brightest. She is never want to lend her talents to the service of others, whether working with children, singing for funerals or weddings, or visiting the retirement homes with the teens. She is the unofficial social director of the youth group, often taking the initiative to organize a lock-in or other function, but always encouraging the kids to be there and to participate – all with the goal of drawing each and every one closer to God and closer to each other. While she wants to dedicate her life to medicine, her primary focus is devoting her life first to God.

So, Lavon, as you embark on this wondrous journey, I pray that God will guide your decisions and your purpose to continually utilize your talents for the benefit of others. I pray that He will guard your heart and protect your soul. I pray that He will provide for you a suitable mate, who will love you more than life itself and who will support you and who will be your partner on your heavenward journey. Most of all I pray that you will continue to grow in the grace and peace and favor of God.

I will miss my “little girl”, but I look forward to my time with the precious woman of God you are.

HAPPY SWEET SIXTEENTH!

From Tween to Teen

2005-08-21T22:30:00.000-05:00

Well, it has finally happened. Today, my youngest daughter...my middle child...turned 13. I now have 2 teen-aged daughters! I have watched her grow over the years and her transition from "tween" to teen will be seamlessss.

Lauren is the most beautiful thirteen year old girl in all the world (NO, I am not prejudiced, and YES, she takes after her momma!) She is my cello buddy, with a natural talent for music, both instrumental and vocal (and YES, she gets that from her momma too). A decidedly intelligent child, she loves school, as much for the learning as the chance to be with her friends. A fun-loving, easy-going child, very little seems to shake her. She is idealistic and innocent, with a view of the world as it should be. She is a giver, often willing to sacrifice the things she wants or enjoys for the joy and happiness of others. She mostly enjoys the simple things in life without worrying about brand names or fly-by-night fads.

But what I love most about my daughter is the purity of her heart. Quick to make friends, she is optimistic and encouraging, choosing to see the best in everyone, instead of seeking out the faults of others. She is a modern day Barnabas. Much like Barnabas introduced Paul to the apostles and vouched for his integrity in Acts 9, Lauren will stand up for her friends and sees them through the eyes of Jesus. Even if she has been wronged or treated unfairly, she has a forgiving heart, holding no grudges, seeking no retribution, and accepting those just as they are, faults and strengths included. I see in Lauren the reflection of the Spirit of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I see in her Jesus' love and grace welling up and overflowing, and showering over all those within her sphere of influence. Her heart of compassion extends to all she touches...especially me.

Thank you, Lauren, for letting me see Jesus each and every day. You are truly a woman after God's own heart.

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

Infomercials

2005-08-15T23:12:00.000-05:00

We’ve all seen them…probably even stayed up till 2:00 a.m. wondering, “How do they do that?” They slice, dice, chop, puree, blend, make dust out of coffee (and sometimes even rocks – why would someone want to chop up rocks in a kitchen appliance?). They make your clothes fresher and wrinkle free. They keep your auto engine running – even without any oil! They make things easier to reach and easier to store and easier to cook. They keep you in shape and give you rock hard abs in just 6 minutes a day. They even make you rich, with no money down, no money up front, and no money in the bank, all while working just a couple hours a week. Yep, we’ve all seen them, and we’ve all bought some of them.

But the ones that amaze, and disappoint, me the most are the ones where their product will clean anything; from grape juice to red Kool-Aid, from grass stains to grease, from oxidation to rust, from hard water stains to years of dirt and grime buildup. I’ve tried several of these products and none of them seem to stand up to the claims they make. I sometimes think that it is just me. Maybe I’m not using it the right way or maybe I’m not using the right amounts or mixtures, but my t-shirts don’t get magically blinding white with just a little oxygen, the stains on the floor don’t just wipe right off with a damp sponge, and the 1993 Plymouth doesn’t look like new with a swipe of a clean rag. Nope. I am always disappointed…and frustrated that I got sucked in yet again.

However, there is one thing that ALWAYS works. It doesn’t just clean stains, it removes them completely. It washes them white as snow, no matter how dark, no matter how long they have set in, no matter what caused them. It’s not the power of oxygen or oranges or bleach that works – it is the power of BLOOD! The blood of Jesus doesn’t just wash our tarnished, dirty, sin-stained souls, it purifies us (1 John 1:7), it sanctifies (Romans 5:9) and justifies us (1 Corinthians 6:11), it makes us holy (Hebrews 13:12) and it brings us near to God (Ephesians 2:13).

Are you washed in the Blood of the Lamb?

Stop, Drop, and Act

2005-08-08T07:45:00.000-05:00

We got a card in the mail with these very words in bold letters across the top. It came from the local community theatre where my wife and kids have acted in several plays and musicals over the past year. But it made me think about our spiritual walk with God.

We rush into life, headlong, often without stopping to contemplate the consequences or the seriousness of our actions. We see something that we think needs to be done, or we are assigned a task, or we are faced with a challenge, or we see something that we really want to do, and so we do the first thing that comes into our heads to try and tackle the situation – often with disastrous results. Instead, we should stop and drop to our knees in prayer, like Daniel did every day, three times a day, in Daniel chapter 6. There are so many situations we cannot, and should not, face alone. Even our Savior, Jesus, often went out alone to pray to gain the strength and wisdom and guidance he needed to accomplish the task set out before him. Paul told the Thessalonians to pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

Our challenge is always the same – pray hard. I recently bought my son one of those rubber wrist bands with that slogan on it as a reminder to him and to me that we can never pray enough. We need to constantly stop what we are doing, drop to our knees and petition the Father for aid, comfort, wisdom and direction before we act.
“...in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

I Do (round 2)

2005-08-04T08:37:00.000-05:00

Several weeks ago I wrote about a wedding I attended between two of our friends whom we have watched grow up for the past 10 years. Last Friday, I “attended” another wedding between another lawyer I work with and his beloved. I actually had the privilege of officiating at the wedding, the first time I have had the pleasure and responsibility of such an important ceremony. The wedding was laid back – so much so that the groom wore shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. I was moved by how much the groom truly was in love with his new bride, it showed in every action that evening. But the thing that struck me the most was the realization that it wasn’t me who joined these two in marriage, but God. I felt a bit detached – out of place – from the ceremony, and not because I was wearing my suit. It still felt like I was watching the ceremony from a distance while God did all the work.

Our whole lives should feel something like that. If we get out of the way and let God take control, we can sit back and watch His plans unfold. Yes, we will be participants, but we should be instruments of God, blending harmoniously with God’s intricate plans for us and those we come in contact with, much like a cello in God’s orchestra, which blends and supports the music, but rarely takes the spotlight.

Which instrument are you?

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20.

Friends

2005-07-27T16:56:00.000-05:00

Exactly one score and zero years ago (for those without beards and tall hats that is 20 years!) was one of the best and most memorable days of my life. Exactly 20 years ago, I married the most beautiful and most talented woman in the entire world. With the voice of an angel, the beauty of a goddess, the determination of a pioneer, all the fun of Bob Hope, the Ringling Brothers, and Walt Disney all wrapped into one, and a heart as big as Texas, my best friend agreed to become an inseparable part of me. Heather Jo Weber became Heather Jo Wheeler, and the journey of a lifetime began.

The first night I met Heather, her roommate and a high school friend of mine, introduced her to me and another high school chum, and we had a ball – or rather a Frisbee – of a time. Not only was she so beautiful, but she was full of life and vigor. As we got to know each other better, I found that I could sit and listen to her sing for hours on end (thus why I spent the better part of my college free time in the music department). She had an ear and an eye for beauty (what can I say?), looking beyond who a person was with a vision of what they could become. She could compose songs as well as sculpt snow angels. She was so outgoing, a trait I sorely lacked. She has never met a stranger and when we would venture around campus, it would take us forever to get anywhere because she knew absolutely everyone. She had a knack for leaving people better than she found them.

But more than her outward beauty and talent, I could see a heart and a love for God that overwhelmed me and drew me closer. An uncompromising and unwavering commitment to her Creator and Savior; a shining example of faith and purity.

To say that July 27, 1985, was one of the best days of my life is a bit misleading because each day with Heather gets better than the one before and I grow to love her more and more each day. Thanks for being my friend forever.

Happy Anniversary!

Father Knows Best

2005-07-24T02:40:00.000-05:00

How many of you remember the old television show, “Father Knows Best”? I remember seeing some of the re-runs when I was a kid. (NO I am not old enough to have seen it first hand – it aired in the 50’s for crying out loud!) I always thought highly of the show, although I never felt it depicted “real life” – at least not MY life. My dad was pretty smart in some areas, but I would have never depicted him with the attribute of always “knowing best”. Especially in my teen-age years, I often thought I knew what was best, and that dad was just out of touch with the times. Looking back, I am glad that dad taught us to respect those who were older and more experienced than us, especially now that I see some of this generation who do not respect anyone, let alone those who are wiser and have some authority. Many call this the rebellious stage, but I think that it is more a state of selfishness.

Too often, I run across folks who have this same relationship with God. They act like God, and his Holy Bible, are “out of touch” with society today. Too many “rules”. He just doesn’t understand that some things that He condemned in the Bible are OK now because people are much more tolerant and accepting these days. After all, if so many thousands, or millions, of people don’t see a problem, then it must be OK. This is nothing more than rationalization of sinful deeds and selfishness. In essence, they think they know more than God!

God told Isaiah, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,...As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9. Job had a similar short sightedness. After enduring all his troubles, and after rebuking his so-called friends, Job 32:1 tells us that “he was righteous in his own eyes.” God had just told Satan in chapters 1 and 2 that “there is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil,” yet, in chapters 38 – 41, God had to remind Job who was in control. I challenge everyone to read these chapters and meditate on the awesome power of our Father, the Creator of everything.

Father, I pray that I will always trust You completely and that my attitude will be the same as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who proudly proclaimed, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3: 16-18)

Lane's Birthday

2005-07-20T01:42:00.000-05:00

Milestone: “An important event, as in a person's career, the history of a nation, or the advancement of knowledge in a field; a turning point.” The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

We reach many milestones in our lives, the most common of which are birthdays. Many fear birthdays…foreseeing themselves as another step closer to becoming feeble or useless or irrelevant. Others look forward to birthdays as a step closer to adulthood, independence, emancipation and self-reliance. Still others eagerly anticipate the presents.

Today is my son’s birthday. Lane Carlson Wheeler turns 11 today. He has awaited this day with enthusiasm. Several reminders of parties and presents have been spoken in the last couple of weeks. He has checked the mail every day for birthday cards. Today he catches most of his classmates and friends in age, although he has caught them in stature several years ago. Most of all, although he doesn’t realize it, he seeks validation each year around his birthday. It is a wondrous milestone in his life.

I, on the other hand, am ambivalent. Each year, I revel in my son’s youth. I love to watch his excitement and enthusiasm. I marvel at how his mind works: visualizing how his special day will unfold, testing the limits of his age by proudly proclaiming that he is now old enough to do certain things formerly forbidden, and keenly and logically examining and cross-examining family members, with the zeal of a skilled attorney, to uncover the nature and location of his presents. I watch each year as Lane grows in wisdom and stature and discernment. Yet, as I watch him grow and develop, I do not relish or look forward to the day when he will leave - a day which will come all too soon.

Lane is highly intelligent, and persuasive, and as the years pass, I see that I will soon be seeking his advice. Each year, I find that his counsel and logic are more and more worthy of consideration. As all 11 year olds do, he sometimes focuses intensely on things he wants, (as do many of us 42 year olds as well), but he is ALWAYS prepared to offer himself to others – instantly, wholeheartedly, and unconditionally.

Most of all, I am more and more proud of Lane each year for his increased love for God and his spiritual growth. Lane truly has the heart of a servant! Whether it is holding the door for an elderly person, holding the umbrella for others as they pass from their cars to the building, or offering to fix whatever is broken, Lane is ready and willing to serve. On days when he has to go to work with me (which he loves to do) I often find him helping the file clerks. Lane is the very definition of encouragement, always cheering on his teammates, always assisting the handicapped, and offering hugs to everyone, especially those who are sad or burdened. He empathizes with those who hurt and rejoices with others in their triumphs.

