The Times Are Changing

The world has come to an end…no I did not see the latest doomsday movie and think it was real. Nor is this writing about the end of human history but the end of the world as we know it. But, the world as we know it is dying each day. It changes and moves forward as we cling to the ideas and thoughts of the past, if our memory is accurate, and struggle with an uncertain future, for many. The times are indeed constantly changing. The world we knew has come to an end. Depending on your age many things you once treasured are gone for good. I am of the age when I can remember people saying, “I will walk before I pay $1 for a gallon of gas!” Of course, not many are walking today.

As each old year passes and each New Year approaches there is a place for nostalgia as well as dreams for the future but there is a better place for realism. The forecasters and trend predictors are rarely right about the future and the good old days were not always so good. We enjoy thinking of a simpler time when we remember being more religious but there was just as sin, evil and injustice. We just did not have as much access to instant information.

The struggle of good and evil has existed since Eden. It inhabits each heart. Church is not necessarily the answer. That is why attendance has been steadily declining for the past 25 years. Still we are very active as a churched society. About 100 million Americans attend sporting events each year, however although church attendance is declining over 130 million children/adults still come in contact with church each month! Don’t get too excited. Coming in contact does not mean they are spiritually changed. In fact the inverse seems to be true. We are overchurched and ineffective. People are no longer looking to the church for spiritual guidance. There is much confusion from movies, TV, recycled philosophies and cults as people seek God but are not necessarily doing so in the right place.

We will always seek God because we are made in his image. Jesus is a part of all things (John 1:4) so he makes sense of all things. But many outside the church have a negative image of the church and many in church have negative image with much of the unchurched world. Evidence of both are shown by a t-shirt “Jesus save me from some of your followers” and quote from a famous author, Mark Twain; “After spending time with good people of the church, I understand why Jesus spent time with tax collectors & sinners”

George Barna, who studies these things more than anyone says, less than 10-15% of our churches are rated Highly Effective. The Bible is unknown (1/2 who call themselves ‘born again’ read the Bible during week). 12% think Joan of Arc was married to Noah. 80% claim to be Christian but 4 of 10 are unable to name the four Gospels. I wonder if some thing Amos next to the book of Andy. Comedian Jay Leno’s Man on the Street interviews asked two college students to; "Name one of the 10 commandments"; they said, “Freedom of Speech?” They were next asked to complete, “Let he who is without sin…” to which they replied, “Have a good time?” The third question was, “Who was swallowed by a great fish in the Bible?” Pinocchio got the third big laugh of the routine but it was really a sad commentary as we continue the same pathway to confusion and separation from each other and God. The new progressive sounding truths are only old reworded confusion from the past. A famous female celebrity who many looked to for spiritual truth said, to a stadium giving rousing applause, “find your own truth.” That profundity was reminiscent, for those who read the Bible of one of the most wicked times in Old Testament history (Judges 21:25) when “every man did what was right in his own eyes”. We think we are changing and progressing but the secret is still found in connecting with God through his word.


Yet we all struggle with adjustments to change. The clinical definition of death is, “A body that does not change”. However, we are better at this change thing than we realize. You are in constant change right now. Your skin replaces itself every month (Cheek cells replace themselves 3 times a day). You have a; new stomach lining every 5 days, new Liver every 6 weeks, new skeleton every 6 weeks and 98% of the atoms in your body are replaced each year. So as you sit there with 5 pounds of dead skin flaking and flushing off right now don’t tell me you have trouble with change. It is time to make some real eternal changes. Romans 12:1-2 tells us to be different, transformed, not like the rest of the world and renew our minds.

So, what am I taking so long to say? The best place to connect with God is still in his word, the Bible. Find a copy of the scriptures that is easy to read and understand and let him speak to you in a fresh new way. Then, if you are not already there, find a group of believers that will help you correctly understand the scriptures (there is much confusion), grow, keep you accountable as you walk in the Spirit and continue to change into the image of Christ…that is the change that is eternal. Time is fleeting and too precious to waste. Isaiah 43:18-19 tells us God is in the change business. "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

Happy New Year!

Image is Everything (or is it?)

A highly successful marketing campaign combined the media darling of tennis, Andre Agassi, and Canon cameras a few years ago. Commercials would show the then popular handsome athlete energetic action poses stroking his long flowing hair and concluding with a close-up as Andre said, “Image is Everything!” As it turned out most everything was image. The long flowing hair was a wig and much of the energy was assisted by crystal meth. However, the public continues to buy into the ‘image’ of celebrities whether they are politicians, sports or movie stars. Some even enjoy idolizing their favorite pastor. Time after time we see these images collapse in some moral failure as one celebrity after another will disappoint us with failure. Tiger Woods is the latest example in a long line that will continue.

We seem to be a people of short memories as we soon turn our eyes to the next celebrity figure hoping this will be the one we can honor as a role model and place upon a pedestal. We forget that behind what is presented as intelligence, talent, charisma or attractive appearance (much of which is often a carefully crafted marketing image) beats a heart like ours susceptible to the same sins and temptations. More often than not, as they are awarded the privilege of celebrity status an attitude known as ‘hubris’ develops. This ancient Greek term indicates overweening pride, haughtiness, or arrogance, outrageous acts or exhibitions of pride or disregard for basic moral laws often resulting in fatal retribution. Hubris leads people to think they are above normal laws of the land, nature or morality that apply to everyone else. Eventually that pride leads to a fall as well stated in Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Our fascination and desire to honor people and give them celebrity status is illustrated as a liability early in human history in I Samuel chapter 8. God desired his people to look to him and only follow leaders he appoints who have integrity and Spiritual leadership qualities given by him. The people were warned of consequences from following earthly kings but verses 19 and 20 gives their reply; "No! We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations”. The desire to follow others, even to give others celebrity status goes back to the desire for a king. We want to be like everyone else, and look up to others rather than God.

However, God created us to be different. We are to exalt God not fellowmen. We are to look to God for leadership before men. We are to look for guidance from his word before listening to words of men. There are times when God uses people to lead but we should be very careful then to only follow those people who exhibit Godly qualities, even then they should be held accountable and not be given celebrity status lest they develop pride. Scripture gives many such warnings such as I Corinthians 10:12-13, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

Back to the Canon commercial, time has shown us Andre is bald, used drugs and Canon cameras have been topped by iPhone. “Image is not Everything”. Image us usually just that, image. Faith in God and integrity may not be as flashy but they are real, not image. They will last long beyond a carefully crafted celebrity image and never disappoint.

Immature Church Members

There is not much that extinguishes a movement of the Holy Spirit, turns people away from church and Jesus more than immature church members. I am not speaking of new members that are in the early stages of their Christian pilgrimage into discipleship. They are usually eager to grow. I am referring to those who have been around for a while and are still like the little boy who was tucked into his bed by his father. As the father quietly reached the door leaving his son’s room he heard a thud and turned to see his son had rolled out of bed onto the floor. The boy looked up and said, “I guess I stayed too close to where I got in.” To grow in Christ one must move deeper into discipleship and become more mature as a member of the body of Christ.

Far too many church members stay too close to where they came in. It is these that Paul addresses in I Corinthians 3:1-3 saying, he “could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.” Once we make a decision to follow Christ and unite with his church we have made a commitment to deny self, and take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). The command to deny self and take up our cross daily to follow Jesus is a call to put self, ego, feelings, desires and anything that is personal to death. It is a call to put self completely and sacrificially aside to follow Jesus.

When church members remain immature they make themselves the issue and are often a continual source of conflict, disruption, distraction and hurt feelings needing to be pampered or enticed to attend or serve as if they were doing the Lord a favor by their presence or offering their service. Jesus, himself gave us the ultimate lesson on service in John 13. Verse three tells us when Jesus knew the Father had given him all authority he did not worry about his desire, plans, ego and feelings. He showed his disciples, then and now, the example of mature leadership and sacrificial action by ultimate humility in lowly servanthood performing one of the lowest and most menial tasks allowed in that culture, washing the feet of his disciples. His disciples were first stunned then amazed but he said, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” We are to learn and grow from his teaching to put ourselves (ego, agenda and feelings) aside for sacrificial service.

When we uncontrollably give ourselves completely to Jesus putting self totally aside we no longer are worried about our plans, agenda, feelings or ideas there is immense freedom, release and joy that religion absolutely cannot produce. We simply seek to follow Jesus by faith in total obedience through the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit. Whatever he calls us to do, the Spirit equips and enables us to do and we move forward by faith as enjoy the ride while God works through us in miraculous unity. This is the body of Christ at its best. When believers do this there is harmony. If we are all following the same Christ there is no division, disunity or disruption in the unity in the body of Christ. We all remain different and unique but blend the different blessings and gifts the Father has given as we place ego aside and work together sacrificially for his glory.

