I love mission trips. I often tell people the best definition I have found defining a Christian missionary is, “Anyone who is born again who goes anywhere to tell anyone about Jesus.” Now, I must admit some prejudice for that definition since I wrote it but it simply reminds us that each born again follower of Jesus is a missionary every day & everywhere. Recently we took a team of mission volunteers to KY and soon we will take a team to Trinidad. I tell each mission team things I have shared and learned over the years as a life-long missionary.
I tell them to “Be Flexible”. One never knows what God has in store. We make our plans but Isaiah 55:8 reminds us that our thoughts and our ways are not the same as His. The trees that are more flexible survive the highest winds and most severe storms. The more flexible we are in life, the more we are able to be missionaries, servants and experience the joy that God has in store for us as this sin-scarred world blows unexpected storms our way. We must remember, as His missionaries, His plan is for us to follow His wind no matter where it may blow us as Jesus told us through his conversation with Nicodemus. “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)
I also tell them, "The mission trip starts ‘right now’ now when we arrive at the site or our destination". We need to be ready to reflect the light at all times. On the way to Kentucky we made our first stop for lunch at Wendy’s (my teams go first class). As we were traveling and trying to make time we breezed in for a quick lunch but a group of outsiders from another state always attracts attention. My wife & I were last in the line and a local man sitting at table with a friend asked where we were from. I told him Columbia, SC. He responded saying, “I know where that is. My son got shot there.” Well, that opened the door for conversation but another sentence spoke volumes. He told us his son-in-law committed suicide that very morning. After that stunning declaration he said, “He was a good man and a deacon in the church. I hate that he won’t go to heaven now.” This let Cathy and me know he misunderstood Biblical salvation. At that moment our bus driver came to get me with a problem. As the leader I had to be called away. As a missionary Cathy got to explain that one’s faith in Christ not one’s actions whether good or bad determines one’s eternal destiny. When anyone places their faith in Christ and becomes born in the Spirit their eternal destiny is determined by what Jesus did on the cross. We planned to swing into a fast food restaurant for a quick lunch and get back on the road. God had a divine appointment for a missionary that had eternal results. In our life as a missionary every day we need to be open, attentive, ready, flexible and willing to be used when God gives us the daily opportunity to be missionaries.
Today I was completing a hospital visit and headed to my car when I noticed a lady who seemed confused as she was receiving more confusing instruction from an attendant to the Sumter Street parking garage. I was parked in that garage so I interrupted (my wife corrects me for interrupting but she was not with me and I thought it would be OK this time) and said, “Follow me!” I pulled my Clergy badge from my pocket to let her know I was safe and was not hitting on her. (I stuff my badge in my pocket after my visits so no one looks at me funny when I get lost…preachers should know their way around hospitals. But, I get lost in my own thoughts and miss turns when I drive or walk…kinda like now). Anyway, as we walked to the parking garage she told me about her elderly mother whom she was visiting. She had recently moved her mother here to be her caretaker and it was becoming stressful.
II Corinthians 1:3 tells us our God is the “Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles; so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” As we walked to her car I told her of our recent experience moving my dad from MS to become his caretakers and was able to comfort her in her trouble with the comfort I had received from God in my recent “troubles”. I thought I was “being flexible” to do a good deed to help a lady find her way out of the parking lot but I wound up being a missionary to a sister who was struggling to find her way through a more puzzling corridor.
As believers we are simply ‘Beggars showing other beggars where we found bread’. Be flexible. The mission trip starts as soon you leave the door each time you leave the house. You are on a mission trip. Jesus is your passport!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Lessons of a Life (not yet finished)
Fifty eight years ago I began a journey on this planet that has given me more adventure, experiences, love, joy, pain, heartache and grace than I could have imagined. Life’s lessons are learned through all those emotions, feelings and experiences. I don’t know how many more years (or moments) I will have left. I am one of the few who would like to know how much time I have (one week before I go I would go on a strict diet of Oreo’s, Cobbler and Ice Cream). Regardless of that last statement, I do think I have learned some valuable lessons in my 58 years. Come to think of it because of statements like that, I have learned some things as well.
Socrates at his trial for heresy said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” While never accused of heresy of on the level of Socrates I am an obsessive thinker and I try to think and learn from everything. I hope I have picked up a thing or two in my day(s). I have seen people search far & wide for purpose & meaning in life. Many seek purpose or meaning in relationships, success, power. These pursuits usually lead to emptiness. Others become frustrated and escape in depression, drugs and other methods of avoidance. Oscar Wilde said, “In this world there are two tragedies. One is not getting everything one wants, the other is getting it.”
