Recently I ran across an old devotional poem I had saved from ‘Bless This Mess and Other Prayers” by Jo Carr and Imogene Sorley. I am beginning to preach a new series dealing with the real change (transformation) of a life that is truly in Christ as stated in II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”. Strangely those who profess to follow the greatest change agent in history (Jesus) often seem to be the ones who struggle most with change. I thought this old devotional prayer was worth sharing.
But Lord,I’ve always bought brown sugar in square boxes with brown letters on the box.
I saw the plastic bags of sugar in the grocery store yesterday. I could tell by looking that this was a better way. The strong air-tight bags would keep the sugar soft and usable.
But I’ve always brought brown sugar in boxes…but I reached for the box. Now, back at home, I wonder why.
Lord, why are we…why am I…so reluctant to change old ways? Some old ways are valid, but some need changing. And I cling to square boxes with unthinking tenacity, just because I’ve always bought square boxes.
That is not reason enough. Times have changed – and are changing so fast it makes my head swim. I am obligated to face my days intentionally! The container that brown sugar comes in is no great thing. But there are other, weightier matters that require rethinking – and perhaps revising. If I am going to live significantly, I must make my big decisions purposefully, intentionally, comprehensively.
“New occasions teach new duties; time makes ancient good uncouth. They must upward still, and onward, who would keep abreast of Truth.”
Forgive my square boxes.
Amen.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Counting Blessings
As I was driving to work today I realized how blessed I am. There is an old hymn I grew up singing in church called, “Count Your Blessings”. It is not only a classic hymn but good psychology. The more one counts their blessings and names them “one by one” the better one feels. I began realizing my blessings as I thought of my oldest daughter and her husband who are leaving on a special trip to Paris today. He gave it to her as a birthday present. They, like most young couples, have to watch their budget but he told me, “She is so good to me and never asks for anything.” I am blessed to have a great daughter and son-in-law. I thought of my other daughter, who recently earned her Master’s degree and is a counselor for children in Texas. She is also excited about being able to buy her first new car. I am excited that I don’t have to make the payments! Then I thought of my wife who is more of a loving companion to me today than when we started this adventure together 30 years ago. Not only am I blessed with my family, I began to realize and count the blessings I have just living in this country and being able to drive to my job. The drive to work became a joy rather than a frustrating navigation through traffic.
Last Sunday I shared a teaching from Psalms. The first Psalm speaks of the blessings for one who meditates day and night and delights his heart in following the ways of God. The Psalm says, “Whatever he does prospers.” This does not refer to a ‘Prosperity Gospel’ that is not in the Bible but often heard on from some pulpits, radio & TV as a ploy to gain ‘financial prosperity’ (usually for the one preaching that false gospel). The prosperity the Bible DOES speak of in Psalm 1 and other places is prosperity of life’s spiritual blessings, the blessings of living a life seeking to be righteous and loving as God commands, for his glory as well as our own blessings.
My prosperity is not found in material wealth (I balanced my check book last night and found reason to rejoice. Small numbers are easy for me.) or wonderful health. Although I am able to go at a good pace, for a man my age (I hate it when my doctor uses that phrase!) I have many health concerns that could cause me to become depressed if I sat down and listed them, as many choose to do (You know the people who think the greeting, “How are you?” is an open invitation to list all their problems as they seem to enjoy doing). However, I have breath and life today! That is a blessing from God. There are many who did not get out of bed today and have not lived as long as me. Also, there are several reasons I should have been in the grave years ago.
The point is this; we can all find reasons to complain. When we do we create a downward spiral as we become more negative and find even more reasons to complain. However, the best way to live is to find the reasons to rejoice daily in the good things. As we look and count our blessings we transform our mood and see even more blessings creating an upward spiral that begins to make the whole situation better. Paul, the Apostle, was falsely imprisoned when he wrote Philippians where he encourages those outside of his prison cell to, “rejoice”. He also writes that he learned the “secret of being content in any and every situation”. He knows Jesus is there with him, even in prison. As we daily walk with and come to know Jesus more and more we find, as Paul wrote, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Jesus transformed every funeral he encountered into a time of resurrection, especially his own. He has the resources to resurrect and transform any situation in life. Knowing, following and sharing the love of Christ can turn any situation around as we discover with him and in him we have the resources and can do whatever we need to do “through him who gives me strength.”
