Peace Prize

If the Nobel Peace Prize were renamed the Nobel Political Prize it would be more understandable that Al Gore was awarded a portion of the prize. I’m sorry, but from a believers perspective I’m just not overly impressed. According to the media Mr. Gore believes global warming will not get the attention it deserves until people realize that it’s a moral and spiritual issue. Excuse me…I’m all for being good stewards of the earth, but exactly what does that have to do with morals and spirituality? I’m thinking environmentalists must be desperate if they are trying to manufacture market shares in morals and spirituality.

Fast Forwards

Occasionally I’ll get a forwarded email from someone who inadvertently included my address in the CC. For instance one day I got a porn calendar pin-up from a rogue family member who later protested it was sent by mistake. More recently I received an email on the church prayer chain which was neither a prayer request nor a prayer update. Apparently the originator accidentally used her prayer chain directory when sending a political joke to a friend. I doubt if the Democrats on the prayer chain would agree, but from the Republican persuasion, the joke was funny. Taking liberty to update and paraphrase Matthew 12:34 shall we say, ‘For out of the overflow of the heart the finger forwards.’

RIP

Awhile back my aunt had a stroke, was in a coma, on a respirator and had no evidence of brain activity. The family began talking about how to deal with her affairs and property. Among other things there was a 14 year-old mangy mutt that none of us could…or would adopt. With the guidance of the doctors, the decision was made to turn off my aunt’s respirator. Lo and behold, against all odds she began breathing on her own. She continued to improve and after many weeks of therapy she recovered enough to go home. PTL no one had yet put the dog to sleep! Lazarus died and was in the tomb for three days before Jesus brought him back to life. I feel sure the family had already begun the disbursement of his possessions. It makes me laugh to think about the resurrection celebration mixing with the urgency to replace all Lazarus’ possessions before he knew they were gone.

That's Not Fair

I know life isn’t fair…but I want it to be. A few weeks ago one of our ministers, with no immediate plans other than feeling God calling him in a new direction, turned in his resignation. He was quickly let go with a severance package. Last week another minister, feeling God’s call to plant a church, turned in his resignation to be effective five months from now. While I don’t feel personally affected by either resignation, for me the appearance is that one gets to pick his departure and the other had his departure picked for him. Certainly my ‘that’s not fair’ is showing. I think Peter had a twinge of fair and unfair when he questioned Jesus about John by asking, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”(John 21:21-22 NIV) No doubt where I see unfairness, Jesus would say to me, ‘what is that to you?’

Ice Breaker

Because of health issues my sister has just been told she can no longer live alone. She’s out of options, frustrated at the situation and unhappy with me for making decisions on her behalf. Closing her apartment and disposing of items she can no longer keep has been not been an easy task for either of us. Striking me with attitude and tone of voice one too many times I finally said, “None of this is my fault and you can’t blame me for what is happening. If you want to be mad at someone, then get mad at God!” I needed to pass the buck and I thought God could handle it. Besides, I don’t think Shelly has been very communicative with the Lord, maybe getting mad at Him could serve as an ice breaker.

No Strings Attached

According to our elders and the IRS regulations, in order for a tithe to qualify as tax deductible, it must either go into the general fund or be designated to a specific elder approved project. For instance you can’t just give your tithe to a church youth project and expect it to be a deductible donation unless the project has first had elder approval. From the viewpoint of both the IRS and the elders, I understand the need for no-strings-attached donations. However, I can’t help but wonder if the Spirit’s leading isn’t somewhat stifled by the regulations of the IRS and the pet projects of leaders. Certainly the apostles distributed money to those who had need (Acts 4:35), but we also see Cornelius the centurion giving personally to those in need (Acts 10:2). I wonder if Cornelius sought elder approval for his generosity.

Worldly Viewpoint

The current make up of my adult Sunday school class encourages discussion. We have one member who, from the moment he walks in the door, seems to come to class arm in arm with the world. Don’t misunderstand, I know he is a believer and I’m not questioning his salvation. However his comments and sidebars seem to always pull my mind away from the Gospel and send it out into the world. I suppose his use of life experiences and illustrations are meant to imply that he is ‘in the world but not of the world’. John, in warning us about false prophets and telling us to test the spirits says, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.” (1 John 4:4-5 NIV) It’s not unusual for us to fall into the trap of speaking from the viewpoint of the world - especially when we we’re trying to avoid an overly religious appearance.

Restoration

During his discipleship years Peter often missed the mark. Who knows what he was aiming for when he cut off the right ear of Malchus, the servant of the high priest. Because we’re told Jesus healed the ear, rather than restoring it, I picture Malchus going through life with his wound healed, but earless and highly recognizable. I can only imagine the stigma, accompanied by the preverbal grapevine, which forever identified him as one who took part in the arrest of Jesus.

Do Not Hinder

Since I no longer have school age children I’m somewhat out of the loop, but it appears from the church bulletin that we no longer offer any children’s Sunday school. I find that shameful on so many levels. I still see a few young families coming and going on Sunday mornings, but I can’t help wondering how they feel about a church that no longer ministers to their children on a child’s level. I think Jesus makes it perfectly clear how he feels, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matt 19:14 NIV)

Sincerely Yours,

Last week a community committee I serve on received a letter from a concerned consumer. Although we gave the letter consideration, it would have carried more weight if it had been signed by the sender. I know it’s the practice of many preachers and staff to disregard unsigned letters or notes and just throw them in the trash. Thankfully for the church, Paul was bold enough to sign the epistles or they too might have been tossed.

Standing Against a Brother

In Harry Potter and the Soccer’s Stone, Dumbledore the headmaster of Hogwarts awards Neville Longbottom 10 points for standing firm in the face of peer pressure. “There are all kinds of courage,” said Dumbledore, smiling. “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” Speaking from experience, we Christians will do just about anything to avoid standing up to another Christian. Never mind that Jesus and Paul gave us plenty of examples of how to stand up to a brother – and why we need to do so. Normally we just sigh and pass the buck by saying, ‘The Lord can take care of it.’

Looking for Comfort

Leslie Nease, a Christian Radio Talk Show Host is a contestant on CBS’s Survivor China. In the season opener contestants were welcomed to China in a traditional sense and were asked to bow and kneel before Buddha. Although billed as a non-religious activity, Leslie deserves kudos for not bowing down before any other gods. In the second week of competition a short clip shows Leslie tearfully explaining she misses not having her Bible with her because it brings her such comfort. I can understand Leslie’s feelings, but I wonder if she forgot the Comforter isn’t confined to the pages of the Bible. I pray Leslie does well in the competition, that she is a good representation of Christianity…and that she’ll let the Spirit push her Scriptural recall button.