When others see this they are amazed and realize they see something that can not be explained in human terms and they are drawn into the Kingdom. This is the answer to the prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane (John 17:20-26). Our mature submission and harmonious service to him answers his prayer. Our Spiritual maturity, our self-less submission and harmony is the answer to his prayer. We expect Jesus to answer our prayers but he leaves it up to us to be the answer to his. He is waiting for his prayer to be answered through us. Why not today?

Without Jesus, Nothing Makes Sense

Every year we conclude November giving thanks for the wonderful blessings God has given us as a great nation then we descend into silly and sometimes divisive and angry debate over the next important holiday. For years we have misinterpreted our constitution and gone in the wrong direction with the foolish idea of political correctness in so many matters that common sense has long become uncommon. Mark Twain said. “Common sense is the simple knack of seeing something the way it really is and doing something the way it should be done.” Christmas without Jesus makes no sense!

The first six letters of the holiday are CHRIST. People can have holiday trees and seek to miss the point all they wish but the point of the HOLIDAY is JESUS! We celebrate God becoming flesh and invading history to dwell among us as our guide in life, as our saving sacrifice to pay the price for our sin and give us hope for eternity and peace among men. It is because we miss that point to such a great degree everyday that we do not have real joy and celebration in our lives, families and churches today.

He did not come to give us a holiday. He did not come to give us religion. As the holiday without Jesus makes no sense, actually religion without Jesus makes no sense either. That is why so many churches, denominations and religions are empty and failing. Far too many are simply clubs of religious acting people with their own rules and rituals that don’t have much to do with the teachings of Jesus, which majored on love and freedom from bondage of sin. The church he started was an Ecclesia, which was a common term in that day for an assembly called out for action. As his church we are called out of the world and called to him for action. We are called to be his body in this world. He is in heaven waiting for us so we are here as his body. Our assignment is to physically do as he would do bodily were he here. So look at what he did and who he hung around with and go for it.

He gives us the invitation and power to be his body. First we must be born into his Spirit (John 3). Then the Holy Spirit (God) will live in us and give us power greater than any human resource to say no to previous temptation and yes to being like Jesus (Galatians 5:23-23) with life changing power (II Corinthians 5:17). There is a difference in being born again and being religious. Many are religious and are faithful in following their church rituals and traditions. They are serious about them. The will argue and possibly fight over them.

It really comes down to truth. Which way is true? Which is the best way to live? Is Christmas a real holiday? Is Christianity true? Is Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, or other belief better or is it better to be an atheist and just enjoy the day as you see fit? I have studied the different faiths and ways to live. It seems to me that the best way would be to follow one who knew enough to conquer death. At the time I wrote this article Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius, Joseph Smith, and anyone else who started a religion was still dead. I have a strong suspicion they will still be dead when you finish reading.

Jesus is Alive! History proclaims it! The Bible not a written as a history book but it is the most accurate book of ancient recorded history we have. He was publically executed by the state, buried in a guarded grave but three days later over 500 witnesses, saw him walking around alive, talked with him, some touched him and ate with him! Before he went to Heaven he addressed a large crowd! He is still alive and changing lives. I talked to Him this morning! Life Without Jesus Makes No Sense! Humans have three basic emotional needs; we need to receive love, give love and have a sense of purpose. These three are only met completely in Christ. (John 1:4). So, have a Merry Christmas with Jesus. Have a great life with Jesus. He makes the difference. Without him nothing makes sense!

Looking for God's will? Give thanks!

What do you do when life doesn’t go your way? Have you had times when you seem to dig out of a pit in life only to fall into a deeper hole? Are there days when it seems that you wonder, “Do I have a sign on me that says ‘Everybody Pick on Me Today? All of us have days when everything seems to go wrong and we wonder; “What’s happening? What did I do to deserve this? I feel like I am trying my best.” Christians will tell me, as a pastor and friend; “I am seeking God’s will…trying to find & do right thing but I am struggling.” Well, I hate to tell you (actually I really enjoy telling…it is just an old saying we Southerners use and I love being a Southerner) but finding God’s will is not that difficult. Finding the right job, spouse or your lost car keys may be more of a struggle but God’s will is revealed clearly in his word. Often people are more interested in seeking affirmation to do what pleases us than we are in seeking God’s will.

To find’s God’s will and the real answer to deal with life when things don’t go your way you can turn to John 3 and follow directions Jesus gave a religious leader 2000 years ago. You must be born again (Spiritually reborn). Being religious will not do. One can be so religious that one’s eyes can shine like stained glass windows but still not have spiritual resources to help in life. Religion is following rituals (admittedly this can be helpful for some). Religion will not change a personality or make a person new. Some of the meanest and most evil people I have met or read about are devoutly religious. Anyone in church is simply in a building or part of an organization but anyone in Christ is a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17). One must follow Jesus by faith and give self totally to Christ as Luke 9:23 tells us our desires, ego, feelings and agenda are to be given the death penalty. Once that happens we are able to think differently. Romans 12:1-2 tells us we have a renewed mind and do not act the way of the rest of the world…THEN we will know God’s good and perfect will. In other words after doing these things we will see, think and act in such a different manner that God’s vision, understanding and plan will be understandable to us. We will also have resources beyond our experiences, abilities, wisdom and explanation as the power of the Holy Spirit indwells us.

After total faith and commitment to Christ we will have a different attitude and life a life of giving thanks in all that happens as I Thessalonians 5:18 states is also God’s will for us who are in Christ. Being thankful and living a life in this manner unlocks joy and happiness that most seek but few find. Too often we look to circumstances to make us happy. That won’t happen. We live in a world warped by sin. Bad things happen to good people. Evil exists. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:45 injustices come to all. However those who are born again will be rewarded forever so justice prevails. So, even in difficult days we can give thanks that God has a plan for us for all eternity. Even in the difficult days we can give thanks that God is perfecting us for eternity through the difficulties that exist in this world. Even Jesus was perfected through suffering while here as we are told in Hebrews 2:10.

No matter what is going on in life one can look to God and find his will. It is first to be born of the Spirit. Then submit all completely to him. Once that is done you will develop a different perspective. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change. You will see his will is to give thanks IN all things. No matter what is happening you can and will find reasons to give thanks. Giving thanks IN all things is far different than being thankful FOR all things. It is not possible to give thanks FOR all things but IN all things one can be thankful that God has you in his hand for all eternity. He has an eternal plan for you. He is standing right beside you (II Corinthians 1:3-7). You have the power of the Holy Spirit within you to withstand anything the world can throw your way (Romans 8:1, 2, 9, 28-39). So with all this in your favor you can’t lose…Give thanks!

“Got any I.D.?”

That is a question often asked when young fresh faced people seek to purchase certain beverages, tobacco products or enter establishments that require age restrictions. When I was 18 I looked more like 14 on a good day so it was quite well that I usually stayed away from those situations for the most part. I made a commitment in a revival service in Jr. High and hung in there with it as people called me ‘straight laced’ and ‘preacher’ long before I was speaking in buildings with pointy roofs for a living. However, no matter how old we get we have an I. D. We are identified with a job, lifestyle, family, organization or especially by our behavior. Some of the ways we are identified are wrong like the false I.D.’s some once used in High School. However, the longer we hold to our behavior, character, organization, fellowships or actions the better the chance of the true I.D. being recognized.

Scripture tells us that bad company corrupts good character. One must watch their actions and company. When I was younger I realized I could have fun without drinking but I spent time being identified, on occasion, with the wrong places. Once I tried to drive a friend home, before the designated driver was fashionable we watched out for friends. However, he had seen me acting in such a manner, not much different than I do today having fun, that he said, “I’ve seen you tonight. You’re worse off than me!” I assured him I had only consumed three Dr. Peppers, which was my limit in those days, I can’t handle THAT many today! I then realized I needed to remove myself from some environments that adversely affected my witness, what people thought of me or my I.D.

How do people identify you? Have you ever wondered how others would describe you? You DO know they talk about you when you are not around! Gee, I hope I have not given you new information to upset you! You can’t completely control what others say but you can control what you do. As a minister I Timothy 3 tells me to live my life “above reproach”. The Greek really means one should not ‘get a handle on an accusation’. That means I am to conduct myself in such a public way that people may still say things about me, I can’t help that, but the character of my life is such that the accusations can not find a handle. Character and integrity as an I.D. will outlast any gossip, slander or accusation that has no basis.

Your I.D. is vital. Proverbs 22:1 tells us, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” I Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” In other words, if what & and how you eat, drink and do does not bring glory to God, you should not eat, drink or do it! Even a product of the Mississippi public school system like me can figure that one out!

The first people identified with the name ‘Christian’ were in Antioch. Originally it was pegged upon them as a name of ridicule. “Oh look at the way they act they are acting like ‘little Christ’s”. They were not ridiculed at all and took the name with pride. That was their purpose, to act completely like Jesus in all they did. When people looked at them they wanted them to think of Jesus. People are looking and I.D.ing you. So the question is not; “Got any I.D.?” You do have one. The question is; What is your I.D.?