As a pastor I have been with people in enough difficult situations, end of life moments and preached enough funerals that I have learned that life is precious and fragile. Psalm 90:12 tells us our days are numbered. We don’t know the number so we need to live each day is if it may be the last. You never know which breath, word or deed may be the final one. The only way to make sure you leave this world and your loved ones with a good word, deed or smile is to try to have a good word, deed or smile every moment.
I have learned it’s important to keep close relationships with family and friends. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
I will always remember the 1st funeral I preached, as a young seminary student in my 20’s. The funeral home called to have a ‘minister’ because the deceased man was virtually unknown. There were only 8 people present. The man in the casket looked to be in his 50’s. I did my best. Afterward the only one of the 8 attendees in a suit, the one who paid for the funeral, came to thank me and told me, “He was a cousin we rarely saw who lived a hard life and I didn’t want him buried alone.” How sad that his closest family, at his funeral, did not really know him. What a lonely life. I once saw a forgettable movie but remembered a scene where a somewhat sensitive hit-man contemplated life. One can learn from many avenues. He said the following, “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.” It is vital to keep and maintain close relationships with friends and family. It is important to know and love people and know you are loved.
I have also learned over the years that pain is a part of life. There is a human tendency to avoid pain by any avenue (pills, drinking, denial, isolation, etc.) Avoidance is also a great way to avoid pain. God often uses painful situations to transform and teach. Read Hebrews 2:10. What is my loving Father teaching here? I used to be embarrassed easily so I avoided the pain of embarrassment by avoiding situations with that potential. I missed a lot of fun in the mix. Now I add my red cheeks to the fun. My wife saw a cute guy with red cheeks and found them attractive and was drawn to me and it became a plus. Sometimes going through the pain brings positive results.
Finally, remember that all things matter. Live each moment as if someone is watching and everything counts. Because someone is watching it does matter, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 tells us that all things matter, even the things that we think no one sees. God never misses a trick…even the ones we hope no one saw. In those cases, we confess, repent and allow the work Jesus performed on the cross to wipe the slate clean. It is all good! Make the most of each moment living it as if it could be your last, connecting to people as much as possible, living and learning life’s lessons from pain knowing that all things matter! Have a great one!
Socrates at his trial for heresy said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” While never accused of heresy of on the level of Socrates I am an obsessive thinker and I try to think and learn from everything. I hope I have picked up a thing or two in my day(s). I have seen people search far & wide for purpose & meaning in life. Many seek purpose or meaning in relationships, success, power. These pursuits usually lead to emptiness. Others become frustrated and escape in depression, drugs and other methods of avoidance. Oscar Wilde said, “In this world there are two tragedies. One is not getting everything one wants, the other is getting it.”
As a pastor I have been with people in enough difficult situations, end of life moments and preached enough funerals that I have learned that life is precious and fragile. Psalm 90:12 tells us our days are numbered. We don’t know the number so we need to live each day is if it may be the last. You never know which breath, word or deed may be the final one. The only way to make sure you leave this world and your loved ones with a good word, deed or smile is to try to have a good word, deed or smile every moment.
I have learned it’s important to keep close relationships with family and friends. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
I will always remember the 1st funeral I preached, as a young seminary student in my 20’s. The funeral home called to have a ‘minister’ because the deceased man was virtually unknown. There were only 8 people present. The man in the casket looked to be in his 50’s. I did my best. Afterward the only one of the 8 attendees in a suit, the one who paid for the funeral, came to thank me and told me, “He was a cousin we rarely saw who lived a hard life and I didn’t want him buried alone.” How sad that his closest family, at his funeral, did not really know him. What a lonely life. I once saw a forgettable movie but remembered a scene where a somewhat sensitive hit-man contemplated life. One can learn from many avenues. He said the following, “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.” It is vital to keep and maintain close relationships with friends and family. It is important to know and love people and know you are loved.
I have also learned over the years that pain is a part of life. There is a human tendency to avoid pain by any avenue (pills, drinking, denial, isolation, etc.) Avoidance is also a great way to avoid pain. God often uses painful situations to transform and teach. Read Hebrews 2:10. What is my loving Father teaching here? I used to be embarrassed easily so I avoided the pain of embarrassment by avoiding situations with that potential. I missed a lot of fun in the mix. Now I add my red cheeks to the fun. My wife saw a cute guy with red cheeks and found them attractive and was drawn to me and it became a plus. Sometimes going through the pain brings positive results.
Finally, remember that all things matter. Live each moment as if someone is watching and everything counts. Because someone is watching it does matter, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 tells us that all things matter, even the things that we think no one sees. God never misses a trick…even the ones we hope no one saw. In those cases, we confess, repent and allow the work Jesus performed on the cross to wipe the slate clean. It is all good! Make the most of each moment living it as if it could be your last, connecting to people as much as possible, living and learning life’s lessons from pain knowing that all things matter! Have a great one!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
When Everything You Trusted Goes Wrong!