Burden Lite

I think some of the things I consider to be burdens wouldn’t be a burden if it weren’t for the fact that I’m a Christian. There are times I just get weary of playing by Bible rules and I’d like to ignore the ‘do unto others’ stuff. Jesus said, “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.” (Matt 11:29 -30 NIV) I suppose Jesus does have a point. Certainly my soul is at rest. Now if I could just find rest for the rest of me!

What's Missing?

I enjoy doing puzzles and games that challenge you to find something missing or hidden. There’s definitely something missing from the description of my church as put forth in the weekly bulletin. It says, “WE ARE A CONNECTING CHURCH. It is our desire to connect people…to Jesus Christ and to one another…thus, providing the opportunity for life-change! Our Mission: To Make and Mature Disciples for Christ to the Glory of God! Our Mandate: “Grow Up and Move Out” Our Methods: 1. Celebrate in large group settings! 2. Study & serve through small group settings! 3. Reach out in all settings! Our Motive: We are compelled by the Love of Christ! II Cor 5:14.” What ever happened to ‘worship’? I suppose it’s just another one of those traditions riding off in the sunset.

To Catch a Fish

The 2007 September/October issue of Israel My Glory published an article by Renald E. Showers titled ‘Critical Issues Facing Today’s Churches’. Showers says, “…Christ commanded believers to go ‘into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature’ (Mk 16:15). He ordained that the church evangelize primarily by going out into the world where the unsaved are. If you want to catch fish, you go where the fish are. Evangelism is not to involve the church changing its nature to attract unsaved people into its services to get them saved. The method reverses the order of evangelism that Christ ordained.” So that’s why we’re not catching any fish! And here we’ve put all that effort into building and equipping such attractive fish ponds.

I Don't Get It

I hate coming across a cartoon or comic strip where I don’t get the punch line. Sometimes I can get the gist of the illustration, but still not find the humor. For the most part, it seems to me that Scripture has a serious and somewhat humorless tone. I keep thinking surely there is some levity, or a comedian of record, somewhere in the Bible. I suppose a camel going through the eye of a needle, or straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel might have been considered a knee slapper in NT times. Maybe modern commentators have so dissected and analyzed every word of the Word, that they’ve lost the seasoning salt of humor.

Being Sociable

As children our teachers trained us to come in, take a seat and follow directions. Many of us still carry that patterning whether we’re in the church auditorium, Sunday school classroom, or a pot luck dinner. We’ve been conditioned to sit and wait for someone to give us directions. In a sense I envy those who usher, greet or serve communion. They can move freely about the auditorium making personal contact with others because it’s their job. I think as adults we should rebel against ‘taking our seat’. We should give ourselves permission to move around, shake hands and visit with one others until it’s time for an event to begin – of course that’s after you’ve put your Bible and jacket down in the pew to save your seat.

A Rock and a Hard Place

Years ago in our small community it seemed everyone was so inter-connected they were either related by blood or very well acquainted. While Peter was making his third denial, “One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, ‘Didn’t I see you with him in the olive grove?’” (John 18: 26-27 NIV) Not only was Peter denying his relationship with Jesus, he was being questioned by a relative of the man whom he de-eared. I can imagine him thinking, ‘This guy wants to defend the family honor because I embarrassed Malchus when I cut off his ear.’ It appears Peter momentarily forgot he was a rock.

Splitting Hairs

Paul gives instructions on customs in the worship service saying, "Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering." (1 Co 11:13-15 NIV) I’ve known some women with such sparse hair that it won’t cover the top of their head, much less anything else. I just can’t grasp the picture of thinning, limp, sparse hair being a woman’s glory. Isn’t it interesting the images of Christ handed down through the centuries portray him with long hair? Thankfully Paul quantifies the issue of hair as something which is practiced in the churches, rather than stipulating it as a command.

Serves You Right

Grace is often described as ‘not getting what we really deserve’. Having been a recipient of God’s grace when I hear of someone suffering the consequences of their actions, I’ve sometimes felt guilty for doing a ‘you-deserve-what-you-get’ dance in my head. However, that was before I read about the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18. “In one hour she has been brought to ruin! Rejoice over her, O heaven! Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you.’” (Rev 18:19b-20 NIV) Maybe I don’t feel so guilty after all.

Sugar and Spice

There’s one verse in the parable of the 10 Virgins that seems, well…unchristian. The five foolish girls didn’t bring enough lamp oil, so naturally they asked the other five to share. “No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.” (Matt 25: 9 NIV) Doesn’t this just fly in the face of everything we’ve been taught by our mothers, grandmothers and Sunday School teachers? Aren’t we supposed to share? Now, if this parable were written about 10 young boys it would be more understandable…

Evangelism 101

Years ago while mentoring an un-churched man one of our members encouraged his friend to attend the Young Singles Sunday School class where he might meet some nice Christian girls. As the sponsor for the class I found myself in an awkward position. Not only was the visitor 20 years older than the rest of the class, but he’d bolstered his courage to come to church by having a drink or two. The following day I contacted our visitor and recommend another, more age appropriate class. Then as gently as I could, I made him aware that having a couple drinks and going shopping for nice Christian girls at 9:30 AM on a Sunday morning just doesn’t work. I think one of the biggest fallacies in our attempts at evangelism is the idea that the Holy Spirit will miraculously rub off on the un-churched once they are in close proximity to believers.

Oh Ye of Little Taste

One time our women’s ministry did a program titled, Dress for Success. The program covered everything from hair and make-up to clothing and accessories. A stifled chuckle ran through the audience when the Master of Ceremonies introduced me for my segment of the program by saying, “You all know Gail, she’s the one who always wears black”. Taking the podium I semi-smiled at the ‘what not to wear’ introduction, but my mind was saying, 'So what’s wrong with black? Black goes with everything, its slimming and disguises lumps - maybe you should try it.’ I’d like to be mature and report I’ve gotten over what I perceived as a public chiding. However, even though I can hear Jesus telling me not to worry about what I wear, the truth is this incident resurrects itself every time I see this other woman.