People Can Be A Strange Bunch

Someone once said, “There are two kinds of people. Those who put people into two categories and those who don’t.” (Have you ever noticed how often speakers and writers quote ‘SOMEONE’ when they don’t have a good way to kick-start their topic? Well someone did say that this time whether you believe it or not and whether they said it or not (whoever ‘THEY’ are?), we all categorize people from time to time and when we do we often get it wrong. People are far too complex to fit into most general categories.

I will use myself as an example. I have been living with myself for most of my life and am fairly well acquainted so I feel comfortable giving myself permission to be an example. I am from Mississippi. Right away some people will wonder if I am wearing shoes. Well, I am typing this in the comfort of my home so answering that may be misleading, however I still do have all my teeth, but the fact that I was born in a state that has a reputation for several negative stereotypes does not make me ignorant, bigoted, obese or have a blushing neck.

According to a sign in front of a building with a steeple I am the pastor of a church. Many people will assume several things about me as a pastor of a certain denomination. Most of those who meet me find out that many of those assumptions are wrong. I am quite serious about proclaiming the truth of the scriptures and living by them, however I have discovered though years of diligent study and experience that much has been misunderstood, misinterpreted and the life Jesus gives is much more fun than most realize when properly followed.

People can be prejudiced in so many ways. Educated people often are biased against those who lack education. Uneducated often feel inferior and have a bias against those who have more education. Rich people often are prejudiced toward the poor and the poor often envy the rich. Whether it is race, gender, economics, politics or the sports team we favor we seem to find more and more reasons to categorize and divide ourselves.

People are a funny sort of lot to study and observe. I have been living among them and observing them in their natural habitat for a lifetime and have come up with a few conclusions. While they are fearfully and wonderfully made they can lower themselves to the lowest common denominator in behavior in a short time when left to their own resources or they can rise to wonderful heights that can stir emotions beyond words. They are capable of great evil that is unspeakable as well as good that boggles the mind. They can cause great pain or give great joy. Much of that is left to our response. We can not control what people do but we can control our response. We can hold on to anger, hurt and sorrow and live miserable lives no matter what surrounds us or we can forgive, forget and live with joy no matter the circumstances.

Yes, people can be a strange lot but they can be fun to live with when they get along and share all their diversity. Jesus prayed for us to be “one” then he gave his life to pay the price for all our mistakes. Wouldn’t it be worth it to fulfill his prayer and forgive the mistakes of those who offended you, those with whom you feel separated, and those with whom you feel alienated and live the rest of your days enjoying and exploring the rich differences in all the people that surround your life? They are always saying (Here ‘THEY’ go saying stuff again), “You don’t get many second chances in life”…well, maybe you do!

You Don't Look Like A Preacher

We had a guest musical group in our church. My music minister and I were greeting them as they were arriving in the sanctuary early before the service. I said “Hi, I’m Bill, we are glad you are here.” After a few moments of chatting the leader of the group asked, “Are you the Sound man?” I guess he expected the Senior Pastor to be more formal, taller, more handsome, who knows? I had fun telling the congregation how perceptive he was, most people wait until after hearing me preach to think I should be doing something else.

On a previous occasion a former Deacon who was a member of the state legislature invited me and another church member to a political event with a wide range of people from many social sections of the community. As we mingled a man walked in the room and my fellow church member said, “Now he looks like a preacher!” To which I replied, “And I guess that means I look like chopped liver?” Now that meant I had to conduct a scientific experiment to discern who was the real deal in this situation. I carefully worked my way across the crowded room until I met the well dressed man with carefully combed hair. I introduced myself and made small talk and eased the conversation to, “So what do you do for a living?” He smiled and replied, “I am an undertaker.” I went back to my church member and said, “You are right he does look like a preacher!”

When people actually find out that I do make my living as a preacher they then mistake me for a very religious person. Although I am in church enough to have a steeple growing out of my bald spot I may not be as religious in the way people expect. I am also OK with that. Jesus was not as religious in the way people expected. In fact it was the most religious sect in society that had the most trouble with him and finally arranged for his death. Religious intolerance is not new. Religion can be a practice of following certain traditions, rules and rituals that men have devised, modified and amended over the years. Some of these traditions can be very helpful. Some are simply meaningless habits others can be harmful. Problems arise when one has to follow such traditions, rules, rituals, etc. to be accepted or acceptable. Religion can then become exclusive and even dangerous.

I like following and preaching Jesus rather than religion, politics or opinion. He seeks to draw all to him and his tradition, rules and habits are grounded in love for Him and fellowman. In thirty years of being a preacher I have had several occasions of hearing, “You don’t look/act like a preacher” but I have never had anyone say you don’t look or act like Jesus. If I am not aligned with the image of the everyday preacher that is OK, I would rather be aligned with Jesus. No matter your vocation you can act like Him and let others see him in you. Many will not go to church, in fact most don’t. Many have a wrong idea about church or church members but they will watch you. What do people see when they watch you? I leave you with a favorite poem.

‘The Gospel According to Me’

Lord help me remember,
When others I see,
That they are reading the Gospel,
According to me.

Matthew, Barnabus,
Peter and Paul,
The world looks upon them as names,
That’s all.

For verses of scripture,
Men merely grope,
But my life goes under the microscope.

So make me a text Lord,
Easy to see,
When men read the Gospel,
According to me!

A Mule Can't Kick When It Is Plowing...

I grew up in a small town in Mississippi. My grandfather had a farm in Alabama. I remember the joy of going to visit and ‘help’ plow with mules. Mules are bred as a work animal. When in the harness pulling a plow they were invaluable. When in the pen they could get fussy and kick(childhood memories resurfacing). The point of this article, and title, is found in the proper service of talents to avoid conflict and maximize potential or as we used to say, “A mule can’t kick when it is plowing and it can’t plow when it is kicking.”

We elect people to serve us in government and they often lose sight of uniting with other political servants to ‘plow’ together and wind up ‘kicking’ against one another serving no one well in the long run. Church members also get distracted on their purpose doing greater harm as their disservice has eternal consequences. People are often turned away from Spiritual truth and church in large numbers due to fighting and ‘kicking’ that goes on far too often when people who claim to be brothers and sisters should be ‘plowing’ together.

What causes the ‘kicking’? James 4: 1 asks the question “What causes fights and quarrels among you?” He then answers in verse 2 saying, “You want something but don't get it.” It is pretty simple. We want things our way and have our own ego to serve. We do not GO to church to have things our way. We ARE the church as we go the way of the Father uniting to follow him as he sends us. Let’s go back to the country. My grandfather had a team of mules (two). They worked best when they were matched and were placed in the harness to work together. One worked best on the right and the other on the left. Rather than letting differences cause conflict their differences made them stronger as they pulled together.

I have noticed that those who make the most conflict in churches and communities are often the ones who are doing the least to pull together, and are not doing their share of the work. Remember one can’t kick and plow at the same time. God has blessed me to take mission teams around the world assisting third world countries and victims of disaster. One gains new perspective when one gets out of their own comfort zone to assist others. It is hard to argue or think about selfish ideas when you are in a genocide museum, killing field, sitting in a mud hut sharing a meal or helping people restore a home destroyed by a hurricane.

D.T. Niles described what we do as “One beggar showing another beggar where he found bread.” Those who go across the street or across the ocean to share bread with a fellow beggar are too busy plowing and scattering seed to kick. Try to match up with fellow brothers and sisters as Ephesians 4 urges and enjoy plowing together. It is what we are really made to do.

Why Is This Happening To Me?

“If I have been created in the image of God why can’t I find my car keys?” It can be frustrating to be told by preachers that we (humans) are the crowning achievement of creation when we struggle along in this thing called life. By the time you get things figured out, you often forgot where you put them. There are times we seem to try as hard as we can to move three steps forward and see ourselves slip two backward. Quite often life just doesn’t seem fair. I was once told to look for ‘fair’ in the dictionary if I wanted to find it in this world. As long as we have been able to ask questions we have questioned the futility, fairness and purpose of things and life in this world. Some just give up thinking; “What the heck, it does not matter”, “Why bother” , or “What’s the use”?

Before you throw in the towel be remember that Jesus reminded us that it rains on the just and the unjust in Matthew 5:45. He is simply letting us know that there are going to be some things that come our way that we may not understand or think fair but that does not mean he does not exist, has forgotten us or that we are necessarily being punished unjustly. There are a few things to consider when struggling with questions and frustrations in this sin-scarred world. Romans 5:12 tells us that unfairness, tragedy, senseless acts, evil all entered this world through man’s disobedience. So, when we look to the heavens and cry, “Why is God doing this to me?” We are better served to look in the mirror. Mankind is the greater culprit. James 1:17 tells us every good and perfect gift comes from God. I Timothy 2:4 explains that it is God’s will that all are saved but we know that God has also allowed our own will to be part of the process (remember we are created in his image with an ability to determine an outcome for our lives) so there are things in our lives that may not go according to his will. However, it is his will for us to let him have control and turn it around.