I see that Lane is quickly becoming a great man of God and will one day be a potent force in God’s kingdom. Thank you Lane for showing me how to love, how to be accepting of others, and how to be a servant!

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3

Aim High

2005-07-17T01:11:00.000-05:00

It has been years since I took Drivers’ Ed classes, but since Lavon has started driving, I have tried to remember some of the pearls of wisdom I learned some 26 years ago. I remember some of the lame films we watched that were supposed to sharpen our senses when on the road. I also remember turning the corner one day to see the other Drivers’ Ed car in the middle of the intersection - on fire! (No fault of the student). I remember how uncomfortable “10 and 2” is and how I've always preferred “11 and 1”…although I now mostly prefer to drive with one hand. We learned some anagram that was supposed to help us remember about 5 safety tips, but all that really stuck with me was the phrase “aim high in steering”. The point they were trying to make was that you can’t see what’s ahead if you don’t look ahead. This also helps to stay in one lane without weaving because you don't have to make as many corrections in steering.

I have found this to be good advice in many areas of life. When mowing my lawn, I like to mow at different angles so that the grass doesn’t lay down one way, like the nap on a carpet. I think that it also makes that yard look nicer (and my yard needs all the help it can get) to see the straight lines and patterns. However, when going from one side to the other, or diagonally from one corner to the other, it can be very difficult to mow in a straight line. When I look at the line from my last pass, and try to keep one wheel just outside that line, I find that my path tends to curve or weave. It looks like a blind man tried to mow my grass. This is where Drivers’ Ed comes in handy. If I can focus on a reference point at the far end of the yard, I tend to mow in a much straighter line.

The same is true in our every day Christian walks. Often we try to look at the road right in front of our feet to avoid all the pitfalls and potholes that clutter our way. When we do this we weave back and forth, like a ship tossed by the waves. James tells us that this is cause by doubt. James 1:6. We get so worried about the immediate, that we don’t see what’s coming off in the distance. We tend to change our focus from one pothole or obstacle to the next and forget about our destination. It happens to the best of us. Just look at Peter in Matthew 14. When he stepped out of that boat he was driven by one thought, “I must reach Jesus”; but then Satan slapped him with a wave or two and he began to be distracted again by the immediate threat of the storm and not on the safe and secure harbor of the arms of his Savior – all because of doubts.

Take some time to refocus. God has promised that he would NEVER leave us nor forsake us. Hebrews 13:5. The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3. If we want to stay on the straight and narrow road that leads to life (Matthew 7:14), we need to focus on the finish line.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2

Dehydration

2005-07-08T23:27:00.000-05:00

I took an extra day off after vacation because I knew I would have to mow the lawn after a week and a half. We have a fairly good-sized yard due to being situated on the corner of a cul-de-sac and it takes about 2 hours just to mow, without the trimming. It was the perfect day as the rest of the family went to Worlds of Fun with the youth group. I got to be pretty hot that morning, and the humidity was very high, which made me sweat profusely. I knew that I needed to drink lots of water to avoid becoming dehydrated. Seems funny that someone can become so water-deficient when there is so much moisture in the air. I took several breaks that day to drink water to quench my thirst and replenish the fluids my body needed to stay strong and healthy.

How often is our spiritual life dehydrated? We attend church or bible studies 2 or 3 or more times per week, we attend fellowship dinners, meet together for movies or games or other entertainment, we have 1 or more Christian radio stations in our towns, we email or instant message or call our brothers often; yet, our spiritual lives remain arid and parched. We wonder why we don’t get anything out of worship or class. We put on masks when we see our brothers or sisters so that they won’t know how we hurt or struggle. We battle with our sinful nature and try to fight off depression and unhappiness. We camouflage the hole in our souls instead of filling up the emptiness.

I urge you to drink deeply from the living water offered only by our Lord and Savior. John 4:10. Stuff yourself with the Bread of Life (John 6); bask in the Light of the world (John 9); pass freely through the Gate (John 10:9) and feel secure in the protection of the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14); diligently seek to follow the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6); cling firmly to the True Vine and abide in the nourishment He gives so that you can produce much sweet fruit (John 15:1-8); and glory and rejoice in the Resurrection (John 11:25) so that your emptiness may be filled with abundant Life! (John 10:10).

There's No Place Like Home

2005-07-06T00:27:00.000-05:00

After Hershey, PA, we headed home. We drove through Richmond, IN, about 3:30 in the morning (sorry Mike for not knocking on your door), and after a brief stop at the Indianapolis Speedway, we drove straight through to Topeka, arriving at about 6:45 p.m. The kids were real troopers, and we watched 11 straight episodes of Joan of Arcadia (again, I recommend that you buy the DVDs for your personal collection). I am so thankful that I have kids who are interested enough in improving their spiritual well-being that they are willing to watch such shows to gain spiritual nuggets of wisdom.

By the time we arrived home, I felt like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz (not that we didn’t hear enough of those references while traveling). “There’s no place like home!” There is just something about the familiar surroundings – sleeping in my own bed, sitting on my own couch, being able to grab a soda from my own refrigerator – almost makes you never want to leave. The trip was great, but by the end of the week, I was feeling a bit homesick. We didn’t care if we saw any other sites; we were all ready to be HOME!

We need to remember that we are merely strangers, aliens, in this world. Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11. As the song says, “I’m just a passing through”. Jesus has a place prepared for us and is just waiting for the day when He can come back to take us home. John 14:2-3.

I can’t wait to get home!

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
(Mercy Me, “Homesick”)

The Sweetest Place on Earth

2005-07-04T00:10:00.000-05:00

Saturday, we began the long journey home. After a couple of hours driving, we stopped in Hershey, Pennsylvania, home of the Hershey chocolate company, where the streets are lined with Kisses shaped street lamps, and you enter and exit down Chocolate Drive. We knew we didn’t have time for all the attractions – the theme park, 3-D movie, trolley ride, or zoo – but we took the tour to learn how the candy was made…from bean to distribution. I had already read that Mr. Hershey built the town around the factory, to accommodate his factory workers. The Hershey Company has done so well over the years, not just because of how good the product is, but because of how well the company treats it’s employees. The tour was fascinating, informative, and interesting. What stood out in my mind was that the cocoa beans that are grown and gathered from different countries, like Uganda and Indonesia, each have a unique flavor. Hershey combines these beans in just the right amounts (along with milk and sugar) to create the world famous Hershey taste. The ingredients are then dried, roasted, beaten, crushed, milled, flattened, rolled, heated, stirred, and put through other sundry processes to produce the finished product that we have come to know and love.

Ever feel like a cocoa bean? Have you been through the mill, fire, pressure and ringer? Sometimes we feel like God has stripped us of all our strengths and uniqueness until there is none of US left. God has promised that He will not allow us to endure more than we can bear, and that He is always there to provide an escape. 1 Corinthians 10:13. So when you face struggles, trials, temptations, and you feel like you are being crushed and burned by the burdens you face, just sit back and let God mix the ingredients of your character and take control of the processessing so that HIS finished product can be as sweet and sumptuous as Hershey’s chocolate.

The Best Day Yet!

2005-07-03T23:15:00.000-05:00

Friday we awoke and headed for Cooperstown, New York. Of all our destinations, this is the one I looked forward to all week long. You see, Cooperstown is the home to the Baseball Hall of Fame, the historic tribute to the greatest game on earth and as much a part of American History as any historic person or event in America. Heather figured we would spend a couple of hours and head out, but I knew better! Cooperstown is a quaint little town in upstate New York with cute little homes and with every shop centered around baseball memorabilia and souvenirs. The Hall was AWESOME…with exhibits dedicated to the most prestigious players and moments in all of baseball history, from Abner Doubleday (given credit for inventing baseball) to The Babe (no additional info necessary), to Jackie Robinson (who was the first black player in the major leagues) to Charlie Hustle (Pete Rose), Nolan Ryan (who holds more records than any pitcher in history), to Curt Schilling’s bloody sock from last years World Series run. There were World Series pins, programs and rings from each World Series. There was an exhibit for baseball art and baseball movies and a separate exhibit dedicated to the stadium. And finally, the Hall itself, with plaques for each member elected since the initial class in 1936. Behind the Hall a bit was Doubleday Field, host to the annual Hall of Fame game, and where you could watch a baseball game every day of every summer for free. On the way out of town, there is a complex which hosts an 80-team tournament each weekend, so that all children of America can realize the dream of playing in the town where baseball was invented.

Wow! After rushing through the 3-story hall in 4 hours or so, we began our journey home, with only one more stop planned in Hershey, Pennsylvania. As we came closer to Binghamton, New York, I reminded my family that my Father was born in Binghamton and my Mother was born in Syracuse just up the road. I knew that my uncle Sid lived on the old home place for years and we wondered if maybe he still did. After a conversation with my sister, we called my uncle, who I have met only once, at Dad’s funeral, and found that he happened to be home. We made arrangements to stop by for a family “get to know you” visit. Sid and Carol are selling the home place to their son, Tom, and his wife and 2 girls, and they live with Tom in the summer, spending their winters in Florida. We visited for hours, reminiscing about Mom and Dad, grandpa and grandma, and our families until we knew we had to leave, at about 12:30 am. Everyone was delighted that we made the impromptu stop. It was great to know that I have family clear across the country and that I am welcomed at any time. What a fantastic surprise and a wonderful end to a fabulous day!

Throughout my life, I have found that I have Christian family all around the globe. Everywhere we go, we meet Christians who treat us like life long friends. From Hawaii, to Florida, to California, to South Dakota and Canada. On Day 2 of our trip, we stopped at the Midwest Church of Christ in Louisville, KY, an all black congregation, and were treated with the friendliness and hospitality of close relatives. It is good to know that we are all connected by the same family tree, with God as the head.

As you travel from state to state, town to town, or house to house, I encourage you to stop by your brother and/or sister’s place for an impromptu visit. You might find out some things about them you didn’t know. You might learn of struggles they keep hidden or ways you can help that you would have never imagined. If nothing else, you may just be encouraged by their love and warmth.

Make every day a family reunion. And don’t forget to invite your Brother, Jesus, to come along.

Peace amidst Chaos

2005-07-02T02:25:00.000-05:00

Thursday we spent a full day in New York City. We took the George Washington Bridge on the north side of Manhattan so as to avoid the Holland Tunnel. It took a considerable amount more time, but at least when we crossed over, we were in Brooklyn; close to the “House that Ruth Built”. We drove around Yankee Stadium. The ballpark is nothing special, it is the heritage of all the world class ball players that have graced the field that brings a sense of awe to the stadium and the surrounding neighborhood.

We were warned long before we left Topeka to park outside the city and walk or take the subway to wherever we needed to go. We could have easily taken their advice, but we would have missed out on so much fun! By driving around the city (in our minivan with a cargo carrier on top, no less) we were able to get a great view of the entire city. We almost never got out to walk around, which would have also been an amazing experience, but we were able to see so much more of the city from the comfort of our air conditioned quarters. We traveled from one end of the island to the other and back. Past and through Central Park, by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Opera, past the Juliard School of Music, down to Little Italy and China Town (where the girls did get out to shop while we boys circled the blocks as best we could) and finally to the site of the former World Trade Centers, the tragic site of 9/11/01. We then drove up and down and around the Broadway and 42nd Street area. Heather and Lavon got to see part of a show and the other kids and I found a parking place and merrily headed for the 3 story Toys R Us.

But the most fun I had in NYC was driving. You’ve heard that the drivers there are crazy and especially the cabbies. You don’t know the half of it until you have experienced it for yourself. Beginning with the Holland Tunnel, where 8 lanes of traffic magically merge into 2, all vehicles on the road are suddenly in a stiff competition to see how many cars they can cut off and how many pedestrians they can weave in and out of without doing any major damage. And the busses own the road, or at least they drive like they do. At any time, if a car wants in front of you, they will inch (or rocket) the nose of their vehicle in front of yours so that you can’t proceed without running into them. Busses are no exception. If they want in your lane, they simply pull over and expect you to stop. The cabs will even pull around you while you are waiting for pedestrians to clear so that you can turn, and then they turn in front of you! And as best I could tell, “no parking” and “no standing” doesn’t apply to New Yorkers. It was the best game I have played in a very long time, and it was amazing to watch the other vehicles around me.