Las Vegas

While vacationing for a week in Las Vegas my daughter’s dieting regime was sorely tested. Stepping on the bathroom scales when she returned home she announced, “What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas.” I’m thinking calories and sin have something in common - they often don’t bite you until a week later. “The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them.” 1 Timothy 5:24 NIV

Las Vegas

While vacationing for a week in Las Vegas my daughter’s dieting regime was sorely tested. Stepping on the bathroom scales when she returned home she announced, “What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas.” I’m thinking calories and sin have something in common - they often don’t bite you until a week later. “The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them.” 1 Timothy 5:24 NIV

Revival

I think it’s safe to say that revivals have gone out of favor in today’s church. It’s probably been over 25 years since our church has held one, but I can remember week long events where contests were used to encourage members to ‘fill a pew’ on a specific night. The focus seemed to be on getting friends, family and the un-churched into a service where the Spirit had a chance to work on their hearts. Looking back I think our efforts may have been somewhat misguided. Webster defines revival as ‘an act or instance of reviving; a new presentation of something old’. The heathens we invited had nothing to revive - it’s we believers who need spiritual CPR.

Give it All to Jesus

Last week my life was like a roller coaster with one family crisis after another. Even though the Lord’s hand was evident at every turn I kept thinking things couldn’t get worse, but they did. On Sunday I telephoned Aunt Cleo, the reigning spiritual matriarch of the family, for support, encouragement and words of wisdom. Her advice, “Give it to the Lord, but don’t let Him have all of it. Save a little of it so you’ll have something to worry about.”

Patience

Although she has a whole laundry list of problems, my 61 year-old sister seldom shows a hint of having a bended knee toward the Lord. Diagnosed bipolar, she’s also addicted to alcohol and prescription drugs. Over the last few years she’s undergone surgery, radiation and chemo at separate times for both lung cancer and a brain tumor. At one point her prognosis was six months to a year – that was 17 months ago. Right now she is in ICU after having mixed a cocktail of wine and prescription meds. Physically and mentally her outlook is grim. Spiritually speaking, you’d think that any one of the obstacles in her life would have sent her on a quest for the Lord. No wonder the Lord is patient – He’s dealing with a lot of slow learners!

Sticking Together

The path I take on my daily walk goes past a neighbor’s desert garden of cactus and rocks. This spring I watched four stinging nettles as they inched their way up through a group of tightly packed barrel cactus. The nettles were no match for the cactus. Trying to avoid the cactus needles, the stems of the nettles became bent and distorted. I’ll have to admit that I loved watching the thistles get a dose of their own medicine before they withered and died. Too bad Christians aren’t as tightly packed together as the barrel cactus – the thorns of the world wouldn’t stand a chance.

Thanks for Sharing

Daniel is a new contributor and has just posted comments on ‘Roped Off’ and ‘Anonymity’ [past blogs]. I appreciate your comments Daniel. Sharing a different view, insight or experience gives us new perspectives. It certainly makes me more sensitive to ‘do unto others’.

Save the Children

Television segments about the food crisis in Africa and other programs depicting starving children pull at my heartstrings. I find them difficult to watch for any length of time before flipping to another network. There’s a similar situation taking place in the church. Rather than look upon spiritual starvation, our leaders simply flip our attention to a new program, motto or method. By focusing on the hand clapping, smiling faces of the contemporary crowd we don’t have to look at our gaunt, neglected and spiritually malnourished brothers – nor must we calculate those who’ve already starved to death.

Welcome to America

An article in the September 3rd issue of the Montrose Daily Press reports on a Nigerian priest who will begin serving in our local Catholic church. Reporter Kati O’Hare writes that Rev. Augustine, “… ‘came to serve where he is needed,’ and with a background strong in spirituality, he hopes to provide an authentic expression of his culture’s humanity.” [I’m sure this is one of the items at the top of the Lord’s priority list.] Augustine said, ‘…the Catholic religion in the United States is much like it is in Nigeria, practicing the same rites.” [One would think so.] “He also wants to work with the youth ministry and develop charisma to Christian music.” [Contemporary worship leaders are going to love hearing they need more charisma.] The current priest, Father Malin, says of his new co-worker, “We’ll be talking a lot, dreaming a lot and visioning a lot.” Welcome to American churches where everyone seems to have a vision.

Labor Day

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

Feeling the Love

Not only does the truth hurt, it’s often friend-costly. There are times I struggle with finding a balance in ‘speaking the truth’ and ‘speaking the truth in love’. Although Paul instructs us to speak the truth in love, he also understood the cost of truth. Writing to the Galatians he said, “Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Gal 4:16 NIV) Apparently the other guy doesn’t always sense the love.

Soul Discretion

Our city needs to add more teeth to an ordinance that will protect the taxpayer from shoddy developers. As a representative for the taxpayer I’m on the committee, made up mostly of members in the building industry, who will make recommendations to the City Council. One of the developers stated that he’s losing sleep over the wording of the proposed ordinance which says the city has sole discretion whether or not to accept and sign off on a completed project. It’s easy to relate his anxiety to the struggle man has with God. Whether in this life or the next, many resist the fact that the Lord has Soul Discretion

Never Before

Over the years I’ve found it interesting to hear up-and-coming leaders tout a new program idea by saying, “We’ve never done anything like this here before.” The truth is, if they talked to the right people or visited with the old-timers they might discover that in fact it has been done before, many times. Next year my church celebrates its100th Birthday. I wonder what these newbie leaders think we’ve been doing all these years.

Public Correction

Years ago during the evening session of family camp the main speaker stopped his message in mid-sustenance. Glaring at those sitting in the front row of the chapel he said, “If you kids can’t behave, go sit with your parents.” Much to my horror two of the four being targeted for discipline included my own elementary-age children. When the service ended we learned their offence was chewing Double-Bubble Gum and blowing bubbles - an irritant which could only be seen by the speaker. Later, hoping my kids weren’t as traumatized by the public correction as I was, I downplayed the minister’s verbal rod of correction. On more than one occasion Peter was publicly chastised by Jesus and I marvel at his response, or shall I say lack there of. Peter doesn’t appear to be ‘wounded in spirit’, traumatized or angry. I can’t tell if he’s thick skinned or just doing the guy thing.

Permitted

Some Pharisees asked Jesus about divorce and he said, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.” (Matt 19:8 NIV). Fast forward to Paul’s instructions on worship, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.” (1 Tim 2:12 NIV). It appears that in both cases the ‘permitting’ is a result of leadership for a specific time and culture. I won’t argue with Paul’s prohibition for women to be silent in the church, but I can’t overlook the fact that God has gifted many women with the ability of teaching and public speaking. I wonder how Paul feels about women breaking their silence outside the church.

Revealing

While disposing of my deceased aunt’s personal possessions I came across a letter I’d written to her 40 years ago. Always one to share an opinion, I boldly wrote that I thought another family member was way too young to be getting married. History proved me wrong, but I think it would have been just as well if my comments on the engagement had been disposed of 40 years ago. It’s unnerving to think more of my cards and letters may be lying dormant in someone’s old trunk. Jesus told his disciples, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” Luke 12:2-3 NIV

Would Emily Post Agree?