So, next time you are struggling with the major questions about why there is injustice or perhaps wondering why someone created in God’s image still can’t find the car keys it may be helpful to consider the source of this struggle, question or dilemma. Often the answer can be found as a result of sin in the world. It may be due to man’s inhumanity to man, (think what we could do if money spent on crime and war were used for disease prevention, medicine and caring for those in poverty). It may be due to improper care and stewardship of self or God’s resources, senseless acts or accidents. Everything does not have a purpose in a sin-scarred world where evil exists but God can give purpose to everything if we turn it to him.

The key is how we respond. I Thessalonians 5:18 tells us it is God’s will to give thanks in all things. A thankful heart turns our thinking around. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Joseph’s life of being sold into slavery by his brothers was transformed into saving a nation from starvation. He later told his brothers, “What you meant for evil God intended for Good.” Paul tells us we will understand things with complete clarity in eternity. Our vision now is clouded as if looking through a dingy mirror. The secret is turning things around to see what God is leading through the current situation. If I can’t find my car keys, God may be leading me outside to a beautiful day for a walk. I think I will stop the frustrating search and just trust him and go on that walk with him; after all I have been created in his image. The more we walk together the better I seem to understand things anyway.

The Proper Balance

How close is too close? How far is too far? How much is too much? These are questions we ask as children growing up exploring boundaries in life. As adults we actually continue the same questions often seeking to work out things we still didn’t work out well as kids or we still may be seeking to explore the limits to find the balance for the best life. Balance, boundaries and limits are the key.

Such it is with much of life. Whether seeking love or something to eat one must balance risks with reward. The risk of immediate gratification may lead to disaster down the road. Remember the story most of us heard as children where Esau gave up his entire future for a bowl of soup. I am sure Esau was quite hungry from being out hunting but was it worth his future inheritance? The sad fact about this story is that just that, it is fact! This is not a fairy tale. Jacob and Esau are historic characters from the true account of human failure recorded accurately in the Bible. We still see the same true accounts of human failure recorded each day in our current history. It may be Rick Pitino, Michael Vick, Mark Sandford today or O. J. Simpson, Bill Clinton or a long list from a our recent past. The names may change, but the story essentially remains the same, people throwing away life, reputation, character and more for the ‘pleasure’ of a moment or the temptation of believing the rules do not apply to them.

A 65 foot waterfall named Dry Falls flows on the Cullasaja River through the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. Dry Falls flows over an overhanging bluff that allows visitors to walk up under the falls and remain relatively dry. One can hear the tremendous sound of the powerful waterfall and feel the mist of the cool mountain stream, if you keep your balance and stay within safe the prescribed boundaries you will remain safe and enjoy the thrill of the falls. However if you are tempted to have a greater thrill and think somehow that the barriers are for less able people and you sneak past the prescribed boundaries you can silp and crash over the side to certain injury and perhaps death. I share the Dry Falls analogy to make the point of human failure to balance the risk of temptation for adventure while staying safe within the prescribed boundaries.

I have enjoyed risk of adventure much of my life. I was once in a conference on fear where we were asked to write our fears on a sheet of paper. Not trying to be macho, I simply wrote one line, “I am afraid I am going to miss something.” I don’t want to leave this life without experiencing all God has for me. That means I have to balance the risk of enjoying adventure with the care of not screwing up a risky adventure and checking out of life too quickly. You may remember the well documented final words of a red-neck, “Hey ya’ll wach this!” It also means I need to remember that a lifetime of integrity can be destroyed in a moment’s foolish digression. The Apostle Paul described the balance well in I Corinthians 10:23 when he said, "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us that whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, we are to do it all for the glory of God.

Finding the balance in what is beneficial and constructive is the key. Life is far too precious to be wasted on the temptation of what seems to be pleasure for a moment. It is meant to be enjoyed but handled with care. Therefore, here is where I have found the key to balance in my life. In all things I think, do and say I ask; is this permissible, is this constructive and does it glorify God?

This is Not a Drill!

“This is not a drill!” Those words are a wake up call to let the hearer know this is the real deal. Everything counts for real. There are no times for mistakes. This is no longer a rehearsal. Make everything count (get the point?). There are times when we get that call in life. Often it comes as a crisis event that causes us to realize how much we take this brief fragile life for granted. However, I am amazed at the number of people who still do not respond to their “This is not a drill!” call. Most continue poor health, social, emotional and spiritual habits and waste precious moments that we will never see again.

Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” This is an interesting choice of words. First we are told to make the most of every opportunity by being careful and wise. This is spiritual wisdom. One who is spiritually mature lives with care making wise choices to make the most of each moment for Godliness.

Don Whitney gives the following insight on the best use of time in his book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life: “To use time wisely "because the days are evil" is a curious phrase embedded in the inspired language of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:15-16: "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil" (NASB). Paul may have exhorted the Christians at Ephesus to make the most of their time because he and/or the Ephesians were experiencing persecution or opposition (such as in Acts 19:23-20:1). In any event, we need to use every moment with wisdom "because the days are evil" still.Even without the kind of persecution or opposition known by the Christians of Paul's day, the world we live in is not conducive to using time wisely, especially for purposes of spirituality and Godliness. In fact, our days are days of active evil. There are great thieves of time that are minions of the world, the flesh, and the Devil. They may range in form from high-tech, socially acceptable preoccupations to simple, idle talk or ungoverned thoughts. But the natural course of our minds, our bodies, our world, and our days leads us toward evil, not toward Christlikeness.

"Thoughts must be disciplined, otherwise, like water, they tend to flow downhill or stand stagnant. That's why in Colossians 3:2 we're commanded, "Set your mind on the things above." Without this conscious, active, disciplined setting of the direction of our thoughts, they will be unproductive at best, evil at worst. Our bodies are inclined to ease, pleasure, gluttony, and sloth. Unless we practice self-control, our bodies will tend to serve evil more than God. We must carefully discipline ourselves in how we "walk" in this world, else we will conform more to its ways rather than to the ways of Christ. Finally, our days are days of active evil because every temptation and evil force are active in them. The use of time is important because time is the stuff of which days are made. If we do not discipline our use of time for the purpose of Godliness in these evil days, these evil days will keep us from becoming Godly."

Most of us spend (or waste) so much time on things that do not matter in the end or improve the quality of life. James 4:14 reminds us how frail and brief life can be with the rhetorical question and answer, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” The older I get the more I realize this. I also realize the things that matter are those that will last beyond this life; love and relationships that we will carry into eternity. I love to have fun with my time, ask anyone who knows me and tries to follow or keep up with me, but like Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11-13 I have learned the secret. So friends, as you go about life today and each day, as time and the days go by give thought to all you do, enjoy, make the most of the time, live abundantly (John 10:10) and whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

A Modern Day Parable

Three men were wandering in the woods. A lion came out of the woods and attacked the first man. He managed to get away and made his way to a hospital for help. The hospital was reluctant to admit him because he did not fit in. His clothes, skin and language were not like everyone else at the hospital. He also did not know how to follow all their rules as stated in the admission form they had used for years. So he went away and died. However, those who did fit in and knew the rules still thought this was a good place to find help.

The second man was wandering in the woods and was attacked by the lion. He too survived and went to a different hospital. They readily accepted anyone. However, they never dealt with his wounds. As they festered they covered them up, looked away from the symptoms of his illness and tried to make him feel accepted in his present state as much as possible. The more he suffered, the more they embraced him but his unattended wounds became infected and had increasingly destructive effects on his body. He finally died in their midst. They were all saddened but felt good that they accepted him as he was and that they loved him until he died.

The third man was wandering in the woods and was attacked by the lion. He was immediately approached by two people who said, “Can we help you? We know there is a deadly lion this wood so each day we come into the woods seeking people who need help.” They immediately addressed the wound and gave proper first aid to save him from dying. Then, they took him to their mobile medical unit nearby. It was built to care for victims who could not or did not make it to the other hospitals. In their care he began to recover. During their time together they also corrected other health problems he had developed over his life to give him a better life than he had ever known before. His life became so much better from their care and love and he felt so much like family with them that he asked if he could stay with them and be a part of their team. They also trained him to go into the woods daily with them to help others. He knew the dangerous lion was still at large and was a threat to others wandering in the woods.

Everyday, people are wandering about all around us. In fact, all of us at one time or another feel like we may be wandering in the 'woods or wilderness' of life as we go through the ups and downs of life. We all have a spiritual enemy seeking anyone he can attack. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us to "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devower." We need to be aware and help each other as best we can. The real purpose of the church Jesus established is not to just to gather and feel good about what we do one day of the week but to go out daily in our everyday lives to (seek) befriend each other as we struggle, (with the attacks of the enemy), help one another (witness, lead to salvation through the work of the Holy Spirit), help one another become completely well (Spiritually whole and mature) and assist each other as fellow helpers (disciples). Which of these situations best describes your church? He, who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Religion Can Be Deadly

Every Sunday many people religiously go to a place set aside for worship and go through actions that are designed to lead them to a worship experience. However, the growing evidence seems to indicate that the road to real worship or having a real experience of connecting with God, having a relational experience with God is narrow and few are finding it. As an attendee, member and leader in worship services most of my life in churches around the world I have come to the conclusion that one of the greatest hindrances to people connecting with the living God in a vibrant life-changing relationship is often organized religion. In fact, it may not just be a hindrance it could be deadly.