Do you remember where you were when you first realized the world was not a just and righteous place and life is not fair, when your realized your government lied to you, your theology may be wrong, those your trusted had betrayed you and all you had once believed in may not be true? For some it was standing in a hospital when the test results literally caused our knees to weaken. Others had that moment when an action, discovery, letter or confession caused you to discover your spouse is found not to be the person you always thought they were. Perhaps your priest or pastor is found in a discretion that is unexplainable or the government leader who seemed so honest is found in the midst of a scandal. These are a few general examples of events when life tumbles in and the things you seemed to trust are now turned upside down.
Peripeteia is the term that describes the turn of events in a Greek tragedy where the hero suddenly finds that everything he thought he knew was wrong. There comes a time in most lives when we are smacked in the face with the terrible reality when the things and people in which we once placed confidence now are gone and we know the lost feeling of ‘Peripeteia’. When that time comes to our life what do we do? How do we move forward? Where do you find trust and security when you have been betrayed and everything you trusted or believed seems wrong or confused?
This may be the time when the real adventure of your life begins. When the things once trusted fade away one can finally look past illusions, superficiality, hopes, dreams and find real truth. It may be harsh but knowing real but truth will give you freedom. Once you know real truth you will never be dissapointed, dissalusioned, misled, abandoned or misguided again. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” If you think that quote sounds too good to come from me, actually it does. Jesus said it and John recorded it in his Gospel (chapter 8, verse 32).
In fact, not only is that statement truth but the author of that statement ‘IS’ truth! He is the only one in whom you will never be dissapointed, dissalusioned and he will never abandon you. People, governments, institutions (even religious institutions) will all fail because they are human & founded on human beliefs and run by humans. Try as we may, we have faults and are finite. Our best efforts fall short. When we choose role models, ideals, institutions to idolize we set ourselves up for failure and dissapointment. However, once we find that feeling of ‘Parapettio’ we are free to look beyond the superficiality of all we once trusted and find real truth, brutal as it may be at times.
Real brutal truth tells us that as much as we exersize and eat right, eventually our bodies are going to be food for maggots (how is that for a start at harsh reality?). Real brutal truth tells us the only way we can experience love is to continue to open our hearts to be broken. Real brutal truth tells us the only way we can overcome being hurt is to forgive and forget, as God has forgiven us. Real truth tells us that the best we can do is have faith in God who teaches us to love Him with a love that goes beyond understanding and love our neighbors, ALL OUR NEIGHBORS, as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40). Real brutal truth comes when you realize you don't have to put on an act, pretext or seek to please anyone because it is only what God thinks of you that really matters. Real Brutal truth is being completely honest with God, knowing He is real, honest with you and you don't have to put on a front with Him. Real brutal truth is found in facing the mirror first thing in the morning and seeing what Jesus sees and realizing He honestly said, “That is a face I would die for!”
Peripeteia is the term that describes the turn of events in a Greek tragedy where the hero suddenly finds that everything he thought he knew was wrong. There comes a time in most lives when we are smacked in the face with the terrible reality when the things and people in which we once placed confidence now are gone and we know the lost feeling of ‘Peripeteia’. When that time comes to our life what do we do? How do we move forward? Where do you find trust and security when you have been betrayed and everything you trusted or believed seems wrong or confused?
This may be the time when the real adventure of your life begins. When the things once trusted fade away one can finally look past illusions, superficiality, hopes, dreams and find real truth. It may be harsh but knowing real but truth will give you freedom. Once you know real truth you will never be dissapointed, dissalusioned, misled, abandoned or misguided again. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” If you think that quote sounds too good to come from me, actually it does. Jesus said it and John recorded it in his Gospel (chapter 8, verse 32).
In fact, not only is that statement truth but the author of that statement ‘IS’ truth! He is the only one in whom you will never be dissapointed, dissalusioned and he will never abandon you. People, governments, institutions (even religious institutions) will all fail because they are human & founded on human beliefs and run by humans. Try as we may, we have faults and are finite. Our best efforts fall short. When we choose role models, ideals, institutions to idolize we set ourselves up for failure and dissapointment. However, once we find that feeling of ‘Parapettio’ we are free to look beyond the superficiality of all we once trusted and find real truth, brutal as it may be at times.
Real brutal truth tells us that as much as we exersize and eat right, eventually our bodies are going to be food for maggots (how is that for a start at harsh reality?). Real brutal truth tells us the only way we can experience love is to continue to open our hearts to be broken. Real brutal truth tells us the only way we can overcome being hurt is to forgive and forget, as God has forgiven us. Real truth tells us that the best we can do is have faith in God who teaches us to love Him with a love that goes beyond understanding and love our neighbors, ALL OUR NEIGHBORS, as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40). Real brutal truth comes when you realize you don't have to put on an act, pretext or seek to please anyone because it is only what God thinks of you that really matters. Real Brutal truth is being completely honest with God, knowing He is real, honest with you and you don't have to put on a front with Him. Real brutal truth is found in facing the mirror first thing in the morning and seeing what Jesus sees and realizing He honestly said, “That is a face I would die for!”