I will advise folks to stay clear of our car for a while after we get back, until the newly formed habit subsides.

Yet, amidst the chaos – the thousands of cars and people, the one way streets, the homeless and beggars, the street vendors, the lights and video boards, and the hundreds of other tourists who didn’t have a clue – I felt a peace, knowing I was in no hurry and nothing depended on whether I got into the next lane now or three blocks from now. I was content with not having to be in control.

I feel that peace each and every day knowing that my Savior is in control of my life so that I no longer have to be. Knowing that He guides my path, that He guards my life, that He protects me, is the greatest feeling in the world. I pray that, someday, everyone will feel that peace.

Liberty

2005-07-01T03:25:00.000-05:00

Wednesday we entered Philadelphia for a quick trip back to 1776, and the birth of our nation. We got a close up look at the Liberty Bell and how it became the symbol of freedom across the United States. We were not able to tour Liberty Hall, but we did get to see the original house of Congress, where the first congress met, and where the first and second presidents were confirmed, and the original City Hall, which housed the original Supreme Court a couple of times each year. We also visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, memorializing the sacrifices of countless soldiers of the American Revolution who died for the cause of freedom. After a while in Philly, we headed for New York to get a glimpse of Lady Liberty (the Statue of Liberty, affectionately known as the “green girl” by one member of my family). There was some ceremony at the tomb, with 3 Marines standing close by in full dress uniforms and a news crew there to document the occasion. There were also a couple of noisy protesters babbling on about some injustice or other, but they were categorically ignored by the visitors and tourists as we set out to honor those who had fallen to war and disease.

I know I have spoken a lot this trip about monuments, but in today’s fast paced and quickly changing world, we often get so focused on the immediate that we tend to forget what is important. Monuments tend to redirect us to remember how we got where we are and the struggles that we, and those who have gone before, have had to overcome. As I contemplate the Liberty Bell and the Statue of Liberty, and the freedom they represent to the entire world, I am reminded of a song I used to love to sing in my youth.

Statue of Liberty
Words and Music by Neil Enloe

In New York harbor stands a lady,
with a torch raised to the sky.
And all who see her, know she stands for
liberty for you and I.

I'm so proud to be called an American
To be named with the brave and the free
I will honor our flag and our trust in God,
and the Statue of Liberty.

On lonely Golgotha, stood a cross,
with my Lord raised to the sky.
And all who kneel there live forever,
as all the saved can testify.

I'm so glad to be called a Christian,
to be named with the ransomed and whole.
As the statue liberates the citizen,
so the cross liberates the soul.

Oh, the cross is my Statue of Liberty,
it was there that my soul was set free;
Unashamed I'll proclaim that a rugged cross
is my Statue of Liberty.

On the base of the Statue of Liberty is inscribed: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”

Kind of reminds me of Jesus, who said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. “I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:2-3.

Just as Lady Liberty beckons us to reach out to those who are less privileged, oppressed, and burdened citizens, Jesus beckons us to reach out to the wretched, the sinners, and the unlovely, and to share God’s compassion and sacrifice with them.

As the Statue of Liberty stands as a symbol of freedom from oppression, let the cross of Christ stand as our symbol of freedom from the bonds and oppression of sin.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:9-12

And Justice for All

2005-07-01T02:04:00.000-05:00

Day 4 of the Wheeler family vacation. We finished sightseeing in Washington DC. We toured the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. We marveled at the size and beauty of the Hope Diamond and other rare and valuable gems. The museum also houses dinosaur bones, which were allegedly millions of years old, and an exhibit on African culture and one on mammals of the world. After leaving the museum, I wanted to visit our nation’s capitol building and the Supreme Court building, but it was a considerable walk and it was hot. So we split up. The girls went next door to the Museum of American History and Lane and I took off east to visit the Capitol.

The outside of the building was beautiful, with a reflection pool just west of the steps. We were not able to go inside without being on a guided tour. We could have gone to the congressman’s office to get tickets to view congress in session, but because of time constraints, we chose to walk around the Capitol to tour the Supreme Court…the Mecca for attorneys everywhere, which houses the highest authority on the law in the land, held in the highest esteem and reverence by all attorneys (not really, but I thought it sounded good). As a lawyer myself, I did feel a certain sense of awe, setting foot inside THE seat of justice in America.

I learned long ago, that justice is not always fair, and does not always favor the “right” or “moral” party. Yet we seek justice every day. If we feel unfairly treated, or put upon, or wronged, or even sometimes if we don’t get our way, we want retribution, vengeance – we want justice! After setting foot in the Halls of Justice, I am much more grateful for God’s grace. I am grateful that God has chosen to add us to his family instead of administering the justice we deserve. Paul reminds us that we have all sinned and fallen short of the measure of justice. Romans 3:23. We are not to sit in judgment of our neighbor; there is only one Lawgiver and Judge (James 4:12) and vengeance belongs to him alone (Hebrews 10:30).

Thank God He sent His Son to SAVE us all, not to judge us. John 12:47.

Of Heroes and Monuments

2005-06-28T01:46:00.000-05:00

We arrived in Washington DC later than planned (imagine that) and spent some time trying to figure out where to park and the best path to begin our historical journey. We began by visiting the National Archives where the “Documents of Freedom” are kept, made more popular by the movie “National Treasure” (which they were selling for $30). We then visited the Lincoln Memorial, the Reflection Pool, the World War II Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and the White House. It was extremely humbling to see the icons of our nation’s history…what these documents and monuments represent and the sacrifices of America’s forefathers. To think that each man, from Jefferson to John Adams and John Hancock to Lincoln to those brave men and women who served in the world wars, took a stand for what they believed was right and fought to establish and maintain our liberty, for generations to come, so that I could live in peace and freedom, is a very overwhelming and awe inspiring feeling. These monuments were erected and established so that we Americans, and the world, would never forget that they sacrificed everything, often their very lives, for each of us, who they have never known. It makes me choke up to think that these men and women loved their country, and me, so much that they gave up so much.

Do we feel the same way when we see and participate in memorials to the Savior of our souls? Many a cross has been erected in the memory of Jesus Christ. We see them every day, on top of church buildings, along the side of highways, even hanging around our necks. We partake of the Lord’s Supper every week, mostly out of habit and duty rather than reverence and humility. We have a copies of the Bible, our spiritual forefathers' historical records, lying all over our houses, but rarely pick it up to read the words that tell us how we gained our freedom from sin and the oppression of Satan. Yet we often fail to stop to reflect on what these monuments represent. The sacrifice of our own Creator to buy us back out of the bondage and slavery of sin. The spiritual war in which Jesus fought and died so that we could enjoy the freedom of being born into God’s family. We wear crosses as ornaments and jewelry and as symbols of love and peace, and forget that crosses were instruments of death.

Let us remember, DAILY, with reverence and awe, that Jesus gave up everything to secure our freedom and our liberty. Let’s pick up our “declaration of dependence” and read of sacrifice, love, honor, obedience, and grace. And most of all, let us approach the throne of God with humility and gratefulness for our hero, our Brother, the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

When Men were Men

2005-06-27T02:43:00.000-05:00

Day 2 of our trip to the northeast started out in Louisville, Kentucky. We drove about an hour from our motel near Jasper, Indiana, to attend the Midwest Church of Christ. Some of the friendliest folks you would ever care to meet and a congregation filled with the Spirit and certainly not afraid to let the preacher know that they agreed with what he preached. From there, we went downtown to the Louisville Slugger factory, where they make bats for the major leaguers. At the factory/museum, they had a display showing some of the bats used by former big leaguers and current hall-of-famers. What struck me is that the bats of legends like Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb, Ted Williams, and Babe Ruth were considerably heavier than the ones used by players today. Ted Williams, the greatest hitter in the history of baseball, swung a 42 ounce bat. The last bat ordered by Babe Ruth weighed 52 ounces! It took “real men” to swing that kind of lumber.

David of the Old Testament hung out with a different kind of “real men”. 2 Samuel 23 finds David and his army encamped in a stronghold in a cave in the Valley of Rephaim. Verses 8-17, tells us a story of David's mighty men: Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, who slew 800 Philistines, Eleazar son of Dodai and Shammah son of Agee, who both took on the Philistine Army single handedly. But their physical strength and prowess are not what made them mighty men. David longed for a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem. “So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David.” (Verse 16).

Wow! What an act of sevanthood! Because of their love for David, and their dedication to the Lord, they did the unthinkable. They left the safety and security of their stronghold and fought their way through the garrisons of the Philistine army, all to bring their leader a cool drink of water. Not because David commanded it (or even dropped some really big hints), but simply because he longed for it.

Maybe it is not the strength of a person’s arms or back, or their skill with weapons or tools, or their stamina, or knowledge, or wisdom, or desire, that make them mighty in God’s eyes. It is the size of their heart, and the strength of their love, and the depth of their devotion, and their willingness to sacrifice themselves for needs of others that God holds in high esteem.

Lord, help me to become the mighty man that you long for me to be.

No Room at the Inn

2005-06-26T02:30:00.000-05:00

We took off Saturday for a family vacation to the northeast - Washington DC, New York, and other places of interest. Heather had “planned” for us to leave around 4:00 a.m., but we got off a bit later than expected. We hit the 4:00 part about right, but it was p.m. instead. Usually when we take trips we tend to stress about leaving and making good time, but this trip we decided to relax and not be in any particular hurry. Still there is a certain amount of stress trying to be sure the kids have packed the right stuff (well, stress for Heather anyway since I usually don’t have a clue and it falls to her)…as well as being sure I have the right stuff too. After all, if it were up to me, I would just throw whatever in the suitcase and probably end up embarrassing the family, and coming up short a few sets of clean clothes. Since this is the longest, and the first driving, family vacation we have ever taken, images of the Griswalds have haunted my dreams…both night and day.

There is also a matter of packing food for the trip, being sure the mail is stopped, the water is shut off, the cats are cared for, the insurance is paid, withdrawing some cash to carry, and the ever popular loading of the car (Hey! At least that is the one thing I know how to do!) There is also a matter of being sure there is someone to teach my Sunday morning class, be in charge of worship service, and plan the Sunday Night Praise service. Just thinking about these things is exhausting enough.

After a quick stop in Lawrence to dine with our good friends, we headed out for St. Louis to see the Arch (and of course the home of the 2004 NL Champion Cardinals), and then on toward Louisville. About 1:00 a.m., we began looking for a hotel room in Evansville, Indiana, apparently home to the famous annual “Freedom Festival”, because there was literally no room at the inn - any inn! After a stop at about 10 hotels, we discovered that all the hotels were booked to the brim. We had to drive another hour to find an available room.

Now I can imagine how Mary and Joseph must have felt. The strain and stress of getting ready to go to Bethlehem must have been tremendous. Granted they didn’t yet have children to pack, but Mary being pregnant must have been a whole other challenge. They would have had to pack extra clothes for Mary, just in case; clothes, and possibly some toys, for the baby, just in case (what toys do you pack for God to play with?); enough food for the journey, and maybe a few extra pickles. (Maybe Joseph would have wanted to call ahead to see where the local hospital was, and what doctors were on call.) What a bother…especially for a trip that was mandatory, not a vacation! And then to get there only to find that there were no available rooms. Adding to the stress and pain of labor, they must have gone all over the city looking for anyone who would leave the light on for them. Finding no Comfort Inn, Motel 6, Best Western, or Red Roof Inn, they settled for the only accommodations offered, a smelly stable with noisy animals and the most unsanitary conditions.

Yet, amidst such tension, chaos, and uncertainty, the Prince of Peace came into the world to restore order and salvation and light to a darkened world.

I guess family trips CAN turn out OK after all!

We’ll Leave the Light On For You

2005-06-24T01:24:00.000-05:00

We all recognize this slogan from the Motel 6 commercials. Tom Bodett, and his down-home, charming accent, beckons us to stop in to a local Motel 6 for a comfortable room at discount prices. His invitations are effectively appealing…so much so that it almost makes you want to check in just to try it out, even without taking a vacation. The slogan itself lets you know that the folks are friendly and that you are wanted, no matter who you are. As we ready ourselves for a family vacation, we are trying to budget our funds to maximize our activities. This includes seeking out budget hotel rooms. My first thoughts go directly to Motel 6, where the “light” is always on.