A look through history will show that people are serious about their religion. They will fight over it. If you think about, the first murder was committed over an act of worship. Able's gift to God was more acceptable to God than Cain's so Cain got mad and killed his brother because Able's worship experience was better. Some may already be uncomfortable with me and with my words this early in this article. Wars have long been fought over religious beliefs. Today many of the radical acts of violence by terrorists have religious foundations. Before you are ready to cast the first stone at me remember it is always the radicals that lead any movement, right or wrong. However, religious people seem to historically lead the way in close minded anger. The religious leaders led the opposition and began plotting for the death of Jesus. People were so angry about this new ‘way’ that the followers of Jesus were proclaiming that they picked up rocks and killed Stephen. Saul of Tarsus was in on that deal until he had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Then he wound up on the receiving end of those death plots. John Wycliffe so incensed the religious community of his day as he called them to follow more closely to scripture that they burned his books and forty years after his death exhumed his body to burn the remains. Talk about holding a grudge! William Tyndale, who first printed the New Testament in English, was tied to a stake, strangled and burned because he did not go along with the church backed by the government. History is filled with stories of martyrs. Again, acts of terror are committed today regularly by fanatics in the name of their religion. Religion in itself can be dangerous.

There is a difference in religion, which Webster defines as “a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith” and a life-changing relationship with the God who created all things. One can be religious and hold fast to their system of beliefs while having an angry evil spirit. However, one can not have a relationship with a Lord who is alive and a resurrected savior who gave his life for his created loved ones without being changed from the heart. That does not mean followers of Jesus are perfect, but we are steadily moving in that direction in love, joy peace patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22 & 23).

When people see church members arguing over their tradition, buildings, order of service, color of carpet, styles of music and the like as so often happens it is not a wonder that so many are staying away from church. I can take you to a church that has argued over which type of toilet paper to purchase for the bathrooms. Personally, I prefer going to church that uses Charmin but that is just me.

God did not create mankind to start a religion. God created us for relationship. Read Genesis 1:27. He said, “Let us make man in our image”. Who is the “our” and “us” he was referring to and who was he talking to anyway when he asked that question? Remember we have a triune God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is in constant relationship with himself. God loves relationships. That is why he later said “it is not good for man to be alone.” We are made for relationships, with each other but primarily for a growing relationship with God. True worship connects us with God in a living vibrant life-changing relationship.

Jesus did not enter human history to live, die and start a new religion with rituals and regulations (there were many already). He came to seek and save the lost and open the door for a new relationship between God and mankind. That is why the Word (Jesus) became flesh to dwell among us in a personal manner. There is a difference in a religion and a relationship. Religion is static as it emphasizes structure, ritual, and tradition. While a relationship is fluid, growing, changing maturing and developing as parties spend time with one another. Religion is observed. Relationship is nurtured. One conforms to religion, while a relationship transforms a person. Religion can (and does) worship the dead. Relationships are only for the living.

Again for all who think I am down on religion, don’t throw your stones at me yet. I have been a professional minister for some thirty years. I have received training and have degrees from esteemed religious institutions attend church regularly and am a member of religious organizations. However, one can be religious with degrees, attend church so often a steeple grows from their bald spot and one can hold memberships in religious organizations and still be against God (check out the life of Saul of Tarsus before he had a relationship with the living Christ). However, one can be religious and have a great life if one’s religion does not get in the way of a certain relationship (Check out the life of Paul the Apostle after a life-changing encounter and growing daily relationship with Jesus). One is better off having a life-changing living relationship with the one who is the resurrected rock upon whom their religion stands than trying to resurrect a dead religion with rules and rituals once is forced to follow. When people who get that come together church is what is it was meant to be!

“It’s About Livin’”

Last night I watched one of my favorite movie mini-series, Lonesome Dove again. It is the saga of two old Texas Rangers who go on one last adventure. Woodrow Call is a stubborn workaholic. Gus McRae is a fun loving character who loves to “talk philosophy” and share his pearls of wit and wisdom as he aggravates his lifelong companion Woodrow. There are several scenes where Gus shares wisdom that is worthy of remembering. One especially reminded me of a philosophy of life and an old article I had written about this time a year ago about a couple of lives and a week that caused me to reflect on that philosophy. Although the article is a year old, it is still current in meaning. Here is that article:

A few weeks ago I addressed a crowd of nearly 500 people who had gathered because a young mother, age 45, had died suddenly in a tragic automobile accident. Although the memorial was called because Debbie Boughman died we were there to celebrate the way she lived. There were tears indeed but the focus was on a lasting smile and the eternal reflection of Christ. That should be the testimony of each believer. That week-end was filled with such an emphasis for me.

The day before I preached the memorial service Randy Pausch died. He was a little known young (age 47) college professor who came to fame as pancreatic cancer was not as much a death sentence but a launching pad for his now world famous, ‘Last Lecture’. Randy said, “We don't beat the reaper by living longer, we beat the reaper by living well and living fully.” I liked that but I loved the way Jesus said it better; “The thief comes to rob, steal, kill and destroy. I come that you may have life and have it more abundantly.” I guess it is no coincidence that John 10:10 was the text of my first sermon over 30 years ago.

I preached that memorial service on Saturday. The next day I preached a sermon in church that I had previously prepared long before I knew of the coming memorial, such is the way of God leading pastors with their messages. The title of the message was ‘Enjoy the Ride’. It focused on trusting God with life and enjoying the ride through all the up’s and downs of this sin-scarred world. As an illustration I shared that the vessel for life is more like a sail boat or even a kayak following the flow of the “wind of the Spirit” from John 3:8 rather than the institutional bulk of an aircraft carrier that has the of stuff to meet all needs but can’t turn and flow. I illustrated the ‘theology’ of the Snake River Kayak Rules as a guide for life:

1. Go with the flow & don’t get addled-lean back
2. If the worse comes, let go of everything you’ll come up
3. Danger is part of the trip. Enjoy the ride.

If we have trusted our lives to Christ we can and should go with the flow (Holy Spirit). Follow and trust the leadership of the Holy Spirit in life. Read Galatians 5 and memorize verses 22 & 23 as your behavior pattern for a great reaction to all that happens in life. If and when the worst comes, as it will, we can let go and trust Jesus as our life preserver. I love telling congregations that the worst thing that can happen to a believer is that we die and go to Heaven forever! How bad is that? I realize bad things happen to good people. I make hospital, nursing home visits and preach funerals and do crisis counseling on a regular basis however, I also realize that when the worst comes resurrection follows for believers. It is all good! And finally we must always remember that this is a sin-scared world. Danger does exist. There is no safe place in this world or live except in the center of the will of God. The best thing one can do is follow God's plan daily. Enjoy the ride!

As Gus McRae, the fun loving cowboy everyone enjoyed being around in my favorite movie ‘Lonesome Dove’, told Woodrow Call, the hardworking boss who made everyone uncomfortable, when they were once talking about the death of a woman they both knew; “You still don’t get the point, it ain’t dying I’m talking about, I’m talkin’ about livin!”

There are those who are marking time until they die not getting the the most of each day or life. Each day or moment is precious. We are here to live. Jesus came that we may live abundantly. Make the most of each day. Enjoy the ride in Christ!

Happy Birthday from Me!

Today is my 57th birthday. At this age one does not celebrate birthdays the way one once did. Have you noticed as we age we usually don’t even talk about them with the same language. When you are younger you 'celebrate' then you ‘have’ birthdays. As you age, you ‘turn’ certain ages. Then you ‘hit’ a number. After a while you ‘arrive’ at a certain age then you ‘have survived another year’. Don’t get me wrong. I am in good spirits. I am enjoying life more than ever before. I still hold John 10:10 as my life verse where Jesus said, “The thief has come to rob, steal, kill and destroy. I have come that you may have life more abundantly.” I enjoy getting the most from each moment of each day. My wife will tell you that I am difficult to keep up. I try not to sleep because I am afraid I will miss something. I want to experience all that God has for me.

I have been blessed with a wonderful adventure that has taken me places I would have never dreamed. I have had great times, I have also experienced times of serious sorrow. As life gets serious priorities change for thinking people. Notice I said ‘thinking people’. Some never seem to get the point and live superficially all their days. Others need several events for the wake-up call. For me it was an accumulation of events. First there was the sudden death of mother with a brain aneurysm causing her death literally in mid-conversation with my dad. Then there was the slow agonizing decline of my father. I became his caretaker and not only watched but participated in his decline. Then there was my own experience with three aneurysms and literal divine intervention (just ask my doctors) that prevented my premature death.