Monday, June 7, 2010
My name is Bill and I am an addict
I am an addict. Since it is just us and I can trust you to keep this between us, I am making this confession. I have struggled all my life with my addiction. I confess my addiction to be hopeless. I am addicted to sin. Now before you begin to look down on me, you might as well confess your own addiction with me. All of us are addicts to some particular avenue of sin. Romans 3:23 tells us that all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. You see many have too long thought of sin as “taking a smoke, drink, swear or chew and hanging with guys and girls who do”. Sin is actually anything that causes us to fall short of the glory of God.
The word most often used for sin in the Scriptures is the Greek word, HAMARTIA, which means to ‘miss the mark’. It is the picture of an arrow headed for the bull’s eye but landing short of the intended target. Of all that exists in God’s handiwork, we are the only entity that was created in the image and likeness of God. We were aimed for a high target. Aristotle also used the word Hamartia to describe tragedy, the fall of a noble man caused by some excess or mistake in behavior, not because of a willful violation of the gods' laws. Hamartia is related to hubris which means extreme haughtiness or arrogance. Hubris often indicates being out of touch with reality and overestimating one's own competence or capabilities, especially for people in positions of power. Simply speaking, it is thinking we are somehow special and above the rules that apply to others.
Anytime we fall short of God’s glory in the way we live, love, express joy we seek to satisfy our addiction or sin. Each of us has our own avenue for this addiction. I once heard that one could sum the trifecta of Pride, Sloth and Fear from which most sin evolves. We are either too arrogant to notice or admit our real problems, too lazy to do what is necessary to change or too fearful to really live a life trusting God by faith.
Often we will accept and try to tolerate our addiction by drowning it in many ways. Some will live in blind ignorance as whole religions and philosophies have done proclaiming “we don’t have a problem.” Ignoring, expressing tolerance won’t make it better. Others live with the addiction claiming “I was born this way.” All of us were born with an addiction. I was born with an addiction to heterosexuality. I always had a very strong appreciation of pretty women. My addiction often troubled me as a young single man seeking to live a righteous and celibate Christian life until I met a very pretty woman who loved me enough to be my wife. I still appreciate God’s creation of the opposite sex but I made a lifelong comment to be addicted only to the one to whom I said “I do” thirty years ago. Now it is fun to mount up to God’s glory and love her as Christ loved the church. Just the other night we had a romantic supper on the deck, held hands on the swing for hours and…well I digress.
If you do not admit (as I just did) and deal with your addiction, it will destroy the joy God intends you to have as you are created and aimed for a higher target. For instance I also have an addiction to Double Stuff Oreos. I know they are on the shelf of the cookie isle, waiting to jump into the shopping cart, so I don’t go down that isle. Sometimes avoiding places, people and activities is necessary to avoid problems with addiction. A 12-step program will not work. Trusting your life completely to Jesus, receiving his forgiving healing grace and the inward power of the Holy Spirit to change you day by day is the only answer. He will teach, change and guide you if you will be honest with yourself and let Him work to heal your addiction.
Hello, I my name is Bill and I am an addict.
The word most often used for sin in the Scriptures is the Greek word, HAMARTIA, which means to ‘miss the mark’. It is the picture of an arrow headed for the bull’s eye but landing short of the intended target. Of all that exists in God’s handiwork, we are the only entity that was created in the image and likeness of God. We were aimed for a high target. Aristotle also used the word Hamartia to describe tragedy, the fall of a noble man caused by some excess or mistake in behavior, not because of a willful violation of the gods' laws. Hamartia is related to hubris which means extreme haughtiness or arrogance. Hubris often indicates being out of touch with reality and overestimating one's own competence or capabilities, especially for people in positions of power. Simply speaking, it is thinking we are somehow special and above the rules that apply to others.
Anytime we fall short of God’s glory in the way we live, love, express joy we seek to satisfy our addiction or sin. Each of us has our own avenue for this addiction. I once heard that one could sum the trifecta of Pride, Sloth and Fear from which most sin evolves. We are either too arrogant to notice or admit our real problems, too lazy to do what is necessary to change or too fearful to really live a life trusting God by faith.