As I began to wonder about lighted hotels along our vacation route, I also began to wonder, “Is my light always on?” Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14. A light burning for all to see and piercing the darkness that surrounds us. Yet, we are not the Light, but we are simply the container for the Light, and are charged not to hide the Light. 2 Corinthians 4:4. We are to reflect the Light so that those around can see the true Light – Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18: John 8:12. This is not always the easiest thing to do. We come up with so many reasons to hide the Light: “I don’t want to scare my friends away”; “I don’t want to offend anyone”; “Their heart is so hard they won’t see the Light anyway”; “I don’t want to others to think I have a ‘better than thou’ attitude”; “I might be rejected”; “What if they ask questions I can’t answer?”

Sound familiar? Boy they sure do to me! I have used more than one of these on more than one occasion. Yet, Jesus still charges us to shine our Light before men.

Maybe we need to adopt the Motel 6 slogan. After all, Jesus gave us His light – how can we not share that Light with others? As we travel along the highways and backroads of life, let’s be sure we leave the Light on.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

I DO!

2005-06-20T23:43:00.000-05:00

Two of the most simple, yet most powerful and important words in the English language. Saturday afternoon, we witnessed a beautiful wedding between two very beautiful (and very tall) young people. The wedding went off without a hitch…except for the getting hitched part. It took place in the high school library, a beautifully ornate room with a fireplace. The guys looked great in their tuxes, the gals looked gorgeous in their gowns. The singers were professional and moving – Josh has one of the greatest tenor voices. The only drawback was that the sound system was a bit difficult to hear. I couldn’t understand all of the vows, which were taken from 1 Corinthians 13 (I especially liked the part about promising not to be “irritable”); however, there was no doubt when the couple said “I Do!”

No other words convey such meaning or represent so much. They speak of commitment, devotion, longevity, humility, servanthood, and selflessness. Two words which represent submission of our will and our wants to another. Two words which are embodied by the very nature of Jesus Christ. We, the Church, are the Bride of Christ. Ephesians 5:25-32. Jesus gave up everything for us. Philippians 2 tells us that Jesus left Heaven and all its glory and perks to become a servant to save the world from the dark emptiness that is separation from our Creator. Jesus put us first. He considered us as more important than Himself. He put our need for love, acceptance and salvation above His needs. He allowed God to turn His back on His only Son, so that we could become His family. Romans 8:15-17. He took the punishment for us, ultimately becoming sin on the cross so that we could be rid of our sin and be made white as snow. 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 6:11.

Jesus took the very nature of a servant – and it cost Him His life. Mark 10:45.

So, if I could leave any advice for the newlyweds – be committed to each other with a love for only each other. Be a servant to one another, ALWAYS putting the needs of your spouse - your love - above yourself. Be devoted to sharing a life in Christ together. Love one another with a sacrificial love, like Christ loved His bride.

This is the secret to a long, healthy, loving marriage that will last a lifetime. God Bless your marriage and you!

Trash Day

2005-06-13T09:49:00.000-05:00

Mondays are trash days at our house. I am somewhat ambivalent about trash day. In the first place, it is something of a bother to take out the trash. I have troubles waking up and getting up in the mornings and so I am often running late. After I go through my usual, regular, predictable routine, I then have to go through every room in our house and collect the dirty, stinky garbage – and there is often no telling what I might find in some of the trash cans. Sometimes I feel like I need to rewash after emptying the trash cans. This also puts me further behind of schedule and I leave for work a bit later than usual. (I know, I know…”get up earlier”. But sleep is such a wonderful thing!) This morning, I was running later than usual, so I had to ask my son to help take out what I missed. And no matter how often I take out the trash, it always seems to accumulate more. But each Monday, without fail, the trash man comes to my house to haul away the dirty, filthy, rotting garbage. And it feels so good to rid our house, and our lives of such filth and clutter.

Kind of like the sin in our lives. It is sometimes such a bother to empty our “sin baskets”. It can be downright inconvenient, disrupt our “routine”, and sometimes we need help to get rid of it. Sometimes, there are sins we really don’t want to get rid of or let go of, and so our lives become more and more cluttered and the sin begins to rot our conscience and our souls. God gives us the help we need and places people in our lives who are willing and able to roll up their sleeves and help us gather the trash in our lives and carry it out to the curb. And it doesn’t matter who we are, or where we come from, or who we know, we all have sin that continues to accumulate. (Romans 3:23). But, I am grateful that God sent his one and only Son to take my sin upon his shoulders, and that, even now, God, without fail, is faithful to continually haul away the filth and garbage that darkens my soul. (1 John 1:7).

Thank you God for your patience. Thank you for second chances.

What a great and loving Father!

Do People Really Think That?

2005-06-07T23:55:00.000-05:00

As we were waiting for court to begin, another attorney I work with and I were having a conversation between hearings. He is a very religious man, very active in his church and plays the organ/piano for every service. We often share ideas about God, prayer, and worship, and have discussions about the political impact of true Christianity in our world. We don’t always agree, but I find our discussions enlightening and challenging, as I have to re-confirm my faith and my Biblical basis on certain issues. Today he was reading a book on restoration and the conversation turned to legalism and doctrine.

I made the comment that I have encountered some Church of Christ members who, in essence, believe that certain brotherhood writers and preachers are heretics because they do not necessarily believe that members of the “Church of Christ” congregations are the only ones going to heaven. His jaw dropped and he asked, “Does the Church of Christ really believe that?” I quickly explained that only some of the members (collectively, not necessarily in Topeka) may believe that, but that ALL denominations have some members who believe that is true about their particular church. They are convinced that their interpretation of the Bible is the only one possible and that if someone does not believe exactly like they do, they couldn’t possibly enter the pearly gates. Again I emphasize that ALL churches have some who think that way – including the Churches of Christ!

I went on to explain that this is not what Jesus taught. Jesus told his followers that “[W]hoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:50. Jesus did not differentiate between those who may call themselves “Baptists” or “Methodists” or “Catholics” or “Evangelicals” or “Protestants”. He was simply talking about Christians! Jesus was very clear that “whoever” believes in him has eternal life. John 3:16-21. The Gospel of John specifically uses the word “whoever” 20 times throughout the book. Don’t get me wrong, the Scriptures also require baptism (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4), but God’s grace and salvation is open to anyone who chooses to take up his cross daily, and follow Christ (Luke 9:23) and thereafter walk in His footsteps (1 John 1:7).

I, for one, am grateful that God has shed His grace on me. I thank God daily that He made salvation plain, simple, and free – and open to everyone and completely devoid of legalism.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.

Live from Kansas City

2005-06-04T23:30:00.000-05:00

I never have gotten it...why people go to concerts. Not their kids’ band or orchestra or choir concerts, but concerts of popular or famous musicians. They usually pay through the nose for tickets and often have to travel quite a distance to see their favorite band/artist. I never understood why someone would want to pay $50 or $150 or even $300 to listen to the same music they could buy on a CD for about $15…and they can listen to a CD anytime they want – forever! People keep telling me that it is not just the music: it’s the atmosphere. Granted, I have only been to a couple of live concerts (mainly because Heather wanted to go), but my idea of a concert is a dark hall where you can’t hear the words over the music, which is turned up so loud you can’t even hear yourself think. I believe that live concerts are the brainchild of the hearing aid companies, because when you leave, you can’t hear anything for several hours and you probably have permanent damage. Yeah, you might get to see some pretty lights or lasers and maybe even some smoke fill the stage, but isn’t it the music that counts?

Well, I have found that that is just not the case with Christian concerts. Today, we went to “Christian Family Day at the K”. This was the first of what I hope is an annual event at the Kansas City Royals game where you get to go and experience America’s pastime (have I mentioned before that baseball is the greatest game on earth?) and then stay after for a concert featuring a contemporary Christian singer. First of all, I noted a couple of “different” things: 1) Singing our national anthem with Josh, Heather, and Lavon all harmonizing will send shivers up your spine! and 2) the beer vendor being a bit frustrated because he wasn’t selling near as much as normal was a little humorous and satisfying. After a great game, the crowd of 19,000 thinned out to about 4,000 and we got to hear how important Jesus Christ is in the lives of several of the players and we got to see/hear Chris Tomlin perform.

To say that I now agree that it is not the music, but the atmosphere, is not exactly accurate. Chris Tomlin and his guys did a fantastic job singing familiar songs that uplift and encourage me every day when I hear them on the radio; but I can buy a CD to hear the music. It was the sight and experience of 4,000 men, women and children lifting their voices, hearts, and souls (and sometimes even their hands) to The One True God of the universe in praise and worship that truly humbled my heart and soul. Sitting in an open-air stadium, seeing the splendor of nature and observing the beautiful fountains in center field and looking on the faces of God's children in the crowd, truly made me aware of the presence of God.

I can’t wait to hear the heavenly hosts singing "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." Rev 4:8. I bet they sing in harmony.

What a way to worship!!

Planting the Seed

2005-06-02T23:45:00.000-05:00

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop-a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:3-8

Joan of Arcadia was one of my favorite TV shows. You have to get past some of the obvious faults of the show – like a multi-“religion” God, and the somewhat sarcastic dialogue – but some of the conversations between Joan and God are extremely insightful and thought provoking. The best thing about the show is that when God asks Joan to do something, we see the results, often far reaching, by the end of the show. Things don’t always (almost never) work out that fast for us, but seeing it on TV opens our minds to the possible outcomes and influences we may have when we do what God asks.

The first season (I encourage you to go out and buy it now on DVD) episode called “Double Dutch” opens with God asking Joan to learn how to jump rope. In her obedience to God, she joins some underprivileged girls jumping rope in the alley. She eventually befriends one of the girls, Casper, who lives in a homeless shelter and has no family nearby. Throughout the show Joan tries desperately to help Casper, which only backfires in the end, and Casper runs out to avoid being caught. When Joan goes back to the alley to find Casper, she learns that Casper has left town to find her father. Joan then runs into God and the following conversation takes place:

Joan - I wanted to help her, I wanted to get her a place, get her dad a job.
God - You can't fix everything, Joan.
Joan - She's my friend. I want to know what's gonna happen to her.
God - I know you do. But sometimes it's enough to plant the seed, walk away, and let the flower grow on its own.

Makes you wonder how we plant the seed every day. It is hard to think that some will reject the seed outright. At work, I like to play Christian music in my office. It keeps me focused on what is important. And I try to be the nicest, most understanding, most encouraging and most helpful person in the office. There is no way anyone could dislike me. However, a couple of weeks ago, I had a “formal complaint” filed with my supervisor that my music was too loud and I sometimes used the speakerphone, and this disturbed a certain employee. My supervisor did not take it seriously, but asked that I be more aware. A few days later I walked in on a conversation between a couple of assistants. Silence fell over the room and one woman walked out. The other, a good friend of mine, let me know that the other woman doesn’t like me. She said the other woman doesn’t like my Christian music. Now it all made sense.

I am not angry with the co-worker who filed the complaint. Instead, I am saddened that this woman would be so afraid of God’s love and God’s message that she would try to eliminate it entirely from her world. I will pray for that young woman, that God would soften her heart and that she would find her way to the cross and God’s grace. I realize that I cannot reach everyone – whether by word or example - and that some just have hard or rocky soil where their hearts should be. John warns us that the world will hate us. (1 John 3:13) I also realize that it is not my job to “reach” or to “save” people. Peter tells us that we should always be prepared to give an answer for our hope, with gentleness and respect and a clear conscience. (1 Peter 3:15-16) God has called me to continually plant the seed, which may take root and be watered by others so that God may have the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6).

In the end, I must follow the example of Christ, who made it a habit not to give up on people.

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3)

My Sister

2005-05-31T23:55:00.000-05:00

I think that time zones are one of the greatest inventions in the world. From the beginning of time, time was measured by the position of the sun, and it wasn’t until 1883 that time zones were first used by the railroads to standardize their schedules. (For a complete history of Daylight Savings Time, see http://webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/index.html). I like time zones because they basically allow us to “relive” the moment…to be sure that we don’t miss some of the most important things in our lives.