Last Sunday I shared a teaching from Psalms. The first Psalm speaks of the blessings for one who meditates day and night and delights his heart in following the ways of God. The Psalm says, “Whatever he does prospers.” This does not refer to a ‘Prosperity Gospel’ that is not in the Bible but often heard on from some pulpits, radio & TV as a ploy to gain ‘financial prosperity’ (usually for the one preaching that false gospel). The prosperity the Bible DOES speak of in Psalm 1 and other places is prosperity of life’s spiritual blessings, the blessings of living a life seeking to be righteous and loving as God commands, for his glory as well as our own blessings.
My prosperity is not found in material wealth (I balanced my check book last night and found reason to rejoice. Small numbers are easy for me.) or wonderful health. Although I am able to go at a good pace, for a man my age (I hate it when my doctor uses that phrase!) I have many health concerns that could cause me to become depressed if I sat down and listed them, as many choose to do (You know the people who think the greeting, “How are you?” is an open invitation to list all their problems as they seem to enjoy doing). However, I have breath and life today! That is a blessing from God. There are many who did not get out of bed today and have not lived as long as me. Also, there are several reasons I should have been in the grave years ago.
The point is this; we can all find reasons to complain. When we do we create a downward spiral as we become more negative and find even more reasons to complain. However, the best way to live is to find the reasons to rejoice daily in the good things. As we look and count our blessings we transform our mood and see even more blessings creating an upward spiral that begins to make the whole situation better. Paul, the Apostle, was falsely imprisoned when he wrote Philippians where he encourages those outside of his prison cell to, “rejoice”. He also writes that he learned the “secret of being content in any and every situation”. He knows Jesus is there with him, even in prison. As we daily walk with and come to know Jesus more and more we find, as Paul wrote, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Jesus transformed every funeral he encountered into a time of resurrection, especially his own. He has the resources to resurrect and transform any situation in life. Knowing, following and sharing the love of Christ can turn any situation around as we discover with him and in him we have the resources and can do whatever we need to do “through him who gives me strength.”
Thursday, September 9, 2010
God IS Great!
On September 11, 2001 Islamic extremists slammed hijacked jets into the Pentagon and World Trade Center Towers as they shouted the words, "Allahu Akbar”, (God is Great). This cry preceded the most horrible terrorist attack on our land and the mass murder of over 3000 people. The FBI released a handwritten hijackers' letter found in three separate copies—at Dulles, at the Pennsylvania crash site, and in Mohamed Atta's suitcase. It included a checklist of final reminders for the 9/11 hijackers. An excerpt reads: "When the confrontation begins, strike like champions who do not want to go back to this world. Shout, 'Allahu Akbar,' because this strikes fear in the hearts of the non-believers." This phrase is recited by Muslims in many different situations. For example, when they are very happy, to express approval, to praise a speaker, as a battle cry, and during times of extreme stress. In the Islamic world, instead of applause, often someone will shout ‘takbir’ and the crowd will respond "Allahu Akbar" in chorus. However, these Islamic extremists used the phrase as a terrorist battle cry. This set them apart from anything Godly or great. Murdering over 3000 people is not Godly or great.
As we acknowledge the memory of those who were murdered by these terrorists nine years ago I am reminded that there is still much confusion and anger in our nation. People condem one another and divide over religious differences. Confusion, violence and division over religious experiences have been with us since Eden. The first murder recorded on earth was over a difference in worship when Cain killed his brother Able. The battle between and within religions and denominations to determine who speaks for God has a long history.
“God told me...” is a phrase that is frequently heard to verify something. “I feel led...” or “I have been praying and I have a peace about...” are also popular phrases to validate a word or action. All too often these phrases mean, “This is how I want to obtain MY mandate”. I like to tease and ask “What did His voice sound like when He told you? Did He have an English accent or deep voice?” or “Is ‘felling led’ similar to the sensation you feel when you bite into a peppermint patty?” Call me a skeptic but when anyone claims a direct or exclusive word from God as if they just got off the phone with Him, I worry. I am also not always impressed when “having peace” about doing something is declared. Even a two-year old has peace when they get their own way. The truth and peace of God is affirmed by scripture, prayer, circumstances and the church, not simply the whim or feeling of a single individual or group.