Often we will accept and try to tolerate our addiction by drowning it in many ways. Some will live in blind ignorance as whole religions and philosophies have done proclaiming “we don’t have a problem.” Ignoring, expressing tolerance won’t make it better. Others live with the addiction claiming “I was born this way.” All of us were born with an addiction. I was born with an addiction to heterosexuality. I always had a very strong appreciation of pretty women. My addiction often troubled me as a young single man seeking to live a righteous and celibate Christian life until I met a very pretty woman who loved me enough to be my wife. I still appreciate God’s creation of the opposite sex but I made a lifelong comment to be addicted only to the one to whom I said “I do” thirty years ago. Now it is fun to mount up to God’s glory and love her as Christ loved the church. Just the other night we had a romantic supper on the deck, held hands on the swing for hours and…well I digress.
If you do not admit (as I just did) and deal with your addiction, it will destroy the joy God intends you to have as you are created and aimed for a higher target. For instance I also have an addiction to Double Stuff Oreos. I know they are on the shelf of the cookie isle, waiting to jump into the shopping cart, so I don’t go down that isle. Sometimes avoiding places, people and activities is necessary to avoid problems with addiction. A 12-step program will not work. Trusting your life completely to Jesus, receiving his forgiving healing grace and the inward power of the Holy Spirit to change you day by day is the only answer. He will teach, change and guide you if you will be honest with yourself and let Him work to heal your addiction.
Hello, I my name is Bill and I am an addict.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
60 Seconds
My father had a plaque on his desk that I will always remember. It read, “For every minute you are angry you lose 60 seconds of happiness.” It described a philosophy by which he lived, as I shared recently at his funeral, as well as a philosophy he passed on to me. Not only is it a good philosophy but it is theologically sound. Philippians 3: 13-14 says, Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Now, the Bill Drees translation is this, “Guys, I may not have everything figured out yet, but here is what I am doing; forgetting the past, by making things right with all I can and living as hard as I can to be what God has called to do and created me to be until I am in Heaven.”
Too many lives and too many moments that can never be redeemed are lost by living and focusing on the past. All we have is this moment and it is a fragile vapor. James 4:14 gives the sobering reminder that we are not promised another moment other than this one we currently have. “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” I am constantly amazed at the way people choose to spend the vapor of the moment, which is all the life we know we will have, being angry, foolish, holding a grudge, fearful, worrying, having hurt feelings or being self-centered. It is much easier to get over things quickly and enjoy the moment. That is why most people see me with a quick smile, even in the midst of life’s storms. It helps the storm to pass quickly. Jesus woke from a storm, brought immediate peace then questioned the faith of those followers who were afraid during the storm. You see He was so restful and at peace with the Father that he could sleep when others were erroneously worried for their lives.
Worries, anxiety, anger, fear, failure to quickly forgive are all emotions that one never sees in the face of Jesus. As a professing follower of Jesus far too many actually live as Atheists when it comes time to practice this faith in life’s storms. Church people can be some of the worst at failing to put faith into practice. I know some former church members who are still holding a grudge against me three churches ago. Bless their hearts (those of you who know true Southern know the real translation of that phrase.) I once had a group of youth who became angry at the pastor because I expected them to be somewhat quiet and not disrupt the worship service so they vandalized my home. I guess they needed to advance a little in school and church knowledge because they didn’t realize that my home was the church parsonage and they simply damaged church property angering their parents who were church members. Anger and vengeance rarely works as we plan. It is best to forgive as quickly as possible so we can move to happiness and joy. One never knows when the vapor of live will flicker out. I have officiated at funerals for people in their 90’s and less than 9 months.
My first sermon was from John 10:10, “The thief comes to rob steal, kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” It has been nearly thirty five years since I first preached this message and I still want to get the most out of each day. The best way is to live each moment loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as your self. Life is too short to hold a grudge, be anxious, worry or be afraid. I don’t know when my vapor will flicker out but until it does I will try to make the most of each moment by getting my 60 seconds of happiness. I hope you will do the same. The best time to start is now. GO!
Too many lives and too many moments that can never be redeemed are lost by living and focusing on the past. All we have is this moment and it is a fragile vapor. James 4:14 gives the sobering reminder that we are not promised another moment other than this one we currently have. “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” I am constantly amazed at the way people choose to spend the vapor of the moment, which is all the life we know we will have, being angry, foolish, holding a grudge, fearful, worrying, having hurt feelings or being self-centered. It is much easier to get over things quickly and enjoy the moment. That is why most people see me with a quick smile, even in the midst of life’s storms. It helps the storm to pass quickly. Jesus woke from a storm, brought immediate peace then questioned the faith of those followers who were afraid during the storm. You see He was so restful and at peace with the Father that he could sleep when others were erroneously worried for their lives.