As the wise author of Ecclesiastes concluded (look it up), it doesn’t matter about position, power, or money we all die and answer to the same God. Therefore it is wise to make the most of life. So, how does one make the most of life? Live each day as if it were your last. Life is uncertain. You don’t know how long you will live. But there is the certainty that your life will end. Oh, it’s wise to live a healthy lifestyle but still there are no guarantees. You could get hit by a bus or cancer or an aneurysm. Sorry if that does not cheer up the superficial thinkers, but that is the real world. The Bible teaches that we live in a sin-scarred world and it rains on the just as well as the unjust. Since you can’t determine how long you will live, don’t despair you can determine how you will live. I am a product of the Mississippi public school system and I need to keep it simple so I hold my advice to two points; 1. Live for Eternity 2. Live for love. First, living for eternity means preparing for a life beyond this one. Even if you don’t believe in a life after this one why take the chance. Google ‘Pascal’s Wager’ and you will see the wisdom in that gamble. Once you follow the advice Jesus gave Nicodemus, who incorrectly thought being in church would be enough, by being truly born again you will want to live a life forgetting the past, that has been completely forgiven and preparing for the future. The best way to do this is found by caring for the least of these, your more unfortunate brothers and sisters, everyday, check out Matthew 25:31-40. Now by doing this you have already started on the path of the second point, “live for love”.

If I live each day as if it were my last I am ready to leave on a good note. Before my 50th birthday, as I waited for my 1st major surgery, knowing I would wake either in heaven or the recovery room, my last few minutes with my family had a lasting impact on me. I realized it could actually be my last few minutes with my family. Things that previously seemed important were meaningless. Love was all that mattered. So it is always. Love is all that matters. We are created in the image of God. I John 4:8 tells us He is love. Should it surprise you to know that love matters?

Humans have three basic emotional needs (all only completed in Christ). First there is the need to receive love. Receiving love is vital for child to grow. Second, there is the need to give love. Giving love is vital for maturity. Finally we need to have a sense of purpose. Purpose is vital for fulfillment. Friends who have known me over the years may often question my sanity. I know this has become longer than my usual writings, but hey, it’s my birthday, so If you are still reading I will end with an illustration that may end your doubts about my sanity. However, I try to learn from everything. Once, I was once flipping channels, which is the way men watch TV. Men are not interested in what is on TV, they want to know what else is on TV, but I digress (that gets worse with age also). It was a forgettable movie but I paused long enough to catch a scene where an unusually sensitive hit man was trying to explain the importance of real love to a woman. The movie was not worth remembering but I found the following line interesting; “Look, in my business you’re surrounded by loneliness and finality. Now I don’t care what your take is on an afterlife, when people die its scary and they go alone. Now the people that I send off that have experienced love, they’re a little less scared. I mean they’re still scared but there’s calmness to ’em. I think that comes from a knowledge that somebody somewhere loved ‘em and cared for ’em and will miss ‘em.”

Love matters. Life Matters. Live for love. Make the most of each day by living a life of complete love in your relationship with God and with everyone else. Life is uncertain. Live for eternity. You don’t know when your life will end but you know it will. Make the most of the day while you have still have it!

Spiritual Markers

I will always remember June 14. On that day in 2009 I had the joy of baptizing Mary, an example of God’s grace that brought her family and her from refuge camps where they had been driven from their home by political unrest in the Sudan to U.S. citizenship and now a baptized member of our church. What a story! We also had the greatest spiritual movement in worship, up until that time in our church, on that same day. What a day!

On June 14, 1988 I began my first day as a pastor in South Carolina. I grew up in Mississippi and had served churches in other states and but it seemed as if God gave me a second home and it would take too long to describe the adventure he has given me as a minister in South Carolina.

I will never forget June 14, 1997. My mother gave Dad his Father’s day card. As he was reading it she said, “I have a sharp pain in my head.” Those were her last words. She slumped and died a few hours later from a massive cerebral aneurysm. She was 68. She was really my best friend for most of my life and the joy of our family. She made life fun for everyone who met her. Although she rarely traveled far from her birthplace in rural Alabama she touched many lives with joy. We had over 400 well-wishers morn with us at her passing. Years later, when I would return home for visits I would see people who told me they missed her laugh. She gave me the gift of joy as I was raised in a home with laughter as an everyday occasion. The omnipresent smile people see on me today is a tribute to her. I will certainly remember June 14.

Life is filled with dates and to remember; anniversaries, birthdays, special events, good times and some tragedies. I call them ‘Spiritual Markers’. The Bible gives us examples of the importance of creating such markers to remember important events of the past. Examples are seen in the annual Passover Meal, Feast of Tabernacles, Last Supper, etc. The Apostle Paul never forgot his day of conversion. He talked about it and other markers for the rest of his life. When Joshua led the descendants of Israel across the Jordan River into the Promised Land they took twelve stones, one for each tribe, and piled them up to make a monument. When asked, “What do these stones mean?” The answer was given that this will serve as a monument (reminder or marker) for the generations to come. It would be important for them to remember their past to make the most of their future.

As you go through life I encourage you to set aside your own Spiritual Markers. They serve to remind us of the importance of all of life’s actions and it’s frailty as we make the most of today’s opportunities. There are times we gulp the moments in our fast paced world so quickly that we seem to fail to realize that once lived we don’t get that moment back. It is important to pause to reflect and make the most of each moment. Some moments are worth marking in a special way. We live in a sin-scarred world so some days will just stand out due to a tragedy that can’t be prevented. However, if you focus on making each day special, as I learned from my mother, you can still transform the tragic markers into days when you may have a tear but it trickles into the upward curve of a smile as you are left with good memories.

I call them spiritual because these markers are good for my soul even though one may not think them always to be pious. As in this important case; while my wedding anniversary is in August, I have a Spiritual Marker on March 23. I try to do something special for my spouse on that day because I will always remember March 23, 1980, it was early Sunday afternoon. My girlfriend and I had been to Pizza Hut for lunch after we went to church together. She was wearing a white dress with a floral pattern. She met me at church that morning in her car so after lunch I took her back to her car in the church parking lot. Ours were the only two cars there. Before she got out of my car I told her I wanted to ask her something serious. She never knew what to expect because I was always up to something (remember the legacy of fun from my mother). I looked her in the eye and asked her to marry me. She hit me in the arm and told me to stop kidding around. I should have taken notice that this spunky response was an indication that life with her would not be dull. Then, reality set in with her and she realized I was not kidding. We have been seriously having fun since then.

A good life is not made so much of many great events but of many everyday occasions that we make great. As stated earlier in this writing we live in a sin-scarred world. There will be tragedy and loss. I still miss talking to mom, but I remember her every time I smile and on June 14 I do try to something special in her honor. Begin today setting Spiritual Markers in your life. Spiritual Markers really make a difference, if you think not check with me and my wife on March 23…better make that the 24th!

Get Out!

I took my kayak so far up river that I could not hear a man-made sound. Sometimes I enjoy getting out and away from the daily distractions to hear God in a fresh and clear way. It is easy to get so caught up in the busy, noisy routine of one's world that it can be helpful to break out and make a change that will allow one's perspective to be changed. God will often reveal himself, a new truth or remind us of an old one in a fresh new way when we step out or 'get out' in some new fashion. You may not need to paddle far away as I enjoy doing on occasion but I encourage you to find a regular way to get out. Even Jesus found it necessary to take time to get out while he was on earth as he would often take time to get away, alone, to pray and commune with his Father.

I am convinced that one of the reasons for much of the unnecessary conflict and dysfunction in families and churches is often a case of ‘cabin fever’. Cabin fever is actually in the dictionary. It is described as extreme irritability and restlessness from living in isolation or a confined indoor area for a prolonged time. I have often described this as the illness that causes many churches, families and individuals to suffer those signs of irritability. Over the years I have discovered that many of the families that suffer from dysfunction remain in closed circles almost isolated from other real social interaction. I have also discovered that many of those who seem to instigate the most trouble in churches never go on a mission trip. However, they never seem to miss a business meeting.

Therefore the prescription (trust me I am a Doctor) may be more simple for some than they realize; Get Out! (I realize some are making their own joke about removing the trouble maker from the family or church. I am not advocating kicking them out in that sense but moving toward a redemptive, healing and growth process). Too many suffer from staying in their small circle and become enclosed or isolated in their own little universe. Sometimes it just helps to get out and get around others to see there is another perspective. You may not realize how consumed you are in your own ego. It is always helpful to get out and do something for someone else.

Speaking from my own experience, one of the best things that ever happened to me was going to the other side of the world, reluctantly mind you. I was sort of pushed into going on a mission trip to Kenya many years ago. You see I was never a big fan of flying. I joked that the Bible said, “Lo, I will be with you… (I realize that remark is not that funny but it was my lame excuse to stay away from flying.) However, once in Kenya God opened a whole new world and perspective for me and I have not been the same since that experience. Africa was a completely different world than the one I had been ‘handling’ in my own wisdom and know-how as an experienced pastor of some years. However, God had to get me out to the other side of the world to get my attention and cause me to slow down, I am pretty hyper, to allow me to hear him. I heard him loud and clear and have not recovered from that conversation to this day. I came back and people noticed a difference. I will never be the same.