When I read Paul’s instruction concerning virgins (1 Cor 7:25-39) I form a mental picture of an older fiancée waiting patiently for years for her man to get on with the wedding. Expounding on the situation brother Paul says, “But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does even better.”(Vs. 37-38 NIV) Excuse me? I think Paul is overlooking engagement etiquette and good manners here. Exactly where does a 40 year-old rejected virgin go? From what we know of NT society I doubt if her daddy is thrilled that the wedding has been cancelled. No doubt Paul knows what he’s talking about, but for me his advice fails to dovetail with other Scripture – for starters, ‘Do unto others… and Letting your Yes be Yes…’

Satisfied

When it comes to eating meals at large family gatherings many of us overindulge. Then, just about the time we’re stuffed and can’t eat another bite someone says, “Don’t forget to leave some room for dessert.” I noticed when Jesus fed the 4,000 and the 5,000 the people ate and were ‘satisfied’. Apparently there was no need for Weight Watchers, South Beach or dessert.

Watchdogs

‘Big Bucks Ministries’ is the cover story for the July 28th issue of World. The article introduces us to Rusty Leonard, founder of Wall Watchers, an independent watchdog organization that reports on the finances of Christian ministries. Mr. Leonard began Wall Watchers because his requests for financial statements from ministries were not forthcoming. “I realized these ministries had no accountability, and that the donor was completely unrepresented in the transaction that goes on.” I say ‘Amen’ to Leonard’s hope that, “…donors will consider diverting donations to organizations that are more transparent with funds.” While Wall Watchers is concerned with large ministries, there is also a need for watchdogs in the local church. A word of caution however, church authorities often send watchdogs to the doghouse.

By His Blood...

My adult Sunday school teacher is one of our older preachers. He recently told the class that 45 or 50 years ago Standard Publishing produced a hymnal in which they had removed all the ‘blood’ songs. “The brotherhood raised questions. Churches either didn’t purchase the books or returned the ones they had purchased. The company was close to bankruptcy - and I’m glad they almost lost it all. Without the blood there is no forgiveness. ” Maybe it’s time we started asking today’s worship leaders, ‘Where’s the blood?

Choices

According to the media, Angelina Jolie is now changing her preferences. With Brad Pitt in her life and for the sake of her children she decided she’s no longer bisexual. I can only imagine the reaction in the gay community when they learn Jolie is making the decision to change. In the church, as well as in the world, we’re been force fed the ‘I was born that way’ justification for homosexuality. I appreciate someone- anyone – who acknowledges their sexual lifestyle is a personal choice.

Ghost Town

An old weathered sign on a deserted building gives you a clue about the building’s former use. I’ve noticed we’ve got a few weathered signs hanging around the doors and walls in my church. There was a time when we were bustling with so many activities that you had to work around conflicting schedules and events in order to use the facility. Now, except for an occasional meeting, some classrooms once used for Sunday school, Weigh Down groups and choir practices go unused. Some of these activities haven’t taken place in years. On a positive note, we’re no longer doing a tug-of-war over space.

On the Same Page

The early New Testament churches each had different problems, issues and personalities. However today’s churches and denominations are beginning to look alike because they’re all on the same page and reading the same how-to-books. I suspect there’s not a church bookshelf (pastor’s office, library, etc.) in America that doesn’t have at least one copy of the Purpose Driven Church. By embracing and subscribing to the techniques of others, our churches have lost their claim of independence and being a Spirit Driven Church. I think I'd feel a lot less cloned if leaders followed Paul’s example to avoid building on another’s foundation (Ro 15:20).

Muzzle It

“Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” (1 Cor 9:19a NIV) is another way of saying, ‘let the ox eat while he’s working’. Paul refers to this passage of Scripture to illustrate that ministers of the gospel should be allowed to eat (or be paid) while doing their work. I think muzzling is more than just keeping workers from earning a respectable wage. A muzzle is also a means to keep people from speaking. In some cases we use self-imposed muzzlement in order to stay politically correct. However in other instances, a man’s ego and pride may be used to muzzle what he sees as opposition. We can hinder the voice of the Spirit by simply putting a muzzle on it.

Treading Grain

To demonstrate that ministers of the gospel deserve a share of the material harvest of their ministry Paul says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” (1 Cor 9:19a NIV) I understand his illustration and point, but I think there are other ways to look at the statement. I’m not so sure the classification of one who is ‘treading out the grain’ applies only to those who are on the church payroll. I’ve known many unsalaried people who can pick grain from between their toes.

And you are...?

A Veggie Tale fan, four year-old David saw the ogre Shrek on a TV advertisement and asked his momma, “What kind a vegetable is that?” This sounds like a reasonable case of misidentification to me. I’ve asked myself similar questions when encountering false teachers in the church.

Missing in Action

In the church hallways people are recycling the mantra of leaders who say, ‘just look at all the new faces we’re having in the worship services’. I’m glad we have visitors but for me, having new faces doesn’t necessarily translate into reaching the lost for Christ. Rather than rejoicing in the sea of new faces, I’m concerned with the lack of familiar faces. For a time I reasoned some people were on vacation, attending one of the other service times, or that I’d just overlooked them. With a few telephone calls I learned that some of the old faces are just MIA because they are tired of treading water of today’s church environment.

Have It Your Way

My aunt, who was cantankerous and uncooperative, just passed away. She could have, on so many levels, lived a better life. A few weeks ago she told a family member, “You guys just don’t know how bullheaded I can be.” Trust me, we knew. For Zelma, stubbornness was like a badge of honor. Even as she neared death she did not allow anyone to help her make decisions. When I filter Zelma’s life through Christian eyes it’s sad and discouraging. Now I can only hope that her life choices haven’t kept her from Life.

Are You Comfy?

When I tell house guests ‘make yourself at home’ I want them to be comfortable, not take over my home and rearrange it as if it were theirs. I see this scenario being played out in the church. We’ve discarded the communion table, removed the flags (American and Christian) and changed the music. For the sake of the seeker, we’re told to toss traditions, shut down Sunday schools and avoid altar calls. Personally I think today’s church has been lulled into believing that accommodation is the same thing as evangelism.

Philosophically Correct

More and more I hear of ministers and ministries rising and falling on the basis of one man’s philosophy. Today’s religious environment is such that men and programs are expendable if they aren’t on board with the senior pastor’s direction for the church. Acts 18 tells us that Apollos, “…a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures… taught about Jesus accurately…” When fellow believers Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos speaking in the synagogue, “…they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.” Thankfully they didn’t demand that Apollos accept their philosophy or insist he discontinue his ministry.