Worries, anxiety, anger, fear, failure to quickly forgive are all emotions that one never sees in the face of Jesus. As a professing follower of Jesus far too many actually live as Atheists when it comes time to practice this faith in life’s storms. Church people can be some of the worst at failing to put faith into practice. I know some former church members who are still holding a grudge against me three churches ago. Bless their hearts (those of you who know true Southern know the real translation of that phrase.) I once had a group of youth who became angry at the pastor because I expected them to be somewhat quiet and not disrupt the worship service so they vandalized my home. I guess they needed to advance a little in school and church knowledge because they didn’t realize that my home was the church parsonage and they simply damaged church property angering their parents who were church members. Anger and vengeance rarely works as we plan. It is best to forgive as quickly as possible so we can move to happiness and joy. One never knows when the vapor of live will flicker out. I have officiated at funerals for people in their 90’s and less than 9 months.
My first sermon was from John 10:10, “The thief comes to rob steal, kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” It has been nearly thirty five years since I first preached this message and I still want to get the most out of each day. The best way is to live each moment loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as your self. Life is too short to hold a grudge, be anxious, worry or be afraid. I don’t know when my vapor will flicker out but until it does I will try to make the most of each moment by getting my 60 seconds of happiness. I hope you will do the same. The best time to start is now. GO!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Life Changing Power
Preachers are often asked tough questions. After going to school for many years I thought I was ready for the questions. I could not wait to go to parties or other places and have people ask the tough questions. Once after Church a man approached me and said, “Preacher, I have a question!” I thought, “Here we go…I have studied, I am ready. Put it to me!” He said, “Was the thermostat broken, I thought I was going to freeze to death during church.” Some people like to try to trick you by asking things like, “Where did Cain get his wife?” I quickly respond by telling them I would tell you if I were Able. (And you thought all those years in theology classes were a waste?) Other questions are real as people truly seek answers for life’s difficult struggles. People wonder; “Why do some join the church and drop out?, Why do church members often act so mean?, Why do bad things happen? Why am I, as a Child of God, having all this trouble?” Or as a book for teens so adequately expressed for many of us, “If I Am A Christian, Why Can’t I Get My Locker Open?”
Preachers preach about life changing power. Why are so many things the same? Why do we seem to try our best and struggle so hard with some of the same difficulties? First we must remember that Biblical Christianity is not about following rules, rituals & get blessings. Some struggles are there for our growth & perfection (Hebrews 2:10). Nothing grows in complete sunshine. To have growth there must be some rain. God is in the process of building something eternal. Too often our perspective comes from a short-term worldly and selfish perspective. Too often we give up & believe change is impossible. Human behavior experts tell us after age 30 rarely change. However, we hear about the Gospel being the power to change anything in your life.
I have long been captivated by II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” Notice he did not say ‘in church but in Christ’. Lets look at the way to receive life changing power as we break down the powerful verse word for word phrase by phrase.
“Therefore” - refers to the previous verses (14, 15) as these are additional consequences of identification with Christ in death & resurrection. Christianity not for the casual observer. It requires complete and reckless surrender. “Anyone” – It is available for anyone; no matter their race, gender, pocketbook, past history, background, etc. ANYONE means ANYONE! “In Christ” - a favorite term for Paul. He doesn’t say in church, denomination, movement, experience…in Christ! He is speaking of a personal daily involvement/relationship with risen Lord. In Christ means all things that are Christlike are in you; such as: Truth, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,...(see Galatians 5:22, 23). If the Fruit of the Spirit is not evidenced in your life, there may be evidence of the absence of Christ in your life. One can be in church and be unchanged. One cannot be in Christ and be unchanged! “New”- There are two Greek words for new: NEOS & KAINOS. NEOS means, ‘of most recent production (A Ford purchased in June vs. a Ford purchased in January is neos). KAINOS means new as to form of quality or of a different nature from the old. (My old form of transportation was a bicycle my kainos form of transportation is a Ferrari!) This means there is a completely new set of standards, vision, thoughts (I Cor. 2:15). “Creation”- Construction term (act of establishing, building). A completely new thing or being is established. A person reborn in Christ is the fulfillment of God’s original purpose in creation. We are in His Image. Our lives are a reflection of Christ (Matthew 5:14).
What happens after one become a new creation? “Old Things” (from the Greek word Archia) Archaic, outdated things belonging to past times begin to pass away. This refers to unregenerate ways, acts of sinful nature (Galatians 5:19-20) that are “Passed Away”. According to the Greek tense this is a continuous process. Leaving sin as a way of life. Sinful ways either going or gone. We don’t need them anymore. “Behold” the note of triumph as we move into the life of triumphant changing power. “ All Things Become New” is in the Greek perfect tense which means three things; first, this is action in continuous progress – Not one time event, God not finished yet! Hang in there! Second, your salvation experience is coming to a point of culmination – you will become completely like Jesus in Heaven. Third, it exists as a completed result – Jesus made you new! Continue to reflect Him as you enjoy your walk, loving others as you grow in grace.