Therefore, I continue to practice ‘getting out’ whenever I can whether it is a mission trip (that can be across the street), a simple prayer retreat (that could be in the back yard…sometimes one needs to get farther from the routine of the day. Yesterday I needed to get far enough up river to be away from man-made sounds…depends on how much has cluttered into your world lately). Anyway, people have realized that I am different. So they are not surprised when they come to church and I tell them to “Get out”!

Jesus was different also. He was not really into religion as much as he was into God. Remember it was the religious leaders who were most frustrated with him because he was different. He did follow and fulfill the commandments (the rules or heart) of God’s true teaching which he summarized by loving God completely and loving all other people as we love and care for ourselves (Mt 22:37-40). But he practiced ‘getting out’ and I am glad he did. Had he not gotten out of Heaven and made his way here to pay for my transgressions (and yours if you trust his gift of atonement) I would be hopelessly doomed. Getting out is a good thing in many ways.

So, when things seem to be closing in on you and you or your family is suffering from ‘cabin fever’, ‘Get Out! Break out of your routine. Go on a prayer walk, go on retreat, find a mission activity to do or go on a mission trip. It will open your eyes and ears to see and hear God in a fresh way. Trust me I'm a doctor!

Lighten the Load

Travel sounds glamorous until you do it on a regular basis. As a pastor and Director of Missions for nearly 30 years I have traveled quite a bit in ministry. I have shared the gospel in five of the seven continents. It they are correct about global warming I may be closer to covering all of them than I originally thought. The worst stretch of travel was a period of less than four weeks where my wife and I traveled over 15,000 miles visiting eight different states and three different countries. We literally lived those weeks packing and unpacking and lugging suitcases around. As our gate changed at a busy airport terminal during that time I had to begin pulling all those suitcases hurriedly to the other end of the terminal when I began to wonder, “Do I really need all this stuff? What could I do without? What is really holding me back and creating an unnecessary burden?” It is better to travel light and enjoy the journey.

Then I began to realize how often we go through life carrying emotional, psychological and spiritual baggage that burdens us and keeps us from traveling light and enjoying the real journey. On a daily basis I encounter people weighed down by depression, anger, guilt, shame, fear, unresolved problems of the past, loneliness, worry, doubt…some of these suitcases and similar baggage sound familiar? Are you carrying around baggage that is keeping you from joy and weighing you down? When we carry excess baggage we cannot enjoy the freedom of the journey as intended. Jesus traveled light.

I remembered his words in Matthew 11:28-30 where he said "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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Here is the simple formula to lighten the load in life and enjoy the journey. First, come to him. The answer to all burdens or problems in life begins with a spiritual solution so he is the place to start. He truly offers rest for those weary from a burdened journey, if they are willing to come to him. Then he says learn from me. He had more pressure than any of us will ever know. It is quite a job to have to save all mankind not to mention growing up as a young boy and never doing anything wrong. Mother was proud of me but she graded on a curve. Jesus never made a mistake no matter what. He never worried, never lost his temper, never got depressed, never panicked and he was in some tougher spots than we will ever know. So, he says we can learn from him. What can we learn? Let go of whatever is holding you back and completely trust him with your life. We can learn that no matter what we have done or has been done to us, we can drop all the baggage from the past or present and follow his plan for our day and the rest of our days. His way is easy. He has an answer and solution for all the baggage that is slowing you down.

Feeling guilty or ashamed? Leave that baggage at Romans 8:1 and 1 John 1:9. Angry? Drop that luggage at Ephesians 4:26 and Matthew 5:23 & 24. Forgive and forget. Worried? Leave that load at Philippians 4: 6 & 7 and Matthew 6:34. Fear weighing you down…every Angel comes from Heaven with two words from God, “Fear not”. Leave that baggage with the messenger from Heaven. Burdened with loneliness? Leave that oversided bag at Hebrews 13:5. I think you get the idea. No matter what has happened or will happen you don’t need all that stuff that your are carrying, which is really holding you back, and causing you to trip and stumble time after time. The worst that can happen on the journey when you follow him and travel light is this; you die and go to be with him in heaven forever! So lighten the load and enjoy the journey.

Trump Commandment

An angelic choir ushered Jesus into this world by singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” God still has goodwill for us and peace is still his eternal promise in Christ but quite frankly we don’t really see much peace on earth and goodwill among men is a pleasant surprise more than the norm in everyday life. In fact, the world seems to be growing more violent and I see less civility than I ever remember in my lifetime.

I know I now qualify for the senior omelet at the International House of Pancakes (I am not crazy about the omelet but it took me this long to earn it so by golly I am going to order it) but I miss the days when one could go to a store or order a sandwich and receive a courteous response at a regular practice. Gone also are the days when one could simply click a turn signal and the person in the car behind would slow, smile and wave you into the lane you needed. You might get a wave but it will be a less than friendly gesture. Well, when we get tired of rude treatment and the conflict of the world we can always go to church and find peace on earth and goodwill toward men…

Would that statement were always true, but we also seem to find reasons to differ in the body of Christ. At times the attitudes of conflict in the church rival those outside the church. We often can find more things to divide us than most groups I know. I am aware of actual church arguments over colors of carpet, storage closets and brands of toilet paper. While we may acknowledge and agree (when we are not arguing about those items) that arguing over those items are silly we often carry matters too far when we divide over scripture. Hear me carefully; proper interpretation of scripture is vital! Eternal destiny hangs in the balance. However, we must never let some of these matters divide us as we often do. There are obvious matters of scripture that are beyond debate such as the deity of Christ and salvation through his atoning grace, etc.

However, there are scriptures that God seemed to leave intentionally open to dialogue. Perhaps, he did this to allow us to draw together in our discussion and discernment and grow our faith as well as our love for one another as we work out these few verses in unity and harmony not letting them divide us. Sometimes our opinions change as we grow and learn. I even find disagreement with some of my own earlier writings as I have grown in my walk with my Lord, but I am still on speaking terms with the author.

In most card games there is a trump card that beats all others. Jesus gave a ‘trump’ for all interpretations, situations and other commandments when he was asked, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22: 36-40) When we let love become the determining factor in all our actions we may see the promise of peace and goodwill among men fulfilled after all!

Always a Missionary

My elderly father fell. There was a possible broken hip and wrist. I was in Texas attending a conference when I got the call. As his primary caretaker, I got an emergency flight to admit him to the hospital. Once in the hospital delirium, the state of mental confusion that is often experienced by older patients, complicated matters. He became so agitated I finally had to have the nurses sedate him to keep him from further harming himself with his struggles from the confusion and agitation.

The situation continued to worsen as his wife died three days after he was admitted. My mother died in 1997. He remarried after her death and his second wife had been rapidly declining in a nursing home from a massive stroke. Now I had to break this news of her death to him, hope he would comprehend what I had shared in his state of mental confusion and then hope we would be physically (and mentally) able to leave the hospital for her funeral.

Just when it seemed things couldn’t get worse the nurse came into the room saying, “We need to move everyone into the hall a tornado is approaching.” So here I was in the hall with my bedridden father with whom I was waiting for him to gain enough clarity of mind to tell him his 2nd wife had just died and now a tornado approaching. Just then Daddy reached toward me and told me he needed to use the bedpan!

I share all this for a reason. First, never think, "Well it can't get any worse!" It can always get worse. In the midst of these escalating events my first thought was this, “Lord, give me a break! What are you doing to me?” Just being honest with you here! Then quickly I snapped back as the Holy Spirit reminded me that this was not about me. My purpose as his son was to take care of my father’s needs in his time of physical and emotional need. My purpose as God’s child is to reflect Christ in all I do, no matter what the conditions may be. It is not about me at all. Luke 9:23 tells me, as a follower of Christ, I am to deny self daily. Matthew 5:14-16 tells me I am to reflect Christ in my deeds.

I kept my cool and tried to reflect Christ in the middle of that moment. After all there were others who needed to be kept calm also. Our witness often can be the calm in the midst of life’s numerous storms for those around us. The tornado passed a few miles to the north. It destroyed a school, a church and several homes. No one was hurt. All can and will be rebuilt. The nurses cared for the immediate needs (thank goodness for nurses). I ministered to my dad in his growing time of loss.

The next day when his two physical therapists, who shared the frantic hallway with me and the other patients watching our behavior, came to the room they said, “You are a preacher, why does God allow disasters like the tornado?” I then had an opportunity to share about this sin-scarred world where bad things happen to good and bad people and how God’s love and grace is there in the midst of all (for more on this give me a call). As they were leaving the room one therapist looked at the other and said, “That makes sense. I never thought of things that way before!”