On the Same Page

The early New Testament churches each had different problems, issues and personality. However today’s churches and denominations are beginning to look alike because they’re all on the same page and reading the same how-to-books. I suspect there’s not a church bookshelf (pastor’s office, library, etc.) in America that doesn’t have at least one copy of the Purpose Driven Church. By embracing and subscribing to the techniques of others our churches have lost their claim of independence. I think we’d feel a lot less cloned if leaders followed Paul’s example to avoid building on another’s foundation (Ro 15:20).

Duck-do

Occasionally the disciples had to ask Jesus to clarify what He was telling them. I found myself in a similar situation when I took my three and a half year-old grandson to the park to feed the ducks. As we walked on the sidewalk toward the ducks I told David more than a few times, “Watch where you’re stepping and look out for the duck-do.” We finished feeding the flock of fine feathered friends and began walking back to the car when David asked, “Grandma, what does a duck do?”

Mutual Agreement

Two weeks ago a letter of resignation from our Family and Outreach Minister was read from the pulpit. Going to the source, I learned he doesn’t have a new job waiting on the horizon. He has no idea where his next ministry will be, but he knows he wants to preach and teach. Similar to a funeral and tidying things up quickly, the church had a ‘Farewell Reception’ last Sunday where well-wishers could sign a card and say their good-bys. It’s ironic that the church tells a man ‘here’s your hat what’s you hurry’, when he’s not yet made any plans to leave town. I also discovered the minister’s resignation was a mutual agreement between him and the church authorities. By definition, ‘mutual’ is something that’s directed by each toward the other. It’s hard to tell whether or not God played a role in this resignation decision, but historically I don’t see God doing things by mutual agreement.

PTL

Although I’m a fairly new member in Toastmasters International, I accepted the position of Area Governor for our district. I’m obligated for one year and I guarantee it will take me that long to learn the meaning of all the acronyms in the leader’s guide. I think they used the whole alphabet in abbreviating titles and programs for the individual, the club, the area and the district. I’m going to need either a decoder or a cheat sheet in order to speak the language. I’m so glad the Apostle Paul didn’t know text messaging – shall we say PTL?

It's Alive!

Because of a family crisis my Mormon friend hasn’t attended church on a regular basis and now she’s in no hurry to get back into the groove. “When I start again there won’t be anything new, it’s always the same thing. I already know what I need to know. And I just don’t feel like having a calling right now - even though it’s good for me [to be involved].” I find it interesting that she feels her church has nothing new to offer and she already knows everything she needs to know. Not to put her down, but with Christianity I’m always finding something new and I’ll never know all I need to know. “For the word of God is living and active…” (Heb 4:12 NIV).

Indescribable

In the DVD video message ‘Indescribable’, Louie Giglio uses the universe as an object lesson to help explain the magnitude of God. Comparing man and earth to the rest of the universe Mr. Giglio said, “I’m not trying to make you feel small – I’m telling you that you are small!” As one who is geographically challenged, I always viewed the earth as being pretty big. In fact, when God kicked Satan out of heaven I thought He [God] was being generous to give this rebellious angel rule over the whole earth. The vastness of the universe was once Satan’s playground, now he’s grounded.

Itching Ears

In Joel Osteen’s televised message of 7-22-07 he explained he didn’t have all the answers to Biblical questions. He told the audience it’s important to recognize your gifts, but to also accept your limitations. I appreciated Joel’s honesty in saying he’s an encourager rather than a theologian. As the camera panned his audience I chuckled at the thought of what it must cost the largest church in America to be encouraged each week. Don’t misunderstand me, I don’t begrudge Joel his salary. He’s earning his salary by doing and saying what his audience wants to hear. In 2 Timothy Paul says, “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” (NIV) Who would have ever though that ear scratching paid so well?

Critique

You don’t have to be a professional movie critic in order to evaluate a movie. When our family enjoys a movie we start discussing it while leaving the theater. It’s not unusual for good quips of dialogue to become part of our vocabulary. The better the movie, the more we critique, but that’s not to say we don’t also discuss movies that are a bust. I find somewhat of a similar situation when leaving church Sunday mornings. I like to talk about thought provoking, convicting and insightful teaching, but I also have opinions about sermons and classes which fall short of the Truth. I think it’s too bad that people feel they can’t comment on a sermon or lesson that’s a bust. Speaking from experience, it doesn’t take much to squelch a Christian’s critique. All you’ve got to do is substitute the word criticize for critique you’ll stop us in our tracks every time.

Rehabilitation

The Rocky Mountain News ran an article on July 7th with the heading SUSPENDED Episcopal priest says she’s Muslim. According to the report, Rev. Ann Holmes Redding of Seattle, a priest for 23 years, has been a practicing Muslim for 15 months. If that won’t give you a religious migraine I don’t know what will. I have a hunch some parishioners may have known something was amiss, but they had to wait on the church hierarchy to take action. For me the real kicker to this story is that Ms. Redding has been suspended from the priesthood for one year. Suspended, what does that mean? Do the leaders think a year will give her time to pull her head out from under her arm pit?

Leave Your Gift

The media reports that after years of negotiation the Los Angeles archdiocese has agreed to a $660 million settlement in sex abuse claims. I have trouble with this situation on so many different levels. One thing bothering me is seeing Catholic priests and Cardinals continue serving in their designated roles during these ongoing investigations. Legally men are innocent until proven guilty, however Jesus said even if you remember that someone has something against you, "… leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." (Matt 5:24 NIV) I wonder if their gifts, whether service or tithes, have any value when reconciliation hasn’t first taken place.

Tidy Up

Commenting on Christian fiction writers, novelist Flannery O’Connor wrote, “For [the author] to ‘tidy up reality’ is certainly to succumb to the sin of pride.’ I’m no fiction writer, but her words smarted when they penetrated my mind. I must confess I stand guilty of trying to tidy up reality. Wanting things to be seen in a good light, I help friends, family and yes, even the church, save face by making excuses for their attitude and behavior. I suppose covering up and making justifications began in my childhood while dealing with an alcoholic dad. I can now see how embarrassment for myself and for others would lead to the sin of pride. Ignorance was bliss…

Keep it Simple

When the last Harry Potter books hit the shelves an over zealous letter carrier accidentally delivered some books too early. With the final book in the series now coming out the Postal Service has taken precautions to make sure Harry doesn’t arrive before his appointed time. I find it humorous that ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ is just under 800 words, but the government’s simplified instructions telling letter carriers how to deliver the book is 25 pages long. Reading portions of the Old Testament I often get bogged down in the lengthy instructions and repetition. I suppose the scribes of Leviticus and Numbers thought they too were writing simplified instructions.