Preachers preach about life changing power. Why are so many things the same? Why do we seem to try our best and struggle so hard with some of the same difficulties? First we must remember that Biblical Christianity is not about following rules, rituals & get blessings. Some struggles are there for our growth & perfection (Hebrews 2:10). Nothing grows in complete sunshine. To have growth there must be some rain. God is in the process of building something eternal. Too often our perspective comes from a short-term worldly and selfish perspective. Too often we give up & believe change is impossible. Human behavior experts tell us after age 30 rarely change. However, we hear about the Gospel being the power to change anything in your life.
I have long been captivated by II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” Notice he did not say ‘in church but in Christ’. Lets look at the way to receive life changing power as we break down the powerful verse word for word phrase by phrase.
“Therefore” - refers to the previous verses (14, 15) as these are additional consequences of identification with Christ in death & resurrection. Christianity not for the casual observer. It requires complete and reckless surrender. “Anyone” – It is available for anyone; no matter their race, gender, pocketbook, past history, background, etc. ANYONE means ANYONE! “In Christ” - a favorite term for Paul. He doesn’t say in church, denomination, movement, experience…in Christ! He is speaking of a personal daily involvement/relationship with risen Lord. In Christ means all things that are Christlike are in you; such as: Truth, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,...(see Galatians 5:22, 23). If the Fruit of the Spirit is not evidenced in your life, there may be evidence of the absence of Christ in your life. One can be in church and be unchanged. One cannot be in Christ and be unchanged! “New”- There are two Greek words for new: NEOS & KAINOS. NEOS means, ‘of most recent production (A Ford purchased in June vs. a Ford purchased in January is neos). KAINOS means new as to form of quality or of a different nature from the old. (My old form of transportation was a bicycle my kainos form of transportation is a Ferrari!) This means there is a completely new set of standards, vision, thoughts (I Cor. 2:15). “Creation”- Construction term (act of establishing, building). A completely new thing or being is established. A person reborn in Christ is the fulfillment of God’s original purpose in creation. We are in His Image. Our lives are a reflection of Christ (Matthew 5:14).
What happens after one become a new creation? “Old Things” (from the Greek word Archia) Archaic, outdated things belonging to past times begin to pass away. This refers to unregenerate ways, acts of sinful nature (Galatians 5:19-20) that are “Passed Away”. According to the Greek tense this is a continuous process. Leaving sin as a way of life. Sinful ways either going or gone. We don’t need them anymore. “Behold” the note of triumph as we move into the life of triumphant changing power. “ All Things Become New” is in the Greek perfect tense which means three things; first, this is action in continuous progress – Not one time event, God not finished yet! Hang in there! Second, your salvation experience is coming to a point of culmination – you will become completely like Jesus in Heaven. Third, it exists as a completed result – Jesus made you new! Continue to reflect Him as you enjoy your walk, loving others as you grow in grace.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
When God Seems Silent
In the climactic ending scene of one of my favorite movies, Cool Hand Luke, Paul Newman who plays Lucas Jackson goes to an abandoned church to talk to God. After several failed attempts at prayer he feels as if God is giving him the silent treatment. I love the movie for several reasons but this scene truly is one that I identify with. I can’t speak for everyone, sometimes I talk so much I wonder if I can speak for myself but I have had times when I felt as if I was getting the silent treatment from God. I know the feeling of Lucas Jackson of being on his knees in the church, folding his hands, trying his best to pray as he has been taught and hearing nothing then peeking up only to see empty rafters above his head.
There have been times when the voice of God seemed strong, unwavering and direct (admittedly not as often as I would like). There have been times when I felt overcome by waves of grace so strong that it brought tears and I am not one easily given to those emotions (OK, the older I get the sappier I become). However, there have been times when my spirit felt dry as the voice of God seemed silent. What is going on when God seems silent?
There is an old saying, “If you feel distant from God, ask, ‘Who Moved?’” The question reminds us of the omnipresence of God who promises to be with us always, never leaving or forsaking us. However, there are times when God is with us but silent. Before Jesus came to the disciples in a supernatural way, walking on the water, he watched them from a distance as he let them struggle against the wind alone. Another time Jesus was in the boat with the disciples in the midst of a terrible storm. The word used to describe the storm is SIEZEMOS from which we get out word seismograph; the device used to measures earthquakes. They feared for their lives. Jesus was right there with them but he was not doing anything. In fact, he was asleep. Although Psalm 121:4 tells us, “he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. There are times in every life when God seems distant or napping as we cry out to him. What is going on in those times? What do we do?