You see, today was my sister Charlene’s birthday. I can’t tell you for sure how old she is (nor does she want me to), but I know it is a special day for her. I have thought about her all day, but didn’t get the chance to call her until it was too late. Then I remembered TIME ZONES – it was 2 hours earlier in California and I still had a chance to catch her on her birthday. Charlene is about 15 years older than me and I don’t really remember much about living in the same house with her. By the time I was 4 or 5, she had moved out on her own, and soon moved back to California. We have kept up over the years, mainly through Mom. I still remember the summer we spent a couple of weeks with her family in California (and I still have the ceramic box of popcorn I painted to prove it). My sister has always been special to me. But what makes Charlene (and several other members of my family) really special is that she loves the Lord. I look forward to being with her always in heaven.

It wasn’t always that way. Although I was baptized into Christ at the age of 10, most of my God fearing family members came to know Christ later in life. Charlene has grown strong in her faith and I can tell that she follows Colossians 3 and sets her mind on things above. I really appreciated an email she sent about one of my former blogs. She stated:

Hey Duffer, [don't ask]
Just had a chance to check out the website above. I loved it. Please remind me when you do it again. I hadn't gotten a chance to read it before today...I did forward it to the girls as well so they can share it with their families. I am blessed to know that I have biological brothers and sisters that believe as I do (although it took me 40 years to get know Christ not just about Christ). That He lives in and through us -that His living through us affects how those around us and how they see Christ. One thing I did when I came to Christ was "watched" how those that taught me about Christ reflected their teaching in their lives. It was very insightful and I think those that really KNOW Christ preach/teach it with their everyday in every situation lives. I am blessed that He gave me the family He gave me and pray for those in the family that don't really know Christ yet. He doesn't make mistakes or say oops so each member has something to teach another if we'd only ask Him to show us what is it He wants us to learn from them and our experiences with them. There is even things God teaches us through those we didn't know (mom's 3 miscarriages and Keith). I love you and miss you a lot. Hugs and kisses to all - wish we could see each other more often but one day that won't be a problem. Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Sis Charlene

I am reminded of the laborers in the vineyard in Matthew 20. As, the story goes, the master hired some in the morning for a certain pay. Later that day he hired more for the same pay and, again, at the end of the day, he hired more, still paying them the same wage as the first workers hired.

It just goes to show – you don’t have to be in different time zones – as long as we draw breath, it is never too late.

"So the last will be first, and the first will be last." Matthew 20:16.

Put Me In Coach

2005-05-29T23:00:00.000-05:00

Coaching a softball team is much harder than it looks. I don’t mean “coaching” in the traditional sense where we meet for practice a couple of times per week and I instruct the players on the finer points of the game. You see, we are just a church league softball team with a variety of talents and enthusiasm. I have organized a team for the past several years and have had a wide range of challenges when it comes time to place ten players on the field. The most difficult task is to place each player in the position which best suits his or her abilities and is most beneficial to the team.

One year, I had at least 16 to 20 guys show up each week wanting to showcase their talents for the loyal fans who show. With so many guys, of various ages and physical abilities, the “talent” pool is somewhat diluted and it becomes very difficult to get everyone into the game for equal playing time, especially when the score resembles Super Bowl VI in 1972 (look it up!). It makes it hard when we can’t even bat through the entire lineup. Some times, especially for the co-ed team, we have trouble fielding a full team and either have to recruit players from other teams or from the stands, or forfeit the game. Even this year, where I have limited the number of players so as to be able to encourage a smaller group of men as opposed to discouraging a much larger number, it is still difficult to find just the right mix.

Some of our guys – who are all very good players – can only play in one or two positions. Some arms are weaker than others and some just don’t have the range that they used to. I am mainly speaking of myself, since I am overweight, have thrown my arm out and just can’t run like I want since I tore up my knee several years ago. I also can’t see as well anymore and thus I have relegated myself to playing catcher or first base. So each Friday night during the summer, I spend considerable angst placing "my guys" in just the right positions to try and field the best team we can.

We go through the same ritual every Sunday. Each Lord’s day, we at Central try to appoint men, young and old, to serve in a capacity which creates the optimum atmosphere for worshipping our God. Gone are the days when we cornered the first guys we saw just to get the appointment sheet filled up. Now, much like coaching, we attempt to utilize the talents and abilities of the congregation to achieve the most effective team of servants. Some men are fantastic speakers with insightful thoughts who can direct the minds of the congregation to the Lord’s table and the Savior’s sacrifice. Some are exceptional worship leaders who choose just the right songs that best compliment the lesson and direct them in such a way to as to lead our hearts and souls into God’s presence. Others are not as comfortable in the public arena but are happy to serve the congregation by serving communion or helping as ushers. I have heard many a prayer that humbles me as the one who prays petitions the Lord to intercede in just the areas of our lives that we need Him most as well as encourages us to take a more active role in the lives of our fellow members.

These men have made our corporate worship at Central the warm, loving, and meaningful. Much like Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 12, our services are as much about serving and encouraging others as they are about serving and praising God. Thank you, men of Central, for volunteering your time and talents so that our worship may be a fragrant offering to God, and an encouraging experience for the rest of us. Thank you for making my job much easier as I approach each Sunday and ask for your commitment to serve.

By the way, I also welcome volunteers. Just say “put me in coach”.

Centerfield

2005-05-28T22:30:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had a project where you thought “If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself”? Or perhaps you figured that you could do it a whole lot faster and more accurately than having to take the time to show someone else how to do it? John Fogerty must have felt this way. He wrote/sang a song in 1985 titled “Centerfield”. It depicts his passion for the greatest game on earth – America’s pastime – BASEBALL!! Fogerty had a CD/album/tape by the same title on which he played every instrument and sang the vocals as well.

Baseball is a team sport. It takes nine men to cover the entire field. In order to accomplish anything, everyone on the field has to work together as a team. “Centerfield” speaks of one man’s desire to get into the game…to make a difference. Not just to get into the game, but to play one of the most important positions on the field. A centerfielder has to know everything that is going on. Other than the catcher, he has the best and broadest perspective on the whole field. He probably has more ground to cover than any other player and is usually one of the fastest fielders with one of the best gloves (catching ability). He has to have one of the strongest arms on the team. He not only does he have to back up both of the other outfielders, but should also be backing up throws to second base. He has to be moving on every single play and know ahead of time where each runner is located and where to throw the ball when it is hit to him.

Regardless of how important centerfield is, no matter how good the centerfielder is, no matter how much passion or desire the centerfielder has, he is still only one of nine players on the field. He can’t play the game alone! You still need a pitcher to pitch to the batter, and a catcher to call the pitches and to be there to catch whatever the pitcher throws. You need four other infielders to field the grounders and throw out the runners before they reach the plate. And the centerfielder cannot cover the entire outfield. He needs help from two other guys. All nine men have to have a single purpose and work together to hold the other team to as few runs as possible and win the game.

The Lord’s body is the same. We often rely on our preachers or youth ministers or missionaries to spread the word of God, to feed the local flock, to teach us and our children, and to keep us awake during services. How often have we come away from services saying that we didn’t get anything out of Church, or that it didn’t make us feel any better, or that it was just too long, or maybe even that the preacher or worship leader should have done a better job. All the while we sit and watch from the dugout, content to take the credit for, or to share in, the good reputation of the congregation, and ready to criticize when we feel someone didn’t measure up.

Maybe it is time for us to gain the passion of teamwork, to be on the field, engaged in the game, yearning for someone to hit the ball to us…so that we can contribute. Don’t get me wrong, we still can’t do everything. Some people are better pitchers. Some better catchers or shortstops. Some can run faster and hit farther. Each member has different talents. Some are better preachers, teachers, singers, servers, prayers, or encouragers. But it still takes a full team to win. How passionate are we? How badly do we want to make a difference?

"Oh, put me in, Coach - I'm ready to play today;
Put me in, Coach - I'm ready to play today;
Look at me, I can be Centerfield"

Foundations

2005-05-26T00:11:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday was Senior Recognition Sunday at Central. It also fell on 4th Sunday Praise and Prayer Night so I asked some of the graduating seniors to participate in the Service. The topic I chose for two of our young men was “Building on Strong Foundations”. Both Kevin and Tim did an excellent job telling us how Jesus is the rock on which we are to build and using Matthew 7:24-27, the wise and foolish builder. Some of our other youth also did great jobs leading some of the singing. Thanks Craig, Casey and Aaron.

The great thing about this passage in Matthew is that it tells us WHERE to build, not WHAT to build. If we build our “house” on an unsettled or shifting foundation, it doesn’t matter what kind of house we build, it cannot withstand outside forces. If we build our “house” on a firm and solid foundation, it also doesn’t matter what kind of structure we build, it can withstand overwhelming elements. Our house could be a ranch, two-story, Victorian, walkout, log, modular, Cape Cod, Colonial, Tudor, cottage, bungalow, Spanish, A-frame, or even a dome. We may borrow from two or more styles and gain many ideas from other houses we visit, but as long as the foundation is secure and unchanging, our house will stand.

The same goes for our faith (which is really what Jesus is talking about in Matthew 7). As long as our spiritual foundation is rock solid, our “houses” may look quite different. So what “materials” are used in the construction of our foundation? Paul says it quite succinctly in 1 Corinthians when he states that his goal was to know and preach nothing except Christ crucified. Belief in Christ Jesus as THE One and Only Son of God (John 3:16). Baptism into His death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-7). Justification by the grace of God alone, given to us as His free gift (Romans 3:23-24). Worshipping God in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Humility (Philippians 2). Service (Galatians 5:13). Encouraging others (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Titus 1:9). And, most importantly, to love the Lord our God with all our very being (Matthew 22:37) and our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).

Once this foundation has been laid, nothing can topple our house of faith. Then it doesn’t matter if we read or listen to Charles Swindoll, James Dobson, Max Lucado, Rubel Shelley, Lynn Anderson, or Billy Graham. If our faith is founded in the core tenets of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we can gain insight and wisdom from a variety of men like these – and we will be able to “pick the bones” out of their “doctrines” and feast on the meat of God’s word. If we are anchored soundly to THE Foundation, we may be open to new and novel ways of expressing our faith and the Gospel to others.

We may even be able to learn a thing or two from everyday, ordinary things like laundry, theme parks, oatmeal, and baseball.

“I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22

Laundry Day

2005-05-23T23:36:00.000-05:00

I don’t mind doing laundry. It is not like there is a whole lot to do…you put some clothes into the washer, add some detergent and water, and when the machine stops, the clothes are clean – most of the time. Occasionally, I try to mix up some of the colors to save time or something red or dark gets mixed in with the whites with out me knowing and, well, you know what happens then. I have worn “pink” underwear or socks more than once. And it doesn’t take much, just one red sock or dark shirt and everything else in the washer is ruined forever.

So, a word of advice, be careful to keep your colors separate and don’t allow any of your other clothes to bleed over and discolor your brilliant whites.

The apostle Paul gave us the same advice for our souls. 1 Corinthians 15:33 tells us that bad company corrupts good character. Jesus gave up his very life to wash our souls a pristine white and we, through carelessness, rebellion, negligence or pure stupidity, mix a shady character, a dirty soul, into our lives and, before we know it, the dark and dirt bleeds over, making our soul dingy and gray and unrecognizable to God. So we need to protect our selves and our children from bad company and surround ourselves with only those who can encourage and build us up. Likewise, our job is not to be the red sock in others’ loads of whites, but to serve them and inspire them to stretch and reach for a closer relationship with God.

Have you sorted your laundry lately?

Fragrance

2005-05-22T22:00:00.000-05:00

I don’t particularly care to wear cologne, much to the chagrin of my wife, who is a “fragrance model” at the local Dillards. She has been the Ralph Lauren representative for a couple of years now and our home is full of every Ralph Lauren product imaginable. It all smells wonderful; I just don’t particularly like wearing cologne. One of the court officials I work with often makes comments about some of the other lawyers who come into her courtroom and how you can smell them coming down the hall. They wear so much cologne that she won’t even let them use her phone because they leave their “fragrance” behind.