Inferiority

I’ve often heard older preachers and teachers jokingly say to their audience, “You have a right to disagree and be wrong it you want.” While we laugh at the statement, the truth is few will openly disagree with them in a class setting. The average person in the pew may suffer from a self-imposed inferiority complex when confronted with those who have Bible College credentials. I remember when I began shaking off the shackles of Biblical inferiority. A friend in my Bible study called and asked me to help her find a particular passage of Scripture. She could have called the pastor or the teacher, but she called me. What a compliment – both to me and my trusty concordance.

Labels

My uncle, now deceased, referred to himself as ‘Slop bucket Dutch’. In good natured fun my ¼ Choctaw Indian mother-in-law is called a gut-eater because she likes to eat the gristle off the chicken breast. Labels which once added color to a person’s character are stricken from our vocabulary because we’ve become so PC. I’ve noticed a similar thing happening to churches. We’re told that new titles and names are needed in order to appeal to a wider audience and depict the personality of the today’s modern church. Personally I think changing a church name for the sake of marketing gives a church an identity crisis and dulls the color of her true character.

Replacements

Today many service clubs are bemoaning the drop in their membership. A member of the Lion’s Club recently told me, “We have members who pay dues and financially support the club, but they’re the older folks who no longer want to participate and be active. We are trying different methods to bring in younger members.” I see the same thought process in the church. Looking for young blood, the older generation expects the next generation to become their replacements. I think we’ve failed to realize the Lord is in the new creation business, not the replacement business.

Circuit Preachers

My grandparents homesteaded in southeastern Colorado. Church was held the one-room community school house where folding chairs were transformed into pews on Sundays. There was no running water, but we did have ‘his’ and ‘hers’ outhouses. The school had a piano, but we didn’t have a pianist. I don’t ever recall having communion and if someone wanted to be baptized they’d go to a church in town that had a baptistery. Occasionally a circuit preacher would visit and if we were really lucky his wife knew how to play the piano. I’d like to see a church experiment with using circuit preachers. Many organizations pay speakers for a one time presentation, why wouldn’t the same work for preachers? Filling the pulpit with a different preacher/teacher each week would challenge the speaker to do his best and also challenge the audience to develop a discerning ear.

Shades of Compassion

Because of my analytical personality I sometimes seem uncompassionate. I don’t want to appear hard hearted, but for me compassion has a direct correlation to how much pain and suffering is brought about because of a person’s own actions. For instance, I have a different level of compassion for someone contracting AIDS through a blood transfusion than I do for someone contracting the disease because of their lifestyle. Even though we serve a God of compassion, I really appreciate the glimpse into His analytical nature when He says to Moses, “…I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” Romans 9:15 NIV

Tired of Serving

When people move to a new location they are often starting over. Although they may be excited to move on, they may also want to leave behind unhealthy relationships and bad habits. We have similar situations in the church. I’ve heard qualified leaders, ministers and musicians place membership in our church with the qualifier, “I’m not going to be as involved in this church as I was in my last church. In XYZ Church I did everything – that’s not going to happen here.” I understand the hazards of burn-out and the need for a sabbatical. However, I’m surprised by the premeditated withholding and rationing of their gifts.

Play It Again

We once had a music minister who week after week force-fed ‘spirit’ to the congregation. His praise team gave repeated demonstrations on when to sway, when to clap and when to raise holy hands. I felt like I was back in high school at a pep rally – ‘Lean to the left, lean to the right, stand up, sit down, fight, fight, fight!’ On more than one occasion I became a casualty of the worship service and sat down before the 30 minutes of music came to an end. To me overuse of praise jingles becomes mindless. Although Paul was specifically addressing speaking in tongues, I think his directions are applicable to repetitious praise choruses. “So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.” 1 Cor 14:15 NIV

Worth Fighting For

On June 1st a story by Lynn Allen appeared in the La Junta Tribune Democrat. Her article reported on a third generation rancher whose family homesteaded in southeastern Colorado. The 74 year-old rancher and his wife are in danger of losing the family ranch to the US Army. “But it doesn’t matter. If they want it, we can’t stop them. The military I served will come and escort me off my land at gun point. I don’t think I’ll go.” If I’m reading his words correctly, the rancher is saying he’ll sacrifice his own life before letting the government take his land. Having grandparents who also homesteaded in the same area, I understand how this rancher feels about his beloved land. However, thinking about the situation from a Biblical perspective, is the land becoming an idol to the rancher?

Stop and Think

Parents often caution their children to think before they act. When doing woodworking projects that requires cutting angles, my husband mutters to himself, ‘OK stupid - now stop and think’. Jesus dipped a piece of bread in a dish and handing it to Judas said, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” (John 13:27b NIV) Quickly? Knowing what Judas was contemplating, I would’ve been saying, “Whoa Judas, stop for a minute…let’s think this thing through.” Apparently the time for thinking had already passed.

Advice to God

A life long Christian, my great-aunt normally offers sound Biblical advice. Recently when I called her to vent a frustration she listened patiently and then said, “I try not to get angry with God, but I do offer Him advice once in awhile.” Even though I chuckled at her matter-of-fact statement, I couldn’t help but wonder if God lets her get away with giving Him advice because she’s 87 years-old. I finally concluded that auntie’s advice giving is probably no different than the disciples trying to tell Jesus what he should do. Personally I relate better to those disciples who dared not ask Jesus any more questions, but secretly I’m jealous of people who can talk to the Lord about whatever crosses their mind.

Priceless

Freedom is priceless. We are blessed to have freedom in Christ while living in the land of the free.

Tattoo

I watched a TV news segment on tattoos and was surprised at some of the reasons people gave for getting tattooed. For some, tattoos are a reminder of their children, their faith and loved ones. One person spoke of the permanency of a tattoo, “It’s a life long commitment, its forever.” Although I’m not a candidate for a tattoo, I think it makes a good illustration for those of us who accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Even though we don’t wear a visible image, our being sealed to Jesus is permanent, life long and forever.

Cost Cutters

There was a time when our church newsletter was considered an evangelistic tool and was sent to active, in-active and prospective members. The last several years however, it seems to be dying a slow death. In cost cutting maneuvers the mailing list was purged to reflect mostly active members. Then we went from a weekly to a monthly publication. The most recent change eliminates mailings all together. According to the staff, “… we have decided that since those of you who get the newsletter are actually attending on Sundays that it makes sense to hand out the newsletter rather than mailing it.” While the newsletter may still have a slight pulse, I’ve prepared for its funeral. Look at the money we’re saving.