Often God seems distant because we did indeed move. When the distance is caused by our drifting we need to draw back to Him. The first checkpoint is our connection with Him. Where are we in listening, understanding and following His word? When help is needed in understanding, communicating, connecting and following; do what is necessary to find the help needed. Don’t let pride, bitterness, or laziness get in the way. This is why it is vital to be active in a community of believers.
There are other times when we are sincerely trying our best in prayer & Bible study to commune, connect and draw near to God but he seems silent and distant. These are the difficult days when the Scriptures seem dry as dust and prayers never seem to get past the ceiling. Where is God in these times and why is he silent? First, do not despair; you are not alone in these days. Read the Psalms and you will find prayers from David and writers who honestly cried out with the same questions.
Even when God is silent He is with us. He promised to be with us always and never leave or forsake (Matthew 28:20 & Hebrews 13:5). He often uses silence to allow us to grow in our own faith as we struggle. Jesus left the disciples, in Mark 6, to strain alone for a while but at the right time He came to them, even when it seemed humanly impossible for help to arrive, He literally walked on water to get there. When we need Him, He comes at the right time and nothing can hinder His arrival. Look at the time as Jesus was silent in the midst of the SIEZEMOS storm that they thought would be their demise. Rather than fear they should have interpreted His silence as the mood of faith. They were not in danger. As we often do today, they over exaggerated the trouble. They were not about to drown. The boat was not about to sink. They just took on a little water. In fact they forgot as long as they were with Jesus they didn’t even need the boat. If the boat sank He could walk on the water and carry them to shore. He would teach them that lesson of faith soon enough, Oh if we would just wait and have faith!
Often God’s silence precedes a great event from Him. Remember there were three days of silence before the resurrection. After the last word from an Old Testament prophet there were some 400 years of silence before Jesus entered human history as, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” So next time God seems silent. Grow in your faith as you trust him to do something great in your midst!
There have been times when the voice of God seemed strong, unwavering and direct (admittedly not as often as I would like). There have been times when I felt overcome by waves of grace so strong that it brought tears and I am not one easily given to those emotions (OK, the older I get the sappier I become). However, there have been times when my spirit felt dry as the voice of God seemed silent. What is going on when God seems silent?
There is an old saying, “If you feel distant from God, ask, ‘Who Moved?’” The question reminds us of the omnipresence of God who promises to be with us always, never leaving or forsaking us. However, there are times when God is with us but silent. Before Jesus came to the disciples in a supernatural way, walking on the water, he watched them from a distance as he let them struggle against the wind alone. Another time Jesus was in the boat with the disciples in the midst of a terrible storm. The word used to describe the storm is SIEZEMOS from which we get out word seismograph; the device used to measures earthquakes. They feared for their lives. Jesus was right there with them but he was not doing anything. In fact, he was asleep. Although Psalm 121:4 tells us, “he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. There are times in every life when God seems distant or napping as we cry out to him. What is going on in those times? What do we do?
Often God seems distant because we did indeed move. When the distance is caused by our drifting we need to draw back to Him. The first checkpoint is our connection with Him. Where are we in listening, understanding and following His word? When help is needed in understanding, communicating, connecting and following; do what is necessary to find the help needed. Don’t let pride, bitterness, or laziness get in the way. This is why it is vital to be active in a community of believers.
There are other times when we are sincerely trying our best in prayer & Bible study to commune, connect and draw near to God but he seems silent and distant. These are the difficult days when the Scriptures seem dry as dust and prayers never seem to get past the ceiling. Where is God in these times and why is he silent? First, do not despair; you are not alone in these days. Read the Psalms and you will find prayers from David and writers who honestly cried out with the same questions.
Even when God is silent He is with us. He promised to be with us always and never leave or forsake (Matthew 28:20 & Hebrews 13:5). He often uses silence to allow us to grow in our own faith as we struggle. Jesus left the disciples, in Mark 6, to strain alone for a while but at the right time He came to them, even when it seemed humanly impossible for help to arrive, He literally walked on water to get there. When we need Him, He comes at the right time and nothing can hinder His arrival. Look at the time as Jesus was silent in the midst of the SIEZEMOS storm that they thought would be their demise. Rather than fear they should have interpreted His silence as the mood of faith. They were not in danger. As we often do today, they over exaggerated the trouble. They were not about to drown. The boat was not about to sink. They just took on a little water. In fact they forgot as long as they were with Jesus they didn’t even need the boat. If the boat sank He could walk on the water and carry them to shore. He would teach them that lesson of faith soon enough, Oh if we would just wait and have faith!
Often God’s silence precedes a great event from Him. Remember there were three days of silence before the resurrection. After the last word from an Old Testament prophet there were some 400 years of silence before Jesus entered human history as, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” So next time God seems silent. Grow in your faith as you trust him to do something great in your midst!
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