I often prefer a different smell – Downy fabric softener. I absolutely love the smell of Downy fabric softener. Not the new “mountain stream” scent, mind you, only the original “April Fresh” scent for me. I generally put in more than the recommended amount so that the fragrance lasts a bit longer. It reminds me of clean laundry. I have even had a couple of my coworkers comment how “clean” my clothes smell and how the aroma permeates my office, even after I’ve gone.

This reminds me of Paul’s exhortation in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.

Do we wear Christ as an aroma? When other’s come into contact with us, do they smell our fragrant offering and sacrifice to God? (Ephesians 5:1-2) Do people want to be near us because we are imitators, the very reflection, of Christ? Does the fragrance linger, even after our contact ends?

Maybe it’s time to do some more laundry.

What's In Your Wallet?

2005-05-18T12:06:00.000-05:00

We’ve all heard, and laughed/rolled our eyes at, the commercial for Capital One credit cards. We remember the catch phrase, but, honestly, I had to look it up on the internet to remember which company sponsored the ads. But it raises an interesting question.

What is in your wallet? As I write this I am emptying the contents of my wallet to find out. I have a few restaurant discount cards (because I like to eat), my Sam’s Club card, a couple of business cards for professionals I need to keep in touch with (like my insurance agent, who, unfortunately knows me all too well), my debit card, a check I wrote to reimburse someone, which I have not yet delivered, my insurance cards, library card (like I really use that one), more discount cards (I told you I like to eat), a few (very few) bucks, my social security card, license, attorney bar cards, softball schedule (after all, we need to keep focused on what is important in life), and a few pictures of my kids. Just a couple of weeks ago, I emptied a bunch of receipts from my wallet because I felt like George Costanza on Seinfeld.

Because I don’t like having a thick wallet, I didn’t used to carry pictures. They tend to take up a lot of space and it made it uncomfortable to sit on my wallet - and tended to make my pants kind of tight. After all, I needed room for the 5 or 6 credit cards I carried. I even went out and bought a certain style of wallet so that I could carry the cards and they would be more accessible and convenient, and I took out the little plastic picture carriers. It wasn’t until I realized how much problems the credit cards were causing, and after I had watched too many of those Capital One commercials, that I got to thinking about what is truly important. If I were in an accident and I had to pull out my wallet, how would I want people to identify the kind of man I am? Should they see me as a big spender or a family man? It was then that I recognized that I didn’t have any pictures of my family. Shortly thereafter, I put the pictures back in my wallet. Now when someone asks about my family, I have the pictures to proudly display on a moment’s notice. I have always been proud of my family, and now I can prove it. If I want to thin out my wallet, maybe I should like to eat less.

I wonder if God has pictures of us in His wallet? He must have a REALLY thick one.

Saying "Goodbye"

2005-05-15T23:06:00.000-05:00

Today is a bittersweet event for the family of believers at the Central Church of Christ in Topeka, Kansas. Today we say goodbye to our youth minister of the last 6 years, Evan Burdan. Don't get me wrong, the Burdan's are not yet ready to receive the keys to the local retirement home, nor is the family, Evan, Tanya, Elias, Risa, and newborn fighter Owen, leaving Central for some far off destination to see what great adventures await, at least not yet. Evan and his family have decided to step down so that Evan can pursue his master's degree, which will prayerfully, someday, lead to the next great adventure in God's service.

Usually, I would take this time to say that we will miss their bright, smiling faces, their unselfish service, and caring counsel, but that really doesn't apply. You see, Central will be blessed to have the Burdan's around a while longer, as members - family members - because, even though Evan is officially "retired", you can't just retire from God's service. We will still get to experience Evan's enthusiastic worship leading style. They will still be available to teach various classes, maybe even together, possibly even one that does not have teenagers as students. We will still get to marvel at the melding of Canadian and Texan dialects (do they really mix?). And, yes, Evan's rubber waders and sunburned scalp may yet grace the pulpit once again. The Burdan's are still part of our family, and as family members, they will get to share in the joys, triumphs, sorrows, heartaches, and bonds that make us family.

It may be a tough transition. With Evan no longer the "go to" guy for our youngsters, it may be hard not to offer unsolicited advice, and even harder not to offer advice when asked. After all, old habits are hard to break, especially when the love for the youth runs so deep and when such strong bonds have been formed. It will be hard to say "no" to some of the requests that are made now that they no longer are full time ministers - after all, they have more time on their hands (especially Wednesday nights) - and it may take some time to find the right balance between "church work" and family. But I have every confidence that Evan and Tanya will transition quickly and will be able to weigh their priorities to utilize their talents and abilities to benefit the Central family and continue to be a powerful force for God in Topeka.

I for one, am glad that my brother and sister, my friends, will still be near. And though we may one day feel the sadness of these family members moving away to some new mission field, we can rejoice that they are only a phone call, letter, or email away, and that one day we can all be reunited in heaven forever.

"And friends are friends forever
If the lord's the lord of them
And a friend will not say never
cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends."
Friends by Michael W. Smith

Self Adjustment

2005-05-15T00:31:00.000-05:00

What a pain in the neck, literally. My neck and shoulders had been sore and stiff for a couple of weeks or more. The ache may have started by an ergonomically incorrect office arrangement or sleeping wrong on my pillow, but the real problem began with my constant attempts to correct the situation myself. When my neck would feel stiff, I would "pop" it myself, sometimes a bit forcefully. I would twist my neck every which way and yank my chin from side to side hoping that some pressure would be released and I would feel some relief – but my neck got stiffer and the pain creeped down between my shoulder blades until I could find no reprieve. Now I am not a big fan of chiropractors. For the most part, they tend to pop a few joints and tell you to come back a couple or three times a week, whether you feel better or not. But I think I have found a good one. He specializes in sports injuries and tells me to come back only if it starts hurting again. So, I called and made an appointment. He massaged the muscles of my neck and shoulders and after gently stretching my neck on each side, I felt a gentle pop in my neck. Then he released some pressure between my shoulders, and after only a couple of adjustments, I felt like a new man. One thing I didn’t understand. When I told him that it hurt on one side, he adjusted the opposite side, saying that the pain was really caused by something other than what I thought. He made the proper adjustment to cure the ailment and ease my pain. It’s amazing how good things turn out when you leave them to the professionals.

Kind of reminds me of life. It is easy to get out of whack. It is natural to try to fix the problems ourselves. But when we do, we tend to aggravate the situation: the hurt increases and the predicament quickly becomes a crisis. Soon, there is nothing we can do to resolve difficulty or eradicate the dilemma. And just when hope seems to be at an end, there is a professional who can soothe the sores of the soul. A savior who can make the proper adjustments necessary to put things back in place. A healer who understands where the hurt originates and fixes its true source, as opposed to where we feel the pain. And even though we may be sore for quite a while afterward, the pain soon subsides and we find that the master Physician truly knows best.

Put your soul, your eternal life, in the hands of THE Professional.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Rom 8:28.

Armour Hot Dogs

2005-05-11T23:57:00.000-05:00

You all remember the Armour Hot Dog song, right?

HOT DOGS, Ar-mour HOT DOGS
What kind of kids love Ar-mour HOT DOGS?
Big kids, lit-tle kids, kids who climb on rocks
fat kids, skin-ny kids, ev-en kids with chicken pox
love HOT DOGS, Ar-mour HOT DOGS
The dogs kids love to bite!
[Revised Version] Circa 1968

Well, I went to Worlds of Fun with my 12-year-old daughter on Saturday. They had a band/orchestra contest that day and I felt like I was living the Armour Hot Dog song. You know what they say about band kids, right? (It's OK, I was one too.) Well I saw every kind of kid imaginable – times a couple thousand! There were spazzes and dorks a plenty. Goofs and geeks galore. And a healthy range of “normal” kids too. (Same goes for the adults, they were just older versions). There were people of all shapes and sizes. Those trying to act cool and those who just didn’t care. From thrill seekers (I call them idiots) riding the Ripcord, a bungee type swing where you are released from somewhere above the clouds, and the Boomerang, a roller coaster that does a couple of loops and barrel rolls…and then does them backwards, to those, like me, who prefer a more “grounded” approach to fun. Those whose main thrill in life was to win one of those twenty-foot tall stuffed gorillas – and to carry them around for the next 8 hours - and those who pinched pennies (or should I say $10 bills) at the restaurants. Some must have been vampires, who didn’t want even a hint of sun, and others let their bellies hang out (so that the smaller children could catch some shade underneath).

To say the least, I was fascinated by watching the variety of people wandering through the asphalt jungles, trying to capture a brief period of joy in a hectic world. But the thing that struck me the most about all those people, was that JESUS DIED FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM. Whether it was someone desperately trying to act and look cool to get some attention, or someone smoking a cigarette and cussing and having no consideration for those around. The selfish and the selfless, the rich and the poor. Those without a care in the world or with the weight of the world on their shoulders. Jesus came to Earth to suffer and die for them all. He gave up His comfortable place in Heaven, as ruler of the universe, with angelic servants, to be born in a cattle trough, to live an obscure childhood, and eventually be beaten and spat upon and ridiculed for his compassion and love for each and every one of us. And now he wants all of us, popular and pitiful alike, to live with him forever.

Wow, what a God! What a Savior! What a Friend!

I Brake For...

2005-05-10T22:00:00.000-05:00

We’ve all seen them...bumper stickers that say “I brake for…” and then add some silly saying or object, such as "moose", "tailgaters", "doughnuts", "unicorns", "redheads" (my personal favorite), "nobody" (call me nobody, really!), "just to make you swerve", or "for no apparent reason". They are limited only by the imagination.

I saw one online today that reminds me of me: “I brake for…wait…AAAH!…NO BRAKES!” My brakes have been grinding, that’s right, grinding, for the past few weeks. I have been trying to extend the life of my brakes, or what’s left of them, by trying a few tricks. I don’t drive as fast – that’s a good thing. Sometimes I shift the car to neutral ahead of applying the brakes so that there is not so much torque pushing the vehicle, and I begin braking much earlier so I can push gently to slow the momentum of the van. Still the brakes grind. It's worse than fingernails on a chalkboard. Sometimes I can feel the vibrations throughout the vehicle. Kinda gives new meaning to the phrase "drive through".

I noticed a friend’s 16-year-old daughter driving off the other day and I lamented that my daughter will soon be driving too. I thought about all the wisdom I could impart to her – a list of dos and a much longer list of don’ts, mostly coming from experience. Safety will be the number one priority for my daughter. I want to wrap her in the safest, most reliable vehicle available. Perhaps one of the local military bases has a used tank they will part with cheap. Probably one of the most important things I could tell her is to properly maintain her vehicle. Not only is it usually much cheaper to catch problems early, but it is also definitely much safer. OK, OK, I know what you are thinking: “DUH! Why don’t you take your own advice, DUFUS?!!” (Come on, I know you have been thinking this for a while.) Well, payday is right around the corner.

How often do we dispense spiritual counsel and saintly wisdom, only to ignore our own advice? Jesus asks the question like this, “How can you say, ‘My friend, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you don't see the log in your own eye?” Matthew 7:4. Too often we instruct our brothers and sisters how to improve their spiritual walk or how to overcome some transgression, while we struggle with the very same sins, secretly or not. At times, we wallow in the same mire, thinking we can pull ourselves out, or not really wanting to. The blind leading the blind? Sometimes, but not always. We like to think in terms of black and white, but at times we see in bright, vivid, alluring colors that cause us to intentionally blur the demarcations between right and wrong. We, like Paul, know what is right, we just don’t do it. Romans 7:15. This, in itself is sin. James 4:17. It’s good to know we are not alone.

So how do we fight back? We first need to ask for wisdom and a discerning heart like Solomon did in I Kings 3. Second, we need to realize that Father knows best. We need to realize that we don’t know everything, but God does. In Isaiah 55:8-9, God tells Isaiah, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Only a fool rejects wisdom and good advice. Proverbs 1:7. I guess that sometimes we need to listen to God as he speaks to our hearts.

“Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths.” Psalms 25:4.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to "stop" by the mechanic.