End of Discussion

I read an online reprinted article in Christianity Today International/Leadership Journal written by Andy Stanley, Pastor of North Point Community Church in Atlanta, Georgia. The article was written July 1, 2003 and titled ‘The Uncertain Leader’. The theme is leadership and it addresses the decision of the church leadership group to build adult education around small groups and discard the traditional adult Sunday school model. After a year of trying to implement the small group strategy, questions from membership continued. Commenting on one woman’s concern Mr. Stanley answered the woman’s question and then said, “After tonight we are not going to discuss ‘if’ anymore.” He continued, “Feel free to question our implementation, but not our direction.” Excuse me? I’d like to know the chapter and verse that says we can’t question our leaders on the direction they are taking the church.

Unapproachable

We often see public service commercials encouraging teens to talk to their parents about sex and drugs. I can think of a few reasons teens won’t talk to their parents - fear, intimidation, or maybe a history of not being heard. I’ve known authority figures in the church that are unapproachable for the same reasons. When Jesus healed a man who was born blind, the Pharisees demanded some answers. Not satisfied with the man’s response they turned to his parents. The parents dodged the questions, “…because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue.” (John 9:22 NIV) Sadly, similar situations still exist. I can identify with these parents. I hate feeling someone is lording their authority over me – it makes me feel like I’m back in high school.

Shards of Sin

The other night my husband shattered a drinking glass when he dropped it on the kitchen floor. The large pieces were easily swept up. However in cleaning up the small pieces I vacuumed, dust mopped, wet mopped and even used a sticky lint roller. The floor is clean enough to eat off of, but occasionally when the light is just right I’ll still find a shard of glass. I’m wondering if sin, like the water glass, can shatter. That would certainly help explain the slivers of sin I chew on when I put my foot in my mouth.

That's Entertainment

When I read a book for entertainment, I read it only once. Actually I don’t understand people who read their favorite authors and stories over and over again. Reading for information is another matter and I often revisit the same text many times. In our adult Sunday school class last week a woman told us of a conversation she’d had with one of her friends in the mid-west. The friend received a telephone call from her pastor and in the course of the conversation she revealed she’d been reading her Bible when he called. The pastor asked, “Haven’t you already read that once?” This came from an older gentleman, who was quite serious. The woman was dumbfounded. Who knows, maybe he reads his Bible just for entertainment.

No Time Like the Present

In Christian circles it’s not uncommon to seek prayer from one another. We often cloak our request in terms of ‘When you think of it…, Could you add this to your list…, and even, If you run out of anything to pray about, you can pray for…’ It’s as though we’re asking someone to put a prayer need on their To-Do list because we don’t want to inconvenience them in the moment. Recently my friend Charlie called to share some good news and he took time to ask for an update on a situation I’d been dealing with. As we prepared to say our good-bys Charlie caught me off guard when he said, “Gail, how would it be if I prayed for you right now?” After his ‘amen’ and my ‘thank you’, I hung up thinking, ‘Why can’t I ever remember to do that?’ I’d like it if Charlie’s attitude of ‘there’s no time like the present’ would rub off on me.

Guardianship

My family and another family at church find ourselves in a similar crisis where we are trying to care for an elderly at-risk relative. However, our efforts are being thwarted and undermined by acquaintances outside the family. In my case these intruders convinced my aunt to appoint them as guardian and conservator. We are now in the process of going through the court system in order to protect my aunt from her meddling ‘friends’. Since the courts move at a snails pace I have plenty of time to look for Biblical insights, but I’m coming up with more questions than answers. As Jesus hung on the cross, he “… saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” John 19:26-27 NIV. It sounds to me like Jesus just gave guardianship of his mother Mary to his disciple John. If Mary were being neglected, abused or had no other living relatives I could readily understand Jesus making provisions for her care. I wonder if James and the other siblings were as frustrated as I am when their mother’s guardianship was given to someone outside the family?

Bless This Snack...

On my kitchen counter was one big piece of leftover cake. I thought it was too large for one serving, but to small for two servings if it were cut it in half. I was home alone so it was easy to justify eating the whole thing by calling it lunch. It’s not my practice to pray before eating snacks, but I do pray before meals. Bowing my head over the mega-sized piece of cake my prayer was interrupted by a conversation going off in my head, “You’re not really going to ask God to bless this to the nourishment of you body, are you?” I stumbled and fumbled trying to come up with words of thanksgiving for the bounty God had provided. While I enjoyed every bite of my cake-lunch, it did cause me to stop and think about how often I ask God to bless things I know aren’t always the best for me.

Nothing to Report

My church no longer subscribes to its weekly denominational magazine, but I remember at one time there was a column for reporting baptisms and transfers of membership. Individual churches submitted their statistics to the publisher, who then, along with the church name and her pastor, reported the stats. Personally, I always enjoyed reading the number of additions made in churches across the country. I felt it was a good indicator of where the Spirit was working in healthy, successful ministries. Recently an older pastor startled me by saying, “The reporting of baptisms and transfers is nothing but fuel for a preacher’s ego. It’s a way to tell others in the brotherhood, ‘Look at me and what a good job I’m doing’.” That thought hadn’t crossed my mind, but from a preacher’s perspective I see what he’s saying.

Is Your Name Written There?

For many years I’ve served as an election judge for the local electric co-op. The association uses a mail-in ballot, but members can also vote in person on the day of the annual meeting. In an election, only the person registered or on an account has a vote. Every year a few women who’d like to vote are turned away because their name is not included with their husband’s on the membership account. I feel terrible telling people who’ve made an effort to go to the polls that their name isn’t listed. I wouldn’t want to be an election judge overseeing the Book of Life. I can’t imagine scrolling down the alphabetized list of names and having to tell a soul that their name isn’t there.

Judge Not

I think society has so stifled our ‘judgment skills’ that we’ll all need a refresher course when it comes time to judge the world and angels (1 Cor 6). While I can formulate in my mind scenarios for judging the world, I’m at a loss, and at the same time intrigued, at the thought of judging angels. The NIV study Bible cross reference points toward men judging fallen angels, however it seems to me fallen angels have already been judged by God. In any case, whether fallen or not, how would you judge an angel? Without specific criteria, I feel ill equipped for the task. Right now I could do no better than vouching for the attentiveness of my guardian angel.