God does speak and lead. However, I am cautious when ‘His leadership’ is used for a personal agenda, idea or desire. God’s leading should never be used lightly or to promote a political or personal agenda, idea or desire. Too many have been turned away from Jesus due to the poor witness of a church or a person who claimed or misused the name of Christ but did not display His love or Spirit in their daily life.
So, how does one know what God is saying or to whom God is speaking or leading? Who does speak for God? You see, God still speaks quite nicely and clearly for Himself through His Word, the Bible. Henry Blackaby said it well in his book,'Experiencing God'; “God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.” So it is our task to accurately interpret and follow God’s word, as we pray, read, study and obey what He has already said rather than claim or look for a new word or cause harm to those who have not yet found Him or disagree with us. Don’t be fooled. God is indeed great and He speaks quite well for Himself. His voice is most clearly heard through love. As we live our daily life and as we remember those murdered on September 11 let us respond and react in a way that reflects the ‘way, truth & life’.
As we acknowledge the memory of those who were murdered by these terrorists nine years ago I am reminded that there is still much confusion and anger in our nation. People condem one another and divide over religious differences. Confusion, violence and division over religious experiences have been with us since Eden. The first murder recorded on earth was over a difference in worship when Cain killed his brother Able. The battle between and within religions and denominations to determine who speaks for God has a long history.
“God told me...” is a phrase that is frequently heard to verify something. “I feel led...” or “I have been praying and I have a peace about...” are also popular phrases to validate a word or action. All too often these phrases mean, “This is how I want to obtain MY mandate”. I like to tease and ask “What did His voice sound like when He told you? Did He have an English accent or deep voice?” or “Is ‘felling led’ similar to the sensation you feel when you bite into a peppermint patty?” Call me a skeptic but when anyone claims a direct or exclusive word from God as if they just got off the phone with Him, I worry. I am also not always impressed when “having peace” about doing something is declared. Even a two-year old has peace when they get their own way. The truth and peace of God is affirmed by scripture, prayer, circumstances and the church, not simply the whim or feeling of a single individual or group.
God does speak and lead. However, I am cautious when ‘His leadership’ is used for a personal agenda, idea or desire. God’s leading should never be used lightly or to promote a political or personal agenda, idea or desire. Too many have been turned away from Jesus due to the poor witness of a church or a person who claimed or misused the name of Christ but did not display His love or Spirit in their daily life.
So, how does one know what God is saying or to whom God is speaking or leading? Who does speak for God? You see, God still speaks quite nicely and clearly for Himself through His Word, the Bible. Henry Blackaby said it well in his book,'Experiencing God'; “God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.” So it is our task to accurately interpret and follow God’s word, as we pray, read, study and obey what He has already said rather than claim or look for a new word or cause harm to those who have not yet found Him or disagree with us. Don’t be fooled. God is indeed great and He speaks quite well for Himself. His voice is most clearly heard through love. As we live our daily life and as we remember those murdered on September 11 let us respond and react in a way that reflects the ‘way, truth & life’.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
CFIT
“Hey - what's happening here?” These were the last words of Captain Robert Loft, on December 29, 1972, before crashing his Eastern Air Lines flight 401into the Florida everglades. He became so engrossed in a matter that seemed important at the time that he involved his whole crew in the distraction while no one noticed that they forgot the most important thing. No one was flying the plane! A new aviation term was created to account for such errors. Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) describes an accident in which an airworthy aircraft, under pilot control, is unintentionally flown into the ground, a mountain, water, or an obstacle. Pilots with any level of experience, even highly experienced professionals, may commit CFIT. Pilot fatigue, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation may play a role when the pilots get distracted and forget the main thing...like keeping the plane from crashing into the terrain (Duh!). CFIT may also apply to other events in life.
Recently I attended a meeting of some 500 pastors in my state to discuss the future of our convention. The subject of declining churches and denominations and ways to address this matter was to be the focus. Many reasons were shared to explain such things as 70% dropout rate when churched kids get to college age and can make their own decisions about going to church as well as the fact that real Spiritual growth is seen in only 11% of today’s churches. During the meeting I was reminded of CFIT and thought of Captain Loft’s final words, “Hey - what's happening here?” I wondered could it be possible that we have become so involved, distracted and disoriented in ‘religious activity’ rather than developing our relationship with God that we have become distracted like the pilots who forget to notice their primary task?