Here is the point. In all of life’s events, as a child of God, remember it is never about you! It is always about you being his missionary wherever you are and reflecting Jesus in all you do. So next time you are in the midst of a situation that seems to be escalating from one extreme to the next, don’t fret, God is with you and has you exactly where you need to be as his missionary to reflect his calm and mercy in the image of Jesus. Press on as his missionary.

Tired of church?

Do you have times when you just get tired of church? Are there days when you seem to be going and not getting much out of the time you are giving? Perhaps you are too much into church and not enough into the founder. We Baptist are among the world’s worst at keeping busy ‘doing church’ rather than connecting with Jesus and then having fun ‘being’ the church. I often share my favorite poem to make the point;

Mary had a little lamb.
It would have been a sheep.
But it joined a Baptist Church and died from lack of sleep.

We can get so busy being religious that we miss Jesus. In fact, Jesus only mentioned church twice and he established the New Testament church. The Apostle Paul, whose inspired writings serve as much of the doctrine and guidance for the New Testament church never talked about joining the church or going to church. Rather he talked about being “in Christ” or “knowing Christ”.

Stephen Covey shared some interesting thoughts about people who become too centered on church in his popular book '7 Habits of Highly Effective People'. “Having participated throughout my life in organized church and community service group, I have found that attending church does not necessarily mean living the principles taught in those meetings. You can be active in a church but inactive in its gospel. In the church-centered life, image or appearance can become a person’s dominant consideration, leading to hypocrisy that undermines personal security and intrinsic worth. Because the church is a formal organization made up of policies, programs, practices, and people, it cannot by itself give a person any deep, permanent security or sense of intrinsic worth. Living the principles taught by the church can do this, but the organization alone cannot.Nor can the church give a person a constant sense of guidance. Church-centered people often tend to live in compartments, acting and thinking and feeling in certain ways on the Sabbath and in totally different ways on weekdays. Such a lack of wholeness or unity or integrity is a further threat to security, creating the increased labeling and self-justifying. Seeing the church as an end rather than as a means to an end undermines a person’s wisdom and sense of balance. Although the church claims to teach people about the source of power, it does not claim to be that power itself. It claims to be one vehicle through which divine power can be channeled into man’s nature.”

What I think Covey is saying in a wordy fashion (it is hard to sell books and get big bucks as a high powered lecturer if you sound simple) is basically this; a church centered life can lead to hypocrisy (putting on an act), insecurity, and low self esteem. That is one reason we see such behavior so often in long time church members who may even be leaders. The church, in itself, cannot lead to the life-changing behavior we need and actually seek. While church, as the corporate body of Christ, is and should be a major factor in our relationship and growth in our walk and pilgrimage with Him, it is not the end of itself. So if you are tired of church you may not need to 'drop out' you simply may need to 'hang out' with the founder.

As usual He, the founder of the church, says it best and I really like the way Jesus said it in Matthew 11:28-30 as shared in The Message; "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

My Child is Lost!

Mark Twain said you could learn a lot of new things about a cat by dragging one home by the tail. Many of life’s lessons come the hard way and in difficult places. Often a teaching moment comes in unexpected ways and places. God taught me several things one day at the international airport in Zurich, Switzerland.

Here is the first, the cat dragging lesson. I was the leader of a large mission team. I learned that leading 51 people from 23 different churches, 5 different associations, leaving from 4 different airports can be a logistical nightmare. Especially when best laid plans are ruined with delays, cancelled and rescheduled flights that had my team scattered in across the Atlantic. Instead of all meeting in Atlanta and flying overseas together as planned, I arrived in Zurich with mission volunteers, safely in God’s hands but scattered over the Atlantic. I needed to locate much of my team.

The airline attendant was kind enough as she was doing her best to help but we were both frustrated with the difficulties of my messed up flight schedules that were compounded by our language barriers so we were struggling with both when a man pushed his way in front of me and said, in broken English; “I need help!” I gave him the look that crossed language barriers to let him know I did not care for his behavior as he cut in front of me as I was in the middle of my important business. The airline attendant did better. She scolded him saying; “You will have to wait. I am helping this man!” He cried out; “I’ve lost my child!”

Immediately everything changed. I no longer worried about his previous ‘rude behavior’ that was now quite understandable. My business could wait. The airline attendant no longer worried about scolding the man who ‘interrupted’ her work with me. This was a priority! The airport was a moving sea of people. The panic of a small child lost in that mass of humanity needed no translation for all of us. Immediately we all went into action. Nothing was more important than the lost child. Even as you read this account you can sense the urgency in your own emotions. All available resources were immediately called upon until we found the child. When we found him we all shared a celebration of joy. When we went back to our previously frustrating task of getting schedules coordinated there was a difference. We were all smiling! We were relaxed our problems with language and flight logistics seemed insignificant. We had recovered a lost child!

Here is the life lesson for churches and believers. Nothing is more important than finding lost people. We get so caught up in things that we think are priorities at the moment. While they may have their importance they are not usually eternal and not worth the trouble and frustration we give them. Arguments, anger, personal agendas and frustration all fade away when we are looking for lost people. All things are placed in their proper perspective when we regain the urgency and understanding that eternal issues take priority and other issues are very much secondary especially not worth worrying or fighting over. Finding lost people is much more rewarding and fun than arguing over stuff!

A Good Trip

A few years ago I was in Texas with my daughter visiting Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as she considered her future as a possible student there. We had a reservation in the guesthouse but the address was new to me. Although an alumnus, it has been several years since I had been on campus. Both city and campus had seen much change. Buildings stand where fields and trees once were while buildings that once existed are now gone. I must also admit some memory changes with age added to the confusion. I might as well be honest about it, adding sin to senility won’t help.

I’m used to travel in my work as a minister. One month I logged over 15,000 miles covering 8 separate states and 3 different countries. As you well know men don’t need directions. I have never been lost. But, I must admit, still being honest, that although I have never been lost (I knew I was still on God's earth and He knew where I was) I have had the opportunity for some unexpected scenery and unusual arrival on several occasions.

Even though we had been sent written directions with our reservations, I was going to a building that did not exist in my previous days on campus and a place I had never been before. We needed to check in before 11 pm and were running close on time as I was finding myself in unchartered territory and growing nervous, on the inside, as my daughter still needed to have confidence in Dad didn't need to see me panic. However, she was 21 and at this point she probably knew I was bluffing and lost (OK I admit it this time). Suddenly a campus security car came into view. I hit the brake lights hard to gain his attention and he stopped. Swallowing pride I asked for directions to the guesthouse. “Do you have a room?” He asked politely. I told him my daughter and I had made a reservation. “Follow me, I will take you there.” He wheeled his car around in front of mine and gave me an escort to the front door.

I immediately saw this as a direct parallel to John 14:1-3 where Jesus tells us, "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.”, we now had confidence of safe secure arrival with someone who knew the way because he had been there before and could protect us along the way. Nothing could prevent a safe arrival to our final destination. What a sense of peace to follow the guard then walk to the desk and see my name in the register because I had a reserved room.

When you admit your need and trust Jesus as savior and Lord you are promised a reserved room in the Father’s house (v.2). He went there after His death and resurrection. He promised to return and take you there (v.3). He knows the way. If you know Him you do also. He has been through experiences that we face, as Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, and he is ready to lead us safely through all that faces us, even death. John 10:27-29 is the promise of security. Jesus is your assurance for a good journey and guaranteed safe arrival to a reserved destination! The journey is much easier when a safe arrival to your secure destination is guaranteed.

Get Connected

My Space, Facebook, Twitter, Blog, E-mail, Cell phone, Text, Fax, Page…the list of ways people can connect, and communicate with each other expand so rapidly one almost has to keep a dictionary to know the language of connection or is it networking? Everywhere you go people you see people on cell phones, sending messages, getting e-mail on Blackberries while driving, eating, having conversations with other people (even while pretending to listen to sermons or other messages. I noticed a number of legislators working their Blackberries during President Obama’s first address to both houses of Congress).
We are wired (or wireless) to connect with each other. God created us to unite. We have one Heavenly Father and the purpose of Jesus coming here for his first visit was to provide a way for all to come together through salvation. Look at John 1:12-13; “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.” His final prayer for us in Gethsemane was for unity; “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:23).
So we have been designed to be drawn to one another for unity. The evil one plus our sin nature is the reason for our division, whether we speak of wars or the short-lived squabbles between loved ones. The simple truth lies in the fact that the more we surrender our ego (self) to Christ (Read Luke 9:23) and follow Jesus the more we will connect with him and live in harmony with our brothers and sisters as the Kingdom of God grows.
Connecting with God is much simpler than all these other gadgets and devices. In fact, you don’t need a device. You simply say something as easy as, “Father in Heaven” and you have a private audience with the Supreme Being who is masterfully ruling the universe without missing a beat. In fact, He has been waiting for your connection. There is a contract but it’s really a covenant agreement. The Father signed it first through Jesus who wrote his name in blood so he means to keep his part of the contract forever. Why not join and get your ‘buddies’ in on this growing network?