Labor Force

Immigration is a hot topic today. One of the talking points for various aspects of immigration is the labor force. We’re told that immigrants, whether legal or illegal, are doing jobs that the average American won’t do. I think I see a similar attitude in the church. People want to be part of the body without serving one another. We salve our conscious by hiring additional staff to do the ‘spiritual’ work that we don’t want to do. The staff then determines their job is to educate and train us to do the work we didn’t want to do in the first place. It’s not that we’re uneducated about serving, teaching, evangelism, etc., it’s that we don’t want to do it – that’s why we hired someone else in the first place.

Zoned

A while back I watched a broadcast of TV evangelist Ed Young, Senior Pastor of Fellowship Church in Dallas. The sermon contained excerpts taken from his book ‘In The Zone’. Mr. Young said people who are mature get out of their comfort zone. They ‘get it’ and understand it’s time to grow up when they realize generosity is over and above a tithe. Conjuring up enthusiasm Young said to his audience, “If you smile when I talk about giving, you’re getting it. You’re in the zone.” About that time in the presentation I zoned out. Apparently in Mr. Young’s world smiling is an affirmation that you agree with his message. Wouldn’t you just love to see someone in the audience turn around in their seat to see how many people are really smiling?

Born Again Church

Over the years I’ve seen at least three churches in our community transformed. They became a business office, a bar/tavern and a junk store. From an article in Scottish Life, author Keith Aitken says that many historic churches in Scotland are falling into disrepair. “The Scottish Civic Trust lists at least 300 churches in Scotland as being ‘at risk’ and the Executive’s heritage agency, Historic Scotland, has served grim notice that it alone cannot be expected to save the nation’s stock of unwanted houses of worship.” It’s a sad commentary that churches built as a labor of love are now ‘unwanted houses of worship’. In America when a house of worship closes its doors it’s often because the congregants have moved to new facilities or they are combining their membership with another church. That’s not the picture seen in Scotland. Aitken states, “Attendances are falling annually by 2-3 percent. The Church of Scotland alone reckons that its congregations are declining by 17,000 a year.” Scottish communities are running out of churchgoers. We in the US are naive if we think the same thing can’t, or won’t happen to us.

Quotable Quote

I recently watched the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. The pirate ship is headed into the drink and both ship and crew will be lost. Captain Barbosa is at the helm and in true pirate form says, “The best day to die is a day worth living for!” What a great Christian eulogy. I think I’ll write this one in my Bible.

Out of Character

There are some things that just aren’t in a person’s character or make up. Maybe they can’t sing, they’re too shy to pray out loud or too nervous to speak at a microphone. During the worship service I’ve seen many who are uncomfortable with clapping, raising holy hands and being moved by the spirit of the worship leader. Actually, I find it a form of bullying when a worship leader stands at the pulpit and “encourages” the congregation to become more charismatic. Now that’s what I’d call a bully pulpit.

German's Chocolate Cake

A few weeks ago we were invited to a dinner for 16 people and I asked the hostess what she’d like me to bring. Since I was the first on her invitation list I had dibs on all the side-dish options to choose from. I told her to put me down for dessert and that I’d bring a German’s Chocolate Cake – her husband’s favorite. Knowing how labor intensive it is to make this cake she said, “Oh good, I’m so glad I called you first.” The cake was a success and in a strange way it helped me relate to one aspect of the parable of the Shrewd Manager recorded in Luke 16. If I consider my German’s Chocolate Cake to be wealth, I’m confident my friends will ask me back – and my name might even stay at the top of the invitation list

User Tax

I’d like for my daughter to find her knight in shining amour, but that just hasn’t happened yet. If Leslie were to ever marry, it’s doubtful she would have a church wedding. No, it’s not what you thinking. She’s been raised in the church. Her dream and our desire would be to have a wedding held in the church she has attended all her life. However, the restrictions and requirements for the facility make it almost prohibitive to use. Those now setting policy have put the cost of using the building out of price range for its members. I understand the need to distinguish between member and non-member use, but our facilities were built with tithes and offerings from members and for the members. It feels sort of like co-signing a loan with your kid so he can buy a car and then he decides to charge you to ride in it.

The Good Things

A reader told me, “I hope you’ll sometimes mention some of the good things happening in the church.” To be sure, there are many good things going on in the church that are worthy of comment, but they don’t always lend themselves to discussion and opinion. Paul wrote to the Corinthians exposing their observance of the Lord’s Supper saying, “I have no praise for you…Shall I praise you for this? Certainly Not!” (1 Cor 11: 17, 22 NIV) Paul wasn’t overlooking the good things in the church, but he was giving his opinion concerning their attitude toward the Lord’s Supper. His comments opened a door for discussion and correction – not only for the Corinthians, but for us as well. Attitudes and actions in the church are worthy of comment, but they aren’t always praise worthy.

Infiltration

If new people are added to an established circle of close friends, the group dynamics change. In a similar scenario mainline churches often experience personality changes in their congregation when they have an influx of new members. Strong personalities coming in can take over and, for good or bad, re-make the character of the congregation in a relatively short period of time. I’m wondering how the presence of outsiders might impact religious groups and cults who thrive on exclusion and seclusion. Paul & Company certainly changed the atmosphere in the synagogue. Wouldn’t you just love to see him visit a Mosque?

Watering

In Corinthians Paul tells us that he planted churches, Apollos watered them and God made them grow. We often emphasize planting churches foreign countries, but I’m wondering if we’re neglecting the business of watering them in our own country. Although established many years ago, a small church in a neighboring town is struggling. Without a minister for a few years their membership and finances dwindled. The current part-time minister now fills the pulpit for a stipend. It’s advantageous to the Kingdom for this church, and others like it, to succeed. I think if Paul were here today he’d be writing letters to area churches and telling them to start doing some watering.

FYI

Beginning today I’ve disabled the ‘word verification option’ (the wavy letters) on the Christian Ear blog site. The word verification option prevents automated systems from adding comments to the blog. Some people are having difficulty posting their comments to the Christian Ear, so we’ll see if this eliminates some of the confusion. I do post all the comments I receive on the blog. If you’ve commented and it doesn’t appear then it didn’t come through. Please try, try again.

Terminal

Although my 61 year-old sister has battled both lung and brain cancer, the word ‘terminal’ has never been part of her vocabulary. Even as her health deteriorates, she continues to deny the doctor’s prognosis. During a recent meeting with Social Services, Shelly flatly rejected the notion of Hospice with, “it’s not yet needed”. Trying to break through her defensiveness the clinician finally had to ask, “Shelly, how will you know when you need Hospice?” She replied, “I’ll know. I’ll just know.” Not unlike Shelly, many of us rely totally on our own discernment. It’s no wonder we sometimes feel God is pulling the rug out from under us – it’s the only way He can get our attention.