Mother's Day

2005-05-07T22:58:00.000-05:00

It has been a long, taxing, physically exhausting last two days for everyone in my family. After working all day yesterday, I took my middle daughter to an eye appointment and then picked up my oldest daughter and headed for the ballpark for a triple header. All the while, Heather, having worked all day, headed to the store for lock-in supplies. After the ball games, Lavon and I went to the lock-in where Lavon played a few games and I prepared a short devotional lesson. Once 1:30 rolled around, I headed home with my two youngest and Lavon and Heather stayed up all night making sure 25 kids or so had the time of their lives, in a safe, Christian environment. I woke Lauren up about 7:00 am because she and I needed to be at school for a Worlds of Fun amusement park trip for her orchestra; Heather came home from the lock-in and shortly headed out for work again. We returned from Kansas City about 9:30 p.m. and the rest of the family was at the second of Lane's baseball games for today. So as we are all a bit numb, I will leave with you as a tribute to Mother's Day, a song which Heather and her sister have sung at countless weddings, including our own:

That Wonderful Mother of Mine
Lyrics by Clyde Hager. Music By Walter Goodwin

The moon never beams without bringing me
dreams
Of that wonderful mother of mine.
The birds never sing but a message they bring
Of that wonderful mother of mine.
Just to bring back the time, that was so sweet to me,
Just to bring back the days, when I sat on her knee.

You are a wonderful mother,
Dear old Mother of mine.
You'll hold a spot down deep in my heart,
'Till the stars no longer shine.
Your soul shall live on forever,
On through the fields of time.
For there'll never be another to me,
Like that wonderful Mother of mine

I pray ev'ry night to our Father above,
For that wonderful mother of mine.
I ask Him to keep her as long as He can
That wonderful mother of mine.
There are treasures on earth,
that made life seem worthwhile,
But there's none can compare to my mother's smile.

You are a wonderful mother,
Dear old Mother of mine.
You'll hold a spot down deep in my heart,
'Till the stars no longer shine.
Your soul shall live on forever,
On through the fields of time.
For there'll never be another to me,
Like that wonderful Mother of mine

I hope all of you serve your mothers breakfast in bed. Call her. Email her. Instant message her. Go to visit. Take her out to lunch. Buy her some flowers. But above all, let her know that she means the world to you and tell her how greatful you are that God gave you such a wonderful mother.

Happy Mother's Day

A Tribute to Mom

2005-05-07T01:32:00.000-05:00

For this Sunday service, we video taped numerous kids of all ages telling the world why their mother is so special. I would like to write and tell you about my mom. She was a wonderful mother who stood strong while raising 8 kids. She had her share of a mother's suffering when she had 2 miscarriages and lost one son after only a few weeks. I loved my mom. But, perhaps I will write about her some other time.

Today, I would like to tell you about the most wonderful mother in the world! She loves her children more than life itself, and would give up anything for her children's safety, well being, happiness, and spiritual growth. You've heard kids say "my mom is always there for me". Well this is not just a figure of speech with this woman. She is literally THERE. She attends every choir, band, and orchestra concert and every play and musical - every single performance! She participates in every school activity humanly possible and even substitute teaches at the kids schools so that she can be more a part of their lives. Best of all, she attends every youth function at church that she can, just to be sure that all the kids there, hers or not, have more fun than a barrel of monkeys (although I never was sure exactly what that phrase means). Even now, though feeling worn out, having a tooth ache and a sore throat, she is helping her daughter sponsor and manage 25+ kids at an all night lock-in at church - and she still has to work all day tomorrow and attend 2 baseball games.

She is a pillar of strength and determination. She can't stand not having fun and always makes sure that everyone shares in the fun and fellowship. She dispenses sound, biblical and practical adivce like Pez, always at just the time it is needed, although the children may not want to hear it. (Don't you hate it when someone is always right?) She always has time for her friends and makes certain that their kids are treated like her own. She strives to include their children as well as her own, so that those children can have as much fun, and so that her children can develop those close bonds of friendship and family that will carry them through the rest of their lives. She gets to know her children's friends so that she can guide them to choose their friends wisely.

She is a master encourager. Even when the kids don't want to participate in some things, she prods them until then try out or audition, and the children always end up having the time of their lives. She continually puts the needs of the children above her own. She does not hesitate to stand up and fight for them when they have been unjustly treated, and she is just as quick to admonish and instruct them when necessary. She treats her kids with respect and unequivocally lets them know that they are loved and precious and that she is greatful to God for them.

Most of all, she makes my job as a father much easier. Thank you Heather, for being that Godly example to our children. May they forever arise and call you blessed.

National Day of Prayer

2005-05-05T08:28:00.000-05:00

Today is Thursday, May 5, 2005, the day the leader of our great country has proclaimed as the National Day of Prayer. I encourage you to visit this site, http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/index.php?action=story_page&story_id=49, and read the President's proclamation.

As we begin today, we have so much for which to pray. Here are a few:

Our country is still at war and our young men and women are still in danger;
Our legislators are at war with each other and we need to pray that they will put the best interest of the country first;
Be thankful for your mother, who gave you life;
Pray for the leaders of your congregation that they will lead you in the direction God has set out for you;
Thank God for those who have influenced your life and set a Christian example for you to follow;
Pray that you can have that kind of influence on others;
Pray for your preacher that he will have the strength to deal with the hurts, fears, and problems of those he counsels daily and that he will be able find comfort while comforting others;
Pray for those who are hurting physically, spiritually, and emotionally that they will find healing and the strength to endure and become stronger because of their ordeal;
Pray for your children's spiritual walk;
Pray for your children's spouses or future spouses;
Pray for your spouse. Thank God for him or her;
Pray for God to make you a better parent, child, employee, boss, friend, teacher and example;
Pray for God to make you a better servant;
Pray that we can come to know Jesus better;
Pray for Jesus to come quickly (and be ready when he does!)

I am sure that there are many more things on your plate, and you may be thinking that you do not have time in your busy schedule to pray for all those things, but take the time to come into the presence of God. Prayer is not just something we need to do at meal times or before we go to bed. Ephesians 6:18 (The Message) tells us, "In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."

"pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18.

Instant Oatmeal

2005-05-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

I love oatmeal. Growing up in the frosty, bone-chilling winters of Texas, (Hey! 60° can be cold) I looked forward to the days when we could eat oatmeal for breakfast. It was thick and hot all the way down and warmed me up inside almost as good as mom’s hugs. It was a close race between that and standing in front of the gas space heaters. As I grew older, the greatest thing happened – Mr. Quaker made his oatmeal INSTANT, and added flavors, too. No longer did I have to wait for the oats to cook. We just boiled water and poured it over the mix and, voilà, I was ready for my insides to be warmed. I thought it couldn’t get any better and, low and behold, someone invented the microwave. Now I didn’t even have to wait for the water to boil. Just nuke the water for a minute or two and I could be on my way. Now, I enjoy a couple packets of Apples and Cinnamon almost every workday morning. The doctor even says it is good for my cholesterol. And the best thing yet, we have a water “cooler” that has a spigot on it for instant hot water. I don’t even have to wait for the microwave anymore.

We now live in an “instant” world. Everything is instant, from being able to reach us by phone, to faxes, emails and the internet, and even our dinners and coffee. We have grown to be impatient over the last generation and demand an instant fix to everything, including our health. How long have doctors sought the “cure” for the common cold? This reminds me of an episode of the Beverly Hillbillies some years ago. For those of you too young to know the ballad of Jed Clampett, Jed and the clan struck it rich in oil in the backwoods of the Ozarks and his cousin Pearl convinced him that he needed to move to Beverly Hills, where the rich folks were. His greedy, and therefore extremely helpful, next door neighbor, Mr. Drysdale, was their banker, who would do anything to keep Jed’s millions in the vault. When Mr. Drysdale came down with a cold, he lamented that, with all the modern technology and medical breakthroughs, the doctors couldn’t even cure the simple cold. Granny was amazed and reported that they had had a cure for a cold for as long as she could remember – rest and plenty of liquids and the ailment would be cured in a week or two!

When it comes to our faith and spiritual well-being, we should take a healthy dose of Granny’s wisdom. Faith and spiritual growth is not instant. We struggle and grow and learn each and every day, and the journey is never completed. Paul tells the Philippians to “press on” toward the goal to reach the prize set before us – and this to those who consider themselves mature. Phil 3:12-16. Athletes never attain perfection, but have to constantly practice and push themselves and build their skills and bodies to become better. Paul had to realize that he was weak in order for God show His strength through Paul. 2 Cor 12:7-10. Even Peter, one of Jesus’ closest confidantes and one of the boldest and most confident apostles had to be corrected and instructed by Paul (Gal 2:11-21) and had to be shown a miraculous sign to learn that the gospel was for all people (Acts 10).

Remember, we ALL make mistakes (Rom 3:23), and have to learn some things the hard way. We may become mature, but we never reach perfection. No matter how far we have come, there is still a ways to go. How many new Christians have we lost because we expect them to be spiritual and strong and steadfast the moment they come up out of the water, eventhough we struggle with some of the very same issues. We all need a huge bowl of patience, sprinkled with a mountain of God’s grace and love, and someday, our spiritual ailments may be cured – in a few decades.

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:13b-14

That's Entertainment

2005-05-02T00:26:00.000-05:00

I own several (meaning too many to know where to store them) movies/DVDs and I am always on the lookout for some of the classics – especially if they are bargain priced. As you know, I am also an avid baseball fan, so I particularly look for movies with a baseball theme. The other day I came across a true classic from 1976. Everyone I know that has ever seen it says is a truly great movie with an inspiring theme…"The Bad News Bears.” Now I had never actually seen this movie, so I figured that it was a steal at under $5, and I didn’t hesitate to pick it up. As a bonus, the film is rated PG so I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to sit down with my family to watch it.

Boy was I surprised! The basic premise of the story is that a drunken, ex-minor league pitcher is hired by a local politician to coach his son’s little league team. The kids are terrible and are uninspired to improve. The coach then brings in a couple of ringers who basically carry the team the rest of the season, one of which is his ex-girlfriend’s daughter who he taught to pitch (and to cheat while playing). I was amazed that anyone would be inspired by this film. It seemed that every other word spoken, not only by the coach but by the kids as well, was a curse word. You never see the coach without a beer in his hand and at the end of the championship game, he passes one out to each of the 10 year old kids!

Having been appalled by the movie, and seeing no redeeming qualities whatsoever, I am reminded that what we show our kids – and what we watch ourselves – can have a truly detrimental effect on our lives and our values. I remember vividly a conversation I had with my friend as a teenager about the movie, “Kramer vs. Kramer”, starring Dustin Hoffman as a divorced father trying to salvage his relationship with his son. This film won best picture in 1979 and was heralded as another truly great movie. I had not seen it and was asking my friend what he thought and his reply was both profound and convicting. His older brother was going through a divorce at the time and his comment was basically that we really need to reevaluate our “entertainment” values when we get pleasure out of watching a family in crisis suffer.

How many times today do we stop to really think about what we are watching in the movies and on television? If we examine the shows we think are “great”, “entertaining” or “funny”, we might think differently about our viewing habits and those of our children. How many of the shows are simply about sexual situations, outlandishly dysfunctional families, sinful lifestyles, disrespectful children and spouses, and those who are rewarded for illegal acts? Have we truly sat down to analyze shows like Seinfeld, Two and a half Men, Desperate Housewives, Will and Grace, The Sopranos, Friends, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Sex and the City, and That 70’s Show?

Don’t get me wrong, there are some truly good shows out there, such as Joan of Arcadia, that teach ethics, morals, consideration for others, and that our actions have consequences. My challenge is to steer my family to those types of shows and movies, and to truly look hard at what a show is teaching my children before we sit down to watch. I encourage you to visit some Christian review sites before blindly purchasing a ticket or turning on the tube. (See www.pluggedinonline.com/ and www.screenit.com/index1.html)

I for one will be more careful and discerning with my entertainment dollar.

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15.

Buffet

2005-04-29T13:25:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love buffets. The choices! The food! All you can eat! You know, as I think about it, I usually only get just a few things off any buffet. I really don't like most of what is there, but I do like the all you can eat aspect. Buffet's are usually expensive, but I often brag that I get my money's worth in sheer volume (if you could see me you would know why). I like basic, simple foods. I really don't understand how others eat all that stuff offered on buffets, but I understand that there are so many ways to fill up, that whatever they eat is OK with me.