Jesus only mentioned the word ‘church’ twice; once when he established the church as his assembly of those who know him for who He really is, in Matthew 16, then later in Matthew 18 when he talked about our relationships with each other. We often get so caught up in religion and the bureaucracy of our organizational systems that we frequently have a ‘loss of situational awareness and disorientation’ and forget that the primary purpose of the whole thing is love, not our own expectations or following certain religious rituals. People don’t drop out when they are transformed by the greatest love story of all time. Constantly following and reflecting the love of Jesus will keep us from crashing into the terrain.
I fear that our ‘loss of situational awareness and disorientation’ can be a major factor other areas of life. This concept of CFIT applies not only to my profession. Government, whether state, local or national can forget their real purpose and ‘crash into the terrain’. Our government exists best as an entity “of the people, by the people, for the people”. When we forget and get away from our founding principles we can ‘crash’ as other nations have seen in history. Hopefully we are not already getting too close to the ground to pull up.
Marriages ‘crash into the terrain’ all too often when couples become ‘distracted, disoriented and have a loss of situational awareness’. The primary purpose for marriage is companionship (See Genesis 2:18). CFIT can happen in a marriage when couples become too caught up in other things and forget the main focus of the marriage is building their growing companionship. Couples must never lose sight of doing all they can to delight in doing things together growing closer as friends building a life-long companionship. Keeping Christ as the center and joy of each life and head of the marriage will not only keep each life soaring but will also keep the marriage from crashing.
Isaiah 40:31 speaks of keeping our focus on God and soaring to great heights with renewed strength an energy for the journey. Forgive the personal paraphrase, but I believe ‘those who focus and trust completely in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles and not crash into the terrain.’
Recently I attended a meeting of some 500 pastors in my state to discuss the future of our convention. The subject of declining churches and denominations and ways to address this matter was to be the focus. Many reasons were shared to explain such things as 70% dropout rate when churched kids get to college age and can make their own decisions about going to church as well as the fact that real Spiritual growth is seen in only 11% of today’s churches. During the meeting I was reminded of CFIT and thought of Captain Loft’s final words, “Hey - what's happening here?” I wondered could it be possible that we have become so involved, distracted and disoriented in ‘religious activity’ rather than developing our relationship with God that we have become distracted like the pilots who forget to notice their primary task?
Jesus only mentioned the word ‘church’ twice; once when he established the church as his assembly of those who know him for who He really is, in Matthew 16, then later in Matthew 18 when he talked about our relationships with each other. We often get so caught up in religion and the bureaucracy of our organizational systems that we frequently have a ‘loss of situational awareness and disorientation’ and forget that the primary purpose of the whole thing is love, not our own expectations or following certain religious rituals. People don’t drop out when they are transformed by the greatest love story of all time. Constantly following and reflecting the love of Jesus will keep us from crashing into the terrain.
I fear that our ‘loss of situational awareness and disorientation’ can be a major factor other areas of life. This concept of CFIT applies not only to my profession. Government, whether state, local or national can forget their real purpose and ‘crash into the terrain’. Our government exists best as an entity “of the people, by the people, for the people”. When we forget and get away from our founding principles we can ‘crash’ as other nations have seen in history. Hopefully we are not already getting too close to the ground to pull up.
Marriages ‘crash into the terrain’ all too often when couples become ‘distracted, disoriented and have a loss of situational awareness’. The primary purpose for marriage is companionship (See Genesis 2:18). CFIT can happen in a marriage when couples become too caught up in other things and forget the main focus of the marriage is building their growing companionship. Couples must never lose sight of doing all they can to delight in doing things together growing closer as friends building a life-long companionship. Keeping Christ as the center and joy of each life and head of the marriage will not only keep each life soaring but will also keep the marriage from crashing.
Isaiah 40:31 speaks of keeping our focus on God and soaring to great heights with renewed strength an energy for the journey. Forgive the personal paraphrase, but I believe ‘those who focus and trust completely in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles and not crash into the terrain.’
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