How many people do you know who feel the same way about their salvation? How many times hae you heard, "Well that's fine for you, but I believe..." Too often we encourage these beliefs in the name of religious tolerance or because we are afraid of being labeled as closed minded, or a bigot, or pious, or of thinking of ourselves as superior to others. Jesus said very plainly, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6. Anyone who preaches any salvation other than through Jesus is just wrong. Remember the exhortation of Paul to the Corinthians, "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2. For Christians, there simply is no debate. Paul encourages the Ephesians by reminding them that "there is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Eph 4:4-6.

Salvation is simple, not a smorgasborg - but it is still "all you can eat". Stuff yourself on the Truth!

Let's Play 2

2005-04-27T16:34:00.000-05:00

"It's a great day for a ball game; let's play two!" Ah, the immortal words of Ernie Banks. I often wish I could be at the ballpark watching a double header (have I mentioned before that Baseball is the greatest sport in the world?). Better yet, I could play a double header in softball every day. There is nothing like the warmth of the sun on your face, the feel of the grass beneath your feet, the smell of the leather mitt and taste of the dirt after a head first slide! I could spend all day at the ballpark...(if it weren't for the pesky sunburn).

Can we say the same about our worship services? I was having a conversation with a co-worker who told me emphatically that she wanted the rapture to come so she could "watch it". "I just want to stay here on earth just so I can watch, don't you?" she asked. I quickly informed her that when Jesus returns, I want to be one of the first to meet him. In her misguided idea about the end, she let me know that she wouldn't mind staying around for the "1000 year reign". When I asked why, she replied, "I don't want to do to 'church' all the time." Her idea of Heaven is that we will sit in "church" for eternity. She let me know that 45 minutes was about all she could take.

How do we feel about worship? Do we feel it is boring, a chore to attend, or at the least, an inconvenience? Perhaps we should stop focusing on ourselves and marvel at the presence of an ever-loving God, who was willing to give up everthing for us.

When Jesus returns, I don't want to be caught unprepared. I used to love baseball practice. I could use that time to relax. I got to hit the ball more than I ever could in a game. I got to field every 3rd or 4th ball hit. I got to have fun. It takes practice for anything we do to become second nature. Perhaps we should look at our worship services as practice for Heaven, when we will forever worship God. I like the words of Mercy Me's "I can only Imagine".

I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by Your side. I can only imagine what my eyes will see when Your face is before me. I can only imagine.

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine.

I can only imagine when that day comes and I find myself standing in the Son. I can only imagine when all I will do is forever, forever worship You. I can only imagine.

I hope you enjoy your worship to God. I know I do.

"Let's play two!"

What if you were dying?

2005-04-25T08:11:00.000-05:00

What would you do if you found out that you were dying and had only a short time to live? I was riding with a dear friend the other day, and he wanted me to hear a particular song that touched his heart. It is a country song by Tim McGraw titled "Live Like You Were Dying". The song talks about a man in his early 40's who found out he was dying and how his life changed dramatically. The chorus states:

"I went skydiving, I went rocky mountain climbing, I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu. And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter and I gave forgiveness I'd been denyin'. And he said some day I hope you get the chance to live like you were dyin'."

My friend is going through some really troubling times and has had to re-evaluate his life and priorities. He finds this song to be encouraging and I understood that it challenged him to go out and do all the things he always wanted to do but never has. At first glance, I found the song to encourage and promote selfishness and self-centeredness, but as I look at the song, verse 2 mentions being the husband and friend he should have always been, and he began to think about eternity.

How would you live if you knew you were dying? Would you treat your family or friends any differently? Would you be more generous with your things and monies? Would you contribute more to your congregation or charity? Would you buy more things - or less? What would you do with your time? Would you work more, go to the movies more, go skydiving or bull riding? Would you reach out to those you were always afraid you would offend and tell them of Jesus? Would you spend more time with your kids and spouse and less with Raymond, Survivors, and the American Idol hopefuls? Would you keep your house cleaner, or would you leave the dishes and visit your friend in the hospital?

James 4:14 says "Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." What James is telling us is that we are dying. Our life here on earth is so brief that we should live each day as if we had only 6 months to live. I challenge you to hug your children each day. Show, don't just tell, your spouse that you love her or him every chance you get. Mow your neighbor's lawn, just because. Pray for your preacher and elders that they will be bold in advancing the Gospel. And worship each day like you were going to see God tomorrow!

It really works!

2005-04-20T23:49:00.000-05:00

Tonight my family attended a baseball game in Lawrence between the Wichita State Shockers and the Kansas Jayhawks. I have a nephew who is a freshman catcher for WSU and we were hoping to get the chance to see him get into the game. He didn't get to play tonight, but what a game. The score went back and forth and after nine innings, and several pitchers for each team, the Shockers held on for an 11-9 win. (Have I ever mentioned that baseball is the GREATEST game in the world?!!)

During the game, we had a conversation with a fan behind us who knew every stat on every player on the team. It seemed to be the concensus of those around that the Shockers would be a real force to reckon with for the next couple of years because of all the talented freshmen on the team. Heather overheard him mention that WSU had one of the most talented freshman catchers he had ever seen, and she couldn't help but interrupt to let him know that Tyler was our nephew. He went on about how good this kid was, but what struck me was that he said, "...and he is a good kid too."

Oh, the power of living a life for Christ! Even though this fan did not know Tyler personally, Tyler made a lasting impression because of his committment to Jesus. We never know who will be watching and what influence we might have on those we work with, live with, school with, church with, and, yes, even those who just watch us from a distance. Paul told the Ephesians "Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Eph 5:15-16)

Last year Tyler hit the winning "walk off" home run in the 6A state baseball championships to give the Goddard Lions the state title. (Have I mentioned that I love baseball?) I have a T-shirt that reads "Baseball is my game...But Jesus is my life". I have always been proud of Tyler, however, I have never been as proud of my nephew as I was at that moment tonight. I think Tyler deserves that shirt more than I do. Thank you Tyler for reminding me that we are Christians 24/7.

What do you want on your tombstone?

2005-04-19T23:20:00.000-05:00

Gary and Ruthann Souder, one of our elders and his wife, are teaching a Sunday morning class titled "Fantastic Families". These are the perfect people to teach this class as they have developed special bonds with their own families, and all their kids are powerful leaders in their congregations. What an example for the rest of us! During class last Sunday, Gary asked the question, "What do you want on your tombstone?"

Those of you who know me, know that I am a big sci-fi nut (as in crazy and often geeky, as my kids will testify). I enjoy almost everything sci-fi, from starships to fantasy to comic book heros. Some of my favorite shows are those like "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits", which show that actions have consequences. I also enjoy monster shows. I guess it is because I know it is not true, but yet I still enjoy seeing good triumph over evil. The other day I was watching an episode of "Buffy, the vampire slayer". As always, there was some impending apocalypse which Buffy and the gang had to stop, but this time Buffy sacrificed herself to save her friends, and the world. The closing scene showed her tombstone, which read, "She saved the world. A Lot." This brought me back to the question Gary asked in class, and made me think again. What epithet would I want to be remembered by when I am gone? There were many suggestions in class, usually centered around the family...fitting given the subject matter. However, I have always thought that there would be no greater honor than for those visiting my grave to read, "Here lies a servant"

"Servant" embodies so much. I speaks of an employee's relationship with his employer, a neighbor's relationship with his neighborhood. It tells a friend who he can count on. More importantly, it describes a father's relationship with his wife and children. It reminds me of who Jesus is. Matthew 20:28 says that the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. Philippians 2:7 tells us that he made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant. The very nature of the word speaks of humility and obedience (see Philippians 2:8), and, ultimately, sacrifice.

"Lord make me a servant, make me like You."

What do you want on your tombstone?

"He must increase, but I must decrease"

2005-04-19T16:49:00.000-05:00

Each 4th Sunday of the month, we have a special praise and prayer time at Central. We call it "4th Sunday Praise Night." We use this time to vary from the "traditional" order of worship by having a shorter devotional style talk (5 to 15 minutes in length) by various talented men of the congregation instead of a sermon. We also take time to offer a few more prayers and read more scriptures than most of us are used to on a Sunday evening. The rest of the time we use to sing more praises, and often learn a new song or two. We use this format to try to reenergize Sunday evenings and, hopefully, encourage a few more than the solid core of the congregation to attend .

I must admit that, although we have a worship committee help by offering suggested topics, I have often chosen topics and formats that I need to hear to encourage my soul and steady my walk with God, or topics which have encouraged me and which I want to share with my Brothers and Sisters. Many former topics have been based upon songs which encourage and convict me, such as "Who Am I", "The Voice of Truth", "Imagine", and "Take Me to the Cross".

This coming week, we will simply be focusing on John 3:30. The NIV states this verse this way: "He must become greater; I must become less." The Message reads: "This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines." I like the Contemporary English Version best: "Jesus must become more important, while I become less important." No matter what version you use, the message is the same--Jesus must become the center of your life. We will be using artwork from the Heartlight.org website, which simply expresses what John the Baptist was trying to convey. It has three simple images: cross > I. I have pasted this artwork as my wallpaper on my computer at work as a continual reminder to put Christ first in everything--especially at work.

How often do we try to draw attention to Jesus and away from ourselves? I know that being gracious in accepting a compliment is polite, but how commonplace has it become that athletes and actors and celebrities thank God for their accomplishments? Sometimes, I am put off by these acknowledgements because I see them as "fake" or "forced" or "not genuine". Perhaps I am just rationalizing to cover for my own inadequacies in giving God the glory in everthing. I think we need a constant reminder of how to be a servant to God instead of trying to make God our "genie". I have asked one of our elders, Jerry Myers, to do the talk this Sunday, not because he is an elder, or eloquent speaker, or a whiz at the original Greek, but because he embodies the very essence of what John the Baptist was trying to convey. I can't wait to hear what Brother Jerry has to say, to see him share his soul, his true nature, with us...again. Thanks be to God for wonderful examples of how to share ourselves, and God, with those around us.

Are Worship Styles Important?

2005-04-13T13:43:00.000-05:00

I was listening to KLOVE this morning. The DJ's are in Nashville for the GMA Christian Music Awards (Dove Awards) this week and have had several of the artists on as guests for interviews. This morning, John and Sherry Rivers spoke with Chris Rice and Darlene Zschech. Both spoke about worship in profoundly different ways and it struck me how our worship today has evolved.

Chris Rice spoke of his song, "Untitled Hymn", and how the old Hymns shaped and forged his ideas of worship and helped strengthen his faith. He said that the old hymns were written by theologians and how their faith and beliefs were reflected in the hymns.
In contrast, Darlene Zschech, led worship on Sunday and the DJ's were commenting on the energy she showed as she "jumped around" the stage.

While the styles of worship, and the worship leaders, may have changed considerably over the years, one thing remains: We are commanded to worship our God in Spirit and Truth. Some today complain that worship has become too much "entertainment" with video presentations, praise teams, powerpoints, and even because of some of the "new songs" (newer or contemporary praise and worship songs and choruses). Others complain that worship is too "stuffy" because there is not enough "energy" in the service, or because of singing older hymns, long prayers and being too formal.

I believe that, at Central in Topeka, we have managed to blend these styles into a meaningful worship for the collective and corporate body. The best songs sung carry weighty, powerful, and profound stories of faith in and dependance on the God of grace and love. These songs convict me in my daily walk and encourage me to be a better child and servant of God. They remind me to be appreciative and grateful for all God has done for me and my family. Interestingly enough, the contemporary Christian songs on the radio do the same thing, especially those that tell a story, like "Untitled Hymn" by Chris Rice, "Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns, "Fly Away" by FFH, "In Christ Alone" by Brian Littrell, "Live Out Loud" by Steven Curtis Chapman, and many, many others.

The important thing to remember, even in corporate worship, is that you are there to praise the God who created the universe, who walked on water, and who touched the sick and diseased. This is the same God who raised the dead, and, most importantly, promised to do the same for us.

Instead of focusing on what we think about the worship service, about how fast or slow or new or old the songs that are sung, or whether we see a video or someone prays for 10 minutes, I challenge everyone to focus on God and how we can best serve Him and reflect His glory to those around us, not just on Sunday morning, but every minute of every day.